2023 March Magazine

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Cowboys, Classics and Clara

OKCPHIL rounds out season with ‘Tenors,’ Bell and Luper

By Mark Beutler

IIt was a brisk February after‐noon when Alexander Mickelthwate arrived at Edmond’s Cross Creek Stables.

As music director for the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, it’s typically more customary to see him in a tuxedo than Wranglers and boots.

But on this day, the Maestro was fulfilling yet another of his goals since moving to Oklahoma five years ago. That goal? Riding a horse.

“Growing up in Germany, I idolized America,” Mickelthwate said. “When I moved to the United States, I had the opportunity to experience living on both coasts‐‐conducting the New York City Philharmonic, as well as the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Then for 14 seasons I was in Winnipeg. Now Oklahoma City is my home, and I don’t want to be anywhere else. Oklahoma has such a colorful heritage, and I want to experience it all.”

On this day at Cross Creek Stables, Mickelthwate is think‐ing about the next OKCPHIL Pops concert, “The Texas Tenors.” As part of the Chickasaw Nation Pops Series, the concert brings the Emmy Award‐winning vocal trio to the Civic Center Music Hall for two performances, March 17 and 18.

“The Texas Tenors have a repertoire ranging from country to classical to Big Band,” Mickelthwate said. “Last summer, the OKCPHIL accompanied Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli dur‐ing his Oklahoma City concert. It was fantastic. And with the Texas Tenors, it will be that times three! I am not conducting this concert, but I will be there. I also just got a whole new cowboy outfit from Tener’s — hat to boots! I can’t wait to wear it for this concert!”

The Texas Tenors landed as finalists in the popular show “America’s Got Talent,” and have gone on to become one of the most sought‐after musical acts.

“They truly have a mass appeal,” Mickelthwate said. “This

will be a fun change of pace and I hope our OKCPHIL family of friends will join us.”

Finishing the Season

Rounding out the remainder of the 2022‐23 season are concerts that show Mickelthwate’s creativi‐ty and depth, and will allow the orchestra to explore and exhibit their range of talents.

On Saturday, April 15, world‐renowned violinist Joshua Bell performs as part of the Inasmuch Foundation Classics Series.

“This concert will be huge,” Mickelthwate said. “I worked with Joshua before, and he was absolutely amazing. So humble, and such authentic emotional playing. Everyone will be in for a treat.”

Last season, the OKCPHIL presented the original 1977 film “Star Wars,” and performed for two sold‐out audiences. This year, on April 28 & 29, look for another sellout as OKCPHIL presents “Black Panther in Concert.” This groundbreaking film shattered box office records when it premiered in 2018. Now see this Academy Award‐winning action‐packed super‐hero thriller as you’ve never seen it before as the OKCPHIL plays the score live on stage.

And finishing the season, OKCPHIL’s final Classics concert will be a tribute to civil rights icon Clara Luper on what would have been her 100th birthday.

“During my first season with the OKCPHIL, Sam Anderson’s book ‘Boomtown’ came out,” Mickelthwate said. “It talked not only about the miraculous rise of the Oklahoma City Thunder, but delved deep into Oklahoma’s history. I learned all about Clara Luper and the sit‐ins she conducted.”

Mickelthwate says he had lunch with Luper’s daughter, Marilyn, and Joyce Jackson, who, as children, participated in those sit‐ins.

“What absolutely inspiring stories they told,” he added.

See COWBOYS, Page 14

OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine | 3

OKCPHIL Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate embraces Oklahoma's colorful western heritage.

OKCPHIL to release ‘Of Thee I Sing’

Most Oklahomans have a story about the events that took place on April 19, 1995. Almost from the begin‐ning, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic played a part in helping heal a grieving city and nation, performing for the memorial service the Sunday immedi‐ately after the bombing.

Now as we approach yet another anniversary, the OKCPHIL will release a new CD commemorating the event.

“Of Thee I Sing” began as a tribute to the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing. Composer Jonathan Leshnoff was commissioned to write the music, which was partially record‐ed before being sidelined by the Covid pandemic. Last year, the final pieces were recorded and the album is set for an April release on the Naxos record label.

“Jonathan’s music has an energetic, driving beginning,” said Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate. “At some point it stops, the choir comes in and the music starts to transcend the hor‐

rors to give a sense of healing.”

Another piece on the record is Leshnoff’s violin concerto with the con‐certmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, Noah Bendix‐Balgley as soloist. The third work is called “Elegy,” music that was composed for last year’s Yom HaShoah event.

