Friday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m.

Bill Engvall is more than a series of “here’s your sign” jokes, a point in many of his live shows when he famously assigns invisible “signs” to people who have interrupted his day with a ridiculous action or utterance. As a “Blue Collar” comic, Engvall is the guy standing among Larry the Cable Guy, Jeff Foxworthy and Ron White who looks the most down-to-earth, like he just came in from fishing to drive the church van for evening services. Perhaps that’s why he continues to be a favorite touring stand-up comedy act. Or, it could be those dead-on “sign” jokes. Engvall plays the FireLake Grand Casino, 777 Grand Casino Blvd., Shawnee, at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16. Tickets are $49-$84, available at www.grandshawnee.com.

Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 8-11

As part of jazz music’s reigning family dynasty, Branford Marsalis had to do something to set himself apart. Instead of becoming an accountant in a family of musicians, this musician took up the saxophone and established himself as one of the foremost instrumentalists in the world. Marsalis may not be alone in his family when it comes to artistry, ability and renown – heard of Ellis, Wynton, Jason and Delfeayo? – but Marsalis has easily diversified his resume by playing with classical ensembles, appearing in films and television and performing live with everyone from Sting to the Dead (remaining members of the Grateful Dead). He brings the Branford Marsalis Quartet to the Armstrong Auditorium, 14400-B S. Bryant Road, Edmond, for a show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15. Tickets are $42-$94, available at www.armstrongauditorium.org. When you’ve heard it, you’ll understand why it is called one of the finest jazz quartets in the world.

Saturday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m.

Before you’ve stepped through the door, you know what Living Arts of Tulsa is offering. Champagne and Chocolate, the name of its annual holiday gala, will be pouring and serving sweetness from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Brady Arts District art gallery for contemporary art. The event is a fundraiser for the organization, which hosts installations of work by established and new artists working in a variety of media as well as the annual New Genre Festival of art that is as description-defying as it is inspiring. Champagne and Chocolate includes yummy hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction of art works and objects. Tickets are $35 (or 6 for $150) purchased before 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16. Tickets are $50 at the door. Living Arts is located at 307 E. Brady St. For more go to www.livingarts.org.

Saturday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m.

Wine lovers are partial to the month of November. The third Thursday of the wintery month is when signs go up announcing the arrival of the new Beaujolais in stores. The young wine is the star of the black-tie gala for the American Lung Association, this year held at Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N. Main St. Wine and dinner are served along with live music and entertainment, plus dancing and “surprise boxes.” The auction and dinner party adds a jazz flair to this year’s festivities, beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17. Call 918.747.3441, ext. 208, for sponsorship and ticket information. You can also go online at www.lung.org for more.

Friday-Sunday, Nov. 16-18

The Williams Route 66 Marathon, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, brings athletes and sports supporters together for a weekend of running, fun and entertainment. Yes, it is possible to have all three at once and in one weekend. Marathon events begin with the Williams Route 66 Marathon Health, Fitness & Sustainability Expo from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, at the Tulsa Convention Center. The weekend continues at Veterans Park, 1875 S. Boulder Ave., beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, with the 5k run and walk followed by the 1-mile fun run at 9 a.m. Area sports mascots and organization bobble heads are let loose in the mascot dash at 9:30 a.m. Then, the health and fitness expo reopens 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Tulsa Convention Center. The big race day begins at 8 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, in downtown Tulsa at Seventh and Main streets. The marathon, half marathon and marathon relay all finish at Veterans Park. Festivities, of course, follow. Go online to route66marathon.com for details on the pasta dinner, car show, concerts and more.

Oklahoma has had plenty of basketball excitement this year already with the OKC Thunder’s big push for the NBA championship. But for those fans professing to “only watch college basketball,” the year is just winding up all over again as men’s and women’s ball teams battle to see who will end up on the grid headed for the merry month of March Madness. Long-term, fans watch their favorite teams and players to see their chances for the finals or a conference title, or at least a good season. All the while, they also watch the competition to keep an eye on players rising in the ranks. Pro teams are watching, too, for rookies with potential to turn a team around. When it comes down to it, everyone will have eyes on college basketball in November. Whether you’re for OU, OSU, TU, ORU or any other team, consider yourself drafted into a national, fabulous obsession. Want to see more? Check out these websites for rosters, schedules and the scoop:
www.soonersports.com
www.orugoldeneagles.com
www.tulsahurricane.com
www.okstate.com

Not all goodbyes are sad. That’s not to insinuate that rock-n-roll foodie Anthony Bourdain has worn out his welcome on the food culture front, yet after nine seasons of his Travel Channel hit show No Reservations, Bourdain has bowed out of the show that brought him widespread fame for his unabashed (and occasionally unfiltered) enthusiasm for travel, people and food, particularly of the “meat in tube form” variety. Does he seem disappointed? Ask him when he arrives at the Rose State College Performing Arts Theatre in Midwest City for a stop on his Guts and Glory Tour. As his other Travel Channel show, The Layover, winds down, too, we’re not sweating the finale, not with Bourdain set to host a new show on CNN on cuisine and culture. Call it his next course. For tickets to Guts and Glory, go to www.myticketoffice.com

Friday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m.

The Individual Artists of Oklahoma can always be counted on to provide art exhibits of excellence, ingenuity and vision. So, what separates the Red Dot Art Auction & Sale from other shows at the IAO Gallery in Oklahoma City? Food. There’s nothing like artwork on the silent auction block with a side of tasty morsels from some of the most exciting restaurants and establishments in town. Add to the blend great drinks and a first-rate scene of personalities and talents – that’s the formula for a fun, successful night that also raises money for the gallery. Look for it at 706 W. Sheridan, from 7-11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9. The silent auction will feature the artwork of nearly 100 Oklahoma artists, including Marilyn Artus, Dylan Bradway, J. Don Cook and Romy Owens. Tickets are $25. Go to www.iaogallery.org for all the details.
 

Monday, Nov 12, at 11 a.m.

U.S. veterans are honored in a big way at the annual Veterans Day Parade in downtown Tulsa. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., participants will line-up behind the parade route start at South Boston Avenue and Third Street. The parade (which begins at 11 a.m.) will go west on Third Street and turn south on Boulder Avenue. The parade turns back east on Seventh Street then north on Boston Avenue before making its final turn (east on Sixth Street) to the end of the route at Sixth Street and South Detroit Avenue. School groups will be there to watch along with many others and to applaud and support the men and women who have served in the armed forces riding in floats and cars along with marching bands, ROTC groups, veterans organizations and much more. To learn more or see a parade route, visit www.vfwpost577.org for other details.