Waco entertainment and arts coverage on AccessWaco.com

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A laptop, keyboards and headphones are Waco electronic DJ/composer Luis Gonzalez’s basic tools used to get a club dancing.
A laptop, keyboards and headphones are Waco electronic DJ/composer Luis Gonzalez’s basic tools used to get a club dancing.

Waco DJ lands show at popular Dallas club Lizard Lounge

A Wacoan who has been crafting his own electronic music since he was 13 will have his biggest moment this weekend at Lizard Lounge in Dallas.

Radio programmer Edward Graham — known to listeners by his on-air name Grammann — heads Waco’s first FM station with a format of hip-hop and contemporary rhythm and blues.
Radio programmer Edward Graham — known to listeners by his on-air name Grammann — heads Waco’s first FM station with a format of hip-hop and contemporary rhythm and blues.

New Waco hip-hop station does well in ratings

Waco radio stations found plenty of good news in the spring ratings book by Arbitron as more stations showed higher ratings and Waco's new hip-hop radio format made an auspicious splash.

Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith, a singer, harmonica player and former longtime drummer for blues legend Muddy Waters, comes to the Bellmead Civic Theater tonight to play the blues.
Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith, a singer, harmonica player and former longtime drummer for blues legend Muddy Waters, comes to the Bellmead Civic Theater tonight to play the blues.

No-frills bluesman Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith brings the beat to Bellmead

Forgive Willie “Big Eyes” Smith for sticking to the basics of blues: It’s served him well for more than 50 years.


Museum spotlight: Historic Waco Foundation

This weekly feature focuses on a museum, gallery or other attraction based in the Greater Waco area.

Director of photography Josh Pickering prepares to film actors Al Garrett (left) and Andrew Cheney at the former jail behind the McLennan County Courthouse.
Director of photography Josh Pickering prepares to film actors Al Garrett (left) and Andrew Cheney at the former jail behind the McLennan County Courthouse.

Film crews keep bringing Waco to big screen

A film crew for "Seasons of Gray," a religion-oriented film, is shooting in vacant jail facilities in downtown Waco.

Richard Thomas honed his saxophone chops in Waco before becoming an influential jazz musician and teacher.
Richard Thomas honed his saxophone chops in Waco before becoming an influential jazz musician and teacher.

Friends, peers, students mourn loss of local jazz great Richard Thomas, dead at 62

Those who knew Richard Thomas said his legacy included a love for encouraging young musicians, a willingness to help the community and a cheery, positive disposition.

KWBT Program Director Edward Graham sits in the studio of Waco’s first hip-hop/urban format station, which debuted this spring.
KWBT Program Director Edward Graham sits in the studio of Waco’s first hip-hop/urban format station, which debuted this spring.

Waco radio dial gets new mix with 1 new station, 3 different formats

Waco radio listeners have some new sounds and programming flavors to sample this summer, including Waco's first hip-hop/urban format.

Kevin Fowler will play Oct. 15.
Kevin Fowler will play Oct. 15.

HOT Fair and Rodeo music lineup set

Several young country acts have been added to Waco concert stalwarts like Kevin Fowler, Aaron Watson and the Eli Young Band.

An eagle spreads its wings near its nest north of Lacy Point at Reynolds Creek Park. A nest the eagles were using earlier in the year was blown away this spring.
An eagle spreads its wings near its nest north of Lacy Point at Reynolds Creek Park. A nest the eagles were using earlier in the year was blown away this spring.

Photographs of Lake Waco eagles to be featured at Art Center later this month

You don't need insect repellent, hiking boots and binoculars to see Lake Waco's eagles up close. In fact, the best view is a couple of miles away at the air-conditioned Art Center Waco.

The exhibit's diverse interpretations are expressed in various media: painting, drawing, video, textiles, photography, mixed media installations and more.
The exhibit's diverse interpretations are expressed in various media: painting, drawing, video, textiles, photography, mixed media installations and more.

