Category Archives: Music

July 4th Fun

The July 4th weekend has to be one of my favorites! Anytime to take off work, focus on time with loved ones, relaxation and being thankful for our freedom is what life is all about! Although, I didn’t go anywhere or do anything super extravagant this weekend, I still had the opportunity to bask in what Arlington and Fort Worth have to offer! Sometimes we just need to relax in the place that we call home (or in my case, my Texas home).

Thursday: Arlington Texas hosts “Light Up Arlington” at Leavitt Pavillion. There are a ton of activities for children, local vendors and food tents. The real kick is the live music on the pavilion followed by the firework show up above. Grab a chair, bring a cooler and some snacks and be ready to start your relaxing Independence Day weekend. Kicker: Just down the road, the Rangers ballpark also has fireworks! Whether you are watching from your car in the traffic that follows or you’re lucky enough to find a spot to watch both – you’re in for a treat!

Independence Day, Texas, Arlington, Light Up Arlington, Fireworks Independence Day, Texas, Arlington, Light up Arlington, USA

Friday: Whoohooo! Day off from work! The day started early (and hot) with attending the Arlington Independence Day Parade. Get ready – this is a long one! Bring sunscreen and a chair (and if you want to get a good spot, get there early). You will see everything at this parade. High schools, bands, politicians, local organizations, cultural groups, even Elvis’ on motorcycles!
Independence Day, Texas, Arlington, Arlington Idependence Day Parade, Parade, Independence Day, Texas, Arlington, Arlington Idependence Day Parade, Parade, Antique Car Independence Day, Texas, Arlington, Arlington Idependence Day Parade, Parade, Elvis Motorcycle

Friday evening consisted of fireworks in Fort Worth. Talk about a great show but be prepared for a huge crowd. Plan ahead, pick a good spot. This year there were two spots – The Botanical Gardens and Panther Island Pavilion. From where I was, I was able to see both (and forgot my phone). They spaced them about 5-10 minutes apart but were absolutely awesome. Advice – come early and please do not park on the side of the highways (those people are crazy). Find a safe spot!

Saturday: When thinking Fort Worth, I’m pretty sure Oyster Bar isn’t on top of your list but I checked out this little hot spot to start off my evening. As soon as I got out of my car, I could smell seafood – brought back memories of vacations in Maine as a kid. Shrimp salad sandwich – so big that I could barely take a decent bite. The Seafood Gumbo is also a thumbs up!
Independence Day, Texas, J&J Oyster Bar, Fort Worth, Sandwich, Shrimp Salad

As mentioned, we are in Fort Worth, am I right?! Fort Worth is the greatest place to experience live music so it’s only natural that it’s incorporated into the weekend! I swung over to Shipping and Receiving in Southside Fort Worth. With a slight breeze in the air and the sun completely set, the temperature was just about perfect for an outdoor show and Hayes Carll always delivers! The fact that we weren’t packed in like sardines was even better. I’ve come to really enjoy this venue. If you haven’t had the chance, swing on by!
Independence Day, Texas, Fort Worth, Shipping and Receiving, Hayes Carll, Texas Country Independence Day, Texas, Fort Worth, Shipping and Receiving, Hayes Carll, Texas CountryHow was everyone’s weekend? I’d love to hear about your travels, stay-cations, food, live music experiences!

Delicious Food and Weekend Adventures

The weekends just fly by too fast don’t they?! There’s never enough time and never enough room in my stomach. Which remind me… I need to start running again! This past weekend, I hung close to home but was still fascinated by new surroundings.

Reuben, Arlington, Texas, Sandwich

The Reuben – Fork In The Road, Arlington, TX.

First up, Fork In The Road, Arlington, Texas. Just a small restaurant with a few tables, be ready for a vintage, comic book/superhero and hard rock atmosphere. Have no idea what I’m referring to? Just take a visit and get back to me. Known for their “Crackeroni”, I fell in love with the Cranberry Chicken Salad Sandwich. So delish, I can’t talk about because it’s after closing and I’m going to want another!

