is an annual benefit for Positive Tomorrows, Oklahoma's only school and social services agency specifically for children and families experiencing homelessness.
Cork & Canvas
Wine tasting and art auction
Above: Jenny Gleeson, Patsy George and Sandy and Wes Milbourn. Cork & Canvas
Above: Nikki Jones Edwards, Positive Tomorrows President and CEO Margaret Creighton, retired President and CEO Susan Agel and Alex Edwards. At left: Daniel Karami, Sheldon Edmond, Bobby Trae Trousdale and Colby Arnold.
Festival party
Kirkpatrick Family Fund
President and Oklahoma Contemporary Founder Christian Keesee and Larry Keigwin, at right, hosted a party in their Nichols Hills home for the upcoming Calderon Dance Festival, set for May 18 at the Myriad Gardens. Larry is a choreographer and curator who has danced his way from the Metropolitan Opera to Broadway and back. He is the founder of OK Let's Dance, an initiative of the Kirk-
Fund.
FESTIVAL
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in California, Flamenco with Maria Benitez in New Mexico, and Ruben Romero, whom she trained with for years during Albuquerque's Flamenco Festival. Shannon was a featured dancer and choreographer for the Opera Ole with the Canterbury Chorale Society and the OKC Philharmonic Orchestra. She guest starred with Edgar Cruz in the 2011 season premiere of “Latin Rhythms” at the Civic Center. She toured as the featured dancer with the late flamenco guitar master Ruben Romero, was featured at San Diego’s California Performing Arts Theater, and in Flamenco videos for PBS Television.
She was honored as one of Oklahoma's official artists in residence, was an instructor with the National Endowment for the Arts Creative Communities program, and was inducted into
OCCC’s Hall of Fame in 2010.
In October 2014, Shannon was given the devastating news that she had a very aggressive form of uterine cancer and that it would be terminal. Shannon's final wish was to have a city-wide dance festival that would incorporate dance at its finest, where all could participate. She spoke of this dream with her niece, Erika Vasquez, and choreographer, Hui Cha Poos – and in 2022, it became a reality; the first Calderon Dance Festival happened in the 16th Street Plaza District.
The festival includes dance classes, dance performances, artist vendors, live music and more. For more information, visit calderondancefestival.org.
SHANNON CALDERON
patrick Family
- Photos by Ashley Sunderland
Cliff and Leslie Hudson visit with Larry Keigwin at the Calderon Dance Festival party.
CALENDAR
THEATRE
June 21 • Seussical Jr.
Oklahoma Children’s Theatre presents Seussical Jr. where Dr. Seuss’s most beloved characters come to life. Join Horton the Elephant as he discovers an entire world liv
ing on a tiny speck of dust and sets out on a heartwarming journey to protect it. With vibrant songs, colorful costumes, and an energetic cast of young performers, this playful production will take audiences on a fantastical adventure where imagination knows no bounds. Performance Dates: Saturday, June 21 at 2 pm and Sunday, June 22 at 2 pm. Located in the Burg Theatre inside the Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center at Oklahoma City University (OCU). Tickets available at okct.org.
CONCERTS
May 17 •
An Alpine Symphony OKC Philharmonic’s final Classics concert of the season features Richard Strauss’ iconic An Alphine Symphony, depicting a day in the Alps – from sunrise to sunset, capturing the ascent through forests and meadows, all the way to the glacier and summit. The program begins with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening at
Sept. 13 • Comic Arts Festival
The firstever Oklahoma Comic Arts Festival (OCAF) will be held Saturday, Sept. 13 at Oklahoma Contemporary featuring the excitement and discovery of a comic convention with the arts educational programming for which Oklahoma Contemporary is known. Free to the public, OCAF is a familyfriendly celebration of comics, manga, and visual storytelling that will offer visitors the opportunity to meet dozens of Oklahoma comic creators, as well as celebrated creators from across the country. In addi ti on to mee ti ng comic creators and artists, there will be workshops for kids and adults alike, as well as plans for on site food trucks, cafe and bar, and tshirt screen printing. For more information visit OCAF.org.
the Civic Center. Visit okcphil.org for more information.
May 18 • Free Concert
Scissortail Park presents its free summer concert at the Love’s Travel Stops Stage & Great Lawn Sunday, May 18 with the OKC Philharmonic, 8 pm.
FESTIVALS
May 2425 • Chuck Wagon Festival
Celebrate Western and Native American history, art and cuisine from 10 am to 4 pm at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Activities include food samples, reenactors, artist demonstrations, musical performances, face painting, petting zoo, Western dance, live music and more. $15 in advance; $20 at the door; kids (12 & under) & museum members, free. Visit nationalcowboymuseum.org for details.
