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Willie Nelson's famous 4th of July picnic to celebrate 50th anniversary at Texas bash

One Nation under Willie

Photo by James Joiner

Anyone who pledges allegiance to Willie's red bandana will be excited to know they can count on their annual pilgrimage to celebrate the 4th of July with the Texas legend.

That's right, Nelson will bring his famous 4th of July picnic back to Austin this summer, returning to Q2 Stadium with all his friends and family.

While the celebration is always special, this year marks 50 years since Nelson launched the first picnic in 1972 — accounting for 2020's cancelation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As always, the event will feature Willie Nelson & Family, plus special guests. Tyler Childers, who just played the inaugural Two Step Inn, will return to Austin to grace the lineup, which also includes Dwight Yoakam, Shakey Graves, Shane Smith & the Saints, Sierra Ferrell, Asleep at the Wheel, and Particle Kid.

Tickets will go on sale on Friday, April 28, at 10 am at Q2stadium.com.

In addition to great live music across two stages, fans can expect delicious food, drinks, and post-show fireworks to celebrate the national holiday.

Courtesy of The Backyard

Willie Nelson's Luck Reunion unveils star-studded lineup for 11th annual festival

Texas festival news

SXSW is fast approaching, and with it, one of the best excuses for visitors to get outside the Austin City Limits: Willie Nelson's Luck Reunion will take place the same week as SXSW out on his beloved ranch, Luck, TX.

Taking place on Thursday, March 16, this year's festival features more than 35 acts — on top of the incredible culinary lineup already announced for the days surrounding the main event.

“Team Luck is thrilled to welcome a diverse lineup of performers to Willie’s backyard, including fresh new talent and some familiar faces who have been longtime members of the Luck Family,” said festival organizers, via release.

A longtime partner in promoting the iconic event Southwest Airlines celebrates the fourth year of the Artists On The Rise To Luck program which brings Angel White, Arcy Drive and Pearla to join the Luck family. Through the Artist On The Rise platform, Southwest supports up-and-coming talent to give them a lift in their careers.

A new addition to the festival this year is The Bread & Roses Community Conversations Stage, hosting three engaging discussions throughout the day. Moderated conversations between musicians, activists, chefs, and local family farmers will include Celebrating Indigenous Foodways and Food Sovereignty, The Role of the Artist in Advancing Social Justice, and Family Farmers: Leading the Way with Equity, Food, and Climate Solutions. With intentional learning and community engagement in mind, The Bread & Roses Community Conversations Stage embraces cultural exchanges across industries and alongside fans.

The full lineup for the 2023 Luck Reunion is below (** indicates a Southwest Airlines Artist On The Rise):

  • A Tribute to Doug Sahm & The Texas Tornados featuring Shawn Sahm and Friends
  • A Song for Leon: A Tribute to Leon Russell featuring Beau Bedford, Robert Ellis, and Special Guests
  • Angel White **
  • Arcy Drive **
  • Black Opry Revue featuring Sug Daniels, Aaron Vance, Nikki Morgan & Nicky Diamonds
  • BMI Songwriters Circle featuring John Baumann, Bella White and Poet Hawkins
  • Bob Schneider
  • Dallas Burrow
  • Devon Gilfillian
  • Drayton Farley
  • Elvie Shane
  • Eric D. Johnson
  • Ethel Cain
  • Guster
  • Hermanos Gutiérrez
  • J. Creek Cloggers
  • Jaime Wyatt
  • Jason Scott & The High Heat
  • Jimmie Dale Gilmore & The West Texas Exiles
  • Katie Pruitt
  • Matthew Logan Vasquez
  • Night Cap
  • Particle Kid
  • Pearla **
  • Peter One
  • Rattlesnake Milk
  • Sadurn
  • Shane Smith & The Saints
  • Sierra Ferrell
  • Sir Woman
  • Spoon
  • Terry Allen & The Panhandle Mystery Band
  • The Band of Heathens
  • the GOLDEN DREGS
  • The Heavy Heavy
  • The War and Treaty
  • Thee Sacred Souls
  • Wild Child
  • Willie Nelson & Family
  • Willis Alan Ramsey

Fans are encouraged to subscribe to Luck Presents’ email list and follow Luck Reunion on social media to grab their opportunity to attend this unique event.

