Brave Combo show, Luncheon on the Grass postponed in Norman due to weather
Norman Public Arts Board's Park Sculpture Project Ducks sculptures are, left, "Oklahoma Skies" by Christian Pitt and Joshua Pitt, and right, "Dig Duck" by Chris McDaniel.
NORMAN – This afternoon’s Luncheon on the Grass arts festival and tonight’s Brave Combo concert have been postponed due to the rainy weather.
The Luncheon on the Grass was to feature the unveiling of two public artworks as well as hands-on art activities.
The Norman Public Arts Board’s Park Sculpture Project Ducks, the public artworks, will be moved to MAINSITE Contemporary Art, home of the Norman Arts Council, this week to be put on display prior to their installations at Andrews Park and Centennial Park in Norman, according to an email from the Norman Arts Council.
Children’s completed duck drawings may be brought to MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 122 E Main Street, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The first 100 children will receive a free rubber duckie and be entered to win one of two smaller ducks.
The Luncheon on the Grass event will be rescheduled for a date within the next few weeks, according to the email.
Brave Combo
The event was to include the official unveiling and presentation of the Norman Public Arts Board’s Park Sculpture Project Ducks. Children were invited to color a picture of the duck and bring it to the Luncheon on the Grass event for a chance to win two smaller ducks. The first 100 children to bring their drawings were to receive a free rubber duckie.
Luncheon on the Grass is a collaboration of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Firehouse Art Center, Jacobson House Native Art Center and Norman Arts Council. For more information, go to www.normanarts.org.
In conjunction with the Luncheon on the Grass, Brave Combo was supposed to perform tonight at Lion’s Park, 450 S Flood Ave. The show by the Grammy-winning polka band was to launch the Performing Arts Studio’s annual Summer Breeze Concert Series.
Brave Combo has available dates later this summer, so they are still expected to perform during the series, according to message on the Performing Arts Studio’s website.
For more information, go to www.pasnorman.org.
-BAM
UPDATED: What to do in Oklahoma on May 20, 2012: Hear Brave Combo in Norman
UPDATED: Due to today’s rainy weather, both the Luncheon on the Grass and the Brave Combo show have been postponed. For more information, click here.
Today’s featured event:
NORMAN — Hear Grammy-winning polka band Brave Combo play at 7 p.m. today in conjunction with the third annual Luncheon on the Grass arts festival at Lion’s Park, 450 S Flood Ave. The festivities will include hands-on art activities and the unveiling of two public artworks from 4 to 6:30 p.m. today.
The Brave Combo show also is the first show in the annual Summer Breeze Concert Series. Information: 307-9320 or www.thepas.org.
For more events go to www.wimgo.com.
-BAM
Rascal Flatts “Changed” certified gold, “Come Wake Me Up” to be 2nd single
Superstar country band Rascal Flatts’ latest album, “Changed,” has been certified gold for shipments of 500,000 units, according to RIAA.com.
The CD’s lead single, “Banjo,” was a No. 1 hit on Billboard’s country airplay chart, reports CMT.com.
The band, which includes Picher-bred guitarist Joe Don Rooney, will perform Tuesday and May 25 at the Grand Ole Opry, of which they recently became proud members.
A publicist for the band confirmed this week that the heartbroken ballad “Come Wake Me Up” will be released as the second single from “Changed.” It will be ready for adds at radio starting Monday. Here is a lyric video for “Come Wake Me Up”:
-BAM
Photo gallery: Toby Keith breaks ground on OK Kids Korral
Toby Keith speaks during groundbreaking ceremonies for the OK Kids Korral, to be built by the Toby Keith Foundation at NE 8 and Laird, in Oklahoma City, on Friday, May 18, 2012. Photo by Paul B. Southerland, The Oklahoman
Toby Keith, left, watches as Brock Hart, age 3 from Edmond, shovels dirt during groundbreaking ceremonies for the OK Kids Korral, to be built by the Toby Keith Foundation at NE 8 and Laird, in Oklahoma City, on Friday, May 18, 2012. Photo by Paul B. Southerland, The Oklahoman
Oklahoma country music star Toby Keith took a big step toward having a personal dream come true at Friday’s groundbreaking for the OK Kids Korral in Oklahoma City.
