Category: Oklahoma

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concerts gospel Mary Mary music Oklahoma Oklahoma City performances United States

Oklahoma City chosen among other cities for Mary Mary’s Christmas tour

Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC) Inc. presents gospel group Mary Mary on Dec. 11 at Frederick A. Douglass High School Auditorium in their first performance in Oklahoma City.
Anita G. Arnold, BLAC Inc. executive director, said the concert is part of an eight-state tour for Mary Mary.  Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m.  The musical group “Committed” will open for Mary Mary.


Ever since siblings Erica Campbell and Tina Campbell broke through in 2000 with pioneering crossover hit “Shackles (Praise You),”  the chart-topping sister act has never waived from defying convention to fulfill its mission: sending uplifting messages through music and words that are relatable to everyone.

“It’s about making music that touches both adults and young people,” says Erica.  Tina adds, “It’s about spreading good news for the world but doing it in the “Mary Mary” way: banging beats and melodies, intertwined voices and messages of hope.”

Now 10 years later, having earned three Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, an NAACP Image Award and a BET Award, the “Mary Mary” way sounds just as fresh and innovative on the duo’s sixth album, Something Big.  Well-known for singles such as “God in Me,” and R&B/hip-hop crossover hit, “Walking,” the sisters strike out anew with a Christmas album that is designed to appeal everyone.



Tickets are on sale online through BLAC Inc.’s website, www.blacinc.org; at BLAC Inc.’s office at 4915 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City; and other locations including Capitol Square Station, Charlie’s Jazz, Rhythm and Blues Store, Hopkins Hair Care, KM66, Learning Tree Toy Store and Urban Roots.


The concert is made possible through funding from the Oklahoma Arts Council.  For more information, call BLAC Inc. at (405) 524-3800.

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Anita Arnold black history Black Liberated Arts Center Inc. books Deep Deuce history music Oklahoma Oklahoma City

“Oklahoma Music: Deep Deuce and Beyond” is subject of research project

Evelyn Larue Pittman

According to Oklahoma City author Anita G. Arnold, research is being conducted by researchers on radio in the 1940s, and included in the information being collected is the 1940s WKY radio program, “Southern Rivers.”
The program featured Evelyn Larue Pittman of Oklahoma City. Pittman had an active career in composing, teaching and choral composition during the 1930s and 1940s. A book, “Oklahoma Music: Deep Deuce and Beyond,” written by Arnold, led researchers to Oklahoma seeking information. Pittman was mentioned in Arnold’s book. Researcher Karl Schadow stated in a letter that he has been able to find only one copy of Pittman’s show in the NBC Collection at the Library of Congress.
“Here is another example of the rich music history of Oklahoma City’s African Americans that is highly valued and sought after by others outside our state. It has been my pleasure and joy to have documented some of this history in this book,” Arnold said in a news release.
“Oklahoma Music: Deep Deuce and Beyond” was published and released in June 2010. Arnold continues to accept invitations to speak about history and sign books. Her next book signing will be Sunday, August 28, 2011, at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, 5700 N. Kelley, Oklahoma City, OK, before and after the morning worship service.
Books may be purchased at Black Liberated Arts Center Inc., Barnes & Nobles bookstore, Borders bookstore, Capitol Square Station, Charlie’s Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Store, Dean’s Typesetting Service, Full Circle Book Store, Hastings Books, Music & Videos, Walgreen’s and online through Arcadia Publishing or Amazon.com.
For more information, call BLAC Inc. at (405) 524-3800.

