Nickelback arrived on the Canadian rock scene in 1995. Twenty years later, they’ve sold more than 50 million records, securing top spots on Billboard charts on more than a few occasions. “How You Remind Me,” maybe the group’s most well-known hit, earned the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 when it debuted in 2001. Nickelback’s 2005 album All The Right Reasons found itself No.1 on the Billboard 200, with Here and Now (2011), Dark Horse (2008) and Silver Side Up (2001) debuting at No. 2. In February, Nickelback kicked off its 12th headlining tour in support of its eighth and latest studio album, No Fixed Address, which was released in November 2014, debuting No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums, Top Alternative Albums and Top Hard Rock Albums charts. The album’s lead single, “Edge of a Revolution,” landed the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart when it was released earlier that year in August. Stopping in 61 cities across North America, band members Chad Kroeger, Ryan Peake, Mike Kroeger and Daniel Adiar will arrive in Tulsa on Tuesday, April 7, for a performance at the BOK Center. Pop Evil will start the show. www.bokcenter.com
In the past 69 years, computers have gone from taking up an entire room to fitting inside our pockets as cell phones, and some much smaller. For Apple products, it all started 1976 when Steve Wozniak developed a computer – the hardware, circuit board design, and operating system – that would later be the Apple I. When Steve Jobs, who Wozniak had met when attending the University of California Berkeley, Jobs still in high school, and who he had worked with at numerous settings, wanted to sell the Apple I as a fully assembled printed circuit board, Apple Computers was born. Wozniak assembled the first boards in Jobs’ bedroom and garage. While Wozniak worked on designing the product, Jobs was in charge of marketing them. When Apple I’s success was realized, Wozniak designed the Apple II, the first personal computer that had the ability to display color, graphics and basic programing language built-in. Wozniak’s development of the Apple I and II made him a trailblazer in computer development, specifically the microcomputer revolution.
No longer working at Apple – Wozniak would permanently leave in 1987 – he still remains an “employee,” receives an annual stipend and is an Apple shareholder. Though Wozniak’s Apple inventions are his best-known contributions to computer science, he did not stop there. In 1987, the first programmable universal remote control was introduced to the market by one of his new ventures, CL 9, and in 2001, a new company of his, Wheels of Zeus (WOZ), was formed to create wireless GPS technologies. So much that we use today on our small, handheld cell phones can be credited, at some degree, to the work of Wozniak. On Tuesday, April 7, Oral Roberts University will welcome Wozniak to the Mabee Center as part of the OSU Tulsa Business Forum. Presented by OSU Spears School of Business and Corporate Sponsors, Questions & Answers with Steve Wozniak will go from 10 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.mabeecenter.com
Yonder Mountain String Band continues to push the boundaries of Bluegrass while pushing their talents and success to the next level. Touring the country yet again, audiences are getting a sneak peak at their sixth and latest studio album, Black Sheep, which is set to make a national release on June 16, 2015. So far, previous stops on the group’s tour have heard “Annalee,” “Landfall” and “Black Sheep.” Yonder Mountain has been shaping their craft from more than 17 years, and its newest album, the first album produced by Yonder Mountain itself, shows just how talented these musicians are on the strings. And for another first in the band’s career, they bring to every record on the album all five instruments that defined Bluegrass in the ‘40s: guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle and bass. To do this, Yonder Mountain String Band, comprised of Adam Aijala (guitar, vocals), Dave Johnston (banjo, vocals) and Ben Kaufmann (bass, vocals), brought some new, standout talent onboard that includes Allie Kral (violin) and Jacob Jolliff (mandolin). On April 9, the always stellar Yonder Mountain String Band will bring its classic sound, new talent and hopefully new music to Cain’s Ballroom. For more information, visit www.cainsballroom.com.
Take the whole family out to the ballgame for the Tulsa Drillers’ season opener. Head downtown early for the opening night parade that starts at 6 p.m. At 7:05, the Drillers will step onto ONEOK Field with hopes to out bat, out catch and out run the San Antonio Missions, who Tulsa will host through Saturday, April 11. And what’s a ballgame without the food? With baseball season comes Drillers Dogs, Mazzio’s pizza slices, jumbo soft pretzels, popcorn, peanuts and more. And you’ll be happy to know that Thursday is Thirsty Thursday; get $1 soft beers and soft drinks to enjoy while watching the Drillers knock the evening out of the park. Also, to celebrate the opening game, the Drillers will have a rally towel giveaway at Oil Derrick and Arvest Entrances. Get your towel and wave it high to cheer on the Drillers. And if you can’t make it to the opening game, don’t worry, they’ll be plenty of fun this coming season. This year’s promotional calendar features 20 post-game fireworks show, which will follow every Friday and Saturday night home game. On Saturday, April 11, the first 1,000 kids ages 14 and under to attend the game will receive the first ever Hornsby Build-A-Bear. On May 9, the first 1,500 fans will receive free t-shirts incorporating the Drillers and Dodgers colors and logos. Every Tuesday, enjoy $2 lawn tickets and selected concession items, and each Wednesday night game, “Bark in the Park” returns. Enjoy all this and much more during the 2015 Tulsa Drillers season. For more information, visit www.tulsadrillers.com.
