November
3 – Karen Luschar - A dynamic performer with over a three octave range, presents a rich tapestry of songs with style and theatrical flair. Kinzer Performing Arts Center, Northern Oklahoma College, 7:30 p.m.

6 – Poncan Theatre Presents: “An Evening with Will Rogers - A One Man Show with Randal Reeder”.  Contact: (580) 765.0943

6-29 – 21st Annual Muchmore Photography Exhibit and Competition – Opening reception November 6, 6-8 p.m. at the Ponca City Art Center.  Exhibit honors the late Gareth Muchmore, an accomplished photographer.  Exhibit open to youth and adult.  Event runs through November 29. For entry forms and instruction contact: 580-765-9746

7 – Fly-In Breakfast, Ponca City Airport.  Contact: (580) 767.0470

7 – 8 – “TableScapes” and “WreathScapes” fundraiser Marland’s Grand Home. Annual event to assist with restoration of Grand Home. Groups/organizations, individuals, juniors and professionals/businesses are invited to come to Grand Home and decorate a tabletop and/or wreath. $5.00 admission.  Lunch and dessert served both days for small additional charge.

7 – Veterans Day Parade, Downtown Ponca City on Grand Avenue 10:30 a.m. Fly Over’s of Tulsa Warbirds, t-28′s, P-51 and Air National Guard f-16′s. Vets meet for coffee and donuts 7:30-9:30 American legion Post 14. Lunch following parade for veterans only. Parade will consist of Veterans groups, civic groups, floats, bands, bag papers, shriners, bikes and school kids.(580) 765.9073

7 – A “Tribute to Veterans Show” …101 Country KPNC-FM and the Poncan Opry presents a “Tribute to Veterans Show”.
The Poncan Opry returns to the Poncan Theatre Saturday night, November 7 at 7:30 pm. The Poncan Opry is a Branson style country variety show featuring the Poncan Opry All Star Band, a large professional show band along with 4 back up vocalists. The Opry also features comedy and ventriloquism, this month the Poncan Opry salutes Oklahomans who have served our country in the military with our annual “Tribute to Veterans Show” guest include Anna Massey from Tulsa, 8 year old Lucas Ciliberti from Enid, and Norman Krug from Atlanta, Kansas. Join OETA’s Gary Owen and the Poncan Opry All Star Band for night of Branson-style family entertainment. Contact: (580)765-0943.

13-15 & 20-21 at the Ponca Playhouse, The Ponca Playhouse Presents: “A Talent For Murder” Directed by John Dalton. Fans of television’s Murder She Wrote will enjoy this suspense thriller about an internationally successful mystery novelist whose family wouldn’t mind killing her to get their hands on her art collection.Contact: (580) 765-5360

5 – Historic Home & Building Tour – Ponca City Main Street – Contact: (580) 763-8082

19-22 – The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – This Tony award winning musical is a hilarious tale of overachievers’ angst.  A sure to not miss musical for the entire family!  Kinzer Performing Arts Center, Northern Oklahoma College.  7:30 p.m. weekdays, 2:00 matinee on Sunday.

25 – Festival of Angels “The Night The Lights Go On” Free Family Fun…. join us at Lake Ponca Park offering Hayrack Rides, Marshmallow Roasts, Hot Chocolate and Cookies. Contact: (580) 762-2273

25 – Community Tree Lighting City Hall’s Centennial Plaza – Join us for the kickoff of the holiday season.  Contact: (580) 767.0430

25 – Dec. 30 – Festival of Angels Lighting Display’s – over 260 displays at 4 citywide locations – Visit our host angel at the Pioneer Woman to get your map of the other locations offering beautiful lighting all around the Grand Home, Lake Ponca Park, L.A. Cann Gardens and the Pioneer Woman. www.festivalofangels.net. Contact: (580) 762.2273

December 2009
1-30 – Festival of Angels Lighting Displays over 260 displays at 4 citywide locations – Visit our host angel at the Pioneer Woman to get your map of the other locations offering beautiful lighting all around the Grand Home, Lake Ponca Park, L.A. Cann Gardens and the Pioneer Woman. www.festivalofangels.net. Contact: (580) 762.2273

1-30 – Nativity Festival with over 100 nativities on display. – The 3rd annual nativity festival with over 100 nativities on display!  Sponsored by First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 2105 N. 5th Street.  Join us for a “Nativity Open House” on Friday, December 4th following the Downtown Christmas Parade.  Contact (580) 762-1667.

3-6 – “It’s a Wonderful Life: On Stage,” Evans Children’s Academy of Performing Arts at the Poncan Theatre.  Contact (580) 765-0943.

