SHAWNEE - Hear 2008 “American Idol” winner David Cook, who has Tulsa ties, play at 7 tonight at Firelake Grand Casino, 777 Grand Casino Blvd.

For more information, go to www.firelakegrand.com.

For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.

-BAM

David Cook (Associated Press photo)

A version of this story appears in Saturday’s The Oklahoman.

SHAWNEE – “American Idol” David Cook will return to Oklahoma to perform at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at Firelake Grand Casino.

Born in Houston and raised in Blue Springs, Mo., Cook was working on his music career in Tulsa when he won a spot on the reality TV singing contest. Just a week after he won “Idol” in May 2008, he had 14 songs listed on Billboard’s Hot Digital Songs Survey and 11 on the Hot 100.

His self-titled…

SHAWNEE – David Cook, the 2008 winner of “American Idol,” will return to Oklahoma to perform at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at Firelake Grand Casino.

Born in Houston and raised in Blue Springs, Mo., Cook was working on his music career in Tulsa when he won a spot on the reality TV singing contest. Just a week after winning “Idol,” he had 14 songs on Billboard’s Hot Digital Songs Survey and 11 on the Hot 100.

His self-titled debut album, released last fall, has been certified platinum.

However, music wasn’t the only career Cook…

Carrie Underwood (Photo by Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman Archives)

Oklahoma superstar Carrie Underwood will headline her own variety television special from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 7 on FOX, according to a news release.

The exact title of the special is to be confirmed at a later date. During the two-hour variety special, Checotah’s favorite daughter will perform new music from her new album, “Play On,” as well as previous hits and holiday classics.

The Oklahoma native will be joined on stage by special musical guests and chart-topping artists including Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley and…

Collective Soul (Photo by Joseph Guay)

From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.

Collective Soul continuing to gather fans
Exposure on ‘American Idol,’ ‘Twilight’ helps post-grunge band grow audience without compromising sound

More than 15 years after lighting up the post-grunge musical landscape, Collective Soul continues to “Shine.”

The Atlanta-based group  is co-headlining a new tour with “I Don’t Want to Be” singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw and preparing to release its eighth studio album on a new label. The tour will bring the band Tuesday to Tulsa’s SpiritBank Event Center.

“We’re just kind of getting our…

David Cook performs an acoustic set at Tulsa’s Gray Snail Saloon June 23 after his sell-out show at Cain’s Ballroom. The former Tulsan and Season 7 “American Idol” winner will play tonight at Winstar World Casino in Thackerville. (Photos provided by Cathie Dillard)

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

Concert: Gray Snail Saloon talent still Cook-ing
It’s no secret: Season 7 ‘American Idol’ winner still packs ‘em into Tulsa nightspot where he had standing gig

When David Cook takes the stage tonight at Thackerville’s Winstar…

Green River Ordinance

Pop-rock band Green River Ordinance will perform Tuesday at Tulsa’s SpiritBank Event Center as the supporting act for the Collective Soul-Gavin DeGraw co-headlining tour.

After wrapping that tour later this month in Florida, the Fort Worth, Texas, quintet will embark on another tour, this time in support of 2008 “American Idol” champ and former Tulsan David Cook.

The band has been receiving a lot of airplay on television, starting with the single “Outside” being played on “The Hills,” according to a news release. Another track, “On Your Own,” popped up on “So You…

David Cook performs a show on his “The Declaration Tour,”  which he brought to Oklahoma City Wednesday night. (Associated Press photo)

David Cook proved in person Wednesday night that his as-seen-on-TV potential and promise are real.

He rocks.

The 2008 “American Idol” winner and his talented band energized a sold-out Oklahoma City crowd with a short but potent rock ‘n’ roll show.

“This is our first, like, big (solo) tour,” Cook said, chuckling at the shrieks that accompanied his every word. “So we want you guys to leave here tonight feeling like your appetite…

David Cook (Associated Press photo)

“American Idol” David Cook is back in Oklahoma, where he will perform tonight at Oklahoma City’s Diamond Ballroom.

He played a sold-out show Tuesday night at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa; the Season 7 champ lived in T-town before winning the reality TV show.

When I talked to Cook last summer, he mentioned that he sometimes longed for the days when he was playing Tulsa clubs.

“The crowds are a little bigger, and you … just have more resources available to you. But I don’t know, part of me actually…

David Cook is back in Oklahoma to play tonight at Oklahoma City’s Diamond Ballroom. I’ll be reviewing the show for you tonight. (Associated Press photo)

From Wednesday’s The Oklahoman.

“Idol” winner brings tour to city

Season 7 “American Idol” winner David Cook is back in Oklahoma performing, but his star has risen considerably since his days of routinely playing Tulsa clubs and bars.

Cook, 26, will play at 8 tonight at the Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S Eastern Ave. Doors will open at 7 p.m. The show is the latest stop on the 2008 “Idol”…