Nasher Sculpture Center kicks off Saturday Night in the City Garden concert series April 5

Saturday Night in the City Lineup:

April 5 – Cary Pierce

Cary Pierce is a producer, songwriter and performer. His songs have appeared on more than two million records and he has shared stages with John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, Matchbox Twenty, Counting Crows, Wallflowers, Vertical Horizon, Sheryl Crow, Mat Kearney, Jewel, Lyle Lovett, No Doubt, Collective Soul, Train, just to name a few. He has recorded with John Alagia (John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band),T Bone Burnett (Wallflowers, Counting Crows), Neal Avron (Everclear, Semisonic), Justin Niebank (Eric Clapton, Blues Traveler), John Fields (Switchfoot,) and others. Cary was instrumental in the early development of Vertical Horizon, Evan & Jaron, Jack Ingram and Guster. Cary is also half of the band Jackopierce (Jack ONeill & Cary Pierce). For twenty years, Jackopierce has toured the world in 44 states, 10 countries, on 3 continents. They are working on a new record (the first new material in 12 years!) to be released Fall 2008.

May 3 – Petty Theft

Petty Theft is a Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers tribute band consisting of six talented musicians including Mike Rhyner, host of The Hardline on Sportsradio 1310 the Ticket. The Dallas-based band, who’s sets include such favorites as Won’t Back Down and American Girl, was recently honored with a Dallas Observer Music Award nomination for Best Cover Band.

June 7– Havana NRG!

Havana NRG! is a Dallas-based salsa band that has performed in every major venue and public event in the state of Texas, and was specially selected as one of the top 10 independent salsa orchestras in the world. The band is “a new breed of Latin band,” that is taking their Cuban roots and creating new energy and exciting new sounds.

July 5 – Sonny Burgess

Growing up in the sun burnt town of Cleburne, Texas, Sonny was constantly surrounded by the sounds & realities that are traditional country music. Just down the road from Fort Worth, Sonny was immersed in the music his family loved. Hank Williams, Glen Campbell, Roy Clark and Chet Atkins were the regular musical fare during the evenings as Sonny and family gathered on the front porch. Inspired by the stories woven in the touching and haunting melodies, Sonny taught himself to play the guitar. In 2001, Music City Records released When In Texas. It notched four top 10 singles in the key Texas music charts and brought him the first opportunities to play venues such as the venerable Grand Old Opry, Nashville's Fan Fair/CMA Music Festival, The Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville & Orlando and Sonny made his national television debut on "Crook & Chase."

August 2 – Hard Night’s Day

Back by popular demand, Hard Night’s Day is considered Dallas’ best Beatles tribute band, and was named Best Cover Band by the Dallas Observer in 2005, the third straight year the band won such an honor. Their repertoire includes I want to Hold Your Hand, Back in the USSR, and Can’t Buy Me Love.

September 6 – Tuxedo Junction

With a vision to recreate the sound, the look, and the mood of the big bands of the 30's and 40's, Tuxedo Junction offers a refreshing and authentic, musical recreation of the Big Band Swing Era. The 20-piece band has a musical library including such favorites as Fly Me to the Moon and Come Fly with Me.