Tulsa: May 2012 Archives

Good news for south Broken Arrow residents trying to stop the construction of a casino near their neighborhoods: The National Indian Gaming Commission has ruled that the land is not under the sovereignty of the Kialegee Tribal Town and therefore cannot be used by them for gaming. From Congressman John Sullivan's office:

Sullivan: NIGC Ruling Affirms Citizens' Opposition to Proposed Neighborhood Casino

Washington, D.C. - Today, the National Indian Gaming Commission issued their determination on the fate of the proposed Kialegee casino in Broken Arrow, OK.

Citing the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the NIGC is ruling that this land is not Kialegee land; therefore, it is not eligible for gaming. It is important to note that the Solicitor General at the Bureau of Indian Affairs concurs with the decision of the NIGC.

A federal court made the same determination just a week ago.

"This is a huge win for the citizens of Broken Arrow who stood up and affirmed, 'We don't want casino gaming close to our neighborhoods, churches and schools.'

I am proud to stand with these determined and well-organized citizens.

The citizens of Broken Arrow can rest assured that there will never be a Kialegee casino built on that land."

Broken Arrow Citizen Against Neighborhood Gaming organizers Jared Cawley and Rob Martinek issued this additional statement in reaction to the ruling:

"We would never have reached this point without the leadership of Congressman John Sullivan. He was the first to join with us and shine a spotlight on the issue.

He helped us present our case and pushed the NIGC and BIA to issue a ruling. We are very proud of Congressman Sullivan's steadfast and energetic defense of the families of Broken Arrow."

In 1936 Kialegee was one of only three out of the more than 40 tribal towns of the Muscogee Confederacy to take advantage of a provision in the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act to become a separate federally recognized tribe. (Alabama-Quassarte and Thlopthlocco are the other two.)

In addition to Mayfest and the Blue Dome Festival, there's a new event this weekend in downtown Tulsa, starting tonight, Thursday, May 17, 2012. Here's the press release for the first-ever Greenwood Swingout.

GREENWOOD SWINGOUT DANCE FESTIVAL PROMOTES RACIAL RECONCILIATION

Tulsa, OK, May. 14--The Vintage Swing Movement, a nonprofit organization started by a inter-racial couple to create a bridge to reconciliation among America's diverse people groups through the positive spirit of the Swing culture, music and dance, will host their first event on May 17-21 in conjunction with Mayfest. The Greenwood Swingout dance festival was birthed out of the hope to promote racial reconciliation from the long standing tension after the Tulsa Race Riots.

One highlight of the festival will be Saturday at the second annual Chalkfest from 1-5pm at 5th and Boston. Guests are encouraged to take part in the free Swing dance lessons starting at 1pm, dress vintage, and join in the dance from 2-5pm. Other events include:

• Three Nights of Dancing with: Steve Ham's Jambalaya Jazz Band, The Rebecca Ungerman Combo, and the Jordan Hehl band with Branjae at Tulsa's American Legion Post 1.
• Daily vintage activities including tours of downtown's art deco building, Cain's Ballroom with historian and radio host John Wooley, the grand opening of Tulsa's Art Deco Museum and more

While some events are free to the public, other events like the guided tour with Tulsa's own Rosie the Riveter, Marina Metevelis, and the evening dances will require a ticket. Some activities can be purchased ala carte, but for a full weekend pass and schedule information go to www.greenwoodswingout.com

In addition to the Greenwood festival, the Vintage Swing Movement (VSM) is excited to roll out its new outreach program this fall. The program will teach students about the music, culture, and dance of the swing era and the rich cultural diversity that existed even during segregation. In the mid 1930s, people from all ethnic backgrounds gathered in Harlem's Savoy Ballroom to listen and dance to the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday, smashing racial barriers in the height of segregation. It is in that same spirit VSM seeks to unite the Tulsa community communities around the United States.

A homegrown feature film, The Rock 'n' Roll Dreams of Duncan Christopher, already the recipient of multiple awards on the film festival circuit, has been picked up for international release by a division of Warner Brothers. This is a big milestone for Tulsa and a feather in the cap of the Tulsans who made this movie happen. The comedy, rated PG-13, will premiere at 8 p.m., Thursday, May 10, 2012, at Riverwalk Movies in Jenks.

The movie was filmed locally, written, produced, directed, and acted by Tulsa talent.

From the news release:

Oklahoma Film Gets International Release and Debuts in Theaters

TULSA, Okla. -- The award-winning, Oklahoma feature film, The Rock 'n' Roll Dreams of Duncan Christopher, is slated for international release on May 15th, but first, fans will enjoy the film on the big screen with a Tulsa premiere on May 10th.

City Councilor and local restaurateur, Blake Ewing, who also served as an Associate Producer on the film, is excited by what this means for the state and the city.

"I think this is great for the future of Tulsa," said Ewing. "It's one more project that continues to establish our city as a viable artistic community in the United States. I am extremely proud to have been a part of such a successful film and soundtrack that celebrates Oklahoma so passionately."

The film, directed by Tulsa native Justin Monroe, is a quirky and endearing comedy that tells the story of the awkward and mostly untalented Duncan Christopher, who, after an early mid-life crisis, moves to the big city of Tulsa to pursue his rock 'n' roll dreams and face his demons in the brutal underground world of competitive karaoke.

After successfully touring the film festival circuit in 2011, Monroe is thrilled to announce the full, international digital distribution of his movie. Gravitas Ventures, a division of Warner Brothers, eagerly picked up the film and has slated it for a May 15th release.

"It was our dream to shine a light on Oklahoma, to reveal the beauty and heart of this place," said Monroe. "When we left Hollywood to come back home, we hoped to create a unique, heartful, and infectiously fun movie that could communicate across a wide demographic, across social-economic borders, and across oceans. Finally being at this moment, where a company as significant as Gravitas has now picked up the movie and will be taking it to the world - well, it's pretty amazing to say the least. Honestly, it's a dream come true!"

Moviegoers can order the film now on iTunes and can screen the film on other platforms like Netflix, Amazon, AT&T U-verse, Blockbuster on Demand, and Hulu after the release. Fans can also purchase the DVD after the initial release, which will include tons of extras, like bloopers, deleted scenes, "Duncan's inspirations" and more.

The theatrical screening will take place at 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 10th at Riverwalk Movies in Jenks.

As you can see from the trailer, the movie shows off Tulsa to good effect; Cain's Ballroom, the Gypsy Coffee House, and River Parks are among the landmarks featured.

MORE:

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