“I believe music inspires, heals, tran‐scends, excites, consoles,” Mickelthwate said. “But it also creates a sense of identity and pride. With the release of this recording, the Philharmonic is starting a new tradi‐tion of creating new works based on Oklahoma stories. Stories that are local, but have a national or even inter‐national quality. We will become story‐tellers through music. Through our orchestra, music, sounds and rhythms go straight to the heart. And by record‐ing we make it timeless.”

Mickelthwate has embraced Oklahoma City, and says the Memorial creates in him an openness that allows him to become receptive for inner

quiet and peace.

“The Memorial not only transcends the horrors of that day, but gives space to see all sorts of things from a wider and deeper perspective,” he said. “A garden of meditation. How appropriate and needed for our times.”

“Of Thee I Sing” is set for release April 21, and will be available world‐wide on all major streaming platforms, download services, major physical CD retailers, and in CD stores and record shops across the country.

Discovery Series provides interactive introduction to music

By Corbin Taggart OKCPHIL Marketing Coordinator

Share the joy of music with the chil‐dren or grandchildren in your life through the Oklahoma City Philharmonic’s Discovery Family Series sponsored by the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation.

Discovery Family Series provides an exciting, interactive introduction to the orchestra, with music from movie tunes and classics, to popular songs. Performances take place at the Civic Center Music Hall and last about an hour. Musical programming is geared to children ages 4 to 13.

“Discovery Concerts are programmed with kids in mind,” said OKCPHIL Education Manager Jeana Gering. “The concerts are under an hour with no intermis‐sion. Audience participation is sprinkled throughout to keep everyone engaged. Our mascot, Phil the Penguin, and other energetic guests frequently appear on stage and the pro‐gram features coloring sheets and listening activities; and we don’t expect kids to stay perfectly quiet or still – we hope they’re asking questions, voicing observations, and

dancing in their seats!”

Prior to each Discovery program, OKCPHIL offers pre‐concert lobby activi‐ties including arts, crafts, dance and games related to the theme of the con‐cert.

“These activities are kid‐focused and provide an opportunity to get the wig‐gles out before sitting in the theater,” Gering added. “An instrument play‐ground also allows kids to try out vari‐ous orchestral instruments.”

Tickets for single concerts start at $9. Season subscriptions start at $27 and include three Discovery Concerts. OKCPHIL also offers a Philharmonic Kids Club which includes a membership card, t‐shirt, a newsletter for kids before each concert, a special gift, and a birthday card from Phil the Penguin! Add a kids club membership to your Discovery Family Series subscription for just $18. All Discovery tickets are general admission tickets, so patrons can choose the best seats in the house.

The Discovery Family Series continues Sunday, April 16, 2 p.m. at Civic Center with “Road Trip on Route 66.” Tickets are on sale at okcphil.org or by phone at 405‐842‐5387.

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Children gather around the Philharmonic’s mascot, Phil the Penguin during before a Discovery Series concert. “Of Thee I Sing” is set for an April release on the Naxos record label.

OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine | 5

Through March 5 Superstitions

A foreigner finds a "lucky" penny on the ground. When he offers it to the pleasantly anx‐ious stranger sitting next to him, it sparks an absurd and startling conversation about superstitions and American bad luck.

OKC Rep in partnership with Oklahoma Contemporary Te Ata Theater

OK Contemporary Arts Center okcrep.org/superstitions

Through March 11

Huckleberry Finn’s Big River: A Musical for Young Audiences

This revision of Broadway's Tony Award‐winning musical will lift your spirits. The hour‐long version of Mark Twain's novel removes offensive lan‐guage and expands the role of Jim, now the same age as Huck. Twain's classic sweeps us down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, an enslaved teen, escape to free‐dom.

Lyric’s Plaza Theatre

(405) 524‐9312 or LyricTheatreOKC.org.

March 4

Sights and Sounds

8 p.m.

OKCPHIL Classics concert featuring Alexander Mickelthwate, conductor, and Evelyn Glennie, percussion; and including Takemitsu: Three Film Scores; Tan Dun: Paper Concerto for Paper Percussion and Orchestra; and Mussorgsky (arr. Ravel): Pictures at an Exhibition.

OKC Philharmonic Civic Center Music Hall okcphil.org/concerts‐tickets, (405) TICKETS (405‐842‐5387)

March 4

Boots and Ballgowns: Cirque du Boots

6 p.m.‐midnight

It’s time to don those cow‐boy boots and saddle up for another boot scootin’ time.

Infant Crisis Services

OKC Convention Center infantcrisis.org/boots

Through March 10

Dragons Love Tacos

Do you know what dragons really love? Tacos, of course! Chicken tacos, beef tacos, big tacos and tiny tacos. As a boy and his dog watch a television show about dragons, they unexpectedly get caught up in the “Dos and Don’ts” of what to feed them.

