November's Top 10 - 405 Magazine

November's Top 10

Thought-provoking art exhibits, laugh-inducing live theater, concerts, special events – there are all kinds of sources for entertainment and enlightenment in this bustling metro, so if you can’t make it to everything, here’s where to start.

George Takei courtesy OKC Philharmonic

It’s A Big, Busy Metro Out There – If You Can’t Make It To Everything, Here’s Where To Start →

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Music from Some Parts of Space

The OKC Philharmonic is beginning its 2013-’14 Pops season – you think they want to do so with a performance titled “okay” or “acceptable”? Conductor Jack Everly, soprano Kristen Plumley and the masterful musicians of the city’s star orchestra look to the stars for inspiration in the Sci-Fi Spectacular, featuring classic TV and movie music … and narration from the stellarly sonorous George Takei. OH, MY!

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Light ’Em Up

Argentinian artist Ana Maria Hernando is especially moved by the quiet, delicate sensuality of flowers and the loving care displayed by people who create for others. She points out that in the Andean tongue Quechua, the word for weaving translates to “giving light” – so when her inspirations combine, the results form the uplifting exhibition “The Illuminated Garden.”

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Attractive Opposites

While the traveling exhibit “Dark Light” may sound like an oxymoron, it’s actually an apt descriptor of the glittering black finish that marks the pottery of Christine Nofchissey McHorse. The innovative Navajo potter uses mica-rich clay from New Mexico riverbeds to reinvent a centuries-old utilitarian tradition into fantastic forms of startling decorative beauty.

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Hey, Big Spinner

Spoiler alert! Not many beloved musicals include the protagonist stabbing himself to death just after intermission, but the bigger accomplishment is that it’s still uplifting. We all make mistakes, and all carry the hope of redeeming ourselves … in one plane of existence or another. The OU School of Musical Theater invites you to climb aboard “Carousel,” and assures you that you’ll never watch alone.

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Good as Gold

The nonprofit Saint Anthony Foundation has been supporting the programs and patients of its namesake hospital for fully 50 years, so organizers won’t feel guilty about feeling gilt-y at the Golden Gala edition of its Saints Ball. Cocktails, dinner, live and silent auctions, dancing and glamour aplenty … all that glitters adds sparkle to the celebration.

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See Spot? Run!

Speed, decisiveness and a discerning eye are key factors to making the most of the IAO’s annual Red Dot art auction – any of the hundreds of exquisite pieces on display are up for grabs, unless someone else has already staked a claim by tagging with the namesake sticker. Eat, drink, gaze and enjoy … and be quick.

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Ripe for Enjoyment

When an organization dedicated to commemorating the legacy of a city marks a milestone of its own, that’s cause for celebration; and the best way to celebrate is with a toast. Or in this case, several. Enjoy 16 different vintages, tasty treats and live music as the EHS turns 30 at its annual Wine Through Time fundraiser.

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It’s the Little Things

The only thing minor about the museum’s annual Small Works, Great Wonders winter art sale is the size of its stars – no bigger than 16×20. Everything else is huge: The talent of their creators (including Prix de West participants and other select artists), the scope of their content … and especially the value for patrons who take home the miniature marvels.

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Pearl Jam by Danny Clinch

Veteran Rocker Behind the Microphone in the Big Town

Music lovers should seem to recognize his face – Eddie Vedder has been in Oklahoma City before, and he’s only the frontman for one of the most popular rock bands of the last 20 years. Emotionally earnest artists Pearl Jam blaze into the Chesapeake on the strength of their 10th studio album, last month’s blistering “Lightning Bolt.”

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Swing Shifts

The Kaleidoscope Dance Company is a good name for the UCO-based troupe – given that its repertoire includes elements of jazz, ballet, tap, hip-hop and modern dance, its performances are mesmerizing displays that seem to shift genres at every fresh glance. This fall its slate includes “Decay” by Edwin Olvera, plus pieces by faculty, alumna Masayo Yamaguchi and guest artists from Montreal and Dallas.

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