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2018 CITY GUIDE | 1
2018 City Guide Publisher Jim Langdon President Juley Roffers VP Communications Susie Miller Production Manager Madeline Crawford Editor John Langdon Contributing Editors Anna Bennett, Liz Blood, Anne Brockman, Cassidy McCants, Morgan Phillips Art Director Georgia Brooks Graphic Artist Morgan Welch Photographers Greg Bollinger, Valerie Grant, Michelle Pollard Advertising Representative Josh Kampf
City Guide is published annually by
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ON THE COVER: Downtown Tulsa
208 A N MAIN ST • 918.398.6700
Photo by Doug Summers
2 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
OK Aquarium FP
2018 CITY GUIDE | 3
contents 6 Voice’s Choices
26 FIT: The Fun Way
Local favorites chosen by The Tulsa Voice staff
Keep healthy at one of these recreational spots
12 Curtain Call
28 The Grand Exchange
Tulsa's performing arts companies and venues
Area shopping centers, districts and malls
14 Art Appreciation 101
32 Parks and rec
Where to view and purchase local and regional art
Opportunities to enjoy athletics and adventure in Tulsa
16 Extra-Curricular
34 Where to Eat
A peek into the city’s varied museums, attractions, history, etc.
A comprehensive dining list
20 It's the Freakin’ Weekend
40 We got the beat
Update your itinerary with local festivals and events
A guide to Tulsa's live music and nightlife
24 Spectator sports Where to go to see a game
PROUD TO BE PART OF TULSA’S PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. For more than 100 years, Bank of Oklahoma has proudly served the Tulsa community. Let us help you plan for life’s moments.
Financial Insights and Guidance Mortgage and Lending | Retirement www.bankofoklahoma.com
© 2018. Bank of Oklahoma, a division of BOKF, NA. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. 4 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
Tulsa Ballet FP (page 5) Tickets on sale August 1: Tickets on sale now:
2018 CITY GUIDE | 5
voice’s choices Local favorites chosen by The Tulsa Voice staff
Adjacent to Circle Cinema on South Lewis Avenue, Orth Contemporary is Tulsa’s newest and most exciting gallery. With work from local and national artists alike, gallery owner and art enthusiast Katie Orth has cultivated an elegant, interesting space. Her delight in being part of the lively and creative Kendall-Whittier neighborhood and in promoting the work of contemporary artists is contagious. A conversation with Katie or look around her gallery will please anyone from the simply curious to the connoisseur.
6 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
VALERIE GRANT
Orth Contemporary
STRICTLY GERSHWIN FEB. 9–11 | TULSA PAC
Tulsa Ballet is a gem
STUDIO POP: ERIC CAMPOS; TULSA BALLET: COURTESY
for the city. At a caliber that matches companies on the coasts, Tulsa Ballet performances are a feast for the senses. Each show offers stunning choreography and impressive costume and production design. Not only are the dancers talented; the productions as a whole are a high-end attraction. The programming each year offers a variety of ballet from classics like “Don Quixote” and “Swan Lake” to their “Signature Series” featuring a more contemporary style. You can see Tulsa Ballet perform in two different, but equally impressive local environments—in the grand Performing Arts Center or the intimate Studio K.
Yes, working out can be a treat! Take a spin in the sexy cycle studio (complete with mirror walls that light up to the music) or opt for one of the many yoga classes. All classes are energizing, strengthening, and can be as difficult or novice as you make them. Although the location and interior decor might make this downtown studio seem impossibly hip, don’t be intimidated! Pop instructors are very friendly, often asking newcomers’ names and encouraging questions.
Studio POP
Schedule a class at studiopoptulsa.com
2018 CITY GUIDE | 7
SUSHI TRAIN
Fun, affordable and delicious, Sushi Train offers exactly what its name says: hand-crafted sushi delivered via a working model train. With bar and table seating, customers are encouraged to pick labeled dishes off of the train to their heart’s content. From edamame to the specialty “eat at your own risk” T.N.T. roll, there is something for everyone. Dishes are color-coordinated to price and have titled descriptions on top so you know what you’re getting. Though there's no shame in asking for a menu to use as a cheat sheet. Some fun favorites are Krusti Krab, Swamp Thing, and Kimono.
on Route 66 serves great tacos and rice bowls, plus affordable island drinks, margaritas, and craft beer. Soul City is split into three distinctive areas; the dedicated listening room set apart from the main bar is something not many small venues in Tulsa offer—and the sizable patio is beautiful when the weather’s right. There’s music varying in genre almost every night, and you can typically count on owners Amy and Kevin Smith being around to make sure everyone’s comfortable and happy.
8 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
SOUL CITY: PAUL WELCH; SUSHI TRAIN: MORGAN WELCH
SOUL CITY GASTROPUB & MUSIC HOUSE
Designated Stop (The Trolley can drop off or pick-up anywhere within the designated route)
Designated Start Point (picks up at 6:00pm and returns every 20-25 minutes)
Plan your night and follow the TROLLEY in real time on the Tracker at:
Route is subject to change for events/road closures. Updates at:
2018 CITY GUIDE | 9
“MUSEUM CONFIDENTIAL” ON DISPLAY THROUGH MAY 6, 2018.
Philbrook Museum of Art is going through a sort of renaissance. Philbrook has always been among the brightest beacons of Tulsa’s art world, but lately the programming and events at the museum and its downtown annex have made Philbrook a place to celebrate art and culture in new and unexpected ways. Director Scott Stulen, who joined the museum in 2016, is largely to thank for this new vibrance. Philbrook is evolving, pulling back the curtain on its collection in the deep-dive exhibition “Museum Confidential” and its accompanying podcast, and letting its silly side show with events like last year’s Internet Cat Video Festival.
Fassler is the place to go for your sports watchin' fix. This popular beer hall has plenty of food and drink selections to fortify you while you take in the game (pro tip: Chicago dog and duck fat fries for your mid-game meal). With their 10-foot projection screen and numerous TVs, you won't miss any of the action, even while standing in line at the bar. The energy is high and people are on their feet during playoffs and championship games.
10 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
PHILBROOK: GREG BOLLINGER; FASSLER: VALERIE GRANT
Fassler Hall
www.TraversMahanApparel.com South Lewis at 81st • The Plaza • 918-296-4100
2018 CITY GUIDE | 11
curtain call Tulsa’s performing arts companies and venues
G indicates performing arts group, V indicates venue
American Indian Theatre Co. of Oklahoma G 9521 B Riverside Parkway, Box 358 918-298-2300, facebook.com/aitco American Theatre Co. GV 308 S. Lansing Ave., 918-747-9494 americantheatrecompany.org Brady Theater V 105 W. Brady St., 918-582-7239 bradytheater.com Broken Arrow Community Playhouse GV 1800 S. Main St., Broken Arrow 918-258-0077, bacptheatre.com
Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center V 701 S. Main St., Broken Arrow 918-259-5778, brokenarrowpac.com
Comedy Parlor V 308 S. Lansing Ave. 918-230-4609 comedyparlor.com, rabbitholeimprov.com
Celebrity Attractions G 7506 E. 91st St., 918-477-7469 celebrityattractions.com
Cox Business Center V 100 Civic Center, 918-894-4350 coxcentertulsa.com
Chamber Music Tulsa G 2210 S. Main St., 918-587-3802 chambermusictulsa.org
Echo Theatre Co. G 870-918-4371, echotheatreco@gmail.com echotheatreco.org
Choregus Productions G 5514 S. Lewis Ave., Suite 1 918-295-5965, choregus.org
Encore! Tulsa G 1511 S. Delaware Ave. encore-tulsa.com
Clark Youth Theatre G 4825 S. Quaker Ave., 918-746-5065 clarkyouththeatre.com
Fly Loft V 117 N. Boston Ave., 918-574-2421 greenroomok.com/flyloft
Keep up to date with performances: find our seasonal performing arts guide at TheTulsaVoice.com 12 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
COURTESY
MR. BURNS, A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY MAY 4–13 | TULSA PAC
Grace Ann Productions G 1125 E. Eighth St., 918-491-3410 graceann.org
Playhouse Tulsa G P.O. Box 701444, 918-845-8722 facebook.com/theplayhousetulsa
G Rated Theater 918-344-9877 facebook.com/gratedtheater
Portico Dance Theatre 19917 E. 44th Place, Broken Arrow 405-596-8767, porticodance.org
Hardesty Center for Dance Education V 1901 W. New Orleans St., Broken Arrow 918-872-6414, tulsaballet.org
Sand Springs Community Theatre G P.O. Box 1528, Sand Springs; 918-245-1355 sandspringstheatre.com
Heller Theatre Co. G 1416 E. Fourth St., #108; 918-609-0482 hellertheatreco.com
Sapulpa Community Theatre GV 124 S. Water St., Sapulpa; 918-227-2169 sapulpatheatre.org
Henthorne Performing Arts Center V 4825 S. Quaker Ave., 918-746-5065
Scianna Performing Arts Center at Cascia Hall V 2520 S. Yorktown Ave., 918-746-2680 casciahall.org
G
IDL Ballroom V 230 E. First St., 918-551-7447 idlballroom.com
G
Liggett Studio V 314 S. Kenosha Ave., 918-585-1234
Signature Symphony at Tulsa Community College G 10300 E. 81st St., 918-595-7777 signaturesymphony.org
Living Arts of Tulsa 307 E. Brady St., 918-585-1234 livingarts.org
Studio K at Tulsa Ballet 1212 E. 45th Place S., 918-749-6030, tulsaballet.org
Lorton Performance Center at the University of Tulsa V 550 S. Gary Place, 918-631-5241 lpc.utulsa.edu
Theatre Arts Inc. 1405 N. Aspen, Broken Arrow 918-258-2543, theatreartstulsa.com
V
V
GV
Theatre North P.O. Box 6255, 918-814-1311 facebook.com/theatrenorthtulsa G
The Loony Bin V 6808 S. Memorial Drive, Suite 234 918-392-5653, tulsa.loonybincomedy.com
Midwestern Theatre Troupe G 1416 E. Fourth St., 918-633-8666 nightingaletheater.com Nightingale Theater V 1416 E. Fourth St., 918-633-8666 nightingaletheater.com Owasso Community Theatre Co. G P.O. Box 1241, Owasso; 918-237-1656 octok.org
Tulsa Latino Theater Co. G 918-361-5386, tulsalatinotheater.com Tulsa Little Theatre V 1511 S. Delaware Ave., 918-749-0020 tulsalittletheatre.com Tulsa Modern Movement G 1545 S. Harvard Ave., Unit B 877-460-0422, tummdance.org Tulsa Opera G 1610 S. Boulder Ave., 918-587-4811 tulsaopera.com Tulsa Oratorio Chorus G P.O. Box 2915, tulsachorus.com Tulsa PAC Trust G 110 E. Second St., 918-596-7122 tulsapactrust.org Tulsa Performing Arts Center V 101 E. Third St. and 110 E. Second St. 918-596-7111, tulsapac.com Tulsa Project Theatre G P.O. Box 626, 918-770-6679 tulsaprojecttheatre.com Tulsa Repertory Musicals G P.O. Box 4310, 918-744-7340 tulsamusicals.com
Theatre Pops 918-902-6339, theatrepops.org
Tulsa Spotlight Theater GV 1381 Riverside Drive, 918-587-5030 spotlighttheater.org
Theatre Tulsa G 412 N. Boston Ave., 918-587-8402 theatretulsa.org
Tulsa Symphony G 117 N. Boston Ave., Suite 201 918-584-3645, tulsasymphony.org
Tulsa Ballet G 1212 E. 45th Place S., 918-749-6030 tulsaballet.org
Walter Arts Center at Holland Hall School V 5666 E. 81st St., 918-481-1111 hollandhall.org
Tulsa Camerata G 2210 S. Main St., 918-960-0380 tulsacamerata.org
VanTrease Performing Arts Center for Education at Tulsa Community College V 10300 E. 81st St., 918-595-7777 tulsacc.edu/campus-locations/ vantrease-pace
G
Mary Glass Performing Arts Center V 12901 E. 86th St. N., Owasso; 918-274-3420 owassops.org/
Tulsa Children’s Summer Theatre G 918-595-7732, tcccst.blogspot.com
2018 CITY GUIDE | 13
Where to view and purchase local and regional art
108 CONTEMPORARY 108 E. M. B. Brady St. 918-895-6302 108contemporary.org THE ANTIQUARY 3024 E. 15th St. 918-582-2897 Tulsa Glassblowing School
THE TULSA ARTERY 119 S. Detroit Ave. 918-947-9032 tulsaartery.com CHELSEA GALLERY 1639 E. 15th St. 918-582-5601 Living Arts of Tulsa
CHRIS MANTLE 1307 E. 15th St. JOSEPH GIEREK FINE ART 1342 E. 11th St. 918-592-5432 gierek.com LIVING ARTS OF TULSA
The Tulsa Artery
14 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
The Refinery opens its street-level artist studios to the public from 6-9 p.m., the first Friday of each month, for the First Friday Art Crawl.
