Jimmy Simmons & Friends Return to McFaddin-Ward House for Concert in the Gardens Oct. 17

Beaumont, TX; Sept. 30, 2025 – The McFaddin-Ward House grounds will come alive with the sounds of big band rhythm, soulful jazz, and time-honored tunes at the Museum’s admission-free Music at the McFaddins’ concert event featuring Jimmy Simmons & Friends on Friday, Oct. 17, at 6:30 p.m.

Simmons and his band will perform of a wide variety of classics from the golden age of big band music through modern day hits. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and refreshments as they gather in the historic home’s beautiful gardens at 1906 McFaddin Avenue in Beaumont. Gates open at 6 p.m.

“We’re thrilled to welcome back local legend Jimmy Simmons and his outstanding group of musicians to our outdoor concert series,” said Jeffrey Richardson, McFaddin-Ward House Museum executive director. “There is something magical about live music outdoors in the garden with the historic house beautifully lit in the background. We invite everyone to come be a part of this unforgettable evening.”

A member of the faculty and leadership team at Lamar University for more than four decades and President Emeritus of the university, Simmons is an accomplished musician and talented orchestra leader with an active performance career spanning beyond his tenure at Lamar. Skilled on saxophone, piano, and clarinet, he currently performs with a varied group of musicians at venues around the state.

Simmons said the band looks forward to the concerts at the McFaddin-Ward House, and it’s always one of their “favorite” performances.

“I’m from Beaumont, and I have so many friends and former students and relationships there,” Simmons said. “It’s great for me to come back and be able to perform for them. I’m looking forward to playing my clarinet.”

In case of inclement weather, Music at the McFaddins’ will be cancelled.

Music at the McFaddins’ featuring Jimmy Simmons & Friends is part of the annual Museum Madness Weekend (Oct. 16-19), presented by the Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau and supporting area museums. The Art Museum of Southeast Texas, Beaumont Botanical Gardens, Beaumont Children’s Museum, Beaumont Main Street, Dishman Art Museum at Lamar University, Edison Museum, Fire Museum of Texas, Historic Magnolia Cemetery, John Jay French Museum, McFaddin-Ward House Museum, Museum of the Gulf Coast, Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, Temple to the Brave, Texas Energy Museum, and Tyrrell Park Nature Center are each hosting events for a fun-filled weekend in Jefferson County.

The Music at the McFaddins’ concert series will continue on Friday, Nov. 7, with a performance by local favorite, Midlife Crisis.

Built in 1905-1906 in the distinctive Beaux-Arts Colonial style, the McFaddin-Ward House reflects the lifestyle of the prominent family that lived in the house for 75 years. The museum features admission-free tours, educational programming, year-round events, a carriage house exhibit, and gardens.