For Mom

Experiential outings are how we're gifting quality time this Mother's Day

The Ascendants XVIII (She Is Here And So Are You), 2021. Wangari Mathenge. Oil on canvas. Dallas Museum of Art, TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art Fund, 2022.27. © Wangari Mathenge.

Courtesy of the artist and Roberts Projects, Los Angeles and Pippy Houldsworth Gallery, London

Here's your official warning: Mother's Day is less than a month away. You won't want to leave her gift(s) until the last minute — Mom deserves the best — so book that brunch reservation now and then start shopping for an experience you can enjoy together.

We have a few ideas to get you started:

Dallas Museum of Art
Give mom the gift of art with tickets to the DMA, which start at only $10. Whether the mom in your life is into the classics or prefers something on the contemporary side, the DMA has something special for everyone. Current exhibitions include:

"When You See Me: Visibility in Contemporary Art/History," an exhibition that breaks away from traditional storytelling and visual strategies to amplify the voices of the silenced. From abstract expressions to vivid figurations, this exhibition explores themes of invisibility, hypervisibility, the desire to be seen, and the right to be private. See how artists navigate the intricate nuances of visibility, allowing for richer representations of those who have been traditionally excluded or erased.

"The Impressionist Revolution from Monet to Matisse": Why give her a bouquet of flowers when you can have Monet’s full garden instead? This exhibition presents iconic artists that we all know and love — think Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Degas, and Paul Gauguin — against the backdrop of their revolutionary innovations in art.

"He Said/She Said: Contemporary Women Artists Interject" celebrates the power of womanhood by showcasing female artists from the 1970s to today who use their art to question the myth of the sole male genius.

Make a day of it by grabbing a bite at the DMA Cafe, shopping art-inspired treasures at the DMA Store, or strolling through the galleries during your visit. The DMA’s free permanent collection showcases over 5,000 years of stunning works by artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Salvador Dalí, and Jeffrey Gibson.

When you see me, 2019. Deborah Roberts. Mixed media and collage on canvas. Dallas Museum of Art, TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art Fund, 2020.20. © Deborah Roberts. Courtesy the artist and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London and New York

Broadway Dallas
You can’t stop the beat! Hairspray, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon, is back on tour and in Dallas June 18-30 at the Music Hall at Fair Park. Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show.

Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world? Featuring a beloved score that includes the hit songs “Welcome to the ’60s,” “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat, ” this all-new touring production of Hairspray is sure to charm a new generation of theater audiences.

Broadway Dallas presents the all-new national tour of Hairspray. Photo by Jeremy Daniel

Dallas Comedy Club
Ivan Decker is an award-winning comedian that has been seen on Conan, Netflix, and more. His sharp, polished, and multi-layered observational comedy makes for a show your mom will love. Get 2-for-1 tickets to either of his Friday, May 10, shows at 7:30 pm or 9:30 pm by using code LOVEMOM at checkout.

Let Ivan Decker charm both you and Mom.Photo by Jon Mark Photo

Cyndi Lauper at Turtle Creek Chorale's Rhapsody gala
Wanna experience a full, live-band concert by the iconic Cyndi Lauper, all in an intimate setting with 600 of your closest friends? Then this is your personal invitation to experience Rhapsody, Turtle Creek Chorale's premier fundraising gala.

This black-tie event is a grand affair with an elegant reception, sumptuous dinner, luxury live auction, and an intimate and unforgettable concert. Then, dance the night away with DJ Rockstar Aaron.

Not only is Rhapsody a highlight on the social calendar, but it also serves as the primary source of funding for TCC's mission to make their concerts and the arts accessible to all. Rhapsody is Saturday, June 1, at Omni Dallas Hotel. Tickets start at $600.

Cyndi Lauper headlines the Rhapsody gala.Photo courtesy of Turtle Creek Chorale

Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts
Get tickets to An Evening with Lee Asher on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 8 pm, presented by the Eisemann Center. Lee is an animal rescue advocate, content creator, motivational speaker, and star of the Animal Planet series My Pack Life who documents his rescue missions and daily life around The Asher House Sanctuary, a registered nonprofit sanctuary in Estacada, Oregon, that rescues animals that have been discarded or unwanted.

After quitting his day job in 2017 to pursue his passion for rescuing animals and helping people, Lee and his dogs hit the road in a converted school bus, working with shelters across the nation to host meet-and-greets and adoption events. Along the way, Lee learned to harness the power of social media to inspire positivity, laughter, and happy tears among his 8 million-plus followers.

Tickets are $40-$50, or go one step further and buy Mom a VIP meet-and-greet (only available to ticket purchasers).

Meet animal rescue advocate Lee Asher.Photo courtesy of Eisemann Center Presents

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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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