News

TNT & the Smokin Horn Section-FREE!

Tom Keener — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:40:52 Z

Calling all classic rock and R&B fans: Its time to groove to the sounds of your favorite tunes.

The TNT & the Smokin Horn Section takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 10, at the Allen Public Library. This high-energy 5-piece band featuring a powerful horn section offers an experience you dont want to miss.

This group of professional musicians is popular throughout the Texoma region.

Admission to the program is free, and the presentation will also be streamed live. Find viewing options at:

https://actv.org/internetchannel/watch-now

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the concert is free and no reservations are required. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr.

Pullman Porters

Tom Keener — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:00:00 Z

The Pullman Porters made railblazing achievements during an exciting chapter in American history. Celebrate Black History Month by learning more about the Pullman Porters who helped transform America at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 12, at the Allen Public Librarys Civic Auditorium, 300 N. Allen Dr. Speaker for this evening, William Blaylock holds a Juris Doctor from Baylor Law School and is a retired vice president and senior tax counsel for Texas Instruments. HIs professional career includes experience at the Museum of the American Railroad and the Dallas Opera.

Industrialist George Pullman believed that former house slaves of the plantation South had the ideal training to serve the businessmen patronizing his "Palace Cars. The biggest single employer of African Americans in post-Civil War America, Pullman offered former slaves meaningful and lucrative employment. Despite the undeniable racism behind Pullmans employment practices, he provided advantages to people who desperately needed them.

Known for their pristine manners and elegant uniforms, Pullman Porters worked on the sleeping cars from the 1870s to the 1960s. They presented professional services to passengers such as handling luggage, delivering telegraph dispatches, maintaining cleanliness in passenger areas, and importantly, providing passengers with travel information.

In 1925, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was created. This changed the course of the twentieth century by securing higher wages and benefits for their membership and helped establish their civil rights. The porters, owing in part to their cosmopolitan experience, held positions of status and tremendous respect in the black community.

The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr. Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.

Allen Community Jazz Band brings cheer to a holiday program

Tom Keener — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:00:00 Z

The Allen Community Jazz Band brings a new perspective to many of the traditional holiday songs such as Santa Claus is Coming to Town, We Wish You a Merry Christmas and other season favorites at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 21, at the historic Allen Christian Church in Allen Heritage Village, 352 E. St. Mary Dr.

Big Band selections will include Harlem Nocturne, featuring John Roberts on alto, Take The A Train with Alex Dumas on trumpet, and a perennial favorite, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, with solos by Bob Burnam, trombone, John Roberts, alto, and Alex Dumas, trumpet.

A swinging arrangement of Sleigh Ride will conclude the concert.

The Allen Community Jazz Band is led by Craig Logan and associate director Ray Akin, who provided arrangements for the concert.

Arrive early to obtain a good seat!

Allen Community Jazz Band concerts are free and open to the public.

Call 214-509-4911 for more information.

Texas Clarinet Group at the Village

Tom Keener — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 19:00:00 Z

Join us for a live and lively concert that features traditional holiday carols and Susan Schwaeglers A Klezmer Medley, at 7:30 p.m., Friday, December 12 at Allen Heritage Village, 450 E. St. Mary. Dr.

A thrilling musical array of Christmas carols and suites are offered, including Pytor Tchaikovskys The Nutcracker Suite, Franz Liszts In Dulci Jubilo, Georges Bizets Farandole, Victor Herberts March of the Toys, and Paul Nagles A Festival of Carols.

Many of the instruments from the clarinet family will be featured. The Texas Clarinet Group is a quintet of professional clarinet players from North Texas. The group is comprised of Charlotte Catlett, Sean Reed, Johnathon Platt, Inga Sanford, and Kevin Butler, all of whom are members of community bands in the Metroplex and/or hold degrees in music.

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the concert is free. Call 214-509-4911 for more information.

Frontier Marshal Bass Reeves, Cherokee Bill and Black Cowboys of the Shawnee Trail

Tom Keener — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 19:41:46 Z

Art Burton will share tales of frontier marshal Bass Reeves, Cherokee Bill and black cowboys of the Shawnee Trail at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Allen Heritage Village, 450 E. St. Mary Drive. Burton is the author of Black Gun, Silver Star: The Life and Legend of Frontier Marshal Bass Reeves and Cherokee Bill: Black Cowboy, Indian Outlaw.

At the outset of the Civil War, Bass Reeves narrowly escaped slavery and traveled to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma), living with the Cherokee and Creek. In 1875, Reeves was appointed one of the first African American deputy U. S. marshals. Through careful tracking skills undoubtedly learned from his Native American mentors, he is credited with over 3,000 arrests. Also, working under cover and using various disguises, Reeves unraveled mysterious crimes.

