KEY Magazine Fort Worth

APRIL 2004

Ongoing Ft. Worth Botanic Garden-Wander among trees, flowers and along waterways of the 109-acre park. An exhibition greenhouse and gift shop are two detours in the journey. The main gardens are free & open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset. A small fee is required for the 7.5 acre Japanese garden, which is open daily 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and offers tours that take about an hour. Conservatory times are Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sun. 1-6 p.m. Off University Dr. at 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., 817-871-7689, www.fwbg.com.

Ongoing The Sid Richardson Collection of Western Art in Sundance Square exhibits 60 master works by famed artists Frederic Remington & Charles Russell. Russell's work was inspired by nostalgia for history and Native American culture. Remington admired American cowboys and painted an impressionist's view of their lives. Hrs. Tue. & Wed. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thu. & Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. & Sun. 1-5 p.m. Free. 309 Main St., 817-332-6554, www.sidrmuseum.org.

Ongoing Grapevine Vintage Railroad Excursions-Puffy, the 1896 Steam Engine #2248, pulls the train's period coaches several times weekly on its Grapevine to Ft. Worth Stockyards run, and a modern diesel engine travels on Wednesdays. Schedules are: Grapevine, Texas to the Ft. Worth Stockyards-leaves Grapevine Fri. & Sat. at 10 a.m. to arrive in the Stockyards about 11:30 a.m.; returns to Grapevine about 4 p.m.; Sun. departs at 1 p.m. & arrives in the Stockyards around 2:30 p.m.; boards again at 5 p.m. & arrives back in Grapevine about 6:30 p.m. Thursday excursions also available during the month of April. An hour-long ride from the Fort Worth Stockyards and back, called the Trinity River Run, is Fri. & Sat. at 1 p.m. & Sun. at 3:30 p.m. Grapevine to the Stockyards $20 (1-way, $14), Seniors 55+, $18 (1-way, $12) & children 3-12, $10 (1-way, $7). Trinity River Run Gen. Ad. $10, seniors $9 & children $6. Plan to be at the station 1 hr. before departure. Depots are located in Grapevine, 705 S. Main St., 817-410-3123, & the Ft. Worth Stockyards Station, 140 E. Exchange Ave., 817-625-7245, www.gvrr.com.

Ongoing The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame houses over 2,000 artifacts and information about more than 400 remarkable women. The $21 million, 33,000 square foot museum honors women who have distinguished themselves while exemplifying the pioneer spirit of the American West. Hrs. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m. Closed Mon. Gen Ad. $6, seniors $5 & Youths 6-18, $4, children 5 & under, free. 1720 Gendy St., 817-336-4475, 800-476-3263, www.cowgirl.net.

Ongoing Ft. Worth Trinity Park-The Log Cabin Village living history museum depicts the lifestyle of pioneers who settled this area in the mid-to-late 1800s. Hrs. Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Gen. Ad. $2.50, seniors & youths 4-17, $2, children under 4, free. 2100 Log Cabin Village Ln., 817-926-5881, www.logcabinvillage.org.

Ongoing Arlington, TX-"Johnnie High's Country Music Revue" is a live show performed on Fridays and Saturdays in the Arlington Music Hall by an 8-piece band and 20 performers. 7:30 p.m. 224 N. Center St., 817-226-4400, www.johnniehigh.com.

Ongoing Glen Rose, TX-Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a unique wildlife Refuge situated in the sprawling Texas hill country that features guided tours, camping and wildlife studies. Hrs. 9 a.m. until two hrs. before sunset. Open daily except major holidays. Gen. Ad. $16.95, seniors $12.95, children 3-11, $10.95, children under 3, free. US 67, 3 miles west of Glen Rose, off County Rd. 2008, 254-897-2960, www.fossilrim.org.

Ongoing The Ft. Worth Zoo, home to over 5,000 native and exotic animals and a world famous reptile collection, is rated one of America's top zoos by Family Life magazine, the Los Angeles Times, USA Today and Southern Living Reader's Choice Awards. Texas Wild!, an 8-acre, $45 million addition, allows guests to encounter more than 300 creatures and visit 6 regions of the Lone Star State in just hours. Hours April 3 -Oct. 17 are Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day hrs. are noon-4 p.m. Gen. Ad. $9.75, Seniors 65+, $6.25, children 3-12, $7.25, toddlers 2 & under, free. Ticket price includes entry into Texas Wild!. Parking $5. 1/2 price tickets on Wed. 1989 Colonial Pkwy., 817-871-7050, www.fortworthzoo.org.

Ongoing Arlington, TX-The Legends of the Game Baseball Museum, at the ballpark in Arlington, features baseball uniforms, balls, playing cards and photographs depicting the history of the sport. The Learning Center for children houses interactive exhibits on baseball and how the sport is related to fields such as science, math, history, geography and communications. Tours of the ballpark are available. 1000 Ballpark Way, 817-273-5842.