Oklahoma Childrens Theatre

OCT Children's Center for the Arts at OCU oklahomachildrenstheatre. org/dragons‐love‐tacos

March 9

David Brubeck’s To Hope!

7:30 p.m.

Canterbury reprises jazz leg‐end Dave Brubeck’s celebration mass for the first time in 15 years, artfully combining ele‐ments of jazz and classical music. This will be the final concert performance at the Civic Center Music Hall with Artistic Director Dr. Randi Von Ellefson on his Farewell Season.

Canterbury Voices

Civic Center Music Hall canterburyokc.com/brubeck/

March 7‑12

OKC Restaurant Week

For the benefit of the Regional Food Bank, the com‐munity is invited to dine for a cause and support locally‐oper‐ated establishments who pledge to donate a portion of sales to fight hunger in Oklahoma.

regionalfoodbank.org/ okc‐restaurant‐week

March 9‑11

Move! Dance for the World of Entertainment

Star Dance Company

8 p.m., Thursday and Friday;

2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday Oklahoma City University’s Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment

Kirkpatrick Auditorium (405) 208‐5227 or okcu.edu/tickets

March 10

Oklahoma Contemporary Founders Day

4:30‐6:30 p.m.

Joan Maguire, Hui C ha Poos and Renate and Chuck Wiggin are the Founders Day honorees. OK Contemporary Arts Center okcontemp.org/foundersday

March 11

Myriad Gardens’ Oklahoma Gardening School

9 a.m.‐3:45 p.m.

This year’s program fea‐tures speakers who will showcase a range of birds to attract to your garden and how to design and plant gar‐dens to attract and sustain them.

OCU’s Meinders School of Business

Kerr‑McGee Auditorium myriadgardens.com

March 16

Kinan Azmeh & Aizuri String Quartet

7:30 p.m.

Syrian‐born, Brooklyn‐based genre‐bending composer and clarinetist Kinan Azmeh has been touring the globe with great acclaim as a soloist, com‐poser and improviser. He will collaborate with the acclaimed Aizuri Quartet—recipient of the

2022 Cleveland Quartet Award by Chamber Music America and String Quartet‐in‐Residence at the Metropolitan Museum of Art — in a program titled Music and Migration.

Armstrong Performing Arts Series

Armstrong Auditorium armstrongauditorium.org/ performance/kinan‐azmeh‐aizuri‐string‐quartet

March 17‑18

Texas Tenors 8 p.m.

This Emmy Award‐winning vocal trio was a top finalist in the popular show America’s Got Talent, and since then have become one of the most sought‐after musical acts. With a repertoire ranging from clas‐sical to country to Big Band, The Texas Tenors truly have an extraordinary mass appeal! OKC Philharmonic Civic Center Music Hall okcphil.org/concerts‐tickets (405) TICKETS (405‐842‐5387)

March 19

Challah Prince 1:30‐3:30 p.m. The Oklahoma Israel Exchange is to feature Israeli Chef Idan Chabasov. OKIE kneads you to make this rise!

Oklahoma Isreal Exchange Francis Tuttle Technology Center ‑ Rockwell Campus okisraelexchange.com/event‐details/the‐challah‐prince

March 22‑April 2

Disney’s Frozen Frozen features the songs you know and love from the original Oscar‐winning film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters. An unforgettable theatrical experience filled with sen‐sational special effects, stunning sets and costumes,

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and powerhouse perform‐ances, Frozen is everything you want in a musical.

OKC Broadway Civic Center Music Hall

okcbroadway.com/frozen

March 23

OKC Beautiful Distinguished Service Awards

11:30 a.m.

OKC Beautiful’s annual Distinguished Service Awards is an opportunity to recognize individuals and organizations working to improve the beauty and environmental sustainabili‐ty of Oklahoma City.

OKC Beautiful Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club

okcbeautiful.com

March 23

Songs We Love

7:30 p.m.

OCCC Performing Arts’ production is a journey through the first 50 years of

jazz song. The group will sing their way through four decades of music, beginning with the early blues and jazz of the 1920s and ending in the early 1950s. Iconic singers to be explored include Ma Rainey, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Judy Garland.

OCCC Performing Arts Series

OCCC Performing Arts Center occc.edu/pas

March 28

Masterworks Revisited

7:30 p.m.

Guest artist: YooJin Jang (violin). The program includes: Franz Joseph Haydn, Trio for Violin, Cello and Piano in C major, Hob XV:27; Maurice Ravel: Sonata for Violin and Piano, no. 2 in G major; Johannes Brahms, Trio for Violin, Cello, and Piano in C major, Op. 87.