Until the advent of the railroad, cattle from Collin County were shipped to the northern markets along the Shawnee Trail, now Preston Road. Cowboys faced frostbite, potential drowning, venomous snakes, serious accidents and more. An estimated one in five of the cowboys were Black, many of whom were former Union soldiers.

Cherokee Bill, whose real name was Crawford Goldsby, was a 19^th-century American outlaw. Responsible for the murders of seven men, including his brother-in-law, Cherokee Bill and his gang terrorized the Indian Territory for over two years.

When asked what inspired him to write about these subjects, Art explained, My family of origin was comprised of cowboys and documenting the African American experience in the wild west was my goal.

Art has appeared in four documentaries for the History Channel. In 2015, Art was featured on FOX Cables Legends and Lies series episode The Real Lone Ranger. He was also a participant in the AHC cable series Gunslingers episode on Bass Reeves. Art spoke at the B.B. King Symposium at Mississippi Valley State University in the fall of 2018 on African American and Native American cultures. In 2024, the Cherokee Nation invited Art to present Frontier Era Lawmen and Outlaws in the Cherokee Nation. In 2025, Art addressed the Oklahoma Historical Society regarding Black lawmen on the frontier. He is also the historian for the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum of Fort Worth, Texas.

Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.

The Hole in the Roof Home for Americas Team,1971-2008

Tom Keener — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 19:30:00 Z

In the fall of 1971, vast numbers of North Texans traveled to the intersection of Highways 183 and 114, in the city of Irving, to marvel at the new home for the Dallas Cowboys. The people of this region felt immense pride in this edifice that exemplified the familiar adage, "if you build it, they will come."

Burk Murchison will share stories from the early years of the Dallas Cowboys, including the construction of Texas Stadium, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, September 25, at the Allen Heritage Village, 450 E. St. Mary Dr. The son of the Dallas Cowboys' first owner Clint Murchison Jr., Burk was an eyewitness to this unprecedented era of sports history. Longtime Dallas Morning News journalist Michael Granberry will join Burk to offer his perspectives on the thrilling journey that led to the Dallas Cowboys inaugural Super Bowl victory.

During the first game at Texas Stadium, halfback Duane Thomas scored the first touchdown on a 56-yard run that electrified Dallas Cowboy fans. Later, former Dallas Cowboys linebacker D. D. Lewis famously said that the hole in the roof existed so that God can watch his favorite team.

Burk Murchison and Michael Granberry, are co-authors of "Hole in the Roof: The Dallas Cowboys, Clint Murchison Jr., and the Stadium That Changed American Sports Forever." Books will be available for purchase and inscriptions.

Michael first served as a writer for the Dallas Morning News' High-Profile section and then 17 years as Arts Writer, breaking such stories as The Glare that continues to affect the Nasher Sculpture Center and the strange fate of a rare painting by Leonardo Da Vinci called Salvator Mundi. After retiring, Michael wrote the cover story on Willie Nelson for the August/September issue of Cowboys & Indians magazine and is a frequent contributor to the highly rated national podcast The Tony Kornheiser Show, whose host also serves as a cohost of Pardon the Interruption on ESPN.

Burk Murchison is a partner in Murchison Capital Partners, LP, an investment management firm based in Dallas.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Allen Public Library, the program is free. Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.

Library presents Mariachi Michoacan-FREE

Tom Keener — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 19:30:00 Z

Creating an atmosphere to stir the passions, the hugely popular ensemble Mariachi Michoacan performs 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 13, at Allen Heritage Village, 450 E. St. Mary Dr. Since 1986, Mariachi Michoacan has made a major impact on the North Texas music scene, performing across North Texas.

For their Allen Library debut, Mariachi Michoacan will perform arrangements from across different regions of the Southwest and Mexico. Hispanic and non-Hispanic fans embrace mariachi music as the happy music of

the world. The nostalgia and history expressed through the mariachi tunes bring

delight and pride to all listeners. Today, it is enjoyed across the world and by countless ethnicities.

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the concert is free. Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.

The Hole in the Roof Home for Americas Team,1971-2008

Tom Keener — Sat, 23 Aug 2025 19:00:00 Z

Michael first served as a writer for the Dallas Morning News' High-Profile section and then 17 years as Arts Writer, breaking such stories as The Glare that continues to affect the Nasher Sculpture Center and the strange fate of a rare painting by Leonardo Da Vinci called Salvator Mundi. After retiring, Michael wrote the cover story on Willie Nelson for the August/September issue of Cowboys & Indians magazine and is a frequent contributor to the highly rated national podcast The Tony Kornheiser Show, whose host also serves as a cohost of Pardon the Interruption on ESPN.