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Bartlesville Oklahoma Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame Steve Goforth tulsa United States

Steve Goforth and Covenant Brass performs Sunday at Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame

Steve Goforth

Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame presents Steve Goforth and Covenant Brass at 5 p.m. Sunday, July 31, 2011 at the Jazz Depot, 111 E First St. (Upper Level), Tulsa, OK. 
Trumpet and flugelhorn player Steve Goforth leads a brass quartet that not only plays jazz, but also performs classical and popular tunes. Goforth has played trumpet with the Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra since 2001 and has been a professor of jazz studies at Oklahoma Baptist University and Oklahoma City University. 
General admission is $15; $10 for seniors and students and free for kids under 12. Reservations at the front tables are also available for $20. For tickets and more information, call (918) 281-8609. Click here to order tickets online: http://www.myticketoffice.com/events.asp?id=11&searchtext=1892&expand=yes 

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jazz Jazz Depot Oklahoma Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame performances tulsa United States

Olivia Duhon presents Fathers’ Day concert on June 19 at Jazz Depot in Tulsa

Olivia Duhon

One of Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame’s favorite vocalists, Olivia Duhon sings at the Jazz Depot, 111 E. First St. in Tulsa, OK, at 5 p.m. Sunday, June 19, 2011, for a special Fathers’ Day concert.  
One of Urban Tulsa’s “Hot 100” artists, a “Best of Tulsa” nominee, and the Jazz Hall’s Legacy Tribute recipient in 2009, Duhon performs throughout Oklahoma.  Accompanied by the Frank Brown Trio, Duhon delivers the standards that Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday made famous with a “mesmerizing” voice.  General admission is $15, and reserved table seating is $20. Attendees may order tickets online at http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=2762&pid=7047841. 
For more information, call (918) 281-8609.




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Charlie Christian International Music Festival grady nichols jazz Kevin Eubanks Oklahoma Oklahoma City performances United States

Jazz saxophonist Grady Nichols, others highlight Charlie Christian International Music Festival on May 31-June 4


Tulsa saxophonist Grady Nichols has been added to the lineup of a concert featuring guitarist Kevin Eubanks. Eubanks, the former band leader for the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” will be performing at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 2, 2011, at the Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N Walker, in Oklahoma City, OK.
Anita G. Arnold, Executive Director of Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC), Inc., said that the 2011 Charlie Christian International Music Festival will feature fresh, new talent in the almost week-long event along with some familiar faces.  The outdoor festival that runs June 3 and 4 at Bi-Centennial Park will showcase the musical talents of 10 bands playing continuous music throughout the weekend.

NIKKI & DA MIXX and Brother Enoch are first timers at the festival.  NIKKI & DA MIXX, a hip, swinging group from Broken Arrow promises to “light your fire” with the sultry vocals of Nikki Washington Givens.  Brother Enoch whose founding members are Timothy Haverkamp, John Carter, and Boris Connally met and formed their musical trio at the University of Central Oklahoma in the spring of 2010.  Timothy is an accomplished pianist and composer who completed a Masters Degree in Jazz Studies.  John is an established and experienced percussionist and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.  Brother Boris is a saxophonist, clarinetist, and flutist with a Masters Degree in Jazz Studies.  Their eclectic style is a combination of jazz, R&B, soul, classical, hip-hop, gospel and blues.
Familiar faces at the festival include Taylor Made Jazz, Kelvin Drake (Mr. Guitar), James Slaw & Friends, Jeremy Thomas Band, Cara Black Band, 411 Band, and the two headliners, Lao Tizer on Friday Night and All Funk Radio Show on Saturday Night.
The Charlie Christian International Music Festival adds a new family friendly performance piece, Amazing Children on Saturday afternoon.  From 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., the festival attendees will have a rare opportunity to see gifted children from Oklahoma City perform amazing feats during “friendly” student competition in solving rubrics cube puzzles in approximately one minute from the Dove Science Academy Elementary School, martial arts performed by championship students from M. L. King, Jr. as well as ballroom dancing.  Wilson Arts Integration School students will showcase their excellent talents in instrumental and vocal music.  Ms. Arnold said, “Too often the public has a negative perception of students today and they never get to see the amazing things that students can do.  We are delighted to put the spotlight on such talent.”
Wristbands for the two-day event may be purchased now for $10 per day or both days for $17 at the following locations: BLAC Inc., Capitol Square Station, Charlie’s Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Store, City Cuts and Design Group, Hopkins Haircare, KM66 and Learning Tree Toy Store.  For more information, call (405) 524-3800 or go to http://www.charliechristianfestival.com/.
BLAC Inc. is running a week-long special discounted ticket sale from Thursday, May 26 – noon Wednesday, June 1 on main floor seats.  This is the highlight of the Community Engagement Program.  All $40 and $60 tickets to the Kevin Eubanks concert will sell for $30 each.  
Sponsors for the festival include BancFirst, Friends of the Oklahoma Historical Society Archives, Oklahoma Centennial Commission, OG &E and The Oklahoma City Chapter of the Links, EMSA, The City of Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma Arts Council.


