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Oklahoma City Thunder: Sam Presti talks community involvement

For the Friday Oklahoman, I wrote about Sam Presti and the Thunder’s connection with the city and the state, after the Thunder’s tour of the tornado-ravaged areas. You can read that column here.

But Presti had a lot of extra stuff to say about the spirit of his adopted state. I thought I would share it with you.

* Presti said he considers himself an Oklahoman. I asked him if he considered himself a Texan when he spent more than six years in San Antonio with the Spurs.

“Each place you live is different,” Presti said. “Each stage of your life that you live, there is a different stage of development.”

What he means is, he was just a kid when he was in San Antonio. He left there six years ago.

* Presti always has said character was important when it came to selecting players, and he doesn’t back down from that. He uses Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook as prime examples.

“I feel fortunate to have been around people and players like Kevin and Russell,” Presti said. “I’ve said time and time again that their character has helped drive the culture of our organization, and when they step to the front during times where they’re needed or adversity has taken place, it’s a demonstration of who they are as people and much less who they are as professional athletes.

“We’ve just been blessed to have people like Kevin and Russell that I think truly accept the responsibility of being ambassadors for this team, because they’re the first guys to ever wear the uniforms. They’ve grown, matured. That’s why you see Russell wheeling himself around (Children’s Hospital on Tuesday night), and why you see Kevin giving back some money ($1 million donation to the disaster fund). I can tell you all kinds of highlights Kevin and Russell will be a part of, but there will not be another highlight, a play, a move, or a shot that is more impressive or impactful than what all of us saw the other day. It was authentic.”

* I asked Presti if he’s recognized much around town.

“No, I live a very simple existence,” he said, which is not particularly germane to the question, but let’s give him some leeway. “The people that are most important for our organization are the players. They’re the people that wear our uniform and ultimately are clearly are our best ambassadors. And that could not have been more clear by the way they’ve responded recently as citizens of the community.”

* I told Presti I bet Hasheem Thabeet was great with people, and Presti confirmed it.

“Hasheem is a humanitarian,” Presti said. “He’s a man of a lot of different interests. One of the most optimistic people I’ve come across.

“Thabeet is a very fascinating person. If anybody could be pessimistic about things. That guy’s taken so much abuse over the years for not living up to expectations. But he’s the most optimistic guy. Optimistic person. Very interesting. Intellectual person. Good sense of humor. That guy’s going to do stuff when he’s done. I do believe that. He was good in these situations.”

* Presti on meeting victims who had lost their homes: “That’s what was so moving, was that the interaction with people who had lost so much, their thoughts were with others. Puts perspective into the situation, but also can ask you to take a strong look, the reason why people so feel special about Oklahoma City.”

An example of thinking of others: Everyone wanted to know how Westbrook was doing, in recovering from his knee surgery.

“Every person, everybody, was certainly interested in his well-being,” Presti said. “But that’s the reciprocal nature of this community and the relationship that has been established. It was an interesting dynamic.”

* Presti said he had never seen massive tornado damage up close. He said it was different seeing it live, as opposed to video footage.

“It’s certainly a different perspective,” Presti said. “Your senses are certainly more exposed and more in tune with exactly what it is you’re hearing and seeing and feeling.

“But as you come in contact with those individuals, you start to understand the level of resolve and your optimism about the ability to recover grows, and you can see the humanitarian nature of the people that make up this community.

“As I said before, it’s clear that the resolve, the resiliency and the faith of the people that have had to endure this is infinitely stronger than that of what has taken place. And that’s said with the utmost respect with the tragedy that’s occurred.”

* I asked Presti what he likes about Oklahoma City.

“I think the people are, to me, the thing that drives the city,” Presti said. “I think the civic pride that exists here is second to none. And I think it’s a city of purpose. There’s a sense of purpose that exists in Oklahoma that makes all of us proud to call it home.”

* Presti on the importance of the Thunder being involved in the community: “As an organization, being a community-minded team is incredibly important. Recognizing that part of being a professional basketball team here is giving back. We recognize this will be a long process, as the community recovers, but we’re prepared to see that through when we can.

“And I believe our players have a genuine appreciation for the people that have supported them and stand ready with the rest of the organization to do what we can and be part of that standard, because we’ve learned in five years that we’ve been here why that standard exists and why it must stand.”

* One of Presti’s favorite moments from the tour was when he recognized a woman who is a season-ticket holder. She was wearing a Nick Collison shirt.

“Very passionate North Carolina State fan,” Presti said. “Pushed a lot of Wolfpack players on us over the years. She lost her home. We visited a little bit, then met some other family and friends, and some other players.