Burk Murchison is a partner in Murchison Capital Partners, LP, an investment management firm based in Dallas.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Allen Public Library, the program is free. Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.

Theorbo and Classical Guitar Concert

Tom Keener — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 03:31:09 Z

A tireless researcher as well as an artfully engaging performer, Dr. Andrew Flory has thrilled music lovers from around the world. He will perform a medley of arrangements from classical composers on the theorbo and guitar at 7:30 p.m. Friday, August 22 at the historic Allen Christian Church in Allen Heritage Village, 450 E. St. Mary Dr.

Currently, Flory teaches at Muziek school Lochristi and Academie Merksem in Belgium.

The theorbo is a plucked string instrument period in the lute family. It features an extended neck that allows for a deeper bass range. It was developed in Italy during the Baroque to provide a powerful sound for vocal performances, and it is often larger than a standard lute due to its extended neck.

In 2024, Dr. Flory received a doctorate in early music, and a performers certificate in classical guitar from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. As a multi-instrumentalist and early music specialist, Dr. Flory captivates audiences with his colorful and nuanced repertoire that spans over 500 years. For his doctorate, he arranged Mauro Giulianis Opus 30 Guitar Concerto for 3 guitars.

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the concert is free. Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.

The Life and Legacy of Pocahontas

Tom Keener — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 19:30:00 Z

For over four centuries, the legend of Pocahontas (Matoaka) has gripped the American psyche. Most of us grew up with the endearing legend of Pocahontas throwing herself over John Smith to save his life before possible execution.

Rarely is the rest of her story shared though. How many of us today know about her life as the daughter of Powhatan, chief of the Powhatan tribe in what is today the Tidewater region of the state of Virginia? Who is aware that she wed John Rolfe, not John Smith, after she was kidnapped by English colonists?

Longtime City of Allen employee Tom Keener will separate the biography of Pocahontas from the traditional myth that surrounds her life at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17, at the Allen Heritage Villages Allen Christian Church, 450 E. St. Mary Dr.

Sharing the story of Pocahontas has been a lifelong passion for Tom. As a boy, he was told there was a familial connection to Pocahontas through his Bolling lineage. Pocahontas and John Rolfe had one son, Thomas. He married Jane Poythress and they had a daughter named Jane who would wed Col. Robert Thomas Bolling.

Tom observes, Pocahontas is a classic heroine; she makes decisions to chart her own path and endures probable pressures to conform to the desires of others. It is a story of adventure, leaving home, colonialism, interaction and collision of cultures, and, above all, love.

Employed with the City of Allen for 42 years, Tom has facilitated the production of over 500 videos available on ACTV and penned over 100 articles regarding American history.

Call 214-509-4911 for additional information. Sponsored by the Allen Public Library and Collin County Genealogical Society, the program is free.

Big A$$ Brass Band-FREE!

Tom Keener — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 19:30:00 Z

Treat yourself to an electrifying evening with the Big A$$ Brass Band at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 11, at Allen Heritage Villages Allen Christian Church, 450 E. St. Mary Dr.

Big A$$ Brass Band has performed at the Kessler Theater, been nominated for Dallas Observers and Central Tracks Music Awards, and did a residency at the House of Blues in Shanghai. Founded in 2015, The Big A$$ Brass Band is a powerhouse featuring the finest and funkiest of brass players. Their wild, raucous, and original blend of sounds is certain to please all audiences.

Blending funk, jazz and hip-hop, improvisation has made this band hugely popular in the Dallas area over the last few years. The energy and joy emanating from the band is thrilling. Band leader Kevin Butler observes, It's like the nature of the music is, if you've got a horn or a drum, you can jump in or out at any point in time. This brass bands show is like New Orleans parade music that invites the audience to participate.

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the concert is free.

Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.

GOODnGONE Country Rock Band at Allen Heritage Village-FREE

Tom Keener — Thu, 22 May 2025 19:00:00 Z

Celebrate the music of local favorite country rock band GOODnGONE at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 23. The group will perform a mix of classic, red dirt and Texas country tunes at the Allen Christian Church, located in Allen Heritage Village, 450 E. St. Mary Dr.

GOODnGONE offers ballroom ballads, twanging shuffles, and a hint of rock. The group also offers its fair share of love songs, including first and eternal loves. Hailing from Collin County, Texas, they penned a song about the first legal hanging in Collin County, The Ballad of Stephen Ballew.