307 E. M. B. Brady St. 918-585-1234 livingarts.org
THE TULSA ARTIST FELLOWSHIP REFINERY STUDIOS 109 N. M. L. K. Jr. Blvd. E.
LOVETTS GALLERY AND FRAMING 6528 E. 51st St. 918-664-4732 lovettsgallery.com
TULSA GLASSBLOWING SCHOOL 19 E. M. B. Brady St. 918-582-4527 tulsaglassblowing.org
M.A. DORAN GALLERY 3509 S. Peoria Ave. 918-748-8700 madorangallery.com NATIVE AMERICAN ART 317 S. Main St., #100 918-584-5792 PIERSON GALLERY 1311 E. 15th St. 918-584-2440 piersongallery.com TULSA ARTISTS’ COALITION GALLERY 9 E. M. B. Brady St. 918-592-0041 tacgallery.org
TULSA INDIAN ART MARKET 5014 S. Sheridan Road 918-664-0626 indianarttulsa.com ZARROW CENTER FOR ART AND EDUCATION 124 E. M. B. Brady St. 918-631-4400 gilcrease.org/zarrow ZIEGLER ART AND FRAME 6 N. Lewis Ave. 918-584-2217 zieglerart.com
ARTERY: GREG BOLLINGER; THE REFINERY AND LIVING ARTS: VALERIE GRANT
art appreciation 101
“The arts industry is vital to any city’s quality of life and we are thankful to be home to world-class arts institutions that make a tremendous impact in Tulsa, Tulsans pride ourselves on being on arts city, and we continue to invest in the arts because we know the critical role the arts community has in our local economy, quality of life and the future advancement of our city.” —G.T. Bynum, Mayor of Tulsa
THE ARTS MEAN BUSINESS 2018 CITY GUIDE | 15
Oklahoma Aquarium
extra-curricular A peek into the city’s varied museums, attractions, history, etc.
7355 E. Easton St., 918-878-8099 admiraltwindrivein.com Arguably Tulsa’s most recognizable theater, the Admiral Twin Drive-in rose from the ashes—literally—after a fire destroyed its wooden screen tower in 2010. The original screen, built in 1951, was a Tulsa mainstay for decades and is featured in the 1983 movie “The Outsiders.” The new drive-in, which reopened in June 2012, shows a double feature every night during the summer months or as weather permits. Sound is transmitted through your radio, so sit in your vehicle or bring lawn chairs and blankets. Pets on leashes are welcome. A concession stand sells typical movie treats as well as hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken strips. Showtimes vary. Plan to arrive 30 minutes to an hour and a half early. $7, adults; $3, children ages 3-11.
Cherokee History Tours
777 W. Cherokee St., Catoosa 877-779-6977, visitcherokeenation.com Visit the Trail of Tears exhibit at the Cherokee Heritage Center; see historical properties such as the Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum and the Cherokee National Prison; or tour the Murrell Home, Oklahoma’s last antebellum plantation house. The tour departs from either the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa in Catoosa or the Cherokee Nation Gift 16 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
Shop at the Tribal Complex at 17725 S. Muskogee Ave., Tahlequah. Lunch is included. Museum is open 10 a.m-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, from Sept. 16-June 14, and Monday-Saturday from June 15-Sept. 15. All-day and half-day tours are available Tuesday-Friday for groups of 10-26 people. Full-day tours are $42.40 per person; half-day tours are $31.80 per person.
Creek Council Oak Tree
East 18th Street and South Cheyenne Avenue 918-576-5687 (Tulsa Preservation Commission) tulsapreservationcommission.org/ nationalregister/buildings For centuries, the Creek Council Oak Tree, Tulsa’s birthplace, has stood strong and tall. Under this tree in 1836, the Lochapoka Creek Indians kindled a ceremonial fire using live coals they had carried from their Alabama homeland over the Trail of Tears. Under the branches of this great oak was Tulsa’s first city hall. Today, it is preserved as a park that includes an ethno-botanical garden and several commemorative sculptures.
Downtown walking tours These nonprofits offer walking tours to explore the city’s art deco architecture and downtown network of underground tunnels. Tulsa Foundation for Architecture: Themed tours are on the second Saturday of each
month. For more information, email amanda @tulsaarchitecture.com. Tours typically sell out. Tunnel tours: $18 per person. Regular tours: $13 per person; free, children under age 12. Visit tulsaarchitecture.org/tours. Tulsa Historical Society: Tours are on the last Friday of the month (except for November and December, when they are moved up a week to avoid holiday conflicts) and start at the southeast corner of East Fifth Street and South Boston Avenue at 10 a.m. $5 per person; reservations required. Call 918712-9484. Private group tours and self-guided tours also are available; visit tulsahistory.org.
Expo Square
4145 E. 21st St., 918-744-1113 exposquare.com Each fall, people from all parts of the city, state and country journey to Expo Square for the Tulsa State Fair. This well-loved tradition of more than 100 years attracted an estimated 1.2 million attendees in 2017. Expo Square hosts myriad other events throughout the year, including prominent livestock shows, craft shows, consignment events and a weekly flea market. Welcoming visitors to the venue is the Golden Driller, a 76-foot-tall, 43,500-pound monument to Tulsa’s oil industry. Visit the Expo Square website for a calendar of events.
VALERIE GRANT
Admiral Twin Drive-in
OPENING NIGHT April 12th, 2018
MONDAYS: Mega Money Mondays & Season Ticket Holder Appreciation TUESDAYS: $2 Tuesdays - $2 Tickets and Select Concession Items WEDNESDAYS: Bark in the Park - Dogs Welcome THURSDAYS: Buck Nights - $1 Beers, Sodas, Hot Dogs, & Premium Giveaways FRIDAYS: Friday Night Fireworks - Post-Game Fireworks Shows SATURDAYS: Post-Game Fireworks Shows or Premium Giveaways SUNDAYS: Souvenir Sundays - All Kids Eat FREE plus Kid-Themed Giveaways
TICKET PLANS AVAILABLE AT TULSADRILLERS.COM OR CALL 918.744.5901
SAT. MARCH 24
SAT. MARCH 31
WED. APRIL 4
WED. MAY 9
SAT. MAY 12
SAT. MAY 26
ONEOK Field
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SAT. JUNE 9
WED. JUNE 27
SAT. JUNE 30
SAT. JULY 28
WED. AUGUST 8
SAT. AUGUST 11
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SEASON
SCHEDULE
SAT. SEPT. 15
WED. SEPT. 19
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VISIT ROUGHNECKSFC.COM FOR FULL SCHEDULE || TICKETS PLANS NOW AVAILABLE ALL TIMES AND PROMOTIONS TO BE DETERMINED
2018 CITY GUIDE | 17
Fair Meadows
Expo Square, 4609 E. 21st St., 918-743-7223 exposquare.com/fairmeadows See live horse racing on the Fair Meadows track during summer meets and simulcast racing from tracks around the nation in the stateof-the-art simulcast Racing and Sports Bar. Opens at 5 p.m., Thursday-Sunday, in June and July. Sports bar hours vary daily depending on race schedule.
Gathering Place
Just east of Riverside Drive between East 21st and 31st streets, agatheringplacefortulsa.com Opening in late spring or early summer 2018, the Gathering Place will transform nearly 100 acres of Tulsa’s waterfront along the Arkansas River into a dynamic and active space. A Gathering Place for Tulsa, a project of the George Kaiser Family Foundation, is the largest private gift to a public park in U.S. history. It will blend nature with an urban setting, giving visitors space to play, relax and gather together along the river. The centrally located park will include features such as a lodge, a boathouse, a 5-acre playground, sport courts, bike and skate parks, nature trails, restaurants and large lawns for concerts. Check website for hours and event calendar.