Crackeroni, Mac and Cheese, Arlington, Texas, Food Chicken Salad, Sandwich, Arlington, Texas,

Next up was Cat City Grill on Magnolia Street in Fort Worth. If you haven’t noticed, Southside Fort Worth is one of my favorite areas. I could spend all day over there exploring. There’s so much to see and eat! Great houses, fantastic restaurants, art galleries, whiskey distillery, local breweries… and nice cars!

Vintage, Antique Automobiles, Convertible, Triumph

Back to Cat City Grill. The atmosphere in this local restaurant is phenomenal. The food is even better. I wish I had my actual camera as opposed to my cell phone. It just gives me an excuse to go back! On Saturday and Sunday’s they serve a brunch. At first I was a little upset because they didn’t have pancakes but have no fear, delicious food is found here!
Cat City Grill, Southside, Magnolia Street, Fort Worth, Food, BreakfastI was down for breakfast foods which hit the spot but the Shrimp and Grits… Oh my! Oh my, oh my! Jalapeno cheese grits with baby shrimp topped with two large shrimp. A little bit of spice to hit the flavor pallet but not too much to turn you away. This dish had a way of making you want more and more and more!
Food, Fort Worth, Magnolia Street, Southside, Grits, Shrimp&Grits

Sunday evening was capped off with a show to Mr. James Taylor. I’ll tell ya, sitting seven rows from the stage is something I can get use to! He put on a phenomenal show! Thank you Kim! (Again, sorry about the fuzzy iphone camera. Hard to take a photo when you’re body just moves to the beat!)
James Taylor, Verizon Theatre, Music LegendAnd to end it all off, pretty lady and a pretty car! That’s a Rolls-Royce! It’s not everyday you see one of these! Rolls Royce, Cars, Classy, WhiteMy weekend in a nutshell! I hope y’all had great adventures over the weekend! Now let’s start planning the next one!

TXRDR: Canada, Patton & Eady

Jason Eady, Reds Roadhouse, Mansfield, Texas, TXRDR, The Ranch, Radio, Texas Country, Courtney PattonSunday, April 13th – Reds Roadhouse in Kennedale, Texas held the Texas Red Dirt Roads radio show. The guests were Cody Canada, Courtney Patton and Jason Eady. As always, what a great time.

If you’re into the best music around, great company and a comfortable atmosphere, this is your kind of event. Each Sunday from 3-6pm, tune in or better yet just show up and spend the afternoon in one of the best ways one can.

Jason Eady, Reds Roadhouse, Mansfield, Texas, TXRDR, The Ranch, Radio, Texas CountryCourtney Patton started off the show. If you haven’t heard her, just go ahead and buy a few tunes off iTunes. No need to YouTube. Trust me. ‘Twisted’ is a favorite. Her voice sounds so familiar, that she’s speaking to you, comforting, forgiving, understanding.

Jason Eady, Reds Roadhouse, Mansfield, Texas, TXRDR, The Ranch, Radio, Texas CountryAnd then there’s Jason Eady. Do the same – just go ahead, purchase a few songs. Heck just get the album! ‘Cry Pretty’ – this one should sound familiar. An Air Force veteran, a proclaimed songwriter. Texas should be blessed to have this Mississippi fella!

Did I mention these two are married?!
Courtney Patton, Jason Eady, Reds Roadhouse, Mansfield, Texas, TXRDR, The Ranch, Radio, Texas CountryThen there’s the most popular out of the three (sorry there Courtney and Jason) – Cody Canada. Perhaps you recognize his name from Cross Canadian Ragweed or Cody Canada and the Departed. Lucky for the attendees (and the radio listeners) we were in for a treat at this show. Not only did we get to listen to Cody Canada solo, we also got his two best right hand men to help him on stage, his boys! They did such a great job (and there’s definitely no stage fright in sight).

Jason Eady, Reds Roadhouse, Mansfield, Texas, TXRDR, The Ranch, Radio, Texas CountryAs Justin Frazell would say “See ya down the road!”

Jason Eady, Reds Roadhouse, Mansfield, Texas, TXRDR, The Ranch, Radio, Texas CountryWho is your favorite Texas Country artist(s)?