Ongoing Fort Worth Stockyards Historical District-The Texas Longhorn Cattle Drive occurs twice daily, weather permitting, but they don't mosey-along on major holidays. Herders dressed in 19th-century cowboy gear drive 15 to 17 head of cattle down Exchange Ave. Best viewing areas for the 11:30 a.m. & 4 p.m. drives are the front lawn of the Livestock Exchange Bldg. or across the street near the Stockyards Visitor's Center. Watching the herd is free. Along E. Exchange Ave., 817-336-4373.

Ongoing Fort Worth's history is housed in the 94-year-old Fire Station No. 1 building located in the City Center Complex. This Fort Worth Museum of Science & History exhibit traces Fort Worth's development from its beginning as a frontier outpost, through its rowdy youth as a cattle town to the present. The exhibit features graphics, historical artifacts, photographs and documents, reproduced paintings and original posters. Hrs. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Free. Corner of 2nd & Commerce Sts., 817-255-9408.

Ongoing Granbury, TX-"Granbury Live" performs nostalgia concerts in an art deco theatre on the Historic Square in Granbury. The show features live theatrical entertainment with music from the 1950s and early 1960s, the golden age of rock-'n-roll. 817-573-0303, www.granburylive.com.

Ongoing The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth has a permanent collection that includes various movements, themes and styles, including Abstract Expressionism, Color Field Painting, Pop Art and Minimalism. The museum focuses on Post-World War II international art in all media. Tours Tues.-Sun. at 2 p.m., beginning in the lobby (free with admission). Gen. Ad. $6, Seniors and students with an ID, $4, children under 13, free. Tues. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed., Thurs., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Christmas & New Year's Day. 3200 Darnell St., 817-738-9215, www.themodern.org.

Ongoing Justin, TX-Texas Lil's Dude Ranch is western-style family fun including horseback riding, trail rides, western town, pool, park & playground, picnic area, miniature golf and more - all just a short drive north of Fort Worth. Offers group packages and seasonal events. Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 7773 S. Mulkey Ln., 940-242-3202, 800-545-8455, or www.texaslils.com.

Saturdays Grapevine's Palace Theatre-Yellow Rose Productions, presents the Grapevine Opry Country Music Showcase. 7:30 p.m. Gen. Ad. $12, children $8. Senior & group discounts available. 300 S. Main St., 817-481-8733.

Through April 10 Circle Theatre's cast performs Naked by the River, by Michael Folie. Peggy is a junior associate on the move in a big-deal law firm. She needs a paralegal. Tim wants the job, though he loathes everything it represents. At their first meeting, they spar-think Tracy & Hepburn. The attraction between the two is ignited when Peggy reads a book Tim has written. R Rating. Thurs. & Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 4 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. $15 to $25. In Sundance Sq. 230 W. 4th St., 817-877-3040, www.circletheatre.com.

Through April 10 Onstage in Bedford presents Last Night of Ballyhoo, by Alfred Uhry. It's Christmas time in Atlanta in 1939. Gone With The Wind is having its world premiere, and Hitler is invading Poland. Meanwhile, a segment of Atlanta's Jewish elite is more concerned with who will be attending Ballyhoo, the social event of the season. The arrival of a handsome stranger from New York forces the Freitag family to deal with who they really are as they are pulled apart and mended again with plenty of gentle comedy, sweet romance and unexpected turns. Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. $12 for evening shows and $8 for matinees. 817-354-6444. Near the corner of Harwood and Forest Ridge, one mile north of Hwy. 83. www.ONSTAGEInBedford.org.

Through April 18 The Kimbell Art Museum presents "Genius of the French Rococo: The Drawings of François Boucher" (1703-1770), and "Boucher's Mythological Paintings: The Last Great Series Reunited." Boucher was among the most illustrious French artists of the 18th century and became premier painter to Louis XV in 1765. "The Drawings of François Boucher (1703-1770)" celebrates the 300th anniversary of the artist's birth and is the first comprehensive exhibition of his graphic work. Curated by British art historian Alastair Laing, the exhibition includes approximately 80 drawings selected from museums and private collections worldwide. Of "Boucher's Mythological Paintings: The Last Great Series Reunited," four of the paintings are in the Kimbell's own permanent collection and are reunited for the occasion with two others on loan from the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. A catalogue is available in the Museum Shop. Tues.-Thurs. & Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri. noon-8 p.m., & Sun. noon-5 p.m. Gen. Ad. $8, seniors 60+ & students with ID, $6, children 6-11, $4. Half-price Tuesdays. Optional audio tour $4. For Patrons attending both the "Boucher" and the "Turner and Venice" exhibitions on the same day (they run concurrently through April. 18), dual Gen. Adm. is $16, seniors & students with an ID, $14 & children $10. Closed Mondays. 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., 817-332-8451, www.kimbellart.org.

Through April 18 Granbury, TX-The Granbury Opera House presents Peg of My Heart, by J. Hartley Manners. Written in 1912 as a star vehicle for Laurette Taylor, this charming turn-of-the-century comedy recounts the adventures of Peg, a strong-willed Irish lass, who is forced to come to live in England with her snobbish Aunt who is designated to see to her education. Life with her rich relations brings challenges, a secret bequest and love with a wonderful guy. $16-$24, Fri.-Sat. 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Sun. 2 p.m. 133 East Pearl St., 817-573-9191, www.granburyoperahouse.org.

