The Lakeside Music Series, free Friday night concerts staged outdoors in the plaza of The Shops at Lakeside (2314 Lakeside Parkway), returns Friday, April 6, at 7:30 pm.
Set amongst the plaza’s trees and grass, and with The Shops of Lakeside and Lakeside’s street life as the backdrop, the series attracts top local musicians and crowds who appreciate the music, the venue, and the scene.
Some choose to sit up close in the plaza’s grass (blankets recommended), others prefer a little farther back in the area covered in decomposed granite (portable chairs recommended).
While you’re at Lakeside, consider strolling around to take a look at the shops and restaurants in The Shops at Lakeside. A majority are owned and operated by local people. See if you can spot the owners.
If you like a little food with your music, consider listening from the outdoor patio at Paradise Bistro & Coffee Co. across Lakeside Parkway. Paradise offers a wide-ranging dinner menu, plus all your favorite beers. You could even order a sandwich, chicken tenders, or fries to go and take them over to the plaza.
Mio Nonno Trattoria attracts a big crowd on Friday nights. Call in advance or go to Open Table. Their patio (covered in a bright yellow awning) offers a wonderful way to combine of authentic Italian food, great wines, and people watching, all bathed in live music from the plaza.
You also might take advantage of the happy hour at Carvao Prime Brazilian Steakhouse that runs from 5-7 pm on Friday nights. Plan to stick around for the area’s finest in Brazilian dining (plus a great salad bar as well as a wide and deep selection of spirits).
If you haven’t tried the patio of Mena’s Grill and Tex-Mex Cantina, you’re missing one of the finest sidewalk dining experiences in DFW (along with great Tex-Mex). If the wind is out of the east, you may be able to hear the music from here.
The Market at Lakeside, next door to Mena’s, often has taste-testings on Friday nights to tantalize guests with snacks they can take to the plaza.
Hanaya, located just a stone’s throw away from the plaza, offers all the best of Japanese cuisine, including hibachi, sushi, and even Asian fusion.
To satisfy your sweet tooth, visit Epic Gelato for artisan Italian ice cream right behind the plaza or walk north to enjoy Milwaukee Joe’s Ice Cream.
Chant Duplantier kicks off the third season on Friday, April 6 (7:30-9:30 pm) with his R&B, jazz, and rock tunes that have enthralled Lakeside audiences in the past.
You will be blown away by his smooth voice and jazzy guitar licks on hits that range from “Man in the Mirror” and “Purple Rain” to “All of Me” and “Sara Smile.”
On April 13, Chet Stevens brings his equally awesome guitar and voice to the plaza where he will dazzle listeners with his funky blues-rock repertoire and his brand of upbeat groove music.
On April 20, Ross Redmond, one of Dallas’ top band keyboard players and vocalists, will share a repertoire as big as Texas — from The Cars to Justin Timberlake, from Herbie Hancock to John Legend, from Etta James to Coldplay, from Frank Sinatra to Adele.
Then on April 27, the woman who started it all, Crystal Yates will perform her country inspired repertoire, including many of her own popular compositions.
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