7+1 Edited by Jarrod Gollihare

Top Pick

A Tulsa Tradition. If carting the whole family to Philbrook Museum for their beloved annual Yuletide event, The Festival of Trees, hasn't been on your regular holiday event schedule up to this point, it's time to makes some changes. This year's gala once again features dozens of whimsically decorated trees created by local designers, as well as a substantial collection of gingerbread houses crafted by local students. Very holiday-esque. The festival runs through Dec. 2. Philbrook is at 2727 S. Rockford. Gallery hours are Tues.-Sunday, 10am-5pm, Thurs. 10am-8pm. Visit www.philbrook.org for more info.

'Tis the Season

Thursday, November 29

A true legend in country music, George Jones, will grace the stage of The Brady Theater tonight, 105 W. Brady. This unmistakable singer has definitely been there, done that, and lived to tell about it... over and over again. George Jones 50 Years of Hits, his recent career-spanning 3-CD set, features one hit song for each of Jones' 50 years in the business. (Did you get that? Fifty years of music making... and a hit song for each year. Unbelievable.) Doors open at 6:30pm and show starts at 7:30pm.

Friday, November 30

Kick start your Christmas season this evening with Oral Roberts University's holiday extravaganza, One Starry Night, featuring the ORU choir and orchestra joined onstage by a variety of special guests. Get there early for photos with Santa in the Children's Open House, which runs from 6:15-7:15pm. Be sure to bring a donation of a new, unwrapped toy or canned food items for admission to the concert. It all takes place at the Mabee Center, 7777 S. Lewis Ave. Concert begins at 7:30pm.

Saturday, December 1

As the continuing success of TV's America's Funniest Home Videos will attest, people just love to watch other people goof up. The more gloriously public the goof-up, the harder everyone laughs. It's just human nature. In that spirit, Theatre Tulsa's new production, The Dresser--which chronicles the travails of an English actor fumbling his way through a challenging performance of Shakespeare's King Lear--ought to keep you in stitches. Catch a performance tonight at the Liddy Doenges Theatre, Tulsa PAC, 2nd & Cincinnati. Show starts at 8pm.

Sunday, December 2

Every holiday season you'll generally get several chances to "discover the true meaning of Christmas" via some stage play, musical, TV show or movie. Well, today's one of those opportunities. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Clark Theatre's annual Christmas production (now in its 21st year!) tells the story of The Herdmans... the worst kids in school. They're uncouth, rude and downright mean. Then, shocker of all shockers, these little heathens get cast in the lead roles of the annual Christmas pageant! Watch what happens next at Clark Theatre, 11440 E. Admiral. Performance begins at 2pm.

Monday, December 3

Contrary to modern American consumerism, sometimes smaller is better. See what we mean at Small Treasures, the new holiday exhibit at Color Connection Gallery, 2050 Utica Square. The show features miniature paintings by gallery artists Diane Salamon, Jeannie Graham, Robert Reed and Shirley Ward...and there's even a 15 percent discount on the artwork. Visit colorconnectiongallery.com for more information.

Tuesday, December 4

Expand your holiday horizons tonight...there's more to Christmas cheer than Santa, holly and candy canes, after all. That's the message in the Council Oak Men's Chorale's new Yuletide concert, Another Roamin' Holiday, which explores the music and traditions of other countries. Take this musical journey at Trinity Episcopal Church, 5th & Cincinnati Ave. Music starts at 8pm

Wednesday, December 5

Boss breathing down your neck? Overbearing clients taking you to task? Mind-numbingly boring paperwork piling up on your desk? You need a mental break today...a midday happy snack. Here's the plan: pack your lunch and head down to the John H. Williams Theatre, 110 E. 2nd St., for a noonday holiday concert from the Tulsa Festival Ringers at 11:30am and 12:45pm. You'd be surprised how far a little Christmas cheer can go. Ho ho ho.

Thursday, December 6

The Tulsa Air and Space Museum's new presentation, Infinity Express, is definitely an out-of-this-world experience. Explore the universe, follow the life and death cycle of a star and get to know Mars up-close-and-personal...all via impressive surround screen immersion, Hubble Telescope imagery and the dulcet tones of narrator Laurence Fishburne. Premiers this month and runs 'til Nov. 2008. Call 834-9900 or visit www.TulsaAirAndSpaceMuseum.com for showtimes.

