April in McKinney (2013)

There’s no doubt about the fact that Spring is in full swing in McKinney, despite what Mother Nature was telling us with those mid-March colder-than-usual temps.

We’ve had several visitors in our offices the past week from northern regions of the country – Michigan, Wisconsin, and New York – and all of them, without fail, have asked if this weather is normal. They  no doubt came here hoping to escape the cold, which most did as their home states were all suffering from inch upon inch of snow.

So now that we prepare to turn the calendar to a new month, we wanted to share some of the things to be looking for in April. We’ll be updating this blog entry as we learn more, and to add links as we find them, so we invite you to come back and check this particular blog entry throughout the month.

Something New & Different:
High Noon on the Courthouse Lawn – Fridays in April and May
Grab a lunch and head to the downtown square to sit on the lawn or at bistro tables around the McKinney Performing Arts Center (a.k.a. the historic courthouse). Most of the downtown restaurants will offer lunches to go, too! Entertainment will include various musicians, fitness fun (hula hoop contest, table tennis,  and cycling) and even mechanical bull riding. Fridays in April and May, noon-1 p.m.

Chicken Coop & Victory Garden Tour – April 20
We can’t wait for this first-time event because it features backyard chicken coops and gardens within the historic district – talk about fun and different! The tour is free, starting at D&L AgMart at 201 W. University. (You even get free breakfast when you stop in between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.) Other goodies along the way, too. Check it out at the McKinney Historical Neighborhood Association website.

Shopping & Eating
Ladies Night Out at the Heard-Craig Center- April 18
Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres, desserts, memorable music and appreciate the good fortune of being able to shop at some of the most unique and elegant retailers in the area…all in one location! Call 972-569-6909 to make reservations.

Cupcake Bliss Class – April 2
Learn about baking special cupcakes during a class at Market Street with food blogger and radio personality Lorie Fangio.

Heard Spring Native Plant Sale – April 5-7
Select from a wide assortment of landscape plants that are native to Texas- beautiful and drought-resistant to add color and depth to your garden.

Third Monday Trade Days – April 12-14
Old Red Lumberyard & the Flour Mill District Shopping Days – April 12-13

The Arts!
49th Annual Collin County Adult Art Show and Student Art Show - April 5-7
Hosted by the Art Club of McKinney at Heard-Craig Center for the Arts.

Heard-Craig Garden Concert Series – April 11 & April 25
The annual garden concert series features the E-Flat Porch Band on April 11 and the McKinney Community Band on April 25. Concerts are free and start at 7 p.m. in Katie’s Garden at the Heard-Craig House.

Fibers, Brushes and More – April 12
Participants will create four projects at four downtown studios/businesses – Diggin’ It, Happiness Is…Quilting, Wild Brush Studios and Walls of Clay.

Arts in Bloom – April 13
This all-day event is a perfect opportunity to experience the magic of McKinney’s historic shopping district during the spring season with art, music, food and much more. Also going on as part of the event: Art in the Making, Second Saturday on the Square, and Chalk Walk, among other happenings around the square that day.

Fun with Wellness & The Great Outdoors
Spring Family Fun Day (Part of the Mayor’s Health Partnership) – April 6
Family fun at Cooper Fitness in Craig Ranch featuring fit kid demonstrations, sand pit relays, healthy snack creation and more. Open to the public; $5 non-members, free for members. 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Heard Museum’s Celebrate Nature event – April 6
Explore the various habitats on the 289-acre Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary as well as enjoying family activities, live music and animal presentations in the outdoor amphitheater. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Color Me Cooper 5K/10K – April 20
Start the off-road foot race dressed in white and cross the finish line covered in colors!

We’re in the process of getting these events loaded on our website and on our app, too, so you’ll soon be able to find them there, too.

Gemütlichkeit, Ya’ll!: September in McKinney

Goofy hats, beer and great food are highlights of McKinney’s Oktoberfest.

Fall is on its way, despite record temperatures. As the mercury begins to drop this coming weekend, however, McKinney will start to feel more fall-like, just in time for fall festivals.

In September, guests and residents in McKinney will enjoy two signature events – one new event and one popular returning event.

Guests can take stagecoach rides during Spirit of the Cowboy Festival.

The inaugural year of the Spirit of the Cowboy Festival (Sept. 21-22) brings the Wild West to McKinney’s Chestnut Square and historic downtown along with old-time TV and movie Western actors. Enjoy gunfights, stagecoach rides, stickhorse rodeo for the kids, chuckwagon cooking, and much more during a two-day festival celebrating the early period of McKinney’s development.

German dancers and music bring a festive atmosphere to McKinney’s Oktoberfest

Downtown McKinney offers non-stop activities on Friday and Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 28-29, as the city celebrates the popular Oktoberfest tradition which began in Munich, Germany, 200 years ago. Guests will enjoy authentic German beer from local brewery Franconia Brewing, wine and a wide range of German cuisine, just as you’d find in Munich. Kids’ activities include face painting, a petting zoo, and arts and crafts of all types. And don’t forget to don the lederhosen and put on your polka shoes to dance the night away to non-stop live music around the square. Don’t worry about the weather; the event goes on rain or shine!

When It Comes to Art…

McKinney offers plenty of opportunities as always to enjoy arts of all varieties in September. On Wednesday, Sept. 5, art historian Anne Royer gives her monthly Brown Bag Lunch Art History program at the Heard-Craig Carriage House. McKinney again invites art enthusiasts to the downtown square for Second Saturday on Sept. 8 for Meet-the-Artist receptions (7-10 p.m.) at the downtown galleries. For details about the featured artists, visit these websites: DowntownMcKinney.com, SecondSaturdayArt.com, and LauraMooreArt.com.

Music and More at MPAC

Elizabeth Leonard performs at Concert for a Cure

The McKinney Performing Arts Center stage will feature three straight nights of live music, starting Friday, Sept. 7 with Concert for the Cure featuring McKinney’s own Master’s degreed vocalist Elizabeth Leonard who’ll perform songs celebrating strength and courage from artists such as Aretha Franklin, Journey, Carrie Underwood, Maroon 5, Christina Aguilera, Adele and many more! Ticket sales benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

I’m Not Ashamed Concert follows on Saturday, Sept. 8, with a fundraising concert for Eternity Community Church. The concert will feature a diverse atmosphere with people from different cultures, backgrounds, and denominations, singing (in English and Spanish), praise dancing and Christian comedy.