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blues Charlie Christian Charlie Christian International Music Festival education family jazz Oklahoma Oklahoma City performances rhyme and blues United States

2011 Charlie Christian International Music Festival features new talent, events in Oklahoma City

Brother Enoch
In a recent news release, Anita G. Arnold, executive director of Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC), Inc., said that the 2011 Charlie Christian International Music Festival will feature fresh, new talent in the almost week-long event along with some familiar faces.  The outdoor festival that runs June 3-4, 2011, at Bi-Centennial Park in Oklahoma City will showcase the musical talents of 10 bands playing continuous music throughout the weekend.

NIKKI & DA MIXX and Brother Enoch are first timers at the festival.  NIKKI & DA MIXX, a hip, swinging group from Broken Arrow,OK, promises to “light your fire” with the sultry vocals of Nikki Washington Givens.  Brother Enoch, whose founding members are Timothy Haverkamp, John Carter, and Boris Connally, met and formed their musical trio at the University of Central Oklahoma in the spring of 2010.  Timothy is an accomplished pianist and composer who completed a Masters Degree in Jazz Studies.  John is an established and experienced percussionist and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.  Brother Boris is a saxophonist, clarinetist, and flutist with a Masters Degree in Jazz Studies.  Their eclectic style is a combination of jazz, R&B, soul, classical, hip-hop, gospel and blues.

Familiar faces at the festival include Taylor Made Jazz, Kelvin Drake (Mr. Guitar), James Slaw & Friends, Jeremy Thomas Band, Cara Black Band, 411 Band, and the two headliners, Lao Tizer on Friday Night and All Funk Radio Show on Saturday Night.

The Charlie Christian International Music Festival adds a new family friendly performance piece, “Amazing Children” on Saturday, June 4.  From 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., the festival attendees will have a rare opportunity to see gifted children from Oklahoma City perform amazing feats during friendly student competition in solving rubrics cube puzzles in approximately one minute from the Dove Science Academy Elementary School, martial arts performed by championship students from Martin Luther King Jr. school as well as ballroom dancing.  Wilson Arts Integration School students will showcase their excellent talents in instrumental and vocal music. “Too often the public has a negative perception of students today and they never get to see the amazing things that students can do,” Arnold said. “We are delighted to put the spotlight on such talent.”

Wristbands for the two-day event may be purchased for $10 per day or both days for $17 at the following locations: BLAC Inc., Capitol Square Station, Charlie’s Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Store, City Cuts and Design Group, Hopkins Haircare, KM66 and Learning Tree Toy Store.  For more information, call (405) 524-3800.

Sponsors for the festival include BancFirst, Friends of the Oklahoma Historical Society Archives, and The Oklahoma City Chapter of the Links, EMSA, The City of Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma Arts Council.

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jazz music Oklahoma Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame performances Rebecca Kilgore tulsa Union Depot

Rebecca Kilgore to perform at Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame on Thursday, May 12, 2011

Rebecca Kilgore

Song stylist Rebecca Kilgore will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 12, 2011, to celebrate the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame‘s 80th anniversary of the opening Tulsa’s historic Union Depot. The event will be held at the Jazz Depot, 111 E. First Street (Upper Level) in Tulsa, OK.
Accompanying Ms. Kilgore is saxophonist Harry Allen, a master of ballads and blues whose own robust sound supports the instrumental perfection of Kilgore‘s vocal opulence.  With a prolific discography of over 30 recordings, Kilgore has performed worldwide and for such venues as New York’s Mabel Mercer Cabaret Convention and Carnegie Hall.
Regular admission is $20, and $40 for reserve table seating. Limited reserve seating available. Tickets are available online at http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=2762&pid=7014751. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; concert begins at 7:30. For tickets, call the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame at (918) 281-8609.