Through April 18 The Jubilee Theater cast performs Bessie Smith: Empress of the Blues, a musical biography by Rudy Eastman. A legend, a Grande dame, an icon, a powerhouse who dominated her art in her era. Bessie brought the blues into mainstream culture, resuscitated the recording industry, and rode the crest as the highest-paid vocalist and music artist among blacks of her day. Today, you might look to Madonna as a paler clone. Bessie lived life to the fullest, smart and sassy, bawdy and brassy. Peek in on this mythical fictional last studio session and hear Bessie tell and sing her fabulous life tale. Glory in the music that spread her soulful sound all over the American musical landscape. $8-$25. Thurs. April 18. Fri. & Sat. 8:15 p.m. and Sat. & Sun. 3:15 p.m. No performance Easter April 11. 506 Main St. Parking lots free after 6 p.m. weekdays and all weekend. 506 Main St., 817-338-4411.

Through April 24 Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District-Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame presents the "Texas and the Cavalry" exhibit. Gen Ad. $4, seniors $3, children 3-12, $2. Open daily. 128 E. Exchange Ave., 817-626-7131, www.texasrangers.com.

Through April 25 The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth features "The Collection ONE Year Later." This highly acclaimed museum opened its doors in December 2002 with an inaugural exhibition derived from the permanent collection. Since that time, the Museum has embarked on a series of permanent collection installations. The Museum is highlighting works from the permanent collection in addition to new acquisitions. New additions represent the international scope of the Museum's collecting policy and range from works by contemporary masters to younger, emerging artists. Gen. Ad. $6, seniors and students with an ID, $4, children under 13, free. Tues. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed., Thurs., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Mondays. 3200 Darnell St.,

Through May 2 The Amon Carter Museum's exhibition, titled "Sights Once Seen: Daguerreotyping Frémont's Last Expedition Through the Rockies," brings together American history and the history of photography. The show is made up of more than 100 daguerreotypes by photographer Robert Shlaer (b.1942). In 1853, explorer John C. Frémont led an expedition from Missouri to California in search of a route for the proposed transcontinental railway. Frémont took Solomon Nuñes Carvalho with him. Carvalho created more than 300 daguerreotypes of the journey. Carvalho, however, lost most of his plates in a fire, but not before documenting the trip in a detailed, illustrated account of the expedition. Shlaer retraced the trip by using Frémont's maps, Carvalho's wood engravings, written accounts and making his own daguerreotypes along the way. "Sights Once Seen" is Shlaer's record of the famous expedition. The exhibition is organized by the Palace of the Governors Museum of New Mexico. A catalogue is available in the Amon Carter Museum Store. Tues., Wed., Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thurs. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. & Sun. noon-5 p.m. 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., 817-738-1933.

Through May 2 The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame debuts "The Face of Texas: Photographs by Michael O'Brien" featuring Texans both famous and obscure. O'Brien captures the essence of Texas pride and individuality through his sensitive and compelling portraits in the exhibit that includes a varied array of native and adoptive Texans, ranging from the renowned, such as former first lady-Lady Bird Johnson and singer/songwriter Willie Nelson to the less prominent, such as artist Ran Horn of Van Horn, Texas and Shannon Perry, the first "Gatorfest Queen" of Anahuac, Texas. The exhibit includes forty 20"x 24" photographs, some in color and others in black and white. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. noon-5 p.m. Gen Ad. $6, seniors & youths 6-18, $4. 1720 Gendy St., 817-336-4475, 800-476-3263, www.cowgirl.net.

Through May 9 The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History celebrates sound as an art in its new exhibit "Play It By Ear." It's rare to find contemporary art that children can touch, experiment, and play with, let alone bang and pound, but this display invites visitors to thump, beat, feel and hear whimsical creations developed by sound artists from the San Francisco Bay Area. Within the exhibit, families can tinker and play original works of contemporary sound art, including a keyboard that activates dancing Slinkys, a giant music box that lets children create the melody and a soundscape where children hear their movement. Gen. Ad. $7; Seniors 60+ and children 3-12, $5. Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. & Sun. 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 1501 Montgomery St., 817-255-9300, www.fortworthmuseum.org.

Through May 9 Dallas, TX-The Nasher Sculpture Center is exhibiting "Picasso: The Cubist Portraits of Fernande Olivier." During 1909, Pablo Picasso devoted himself to making portraits of his companion, Fernande Olivier. This exhibition examines his singular commitment to this subject and his first formal exploration of cubist sculpture. Works span a range of media, including painting, drawing, sculpture and photography. The highlight of the exhibition is an important plaster working model of "Head of a Woman," (Fernande), from the Raymond and Patsy Nasher Collection. Organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. Gen. Ad. $10, seniors $7, students with ID, $5 and children under 12, free. Tickets include audio tour. Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Thurs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 2001 Flora St., 214-242-5100, www.NasherSculptureCenter.org.