Brightmusic

First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City brightmusic.org/concert/ma sterworks‐revisited

March 28

Green and Gold Gala

7 p.m.

Tim Tebow, two‐time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, first‐round NFL draft pick and former professional baseball player, will be the keynote speaker at Oklahoma Baptist University’s annual Green and Gold Gala. The annual event raises funds for stu‐dent scholarships at OBU.

Oklahoma Baptist University

National Cowboy and Western Museum

okbu.edu/news

March 31

Ladies in the News

For 53 years, the Oklahoma Hospitality Club has honored Oklahoma women during this annual

fundraising luncheon and style show. The funds raised from LIN help support Oklahoma nonprofit charita‐ble and/or service organiza‐tions.

Oklahoma Hospitality Club

Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club

Tania Smith, tanialm2002@yahoo.com or (405) 204‐7778.

March 31

Raising the Ranch

6 p.m.‐ midnight

The gala supports Peppers Ranch, a communi‐ty of homes for foster and adoptive children and fami‐lies. A cocktail reception begins at 6 p.m., followed by a homestyle dinner, enter‐tainment, live auction and boot‐scooting after party.

Peppers Ranch

Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club peppersranch.com/ raising‐the‐ranch

OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine | 7

April 1

Ballet Ball: The New West 7 p.m.

Dress in your most stylish western apparel and enjoy cocktails, dinner, a live auction and dancing to support the OKC Ballet.

OKC Ballet

The Omni Hotel okcballet.org.

April 5‑6

Riverdance

7:30 p.m.

Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show is Riverdance, as you've never seen it before! A powerful and stirring reinvention of this beloved favorite, celebrated the world over for its Grammy Award‐winning score and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance.

OKC Broadway Civic Center Music Hall

okcbroadway.com/riverdance

April 5‑23

The Play that Went Wrong

Described as what would happen if Sherlock Holmes and Monty Python had a Broadway baby, this classic murder mys‐tery is chock‐full of mishaps and madcap mania. Welcome to opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous for this performing arts troupe.

Lyric’s Plaza Theatre

(405) 524‐9312 or LyricTheatreOKC.org.

April 6

Shine a Light 6 p.m.

Shine a Light support

Sunbeam Family Service’s pro‐grams to help build brighter futures with all children and families.

Sunbeam Family Services

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

sunbeamfamilyservices.org/m akeadifference.

April 11

Awards of Excellence

11 a.m. reception, 11:30 a.m. lunch, Noon program

The Oklahoma City University Awards of Excellence is the only organi‐zation in the state of Oklahoma to honor women for their vol‐unteer careers. Through the yearly presentation of awards, the recipients exemplify what servant‐leadership means within our community and our great state.

OCU

Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club okcu.edu/advancement/devel‐opment/societies/awards‐of‐excellence

April 12‑21

Little Loksi

An Oklahoma Children's Theatre world premiere! Little Loksi (Little Turtle) is having fun with his family, when all of a sudden, his world is turned upside down! Flipped onto his back with no way to get up, Little Loksi finds he must rely on his friends and family to help him out.

Oklahoma Children’s Theatre

OCT Children's Center for the Arts at Oklahoma City University

oklahomachildrenstheatre. org/little‐loksi

April 13

Cork & Canvas

6‐9 p.m.

Cork & Canvas is a fun, casual evening of delicious appetizers, drinks and live entertainment with a great selection of silent and live auc‐tion packages. All proceeds benefit Positive Tomorrows’ work to help children and fam‐ilies experiencing homeless‐ness.

Positive Tomorrows

Location to TBA

positivetomorrows.org/events

April 14

Reduce the Odds Casino

Night

6:30 p.m.

This YWCA event takes place during Sexual Assault Awareness Month to raise awareness and reduce the odds of this horrible crime. With music, a photobooth, cash bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres and raffle items, this is sure to be an evening you won’t want to miss.

YWCA OKC

Quail Creek Golf & Country Club ywcaokc.org/events/ reduce‐the‐odds

April 14‑16

Art in Bloom

Art in Bloom is to feature floral sculpture interpretations of works from the Oklahoma City Museum of Arts’ perma‐nent collection, all crafted by designers from OKC. OKCMOA

For more information, visit okcmoa.com.

April 14

CLC Private Reserve: The Speakeasy

6‑10 p.m.

Hundreds of flappers and big sizes are expected to get all dolled up and join the Community Literacy Centers for giggle water, gin juice and dancing at Private Reserve. Top secret location communityliteracy.com

April 14

Bubbles & Blooms

7‐10 p.m.