“She said to me, ‘You know, I don’t know that I’m going to make that payment on my tickets coming up. And I said, ‘I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that. We’ll take care of that for you.’ We shared a moment there. Then she went right over to Russell, and they had a nice visit.

“It was another example of how small the community is. It’s an example of why we feel so strongly attached to the people who support our team. It brings perspective to the fact that basketball is irrelevant. We talk a lot about the games. Reality is, it’s about the people and the fact that we’re part of this community. You have to demonstrate that consistently, and that goes beyond the court.”

* Presti takes being the sole franchise in a market, a small market compared to most major league cities, seriously.

“Small market sports go beyond the sports,” Presti said. “That’s what makes working in a small market so meaningful. The work you do truly does matter.”

A franchise like the Thunder is an inspirational piece of the city. That’s why, Presti says, he’s so intent on building an organization that has an identity. Being community minded.”

* The Thunder also spent time in a command post with police and fire personnel.

“We spent a lot of time at the command centers with the guys taking breaks, working long shifts,” Presti said. “That was another part of what we were trying to accomplish.

“A lot of the police officers were the same that worked the arena. Lot of relationships there. Another illustration of small market sports. This is what makes it special. Like I told you, some people just don’t recognize, in a small market, it’s about sustainability so you ultimately are defined by more than wins and losses. You are going to be called upon to do things in the community. We are the team that has to do that. Tragic that it’s something like this. We’re not proud to be talking about this. It’s incredibly unfortunate, but I can say we’re here to help, any way we can. Hopefully we’re going to be here for a long time.”

 

Shop for a cause at Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th

Kevin Durant: The gift who keeps on giving

Ever since an EF5 tornado ripped through the heart of Oklahoma, Thunder All-Star Kevin Durant has been on a mission to mend all broken hearts left in its path.

He donated $1 million from the Kevin Durant Family Foundation to the American Red Cross for tornado relief, which quickly motivated others to give more than $7.5 million as a direct result of Durant’s gift. On Wednesday, he toured the devastation and offered words of encouragement, as did several other members of the Thunder organization.

As if he hadn’t already gone above and beyond the call, more news came Thursday that Durant was doing even more.

Nike released the following statement: “Nike will donate footwear and apparel valued at approximately $1 million to assist those communities most in need via Good360, a nonprofit organization that will distribute the product to prequalified charities. In partnership with Kevin Durant, we will also donate all profits from the sale of his signature shoe, the KD V Elite, sold on nike.com (gonike.me/OKC ) between May 23 and June 15 in equal amounts to Kaboom, a national non-profit that rebuilds playgrounds, and the Moore Public School Foundation, an Oklahoma organization that supports the Moore Public School District.”

Below is the KD V Elite shoe. Note the “Rise Oklahoma” insignia in the lower right-hand corner. -  John Rohde

Darla’s Blog Picks – Funny baby videos, powdered peanut butter, skin tightening secrets, a keyboard for your smart phone and more!

1. BLOOPER BOX

By: This site is kept up by a “small team of cool dudes”, the site says, but this one was posted by Phil.

What blog is about – Funny bloopers and things.

Featured post – 10 Funny Baby Videos You’ve Probably Seen – “Something about those cute bald craniums that bring out the smiles in all of us. They fall, laugh, and get generally excited about most things you and I could care less about.”

This was a much-needed post for me to find this week. My heart goes out to all those who lost loved ones, friends, homes, jobs and animals in the tornado here in Moore, OK. The outpouring of help and love is amazing as it always has been in Oklahoma when tragedy strikes. I am proud to be an Oklahoman. I wanted to share this post with everyone. The title is correct. I have seen most of the videos, but they are ones you can watch over and over. I love the one where the mother is blowing her nose and the baby gets a surprised/scared look then laughs so much. My 3-year-old does the same thing even now when I sneeze. She is so funny. I must be horribly loud! – Darla Lindauer

 

2. Nevertheless

By: Paul Dooley – Trade Certificate in Fitting and Machining, BA in Sociology Macquarie Uni, Dip of Visual Art in Time Based Media.

What blog is about – Simplified reviews and posts on easy tech.

Featured post – Casetop: A cradle display case for your mobile phone – “A significant drawback or limitation they have is when users want to use them for lots of writing and feel confined by the cramped keyboards or get fed up with one or two finger typing.”

