Biz Buzz

Calling Critics. Think you've got what it takes to be part of one the most important elements in movie making?

Trost Moving Pictures, award winning director Tracy J. Trost and partner, best-selling author and President of Narrative Television Network, Jim Stovall, are looking for an audience for focus groups and test screenings in support of their next feature film, The Lamp, starring Jason London, Meredith Salenger, L.Scott Caldwell, Sarah Brown, Cameron ten Napel, with Muse Watson and Louis Gossett, Jr.

The screenings will be held Thursday, Feb. 24-25 at 7pm, each night in the CityPlex, 2488 E. 81st St., east tower auditorium. If individuals would like to participate, sign up at trostmovingpictures.com Space is extremely limited, so those that are interested are encouraged to apply right away to ensure a space at the screenings. After the screening viewers will need to fill out a short survey.

Cook Off. Back Alley Blues and BBQ, opening in April 2011, has begun a unique plan for its menu that brings the community and charitable giving together.

Back Alley's "Side Search" is a three-month series of monthly cook-offs where community members provide their best pre-determined side dishes to be selected for the restaurant's menu. The cost of each event will be a $10 registration fee for entrants and a $5 donation at the door that goes toward the American Heart Association in memorial of Marcus Takach, who died from unforeseen heart problems during the Route 66 Half-Marathon in November.

"It's all about community," said the restaurant's owner, Blake Ewing. "I wanted the public to be involved with the restaurant from the start, and to feel like this is their place to come relax, hear some great music and enjoy delicious home-cooked food. I always want to show our support for the Takach family."

The winner of January's Side Search for baked beans was Jeff Hughes, who has won several cooking competitions in thepast for his ribs and other barbecue-related dishes.

The next Side Search, which will be for a great coleslaw recipe, will take place Feb. 26 at the VFW, 1109 E. 6th St. The tasting section of the event will take place in rounds. The night begins at 6pm with the audience vote and ends at 11pm.

The Side Searches will feature live, local blues music in addition to the food competition. The final Side Search will take place on March 26 for cobbler. For more information, visit backalleytulsa.com/sidesearch.

Work Together. Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Keith Ballard said that he is committed to making Project Schoolhouse a collaborative effort, and that public input and participation are critical if the TPS initiative is to be successful.

Leading the process is the Project Schoolhouse Advisory Council, a 15-member group appointed by the TPS school board to study data relating to the district. They are looking at the utilization and condition of existing facilities, student academic performance, school locations, programming, community impact, culture, safety, legal obligations and savings and reinvestment opportunities.

Another group, called Blue Sky, has been tasked with recommending changes and improvements to schools to eliminate variations in educational quality, equity and cost-effectiveness within the district. The goal of this group -- composed of education reformers -- is to ensure that every student in the district is "trading up" from their current educational experience to a brighter educational future.

The Project Team, a third group, is made up of TPS executive staff and other key employees who provide resources to the Advisory Council and the Blue Sky Group. They are responsible for keeping the project on track in terms of process and timeline, and will help evaluate the feasibility of recommendations based on staffing and other resources.

Parents and Tulsa community members are invited to attend the PTA's informational forums. Forums are planned at each of the district's nine high schools, with seven completed to date. Please check tulsaschools.org for updates.

Orchestrating Creativity. Following the huge success of last year's event, OK MOZART will officially kick off its season with a gala Launch Party at Bartlesville Community Center on Thursday, Feb. 24 from 5:30-9pm. At that time, Executive Director Shane Jewell will announce the lineup of musicians and celebrated artists for the 2011 Festival season, as well as provide highlights of other specially planned activities.

Last year's Launch Party was a sold out event that drew an eager crowd who came to hear about OKM's innovative changes. With Joshua Bell giving Grand Finale performances in Bartlesville and Oklahoma City; the 2011 OK MOZART Festival is coming back with a lineup that promises to be even more exciting.

Tickets to the 2011 OK Mozart Festival will be offered as door prizes. Tickets will also be available at a special one-night-only pre-season discount. In addition, OK Mozart Showcase performer, John Fullbright will provide live music for everyone's listening and dancing pleasure for this festive evening. Immediately following, Frank and Lola's will host an After Party with Truckstop Honeymoon performing.

For more information on the Launch Party or to purchase advance tickets for the event, visit the new OK MOZART Festival office at 415 S. Dewey in Bartlesville, or call 918-336-9800. Tickets may also be purchased by phone or at okmozart.com by using a credit card.

Middle of the Action. Ask any fan of the fast growing sport known as Ultimate Fighting Championship what it is like to go to a watch party in Tulsa and get ready for an earful. From tiny televisions to overcrowded seating and drink hustles, the experience is far from the excitement of actually being at the UFC fights.

Fair Meadows Sports Grill, 4145 E. 21st St., is launching a new style of UFC watch party that promises to be the next best seat to cage side. The Fairgrounds icon will begin showing UFC pay-per-views on Feb. 26, 9pm-midnight. Fans of mixed martial arts will recognize the differences immediately in that everyone has a perfect view of the fights on nine theater-style jumbotron screens. Tables and chairs are guaranteed thanks to tickets which can be purchased in advance. Food and drinks are available but no minimum purchase is required to keep your spot. Tulsans who love MMA will find a new home away from home at Fair Meadows.

Previously known only for horse racing, Fair Meadows has revamped its image into a sports Mecca. They now host University of Tulsa football and basketball watch parties as well as events for the Tulsa Talons. The comfortable seating and accessible location make it a central spot for friends to meet and enjoy sports together. Patrons love the grill menu and variety of available drinks. Unlike casinos and bars, Fair Meadows welcomes customers of all ages in a safe environment. Next to soccer, martial arts is the most popular hobby sport for Tulsa youth and is growing in popularity amongst adults as well. Over forty area gyms devote themselves to teaching martial arts such as judo, tae kwon do, grappling and karate. UFC has surpassed professional wrestling in pay-per-view revenue and is quickly closing in on boxing's popularity.

For tickets or more information, visit fairmeadows.eventbrite.com. Questions can also be directed to Becky Adrian with Adrian Events at 918-269-6471.