Rounding out the weekend of music is the 18-piece Texas Instruments Jazz Band in their summer concert, bringing its 26-year history of making music to McKinney.

The Four Funny Females bring laughs to MPAC

One Sept. 16, pianist Kathryn Woodard explores works by Debussy and Asian composers in MPAC’s Noble Hall.

MPAC’s Courtroom Theater again becomes a comedy club on Sept. 22 when Laura Bartlett and the Four Funny Females open their fifth season in McKinney with their night of eclectic comedy.

Elsewhere in McKinney…

The Guitar Sanctuary and Zin Zen Wine Bar will host two events in September, a TC Helicon Clinic on Sept. 18, and a Customer Showcase featuring Shane Frame on Sept. 20.

Drums Not Guns and the McKinney Arts Commission again bring the Soli Drum and Dance Festival to Old Settler’s Park & Rec Center on Sept. 21.

A raptor presentation at the Heard Museum amphitheater

All About Nature

The Heard Museum and Natural Wildlife Sanctuary celebrates its 45th anniversary this month on Sept. 30 with an afternoon of fun. Also planned this month is a Fall Night Hike on Sept. 28 and a Ropes Course Adventure Day on Sept. 23.

Both preschoolers and home school students can take part in science programs throughout the month. Check the Heard website for scheduling details.

Gardening, Animals & Circus Fun at Myers Park

Tours and classes hosted at the research gardens at Myers Park.

Gardener Training classes by AgriLife Extension Office in Collin County at Myers Park on September 4, 11 and 18 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Garden tours will also take place Sept. 5, 8, 19 and 22 from 9 a.m. to noon.Throughout the month, Myers Park hosts a Horse Health class, a Morgan Horse show and the Greater Collin Kennel Club for dog agility trials. Check their website for details.

Also at Myers Park in September, enjoy the family fun at Piccadilly Circus from Sept. 14-16. Tickets are available online; for more information, call 941-552-9952.

Other Activities in McKinney

Another fun activity to do with the family involves putting on the old walking shoes. On Saturday, Sept. 22, Dallas Trekkers organizes a walk through historic McKinney’s commercial and residential areas for the Historic McKinney 5k and 10K Walk.

And then there are the regular monthly and weekly events:

• Farmers Market at Chestnut Square on Saturdays and Adriatica on Thursdays
• Third Monday Trade Days & the Old Red Lumberyard the weekend before the third Monday of the month.
• Live music in McKinney’s dining and night life establishments. (Check Visit McKinney Texas app for details.)

Visit McKinney Texas: Where to find us!

Remember “everything McKinney” is always at your fingertips with our Smartphone app. Links for downloading it to iPhone, iPad and Android can be found HERE. And if you need to check out McKinney on your computer, you can find us at our website or on Facebook and Twitter. We’re even working on growing a Pinterest page! And if you’d rather pick up the phone, you can contact the McKinney Convention & Visitors Bureau at 214-544-1407 or tollfree at 888-649-8499.

And if you haven’t yet seen the coverage of Money Magazine naming McKinney its #2 Best Place to Live in America 2012, click HERE.

August in McKinney is Alive with Arts & Music

MPAC stands in the center of McKinney’s downtown square, overlooking a bustling arts scene.

McKinney always offers a wide variety of arts and musical experiences, but August seems to be more chockful than ever! From community theater to a world-renowned rocker (hint: think Fleetwood Mac!), there is no shortage of arts and music from which to partake in McKinney this month.

On the Stage

The McKinney Repertory Theatre is keeping the stage at the McKinney Performing Arts Center busy this month with a couple shows. The first two weeks of the month feature a melodrama, “Return to Calamity Gulch” which encourages audience participation in the way of popcorn being thrown at the performers and much cheering and booing. Then later in the month (Aug. 17-19), the MRT’s Young Actors Guild takes over, bringing “Fox Tales” to the MPAC stage.

Lindsey Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac) to rock the MPAC stage in a sold-out concert Aug. 22.

Rocking the MPAC stage on August 22 is Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham. Sorry, though, folks – if you don’t already have a ticket, you’re out of luck on this one. This show sold out last month. But those lucky fans who do have tickets are in for a treat! ENJOY!

Another future show sure to sell-out is another nationally-known act: 2011 winners of NBC’s “The Sing Off,” Pentatonix, coming to the MPAC stage October 18. (Click the group’s name to order your tickets now so you won’t miss that show. And if you aren’t familiar with them, check out videos of them HERE.)

Second Saturday Packed Full of Artists

As always, McKinney’s downtown square comes alive for Second Saturday (August 11) when guests are invited to enjoy a fun filled evening of art, shopping, music, food and spirits. The local art galleries and even a few of the other businesses feature local and regional talents of artists and musicians.  Of course, a trip downtown isn’t complete without eating in at least one of McKinney’s fine eateries. (Why not see how many you can visit by enjoying pre-dinner drinks and appetizers in one location, dinner in another, then stop for dessert somewhere else! All the while, there’ll be great music to set the mood for your evening.  Also, quite a few shops in downtown McKinney will also keep their doors open for this monthly event.

Where to see art on Second Saturday:

Garret Art Gallery is featuring watercolor artist Sarah Buie (from Aug. 11 through Sept. 6). At a young age, Sarah Buie enjoyed both drawing and painting. Sarah studied art history at the University of Dallas but painting remained her passion. Her style falls somewhere between Impressionism and Realism with an endeavor to express the good and the truth through everyday objects and nature. Her primary desire is to glorify God through her art by helping people see that despite the storm there can be peace, despite the sorrow there can be joy, and despite the struggle there is hope.

Sarah works as art teacher and in-home caregiver in Grapevine. She continues to enjoy traveling and giving of her time and talents to people close to home and abroad. Stop by The Garret Art Gallery from 7-10 p.m. during Second Saturday to meet Sarah and see her art, while enjoying refreshments.

Imaging on the Square  is featuring various local artists, showcasing their many different mixes and mediums throughout the evening.  They’ll also feature up-and-coming singer Stacey Whitson during the Second Saturday event.

A sample of art in Laura Moore’s Hideout “open call to artists” juried art exhibit this month.

