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Downtown OKC opens its first community basketball court Thanks to a grant from the Kirkpatrick Foundation and support from REHCO Downtown Development Corp., downtown Oklahoma City will open its first community basketball court tomorrow, May 11. Located on the SW corner of Reno and Hudson, just across from the Myriad Gardens, the court will be free and open to the public between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily. Everyone's invited to come enjoy the space and practice their Westbrook dunk! 
Better Block OKC Transforms City Block for One Weekend What would happen if a sleepy downtown block was transformed into a thriving hub of activity for just one weekend? An event called Better Block OKC will show what is possible with community volunteers taking over a block for one weekend. Better Block OKC, presented by ULI Oklahoma, is a community revitalization project that temporarily demonstrates how to improve a street with pedestrian and public infrastructure mixed with art, culture, pop-up businesses and street life. Inspired by a national movement of what has been dubbed “tactical urbanism”, Better Block projects have been taking over in cities such as Dallas, Philidelphia, and San Antonio. Though comprehensive planning projects are often necessary for developments, the cost, scale, and long-range timelines associated with these initiatives can often lead to a loss in project momentum. Instead, Better Block OKC aims to create quick, inexpensive, high-impact changes that exhibit permanent solutions for areas in OKC. "Hopefully, people will realize that streets can be great places, if we will let them. We just need to give the community the space and opportunity to make it happen" says ULI Oklahoma Officer Blair Humphreys. Better Block OKC will transform NW 7th & Hudson May 18 from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. and May 19 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Benches, bike racks, planters, cafe tables...even a pop-up dog park have been created by volunteers in the community to show off just how great this block can be. Pop-up businesses, including home decor, a flower shop, news stand, and street food vendors will compliment the existing mix of restaurant, coffee shop, yoga studio and surrounding businesses. The event will be a living demonstration of how community involvement can transform the vitality of a neighborhood! About 30 volunteers have been working for weeks planning and creating the additions for the block and are excited to show the city how just how great it could be. Friday night, the event will be held in conjunction with the “H n 8th” monthly food trailer walk, and the event continues on Saturday. The public is encouraged to come stroll the street, visit businesses, bring their families, dogs and bikes to enjoy the street life and experience what a better block can be!
Jabee performs tonight on Film Row “Static Squared,” a collaboration between NewsOK.com’s “Static” music series and IAO Gallery’s “Static” film series, kicks off a series of monthly performances at 6:30 tonight, May 10 with a performance by singer-songwriter Denver Duncan and rapper Jabee at the gallery, 706 W Sheridan. Oklahoma City rapper Jabee, who is currently working on his new album, “Leap of Faith,” will share the stage with Duncan, both of whom have been previously featured on “Static,” hosted by Assistant Entertainment Editor George Lang of The Oklahoman and produced by NewsOK.com’s Kyle Roberts. This will be the first “Static” session in which the two artists have collaborated. Get the full story from local entertainment blogger, Brandy McDonnell at NewsOK.com. ...If the name Jabee sounds familiar, it's probably because his video 'So Cool' became the talk of OKC after premiering at the 46th annual ADDY Awards. Check out the video for yourself at Vimeo.com.
Have an adventure on the Oklahoma River Adventure Saturdays offer a new way to experience the Oklahoma River with more than a dozen fun and exciting activities. Taking place every Saturday between May 19 and October 27 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Adventure Saturdays gives participants of all ages the chance to take kayaking lessons, explore the Oklahoma River trails, take a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the Boathouse District, and much, much more!
It's giveaway time!! See you on the Oklahoma River!
Cami crooned for downtowners today Downtowners gathered at the BOK Plaza today to enjoy the smooth sounds of Cami Stinson and the Riot. This was the second concert in the SoundBites concert series, all of which are free and open to the public. Cami is a vocalist and songwriter whose love of jazz is apparent throughout her work. Often collaborating with instrumentalist of various styles, Cami blends rich tone with technical control. This month, she released a neo-soul single of her original song, "When You're Out Tonight." This was a remake of her jazz-inspired track which afforded her a nomination for "Best New Songwriter" at the 2009 Urban Music Awards in New York City. 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. Here's the full lineup:
May 17 Born in November
Nonna's offers special menu items for mom this Sunday Nonna's will be open for a special Mother's Day lunch on Sunday, May 13 from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. The entire lunch menu will be offered as well as the chef's special - butternut squash ravioli.
Valet parking will be available for $5. Reservations are not required, but always accepted: Make reservations for your mom today at 405.235.4410 or online at nonnas.com (just click on the OpenTable.com link). Fans of Nonna's are also invited to enjoy dinner with live music. Here's the May schedule: Friday, May 4 - Oxford Town - Alternative/Classic Saturday, May 5 - 411 Jazz - 4 Piece/Jazz Friday, May 11 - Stephen Speaks - Acoustic/Alternative/Pop Saturday, May 12 - Rick Jawnsun - Acoustic/"Red Dirt" Friday, May 18 - Miss Blues - 5 Piece Band/Blues Saturday, May 19 - Jamie Bramble - Acoustic/Rock/Pop Friday, May 25 - Jacob Becannen and Mark Vollertson - Acoustic/Rock/Pop Saturday, May 26 - Stephen Speaks - Acoustic/Alternative/Pop
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 DayInstead 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.
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.
Violins and vino The Oklahoma City Philharmonic Associate Board Presents Violins & Vino at the Symphony Show House (440 NW 15th Street) on Tuesday, May 15, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The event shines a light on the Oklahoma City Philharmonic's adult education programs by offering up to 20 people the opportunity to learn to play the violin in an evening. Oklahoma City Philharmonic cellist Dorothy Hays teaches the 45 minute lesson followed by a mini-recital from the new students. For those who'd like to simply socialize, a tour of the 2012 Symphony Show House, hors d' oeuvres, and wine tasting with wine provided by Joullian Wines will both be held during the violin lesson. Tickets are $35/person for the lesson (including violin provided by InterCity Violin) or $25/person to attend. Tickets must be purchased online. For more information visit okcphilharmonic.org or call (405) 842-5387.
