The sounds issue does sound odd .. because Bon Iver sounded fantastic in the balcony. That is a first I have seen a separate ticket for GA for Balcony as well but I am sure they can change things show to show based on the band or whatever. I fully expect people to be drinking and talking but there is also a line to where your just being a A@^hat. I am also not afraid to tell someone to hush. I'm a big dude usually a few glances at loud talkers does the trick.

LOL @ people who go to concerts and don't expect there to be talking, drinking or dancing.

I get it. But I think there's a line. Its a fun environment and people enjoy concerts and talk and dance. Once its just screaming at the person 2 feet from you for 4 hours straight not about the concert at all, and its roughly half the people in the venue, its way past the standard people talking and being drunk and carrying on. You can do whatever you want, but not to the detriment of everyone else in the venue. Most places that have their act together handle that.

Same with dancing. When your hard grinding and giving a lapdance at a death cab concert, its quite distracting. Its also one thing to be doing that in the GA pit, its slightly more odd in the balcony where there are risers and those folding chairs and all that.

I mean, I didn't complain about the weed being smoked so I'm not fully grump old dude.

I mean, I didn't complain about the weed being smoked so I'm not fully grump old dude.

My comment during bon Iver about weed was " man don't people know you can get edibles or Vape 420 now and its wayyyyy easier than blazing a joint..lol

My wife and I went for the first time recently to see Maron Morris. I bought tickets online from the Criterion website. I noticed that there were many, different price levels, so I bought tickets somewhere in the middle of the range. We get in the venue, and there are NO ropes anywhere. No sections. We started downstairs, and eventually went up to the balcony. So WHY were there DIFFERENT price ranges for the SAME ticket, basically?

I mean, I didn't complain about the weed being smoked so I'm not fully grump old dude.

Ha HA. Old dudes grew up with smoking weed at concerts. It's the youngsters that are aghast at smoking at concerts. All things being equal I would trade off weed smoke and assigned seats than open seating/no seating and no smoke.

The Racontuers are coming to the Criterion.

Dude!

I will say this about the Criterion: My impression is that it is not an easy room. I have been to shows that sound good, even great (David Byrne), but I've also moved around the room at shows and it can vary wildly, but most rooms are that way. I think it does have a cavernous nature for a room its size (hard surfaces), but some engineers seem to handle it. I thought the Death Cab show sounded good, but I was pretty in line with the arrays, so I was getting more mix than room. I have not watched a full show from the balcony, but I can see how there would be trouble spots up there, and I imagine in most cases an engineer never steps foot up there.

It basically has too many hard surfaces and most are more reflective than refractive, so it's hard for it be a a "sounds good everywhere" type place. These days a good engineer can compensate for that, but it's not easy and they have about 2-3 hours tops to figure it out. Something like Cain's is a lot easier, but I always find I have to choose my spot there, too. I find it's only in those older theaters that were designed for clarity and projecting with wildly varied wood and plaster surfaces that are consistently good. We have some in OK, but they're rarely if ever used for these type of shows.

The leaving with drink thing is very standard. In fact, most regular bars have the same rule. You can't leave with any beverage purchased at the establishment. I believe this is to cover themselves from potential fines for people leaving with alcohol. Almost every bar in OKC I have been in, has this rule.

As a non-drinker I did not know that and hadn't experienced it before (have been to many shows - even at the Criterion [probably just hadn't tried to walk out with a barely sipped on water]). Going in, yes, but not going out.

Just announced: Tenacious D, October 20th

Just announced: Tenacious D, October 20th

Looks like this is a DCF show. Is this the first time they've used the Criterion?

Looks like this is a DCF show. Is this the first time they've used the Criterion?

No. I went to Blue October last year and that was a DCF booked show. I know they are doing some partnering at Tower to see how the relationship works.

is it time to move this thread to a different location? Seems that discussion has moved to service related items that might be more suited to Bars & Restaurant, etc.

No. I went to Blue October last year and that was a DCF booked show. I know they are doing some partnering at Tower to see how the relationship works.

Thanks for the info. Good to see multiple promoters getting use out of the venues, imo.

I'm still only seeing 9 events from now until Oct 1st. That's 5 months. Still seems like it could be way better. Are they getting more private events?

I'm still only seeing 9 events from now until Oct 1st. That's 5 months. Still seems like it could be way better. Are they getting more private events?

Seems kind of a cherry picked time line. They have 5 events in October you ruled out.

I feel like their bookings have picked up substantially lately.

