Friday July 10, 2009
It's going to be a hot weekend around the metro, so many will opt to simply stay inside their
cool homes. But if you do venture out, it should be a bit cooler down by the water of the Oklahoma River. Featuring over 200 professional wakeboarders in competition, the Air Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships continues through Sunday. In addition, there are water sports vendors on hand as well as plenty of food and music. See the
official site for more information.
It's also a big weekend for music in OKC, starting with the headline event, Jamie Foxx at the Cox Convention Center. The comedian and Academy Award-winning actor performs his hit R&B/Hip-Hop songs on Sunday night. Tickets are still available
online or by calling (800) 745-3000.
Elsewhere in music, Oklahoman and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Wanda Jackson performs at Norman's Andrews Park on Sunday. Get details
online. The
Sunday Twilight Concert Series presents classic jazz musician Kerry Wayne and his band Brother Summit this week. Brian McKnight will be at
Riverwind Casino Friday night, and
Frontier City has Lady Antebellum on Saturday.
In sports, the
Redhawks are at the Bricktown Ballpark through Monday for a four game set with the Iowa Cubs that will bring them to the All-Star break. The
Yard Dawgz play their final regular season home game on Saturday night against Bossier Shreveport. Word is that former OU quarterback Tommy Grady will be starting. And the Tornado Alley Rollergirls meet up with the Tulsa squad on Friday night at the
Farmers Public Market. Get more details on their
MySpace page.
Finally on stage, don't miss
Lyric Theatre's production of "The Music Man" at the Civic Center Music Hall. And Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park has "As You Like It" at the Myriad Gardens Water Stage through Saturday. See the
official site for ticket information.
Want to comment on one of these events? Do so below or on the
OKC Discussion Forum. You can submit future events for publication and possible profile here on About Oklahoma City by using
this form.
Photo © Adam Knapp Mustang Brewing Company Debuts
Thursday July 9, 2009
The Oklahoma brewery market has made great strides just in the past few years, and it's expanding again. In addition to recent upstarts Battered Boar in Edmond, Marshall Brewing in Tulsa and OKC's own
COOP Ale Works, the state can now add
Mustang Brewing Company to the list of distinctive tastes.
The first pint of the Mustang, Oklahoma-based brewery's initial offering, Mustang Golden Ale, was served at
McNellie's this week, and it is currently available at both McNellie's and TapWerks, not surprising considering those two spots are among the country's
best beer bars. In September, the company will release an Amber Lager, and additional products are planned for 2010.
I haven't had a chance to try the Mustang Golden Ale yet but will definitely do so the next time I'm at McNellie's. If you have sampled it, let us know what you thought.
Photo © Mustang Brewing CompanyCouncil Approves AHL Agreement & Cox Center Lease
Tuesday July 7, 2009
Count me among those surprised and disappointed to learn that the 17 year run of the
Oklahoma City Blazers was ending. After failing to reach a lease agreement with the city, the franchise opted to officially cease operations just last week. But based on how quickly things are moving in the aftermath, the Blazers demise wasn't something unforeseen to everyone. The city is already looking to a higher level of hockey.
The Oklahoma City Council
approved a "letter of intent" for AHL Hockey Club, LLC, formerly Blazers owners Express Sports, to seek the currently dormant Edmonton Oilers American Hockey League franchise. AHL is the level just below the National Hockey League and a step above the CHL, the league in which the Blazers played. The agreement also includes a lease for play at the Cox Convention Center beginning in 2010-11.
It's good news for Oklahoma City. The AHL will bring a greater quality of game, a very positive thing for a city that has long supported hockey, though it's nevertheless sad to see the Blazers go. As a bit of a sports traditionalist myself, I often resist change in that regard and will refuse to retire my maroon and gold coffee mug for a while. But with all the success the Blazers had here and our new status as
NBA city, it's clear that we shouldn't have been surprised at this news after all.
Photo © Adam Knapp
Where in the Metro?
Monday July 6, 2009
Ron and Deina were both able to correctly guess Will Rogers Park last week. I have a feeling this week's will be quite a bit easier. Do you know where this picture was taken? Post your guesses in the comments section below.
Do you have an original photo you think would make an interesting "Where in the Metro?" shot? Just send it my way for consideration, and make sure you identify it as "Where in the Metro?".
Photo © Adam Knapp
