Alt-country duo The Civil Wars create gentle discord at Tampa's Straz Center

The Civil Wars and the Straz Center: Background for Readers

The Civil Wars were an American duo made up of Joy Williams and John Paul White. They came together in Nashville in the late 2000s and quickly drew attention for a spare, harmony-driven sound that sat somewhere between folk, country and Americana. Their debut album, Barton Hollow, became a breakout success and earned the pair Grammy recognition. The duo later went on hiatus and eventually confirmed they had split, so their concerts are now part of the band's history rather than something fans can look forward to.

The headline's phrase "gentle discord" fits how many listeners described the group. Their songs often set close, tender vocal blends against lyrics about tension, distance and relationships under strain. On stage the format was usually stripped back, with guitar and two voices. That kind of show suits a seated performing arts venue better than an arena, because the audience can hear every breath and pause.

About the venue

The David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa, Florida, is one of the largest performing arts complexes in the southeastern United States. It holds several theaters of different sizes and hosts Broadway tours, opera, orchestral concerts, comedy and touring musicians. Acoustic acts like The Civil Wars are a natural match for its halls.

Why it appears on a basketball site

Game nights and concert nights have a lot in common. A Dallas metro fan planning a trip to a big arena faces the same practical questions as someone heading to a theater in another city:

• Check the official venue or team website for dates, start times and ticketing, because schedules change.
• Buy from authorized sellers and book ahead for popular nights.
• Plan parking or public transport early, since downtown traffic builds before doors open.
• Review the venue's bag and entry policies before you leave home.

If you're working out your next night out around local hoops, start with our game schedule. You'll find arrival tips and seating notes in the venues section.