This is an awesome idea! Did you know there is a diagnosis of “Smart Phone Thumb.” Yes, there really is. I find it funny how technology gets better, but it creates a new illness. So, do they now have to teach surgeons how to do surgery for the ever-so-horrible smart phone thumb? Do therapists now have to learn a new skill for therapy? Did we have anything called “climbing tree knees” growing up that has become extinct since kids don’t play outside much anymore? I wonder if insurance covers it? Anyway, this device, although I find it to be quite expensive, could save you medical bills in the future. I would say it certainly would come in handy for anyone who writes quite a bit. – Darla Lindauer

 

3. Taste & Travel

By: Leann – “My passion is food and people-two things that go hand in hand. Food brings people together. Reaching out to learn about the food in each community really tends to shed light on what it is like to live in that area. I’m here to do just that-one bite at a time!”

What blog is about – Travel and food

Featured post – Organic Powdered Peanut Butter – “Half the amount of fat compared to regular peanut better and no oils!”

This post is for all my “green” friends. I would think that if it is saved in a tightly sealed container, it will keep for a very long time! Great source of protein. I looked it up and the process of making the powdered peanut butter sounds simple if you have the right equipment. First, you have to squeeze the oil out of the peanuts then dry them.  If you prefer to buy it, I am not sure if it is a frugal choice or not, since it costs $6 to $7 a jar. I guess it would depend on how many servings you get from that to compare to the price of regular peanut butter at the store. Only one problem with this for me: how do you squeeze a peanut? So of course, I looked it up and there are sites on how to build a peanut press. I think I will go with the pre-made kind. – Darla Lindauer

 

4. OMG Zam

By: I am not able to find a name of the person who updates the site, so the credit will go to OMG Zam.

What blog is about – Internet tips, easy, other easy tech subjects.

Featured post – With no internet, What world would we be in? – “Can you imagine a world without the internet? Would you still be living the way you are living right now? Can you handle such?”

Maybe I am getting old, because I do not think life would be all that bad if there was no Internet. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for technology, but I am not for the higher prices we pay for everything because of it. I had a thought the other day as I was riding with my mother back from a funeral and I was looking out the window. I noticed something new since I had been down the same road before. I noticed people had chickens, gardens, wood stacked up, livestock and some farming equipment. This would be normal if I was looking at a farm, but I was looking at regular houses. I then had my thought: Where do we go from here? Sure, someone can invent hover cars, ways to pay for things without credit cards, even machines to make our own clothes at home maybe. But are we any farther along? Sometimes I think technology has created an atmosphere where we have so much that we are lacking. I hear of more people every day moving to the country, wanting to go back to their roots. Some even shut off the Internet and TV and got back to the basics in life, not because of hatred for technology, but the desire for more. I am sure no Internet would lead to more jobs and less stress. I do not want theIinternet gone, I just like my break from it every night. A good question is, could our children survive in a world with out it? So basically, our world is doomed if the zombie apocalypse does come. Ha-ha – Darla Lindauer

 

5. Skin CaRE search

By: There are two editors on this site that they profile, but this post does not say who wrote this one. Credit goes to both Lisa Montero and Vicky Gardner.

What blog is about – Expert and user skin care reviews

Featured post – Skin Tightening Secrets – “A quality anti-aging treatment will include skin firming ingredients such as DMAE which has been proven to improve not only tighten and firm the skin, but also tone the muscles beneath, to give the face a leaner appearance.”

Why do all these reports on the best anti-aging creams get me? I think it is like an Indiana Jones adventure for all women and some men: we will always be on the quest for the fountain of youth. This post sounds pretty convincing. With its big words, it has to be true. Ha-ha. I have been told I do not age, so maybe I found it. This is what I think: my secret is, sleep, coffee, water, no tanning beds, sunscreen, lotion every day and a lot of cocoa butter! If those are not it, then it is just good jeans from my mother and father. Even if this is not true, this site has some pretty good tips for all-around well being and even if it does not have a perfect outcome, like the fountain of youth would, it still can improve your health. – Darla Lindauer

 

6. Jezebel 

By: This site has many contributors, even from other sites. Today this post is contributed by “Smilla.”

What blog is about – Celebrity fashion, news, opinions.

Featured post – Is lying a big deal to you?  – “But, as we now know through science and also real life, everybody lies. Do you feel bad about lying?”

