ROCKWALL -Soft-rock recording artists, the Little River Band, with 13 top-40 hits and over 25 million records sold worldwide, will perform at Rockwall’s free Founder’s Day Celebration May 19, from 7 – 9 pm, at the historic Downtown Square.

Their songs “Reminiscing” and “Lady” have been recognized by BMI as two of the most frequently played songs on American radio stations, according to Wikipedia.

The Band will follow Texas Blues artist Clay McClinton at 3:30 pm, country-rocker Jolie Holliday at 1:15 pm and the classic-rock Jeanne Lay Band at 11 am.

Celebrating the 158th anniversary of the City’s founding, entertainment will begin at 10 am with safari guide Critterman and his animals.

For all the information, see the Rockwall Founders’ Day Festival website.

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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ROCKWALL – Texas Blues artist Clay McClinton will perform at this Thursday’s free family “Concert By The Lake” at The Harbor, sponsored by the City of Rockwall every Thursday night through July 26, from 7:30 – 9 pm.

Click here to see and hear his McClinton’s music on his website.

Many other new bands will appear this year. Regular favorites scheduled to play in 2012 include Bon Jovi tribute band Blaze of Glory on May 31, Professor D June 7 and Random Axis on July 5.

The concerts are presented with the financial help of Supporting Sponsors Rockwall Ford/Dodge, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, AAA of Texas, Dodie’s Cajun Diner, Gloria’s Restaurant and Metro PCS.

Concert-goers should bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on and are welcome to bring food and drinks. Trash clean-up is requested by the City when you leave.

The concert series has become so popular that an average of 5,000 people attend each week, according to the City’s Parks & Recreation department. Many of those who attend come from outside of the Rockwall area.

To see the concert schedule for the entire summer, click here on the Parks & Recreation Department’s website.

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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ROCKWALL – Another season of free Concerts By The Lake, sponsored by the City of Rockwall, will kick off May 10, 7:30 – 9 pm, when Hunter Sullivan and his big band (above left) bring the sounds of Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin to The Harbor dining and entertainment district.

Click here to see and hear Sullivan and his big band on their website.

Many other new bands will appear this year. Regular favorites scheduled to play in 2012 include Bon Jovi tribute band Blaze of Glory on May 31, Professor D June 7 and Random Axis on July 5.

The concerts are presented with the financial help of Supporting Sponsors Rockwall Ford/Dodge, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, AAA of Texas, Dodie’s Cajun Diner, Gloria’s Restaurant and Metro PCS.

Concert-goers should bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on and are welcome to bring food and drinks. Trash clean-up is requested by the City when you leave.

The concert series has become so popular that an average of 5,000 people attend each week, according to the City’s Parks & Recreation department. Many of those who attend come from outside of the Rockwall area.

To see the concert schedule for the entire summer, click here on the Parks & Recreation Department’s website.

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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ROCKWALL – Exciting salsa dancing will begin this Saturday at 10:30 pm at El Cayote Rojo, 308 N. Fannin St. (Hwy 66). Enjoy delicious, large portions of Tex-Mex and then dance it off with a drink or two! Salsa dancing is featured here every second and fourth Saturday night.

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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ROCKWALL – Over 30 local fast-food and dine-in restaurants will be serving a wide variety of Asian, barbeque, burgers, chicken, Indian, Italian, Mexican and Tex-Mex food and dessert samples at the 19th annual “Taste of Rockwall,” April 19 at Rockwall High School, 901 Yellowjacket Ln.

Sponsored by and benefiting the Rockwall Chamber of Commerce, the event runs from 5:30 – 9 pm in the cafeteria, in conjunction with the Chamber’s Business Expo, held in the gymnasium behind.

Pre-sale tickets for the Taste are $10 for adults and $4 for kids, ages 5 – 12. They are available now at the Chamber, Alliance Bank, American National Bank, Community Bank and Horizon Car Wash.

Taste tickets can also be purchased at the event  for $12 per adult and $5 per child, ages 5 – 12.

Music will be provided by the Rockwall High School Jazz Band and DJ-Black Tie Entertainment.

Restaurants interested in participating should contact Paula Kerr at 972-771-5733.

To exhibit at the Business Expo, the cost is $350 for members or $400 for non-members, plus $50 for electricity. Political campaign signage or literature are prohibited. To register, call the Chamber at 972-771-5733 or register online at: http://rockwallchamber.org/tasteofrockwall/taste-of-rockwall-exhibitor-registration

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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ROCKWALL – Several thousand people are again expected to attend the semi-annual Aspasians Arts & Crafts Fair this Saturday on the Old Courthouse Square from 9 am to 5 pm.

Dozens of booths will be set up by merchants from near and far away selling arts, crafts, antiques, clothing, sunglasses and much more.