Seems kind of a cherry picked time line. They have 5 events in October you ruled out.

I feel like their bookings have picked up substantially lately.

And to answer his question, there are numerous private events that take place here. It is in a great location to have these events, as it is close to restaurants that can easily cater private events.

Seems kind of a cherry picked time line. They have 5 events in October you ruled out.

I feel like their bookings have picked up substantially lately.

Tower has approximately 50 concerts (and a few more non-concert events) from now until 10/1.

Tower has approximately 50 concerts (and a few more non-concert events) from now until 10/1.

That's a lot.

Putting personal opinion aside, they aren't getting the star quality names that The Criterion is getting though. Agree?

That's a lot.

Putting personal opinion aside, they aren't getting the star quality names that The Criterion is getting though. Agree?

Nope, don't agree. Psychedelic Furs with most members being part of the original band or for decades if not from the beginning, X with the original members, Don McLean, Rodney Crowell, Allman Betts Band, Shooter Jennings, Jim James, Bela Fleck, Built to Spill, Stephen Marley, Asleep At The Wheel, Glen Hansard, Calexico/Iron & Wine are all at the Tower. Not huge, super-cool, of-the-moment names, but impressive.

Criterion has MGMT, Dio Returns (guess this is his hologram I've heard about), Juice WRLD, Interpol, Portugal.The Man, and Vampire Weekend.

Criterion's bands may be marginally "cooler", but still nowhere close to the amount Tower has. Trust me, I want the Criterion to have more bookings of good bands (I listed who I'd want to come here a while back in this thread and most of them could play at the Criterion easily), and I go to shows at both places, but the Criterion *still* isn't pulling its weight yet.

Nope, don't agree. Psychedelic Furs with most members being part of the original band or for decades if not from the beginning, X with the original members, Don McLean, Rodney Crowell, Allman Betts Band, Shooter Jennings, Jim James, Bela Fleck, Built to Spill, Stephen Marley, Asleep At The Wheel, Glen Hansard, Calexico/Iron & Wine are all at the Tower. Not huge, super-cool, of-the-moment names, but impressive.

Criterion has MGMT, Dio Returns (guess this is his hologram I've heard about), Juice WRLD, Interpol, Portugal.The Man, and Vampire Weekend.

Criterion's bands may be marginally "cooler", but still nowhere close to the amount Tower has. Trust me, I want the Criterion to have more bookings of good bands (I listed who I'd want to come here a while back in this thread and most of them could play at the Criterion easily), and I go to shows at both places, but the Criterion *still* isn't pulling its weight yet.

Hey I've heard of Don McLean.

Nope, don't agree. Psychedelic Furs with most members being part of the original band or for decades if not from the beginning, X with the original members, Don McLean, Rodney Crowell, Allman Betts Band, Shooter Jennings, Jim James, Bela Fleck, Built to Spill, Stephen Marley, Asleep At The Wheel, Glen Hansard, Calexico/Iron & Wine are all at the Tower. Not huge, super-cool, of-the-moment names, but impressive.

Criterion has MGMT, Dio Returns (guess this is his hologram I've heard about), Juice WRLD, Interpol, Portugal.The Man, and Vampire Weekend.

Criterion's bands may be marginally "cooler", but still nowhere close to the amount Tower has. Trust me, I want the Criterion to have more bookings of good bands (I listed who I'd want to come here a while back in this thread and most of them could play at the Criterion easily), and I go to shows at both places, but the Criterion *still* isn't pulling its weight yet.

Incubus just announced by Criterion. You also left off The Raconteurs (Jack White's band) and Tenacious D (Jack Black's band)

You either like music way more than I do, or are quite a bit older than me (no offense with that comment), or possibly both. The Criterion is booking acts several tiers ahead of Tower Theater.

Props to Tower for staying constantly booked though. If Criterion was booking acts at 75% of what Tower was doing while maintaining their current tier of star power, they'd be absolutely killing it.

Putting personal opinion aside, they aren't getting the star quality names that The Criterion is getting though. Agree?

Criterion's capacity is more than double that of the Tower Theatre as well. So, that's just going to certain things out of reach for the Tower, But, I think the Tower has done an amazing job of keeping it booked and offering a wide range of talent and genres. Add in movies and special events, and it's quickly become a very special asset to the city's entertainment mix. And things like the Coop Showcases have the potential to boost the profile of the city's music scene.

