Carrie Underwood donates sheet music to Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame
Carrie Underwood performs at her induction into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in September. Underwood has donated original sheet music of her song “I Ain’t in Checotah Anymore” to the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and Museum. (Photo by Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman Archives)
A version of this story also appears in Friday’s The Oklahoman.
Carrie Underwood’s gift hits write note with museum
Checotah native donates original sheet music of a song she co-wrote
MUSKOGEE — Country music superstar Carrie Underwood has donated original sheet music to her song “I Ain’t in Checotah Anymore” to the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
The hall of fame unveiled the gift from the Checotah native Thursday evening at the Muskogee institution, where officials also talked about plans for a multi-million dollar expansion and statewide music trail.
Underwood, along with keyboardist Rocky Frisco and yodeler Ramona Reed, was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in September.
She said then, “This is where we all come from, this is where we all call home, so the fact that throughout all our lives and careers, the fact that we’ve had this amazing state behind us is a wonderful feeling.”
Underwood co-wrote “I Ain’t in Checotah Anymore” for her 2005 debut album, released six months after she won “American Idol.” The sheet music, framed with her signed photo and dedication to the hall, will be displayed immediately at the museum’s home in the historic Frisco Depot.
“It’s astounding what Carrie Underwood has done for us,” said Andrea Chancellor, hall of fame board member. “She has remembered us by putting together a true piece of art that shows her tie to Oklahoma and her dedication to what we’re doing and her support of Oklahoma musicians.”
Board President Max Boydstun said the gift is the kind of artifact he can imagine going into a Carrie Underwood exhibit in the planned museum expansion.
Boydstun presented to the legislature in August a $16.5 million plan to build a new museum next to the depot and establish a music trail similar to the Mississippi Blues Trail. The proposed 30,000-square-foot building would give the museum, now housed in the 2,000-square-foot former railroad depot, space to pay tribute to hall of fame members, display their memorabilia, offer interactive exhibits, open a children’s area and have concerts and classes.
“We have to let the younger generation know that music doesn’t just come out of an iPod,” he said. “We want kids to have hands-on experience at how a guitar makes music.”
The planned Oklahoma Music Trail would include at least 100 historical markers to be posted around the state, from Underwood’s hometown to Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa. The markers would honor important musical people, places and events in state history.
“We feel like that will become a tourist attraction in itself, but the real cool part is, it will not compete with any other attraction in the state. It will only help market the other music-related museums and events,” he said.
The hall of fame and museum will ask the legislature next session to appropriate $12.5 million over the next five years to help pay for the two projects, he said. The remaining $4 million will be sought from federal and local governments, as well as corporate and private donors. The mayor, city councilors, local legislators and other community leaders attended Thursday’s event.
“We as a state, I think, have a great opportunity at increasing the tourism business in Oklahoma … and I see the museum and trail as a part of that,” Boydstun said. “And strictly from a pride standpoint, we want kids in Oklahoma growing up to be able to look at a Carrie Underwood or a Gene Autry or a Charlie Christian and not only enjoy their music and what they’ve done but also have that sense … that ‘I can take my talents to world like these people did.’”
-BAM
Weekend Warmup for Nov. 20-22, 2009
Wanda Jackson (Associated Press photo)
Here is a list of events happening around Oklahoma today-Sunday (Nov. 20-22, 2009). For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
- Hear Wanda Jackson, Brian Dunning and the Rock & Roll Trio Saturday at the 50th anniversary celebration for 66 Bowl, 3810 NW 39 Expressway. The party goes on from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, 59 cent specials on bowling, shoes, hot dogs, soft drinks. Doors reopen at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. concert. Information: 946-3966.
- Take in hands-on art activities, face painting, live performances from the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and more at the Fall Family Festival celebrating the special exhibit “The Dutch Italianates” from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive. Information: 236-3100 or www.okcmoa.com.
- Watch the musical “Little House on the Prairie,” presented by Celebrity Attractions, at 8 tonight, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday at the Civic Center, 201 N Walker. Information: (800) 869-1451 or www.celebrityattractions.com.
Hinder
- MIAMI – Hear Oklahoma City rockers Hinder at 8 p.m. Saturday at Buffalo Run Casino. Information: www.ticketstorm.com.