It’s time for Laura Moore Fine Art Studios’ annual open “call to artists” juried art exhibition, this year themed “Hideout.”  Guests can see more than 80 works of art from 45 artists in two locations through September 5 at two locations: the gallery itself at 107 S Tennessee, and hiding out in a second location at the Heard-Craig Carriage House at 205½ W. Hunt Street. There is always an eclectic mix of artists and mediums in this show, so do make a point of seeing it. You’ll be glad you did!

Orisons Fine Art & Framing Gallery  features the work of several professional photographers from the north Texas area who have been invited to show their work in a Group Photo Show.  The public is invited to the gallery to view and vote for their favorite photograph leading up to the event.  Voting patrons will be entered in a prize drawing for free print to canvas services.  Photographers winning the People’s Choice Awards will be announced during the Second Saturday reception.

And something even more special at Orisons: The gallery has acquired three extremely rare Bert Stern photos of Marilyn Monroe.   Taken six weeks prior to her death, these are from Monroe’s final photo shoot commissioned in June 1962 by Vogue Magazine.  All three were originally published in Stern’s 1982 book and are signed and numbered (each is 199/250) with certificates.  The plates used to print these were donated to a museum and will never be printed from again.  During the photo exhibit, these will be on display and for purchase.  Vote for your favorite of these as well through August 10 to be entered in a drawing for a free 16 x 20 canvas wrap.

Main Street Magic & Fun Company’s Chris Gracy performing magic at this year’s Ice Cream Crank Off.

Other businesses featuring local art include:

La Misha European Bistro where you can see the work of artists Catherine Brown and Miles while enjoying a glass of wine or a bite of light Mediterranean fare. 113 N. Kentucky, 972-540-6050; and
McKinney Wine Merchant features the art of Nick Saia. 120 W. Virginia, 972-542-4636.

Main Street Magic & Fun Company hosts their monthly Cabaret Style Magic Show at 7 p.m.  (for adults & children) and again at 9 p.m. (for adults only) in their Magic Attic Theater. Tickets are only $10 and include a complimentary glass of wine for those 21 and older.  Seating is very limited so call 214-274-7802 to reserve your tickets.

The following is the live music you can enjoy during Second Saturday.

• Cadillac Pizza Pub – Buzz Andrews Band
• Café Malaga – The Bodarks
• Grotto – Maylee Thomas Band
• Landon Winery– Tu-Tones
• Lone Star Wine Cellars – Steve Rose
• Rick’s Chophouse – Melissa Medlock
• Spoon’s Café – Duane Bates

The McKinney Convention & Visitors Bureau also lists all live music for the month on their Visit McKinney Texas Smartphone app. Click HERE to access a link to download the app for your iPhone, iPad or Android.

Support Local High School Musicians!

The McKinney Boyd Band drumline kicks off their Drum-a-thon on the downtown square.

The McKinney Boyd Bronco Band’s annual fundraiser and teambuilding event, Drum-a-Thon, features high school musicians playing marimbas, tenors, bass drums, snares, cymbals, and more as percussion playing for 18 straight hours at McKinney Boyd High School (600 N. Lake Forest Drive). The event runs takes place on Saturday, August 11 from 6 a.m. to midnight. No admission is required, but the drumline will happily take donations! In fact, any patron who donates $100 or more will be listed on this year’s drumline shirt, which not only will be worn by our percussionists, but also by friends of the band and MBHS students.  You can get a sneak-peek of the event during their kick-off on Friday, August 10, from 5:30- 6:30 p.m. on McKinney’s downtown square. Last year, the group moved around the square, playing for awhile on one corner before moving elsewhere. Just listen for the drums and enjoy! Please contact Derek Stoughton for more information regarding this event at: dstoughton@mckinneyisd.net

Visit McKinney Texas: Where to find us!

Remember “everything McKinney” is always at your fingertips with our Smartphone app. Links for downloading it to iPhone, iPad and Android can be found HERE. And if you need to check out McKinney on your computer, you can find us at our website or on Facebook and Twitter. We’re even working on growing a Pinterest page!

BOOM! It’s July in McKinney…

McKinney puts on the red, white and blue for the annual July 4th hometown parade.

July started with a BANG in McKinney… or rather with a “BOOM” as in Red White and BOOM! Thousands turned out on the downtown square for the July 4th hometown parade, the street fair and the car show, all taking place under the bright, hot sun and insanely gorgeous blue sky. Even more thousands filled the soccer complex at Craig Ranch that night for a concert by McKinney’s own Jon Christopher Davis and his band Lone Star Attitude followed by the city’s annual fireworks display.

Now as we enter the first full weekend of the month, get ready for some great music by local talent, some great art created by local artists, and even a couple stage productions of popular musicals. Then of course, there is always nature to enjoy in McKinney!

Music, Stage and Galleries in July

• McKinney Summer Musicals‘ production of “My Fair Lady” kicks of this weekend on Saturday night (July 7) and Sunday afternoon (July 8) – and finishes with four shows next weekend. (Click the show title above for tickets.) The show is at Boyd High School.
• 

  The McKinney Community Band performs a free concert at MPAC on July 14.

  The McKinney Community Band has a concert on Saturday, July 14, called “Home on the Arrangement” with music honoring McKinney and the state of Texas. Admission is free, but they need you to reserve free tickets on their website to help them track attendance. The concert is at the McKinney Performing Arts Centerin the middle of the historic downtown square. (Hint: This concert falls during the monthly Second Saturday downtown!)

• During Second Saturday, yes, some of the shops downtown are open late, but regular visitors to this monthly event know it’s really all about the arts – new art gallery exhibit openings with meet-the-artist receptions in the downtown art galleries, and live music rocking-out so many of the restaurants/wineries downtown. Click HERE for a list of participating businesses on the square.
• In addition to Second Saturday, Orisons Art & Framing will host one of its popular “Art in the Making” events on July 21, featuring the art of local artists Annie Royer, KD Hafley, and David Hobson who will be on hand creating their art as guests to downtown McKinney can watch and ask the artists about their work.
• Another performance downtown this month is by the talented youth of McKinney! The McKinney Repertory Theatre’s Broadway Bound campers bring their acting and singing gifts to the MPAC stage for four shows of “Disney’s Aladdin Jr.” on July 19-21.
• At the Heard-Craig Carriage House on Friday, July 20, enjoy a free concert “Bluegrass to Jazz” presented by the McKinney Arts & Music Guild. The concert is from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

A boy meets a butterfly at the Heard Museum butterfly house.

