Christmas, Coffee, and Poetry

Peter Mayer's Stars and Promises 2012-the Light of Christmas, is an ancillary Parrothead event, as Mayer serves as the lead guitarist for Jimmy Buffett. However, according to Asbury's senior pastor Tom Harrison, things might be a little different from what your average Parrothead might be seeking.

"Well, we won't be wasting away in Margaritaville," Harrison said.

Instead, Mayer will play a Christmas-themed show at Asbury's Venue 68, located by the church at 6910 S. 101st East Ave. this Thursday, Dec. 20.

"Peter grew up in India, the son of Lutheran missionaries," Harrison said. "And that's where he learned his music. He's a strong, strong Christian man, and just an amazing musician."

The Mayer concert has become something of an annual Asbury tradition, and it also serves as a benefit for the Goodland Academy in Hugo -- in southeastern Oklahoma -- which dedicates itself to developing students into being the leaders of tomorrow.

As anyone who has been to this concert in the past can tell you, Mayer is really quite talented -- the pastor's not just blowing smoke. The fact that he returns to Tulsa year after year is a great treat for us that so few seem to know about. Tickets are $15 through Asbury at 918-492-1771, or $20 at the door. The show starts at 7:00pm, and doors open at 6:30pm.

Vesperae: A Caffeinated Installation, and The Four Elements

Artist Cristina Speligene used to be in advertising. She has been a lifelong coffee drinker. And she likes containers. Why does this matter? Because these three elements have come together in her to create her newest installation at Living Arts, Vesperae: A Caffeinated Installation, a work that celebrates coffee and its role as a connector in our lives (how many times do you "meet for coffee"?) and in our rituals. Hell, I don't even drink coffee, but I enjoy the process of making it.

Five other artists -- Cathryn Thomas, Sharyl Landis, Nancy Hammill, Ron Fleming, and Linda Stilley -- combine to create the other show at Living Arts, The Four Elements. Conceived as an annual event looking at ancient materials reinterpreted by the modern world, the show presented the artists with clay, fiber, metal, and wood. These are all nationally-recognized artists, so it's not like there will be woodshop projects on display.

Both shows run at Living Arts at 307 E. Brady and close Dec. 22. Admission is free.

TCC Community Band and Orchestra Concert

Deck the halls at the VanTrease Performing Arts Center for Education Thursday, Dec. 20, with the TCC Community Band and Orchestra. Presenting well-known, holiday-themed works, both ensembles will be performing to the delight of music lovers and Christmas-philes alike.

The night starts at 7:30pm, and $5 tickets are available at the door, or by reservation through the VanTrease PACE ticket office at 918-595-7777.

Fairytales and Fables: Featuring Poet-in-Residence Confidence Omenai

This Louder Than A Bomb event, curated by Omenai herself, is an open mic event held at the Harwelden Mansion.

HARWELDEN MANSION File Photo

Louder Than A Bomb itself is a teen poetry slam movement featuring local students from Booker T. Washington, McLain, and other Tulsa-area schools. Omenai teaches poetry workshops, brings slam poetry and spoken word to the stage with this latest LTAB event.

Held this Thursday, Dec. 20 at 6pm, the event is free. The Harwelden Mansion is located at 2210 S. Main St..

Send all comments and feedback regarding Arts Experienced to bmorris@urbantulsa.com.