The OK Kids Korral, currently an empty field at NE 8 and Laird on the south end of the OU Health Sciences Center, will provide housing for pediatric cancer patients and their families seeking care at The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center and other nearby facilities. It is set to open in fall 2013.
Among those who were attendance at Friday morning’s groundbreaking were Keith, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, Oklahoma City Councilman Skip Kelly and former Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, who now works for the OU Health Sciences Center.
Also in attendance was Brock Hart, 3, of Edmond, an absolutely precious leukemia patient, and his father Jay. To read my story on the groundbreaking, click here.
To see a NewsOK video of the groundbreaking, click here.
Toby Keith speaks to the media after the OK Kids Korral groundbreaking Friday, May 18, 2012 in Oklahoma City. Photo by Kyle Roberts, NewsOK
Brock Hart, age 3 from Edmond, plays with one of the shovels before groundbreaking ceremonies for the OK Kids Korral, to be built by the Toby Keith Foundation at NE 8 and Laird, in Oklahoma City, on Friday, May 18, 2012. Photo by Paul B. Southerland, The Oklahoman
Jay Hart talks about his son Brock Hart, age 3 from Edmond, during groundbreaking ceremonies for the OK Kids Korral, to be built by the Toby Keith Foundation at NE 8 and Laird, in Oklahoma City, on Friday, May 18, 2012. Photo by Paul B. Southerland, The Oklahoman
Toby Keith, Brock Hart, age 3 from Edmond, and Mayor Mick Cornett participate in groundbreaking ceremonies for the OK Kids Korral, to be built by the Toby Keith Foundation at NE 8 and Laird, in Oklahoma City, on Friday, May 18, 2012. Photo by Paul B. Southerland, The Oklahoman
Mayor Mick Cornett looks on as Toby Keith speaks during groundbreaking ceremonies for the OK Kids Korral, to be built by the Toby Keith Foundation at NE 8 and Laird, in Oklahoma City, on Friday, May 18, 2012. Photo by Paul B. Southerland, The Oklahoman
The future OK Kids Korral, to be built by the Toby Keith Foundation at NE 8 and Laird, is shown in this drawing on display at Friday's groundbreaking. Drawing provided by Crafton Tull
-BAM
Video: Toby Keith breaks ground on the OK Kids Korral
Oklahoma country music star Toby Keith took a big step toward having a personal dream come true at Friday’s groundbreaking of the OK Kids Korral in Oklahoma City.
The OK Kids Korral, currently an empty field at NE 8 and Laird on the south end of the OU Health Sciences Center, will provide housing for pediatric cancer patients and their families seeking care at The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center and other nearby facilities. It is set to open in fall 2013.
Among those who were attendance at Friday morning’s groundbreaking were Keith, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, Oklahoma City Councilman Skip Kelly and former Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, who now works for the OU Health Sciences Center.
Also in attendance was Brock Hart, 3, of Edmond, an absolutely precious leukemia patient, and his father Jay. To read my story on the groundbreaking, click here.
Along with the OK Kids Korral, Keith talks about the OKC Thunder and his recent United Service Organization tour in this video with NewsOK host Angi Bruss. Kudos to NewsOK videographer for his hard work on this video.
-BAM
Interview: Toby Keith breaks ground on OK Kids Korral
Toby Keith, left, watches as Brock Hart, age 3 from Edmond, shovels dirt during groundbreaking ceremonies for the OK Kids Korral, to be built by the Toby Keith Foundation at NE 8 and Laird, in Oklahoma City, on Friday, May 18, 2012. Photo by Paul B. Southerland, The Oklahoman
A version of this story appears in Saturday’s The Oklahoman. To see a video, click here.
Toby Keith breaks ground on OK Kids Korral
The Oklahoma country music star on Friday joined city officials and representatives of his foundation to turn the earth for the 28,000-square-foot lodge that will house pediatric cancer patients and their families as they seek care at The Children’s Hospital and other nearby facilities. It is set to open in fall 2013.
