Wildflower Time

Rock out in Richardson with the return of this music and art festival

Wildflower! has a star-studded musical lineup.

Photo courtesy of Wildflower Festival

Get ready to send off spring with a bang, when the 26th annual Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival returns to Richardson's Galatyn Park May 18-20. Just as in years past, you can count on big-name music acts, lots of awesome art, delicious treats, and plenty of fun activities for the little ones.

Before you go, here are 5 things to know about this year's festival.

1. Hot headliners
A total of 100 musicians are set to perform on the festival's six stages at the festival, with a lineup includes headliners the Goo Goo Dolls, Kool & the Gang, Spoon, and Eve 6. You can also hear Texas native Radney Foster, Austin-based Reckless Kelly, '90s rock band Jimmy Eat World, and others. On the Border, an Eagles tribute band, will perform every day. Check out the full lineup here.

2. Delicious eats and drinks
In additional to traditional festival faves such as snow cones, corn dogs, and pizza, you can grab a bite from The Skillet, American Smokehouse, Mrs. Lively's Southern Cuisine, or Satay Hut. There are also mouth-watering dessert choices from The Chocolate Kettle and ice cream from Marble Slab and Ben & Jerry's. Sip some suds at the craft beer garden or raise a glass at the wine garden — you certainly won't go thirsty.

3. Family-friendly fun
Thanks to the WF! Kids zone, presented by First Baptist Richardson, there's lots to keep young ones entertained at the festival. Saunter through the Texas Native Butterfly Tent, which showcases 250 species of native butterflies, or stoke pop-star dreams with kids' karaoke. A hands-on activity area and face painting satisfy artistic urges, and families can also check out award-winning artwork from the themed student art contest. For more info on how to keep little rockers busy while at Wildflower!, go here.

4. Shop and watch
You'll find more than just great music and food at the festival. The Wildflower! Art Guitar auction artfully displays decorated guitars that hopeful winners can bid on until 3 pm on May 20. Proceeds from the auction benefit Network of Community Ministries and the Richardson ISD Fine Arts Program. Discover local and regional goods at the LegacyTexas WF! Marketplace, where vendors are displaying everything from accessories to art to home decor and clothing. And don't miss Amli Performance Row, where street performers wow the crowds with their awesome acrobatics.

5. Ticket info
A variety of ticket options satisfy every fan. A general admission packages for $65 allows one person festival access on all three days. Single-day admission for Friday and Saturday is $30, and on Sunday it's only $15 — but remember, those are the online-only prices. At the gate the total ups to $40 on Friday and Saturday and $20 on Sunday. Kids' tickets are $5 each for the run of the festival. For more info or to buy tickets, visit here.

music kids shopping promoted festivals families

RIP Mark

Colorful Dallas musician and DJ Mark Ridlen passes away at 65

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Mark Ridlen RIP

A bright and colorful light in Dallas' music scene went out: Mark Ridlen, DJ and musician, passed away on November 17, following a bout with cancer; he was 65.

From his appearance in Ron Howard’s 1978 directorial debut, Cotton Candy, to his groups Quad Pi, Lithium X-mas, and a plethora of side projects with scores of DFW musicians, to his full-time job as a professional DJ under the moniker "DJ Mr. Rid," Ridlen had been a steady staple on the local creative scene.

He surfed pretty much every musical wave: from Dallas' epochal dance music scene in the early 80s, to punk rock to his role as one of Dallas' top DJs — the guy you called when you wanted your event to be cool and fun.

Ridlen had been quietly battling kidney and lung cancer for the past three years. Over the summer, he had his second kidney removed, which meant he was on dialysis treatment a couple times a week.

He remained upbeat, but according to friends of the family, two more tumors were recently found in his brain. His family and friends decided to forego further treatment and were by his side when he died.

He remained in demand until his passing. In May, he DJed a party at the Kessler Theater, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Starck Club, the legendary '80s dance music club designed by Philippe Starck, which had a huge influence on Dallas, and which Ridlen was part of.

He was invited to DJ at the Starck Club when it opened in 1984 and remained in that role until the club closed in 1989.

Reid mark ridlen Mark Ridlen (right) with close friend Reid RobiinsonFacebook

From there, he migrated to Expo Park, the underground neighborhood across from Fair Park where art and music ruled. His stints at XPO Lounge, Double Wide, and other neighborhood venues made him a staple in the community.

At the same time, he was a member of Lithium Xmas, a psychedelic art-rock band which he formed with acclaimed musicians Chris Merlick and Greg Synodis.

He was also a pop culture savant with a comprehensive knowledge of music, who balanced a low-key charm with a vibrant sense of style, whether it was a vivid pop-art tunic or a flashy sequinned jacket, he did it all with originality and panache.

In late August, a large circle of musicians and friends rallied to participate in a benefit for Ridlen, to help pay for his medical costs — a sweet indication of the high regard in which he was held.

“I do want people to know that I am not being slowed down by cancer,” Ridlen said at the time. “I'm ready to continue working. I have more-or-less a clean bill of health for the moment, and hopefully that doesn't change.”

Survivors include his mother Nancy and his brother David. A memorial service is in the works with details still to be announced.

music deaths

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Rock out in Richardson with the return of this music and art festival

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RIP Mark

Colorful Dallas musician and DJ Mark Ridlen passes away at 65