Nature in July:

It may be hot out, but that doesn’t stop the butterflies, birds and other nature from being available to commune with people! The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary opened its Butterfly Gardens and House last month, an attraction that will be open until September 30. And this month, the Heard offers a Free Resident Day on July 15 (McKinney residents, bring your water bill with you for free admission)  and throughout summer, the Heard offers its summer camp programs for kids. Also, don’t forget the Animal Superheroes exhibit running throughout the summer.

DID YOU KNOW? There are motion-activated cameras posted on the grounds of the museum that catch the action of wildlife not generally seen by humans as they go about their business day and night. Click HERE to see some of these images. (Those wildlife sanctuary residents are busy as beavers – in fact, some ARE indeed beavers.)

Wet Family Fun!

The City of McKinney Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department hosts its annual Hawaiian Night on July 21 at Juanita Maxfield Aquatic Center. The event features family activities, games, food, music and plenty of cool, splashing fun from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (For a list of all the pool facilities and splash pad parts in the city, click HERE.)

Fresh juice quenches hungry shoppers at Third Monday Trade Days.

Shopping, McKinney Style!

Every month in McKinney offers unique shopping opportunities. Below are links to the usual monthly markets as well as our weekly Farmers Markets:

• Old Red Lumberyard Vintage Sale, July 13-14, 600 E. Louisiana.
• Third Monday Trade Days, July 13-15, 4550 W. University Drive.
• TreasureSpotters, July 14, 401 E. Virginia.
• Farmers Market, Saturdays 8-noon at Chestnut Square and Thursdays in Adriatica

NEW! Just opened on the square this week (July 4) is Snug on the Square, a place for shopping and eating. Check out their Facebook page HERE!

Visit McKinney Texas: Our App and Social Media!

Remember “everything McKinney” is always at your fingertips with our Smartphone app. Links for downloading it to iPhone, iPad and Android can be found HERE. And if you need to check out McKinney on your computer, you can find us at our website or on Facebook and Twitter. We’re even working on growing a Pinterest page!

Health, Music & More in May

“Health” is the word for May in McKinney. Locals and visitors will spend the month of May involved in a variety of spring activities, many of which focus on healthy living and recreation. Among the events and activities planned in McKinney this month are:

Don’t Worry – Be Healthy!

McKinney Mayor Brian Loughmiller is challenging the residents of McKinney to adopt healthier lifestyles in an effort to make McKinney the most fit community in the nation. To encourage steps toward this goal, the city is sponsoring a series of events that started with Relay for Life the last weekend in April and includes four events in May. Eligibility passports are available here and need to be stamped at four of the Healthy Challenge events to be eligible for the June 30 drawing for an iPad. The May events include:

• Get Fit McKinney (May 4, 6-8 p.m.) Join a free event hosted by the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department at the McKinney ISD’s Ron Poe Stadium.
• Historic McKinney Kiwanis Kids Triathlon (May 5, 8 a.m., 922-697-6922)
• Historic McKinney Kiwanis Triathlon and Wellness Run Races 3.6 mile run and a 2K fun run (May 6, 7:30 a.m. at McKinney High School).
• Bike the Bricks (May 25, 4:30-11 p.m.) This high speed closed crit race features an expected 500 cyclists racing through the downtown square as they chase a purse worth more than $20,000.

Also this month, those interested in fitness may register for these other May races:

• 2^nd Annual LifeRace 5K (May 12, 8:30 a.m., cross-country run and dog walk in Myers Park)
• TOP 5K, 10K & 1-mile Fun Run Walk/Roll (May 19, 9 a.m., in Craig Ranch).
• Stonebridge Memorial Day 1K, 5K and 10K (May 28, various start times, in Stonebridge Ranch).

Another important event focusing on health and wellness is the Strikes Against Cancer Select Youth Baseball Tournament which brings 248 teams of young ball players and their families to McKinney for the weekend (May 4-6). Not only will the boys be active playing ball all weekend, the event itself is the brainchild of 12-year-old pitcher Geordon Cox as his way to help raise money to fight his mom’s uterine cancer. The website, accessible by click the organization name above, allows site visitors to make donations and buy special Strikes Against Cancer merchandise.

Cinco de Mayo

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in McKinney with a free concert and dance at Old Settler’s Recreation Center, 1201 E. Louisiana St. with music provided by Mariachi Michoacan, a theatrical presentation by Teatro Dallas called PIZCAS and other festive activities. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s defeat of French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. 972-542-5014.

Arts On Stage & In the Gallery

John Fitzgerald McGill takes the Sanctuary Stage at Zin Zen Wine Bar, 6841 Virginia Parkway. (May 1, 7:30 p.m.)

The popular “Music Under the Stars” concert series continues at Wales Manor Vineyard & Winery (May 12, 7:30 p.m., but gates open at 6:15 p.m. for best seating) with country darling IMAJ (pictured right) taking the stage. Also at this event, you’ll see the Rendola Paso fino horses from Aubrey, where IMAJ has been taking riding lessons.

The McKinney Youth Theatre brings the popular musical “Hairspray” to the Heard-Craig Performance Hall, 306 N. Church St. 972-422-2575. (May 4-13, times vary). Tickets are $8-18

Over at the McKinney Performing Arts Center, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson will announce the winner of his annual high school Congressional Art Competition & Exhibit (May 3, 7 p.m.). The Arts and Music Guild hosts a Juried Art Show in the MPAC gallery (May 11, 7 p.m.). reception with winners announced at 8 p.m., 972-547-2650). The artwork will be on exhibit for public viewing from May 14-22.

Join the North Texas Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS) for their Armed Forces Salute (May 19, 7 p.m.). Patriotic and popular music will be provided by ATOS Theater Organist of the Year Dave Wickerman, musician/composer/arranger Danny Wesley Ray, the Frisco Jazz Band, and other artists.

The McKinney Repertory Theatre presents White Liars & Black Comedy (May 25-26, 8 p.m., continuing in June), two one-act comedies by Peter Shaffer.

Memorial Day in McKinney

Pecan Grove Cemetery hosts their 28^th Annual Memorial Day Celebration (May 28, 9 a.m.) featuring state, county and local officials, veterans, Boy Scouts, and local musicians. Attendees can enjoy a free barbeque lunch at the conclusion of the event.

The annual Smiles Charity Concert and Family Festival this year brings Grammy-nominated county singer David Nail on the stage at Adriatica in Stonebridge Ranch (May 27, starting at 5 p.m.). This event also features music by Lantic and local favorites the Maylee Thomas Band.

