It's a music-heavy weekend in and around Dallas, with events featuring music in multiple forms. The lineup includes six concerts featuring bands and/or singers who came to fame anywhere from the 1970s to today, a classical music concert featuring a renowned violinist, and the revival of a 1960s musical that looks sure to knock your socks (and maybe more) off.
Below are the best happenings for your social calendar Thursday through Monday. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, September 21
Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents Hilary Hahn
The latest concert from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will feature violinist Hilary Hahn and organist James Diaz under the direction of Hannu Lintu. Hahn has become somewhat of a crossover classical star, having recorded 16 albums and been featured on the scores of major motion pictures. This concert, playing through Sunday at the Meyerson Symphony Center, will will include Sibelius' "Finlandia," Dvorak's Violin Concerto, Samy Moussa's "A Globe Itself Infolding," and Shostakovich's Symphony No. 1.
Shakespeare Dallas presents Titus Andronicus
The fall production of Shakespeare in the Park from Shakespeare Dallas will be Titus Andronicus, which is believed to be Shakespeare’s first tragedy and often marked as one of his most violent works. The story is of Titus, a general in the Roman army, who is engaged in a cycle of revenge with Tamora, Queen of the Goths. The production will run through September 30 at Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre before moving to Addison Circle Park, October 5-15.
Friday, September 22
2017 Plano Balloon Festival
At the annual Plano Balloon Festival, 45 hot air balloons will take to the sky in an action-packed weekend filled with balloon launches and glows, concerts, fireworks, food, live music by Limelight and Moving Colors Band, and a parachute exhibition. The festival will take place through Sunday at Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve in Plano.
Sublime with Rome and The Offspring in concert
Sublime with Rome has tried to carry on the legacy of the original Sublime that ended when lead singer Bradley Nowell died of a heroin overdose in 1996. They've released two albums, including 2015's Sirens. They'll be joined at this concert at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory by another remnant of the '90s, The Offspring, whose last album was 2012's Days Go By.
Depeche Mode in concert
There are few bands who have been able to maintain both the passion and popularity to keep a career going for almost 40 years, but Depeche Mode is one of those rare acts. They have released 14 albums since 1981, including 2017's Spirit, with every one of them since 1990 making the top 10 in both their native UK and the U.S. They'll play at Starplex Pavilion with special guest Warpaint.
Saturday, September 23
Cavanaugh Flight Museum presents Wheels & Warbirds
Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison brings the sights and sounds of history to life with Wheels & Warbirds, a fall festival featuring the opportunity for guests to ride in the museum’s famed collection of vintage aircraft and military vehicles. The two-day festival features a car show, World War II tank demonstrations, concessions, aircraft tours, games and activities for the kids, and great photo opportunities with aircraft that are not normally available for viewing.
Luke Bryan in concert with Brett Eldredge and Granger Smith
Luke Bryan has established himself as one of the most likable singers in country music, both for his relatable songs and his fun-loving personality as the co-host of the Academy of Country Music Awards since 2013. Bryan is technically touring in support of his 2015 album, Kill the Lights, though the recent release of a new single, "Light It Up," could signal a new album coming soon. He'll play at Starplex Pavilion with Brett Eldredge and Granger Smith.
Dallas Theater Center presents Hair
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking classic rock musical, Dallas Theater Center lets the sun shine in with a fully immersive, only-at-the-Wyly Theatre production of Hair. The musical, which follows a group of young people as they navigate their relationships with their country and with each other, shines a bright light on the power of love over hate, peace over war, freedom over repression, and hope over despair — themes that still resonate in the modern world. The production will run through October 22.
Kansas in concert with Starship featuring Mickey Thomas
One of America’s most iconic classic rock bands, Kansas' songs like “Carry On My Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind” remain part of the culture’s soundtrack. Mickey Thomas owns the soaring voice that propelled Starship through the ‘80s and ‘90s with hits like “Jane,” “No Way Out,” “We Built This City,” “Find Your Way Back,” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.” The two bands will co-headline this concert at the Levitt Pavilion in Arlington.
Sunday, September 24
Chris Isaak in concert
Over the years, Chris Isaak has become almost as well known for his acting as he has for his music, appearing in films like Married to the Mob, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, and That Thing You Do!, among others. He has had a consistent music career, releasing 12 albums since 1985, including 2015's First Comes the Night. He'll play at the Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory.
Dallas Theater Center will present Hair at Wyly Theatre through October 22.