Holidays In Full Swing

Wild West Christmas. Downtown El Reno will be bustling with Christmas cheer Thurs., Nov. 29 as Christmas on the Western Frontier begins at 6pm. First the kiddos can make an ornament or frame to take home at the Christmas Craft Project from 4:30-6pm, at 110 S. Rock Island. Then an old-fashioned Christmas parade commences at 6pm, and at 7pm the tree lighting ceremony begins at Petree plaza. Stroll through downtown to sample special treats, discover great treasures, ride the trolley, visit with Santa and enjoy carolers for the rest of the evening. Call El Reno Main Street, 405-262-8888, for more.

The Show Must Go On. Theatre Tulsa presents The Dresser, Nov. 29--Dec. 1, at the Liddy Doenges Theatre, Tulsa PAC. The Dresser follows an English actor who is having difficulty remembering who he is and what his lines are right before a production of King Lear. The actor's dresser tries valiantly to prepare him to go on stage in the lead role. With a Herculean effort he finally makes it there...only to give the performance through an air raid. For tickets call 587-8402 or purchase online at HYPERLINK http://www.myticketoffice.com myticketoffice.com. For more information, go to HYPERLINK www.theatretulsa.org theatretulsa.org.

What's That Sound? Found Sound Noise Orchestra Workshop by Austin Giles will run from Nov. 26-30, 4-6pm, providing an environment where young people can create and perform original music in a group setting with no previous experience. Students focus on all forms of percussion, including traditional drum set, found objects, created items, and hand drums. This is a one-week intensive course with Austin Giles of the Red Headed Step Children. The cost is $50, with some scholarships available depending on financial need. Classes will be held at Liggett Studio, 314 S Kenosha Ave. To enroll, contact Scott Hiberling, Youth Activity Center Director for Youth Services of Tulsa, at sheberling@yst.org or call 382-4427.

Jonesy Boy. The greatest living country singer, George Jones, is coming to Tulsa's Historic Brady Theater, Thurs., Nov. 29. George Jones first hit the charts in 1955 with "Why, Baby, Why." In 2004 he celebrated his 50th Anniversary as a recording artist with the release of a 3-CD set titled George Jones 50 Years of Hits, which featured one hit for each year of his career. Now at the age of 75, George Jones still headlines nearly 100 concerts a year. Enjoy "An Evening With George Jones" at Tulsa's Historic Brady Theater, 105 W. Brady. Doors open at 6:30pm and show starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are $35, $45, and $55 at bradytheater.com or call 58-BRADY.

Read All About It! The third annual Oklahoma Ink book fair will feature nearly 20 Oklahoma authors gathered at the historic Harwelden mansion, 2210 S. Main, on Thurs., Nov. 29. From 6-8pm the public has the opportunity to buy signed books as gifts for the holidays and to help raise funds for the Tulsa Press Club Scholarship Fund. A diverse array of Oklahoma authors (novelists, journalists, historians, children's book writers and illustrators, among others) will be available for this free public appearance and signing. For more information call the Tulsa Press Club at 583-7737.

Singing and Playing at the Same Time. The true Austin, TX, musician Bob Schneider is visiting Tulsa's legendary Cain's Ballroom, 423 N. Main, with AM joining in on the "Songs Sung And Played On The Guitar With People In The Room Tour 2007." Tickets are $17 in advance and $19 the day of the show, Thurs., Nov. 29. Doors open at 7pm. Call 866-443-8849 or cainsballroom.com for tickets.

Santa Smalls. The holiday exhibit Small Treasures, hosted by The Color Connection Gallery in Utica Square, featuring miniature paintings by gallery artists, begins Thurs., Nov. 29. The show includes a 15 percent discount on all artwork and will be on display at Color Connection Gallery, 2050 Utica Square, through Dec. 31. Featured artists are Robert Reed, Diane Salamon, Jeannie Graham and Shirley Ward. Call 742-0515 or go to colorconnection.com for more information.

Revenge at Bethlehem. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever makes its 21st annual appearance on stage at Clark Theatre, 11440 E. Admiral, Nov. 30-Dec. 9. The Herdmans are the worst kids in school and one Sunday they come to church to take advantage of the free snacks the minister gives out. It just so happens that's the same day for tryouts for the annual church Christmas Pageant. After a little peer intimidation, they all walk out with the lead roles. Disaster looms, but so does the possibility of learning the true meaning of Christmas. Performances begin at 7:30pm and 2pm Sunday. Tickets are $6 for seniors and students, $8 for adults. Call 669-6455 or HYPERLINK www.clarktheatre.com go to clarktheatre.com for more.

