John Ferguson, the “Count” and 2022 Oklahoma Senior Follies king, during a kickoff party for the May 20-22 perform- ances

- Photos by Rose Lane

From left: Above, Seth Lewis, Allie Dodson, Leigh-Alice Clark and Shelby Kinles; and, at right, Barry and Becky Switzer and Kevin and Rettine Kates enjoy the 2022 OKC Ballet Ball at the Omni Hotel. Five hundred three people attended the event which raised $375k for the Ballet and its programs. One hundred sixty pointe shoes were donated. Stephanie Naifeh and Kylie Claire Rainbolt were the chairpersons. The theme was The Golden Age.

Above: Whitney and Oklahoma County Clerk David Hooten. At right: Sean Murphy aid Cacky Poarch. At left: Kelley Barnes and Deborah Senner. Above: Cindi Shelby and Annie Bohanon. At right: Tsinena and John Thompson.

John Ferguson, Oklahoma

Senior Follies king, and John Peebles, director, at a kickoff party for the 2022 event, set for

May 20-22.

Senior Follies hosts kickoff party

- Photos by Frank Kozakowski

Above: Carol Sander and Annette Basey, Oklahoma Senior Follies 2022 beauty. At left: Pam Holzberger and Mercedes Russow. The shows at the Hudson Performance Hall are set to feature a video presentation by entertainer Vince Gill.

Board members Dr. Ron Sutor and Jackie Short.

HARLOW process of engaging interested supporters, and making plans to form a From Page 1 new orchestra,” Harlow recalls. “It was a very challenging time, but the difficulties this small group faced during that process laid the foundation for lasting friendships.”

The Oklahoma City Philharmonic, as it is known today, performed its inaugural season in 1989/90, and Harlow became the first female president of OKCPHIL Board of Directors. She served as co-chair on a drive to raise $9 million in endowment funds. Part of that effort included a $1 million gift from Devon Energy, designated to fund the orchestra’s collaborations with the Oklahoma City Ballet and Canterbury Voices.

When longtime Music Director and Founder Joel Levine retired, Harlow served on the search committee to find his replacement, Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate.

“My experience with the Philharmonic has been a big part of my life, and I have enjoyed every step of the journey,” she said. “Occasionally, I may still raise a few dollars for the Phil and I continue to attend many of its performances. It is truly an honor to be inducted into the Maestro’s Circle!”

Mickelthwate to lead music festival

Oklahoma City Philharmonic’s Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate has been selected to lead this summer’s Bear Valley Music Festival.

The festival takes place in Bear Valley, Calif., July 22 through Aug. 7. Located 180 miles east of San Francisco in the Sierra Nevada, the festival is in its 54th year and Mickelthwate is only the fourth music director in its history.

Mickelthwate succeeds Maestro Michael Morgan, who passed away in 2021 after serving eight seasons with the festival.

Mickelthwate is in his third full season with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic where he’s built a reputation for creating uniquely tailored programs that draw in new audiences. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded its artistic horizons; increased the number of onstage and city-wide collaborations; commissioned works commemorating significant events and anniversaries, and is currently completing its firstever recording project with the international Naxos label.

Every year, the Bear Valley Music Festival draws thousands of attendees who will enjoy music from classical to rock to country to jazz.

The Oklahoma Art League membership was given a guided docent tour of the Oklahoma History Museum. From left: Docent Mike Sheriff; Carrie Sox, education director of the museum; Karen Mayfield, museum liason; Catherine Armitage, president of the Oklahoma Art League; and Docent Don Kerby. Oklahoma Art League is an arts, culture and humanities organization, which was founded in 1953.

BALL

From Page 1

“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and celebrate the spirit of music,” said Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate, music director for the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. “We have so many wonderful patrons of the arts who enjoy what we do. But our mission goes far beyond the concerts you see on stage. Our educational and community engagement programs for children and adults are so much a part of what we do. That’s why raising funds through the Maestro’s Ball is so

Two named to Dean’s List

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has named Oklahoma City’s Blake Appleby and Tayler Isaacs to the Fall 2021 Dean's List.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 are named to the Dean's List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits; undergraduate day students must earn 12 credits in the fall or spring semester, and online students must earn 12 credits in either EW1 & EW2, EW3 & EW4, or EW5 & EW6. important — it allows us to continue those efforts, and so much more.”

Presenting Sponsors for Maestro’s Ball are Margaret Freede and Daniel Owens, and Glenna and Dick Tanenbaum. Platinum Sponsor is Mrs. Jane B. Harlow, who will be inducted into the Maestro’s Circle for her efforts in helping form the OKCPHIL. Jewelry sponsor is Diamonds Direct, and Tribute Video Sponsor is Prairie Surf Media.

Honorary Chairs are Aimee and David Harlow.