Guthrie Green
111 E. M. B. Brady St., 918-574-2421 guthriegreen.com Though a relative newcomer to the Tulsa landscape, the Tulsa Arts District’s awardwinning public space has already made its way into the hearts and routines of locals. Food Truck Wednesdays (11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) are a favorite, and the many fitness classes and frequent concerts are all free—true to the vision of the space’s creator, the George Kaiser Family Foundation—keeping health nuts and music lovers alike satisfied. 6 a.m.-11 p.m., daily. Check website for event schedule.
Mabel B. Little Heritage House and Greenwood Cultural Center
322 N. Greenwood Ave., 918-596-1026 greenwoodculturalcenter.com In its glory days, Tulsa’s Greenwood District stretched for 35 blocks and was the largest and richest of Oklahoma’s more than 50 black communities—so wealthy, in fact, that Greenwood was known as “Black Wall Street.”
18 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
Shops bustled by day and clubs wailed blues and jazz by night. Today, the Greenwood Cultural Center and the Mabel B. Little Heritage House present a permanent history of the district. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday; Saturdays by appointment; closed major holidays.
Oklahoma Aquarium
300 Aquarium Drive, Jenks, 918-296-3474 okaquarium.org With eight exhibit galleries and more than 1 million gallons of water, you can see the many mysterious and wonderful creatures of the ocean that now make their home right here in Oklahoma. In 2016, the aquarium unveiled a 65,000-gallon habitat for two 300-pound loggerhead sea turtles, called Sea Turtle Island. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., daily; 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday; closed Christmas. $15.95, adults; $13.95, seniors 62 and older and military; $11.95, children 3-12; free, children under 2.
Oxley Nature Center
6700 Mohawk Blvd., 918-669-6644 oxleynaturecenter.org Get up close and personal with nature on the trails through this 800-acre wildlife sanctuary. Volunteers lead recurring tours throughout the month. Guided tours are available by appointment. The visitor center has handson exhibits of area plants and wildlife. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., daily; closed most City of Tulsa holidays. Free admission; $2, Mohawk Park entry fee weekends April-October.
Redbud Valley Nature Preserve
16150 Redbud Drive, Catoosa oxleynaturecenter.org/redbud.htm This is a place of quiet beauty and rugged scenery. On a 1-mile trail through cliffs and plains, you’ll see plants and animals found nowhere else in northeastern Oklahoma. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday; closed major holidays. Free admission.
Route 66 Historical Village
3770 Southwest Blvd. Driving through southwest Tulsa, you might be surprised to see the locomotive and oil derrick that comprise the Route 66 Historical Village. The Frisco 4500 provided passenger service daily from St. Louis to Tulsa to Oklahoma City from 1942-47, and for years greeted visitors at the Tulsa Zoo. Today the restored locomotive awaits visitors eager to learn about the history and development of Tulsa’s oil, refining and transportation industries. The oil derrick, which stands as the tallest derrick in North America at 154 feet, commemorates the 1901 oil discovery in nearby Red Fork that started Tulsa on its path to become the one-time “Oil Capital of the World.” Future plans for the village include a visitor center with restrooms, a restaurant with additional seating in dining cars attached to the Frisco 4500 and a replica of a depot from southwest Tulsa’s early railroad days. Open daily. Free admission.
Tulsa Botanic Garden POSTOAK Canopy Tours
5323 W. 31st St. N., 918-697-2700 postoakcanopytours.com Oklahoma’s first and only zipline canopy tour is an adrenaline rush from the get-go. The tour takes thrill seekers and nature lovers soaring above the treetops along a network of more than 3,865 feet of cable line. Seven platforms provide a bird’s eye view of northeastern Oklahoma’s magnificent Osage Hills, the surrounding plains and Tulsa’s cityscape. Reservations are required. Various times Saturday and Sunday as well as Friday when school is not in session; closed from Thanksgiving-March and some major holidays. $79 per person, ages 16 and up; $69, ages 10-15; $69 per person, groups of 8 or more.
3900 Tulsa Botanic Drive, 918-289-0330 tulsabotanic.org The Tulsa Botanic Garden sits on 170 acres of prairie and woodlands, with the rolling Osage Hills offering panoramic views of sunrises, sunsets and skyscrapers. The Children’s Discovery Garden, which opened in 2016, is a fantastical wonderland featuring a tree fort and the Spring Giant, a 15-foot rugged stone face entered through a hidden grotto. Nature trails and impressive floral terraces display a diverse collection of ornamental and flowering plants. Learn about updates to the master plan at the visitor center; when the garden is complete, guests will be able to explore 60 acres, including a lotus pool and an all-seasons garden. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday. $8, age 13 and up; $4, children 3-12; free, members and children under 3.
Tulsa Garden Center, Woodward Park and Municipal Rose Garden
2435 S. Peoria Ave., 918-746-5125 tulsagardencenter.com Stroll through the flora of the Tulsa Municipal Rose Garden between Woodward Park and the Tulsa Garden Center. The park, a wooded 45 acres in the heart of Tulsa, boasts azaleas, tulips, dogwoods, redbuds and flower and herb gardens that attract nature lovers all year long. In 2015, the garden unveiled $500,000 in landscaping updates that also makes the venue handicapped accessible. At the Tulsa Garden Center, you’ll find a Victorian conservatory and 3-acre arboretum. The Garden Center’s Linnaeus Teaching Garden is a unique demonstration garden in Woodward Park that gives visitors a chance to improve their gardening skills. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday.
Expo Square
ZOO: COURTESY; GATHERING PLACE: COURTESY MICHAEL VAN VALKENBURGH ASSOCIATES INC.; EXPO SQUARE: GREG BOLLINGER
Tulsa Port of Catoosa and Maritime Education Center
5350 Cimarron Road, Catoosa, 918-266-2291 tulsaport.com The Tulsa Port of Catoosa is the head of the 445-mile McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System that links Tulsa with the world and foreign ports by way of the Mississippi River and Port of New Orleans. The port’s Maritime Education Center features hands-on displays and exhibits that teach children and adults about the port’s functions and purpose. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday; closed some holidays. Call ahead for group tours. Free admission. Rendering of the boathouse at the Gathering Place
Tulsa Zoo
6421 E. 36th St. N. (Mohawk Park) 918-669-6600, tulsazoo.org Located on 84 acres in Mohawk Park, the zoo features nearly 3,000 animals in exhibits ranging from an award-winning African penguin habitat to an interactive tropical rainforest to the Helmerich Sea Lion Cove. At the 5-acre Lost Kingdom exhibit, new in 2017, visitors have excellent views of Malayan tigers and other Asian mammals and reptiles that are critically endangered. You’ll also find a children’s petting zoo, education areas, restaurants and concessions, the Mary K. Chapman Rhino Reserve, live animal presentations, the Safari Train and a gift shop to buy a “zoovenir” when the day is done. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily; closed Christmas Day and the third Friday in June. $10, age 12-64; $6, age 3-11; $8, age 65+; free, children 2 and under.
The Tulsa Zoo’s Lost Kingdom is the zoo’s newest major exhibit. 2018 CITY GUIDE | 19
it’s the freakin’ weekend Update your itinerary with local festivals and events
FEBRUARY 9–11 USA BMX Sooner Nationals Expo Square, 4145 E 21st St. 13 Mardi Gras Celebration Blue Dome District, downtown
MARCH 3–4 Big 12 Wrestling Championships BOK Center, 200 S. Denver Ave. bokcenter.com
McNellies Harvest Beer Festival
8–11 Greater Tulsa Home and Garden Show Expo Square, 4145 E. 21st St. tulsahba.com 10–11 Women’s Living Expo Expo Square, 4145 E. 21st St. womenslivingexpo.com 17 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Blue Dome District, downtown Date TBA Redfork Native American Film Fest TCC West Campus, 7505 W. 41st St. facebook.com/redforknaff
APRIL Tulsa State Fair
7 Kendall-Whittier Food Truck Festival East Admiral Place and North Lewis Avenue, historickwms.com 13–14 SpringFest Garden Market and Festival Tulsa Garden Center, 2435 S. Peoria Ave. tulsagardencenter.com 14 Tulsa Roots Music Global Bash Guthrie Green, 111 E. M. B. Brady St., tulsarootsmusic.org 14 Herb Day in Brookside East 41st Street and South Peoria Avenue facebook.com/herbdayinbrookside
20 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
22–28 Woody Guthrie Center Fifth Anniversary Celebration Woody Guthrie Center, 102 E. M. B. Brady St., and Guthrie Green, 111 E. M. B. Brady St. woodyguthriecenter.org 24–29 Bare Bones International Film Festival Muskogee barebonesfilmfest00.tripod.com 28–June 3 Oklahoma Renaissance Festival The Castle of Muskogee, 3400 W. Fern Mountain Road, Muskogee okcastle.com Date TBA Reverb Play Festival Tulsa PAC, 110 E. Second St. echotheatreco.org Date TBA Spring Home and Outdoor Living Expo Expo Square, 4145 E. 21st St. springhomeexpo.com
MAY Every Thursday night, late May through August Summer’s Fifth Night Concerts Utica Square, East 21st Street and South Utica Avenue uticasquare.com 5 Cinco de Mayo Celebration Downtown, downtowntulsaok.com 5–7 5 de Mayo Festival River West Festival Park, 2100 S. Jackson Ave. tulsahispanicchamber.com 11–13 Germanfest German-American Society of Tulsa, 2301 E. 15th St., gastulsa.org 13–17 Tulsa International Balloon Festival Tulsa Raceway Park, 3101 N. Garnett Road, tulsaibf.com COURTESY