Garden, Dogs and Horses

Myers Park & Event Center offers a month of wide variety of animal-related as well as garden tours and a race. Myers Park is located at 7117 CR 166.

• May 2: Collin County Master Gardeners will have a tour of the gardens, 972-548-4219.
• May 5-6: Alamo Area Whippets Club dog show, 214-616-0918
• May 5-6: The Red River Welsh Pony Association Silver Show, 469-223-2783.
• May 12: 5K Life Race, 214-673-2860.
• May 17: The Spring Horse Herd Health Clinic, 972-548-4233.
• May 19: Lone Star 4H Horse Club, 972-658-5201.

McKinney Favorites (Weekly and Monthly Events)

The Heard-Craig Center for the Arts hosts the monthly free Art History Brown Bag lunch-time discussion (12:30-1:30 p.m., May 2) featuring local artist, instructor and historian Anne Royer. This month, the focus is on Monet and Pissaro in 19th Century France.

McKinney’s Farmers Market at Chestnut Square Historic Village continues its regular weekly season on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, and at Adriatica on Thursdays (check their website for times). Monthly at Chestnut Square, enjoy Ghostly Haunting Tours held the third Saturday; tours of the grounds and homes on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m.; and trolley tours of the historic district which leave Chestnut Square every second and fourth Saturday at 11 a.m.

Monthly flea market and vintage shopping is on tap at Third Monday Trade Days (May 18-20), Old Red Lumberyard Junk Market (May 18-19), and Treasure Spotters (May 5-6 & 19). And don’t forget the annual Spring McKinney Ladies Association yard sale at Stonebridge Methodist Church (May 5).

Find your inner drummer Saturdays during the 10 a.m. African drumming circle, courtesy of Drums Not Guns,  at Old Settlers Recreation Center or during the Fourth Friday Drum Circle in Mitchell Park.

Second Saturday on the downtown square (May 12, 7-10 p.m.) features new art exhibit openings and meet-the-artist receptions. This month’s offerings and participating galleries include:

• Laura Moore Fine Art Studios welcomes Waleed Arshad’s exhibit, “Of What is Past, Passing or to Come.” 107 S. Tennessee, 214-914-3630.
• The Artist’s Loft, 110 E. Louisiana, 972-345-6311.
• Orisons Fine Art and Framing Gallery, 110 E. Louisiana St., 972-529-1441.
• Imaging on the Square - 109 S. Tennessee St. – 972-548-7575
• Dobscha Studio - 111 E. Virginia St., #200 – 972-658-5196
• The Main Street Magic & Fun Company hosts the 2nd Saturday Magic Show at 7 and 9 p.m. in the Magic Attic Theater upstairs in the shop. Tickets are $10 and include a complimentary glass of wine for those 21 and older. Children are admitted to the 7 p.m. show. Seating is very limited. 211 N Tennessee, 214-274-7802.

Also this month: National Travel & Tourism Week, starting this weekend, May 5. More to come on this event!

From the MCVB: If you learn of something else going on in McKinney this month, please let us know. As always, you can learn more about McKinney’s events by visiting VisitMcKinney.com and by downloading our free Visit McKinney Texas Smartphone app. (For links to the Apple Store and Android Market, click here.)

April Blooms in McKinney

Flowers bloom at Chestnut Square's Farmers Market

The old adage may be “April showers bring May flowers,” but in McKinney, we don’t have to wait until May to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. It’s safe to say that the heavy rains we had in March have already contributed to some beautiful colors and foliage around town. And in April, the sights can only get better!

Enjoy the first full month of spring with a wide variety of fun activities, with major emphasis on “all things art!”

Outdoor Fun!

Heard Butterfly Gardens

Celebrate Nature Family Festival (4/14; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) This one-day outdoor festival features live concerts, “green” and other vendors who want to support nature and The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, interactive animal presentations, kids’ activities, guided trail tours, and canoe/kayak demonstrations. Guests will also enjoy our Live Animals of the World and Animal Superheroes exhibits, and the Native Texas Butterfly Garden.

McKinney’s Farmers Market at Chestnut Square Historic Village begins its regular weekly season (4/7, 14, 21, 28; 8 a.m. to noon.  Monthly at Chestnut Square , you can enjoy Ghostly Haunting Tours held the third Saturday;  tours of the grounds and homes on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m.; and trolley tours of the historic district which leave Chestnut Square every second and fourth Saturday at 11 a.m.

Old Red Lumberyard

You can also enjoy outdoor shopping at the monthly Third Monday Trade Days (April 13-15) and Old Red Lumberyard Junk Market (April 13-14).

For those wanting to get some exercise for a great cause, McKinney’s Relay for Life event will take place at the main ballfield at the Ballfields at Craig Ranch (4/27-28).

Easter Photo Ops

The city-sponsored annual Easter Egg-stravaganza (4/7) features family fun at Al Ruschhaupt Soccer Complex located at 1986 Park View Ave. This free event starts at 11 a.m. Have the kids’ pictures taken with real, live bunnies (4/7) when you make an appointment for the Easter Bunny Photo Shoot,  available 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Children can take a bunny home for the day on Sunday on availability.)

April is Arts-Crazy!

McKinney is busting at the seams with artist offerings in April.

Ladies Night Out

The Heard-Craig Center for the Arts hosts the monthly free Art History Brown Bag lunch-time discussion (12:30-1:30 p.m., 4/4). The gardens at the Heard-Craig House are once again the site of the annual April concert series, Music in the Garden, featuring free concerts on Thursdays (4/5, 12 & 19).  The Young Artist Competition of the McKinney Musical Arts Society takes place in the Heard-Craig Performance Hall (4/13-15) while the 48th Annual Collin County Art Show fills the hall and gallery (4/20-22). People who enjoy making crafts will enjoy the Pinterest Party (4/12) in the hall, with all attendees leaving with a completed project of their choice.  Then near the end of the month, women will fill the hall for Ladies Night Out (4/26), a fun evening of arts, shopping and food-tasting that serves as a popular annual fundraiser for the Heard-Craig Center for the Arts.

The Young Actors Guild of the McKinney Repertory Theatre offers a thought-provoking spring coming-of-age story dealing with Nazis and Jewish death camps, “And a Child Shall Lead” (4/6-8) on the Courtroom Theatre stage in the McKinney Performing Arts Center. Also at MPAC this month are pianist-singer Charlotte Martin (4/13) and Country Music Award-nominated singer-songwriter Collin Raye (4/20).

