Posts tagged ‘oklahoma city’
Plaza and MAPS 3
If you aren’t familiar with the MAPS 3 proposal to be voted on December 8th, please visit www.okc.gov/maps3/, or www.yesformaps.com to learn more.
As director of the Plaza District Association, I really wanted to shine some light on the possibilities this proposal could bring to our district. Aside from the many benefits these projects will add to the entire city, there are a few that have the potential to become incredibly beneficial to the Plaza District.
Convention Center-We need a convention center. The opportunity to have large amounts of visitors spending money (downtown, hotels, food) in our city (and then leaving) is one of the greatest aspects of this proposal. When people travel, even on conventions and conferences, they will shop. What does one do before traveling? Well, they get online and search for things to do. I know, that by the time our new convention center is built, when a traveler googles “things to do in oklahoma city” the Plaza District will come up as one of the places to be. They’ll want to come to DNA Galleries to get a Oklahoma tshirt, or handmade scarf from Collected Thread. They’ll notice there’s a unique performance happening at Lyric Theatre while they are in town. That’s why the Plaza needs the convention center. Our district holds the local, unique flavor that visitors long for.
Transit-While it will be our job to get their attention, they’ll need to be able to get here easily. We’re lucky to have the buses stopping in our district, but the public using the buses are not the public using many of our businesses. While the first phase of public transit will be met with MAPS 3, it will likely not extend this far into 16th. It is important that the groundwork for public transit is laid, and that it is laid now. My hope is this will open doors in public transit to the plaza for the future.
All in all, the increased tourism generated from these projects will not only benefit the Plaza District, but the city as a whole. Many of the other projects will play an integral role in the further development of our district. While not a direct impact for the plaza, the focus on health initiatives associated with the trails, senior centers are so valuable for a state ranked so high in obesity. The cultural opportunities the park and river projects will provide are exciting-venues, public art and gatherings that will enhance the arts in our state.
I posted this blog for, and encourage discussion. Feel free to comment your ideas and views. Also, we will be hosting a MAPS 3 Forum on Monday, November 23rd with Mayor Cornett at 5:30 PM. PhotoArt Studios 1738 NW 16th. Please come to learn more. Feel free to email me at kristen@plazadistrict.org for more info.
LIVE it up, Short n’ sweet
So much to do in this action-packed LIVE on the Plaza, so I thought I’d make a short and sweet listing to guide you through the night!
Bad Granny’s Bazaar-vintage, retro, antiques and funky finds. LIVE music by Sleeper
PhotoArt Studios-Deadcenter Film Screenings. llan Houser and the Legacy of One Apache Family, by Bryan Beasley and Steeped by Peter Hermes 8 pm
Shop Good- Grand Opening. Apparel, accessories and more all benefiting a local or global cause. Live music by Gum
Coffy’s Cafe-open mic. Gluten-free and vegetarian meals, coffee and tea
JuJu Gallery- Grand Opening. Art by Cryptolicious Creations, Spiritual Sparkles, Felix Matos. Hosting book author Dennis McDonald. Raffle for gift basket
Chaparney-Art Opening with works by Don Narcomey and guest artists Ron Ferrell, Larry Pickering and Joe Slack.
No Regrets Tattoo- $40 Oklahoma themed tattoos. First come first serve
Parts & Labor- Open house
1708-private party
Paula & Co.-Thanksgiving dinner and open house. Kareoke after 9 pm
DNA Galleries-Featured artist Michelle Heimes McRay. Oklahoma inspired merchandise
Collected Thread-open house. Oklahoma inspired merchandise
Velvet Monkey-Live music by Asleep, Audience, Dream! 7 pm
LIVE on the Plaza Nov 13th. Happy Birthday Oklahoma!
UPCOMING LIVE- November 13th
LIVE on the Plaza Second Fridays
November 13th, 7-11 PM
NW 16th between Indiana & Blackwelder
Happy Birthday to..Oklahoma! The Plaza District celebrates the birthday of our great state!
Kick things off by visit
ing the grand opening of one of the newest businesses, Shop Good. Although Shop Good has had temporary roots outdoors this summer, it debuts it’s permanent retail space within The Convergence Collective. Shop Good boasts socially-conscious, hand-printed, earth-friendly, wearable art. A portion of all proceeds are donated to local or global cause. Check their fabulous space out while jamming to LIVE music by Gum!
Then head to the district’s newest gallery,JuJu Gallery at 1612 NW 16th. JuJu will feature the creative works by Cyrpt-o-licious Creations, Sp
iritual Sparkles and Felix Matos. Celebrate this last Friday the 13th, by visiting with Oklahoma horror author Dennis McDonald who will be promoting his newest collection of short stories, “13 Nightmares”. Be sure to enter for a chance to win a JuJu Gift Basket!