Phil Long plans to enjoy a simpler, but nonetheless busy, life outside of event planning. Photo by Nathan Harmon.
A legendary designer has decided to step back from his profession and reflect on a lustrous career.
Phil Long, who has designed and coordinated many events in Tulsa the past 20-plus years, turned 65 years old in September.
Long has wowed patrons at events throughout the world during his career. His work has helped current Tulsa events sustain and continue to remain beneficial to nonprofits in the city.
“Phil’s unparalleled creativity transitioned LeMasquerade into Carnivale, a spectacular party for many, many years,” says Suzanne Warren, first co-chair of LeMasquerade, which now benefits Mental Health Association of Oklahoma. “He created the vision for the inaugural Painted Pony Ball (benefiting The Children’s Hospital Foundation at Saint Francis), launched the Mirror Ball to support Domestic Violence Intervention Services and designed the Opera Ball for more than seven years. His team’s work never disappoints.”
Long has designed events in New York City and San Francisco, ranging from prestigious affairs for such celebrities as Elizabeth Taylor, Karl Lagerfeld, Cher, Donna Karan, Brook Astor, Wolfgang Puck and the Bush family.
“I was proud to bring that experience to Tulsa and help make event planning a real career,” Long says. “Today, apprentices jump at the chance to understudy and ask me questions.”
Long believes that it takes spending money to make money, and fundraising for marquee events in Tulsa has been a passion of his.
“Guests pay top dollar for their seats and appreciate feeling good about getting dressed up and supporting an organization and a great cause,” he says. “Designing an event is more than setting up a few video screens and hoping the technicians know how to control the sound.”
Mollie Williford has financially supported, chaired and served as honorary chair for many events benefiting various causes in Tulsa.
“Phil’s events take my breath away and cause goose bumps time after time after time,” she says. “I love him dearly.”
Long worked for almost 15 years with administrators at The University of Tulsa to plan events, receptions and galas for donors and patrons.
Jan Zink, former senior vice president of institutional advancement at TU, recently sang Long’s praise for his years of hard work and dedication to the university.
“Before I die, I pray to have just one more grand event with Phil Long’s magic touch. He is magnificent,” she says.
Long has been recognized by readers of this publication as The Best of the Best event planner for several years running.
Though he plans to take a step back from his business, “The term semi-retirement may be an exaggeration,” he admits. “My days of setting tables, climbing ladders and pressing imperfections are in the past,” Long says. “Depending on who it is, I may consult while sitting by the fireplace, roll in occasionally and sit from afar to critique the details, attend when I can and proudly cry in my handkerchief with admiration and gratitude.”
Long has recently set his focus on interior design projects for longtime clients, both in the country and internationally, including the Kenneally estates in Ireland and Bermuda.
The 21-year-old Ariana Grande is known more today for her young musical career than she is for the six years she spent acting, both on Broadway and television. Grande became an artist to watch in August 2013 when her debut studio album, Yours Truly, earned the No. 1 one spot on the U.S. Billboard 200. Almost exactly one year later, she released her second album, My Everything, that includes hit singles “One Last Time,” “Problem,” featuring Iggy Azalea, and “Break Free.” In her short stint in the pop music industry, Grande has worked with many top artists, including Iggy Azela, Jessie J, Nicki Minaj, Zedd and Big Sean. She has also racked up some noteworthy honors including two nominations at this year’s 57th Grammys for Best Pop Vocal Album for My Everything and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Bang Bang,” with Jessie J and Nicki Minaj. She has recently performed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and is now touring the country on her Honeymoon Tour, set to stop at Oklahoma City’s Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W. Reno Ave., on April 3. So young in her career, there’s a lot fans haven’t seen from this rising star. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. For more information visit www.chesapeakearena.com.
The sausage omelet is packed full with grilled vegetables and cheese and served with fresh fruit and salsa on the side. Photo by Natalie Green.
The sausage omelet is packed full with grilled vegetables and cheese and served with fresh fruit and salsa on the side. Photo by Natalie Green.