Wow, I could talk forever on this, but here is my input. Yes, I lie. When my kids ask me for something and I don’t want to argue, I make up something they cannot disagree with. For instance, if they ask: “Mom, can we go to Chuckie Cheese?” I respond: “No, they are doing construction on it this month.” See, that gives me a whole month without Chuckie Cheese? Is it wrong? Yes. Are other parents who read this going to use it? Maybe. But that is where my lying stops. What I do not understand is people creating fake identities online. Do you think you won’t be found out eventually? There is a TV show called “Catfish” where people fall in love online and in the end it is a big lie. The show actually tries to help these people be friends. No, you will not be my friend if you lie to me. I have to say that even my little lies to my kids to avoid a conflict is wrong, I feel guilty at times. I know eventually they will figure it out and know Mom was lying. Then they will think it is OK to lie. So I guess as I do some self evaluation, which I did not expect to do reading this post, I should instead tell the truth and  teach them how to deal with a “no” every once in a while. I am sure they will get plenty of those in life and need to know how to deal with it. I grew up being taught very strictly, I might add, that lying is never acceptable in any scenario. The thing I learned from that is that some other people were not taught the same thing and when they lied to me, even though it sounded suspicious, I was a bit gullible for a while until I caught on - Darla Lindauer

 

7. Black Fox Homestead

By: We are a family of two (and four shih-tzus)

What blog is about – “Our transition from our home in the city to ten acres in a rural town; and to document the continuing story as we work to establish a homestead complete with a garden and  livestock.”

Featured post – Tips for Growing Great Tomatoes – “Regardless of whether or not you decide to go with hybrids or heirlooms make sure you choose a variety that is suitable for your zone.”

I remember sitting in my grandma’s kitchen as a child  and my grandpa bringing in fresh tomatoes from his garden in the back yard. My grandpa was the best farmer I knew and my grandma was the best cook from it. But my fondest memory of a tomato is watching Grandma or my mother slice it so we could have tomato and cheese sandwiches. How I still crave the wonderful, tasty tomatoes from his garden. To this day, I have never had a better tomato. I still love tomato and cheese sandwiches. Funny how you never know when a memory will become one that lasts the rest of your life. – Darla Lindauer

Compiled by Darla Lindauer. If you would like your or someone else’s blog to be considered for this column, email dlindauer@opubco.com

 

Video: ‘Help Moore’ concert to feature Colourmusic, The Pretty Black Chains, Josh Sallee and Sherree Chamberlain and raise money for tornado relief

In this video, Dan Gordon, one of the sponsors of the “Help Moore” concert, talks to NewsOK host Angi Bruss about the show, which will raise money for tornado relief efforts.

“Help Moore” will feature Colourmusic, The Pretty Black Chains, Josh Sallee and Sherree Chamberlain. The show is set for 9 p.m. Saturday at 51st Street Speakeasy, 1114 NW 51.

On Monday, an EF5 tornado tore through Moore, killing 24 people and demolishing homes, schools and businesses. The powerful twister ripped through the day after tornadoes devastated Shawnee, Carney and other areas of the state.

My excellent colleague George Lang and I have compiled a massive list of tornado benefit shows; to see it, click here.

-BAM

Hazardous weather outlook, National Weather Service, Norman

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
FRI MAY 24 2013

HARPER-WOODS-ALFALFA-GRANT-KAY-ELLIS-WOODWARD-MAJOR-GARFIELD-NOBLE-
ROGER MILLS-DEWEY-CUSTER-BLAINE-KINGFISHER-LOGAN-PAYNE-BECKHAM-
WASHITA-CADDO-CANADIAN-OKLAHOMA-LINCOLN-GRADY-MCCLAIN-CLEVELAND-
POTTAWATOMIE-SEMINOLE-HUGHES-HARMON-GREER-KIOWA-JACKSON-TILLMAN-
COMANCHE-STEPHENS-GARVIN-MURRAY-PONTOTOC-COAL-COTTON-JEFFERSON-
CARTER-JOHNSTON-ATOKA-LOVE-MARSHALL-BRYAN-HARDEMAN-FOARD-WILBARGER-
WICHITA-KNOX-BAYLOR-ARCHER-CLAY-
FRI MAY 24 2013

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK COVERS NORTHERN…WESTERN…
CENTRAL…AND SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA…AND WESTERN NORTH TEXAS.

.DAY ONE…TODAY AND TONIGHT…

THUNDERSTORM OUTLOOK…
SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS MAY DEVELOP… BUT SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS
ARE UNLIKELY.

DISCUSSION…
THE ATMOSPHERE WILL BECOME SLIGHTLY UNSTABLE TODAY WHICH WILL
SUPPORT SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS TODAY AND TONIGHT. HOWEVER…
INSTABILITY WILL BE LIMITED ENOUGH THAT SEVERE WEATHER IS UNLIKELY.

PROBABILITY TABLE…
VALID THROUGH 700 AM CDT SATURDAY MAY 25.
PROBABILITY OF THUNDERSTORMS OCCURRING IN THE
              NWS NORMAN COUNTY WARNING AREA…60 PERCENT.
PROBABILITY OF SEVERE STORMS IF STORMS OCCUR…20 PERCENT.