Holiday Concert. One Starry Night, the Oral Roberts University Christmas celebration, brings the ORU choir and orchestra together with a variety of special guests to the Mabee Center, 7777 S. Lewis Ave., Fri., Nov. 30. In addition to the concert, a children's open house, including games, treats, Eli the Golden Eagle and photos with Santa Claus, opens from 6:15-7:15pm. Bring a donation of a new, unwrapped toy or canned food items for admission to the concert. All donations will be distributed by the ORU Outreach Ministries Department to families in the Tulsa community. The concert begins at 7:30pm. For more information, call 495-7250 or visit oru.edu.

Santa's Little Helper. SuperOVUM performs improvisational comedy on Sat., Nov. 30 at Living Art Space. SuperOvum is Tulsa's only long form, all female comedy improv troupe and they're back for an evening of laughs coupled with social consciousness. Just in time for the holiday season, these funny ladies explore the multi-layered topic of "consumerism" in their new show, "Here's Your Change." As always SuperOVUM invites the audience to participate in the fun. Laughter starts at 8pm. Tickets are $8. For more information call 585-1234.

Southern Art for Sale. Architect and architectural historian John Brooks Walton has been in private practice in Tulsa since 1960. In 1990, Southern Living magazine listed him as one of the 25 outstanding southern architects in the U.S. He began painting with acrylics in 2003, with his many years of architectural training in composition and colors influencing his style. Walton's art is for sale at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Gallery through Nov. 30. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 10am-5pm. The event is free and open to the public. Call 596-7122 or go to tulsapac.com for more info.

Not a Bad Idea. Brain Storms, the one-act plays written by the winners of the Tulsa City-County Library's 2007 Young People's Creative Writing Contest, will be performed on stage at the Charles E. Norman Theater of the Tulsa PAC, Sat., Dec. 1 at 7pm. The performances could be the defining moment in the lives of Tulsa's young playwrights aged 10-18 years old. Tickets are $5. Call 596-7122 or visit tulsapac.com.

Hit the Ballroom. Louisiana bred Hurricane Chris is bringing the Shreveport ratchet to Cain's Ballroom, Sat., Dec. 1. Openers Real Recognize Real, Playa 1000, G.M.C. and Stack-a-Grip will kick off the show at 7pm. Tickets are $22 advance and $28 the day of, or $40 VIP. Call 866-443-8849 or visit cainsballroom.com for tickets.

Cosmic Adventure. Explore the universe at the planetarium's newest show, Infinity Express. Actor Laurence Fishburne narrates as the show explores the mysteries of the universe with images taken by the Hubble Space telescope that take the audience through the life and death of a star, into the depths of planet Mars and beyond. Infinity Express gets underway Sat., Dec. 1 at the James E. Bertelsmeyer Planetarium, 3624 N. 74th E. Ave. through Nov. 2008. Tickets are $6. HYPERLINK "http://www.TulsaAirAndSpaceMuseum.com"; Go to TulsaAirAndSpaceMuseum.com or call 834-9900 for showtimes.

Invisible Concert. The Invisible Children Concert Night, hosted by Union High School's Invisible Children Club, is hosting an evening of live music at The Otherside Event Center, 6904 S Lewis Ave., Sat., Dec. 1., to raise money for school kids in Uganda. Live performances include: Signal Creek Sunrise, Hush Hush Commotion, Sam and the Stylees, The Forward, Rocket, Gavin Stewart, Fire Under Water, and Ex Nihilo. The club helps spread awareness of the war in Uganda that has raged for 20 years and is breeding a generation of war torn youth. The profits provide basic necessities to the Gulu Senior Secondary School in Uganda. Tickets are $10. Visit invisiblechildren.com for more information.

Sweet Avengers. With the release of their 2007 self-titled album, Avenged Sevenfold delves into the depths of memento mori, the remembrance of mortality, and takes a personal look into their motives and forces. Live at Cain's Ballroom on Sunday, Dec. 2, with opening bands Operator, Confession and The Black Tide. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are $30. Call 1-866-443-8849 or visit cainsballroom.com.