- THACKERVILLE – Laugh along with Ron White at 9 tonight at WinStar World Casino. Then, hear Lyle Lovett at 8 p.m. Saturday at WinStar. Information: www.winstarworldcasino.com.
NORMAN — Listen the Gin Blossoms at 8 tonight at Riverwind Casino, 1544 W State Highway 9. Information: 322-6464 or www.riverwind.com.
- Hear Austin, Texas-based singer-songwriter Michael Fracasso at 9 tonight at the Blue Door, 2805 N McKinley. Information: 524-0738 or www.bluedoorokc.com.
“Raiders of the Lost Ark”
- NORMAN — Learn more about the state’s winter birds and build a birdfeeder from 6 to 8:30 tonight during Family Night Out at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 2401 Chautauqua Ave. At 8:30, the museum’s Movie Night will play “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Information: 325-4712 or www.snomnh.ou.edu.
- Share tales of “Sibling Rivalry” at OKC StorySlam’s monthly story slam tonight at Istvan Gallery, 1218 N Western Ave. Registration starts at 7 p.m., and storytelling begins at 7:30. Information: www.istvangallery.com or okcstoryslam@yahoo.com.
- Hear No Justice with Kyle Bennett Band at 10 tonight at the Wormy Dog Saloon, 311 E Sheridan. Or listen to Kevin Fowler with Kevin Pickett and Southern Rain at 10 p.m. Saturday at the Wormy Dog. Information: www.wormydog.com.
Gary Vaynerchuk
- Listen to social media sommelier Gary Vaynerchuk and sample gourmet food and drink at OK Crush It at 8 tonight at Will Rogers Theater, 4322 N Western. Information: www.okcrushit.com.
- Watch the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Washington Wizards at 7 tonight at the Ford Center, 100 W Reno. Information: www.thunder.nba.com.
- Shop for a good cause at Individual Artists of Oklahoma’s Red Dot Art Auction fundraiser from 7 to 11 tonight at IAO, 706 W Sheridan. The auction will feature artwork by more than 50 Oklahoma artists. Information: www.iaogallery.org.
- Watch the American Quarter Horse Show from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. today and Saturday at State Fair Park. Information: www.aqha.com or www.okstatefairpark.com.
-BAM
Nickleback returning to Tulsa’s BOK Center
Nickelback
TULSA – Nickelback, along with special guests Breaking Benjamin and Shinedown, will return April 24 to the BOK Center, the venue announced today.
Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Dec. 5. Price are to be determined. They will be available online at www.bokcenter.com, www.livenation.com, Arby’s Box Office, all Tickets.com outlets, or by phone at (866) 7BOKCTR.
Nickelback also played an April show this year at the Tulsa arena.
The Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum rock band has announced the 2010 North American leg of their “Dark Horse World Tour,” a Live Nation-produced event. The tour will feature special guests Breaking Benjamin and Shinedown with the opening act and additional dates to be announced.
The newly confirmed dates are hot off the heels of summer and fall dates in which the band played to sold-out crowds around the world.
Nickelback fan club members will have access to presale tickets beginning Nov. 27 in select markets. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Nov. 30 at 10 a.m. local time through Citi’s Private Pass Program. For complete presale details, tgo to www.citiprivatepass.com. For more information on the tour, ticket on sales, fan club membership and VIP packages, go to www.Nickelback.com or www.LiveNation.com.
Find tour dates and more info after the break.
NICKELBACK DARK HORSE 2010 TOUR DATES:
April 6 London, ON John Labatt Centre
April 8 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
April 9 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
April 11 Ottawa, ON Scotiabank Place
April13 Washington, DC Verizon Center
April 14 Hampton VA Hampton Coliseum*
April16 Greenville, SC BI-LO Center*
April 17 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum Complex*
April19 Orlando, FL Amway Arena*
April 21 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
April 24 Tulsa, OK BOK Center
* Shinedown not included.