OTHER HAZARDOUS WEATHER…
NONE.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY…

THUNDERSTORM OUTLOOK…
RELATIVELY LOW THUNDERSTORM CHANCES PERSIST THROUGH THURSDAY.
ISOLATED SEVERE STORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE… BUT NO SIGNIFICANT
ORGANIZED SEVERE WEATHER THREAT IS EXPECTED OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS.

OTHER HAZARDOUS WEATHER…
NONE.

Rock, pop, country acts give talents and time to help Oklahoma tornado victims

Sound giving
Rock, pop and country acts give their talents and time to help Oklahoma tornado victims

Blues guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd remembers what it’s like. He grew up in Shreveport, La., and has vivid memories of the sky turning a sickly color and the winds suddenly whipping up around his town. In fact, a few days before Monday’s EF-5 tornado displaced thousands of residents in Moore and took the lives of 24 people, four tornadoes came within striking distance of Shepherd’s birthplace in northwestern Louisiana.

“It’s kind of part of the ‘Tornado Alley’ area,” Shepherd said in a phone interview Wednesday from his home in California. “I have very vivid memories of being a kid and the storms come rolling through town. It gets very quiet, everything looks really green and then all of a sudden — without any notice, really — the tornadoes come. I remember hiding in the bathroom and doing the drills in school.”

It all struck home for Shepherd. With a concert already scheduled for June 7 at the Diamond Ballroom, Shepherd felt the only way to go was to give all he could. Now, his concert will be a benefit show with all proceeds going to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s tornado relief efforts.

“I don’t think we could come there with a sound conscience and not do something to help,” Shepherd said. “So this is completely a benefit concert. I’m not getting paid and my band’s not getting paid. We want 100 percent of the proceeds to benefit the community. And that’s also why we chose the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, because we wanted it to be a local organization and I believe 96 cents of every dollar actually goes back into the community.”

From country superstars and red dirt rockers to local art-pop heroes and acclaimed Americana scribes, an array of Oklahoma musicians, venues and even local comedians already are planning benefit shows on behalf of victims of this week’s deadly tornadoes. Some are converting already scheduled concerts into charity events, while others have been burning midnight oil and social media communication lines to create fundraisers from scratch.

Ada native Blake Shelton told Billboard Tuesday night he and NBC have begun organizing a televised benefit concert. The Tishomingo resident is a celebrity coach on the network’s hit reality show “The Voice.”

I’m hoping it will raise a lot of money. Obviously it will be televised and will happen really quickly,” he said. While pointing to fellow “The Voice” coach Usher, he added, “I can call in some really big favors.”

The concert is set for Wednesday at Chesapeake Energy Arena, according to the Associated Press.

Likewise, Toby Keith, who grew up in Moore, told CNN Tuesday night he has fielded numerous inquiries about playing a benefit concert for tornado victims at either the University of Oklahoma or Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Norman resident said he is willing to do so, but plans are still in the works.

“Always when these things happen, music people get together, and I’ve had 500 text messages from people all over the music world saying ‘What are we doing? You know, we want to help.’ That’s just everybody’s way,” Keith said. “So I’ve talked to the people at OU; they’ve called me (about) maybe using the stadium. There’s some more people trying to put one on at Chesapeake Arena in Oklahoma City. … Whatever. I’m in. And Moore knows I’m gonna be here. But hopefully, in the next couple of days we can sort it all out.”

A massive benefit called “Music for Moore” will be staged at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Chevy Bricktown Events Center, featuring JD McPherson, Graham Colton, Parker Millsap, Colourmusic, ADDverse Effects, Evangelicals, Taddy Porter, Hosty, Ramsay Midwood, Beau Jennings & the Tigers, Skating Polly, Jacob Abello, Damn Quails and DEERPEOPLE. Proceeds will benefit the Oklahoma chapter of the American Red Cross.

At the Blue Door, Friday’s tornado benefit featuring Kevin Welch, Michael Fracasso and Miss Brown to You sold out in less than 24 hours, even after Grammy nominee John Fullbright had to pull out because of a previous engagement. Tickets are still available to a Saturday benefit concert with Fracasso and Miss Brown to You, plus proprietor Greg Johnson has partnered with Ticketstorm.com to let patrons who can’t make the shows donate to the cause through Sunday.

“We just figure it’s the least we could do. While we’ve got shows going on, we might as well do what we can to help,” said Johnson, who intends to donate the funds to the United Way of Central Oklahoma’s long-term relief efforts.

Fullbright will be performing at the Peace, Love & Goodwill benefit show June 8 at the Chevy Bricktown Event Center,

along with Tony Lucca, Shane Henry, Maggie McClure and more. The second annual concert was originally intended to benefit Goodwill’s scholarship program.