Bubbles & Blooms is mak‐ing its debut during the Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s Art in Bloom. The 21+ cocktail party is to feature flo‐ral inspired cocktails and light bites, skyline views on the museum terrace, a DJ and interative performers in the galleries.

OKC Museum of Art, Rooftop Terrace okcmoa.com/visit/events

April 15

Joshua Bell

8 p.m.

This OKCPHIL Classics con‐cert features Alexander Mickelthwate, conductor, and Joshua Bell, violin; and includes Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E Minor, op. 64; and Beethoven: Symphony No. 7 in A Major, op. 92. OKC Philharmonic Civic Center Music Hall okcphil.org/concerts‐tickets, (405) TICKETS (405‐842‐5387) weekdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or (405) 774‐9868.

April 15‑16

Redbud Classic

Celebrating the 40th Redbud Classic in 2023, the Redbud has been committed to its mission for four decades. Throughout the years, the Redbud has offered numerous opportunities for families, friends and the entire commu‐nity to join together in exciting events, geared for all ages and fitness levels. This year, the race benefits the Wings Special Needs Community. Nichols Hills redbud.org

April 16

Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day 2 p.m.

The Jewish Federation of Greater OKC will share the sto‐ries of Oklahoma’s Holocuast survivors, as well as offer a program that illustrates the critical lessons of the Holocaust.

Jewish Federal of Greater OKC OCCC Performing Arts Center jfedokc.org

April 16

Road Trip on Route 66! 2 p.m.

Won’t you get hip to this timely tip? When you make that Philharmonic trip, get your kicks on Route 66! Buckle up for a musical scenic tour along the Mother Road.

OKC Philharmonic

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Civic Center Music Hall okcphil.org/concerts‐tickets, (405) TICKETS (405‐842‐5387) weekdays

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or (405) 774‐9868.

April 18

Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Wind Ensemble

7:30 p.m.

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields was founded by Sir Neville Marriner in 1958 and is currently led by Music Director Joshua Bell. The Academy’s Chamber Ensemble performs in multi‐ple configurations, including the Academy Wind Ensemble, which makes its U.S. debut with pianist Caroline Palmer in the 2022‐23 season.

Armstrong Performing Arts Series

Armstrong Auditorium armstrongauditorium.org/pe rformance/academy‐of‐st‐martin‐in‐the‐fields‐wind‐ensemble

April 20

Tatas & Tinis OKC

6‐9 p.m.

Join Oklahoma Project Women for an evening filled with drinks, small bites and live music from Adam Aguilar. The evening is in support of providing breast cancer health care at no charge to the clients of Oklahoma Project Woman.

Devon Boathouse okprojectwoman.org.

April 20

Celtic Throne 2023

The Royal Journey of Irish Dance

7:30 p.m.

Back for their fourth U.S. tour, Armstrong Dance pres‐ents its original Irish dance production, Celtic Throne, with Golden Globe‐nominat‐ed composer Brian Byrne's majestic musical score.

Armstrong Performing Arts Series

Armstrong Auditorium rmstrongauditorium.org/perf ormance/celtic‐throne‐2023

April 20

Canadian Brass

7:30 p.m.

In its 49th season, the game‐changing Canadian

Brass has performed in virtu‐ally every major concert hall in the world, been seen by hundreds of millions of peo‐ple on television, sold 2 mil‐lion of its approximately 100 albums worldwide, and con‐tributed nearly 600 new works and arrangements to the brass quintet repertoire.

OCCC Performing Arts Series

OCCC Performings Arts Center occc.edu/pas

April 21

Under the Big Top 6‐9:30 p.m.

At Calm Waters’ event, guests can experience all the childlike wonder of classic carnival games while enjoy‐ing over‐the‐top entertain‐ment with jugglers, stilt‐walkers, aerialists and magi‐cians.

Calm Waters OKC Farmers Market calmwaters.org.

April 21

20th Anniversary

Allied Arts Artini

7‐11 p.m.

ARTini is Oklahoma City’s largest martini tasting event, mixed with live entertain‐ment, food and an exclusive art auction!

Allied Arts

Oklahoma Convention Center artiniokc.com

April 22

2023 ONE Awards

The Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards is dedicated to honoring the outstanding work of Oklahoma nonprofits.

Southern Hills Country Club Tulsa okcnp.org.

April 25‑30

Festival of the Arts

The Festival of the Arts is a community celebration of the visual and performing arts, bringing a variety of tal‐ented artists together in downtown OKC’s Bicentennial Park.

Arts Council Oklahoma City Bicentennial Park artscouncilokc.com/ festival‐of‐the‐arts

April 27‑May 7

The Brothers Size Flights of poetry, music,

dance and West African mythology combine in a con‐temporary tale that explores the tenuousness of freedom and the need to belong some‐where, to something, to someone.