USA BMX Grands
2018 CITY GUIDE | 21
17–20 Tulsa International Mayfest Downtown, tulsamayfest.org 18–20 13th annual Blue Dome Arts Festival Blue Dome District, downtown bluedomearts.org
Date TBA Mvskoke Nation Festival Claude Cox Complex, 2950 Warrior Road, Okmulgee creekfestival.com
JULY
20 Hop Jam Beer and Music Festival Tulsa Arts District, downtown thehopjam.com
4 Folds of Honor Freedom Fest River West Festival Park and Veterans Park riverparks.org/freedomfest
24–27 Rocklahoma 1421 W. 450 Road, Pryor rocklahoma.com
13–15 Tokyo in Tulsa Cox Business Center, 100 Civic Center tokyointulsa.com
Date TBA Dodgebrawl BOK Center, 200 S. Denver Ave. tulsadodgebrawl.com
Oklahoma Renaissance Festival
Date TBA Tulsa Pow Wow Cox Business Center, 100 Civic Center tulsapowwow.org
JUNE
2–3 Tulsa Pride Festival and Parade 621 E. Fourth St. tulsapride.org 7 Brookside Rumble and Roll Parade and Street Festival From University of Tulsa Reynolds Center to street party on South Peoria Avenue from East 33rd to 36th streets rumbleandroll.com 8–10 Saint Francis Tulsa Tough Blue Dome District, Tulsa Arts District and Tulsa River Parks tulsatough.com 13–17 Juneteenth Greenwood District, East Archer Street and North Greenwood Avenue Date TBA Asian-American Festival Martin Regional Library, 2601 S. Garnett Road tulsalibrary.org/asianfestival Date TBA G Fest Muskogee, gfestmuskogee.com
22 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
AUGUST 25 Wild Brew Cox Business Center, 100 Civic Center wildbrew.org 26 Utsav India Fest Expo Square Pavilion, 4145 E. 21st St., iagtok.org 31–Sept. 2 POSTOAK Wine and Jazz Festival POSTOAK Lodge and Retreat, 5323 W. 31st St. N. postoaklodge.com Date TBA Exchange Choreography Festival thebellhouse.info Date TBA Intertribal Indian Club of Tulsa Pow-Wow of Champions Mabee Center, 7777 S. Lewis Ave. iicot.org Date TBA Tulsa Overground Film and Music Festival Multiple locations, tulsaoverground.com
SEPTEMBER 3 Great Raft Race Arkansas River tulsaraftrace.com
Route 66 Marathon
6–8 Bluegrass and Chili Festival Claremore bluegrasschilifest.com 14–16 Oklahoma Scotfest River West Festival Park 2100 S. Jackson Ave. okscotfest.com 20–22 Tulsa Greek Festival Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1222 S. Guthrie Ave. tulsagreekfestival.com 27–29 Easter Island Music Festival Valley Park Sports Complex, 6802 OK-20, Keetonville easterislandfestival.com 27–Oct. 7 Tulsa State Fair Expo Square, 4145 E. 21st St. tulsastatefair.com
28–Oct. 27, every Friday and Saturday Haunted Castle Halloween Festival The Castle of Muskogee 3400 W. Fern Mountain Road, Muskogee, okcastle.com Date TBA BaseCamp Camping and Music Festival Turkey Mountain 6863 S. Elwood Ave. facebook.com/basecampatturkey Date TBA Blue Whale Comedy Festival Brady Arts District bluewhalecomedyfestival.com Date TBA Higher Plains Music Festival The Vanguard, 222 N. Main St. thevanguardtulsa.com
COURTESY
Throughout June SummerStage Multiple locations summerstagetulsa.org
Date TBA Illinois River Jam Peyton’s Place, Tahlequah illinoisriverjam.com Date TBA McNellie’s Harvest Beer Festival East First Street and South Elgin Avenue mcnellies.com Date TBA Stone River Music Festival Chandler stonerivermusicfestival.com
OCTOBER 5–6 Tulsa International Wine and Jazz Fete Guthrie Green, 111 E. M. B. Brady St., tulsarootsmusic.org 6 National Indian Taco Championship Pawhuska facebook.com/NITCpawhuska
Date TBA Tulsa American Film Festival Multiple locations tulsaamericanfilmfest.com Date TBA XPO Game Festival Cox Business Center, 100 Civic Center xpotulsa.com
NOVEMBER 1 Dia de los Muertos Festival Living Arts, 307 E. M. B. Brady St. livingarts.org 4 Will Rogers Birthday Bash Will Rogers Memorial Museum, 1720 W. Will Rogers Blvd., Claremore, willrogers.com
16–18 Route 66 Marathon Downtown, route66marathon.com 16–Dec. 30 Philbrook Festival Philbrook Museum of Art, 2727 S. Rockford Road philbrook.org
17–21 Linde Oktoberfest Tulsa River West Festival Park, 2100 S. Jackson Ave. tulsaoktoberfest.org
22–25 USA BMX Grands Expo Square, 4145 E. 21st St. usabmx.com
26–31 HallowZOOeen Tulsa Zoo, 6421 E. 36th St. N. tulsazoo.org/boo 27 Tulsa Run Downtown, tulsarun.com 27 BooHaHa Parade South Peoria Avenue from East 49th to 33rd streets brooksidetheplacetobe.com Date TBA ShalomFest Temple Israel, 2004 E. 22nd Place templetulsa.com/shalomfest
This exhibition showcases works by important American sculptors of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as Fredric Remington, Charles Russell, James Earle Fraser and Hermon Atkins MacNeil, who created works that endure as uniquely American.
Through Dec. 31, 2018
11 100th Veterans Day Parade Downtown
13–14 Cherokee Art Market Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 777 W. Cherokee St., Catoosa cherokeeartmarket.com
26–31 HallowMarine Oklahoma Aquarium, 300 Aquarium Drive, Jenks okaquarium.org
To Endure in Bronze
TU is an EEO/AA Institution.
Gilcrease Museum’s 2018 exhibition season is sponsored by an anonymous donor in fond memory of Sam Miller. Generous support is also provided by the Maurice DeVinna Charitable Trust, Robin F. Ballenger and Merkel Family Foundation.
GILCREASE.ORG
22 Lights On! Utica Square, East 21st Street and South Utica Avenue uticasquare.com 23–Jan. 6 Arvest Winterfest BOK Center, 200 S. Denver Ave. bokcenter.com Date TBA Cyntergy Hurtland Owen Park, 560 N. Maybelle Ave. hurtlandusa.com
DECEMBER 8 Tulsa Christmas Parade Downtown tulsachristmasparade.org
/TULSAAWARDSFORTHEATREEXCELLENCE
2018 CITY GUIDE | 23
spectator sports Where to go to see a game
Tulsa Roughnecks midfielder Paris Gee, right, dribbles through the Oklahoma City defense Aug. 12, 2017, at ONEOK Field.
The University of Tulsa
800 S. Tucker Drive, tulsahurricane.com Basketball Donald W. Reynolds Center Football Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium Soccer Hurricane Soccer & Track Stadium Softball Collins Family Softball Complex Tennis Michael D. Case Tennis Center Volleyball Donald W. Reynolds Center
Oral Roberts University
7777 S. Lewis Ave., oruathletics.com Baseball J.L. Johnson Stadium Basketball Mabee Center Soccer Case Soccer Complex Volleyball Cooper Aerobics Center
24 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
Tulsa Athletic
Tulsa’s grassroots soccer team spent their first four seasons in the former Drillers Stadium before the bungled deal between USABMX and Expo Square left the team without a permanent home. Last year, the team played at LaFortune Park. At press time, the Athletic had not announced where 2018 home games will take place, but the embattled yet passionate team continues to thrive. tulsaathletic.com
Tulsa Buffaloes
In 2018, our local Australian Rules Football team will get a new field in Chandler Park. Last year, the Oklahoma Football Club—a combined team of the Buffs and the OKC Flyers—won the USAFL Div. IV National Championship. tulsabuffaloes.com
Tulsa Drillers
In 2010 baseball moved downtown to ONEOK Field. Last year, the Drillers—a Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers—won the Texas League North Division Title and Organization of the Year. ONEOK Field, 201 N. Elgin Ave., tulsadrillers.com
Tulsa Elite
Founded in 2018, the Elite is a new flat-track roller derby travel team comprised of the Roughneck Roller Derby and Tulsa County Roller Derby leagues. The two leagues will continue to play local games independently this year before combining forces in 2019. Roughneck Roller Derby: Ninowski Recreation Center, 1367 W. Kenosha St., Broken Arrow; roughneckrollerderby.com Tulsa County Roller Derby: Skates, 401 E. Broadway, Sand Springs; facebook.com/ tulsacountyrollerderby Tulsa Elites: facebook.com/tulsaelitederby
MATT CHRISTENSEN
Tulsa’s Collegiate Division I Sports
The Oilers’ sell-out crowd on March 31, 2017
Tulsa Oilers
Hockey in Tulsa goes back to the late 1920s, and though hockey leagues have come and gone, Tulsa’s team has always been the Oilers. The team is currently in its first season under coach Rob Murray, who led the Alaska Aces to win the 2014 Kelly Cup. BOK Center, 200 N. Denver Ave., tulsaoilers.com
M E N S W E A R
THREADS O N
Tulsa Roughnecks FC
Named in homage to the beloved Roughnecks NASL franchise of the '70s and '80s, Roughnecks FC made their USL Cup Playoffs debut in 2017. ONEOK Field, 201 N. Elgin Ave., tulsaroughnecksfc.com
B O S T O N
170 9 S . B O S T ON AV E . • 9 18 .51 5.1 18 1 • T H R E A DS ON B O S T ON .COM
54th Annual
The Next Generation
Tulsa Rugby Football Club
Founded in 1974, Tulsa RFC features both men’s and women’s teams. The teams still practice and play games at their longtime home at 37th and Riverside, despite the nearby Gathering Place construction. Tulsa Rugby Pitch, 3772 Riverside Dr., tulsarugbyclub.com
Compound Pro Wrestling
TEEJAY CRAWFORD PHOTOGRAPHY
Compound is the largest and longest-running pro wrestling company in Northeast Oklahoma. Based in Tulsa, Compound features independent pro wrestlers, among them some homegrown talent. 4950 S. Sheridan Rd., compoundprowrestling.com
Fair Meadows
See live horse racing on the Fair Meadows track during summer meets and simulcast racing from tracks around the nation in the state-of-the-art simulcast Racing and Sports Bar. Opens at 5 p.m., Thursday–Sunday, in June and July. Racing and sports bar hours vary daily depending on race schedule. Expo Square, 4609 E. 21st St., exposquare.com/fairmeadows
February 16-18, 2018 Tulsa, OK | River Spirit Expo Square LARGEST Indoor Car Show in the country! SPECIAL APPEARANCES: “Misfit Garage” Tom Smith “Gear Dogs” Nate Boyer, James Miller, & Lance Moland “Count’s Kustoms” Ryan Evans “Twinstunts Thrill Show” LIVE MUSIC: Jimmy Lee Jordan Band Rockabilly Brian Dunning DEMOLITION DERBY & ONE & ONLY INDOOR “HOONING” FREESTYLE ACTION ARENA!