And of course, you can try your hand at African drumming every month, courtesy of Drums Not Guns on any Saturday morning at Old Settlers Recreation Center or during the Fourth Friday Drum Circle in Mitchell Park.

Chalk Walk at MPAC

The monthly Second Saturday arts events including the regular monthly gallery exhibit openings and live music will take place that evening as usual (7-10 p.m.), but during the day, visitors to the square will enjoy Arts in Bloom (4/14, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.). The event’s activities include:

• Art Walk with artists displaying and demonstrating their art along the sidewalks and in some of the businesses on the downtown square;
• Chalk Walk when the sidewalks around the McKinney Performing Arts Center come to life with incredible chalk art;
• MISD Student Art Show in the MPAC gallery; and
• DD and the Studebakers perform jukebox favorites from the 1950s and 60s in the MPAC Courtroom Theatre (7:30 p.m.).

The Second Saturday (4/14, 7-10 p.m.) art offerings include the following:

Garret Art Gallery will be featuring McKinney resident Jenny Archbold, a graphic/commercial and fine artist who works in pencil, ink, pastel, watercolor and acrylic. 111 E. Virginia St., 972-548-9361.

Character Studies by Nathaniel Smyth

Over at Laura Moore Fine Art Studios, artists featured during Arts in Bloom are Elaine Adams, Amanda Beller, Linda Chidsey, Audrey DeFord, Shayna Duvarney, Pernie Fallon, Julia Forsyth, Sona Knox, Elizabeth Lane, Don Matschull, Laura Moore, Nathaniel Smyth, Joseph Taub, Amy Taylor. Then that night for Second Saturday, Laura welcomes artist Nathaniel Smyth for the opening of his exhibit, Character Studies. 107 S. Tennessee, 214-914-3630.

Debra Linker at The Artist’s Loft will host artist Lynne Hubner teaching a Whiteline Print Workshop from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with students creating 6″X 8″ multicolored prints through the use of this technique developed in 1915 New England using one woodblock, one carving tool, watercolors and a spoon. We will cover image transfer to the block, carving and inking techniques. Students should come to class with drawings and or photo reference. Call 972-345-6311 for details.

Orisons Fine Art and Framing Gallery welcomes well-known Taos Master Artist Charles Collins in his return to the Dallas area to open his only Dallas-area exhibit.  Collins will be bringing several original oil paintings rarely seen outside of his gallery, the oldest gallery in Taos, New Mexico.  110 E. Louisiana St., 972-529-1441.

2nd Saturday Magic Show: Each Second Saturday, the Main Street Magic & Fun Company hosts a Cabaret Style Magic Show at 7 or 9 p.m. in our Magic Attic Theater. Tickets are only $10 and include a complimentary glass of wine for those 21 and older. Children are admitted to the 7 p.m. show. Seating is very limited so call 214-274-7802 to reserve your tickets. 211 N Tennessee Street.

JCD at Wales Manor

Also on the second Saturday, the popular “Music Under the Stars” concert series opens its 2012 season at Wales Manor Vineyard & Winery as Jon Christopher Davis takes the stage with special guest Byron Dowd.

Performers from across McKinney will take the stage later in the month (4/20-21) for the annual McKinney Has Talent competition, our city’s version of American Idol, hosted by the McKinney Repertory Theatre on the MPAC stage. Then the last weekend of the month (4/28), American Passport: A Journey Through the World Music, hosted by the Cultural Concert of International Music, will provide attendees with a glimpse of the world through the eyes and music of children.

Garden, Animal & Farm Fun

Gardens at Myers Park

Myers Park & Event Center offers a month of wide variety as always with the Collin County Master Gardeners will have a garden tour (4/4, 972-548-4219); dog and livestock shows including Lone Star 4H Horse Club (4/7; 972-658-5201); Dallas Agility Working Group (4/14-15, 972-540-1413); Ducks Unlimited banquet (4/19; 972-658-1961); and Chisolm Trail Texas Longhorn Association cattle show (4/21; 254-630-0053); Basic Ag Field Day (4/27; 972-548-4233); and the Collin County Master Gardeners plant sale (4/28; 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; 972-548-4219).

Also, the Collin County Farm Museum located at Myers Park is offering another Model T class (4/14, 10 a.m.-noon) when attendees get a hands-on course in starting the museum’s 1911 Model T. (There are more steps to it than you’d think!)

The Farm Museum's 1911 Model T

(A second session to be held at a later date will cover the actual driving of the car and is open only to those completing the first class.) Myers Park is located at 7117 CR 166.

JUST ADDED

Here are a few events for which we’ve just received details:

• The 2nd Annual WAM Chef’s Challenge (4/19) at Stonebridge Ranch Country Club involves chefs from Bailey’s Prime Plus, Louisiana St. Grill, Holiday Inn and Suites, and Stonebridge Ranch Country Club competing for the win! WAM will be supporting a great cause this year, the Children and Community Health Center McKinney.

If you learn of something else going on in McKinney this month, please let us know. As always, you can learn more about McKinney’s events by visiting VisitMcKinney.com and by downloading our free Visit McKinney Texas Smartphone app. (For links to the Apple Store and Android Market, click here.)

March In McKinney…

Spring is definitely on its way, evident by the blooming trees and flowers everywhere … and by the spring-oriented events taking place in McKinney in March.

McKinney’s Great Outdoors: Spring months make us want to be outside, tending to the yard, planting gardens of flowers and vegetables, hiking on nature trails and taking to the roads for races.

Gardening: Learn about drought preparation, composting, tree maintenance, herbal gardening and raised garden beds at Soil Revival for Survival (March 3). Chambersville Tree Farms hosts this free conference where amateur and professional gardeners will demonstrate and discuss practical solutions for reducing water use and improving the health of your soil. Vendors will be on-hand, too, to share water-wise solutions for working in your yard and garden.  For more gardening information, visit the Collin County Master Gardeners Lawn & Garden Show (March 24-25) and the Earth-Kind Drought Management Conference (March 27), both at Myers Park.

Commune with Nature:  The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary provides a wide range of activities for families in March, especially during Spring Break (March 10-17). Kids can try out mini-camps (March 12) where they’ll go behind the scenes with the Heard’s education animals, create nature art, explore rock and fossil collections, and more hands-on learning. Also at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of Spring Break week, families will learn about the animals in the continuing Animal Superheroes exhibit. Families will venture out onto the wetlands (March 3 & 15) for Family Canoe Try-It (reservations required). And learn about owls and their habitat during the Owl Prowl presentation and night hike (March 17; reservations required).

