From country to classical and bluegrass to blues, Fort Worth's music scene is filled with every genre imaginable. Across the city — in any direction — you'll find national and local acts taking the stage in a variety of venues, from Billy Bob's to the world-class Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall. There are music festivals, concerts under the stars and a competition that draws the world's finest young pianists.

Swing by Billy Bob's Texas, the world's largest honky-tonk, to catch performances by country music greats like Willie Nelson and Randy Travis. Located in the Fort Worth's Stockyards National Historic District, Billy Bob's is larger than life, with casinos, arcades, pool tables and professional bull riding in an indoor arena. For something a little more laid back, mosey over to the Stockyards' White Elephant Saloon, part of Fort Worth's history and home to a variety of electric and acoustical country acts.

During the summer, head to the Near Southside for First Fridays on the Green at Magnolia Green Park for everything from peppy folk country to a little rock 'n' roll. For indoor entertainment, there's Live Oak Music Hall and Lounge, headlining the likes of blues musician Taj Mahal and folk singers and bands like Fleet Foxes, Ray LaMontagne and DeVotchKa.

While in downtown's Sundance Square, check out Scat Jazz Lounge. Located in an alleyway across from the Chisholm Trail Mural in the heart of Fort Worth, Scat showcases some of the best local, regional and national talent.

Visit the West 7th Street District and surrounding area for more live music venues, including Lola's Saloon, Capital Bar, Magnolia Motor Lounge, the Pour House and Fred's Texas Cafe. The annual Fort Worth Music Festival (previously known as Jazz by the Boulevard) presents two days of nonstop music in Fort Worth's Cultural District. The event attracts music fans of all ages and celebrates Fort Worth's rich and diverse musical heritage, showcasing more than 20 acts on two stages. Music lovers enjoy the shady lawns of the Will Rogers Memorial Center where local and national bands perform. Previous performers include some of Cowtown's favorites, such as Josh Weathers, The Orbans, Telegraph Canyon and Tatiana Mayfield. Festival proceeds benefit the restoration and beautification of Camp Bowie, the city's oldest boulevard.

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, with its world-class musicians and internationally recognized music director Miguel Harth-Bedoya, is renowned for magnificent performances of symphonic and pops music and has entertained North Texas for more than 75 years. Local patrons and those who travel for miles can enjoy a season of stunning concerts with some of the best music in the world at the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall. Each June and July, the orchestra works outdoor magic with its Concerts in the Garden series. The festival includes spectacular fireworks and takes place every weekend under the stars in the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens.

In addition to its own concert series, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra also collaborates with the Fort Worth Opera, Southwestern Seminary Master Chorale (resident chorus for the orchestra) and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. After 60 years of producing opera in the stagione style — one at a time over the fall and winter — Fort Worth Opera condensed its entire schedule to an annual spring festival in 2007, featuring the company's first main-stage world premiere, Frau Margot, by composer Thomas Pasatieri.

First conducted in 1962, the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition is the joyous discovery of the world's finest young pianists. The competition honors Fort Worth resident Van Cliburn, winner of the first quadrennial International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in Moscow at the height of the Cold War, and takes place every four years (the year following U.S. presidential elections). The next competition is set for 2013, when famed American conductor Leonard Slatkin leads the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and the renowned Brentano String Quartet.

Fort Worth is a city that loves music, whether it's a renowned symphony orchestra or the jingle of western spurs and bellowing cattle, music strikes a special chord in the City of Cowboys and Culture.

For more information about all that Fort Worth has to offer its residents and visitors visit www.FortWorth.com.

Contacts:

Jessica Dowdy, Sr. Manager, Marketing and Public Relations  817-709-7601 or jessicadowdy@fortworth.com 

Merianne Roth, VP Marketing Communications 817-917-6616 or merianneroth@fortworth.com

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