Artists grapple with identity in new downtown Waco exhibit

“I was impressed mostly with the diversity of styles and artistic expressions," said one judge of the Croft Art Gallery's "SELF" show.

Songwriters Jeremy Venable (left) and Chris Wommack recently were honored in Nashville for their song “That’s My Cross,” the winner of the 2009 Music City Songwriting Contest.
Songwriters Jeremy Venable (left) and Chris Wommack recently were honored in Nashville for their song “That’s My Cross,” the winner of the 2009 Music City Songwriting Contest.

Waco songwriters win national honor in Nashville contest

Lyrics scribbled on a Burger King paper napkin opened the door to a win in a national songwriting competition for two Waco songwriters.


Hidden artworks: The story of 4 outdoor murals around Waco

A picture that’s worth a thousand words may only add up to a few hundred words while driving through town.

A dragon guards treasure and its young, all built from Legos, in the Mayborn Museum’s “Castle Adventure.”
A dragon guards treasure and its young, all built from Legos, in the Mayborn Museum’s “Castle Adventure.”

Lego exhibit gives a history lesson at Mayborn Museum

Legos inspire a look at the past in a new Mayborn Museum exhibit opening Saturday.

 

Movies

 

Waco movie notes: Last call

 

 

Arts column

David A. Smith: Europe should envy our arts system

David A. Smith

Europeans are up in arms. Well, only figuratively of course. From England to Italy, they’re irate because of impending cuts to government arts budgets. The fiscal crunch is forcing governments to make tough choices about what they can afford, and the decisions aren’t welcome to ...

Nibbles: Waco restaurants

Nibbles: Portofino Authentic Italian Restaurant

Waco restaurants: Nibbles

Get all the facts about a Waco-area restaurant in Access Waco's periodic "Nibbles" feature.

Waco Today: Food stories

Here's the beef: The story behind Tony DeMaria's Bar-B-Que

The sausage and brisket combo plate with potato salad and pinto beans is a favorite at Tony DeMaria’s Bar-B-Que on Elm Street.

A staple of Elm Street since 1946, Tony DeMaria's continues to serve up some of Waco's favorite barbecue.

The story of Kim's: Old-school restaurant still dishing delights

Kim's restaurant on Waco Drive

Go "beyond the kitchen" in the first installment of our new series about restaurants in Waco.

 

AccessWaco photos: Local events



Summer Jam 2010 hip-hop/rap concert at the Heart O' Texas Coliseum: July 16, 2010

Summer Jam hip-hop/rap concert (Part 1): June 16, 2010

Waco hosted a hot hip-hop show at the Heart O' Texas Coliseum.

 
Summer Jam 2010 hip-hop/rap concert at the Heart O' Texas Coliseum: July 16, 2010

Summer Jam hip-hop/rap concert (Part 2): June 16, 2010

More photos from the big Waco concert.

 
Opening reception for "Eagles on Lake Waco: A Photographic Journey" at Art Center Waco: July 16, 2010

'Eagles on Lake Waco' opening reception: July 16, 2010

Art Center Waco's high-flying new exhibit.

 
Zoobilee at Cameron Park Zoo: June 25, 2010

Zoobilee at Cameron Park Zoo (Part 1 of 2): June 25, 2010

Fundraising festivities at the zoo.

 
Zoobilee at Cameron Park Zoo: June 25, 2010

Zoobilee at Cameron Park Zoo (Part 2 of 2): June 25, 2010

Smiling faces from the annual fun zoo event.

 
KidZoobilee at Cameron Park Zoo: June 26, 2010

KidZoobilee at Cameron Park Zoo (Part 1 of 3): June 26, 2010

Kids had a roaring good time at this year's KidZoobilee.

 
KidZoobilee at Cameron Park Zoo: June 26, 2010

KidZoobilee at Cameron Park Zoo (Part 2 of 3): June 26, 2010

Youngsters had some wet-and-wild fun at the event.