Enjoy Being Outdoors: Other outdoor activities this month include the Leaping Leprechaun 1K, 5K and 15K Race in Stonebridge (March 10), Classic Car Show at Tucker Hill (March 3), shopping at the last winter Farmers Market at Chestnut Square (March 17), and the monthly Third Monday Trade Days (March 16-18).

March Arts: As always, McKinney offers its fair share of concerts, plays, art gallery exhibits and lectures. The first winner of the McKinney Repertory Theatre’s Annual New Play Competition, Crossroads, debuts (March 2-3, 9-11) at the McKinney Performing Arts Center.  Also at MPAC, you can attend the “Silents on the Square” Film Festival featuring the Mighty Wurlitzer theater organ (March 17), Smiles Charity Concert featuring Craig Morgan (March 23), and the McKinney Community Band (free concert, but tickets/reservations required, March 31). (Tickets to all the MPAC events are available from the ticket office – 214-544-4630 – or online by clicking HERE.)

The Heard-Craig Center for the Arts hosts a free Art History Brown Bag lunch-time discussion (March 7) on Bierstadt`s Vision of the American West at the Carriage House (205-1/2 W. Hunt). And find your place in the spotlight by trying out for the upcoming McKinney Summer Musicals’ 2012 production of My Fair Lady (March 30-April 1). McKinney Community Concerts presents two shows in March – Shaken Not Stirred (March 3) and Mac Frampton (March 24) – both of which require season tickets, but individual tickets may be available by calling the day of the show.

Second Saturday on the Square: McKinney has become well-known for its Second Saturday events each month – art gallery exhibit openings, live music and late night shopping. The following are just a sampling of the artists with work on display this month:

• Garret Art Gallery: Lori Bongiovanni, a self-taught artist, who has evolved from a love of watercolors to a progression into oils and pastels. She is drawn to colorful local events and likes depicting county fairs, chili cook-offs, parades, etc. 111 E. Virginia St.
• Laura Moore Fine Art Studios: The four painters in this show, colleagues and friends through the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, are all interested in landscape as sources for their work. A free panel discussion takes place at 3 p.m. that day in the Heard-Craig Carriage House, but space is limited so register at lauramooreart.com. The opening night starts at 7 p.m. at LMFAS. 107 S. Tennessee.
• Orisons Art & Framing: The abstract images of photographer Ann Williams (pictured) will be featured at Orisons Art and Framing Gallery, with an opening reception on Second Saturday, 7-10 p.m. Williams’ images draw upon lines, shapes, and patterns in our everyday world, analyzed and reconfigured to tease our visual memories. 110 E. Louisiana.
• 2nd Saturday Magic Show: Head to Main Street Magic & Fun Company for a Cabaret Style Magic Show at 7 or 9 p.m. in our Magic Attic Theater. Tickets are only $10 and include a complimentary glass of wine for those 21 and older. Children are admitted to the 7 p.m. show. Seating is very limited so call 214-274-7802 to reserve your tickets. 211 N Tennessee Street.
• LaMisha Bistro: Local artist Becca Motley premiers her art at LaMisha this month.

Here Come the Brides: The Wells Hospitality Group (Rick’s Chophouse, the Grand Hotel and Sauce on the Square) will host a Bridal Open House (March 31).

Also in March: Crossroads Cowboy Church meeting at Myers Park (March 4) while Myers Park also hosts several dog agility shows this month (March 2-3, 9-11, and 31-April 1).

If you learn of something else going on in McKinney this month, please let us know. As always, you can learn more about McKinney’s events by visiting VisitMcKinney.com and by downloading our free Visit McKinney Texas Smartphone app. (For links to the Apple Store and Android Market, click HERE.)

Countdown to Thanksgiving Weekend!

Downtown McKinney is getting ready for Thanksgiving weekend.

Thanksgiving is, of course, a special time we spend with family and friends, reflecting on the many things in life for which we’re thankful. Many of you will begin your holiday decorating (those of you who don’t already have that finished, that is – you know who you are!), others will be watching football while eating until you’re stuffed, and then there are those who will be stretching, carb-loading and scouring sale ads for the Black Friday deals, ready to hit the stores when they open Friday morning. (We have heard of  some chains even starting Black Friday deals when they open at 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving.)

The Season of Giving

While all these things are special traditions for the majority of us, there are also plenty of people in need this holiday season who will look to volunteers to help provide their meals, holiday gifts for their children, and meet their other needs. The McKinney Convention & Visitors Bureau consistently receives calls, specifically this time of year, asking where people can turn to devote some time, money, goods and services to those in need. In preparation for this, we’ve put together a list of links to help people with the desire to give back:

• The Samaritan Inn, Collin County’s only homeless shelter
• The Salvation Army of McKinney
• Volunteer McKinney Center
• Community Food Pantry of McKinney
• Community Lifeline Center
• 3E McKinney (source for church-based volunteer force and resources)
• McKinney’s service organizations (Rotary Club & Sunrise Rotary, McKinney Kiwanis & McKinney Lions Club & Morning Pride Lions)

The Season of Fun and Good Spirits

Of course, the most exciting aspect of this time of year is the anticipation of the holiday season. Whatever your religious affiliation and the holiday you celebrate during this season, McKinney activities run the gamut from shopping and ho-ho-happy fun to inspirational and traditionally-warm and inviting.

Now in its 31st year, Dickens of a Christmas serves as the kick-off of the holiday season in McKinney (Friday-Sunday after Thanksgiving, 11/25-27). Featuring down-home fun that harkens back to the days of McKinney’s earliest settlers and beyond, this year’s festival will feature the return of the snow hill and “magic snow” as well as some new surprises. Santa will again be available for photos and for lap sitting and wish-list telling, and various musicians will share their  Sounds of the Seasons talents all around the square..

During Dickens weekend, you can also enjoy the following activities:

• City of McKinney Tree Lighting Ceremony (Friday, 11/25, 6:15 p.m.) featuring singer-songwriter Crystal Yates.
• The McKinney Repertory Theatre’s annual presentation of A Christmas Carol at the McKinney Performing Arts Center (Friday-Saturday at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. during Dickens, then the following weekend at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 12/2-3, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, 12/4).
• 6th Annual Believe! Run (1 mile, 5 and 10K), benefiting Holy Family School and presented by the McKinney Rotary Club, taking place at downtown’s Mitchell Park, on Saturday, 11/26. Kids can also participate in the Great Santa Chase before the race starts.

