If you love opera and have never had the opportunity to check out the amazing Cowboys Stadium, you might not want to miss this upcoming opportunity. The Dallas Opera, in partnership with Cowboys Stadium, has announced the first classical music simulcast ever conducted in a North Texas sports venue.

“Sports and art are not typically thought of as belonging together,” said Gene Jones, the wife of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.  “Yet sporting events and great art do something similar-they get people talking.”

The Dallas Opera’s 2012 Cowboys Stadium Simulcast of Mozart’s The Magic Flute will take place on April 28, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.  at the high-tech home of the Dallas Cowboys.  How is this possible you ask? Simple. The unabridged live performance will be displayed on the world’s largest high-definition video board that hangs over the center field.

“We are excited to partner with the Dallas Opera on such a distinctive event,” said Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President of Brand Management Charlotte Anderson.  “Our organization admires and respects The Dallas Opera’s original thinking and stewardship in making a ground-breaking event like this a reality.  We truly value the importance of the arts in our community, and we hope that this first-of-its-kind opera broadcast gives us a way of sharing our love of the arts with a new audience at Cowboys Stadium.”

If you’ve been to Cowboys Stadium before, you know there’s practically no bad seat in the house.  The incredibly huge display boasts four massive viewing screen with the two largest measuring 72 feet tall and 160 feet wide.

“I hope that the centralized location of Cowboys Stadium will draw music and theater lovers from all across North Texas to this free simulcast of Mozart’s action-packed masterpiece,” said Keith Cerny, general director and CEO of The Dallas Opera. “Especially those who, for a variety of reasons, have perceived opera as an intimidating or challenging art form, rather than the fantastic entertainment experience it is.”

Where else can you experience opera in this unique way… and for free at that?! Oh, did we forget that part? It’s all free! Seating will be reserved and free tickets can be obtained through the Dallas Opera website, effective immediately, at www.dallasopera.org/cowboys.

Opened in 2009, Cowboys Stadium is the largest venue in the NFL, seating up to 80,000 guests. The $1.33 billion stadium holds a number of world records, including the largest domed stadium and the largest column free interior.

For more information about this incredible opportunity, please visit The Dallas Opera’s website at www.dallasopera.org.

The AT&T Performing Arts Center is privileged to announce that-in partnership with the Dallas Opera-all the excitement and thrills of the Opening Night of the opera company’s upcoming 2011-2012 “Tragic Obsessions” Season will be on street-level, public display, free of charge.

This will be a night for everyone, from the red-carpet arrivals to the outdoor curtain-calls for the cast and chorus that will bring this remarkable evening to a fitting close.

“Plazacast @ the Center” will be held in Sammons Park and other areas of the plaza in front of the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center.  This glittering event takes place October 21, 2011, beginning at 6:20 p.m. (curtain time: 7:30 p.m.).

The new location has the added advantage of allowing music aficionados and the opera-curious to bring their own blankets, picnic baskets and lawn chairs; to make a full evening of this festive affair, supported by SmartWater.

Attendees will have an outstanding view of the red carpet “fashion show” that kicks-off the event and a gigantic screen on the lawn will transport them inside the Margaret McDermott Performance Hall and down to the Shannon and Ted Skokos Stage for opening remarks, prior to the evening’s eagerly-anticipated performance.

The opera itself will be sung in the original language, Italian, with English language subtitles projected onto the screen.  Whether indoors or out, Center patrons won’t miss a moment of the melodrama!

This Plazacast also marks the company’s most recent collaboration with the Dallas Opera, which partnered with ATTPAC for last season’s opening night simulcast from the newly re-dedicated Annette Strauss Square.

“We have found that simulcasts are extraordinary magnets for families and individuals who have never before been to an opera,” explains Dallas Opera Chief Marketing Officer & Director of Community Outreach Jennifer Schuder.

“Although our tickets are priced to suit any budget, some people are reluctant to commit their hard-earned cash without knowing whether it’s the kind of experience they’re likely to enjoy.  Events like the Plazacast at the Center allow them to make that discovery-and its costs nothing more than a few hours of their time.

“But, even for those who already adore opera, it’s a terrific chance to relax on the lawn, with a glass in-hand, to enjoy the music and the performance in a wonderfully casual, communal setting.”

Paid parking-including handicapped parking- will be available beneath the Winspear Opera House (Lexus Red) and the Wyly Theatre across the street (Lexus Silver Parking).  Additional paid parking is available in-and-around the Arts District, in both garages and surface lots.

SmartWater will provide free water for Plazacast patrons at their clearly marked tent.  Other food and drink will be available on-site and within easy walking distance of the simulcast.  Restroom facilities will be located across Flora Street in well-lit areas.

