Yearly Archives: 2010

Paisley floods BOK Center with hits during H2O Tour stop

altBrad Paisley, recently named the CMA’s Entertainer of the Year, stopped by the BOK Center Saturday night to throw a party. And what a party it was. Paisley, along with openers Darius Rucker and Justin Moore transformed the BOK Center into a giant honky tonk while showing the thousands in attendance how Paisley won the award.

Paisley’s set, which lasted nearly two hours, was packed full of hits. However, Moore and Rucker were equally impressive.

As the house lights went down, Randy Newman‘s "Short People" piped through the sound system in anticipation of Moore’s set. After his first song, Moore – standing about half a head above his microphone stand, took a moment to greet the crowd. "This is our last show on this tour, and I see the practical jokes have already started," he said with a laugh. "Be ready, I’m sure there will be more tonight."

Moore’s abbreviated set moved quickly as he constantly played to the crowd, moving from one end of the stage to the other. He included "How I got to be This Way", "Backwoods", and a special version of "Small Town USA" during which his father came out on stage and joined him. Moore even dabbled into a little classic rock-n-roll as the crowd sang along with him during ZZ Top‘s "Gimme All Your Lovin’." 

The stage crew got one last joke in on Moore, strapping him to a two wheeler dolly, placing a wig on his head and applying a generous coat of lipstick while he ironically sang "I Could Kick Your Ass."

Justin Moore Photos

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Photos by: Kevin Pyle

Rucker took the stage next and was perhaps the most surprising treat of the night. Rucker, who struck fame with rock band Hootie and the Blowfish, showed his musical versatility as he blended together several songs from several genres in a very entertaining set. He included Hootie and the Blowfish songs "Let Her Cry", "Hold My Hand" and "Only Wanna Be With You" sprinkled throughout his set which included his country hits "Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It", "It Won’t Be Like This for Long" and "Alright".

His cover of Hank Williams Jr.’s "Family Tradition" nearly brought the house down. Rucker interacted well with the crowd, and took a moment to thank them for accepting him while making the transition into country music. Rucker finished out his set saying "since this is the H2O Tour, I think this song fits." Rucker then launched into a soulful rendition of Prince’s "Purple Rain."

Darius Rucker Photos

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Photos by: Kevin Pyle

A few minutes later a massive video board was revealed as Paisley emerged from a ladder perched atop a smaller video board and started off with his hit "Water." The video board displayed the music video as lasers stretched from the stage to the far rafters of the building, creating what looked like a multi-colored ripple of water. Paisley greeted the crowd saying "tonight we’re living on Tulsa time, I love this time zone."

Paisley then took off into a nearly two hour set with "Online", "American Saturday Night" and "She’s Everything" before slowing down to talk with the audience again. Paisley told the crowd that this was their last tour stop of the year. "We’re gonna play as long as we possibly can because we don’t want to stop," he said drawing cheers.

"I can’t think of a better place to end this than right here, we’ve had the best year of our lives this year," he continued. "In case you missed it, last week I got some really great news – I saved a bunch of money on my car insurance," he said. "Oh, and they handed me an award too, I can’t do a show right now without thanking you guys for that award, you were the reason I was able to get that."

Paisley got back into the show, saying he was going to do a song that was requested by a three year-old. "I can’t say no to a three year-old, so here it goes, I’ll try." Paisley then started off into the beginning of Beyonce‘s "Single Ladies," which drew laughs from the crowd. He and his band then transitioned into "You Do the Math."

Paisley put on an amazing display of his ability on the guitar as he moved around the large stage and even into the middle of the crowd, sitting on an over-sized diving board while playing to the back of the arena. His hit "Waiting on a Woman" was played as he stood in front of the video board while it displayed scenes from the music video featuring Andy Griffith. 

Brad Paisley Photos

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Photos by: Kevin Pyle

Paisley’s bluesy guitar licks were on full display, particularly during a very special moment involving a very special guest. Longtime Tulsa resident and the 1973 Entertainer of the Year Roy Clark joined Paisley on stage and the pair played a stellar instrumental rendition of "Ghost Rider in the Sky." Alison Krauss joined Paisley by video for their popular duet "Whiskey Lullaby" before he powered through the remainder of his set that included "The World," "I’m Gonna Miss Her," "Welcome to the Future," and "Then."

Paisley chose "Ticks" for the first of two encore songs, before he was joined on stage by Moore, Rucker and Clark for "Alcohol." 

Paisley promised the audience that they would get their money’s worth, and when it was all over it was clear that they did. Paisley’s show was on a level far above many other shows that come through Tulsa. Add to it Rucker and Moore and it made for a perfect "American Saturday Night."

