What to do in Oklahoma on June 26, 2010
Today’s featured event:
Celebrate the release of Oklahoma City singer/guitarist Shane Henry’s new CD “Beauty in the Struggle” at 7:30 tonight at the Blue Door, 2805 N McKinley.
For more information, go to www.bluedoorokc.com.
For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
-BAM
Event Preview: Sing to the Mountains Festival
Wichita Mountains (photo by Laben West)
The Sing to Mountains music festival begins today at camp Y’Shua in the Wichita Mountains . The festival invites people from all American Indian tribes and all races for a celebration of American Indian heritage.
Tickets are $20 for a day pass or $40 for the whole weekend.
-Poppe
Trailer: “Little Fockers”
-Poppe
Hanson is featured on NPR’s Song of the Day
Tulsa native Hanson has been making pretty big splashes in the musical world thanks to its Motown inspired track “Thinking ‘Bout Somethin.’ ” The Hanson brothers’ song was the NPR Song of the Day on June 24.
The song is off its latest album “Shout It Out” and it’s worth a couple listens.
Here’s the link to NPR’s feature.
Also, if you haven’t watched the “Thinking ‘Bout Somethin’ ” music video, then your summer is about to get at least three times better.
I mean, it has a Weird Al cameo.
Priceless.
-Poppe
Robert Pattinson Deals With Bizarre Side-Effects of Fame and the Third Round of “Twilight,” “Eclipse”
Actor Robert Pattinson arrives at the premiere of "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" on Thursday, June 24, 2010 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo)
LOS ANGELES — Fame can be measured in Google hits or the number of paparazzi following a star from his or her guarded-and-gated mansion to the nearest Starbucks. In the case of Robert Pattinson, who plays Edward Cullen in the “Twilight” films, one look at the Internet Movie Database’s 2009 STARmeter tells the story.
In 2008, the star of “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” which opens Wednesday, ranked as the 33rd most-searched star on IMDb. But in 2009, Pattinson rocketed to No. 1.
He just edged out his “Eclipse” love interest, Kristen Stewart, on the list. And just to emphasize the enormity of the “Twilight” sensation, consider that six of the top 15 stars in the STARmeter, which measures the search activity of 57 million IMDb users, are in “Eclipse”: Pattinson, Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Dakota Fanning, Ashley Greene and Nikki Reed.
Standing on top of that mountain means there were audible gasps when Pattinson showed up for a press conference in the ballroom of Los Angeles’ Four Seasons Hotel with his famous locks noticeably shorter. One reporter even asked if he was doing anything to grow his hair faster in time to shoot the two-part conclusion to the “Twilight” films, “Breaking Dawn.” It also means that, if Pattinson forgets where he is supposed to be on any given day, there is a fan site ready to help.
“It’s kind of incredible, the information they get so quickly,” Pattinson said, rubbing his forehead. “Sometimes I’ll check them to see what my schedule is on stuff, especially on the weekend when I can’t get through to my agency, or even to see my e-mails sometimes.”
Read more about Pattinson at Planet 46.
Weekend Warmup for June 25-27, 2010
OKC Improv will bring back the favorite "Villain: The Musical" Saturday at Ghostlight Theatre Club in the Paseo Arts District.
Here is a list of events taking place around the state this weekend (June 25-27). For more entertainment options, go to www.wimgo.com.
- Watch all-girl improv troupe The MiDolls perform at 8 p.m. Saturday during OKC Improv at Ghostlight Theatre Club, 3110 N Walker. Also, catch a performance of the improvised “Villain: The Musical” at 10 p.m. Saturday. Information: 343-1570 or www.okcimprov.com.
- Listen to The Pretty Black Chains perform for the first time in months at 11 tonight at the reopened Blue Note Lounge, 2408 N Robinson Ave. The show is free. Information: www.okclive.com/bluenotelounge.
- Sample fare from more than 25 local restaurants at LibertyFest’s A Taste of Edmond from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday at the Festival Market Place in downtown Edmond. Information: 340-2527 or www.libertyfest.org.
- NORMAN – Take advantage of free admission Saturday to the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 2401 Chautauqua Ave. The museum is teaming with local libraries to offer “Library Day” at the museum. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the museum will offer free admission to anyone with a library card. For those without library cards, representatives from the Pioneer and Metro Library systems will be present to accept library card applications on the spot. Information: www.snomnh.ou.edu.
Chris Davis, right, and Mitch Moreland of the Oklahoma City RedHawks celebrate after Davis hit a two-run home run in the first inning of a minor league baseball game against the New Orleans Zephyrs June 17 at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. (Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman Archives)
- See the Oklahoma RedHawks take on the Omaha Royals at 7:05 p.m. Saturday and 4:05 p.m. Sunday at AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. The homestand continues at 7:05 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. Information: www.oklahomaredhawks.com.
