When public TV asks its viewers annually for funding to keep its shows on the air, it helps to put a little Irish cream on top. The sweet and majestic song of Celtic Woman is a staple of the pledge drive, one that many fans look forward to every time. The all-woman musical ensemble of Irish musicians and singers makes a stop in Oklahoma during this year’s big tour, which takes singers Chloë Agnew, Lisa Lambe and Susan McFadden along with lighter-than-air fiddler Máiréad Nesbitt all across the continent and Europe, too. Singing plenty of Celtic traditional pieces, the ensemble also throws in a good portion of contemporary work. To us, every bit is magic. The show is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 16, at Oklahoma Civic Center Music Hall’s Thelma E. Gaylord Performing Arts Theatre, 201 N. Walker Ave. Tickets are $36-$69 each, available at the box office and online at www.okcciviccenter.com.
Tulsa International Mayfest: Stare A Little Longer
Who doesn’t enjoy a good turkey drumstick, funnel cake or roasted almonds coated in cinnamon-sugar bliss? Festival food is always sure to draw the masses, but art has the power to make one linger long after the party’s over.
Tulsa International Mayfest returns to the streets of downtown Tulsa Thursday, May 16-Sunday, May 19. It’s the four days out of the year when the corporate workforce peering down all those one-way streets don’t feel quite as lonely since many Tulsa residents visit the many booths along Main Street as well as Third and Fourth streets during the day. Fine artists from Tulsa and other parts of the country display their skills in painting, sculpture, photography and many other fields. Also of note, artisans working in less conventional media to make one-of-a-kind ornaments for the home are also home among the fine artists, like a happy community. And that’s what Mayfest is – a temporary home to creativity. At the indoor galleries, you’ll find the Mayfest Youth Art Gallery, a dedicated space and wing of the festival that fosters development of young talent, which ensures the festival’s future.
We could mention that the festival has some superb music acts headed to the stages – Monte Montgomery and John Fullbright (see In Concert) on May 16, Royal Southern Brotherhood (line-up on the Mayfest website) with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit on May 17, and Will Hoge with Uncle Lucius on May 18. But concerts are just part of the fun. Also look for cool Kidzone activities and live performances from area dance, theater and music groups on the various stages.
Mayfest is a long-time tradition going back to 1973. When you think of all the artists who have shown their work, it amounts to a significant cultural contribution. Here’s to many more!
For more on Mayfest, schedules and about the juried art, go to www.tulsamayfest.org.
The New Frontier
Opens Sunday, May 19
Gilcrease Museum brings The New Frontier back to its halls after a successful showing at the Palazzo Pitti in Florence, Italy, last year. Viewed by more than 307,000 visitors during its six-month showing in 2012, La Nuova Frontiera was acclaimed for its 200 pieces fine art, American Indian traditional pieces and early photographs – all straight out of the Gilcrease collection. Now that the Tulsa museum has made a big statement on the international arts front, it’s time to bring it back home. The New Frontier opens Sunday, May 19, at the museum, 1400 N. Gilcrease Road, where visitors will see Native American leatherworks, pottery and other artifacts as well as the works of Charles Bird King, Joseph Henry Sharp, George Catlin, Woody Crumbo, Charles M. Russell, Alfred Jacob Miller and Edward S. Curtis. Just as it offered the Italian audience a glimpse of the American western spirit, the collection brings back a sense of discovery. The New Frontier runs through Sept. 29. Regular museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Admission is $5-$8. As one exhibit opens, another one draws to a close. Sunday will be the final day of to see Bending, Weaving, Dancing: The Art of Woody Crumbo, a collection of original works by the celebrated Potawatomi artist and significant figure in American Indian art of the mid-20th century, also known as the “golden age” of Native American painting. For more, visit www.gilcrease.utulsa.edu.
Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball
Wednesday, May 22-May 26
College baseball is back at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark with the Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship, beginning Wednesday, May 22. The top eight teams from college baseball’s Big 12 Conference regular season standings take the field in a double-elimination format event that’s sure to be stellar. Catch some of the MLB’s future stars in action now at this event presented by Oklahoma City All Sports Association. The ballpark is located at 2 S. Mickey Mantle Drive, and both session and weekend passes to the championships are available at www.okcallsports.org.