PRESENTED BY
For entry & vendor info: @StarbirdCarShows www.StarbirdCarShows.com | (918)-406-8966 or (316)-655-7888 2018 CITY GUIDE | 25
FIT: the fun way Keep healthy at one of these recreational spots
Health Zone at Saint Francis
5353 E. 68th St. S. Health Zone is the kind of name you give something too large to be a gym. The Health Zone at Saint Francis hospital offers members all the tools they’d ever need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Recumbent bikes, rowing machines, StairMasters, and “gauntlet-style” Stepmills allow for rigorous cardiovascular training, while the facility’s total-body circuit stations, weight-assisted pull-up and dip machines, and free weights are ideal for resistance trainers. The Health Zone also features racquetball courts and pools for swimming and other aquatic exercises. HZ members find themselves on the path to a healthier lifestyle, especially since the facility thoroughly assesses the fitness of every new member. This assessment includes a body fat analysis, strength and flexibility measurements, and screenings for blood pressure and risk factors. All of this is followed up by private consultation and orientation sessions with a fitness specialist, where members can find the exercise plan that works best for them, whether they intend to build muscle, lose weight, or just generally stay active. Membership typically costs $64 per month, but family, senior, and corporate discounts are available. 26 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
LaFortune Park Tennis Center 5302 S. Hudson Ave. Tennis is on the rise in Tulsa, and Lafortune Park Tennis Center is growing along with it. As a payto-play public facility, it has the amenities of a tennis club—two-dozen world-class courts, a pro shop, a USTPA Pro at the helm—without the membership fees. An hour-and-a-half session on an outdoor court costs just $10. The same amount of time on an indoor court is $36. Outdoor lighting keeps the courts available until 10:30 p.m. on weeknights, and no reservation is required; just walk up and play. (Though, during winter months, the three indoor courts fill up fast, so call ahead. 918-496-6230.) The facility also offers group and private lessons, cardio tennis classes, league play, and a regular schedule of tournaments and events, and was named the 2016 USTA Missouri Valley Facility of the Year. The Center plans to add another three indoor and three outdoor courts.
COURTESY
HEALTH ZONE at Saint Francis
Tandy Family YMCA’s Healthy Table Nutrition Kitchen
WHERE TO GO | WHAT TO DO AN URBAN FIELD GUIDE
The foundation of a healthy lifestyle is eating well. In addition to its pools, gyms, and exercise classes, the Tandy Family Y (5005 S. Darlington Ave.) offers a variety of cooking classes to show how a healthy diet can be easy and affordable. The Healthy Table Nutrition Kitchen has five cooking stations, each with induction cooktops, sinks, disposals, and all the necessary tools and utensils, as well as a set of double ovens. The kitchen often uses fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown onsite. Classes include healthy cooking methods, medically based programs designed to prevent diabetes and hypertension, as well as seasonal offerings, like sessions on how to maintain a healthy diet during the many potlucks and buffets of the holiday season. Healthy Table also features several healthy recipes on its website. Visit ymcatulsa.org for more information.
ROOTTULSA.COM
Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area
MORGAN WELCH
6850 S. Elwood Ave. Perhaps not quite a mountain—but certainly Tulsa’s favorite sizable hill—Turkey is comprised of 300 acres of undeveloped woods, located between I-44 and 71st Street. The forest is perfect for running and biking, but most use the park for hikes and nature-spotting. Hiking lowers the risk of heart disease, strengthens muscles, and increases bone density (a good thing, despite whatever you’ve heard about being big-boned). Hiking has also been shown to lower the risk of depression, raise quality of sleep, and, of course, burn a few extra calories—an average of 370 per hour for adults weighing 150–160 lbs. If you’re a long-term hiking enthusiast, or you’ve recently considered taking up the hobby, Turkey Mountain is a practical destination for you. The park is free and open to the public all year long.
facebook.com/TulsaArtsDistrict @TulArtsDist
#TulArtsDist
TheTulsaArtsDistrict.org
2018 CITY GUIDE | 27
the grand exchange Area shopping centers, districts, and malls
Ida Red General Store & Soda Fountain in the Tulsa Arts District
Shopping POPULAR SHOPPING DISTRICTS Brookside
Jenks, America
Rose District
East 32nd to 41st Streets on South Peoria Avenue, brooksidetheplacetobe.com
West of the Arkansas River on South 96th Street, jenks.com
North Main Street in Broken Arrow, rosedistrict.com
Take a stroll down this district full of interesting boutiques, art galleries, the modern shops of Center 1, plus plenty of upscale dining. A luxurious shopping experience during the day transforms into a neon avenue as Tulsans flock to bars for a night on the town.
Travel back in time as you wander through antique shops and art studios in historic downtown Jenks. This “Antiques and Crafts Capital of Oklahoma” also features the RiverWalk Crossing on the bank of the Arkansas River, which offers shopping and dining choices.
Drop by this recently revived historic destination for shopping and nightlife. Try some delicious pizza at Andolini’s Pizzeria before heading to Pinot’s Palette for a paint and wine party perfect for a girls’ night out or date night. You also can start your weekend early at the district’s farmers’ market every Saturday morning from April to October.
Cherry Street/15th Street
East Eleventh Street
East 15th Street, east of South Peoria Avenue
Route 66, Utica to Peoria
Tulsa Arts District
This distinctive area, at one time considered the suburbs east of Tulsa, draws visitors seeking fine dining, antiques and beautiful architecture. Boutiques, salons and a Saturday morning farmers’ market during the growing season make this district an interesting place to wander.
The Mother Road has an excellent shopping stretch. In the Meadow Gold District, find homeware at modern general store Jenkins and Co., browse the vinyl selection at Josey Records, and get your gallery fix at Joseph Gierek Fine Art. Then check out the hand-selected accessories and scents at Jill Croka Designs. For books and comics, head east toward Yale for Bound for Glory Books and Dice Addiction.
The recently renamed Tulsa Arts District is replete with new local stops, including Ida Red General Store & Soda Fountain, Guitar House of Tulsa, and Magic City Books. Satisfy your music craving at the Woody Guthrie Center and Spinster Records, then treat yourself to a facial at Chrysalis Salon and Spa or a haircut at Bradley’s Sanctuary.
28 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
COURTESY
Northern section of downtown thetulsaartsdistrict.org
EXPLORE YOUR CREATIVITY IN TULSA
Visit the Hardesty Arts Center for a contemporary gallery, gift shop featuring local artists, hands-on studio activities, and THE EXPERIENCE, a fully-immersive sensory art installation opening Spring 2018! Find us at the corner of Archer and Boston in the Tulsa Arts District and at AHHAtulsa.org.
1335 E. 11th St. Suite E., Tulsa, OK 74120 located on historic Route 66 jenkinsandcotulsa
Joseph Gierek Fine Art 1342 East 11th Street Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120 (918) 592-5432 www.gierek.com
1335 E 11th Suite F • 918.949.6999 upside-interiors.com
1513 EAST 11TH STREET SUITE A jillcrokadesigns.com
2018 CITY GUIDE | 29
The STEMcell Science Shop at The Boxyard
Shops of Seville
East 101st Street and South Yale Avenue, shopsofsevilletulsa.com
Stop by when you are in the mood for Spanish colonial-style architecture and quaint boutiques. Upscale shops such as Donna’s Fashions and Canterbury Lane Gifts are full of the latest fashions and gift ideas. Two charming bistros offer distinct dining experiences.
SouthRoads
East 41st Street and South Yale Avenue
Catch the newest flick at the AMC 20 movie theater, buy your pet a treat at Wagology or browse to your heart’s content at Barnes & Noble in this popular shopping center. Other destinations include Old Navy, Ulta Beauty and a Coney I-Lander restaurant.
The Boxyard 502 E. Third St. tulsaboxyard.com
The shops may be in shipping containers, but The Boxyard might be Tulsa’s most out-of-the-box place to shop. The ‘yard’s unique set of businesses includes the artisanal ice cream shop Rose Rock Microcreamery, the nerdy STEMcell Science Shop, the geeky Nova Comics, the Belgian honky-tonk WirWar, and the ever-quirky Dwelling Spaces, as well as several fashion boutiques, and more.
The Farm Shopping Center
River. Along with an enjoyable atmosphere, Kings Landing shops include Luxe Home Interiors, Push Pedal Pull, J. Cole Shoes and Red Rock Canyon Grill.
KingsPointe Village
East 61st Street and South Yale Avenue, kpvtulsa.com
This outdoor shopping center includes casual and gourmet dining, sporting goods and interior design stores, and a salon. Shop during the day and wrap up with dinner at McGill’s or Pei Wei.
East 51st Street and South Sheridan Road, farmshoppingcenter.com
The Plaza
The centerpiece of this charming shopping area is a restored rustic barn, adding to the village square-like feel. Park your car and spend some time exploring the blend of more than 40 national, regional and local retailers, including Pier 1 Imports, Massoud’s Jewelry, Espigares Watches and Clocks and Ted’s Pipe Shops Ltd. Hungry? Choose from a variety of eateries, such as Margaret’s German Restaurant and Deli, Villa Ravenna and Gelateria STG, where you can find a sweet selection of cold treats.
For dining, The Plaza has it all, with restaurants featuring Italian, deli and Asian fare. For early risers or those who need a relaxed place to hang out in the evening, The Plaza is also home to Nordaggios, one of Tulsa’s signature coffee roasters. Shopping opportunities include The Vintage Pearl, which specializes in hand-stamped jewelry, and Nielsen’s Gifts, where you can find a wide variety of high-end items.
East 81st Street and South Lewis Avenue
Promenade Mall Kings Landing
East 41st Street and South Yale Avenue, tulsapromenade.com
This shopping center offers diverse shops and gourmet dining along the Arkansas
JCPenney and Dillard’s anchor this spacious shopping mall, complete with a food court, a variety of specialty shops and a 12-screen movie theater.
9900 Riverside Parkway, kingslandingtulsa.com
30 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
Tulsa Hills
West 71st Street and Highway 75, shoptulsahills.com
Located in West Tulsa across the Arkansas River, the sprawling Tulsa Hills is one of the metro area’s newest shopping havens. The district includes anchors Target, Belk, Famous Footwear and Marshalls, along with restaurants such as Chili’s and Smashburger.
Utica Square
East 21st Street and South Utica Avenue, uticasquare.com
This Tulsa original offers a delightful combination of local and national shops and upscale restaurants to make for a great day of shopping. The meticulously landscaped outdoor shopping center features English telephone booths, wrought-iron benches and Old World clocks. During the summer, the square features live outdoor entertainment on Thursday evenings.