Oklahoma is in America, and deadCENTER Films will be featuring “Give thanks … for America!” at PhotoArt Studios at 8:30 PM. This collection is as diverse as the US itself. From a doc about a celebrated Native American artist or the oldest man to run for Congress to a quiet narrative about love through a window, these shorts capture the various sparks of inspiration and determination that are uniquely American.
Featuring OK Films: Unconquered: Allan Houser and the Legacy of One Apache Family, by Bryan Beasley…and Steeped by Peter Hermes (filmed in Portland)
Oklahoma Ts at DNA Galleries
Also giving thanks, will be Paula & Company Realtors who will host a Thanksgiving dinner open to all!For more Oklahoma goodies, be sure to visit DNA Galleries and Collected Thread who will all be featuring local Oklahoma designers and art. DNA Galleries will also feature Oklahoma artist Michelle Heimes McRay. Then hop over to Velvet Monkey Salon featuring live music by Oklahoma band Captain C-Note at 7 PM.
Last but not least, be sure to check out open houses at 1708, Charparney and open mic at Coffy’s Cafe. Bad Granny’s Bazaar will also be open with funky, warm and fuzzy finds for this
Support Local Art Ts at DNA Galleries
winter with live music by Sleeper, plus a chance to take your photo with Ceasar the 255 lb Friendly Monster Dog! All proceeds benefit the Central Oklahoma Humane Society!
THIS week in the Plaza
It’s a great week in the Plaza District, check it out!
at Lyric at the Plaza!…..
Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. From Oct 22nd – Nov 1st click for ticket info!
October 22 – November 1, 2009
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursdays: 7:30pm
Fridays & Saturdays: 8:00pm
Saturday Matinee: 2:00pm Sunday Matinee: 3:00pm
It’s Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award winning classic musical thriller, with all its gothic gore, lush songs, and romantic melodrama. Along with the sinister Mrs. Lovett and her special recipe for meat pies, Sweeney Todd and his barber’s blades bring betrayal, revenge, madness, and bloody murder to the city of London. Sondheim’s complex and haunting score is the perfect companion to the Halloween season, bringing to life one of musical theatre’s darkest heroes.
Starring Tony Award nominee Emily Skinner as Mrs. Lovett!
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Then, on Friday October 23rd, help us celebrate DNA Galleries One Year Anniversary!
longboard deck show – friday october 23rd 7-11pm
It’s been a year and DNA is still here! This in itself is cause to celebrate, but they decided to go all out and make it a part of their longboard deck show that’s been in the works for the past 8 months. They have given decks to a variety of local artists to customize. In case you aren’t familiar with longboards, these aren’t regular skateboard decks they measure roughly 3′ in length and ride a lot like a surfboard would on cement. They will have DNA shirts, freebies, beer and wine available for this one night reception! Find us on the map here.
Customized decks by local artists:
Cassie Stover, Ashley Smith, Josh Reynolds, Shawn Vali, Sara Atlee, Josh Heilaman, Bombs Away, Brandi Downham, Kris Kanaly, Fernando Cassias, Jason Pawley, Matty Lynch, Shawn Winfield, Tanner Frady, Stephanie Evans, Michael Combs, Dusty Gilpin, Eric Lyons, Brooke Rowland, Dylan and Amanda Bradway
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Plaza District in
Ghouls Gone Wild Parade-Sat Oct 24th, 7-9 PM
We’ll have an entry in the parade, plus an after party at 611 Creative (611 N Broadway Ave)
LIVE on the Plaza: September
LIVE on the Plaza Second Fridays
September 11th, 7-11 PM
NW 16th between Indiana & Blackwelder
Plaza District starts to keep it cool with a perfect evening to welcome the changing season!
Collected Thread celebrates their one year anniversary with live music by BRINE WEBB at 8 PM and THE PRETTY BLACK CHAINS at 9 PM, limited edition merchandise, a raffle for Samantha Lamb artwork plus much more!
Then head next door to Velvet Monkey Salon to check out the awesome new space, featured artist BEN POTTER and funky style from the vintage shop.
Down at PhotoArt Studios check out September deadCENTER Film Sustainable September. These shorts focus on your mother – EARTH! How to treat her better, live longer, support your farmers, and get that good clean feeling from doing the right thing with our food and our planet. 7-8:30 PM
Featuring OK Films:
-Chase the Can from the Dept. of Environmental Quality
-Food for Thought by Stefanie Gowdy
Don’t forget to head over down to Convergence Collective, to check out Shop Good. Come shop where you know EVERY purchase will benefit a local or global cause impacting communities for good. There will be a wide variety of items for sale and just as wide a variety of beneficiaries, so you’ll get to change the world in a lot of ways just by visiting one store! Women Are Not Weapons, The Spero Project, International Refugees in OKC, and many other groups will be present, and selling items for you to SHOP GOOD!