Through May 16 The Amon Carter Museum hosts the major retrospective "Hudson River School Visions: The Landscapes of Sanford R. Gifford," (1823-1880), as the only venue beyond the East Coast where these masterworks can be seen. The seventy paintings in the show reflect the artist's sketching trips in America, Europe and the Middle East as he traveled in search of dramatic vistas and a distinctive quality of light. Organized by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., the exhibition is accompanied by an illustrated catalogue published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Gen. Ad. $6, Seniors 62+ & college students with an ID card, $4, youths 18 and under, free. Free admission Thurs. 5-8 p.m. The permanent collection is free. Tues., Wed., Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. & Sun. noon-5 p.m. Closed major holidays. 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., 817-738-1933, www.cartermuseum.org.

Through May 30 Kimbell Art Museum presents the first exhibition ever devoted to Joseph Mallord William Turner's works of Venice. Only one other museum in the world, Tate Britain, has exhibited these paintings this year. The "Turner and Venice" exhibition are pieces from his first visit to Venice in 1819 to his last in 1840. Turner moved from spectacular historical events such as The Slave Ship and Burning of the Houses of Parliament to the magical subjects he painted in Venice. His use of vibrant color was a perfect fit for the subjects he found there. The Kimbell's exhibition consists of 30 oils and 130 works on paper including The Porta della Carta, Doge's Palace and Campo Santo, Venice. Providing a context for Turner's Venetian work, his paintings will be shown alongside interpretations of the city by his contemporaries. "Turner and Venice" is organized by Tate Britain, and is curated by Ian Warrell, collections curator of Tate Britain. Tues., Thurs. & Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri., noon-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.; closed Mondays. Gen. Ad. $12, seniors 60+ & students with ID, $10, children 6-11, $8, children under 6, free. Half-price tickets Tuesdays. Optional audio tour $4. For patrons attending both the "Boucher" and the "Turner and Venice" exhibitions on the same day (they run concurrently through April 18), dual Gen. Adm. is $16, seniors & students with an ID, $14 & children $10. 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., 817-332-8451, www.kimbellart.org.

Through May 31 The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is displaying the exhibit "Whodunit? The Science of Solving a Crime." Become a detective and use your powers of observation to solve a crime while exploring scientific principles, methods and technologies. Gen. Ad. $7, seniors and children, $5. Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. & Sun. 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 1501 Montgomery St., 817-255-9300, www.fortworthmuseum.org.

Through June 27 The Amon Carter Museum is highlighting two exhibits. "Copper, Silver, and Mercury: The Daguerreotype Process Defined" outlines the process of making a daguerreotype and features splendid examples from its collection. "Wish You Were Here! Early Postcards from the Collection" transports visitors from Maine to Florida and on through Fort Worth to California as it celebrates the fun of these cards from the 1900s through the 1930s. Hrs. Tues., Wed., Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. & Sun. noon-5 p.m. Free. Closed Mondays. 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., 817-738-1933.

Through July 30 Fort Worth Museum of Science and History-The popular Omni feature, Pulse: a STOMP Odyssey, returns allowing audiences to delight in the sights and sounds of continents and cultures, guided by the internationally acclaimed performers of the sensational stage show STOMP. Audiences see and hear percussion groups from locales and backgrounds as disparate as Timbalada of Brazil to the Kodo drummers of Japan, from the American Indian Dance Theater to the Jackie Robinson Steppers of New York. Gen. Ad. $7, seniors & children, $5. For show times, call 817-255-9540. 1501 Montgomery St., www.fortworthmuseum.org.

Through Oct. 9 The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History's film Bugs! has invaded the Omni Theater as a large-format film offering a bug's-eye view of the fascinating world of insects. Bugs! takes you to the tropical rain forests of Southeast Asia, where predator meets prey in giant proportion. The film stars Papilio, a butterfly, and Hierodula, a praying mantis, who live in an abandoned hut by a river surrounded by lush tropical foliage and a supporting cast of other intriguing and extraordinary insects. During the film, viewers will meet a host of other insects that also inhabit the rich, green and humid world. Gen. Ad. $7, seniors 60+ & children, $5. 1501 Montgomery St., 817-255-9300, www.fortworthmuseum.org.

Through Oct. 17 Amon Carter Museum's "An Artistic Legacy: Photographer's Archives at the Carter," is the first of many installations to feature works from the artist archives housed in the Museum. Besides prints, the exhibition includes negatives, transparencies and personal papers. Some of the photographers featured are Laura Gilpin, Karl Struss, Erwin E. Smith, Carlotta Corpron, Nell Dorr and Eliot Porter. Tues., Wed., Fri., & Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. & Sun. noon to 5 p.m. 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., 817-738-1933.