 

The Rev and Split Lip brought the house down at the Cain’s

The Reverend Horton Heat and Split Lip Rayfield blew in to town Friday night at the Cain’s Ballroom like a whirlwind. If you have never seen either of these bands the best way to describe the music is; country-fed punkabilly meets bluegrass cow-punk. These two bands brought in a very diverse crowd ready to rock and to get down to some good ole stomp your feet music.

Although this was the first time for many people to see Split Lip Rayfield live, it was evident listening to the crowd and by the t-shirts being worn that they brought quite the fan base in with them.  The ballroom was a little over half filled when the guys from Wichita Kansas took the stage. Spit Lip Rayfield consists of; Eric Mardis (banjo), Wayne Gottstine (mandolin), and Jeff Eaton (bass). Eaton plays the most unusual homemade one-string bass that I am sure any of us have ever seen. This piece is so original; it even has its own name, “Stitchgiver”, built from the gas tank of a 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis and a piece of hickory that’s strung with one piece of weed whacker line. It is truly a sight to see.

If you are a fan at all of bluegrass, like really good harmonies and a touch of punk, you would definitely become a fan of Split Lip Rayfield. The guys mentioned how they love coming to the Cain’s that it’s one of their favorite venues. Spit Lip Rayfield played a wide variety of their songs; to name a few were “Don’t Believe That You’re Someone”, “Ace’s High” and “All the Same.”  These guys really started the night off right and they were extremely talented a hoot to watch.

Split Lip Rayfield Photos

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Photos by: Kevin Pyle

Right about 9:30 and to a nearly full ballroom, the intro music begins for the Reverend Horton Heat. People start to crowd in as they take the stage and we are all ready to take the time-warp with them. The lights shine down on the Rev’s orange 50’s style flashy suit as he gives his ornery smile to the crowd. The Rev (Jim Heath – lead singer and guitar) tells us that the band is celebrating their 25 years together and will be playing songs from the beginning to current albums throughout the show. The next few fan favorites they played were “Loaded Gun”, “400 Bucks” and “Martini Time.”

The Rev then told us about the next song before playing it. The song is called “Ain’t No Saguaro in Texas”.  He was saying how in movies and commercials, etc., it has always been portrayed that the saguaro cactus grows in Texas. He named off a bunch of cactus that does grow in Texas and the one that brought the most applause was the “Peyote Cactus”.  Heath went on to say that the Saguaro is native to the Sonoran Dessert in Arizona. The Saguaro isn’t grown in Texas……at all; to which this song was born off of their 2009 album release “Laughin and Cryin with the Reverend Horton Heat.” Jimbo (bass player) has also come up with the “Saguaro Dance” that he showed us how to do; a good portion of the crowd was already doing it before he started in. So to that, they wailed into the song.

The Reverend Horton Heat played a few more off that album; “Please Don’t Take the Baby to the Liquor Store” and “Drinkin’ and Smokin’ Cigarettes.” The song titles alone are hilarious, but to hear the lyrics is just plain comical.  There were lots of fans dressed in the “Rockabilly” attire with mechanic shirts, Elvis style hair-do’s and girls in pencil skirts and polka-dot blouses. There seemed to be a lot more dancing going on at this show than previous ones at the Cain’s. There were moments it really felt like we went back in time to the late 50’s with the clothing, dancing and music that was all going on. Everyone was really having a good time; including the band.

Without going in too much detail, The Rev played “Cowboy Love” off their It’s Martini Time album. The Rev himself said "it’s a disgusting little song that everyone seems to like".  Next they got into punkabilly mode with "Galaxy 500" which started a small pit on the dance floor. Not your typical angry one you’d see at a heavy metal show, but the guys were doing a type of ska-moshing if you will that everyone seemed to enjoy.

Reverend Horton Heat Photos

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Photos by: Kevin Pyle

 

To finish out the night, during the encore Jim Heath introduced the band. Drummer, Paul Simmons did a crazy drum solo. He has always been known as a solid drummer, but that solo was insane! Then he went on to Jimbo Wallace who plays the stand-up bass. He is an incredibly unique and talented bass player; never a dull moment with him. Jimbo introduced James Heath as The Reverend Horton Heat and to that The Rev went in to the theme song for the TV show Dallas (The band is from Dallas, Texas).  The crowd was screaming and yelling as The Rev and Jimbo stood back to back with those ornery smiles that lit up the room again. They ended the night with "Bales of Cocaine" and "Folsom Prison Blues". It was a great night and a great way to set the weekend off.

Journey to President Turns Back

One man decided it was time to tell President Barack Hussein Obama that he has made this nation "One America.”  Reynaud A. Thibodeaux told TulsaToday.com that he left Houston November 4th at 9 am on a bicycle to travel to the White House because after the election he felt President Obama, “wasn’t getting enough love.”