Photo by Limelight Imaging

Willie Nelson is back at the ranch with a smokin' hot lineup for 2023 Luck Reunion

Luck, TX

Willie Nelson says he's never been accused of being normal, and that's certainly true of his alternative music festival Luck Reunion. Taking place on the same week as SXSW, the smaller, more intimate festival has become a bit of a holy pilgrimage for Willie fans of all ages to gather at the legend's Spicewood ranch, "Luck, TX."

Returning for its 11th year, Luck Reunion is expanding from one day to three, featuring one-of-a-kind culinary and music experiences, March 15-19.

Kicking off festivities on March 15, Luck Presents: Potluck 2023 - Three Sisters will feature an intimate "Three Sisters" themed evening paying homage to the main agricultural crops of indigenous cuisine: maize, squash and climbing Beans. The family-style seated dinner will be prepared by a diverse slate of esteemed chefs, followed by a live performance from Nelson under the Hill Country stars.

The host chef for this unique evening will be Brian Light of Ronin Farm and Restaurant near College Station, joined by Crystal Wahpepah (Wahpepah's Kitchen, Kickapoo Nation); Brit Reed (I-Collective, Choctaw tribe); Sewa Yuli (I-Collective, Yoeme tribe). Austin chefs Edgar Rico (Nixta Taqueria) and Mariela Camacho (Comadre Panadería) will participate in the welcome bites and cocktail hour, presented by the Texas Wine and Food Alliance, and celebrity chefs Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill) and Michel Nischan (Wholeome Wave) will also lend their support.

The dinner will start at 5 pm, and tickets will go on sale Monday, February 13 at 12 pm. As always, proceeds from Potluck benefit the Luck Family Foundation who will make direct grants to some of Nelson's longtime charity partners, including Farm Aid, Wholesome Wave, and The Texas Food & Wine Alliance.

The main music event will take place on March 16, with a full lineup yet to be announced.

Then, at noon on March 18, the Big Easy will invade Luck, TX for Luck Origins: New Orleans Takeover, a multi-performer show drawn from the spirit and deep influence of the Birthplace of Jazz. The event will feature a chef-curated food experience presented by the Texas Food and Wine Alliance as well as food vendors from across Texas and Louisiana. So far, the lineup includes Cha Wa; Ivan Neville & Friends; The Soul Rebels; and more. Tickets go on sale Monday, February 13, at 12 pm.

Capping off events, a thoughtful and artist-packed tribute to the legendary Sister Rosetta Tharpe will take place at 11 am on March 19. Luck, Antone’s and Gibson Presents: Strange Things Happening: A Tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharpe, 1917-1973 will feature a Gospel Brunch like no other, celebrating the original "Soul Sister" who made an indelible impact on gospel and soul music. The lineup features the Binky Griptite Orchestra, as well as special guests Abraham Alexander, Ruthie Foster, Valerie June, and many more. Tickets go on sale Monday, February 13, at 12 pm.

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Dallas nonprofit Art Conspiracy calls it quits after nearly 20 years

ArtCon is Gone

After nearly 20 years, Dallas nonprofit arts group Art Conspiracy (ArtCon) has ceased operations. In a release, the organization blamed the pandemic.

“Before the pandemic, ArtCon was facing mounting pressures in the search for event spaces and navigating growing costs that were hindering our model, which was already challenged by its all-volunteer structure and role as a ‘pass-through’ organization that donates all the funds it raises,” said Geoff Barry, president of the board, in a statement.

