On Friday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m., the theater's Black Box will come alive with the strumming and humming of the Acoustic Friday's Songwriter Challenge. With "Rock" as the chosen theme for this iteration, prepare to witness a slew of new tracks that promise to rock. It is a quarterly ritual that beckons the brave souls willing to bare their musical bones for the first time, and it’s as raw as it gets, as per the City of Lewisville.

Free to all who kick through the door, the event is not just for those gracing the stage but also for anyone with ears to appreciate fresh aural artistry. There's no battle for supremacy here, no shiny trophies to hoard. The platform is all about the glory of premiering a song, which must be written for the challenge and must make its debut there, according to the event details. Songwriters are welcome to wield their amplified acoustics or pitch their tunes a cappella, with a sidekick strumming along if they so choose. Keyboards and electric bass manage to sneak past the acoustic mandate, making the cut as the exceptions to the unplugged rule.

The Grand, as Lewisville's heart for the arts, gives the local creative scene a place to pulsate, evidenced by its year-round offering of performances, exhibits, and arts education. With spaces ranging from the intimate Black Box to the 294-seat Huffines Performance Hall, and even an outdoor courtyard, this cultural hub has a spot for every kind of event whether it's a rock challenge or classical quartet, a dance recital or a laugh-to-tears comedy night. An official description of the venue highlights its dedication to regional and national talents plus a nurturing hand to local arts organizations.