 
KidZoobilee at Cameron Park Zoo: June 26, 2010

KidZoobilee at Cameron Park Zoo (Part 3 of 3): June 26, 2010

More fun photos of kids at the Cameron Park Zoo.

 
KWBU 10th anniversary celebration at the Hughes-Dillard Alumni Center: June 14, 2010

KWBU 10th anniversary celebration: June 14, 2010

Local public radio fans welcome guest Carl Kasell of NPR.

 
Midsummer Nights at the Carleen Bright Arboretum: June 2, 2010

Midsummer Nights at the Carleen Bright Arboretum: June 2, 2010

The Morticians kick off the outdoor summer concert series.

 
Rockin' Heart fundraiser at the Heart O' Texas Coliseum: May 29, 2010

Rockin' Heart fundraiser: May 29, 2010

The annual event helped raise money for the American Heart Association.

 
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at the Heart O’ Texas Coliseum in Waco: May 13-16, 2010

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Waco: May 13-16, 2010

Lots of family fun at the Heart O' Texas Coliseum.

 
Brazos Nights concert, featuring Los TexManiacs, at Indian Spring Park: May 7, 2010

Brazos Nights at Indian Spring Park: May 7, 2010

Concert features Grammy-winning Tejano band Los TexManiacs.

 
Baylor University President's Concert at Fountain Mall: April 24, 2010

Baylor University President's Concert: April 24, 2010

The annual goes outdoors for the first time, with Baylor musicians at Fountain Mall.

 
"Three Redneck Tenors: Broadway Bound" at the Waco Hippodrome: April 24, 2010

Three Redneck Tenors at the Waco Hippodrome: April 24, 2010

The downtown Waco theater closed out its season with "Three Redneck Tenors: Broadway Bound."

 
Opening reception for "Waco's Own" exhibit at Art Center Waco: April 23, 2010

Opening reception for "Waco's Own" art exhibit

Works by local painters Linda Easter and Lillian Lemke-Jacoway at Art Center Waco.

 
Brazos Nights concert at Indian Spring Park: April 2, 2010

Brazos Nights at Indian Spring Park: April 2, 2010

Waco folks enjoyed a nighttime concert at Indian Spring Park.

 
MCC Foundation’s “Oh, What a Night!” Hearts in the Arts Gala dinner at the home of Dave and Valerie Fallas: March 27, 2010

Hearts in the Arts Gala: March 27, 2010

MCC Foundation celebrates the arts with "Oh, What a Night!" dinner

 
Heart of Dance Spectacular at Midway Performing Arts Center: March 20, 2010

Heart of Dance Spectacular: March 20, 2010

Teams from six local high schools perform at the Midway PAC.

 
"Belles, Brass and Beyond" by the Waco Symphony Orchestra, at Waco Hall: March 20, 2010

Waco Symphony Orchestra's “Belles, Brass and Beyond”: March 20, 2010

Symphony Belles and Brass were presented at the concert.

 
"100 Years of Broadway" at the Waco Hippodrome: March 19, 2010

'100 Years of Broadway' at the Waco Hippodrome: March 19, 2010

The show went on as Waco came out to hear Broadway classics.

 
FIERCE art show benefiting Cameron Park Zoo at the Croft Gallery: March 4, 2010

FIERCE art show at the Croft Gallery: March 4, 2010

Waco enjoys a "wild" benefit for the Cameron Park Zoo.

 
"Spats and Spangles" fundraiser for the Waco Cultural Arts Fest, at Nelson’s: Feb. 27, 2010

'Spats and Spangles' fundraiser for the Waco Cultural Arts Fest

Lovers of the arts had a fun time at Nelson’s.

 
Funny Bones, benefiting the Arthritis Foundation, at the Phoenix Ballroom: Feb. 13, 2010

Funny Bones comedy benefit: Feb. 13, 2010

Lots of laughs at the Phoenix Ballroom as Waco raises funds for the Arthritis Foundation.