“COVID-19 effectively ended our ability to evolve around these limitations, stopping us from not only putting on our signature annual fundraisers, but also from building a steady pipeline of volunteer leadership to execute them. It saddens us to end this important work, and we’re proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish over the years - not just the money raised, but also the many connections made and collaborations that have been born from them, which live on. We know we’ve made a positive and lasting difference in North Texas, among our community of artists, our audience, and our beneficiaries.”

The group was known for its annual live auction featuring the work of local artists plus performances by local musicians. The proceeds were donated to beneficiaries such as Children’s Health Fund, Volunteers of America’s Resolana program, W.T. White High School, Girls Rock Dallas, Anita M. Martinez Ballet Folklorico, and Cry Havoc Theater Company.

In closing, ArtCon made a final donation of $6,000 to Foundation 45, which provides mental health and recovery services to the Dallas-Fort Worth creative community. They were supposed to be the beneficiary for ArtCon 15, which was to have taken place in fall 2019 but was postponed due to staffing issues.

Although ArtCon no longer exists, they are encouraging support of Foundation 45's next fundraising event, “Art of the Guitar” on Saturday, October 21, a live auction of over 45 local artist-decorated guitars.

The iOS app Art Con remains available in the Apple Store for anyone wishing to seek out and connect with the artists and musicians who have participated in ArtCon over its history.

These are the 8 best food and drink events in Dallas this week

This Week in Gluttony

There are two anniversary parties this week and both feature food and drink specials along with live music – one from '80s cover bands and the other from a powerhouse in Texas country music.

Meanwhile, Oktoberfest season is winding down, but there are two opportunities this week enjoy German-inspired eats and beer before the festival ends.

Tuesday, September 26

Lori’s Day at Newk’s Eatery
Mississippi-based sandwich, salad, and soup will celebrate its third annual ovarian cancer fundraiser in honor of Lori Newcomb, wife of Newk’s founder Chris Newcomb, who lost her battle with the disease in 2019. Through Newk’s Cares, founded by Lori in 2014 after her diagnosis, all locations will donate 20 percent of sales to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. Newk’s has locations in Frisco and Plano.

Wednesday, September 27

Cheers to 10 Years at The Rustic with Pat Green
Dallas bar, restaurant, and live music venue owned in part by Texas country music icon Pat Green will throw a 10th anniversary party featuring the superstar himself in concert. There’ll be drink specials and giveaways from Espolon Tequila and Eight Elite Light Lager, with a special appearance by Eight founder Troy Aikman. Doors open at 5:30 pm and concert opener Dalton Torres will take the stage at 8 pm. Tickets are $27 per person, plus a fee.

Laurent-Perrier Champagne Pop-Up Dinner at Knife Plano
Four-course dinner with Naomi Smith from the Champagne House of Laurent-Perrier features some of their new and exclusive offerings paired with Knife's classic seafood dishes. Courses include Yellowtail Crudo, paired with Laurent Perrier La Cuvee Brut; Arugula Salad and Iberico Ham with Laurent Perrier Brut 2012; Snapper, Asparagus, and Fingerling Potato with Laurent Pierrier Rose; and Banana, Bourbon & Dulce Dessert with Laurent Perrier Harmony Demi Sec. It starts at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $150, book at Resy.

Thursday, September 28

40th Anniversary Party at Aw Shucks
All five locations of the Aw Shucks and Big Shucks oyster bar chain (Dallas, Richardson, Lewisville, and Frisco) will host a throwback Thursday 80s-themed anniversary party featuring discounted menu items. Specials include a $19.83 platter of crab and shrimp boil, $19.83 dozen oysters on the half shell, $3.83 margaritas, and $2.83 draft beers. Born in 1983? You get a free slice of key lime pie. There’ll also be 80s cover bands at all locations from 5–9 pm. Break out the big hair and leg warmers because there’ll be costume contests for prizes, too.

