News
May 22, 2017
Summer sizzles in Downtown Arlington
Some like it hot, and Downtown Arlington is on fire this summer thanks to certain leading ladies and an ensemble of musicians, artists, athletes and performances throughout our Cultural District.
Arlington Museum of Art
Headlining at the Arlington Museum of Art are none other than Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich, Farrah Fawcett and Shirley McLaine as photographed by the inimitable Milton Greene.
Greene worked as a commercial photographer in the mid-twentieth century and became beloved for his celebrity photos, most notably of Marilyn Monroe. They met in a shoot for Look Magazine in 1953 and became friends. He helped her create her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions, and together they produced Bus Stop and The Prince and the Showgirl.
“The Arlington Museum of Art is the first to have this exhibit,” said Chris Hightower, executive director of the Arlington Museum of Art, “which truly captures the heart of Hollywood, fashion and pop culture in the mid-twentieth century. We’re really excited to bring Milton Greene’s work to Texas!”
Milton H. Greene: Women will be on exhibition at the AMA through August 6.
Arlington Music Hall
Like Marilyn, a select few celestial beings are recognizable on a first name-only basis, and another of those superstars is coming to Downtown Arlington. Wynonna & The Big Noise will shake the rafters at Arlington Music Hall on June 2.
Wynonna’s live shows are well known not only for the energy of her talented band, but also for the undeniable connection that she has with her audience. The show is part nostalgia, part comedy, and all rich, soulful music featuring the performer’s incomparable vocals.
“My roots are firmly planted in country music,” says Wynonna, “but I was given wings, and I’m grateful that my fans have allowed me the freedom to sing the music that I love.”
The Wynonna & The Big Noise show marks the beginning of a talent-packed summer season at the Arlington Music Hall. Check out the full schedule on the Arlington Music Hall website, and don’t forget to purchase your season tickets for Symphony Arlington’s 2017-18 season, Vienna, City of Music!
College Park Center
Now in their second season, the ladies of the WNBA’s Dallas Wings are heating up their home court, the College Park Center at UTA. This young franchise boasts an incredible roster of talent including All-Star guard Skylar Diggins-Smith, 2016 WNBA All-Rookie Team member Aerial Powers, along with Glory Johnson, Karima Christmas-Kelly, Courtney Paris and Theresa Plaisance. This group is joined by training camp invitee Kayla Thornton, 2017 draft class top pick Evelyn Akhator, Allisha Gray and Kaela Davis, Breanna Lewis and Saniya Chong. Keep your eyes on Gray, who recorded 15 points in the Wing’s first home game, the second highest for the night and a season high.
The Wings are on the road for a two-game series before returning to Arlington to face the Indiana Fever on May 30. Regular season play runs through September 3.
In addition to WNBA action this summer, College Park Center hosts fifteen local high school graduation ceremonies. For all events at UT Arlington, visit the on-line events calendar.
Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts
Lest we forget, free music and movies under the stars happen in only a few cities across the country. Since 2008, we think nobody’s done it better than the Levitt Pavilion-Arlington.
“Music under the stars brings the whole community together in a family friendly environment.” said Jim Palmer, chairman of the board for the Friends of the Levitt Pavilion-Arlington. “What a great gift for Arlington and all of us!”
The summer concert season has already begun, and Patti Diou, Executive Director of the Friends of the Levitt Pavilion-Arlington, is looking forward to all of them. “I think audiences will be excited to see the Drifters, Junior Brown and Los TexManiacs with Flaco Jimenez. Flaco is a Grammy-winning legend.”
In addition to the annual Downtown Center Stage Music Festival and fall fundraising show (this year, Kansas headlines; Starship opens), the Levitt is offering a summer ticketed concert, coming up on June 23, featuring Robert Earl Keen with Corry Morrow. While VIP tickets are sold out, general admission tickets are still available.
What goes together like rama lama lama ka dinga da dinga dong? You, your family and the Levitt’s free movie series. This summer’s line-up includes Moana, Pets, Sing, Finding Dory and (what else?) Sing-Along Grease.
Theatre Arlington
Like, oh my gosh! Your favorite sorority girl turned Harvard Law success story Elle Woods paints the stage pink this summer in Theatre Arlington’s production of Legally Blonde: The Musical. This upbeat retelling of the hilarious 2001 movie remains true to its girl power theme and fashionista personality. The production runs through June 4.
Later this summer, you won’t want to miss Einstein: A Stage Portrait and the youth production of Pinocchio Commedia.
Honestly, we thought this season at Theatre Arlington would be impossible to beat, but check out the line-up for their 45th season! One hint: it’ll have you seeing Red.
Summer Camps in Downtown
Looking for information about summer camps and conferences? We’ve got you covered.
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About Downtown Arlington
An official State of Texas Cultural District, Downtown Arlington, Texas blends a unique mix of activities, sights, tastes and sounds that attract visitors and locals alike. Within its less than a two-mile radius, Downtown is home to a top tier public research university, prolific fine and performing artists and arts institutions, live entertainment, exciting NCAA and professional athletics, one-of-a-kind dining and retail, and a supportive business climate. Downtown Arlington brings together a plethora of cultures and inspirations with a character all its own.