- Celebrate the release of Oklahoma City singer Shane Henry’s new album “Beauty in the Struggle” at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Blue Door, 2805 N McKinley Ave. Information: 524-0738 or www.bluedoorokc.com.
- THACKERVILLE — Hear Oklahoma-Texas country-rockers Cross Canadian Ragweed play at 9 tonight at WinStar World Casino, Interstate 35, Exit 1. It will be the red dirt band’s last Oklahoma show before taking a break from touring. Information: (800) 622-6317 or www.winstarworldcasino.com.
- Taste several Oklahoma wines inside Stockyards City starting at 2 p.m. at Wines of the West. A block party concert by the Rodeo Opry will begin at 7 p.m. Information: 235-7267 or www.stockyardscity.org.
- Hear The Bad Plus, Suzanna Choffel and more at Jazz in June today and Saturday at Brookhaven Village, NW 36 and Robinson, and Andrews Park, Webster and Daws. Admission: Free. Information: www.jazzinjune.org.
Oklahoma City's Al Hunt catches a pass in front of Spokane's Travis Williams during their arena football game May 16 at the Cox Convention Center. (By John Clanton, The Oklahoman Archives)
- Take in the arena football action when the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz face the Dallas Vigilantes inside the Cox Convention Center at 7:05 p.m. Saturday. Information: 228-3294 or www.okcyarddawgz.com.
- NORMAN – Hear The Temptations at 8 tonight at Riverwind Casino, 1544 W State Highway 9. Information: www.riverwind.com.
- Catch the opening performances of Carpenter Square Theatre’s production of the outlandish “Reefer Madness – The Musical” at 8 p.m. today and Saturday at the Civic Center’s Freede Little Theatre, 201 N Walker. Carpenter Square usually stages its productions at Stage Center, but “Reefer Madness” has been moved because of damage Stage Center sustained during the recent flash flooding. Information: www.carpentersquare.com.
- TULSA – Listen to the Bleu Edmondson Band with 2 Steps Back at 7 p.m. Sunday Bob’s, the second stage at Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N Main. Information: www.cainsballroom.com.
-BAM
Friday Featured Track for June 25, 2010: Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean”
A song that has been on my brain quite often this week:
- “Billie Jean,” Michael Jackson, from the blockbuster 1982 album “Thriller.”
It’s hard to imagine, but today marks one year since the King of Pop Michael Jackson died suddenly of a drug-induced cardiac arrest. He was 50 years old.
Time flies.
With all the turmoil and controversy that Jackson both created and endured in his lifetime, it’s not surprising that we still don’t have all the answers when it comes to his life and death.
Although my deep admiration of his talent had been eroded by his increasingly bizarre behavior in what turned out to be his later years, it would be a shame to let the first anniversary of his death slip by without a tribute to his music, the positive contribution to the world that he left behind.
In Jackson’s memory, I’m climbing into the wayback machine to the early 1980s, seemingly a simpler time in the personal history of the King of Pop, to spotlight my all-time favorite Jackson song: “Billie Jean.” When the single was released in 1983, I was far too young to understand the lyrics, I just knew that it sounded amazing and the now-iconic video was absolutely incredible. And so it remains today.
-BAM
Special Friday Featured Track for June 25, 2010: Welcome to the world, Baby McDonnell
The song that has been on my brain the most this week:
- “Happy Birthday,” Steppenwolf, from the 1969 album “At Your Birthday Party.”
Every year for my birthday, my dad has played this lovely, soulful song for me, either in person or over the phone. He’s been playing it for me on my birthday since before I can even remember, making it even more a part of my turning one year older than cake, presents or greeting cards.
Today isn’t my birthday; that’s back in April.
But if all goes to plan, it will be my daughter’s.
Yes, I’m due to have a baby girl today, and I hope that the warm and positive thoughts of loyal BAM’s Blog readers are with my family and me on this most special day.
While I’m on maternity leave, my capable contributing bloggers will be keeping you up to date on the entertainment news, and I’ll be back before you know it. Happy summer!
-BAM
BAM Column: Gigi Garner, daughter of James Garner, seeking funds to make movie in Oklahoma
Gigi Garner, daughter of legendary Oklahoma-born actor James Garner, wants to make a movie in her father's home state.
From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.
James Garner’s daughter seeking funds to make a movie in Oklahoma
Gigi Garner values her dad’s ties to his home state and seeks to create her own Oklahoma connection
Gigi Garner wasn’t born in Oklahoma, nor has she ever lived here, but she feels an undeniable tie to the Sooner State.
