What happens when you bring together smart thinkers, talented artists, and an engaged and energetic audience? Something like the Texas Monthly second-annual Edge of Texas weekend, presented by VisitDallas.
On September 7-8 in Dallas, thought-leaders and Texas Monthly editors convened to discuss the future of our state. Outlaw country pioneers Joe Ely and Jessi Colter kicked off the weekend performing alongside Jack Ingram and Holly Williams in a one-of-a-kind concert and conversation, further enhanced by a sneak preview of Eric Geadelmann’s documentary film They Called Us Outlaws. Following was a full day of panel discussions engaging attendees—from interviews with podcasting phenomenon Tim Ferriss and comedian Mo Amer to discussions with reality TV stars Jordan Johnson (aka Alyssa Edwards) and Rachel Lindsay, and columnist Dale Hansen. All in all, over 40 leading Texans participated in the weekend exploring all that it is Texas, and all that it means to be Texan.
Over two days, 2,200 people experienced all that would be expected in a weekend programmed by the national magazine of Texas, including a Saturday evening finale celebration themed “Texas Coming Together.” After a day of conversations that challenged and stretched the audience, it was time to reconvene with a party to remind us all what we have in common and appreciate about Texas. There was exquisite food, like a flight of burnt-ends prepared by Bodacious Barbecue’s Jordan Jackson, and transcendent brisket tacos cooked up by Houston’s Ronnie Killen. Austin’s Minor Mishap Marching Band and Dallas’ DJ Sober provided lively music and the talented team at Dallas-based SWOON, the studio, dressed up the Empire Room with daring and whimsical art installations. The result was a party that won’t soon be forgotten.
The third-annual EDGE: The Texas Monthly Festival weekend, presented by VisitDallas, returns to Dallas November 8-10, 2019.