THIS WEEKEND
May 911 • SHORTS Ballet
OKC Ballet presents three iconic ballets in one performance at the Civic Center this weekend. SHORTS has something for everyone featuring a world premiere ballet with music by The Flaming Lips. Visit okcballet. org for details and ticket information.
May 10 •
Flower & Garden Festival
Join thousands of attendees to shop with over 70 vendors for every type of plant and flower imaginable to add to your home and garden. From native plants to exotic succulents, you’ll find something special to add to your space. There will also be ven
dors selling art, jewel
ry, soaps, food, and more. Event is free at the Myriad Botanical Gardens from 9 am –4 pm.
events to jennifer@okcfriday.com
The deadCenter Film Festival has released the slate of movies that will screen at their 25th annual community celebration of film coming up June 11-15 in downtown Oklahoma City. The selections include a record number of Oklahoma films as deadCenter honors its origin as a platform for Oklahoma filmmakers to share their films.
deadCenter is Oklahoma’s largest and only Oscar-qualifying film festival. As such, the winners of the three primary shorts categories at deadCenter (live action short, documentary short, and animated short) automatically join the winners from Sundance, Cannes, Toronto, and a few other festivals as finalists for the Academy Awards.
As an Oscar-qualifying festival, deadCenter receives a substantial number of high-quality short films from around the world. Nearly 1,800 films applied to screen at the festival this year. From those entries, deadCenter selected 180 short films and 22 feature films, including 25 world premieres. Of the 22 features, 12 of them are made in or about Oklahoma.
The narrative feature program includes several outstanding Oklahoma made movies. Reverence, the opening night film, reunites writer/director Kyle Kauwika Harris with leading man Adam Hampton in another riveting thriller. Their most recent collaboration is the 2022 thriller
Out of Exile, which is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.
Husband and wife duo Cara Choate and Jeremy Choate return to deadCenter for the third time with their wild new feature Salt of the Earth, which also stars Adam Hampton. The Choates previously screened Tenkiller in 2022 and The Awkward Stage in 2024.
Writer/director Benjamin Tefera offers up a whirlwind of music, romance, and violence with his latest feature Close Enough to Burn. Tefera’s producing partner is Heritage Hall alum Ben Stillwell White, who also produced and filmed Tefera’s 2022 deadCenter selection Feel So Good. White has another feature at deadCenter this year as a producer, an oil field drama called Anywhere from writer/director Adam Seidel.
Oklahoma Film Icon Award winner Ryan Bellgardt, founder of Boiling Point Media, is premiering his latest special effects masterpiece as writer/director, The Jurassic Games: Extinction. Boiling Point Media employs more filmmakers full time than any other studio or production company in Oklahoma. They provide special effects for
up to 20 feature films per year from clients around the world while still writing and producing their own films. The documentary selections also include several standouts from Oklahoma. Thunder Films shares their latest film, Incomparable, about the history and cultural impact of the Myriad Gardens. Director Colleen Thurston presents her environmental doc Drowned Land about the Kiamichi River in Choctaw Nation. And Kevin Ford premieres his latest film 67 Bombs to Enid about survivors of nuclear weapons testing in the Marshall Islands who relocate to Enid, Oklahoma.
Kevin Ford was a finalist for the Grand Jury Prize at Slamdance for his film Three days featuring the band Jane’s Addiction. He is married to Emmy Award-winning Heritage Hall graduate Emily Barclay Ford. Kevin and Emily recently collaborated on the film SR. about Robert Downey, Sr., which was named Best Documentary of 2022 by the National Board of Review. They are both super talented filmmakers who have expanded the capabilities of our film and television industry since moving back. It’s time to get ready for deadCenter. Visit deadcenterfilm.org. for a full list of films, programming schedule, and information on sponsoring or buying passes. Happy Mother’s Day!
OCCC earns 14th Tree Campus recognition from Arbor Day Foundation
Oklahoma City Community College has been named a 2024 Tree Campus by the Arbor Day Foundation, the 14th consecutive year that the college has earned this honor.
OCCC’s tenure, from 2011 to 2024, represents the highest number of recertifications achieved by an institution of higher education in the state, a distinction that OCCC shares with one other school.