Other outdoor art booths will be on display and also stop by Bad Grannies Bazaar for “Dorm Life Style” for those college kids, plus live music. Then head on to Paula & Company Realtors for late night kareoke. 1708 willhost an open house, coffee and great conversation.
We are inviting YOU to come out and support the entire Plaza District! Join us for LIVE on the Plaza on Friday, September 11th from 7-11 PM!
For more info about LIVE on the Plaza Second Fridays call 405-308-5991. The Plaza District is located on NW 16th between Indiana and Blackwelder Avenues, on street parking and lot parking will be available in the district, while neighborhood parking is available on the north side of the district.
Head Back to School with Style at Live on the Plaza
Want to head back to school with style? The Plaza District is here to help!
Now is the perfect time to get that haircut or color you’ve always wanted. Velvet Monkey Salon has ½ price Wednesdays for new clients. After your new do, check out what they have to offer in the vintage clothing store. They’ll make you look good for that first day of class.
Sending the kiddos off to college? DNA Galleries has got you covered with the Oklahoma care package. Home won’t seem too far way when your student has pictures, magnets, a t-shirt and their very own Oklahoma to cuddle, when their yearning for a little Home sweet ‘Homa’. Then take a gander at the new billboard messenger bag line and find something to help lug those heavy books around campus.
Next, step on over to Collected Thread and pick up some new threads for school. Summer clothes are being marked-down and all vintage clothes will be on sale for $5.00 dollars during Live on the Plaza. Take a look at some accessories to spice up any outfit and don’t forget to grab a laptop cover to protect your computer.
To make your dorm or apartment feel like home you gotta decorate! Bad Granny’s Bazaar has got one-of-a-kind home décor to help add some panache to your place. Pick up some vinyl records to hang on the wall and peruse the shop for some cool retro knick-knacks, to really give your pad some style. You never know what you might find at Bad Granny’s!
Learn some new moves at Everything Goes Dance Studio. They offer classes in Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Latin, and Hip-Hop. Tumbling and ballet classes are available for the little ones. You can enroll now thru August 22nd and boys are half price!
We are inviting YOU to come out and support the entire Plaza District! Join us for LIVE on the Plaza on Friday, August 14th from 7-11 PM!
For more info about LIVE on the Plaza Second Fridays call 405-308-5991. The Plaza District is located on NW 16th between Indiana and Blackwelder Avenues, on street parking and lot parking will be available in the district, while neighborhood parking is available on the north side of the district.
All 10 Plaza nominated categories win, Kristen get a tat
It’s true. Everyone is always saying I need to get a tattoo, well here is your chance. If Plaza District businesses sweep all 10 of our categories in OK Gazette’s Best of OKC, I’ll get a tattoo.
Doesn’t sound like a big deal? Well, for those of you who don’t know me…let’s just say that would never happen under normal circumstances.
I’m not so brave to say the Plaza District can pick my tattoo, but I am taking suggestions 
here is the link to the Top 5, and below are our nominations highlighted!
Best Hair Salon: Velvet Monkey Salons!
Best Tattoo Shop: No Regrets Tattoo!
Best New Service: Cafe Evoke Catering AND No Regrets Tattoo!!
Best Women’s Clothing Boutique: Collected Thread!
Best Fashion Accessories: Collected Thread!
Best New Retail: Collected Thread! (yes, that’s 3 nominations!!!)
Best Visual Artist: Dylan Bradway
Best Chef: Bruce Rinehart (we got Rococo at the Plaza!)
Best Dance or Theatre Company: Lyric Theatre
Best Art Gallery: DNA Galleries
Plaza District brings 11 Best of OKC Awards Nominations!!
I could probably cry. Though I have no children, and am slightly scared of them, I have the feeling that my precious child just swept the school awards ceremony. I am so proud of the Plaza District businesses and people that make up the district and am so happy to say we have 11 Best of OKC nominations! Though there is still more voting to do, I just have to say, Plaza District-you rock! Thanks to all who voted, come back July 15th to vote again!! ~kristen vails, executive director
here is the link to the Top 5, and below are our nominations highlighted!
http://www.okgazette.com/Default.aspx?p=13070
Best Hair Salon: Velvet Monkey Salons!
Best Tattoo Shop: No Regrets Tattoo!
Best New Service: Cafe Evoke Catering AND No Regrets Tattoo!!
Best Women’s Clothing Boutique: Collected Thread!
Best Fashion Accessories: Collected Thread!
