We’ve parsed through the lineups and cut through the noise to bring you a monthly roundup of the best live shows in Fort Worth. And, specifically for the holidays, a taste of where you can buy artist-inspired goods. 

Local singer-songwriter Abraham Alexander maintains a bustling schedule. Over the past year, he’s released songs under United Kingdom-based Abbey Road Studios and performed in New York City, Chicago, West Hollywood and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Near Southside-based Morgan Mercantile sells an $8 enamel pin as a tribute to Alexander’s recent release, Lover’s Game. Alexander recommended that I listen to his single while driving. Fittingly, the pin is a miniature red lowrider. Summer Dean and Jake Paleschic are a few of the other musicians featured before. 

 

On the hunt for merch? Leon Bridges has his own apparel line, Quaker City Night Hawks have several t-shirts available through Morgan Mercantile and local country music superstar Pat Green has some nifty hats and beer koozies for sale (although he’d really like you to buy his fine art).


DECEMBER 1-23

Jack Frost

Who could say no to a musical cast that boasts Jack Frost, Old Man Winter and Santa Claus himself? Casa Manana’s Jack Frost opens with a carefree Jack who is living it up, spawning giant ice sculptures and playing with friends in the Frozen Kingdom. Jack’s evil uncle turns the revelry upside down when he banishes Jack from the kingdom. Can a band of misfits help Jack restore order to the kingdom before the uncle usher in a new ice age? Adventure awaits as Santa Claus narrates the holiday spectacular. Learn more. 

 


DECEMBER 8

Christmas with the Fort Worth Chorale

The Fort Worth Chorale teams up with the Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy Varsity Mixed Choir for an afternoon concert of familiar carols that have been newly arranged. Works and arrangements by Donald Fraser and Stephen Paulus round out the event of pristine singing and thoughtful arrangements of sacred works. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $5 for students. Event runs from 3-4:30 p.m. 

 

 

Free Holiday Concert Featuring Avery Gagliano

The Plaza at the Shops of Clearfork will be center stage for a free, 30-minute concert by pianist Avery Gagliano from 1-2 p.m. The virtuoso made her Carnegie Hall debut at age 9. Her accolades include first prize at the Aspen Music Concerto, MostArts Festival Piano and Chopin International Piano (Hartford) Competitions. The concert is made possible by the Van Cliburn Foundation. 

 

DECEMBER 15

Live Music at Fred’s Texas Cafe

Don’t let the low-key environs fool ya. Fred’s Texas Cafe hosts some of the best local and regional talent every weekend. Start your Sunday Funday at noon with Paul Renna. His music is tinged with a little blues, a bit of Americana and a strong dose of outlaw country. Jesse Spradlin (known for her modern blend of country, blues and roots music) performs from 6-9 p.m. 

 

 

DECEMBER 20

A Very Rockin’ ChristMASS

A night out on the town doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Main at South Side pours cheap drinks, and the music acts are always on point. Get into the holiday spirit with four great acts (The Herald, Good Latimer, BruceMagnus and Josh and the Jet Noise). The show starts at 7 p.m. 

 

 

DECEMBER 31

A Gershwin Celebration

End the year on a high note with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra’s celebration of the great American composer George Gershwin. The uplifting and triumphant strains of Rhapsody in Blue, An American in Paris and other Gershwin classics will be brought to life under the baton on FWSO music director Miguel Harth-Bedoya.

 

Tejano/Country & Western quartet Squeeze Box Bandits perform at The Post in River East for their New Year’s Eve party. Tickets are on sale now. The event promises live music, champagne toast and free breakfast tacos from midnight to 2 a.m.