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Charlie Christian Charlie Christian International Music Festival contemporary jazz jazz Oklahoma Oklahoma City United States world

TIZER comes to Charlie Christian International Music Festival in June

Lao Tizer

In a recent news release, Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC) Inc. in Oklahoma City, OK, announces one of three headliners for the 26th annual Charlie Christian International Music Festival. The nearly week-long event runs May 31 through June 4, 2011, in various venues in Oklahoma City. 
Keyboardist and recording artist Lao Tizer will headline the Friday, June 3 outdoor concert at Bi-Centennial Park located in front of the Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N Walker Ave. in Oklahoma City. Lao, a “Best New Jazz Artist” nominee, a Yamaha-endorsed pianist and keyboardist and his all-star band (called TIZER) have graced the world stages alongside well-renowned artists including Isaac Hayes, Boney James, Wayne Shorter, George Benson, The Commodores, The Rippingtons, The YellowJackets, and Spyro Gyra.
In 2001, his band TIZER released Golden Soul through Frat House Records. The single, “Her
Poetry,” received accolades from all sectors of the industry and charted on both the Gavin
Charts and Radio & Records’ reports and reached Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz chart.
In 2006, TIZER returned to the studio to record Diversify for Yse Records. Two singles from the album charted on both Radio & Records Jazz Indicator and SmoothJazz.com charts. Diversify continues to appear on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Album charts thanks to airplay and Lao’s very busy concert schedule.
Lao Tizer’s concert tour includes performances at Joy of Jazz, Johannesburg, South Africa; Dubai Jazz Fest; Barbados Jazz Fest, Java Jazz Festival- Jakarta, Indonesia, The Caribbean Sea Jazz Fest, Aruba and club performances in Seoul, South Korea.
Other bands performing on Friday, June 3 are Mitch’s Brew, Kelvin Drake “Mr. Guitar,” Cara Black Band, and Taylor Made Jazz.
For more information, call BLAC Inc. at (405) 524-3800 or go online to http://www.charliechristianfestival.com.




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culture family media mother's day Oklahoma steelehouse productions United States

Steelehouse Productions present “A Very Special Mommy” for Mother’s Day

This video from Steelehouse Productions present a poignant view on Mother’s Day from a child’s perspective using Crayola images. Give it a listen. Happy Mother’s Day! 😀

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Dionne White jazz Oklahoma performances Sonny Gray Stan Kenton Alumni Band tulsa United States

Stan Kenton Alumni Band performs tonight at Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame; other performance Sunday

Stan Kenton Alumni Band

The Stan Kenton Alumni Band, directed by Mike Vax, will offer phenomenal big band jazz in the finest Kenton tradition – with bellowing brass, cutting woodwind solos and vividly vibrant arrangements tonight at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame‘s Jazz Depot, 111 E. First St. (Upper Level) in Tulsa, OK. The performance is a celebration of Stan Kenton’s 70th year anniversary at the Jazz Depot. Vax directs a jazz salute worthy of the genius that defined Stan Kenton and his musical legacy.  Doors will open at 6 p.m., and showtime is 7 p.m. General admission is $15. 




Vocalist Dionne White
On Sunday, May, 1, 2011, Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame inductee Sonny Gray and vocalist Dionne White will present “My Shining Hour.” Doors will open at 4 p.m., and showtime is at 5 p.m. For more information on either performance, call (918) 281-8609 or go online to  http://myticketoffice.com/events.asp?id=11&loc=254 to purchase tickets.