1 Amon Carter Museum-The Carter Film Series: American Cinema, screens Smoking Guns, directed by Alan James (Alvin J. Neitz) in 1934. It tells the tale of Ken Masters, played by Ken Maynard, who is framed for murder after he believes he has found his father's killer. Pursued into the swamp lands of Louisiana, Masters rescues the sheriff, who has been following him, from a pack of alligators. When the lawman dies from his injuries, Masters assumes his identity and attempts to clear himself of the murder. The movie also stars Gloria Shea, Walter Miller, and Harold Goodwin. Free. 5:30 p.m. 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., 817-738-1933.

1 Grapevine, TX-Don't be foolish on April 1 and miss the great food and great fun at the 9th Annual Great Taste of Grapevine sponsored by the Women's Division of the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce. "The Great Taste of Grapevine tickets will allow you to sample food from 24 restaurants and enjoy one wine/margarita/beer or soft drink all in one location," says Leslie Rigoulot, 2nd Vice President of the Women's Division. "Best of all, it is a very good feeling to know that while you are enjoying a great evening you are helping raise funds for the charitable activities of the Women's Division of the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce." Tickets $20. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 S. Main, 817-421-0872, www.grapevinetexasusa.com.

1-18 Theatre Arlington presents Dinner with Friends, a play about two married couples, Beth & Tom and Karen & Gabe, friends since as long as they can remember. In this skillfully constructed and character-driven play, winner of the 2000 Pulitzer Prize, four characters come together and learn of the unraveling of Beth and Tom's marriage. This unexpected revelation causes Karen and Gabe to examine theirs, too. Told in real time and through flashbacks, this play pulls back the curtains on relationships and reveals the truths that have been stored internally for years. Rated R. Tickets $15-$17. Thurs., 7:30 p.m., Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. 305 W. Main Street, 817-261-9628, www.theatrearlington.org.

2 The Kimbell Art Museum's Special Evening Lectures. presents Jonathan Bober, curator of prints, drawings, and European paintings at the Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin. Bober's topic is "Boucher and Italian Drawing." Free. 7 p.m. 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., 817-332-8451, www.kimbellart.org.

2 Billy Bob's Texas-Tracey Byrd, 10:30 p.m., $8.75 & $20.75. 2520 Rodeo Plaza, 817-624-7117, www.billybobstexas.com.

2,3 Fort Worth, TX-Chevy Thunder is a free event which brings fans to the NASCAR experience through driver appearances, interactive vehicle tours, live music, children's activities, food and fun. The two-day event coincides with the NASCAR racing action at Texas Motor Speedway. Featuring top classic rock and country acts Friday night and throughout the day Saturday including John Kay & Steppenwolf, country music veteran Tracy Lawrence, newcomers Kellie Coffey, Big & Rich and Rodney Atkins. Free. 11 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Friday, April 2 driver appearances and autograph sessions are scheduled beginning at 6:30 p.m. www.chevythunderdays.com.

2,3 Granbury, TX-Brazos River Music Fest. Benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Hood County. 817-578-8778, www.brazosrivermusicfest.com.

2,3 Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District-Cowtown Coliseum hosts the Texas High School Rodeo Association Finals. Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. & 8 p.m. Reserved box seats $12.50, VIP $10.50, Gen. Ad. $9, Seniors 60+ $7.50 & children 3-12, $5.50. 121 E. Exchange Ave. 817-625-1025, www.cowtowncoliseum.com.

2,3 Grapevine, TX-Ride the Rails and Explore the Grapevine Wine Trail. Begin this festive weekend with a ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad's Jazz Wine Train Friday evening, April 2. The train rocks to a swinging beat as it departs the Grapevine Cotton Belt Depot, 705 S. Main, at 7 p.m. Enjoy food and music, as well as Grapevine wine on the round trip adventure. Saturday, April 3, Father Ken Robinson of St. Francis Catholic Church in Grapevine blesses the vines and wines at Delaney Vineyards, 2000 Champagne Blvd. (near Glade Road and Hwy. 121). The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. Enjoy the vineyard before stepping onto the complimentary shuttles that depart at noon taking you to Grapevine's other winery tasting rooms along the Grapevine Wine Trail. Wineries will be pouring their new release wines and New Vintage participants will be the first to experience the flavors of the season. 1-800-457-6338, www.grapevinetexasusa.com.

2-4 Bass Performance Hall-Performing the action-packed concerto written for him by living composer John Adams, Grammy award winning pianist Emanuel Ax will join Music Director Miguel Harth-Bedoya and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra for three performances. Ax is considered one of the 21st Century's most brilliant pianists and consistently performs with "greatness and overwhelming authority" (Los Angeles Times). Tickets $13-$72. 8 p.m. Fri. & Sat. and 2 p.m. Sun. 4th and Calhoun Streets, www.fwsymphony.org.

2,3,10,17 & 24 Grapevine, TX-Prepare to be synthesized, draped in Mr. T gold chains and welcomed to a 6-week retro concert series hosted by more than 70 historic downtown merchants. Members of the Historic Downtown Grapevine Association invite everyone to this first annual retro concert series at the Gazebo on Main Street. The series includes the Mars Hill Band (3rd), Idle Hands (10th), Daughter Judy (17th) and Robin & Steppin' Out (24th). Free. 325 S. Main, www.grapevinetexasusa.com, 817-410-3185.

