A Barbie world

Pink-tastic Barbie dream world to take over Dallas-Fort Worth theater

Margot Robbie rides in as Barbie on July 21.

WarnerBrothers/Facebook

We've been living in a Barbie world since the first whispers of a Greta Gerwig-created Barbie movie were uttered years ago. The film that has since sparked a viral fashion trend and caused a global shortage of pink paint is finally opening July 21 - and a Dallas-Fort Worth theater is inviting fans to step inside a real-life Barbie dream world on opening weekend.

EVO Entertainment Southlake will host "Destination: Barbie Land," an immersive pop-up Barbie party, July 19-23. The multi-day event is free and open to the public, whether you have tickets to see the movie or not.

"Built in partnership with Art Seen Alliance, 'Destination: Barbie Land' promises to be a pink experiential paradise," a release says.

Highlights will include:

walking the pink carpet into Barbie dreamscape vignettes.
Barbie Glam Boutique, including a glam station and larger-than-life photo installation.
Barbie Beach Club, a playful beach oasis outfitted with palm trees, light-up chairs, and photo-op installations.
Barbie Disco Dance Floor, a disco-club filled with shimmering lights, groovy beats, and a pulsating dance floor.

“One of the most iconic American brands is headed to the big screen this summer and the excitement for the film is palpable. As we approach what is poised to be one of the largest pop-culture moments and biggest movies of the year, we wanted to create a truly unique way for fans to get in on the fun,” says Marissa Blomstrom, Chief Marketing Officer at EVO Entertainment, in the release. “Everything we do at EVO is about offering guests a top-notch entertainment experience, and our Barbie experience is no exception. While this is the first truly immersive event we’ve hosted, it certainly will not be the last.”

A special Barbie Dress-up Party will take place at the theater at 7 pm July 22. Movie-goers that night are encouraged to dress their "Barbie-or-Ken-best" for special photo ops and will receive a surprise Barbie-themed gift. Tickets for this special screening are already on sale, available here.

Opening July 21, Barbie stars Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, the iconic Mattel dolls who come to life and go on some kind of adventure that, according to the trailer, involves (eek!) trading high heels for Birkenstocks. The live-action movie's description reads, simply, "Barbie suffers a crisis that leads her to question her world and her existence."

It's considered one of the most highly anticipated movies of summer. The Southlake event surely will be one of many Barbie-themed promotions around Dallas-Fort Worth in conjunction with the film this month.

families movies

RIP Joe

Texas country music singer-songwriter Joe Ely dies at 78

Joe Ely/Facebook

Joe Ely was a major figure in Texas' progressive country scene.

Joe Ely, the legendary songwriter, singer, and storyteller whose career spanned more than five decades, has died from complications related to Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and pneumonia. He was 78.

According to a statement posted to his Facebook page, Ely died at his home in Taos, New Mexico, with his wife Sharon, and daughter Marie, at his side.

Born February 9, 1947, in Amarillo, Texas, Ely was raised in Lubbock and became a central figure among a generation of influential West Texas musicians. He later settled in Austin, helping shape the city’s reputation as a hub for live music.

"Joe Ely performed American roots music with the fervor of a true believer who knew music could transport souls," said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

In the 1970s, Ely signed with MCA Records, launching a career that included decades of recording and touring around the world. His work and performances left a lasting impact on the music scene and influenced a wide range of artists, including the Clash and Bruce Springsteen, according to Rolling Stone.

"His distinctive musical style could only have emerged from Texas, with its southwestern blend of honky-tonk, rock & roll, roadhouse blues, western swing, and conjunto. He began his career in the Flatlanders, with fellow Lubbock natives Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, and he would mix their songs with his through 50 years of critically acclaimed recordings."

Read the full story at KVUE.com.

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