Monthly Archives: September 2010

The Pumpkins smash the Cain’s

A sellout crowd welcomed Billy Corgan and The Smashing Pumpkins back to the Cain’s Ballroom Friday night, and it didn’t take long to see why tickets sold out in less than a half hour. A long line extended along Main Street in anticipation of the Pumpkins’ first Tulsa show in 14 years. Shortly after the doors opened and as the crowd filed in, Los Angeles based Cherri Bomb took to the stage to open the show.

Made up of four teenage girls with a hard-rocking attitude, Cherri Bomb immediately jumped into an entertaining set that instantly commanded the audience’s attention. One observer compared the group to a modern day version of 1970’s band The Runaways.

Their set included well performed covers of Cage the Elephant’s “In One Ear”, Foo Fighters’ “The Pretender” and Veruca Salt’s “Volcano Girls”. Cherri Bomb closed out their set with their new single “Spin” that drew loud applause from the crowd. They put on a great show, especially considering that most of the members are still in middle school. 

Cherri Bomb photo gallery.

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Photos by: Kevin Pyle

Oklahoma City’s The Pretty Black Chains took the stage following the Cherri Bombs and kept the building crowd entertained as they awaited the night’s main event. The Chains provided a very loud sound, that worked nicely. The only downside to this group was the inability to understand the majority of lead singer Kellen McGugan’s vocals due to the level of the instruments and his high-pitched sound.

The Pretty Black Chains photo gallery.

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Photos by: Kevin Pyle

After a short break, the stage was finally set for The Smashing Pumpkins. Billy Corgan took to the stage and launched into “A Song for a Son” as three large towers of light backlit his performance. They followed with “Astral Planes” before two large, mirror-clad fans were revealed on the back corners of the stage for “Today”. 

The Pumpkins, playing with a relatively new lineup, highlighted by 20 year-old drummer Mike Byrne displayed Corgan’s trademark sound that propelled him into the spotlight in the early 90’s. Nicole Fiorentino was spot on with the bass, as was Jeff Schroeder on guitar. Corgan showcased not only his vocal talents, but also launched into many guitar solos that brought wild cheers, including one that he played with his teeth.

When the time came for a break, Corgan introduced his band, going through the lineup before saying “and I’m Tommy Duncan”, a reference to The Texas Playboys’ singer. Corgan then explained to his band that he was a huge Bob Wills fan as he pointed to the banner above his head that reads “Home of Bob Wills.” 

“Bob Wills was a musical pioneer,” said Corgan. “If we ever do a residency, it will be right here,” he said to the crowd’s approval. Corgan went on to praise his band mates, saying that he truly has a great band. “I wish I could have said that before,” he added.

The Pumpkins continued into their set that in total lasted well over two hours, including older hits “Ava Adore”, “Bullet with Butterfly Wings”, and “Tonight, Tonight”. A three-song encore opened with Corgan and Cherri Bomb lead singer Julia Pierce center stage playing “Landslide” acoustically. The final two songs of the night seemed like a never ending jam session as they played “The Fellowship” followed by an extensive version of “Gossamer”.

The Smashing Pumpkins photo gallery.

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Photos by: Kevin Pyle

Overall, it was a great performance by a new supporting cast that is just coming together with Corgan. The sound was excellent and Corgan’s vocals were right on the entire night. Give this group a little while longer and they should be back on top soon. 

For the capacity crowd at the Cain’s on Friday, however, it was as if the Pumpkins never left the top.

 

Affiliation bring changes to the Oilers.

altSeveral Oilers players attending AHL camps as 2010-2011 season nears.

TULSA, OK–Tulsa Oilers coach Bruce Ramsay will call together his players in a little over a week for training camp, but several of his off season signees will already have a lot of ice time under their belts as several Oilers are currently in American Hockey League (AHL) training camps. Eight players who are expected to be at the Oilers training camp, which opens October 4th, will be attending AHL camps as well.

“Even though we have an affiliation with Lake Erie (AHL) and Colorado (NHL) our players are free to attend any camp, unless they are under contract to Colorado or Lake Erie,” Oilers coach Bruce Ramsay explained. “The interest we’re seeing in the guys we have coming to camp says a lot about the type of players we are going to have here with the Oilers.”

There are four AHL teams that will be taking a look at eight players the Oilers have signed for training camp. The Lake Erie Monsters have invited forward Jason Weeks; the Grand Rapids Griffins will observe forward Gary Steffes; the Chicago Wolves have invited forward Chad Costello; and the Oklahoma City Barons will give tryouts to forwards Chris Cloud, Dan Riedel, Matt Robertson and defensemen Brennan Barker
and Sean Erickson.