Best New Retail: Collected Thread! (yes, that’s 3 nominations!!!)
Best Visual Artist: Dylan Bradway
Best Chef: Bruce Rinehart (we got Rococo at the Plaza!)
Best Dance or Theatre Company: Lyric Theatre
Best Art Gallery: DNA Galleries
Plaza keeps it Hot!
LIVE on the Plaza Second Fridays
July 10th, 7-11 PM
NW 16th between Indiana & Blackwelder
Plaza District keeps summer hot with LIVE on the Plaza Second Fridays! Featured artists, live music and outdoor artist booths will compliment open businesses in the Plaza District.
Velvet Monkey Salon will be open and featuring artist Tony Westlund. DNA Galleries will host artist Billy Reid, whose work explores human emotion through the use of mixed media materials, exuberant textures and fresh color. Next door, Collected Thread will feature artist Lindsay Hall specializing in paper work, journals, photo albums, stationary, and such. She has made some special stuff for for this second Friday, such as some glass lanterns and message boards. Then make you way to Coffy’s Cafe for open an open mic night!
Next, head over at Convergence Collective, to check out the debut of Shop Good. Come shop where you know EVERY purchase will benefit a local or global cause impacting communities for good. There will be a wide variety of items for sale and just as wide a variety of beneficiaries, so you’ll get to change the world in a lot of ways just by visiting one store! Women Are Not Weapons, The Spero Project, International Refugees in OKC, and many other groups will be present, and selling items for you to SHOP GOOD!
Other outdoor art booths will be on display and don’t forget to stop by Bad Grannies Bazaar for vintage and funky finds! Cross the street over to PhotoArt Studios for an open house, and then on to Paula & Company Realtors for live music and beverages and open spaces of No Regrets and 1708. Round the corner over to 1612 Gatewood for an open house for a great space for lease!
We are inviting YOU to come out and support the entire Plaza District! Join us for LIVE on the Plaza this Friday, July 10th from 7-11 PM!
For more info about LIVE on the Plaza Second Fridays call 405-308-5991. The Plaza District is located on NW 16th between Indiana and Blackwelder Avenues, on street parking and lot parking will be available in the district, while neighborhood parking is available on the north side of the district.
The Plazies!
Monday night in the Plaza District, was a Monday unlike any other. Plaza District business owners, employees and friends gathered to celebrate the finest in the professional world of the Plaza District at the 2009 Plazies. The fabulous ceremony took place at the Grand Paula & Co. Ballroom, where the beautiful wardrobes of stars like Cuz and his bro, and Harold graced the red carpet. Then, the highly anticipated arrival of Plaziewood’s hottest couple Jeffimee arrived. Aimee was draped in the black capris, while Jeff sported a polo and jean shorts (suprise:). The menu for the evening consisted of Jumbo hot dogs, a variety of chips, cookies, sodas and Michelob Ultra. Some of the awards given were:
Best Pigeon Hunter- Estrella Evans, Tina Turner Look-A-Like-Amanda Bradway, Most Likely to Arrange Your Window-Lindsay Zodrow, Best Website Designer-Scott Scrivner, Hottest Bad Granny- Stephanie Evans, Newest Business Owner Who Probably Thinks PD Folks are Weird- Diana Harris, Most Likely to be Called Jeff Struble’s daughter-Kristen Vails, Awesome- Aimee Struble, Most Likely to Wear Cordoroys and White button Up the Most Consecutive Days-Jason Duncan, Best Scooter Tricks- Josh McCullock, Best Party Thrower- Lindsay Gibson, Most Narcoleptic-James Glenn, Scariest Driver-Mai Cao, Best Cheerleader-Ali Johnson, Rock Star- Ashley Smith, Coolest Cholo- Joel Garcia, Native American Ancestory-Cuz, Best Outdated News Updates-Domingo…….just to name a few.
The After Plazies Party kicked off with James Glenn’s rendition of “You Don’t Have to Call Me Darlin”, followed by Ashley Smith’s “Rockin the Casbah”. Suddenly, the crowd was taken away with Amanda Bradway’s rendition of “Careless Whisper” sang to her dear husband. Josh McCullock graced the party with his vocal skills singing…some song by Elton John. It was breathtaking. After the crowd endured the horrific performance of Kristen Vails singing “Sister Christian”, Aimee Struble took it up a notch with a variety of 80s ballads-and even a heartfelt duet performance of White Wedding with hubby Jeff. 1708 crew even performed with baby on hip! Mai Cao teamed up with James Glenn singing Coldplay’s Yellow, and Jackie the cleaning lady jumped in with some skills too!
All in all, the first annual Plazies were a hit. Some Papparrizi pics are below:
