February Fun at Irving Arts Center: From Brahms to Ballet

Upcoming Performances

Through Feb. 4 | Ada & The Engine

Presented by MainStage

Times Vary | $22-$29

Jane Austen meets Steve Jobs in this pre-tech romance heralding the computer age. As the British Industrial Revolution dawns, Ada Byron Lovelace (daughter of the notorious Lord Byron) sees the creative potential in the “analytic engines” of her soul mate Charles Babbage, inventor of the first mechanical computer. They envision a new world where art and information converge.

Feb. 11 | Jazz Violinist Scott Tixier and Brahms’

Magnificent Symphony #1

Presented by Irving Symphony Orchestra

7:30 p.m. | $39-$50

Violinist Scott Tixier performs his debut symphony, “Symphony of an Immigrant.” The evening concludes with Brahms’ Magnificent Symphony #1.

Feb. 12 | Opera and “The Firebird”

Presented by Covenant Christian Academy

3:30 p.m. | $16-$22

Arias and overtures from loved operas will be performed including Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” (with guest soloist Michael Pandolfo), and Stravinsky’s blazing “Firebird Suite.”

Feb. 16-18 | The Music Man

Presented by Irving Arts Center

7:30 p.m. | $27.50-$42.50

When smooth-talking con man Harold Hill arrives in River City, a small tight-knit town in Iowa, he expects to dupe its residents with an elaborate musical moneymaking scheme. But things do not go quite as planned.

Feb. 17 | Les Ballet Trocadero de Monte Carlo

Presented by Irving Arts Center

7:30 p.m. | $30.50-$47.50

The ballet troupe commonly known as “The Trocks,” return to the stage for what is guaranteed to be the funniest night ever at the ballet. The Trocks put on an amazing show, blending incredible technique, impeccable comic timing and the astounding fact that men can, indeed, dance en pointe (in drag) without falling flat on their faces! Enjoy hilarious twists on classics like Swan Lake, Don Quixote and Giselle.

Feb. 18 | Simone Spadino, Violin

Presented by Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra

7:30 p.m. | $17-$50

Young virtuoso violinist Simone Spadino performs with the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra.

Feb. 19 | Black History Month Program & Reception

Presented by Irving Black Arts Council

3 p.m. | Free

This annual event features performances and the unveiling of the 2023 Black Heritage Postage stamp.

Feb. 26 | Kingdom Choir

Presented by Irving Arts Center

2:30 p.m. | $27.50-$42.50

Their show stopping performance of “Stand by Me” at the Royal Wedding was viewed by more than 2 billion people around the world. Do not miss a chance to experience the pure joy and spiritual essence of this extraordinary London-based Gospel ensemble.

YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAMS

Feb. 2 | JumpstART Stories & Art: V is for Valentine!

10 a.m. | Free Hearts and candy; hugs and kisses! Valentine-themed crafts and heart-warming stories are the perfect way to gear up for the sweet holiday.

Feb. 12 | Second Sunday Funday: Celebrating Black History Month + Teen Open Studio

1 to 4 p.m. | Free

Families can find their inner artist with creative arts and crafts activities by making art inspired by African American artists, past and present. Teens can participate in an open art studio held during the same timeframe.

For more information about all activities planned, visit IrvingArtsCenter.com

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS HAVE ACCESS TO DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE

Eligible first-time homebuyers in Irving have access to as much as $50,000 through the city’s Down Payment Assistance Program to help purchase their home.

The first step in determining eligibility is to watch an orientation video available online at CityofIrving.org/DownPayment. Once complete, residents will need to obtain mortgage approval from a city-approved lender and then work with city staff to schedule a one-on-one interview and submit the necessary documentation.

The goal of the program is not only to make the dream of home ownership a reality but also to educate homeowners on self-sufficiency to ensure they can continue to afford their homes.

The program is made possible by the City of Irving Housing and Redevelopment Division and the Home Investment Partnership Grant of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For more information, call (972) 721-4800 or visit CityofIrving.org/ DownPayment n

Irving Arts Center In The Galleries

Free to view. Open Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. No advance reservation needed. Guided tours are offered the first Saturday of every month at 2 p.m.

Aquí/Ahora (Here/Now)

Through Feb. 25 | Carpenter Lobby Gallery

A group exhibition which highlights local Latinx artists and Art Connection members: Alfredo Santesteban, Fannie Brito, Flores, José Angel Hernandez, Maria Ruenes and Ximena M. Peryea. The exhibited works span a variety of media; painting, drawing, mixed media, assemblage, sculpture and photography are featured.

Showing the World One Sketch at a Time: Urban Sketchers DFW

Through Feb. 25 | Focus Gallery

A group exhibition featuring members of the group Urban Sketchers DFW.

Connections: Annual Black History Month

Exhibition

Through Feb. 25 | Main Gallery

The Irving Black Arts Council presents its annual Black History Month exhibition, a group exhibit featuring artists Frank Frazier, Earline Green, John Johnson, Gerald Leavell and Burl Washington.

Hello Sophie: The Picture Book Art of Sophie Blackall

Through Feb. 25 | Dupree Lobby Gallery

Curated by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) in Abilene, Texas, Hello Sophie: "The Picture Book Art of Sophie Blackall," showcases the work of award-winning children’s author and illustrator Sophie Blackall.

Faces of the Southern Ocean: Wildlife

Photography by J.J. L’Heureux

Through Feb. 25 | Courtyard Gallery

The work of photographer, painter, adventurer and naturalist J.J. L'Heureux is featured in this exhibition. Amazing photos from her travels in Antarctica reveal the penguins, seals and unique birds who make their home in the frozen landscape of the Southern Ocean.