3 Billy Bob's Texas-Neal McCoy, 10:30 p.m., $8.75 & $16.75. 2520 Rodeo Plaza, 817-624-7117, www.billybobstexas.com.

3 Grapevine, TX-The Grapevine Heritage Foundation presents "Spring Into Nash Farm." At the historic Nash Farm, there will be plenty of fun for everyone at this FREE event including pony rides by Cowgirl Ranch and plowing demonstrations by Anne and Ken Murray of Olde Tyme Carriage. Other events include farm animals for petting, hay wagon rides, historic blacksmithing demonstrations and branding by the North Texas Blacksmith Association, children's craft activities and tours of the historic Nash Farmhouse. The Grapevine AMBUCS will provide refreshments. Free. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. College and Ball Street, 817-410-3100.

3,4 Fort Worth Botanic Garden hosts The Fort Worth Garden Club's annual flower show in the Garden Center. In addition to 40 floral Designs and local horticulture, there will be invitational tables by local designers and garden vignettes by local landscapers. Educational and youth exhibits and a photography contest are also part of the activities. Design and horticulture entry is open to any amateur gardener. Lunch is available both days. Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun. 1-5 p.m. 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., at University and I-30. For information call Scotty Smyth at 817-281-4090.

4 The Amon Carter Museum hosts Family Fundays on the first Sunday of the month. April is a time to celebrate spring! In an interactive tour, see how artists render subjects like bluebonnets and other spring flowers and scenes. Learn about the use of color and how to make your own impressionistic spring collage. For all ages. Free. 3 p.m. 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., 817-738-1933.

6 Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary hosts the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presenting David Keith as the conductor of Bach's Cantata No. 4 and No. 11. 8 p.m. 2001 W. Seminary Dr., Truett Auditorium. For more info contact the School of Church Music at 817-923-1921. www.swbts.edu.

6-11 Bass Performance Hall and Casa Mañana presents Broadway at the Bass. This month's play is Fame, the Musical. The hit was inspired by the Academy Award winning film and Emmy Award winning TV series, Fame. From street corners to nightclubs, to national television, the quest for fame fascinates some and drives others to the edge of endurance. Follow the young, dynamic 24-member ensemble as they search for that elusive goal while attending New York's High School of Performing Arts. Tickets $25-$75. Tues.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. & Sun. 7 p.m. 4th and Calhoun Streets, 817-212-4280, www.casamanana.org.

6,13,20,27 The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth's Tuesday Evenings at the Modern presents guest artists, scholars, and critics who discuss art works each week. April features Ann Reynolds (6th), Sam Durant (13th), Fred Tomaselli (20th). The speaker for 27th has still to be named. Free. 7 p.m. 3200 Darnell St., 817-735-1161, www.themodern.org.

9 Billy Bob's Texas-Cross Canadian Ragweed, 10:30 p.m., $9 & $14.75. 2520 Rodeo Plaza, 817-624-7117, www.billybobstexas.com.

9,10,11,12 Ballpark in Arlington, Texas Rangers baseball vs. the Anaheim Angels, 7:05 p.m., 1:05 p.m. on 9th & 3:05 p.m. on 11th. $5-$75, Parking $8, 1000 Ballpark Way, 817-273-5100, www.texasrangers.com.

9,10,16,17,23,24 Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District-Cowtown Coliseum hosts the Stockyards Championship Rodeo. 8 p.m. Reserved box seats $12.50, VIP $10.50, Gen. Ad. $9, Seniors 60+ $7.50 & children 3-12, $5.50. 121 E. Exchange Ave. 817-625-1025, www.cowtowncoliseum.com.

10 Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District-Cowtown Coliseum hosts Pawnee Bill's Wild West Show. Family friendly entertainment. 2:30 & 4:30 p.m. Box seats $10.50, Gen. Ad. $8, Seniors 60+ $6.50 & children 3-12, $4.50. 121 E. Exchange Ave. 817-625-1025, www.cowtowncoliseum.com.

10 Billy Bob's Texas-Jerry Jeff Walker, 10:30 p.m., $8.75 & $14.75. 2520 Rodeo Plaza, 817-624-7117, www.billybobstexas.com.

10-May 31 Waxahachie, TX hosts Scarborough Faire the Renaissance Festival's 24th season with its full combat jousting, falconry, minstrels, Renaissance-style entertainment, artisan demonstrations, juried craft shoppes and a king's feast with beer and ale. Scarborough Faire the Renaissance Festival's 2004 season will open on Saturday, April 10th and runs for eight consecutive weekends and through Memorial Day Monday, May 31. $16.99 for adults and $6 for children 5-12 (children 4 & under are FREE). Scarborough Faire the Renaissance Festival is located just 30 minutes south of Dallas/Fort Worth off I-35E near historic Waxahachie, Texas at exit 399A. Open 10 a.m.-7 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets are available at the gate on event days or on-line at www.ScarboroughRenFest.com. FREE parking is available. 888-5-Festival, www.ScarboroughRenFest.com.