He traveled 525 miles, but it got cold so Thibodeaux returned to Houston by bus November 18.  The planned objective, according to Thibodeaux, "to let President Obama know that there are people that will ride a bicycle and walk in all kinds of weather, go through high waters and mud in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, live in an out of the way dive, take abusive insults, have a 2×4 thrown at them, but nothing will stop them from getting to the President.”

Nothing, that is, except two cold fronts.

Thibodeaux said he wanted the President, “to know we have waited a lifetime for him and now that he is President, we thank him for showing the world what humility and humble servant means and looks like. This country has not had a President with the savvy, poise, tenacity and steadfastness of President Barack Hussein Obama."

Black United Fund of Texas setup the "Journey to Washington, D.C. Fund", to support Thibodeaux on his trip "through all those states that for the most part are red and dead that have caused Mr. Obama much grief," writing further that "before it is over no matter what it looks like now, the. President will still create that change he spoke of during his campaign and the change we so desperately need."

Donation were solicited in the press release so, Thibodeaux could “stop and shower, eat and sleep as he moves on … so he can get some warmer clothes, if he needs too and if his bike decides it cannot go any further, he can get it fixed."

The press release also highlighted unity with Houston City Councilman Jarvis Johnson, Rev James McLaughlin of Avery Chapel AME Church, Oklahoma City, Ok, and Warriors of Truth-Black Women for a Changing Society, NAACP- Oklahoma, Voices of Veterans-Houston, NABVETS and the National Black United Fund.  Councilman Johnson planned to fly Mr. Thibodeaux and his bike back to Houston once he reached the White House.

Thibodeaux said, “The message is, America is the greatest country in the world, and we want President Obama to know he has given us the character and integrity to be One America.  God has called him for times such as these and we must support him."

The partisan Democrats of Oklahoma Community Forum carries a version of the Black United Fund of Texas news release on Thibodeaux with one poster "Wonkadelica" adding, "And while you are at it, also make a contribution to the Southern Poverty Law Center, so they can track the "second amendment election solution" hate groups, heavily infesting the areas Mr. Thibodeaux will be riding through, as closely as they will be tracking him."

Thibodeaux told TulsaToday.com that he "turned around at McComb, Mississippi after 525 miles and caught a Greyhound buss back."  Undaunted Thibodeaux said, "I am going to try it again in the Spring.  America is a beautiful country.  I am 67 years old and I don’t feel no pain."

“It was so awesome – there are lot of good hard-working Americans out here.  I thank God for being able to do this,” Thibodeaux said adding that the same groups that supported him in November will support him next Spring.

 

Editor’s Note:  Reynaud Thibodeaux promised to send photos of his effort that have not yet been received.  When they arrive, they will be added to this story.

Mavericks turn and burn the Oilers 5-2.

 Oilers blow 3rd period lead and lose 3rd straight.alt

TULSA, OK– There are a lot of questions and not that many answers for the Tulsa Oilers as they close on 20 games into the season, the biggest question being how they can find a way to win .

Last night, the Oilers took on the Allen Americans and for the balance of the game, they gave the team with the best record in the Central Hockey League a run for it’s money as the deficit they had to overcome was only a goal. Then, after Mike Beausoleil took an interference penalty at the end of the 2nd period, the Americans needed only 21 seconds to put the game out of reach by scoring two quick goals.

Friday night’s game featured the first visit of the
Missouri Mavericks to the amazing BOK Center this season, sporting a
5-4-2 record and fresh off a win at home over the Fort Wayne Komets on
November 13. The last time the Mavericks and the Oilers met was on
November 5th in a fire-delayed game where the Oilers fell 4-2.

While Tulsa doesn’t look particularly good in the standings they are
doing rather well individually. Mike Beausoleil had a goal and an assist
last night against Allen that stretched his point streak to four games.
Chad Costello leads the Oilers on the score sheet as of now with sn
even seven goals and assists for 14 points. 

Finally, rookie defenseman Brennan Barker scored his first goal as a professional last night against the Americans in the 3rd period. All those things are nice except for the fact that the Oilers sport a dismal 3-9-1 record, dead last in the CHL’s Berry Conference.

Prior to tonight’s game, as has been the new ritual for the Oilers of late, head coach Bruce Ramsay made a roster move, waiving defenseman Stacey Bauman and acquired Yale University product Tom Dignard. In 13 games Bauman had four minutes in penalties and no goals or assists and was a -7 on the stat sheet.

The Mavericks got on the board first at 3:13 of the opening period on a goal by Toby LaFrance assisted by Dominic D’Amour and Tab Lardner. The Oilers would tie the game in the second period on a goal by Derek Eastman assisted by Jack Combs and Chad Costello.