Criterion is trending in the right direction, though, so I'll just be happy with that for now. It does seem like the Knitting Factory partnership has made a difference already. But at it's size, I don't ever see it hosting touring acts at the frequency that the Tower can. If they pulled that off, it would rival venues of comparable size in major markets, which, oviously, would be cool, but they're a ways away from that at this point.

Criterion's capacity is more than double that of the Tower Theatre as well. So, that's just going to certain things out of reach for the Tower, But, I think the Tower has done an amazing job of keeping it booked and offering a wide range of talent and genres. Add in movies and special events, and it's quickly become a very special asset to the city's entertainment mix. And things like the Coop Showcases have the potential to boost the profile of the city's music scene.

Criterion is trending in the right direction, though, so I'll just be happy with that for now. It does seem like the Knitting Factory partnership has made a difference already. But at it's size, I don't ever see it hosting touring acts at the frequency that the Tower can. If they pulled that off, it would rival venues of comparable size in major markets, which, oviously, would be cool, but they're a ways away from that at this point.

They really fill 2 completely different Niches.

Just like anything in life, there are going to be way less A list / elite musical acts, then there will be C list / less known musical acts.

Right now Criterion is servicing the B list acts, which has a way smaller pool to choose form then the C list acts that the tower is pulling from. Could Criterion be booking more? Sure, and I think they are headed that way. I just think its unrealistic to expect Criterion to have the same # of shows booked as the Tower because there just isn't as many options to choose from.

Incubus just announced by Criterion. You also left off The Raconteurs (Jack White's band) and Tenacious D (Jack Black's band)

You either like music way more than I do, or are quite a bit older than me (no offense with that comment), or possibly both. The Criterion is booking acts several tiers ahead of Tower Theater.

Props to Tower for staying constantly booked though. If Criterion was booking acts at 75% of what Tower was doing while maintaining their current tier of star power, they'd be absolutely killing it.

I left them out because they were after the 10/1 arbitrary cut-off.

I love music and one of the main reasons I left here in 1995 was because the concert/club scene was pathetic back then. Moved back in 2009 and am glad they're picking up again, but places still don't have all the acts I'd like to see (out of all those listed, I'm only going to the Furs and X, used to like MGMT and Interpol, but don't listen to them anymore for some reason). Don't know about Criterion's acts being tiers ahead of Tower's, maybe 1 or 2 levels, and yes, if Criterion had even 50% of Tower's bookings, it'd be great...

They really fill 2 completely different Niches.

Different capacities / different circuits for sure, for the most part. I wouldn't go so far as to compare the talent levels, as that's subjective and, no doubt, some super talented people, by any measure, have and do play at the Tower Theater. But, yeah, as far as what's an act's draw at a given price point, they are operating in different segments.

It's sort of like how the Raconteurs booked OK. One show at Criterion and two (now three) at Cains. To accommodate for the capacity of Cains, they're doing more shows at a higher price. I guess they could have done the Brady with one show, but I know I'd rather go to Cain's (and pay more for it) and I assume they just wanted to play Cain's. We could see something like that happen at the Tower (if they can meet the tech specs of the production), but it won't be a regular thing.

So, yeah, it's really comparing two things operating in different spaces. But that's what is really great about all of this. OKC now has multiple venues that can accommodate different scales of productions and demand in an economical way. In terms of live music infrastructure, there really aren't any gaps anymore. It's a completely different market in that respect than just 4 years.

I think the bigger question is, where does Chevy fit in all of this? I haven't bothered to check their bookings at all but I've heard NOTHING from them. Was that just a complete waste of a renovation? Are they even trying?

I think the bigger question is, where does Chevy fit in all of this? I haven't bothered to check their bookings at all but I've heard NOTHING from them. Was that just a complete waste of a renovation? Are they even trying?

I think in theory they could have had the market that the Criterion is trying to occupy, but didn't seem to do much with it. My impression is they didn't know what they were doing and/or never really got the DCF partnership in working order. And, in hindsight, it does seem like it was a waste of money, if they were really trying to be a viable concert venue. But they could have just been happy with being an event space for lease. But it seems like even DCF has moved on to the Criterion for booking larger shows, which makes sense due to the better infrastructure there. Basically, if Bricktown Events Center was trying to be a music venue with its renovations, the Criterion leap frogged it.

Hey I've heard of Don McLean.