13,14,15 Ballpark in Arlington-Texas Rangers baseball vs. the Oakland Athletics, 7:05 p.m. $5-$75, Parking $8, 1000 Ballpark Way, 817-273-5100, www.texasrangers.com.

15-18 Fort Worth's MAIN ST. celebrates its 19th year. MAIN ST. hosts an average of 400,000 people annually during the four-day visual arts, entertainment and cultural event. MAIN ST. showcases a nationally recognized fine art and fine craft juried art fair, live concerts, performance artists and street performers on the streets of downtown Fort Worth-stretching nine blocks on Main Street from the Tarrant County Courthouse to the Fort Worth Convention Center. Considered one of America's best arts and entertainment festivals, with four days of family fun and entertainment. Free. Thurs., 11a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-8 p.m. www.sundancesquare.com.

16 Grapevine, TX-In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month, jazz artist Joseph Vincelli will perform in the Palace Theatre. Vincelli's signature is his passion for his music. It is evident on stage, in his recordings, with his speeches and in his books. What sets him apart from other smooth jazz artists is his ability to create music from an array of sources which many others would consider stretching the limits. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15-$25. 300 South Main St., 817-410-3100.

16 Billy Bob's Texas-Charlie Robison, 10:30 p.m., $8.75 & $14.75. 2520 Rodeo Plaza, 817-624-7117, www.billybobstexas.com.

17 Kimbell Art Museum presents performances by Fort Worth Early Music, using period instruments with an emphasis on historically correct style. Works by master composers, including Leclair, Boismortier, and Couperin are featured. In conjunction with the exhibition "Genius of the French Rocco: The Drawings of François Boucher (1703-1770), and Boucher's Mythological Paintings: The Last Great Series Reunited." 2 p.m. in the Museum Auditorium. 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., 817-654-1034.

17 Billy Bob's Texas-Mark Chesnutt, 10:30 p.m., $8.75 & $16.75. 2520 Rodeo Plaza, 817-624-7117, www.billybobstexas.com.

17 The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame presents "Escape Cowtown for a Day." This inaugural field trip centers on the book, Interwoven, Sally Reynolds Matthews' chronicle of the coming together of two families who forged the Lambshead Ranch in the lean, far-flung spaces of West Texas in the 1800s. Lou Rodenberger, professor emeritus of English at McMurry University in Abilene will be the speaker. The trip will include a tour of the old Jail Art Center and Shop in Albany, Texas, lunch, a tour of the Lambshead Ranch, a tour of the Fort Griffin State Historical Park and dinner. The bus leaves the museum at 6:45 a.m. and will return at 11 p.m. $100/person. 1720 Gendy Street, 817-509-8960, www.cowgirl.net.

21 The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth's film series features Classics at the Modern with His Girl Friday, a fast-paced comedy remake of The Front Page. This film stars Cary Grant as a devious publisher trying to forestall the resignation and marriage of his ace reporter Rosalind Russell amidst a fast-breaking murder story. The film's sparkling script is by Ben Hecht and Charles Lederer and is directed by Howard Hawks. 7 p.m. $7.50. 3200 Darnell St., 817-738-9215, www.themodern.org.

22 The North Texas Chapter of The Alzheimer's Association presents "An Evening with Betty Buckley," the 3rd annual fund raiser dinner and auction to benefit Alzheimer's Association information and support services. Betty Buckley, famed star of screen, stage and recording venues will be the guest speaker. Tickets: $100. Group and personal sponsorships available. 6:30 p.m. 3700 Bernie Anderson Drive, 817-336-4949 or 1-800-471-4422.

22-25 Will Rogers Auditorium-Casa Mañana's cast performs The Foreigner. Jaston Williams and Joe Sears, who have dazzled audiences around the world with their comically brilliant portrayals of the citizens of Tuna, Texas, return to the stage in the off-Broadway, side-splitting, smash comedy hit. Jaston Williams portrays the painfully shy and desperately depressed Charlie Baker, an Englishman who comes to a rural fishing lodge to take stock of his life. To protect Charlie's privacy, his friend Froggy tells the locals that Charlie is a foreigner who doesn't speak a word of English. Joe Sears plays innkeeper Betty Meeks, a no-nonsense, good-hearted widow whose idea of penetrating the language barrier is to talk loud, attempting to compensate in decibels what is lacking in comprehension! The Foreigner is a modern farce complete with mistaken identities, surprising plot twists, evil villains and innocent damsels; with a nod to classic vaudeville and old-time melodrama thrown in to ensure chaos and hysteria onstage as well as in the audience! Tickets $27-$45. Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 2 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. 3401 West Lancaster Ave., 817-332-2272, www.casamanana.org.