4 – Downtown Christmas Parade – Contact (580) 767-0432.

4 – Ponca City Collects: Selections from Private Art Collections Christmas Open House - Ponca City Art Center, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Exhibit runs through December 31.  Works of art from private collectors in the Ponca City area.

8 – Ponca City Arts & Humanities Council Presents: “Edgar Cruz Christmas” 7:30 p.m. Poncan Theatre. With only his fingers, Edgar Cruz creates a symphony sound with just the strings of his guitar. He is truly a rarte artist and an Oklahoma Gem.  Contact: (580) 765.3966

10 – Celtic Yultide, An evening with Michael Londra. Poncan Theatre and Marland Estate Foundation. One evening…two events. First a Yultide reception at the Marland Mansion, followed by an performance by Michael Londra in the intimate setting of the mansion ballroom.  Following will be the concert performance of “A Celtic Yultide” starring Irish Tenor, Mr. Michael Londra of Broadway’s Riverdance.   Contact: (580) 767-0420;
(580) 765-0943; (580) 763-0576.

11-13 ReACT presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!” - This holiday classic has charmed audiences for generations.  A wonderful holiday event for families!  Wilkin Hall Theatre, Northern Oklahoma College.  7;30 p.m.

12 – Poncan Opry at the Poncan Theatre – 7:30 p.m. Contact: (580) 765-0943

SAFETYSUIT BAND COMING TO NORTHWESTERN
POPULARITY GROWING, BUT LESS KNOWN IN AREA

Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Student Government Association is presenting SafetySuit in concert Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009, at 8 p.m. in Percefull Fieldhouse; however, the band seems to be unknown to several in the area.

Through searching around the Internet and looking at the band’s official web site (www.safetysuitmusic.com) and their Facebook and MySpace pages, it appears there are a number of people out there who know and love their music.

Since releasing their debut album in May 2008, SafetySuit has played to numerous large crowds on their own, as well as opening for bands such as Seether and 3 Doors Down.

After information on the Alva concert was posted on the band’s Facebook Fan page, Nicole Frantz from the Oklahoma City area was elated to see the news because she had been unable to attend the band’s concert in Oklahoma City in early September.

Frantz said she has been a fan practically since the release of their first album. She has seen their live show twice in Tulsa, and is looking forward to the road trip to Alva with a friend. The pair purchased their tickets by calling the Northwestern Business Office and will pick them up at the Will Call window the day of the concert.

She said she got her friend hooked on SafetySuit about a month ago, and she already knows the whole album, “Life Left to Go.”

Frantz said she likes all the songs on their album, but if she had to pick a favorite, it would be “Annie.”

“It gives any woman a boost of confidence,” Frantz said. “It almost makes you feel like he is speaking directly to you. It’s pretty amazing.”

She said she likes SafetySuit’s music because it makes you want to get out of your seat and dance and sing loudly, or kick back and listen to their songs while taking a bath or relaxing.

“Just about anyone can relate to at least one of the songs on the album,” Frantz said.

SafetySuit also has received positive reviews following their shows.

After opening for Hoobastank, Seether and 3 Doors Down at a show in Louisville, a reviewer commented at www.hardrockhideout.com:

“The show opened with SafetySuit, and not knowing much about them I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but these boys from Nashville came ready to perform… SafetySuit played a five-song set that closed with one of their more popular songs ‘Something I Said.’ I came to this show not really knowing anything about this group, but I definitely left a fan.”

Another comment posted on www.pollstar.com stated:

“I had never heard of them before…They were phenomenal!… SafetySuit has a GREAT energy about them, and they are very charismatic…I am a fan of Hooba and 3 Doors, and SafetySuit absolutely outplayed Hoobastank.”

David Pecha, vice president for administration, helped to secure SafetySuit as the band for the Red Riot Week Concert, and said sometimes it pays to see a band before they are “known.”

“Garth Brooks played at a reception in Alva back when he was in college, and I bet no one really knew who he was either at that time,” Pecha said. “Look how popular he became and what he was able to accomplish. SafetySuit already is opening for some fairly large-named bands, so who knows how much longer before they’re headlining their own major shows. Not to mention, we’ve tried to keep our ticket prices affordable for everyone and have given several away for free.”

Tickets for the Alva concert are $10 in advance and may be charged by phone by calling (580) 327-8534. These tickets may be picked up at the Will Call window the day of the concert. Tickets also are available by paying with cash or credit at the Northwestern-Alva Business Office, located in Herod Hall. Tickets purchased at the door will be $15.

More information, including links to listen to the band’s music and see them in interviews and singing live, is available at www.nwosu.edu/red-riot-concert.