Domestic violence guy.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/don-mclean-loses-lifetime-achievement-award-over-domestic-violence-guilty-plea/ar-AAB1VdV?li=BBnbfcL

Domestic violence guy.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/don-mclean-loses-lifetime-achievement-award-over-domestic-violence-guilty-plea/ar-AAB1VdV?li=BBnbfcL

Bye bye domestic violence guy?

It's sort of like how the Raconteurs booked OK. One show at Criterion and two (now three) at Cains. To accommodate for the capacity of Cains, they're doing more shows at a higher price. I guess they could have done the Brady with one show, but I know I'd rather go to Cain's (and pay more for it) and I assume they just wanted to play Cain's.


Jack White has a home in Tulsa and loves Cain's Ballroom. Here's a quote from the following story:
"It was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. And the vibe when we played the show, it was just incredible."

https://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/blogs/popculture/pop-culture-jack-white-he-said-he-has-a-home/article_2719bb3b-1118-5f5f-b4e1-3229c4e972e1.html

Jack White has a home in Tulsa and loves Cain's Ballroom. Here's a quote from the following story:
"It was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. And the vibe when we played the show, it was just incredible."

https://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/blogs/popculture/pop-culture-jack-white-he-said-he-has-a-home/article_2719bb3b-1118-5f5f-b4e1-3229c4e972e1.html

Ahhh, makes even more sense now! Thanks.

MGMT tonight was great. Stellar crowd and very good performance. I've already locked in tickets to Vampire Weekend and Interpol. Heady times for OKC.

On another note, I visited the bar at AC Hotel before the show and it was the perfect wind up. Great Spanish wine selection and very nice looking tapas menu (we didn't indulge in food).

I asked my wife how much $$$ OKC has been giving to Dallas and Tulsa over the last 15 years by not having decent concert venues. It boggles the mind.

And there was a good crowd at the Psychedelic Furs (who were absolutely fantastic, BTW) at the Tower on the same night. The night before, we had The Killers at the Zoo, St. Paul and the Broken Bones at the Jones and Lord Huron at the Criterion. Not bad for a Tuesday and Wednesday.

Things have really changed in the live music scene in this town.

And there was a good crowd at the Psychedelic Furs (who were absolutely fantastic, BTW) at the Tower on the same night. The night before, we had The Killers at the Zoo, St. Paul and the Broken Bones at the Jones and Lord Huron at the Criterion. Not bad for a Tuesday and Wednesday.

Things have really changed in the live music scene in this town.

And tonight we have Bottle Rockets, Bob Schneider, and Old 97's at Jones Assembly.

KEEP 'EM COMIN!

and we now need to activate the Chevy and get more regulars into the Peake and Civic. All genre's, types, and styles.

KEEP 'EM COMIN!

and we now need to activate the Chevy and get more regulars into the Peake and Civic. All genre's, types, and styles.

Does the Civic Center do any concerts besides the Phil nowadays? Not sure if they do, thought they stopped after they renovated. Loverboy and Missing Persons were great there many decades ago, that might be the only non-classical concert I saw there, but not sure if it's the right place for much besides fairly formal acts (Phil, plays, ballets) now...

I am excited for Glen Hansard in Sept! He has quite the following our in Europe after his movie, "Once"

And tonight we have Bottle Rockets, Bob Schneider, and Old 97's at Jones Assembly.

Also tonight, MISSIO at the Tower

And Girlpool at 89th Street. Just sayin.

Does the Civic Center do any concerts besides the Phil nowadays? Not sure if they do, thought they stopped after they renovated. Loverboy and Missing Persons were great there many decades ago, that might be the only non-classical concert I saw there, but not sure if it's the right place for much besides fairly formal acts (Phil, plays, ballets) now...

Its actually a really good venue for pop and rock acts, certainly in terms of sound. I've seen a couple since the renovation, but it's been awhile. It's obviously a more "sit and listen" type atmosphere, but still good sight lines and stage. It's never really focused on pop and rock, but I think now the casino circuit more or less books the stuff that would make sense there, and I'm sure they can pay more than what would work for a show at the Civic Center. I'd love to see more stuff there, but I doubt that's going to happen.

And Girlpool at 89th Street. Just sayin.

That place keeps on keepin on with booking good Indie and DIY touring bands for sure. Through all its iterations going back to the Green Door, it's had some great bands play there, some of which have become heavy hitters.

And thanks for mentioning it, because it reminded me to look at their calendar and notice that Black Joe Lewis is there in a couple of weeks.

Hawthorne Heights on June 12th (at 89th)

And Girlpool at 89th Street. Just sayin.