“Never Gonna Be Alone,” the newest single from Nickelback’s latest album, “Dark Horse,” is already top 15 at Hot A/C and heating up quickly at Top 40. Last week also saw the premiere of the video for “Never Gonna Be Alone.” Added out of the box at VH1 and Fuse, both channels will start airing it Nov. 23. The video can currently be seen via Nickelback.com, RoadrunnerRecords.com and YouTube. The video was shot by veteran director and longtime Nickelback friend Nigel Dick.
Nickelback is one of the biggest rock bands in the world, with more than 35 million albums sold. The band’s latest album, “Dark Horse,” produced by the legendary Mutt Lange, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart and has remained on the Top 200 for 50 weeks, selling more than 2.4 million albums in the United States alone. Nickelback is currently nominated for a 2009 American Music Award in the Pop/Rock category for Favorite Band, Duo or Group.
Nickelback has enjoyed unprecedented success with their last album, “All The Right Reasons,” which has been RIAA certified eight-times platinum. The six singles from the album totaled 12 million downloads and 6 million ringtones. All proceeds of digital single and video sales for “If Everyone Cared” between Feb. 1 and July 31, 2007 were donated to charity, equally distributed between Amnesty International and International Childrens’ Awareness Canada. Each of the five videos from “All The Right Reasons” has reached No. 1 on VH1’s playlist, “Photograph,” “Savin’ Me,” “Far Away,” “If Everyone Cared” and “Rockstar.”
In 2006, Nickelback was awarded a World Music Award for World’s Best Rock Group, a Billboard Touring Award for Breakthrough Artist, an American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Album and a People’s Choice Award for Best Rock Group.
-BAM
OSU football team playing Colorado tonight; game to air on ESPN
OSU linebacker Patrick Lavine, left, returns an interception for a touchdown in the Cowboys’ win over Texas Tech on Saturday. (Photo by Sarah Phipps/The Oklahoman)
My Oklahoma State University Cowboys will play the Colorado Buffaloes at 6:30 tonight at Stillwater’s Boone Pickens Stadium. The game will air on ESPN.
It will be Senior Night for the OSU football team, which is ranked No. 12 in both the BCS standings and Associated Press poll. The team includes 22 seniors, including playmakers Zac Robinson, Russell Okung, Andre Sexton, Patrick Lavine, Keith Toston, Andrew Lewis, Perrish Cox and Brady Bond.
It’s a short turnaround for the Cowboys, who are coming off Saturday’s 24-17 home win against Texas Texas.
Of course, the big question going into tonight’s game is whether OSU quarterback Robinson will be ready to play after his teeth-rattling collision with Texas Tech safety Jamar Wall at the end of Saturday’s game.
OSU Coach Mike Gundy said Monday that he expects Robinson will be available to play tonight, reports to The Oklahoman’s Brandon Chatmon. But how many snaps the senior QB actually will take remains to be seen.
-BAM
Coen Brothers’ “True Grit” remake at center of Oklahoma film incentives debate
The Coen brothers hold the three Oscars they won for their 2007 film “No Country for Old Men.” (Associated Press photo)
Oscar-winning filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen are considering Oklahoma as a possible site for their remake of the 1969 Western “True Grit,” Jill Simpson, director of the Oklahoma Film and Music Office, told a state House committee Tuesday.
The Oklahoman’s State Capitol Reporter Michael McNutt reports that Simpson told the committee that shooting on the film is expected to start in March.
The state film incentive program is capped at $5 million a year. Simpson asked the House Economic Development and Financial Services Committee to remove the current $5 million annual cap, Michael reports.
Ten films that are shooting in Oklahoma are vowed to get about $5.5 million in rebates this fiscal year, she said.
Two movies already are committed to get rebates in fiscal year 2011, which starts July 1, she said. Those two commitments, plus a carryover of about $557,000 from this fiscal year, leaves only $1.2 million in rebates available next year for the high-profile Coen brothers’ project.
A state law that took effect July 1 boosted the program from a rebate of up to 15 percent on production expenditures in Oklahoma to 35 percent.
Simpson said that it is estimated “True Grit,” a film projected to cost about $35 million, would spend about $13 million in production costs in Oklahoma. That would make the filmmakers eligible for a rebate of $4.6 million from the state.
She told lawmakers that films shot in Oklahoma provide positive publicity, create jobs and help the economy.