OKC Gay Pride Festival & Parade
Saturday, May 18-Sunday, May 19
Live it up and take pride in your lifestyle and family during the Oklahoma City Gay Pride Festival & Parade, Saturday, May 18-Sunday, May 19. This weekend of celebration takes place at downtown OKC’s Film Row with arts vendors, live entertainment, crafts, a children’s area, beer garden and more. The festival runs from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. The fun resumes the next day with the 26th annual OKC Pride Parade and party from noon-8 p.m. The parade begins at 4 p.m. starting at Memorial Park and follows the traditional route along Classen and 39th Street. The party, however, goes from noon-8 p.m. with more great fun. For more about the weekend and other Pride-related events, read more at www.okcpride.org.
Full Moon Run
Saturday, May 18
Some running events have a 5k run and a one-mile “fun run.” The Full Moon Run, a 5k course now in its 26th year, IS a fun run by all accounts. Each year, the Full Moon Run brings out experienced and novice runners along with a lot of spectators to cheer everyone on at this evening event. Beginning at Veterans Park, 21st Street and Denver Avenue, the course jumps to Riverside Drive and turns around near 34th Street before heading back to the park for the finish. This year’s after-race party will feature the Atomic Punks, a tribute band to early Van Halen (meaning David Lee Roth stuff). On-site registration begins at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 18, with the one-mile fun run (yes, there is one) set for 7:30 p.m. and the 5k starting at 8 p.m. The entertainment will begin around 9 p.m. Registration for the 5k is $30. Read more about it at www.riverparks.org/fullmoonrun.
Spring in the Square
Saturday, May 18
Utica Square is splashed in color once more for its Spring in the Square celebration of gardens, art and the outdoors. The fifth annual festival will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at the shopping district located on 21st Street between Utica and Yorktown avenues. Look for vendors with the goods and tips to make your own flowerbeds a great success, a photography contest and children’s activities. Don’t forget to look in on the shops and restaurants of Utica Square, too. Also, Utica Square opens its summer music concert series Summer’s Fifth Night beginning May 23 and continues the live music every Thursday evening through Aug. 29. The concerts are free, but don’t forget your lawn chairs. Read all about it at www.uticasquare.com.
Jerry Seinfeld
Friday, May 17, at 7 and 9:30 p.m.
After you’ve created the most successful sitcom in television history, what’s next? Jerry Seinfeld went back to live stand-up comedy, a progression that not many expected. As one of the most successful and popular comics around, Seinfeld went back to what he loved most – creating new material and telling people about it. He returns to the Oklahoma City Civic Center Music Hall’s main stage, 201 N. Walker Ave., with not one but two shows. Shows are at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 17. Tickets are $48-$79, available at www.myticketoffice.com.
Blue Dome Arts Festival
Friday, May 17-Sunday, May 19
Tulsa’s local arts scene turns out for the Blue Dome Arts Festival, three-days of fine art, craft, design, food and music celebrated in the Blue Dome District of downtown Tulsa. Located mere blocks from Tulsa International Mayfest, the Blue Dome festival features more than 200 artists and crafters working in paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry, sculpture and more on hand to demonstrate their work and visit with curious patrons. There will also be plenty of bands and musicians on hand providing rhythms and sound to get everyone dancing in the street. Throw in a weekend of art cars, free beer-tasting and other attractions, and Blue Dome becomes the place to be. Look for it around Second Street and Elgin Avenue. Read all about it at www.facebook.com/bluedomefest.
The Center Polo Classic
Saturday, May 18, at 1 p.m.
The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges gets ready to saddle up for a new event – the Center Polo Classic takes place Saturday, May 18, at Mohawk Park, 5701 E. 36th St. North. The Arrowhead Polo Club of Tulsa will take the polo field to demonstrate riding skills and the competitive edge of polo play. Families and fans are invited to come out to enjoy the game and other activities, which include a champagne brunch, live musical entertainment, a luxury car display in the VIP area and more. At game half-time, everyone can participate in the stomping of the divots on field. The brunch for sponsors begins at 11 a.m., and the match follows at 1 p.m. Tickets are $10 for children and $25 for adults. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more, go to www.tulsacenter.org.