Several food and drink stands will sell such standard outdoor festival foods as turkey legs, hot dogs, corn dogs, burgers, barbeque, popcorn, cotton candy and a variety of drinks.

The Rockwall Kiwanis Club will provide a pancake breakfast, featuring Congressman Ralph Hall as chef.

Funds raised from booth sales and refreshments are used by the Aspasians women’s organization for college scholarships for graduating Rockwall County high school seniors, plus are donated to local organizations and individuals in need.

To see a video of the Fair, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cymd_ghgbCM

To obtain a booth or for info, see http://www.aspasians.com/art-fair.htm

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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ROCKWALL – Children of all ages are invited to attend the City of Rockwall’s annual Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday beginning promptly at 10 am at Harry Myers Park – the event’s new location – at 815 E. Washington St.

It has been held during past years at the Leon Tuttle athletic complex.

Over 2,000 children have attended the event in past years and the same number are expected at the 2012 event.

Thousands of plastic eggs filled with candy will be placed on grass for children to run to, pick up and place in their baskets. Children should bring their own baskets or bags in which to carry their eggs.

According to the Rockwall Parks & Recreation Department, there will also be bounce houses, balloons, painting, an egg toss, and more activities.

For more info, call (972) 771-7740 or visit:  http://www.rockwall.com/NewsRoom/HappeningNow.asp

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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DALLAS – Up to 100,000 spectators are expected to attend the 33rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and celebration Saturday, beginning at 11 am.

What began as a little neighborhood whoop-de-do has turned into a full-blown, raucous procession with colorful costumes, bands, clowns, leprechauns and some 100 floats cruising down a 2-mile stretch of Upper Greenville Avenue.

If you see Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, thank him for his donation to the parade’s sponsor, the Greenville Avenue Business Association; it helped make the event possible this year.

Plan on driving in that area that day? You should know that Southbound Greenville Ave. closes at 9 am; other streets close at 10 am. Streets will reopen when police decide it’s safe.

PARADE

The Upper Greenville Avenue parade will feature about 90 floats, bands and other entries, along with sports announcers Mark Elfenbein and Richie Whitt as grand marshals. It’s organized by the Greenville Avenue Area Business Association.

When and where: It begins at 11 a.m. Saturday and lasts about two hours, running from Wellons Drive south to SMU Boulevard.

Cost: Free.

How to get there: If you don’t want to deal with street parking, take DART light rail to the Mockingbird, Lovers Lane or Park Lane stations.

BLOCK PARTY

The Lower Greenville block party toasts the Irish with food, drink, DJs and bands. It’s organized by the Greenville Commerce Association.

When: It runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday between Vickery Boulevard and Vanderbilt Avenue.

Cost: $10 cover charge

How to get there: Street parking is limited throughout the neighborhood. Violators will be ticketed and tow trucks will be on standby. A free shuttle will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. between the block party and Mockingbird Station, where you can park your car or arrive by DART light rail. Cabs will be available when the party ends.

Rules: No coolers or containers of any kind will be allowed on the shuttle or allowed to be carried into the party.

SPECTATOR RULES

No camping and sleeping overnight near the parade route.

Parking vehicles overnight to reserve space will not be allowed.

Propane and butane grilling is prohibited. If charcoal is used at a tailgate party, a fire extinguisher must be on hand.

No parking along the frontage road of North Central Expressway.

Spontaneous stages, bands and DJ setups are banned.

No unlicensed selling or serving of alcohol.

SOURCES: Jake Levy, parade organizer and manager of Desperados Mexican Restaurant; Steve Betzelberger, party organizer and former owner of Stan’s Blue Note; Lori Chance, manager of the city’s Office of Special Events

Photo by Rex C. Curry

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ROCKWALL - The Rockwall Community Playhouse’s production of Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck’s novella “Of Mice And Men” opens this weekend with performances Friday and Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2 pm.

Additional performances will run March 23-25 and March 30-April 1.

Ticket prices are $22 for adults and $16.80 for seniors, including the service fee. If tickets are sold out online, come to the theater by 7:30 pm to be placed on a waiting list.  There may be additional seats available. RCP no longer accepts credit cards at the door.  Credit card purchases must be made online or by phone.

To purchase tickets online and for more info, see www.rockwallcommunityplayhouse.org.

Published in 1937, the production tells the tragic story of George Milton and Lennie Small, two displaced migrant ranch workers during the Great Depression in California, USA.

Required reading in many schools,Of Mice and Men has been a frequent target of censors for vulgarity and what some consider offensive language; consequently, it appears on the American Library Association’s list of the Most Challenged Books of 21st Century.

Some strong language and adult situations are included.  The play is not suitable for children.

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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ROCKWALL – A dazzling display of Christmas lights can be seen in The Shores subdivision at 1520 Meadows Circle. Here’s the Google map:

http://maps.google.com/maps?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hl=en&tab=wl

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