Toby Keith will never forget the struggles his friends Scott and Linda Webb faced as their 2-year-old daughter Ally fought and finally succumbed to cancer in 2003.
“The last thing a parent wants to hear is that your kid has cancer. One of the parents usually has to quit work, your bills skyrocket, and you end up spending what precious time you might have left commuting back and forth. We’re trying to build a 16-room facility here that houses people with the same burdens,” Keith said Friday morning after he, city officials and Toby Keith Foundation representatives broke ground on the OK Kids Korral.
“They get to share joys and heartbreaks together because they’re basically in the same boat. They need that kind of support group around them. This is a wonderful location … we’re so proud to be here today.”
The OK Kids Korral, currently an empty field at NE 8 and Laird on the south end of the OU Health Sciences Center, will provide housing for pediatric cancer patients and their families seeking care at The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center and other nearby facilities. It is set to open in fall 2013.
Since Ally Webb died in August 2003, Keith has worked with her parents to establish the nonprofit Ally’s House, started his foundation and labored to make the OK Kids Korral a reality.
“We’ve waited eight or nine years to have this dream to come true. There’s just so much money has to be raised and there’s so much time that goes into planning something like this. Eight years ago, I thought we could come down here in about six months and throw this sucker up. But it just takes a lot of time to get the wheels turning,” Keith said.
“When you’re directly affected by cancer and it’s with children, it makes it very difficult on everybody. I saw it firsthand.”
The groundbreaking took place hours before Keith was to host a private dinner and auction to continue fundraising for the lodge. The event was part of his Ninth Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic, teeing off Saturday at Belmar Golf Club in Norman, the city Keith calls home.
Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett said the OK Kids Korral will be another jewel in the city’s crown.
“Our economy is soaring, but it’s events like this that allow us to put our priorities back in place. Because there are so many families that impacted by things that are much more important than today’s economy and tomorrow’s job forecast, and that is putting their lives back together and getting their family as healthy as it can be,” Cornett said at the groundbreaking.
Jay Hart talks about his son Brock Hart, age 3 from Edmond, during groundbreaking ceremonies for the OK Kids Korral, to be built by the Toby Keith Foundation at NE 8 and Laird, in Oklahoma City, on Friday, May 18, 2012. Photo by Paul B. Southerland, The Oklahoman
Eliminating the ‘wobby bridge’
The mayor and even the country music superstar were was nearly upstaged Friday morning by fun-loving 3-year-old Brock Hart, who happily used a small golden shovel to help with the ceremonial turning of the earth. The Edmond boy was diagnosed with leukemia on Oct. 6, 2009, just a few weeks before first birthday, and he spent the next four months in Children’s Hospital as he battled cancer and a life-threatening fungal infection.
“We spent 119 consecutive days in the hospital, seven weeks in the pediatric intensive care unit, one week on a (ventilator). Brock’s had nine different surgeries, eight different chest tubes, more sticks, pokes and prods than I’ll ever want to count, over 100 blood transfusions, over 60 platelet transfusions and basically all that was in the first year, year and a half of treatment,” said Jay Hart, Brock’s father, holding his son as he spoke.
“We only have nine more months of treatment left, and we just can’t wait for that day.”
During those first four months, of Brock’s hospitalization, his parents, Jay and wife Vanessa Hart, traded places every other night.
“We would meet on the crosswalk between the parking garage and the hospital, and we would swap positions: One of us would stay with Brock at the hospital and the other one would go home and be with our oldest daughter. We called it the wobbly bridge,” Jay Hart said as his son sang his ABCs.
“Our family missed a lot of time together. We missed a lot of soccer games, a lot of dances, a lot of performances, but most important, we missed sitting down at the table and we missed a lot of backyard playing time. And that’s where a place like this comes in. If you can get your family together for just a little bit of time, it can turn your emotions around. It can boost your morale.”