“My dad feels like a huge, huge piece of his heart is connected to Oklahoma, and I’m connected to him. So that means I want to be connected somehow to Oklahoma,” the Californian said during a recent phone interview.
As the daughter of legendary Norman-born actor James Garner, making a movie in Oklahoma seems a natural way for Garner to plant her roots a little deeper in our red dirt. But despite her famous father’s Oscar nomination for “Murphy’s Romance” and his memorable roles in movies like “The Great Escape,” “Support Your Local Sheriff!” and “The Notebook,” Gigi Garner’s foray into filmmaking is a relatively recent endeavor.
Sure, the younger Garner grew up in Los Angeles and attended University of Southern California film school. But she picked the music business, penning three No. 1 hits as a staff songwriter for Christian label Word Records. She also worked as a private investigator, wrote two books and handcrafted jewelry for TV shows “Desperate Housewives,” “The O.C.” and “America’s Next Top Model.”
“I change careers like every several years because I do something, I get interested in it, then I reach a modicum of success and then I move on,” she said with a laugh. “I like to do everything; I’m kind of like jack-of-all-trades at once. So, now I’m producing a couple of (film) projects and I’m also managing a couple of actors, directors, writers.”
Her father, who also starred in the TV shows “Maverick” and “The Rockford Files,” is behind her decision to explore the film side of show biz. In 2008, James Garner suffered a stroke.
“He’s in his 80s, but he’s OK. He doesn’t have any impairments … like when you think of a stroke victim. He’s walking and talking fine. But he’s tough, you see. They don’t make ’em like that anymore,” He’s the toughest guy I know,” she said.
“I knew the fact that I did not use my education was always a bone of contention between us. And so before it was too late, I wanted to show my dad what a grateful daughter I am, and I wanted to make a couple of film projects that he approved of.”
The Garners were drawn to a dramedy penned by writer/director/actor Michael Worth, who is set to helm acclaimed author and filmmaker David Mamet’s next movie, “Come Back to Sorrento.”
Titled “Apple Seed,” Worth’s story follows middle-aged Prince McCoy, who loses everything except the once-impressive convertible he inherited from his recently deceased dad. Prince hears the town of Apple Seed boasts a bank with no security system, so he plots a road trip and robbery. With no money for the trek, he strikes a deal with an elderly hitchhiker, who agrees to pay for gas and food in exchange for a ride.
Gigi Garner, who plans to produce the film with Mamet and her dad, describes it as “‘Rain Man’ meets ‘Away We Go’ meets ‘Dog Day Afternoon.’”
“The story is so charming and it has such a great message,” she said. “I’d much rather make a film that actually means something and actually has a good message rather than just making a film to make a film.”
While Worth originally set the story in Apple Seed, Texas, Gigi aspires to make it Apple Seed, OK. After all, an appropriately larger-than-life statue of her dad stands tall in his hometown, just a few miles from the University of Oklahoma, the school whose ballcap he proudly wears most everywhere.
“I could make this movie anywhere. It’s a road movie. I could make it in California if I wanted, but my dad was given an honorary doctorate at OU and he funded the chair the current drama dean is in. I’ve been trying to think of a way where I can carry on my dad’s legacy into the future with Oklahoma,” she said. “I thought it would be really special if I could make the film … in Oklahoma.”
Along with Sooner State locations, she hopes to use local crew and some Oklahoma actors. She believes the film could bring revenue, tourists and positive publicity to the state, and she already has talked it up with influential Oklahomans who have voiced support for the project.
“But I need some real gung-ho Oklahoma people to step in and help me fund it,” she said. “I’m trying to figure out a way to make the film in Oklahoma instead of making it in Hollywood, but I need people in Oklahoma to help me.”
She added with a laugh, “In other words, please don’t make me make this in Texas.”
She said actors John Saxon and Michael Jai White are attached to the modestly budgeted film, and she has Morgan Freeman reading it. While funding the project is the big stumblingblock, Garner said it has passed one important hurdle: Her father not only likes the premise, he loves the idea of making it in Oklahoma.
“Anything that has to do with Oklahoma, he thinks is a great idea,” she said with a laugh. “He’s extremely loyal.”
How to help
Oklahomans interested in investing in Gigi Garner’s film project “Apple Seed” and bringing it to Oklahoma can e-mail AppleSeedOK@aol.com.
-BAM
What to do in Oklahoma on June 25, 2010
Today’s featured event:
THACKERVILLE – Hear Oklahoma-Texas country-rockers Cross Canadian Ragweed at 9 tonight at WinStar World Casino. The band is getting ready to go off the road indefinitely, and this is their last Oklahoma show scheduled at this time.
For more information, go to www.winstarworldcasino.com.
For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
-BAM