Also that weekend:

• Check out the Handmade McKinney Artist & Crafters’ Fair at the Historic Flour Mill (407 E. Louisiana,  11/25-27, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.) where you can shop for locally-made items and enjoy food prepared by  McKinney caterers and bakers.
• Find vintage pieces and antiques at the Old Red Lumberyard (Louisiana/Throckmorton by the Flour Mill) on Friday and Saturday (11/25-26, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.).
• Small Business Saturday is national day, now in its second year, dedicated to supporting small businesses in the U.S. during the busiest shopping weekend every year. McKinney is blessed to have a wide assortment of small businesses specializing in locally-made products and essential services that make for great gift-giving. For instance, who wouldn’t love to have receive oil changes for a year or a full-day of pampering or massage from a local spa? (Saturday, 11/26, all day)
• Lone Star Wine Cellars kicks off their Wine Scavenger Hunt as well as their Gift Drive (benefitting Community Lifeline Center) in downtown McKinney during Dickens  and continuing until Dec. 2. For $19.95, participants receive tastes of 12 wines, a painted holiday glass for tasting, and two chances to win prizes:  a case of wine – one each of The 12 Wines of Christmas (drawing on December 2) and the Grand Prize drawing, a gift basket full of merchandise from McKinney merchants (drawing on December 9). Players, or a designate, must be present for the drawings to win the prizes.

Don’t Want to Cook on Thanksgiving Day!

Every year, we also get questions about restaurants being open on Thanksgiving. We’ve found these few but would love readers to add comments on this blog entry if they know of more:

• Bill Smith’s Cafe, 1510 W. University: For the first time in their 50-plus years in McKinney, they’ll be open from 4 a.m.-3:30 p.m. to serve breakfast and Thanksgiving dinner.
• The Pub, 204 W. Virginia: Open from 7 p.m. to midnight. The kitchen closes at 11 p.m.
• Denny’s, 1615 N. Central Expressway – Open 24 hours, including Thanksgiving. Regular full menu.
• IHOP, 1960 N. Central Expressway – Open 24 hours a day, including Thanksgiving. Regular full menu.
• Waffle House, 1432 N. Central Expressway – Open 24 hours a day, including Thanksgiving. Regular full menu.

However you and your family and friends celebrate Thanksgiving and the kick-off of the holiday season, we at the McKinney CVB wish you and yours a happy, safe holiday full of warm memories, fun and plenty of turkey! Gobble-gobble!

McKinney’s Music Scene

Zane Williams recently performed at Wales Manor.

McKinney has become somewhat of a haven for singer-songwriters and a regular nightlife staple in the Dallas area for live music enthusiasts.A couple of McKinney residents (Zane Williams and Jon Christopher Davis) and venues (Cadillac Pizza Pub and Wales Manor Vineyard & Winery) are even among those being featured on this fall’s new nationally-syndicated TV show, “Troubadour, TX.” The show follows a handful of Texas singer-songwriters, showing their lives at home, in the studio and on-stage.

(Interesting tidbit: The show’s supervising producer also lives in McKinney and sometimes doubles as cameraman for the show.)

Jon Christopher Davis performs on the stage at Wales Manor.

Williams is the winner of a number of songwriting awards and has opened for a nice list of touring performers.

Davis, whose songs have been recorded by a number of Nashville recording artists, also had a composition of his selected as the national theme song for the American Heart Association’s “Relay for Life,” also penned the song, “Texas,” that was selected as the theme of the State of Texas Tourism Department. Both of these accomplished men have developed extensive followings and regularly perform here at home at both Cadillac and Wales Manor, among all the other venues and studios around the country where they perform.

Crystal and Will Yates

The next up-and-coming singer-songwriter to perform at Wales Manor (a venue that only brings singer-songwriters to its stages) will be Crystal Yates, a native Floridian who moved to McKinney with her husband-manager Will and their son a couple years ago. Yates just released her first CD as a McKinney-ite, holding the release party at another popular live music venue in McKinney, Café Malaga. The songs on the CD, “Love Wins,” are all original compositions written primarily by Yates and her mentor (a Dove Award winner) Jennie Riddle, another McKinney resident, one whose family is quite prolific in the music scene. (Her daughter Emily Riddle also just released a CD this month, and the Riddle and Yates families together started New Nation Music, a musical ministry, in 2009.) Yates will be performing in a free concert at Wales Manor on Friday, Oct. 28 at 8 p.m.

Williams’ next performance in McKinney will be part of the same two-day festival in which Yates is performing; he’ll take the stage adjacent to Chestnut Square on Friday at 7:50 p.m. This weekend’s Music in Motion, is an inaugural event presented by fledgling non-profit Arts & Music Guild of McKinney, and the brainchild of the guild’s founder, artist Anne Royer. For two nights, a wide variety of area musicians will perform on stages in and around Chestnut Square Historic Village as well as the usual live music venues in town. Another popular and long-time McKinney singer-songwriter, Maylee Thomas, will also take part in Music in Motion, performing in Adriatica Saturday from 5:30-7 p.m.

The music attendees will hear both nights of the festival include a variety of jazz, bluegrass, country, rock, funk, and even big band, compliments of McKinney Community Band’s Dance Band on Saturday at 7 p.m. (The community band’s flute choir is also on the festival schedule, appearing Friday at 6:45 p.m. on the patio at Chestnut Square.)

McKinney’s sizable community of visual artists will also be on-hand to display and create their art during the concerts at Chestnut Square and the adjacent “green” to the north of the square where the main stages will be located. The complete list of all the artists, both performing and visual, is  available from the festival website (www.musicinmotiontx.com). Admission is $10 on Friday night ($5 for students, veterans and seniors). Saturday night’s concerts have no cover charge. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, as will hot dogs and pizza.

Whatever your favorite type of music, you’ll find it in McKinney, Texas, just about any night of the week and certainly this weekend!

As always, you can learn more about McKinney’s entertainment and live music scene by visiting VisitMcKinney.com and by loading our free Visit McKinney Texas Smartphone app. (For links to the Apple Store and Android Market, click HERE.)