Jazz Tones. The jazz depot mixes it up with the Four Gentlemen of Swing, whose diverse vocals run the gamut from Sinatra to the old time blues, Sunday, Dec. 2. Featuring the vocal styles of Phil Armstrong, Jason Ofori, Devre Jackson and Jeff Shadley, these four gentlemen share the stage with Sonny Gray on piano, Jack Hanna on bass and John Dellavedova on drums. At the Jazz Depot, 111 E. 1st St. at 5pm. Tickets are $10. Go to okjazz.org.

Ring a Ling. Bring your sandwich to the John H. Williams Theater of the Tulsa PAC for an afternoon of holiday cheer. The Brown Bag It Holiday Concert features the Tulsa Festival Ringers at 11:30am and 12:45pm, Wed., Dec. 5. The concert is free and open to the public. Call 596-7122 or tulsapac.com for more.

Christmas Chorale. Tulsa's popular Council Oak Men's Chorale takes the audience on a trip around the globe to visit the traditions and songs of other countries in Another Roamin' Holiday concert. Explore old and new music during an experience beyond colored lights and candy canes, Dec. 4, 7 and 8 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 5th & Cincinnati Ave. Concert starts at 8pm. Tickets are $15. Call 748-3888 or counciloak.org for more information.

Look Again. Trained as a sculptor, Lucy Gunning has, for the past 15 years, focused on film and video installation works that examine the idiosyncrasies of human behavior. Gunning's work exudes a sympathetic curiosity as she underscores the strangeness that often lies at the heart of apparently normal human behavior. The understated simplicity of Gunning's filmed scenarios--a woman imitating the sound of a horse (The Horse Impressionists, 1994) or drunken businessmen trying to navigate their way home through London's Liverpool Station (Esc, 2004)--gradually reveal subtle psychological insights, tensions between fantasy and reality and levels of complexity within her chosen subject. Gunning's work de-familiarizes the familiar by disrupting and undermining social conventions and expected behavior through play and humor. For her newest project, "Focus 4," Gunning developed a new work that was unveiled at Philbrook, 2727 S. Rockford Rd., and will be on display through Dec. 30. Call 749-7941 or visit www.philbrook.org for more information.

New Old World. Oklahoma native Olinka Hrdy, (1902-1987), was an artist influenced by Cubism, Bauhaus abstraction, Art Deco and Czech Embroidery. During her studies at OU, she produced wall murals that got the attention of architect Bruce Goff, who commissioned a cycle of nine music themed murals for his 1929 Riverside Drive project. This led to future commissions including the stage curtain and entryway mural for the Historic Brady Theater. She traveled from New York to Wisconsin where she studied at Frank Lloyd Wright's school in Spring Green, to Hollywood as an industrial designer following World War II, before coming home to Prague, OK, where she remained until 1987. Constructivism, art deco and Czech folk art are exhibited in "Oklahoma Moderne: The Art and Design of Olinka Hrdy" at Price Tower Arts Center, 510 Dewey Ave., Bartlesville, now through Jan. 13. $4 admission. Call 336-4949 or visit pricetower.org for more information.

Better Living through Architecture. Philbrook Museum of Art presents "Frank Lloyd Wright and the House Beautiful," through Jan. 20. This exhibit is a visually rich showcase of Frank Lloyd Wright's passion for creating a new way of life through architecture. With approximately 100 objects, the exhibition includes furniture, metal work, textiles, drawings, publications, and accessories from the collection of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Scottsdale, AZ, and other public and private collections. The exhibition is the first devoted to the noted architect's decorative and graphic designs since the '70s. Philbrook Museum of Art is located at 2727 S. Rockford Rd. For more information call 749-7941 or visit HYPERLINK "http://www.philbrook.org"; philbrook.org or HYPERLINK "http://www.artsandartist.org"; artsandartist.org.

Popular Mexican Art. An exhibition of works by Mexican artist Alfredo Zalce (1908-2003) continues at Gilcrease Museum. Alfredo Zalce, "El Grafico Popular" includes forty artworks from one of Mexico's most creative and accomplished artists. The exhibition focuses on his work as a printmaker, consisting of lithographs, monotypes and relief prints. "El Grafico Popular" provides a unique look at one of Mexico's most celebrated and enduring artists. The exhibition runs through Feb. 24, 2008, at Gilcrease Museum, 1400 Gilcrease Museum Rd. Call 596-2700 for more.