Yappy Hour at Ellie’s
The terrace at Ellie’s inside the Hall Arts Hotel will welcome four-legged friends and their humans during this rooftop happy hour. Visit from 5–7 pm for specialty drinks and bites and to meet other Dallas-area dog lovers. Admission is free and valet parking is $5.

Basil Hayden Whiskey Dinner at Bourbon & Banter
Statler Dallas restaurant will host a four-course bourbon-pairing dinner featuring Kentucky-based Basil Hayden whiskey. Menu items include spinach & roasted red pepper-stuffed chicken, steelhead trout en papillote, grilled flat iron steak with truffle potatoes, and Basil Hayden chocolate pot de crème. The dinner is $85 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and begins at 7 pm.

Friday, September 29

Oktoberfest at Harwood Arms
The party will start early at 11 am for all-day specials including $22 beer steins ($8 refills) and German cuisine including Bavarian sausages, chicken schnitzel sandwiches, and potato pancakes. There’ll be live music starting at 6 pm along with two stein-holding competitions at 5 pm and 8 pm. Admission is free.

Monday, October 2

Oktoberfest Beer Dinner at Urban Crust
Plano wood-fired pizza kitchen will celebrate Oktoberfest with a four-course German-themed beer dinner. Tickets are $65 per person, including tax and gratuity, and the dinner will begin at 6:30 pm.

Aw Shucks restaurant on Lower Greenville in Dallas, circa 1983
Photo courtesy of Aw Shucks
A local oyster bar chain will throw it back to the 80s with an anniversary party.

New Irish pub with very authentic name opens in downtown Dallas

Pub News

Downtown Dallas has a new Irish pub: Called Patrick Kennedy’s Irish Pub, it's on the ground floor of the Downtown Westin Hotel at 1201 Main St. #100, where it replaces NOLA Brasserie, a New Orleans-themed restaurant that was previously at the hotel that closed in May. It opened in mid-September.

Patrick Kennedy's is the latest sibling in a family of Irish pubs from Irish native Alan Kearney that includes Playwright Irish Pub in Dallas Arts District, The Crafty Irishman Public House in downtown Dallas, Trinity College Irish Pub in Fort Worth, and Cannon’s Corner Irish Pub in Oak Cliff. Got all the neighborhoods covered.

This makes the second Irish pub downtown for Kearney, but Crafty Irishman is small and customers are already overflowing. Patrick Kennedy's has 6,500 square feet, with a large high bar, table & booth seating, and a wrap-around outdoor patio.

"This location is a great spot for our concept! We’ve been waiting for something of this size for a while," Kearney says in a statement.

To create a cozy atmosphere, Kearney and his team built out wood walls separating the space into rooms, installed fireplaces, and added Irish paraphernalia for something of interest in every nook.

"Kennedy’s is nestled into a corner that welcomes many tourists into Dallas with hotels and visiting attractions all around," Kearney says. "We aim to be the spot for residents, downtown workers and traveling tourists. A melting pot of customers — giving a wink to the American dream!”

Patrick Kennedy’s Irish Pub is named for JFK’s great-grandfather, Patrick Kennedy, whose coming to America was a classic immigrant tale that mirrors Kearney's story, as well.

The menu includes

  • French Onion Soup served in a hollowed-out onion & Pub Chicken and Mushroom Vol Au Vents served in a puff pastry
  • Traditional Irish Breakfast
  • Scotch Eggs

New Ross Sheperd’s Pie and Howth Beer-Battered Fish and Chips are flown in weekly. They also do weekend brunch and Happy Hour with fancy offerings include Irishman Red Ale pints, domestic bottled beers, house wines, well liquor as well as specialty drinks like the Irish Mule, Car Bomb, Green Tea shots and Baby Guinness Shots, Monday-Friday from 2–7 pm. Plus bites including Galway Bay Mussels, Corned Beef & Cabbage Rolls, Irish Nachos, Public House Pretzel, Boneless Wings and Spicy Wisconsin Cheese Curds from 2– 6 pm.

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