4th Annual Deerfield Music and Art Festival

The entire Plano community is invited to the 4th Annual Deerfield Music and Art Festival presented by Classic BMW on Saturday, May 7 from 6-10pm. The completely free festival offers a way for Plano citizens young and old to enjoy the vibrant music and arts scene in Plano.

Run completely by Deerfield residents and volunteers, the event offers four hours of free concerts, a different one every hour. Performers will include members of the Plano Symphony Orchestra (PSO), the Imperial Brass Quintet, as well as the Rosana Eckert Jazz Quartet. One hour will feature popular Broadway and Disney tunes with Carl Johnson on piano, and another hour will feature a classical trio with festival organizer Oliver Schlaffer playing cello. Professional artists from Plano Art Association will also have their artwork on display for purchase.

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Deerfield resident Oliver Schlaffer started this festival in 2013 as a way to introduce families, especially those with young children, to the abundance of quality music and art available in Plano. As a professional cellist who has performed with multiple local orchestras, including the PSO, Oliver was troubled to see fewer and fewer young people at the concerts in recent years. Plano is known for its high quality of life, and he felt that access to music and arts play a big part in that.

When the Deerfield neighborhood completed construction on its new outdoor pavilion in the park several years ago, Oliver immediately knew it was the perfect setting for a family-friendly concert. And he wanted to encourage people to come out by making it free. “Parents can bring the whole family. You don’t have to decide which kids to leave at home due to high ticket prices,” he explained.

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Alongside the live musical performances, there will be plenty more for the kids to do. Plano Symphony Orchestra will host their popular Instrument Petting Zoo, where little ones can get up close with traditional orchestra instruments. Arts and crafts activities will also be provided, as well as face painting and a balloon artist.

Street parking will be aplenty and volunteers will direct where to park. Festivalgoers should bring a blanket or folding chairs to set up on the lawn. The festival is also friendly to dogs on leashes. Picnic baskets are welcome, and Smoke restaurant will provide meals and snacks for purchase. There will also be a free wine tasting.

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Although the event is free, Deerfield Music and Art Festival kindly asks you to RSVP for planning purposes.

Deerfield Music and Arts Festival Website > RSVP for the fest >

 

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