The legend of Amon Carter lives on through ‘Ultimate Texan’ play in Fort Worth area
The legend of Amon Carter Sr. continues to live in Fort Worth, West Texas and beyond.
Now you can experience his unique character in person as the award-winning play “Amon! The Ultimate Texan,” at the Artisan Center Theater in Hurst.
“Amon!”, written by Dallas Morning News watchdog columnist Dave Lieber, recounts the life and legacy of a media tycoon and shrewd businessman who ran Fort Worth, shunned Dallas and rubbed elbows with presidents.
Carter was the longtime publisher of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, which in its heyday circulated into far West Texas. He created WBAP radio and the state’s first TV station, now Channel 5.
Of course, Carter’s name graces many institutions around Fort Worth including a famed art museum and the TCU football stadium.
Actor Kelvin Dilks helps bring Carter’s larger-than-life persona back to life in a one-man portrayal. Dilks was a drama teacher for Birdville ISD who now serves as a board trustee for the school district.
The play, which is produced by Rick Blair and directed by Connie Sanchez, continues each Saturday for three more weeks. Performances are scheduled for 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 10 and Sept. 17, and 3 p.m. on Sept. 24.
For tickets and more information, go to amonplay.com or artisanct.com. The Artisan Theater Center is located at 444 East Pipeline Road, Hurst, 76053.
‘Party on the Porch’ at Amon Carter
You can also celebrate Amon Carter’s enduring influence at the museum bearing his name during its annual music and arts festival, “Party on the Porch,” Saturday, Sept. 10 from 6-10 p.m.
The Amon Carter Museum of American Art is holding its final weekend of the exhibit “Sargent, Whistler, and Venetian Glass: American Artists and the Magic of Murano” in concert with the event.
Explore the galleries, express your creativity with art-making activities and then enjoy a free outdoor concert featuring Grammy Award-nominated country artist Brent Cobb.
Also, it’s the last chance to check out “Sargent, Whistler, and Venetian Glass” plus the “Black Every Day” exhibit, which highlights over a century of photographic images of Black Americans from the museum’s collection. Both exhibits run through Sunday, Sept. 11.
Food and beverages (including beer, not wine) will be available for purchase on site from local food trucks and bars. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for a relaxing, fun-filled evening.
“Party on the Porch is free to all ages, but tickets are required for entry. Go to cartermuseum.org/events/party-porch-2022 for tickets and more information.
‘¡Celebramos!’ at Fort Worth Botanic Garden
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden | Botanical Research Institute of Texas kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with “¡Celebramos!”, its first After Hours in the Garden event for the fall, on Friday, Sept. 9 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
¡Celebramos! features local paper mache artist Miguel Martin, who is originally from Mérida, the capital of Yucatán in Mexico. Martin, co-owner of Collección Mexicana in Sundance Square, creates La Cantrina sculptures that represent Mexican heritage, culture and Día de Muertos.
Several pieces of Martin’s collection, which each take four or five months to complete, will be showcased at the Botanic Garden. His work has been on display at the State Fair of Texas, the Pavilion at Sundance Square and many other art galleries around Dallas-Fort Worth.
Also, enjoy a live performance by Trio Romance, a vocalist-romantic ensemble that will perform “Trova Yucateca” and songs from the late Mexican maestro Armando Manzanero.
¡Celebramos! will be held in the Leonard Courtyard and The Fuller Garden, just behind the Garden Center. Attendees must be at least age 21.
Cost is $18 for members and $25 for non-members. Tickets include one wine, beer or non-alcoholic beverage and light bites. Drinks are available for purchase. Blankets are allowed, but coolers or outside food or beverage are prohibited.
Go to fwbg.org/events/after-hours-sept/ for tickets and more information.