For more information on upcoming events at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, please visit www.attpac.org.

The Dallas Arts District is one of the many popular reasons LGBT travelers choose to visit Dallas. It is a unique, 68-acre, 19-block neighborhood in the heart of downtown. A rare jewel, the District is a center of innovative architecture, world-class exhibits, exemplary cultural programming and much more.

More than 30 years in the making, the Dallas Arts District is home to many iconic visual and performing arts venues and organizations that attract and entertain millions of visitors each year. Home to exclusive art collections, museums and theaters, New York magazine notes Dallas as city for art lovers. Here, art and culture is plentiful as Dallas sports the largest, contiguous urban arts district in the nation.

The cornerstone venue of the district is the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA), which features a diverse collection of more than 23,000 works that span 5,000 years of history. The DMA has renowned strengths in the arts of ancient Americas, Africa, Indonesia, and South Asia; European and American painting, sculpture and decorative arts; and American and international contemporary art.

Across the street from the DMA is the Nasher Sculpture Center, the only urban museum and garden in the world dedicated to modern and contemporary sculpture. With 10,000 square feet of indoor galleries and a 1.5 acre outdoor garden, the Nasher Sculpture Center is truly a cultural retreat amidst the downtown skyline.

At the base of the uniquely designed Trammel Crow Center is a permanent set of galleries dedicated to the arts and cultures of China, India, Japan, and Southwest Asia. The Crow Collection of Asian Art is an exceptional collection of sculptures, paintings, artifacts, and more.

The stunning new AT& Performing Arts Center is home to several venues dedicated to the performing arts. Two of the mesmerizing venues include the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House and the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre. The Winspear Opera House is the hottest place to experience the finest in operas, concerts and musical theater. The Wyly Theatre is the only 12-story building of its kind in the world; stacked with the theater encased in a glass and aluminum facade. The versatile space literally transforms itself to fit the needs of classical, experimental and any other performances in between for up to 600 guests.

For a brief look on these and the many other venues and attractions in the Dallas Arts District, please check out this amazing video below from You+Media. For more information on the Dallas Arts District, visit their website at www.thedallasartsdistrict.org.

The Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau is celebrating National Tourism Week (May 7-15) with special event giveaways on Thursday, May 12 from 11 a.m. through 2 p.m. at the the Old Red Courthouse in downtown Dallas.

National Tourism Week was established by the U.S. Congress in 1983 to raise awareness of the importance travel and tourism has on our national and local economies.

Recognizing the importance of bringing visitors to Dallas, our local convention and visitors bureau exists to market Dallas as the ideal convention and visitor destination to the regional, national and international marketplace. Through their efforts, they favorably impact the Dallas economy through meetings and tourism.

“Dallas is an international travel destination, attracting more than28 million visitors annually ,” said Ross Crusemann, senior vice president of marketing at the Dallas CVB. “Our city is home to the largest contiguous urban arts district in the nation, five professional sports teams, as well as amazing dining and entertainment options. There’s always a something great to experience in Dallas.”

Visitors have quite the impact on our Dallas economy—and that of North Texas in general. When people visit, they spend money in our hotels, restaurants, malls, and entertainment venues.

Could you imagine what North Texas would be like if there were no tourism? Check out this fascinating video from You+Dallas that features statistics from the Dallas/Fort Worth Area Tourism Council. Oh, and don’t forget to stop by the Old Red Courthouse on May 12 to get some free goodies and to learn more about our great city.

Live large. Think big.

Lone Star Park is open for business with another season of horse races and exciting events. The park opened last weekend with more than 50,000 fans – the largest attendance on an opening weekend since 2004!

Located in Grand Prairie, just a hop and a skip down Interstate 30, west of downtown Dallas, Lone Star Park’s 52-day 2011 Spring Thoroughbred Season runs four days a week every Thursday through Saturday. The park features exciting horse races, entertainment on select days, great food and drinks, attractions for the kiddies, and much more.

Below are a few great events worth checking out. For complete information and a schedule of events, check out their website at www.lonestarpark.com. The horses are ready. Are you?

Dollar Days – Saturday, April 23 and June 18
Fans are invited to enjoy $1 admission, programs, hot dogs, popcorn, soft drinks and draft beer on Saturday, April 23, Lone Star Million Preview Day, and also on Saturday, June 18.

