Notes on The OKLAHOMA Corridor Rick Reiley

NOTES

ON THE OKLAHOMA CORRIDOR DIFFERENT THINGS

for a BRAND NEW YEAR!

with RICK REILEY

This is the time of year I like to at least consider turning over a new leaf or two, doing something different, taking a different approach to life. I think looking at things differently once in a while is worthy of consideration. And what better time to take a different view than when starting the brand new year. There’s nothing in the way to spoil the view.

A new year, a brand new calendar, a new, clean slate starting from scratch. A future I can write for myself, one line, one day at a time. A fresh start!

Oh I always have good intentions to live a healthier life, get more exercise, be more helpful to others, learn more about things that I find interesting. To live a more useful life in general and to spread some of the good things I find with others.

But then the days and months roll by and I find myself wondering where the time went and how it got to be so late so early on and why I haven’t made a dent in any of my intentions?

But back to the task at hand: Since music and history have always held my interest I’m going to mention a few things I don’t recall sharing before. A few different things to get the new year off to a different slant.

I’ve written about many Oklahoma singer/songwriters in these pages for the past 15 years. And I’ve mentioned a few venues, festivals.

But today I’m enlarging that circle to include a couple of newer venues I’ve yet to experience. Fancy looking places.

And I’m gonna include a few area museums too as well as a great place to take a hike. Expanding my horizons. And yours too if you’re willing.

The McKnight Center in Stillwater (opened in 2019) is located in Stillwater.

I haven’t been there yet but I’m sure looking forward to it!

It opened in 2019 and hosted such Broadway touring productions as ‘An American in Paris’ and ‘The Buddy Holly Story’ as well as performances from the Preservation Jazz Band and native Oklahoma, Kelli O’Hara appearing with the New York Philharmonic.

On tap for 2023 are: The Chicago Symphony, ‘On Your Feet’ the Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, country star Trace Adkins for a Valentine's Day concert, The Legendary

Count Basie Orchestra and plenty more. Check here for the full schedule.

McKnight Center https://mcknightcenter.org

Or call (405) 744-9999

Email: info@mcknightcenter.org

Next up is the Armstrong Auditorium over in Edmond completed in the early 2000’s.

Over 10 years of hosting such talents as these, on tap for the coming season, and it’s still hard for me to believe I’ve never been there! Here’s an example of what’s in store for January 12, 2023; The 5 Browns.

Who are they? Glad you asked!

From the Armstrong Auditorium website: “–The 5 Browns — Ryan, Melody, Gregory, Deondra, and Desirae — all attended New York’s Juilliard School and are the only family of five siblings ever accepted by the prestigious institution. People Magazine dubbed them the “Fab Five” and they have been featured on Oprah and 60 Minutes. The New York Post writes: “One family, five pianos, and 50 fingers add up to the biggest classical music sensation in years … When these kids do Rachmaninoff, they’ll make you forget about Marshall amps.” The ensemble has released six albums which have cumulatively spent over 30 weeks at #1 on Billboard Magazine’s Classical Album Chart. Their sold-out Armstrong debut in 2008 was followed by a second sold-out concert in 2010. Still going strong, they make their triumphant return to the Armstrong stage for another encore performance.”

Also in January are bluegrass mandolin wizards Sam Bush and Mike Marshall with Edgar and George Meyer. In February is an Irish Dance group and later a Philharmonic Orchestra from Ukraine. Check their website for full details. www.Armstrongauditorium.com Armstrong Auditorium Herbert W. Armstrong College 14400 S. Bryant Ave / Edmond, OK 73034 (405) 285-1010

The 5 Browns

Such concert halls as these are something spectacular and I have no idea why I’ve just become aware of them. Could it be that I’m old and set in my ways? Sometimes I need to be reminded that there’s a big ole world out there and it’s full of fun stuff to share with others!

Do you enjoy the great outdoors? Like to walk? I highly recommend the Keystone Ancient Forest northeast of the Keystone dam. It’s a lovely, near pristine wilderness area with different levels of trails for the beginner to the more advanced hiker. There’s even a paved half mile trail that accommodates wheelchairs. It’s always great to get outdoors, weather permitting.

You can find the Keystone Ancient Forest on Facebook and someone is generally available to answer your questions. We’ve been there many times and always feel relaxed, refreshed, hopeful (and hungry!) after taking advantage of the walk and the view.

Like to walk?

As I mentioned I’ve always been interested in local/ area history. Here are some local places worthy of your time if you feel the urge. We’ve been to all of them except the Mannford Museum, and it’s next on our list! • Bristow Historical Society and Museum at the Train Depot / 1 RR Pl. on Route 66 Downtown Bristow / 918-367-9335 • Mannford Museum - Check their Facebook page for info / 918-865-2665 • Drumright Historical Society Museum 301 E Broadway St, Drumright, OK / (918) 352-3002 • Chandler- Lincoln County Museum of Pioneer History / 719 Manvel Ave / 405-258-2425 • Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum / West of downtown on Highway 62 in Pawnee / 918-762-2513 pawneebill@history.ok.gov • Pawnee Historical Society/Museum 513 6th St. Pawnee / 918-762-4681 • Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar Center 702 S Duncan Street, Stillwater, OK / 405-377-0359 • OSU Museum of Art / 720 S Husband St, Stillwater, OK / 405-744-2780

So if you feel the New Year urge to ‘do something different’, these are my recommendations! But before going to any of these locations, it’s really best to call ahead!

Happy New Year folks!!!! Enjoy every breath!

OC