The Oilers will host the Wichita Thunder at home in the amazing BOK Center on Friday, October 15th to open the 2010-11 Central Hockey League season. Tickets are now on sale at the BOK Center box office or on tickets.com

Tom Petty’s First Tulsa Appearance a Winner

Ernie Osborn

A night of legends, with amazingly long careers played to a sold out crowd at BOK Center Thursday.  ZZ Top, "that little ole band from Texas," opened the show with "Under Pressure" and didn’t look back. 

Say what you will about the Tres Hombres, they bring their A-game every time and will leave you happy and satisfied.  Billy Gibbons, "We have been coming here for four decades.  Same three guys."  In that time they have been to the top of the mountain, trekked back down and have climbed it again.  A sure crowd pleaser, be it opening or headlining with no signs of slowing down.

With a double handful of hits they set the stage perfectly for what would be an epic night and a fitting 2nd Anniversary for the BOK Center.  Songs included "Just Got Paid," "Tush," LaGrange," and MTV hits "Gimme All Your Lovin’," Legs," and "Sharp Dressed Man."  As well as paying tribute to Jimi Hendrix, with whom they played in the very early days of the band.  "This guy came in and scooped us up and taught us half…three-quarters, well he taught us everything we know." stated Gibbons before doing a fantastic cover of "Hey Joe."

ZZ Top photo slide show.

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Photos by: Kevin Pyle

After a 40 minute intermission, the lights go out and it is time for the main event.  Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers slowly make their way onstage and launch into "Listen to Her Heart," and the night of unmistakeably good time music begins, yet again. 

Petty has seemed to have gotten better through the years, although at times he seems to disappear from the scene only to come back better and stronger.  With 40 years in the industry he continues to churn out, at ease it seems, hit after hit.  Petty greeted the capacity crowd with, "How is are you people doing?  This is the first time we have played in Tulsa."  With that statement there was a thunderous cheer and ovation that could have easily lasted a minute or two.  Later adding, "I love it here!"

Petty and his band were obviously humbled by the outpouring of support and audience involvement in their set.  Thanking the crowd over and over.  And what a set he shared.  From old favorites like, "Won’t Back Down," "Freefallin’," and "Breakdown" to modern classics "Mary Jane’s Last Dance," "Learning to Fly," and "Don’t Come Around Here No More" it is easy to see why they have lasted as long as they have.  Stellar musicianship, perfected lyrically styling, and stage presence that really did surprise, the night was electric.

TP shared new songs from the Mojo album, "Jefferson Jericho Blues," "Good Enough," "Running Man’s Bible" and "I Should Have Known it." All of which hit the mark, and blended well with his earlier material.

Mike Campbell, as you would expect shined on lead guitar.  Having been with Petty the entire time during his career pretty much know what they are going to do in their sleep.  It is truly an amazing sight to see these two interact and play off each other. 

Much of the night was given to playing his signature hits and and being very gracious to the audience.  Show closers were "Running Down a Dream" and "American Girl,"  after which it seemed as though the band didn’t want to leave the stage, soaking in the cheers and clapping.  Finally, Petty stepped to the mic and stated, "You guys are truly amazing, just the best audience we have played for.  We will be back!"

Tom Petty photo slide show.

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Photos by: Kevin Pyle

It was a fantastic night of legendary music.  It was good to see these veterans of rock still tear it up.  Some of these older groups could be dubbed as "Rockers with Walkers," but not these acts.  Still going and entertaining with the best of them.  Kudos to BOK for such a great show.  If Petty’s final statement rings true, you will not want to miss them when they come back.

 

Sen. Brian Crain Seeks Additional Immigration Reform

Staff Report

State Sen. Brian Crain said today it is time to refocus Oklahoma’s efforts to demand meaningful immigration reform at the national level.   Crain, a former prosecutor, said Washington D.C.’s failure to act has put the lives of American citizens at increasing risk.

“While the federal government continues to do nothing but curry favor with internationalists, our border continues to leak.  The Obama Administration’s ineffectiveness is leading to rampant lawlessness, increased drug trafficking and the growing potential for more domestic terrorism,” said Crain, R-Tulsa.

Crain, a candidate for President Pro Tempore of the Senate, said the passage of HB 1804 was an important first step, but said it didn’t answer all the problems resulting from illegal immigration into Oklahoma.  He said comprehensive immigration reform must address three areas.

“First and foremost, we must gain control of our borders—without that, all other efforts will make little impact.  And, like all other states, we must demand that the federal government pass and enforce reasonable measures to target criminals who have entered our country illegally and continue profiting at the expense of law-abiding citizens,” Crain said.  “Lastly, we need to facilitate the immigration of those who, like the rest of us, want to enjoy the American dream and reap the just rewards of hard work and good citizenship.”