Show your support at Pride Week Proud. Strong. United. That’s the theme for this year’s OKC Pride Week celebration. It’s also the platform on which OKC Pride has organized its events to provide ten full days of activities for the community between May 17 and 27, including the always-popular Pride Parade. OKC Pride’s recent website makeover makes an abundance of Pride Week and organizational information easily accessible. Visit OKCPride.org for the latest updates and to learn how to get involved.
Calling all bug lovers!The Myriad Botanical Gardens needs a lot of bug-lovin’ kids to help release hungry ladybugs into the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, 301 W. Reno, during the 2012 Bug Out Ladybug Festival. On May 11 & 12 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., 70,000 ladybugs will be released inside the Crystal Bridge where they will live and eat "bad bugs" to help keep the tropical conservatory pesticide free. In addition to positively contributing the ecosystem inside the Crystal Bridge by releasing ladybugs, kids can enjoy games, crafts and other hands-on learning activities inside and outside in the Children’s Garden. Kids can visit with our own giant ladybug friend, make clothespin insects, ladybug crowns, buggy tattoos and even get some ladybug face painting. For extra fun, little ones are encouraged to dress up as ladybugs. Containers of ladybugs will be available for purchase and release on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 9 a.m. each day. Activities continue until 2 p.m. Ladybug containers are $1 each (two container maximum per child, please.) Regular admission to the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory applies.
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: This summer, join us as we watch the progress of the new Civic Center Park from above!
Thunder up!Heads up everyone - Thunder tickets go on sale tomorrow, May 10 at 10 a.m. Visit NBA.com for details.
Support your OKC RedHawks Baseball is back in OKC in the newly-named Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.
May 10-11 vs. Las Vegas 51s
Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship
May 28 @ Albuquerque Isotopes Purchase your tickets online at MILB.com.
Barons fans, mark your calendars! Your Oklahoma City Barons have advanced the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs! The Barons currently lead the best-of-seven series 2-1 against the San Antonio Rampage. Game 4 is this Thursday, May 10 at 7 p.m. in San Antonio. Listen live to Jim Byers on 96.1 KXY-FM for full coverage of the Barons playoff run or stop by Buffalo Wild Wings on NW Expressway for the Barons Watch Party. Don’t miss out on great playoff hockey! Call 232.GOAL to get your tickets for each round today!
May 13th vs San Antonio @ 7pm (TBD)
The Summer State Games are here Our friends at Oklahoma City All-Sports welcome the Sooner State Games to OKC! The Sooner State games promote health, fitness and character building through a series of competitions and physical activities. Whether you're a basketball player or a ping pong superstar, athletes of all skill levels and ages are welcome. Registration is now open online. Visit SoonerStateGames.org for details.
Big League City"Big League City: Oklahoma City's Rise to the NBA" is the fascinating story behind the arrival of major league sports in Oklahoma City. David Holt — the former chief of staff to the Mayor of Oklahoma City, and now a Senator, lawyer and first-time author — writes with the clear narrative style of a natural story teller. "Big League City" is available exclusively at Full Circle Bookstore in Oklahoma City. To purchase the book by mail, visit FullCircleBooks.com or call (800) 683-READ. For more information about the book, visit bigleaguecitybook.com.
Myriad Gardens plan day trip to see Chihuly exhibit in DallasThe public is invited to travel with the Myriad Botanical Gardens to the Dallas Arboretum on Friday, May 18 to see the monumental designs of renowned artist, Dale Chihuly, in the internationally-acclaimed outdoor garden exhibit featuring the transformative contemporary glass sculptures for which the artist is known. Some works are over 30 feet tall and include more than 1,000 pieces of hand-blown glass. The Myriad Botanical Gardens group will meet in the south lobby of the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, 301 W. Reno in downtown Oklahoma City, on May 18 and depart for Dallas by bus at 7 a.m. While at the Dallas Arboretum, trip-goers will have the opportunity to tour the outdoor Chihuly exhibition with a guide, have an outdoor picnic lunch (weather permitting) and enjoy some free time to visit the DeGolyer House, explore the gift shop and stroll the Dallas Arboretum independently. The group will return to the Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City by 7 p.m. The Dallas Arboretum, one of the most beautiful outdoor attractions in Dallas, features 66-acres of spectacular display gardens that showcase incredible seasonal flowers, ornamental shrubs, trees and plant collections. Chihuly’s Dallas Arboretum exhibit marks the artist’s first outdoor exhibit in the 5-state area. The cost is $85 for Myriad Gardens Foundation members and $100 for non-members. Box lunches are included. To register, please call 405.297.3611 by Friday, May 11.
Get checked out at the librarySign up for speed dating at the library and get checked out! Bring a book you love or loathe as a conversation starter and begin a new chapter in The Book of Love. Two sessions will be available for two different age groups: Participants ages 55+ are invited on Saturday, May 19 from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. and ages 35-48 are welcome on Thursday, May 24 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Each session is free, but space is limited, so register online at MetroLibrary.org today to reserve your spot.
OKC Humane Society Launches "Stepping Stone"
The Central Oklahoma Humane Society is set to relaunch its foster program under the new name Stepping Stone, a program that was developed to meet the needs of the overwhelming number of animals at risk for euthanasia at the Oklahoma City Animal Welfare Division.
Project180 Update 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
Connect with Downtown Oklahoma City, Inc. Like us on Facebook: Downtown OKC, Inc.
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