World Class Entertainment Headed to Tulsa
Show Buzz by NANCY HERMANN
BLAKE SHELTON: Country music heartthrob and “People” magazine’s 2017 “Sexiest Man Alive” performs at the BOK Center Feb. 15.
The flu is relentless. Politics are mind-numbing. There’s more scandal in the news than we can process. Get away from it all and celebrate Valentine’s Day, and not just for one day. Let’s stretch the feel-goods of February into a second month. You can’t have too much love or too much fun.
Guaranteed to brighten any day, country music heartthrob Blake Shelton comes to the Center, Feb. 15. “People” magazine’s 2017 “Sexiest Man Alive” is an Oklahoman whom music fans of all stripes have come to know as the affable, quick-witted judge on “The Voice.” The producers of that show could not have anticipated how entertaining the barb-trading bromance between fellow judge Adam Levine and Shelton was going to be. Frequent-flyer concertgoers rate Shelton’s concerts near the top!
If you didn’t know the Avett Brothers before, you may come across them now that Judd Apatow has released his documentary “May It Last” on . Apatow is known as a producer and writer of “40-Year-Old Virgin,” “Bridesmaids” and the recently Oscar-nominated “The Big Sick.” He found the Avett Brothers’ story to be uplifting and relatable. Certainly, their Mar. 2 concert at the Center would make a killer date night. The group’s neo-folk songs are romantic, heartfelt and touching.
Also upcoming at the Center Mar. 5 is an appearance by pop star Pink. She sang the “Star Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl 2018 and was impressive with an understated, signed performance this year at the Grammys. I imagine her “Beautiful Trauma” tour will incorporate some of the Philadelphia native’s aerial acrobatics along with “Raise Your Glass,” “What About Us” and other mega-hits.
A date on Valentine’s Day is not required to rock out Feb. 14 with Peter Cetera at the Hard Rock’s The Joint. Cetera made 10 albums with the rock band Chicago and has eight of his own. “If You Leave Me Now” is one of his best-known hits. I think it will be sweet to hear his “Glory of Love” on Valentine’s Day.
The Joint welcomes Nashville recording artist Easton Corbin, Mar. 2, and two bands, Los Lobos and the Los Lonely Boys, Mar. 9. Los Lobos has been around since the 1970s. The lesser known Los Lonely Boys (a band of true brothers) were mentored by Santana and Willie Nelson. Reviews of the Los Lobos and the Los Lonely Boys combo concert mention a “guitar-shredding” that is worth the price of admission.
River Spirit’s Paradise Cove rescheduled Brothers Osborne for Feb. 23, followed by rapper Flo Rida Feb. 24. The R&B, soul and funk band, Earth, Wind and Fire, founded by the late Maurice White, performs March 2.
Steve Winwood has enjoyed an astonishing career, whether he’s singing “Gimme Some Lovin” with the Spencer Davis Group, “The Low Spark of the High Heeled Boys” with Traffic or “Can’t Find My Way Home” with Blind Faith. In his solo career, he is known for “Higher Love” and “Valerie,” among many other tunes. His Greatest Hits Live Tour comes to River Spirit on March 3.
The Brady Theatre hosts St. Vincent Feb 26. Singer/guitarist Annie Clark was born in Tulsa and has a big following here. She’s a Grammy winner for Best Alternative Album. Ellen DeGeneres hosted St. Vincent on “Ellen” late last year and is a huge fan.
“The stars align” at the Tulsa Feb. 17, with a program by that name presented by Tulsa Opera. It’s a 70th season celebration featuring mezzo-soprano Susan Graham. Also performing a range of music are acclaimed tenors Aaron Blake and David Portillo and soprano Sarah Coburn. Tulsans have come to know and love Coburn through her many Tulsa Opera roles. She a world-class singer, and we’re lucky to have opportunities to hear her perform. Tulsa Opera is, of course, an amazing asset to Tulsa and has been for 70 years.
Among numerous events at the in the upcoming weeks is “Four Chords and Gun” by Tulsa Project Theatre Feb. 16-25. This is an emotionally charged, dark comedy that covers a reported shocking incident that took place between music mogul Phil Spector and the punk band The Ramones. It’s great to see new work being presented.
Based on the Academy Award-winning film “Finding Neverland” and the play “The Man Who Was Peter Pan,” the musical “Finding Neverland” is about imagination and allowing it to take flight. The story follows playwright J.M. Barrie’s time with a family of four boys and their widowed mother. The children’s inventive games and made-up characters inspired Barrie to write the fanciful tale we all know and love. A heartwarming story and Broadway magic combine in “Finding Neverland,” coming to the Tulsa Mar. 6-11 as part of Celebrity Attractions’ Broadway season.
There’s a sweet variety of arts and entertainment to choose from over the next several weeks. Savor time together and enjoy!
Updated 02-19-2018
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