Once borders are secured, Crain said the nation must determine who is in the country illegally by calling on all undocumented aliens to tell law enforcement who and where they are and how they support themselves.  

“Likewise, we must launch a concerted effort to locate and deport those who do not come forward and prevent them from returning.  Those who comply and can verify they are not criminals or gang members would be required to continue reporting their location and activities to law enforcement.  They must also agree not to seek government assistance and to obey all laws,” Crain said.  

“If they comply with all these requirements, after five years these now-documented aliens would no longer be tracked, although law enforcement would monitor to see if they committed any crimes.  After seven years those meeting all requirements could apply for U.S. residency or citizenship.”

Crain stressed this approach was not amnesty.

“I strongly oppose a blanket pardon for all illegal immigrants.  What I propose would give authorities seven years to determine whether someone here illegally should be deported, never to return, or if they should be allowed to stay because they would benefit our country,” Crain said.

Crain, who chairs the Senate’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, said it would be impossible to deport 20 million people living here illegally and send them south of a border that is not currently protected.  He noted that the cost to the nation in taxes and lost economic opportunity would be devastating.

“As Senate leader, I will demand that our federal government meet its commitment to protect our national sovereignty as well as the security of the state of Oklahoma.  Since the Obama Administration seems intent on doing nothing, I will keep up the pressure on Congress to develop a plan to deport those who attack our society while providing a method to integrate those who truly want to share in the American dream.”

RUSH Fires Up Flux Capacitor

Ernie Osborn

RUSH, what can actually be said about a band like this that has been around for over 40 years?   Same three dudes, amazing song catalog, and still enough in the tank to throw down on a 3 hour plus concert.

Maybe there is something to be said for 3 piece bands.  ZZ Top (who will be at BOK Center tonight, Sept. 23), The Police (when they decide to lay down their differences) and Rush, never a change in faces and amazing longevity.  Other bands that have revolving doors of personnel could take a lesson.

On an evening where most bands that have been around this long would just be churning out a greatest hits type show, Rush took a different look at what they wanted to present to the packed BOK Center Tuesday night.  Sure the songs you would expect to be there were there, but after 19 albums and another in the works you have plenty of music to choose from.  The tour dubbed "Time Machine" was every bit of that and then some as a set list of 26 songs would keep the Canadian trio busy and fans going nuts.

The evening starts with a video clip of a young polka band attempting to find their sound.  The bands name, RASH.  The video plays to this as though this is the beginning and "true" story of how Rush came to be.  In the corner of a sausage diner, while three strikingly familiar looking folks take their jabs and give advice to the youngsters.  One of the three, a rather portly fellow breaks out the "Gefelter", a machine designed to help the band find their sound is also equipped with a curious "time machine" button.  The button is "accidentally" engaged and we are off on our evening of incredible music and master musicianship.

From show opener "The Spirit of Radio" the stage is set ablaze with some of the most recognizable sounds you will ever hear.  It is amazing to me that this kind of sound comes out of a 3 piece band.  Absolutely incredible.  Geddy Lee, Neil Peart, and Alex Lifeson are as tight a unit as you will ever see and the songs truly sound as fresh and spot on as what you find on the albums.  I mean even after years and years of touring and aging, Lee has still got the pipes it takes to hold down the classic songs, as well as a new found energy and passion for the new songs yet to come. Two of which were showcased on this night, "Brought Up To Believe" and "Caravan."  Both of which have a much edgier sound than early stuff.

The show was broken down into two sets, the first of which containing some of their well know songs as well as some stuff only a true Rush fan would be able to recognize quickly.  "Time Stand Still," "Presto,"Working Them Angels" and "Freewill" to name a few.  The a pause takes place, as Geddy says, "We are not spring chickens anymore so we need to take a break, we will be back in a few."  This sets up the second half of the show and quite possibly the primary draw for many in attendance, the entire Moving Pictures album played song for song.

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Photos by: Kevin Pyle

After the intermission, which had a huge ticker clicking down the years to give the crowd a perspective of where we were heading.  The timer clicks over to 1980 and we are off, as "Tom Sawyer" brings a thunderous ovation and at times the crowd out sung Lee.  It was to be awed.  The whole album is played to perfection.  "YYZ," "Red Barchetta," "Vital Signs," "The Camera Eye" and "Limelight" and others take you back to a time when most of us were teens and getting our first real exposure to "The Holy Triumvirate."  A band that has always pushed the envelope of sight and sound and has always come out better than before. 

The evening concluded with a 2 song encore featuring "La Villa Strangiato," and "Working Man" cap off a night that was full of surprises and gave the eager crowd their money’s worth and then some.  Will we see this power trio again in Tulsa, only time will tell.