Easter Sunday – Sunday, April 24
In addition to racing, a Super-Sized Family Fun Park with carnival rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, face painters, air brush tattoo artists, arts & crafts, and more will be open from 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cajun Crawfish Boil – Saturday, April 30
Chef Jake’s Cajun Crawfish Boil in the Courtyard of Champions will be highlighted by live music from noon to 4 p.m. and you can enjoy a bucket of crawfish with new potatoes and corn for only $8.95.

Kentucky Derby Day– Saturday, May 7
Watch, wager and win on the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs in the festive setting of Lone Star Park’s Courtyard of Champions. All fans in attendance are encouraged to enter the Kentucky Derby Best Hat Contest for a chance to win one of two $500 prizes for most creative, and most stylish hat.

Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 8
The first 500 women (age 21 and over) through the Grandstand admission gates will have the opportunity to win a diamond valued at $2,500 in the Lone Star Park Mother’s Day Diamond Dig. The dig will take place on the main track following the final race of the day.

“Party at the Park” Tribute Band Series – Friday, May 13, 20, 27
On Friday’s in May, from May 13 to May 27, Lone Star Park will feature one of the area’s top tribute bands in the Courtyard of Champions from 7 – 10 p.m. Bands scheduled to play are: Hard Nights Day (May 13), Crawfish (May 20) and Kraig Parker (May 27).

Preakness Stakes Celebration in the Courtyard of Champions – Saturday, May 21
Catch all of the action of the 136th running of the Preakness Stakes from Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland while enjoying live music in the Courtyard of Champions.

Memorial Day – Chili Cookoff & Harley-Davidson Giveaway – Monday, May 30
Heat up the summer with the excitement of Texas’ richest day of Thoroughbred racing, Lone Star Million Day, by sampling all chili selections for only $2. Listen to live music in the Courtyard of Champions and enter for a chance to win a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle.

Belmont Stakes Celebration in the Courtyard of Champions – Saturday, June 11
Watch, wager and win on the third jewel of the Triple Crown, the 143rd running of the Belmont Stakes from Belmont Park in New York, in a fun atmosphere with live music in the Courtyard of Champions.

Father’s Day – Sunday, June 19
The first 200 men (age 21 and over) to enter through the Grandstand admission gates will have a chance to win a propane gas grill in Lone Star Park’s Father’s Day Fish-for-a-Grill Contest. All contestants that catch a specially marked fish in the Father’s Day fish tank, located in the Courtyard of Champions, will be entered into a random drawing for the grand prize. Each angler will have five minutes to fish.

Lone Stars & Stripes Fireworks Celebration – Sunday, July 3 and Monday, July 4
Two spectacular nights of fireworks will be held at Lone Star Park on Sunday, July 3 and Monday, July 4 following live racing, first race post time on both days is 5 p.m. On July 3, a lucky fan will win a brand new 2011 Chevy Silverado truck. On July 4, those in attendance can enter to win a trip for four (4) to Washington, DC. In addition, there will be plenty of entertainment for the entire family such as pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, live entertainment and much more.

Fan Appreciation Day – Saturday, July 9
Throughout the day on Saturday, July 9, Stars of Texas Day, Lone Star Park salutes its loyal fans with special giveaways including, gas cards, gift certificates, wagering vouchers and more. Following the races, Platinum selling Country Music icon Dwight Yoakam makes his debut performance at Lone Star Park.

Double Date Discount Night – Every Thursday from April 21 to June 30
Every Thursday night during Lone Star Park’s 2011 Spring Thoroughbred Season, from April 21 to June 30 will be Double Date Discount Night. For only $64 (a $127 value), two couples will receive four general admissions, four box seats, four Lone Star Today racing programs, and four Value Baskets that include a cheeseburger, fries and large Pepsi.

Senior Citizens’ Days / Military Discount Days – Every Sunday from April 17 to July 10
Every Sunday throughout Lone Star Park’s 2011 Spring Thoroughbred Season, will be Senior Citizens’ Day as well as Military Discount Day. All senior citizens, age 62 or older with valid I.D., or members of any branch of the military, with a valid military I.D., receive free general admission.

Pepsi Can Offer – Every Sunday from April 17 to July 10
Bring any Pepsi can to Lone Star Park on any Sunday during the 2011 Spring Thoroughbred Season and receive a Pepsi track pack, good for one (1) Free General Admission and one (1) Free Large Pepsi.

Jazz Brunch – Every Sunday from April 17 to July 10 (except July 3)
Every Sunday during Lone Star Park’s 2011 Spring Thoroughbred Season (except July 3 when there is a special 5 p.m. post time) a live Jazz Trio will perform in Silks dining room from noon – 3 p.m. For Reservations call (972) 263-RACE (7223).