OKC Rep in partnership with

Oklahoma Contemporary Te Ata Theater

Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center

okcrep.org/brothers

April 27

56th Annual Angels & Friends

5:30‐8:30 p.m.

Angels & Friends is our annual fundraising event to support Arts Council Oklahoma City’s programs and initiatives. It’s a night of food, music, art, and more!

Arts Council Oklahoma City

Bicentennial Park artscouncilokc.com/festival‐of‐the‐arts/angels‐friends‐celebration/

April 28‑29

Marvel Studios’ Black Panther in Concert

8 p.m.

This groundbreaking film

shattered box office records when it premiered in 2018. Now see this Academy Award‐winning action‐packed superhero thriller as you’ve never seen it before!

OKC Philharmonic Civic Center Music Hall

okcphil.org/concerts‐tickets, (405) TICKETS (405‐842‐5387) weekdays , 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or (405) 774‐9868

April 28‑30

OKC Memorial Marathon — A Run to Remember

The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is a com‐munity‐driven event that began in 2001 as a fundraiser for the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Six events take place throughout race week‐end: Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, 5‐Person Relay Kids Marathon, and Senior Marathon.

OKC National Memorial & Museum

Throughout Oklahoma City and surrounding areas

okcmarathon.com

OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine | 9

May 2

Symphony of Winds

7:30 p.m.

The program includes: Ludwig van Beethoven, Octet for Winds in E‐flat Major, Op. 103; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Selections from The Magic Flute arranged by Joseph Heidenreich for Wind Octet; and Charles Gounod, Petite Symphonie pour Vents.

Bright Music

First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City brightmusic.org/concert/s ymphony‐winds

May 5‑7

Shorts: Three Iconic Ballets in One Performance

The OKC Ballet presents Gerald Arpino’s Birthday Variations, George Balanchine’s Western Symphony and Twyla Tharp’s The Gold Section.

OKC Ballet

Civic Center Music Hall okcballet.org.

May 5

American Tourist: Cinco de Mayo

American Tourist is Upward Transitions’ annu‐al fundraising event that support its programs to serve central Oklahoma. Each year, over 300 guests head to a new “destina‐tion” to enjoy silent and live auctions, wine/bour‐bon and jewelry pulls, music and dancing, deli‐

cious food and refreshing beverages.

Upward Transitions

OKC’s Historic Farmers Public Market pwardtransitions.org/ americantourist

May 6

Menopause The Musical

8 p.m.

Four women at a lin‐gerie sale have nothing in common but a black lace bra AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! This hilarious musical parody set to clas‐sic tunes from the 60s, 70s, and 80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles!

OKC Broadway

Hudiburg Chevrolet Center okcbroadway.com/ menopause

May 6‑27

Ostrich Egg Breakfast

8 a.m.‐noon

OKC Zoo’s most cele‐brated event returns as a series featuring a break‐fast buffet and Zoo admis‐sion.

OKC Zoo jdodson@okczoo.org.

May 13

Oklahoma Stories – Clara Luper Centennial

8 p.m.

OKCPHIL Classics con‐cert features Alexander Mickelthwate, conductor, and includes Joan Tower: Fanfare for the Uncommon

Woman; Bernstein: Symphonic Dances from West Side Story; and Hannibal Lo‐Kumbe: Trials, Tears, Transcendence: The Journey of Clara Luper.

OKC Philharmonic Civic Center Music Hall okcphil.org/concerts‐tick‐ets, (405) TICKETS (405‐842‐5387) weekdays

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or (405) 774‐9868.

May 17

Stories of Hope Luncheon

Supporting Hearts for Hearing’s fundraising event and program helps raise awareness about the outcomes for children with hearing loss and ensure families of all income lev‐els have access to hearing technology, audiology and listening and spoke lan‐guage therapy for their deaf and and hard‐of‐hear‐ing children.

Hearts for Hearing

Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club heartsforhearing.org.

May 18

Crescendo: An Evening with Canterbury

6:30 p.m.

A festive evening of music, food, cocktails and fun celebrating Artistic Director Dr. Randi Von Ellefson and 19 years of choral excellence! A smashing success this past May, we return to the

beautifully grand Oklahoma History Museum to present the Canterbury Chamber Voices in a virtu‐osic performance benefit‐ting Canterbury’s ongoing mission of excellent choral music education.

Canterbury Voices

Oklahoma History Center canterburyokc.com/ crescendo

May 24‑June 4

HAMILTON

HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip‐hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American found‐ing father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre — a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.