Woodland Hills Mall
East 71st Street and South Memorial Drive, simon.com/mall/woodland-hills-mall
The largest mall in the region, Woodland Hills offers more than 165 shops, including stores not offered anywhere else in Tulsa, such as Lolli and Pops gourmet confectionary. JCPenney, Sears, Macy’s and Dillard’s make this mall—with a retail establishment to please every taste—a shopper's paradise. VALERIE GRANT
SHOPPING CENTERS
THE COUNTRY’S #1 CONTEMPORARY CRAFT SHOW
RETURNING TO TULSA
The best of Tulsa:
JULY 13-15, 2018 NOV. 16-18, 2018 RIVER SPIRIT EXPO AT EXPO SQUARE
music, arts, dining, news, things to do and more.
500 VENDORS. 900 BOOTHS. 3 DAYS.
Come find out what ’s happening.
www.HeartOfTulsa.com HOT_HotelGuide.indd 1
11/8/17 9:23 AM
2018 CITY GUIDE | 31
parks & rec Opportunities to enjoy athletics and adventure The Gathering Place is set to open summer 2018.
Dust Bowl Lanes and Lounge 211 S. Elgin Ave. 918-430-3901 dustbowlok.com/tulsa Main Event 7830 S. Santa Fe Ave. W. 918-447-1200 mainevent.com/locations/tulsa-ok Sheridan Lanes Bowling 3121 S. Sheridan Road 918-627-2728 amf.com/sheridanlanesok
Skate parks Nienhuis Skate Park 3201 N. Ninth St., Broken Arrow 918-259-6550, brokenarrowok.gov River Skate Park 464 W. 23rd St., 918-596-7275 cityoftulsa.org
Public golf courses/ driving ranges Bailey Ranch Golf Club 10105 Larkin Bailey Blvd., Owasso 918-274-4653, baileyranchgolf.com Battle Creek Golf Club 3200 N. Battle Creek Drive, Broken Arrow, 918-355-4850 battlecreekgolf.net Broken Arrow Golf and Athletic Club 1651 E. Omaha St., Broken Arrow 918-355-0602 brokenarrowgolfac.com Cherokee Hills Golf Club 770 S. W. Cherokee St., Catoosa 918-384-7600 hardrockcasinotulsa.com/golf Forest Ridge Golf Course 7501 E. Kenosha St., Broken Arrow 918-357-2282, forestridgegolf.com 32 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
LaFortune Park Golf Course 5501 S. Yale Ave. 918-496-6200 lafortunegolfclub.com Links Golf and Athletic Club 11500 S. Links Court, Bixby 918-369-6035 lindseymanagement.com Lit’l Links Golf Club 11915 S. 129th E. Ave., Broken Arrow 918-481-3673, litllinks.com Mohawk Park Golf Course 5223 E. 41st St. N. 918-425-6871 tulsagolf.org Owasso Golf and Athletic Club 13604 E. 84th St. N., Owasso 918-274-4884, owassogolfac.com
Page Belcher Golf Course 6666 S. Union Ave. 918-446-1529, tulsagolf.org South Lakes Golf Course 9253 S. Elwood Ave., Jenks 918-746-3760, southlakesgolf.com White Hawk Golf Club 14515 S. Yale Ave., Bixby 918-366-4653, whitehawkgc.com The Woods Golf Course 11872 S. 274th E. Ave., Coweta 918-486-3117
Bowling Andy B’s 8711 S. Lewis Ave., 918-299-9494 andybtulsa.com Broken Arrow Lanes 4701 S. Elm Place, Broken Arrow 918-455-4616 brokenarrowlanes.com
Trampoline parks Sky Zone Tulsa 8306 E. 61st St., 918-877-7700 skyzone.com/tulsa Spring Town Trampoline Park 8314 E. 71st St., 918-294-8671 springtowntrampolinepark.com
Other Climb Tulsa rock-climbing gym 1140 S. 107th E. Ave. (new gym opening in spring 2018) 918-439-4400, climbtulsa.com Hard Knocks laser tag 6808 S. Memorial Drive, #128 918-893-5788, indoorwar.com LaserQuest laser tag 2909 S. Sheridan Road 918-663-5551, laserquest.com Paintball Adventure Games Inc. 10242 S. 49th W. Ave., Sapulpa 918-224-1055 pbadventuregames.com
COURTESY MICHAEL VAN VALKENBURGH ASSOCIATES INC.
Find a city park near you using the City of Tulsa’s Parks Finder at maps.cityoftulsa.org/parksfinder.
SkateNorth 2910 E. 56th St. N., 918-596-7275 cityoftulsa.org
The premiere destination to experience Osage history, art, & culture. Visit the Osage Nation Museum (ONM) in historic Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Our continuously changing exhibits convey the story of the Osage people throughout history and celebrate Osage culture today. Highlights include an extensive photograph collection, historical artifacts, and traditional and contemporary art. Founded in 1938, the ONM is the oldest tribally owned museum in the United States.
Admission and parking is free. Hours of Admission 8:30am – 5:00pm Tues.-Sat. 819 Grandview Avenue Pawhuska, OK 74506 (918) 287-5441
visit
discover
3900 Tulsa Botanic Drive | 918.289.0330 | tulsabotanic.org
The most beautiful place in Oklahoma. –House Beautiful, June 2016
philbrook.org Philbrook 2727 South Rockford Road Tulsa, OK 74114 Philbrook Downtown 116 E. M.B. Brady St. Tulsa, OK 74103 2018 CITY GUIDE | 33
where to eat A comprehensive dining list NORTH TULSA Admiral Grill Bill & Ruth’s Christy’s Good Food Evelyn’s Golden Saddle BBQ Steakhouse Hank’s Hamburgers Harden’s Hamburgers Hero’s Subs & Burgers Las Tres Fronteras Los Primos Moonsky’s Cheesesteaks and Daylight Donuts Oklahoma Style Bar-B-Que The Restaurant at Gilcrease Sweet Lisa's White River Fish Market
TULSA ARTS DISTRICT Amelia's Antoinette Baking Co. Bull in the Alley Caz’s Chowhouse Chimera Café Coney Island Gypsy Coffee House Hey Mambo The Hunt Club Laffa Medi-Eastern Restaurant & Bar Lone Wolf Lotus Sandwich Eatery & Bar Mexicali Border Café Mr. Nice Guys Prairie Brewpub Prhyme Downtown Steakhouse Sisserou’s The Tavern
GREENWOOD Elgin Park Fat Guy’s Burger Bar Lefty’s on Greenwood Wanda J’s Next Generation
BLUE DOME Albert G’s Bar & Q Andolini’s Sliced The Bramble Breakfast & Bar Dilly Diner El Guapo’s Cantina Fassler Hall Jinya Ramen Bar Joe Mommas Juniper 34 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
Lambrusco’z McNellies Rib Crib Yokozuna
DECO DISTRICT Atlas Grill Billy’s on the Square Boston Avenue Grill Deco Deli Elote Café & Catering Poke Bowl Love Roppongi Tavolo The Vault
DOWNTOWN All About Cha Baxter’s Interurban Grill The Boiler Room Boulder Grill Café 320 Daily Grill East Village Bohemian Pizzeria Foolish Things Coffee Company The Greens on Boulder Kitchen 66 Lassalle’s New Orleans Deli Lou’s Deli MADE Market in the DoubleTree by Hilton Mazzio’s Italian Eatery Naples Flatbread & Wine Bar ONEOK Cafe Steakfinger House The Sushi Place Tabouli’s Ti Amo Topeca Coffee Williams Center Café Wir War
TERWILLEGER HEIGHTS Bill & Ruth’s Blue Rose Café Burn Co. BBQ The Chalkboard Dalesandro’s DoubleShot Coffee Company Elwood’s Ron’s Hamburgers & Chili La Villa at Philbrook
Amelia's in the Tulsa Arts District
PEARL DISTRICT Cirque Coffee Freeway Cafe Ike’s Chili JJ’s Hamburgers Lola’s Caravan The Phoenix Café Papa Ganouj El Rancho Grande Soul City Gastropub & Music House
CHERRY STREET Andolini’s Pizzeria Café Cubana Cherry Street Kitchen Chimi’s Mexican Food Coffee House on Cherry Street Crushed Red Hideaway Pizza Jason’s Deli Kilkenny’s Irish Pub & Eatery Lucky’s Restaurant Main Street Tavern Mary’s Italian Trattoria Mi Cocina Palace Café Panera Bread Phat Philly’s Prairie Fire Pie Salata SMOKE. On Cherry Street Taziki's Roka Roosevelt's Tucci’s Café Italia
TU/KENDALLWHITTIER 918 Coffee Big Al’s Healthy Foods Bill’s Jumbo Burgers Billy Ray’s BBQ Brownie’s Hamburgers The Brothers Houligan Calaveras Mexican Grill
Cancun International Restaurant Corner Café Duffy’s Diner El Burrito El Rio Verde Fair Fellow Coffee Freddie’s Hamburgers Fuel 66 Guang Zhou Dim Sum Jim’s Coney Island and Never on Sunday Las Americas Lot a Burger Maxxwell’s Restaurant Mr. Taco Oklahoma Style BBQ Pie Hole Pizza Pollos Asados al Carbon Rib Crib BBQ & Grill Rozay’s Wingz Tacos Don Francisco Tally’s Good Food Cafe Tortas Del Rey Ty’s Hamburgers Umberto’s Pizza
UTICA SQUARE Ediblend Fleming’s Steakhouse McGill’s Olive Garden P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Pepper’s Grill Polo Grill Queenie’s Café and Bakery Stonehorse Café Wild Fork
BROOKSIDE Biga Billy Sims BBQ Bin 35 Bistro Blaze Pizza Blue Moon Bakery and Café Bricktown Brewery Continued on p. 36
Island Inspired Weekly Specials
Live Music
Check Website for Dates!