“Oklahoma City Community College is committed to being a tree-friendly campus and proud to maintain a tenure of recognition from the Arbor Day Founda -
tion and the Tree Campus program,” said Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, president of OCCC. “OCCC is dedicated to enhancing community well-being through tree education, investment, and community engagement.”
The Tree Campus program recognizes schools, universities, and health care facilities that utilize trees to improve their communities. To earn Tree Campus recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation, colleges and universities must uphold five core standards, including maintaining an advisory committee, setting a campus tree care plan, verifying annual
investment in the tree care plan, celebrating Arbor Day, and creating a service-learning project aimed at engaging the student body.
“Trees have the power to inspire learning and improve well-being,” said Michelle Saulnier, vice president of programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “By growing campus green spaces, forward-thinking higher education leaders like OCCC are cultivating vibrant learning communities that also benefit the greater environment.”
Trees on campus can lower the energy cost of campus facilities by
providing shade cover, reducing extreme heat, improving air quality and boosting physical health benefits for students and staff. In addition, trees improve students’ mental and cognitive health, provide an appealing aesthetic for campuses, and create shaded areas for gathering and studying.
The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus program is operated in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and support from professional partner Bartlett Tree Experts. To learn more about the program or how to apply, visit arborday.org
A play about the greatest movie almost never made
Go behind the scenes of Jaws for the film’s 50th Anniversary in the jaw-droppingly hilarious and heartfelt hit, The Shark is Broken — where the shark isn’t the only thing that’s not working!
The Shark is Broken runs June 13 – July 5 at Pollard Theatre Company, 120 W. Harrison Ave, Guthrie.
The open ocean, 1974. Filming is delayed AGAIN. The lead actors— theatre veteran Robert Shaw and young Hollywood hotshots Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider—are crammed into a toosmall boat, entirely at the mercy of foul weather and a faulty mechanical co-star. Alcohol flows, egos collide, and tempers flare on a chaotic voyage that just might lead to cinematic magic…if it doesn’t sink them all.
The Shark is Broken celebrates movie history and peeks at the choppy waters behind Hollywood’s first blockbuster. Get tickets and details at thepollard.org.
Lyric Sing-A-Long Brunch
Chicks and ducks and geese better scurry on down to The Blue Note Lounge for its next Showtune SingAlong Brunch on Sunday, May 18 — it’s gonna be O-K-L-A-HO-M-A y’all!
Doors swing open at 11 am sharp, just in time to mosey on in, snag a mimosa, and dig into a delicious brunch by the fine folks at Toast & Coffee. Then at 12 pm, we’ll raise the
roof and voices for a full-throated singalong to Oklahoma! plus a few other Rodgers & Hammerstein favorites and some showstoppers from this season at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. Reserved seating is limited, so grab your seats now at okcbluenote.com/event s/lyric-sing-a-longbrunch/. Blue Note is located at 2408 N. Robinson Ave.
OCCC contributes to a healthier future
OCCC has received the certification level of “Excellence” from the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Certified Healthy Campus program.
Certified Healthy Campus was created in 2011 to recognize both public and private post-secondary campuses and career technology centers that promote health and wellness for their faculty, staff, students and visitors.
“OCCC is honored to be recognized by the Oklahoma State Department of Health as a Certified Healthy Campus at the Excellence level,” said Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, president of OCCC. “Our college is proud to positively contribute to a healthier future for Oklahomans by fostering a campus environment rooted in evidence-based health and wellness principles.”
The Certified Healthy level of certification — Basic, Merit, Excellence — is determined by a scoring process. Applicants report on activities and policies currently offered by their campus across 82 criteria in 10 categories, covering topics such as tobacco; nutrition; physical activity; stress; mental health; alcohol, drug, and other addiction issues; prevention; safety; continuing professional development; and service.
Certified Healthy Campus is part of the Certified Healthy Oklahoma Program, a free, voluntary statewide certification that showcases businesses, campuses, communities, congregations, early childhood programs, and schools that are committed to supporting healthy choices through environmental and policy change.
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History celebrates 25 years of inspiration and discovery
The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is set to mark the 25th anniversary of its current building’s public opening. On May 1, 2025, the museum looks back on decades of persistent advocacy and fundraising that secured the approval and construction of its purpose-built facility. Museum staff and volunteers are now looking ahead to many more years of preserving Oklahoma’s natural history and deepening public understanding of the state’s rich cultural heritage.
On May 1, 2000, the Sam Noble Museum unveiled a state-of-theart building that transformed the way Oklahoma’s designated natural history museum preserved and studied the objects in its care. Designed to house expansive collections ranging from dinosaur fossils and
Native American artifacts to biological specimens, the facility set a new standard for museums, educational institutions and research facilities in the state. Since its opening, more than three million visitors have marveled at its dynamic exhibits, interactive displays, and immersive educational programs—all aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural and cultural world.