“Brock will be done with treatment by the time the Korral is done, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to be a part of it,” he added. “It would’ve been nice if we would’ve had something like this, and we know how wonderful the place will be for the kids that can come here. It isn’t about what we can get but what we can do to help others going through what we’re going through.”
The future OK Kids Korral, to be built by the Toby Keith Foundation at NE 8 and Laird, is shown in this drawing. Drawing provided by Crafton Tull
A position to give back
The 28,000-square-foot Korral will feature dayrooms for metro area families like the Harts as well as overnight suites for families who must travel hundreds of miles from rural Oklahoma towns for their children to receive treatment.
“Even for local people, the fact that there are going to be dayrooms that families can use to gather together and kind of keep their family whole … and have a place to rest, as well as those that come farther distances and need a place to stay the night, it will certainly give them some financial relief, it will give them some emotional time to be able to heal and be strong together. Plus, the opportunity to interact with other families that are undergoing a similar journey I think helps build strength within those families,” said former Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, now associate provost for external relations for OU Health Sciences Center.
It also will include a kitchen, dining hall, learning center, indoor and outdoor playgrounds and a movie theater built to double as a tornado shelter, said local attorney Armando Rosell, a member of the Toby Keith Foundation advisory council. It even will feature a neutropenic wing designed to house children whose immune systems have been suppressed or compromised by their treatments. and it will have staffers available to assist families 24/7.
The construction budget for the project is $8.5 million, Rosell said, while furnishing the lodge is expected to cost another $1 million. The foundation has raised $3 million so far and expects to take in another $600,000 to $700,000 from this weekend’s golf classic and auction.
“We’ll be working very hard over the next 18 months to raise the rest of money to finish the project,” he said. “We’re absolutely seeking the help of all the companies in Oklahoma and the private individuals and citizens of our state to help us finish this project … and other foundations would also be another source we would look to. We’re very excited about trying to raise the money now, but I think what’s going to be more exciting is the finished product. It’s just going to be a fantastic facility.”
Keith, who dubbed Brock Hart “a little rock star,” vowed “we’re gonna build it one way or another if I have to build it myself.”
“I’m cutting back on shows where I only do 65 or 70 a year, so I do USO for two weeks and my Toby Keith Foundation OK Kids Korral,” added Keith, who just returned three weeks ago from his 10th United Service Organization tour. “It’s two very important things to me: American children, Oklahoma children specifically, and my warriors and my troops overseas. It’s just wonderful to be in a position to give back.”
For more information, go to www.tobykeithfoundation.org.
-BAM
What to do in Oklahoma on May 19, 2012: Watch the Armed Forces Day and Shriners Parade in Del City
The Armed Forces Day and Shriners Parade begins its march on May 9, 2009 in Del City. Photo by Jaconna Aguirre, The Oklahoman Archives.
Today’s featured event:
DEL CITY — Watch the annual Armed Forces Day and Shriners Parade at 10 a.m. Saturday in downtown. Tinker Air Force Base will present an AWACs flyover at 10:45 a.m. Information: 671-2831 or www.cityofdelcity.com.
For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
-BAM
Video: The Lost Boys “Blue and Orange”
Earlier this week, I shared the interview The Oklahoman sportswriter Jenni Carlson did with local rap group The Lost Boys about “Blue and Orange,” their musical tribute to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Now, I’m sharing the finished video for “Blue and Orange,” just in time for tonight’s Game 3 in the Thunder’s Western Conference semifinals series against the L.A. Lakers. The game tips off at 9:30 tonight at the Staples Center in L.A. and will air on ESPN.
Thunder up!
-BAM
Toby Keith is proud of the Oklahoma City Thunder, his daughter Krystal
Toby Keith (Photo by Kyle Roberts)
A former semi-professional football player, Oklahoma country music star Toby Keith is known for his love of sports, particularly of University of Oklahoma gridiron action.
The Norman resident also has developed pride and a rooting interest in the Oklahoma City Thunder. The fledgling NBA franchise is taking on the Los Angeles Lakers at 9:30 tonight at the Staples Center in the third game in the Western Conference semifinals. The Thunder lead the series 2-0, and tonight’s game is airing on ESPN.