Fried Jerk Chicken Tuesdays
ISLAND FARE WITH A MODERN FLAIR Locally Owned • SisserousRestaurant.com 918.576.6800 • NW Corner of Main & Archer
• DAILY FOOD SPECIALS
EAT & DRINK CRAFT
• HAPPY HOUR WEEKDAYS, 4—7 • TRIVIA THURSDAY NIGHTS 8:30 • BRUNCH SATURDAY & SUNDAYS UNTIL 2PM • PRIVATE LOUNGE • LIVE BANDS • 21 & UP
MON.-SAT. 11am—2am SUN. 12pm—2am 108 N. 1ST ST. GEORGESPUBS.COM 918.296.9711
• • • • • • • •
40 TAP BEERS & 100 BOTTLED BEERS 8 TAP WINES & 30 BOTTLED WINES OYSTERS CRAFT COCKTAILS CREATIVE & FUN MENU ALL AGES CHEF’S TABLE & CATERING PATIO & LIVE MUSIC COMING IN THE SPRING • NIGHTLY FOOD SPECIALS • BRUNCH SATURDAY & SUNDAY 400 Riverwalk Terrace, Suite 180 (918) 946-2796 • marynstaphouse.com 2018 CITY GUIDE | 35
Continued from p. 34
The Brook Brookside by Day Brookside Cookhouse by Reasor's Brookside Diner Café Ole Charleston’s Claud’s Hamburgers Cosmo Café & Bar Crow Creek Tavern Doc’s Wine and Food Egg Roll Express Elmer’s BBQ In the Raw Keo La Hacienda Lambrusco’z To Go Mondo’s Ristorante Italiano Old School Bagel Café Oren Pei Wei Asian Diner Pure Food and Juice Ron's Hamburgers & Chili R Bar & Grill Señor Tequila Shades of Brown Sumatra Coffee Shop Super Wok Sushi Hana Torchy’s Tacos Tropical Smoothie Café Virgola The Warehouse Bar & Grill Weber’s Root Beer Whole Foods Market Zoës Kitchen
MIDTOWN Albert G’s Bangkok Thai Super Buffet Bodean Bravo’s Mexican Grill The Brothers Houligan Celebrity Restaurant El Tequila Evolve Paleo Felini’s Cookies & Deli Golden Gate Jimmy Hula’s Livi Lee’s Daylight Donuts Supershop Mario’s Pizza Mary Jane’s Pizza My Thai Kitchen NYC Pizza PJ’s Sandwich Shoppe Phill’s Diner Rib Crib Sushi Train Taqueria Azteca Trenchers Delicatessen Tropical Smoothie Café Umberto's Wok Wok
36 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
I-44/BA INTERCHANGE Bill & Ruth’s Subs Billy Sims BBQ Binh-Le Vietnamese Boston Deli The Brothers Houligan Chopsticks D’Oro Pizza Desi Wok Fiesta Cozumel Gogi Gui Hideaway Pizza Himalayas – Aroma of India Jumbo’s Burgers La Roma Pizza Margaret’s German Restaurant Mazzio’s Italian Eatery Monterey’s Little Mexico Nelson’s Buffeteria Pho Da Cao Rice Bowl Cafe Rib Crib BBQ & Grill Savoy Sezchuan Express Shawkat’s Deli & Grill Speedy Gonzalez Grill The Spudder Steak Stuffers USA Tacos Don Francisco Thai Siam Ti Amo Italian Ristorante Tokyo Garden The Tropical Uncle Bentley’s Pub & Grill Viet Huong Villa Ravenna Yutaka Grill & Sushi Buffet
SOUTH TULSA BBD II Baja Jack’s Burrito Shack Bamboo Thai Bistro Bodean Seafood Restaurant The Brook Camille’s Sidewalk Café Cardigan’s Charleston’s El Guapo’s El Samborsito Eritrean & Ethiopian Cafe The French Hen Gyros by Ali Hebert’s Specialty Meats Helen of Troy Hideaway Pizza India Palace Jamil’s The Krazy Olive La Flama Leena’s Mediterranean Grill Mahogany Prime Steakhouse McNellies South City Mr. Goodcents Subs & Pastas Napa Flats Wood-Fired Kitchen Nordaggios Coffee
Old School Bagel Café Oliveto Italian Bistro OK Country Donut Shoppe Pita Place Redrock Canyon Grill Ri Le's Ron’s Hamburgers and Chili Siegi’s Sausage Factory Sura Korean and Japanese Cuisine Sushi Hana Japanese Fusion Thai Village Tres Amigos Mexican Grill & Cantina Tally's Good Food Cafe TWL Bistro White Lion Whole Foods Yokozuna
WEST TULSA Arnold’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers Carl's Coney Island Charlie’s Chicken Jumpin J’s Hideaway Pizza Linda Mar Lot a Burger Meltdown Diner Monterey’s Little Mexico Ollie’s Station Pachac Peruvian Food Union Street Café
WOODLAND HILLS Asahi Sushi Bar Billy Sims BBQ Bistro at Seville Bluestone Steakhouse and Seafood Restaurant Bricktown Brewery Charlie’s Chicken Chuy’s Chopsticks Fat Daddy’s Pub & Grille Fat Guy’s Burger Bar First Watch Fish Daddy’s Seafood Grill Fuji Firehouse Subs Hungry Howie’s Pizza In the Raw on the Hill Jameson’s Pub Jason’s Deli Jay’s Original Hoagies Keo Kit’s Takee-Outee Lanna Thai Logan’s Roadhouse Louie’s Mandarin Taste Manos Peruanoas Marley’s Pizza Mekong River Rib Crib BBQ & Grill
Ridge Grill Ron’s Hamburgers & Chili Shogun Steakhouse of Japan Siegi’s Sausage Factory & Deli Sobahn Korean Cuisine & Sushi Wrangler’s Bar-B-Q Zio’s Italian Kitchen
EAST TULSA Casa San Marcos Charlie’s Chicken Cielito Lindo Doña Gloria El Gallo Loco El 7 Marez Taqueria Azteca Fiesta Del Mar Flame Broiler Fu-Thai Garibaldi’s The Gnarley Dawg Hatfield’s Burgers & BBQ Jay’s Coneys Knotty Pig Korean Garden Leon’s Smoke Shack Lot a Burger Maria’s Mexican Grill Mariscos El Centenario Ron’s Hamburgers & Chili Señor Fajitas Seoul Bistro Shiloh’s Shish Kabobs Stone Mill BBQ & Steakhouse Tacos San Pedro Taqueria la Cabana Tikka Kabab Timmy’s Diner Tortilleria De Puebla
JENKS Andolini's Pizzeria Burn Co. BBQ Bramble Flying Tee George's Pub Los Cabos Melting Pot Marble Slab Maryn's Taphouse and Raw Bar
ROSE DISTRICT Andolini’s Pizzeria Daylight Donuts Fiesta Mambo Franklin’s Pork & Barrel In The Raw Sushi Main Street Tavern McHuston Booksellers & Irish Bistro Nouveau - Atelier de Chocolat Romeo’s Espresso Café The Rooftop Toast Breakfast and Brunch
INSPIRED AMERICAN, LOCALLY SOURCED • Voted Best Steak in Tulsa • Voted Best New Concept
1542 E. 15th St. • 918.949.4440 smokewoodfiregrill.com
• Voted Best Tulsa Chef • Hermetically Sealed Cigar Lounge
2018 CITY GUIDE | 37
pizza and gelato
Local. Delicious. Tulsa’s Own Pizza.
Since 1969 the Aloisio family has served family recipes from Napoli and Abruzzi Italy. Come and enjoy our home cooking paired with fine wine and crafted beers. Full service bar. CALL FOR RESERVATIONS & CARRY OUT 918.561.6300 • 3410 S. Peoria Ave.
Est. 1956
Pizza and gelato made completely in house is the best. Don’t take our word for it. Check us out on TripAdvisor, Yelp!, Google, and Facebook Reviews. Plus, enjoy Bar Vitelli at all Andolini’s locations. BEST OF TULSA READERS’ CHOICE
WINNER!
2017
2017
Order pizza & see our full menu online at andopizza.com
15 TH ANNUAL
- MAY 18-20, 2018 -
2 PM - 2 AM Mon - Sat 1 PM - 2 AM Sunday 2 ND & Elgin downtown tulsa arniesbar.com 38 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
BLUEDOMEARTS . ORG
18 3 4 U t i c a S q u a r e
918 . 74 9 . 3 4 81
Seriously Great Fried Mushrooms, too.
T U L S A’ S P R E M I E R E D A N C E C L U B
OPEN THURS-SUN • 9PM-2AM THURS, FRI, SUN 18+ to enter, 21+ to drink
SAT 21+ only BEST OF TULSA
124 N. Boston Ave • 918-584-9494 clubmajestictulsa.com • clubmajestictulsa
READERS’ CHOICE 2017
BEST OF TULSA READERS’ CHOICE 2017
Voted Tulsa’s Best Thai Restaurant 1st Place Award for 15 Consecutive Years
Thank you Tulsa!
Experience Bold, Authentic Thai Flavors…
7227 S. MEMORIAL • 918.249.5262 • LANNATHAITULSA.COM • FIND US ON
Best Vegan/Vegan Friendly Restaurant in Oklahoma —FOOD & WINE MAGAZINE
“Thai Styled Fresh Seafood”
Listed on Urbanspoon as best Tulsa Business Meal Spot
49TH & MEMORIAL BEHIND DEALERSHIP | 918.895.6433 TheTropicalTulsa.com | FIND US ON 2018 CITY GUIDE | 39
we got the beat Where to see local and national musical acts BY LINDSEY NEAL KUYKENDALL
Music Venues The Revivalists playing a sold-out show at Cain's Ballroom Nov. 29, 2017
the seams. Talented local acts of all genres are making incredible music and performing to eager ears on a nightly basis in bars and venues around town, while Tulsa remains a beacon for national touring acts. If you’re looking for live music, you’ve come to the right place. Read on.
WHERE TO SEE LOCAL ACTS
The Colony
Guthrie Green
Once owned by Leon Russell, The Colony is a dimly lit British-themed midtown dive with live music nearly every night. In the past, this has been an infamously smoky spot, but since 2011 it has been smoke-free. The bartenders might be a fun source to for finding local happenings. The fireplace is one of the best in town during the winter. Check it out if you’re venturing away from the downtown area.
Some might say the heart of the Tulsa Arts District is Guthrie Green. It’s an urban park and entertainment space with action happening nearly all year long, including live music, yoga and other events hemmed in by the district’s art galleries. From April to October, the Sunday Market features fresh food and live music all morning. The First Friday evening of each month, the district swells with people and music for a free monthly art crawl.
2809 S. Harvard Ave., 918-794-4208 thecolonytulsa.com
Centennial Lounge Located on the upstairs level of the local VFW in the Pearl District near East Sixth Street and South Peoria Avenue, this hidden gem is just blocks from other district entertainment and restaurants. Recently renovated, this sleepy spot sits above a dance hall and can awe you with local music acts of all varieties.
Dusty Dog Pub
1109 E. Sixth St., 918-671-1629 facebook.com/centenniallounge577
5107 S. Harvard Ave., 918-933-5473
40 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
Off the beaten path and a bit south, the Dusty Dog is regarded by many musicians as a local jam spot and, luckily, patrons are welcome to enjoy the show. You might not be out of place pulling up on a motorcycle, though all walks enjoy the music and drinks here.