But this year, funds will be diverted to tornado relief, and the charity will find another way to provide scholarships, said Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma CEO Chris Daniels.

Between show sponsorships and ticket sales, plus change drives at local Goodwill stores, Daniels hopes to raise $100,000 for the Oklahoma Red Cross’ relief efforts.

McClure, who hails from Norman but now lives in Los Angeles, also played last year’s Peace, Love & Goodwill show and said her heart has been in her home state while the twisters’ devastation has been revealed.

“It’s for a good cause anyway … and last year it was a huge success and just a great event to be a part of. I hope this year is even better especially with the proceeds now going to the families impacted by the tornado,” she said.

“It was really difficult being away, being in Los Angeles, and watching this on the news and seeing how close to home it was. My family is in Norman, and we have a bunch of friends in Moore and know people whose houses were destroyed. It’s just really hit a little too close to home for me.”

The following concerts are donating either all or a portion of proceeds to tornado relief. More concerts will be scheduled. Please visit NewsOK.com for updates as more benefit concerts are added.

Read the rest of this entry »

The deadCenter Film Festival and Myriad Gardens outdoor screenings to raise funds for tornado relief

The 13^th Annual deadCenter Film Festival and Myriad Botanical Gardens are teaming up with community relief groups and corporate sponsors to help raise money and facilitate clothing and goods donations for this week’s tornado victims.

On the evenings of June 5-9, deadCenter will show free outdoor movies at the Myriad Gardens Great Lawn starting at 9:15 p.m. Donation buckets, clothing drop boxes, volunteer sign-up stations and community partner booths will be open and available to the public before and during the screenings.

Festival organizers are working with the United Way, Salvation Army, Red Cross, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and other local organizations to identify the most pressing needs to address at that time.

On Wednesday, June 5, Devon Energy will present “The Rolling Stones: Charlie is My Darling”; on Friday, June 7, the Kirkpatrick Foundation will present “The Last of the Mohicans”; on Saturday, June 8, Chesapeake Energy will present “The Short Game”; and on Sunday, June 9, CK Cleaners will present “Stevie Nicks: In your Dreams.” All films are free and open to the public. Donations are not required, but are encouraged.

“The relief effort in Moore will be long and arduous,” said deadCenter Executive Director Lance McDaniel in a news release.. “Our goal is to inspire people to continue to donate and provide help after the initial shock wears off.”

The deadCenter Film Festival is Oklahoma’s largest film festival for the past 13 years and one of the “Top 20 Coolest Film Festivals in the World” according to MovieMaker magazine. This year’s festival is June 5-9 and includes 115 comedies, dramas, hard-hitting documentaries and short films from Oklahoma and around the world.

For more information, go to www.deadcenterfilm.org.

-BAM

Paseo Arts Festival brightens first holiday of summer

The Oklahoma musicians who make music at the Paseo Arts Festival don’t get paid to play. The only cash they pocket comes from tips that festival-goers leave at their feet.

Now, several of the local talents performing at this year’s Memorial Day weekend celebration are donating even their tips to help fellow Oklahomans affected by this week’s devastating tornadoes.

“The tips are the only thing they get; I think they get a drink ticket,” said Amy Young, the festival’s music chairwoman. “It’s so kind of them to donate all of their time anyway just for the Paseo Arts Association. Now, to hear many of them say that they would even donate their tips … I just really admire all of them. They’re really giving, good people.”

The 37^th Annual Paseo Arts Festival will offer more than 80 artist booths, two live entertainment stages, children’s activities and 15 food vendors from Saturday through Monday in the historic Paseo Arts District, between NW 28 and Walker and NW 30 and Dewey.

The free festival will provide attendees with a chance to be giving, too, Young said. A donation drop-off point will be set up at the South Stage at the corner Paseo and Walker. Festival-goers are invited to give monetary donations that will go to the Red Cross of Central Oklahoma or nonperishable food items for the Regional Food Bank to help with those organizations’ tornado relief efforts.

“I have been getting offers from people to help, they just don’t know where to go to help,” said Young, who has been volunteering at a shelter for tornado victims at Crossroads Church, 89 and S Shields.

“I just think that Oklahoma is the best. I think we really take care of each other.”

Artistic tradition

The donation drop might be new, but the Paseo Arts Festival is a longstanding Memorial Day weekend tradition in the historic neighborhood, renowned for its Spanish revival architecture. More than 60,000 people attend the three-day event each year.

Still, the Paseo Arts Association, which organizes the festival, tries to add a few new attractions every year.