Museum Director Dr. Janet Braun said the anniversary offers not only a moment to reflect on the achievements of the past quarter-century but also an opportunity to celebrate the institution’s 126-year history in Oklahoma and set sights on future initiatives.
“The building was conceived as a renewed commitment to protecting the natu-
ral and cultural treasures of Oklahoma,” Braun said. “As we celebrate 25 years at the Sam Noble Museum, we want to honor the legacy of Director Emeritus Dr. Michael Mares, as well as the citizens, donors and advocates who fought so passionately to preserve the state’s history and see this building constructed. At the same time, we reaffirm our dedication to pushing the boundaries of research, student mentorship, education and community engagement into the future.”
The museum will be officially celebrating its anniversary with birthday cake, collection showcases, games and activities at its Sam Noble Museum, Then and Now public event on May 10. All activities are included with general museum admission, samnoblemuseum.ou.edu.
Locally-owned Business Directory
Debbie South Metro First Realty @ Lake Hefner 3232 W Britton Rd, 277 Oklahoma City, OK.73120 (405) 706-9077
Full Circle Bookstore 1900 NW Expressway
Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 842-2900 (800) 683-READ
Junior’s Supper Club
2601 NW Expressway Oil Center Building (405) 848-5597 juniorsokc.com
Boutique One
7636 N. Western Wilshire Village Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 888-9822 boutiqueone.store
The Learning Tree 7638 N. Western Wilshire Village (405) 848-1415 learningtreeokc.com
Nancy Farha’s 9205 N. Pennsylvania Casady Square The Village, OK 73120 (405) 775-0404 nancyfarha.com
23rd Street Antiques 3023 NW 23rd. (405) 947-3800 Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Antiques23.com
Coyle Law Firm 125 Park Ave. No.100 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 583-3909 coylelaw.com
Gulfport Seafood Market 8016 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 848-3468 Gulfportseafoods.com
Moorman's Distinctive Carpets and Area Rugs 3835 NW 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4888 moormanscarpetsoklahoma city.com
Naifeh Fine Jewelry 6471 Avondale Dr,. Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 607-4323 Naifehfinejewelry.com
Retirement Investment Advisors 2925 United Founders Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-3443 theretirementpath.com
Thrifty Pharmacy 10904 N. May Ave. L Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 751-2852 230 S. Santa Fe Ave. Edmond OK 73003 thriftypharmacyedmond.com
BancFirst 6200 Waterford Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 270-1622 Bancfirst.bank
First National Bank of Oklahoma 10900 Hefner Pointe Dr., No. 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 848-2001 fnbok.com
CK & Co. 6429 Avondale Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 843-7636 ckandcompany.com
Quail Creek Bank 12201 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-1000 quailcreek.bank
Covenant Brothers 5900 Mosteller Dr. No. 7 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-4671 covbros.com
Justin Beasley, DDS 4600 W Memorial Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73142 (405) 755-5400 drbeasley.com
Cindi Shelby, Stylist Lela Rose & Pearl by Lela Rose 333 W. Wilshire Blvd., Ste. F Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 830-1138
Quail Plaza Barber Shop 10940 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (495) 751-2126
All About Travel, Ltd. 6104 Northwest 63 Oklahoma City, OK 73132 (405) 384-3880 www.allabout-travel.com
Papa Dios 10712 N May, Suite D Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-2255 papadiosokc.com
First Fidelity Bank 6404 Avondale, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 416-2222 Website: ffb.com
Denner Roofing Co. LLC 6608 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4411 dennerroofing.com
First Source Real Estate
Residential Sales 12020 N. Penn Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 236-4747
Michael Biddinger Real Estate Commercial Sales, Management 12020 N. Penn Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 236-4747
The Adult Clinic at Hearts for Hearing 11500 N. Portland Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 548-4335
Christian Science Reading Room 6490 Avondale Drive (Nichols Hills Plaza North) Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 843-5334 christianscienceokc.org
Steam It Klean It LLC Carpet Cleaning PO Box 20232 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 (405) 602-4960 Steamitkleanit@gmail.com
Krista Anne’s Boutique 7602 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 310-5500
Paul Seikel Pearls Oyster Bar 5641 N. Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 848-8008 pearlsokc.com
Basey's Roofing Gary Basey 2700 S. May Ave. Okla City, OK 73109 (405)755-8717 baseysroofingjs@gmail.com
Niroula Law 511 Couch Dr., No. 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 496-9250 niroulalaw.com
OKC FRIDAY P.O. Box 20340 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 (405) 755-3311 okcfriday.com
Strebel Creek Vineyard & Gift Shop 11521
navigatingmedicare.com
Email rose@ okcfriday.com for more information.