OKC Broadway

Civic Center Music Hall okcbroadway.com/ hamilton

May 27‑28

Chuck Wagon Festival

Families and foodies alike will delight at the 32nd Annual Chuck Wagon Festival, a celebration of Western and Native American history, art and cuisine for all ages.

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum nationalcowboymuseum. org/annual‐chuck‐wagon‐festival

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June 2

OKC Zoo Gala

6‐9 p.m.

The OKC Zoo and Botanical Garden and Oklahoma Zoological Society are hosting the second annual fundraising gala to recognize dedicated indi‐viduals who have amplified the Zoo’s mission.

OKC Zoo

jdodson@okczoo.org.

June 8‑11

deadCenter Film Festival

Oklahoma's only OSCAR‐qualifying film festival. deadcen‐ter is excited to introduce a new slate of films to passionate Okie cinephiles. In its 23rd year, the deadCenter film festival is Oklahoma's largest and most celebrated film festival.

deadCenter Film Festival

Oklahoma City Metro

deadcenterfilm.org

June 9‑10

Prix de West Art Sale

Prix de West is the nation’s premier Western art exhibition and sale showcasing original works of the American West.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

pdw.nationalcowboymuseum.org

June 10‑11

Oklahoma Senior Follies

3 p.m.

Edgar Cruz is to be the guest at the Ziegfeld‐inspired extrava‐ganza starring outstanding sen‐ior talents of stage, screen, tele‐vision and radio. Proceeds ben‐efit the Alzheimer’s Association.

Oklahoma Senior Follies

Hudson Performance Hall

oklahomaseniorfollies.com

June 15‑18

The Stinky Cheeseman and

Other Fairly Stupid Tales

Though the characters may be familiar, each of your favorite storybook fables is uproariously derailed in this adaptation of the children's book.

Oklahoma Children’s Theatre

OCT Children's Center for the Arts at Oklahoma City University oklahomachildrenstheatre.org

June 24

Purple Sash

6 p.m.

YWCA OKC’s Purple Sash is always a night to remember! Come dressed in fun cocktail attire (black tie optional) and enjoy a delicious plated meal, a high energy fashion show, and both live and silent auctions.

YWCA OKC

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum ywcaokc.org

June 27‑July 2

The Sound of Music

After a 16‐year hiatus, Lyric’s stage is alive again with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved family favorite, in an all‐new production featuring a 75‐member cast and live orchestra.

Lyric Theatre

Civic Center Music Hall (405) 524‐9312 or LyricTheatreOKC.org.

June 30‑July 2

Red Earth Festival

Red Earth's signature sum‐mer event features Native American artists and dancers from throughout North America.

Red Earth

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum redearth.org

OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine | 11

July 4

Fourth of July Parades

9 a.m.

Quail Creek Golf and Country Club

Kite Park, Nichols Hills

The Greens Golf and Country Club

July 11‑16

The Prom

Following a hit Broadway run and feature film, this hys‐terical and joyous new musical follows four big Broadway stars on a mission to change the world and the love they discover that unites them all. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, “The Prom” captures all the humor

and heart of a classic musical comedy while celebrating LGBTQIA+ diversity with a uni‐versal message of love and acceptance.

Lyric Theatre

Civic Center Music Hall (405) 524‐9312 or LyricTheatreOKC.org

July 11‑16

Ain’t Misbehavin

Lyric steps back in time to 1920s Harlem with “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” featuring the wit and energy of one of the most dynamic periods in American music history. Lyric’s vibrant, new production of the Tony Award‐winning musical cele‐brates the music of legendary

Fats Waller and the great artists of the Harlem Renaissance.

Lyric Theatre

Civic Center Music Hall (405) 524‐9312 or LyricTheatreOKC.org

July 13

Reds, Whites and Brews 7‐10 p.m.

Enjoy the tastes of the town with all you can drink red, white wine and beer. This event supports the homeless services of Catholic Charities, specifically the Sanctuary Women’s Development Center in Stockyards City.

Catholic Charities

The Joinery — Bricktown

catholiccharitiesok.org/reds‐whites‐brews

July 27‑30

Shrek the Musical Jr.

In this Oklahoma Children’s Theatre production, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he's hand‐ed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted.

OCT Children's Center for the Arts at OCU

oklahomachildrenstheatre.org/ shrek‐musical‐jr

12 | OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine

August 3

Calm Waters Ripples of Hope

7:30‐9 a.m.

Ripples of Hope is an inspiring breakfast event with stories of life after grief and the impact of mental health care. Guests enjoy an inspiring keynote speaker, great food, a raffle and more.

Calm Waters

Will Rogers Theatre abby@calmwaters.org

August 12

Dancing for a Miracle

6 p.m.

