Category Archives: Out & About

Route 66 Commission Rules Approved

By Rep. Terry O’Donnell

The House and Senate recently passed a joint resolution approving proposed permanent rules of the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission. Governor Kevin Stitt has already signed the measure into law.

The vote was necessary to allow the commission to move forward with its work of administering revitalization grants for various projects along the historic roadway. I was told the nine commission members already are in the process of sorting through and scoring grants and may have some announcements at their April 11 meeting.

The City of Catoosa made a substantial request for upgrades to the Blue Whale in time for the 2026 Centennial. This fun attraction – with its wide toothy smile – has been drawing visitors since it was completed in the early 1970s. With the Centennial celebration of Route 66 approaching, the whale will take on an even greater prominence as a must-see stop.

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Tulsa Music Census Launches Today

By David Arnett

The Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture (Tulsa FMAC) today launched the Tulsa Music Census, an initiative to gain a better understanding of the current needs of the Tulsa music community.  

The survey (available by clicking here) is live and being distributed in collaboration with more than 50 community engagement partners including institutions like Philbrook Museum of Art, WOMPA, Marshall Brewing Co. and more. Click here for the full list of community engagement partners. 

This effort is part of a multi-city cohort program, administered by Sound Music Cities, a leading Austin-based provider of music ecosystem studies and music census work. The program will allow Tulsa to gain insight from other cities and their best practices. Community engagement partners will have their brand affiliated with the project and will receive a sneak peek of the census results in exchange for their assistance sharing the survey. 

“Tulsa is such a great addition to this cohort,” said Don Pitts, president of Sound Music Cities. ”They are ready to engage their community and take a data-driven approach to growing Tulsa’s rich musical heritage into a destination. Their eagerness to embrace the data in generating a practical and impactful action plan with the community is inspiring and elevating the whole cohort.”  

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ATC: All The King’s Women

By David Arnett

American Theatre Company will present ALL THE KING’S WOMEN from March 1 – 9 in the Doenges Studio at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Get ready for an exciting event that’s guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family!

This family-friendly play is directed by the talented Jeremy Stevens. It follows the life of the legendary Elvis Presley through the fascinating stories of a diverse group of ordinary women. But that’s not all – before each performance, there will be an Elvis audience karaoke, with a prize to be awarded. 

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Sing A Song All Night Long

By David Arnett

Today, legendary singer, songwriter and producer Lionel Richie announced in a statement the extension of his Sing A Song All Night Long tour with very special guests and one of the best-selling bands of all time, Earth, Wind & Fire. Produced by Live Nation, the 2024 13-date run of shows kicks off on Thursday, May 23 in Knoxville at Thompson Boling Arena, with stops in Jacksonville, Memphis, Kansas City, Columbus and BOK Center in Tulsa on Friday, June 7. 

Tickets go on sale Friday, January 19 at 10AM and will be available online at www.bokcenter.com.

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Firefighters Vs. Police Officers for Charity

By David Arnett

Oklahoma firefighters take on Oklahoma police officers in the Ninth Annual Smoke & Guns Charity MMA and Boxing Event presented by QuikTrip on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at BOK Center. In this one-night only event, Tulsa’s best will go toe-to-toe in the ring to benefit the Oklahoma Firefighters Burn Camp and Special Olympics of Oklahoma. Tickets go on sale Thursday, January 4 at 10AM and will be available online at www.bokcenter.com.

The Oklahoma Firefighters Burn Camp benefits children that suffer major burns and other traumatic injuries that cause dis-figuration and disabilities. In the United States, there are several camps just for the purpose of helping these children cope with their injuries. Special Olympics of Oklahoma provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

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