Through All About Cha Tulsa’s large windows, you’ll find bright colors, sharp lines and interesting light fixtures and furnishings on display. Purple, yellow and red chairs surrounding modern wood tables invite customers to relax and enjoy coffee and tea selections, among other delights. Tulsa’s location, the third in Oklahoma, draws a large crowd because of its warm atmosphere and variety of tastes. Enjoy soft background music while sipping one of All About Cha’s more than 60 drink selections. Whatever you’re in the mood for – coffee, tea, steamed, iced, frothy, blended, sweet, nutty – you’ll find what you’re craving at All About Cha; you’ll be able to taste the freshness of ingredients in every sip. Interested in trying something a little different? The Goguma Latte is a combination of sweet potato and steamed milk, topped with toasted pecans. Also enjoy an espresso or cappuccino – both true to their Italian origins. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, All About Cha’s customers roll over for some of its tasty sushi selections. 202 S. Cheyenne Ave., Tulsa. www.allaboutcha.net
The Pla Song Kraung boasts a crispy fried whole trout filled and topped with shredded green apple, red onion, carrots, lettuce and peanuts. Photo by Natalie Green.
The Pla Song Kraung boasts a crispy fried whole trout filled and topped with shredded green apple, red onion, carrots, lettuce and peanuts. Photo by Natalie Green.
Lanna Thai in Tulsa is a family-owned, authentic Thai restaurant that not only allows customers to choose how spicy they want their food on a “spice range” from zero to five, but also offers selections that are non-spicy. The eatery’s extensive menu allows patrons to experience an all-encompassing tour of Thai flavors, as long as they don’t get hooked on just one. Curry, seafood and stir-fry dishes – where you can pair amazing recipes with your choice of chicken, beef, pork or seafood – make up the bulk of the menu. And there’s more good news; almost all dishes can be made vegetarian. The dumplings and spring and summer rolls are favorites on the appetizer list, and Lanna Thai offers a range of soups and salads, as well. 7227 S. Memorial Drive, Tulsa. www.lannathaitulsa.com
Cody Ward and Chadd Hook, the men behind Super Juice. Photo by Brent Fuchs.
Cody Ward and Chadd Hook, the men behind Super Juice. Photo by Brent Fuchs.
A juicing craze is pouring across the country, and now, Oklahoma City has its own juice truck rolling around its streets: Super Juice.
Juicing has many purported health benefits, including reducing risk of disease, helping with weight management, raising energy and more, but juicing at home takes a lot of effort and money and, frankly, uses up way too much space in the fridge.
Cody Ward and Chadd Hook, the men steering Super Juice, have created a way for their community to juice without the downside. And it gets better: They use local, organic produce in their creations whenever possible. Super Juice combines two growing fads – food trucks and shopping local – into one healthy sip after another.
All around town, the bright blue truck is pressing down and serving up some great juice selections. Kale, spinach, pineapple, carrots, beets, ginger, cilantro, apples and plenty more fill 100 percent plant-based, compostable cups with nutritious juices, full of essential vitamins, minerals and enzymes. And juice isn’t the only thing this super truck is mixing up. Smoothies are blended, as well. www.superjuiceokc.com
Western Gyro is a popular lunch item at Basil Mediterranean Cafe.
Photo by Brent Fuchs.
Western Gyro is a popular lunch item at Basil Mediterranean Cafe. Photo by Brent Fuchs.
For Mediterranean food fans, Basil should be at the top of the list of restaurants to try. From gyros, kabobs and pasta dishes to full pitas, soups, salads and dips, Basil takes taste buds on a trip to the Mediterranean with its authentic cuisine.
It’s easy to find something that satisfies on this menu. Some favorite, must-try items every customers should indulge in are the Chicken Bandarri, Gyros, Veggie Kabob and Falafel Pita. Hot and fresh, two extremely important words at a Mediterranean restaurant to describe good pita bread, are staple adjectives at Basil, where they’re always served right out of the oven. Dolma, grape leaves stuffed with a blend of rice, herbs and seasonings – a classic dish found at most Mediterranean restaurants – has a unique, flavorful story to tell. Enjoy veggies and meat marinated, slid onto a kabob and kissed by an open flame; or Basil’s famous Hummus. For an all-around treat, try the Gyros Platter that includes savory gyros meats with pita, French fries, Tzatziki and fresh veggies. Choosing what to feast on is the hard part; cleaning the plate, not so much.
After ordering at the counter, relax in the dining room while the chef prepares these healthy and scrumptious platefuls. Basil Mediterranean Café cooks every dish with happiness – a small, but important, detail that is reflected in its creations and its tastes. A colorful spread of fresh flavors will arrive at the table after every ingredient has been tended to. 211 NW 23rd St., Oklahoma City, and 6620 E. Reno, Midwest City. www.basilmediterraneanrestaurant.com
