Due to inclement weather, tonight's performance at Kidd Springs Park has been canceled and will not be rescheduled. Feeling blue about it? Let Milli Vanilli ease your strife.
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Sometimes we all need a kick in the pants to remember how good we have it. The DSO administers us a loving one tonight and tomorrow during its 2012 Community Concerts Series. The program darts around town: It began last Wednesday at Paul Quinn College then rolled over to the popular Flag Pole Hill show on Memorial Day, and tonight you can catch it in the charming plot of East Dallas green space, Exall Park followed by a final performance on Wednesday (May 29) when the show pops up at Kidd Springs Park in Oak Cliff. Conducted by Rei Hotoda, the 10-selection set includes music by Rossini, Glinka, Johann Strauss Jr. and many more. (The same show is played at all four performances, although opening acts will vary based on location.)
Tuesday night's Exall performance has earlier acts, beginning between 4:30 and 5 p.m. with Jonny Zielinski, followed by a jazz duet and then the main Dallas Symphony Production from 8 to 9 p.m. I popped by this morning and grills were being positioned around sponsor tents by one of the evening's organizing groups, Friends of Exall Park. The Friends promised big fun: bounce houses, a petting zoo, a magician, raffle prizes and also beer, wine and grilled food for sale -- the proceeds of which go back into the community's park. (Don't worry, I checked and there was A LOT of wine.) Should you be light on loot, just bring your own picnic. Blankets, chairs, cuddling and pets are welcome at this free performance.
On Wednesday Oak Cliff administers its own fest from 6 p.m. until the orchestra takes the stage at 8 p.m. with proceeds kicking back to that area's parks. While there isn't much word on the event's specifics, there will be children's activities and a "ladybug sprinkle."
Free symphony orchestra performances, great moments in parks and wine at sunset? Take advantage of these communal gifts and support your local grassy oasis.