 
"Sesame Street Live" at the Heart O' Texas Coliseum: Feb. 13, 2010

'Sesame Street Live' at the HOT Coliseum: Feb. 13, 2010

Waco kids and families came out to hang out with Big Bird and friends.

 
Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! at the Midway ISD Performing Arts Center: Jan. 30, 2010

Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! at the Midway performing arts center: Jan. 29-30, 2010

Midway kids showed off their talents at the annual show.

 
Zack & Jim's 17th Anniversary Blowout at the Heart O' Texas Coliseum: Jan. 23, 2010

Zack & Jim's 17th Anniversary Blowout: Jan. 23, 2010

It was more than a little bit country at Zack & Jim's annual party.

 
"A Year with Frog and Toad" at the Waco Hippodrome: Jan. 22, 2010

"A Year with Frog and Toad" at the Waco Hippodrome: Jan. 22, 2010

The whole family enjoyed the popular children's musical in downtown Waco.

 
Celtic Crossroads at the Waco Hippodrome Theatre: Jan. 20, 2010

Celtic Crossroads at the Waco Hippodrome Theatre

Waco enjoyed foot-stompin' music and dance at the downtown show.

 
Waco Symphony Orchestra concert at Waco Hall: Jan. 14, 2010

Waco Symphony Orchestra concert: Jan. 14, 2010

We snapped lots of smiling faces at the Waco Symphony concert at Waco Hall.

 
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Barkin' Ball: Dec. 31, 2009

Fun at the New Year's Eve fundraiser benefiting Fuzzy Friends Rescue.

 
 
 

Want to get listed? Here's how

 

To have an entertainment event listed in our print editon or on AccessWaco.com, submit it using our online form, via e-mail, fax or write us. Our deadline for the weekly print edition is noon the Friday before publication (every Thursday). Listed events should be open to the public and feature live music or entertainment. Include address, event time, admission and a contact person.

Online: Submit an event here

E-mail: accesswaco@wacotrib.com

Fax: (254) 757-0302

Mail:
Waco Tribune-Herald
P.O. Box 2588
Waco, TX 76702-2588

 

Best bets: Events coming up

Waco events in the spotlight

 

Tejano legend Ruben Ramos and his Mexican Revolution band headline a Friday, July 30 concert featuring Alfonso Ramos and the Tejano Dawgz with Chris Rivera at Waco Missions Club, 3316 J.J. Flewellen Road. $12; doors open at 7 p.m.

 

Country singer Sammy Kershaw returns to Waco for a 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 31 show at Whiskey River, 7524 Bosque Blvd. Waco’s Towne Adams will open for Kershaw. $15 at the door.

 

T. Graham Brown, known for such ’80s country hits as “Hell or High Water” and “Darlene,” appears with George Dickerson and Flat Rock Junction at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 31 at Hog Creek Icehouse, 170 Branson Trail, Speegleville; $15.

 

Acoustic rockers The Mussentuchits heat it up at Beatnix Burger Barn, 1700 Colcord Ave., at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 31.

 

The Gordon Collier Band brings the music outside in downtown Waco with a 9 p.m. Saturday, July 31 show at Austin’s on the Avenue, 719 Austin Ave.; free.

 

Artistic explorations of self and identity continue their exhibition in the show “SELF,” which heads into its final week at Croft Art Gallery, 712 Austin Ave. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon-7 p.m. Saturdays.
> Read about the exhibit

 

Entertainment calendar

»  Waco music, local bands

»  Waco concerts

»  Waco theater

»  Waco art, literary events

»  Misc. Waco events

»  Out of town events

 

 

Blog

Waco arts and entertainment from Carl HooverSound & Sight

Entertainment editor Carl Hoover riffs on movies, theater, media and, well, anything that merits mention in Waco's buzzing arts scene

 

Blog

Waco music notes from Sandi HortonMusic Notes

Waco musician Sandi Horton blogs about fellow local musicians and where they're playing.

 

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