Cool Thursdays @ The Dallas Arboretum
For those of you who have been on the list for a while, you'll recognize Cool Thursdays as a regularly scheduled announcement. However, we've had quite a few new subscribers since the summer lineup was released, so allow me to provide a brief explanation.
The Dallas Arboretum holds their Cool Thursday Concert Series in two seasonal blocks: Spring/Summer and Fall. The Spring/Summer season ended with the Fast Lane concert on July 30. The fall season begins on September 24 with Key West, The Band, who I will discuss more once we get to specific dates.
The concerts are held at the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn next to White Rock Lake at the Dallas Arboretum. The gates open at 6:00 PM for 7:30 concerts scheduled to last two hours. You are free to bring blankets, low-to-the-ground chairs, coolers, and picnic baskets to the concert. Let me answer your first question before you ask it: Yes, you may include alcoholic beverages in your coolers and/or picnic baskets. There is not even a restriction on glass bottles, so please be responsible with your drinking and your beverage containers so they can continue to be so accommodating with the regulations. Naturally there are some things that you cannot bring. These include balls, kites, bikes, balloons, open flames, and animals other than service animals.
Individual tickets are usually $14 or $7 for children and members of the Dallas Arboretum. A Season Pass is also available for $80 or $40 for children and members of the Dallas Arboretum. Each Season Pass gets one individual into each concert for the Fall Season. If you are interested in one of these, I suggest you buy them very quickly, because they always sell out. Parking is free for the concerts. However, if you would prefer some premium parking, then you can buy a parking pass for $25 along with your Season Pass for the concert series.
Now let's take a look at the lineup including brief descriptions provided by the artists. Get out your calendars and mark down some more dates.
Hunter Sullivan
September 17
Fans of Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett will go back in time with Hunter Sullivan’s show tune covers and originals, while new audiences are bound to make new memories listening to his jazzy style. Hunter Sullivan will perform favorites including: “Fly Me to the Moon”, “The Way You Look Tonight”, as well as classic hits by other bands. “Swing” by for classy lounge-like experience.
Key West, The Band
September 24
A little something for everyone by playing hits from: Elton John, The Beatles, Billy Joel, Van Morrison, and favorites by Jimmy Buffet. Songs to be performed include, “Mardi Gras” and “Tropical Girl” as well as covers such as “Margaritaville” and “Only The Good Die Young.”
Briefcase Blues
October 1
A Blues Brothers tribute band, Briefcase Blues will perform classic hits including: “Soul Man”, “Jailhouse Rock”, “Devil with the Blue Dress,” and much more. They continue to delight crowds wanting to “Shake a Tailfeather” at the exciting concert.
Tuxedo Junction
October 8
With a vision to recreate the sound, the look, and the mood of the big bands of the 30's and 40's, Tuxedo Junction offers a refreshing and authentic, musical recreation of the 'Big Band Swing Era'. “Jump and Jive” with Tuxedo Junction to hits including: “Mambo #5,” “Unforgettable,” and many more.
Natchez Trace
October 15
A 2007 Terry Awards Nominee: Ft. Worth Band of The Year, Natchez Trace performs country classics all over Texas such as Dierks Bentley’s “Come a Little Over”.
Petty Theft
October 22
(It was nice of them to schedule a concert in honor of my birthday.)
This Dallas tribute band rocks the sound of Tom Petty and the Heartbreaks with a purpose to keep the sound and vibe as close as the real thing as you can get.
The M80's
October 29
This band will transport you back in time with hits including “Shout” by Tear for Fears, “Whip It” by Devo, and “Material Girl” by Madonna. If you were a child of the 80’s, what better way to celebrate this memorable decade with fantastic music - and be sure to come adorned in full 80’s attire – don’t forget your Members Only jackets, crimped hair and leggings!
Sidenote from Steven: Remember that I did not write the band descriptions, nor did I make any attempt to correct the grammar of those who did.