“This year we have a coloring contest. Our poster for this year is kind of a graphic rendering of some of the colorful buildings on the street. And the artist that designed that poster for us, Gayle Curry, we asked her to also design one without the colors in it,” said Jennifer Barron, executive director of the Paseo Arts Association.

“Youths can color on them and we’ll select winners in three different age groups. Then, the winners will be displayed … during First Friday (Gallery Walk) in June.”

The coloring contest, along with mask making, clay sculpting and the ever-popular spin art, will be offered in the festival’s Artists of the Future children’s area. In addition, Theatre Upon a StarDanceSwan will invite youngsters to create puppets and puppet shows out of paper inside Paper Play Theatre.

Along with the district’s 20 studios and galleries, which are open during the festival, more than 80 visiting visual artists will exhibit their wares in tents along Paseo Drive, which is closed during the event. The artists will show and sell a variety of works, including paintings, photographs, ceramics, woodwork, glass, jewelry, sculptures and fiber art.

“We have quite a few that are going to be in for the first time this year … and then we have a lot of returning artists,” Barron said. “There are some ceramic artists and glass artists that people will come back for year after year. That’s kind of a fun to see as an event organizer: People come and look for their favorite artists so they can add to a collection.”

Although the event is free, it is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Paseo Arts Association, funding other events like the First Friday Walks, Magic Lantern Celebration and Fairy Ball. Drink, T-shirt and poster sales benefit the association.

Musical giving

Even before many of the musicians — starting with Oklahoma City musician Josh Qualls — started volunteering to donate their tips to tornado relief, Young was pleased with the festival’s sonic offerings.

“We’re really excited about it. You know, we’ve got some people returning that are awesome like Edgar Cruz — a perennial favorite — and then Pidgin Band and Camille Harp, John Calvin and Parker Millsap. And then we’ve got some new people like Beau Jennings,” she said.

“We’ve got lots of really great talent coming in.”

Norman’s Pidgin Band is playing the Paseo event for the third straight year, but this is the first time the group has claimed a headlining spot. Young’s goal has been to turn Saturday night at the festival into a dance party, and she thinks their Afrobeat tunes can get people moving.

“Last year, we had a great dance block party, so I’m hoping the same thing can happen this year,” she said.

After the twister-induced tragedies of the past week, Young said the community could really use a dance-the-night-away soiree.

“I think that music really speaks to people’s emotions for sure. But I think we all need some uplifting and fun times. This has really been a hard thing for our state,” she said.

GOING ON

37^th Annual Paseo Arts Festival

When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with music until 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with music until 7 p.m. Monday.

Where: Paseo Arts District, between NW 28 and Walker and NW 30 and Dewey.

Admission: Free.

Information: 525-2688 or www.thepaseo.com.

-BAM

Memorial Day weekend events planned across Oklahoma

A version of this story appears in Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.

Country music star Gary Allan scored his fifth No. 1 hit earlier this year with the uplifting anthem “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain).”

“It’s a feel-good song. It’s about somebody that’s standing in the middle of the thunder and lightning and you know it’s all gonna be OK,” he told me in an interview last fall before an Oklahoma show.

The mainstream music maverick is returning to the Sooner State this Memorial Day weekend, and Oklahomans could sure use a reminder that the storms don’t last forever after the devastating tornadoes that tore through earlier this week.

Allan is headlining the annual Music & Mayhem festival Saturday at Lake Eufaula, just one of the many events happening around the state this three-day holiday weekend.

The country star and the venue have teamed up with volunteers from the local U.S. Cellular store to have staff onsite to collect items at the amphitheater, according to a news release. Allan is urging his fans to bring nonperishable food, canned goods, snack items, water, sports drinks, diapers, formula, baby wipes, toiletry items, gloves and hand sanitizer. All items collected there will be distributed through local church charities to those in need in the five areas affected by the deadly and devastating tornadoes that hit central Oklahoma this week.

Preferred Fan Ticketing also will have representatives onsite at Music & Mayhem to take monetary donations for disaster relief funds .

As usual, venues across Oklahoma are offering a variety of events that will honor the troops, showcase live music, spotlight the arts and generally make the unofficial start of summer a festive affair. And we could certainly all use a some fun and festive times after this tragic and trying week.

45th Infantry Division Museum’s Memorial Day Ceremony: The ceremony honoring U.S. service members will include a helicopter flyover, massing of the colors and a distinguished guest speaker. It begins at 10 a.m. Monday at the museum, 2145 NE 36. Admission is free. Information: www.45thdivisionmuseum.com.

Celebration of Freedom, Hobart: Various festivities are planned Friday through Monday throughout Hobart. The event will include a fly-in, parade, concert by Diamond Rio, Gen. Tommy Franks book signing, Kiowa County Quilt Show and more. Information: www.celebrationoffreedom.com.

