DALLAS (April 30, 2010) – On Thursday, May 6, the AT&T Performing Arts Center will launch “Patio Sessions”, a free music series in the Center’s Sammons Park. The weekly Patio Sessions features an eclectic lineup of emerging artists and “the best bands you haven’t heard yet” from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, starting with Mi Son, Mi Son, Mi Son. The performances, aimed at the downtown, after-work crowd, begin at 5:30 pm, adding to an already vibrant lineup of activities in the downtown Dallas Arts District on Thursday evenings.
“Now that we are seven months into the inaugural season of the AT&T Performing Arts Center, we are thrilled to add Patio Sessions to our diverse offering of performances,” said Mark Nerenhausen, President and CEO of the AT&T Performing Arts Center. “Sammons Park was always envisioned as a lively, stand-alone destination that people can enjoy even if they are not attending an event inside one of our buildings. Patio Sessions gives people the perfect reason to do just that—to enjoy the Park while listening to great music, and all for free. If you are not familiar with the local music scene, Patio Sessions will provide your introduction.”
Patio Sessions will take place on the eastern side of the Center’s Winspear Opera House, on the outdoor patio and the Mary C. and David M. Crowley Lawn, across Jack Evans Street from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Concessions will be available for purchase, including beer and wine (cash only), and visitors are also welcome to bring their own food. The only alcoholic beverages permitted will be those purchased at the Center.
Currently, Patio Sessions is scheduled every Thursday, beginning May 6. The lineup is comprised entirely of local musicians, including emerging new artists and favorites of the area’s indie rock scene. The first six weeks feature the following:
May 6: Mi Son, Mi Son, Mi Son
Mi Son, Mi Son, Mi Son is a band from the DFW area that pays homage to the beauty and soul of Cuban Son and traditional Cuban music. The group's instrumentation consists of three percussionists, bass, tres, trombone and vocals. For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/misonx3
May 13: Salim Nourallah
Singer-songwriter Salim Nourallah has had 4 full-length solo cds come out since 2004: polaroid (2004); beautiful noise (2005); snowing in my heart (2007) and constellation (2009) plus the a way to your heart ep (2004), live at pleasantry lane (2007) and ciphers from snowing (2008). Popmatters.com calls him “one of the best artists you haven’t heard.” For more, visit http://www.myspace.com/salim
May 20: Radiant
Since the summer of 2000, the four-member Radiant have put out three EPs and two albums and played concerts with Longwave, The Killers, Eisley, Mutemath, Switchfoot, Better Than Ezra, Midlake, The Polyphonic Spree, Lovedrug, and others. http://www.myspace.com/radiantmusic
May 27: Rockestra and Anaphase
This evening will feature two performances: Rockestra, a youth rock orchestra comprised of high school students from a variety of schools, and the debut of Anaphase, the Dallas Rock Orchestra. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=116517541704497&ref=ts
June 3: Doug Burr
Doug Burr's flavor of backwoods roots and smart pop hooks has been described as conjuring Lucinda Williams on a revival high. After years of wood-shedding his songwriting in Denton, Texas, Burr emerged from a local favorite to quietly winning people over recieving international press. One blogger put it best, “If Doug Burr is not your favorite singer-songwriter, it's because you have not heard of him yet.” The Denton, Texas, resident’s third album, “O Ye Devastator”, will officially be released on May 4, 2010, but is already available on iTunes. For more information, visit www.dougburr.com
June 10: Seryn
Seryn, having only played together since March 2009, have created something truly special in their short existence. Using a variety of instruments including guitar, ukulele, kalimba, accordion, bass, drums, viola, percussion and more, Seryn’s understanding of dynamics shines brightly and has earned them a sound that is not easily defined, but proven triumphant. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, "This Denton outfit is one of the buzziest bands in the region. Thanks to folk-flecked compositions and powerful harmonies, Seryn is fast becoming a must-see." http://www.spune.com/seryn
About the AT&T Performing Arts Center
Open since October 2009, the AT&T Performing Arts Center is a vibrant destination for entertainment in the heart of the downtown Dallas Arts District. The Center presents a variety of programs, including its Lexus Broadway Series, Brinker International Forum, JAZZ ROOTS and, in association with TITAS, contemporary dance and music, and other performances. The Center also provides performance space for The Dallas Opera, Dallas Theater Center, Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico, in unparalleled venues set within a 10-acre urban park.
The Dallas Fort Worth Lexus Dealer Association is the title sponsor of the Center’s Lexus Broadway Series. Lexus is the official vehicle of the Center and its resident companies, the official valet sponsor and the naming rights holder for the Center’s two underground parking areas. RideCentric is the Official Ground Transportation Provider of the Center.
More information on the AT&T Performing Arts Center is available at www.attpac.org.
About the AT&T Performing Arts Center:
The AT&T Performing Arts Center, a new multi-venue Center for music, opera, theatre and dance will open in October 2009, completing the 25-year vision of the Dallas Arts District. The Center will provide multi-state-of-the-art facilities woven together by an urban park covering more than ten acres to create a dynamic cultural destination that will be unparalleled in the world. The Center will feature the following:
- The Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, designed in a modern horseshoe configuration, will seat 2,200 (with capacity up to 2,300), designed by Foster + Partners.
- The Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre will serve as a gateway to the Dallas Arts District from the downtown Dallas business center and will seat 600, designed by REX/OMA, Joshua Prince-Ramus (partner in charge) and Rem Koolhaas.
- The completely new Annette Strauss Artist Square will be the Center’s outdoor entertainment venue, designed by Foster + Partners.
- The City Performance Hall will provide main stage production space for many of Dallas’ smaller performing arts organizations, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.
- The Elaine D. and Charles A. Sammons Park will unify the venues within a lush urban oasis and will create a dynamic cultural destination in downtown Dallas, designed by Michel Desvigne.
- Two underground parking areas that will accommodate more than 850 vehicles.
The Dallas Fort Worth Lexus Dealer Association is the title sponsor of the Center’s Lexus Broadway Series, the official vehicle of the Center and its resident companies, the official valet sponsor and the naming rights holder for the Center’s two underground parking areas. More information on the AT&T Performing Arts Center is available at www.attpac.org.
Contact:
Maria May
AT&T Performing Arts Center
214.978.2834
maria.may@attpac.org