Oklahoma Today Main Street Issue: Launch Party

The Oklahoma Main Street Center and the Plaza District celebrate the release of the January/February issue of Oklahoma Today headlined as “The Complete Guide to Oklahoma’s 42 Main Street Communities” and indeed it is. The glossy pages of the magazine highlight the 42 Main Street communities in Oklahoma who are restoring and revitalizing their communities from the inside out. Even more, this issue is a testimony to the process and the Main Street movement across the state and the nation. In celebration of this anticipated issue, four launch parties will be held across the state, and the Plaza District will host the central celebration.

To kick off the Plaza District’s second Friday artwalk, LIVE on the Plaza, the launch party will commence at the renovated Plaza Theatre, now Lyric at the Plaza. Attendees will be able to view this very special issue, visit with Oklahoma Main Street Staff and other central Main Street communties, as well as tour the historic Lyric Theatre. After the celebration attendees can experience the many open business open for LIVE on the Plaza.

Join us, Friday, January 8th at 7 PM for this exciting moment in Oklahoma Main Street history, and this proud spotlight on many hard-working communities across the state.

Where:Lyric Theatre, 1727 NW 16th, 73106
When: Friday, January 8th, 7-8 PM
More info: Kristen Vails, 405-308-5991, kristen@plazadistrict.org

BIG Announcement!

From Rococo- BIG Announcement!

Rococo is proud to announce the Partnering of PHOTOART Studio and Rococo in the Plaza District! We are kicking off the news tonight at Urbanity being held at the Velvet Monkey tonight from 5:30- 7:00!

We will be doing private dinners, cooking classes, and parties to support the Lyric and the Plaza District as a whole. We are very proud and excited here at Rococo to be joining K.O. Rinearson, PHOTOART and becoming part of the Plaza District Family!

Tickets to the premiere event for the Steel Magnolias Pre-Party can be purchased at Lyric Theatre Box office 405-524-9312

Plaza District is so excited about this awesome event and partnership!!

Eggs a-LIVE! for LIVE on the Plaza second Fridays

LIVE on the Plaza, second Fridays
7-11 PM
NW 16th between Classen and Penn

The Plaza District’s LIVE on the Plaza Second Friday Artwalk blooms a packed schedule and fine introduction to spring. Eggs a-LIVE will start at 7 PM, allowing kids and adults yearning to act like kids- a chance to hunt for eggs full of unique Plaza District prizes. Some prizes include: a free kids craft kit, original artwork from DNA Galleries, handmade items from Collected Thread, gift certificates, kids dance lessons, candy, toys and more! Please find the Plaza District info table across from Lyric Theatre to start the hunt!

At 7:30, head over to PhotoArt Studios for a free film screening of deadCENTER films, and at 8 PM be sure not to miss the Balcum Rancum Live Pupptery at Bad Grannies Bazaar. Last month, Balcum Rancum told the story of “The Largest Mermaid”, so tune in this month to see the latest story!

Be sure to stop by DNA Galleries where Josh Heilaman has returned to OKC to show his latest work. Josh’s work in a variety of media, create environments heavy with seas, forests, and cities — all populated by creatures of whimsy and all expressing the multitude of emotions we as humans face today. From contentment to struggle, adornment to loneliness, Josh’s work gives us a glimpse into ourselves through his use of color and whimsical creatures. DNA Galleries has also worked with Josh to produce the first in a series of local artist limited edition T’s and will be releasing these to the public during the exhibit. Also beats by the favorite DJ Garistotle will be playing outside!

Next door, check out the clothing and accessories by designer Birdie, plus more handmade accessories, vintage clothes and art at Collected Thread! Then, head over to Performance Dancewear for free ballroom dance lessons. Paula and Co Realtors will be throwing a Plaza District ho-down with great music, food and fun! Visual Artist and Indie Craft artist will be displaying works in booths outdoors as well!

Also, Lyric at the Plaza will be showing “Woody Sez” at 8 PM. Lyric’s production of Woody Sez is the American premiere of a musical that met with rave reviews and delighted crowds across Europe!  This gem of a show weaves the songs of Woody Guthrie together with excerpts and anecdotes from his writing to transport the audience through his fascinating, beautiful, and sometimes tragic life. Performed by a talented group of four versatile actor/musicians who play 15 instruments ranging from guitar and fiddle to jaw harp and dulcimer, the show brings to life the many people who are the fabric of Woody Guthrie’s amazing story. The cast’s infectious enjoyment, Woody’s incredible journey, and a stirring mix of moving ballads and energetic foot-stompers, including “This Land Is Your Land”, “Oklahoma Hills” and “This Train Is Bound For Glory”, all create a truly personal portrait of an Oklahoma legend and one of the world’s immortal troubadours. Check www.lyrictheatreokc.com for more showtimes!

No straw here

Here you are, on the inside of the Plaza District. Here you can find the latest scoop on what’s going on, or just read about the various Plaza District inhabitants shooting the breeze. And since I spent all my time setting this thing up, I’ll keep this one short.

A couple of weeks ago, I was visiting my friend and we went to eat breakfast in downtown McKinney TX. I proceeded to grace the perfectly clean streets wrapped with straw and fall leaves, eat the best breakfast at a small restaurant called Spoons, and bought 2 out of 47 popcorn flavor choices from Mom & Popcorn Co. It was Sunday afternoon and the place was buzzing!

I have to admit for a second (just one), I was jealous of the breakfast and the popcorn. As a main street program, the Plaza District is striving to create that healthy buzzing atmosphere, but I quickly reminded myself of all the differences a Texas suburb and an inner Oklahoma City district have.

The Plaza District may never have light poles dressed in straw and leaves. The buzzing atmosphere may never be the middle class after church crowd, but the Plaza District will have light poles promoting the next Lyric production, and the buzzing atmosphere will continue to be a mix of artists, neighborhood residents, parents, and the rest of the eclectic crowd so attracted to the diversity of our district.

I’m still looking forward to that popcorn and breakfast though 🙂

Kristen Vails, Ex Director, Plaza District Main Street Association

**disclaimer: this post does not critique McKinney downtown. I encourage all to visit and get some popcorn!