With Jimmie Davidson on lead vocals, Tom Brandish on lead guitar, Richie Davis on drums, and Chris Bangma on bass guitar, they bring a fresh and modern edge to country music. Since forming in 2009, they have played at venues across North Texas and Oklahoma, including The House of Blues, River Ranch at the FW Stockyards, Allen Event Center and numerous city festivals.

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the concert is free.

GOODnGONE country rock band at Allen Heritage Village-FRE

Tom Keener — Thu, 08 May 2025 20:00:00 Z

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the concert is free.

The Texas Clarinet Group

Tom Keener — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 15:00:00 Z

-Enjoy a free afternoon of The Texas Clarinet Group performing From Bach to the Beatles" at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 30. This presentation will be hosted at the historic Allen Christian church at Allen Heritage Village, 450 E. St. Mary Dr.

Transcribed for trios, quartets, and quintets of B flat, E flat, Bass and Contrabass clarinets, the program feature highlights from Bach's Brandenburg Concerto #2, Beethoven's Ode to Joy, Fucik's Entrance of the Gladiators, Holsts 2nd Suite in F, a medley of tunes by The Beatles, and the Group's signature arrangement of "Deep in the Heart of Texas."

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the concert is free.

Call 214-509-4911.

Veterans Day features Wounded Soldier, Healing Warrior author and Allen Community Jazz Band

Tom Keener — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 17:36:04 Z

Celebrate Veterans Day with Captain Allen Clark, author of Wounded Soldier, Healing Warrior, and a musical performance from the Allen Community Jazz Band. The program will be 7:30 p.m. Monday, November 11, at the historic Allen Christian Church, 252 E. St. Mary Dr., Allen Heritage Village.

The Allen Community Jazz Band will open the program with a medley of patriotic songs featuring Mark Woodard on Alto Sax. Highlights of the concert will include a unique version of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy featuring Jeannie Baxter, Shayla Smith and Diana Brooks on vocals. Professionally attorneys in Collin County, these talented ladies enjoy singing on the side. The band will conclude with Battle Hymn of the Republic.

On the last day of his tour of duty in Viet Nam before returning to the United States, Captain Clark confronted horrific tragedy. A mortar round landed behind him, resulting in both legs needing to be amputated below the knees. Captain Clarks recovery was long and arduous, but the emotional wounds of despair continued to grip his being. An inspiring book, Wounded Soldier, Healing Warrior chronicles his spiritually renewing journey.

A West Point graduate, Captain Clark earned the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantrymans Badge for his Army Special Forces service in Vietnam. Later, he served as an assistant secretary in the Department of Veterans Affairs and subsequently as director of the National Cemetery System.

President Ronald Reagan declared, There are a host of heroes to whom this country owes a debt it can never repay. Allen Clark lost both his legs while serving his country in Viet Nam. When he came home, his body was broken, but his spirit never faltered.

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, Allen Community Jazz Band, VFW 2195, Bernardo de Gálvez chapter DAR, the concert is free. Call 214-509-4911 for further information.

Memorial Day-Remembrance and Concert

Tom Keener — Wed, 15 May 2024 19:30:00 Z

Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with last breath of each soldier who died protecting it. --Author unknown.

Enjoy a Memorial Day concert with the New Horizons Band at 2:30 p.m. Friday, May 24, at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. Under the direction of Lorenzo Parker and with vocals by Billy Bonner, the audience will be treated to The Black Horse Troop March by John Philip Sousa, Grant Them Rest by Barbara Buehlman, Texas Star March by David Lovrien and many more.

In addition, the solemn presentation of the colors will be offered by VFW Post 2195.

This concert is sponsored by the Allen Senior Recreation Center and the Allen Public Library. Many thanks to the Flower Cottage and Ridgeview Florists for the floral wreaths, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Quality Healthcare Choices for flower bouquets. Allen Quilters Guild have offered Welcoming Quilts.

Admission to the program is free, and the presentation will also be streamed live. Find viewing options at Watch ACTV or view online at ACTV.org or YouTube.com/AllenCityTV.

Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.

Memorial Day-Remembrance and Concert

Tom Keener — Wed, 15 May 2024 19:30:00 Z

Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with last breath of each soldier who died protecting it. --Author unknown.

In addition, the solemn presentation of the colors will be offered by VFW Post 2195.

Admission to the program is free, and the presentation will also be streamed live. Find viewing options at Watch ACTV or view online at ACTV.org or YouTube.com/AllenCityTV.

Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.