Still wondering where to go to enjoy your Easter Sunday (April 24)? Grab your family and friends and head on over to Robert E. Lee Park for Easter in the Park and the Kroger Pooch Parade.

Organized this year by the fine folks at the Cedar Springs Merchant Association, Easter in the Park attracts thousands of attendees to celebrate the holiday with food, music and a healthy dose of fun.

Easter in the Park is a popular celebration that features beautiful scenery, priceless entertainment, a live classical music concert by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and fashionista pooches in the Pooch Parade. Attendees can bring their own picnic items or enjoy the variety of foods offered by vendors.  In addition, both local and national organizations will be present with booths and tents for spectators to visit.

The Dallas Symphony’s program offers 12 selections which will include a waltz and polka from Johann Strauss, Jr; Promenade from Shall We Dance by George Gershwin; Easter Parade by Irving Berlin and Tchaikovsky’s well-know “Waltz of the Flowers” from The Nutcracker.

“Easter in the Park is one of our beloved outdoor performance traditions,” said Cynthia Hinojose,
director of community engagement with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. “It’s important to the Symphony to bring classical music to members of the community in free public venues.”

The Easter celebration is popular in the local gay community, attracting large groups of friends dressed in colorfully coordinated outfits and elaborately decorated bonnets.  Many attendees even set up tents and decorate them with fabulous Easter décor, inviting other attendees to stop by and mingle.

Easter in the Park festivities include a Pooch Parade and Costume Contest. Last year more than 100 dogs participated in the Pooch Parade on Easter Sunday. Parade coordinator, The Petropolitan, is preparing for another year of pampered pups to be dressed up by, and sometimes with, their owners in their Easter finest.

Local comedian and entertainer Paul J. Williams will emcee the pooch parade. The Special Guest Grand Marshal will be announced later this week. The judges include Dallas City Council Members, Angela Hunt and Pauline Medrono.

The afternoon’s schedule of events is as follows:

• 11:00 a.m. - Pooch Parade Registration Opens ($10.00 per pet/cash)
• 12:00 p.m. - Food & Beverage Vendors Open
• 1:00 p.m. - Pooch Parade Begins with Special Guest Emcee Paul J. Williams
• 3:00 p.m. - Dallas Symphony Performs
• 5:00 p.m. - Food & Beverage Vendors Close
• 6:30 p.m. - Easter Bonnet Contests begin at select Cedar Springs Clubs

No matter if you’re visiting Dallas for the first time or have lived here for many years, the M-Line Trolley is something worth checking out… especially since it’s free!

The freezing weather has all but left us, and spring is a great time to peruse all that there is to see in do in the Uptown neighborhood of Dallas. Getting around is easy when you hop aboard the M-Line Trolley, the largest volunteer run system in the world.

Aboard these vintage streetcars, you can experience what mass transit was like in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Prior to the operation of the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority in 1989, Dallas last ran a streetcar service during the 50s.

From West Village in Uptown to the Arts District in downtown, the M-Line Trolley makes for a great day of experiencing many attractions in Dallas. The service is free of charge and operates 365 days a year. For more information on the M-Line, please visit www.mata.org.

The Big D continues to live up to its name this New Year’s Eve as Texas’ largest televised NYE bash continues for the fourth year in a row at Victory Park in downtown-Dallas’ own version of Times Square.

Big D NYE returns this year and organizers believe it will be the largest event to date. Last year, more than 25,000 spectators attended the outdoor event, and more than 450,000 viewers in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex watched the broadcast on WFFA. Adding to the viewership, Big D NYE was also aired in the Houston and New Orleans television markets.

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We’re currently just two months shy of one the largest events to be held in America—Super Bowl XLV. The eyes of the world will descend upon North Texas as the NFL debuts the most attended game in its history.

“Dallas is excited to have played a huge role in making Super Bowl XLV possible for North Texas,” said Ross Crusemann, vice president of marketing at the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The entire region has plenty of attractions to offer visitors, but Dallas in particular has it all, ranging from lodging to dining, shopping to art and culture.”

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The Dallas Arts District is one of the many popular reasons LGBT travelers choose to visit Dallas. It is a unique, 68-acre, 19-block neighborhood in the heart of Downtown. A rare jewel, the District is a center of innovative architecture, world-class exhibits, exemplary cultural programming and much more.

If you’ve been thinking about visiting Dallas, now is one of the ideal times to do so. October is a significant time for the Dallas Arts District; it is the anniversary of the opening of both the AT&T Performing Arts Center and the Nasher Sculpture Center, the start of the seasons for many of the performing arts organizations, and the opening of new museum exhibitions.

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