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Entertainment/Events

Concerts Take International Flavor

 The City of Irving presents six different opportunities for the public to enjoy free live outdoor concerts as part of the 2014 International Concert Series. From salsa to reggae, this year’s eclectic lineup of performers recognizes and reflects the diversity of the Irving community. 

To expand the reach of the concert series, new concert locations have been added to the schedule. While the majority of events will take place Friday evenings at downtown’s Whistlestop Plaza, event organizers also are bringing music to Cimarron Park and to the Las Colinas Urban Center this spring.

“For the Las Colinas Urban Center performance, we’re extending a special invitation to residents and commuters who live and work in that area to enjoy live gypsy jazz from the Texas Gypsies during their lunch hour,” said Mayor Pro Tem Gerald Farris. “For those who can’t make the concert at the Las Colinas Urban Center there will be other opportunities to choose from. You really can’t miss if you attend one or all of them.”

Los Texas Wranglers
Los Texas Wranglers

Kicking off the International Concert Series is the band Brave Combo. Carl Finch, Brave Combo musician and vocalist, explains how this Texas-born band fits into this year’s International Concert Series.

“The cornerstone of Grammy-Award-winning Brave Combo’s 35-year career is, of course, the polka. Polka as a musical and dance form has a long history and is more diverse, from culture to culture, than one might imagine,” said Finch. “Brave Combo will be exploring the German approach to this fascinating style of music, as well as many others, at Whistlestop Plaza on Friday, May 9.”

Irving’s musical journey around the globe will continue through June 27. Following is a complete lineup of entertainers.

  • Texas Gypsies (Gypsy Jazz) | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 16, Las Colinas Urban Center, 200 E. Las Colinas Blvd.
  • Havana NRG (Salsa) | 7 to 8:30 p.m. May 23, Whistlestop Plaza
  • The Killdares (Celtic) | 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 13, Whistlestop Plaza
  • Watusi (Reggae) | 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 20, Cimarron Park, 201 Red River Trail
  • Los Texas Wranglers (Tejano) | 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 27, Whistlestop Plaza

In addition to satisfying concertgoers’ craving for entertainment, most International Concert Series events will feature food vendors. Sample food vendors include Maui Wowi Hawaiian, Kona Ice and Rockin’ Rotisserie Bar-be-que. Admission to all concerts is free for the whole family, including the family dog.

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