Sixth annual Music & Mayhem, Eufaula: Hear Gary Allan, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, The Departed and Whiskey Myers Saturday at Eufaula Cove Amphitheatre, 399 Lakeshore Drive. Doors open at 3 p.m.; the music begins at 5:30 p.m. Information: www.levellandproductions.com.

Tulsa Children’s Museum Discovery Lab Grand Opening: The museum, 560 N Maybelle Ave., will celebrate the opening of its Discovery Lab with hands-on learning, circus-theme activities and more Saturday through Monday. The nationally known Justin Roberts Trio will perform at 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday. Information: www.tulsachildrensmuseum.org.

Rocklahoma, Pryor: The wildly popular three-day camping and rock music festival rocks Friday through Sunday at the Catch the Fever Festival Grounds. This year’s festival will feature nearly 80 acts including Guns N’ Roses, Alice in Chains, Korn, Bush, Cheap Trick and many more. Information: www.rocklahoma.com.

37th Annual Paseo Arts Festival: The festival will feature more than 80 artists, live music, festival foods, children’s activities and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with music until 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with music until 7 p.m. Monday in the Paseo Arts District. Admission is free. Information: www.thepaseo.com.

Edmond Jazz and Blues Festival: The music fest includes live jazz and blues by Watermelon Slim, Equilibrium, The Jeremy Thomas Quartet and more. Hours are 4 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 10 p.m. Sunday at Stephenson Park, Boulevard and Fifth. Admission is free. Information: www.Edmondjazzandblues.org.

Chuck Wagon Gathering and Children’s Cowboy Festival: The 23rd annual event includes outdoor cooking, children’s activities, live Western music and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63. This year’s event has been moved indoors. Information: www.nationalcowboymuseum.org.

Boley Rodeo and BBQ Festival: The historic two-day event features traditional rodeo events, barbecue and a parade at Boley’s Main Street and rodeo grounds. The parade begins at 3 p.m. Saturday. The rodeo bucks into action at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Information: www.boleyokrodeo.com.

Bethany 66 Festival: Festivities include a performance by Grammy-winning singer Sherman Andrus, car and motorcycle shows, a children’s parade and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in downtown Bethany. Information: www.bethany66.com.

Mayor’s Red Dirt Ball, Medicine Park: Listen to Ali Harter, Camille Harp, Carter Sampson, The Damn Quails, The Quaker City Night Hawks and more on three stages Friday through Sunday in downtown Medicine Park. Music Begins at 7 p.m. Friday, noon Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Information: www.medicinepark.com/RedDirtBall.php

67th annual Will Rogers Stampede Rodeo, Claremore: The event will feature steer wrestling, team roping, bull and bronc riding, barrel racing and mutton busting just for the youngsters. The action begins at 7:45 p.m. Friday through Sunday at Will Rogers Roundup Arena, E Blue Starr Drive. Information: www.willrogersstampede.com.

Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship: Although the tournament’s start was delayed from Wednesday to Thursday because of the devastating central Oklahoma tornadoes, the teams are competing in a new pool play format this weekend. Games start at 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday, with the championship game at 1 p.m. Sunday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S Mickey Mantle Drive. Information: www.okcallsports.org.

Backwoods Bash Music & Camping Festival, Prue: A lineup of jam bands, red dirt outfits and reggae groups, including Pidgin Band, Sam and the Stylees, Dirty Creek Bandits and more, will perform at the three-day family-friendly music and camping event on the shores of Keystone Lake at Old Walnut Creek State Park in Prue, about 15 minutes from downtown Tulsa. The music begins at 6:45 p.m. Friday and 1:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Information: www.backwoodsbash.com.

18th annual Oklahoma Renaissance Festival, Muskogee: The family-friendly festival includes magicians, musicians, jugglers, jesters and other medieval-style performers, festive food and shopping for handcrafted items. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through June 2 at the Castle of Muskogee, 3400 Fern Mountain Road. Information: www.okcastle.com.

Double Dog Dare Derby, Pauls Valley: The Toy & Action Figure Museum, 111 S Chickasaw Street, is again hosting its premier racing event for Mattel’s Hot Wheels cars Saturday outside on McClure Street, which runs beside the museum. The derby will include adult and children’s divisions, with registration starting at 10 a.m. and races beginning at 11 a.m. Food vendors and carnival games also will be offered. Information: www.actionfiguremuseum.com.

ONLINE

To learn about more Memorial Day events across Oklahoma, go to www.wimgo.com or www.travelok.com.

-BAM

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