OCU Societies honorees
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Now, through grants funding small equipment, activities and experiences, the foundation can provide those same opportunities to others who live with disability.
Here are some examples of activities/equipment eligible for a grant: adaptive skiing, adaptive horseback riding, Grand Canyon river rafting, swimming with dolphins, dance classes, rock climbing, attending a Broadway musical, beach wheelchair rental, adaptive bike caddie and adaptive swim device.
Applicants (individuals and organizations) interested in seeking funding from Sam The I Can Foundation must complete all sections of the online application at samtheicanman.org/i-can-tooapplication, including the long answers. If you are submitting on behalf of an individual with differing abilities, note it in the I Can Too application.
All information provided on this application is personal and confidential and will be used solely for the purposes of consideration for funds and not be used in any other capacity.
Only applications received online are accepted.
Applications filled out incorrectly or incompletely are automatically denied.
Under the Big Top
OMRF's President and CEO Dr. Andrew S. Weyrich with his wife, Amy, and son Sam, at the OMRF’s 75th anniversary gala.
During a luncheon at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, the OCU Societies honored four women, From left: Peggy Kates, Kirkpatrick-Petree Music and Performing Arts Award; Charlotte Lankard, Distinguished Philanthropist Award; OCU President Ken Evans; Myrla Pierson, Norick-Hulsey Gallery Society Award; and Jill Trauschke, Dulaney-Browne Library Society Award.
Under the Big Top is Calm Water’s signature fundraising event featuring carnival games and food. Above: Calm Waters’ founder Charlotte Lankard visits with guests. At right: President and CEO Linda Maisch addresses the crowd. Calm Waters is central Oklahoma’s only grief agency serving children and families.
Jordan von Netzer and Paul Steinke hosted the Third Annual Jockeys & Juleps Kentucky Derby party at their Nichols Hills residence. Attendees enjoyed Floof Cotton Candy engraved with jockeys, drank mint juleps and dined on other derby-themed food. From left: Randy von Netzer, Barbe von Netzer with hosts Jordan von Netzer and Paul Steinke.
Christy Blankenship, Kyleigh Brewer, Elyse Bradley, Kiley Faily and Shayna McIntyre attend The 3rd Annual Jockeys & Juleps Kentucky Derby party.
And they are off!
The Regional Food Bank was the beneficiary of a Kentucky Derby Party at OAK, Julep Jubilee. At right: Bob Lane races to the finish line in the stick horse races. Below: Jamie Cinnamon and Lestari Kusumawardani in their Derby Day finery wait to watch the horses run.
Tech Trek enrollment open
Enrollment is now open for Camp Tech Trek, Metro Tech’s hands-on career exploration camp for students ages 10 to 14. The first of four weekly sessions will kick off Monday, June 2, at the Metro Tech Springlake Campus.
Tech Trek allows young learners to explore Metro Tech programs and exciting career paths through fun, engaging, and educational experiences and activities in areas like Aerospace, Culinary Arts, Welding, Cosmetology, Public Safety and STEM. No two weeks are the same, so parents can enroll their students in one or multiple sessions to experience something new each time.
Tuition is $50 per session; campers will receive daily lunch and snacks. Transportation will also be available to ensure accessibility for families across the district. For more information and to
enroll, visit metrotech.edu/summercamps About Metro Tech:
As one of Oklahoma’s largest and most diverse career technology centers, Metro Tech operates across four campuses, offering full-time and short-term programs and customized business solutions tailored to workforce needs. Campuses are located at the Will Rogers International Airport and in the south, northeast, and downtown areas of Oklahoma City. For more information, visit metrotech.edu.
Metro Tech is part of the Oklahoma CareerTech system, which offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts and operates on 59 campuses across the state.
CareerTech plays a vital role in developing a world-class workforce for Oklahoma employers and prepares
homans to succeed in the workplace, in education and in life.
Okla-
Tech Trek allows young learners to explore Metro Tech programs and exciting career paths through fun, engaging and educational experiences.
From left: Richard Bruner, Ashley Weems, Seth Lewis and Sarah Anderson under a rose arch during the Run for the Roses party.
- Photos by Rose Lane