“It’s great. Watching TV the other night, seeing the crowd outside as well as in was pretty amazing. Great thing for Oklahoma City to have that much excitement. It’s wonderful, and I think they’re gonna do real well to be honest. They’re scrappy,” Keith said today at the groundbreaking for the Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral, a home-away-from home for pediatric cancer patients and their families on the south end of the OU Health Sciences Center.
Keith’s 25-year-old daughter Krystal, an aspiring country singer due to release her debut album this year, sang the National Anthem before the opening game in the series Monday night at Chesapeake Energy Arena. She might have been a good luck charm for the Thunder because the hometown heroes routed the venerable Lakers by 29 points.
“She didn’t sing at the second game and it was closer,” Keith said with a grin. “She did a good job. … She’s got her album done, and we’re trying to get it all mixed up and wrapped up. I’m excited for it. I think it’ll do well.”
Keith is continuing to raise funds for the OK Kids Korral, hosting a private dinner and auction tonight and teeing off his Ninth Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic Saturday at Belmar Golf Club in Norman. Look for more coverage of the OK Kids Korral groundbreaking Saturday in The Oklahoman, on NewsOK and here at BAM’s Blog.
-BAM
Toby Keith celebrates groundbreaking for OK Kids Korral, puts on annual hometown fundraiser this weekend
Oklahoma country music superstar Toby Keith, leukemia patient Brock Hart, age 3 from Edmond, and Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett participate in groundbreaking ceremonies for the OK Kids Korral, to be built by the Toby Keith Foundation at NE 8 and Laird, in Oklahoma City Friday, May 18, 2012. Photo by Paul B. Southerland, The Oklahoman
The Ninth Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic kicked off with extra fanfare this morning with the groundbreaking of the OK Kids Korral in Oklahoma City.
The ceremonial turning of the earth at the home-away-from-home for children and families being treated at Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center and other nearby facilities represented a dream come true for the Oklahoma country music superstar and the next step in achieving the ultimate goal of his Toby Keith Foundation and its annual event.
Among those who were attendance at this morning’s groundbreaking were Keith, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, Oklahoma City Councilman Skip Kelly and former Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, who now works for the OU Health Sciences Center.
Tonight, Keith will host a private dinner and auction that will continue the fundraising efforts to build the OK Kids Korral. Last year’s two-day fundraiser raised $650,000, and organizers hope to raise more this year because an impressive lineup of auction items.
Auction highlights include a trip to Africa with Pros for Africa, a Brush Creek getaway, a Dallas Cowboys VIP package, a chance to have a menu item named after you at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, concerts and golf packages and exclusive memorabilia from Coldplay, Carrie Underwood, the Rolling Stones, the Three Stooges and Keith, according to news release.
Other auction items: “A Day in The Life of Toby on Tour,” L.A. talk show package, ESPYs Package with Adrian Peterson, Houston Astros Suite Package and memorabilia from Bob Griese, Derek Jeter, Drew Brees, Cal Ripken Jr., Tim McGraw, Aaron Rogers, Elvis, Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean and Wayne Gretzky.
The annual golf classic will tee off Saturday at Belmar Golf Club in Norman, the city that Keith calls home. Participants at the main event hit the links with a wide range of celebrities. Another highlight will be the Built Ford Tough Shootout, offering a new truck to the winner. Local Seth Wadley Ford is also offering a truck should anyone hit a hole-in-one, according to the release.
Proceeds from the charity golf classic will further the Toby Keith Foundation’s efforts to build the OK Kids Korral, which will provide housing for pediatric cancer patients and families while seeking care at OU Medical Center.
“This is a wonderful location, and it takes forever to get these things up and running. We’re so proud to be here today,” Keith said at this morning’s groundbreaking.
For information about the golf tournament or OK Kids Korral, go to www.tobykeithfoundation.org.
Look for more coverage of the groundbreaking Saturday in The Oklahoman, on NewsOK and here at BAM’s Blog.
-BAM
