August 5
Rock Harder. We lent them our ears and gave them our votes, but now it's time to show our local musicians how much we truly love them at the Absolute Best of Tulsa Music Awards. Held in Cain's Ballroom, 423 N. Main St., the much-anticipated second annual event will feature live performances from the Tulsa Rock Ensemble, Eric Himan, Brandon Clark, Fiawna Forte and others as fans come together to honor everyone who makes up the Tulsa music scene. Gravity Kills lead singer Jeff Scheel will host this year's show, which begins at 8pm. Doors open at 7pm. It's $25 to reserve a table in the Ballroom and $15 for general admission passes and seating in Bob's, where the performances will be. Turn to Page 16 for information on the nominees and categories. Go to protix.com for tickets.
August 6
Up, Up and Away. If you've never looked up to see an array of brightly colored hot-air balloons floating directly overhead, you need to experience the 15th annual Gatesway Balloonfest. More than 30 balloons from six states will launch from Will Rogers Downs Cherokee Casino in Claremore, 20900 S. 4200 Road, beginning at 4pm Friday and wrapping up at 11pm. But this family event continues Saturday from 7am to 11pm and Sunday from 7am to 10am. Hot-air balloon flights, art and food vendors, lawn mower races, kids' activities and live music will all be there. Proceeds benefit the Gatesway Foundation, which seeks to help those with developmental disabilities. Admission is free. Visit gatesway.org for more information.
August 7
End of the Line. Show a little team spirit and come out to the Tulsa Talons first-round playoff game in the BOK Center, 200 S. Denver Ave. The Talons have qualified for the playoffs for 11 straight seasons now, and this is the first division championship for the team in the Arena Football League. Doors open at 6pm, and the game begins at 7pm. Bring two non-perishable food items and get your ticket for $5. Ticket prices range from $14 to $87 otherwise, and you can buy them when you call the ticket office at 294-1000 or go to bokcenter.com.
August 8
They're Back. Your favorite American Idols are back, and they're performing live at the BOK Center, 200 S. Denver Ave. Meet and listen to the Top 10 finalists from the latest season, including Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia, Casey James, Crystal Bowersox, Didi Benami, Katie Stevens, Lee DeWyze, Michael Lynche, Siobhan Magnus and Tim Urban, as they make Tulsa one of their 49 stops on their three-month tour. Doors open at 7:30pm, and the show starts at 8:30pm. Tickets are $40.50, $50.50 and $70.50. Visit bokcenter.com for more information and tickets.
August 9
Bust a Move. For larger-than-life, in-your-face dance moves, watch Step Up 3D at Cinemark IMAX, 10802 E 71st St. Directed by Jon Chu, Step Up 3D tells the story of an underdog group of New York street dancers who join dance forces with a New York University freshman to battle it out against hip-hop masters in one grand showdown. The eye-popping dance flick is the third movie in the Step Up series and stars Rick Malambri, Sharni Vinson and Adam Sevani. Check out Cinemark.com for show times and ticket prices.
August 10
Something's Brewing. With a name like BruHouse Bar and Grill, 3421 S. Peoria, you know they've got something always popping up. Even though the summer's temperatures are heating up, chill out on the patio with friends and family. If you're in the mood for a bite to eat with your drink, they've got a variety of appetizers, soups, salads and more to pick. In addition, the Brookside bar hosts live music Wednesday through Saturday for you to groove after work or on the weekends. For more information, visit myspace.com/bruhouse.
August 11
Legendary Status. With hits like "Running on Empty" and "Somebody's Baby," Jackson Browne has been emotionally moving audiences since the release of his debut album in 1972. Tonight, he's performing onstage at the Brady Theatre, 105 W. Brady St. Musician David Lindley joins him as they tour the country for the May release of their two-disc album, Love is Strange. Doors open at 7pm, and tickets are $47.50 and $57.50. Call 866-977-6849 or go to protix.com to buy them. Reasor's stores and Starship Records also have tickets available.
August 12
Get a Clue. Ready to have your own Ghostbuster adventure? Come to Murder Mystery 2010: "Ghosts of Harwelden" to investigate one of Tulsa's classic homes and its paranormal stories. Some of the country's top psychics will be on hand to observe and indicate the restless spirits of the Harwelden Mansion. Tickets are $45 per person and include dinner, wine or beer and a murder mystery. If you're interested, hurry up as in many years past, tickets have been sold out. All tickets and donations help the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa. For more information, call 584-3333 ext. 32 or email acroasdale@ahct.org.
