| If you are having trouble viewing this email, try the Web based version | |||||
 |
|||||
Better Block 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? This weekend, 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 also feature live street performers, including: Jordan Herrera - Young Readers is an acoustic folk project from Oklahoma native Jordan Herrera. He is already well-known in Oklahoma music circles for his previous work in a number of bands, but the Young Readers project is the first exploration of his own personal sound. A free download of his album Family Trees is available online. Kaylee Losawyer - Kaylee, age 16, is a musician/singer/ songwriter. She attends Harding Fine Arts Academy and is the lead singer and rhythm guitarist in a '70's cover band. She also performs as a solo artist in several venues around Oklahoma City. Check out her latest performance on KSBI52. Justin Joslin - Born and raised in Oklahoma, Justin started singing and writing music at a young age. His band, Fresh Sunday, performed with artists such as Lifehouse, Blue October, Howie Day and Switchfoot. After ten years, the band parted ways and Justin has just released his first solo album, "Roots." Learn more about him at justinjoslin.com. Eliza Rickman - Like Kate Bush or PJ Harvey, Eliza Rickman's arrangements are edged with dissonance. Like Andrew Bird, she favors pizzicato strings over junkyard percussion and complex lyrical melodies. On Friday night, she'll give the Better Block audience a preview of her free Saturday evening performance at the Istvan Gallery. Hear a sample of her music on Youtube: Black Rose and Cinnamon Bone. 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! 
Spokies is here! May 18 is National Bike to Work Day ...and the perfect day to launch Oklahoma City's first bike share program. Spokies will kick off with a press conference and inaugural ride in front of the Downtown Library at 11 a.m. Tomorrow's event is open to the public and will feature statements from Councilmember Meg Salyer and Office of Sustainability Director Jennifer Gooden. Following the statements, a limited number of attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the inaugural ride. For more information about the program or to purchase your Spokies membership online, visit SpokiesOKC.com. See you at the library tomorrow!
The Movement celebrates local artists tonight in Deep Deuce Tonight, some of Oklahoma’s most creative musicians and performers will team up for The Movement – a collaborative artist showcase at 9 p.m. at Urban Roots (322 NE 2nd) in Oklahoma City’s Deep Deuce district. Over 10 artists will perform and admission is $5 before 11 p.m. The Movement is an innovative initiative that celebrates young, local artists, strengthens Oklahoma’s creative community and recognizes and individuals who want to promote Oklahoma’s distinctive artists on the national and global level. This performance will make up the final scenes in a compelling documentary-style film of the same name that captures the journey of each artist in the showcase. The artist lineup includes: Destro – A classically-trained dancer and award-winning choreographer, Destro has spent the last several years breaking into the Los Angeles music scene while crafting her own urban-influenced dance music. Some of you may remember her from her appearance on the first season of So You Think You Can Dance, or from her feature in Reebok ads with Swizz beats. She has also shared the stage with Kanye West, Rihanna and Jay-Z and has performed at several award shows. Jabee – A fan of 60s and 70s soul, gospel and funk growing up, Jabee draws on different musical influences and everyday life moments to shape his music. He is quickly becoming one of the Midwest’s top hip-hop acts and has been named one of URB Magazine’s next 1000. Spence Brown and the Dudes - OKC natives best known for high-energy shows, Spence Brown’s lyrical talents have been on display at premier venues such as Wine Bin 79, Roccoco's, Kangs, UCO Jazz Lab and Sapphire Lounge to name a few. Other performers include Jordan Law, MuseArt, N-Dex, ChopBalboa, Kira Classic, Josh Sallee, a house band and a live DJ. In addition to live musical entertainment, The Movement will feature food and drink specials from Urban Roots. Admission is $5 ($10 after 11 p.m.) For more information, contact Destini Rogers at 310-592-9959.
The Downtown Dash is right around the corner The Downtown Dash may be a month away, but don't delay because the price goes up to $35 on Monday. Registering at DowntownOKC.com today to secure the discounted rate. 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. Also, we're looking for organizations to participate in the health expo and volunteers to help with the event. Booth space is free and volunteering is fun so call us at 405.235.3500 to find out how you can get involved.
Born in November serenaded downtown OKC today Downtowners gathered at the BOK Plaza today to enjoy the soulful sounds of Born in November. This was the third concert in the SoundBites concert series, all of which are free and open to the public. 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. Don't miss the last two performers in the series: Kylie Morgan (May 24) and Matt Stansberry (May 31).
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. Here's the lineup:
Thursday, May 17
Friday, May 18
Saturday, May 19
Sunday, May 20
Monday, May 21
Tuesday, May 22
Wednesday, May 23
Thursday, May 24
Friday, May 25
Saturday & Sunday, May 26-27 OKC Pride’s recent website makeover makes an abundance of Pride Week and organizational information easily accessible. Visit OKCPride.org for the latest updates on Pride Week and to learn how to get involved.