“They come in because of the incentives and then they fall in love with the locations,” Simpson said, citing the filmmakers of “The Killer Inside Me,” which shot in several Oklahoma cities earlier this year and want to make thee more films in the state.
To read the rest of Michael’s interesting story, click here.
The Coen brothers have tapped stars Jeff Bridges, Josh Brolin and Matt Damon to join their “True Grit” cast. The Coens have said they plan to make their version more faithful to Charles Portis’ novel than the 1969 film that won John Wayne his best actor Oscar.
-BAM
Lee Ann Womack added to George Strait-Reba McEntire tour, coming to Tulsa in February
Lee Ann Womack
The “King of Country Music” George Strait has added award-wining and platinum-selling country artist Lee Ann Womack to his previously announced arena tour with Oklahoma superstar Reba McEntire. The tour kicks off in early 2010 and continues through late spring.
“’Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind’? ‘Whoever’s In New England’? ‘The Fireman’? ‘Little Rock’? ‘Wrapped’? ‘The Last To Know’? We’re talking classic country from the source,” says Womack in a news release. “I can’t imagine a better tour to be on than George Strait and Reba McEntire – and now I’m not imagining!”
Womack added jokingly, “I’m trying to figure out what to wear … ’cause you can’t out-starch George and you sure can’t out-spangle Reba!”
The tour, which is shaping up to be a huge one for country fans, is coming to Tulsa’s BOK Center on Feb. 20. No word yet from the venue on when tickets might go on sale. (Actually no word yet from the venue about this show at all.)
Womack has sold more than 6 million albums, won two Grammy’s, numerous other milestone awards, and received notoriety for her album “There’s More Where That Came From.” Released February of 2005 on CD and classic vinyl, the album swept CMA Award trophies fall of the same year for Album of the Year and Single of the Year (“I May Hate Myself In The Morning”). She is also recognized for No. 1 singles “The Fool,” “A Little Past Little Rock,” “I’ll Think Of A Reason Later” and the mega-smash “I Hope You Dance”.
Womack’s current album, “Call Me Crazy,” has garnered critical acclaim from Rolling Stone, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Billboard and The New York Times, to name a few. She was nominated for Top Female Vocalist at this year’s ACM Awards and the debut single “Last Call” was nominated for a Grammy earlier this year in the Best Female Country Vocal Performance category. Womack was nominated for Musical Event of the Year with Strait for “Everything But Quits” at this year’s CMA Awards. Current single “There Is A God” is currently No. 43 on the charts.
George Strait
With a career spanning more than 25 years, Strait has the most No. 1 singles of any artist in history, including Elvis Presley, with 57 to date. He has sold more than 67 million records and with 33 different platinum or multi-platinum albums has the most RIAA platinum certifications in country music and the third in all genres, behind The Beatles and Elvis .
Strait’s recent release, “Twang,” debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 and the Top Country Albums chart. This is the fourth time in Strait’s career that a new release has debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and the 13th time debuting at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart. The current single and title track sits at No. 17 on Mediabase charts and No. 19 on Billboard charts.
His platinum-selling “Troubadour” was named Best Country Album at the 51st Grammy Awards and in April, Strait was the fifth artist ever to receive the Academy of Country Music’s Artist of the Decade honor. Strait has won 19 Academy of Country Music Awards, including the top title, Entertainer of the Year.
Strait, who holds the record for the most CMA wins and a record 17 CMA Entertainer of the Year nominations, is known for giving fans exactly what they want and expect at countless sold out shows across the country. This year will be no exception.
Reba McEntire
One of the most successful female recording artists in music history, McEntire has sold more 55 million albums worldwide, earned 33 No. 1 singles and was recently recognized as the biggest female hit-maker in country music history by Billboard, Mediabase and Country Aircheck. The Chockie native is the winner of 15 American Music Awards, 12 Academy of Country Music Awards, 9 People’s Choice Awards, 7 Country Music Awards and 2 Grammy Awards. Once again she is nominated for the American Music Awards’ Favorite Country Female and will appear on the AMAs, which will air at 7 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
McEntire’s new album, “Keep On Loving You,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart – her first solo studio album to do so. With 11 No. 1 albums, Reba holds the record as the female artist with the most No. 1 albums in the history of the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The superstar also recently scored her third consecutive top 10 single of 2009, as her new song “Consider Me Gone” jumped into the top 10. It currently sits at No. 4 on the Billboard Country Singles chart and No. 5 on the Mediabase charts.