111 E. M. B. Brady St., 918-574-2421 guthriegreen.com
Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame A music hall in a renovated train depot in the heart of downtown Tulsa, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame offers not only jazz, but also classical, blues, rock and soul on many evenings of the week. It is adjacent
Continued on p. 42
GREG BOLLINGER
Tulsa’s music scene is bursting at
Specializing in Vintage & Rare Guitars with a Gallery that Includes Historical Instruments from well known Tulsa Musicians.
217 E. Archer • tulsa Arts District • (918) 619-6353 Open Tues. - Sat. • 11am - 7pm
6924 E. Admiral Pl. • (918) 835-6959 Open mon. - Sat. • 11am - 7pm
friday APRIL 13 DOWNTOWN OKMULGEE
ON THE SQUARE
activities 2018 OrangeFest Glo Run Live Entertainment Food Trucks Family-Friendly Fun
osuit.edu/orangefest
2018 CITY GUIDE | 41
Continued from p. 40
to the locally famous “Center of the Universe,” an outdoor courtyard with a “barrel echo” voice and sound phenomenon that can only be experienced by standing in the circle yourself. Weekly jams, concert series and one-off shows can make for an inspiring evening. 111 E. First St., 918-281-8600, okjazz.org
The Shrine Less hipster, more soul. The Shrine sits on the corner of East 18th Street and South Boston Avenue, a historical music hotspot. The venue always has a fine list of acts on the books, making the meager cover charge well worth it. The rock and jam band shows here won’t disappoint. Conveniently located across the street from both Dalesandro’s Italian Cuisine (1742 S. Boston Ave.) and Vintage 1740 Wine Bar (1740 S. Boston Ave.), The Shrine and its surroundings could make a whole evening. 112 E. 18th St., 918-949-1345, tulsashrine.com
Soundpony Tulsa’s only bicycle-themed, experimental music bar, Soundpony, never fails to entertain. Whether it’s the live music or the patrons themselves, there’s always something fresh to discover here. Located steps from Cain’s Ballroom downtown, Soundpony can make an entire evening or a great drink pit stop before or after a big concert at historic Cain’s. Soundpony also hosts trivia night each Tuesday and live music nearly every other night. If you are in the area on Halloween, Soundpony is a can’t-miss; make sure you’re in costume. 409 N. Main St., 918-582-7669 thesoundpony.com
Vanguard Music Hall The venue has had many names, but one thing has always remained: live music. The Vanguard might host the widest range of alternative acts and events around —from punk and metal to folk, rock and Americana. It also hosts the RAW Artist Showcase, featuring up-and-coming artists of all backgrounds (RAWartists.org/tulsa). Just a block away are Soundpony and Cain’s Ballroom, if hopping around is desired. 222 N. Main St., 918-561-6885 thevanguardtulsa.com
Continued on p. 44 42 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
What is the
‘TULSA SOUND’? The evolution of a legendary musical style excerpt from “The Roots of Tulsa Sound” BY ANDY WHEELER
B
esides the ever-present Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa exploded with December 2016 Tulsa Voice Cover featuring Leon Russell venues for live music in the ’50s and ’60s and brought a deluge of artists together, playing with and learning from one another. Since there were arcane liquor laws, these clubs were illegal to begin with and their bands adopted the same outlaw attitude. They threw out the rules of conventional rock ‘n’ roll and borrowed from everyone and everything: country, blues, jazz, rockabilly, Western swing and even gospel. Those same musicians were not just born at the right time; they also practiced like madmen. Musicians such as Carl Radle and Leon Russell became obsessed with their craft, constantly finding ways to get more time on the bass or keys, respectively. Drummers, including Jimmy Karstein and Chuck Blackwell, kept the beat. J.J. Cale shuffled along with his guitar. A flood of skilled musicians was being dammed up in Tulsa’s illegal clubs. The dam first started leaking when Russell joined with the most recorded session group of all time: The Wrecking Crew. Russell made inroads with almost everyone: the Beach Boys, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Willie Nelson and the Rolling Stones. But the dam burst when Russell directed the chaos that was Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour. Russell capitalized on his fame, talent and resources and brought Shelter Records to Tulsa. With Shelter Records also came a lot of attention to T-Town. The band Teegarden and Van Winkle, including Tulsa drummer David Teegarden, went to Detroit and started making music with Bob Seger. Radle and some other young musicians went to Florida to save a legend in Clapton. And Cale kept shuffling along. The Tulsa Sound was let loose upon the ears of an intrigued public. Artists named Elvin Bishop, Roger Tillison, Gene Crose, David Gates, Dwight Twilley, The Gap Band, Jim Byfield, Don White, Rocky Frisco and dozens of others achieved varying levels of recognition. More recognized names—the Allman Brothers, Dire Straights, Johnny Cash, Santana and The Band—took notice and started emulating and picking up tricks from the Tulsa Sound. The Tulsa Sound still plays on throughout alt-country (e.g., Uncle Tupelo, Old 97’s and Wilco) and red dirt music (Cross Canadian Ragweed and Red Dirt Rangers), but the most authentic Tulsa Sound can still be found all over Tulsa clubs.
If you’re visiting Tulsa and want to take home something special for your dog or cat…
Is my present in your suitcase?
I watched the house for you.
I was good at camp.
Gimme, gimme!
I’ll shake for it.
It smells good!
Is it edible?
Don’t forget about me!
I’m being patient.
Thank you! I feel handsome.
Shranks for the new reash, mom.
…come see us at
at Utica Square. Thank you.
Gracias.
Danke Schoen!
1778 Utica Square • 918-624-2600 • Open Monday-Saturday, 10-6 2018 CITY GUIDE | 43
BOK Center
Brady Theater
Woody Guthrie Center
theater keeps not only music memories, but also dark secrets, such as allegedly holding people after the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot. This historic venue sits on East M.B. Brady Street, officially dubbed “Reconciliation Way” by the citizens of Tulsa in an attempt to heal its tumultuous past.
CASINOS
Continued from p. 42
Woody Guthrie Center This sparkling GRAMMY™ museum affiliate is dedicated to the history, memorabilia and works of Oklahoma music star Woody Guthrie. It includes not only an interactive gallery, but also a 59-seat theater. Here lies plenty of opportunity to catch high-caliber concerts, workshops and inspiration in general. Make a day of it; it’s perfectly easy to visit art galleries, restaurants and music venues up and down the surrounding streets. 102 E. M. B. Brady St., 918-574-2710, woodyguthriecenter.org
WHERE TO SEE NATIONAL ACTS BOK Center Say B-O-K (not “Bawk”). Named for the Bank of Oklahoma headquartered in Tulsa, this is downtown’s mega concert and sports arena with a 19,199-seat capacity. Lovingly described as architecturally resembling a giant roll of silvery-gray duct tape, this is where greats like Paul McCartney, Madonna, Elton John and Cirque de Soleil have graced the stage. Words to the wise: Purchase tickets online and find parking early. Nearby Italian restaurant Ti Amo, 219 S. Cheyenne Ave., makes a lovely preshow dinner and is in walking distance from your seats inside. Enjoy the show! 200 S. Denver Ave., 918-894-4200 BOKcenter.com
Brady Theater Nicknamed “The Old Lady on Brady,” the Brady Theater is a venue worth experiencing. Since being built in 1914 when it was dubbed “Tulsa Convention Hall,” the art deco theater has hosted musical greats including Will Rogers, Ed Sullivan, Roy Clark, Buddy Holly and B.B. King. The 44 | 2018 CITY GUIDE
105 W. M. B. Brady St., 918-582-7239 bradytheater.com
Cain’s Ballroom Ah, the legendary Cain’s Ballroom. After its first life as a garage, Cain’s became the home of Western swing: jitterbug, sock hop—just a good old-fashioned dance hall turned legend by Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. Renovated in 2013 by the current owners, today Cain’s hosts top acts many nights of the week, and new shows are added all the time. Earplugs are $1 if needed in the intimate venue with a reputation for rocking, and be sure to wear your walking shoes: Most Cain’s concerts are standing room only. Soundpony and The Yeti are neighboring bars for pre- and postshow antics. Plus, Oklahoma Joe’s serves up tasty barbecue just next door. 423 N. Main St., 918-584-2306 cainsballroom.com
Tulsa Performing Arts Center Experience the finer things in life with a dose of culture at the Tulsa PAC. Within the center are four theaters of varying sizes that host symphonic, operatic, theater, dance and concert events for all ages. Opened in 1977, the Tulsa PAC replaced the Brady Theater as the City of Tulsa’s municipal auditorium with a premiere concert by Ella Fitzgerald. See what’s on the schedule for an evening of sophistication. 110 E. Second St., 918-596-7111 tulsapac.com
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Try your hand at poker, blackjack or one of the more than 2,600 electronic games, including video poker, at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa. The resort features a hotel, a championship golf course, an assortment of shows and several restaurants. 777 W. Cherokee St., Catoosa 918-384-7800; 800-760-6700 hardrockcasinotulsa.com
River Spirit Casino Resort Featuring the River Spirit Casino and Margaritaville Casino, the casino resort has over 3,000 state-of-the-art electronic games, numerous table games and an action-packed poker room. It also includes a luxury 27-story hotel tower, Paradise Cove Theater, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Restaurant, 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar, and Ruth’s Chris Steak House. 8330 S. Riverside Parkway, 918-995-8080 riverspirittulsa.com
Osage Casino Sand Springs Enjoy the café, bar and lounge—and approximately 460 electronic gaming devices in this 25,000-square-foot oilfield-themed casino. 301 Blackjack Drive, Sand Springs 918-699-7723, osagecasinos.com
Osage Casino Tulsa This 50,000-square-foot casino has more than 1,000 electronic gaming devices, blackjack, poker, a full-service restaurant, a bar and an entertainment venue. 951 W. 36th St. N., 918-699-7614 osagecasinos.com
2018 CITY GUIDE | 45
At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, you can do it all. Rock the roof off at The Joint: Tulsa, make a huge splash in our resort-style pool, and relax in one of our rooms or suites. Enjoy the delicious fare at any of our various restaurants or play one of the over 2,400 games on our massive casino floor. Any gamer is sure to find a new favorite or enjoy an old classic. You should be here. I-44 Exit 240 | 800.760.6700 | HARDROCKCASINOTULSA.COM
Know your limits. Gambling problem? Call 800.522.4700.