Hungry? The OKC Hungryman is Oklahoma City’s ultimate eat-then-run relay competition. The second annual 10K event takes place on May 19 at 9 a.m. in the 9th street district, and challenges the savviest runners and fiercest of eaters. The 10K is divided into four equal legs. Teams of two or four can register - teams of two run twice. Contestants at each leg eat a predetermined portion of food, then run their leg of the race. Once they have completed their leg, they tag their teammate and he/she will eat another portion of food, then run a leg. This pattern continues until the last teammate completes his/her leg of the run. The whole team then meets up, consumes one last portion of food and races as a team across the finish line. Teams are encouraged to dress up and have fun. Awards will be given for the team that is most creatively dressed. The cost is $200 per team of four and $100 per team of two. In 2011, the race raised nearly $15,000 for Neighborhood Services Organization. If you're hungry for more info, call 405.236.0452 (ext. 305) or email info@okchungryman.com. Register online today at okchungryman.com. facebook.com/okchungryman | twitter.com/okchungryman
Pro-Am Classic provides full day of racing, family activities 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.
2012 Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship The Oklahoma City All Sports Association welcomes the return of the Big 12 Baseball Championship. The event returns to downtown Oklahoma City to the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on May 23.
The event will feature once again a double-elimination format with the top 8 teams from the regular season standings qualifying for the championship. Be sure to keep up with the baseball standings on Big12Sports.com to see how your team is doing. Calling all volunteers! If you'd like to help out with the event, volunteers are needed at the “Fanfest” area right outside the gates. If you volunteer for one session, you'll receive a FREE ticket to the Championship game on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Below are the available volunteer slots. You're welcome to volunteer more than one session.
Wednesday, May 23 - 8 a.m. - noon, noon-4 p.m., or 4-8 p.m. If you're interested in volunteering, please email your preferred dates and times to David Forester at david.forester@okcallsports.org. for more information about the event, visit www.okcallsports.org.
Need help navigating the car buying process?
Are you thinking about buying a new car but feel intimidated by the negotiation and financing process? Allegiance Credit Union and the OKC Downtown College invite you to attend a lunchtime presentation, “Smart Car Buying and Auto Loans,” at the Norick Downtown Library, (300 Park Avenue, 4th Floor) on May 22 from 12-1 p.m.. Attendees will also enjoy a complimentary box lunch.
Terri Talley, Business Development Officer at Allegiance Credit Union, has presented numerous personal finance seminars to businesses, federal agencies, and other groups throughout the metro.
Thunder up! The Thunder showed its heart and resiliency Wednesday night, rallying from a seven-point deficit with 2:08 to play to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers, 77-75. Visit NBA.com for a complete recap. In other news, this week's issue of the Oklahoma Gazette featured some tasty Thunder-themed adult beverages by Joe Wolf, general manager of McNellie’s. It's just their little way of celebrating our hometown ballers. Check out the recipes at OKGazette.com. Cheers!
Support your OKC RedHawks Baseball season is underway OKC's newly-named Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Here are the RedHawks' upcoming games:
May 17-20 @ Reno Aces
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 3rd round of the Calder Cup Playoffs defeating the San Antonio Rampage in a thrilling series, winning 4-1! The Barons will take on the Toronto Marlies in the Western Conference Finals. The Barons host the Marlies for games 1 & 2 this Thursday, May 17 at 7 p.m. and Friday, May 18 at 7 p.m. Be sure to show up early on Thursday to receive a free Barons playoff t-shirt. Come back Friday for your chance to win a Ford 150 presented by Love’s and Frito Lay. 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 17 vs. Toronto Marlies @ 7 p.m.
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 on May 19. Register today for one of 3 races:
5k pre-registration is $25, $30 on race day For more information or to sign up online, visit SoonerStateGames.org.
Sunday Twilight Concert Series lineup announced The Sunday Twilight Concert Series, presented by Devon, which provides free, family-friendly concerts, is back for another year. The 2012 line-up has been announced. This year marks the 32nd anniversary of the Arts Council’s free summer concert series. Music enthusiasts and Arts Council supporters can enjoy the festivities June 3 through August 26. This year’s lineup, which is subject to change, is as follows:
June 3 - Urban Addiction – Top 40 Covers The concerts are free and take place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Band Shell on the Great Lawn at the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs; however pets and glass containers are prohibited. “Downtown Oklahoma City will be an exciting place this summer,” said Wendi Schuur, director of public and community affairs at Devon. “We are delighted to contribute to the vibrancy of the area by providing free, outdoor concerts for families and friends of all ages to enjoy. And, now that the Myriad Botanical Gardens renovation project is complete, the concert series is a perfect opportunity for Oklahomans to resdiscover downtown’s crown jewel.” The 32nd annual Sunday Twilight Concert Series is presented by Devon Energy with additional support from Oklahoma Arts Council, Allied Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, and Magic 104.1 - KMGL. For more information, visit ArtsCouncilOKC.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.
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.
|
|||||
|
 |
||||
| You are receiving this email because you signed up for our newsletter. If you wish to stop receiving the newsletter you may unsubscribe. |