The game was a much more physical than Thursday night’s game, with heavy checking and hitting along the boards. The Oilers then took the lead seven seconds into the 3rd period on a second goal by Eastman Assisted by Gordon Bell and Combs. The goal was in dispute by Maverick goalie Rob Nolan as referee Kevin Webinger had called a delayed penalty on the Mavericks and there was some question as to whether or not Missouri had touched the puck before it went into the net

It counted, and the Oilers enjoyed their first lead of the game. Unfortunately, it was short lived. Nick Sirota tied the game at 5:24 on an even strength goal with Ryan Jardine assisting. The lead evaporated entirely when Derek Pallardy scored a power play goal at 11:36 assisted by Simon Watson. Missouri continued the onslaught When Toby LaFrance netted his second goal, also on the power play, at 12:09. The final goal for the Mavericks was a second goal by Sirota, this time at even strength,

It became apparent in the 3rd period as any resemblance of an Oilers counterattacke evaporated that the 2010-11 squad lacks the capability to finish the job once they take a lead. Two games where the opposing squad has hung 5 goals on the Oilers makes that fact disturbingly evident.

In the end the Mavericks out shot Tulsa 31-26, with Oilers goalie Ian Keserich stopping 26 and Rob Nolan stopping 24. The Oilers converted 2 of 6 power play opportunities while Missouri went two for six,  The Oilers made a louder thud in the cellar of the CHL’s Berry Conference and lose their 3rd straight since their 4-3 shootout victory over the Colorad Eagles a week ago.  The Oilers also have not won a game at home since opening night, a fact spun positive only slightly by the fact that as of Friday night they had only played 5 games in the BOK Center since the beginning of the 2010-11 campaign.

The team travels to Independence to complete the home and home series with the Maverick on Saturday night at 7:05pm in the Independence Events Center. The next home game for the Oilers features the first visit of thev Quad City Mallards next Tuesday at 7;05pm.

Wicked is Wicked Good

Ernie Osborn

altTake everything you thought you knew about The Wizard of Oz and throw it out the window.  Wicked will blow you away and give you more of a background on what happened before Dorothy landed in Oz.

At the risk of giving away to much, this review will be rather vanilla in its approach for that reason.  If I tell to much about it, I will give too much away and that just wouldn’t be fair to those who have yet to experience this hit musical.

The story is based around who the witches were in the "merry old Land of Oz" and how they grew up.  From the birth of Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of The West) to how she became who she ended up being in The Wizard of Oz and beyond.  As well as, the back story of the relationship between she and Glinda, (the Good Witch) starting out as Galinda, pronounced with a Ga.

The sheer production value of this show is worth the price of admission.  The songs and acting are amazing and will keep you leaning in to get more out of them.  It is a very fast paced 2 acts of pure entertainment delight, that will be loved by young and old alike.  Although there may be some spooky moments for the very young.  But assure them it is all just make believe and you should be fine.  (The Flying Monkeys will kinda freak you out)

There are plenty of ooh’s and ahh’s to be had and lots of laughter as the story unfolds in front of you.  Vicki Noon, who plays Elphaba, gives a stellar performance and has superb vocal ability and range.  She really does steal the show and makes you have a whole new appreciation for The Wicked Witch.  Natalie Daradich, who portrays Glinda, is cute and bubbly, with an infectious amount of narcissism and straight ahead conceitedness.  All in good fun though, she is the child of privilege, as opposed to Elphaba ,who is her polar opposite in more than just skin tone.

altThe show itself has much to say about acceptance and what powers decide who is wicked and who is not.  It also has subplots of society issues such as environment protection and government corruption.  From the reluctance of these two culturally different young women to be roommates to the heart tugging attempts to protect each other, it never stops entertaining.

The music is simply astounding and will keep you captivated the entire time.  Stand out songs to look forward to, "The Wizard and I," "Popular," "Defying Gravity" (which will have the hair on your entire body standing on end) and "For Good."  The entire songbook is solid throughout.

The show, based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, is a complete original and will wow you without a doubt.  Even for the lightest of theater fan, you will be astounded.  Do not miss this musical. 

Kudos to Celebrity Attractions for bringing this back for a second year.  Let us just hope that it will be a regular engagement in Tulsa.

WICKED is playing now at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center through November 28th, 2010.  The performance schedule will be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday Evenings at 7:30 pm, Friday Evenings at 8:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2:00 pm and Saturday Evenings at 8:00 pm.  No performance on Thursday, November 25th due to Thanksgiving holiday.  Tickets starts at $30.00.

WICKED is presented by Celebrity Attractions 2010-2011 Broadway Season which includes the nationally touring Broadway productions of BURN THE FLOOR, Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE ALUMINIUM SHOW and 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL along with the add-on productions of BILL COSBY and CATS.

WICKED at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center 110 East 2nd St, Tulsa OK

Tickets for the return engagement are sale now via phone (918) 596-7111, (800) 364-7111, in person at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center ticket office, or order online at www.MyTicketOffice.com or visit select Reasors locations. 

Photos courtesy of Google Images