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What's Up Downtown Oklahoma City!

The SoundBites concert series kicked off today

If you missed today's first SoundBites concert, don't worry - you still have 4 more chances to check out some of OKC's most talented local musicians. Just mark the dates below on your calendar... and don't forget to bring your friends, your lunch and your dancing shoes.

Thanks to SandRidge Energy and Bank of Oklahoma, SoundBites concerts are scheduled every Thursday in May from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in Bank of Oklahoma Plaza (201 Robert S. Kerr) in downtown OKC. 

Here's the full lineup:

May 10 Cami Stinson & the Riot
May 17 Born in November (see them featured on the Bricktown Chevy Showcase)
May 24 Kylie Morgan
May 31 Matt Stansberry
 
View a PDF version of the SoundBites schedule here. If you have questions about SoundBites, call 235.3500 for more info. See you there!

New restaurant to create spark in downtown Oklahoma City

Flint, Oklahoma City’s newest upscale casual restaurant, is set to open Thursday, May 17 at the corner of Sheridan and Robinson on the ground floor of the Colcord Hotel. 

Colcord Hotel General Manager Thomas J. Sullivan says Flint will be a great addition to the energy of downtown Oklahoma City.

“The buzz downtown right now is palpable and we are looking forward to becoming a part of that excitement,” said Sullivan.  “We will bring approachable style to our corner of Oklahoma City.” 

Sullivan says the approachable, upscale style of Flint is reflected in every detail from the woodwork to the lighting to the menu itself.  

While the atmosphere at Flint is fun and casual, Executive Chef Kyle Cowan has a serious approach to the food and believes patrons will appreciate the attention to detail that is shown on every plate.

“The unique flavor profiles in food are best experienced when you use fresh quality ingredients,” said Cowan.  “At Flint we have taken a simple and direct approach to cooking and we use the best ingredients available.”

“We focus on what there is to discover in food rather than what we already know,” said Cowan.  “Our staff has been impressed by what we have to offer Oklahoma City.  They believe in Flint and we think the community will believe in it as well.”

Flint will feature contemporary American cuisine with indoor and sidewalk seating for a total of 150 guests.  The restaurant will be open every day from 6:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Dinner will be served until 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.  Brunch will also be available on Sunday. 

OKC welcomes two new retailers

Two unique new stores have found a new home in downtown OKC and are hosting a Grand Opening event today, May 3, until 7 p.m. at 7 N.E.10th Street. The owners of Les Debris and Red Hot Mama's Pickles said, "The event will feature a ribbon cutting and a champagne toast to celebrate the beginning of this amazing adventure and we would be honored if you joined us."

Les Debris

Features antiques, art and consignments. Guests will have the opportunity to meet their featured designer, David Stinson of the Stinson Design Group and get a sneak preview of Ginette Adamson's paintings (exhibit opening & celebration happens on June 9, 2012, sponsored by L'Alliance Française). Also displayed are the works of artists Matilde Alberny, Gustavo Duque and Marcia Turner

Red Hot Mamma's Pickles

Home of the Original Cajun Sweet & Spicy Pickle. This store will feature Made in Oklahoma products:

  • The Original Split-T Hickory Theta Sauce by Brad and Chad
  • Prima Café, Gourmet and Organic Teas and Coffees
  • Apple Envy-Gourmet Candied Apples
  • Furniture, Jewelry, Scarves, Paintings and much more by local artists Jennifer Gaines, Dionne Woods, Rebecca Yeager, Anthony Pego, Jac Guthrie, Gwen and Nekapol Gajajiva.

Part of the proceeds from sales will benefit Trinity Legal Clinic, Oklahoma Lawyers for Children and Branierd Baptist Mission Team for Uganda.

The Downtown Dash is right around the corner

The Downtown Dash may be a month away, but don't delay!

The first 1,000 runners to register will receive a special Dri-Fit version of the race shirt. Participants will also be automatically entered to win a 1-year membership to the Park Harvey Athletic Club and a bicycle from Schlegel.

Registering is easy! Just click the link provided at DowntownOKC.com. See you at the Dash.