“David and I are so excited,” said Aimee Harlow. “This is one of Oklahoma City’s most elegant events, and we are thrilled to be a part of it. Your support helps OKCPHIL’s mission of providing inspirational music, entertainment and educational outreach. I hope everyone joins us for a tribute to cinema and world-class musical entertainment!”

Maestro’s Ball committee members are Kristine Browne, Kristen Ferate, Jane Jayroe Gamble, Kirk Hammons, Debra Kos, Dr. Geetika Verma, and Dr. Meredith Blecha-Wells.

More information on Maestro’s Ball and ticket information can be found at: www. okcphil.org/supportthe-phil/maestrosball/tickets/

AWARDS

April 20 • Creativity Ambassadors Awards Internationally acclaimed artist, culinary visionary and business transformation leader will be among six outstanding Oklahoma natives honored at the 2022 Creativity Ambassadors Awards at a gala on Wednesday, April 20, at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club by Creative Oklahoma. Visit creativeoklahoma.org for details.

THIS WEEKEND

•April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and The CARE Center has coordinated its Paint the Town Blue campaign to raise awareness throughout Oklahoma County. The color blue is used in association with child abuse awareness. Participating businesses and organizations will feature themed elements through April 15 to express their solidarity. •Hurts Donuts, 601 N.W. 23rd, will feature blue donuts. •Sasquatch Shaved Ice, 1801 N.W. 16th, will offer CARE cones in six different flavors. •On April 18, State Capitol’s exterior lights will be turned blue. Dialogue Institute hosts benefit for OSU’s Afghan students The Dialogue Institute of Oklahoma will recognize three Dialogue Heroes at their Annual Friendship Dinner and Award Ceremony on April 28 at the Petroleum Club in downtown Oklahoma City. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the OSU Foundation for scholarships benefitting Afghan students whose college studies were interrupted when they were evacuated from their homes in 2021. Honorees include Rev. Dr. Bob Long, Senior Pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and Mr. H. E. “Gene” Rainbolt of BancFirst. OSU President, Dr. Kayse Shrum, will participate virtually, but accepting the award on her behalf will be her husband, Darren Shrum. Clayton C. Taylor, Principal at The Taylor Group will serve as Master of Ceremonies. “The traditional Iftar dinner served at sunset will offer an opportunity for a diverse group of neighbors to become better acquainted with one another in order to promote mutual understanding, respect and cooperation.”, says Muhammet Ali Sezer, Executive Director. “This year’s event will express appreciation to those who have demonstrated allyship in their efforts to encourage friendships among people of different faiths and cultures.” Reservations for the event may be made through the Dialogue Institute’s website at dialogueoklahoma.org/. Individual tickets are $100 each with opportunities for table sponsorships available.

CONSTRUCTION!

Roads around downtown OKC have already closed for the Festival of the Arts on April 1924. Road closures will be in effect through April 30 in the following locations: Walker Avenue Northbound from Colcord Dr to Couch Dr Southbound from Robert S. Kerr to Main St Arts District Parking Garage will be accessible from Walker Avenue and Latting Circle. Lee Avenue

Northbound Main St to Couch Dr with alley access North and Southbound lanes from Colcord Dr north to Couch Dr Colcord Drive

East from Lee Ave to Walker Ave Couch Drive

From Walker Ave west to Lee Ave

NEW DATES 2022

Paycom Center Events/Shows: The Who May 10 New Kids on the Block May 16 Kevin Hart Aug. 14 Andrea Bocelli June 23 Backstreet Boys Sept. 14 Pearl Jam Sept. 20 Shawn Mendes Sept. 27 Keith Urban Sept. 30 Zoo Amphitheatre: AJR June 7 Matchbox Twenty June 22 Goo Goo Dolls Sept. 17 Civic Center Music Hall: Bob Dylan Apr. 14 Other Events/Shows/Awards: Shine a Light Apr. 14 Festival of the Arts Apr. 1924 Creativity Ambassadors Awards Apr. 20 Sip and Stroll Apr.21Sept.15 OLFC Footsteps Luncheon Apr. 22 OKC Memorial Marathon Apr. 2224 Tatas & Tinis Apr. 28 The Lion King May 1129 LeAnn Rimes May 21 Walk for Kids June 11 Matilda June 2126 Carousel July 510 Kinky Boots July 1924

Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com

Darci Lynne, the star performer, pride of Deer Creek and youngest contestant ever to win NBC’s America’s Got Talent, is starring in a major motion picture. The movie is called A Cowgirl’s Song and it is being released by Samuel Goldwyn Films in theaters and Video On Demand next Tuesday, April 22.

A Cowgirl’s Song is a heartfelt, musical drama filmed entirely on location in Chickasha, Oklahoma. The movie tells the story of an aspiring teenage singer who goes to live with her grandmother, a country music legend who’s fallen on hard times since the death of her husband. Together, they overcome adversity and find redemption through their shared love of music.