23 Billy Bob's Texas-Jack Ingram, 10:30 p.m., $8.75 & $12.75. 2520 Rodeo Plaza, 817-624-7117, www.billybobstexas.com.

23,24,25 Ballpark in Arlington-Texas Rangers baseball vs. the Seattle Mariners, 7:05 p.m., 1:05 p.m. on 25th. $5-$75, Parking $8, 1000 Ballpark Way, 817-273-5100, www.texasrangers.com.

23,24,25 Bass Performance Hall hosts the Symphonic Series featuring the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Yoel Levi conducts and Jon Kimura Parker is the piano soloist. Tickets $13-$72. Corner of 4th and Calhoun Sts., 817-665-6000, www.fwsymphony.org.

23-25 Fort Worth, TX-The Stockyards National Historic District will be home to more than a dozen historic Texas forts during the fourth annual Texas Frontier Forts Muster. This three-day family event features heritage activities, parades and the Quanah Parker Comanche Pow Wow and Honor Dance. Activities also include military re-enactments, frontier history presentations, displays of uniforms, gear, tents, wagons and flags, all designed to highlight what life was like during the frontier fort era from the 1840s to the early 1900s. A period frontier ball is planned for the evening of April 24 at the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Free. Fort Worth Stockyards, 817-336-8791, www.mcfadden.org/swrcg.

23-May 30 Granbury, TX-The cast of the Granbury Opera house performs Smoke on the Mountain, written by Connie Ray and conceived by Alan Bailey. Go back to a simpler time, 1938, where you become the congregation of Mount Pleasant where Pastor Oglethorpe has invited the Sanders Family Singers to provide an uplifting evening of singin' and witnessin'. More than two dozen songs, many of them vintage pop hymns, and hilarious stories from the more or less devout Sanders provide a richly entertaining evening that has audiences clapping, singing, laughing and cheering. Three of the best old gospel tunes ever written "Church in the Wild," "Wonderful Time Up There" and "I'll Fly Away," are in the show. Fri. & Sat. 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. & Sun. 2 p.m. $16 to $24. On the Square. 866-572-0881, www.granburyoperahouse.org.

24 The Fort Worth Zoo holds Zoom through the Zoo!, the seventh annual zoo run. The event includes an aerobic warm-up, a 1-mile Fun Run/Stroller Walk and a 5K Run/Walk along the Zoo's main pathways and the beautiful neighborhoods surrounding the Zoo. Entry fees are $18. 7:30 a.m. 1989 Colonial Pkwy., 817-759-7337, www.fortworthzoo.org.

24 Billy Bob's Texas-Buddy Jewell, 10:30 p.m., $8.75 & $14.75. 2520 Rodeo
Plaza, 817-624-7117, www.billybobstexas.com.

24 The Modern Art Museum-Alexey Koltakov (2001 Cliburn Competition finalist) returns to Fort Worth to close the first season of Modern at the Modern, joined by his wife, pianist Katerina Makarova. They will play works by William Bolcom, Academy Award winner John Corigliano, and Lowell Liebermann. Also on the program is the dynamic UNT Percussion Ensemble, led by Mark Ford, playing Mr. Ford's AFTA-STUBA! and other works. Adults $15, seniors $12 and students $5. 3200 Darnell St., 817-877-3003, www.themodern.org.

24 The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History holds monthly star parties hosted by the Noble Planetarium and the Fort Worth Astronomical Society. Start time is dusk. Check the sky before you depart. If it's cloudy at your house, the party may be off. Free. 1501 Montgomery St., 817-255-9409.

25 Kimbell Art Museum's Sunday film presentation is Turner & Venice (2003, 38 min.), and The English Masters: Turner (1996, 50 min.) 2 p.m. in the Museum Auditorium. 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., 817-654-1034.

29 Trinity River Park-The Fort Worth Symphony Swing Orchestra, with Curtis Wilson conducting, will perform Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" for solo piano and jazz band. 8:30 p.m. , 817-332-1055, www.mayfest.org.

29,30, & May 1,2 Bass Performance Hall-The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Pops Series presents "A Salute to Satchmo" featuring Detroit jazz legend, Marcus Belgrave. Belgrave brings to life Louis Armstrong's unmistakable trumpet innovations and "Satchmo-like" vocal style. Backed by an eight-piece ensemble and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, enjoy songs from "On Blueberry Hill" to "What a Wonderful World". Tickets $23-$72. Corner of 4th and Calhoun streets, 817-665-6000, www.fwsymphony.org.

30 Billy Bob's Texas-Jason Boland, 10:30 p.m., $8.75 & $14.75. 2520 Rodeo Plaza, 817-624-7117, www.billybobstexas.com.

30-May 1,2 Ballpark in Arlington-Texas Rangers baseball vs. the Boston Red Sox, 7:05 p.m., 1:05 p.m. on May 2nd. $5-$75, Parking $8, 1000 Ballpark Way, 817-273-5100, www.texasrangers.com.

Coming May 17-24 The 58th Annual Bank of America Colonial Golf Tournament in Fort Worth. Tickets must be purchased in advance. For information, call (817) 927-4280 or go to www.bankofamericacolonial.pgatour.com.

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