This was a fantastic concert. 89th Street has No Vacation coming up next month as well, good stuff.

That place keeps on keepin on with booking good Indie and DIY touring bands for sure. Through all its iterations going back to the Green Door, it's had some great bands play there, some of which have become heavy hitters.

And thanks for mentioning it, because it reminded me to look at their calendar and notice that Black Joe Lewis is there in a couple of weeks.

Was going to say pretty much the same thing.... They have something going on there several nights a week.

This was a fantastic concert. 89th Street has No Vacation coming up next month as well, good stuff.

Yep, was there. :-)

Rezz on Nov. 20th.

I will be there.

Might have to go see Explosion In The Sky on October 24th.

Illenium for October 9th. That is a massive get. This place is finally pulling the acts it is supposed to.

Illenium for October 10th. That is a massive get. This place is finally pulling the acts it is supposed to.

Just came to post Illenium was here, you beat me to it.

I've been telling yall Criterion is blowing every other venue in OKC out of the water right now. They are getting big city acts that are actually relevant.

Edited previous post to correct date, it is the 9th, not 10th.

And yes, the Criterion is scoring big time since the changeover in promotors. Also getting Subsonix onboard with the venue will continue to bring in major EDM artists.

I would even venture to say that it is possible the Criterion/Bricktown Events Center could host a music festival with fence partition in between the venues to host a multi-stage event.

Edited previous post to correct date, it is the 9th, not 10th.

And yes, the Criterion is scoring big time since the changeover in promotors. Also getting Subsonix onboard with the venue will continue to bring in major EDM artists.

I would even venture to say that it is possible the Criterion/Bricktown Events Center could host a music festival with fence partition in between the venues to host a multi-stage event.

It would actually be close enough to have a stage at the ball park for large headliners as well without disrupting traffic. That would be legit.

Bricktown needs more festivals and activities since it is considered our premier tourist spot. That’s a great idea

Dang, Rezz and Illenium. Going to Deadmau5 in Dallas and Denver. Will be a packed fall for me.

Dang, Rezz and Illenium. Going to Deadmau5 in Dallas and Denver. Will be a packed fall for me.

I’ll be at Deadmau5 in Dallas for both shows too.

We are almost to the point where I won’t have to travel anymore to see my favorite producers.

Edited previous post to correct date, it is the 9th, not 10th.

And yes, the Criterion is scoring big time since the changeover in promotors. Also getting Subsonix onboard with the venue will continue to bring in major EDM artists.

I would even venture to say that it is possible the Criterion/Bricktown Events Center could host a music festival with fence partition in between the venues to host a multi-stage event.

I had this same thought a while ago, they could do it like Wobbleland in Dallas last year. Also, they could put a stage in the parking lot in front of the event center. It would be nice to have a good medium to large scale festival in OKC.

Pete, or anybody else, do you have a drone/aerial shot of this area that would include The Criterion, Chevy center, & baseball field?

Criterion just announced several new shows:

Switchfoot – Wednesday, October 30, 2019 – On Sale Now!
Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/SwitchfootOKC19
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1185397381638682/


Angel Olsen – Saturday, November 9, 2019 – On Sale Now!
Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/AngelOKC19
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/719184481831984/


REZZ – Wednesday, November 20, 2019 – On Sale Now!
Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/REZZOKC19
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/375183793117146/


Chelsea Handler – Saturday, November 23, 2019 – On Sale Friday at 10am!
Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/ChelseaOKC19
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2434061843317394/


Angels & Airwaves – Saturday, December 21, 2019 – On Sale Friday at 10am!
Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/AVAOKC19
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1626483370818616/

Pete, or anybody else, do you have a drone/aerial shot of this area that would include The Criterion, Chevy center, & baseball field?

https://www.google.com/maps/place/500+E+Sheridan+Ave/@35.466085,-97.5062727,681m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x87b2172036cab037:0x64227 02febb78ef5!4b1!8m2!3d35.466085!4d-97.504084

Criterion just announced several new shows:

The new partnership seems to be hitting its stride. October and November bookings look more like you'd expect from a venue of its size in this market.

It'd be double that in a bigger market, but hey, at least there is at least one public event every week during those 8 weeks, and most weeks there is more than one.

I'll be there this weekend and I'm hoping the overall experience has also been elevated.

^

Ya, credit where credit is due (although one could say that it's about time!), they seem to have figured something out with their new partnership. They have a diverse group of high quality shows/acts coming over the next few months. Kudos to them and hopefully can keep the momentum going.