In the movie, Darci Lynne stars alongside lead actress Savannah Lee May, Prairie Surf CEO and actress Rachel Cannon and Hollywood veteran Cheryl Ladd, from Charlie’s Angels. The cast also includes local acting legend Darryl Cox. Cox teaches oncamera acting at OU, OCU, and OCCC. He gets cast in nearly every big movie that comes to town (Reagan, Land of Gold, Minari, Reservation Dogs), providing students a perfect example of how to manage a successful acting career here in Oklahoma.

A Cowgirl’s Song is written and directed by Timothy Armstrong. This is the fourth installment in his series of cowgirl related movies that began with the movie Cowgirls ‘n Angels. That first movie was filmed in Stillwater and Guthrie in 2012 and co-starred Oscar nominee James Cromwell. He followed up that success with Dakota’s Summer in 2014 and A Cowgirl’s Story in 2017.

A Cowgirl’s Song was produced by Norman native Maggie McClure and Verden native Shane Henry, a wife and husband musical duo who perform as the band The Imaginaries. They both starred in the movie as supporting characters, co-produced the film, wrote original songs, and produced the soundtrack. Their first single from the soundtrack, Oklahoma Skies, was recently featured in Parade magazine.

The Imaginaries band has collaborated with Armstrong on most of his films. McClure’s song “Good Morning and Good Night” was featured in the opening credits of Cowgirl’s ‘n Angels. McClure and Armstrong wrote and performed a song on camera in A Cowgirl’s Story. And, for A Cowgirl’s Song, The Imaginaries co-wrote four original songs for the film’s soundtrack with Armstrong and produced the entire album virtually during the height of Covid-19.

I met Maggie McClure in 2011 when she was hustling to play live gigs at the deadCenter film festival. Since then, I have seen her every year, making music videos, collaborating with other artists, getting her music on soundtracks, and eventually becoming a producer alongside her husband Shane. It is so inspiring to see hardworking Oklahomans forge a career in entertainment for themselves.

A celebration has been planned for the day of the film’s release. The Imaginaries and Darci Lynne will perform as part of A Cowgirl’s Song in Concert at the Tower Theatre in Oklahoma City. The concert will start at 8:00 pm and will feature performances of the entire A Cowgirl’s Song soundtrack, along with new original songs from The Imaginaries and Darci Lynne. Tickets are $25-100 and can be purchased through at towertheatreokc.com. All proceeds from the concert will go to the Amberley Snyder Freedom Foundation.

Downtown’s Starlight Supper returns as a picnic this spring

Starlight Supper will return for its ninth year on Thursday, May 26, at 7 pm as an outdoor picnic under the stars in Oklahoma City’s Kerr Park. Tickets for Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership’s sell out fundraising event went on sale on Thursday, April 14.

Guests are invited to bring their best blankets, pillows and lawn chairs to enjoy a curated picnic featuring some the city’s premier chefs. Picnic-goers will dine under the event’s signature sparkling lights as they enjoy a lively performance by jazz quartet Spunk Adams & Friends.

Ticket purchasers have the option of choosing to experience their picnic on the lawn or at a table, though table seating is limited. Each picnic-for-two box will include five savory dishes, dessert, wine and everything needed for a perfect picnic. The 2022 picnic boxes will feature Bar Cicchetti, City + State, Harvey Bakery, Rococo, Spark and Yuzo Sushi Tapas.

“Starlight Supper provides the community with a unique dining experience that you can’t find anywhere else,” said Jane Jenkins, President and CEO of Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership. “Downtown is home to many of OKC's best restaurants and this year we are excited to showcase three new concepts at our picnic: City & State, Harvey Bakery and Spark.”

In 2021, Starlight Supper shifted to the picnic concept due to COVID-19 and was embraced by the community as they gathered safely with their family, friends and coworkers in Kerr Park. This year’s event is another chance for guests to enjoy the more casual and convivial atmosphere that the picnic provides.

Tickets for this event have historically sold out very quickly. Tickets are available for sale through Eventbrite at starlightpicnic2022. eventbrite.com. Participating Restaurants & Chefs: Bar Cicchetti – Ricky George City + State – Ivan Norwood Harvey Bakery – John Conway Rococo – Zach Rupple Spark – Kyle Toland Yuzo Sushi Tapas – Yuzo Toyama

All proceeds from Starlight Supper benefits Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership, a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization whose mission is to champion a vibrant and diverse downtown through placemaking, advocacy and promotion. For more information about the event and how to attend, visit DowntownOKC.com.

THIS MESSAGE SPONSORED BY THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES:

FURNITURE DESIGN SUPPLIES PRINTING Oklahoma City (405) 947-5676 www.warrenproducts.com