Show your support at the annual PieceWalk and 5K

On Saturday, May 5, the annual PieceWalk will give Oklahoma families affected by autism a day of togetherness, a day to support awareness in our state, and a means to support Oklahoma autism programs. With over 5,000 walkers and 500 runners participating in the event each year, it is the largest autism event in our state.  

The PieceWalk, which takes placeat the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, is free, but participants may also sign up for the 5K race. This is a timed and sanctioned event and only costs $30 when you register before race day. Registration goes up to $35 day of event so register early!  Invite your running buddies, your school running team, or your family. There will be a goody bag and shirts, so come on and stay fit while helping a great cause.

This event is brought to you by AutismOklahoma.org. Get more information at PieceWalk.org.

Enjoy cocktails on the skyline

Thursday evenings are special occasions on the Roof Terrace of Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Join downtown workers, concert and film goers, and the art crowd for Cocktails on the Skyline - a weekly event that offers live, local music, a full bar, complimentary chips and salsa, and the beautiful ambiance and incomparable view of the Oklahoma City skyline.

The Roof Terrace opens at 5 p.m. on Thursdays (May through October). Last call is at 10 p.m. and the roof closes at 10:30 p.m. Galleries close at 9 p.m.

Here's the musical artist lineup for May 2012:
May 3  Born In November
May 10 Shortt Dogg
May 17 The Broke Brothers
May 24 Born In November
May 31 411 Band

This summer, join us as we watch the progress of the new Civic Center Park from above!

Celebrate with mom at the Skirvin's Park Avenue Grill

Mother's Day is just around the corner on Sunday, May 13. Make plans now to attend the Skirvin Hotel's annual Mother's Day Brunch between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the Park Avenue Grill.

The menu includes breakfast, omelet and carving stations, salads, fruits, seafood, bacon, ham, roasted rib of beef, cakes, pies and much, much, much more! The cost is $49.95 per person; Children ages 4-12 are $25 and children under 4 are free. Complimentary valet parking is provided and reservations are suggested by calling (405) 702-8444.

Make it a day in downtown! Mothers receive free admission with a paid family member at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum and the Myriad Botanical Gardens.

Treat mom to brunch in the Myriad Gardens this Mother's Day

Instead of giving mom a single flower in a corsage for Mother's Day this year, the Myriad Botanical Gardens, (301 W. Reno) invites guests to give her an entire garden to enjoy along with a sumptuous brunch prepared by Chef Dustin Dunaway of The Catering Connection.

For this special occasion, the Gardens restaurant space will come to life with a delicious spread of brunch favorites, including such irresistible entrees as stuffed chicken breast with spinach and brie cheese in a chardonnay cream, Chef-carved honey baked ham with warm buttermilk biscuits and pineapple chutney, and Chef-carved smoked brisket with bourbon glaze and blueberry BBQ.

Meals can be topped off with a refreshing mimosa, poinsettia or bloody mary from the complete bloody mary bar with nearly a dozen garnishes to choose from. Mothers get one free mimosa with their brunch and everyone in the party receives a pass to visit the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory to enjoy after brunch.

Reservations must be made by May 4. The cost is $50 per adult and $20 per child (12 and under). Call (405) 297-0102 to make your reservations today.

OKC hosts Pro-Am Classic Cycling Event

DNA Racing is pleased to announce the inaugural Oklahoma City Pro-Am Classic criterium presented by SandRidge Energy. The annual cycling event and festival in Oklahoma City will take place on Saturday, June 2.

The OKC Pro-Am Classic will feature a full day of racing, a children’s ride, and a host of other activities for the whole family. Created to showcase the growing developments in OKC, particularly the Automobile Alley district, the event seeks to promote a healthy and active lifestyle among children and adults, and make a positive contribution to the community through cycling.

The OKC Pro-Am Classic is a Category A race with a payout of more than $20,000.00. Expected to attract some of the finest elite cyclists in the nation, the event will provide the spectator with a first class cycling experience.

More information is available at okcpac.com.

Thunder Up!

Even though Kevin Durant has struggled with his shot, and each of the first two games in this opening-round series has gone down to the closing seconds, the Thunder certainly aren’t in awe of Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks. 

