Signature Symphony at TCC kicks off its search for a new conductor when Michael Rossi shows Tulsa what he’s got as he takes the podium to lead the symphony in a range of Gershwin’s classics, from “Someone To Watch Over Me” to “An American In Paris.” The The VanTrease PACE will fill with the jazzy sounds reminiscent of the roaring ‘20s for two night performances. Tickets start at $30. www.signaturesymphony.org
For three days last year at Tahlequah’s Diamondhead Resort, Red Dirt music fans made the first Medicine Stone Music Festival an unexpected success. Many realized that it would attract a more than decent turnout, but the lineup brought thousands to hear the top names in the genre play fast and hard by the Illinois River. Now that the word is out, this year’s Medicine Stone Music Festival (Sept. 11-13) is expected to build further on the reputation of this very-Okie musical excursion. This year’s festival will have Jason Boland & The Stragglers and the Turnpike Troubadours (both bands founded the event) along with Cody Canada & The Departed, Shinyribs, The Great Divide, Reckless Kelly, American Aquarium, Micky & The Motorcars, Red Dirt Rangers and a host of other acts. Whether camping on the grounds or dropping in for a few hours, guests get a sense of the Red Dirt soul by virtue of the waters, cliffs and woods that make up the surroundings that are uniquely Oklahoma. Single-day passes to the festival start at $20 and $35. Three-day passes are $60 each at www.medicinestoneok.com.
“Powerful in control, the young Dutch violinist drew silvery meticulousness and burnished tone that held her audience spellbound.” When the British publication The Guardian uses a sentence like that to describe a Dutch, it’s little surprise that the Oklahoma City Philharmonic chose to title its opening show of the 2014-15 season so provocatively. Simone Lamsma will join the Philharmonic for a quartet of works by musical greats at the Oklahoma City Civic Center Music Hall. Tickets start at just $19. www.okcphilharmonic.org
The festival celebrating Jewish life, thought, culture and food turns 21 this year, but don’t expect much to change with the milestone. Traditional Jewish fare will be served for visitors to enjoy alongside music, Israeli folk dance and a community sing. Held at Temple Israel, it’s the annual feast that many look forward to 364 days a year. www.templetulsa.com
Unless you’ve been living under a rock – and who does that anymore? – then you’ve likely heard about the show-stopping performances of Ghostland Observatory at the legendary Cain’s Ballroom. Behrens, half of the Austin, Texas-based electronic group, brings his Midnight Stroll back to the Brady for a night of rock and roll, rhythm and blues and more inspired music curated by Behrens and his experiences. It’s sure to get feet moving faster than a stroll. Tickets are $12-$14 at the door. www.cainsballroom.com
From the bright lights of Broadway to Oklahoma, Norman native and stage star – not to mention Tony Award nominee – Kelli O’Hara brings her immense talents home to perform with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic at the Armstrong Auditorium. She will perform Broadway’s Classic Hits, a program compiled by Tony Award-winning conductor Ted Sperling. Expect to hear favorites from performances such as Carousel, Show Boat, Kiss Me Kate and West Side Story. Tickets begin at $45. www.armstrongauditorium.org
Sneak a peek into the swing and scene of 1970s Pop art at this newest exhibit to open at Philbrook Downtown. Artists’ works include Claes Oldenburg, Eduardo Paolozzi and Polaroid pictures of a social gathering organized by Andy Warhol. This mixed media collections shines a light on the interesting intersection of pop culture, politics and global unrest that defined the tumultuous decade.www.philbrook.org
The Rib crib Rock ‘n Rib festival is back with more great barbecue and
attractions. Photo courtesy BOK Center.
The Rib crib Rock ‘n Rib festival is back with more great barbecue and attractions. Photo courtesy BOK Center.
Thursday, Sept. 11-Sunday, Sept. 14
The sixth annual Rib Crib Rock ‘N Rib Festival returns to the BOK Center. According to Brian Smith, special events manager for the BOK Center, the purpose of this free community event is to show the community what the BOK has to offer.
“We decided that we wanted to host some free community events so that even if someone can’t afford to buy a $100 Aerosmith ticket, they can still come and enjoy the BOK Center,” says Smith.
The highlight of the festival will be a showdown among six teams of award-winning pit masters. Teams will prepare ribs, chicken, hot links and more in the area of Third Street and Frisco Avenue just outside the arena. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase samples of the teams’ work. The pit masters competing in this year’s competition include Johnson’s BBQ, Chicago BBQ Company, Desperado’s BBQ, Porky ‘n Beans, Big Boned BBQ and Porky Chicks BBQ.
Besides great barbecue, concessions will also be available. Grilled corn, funnel cakes, popcorn, cotton candy, corn dogs and deep-fried pickles will be some of the offerings.
Festivalgoers will also enjoy live music on the outdoor ONEOK Stage, a kids’ zone, additional cooking competitions featuring the pit masters along with area chefs, a mechanical bull, the Aporkalypse 5k run and a fun run. There will also be a new Whiskey Well attraction for whiskey and moonshine tasting on Sept. 12 and a fireworks display on Sept. 13.
The Rock ‘N Rib Festival is a family event, and admission is free. For a complete schedule and more details, visit www.bokcenter.com.
The India Association of Greater Tulsa brings the “Spirit of India” to Tulsa with India Fest, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. The event takes place at the Pavilion at Expo Square, 4145 E. 21st St., in Tulsa and will feature special exhibitions and performances of music, dance and culture, demonstrating the diversity of India’s population. Visitors will also get to experience Indian food and such traditions as henna painting. Admission is free. For more, visit www.iagtok.org.
Video still from 'Doing It Right,' directed by Brecht Van't Hof.
Video still from ‘Those Who Doubt,’ directed by Brecht Van’t Hof.
Friday, Sept. 5
When you think of the Brady Arts District First Friday Art Crawl, you think of immaculate art galleries packed with curious onlookers. This month, you can add a new music release to that mix. Tulsa musician Miles Ralston will have an album release party from 7:30-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at Mason’s, 122 N. Boston Ave., Tulsa. His new album, titled To Those Who Doubt, is the follow-up to his first full-length work, 2010’s From Where We Call Home. Ralston and his magnificent hair will be on hand to visit with guests as they take a listen to the complete album and a look at new music videos for the singles “Do It Right” and “Those Who Doubt.” Admission is free but restricted to ages 21 and up only. The digital album is available on iTunes, Spotify and other online outlets. For more about Ralston and his work, check out www.milesralston.com.