In November 2008, McEntire signed with The Valory Music Co. reuniting her with multimedia entertainer and industry leader Scott Borchetta, President & CEO of Big Machine Records and sister label The Valory Music Co.
It’s interesting to note that Strait, McEntire and Womack all were performers at the first event in the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium back in June. Womack replaced Julianne Hough at the last minute after Hough became ill with strep throat. The other performer at that big stadium opening event was Oklahoma singer Blake Shelton. Wouldn’t it be great if Blake was added to this huge tour as well?
See the list of 2010 tour dates after the break.
Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame to unveil Carrie Underwood gift
Carrie Underwood performs at her induction into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in September. (Photo by Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman Archives)
MUSKOGEE – The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and Museum plans to unveil to the public a special museum donation from country music star Carrie Underwood and discuss its plans for the future at an event Thursday afternoon.
Underwood, along with state performers Rocky Frisco and Ramona Reed, was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in September.
Stay tuned to BAM’s Blog to learn what Checotah’s favorite daughter has gifted to the institution.
And for more information on the Oklahoma Music Hall, go to www.oklahomamusichalloffame.com.
-BAM
Reba McEntire, George Strait featured on Country Weekly cover
Longtime country music stars Reba McEntire and George Strait are featured on the cover of the Nov. 23 issue of Country Weekly magazine, on sale now.
The story, titled “Still Going Strong,” coincides with the superstars’ recently announced plans to tour together in 2010. The tour will kick of Jan. 22 in Baltimore and stop Feb. 20 at Tulsa’s BOK Center. McEntire was raised in Chockie, OK.
This cover story takes a close-up look at both stars and explores why Strait and McEntire keep riding high long after many others have faded into the sunset.
-BAM
What to do in Oklahoma on Nov. 17, 2009
This undated image provided by the Guthrie Theater shows Melissa Gilbert, left, as Caroline “Ma” Ingalls and Kara Lindsay as Laura Ingalls, in a scene in the world premiere of the musical “Little House On The Prairie,” at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minn. (Associated Press photo)
Today’s featured event:
Watch the musical “Little House on the Prairie,” presented by Celebrity Attractions, at 7:30 tonight at the Civic Center, 201 N Walker.
Melissa Gilbert, who played the role of Laura for 10 years on the beloved TV series, is again portraying part of the Ingalls family, this time appearing as Ma.
“When I played Laura, I was a child myself,” Gilbert recently told The Oklahoman’s Fine Arts Editor Rick Rogers. “Laura was just me in that dress. Coming back to it now is like coming home. It really keys into all of the things that people hold dear: family, love, community and faith. For me, it’s coming full circle.”
Read more of Rick’s feature on the show by clicking here.
Gilbert, 45, missed her Saturday and Sunday performances in Tulsa after being taken to a Tulsa hospital after Friday’s show because of an apparent back problem. According to NewsOn6.com, Gilbert has been released from the hospital, and Celebrity Attractions’ Larry Payton said she plans to go on with the show.
Performances continue at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday at Oklahoma City’s Civic Center.
For more information, call (800) 869-1451 or go to www.celebrityattractions.com.
For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
-BAM
BAM’s college football favorites for Nov. 14, 2009
OSU running back Keith Toston (Photo by Steve Sisney/The Oklahoman)
My No. 17-ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys try to keep their solid season going when they take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders at 7 tonight at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater. The game will air on ABC.
The University of Oklahoma Sooners continue to struggle, and today they’re trying to overcome a tough lost last week to Nebraska. The Sooners will play the Texas A&M Aggies at 6 p.m. today at home in Norman. The game will be broadcast on FSN.
The No. 1 Florida Gators, the traditional favored team of the McDonnell family, will play the South Carolina Gamecocks at 2:30 p.m. today. Florida vs. South Carolina is always an interesting matchup, since Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier used to lead the Gators. The game will air on CBS.
Best of luck to my favorite teams.
-BAM