Oklahoma City has a 2-0 advantage in the best-of-7 series that shifts to Dallas for Game 3 tonight at 8:30 p.m. Read more.

Catch the Thunder and the Mavs again on May 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Support your OKC RedHawks

Baseball is back in OKC in the newly-named Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. 

May 3 @ Albuquerque Isotopes
May 4-7 @ Omaha Storm Chasers
May 8-11 vs. Las Vegas 51s
May 12-15 vs. Tucson Padres

Purchase your tickets online at MILB.com.

Barons fans, mark your calendars!

Your Oklahoma City Barons have advanced to the 2nd round of the Calder Cup Playoffs! They're hosting the San Antonio Rampage this Thursday, May 3 and Saturday, May 5. Both games start at 7 p.m.

Thursday is $1 beer night (Bud and Bud Light). Also, the first 2,000 fans will receive a Barons Playoff t-shirt upon entry. Be sure to come out Saturday night for your chance to win a Ford F150.

Don’t miss out on great playoff hockey! Call 232.GOAL to get your tickets for each round today!

May 3 vs San Antonio @ 7pm
May 5th vs San Antonio @ 7pm
May 13th vs San Antonio @ 7pm (TBD)
May 15th vs San Antonio @ 7pm (TBD)

Have you always wanted to learn Italian?

If you've always wanted to learn another language, the Downtown Library offers an opportunity to learn the language and culture of Italy in a relaxed, small class atmosphere. The emphasis is on practicing vocabulary and phrases through conversation.

Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 8th- May 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Space is limited, so enroll today by calling 405.232.3382 or emailing info@downtowncollege.com.


All language classes at the libarary are taught by experienced instructors and are perfect for individuals with travel plans or business needs. Information on other classes in Chinese, French, or Spanish is available online at the Metropolitan Library website.

Hall of Famers to perform at American Banjo Museum

Each year the American Banjo Museum honors jazz age banjo pioneers as well as contemporary banjo artists, educators, manufacturers and promoters with induction into the National Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame. This year's induction ceremonies - honoring Buddy Wachter, Lee Floyd III, Skip DeVol, Glenn Parks and Jim Farquhar - will be held at the American Banjo Museum on Friday, May 4 at 6 p.m.

The following day, performances by two of this year's Hall of Fame inductees will highlight a full afternoon of live banjo performances in the museum's popular Shakey's exhibit. In addition to informal jam sessions which will begin and end the day, solo performances by popular vocalist and banjoist Roger Hale as well as ABM director Johnny Baier will set the stage for concert style sets by new Hall of Fame inductees Lee Floyd III and Buddy Wachter.

Being honored in the category of Performance, Lee Floyd III began his performing career in 1962. During the ensuing 50 years Floyd and his banjo have traveled the world performing in many major centers of entertainment - including a 30 year association with the Walt Disney company. Currently living in New Orleans and performing under the stage name 'plink' Floyd, Lee Floyd's genre busting performances have helped redefine the banjo's identity in the contemporary musical marketplace.

A past Hall of Fame honoree (2001) for Performance, Baltimore's Buddy Wachter is again honored - this time for his contributions in banjo education and instruction. Without a doubt the most influential four-string banjoist of the current generation, Wachter's performance career highlights include touring with Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians at the age of 17 as well as taking the banjo to the great concert halls of the world (including Carnegie Hall in 1992). Wachter was the guest soloist with the OKC Philharmonic Orchestra in 2008.

Performances will begin at noon on Saturday, May 5 at the American Banjo Museum (9 E. Sheridan Avenue). For specific performance schedules or information about tickets for the National Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, please call 405.604.2793 or visit:  americanbanjomuseum.com.

Project180 Update

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Don't frown at the construction downtown... let us show you how to get around!

Visit the Project180 website or check them out on Facebook and Twitter

Be informed and prepared for traffic changes downtown by joining the Project180 mailing list

Get the Project180 weekly map here

Check out the Downtown Traffic Advisory updates

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211 North Robinson
Suite 225
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
405.235.3500

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