What's Up in the 405

Western Heritage Awards

Friday-Saturday, Apr. 12-13

"As the preeminent recognition of quality in Western-themed works for nearly 60 years, the Western Heritage Awards celebrates and encourages the creation of Western literature, music and film with true merit,” says Museum President & CEO Natalie Shirley. “We are excited to once again honor a group of creative individuals who hold steadfast to Western ideals while creating new and groundbreaking works.”

This year, that group is led by Kevin Costner, star of Dances With Wolves and Open Range and currently starring in “Yellowstone” on the Paramount Network, and includes, among others, troubadour Michael Martin Murphey, world champion steer roper Clark McEntire (you might know his daughter Reba), entertainer and musician Dave Stamey and George McJunkin, a cowboy and former slave who discovered the first Folsom archaeological site.

Varied as their lives and careers have been, they all helped make the West a more interesting place and concept; if celebrating their contributions sounds tempting, get tickets to join this honorary roundup.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org

Uptown Uncorked

Thursday, Apr. 11

In any conversation about the growth, redevelopment and overall energy of OKC as a city, it shouldn’t be long before someone mentions the Uptown 23rd district … and there’s no better time to soak up its vitality-filled vibe than tonight, at the sixth annual community celebration Uptown Uncorked. Tastings from outstanding restaurants – Cheever’s, Gusto, Social Deck + Dining, Big Truck, etc. – samples from Angry Scotsman, Anthem, COOP and other local brewers, live music and lots of excitement are waiting inside the magnificent Tower Theatre – care to join them?

Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, OKC, uptown23rd.com

Artini

Friday, Apr. 12

A massive silent auction of pieces by exceptional local artists should pique your interest, especially since it aids the community-enhancing work of Allied Arts, but just in case: this event is also the city’s foremost craft cocktail competition. Raise a glass or two to creativity at the luscious STARtini.

Science Museum Oklahoma, 2020 Remington, OKC, 278.8944,​ artiniokc.com

Carmina Burana

Saturday, Apr. 13

Carl Orff might not have as influential a body of musical work as Beethoven or Handel, but if you’re going to be remembered for a single composition, this melodic cantata and its thunderous magnum opus “O Fortuna” make for a heck of a one-hit wonder. When performed by the powerhouse Canterbury Voices choir, it became one of the most popular concerts in their history – so as part of the organization’s 50th anniversary celebration, they’re bringing back the hair-raising magic. Don’t miss this one.

OKC Civic Center, 201 N Walker, OKC, 232.7464, canterburyokc.com

Fairy Tale Ball

Saturday, Apr. 13

Razzling, dazzling and filled with fantasy and fun for just about every age, the annual opportunity for Oklahoma Children’s Theatre to share a magical evening with kids, tweens and parents is back and ready for guests to be “Living the Dream.” Younger kids can participate in a carnival-themed adventure with face painters, a DJ, snacks and entertainment; older adolescents are invited to their own private disco where they can win prizes, sample a buffet of goodies and just hang out; parents are in for an enchanting evening of their own with cocktails, a lavish dinner and grown-up games. As the evening matures, the Chris Hicks band will strike up some live music for the whole family to dance together. Costumes encouraged!

Petroleum Club, 100 N Broadway, OKC, 606.7003,​ oklahomachildrenstheatre.org

Festival of Spirituals

Sunday, Apr. 14

One of Norman’s most beautiful community traditions, this free Palm Sunday concert is dedicated to keeping an aspect of African-American heritage – the spiritual – alive and present as an art form. A selection of new and familiar spirituals will be presented by Cimarron Opera singers, students and guest artists including the Northern Oklahoma College Jubilee Singers, the Ambassadors Concert Choir of OKC, Dr. Irv Wagner and the OU Trombone Choir and the choir of host First Presbyterian Church. The 50th annual presentation of this event should sound as good as gold.

First Presbyterian Church, 555 S University, Norman, cimarronopera.org