In the past 14 years, the annual event has contributed more than $3 million to the Children’s Health Foundation.

Embassy Suites Norman chfkids.com/dancing‐for‐a‐miracle

August 18 Oklahoma Born & Brewed

7‐10 p.m.

Presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s Second Century Board, the event features tast‐ings from 20+ breweries

from across the state, a full buffet of food, expe‐riential raffle prizes and a recommended garden attire.

Second Century Board

Oklahoma Hall of Fame | Gaylord‑Pickens Museum oklahomahof.com/okla‐homa‐born‐brewed

August 19

Engaging Men Breakfast

7 a.m. check‐in, 8 a.m. program

Over the last nine years, YWCA OKC’s event have had hundreds of

men help take a stand in our community by join‐ing us for YWCA

Oklahoma City’s Engaging Men Breakfast. This event provides criti‐cal funding for YWCA

OKC, the leading provider of victim servic‐es for domestic violence, sexual assault and stalk‐ing in Oklahoma County and the surrounding area.

YWCA OKC

Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Medical Center ywcaokc.org/events/ engaging‐men

OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine | 13

COWBOYS

From Page 3

“When I learned what would have been her upcoming 100th birthday, I knew we must celebrate her life through music.”

After some careful research, Mickelthwate chose composer Hannibal Lokumbe to write a commemorative piece for orchestra and choir.

“Hannibal is a jazz trumpet player and composer, and after lots of listening I thought he would be perfect,” Mickelthwate said. “He finished the score right before Christmas, and our first rehearsal will be in early May.”

A coordinated project between the OKCPHIL, Prairie Surf Media and KOCO‐TV will also be a surprise part of the Luper tribute concert.

“Oklahoma Stories‐Clara Luper Centennial” will be Saturday, May 13 at the Civic Center Music Hall.

Tickets for all OKCPHIL performances are on sale at okcphil.org or by phone at 405‐TICKETS.

14 | OKC FRIDAY Community Magazine

The Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra.

Ballet offers some spice as season comes to a close

IIf variety is the spice of life, Oklahoma City Ballet has you covered. The remainder of Oklahoma City Ballet’s season is all about variety. Both “Future Voices” (March 9‐12) and “Shorts” (May 5‐7) showcase a wide variety of different dance and music in one evening.

“FUTURE VOICES”

Oklahoma City Ballet is pleased to present “Future Voices: A Choreographic Showcase,” now in its fourth year. This audience favorite cel‐ebrates the process of choreography and dance in its purest form. With no sets or complicated costumes, audi‐ences get a close‐up view of dancers in the intimate setting of the world’s most iconic dance studio. Future Voices features several short works by up‐and‐coming choreographers, many of whom are company dancers.

This year’s Oklahoma City Ballet choreographers include:

• Ryland Acree III, Corps de Ballet

• Alejandro González, Soloist

• Roylan Ramos Hechavarria, Principal

• Alexandra Schooling, Corps de Ballet

• Mayim Stiller, Corps de Ballet

They’ll be joined by current OKC Ballet artistic staff members, both pre‐vious Future Voices participants:

• DaYoung Jung, Rehearsal Director

• Benjamin Tucker, Associate Rehearsal Director/Principal Character Artist

Each choreographer selects their own music, costumes, dancers, and movements to bring their world‐pre‐miere creations to life. At the end of the production, Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur‐Nye will lead a Q&A session with the choreographers and the audi‐

ence.

Tickets for all five Future Voices per‐formances are gen‐eral admission, and just $20 will provide prime seating in the Inasmuch Foundation Theater at the Susan E. Brackett Dance Center, March 9‐12.

Future Voices | March 9‐12 | Susan E. Brackett Dance Center‐ 6800 N. Classen Blvd. Get tickets now at okcballet.org

“SHORTS “

See three iconic ballets (by some of ballet’s greatest choreographers) in one performance! Shorts, formerly called a mixed bill, features several short ballets in one production, with intermissions between each. On May 5‐7, Oklahoma City Ballet will close the Civic Center season with a collec‐tion of three short ballets by three of the most iconic choreographers of the 20th century.

Shorts are often patrons’ favorite productions because they frequently feature contemporary dance, and for those of us who love variety, it’s a sampler platter of different move‐ments, music, and sets. If you don’t like what you’re seeing, just wait 20 minutes. This production will feature classical, modern, and western (yes, western) dance!

Gerald Arpino’s “Birthday Variations”

• A happy, classical piece featuring Verdi’s opera‐ballet music

• One male dancer and five female dancers

• This 20‐minute work debuted in 1986

• Oklahoma City Ballet will perform Birthday Variations in Chicago on September 24

George Balanchine’s “Western Symphony”