Do we know anything else? I thought I remembered hearing that 3 concerts were being announced this week. Did I dream that?

^

They had said they would release details of the first 3 concerts on Monday but that must have changed.

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Saw this posted, I wonder if they took it down because the My Morning Jacket show had a wrong date.

^

Ah, nice find!

Wow Kirk Franklin is a throw back.

My Morning Jacket would be a huge get. All they have on their schedule is 3 nights at a music festival in Atlanta and 2 nights at Red Rocks in May.

Whoa. Yes, that would be amazing.

I don't know who two of those artists are, and no thanks to Kirk Franklin. Little underwhelming for me personally, but hopefully future acts will be better.

I don't know who two of those artists are, and no thanks to Kirk Franklin. Little underwhelming for me personally, but hopefully future acts will be better.

What were you expecting? I'm not even a fan but My Morning Jacket seems like a big get and on the upper end of the types of shows you could expect.

Was looking for something a little more current. No rush though, I'm sure big acts will come around once they work some opening kinks out.

Was looking for something a little more current. No rush though, I'm sure big acts will come around once they work some opening kinks out.

Any band that can get a two-night stand at Red Rocks should be considered a huge get for the Criterion (assuming that MMJ is actually coming).

What were you expecting? I'm not even a fan but My Morning Jacket seems like a big get and on the upper end of the types of shows you could expect.

I mean I'm not surprised by this, was just hoping for more. Like jccouger said I'm sure bigger and better acts will come around.

I think you guys are underestimating how big My Morning Jacket is. If true I'm kind of shocked that will be one of the first three shows. I'm far from an expert in concert promotion but I think they would be about as big of a band as you could book for a venue that size.

I think you guys are underestimating how big My Morning Jacket is. If true I'm kind of shocked that will be one of the first three shows. I'm far from an expert in concert promotion but I think they would be about as big of a band as you could book for a venue that size.

Couldn't agree more. One of the best live shows out there. They sold out a four night run at the Beacon Theater in New York in November.

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Saw this posted, I wonder if they took it down because the My Morning Jacket show had a wrong date.

Seems legit. MMJ and Kirk Franklin are the 3rd and 4th most recent follows of the Criterion Twitter account.

Any band that can get a two-night stand at Red Rocks should be considered a huge get for the Criterion (assuming that MMJ is actually coming).

Yep, Seating capacity at Red Rocks is around 13,000.

Saw OneRepublic there a few years ago.

MMJ sold out Madison Square Garden for NYE a couple of years ago. They did a multi-night stand at Radio City Music Hall a year before that. I had tickets to one of the Radio City shows but ate them (and the airfare) because of work emergency. Also traveled to Chicago to see them a few years ago at Chicago Theater. Saw them in KC at Uptown a Theater and at Brady in Tulsa.

They are EXACTLY the type of band that OKC previously has been able to get. EXACTLY what this venue should hopefully be pulling. Huge get if that is real.

Apparently, I don't listen to real music cause I have no clue who MMJ is. I prefer the Metallicas and Avenged Sevenfolds of the world. Thank God for concerts like Rocklahoma...

I've seen Metallica too. I don't discriminate; I just like good music. And pre-Black Album Metallica was indeed good music.

BTW, Metallica digs MMJ too...maybe they're just more open-minded than some of their fan base... ;)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8g_E1Dd8SU

BTW, sneering about what constitutes "good" vs "bad" has no place in this conversation. The important word is simply "more". Oklahoma City ALREADY gets bands like Metallica, and Pearl Jam, The Who and RHCP, and even Avenged Sevenfold for that matter. We get those shows because we already have venues and promoters who will bring those mass-market bands here.

We also have good small venues who routinely bring great emerging artists, who might play here to a hundred people but one day end up being much bigger. I once saw The Black Keys in OKC with about 50 other people in the audience.

What we have been totally lacking is a good venue/promoter combo who will bring bands who have lots of popularity but not necessarily enough to fill an arena. That can mean acts like Beach House or Interpol or the Arcade Fire or Bon Iver, but can also mean great classic acts who can no longer fill arenas but can still fill a room like this. Pretenders, Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan...those shows usually bypass OKC for the Brady or for casinos. This will give us a (great) shot at those shows.

BTW, besides Avenged Sevenfold I have seen every act I just listed, and almost all of them multiple times. I have pretty wide-ranging tastes. I'm just ready to start seeing more of those shows HERE. This is about having more options and catering to varied musical tastes, because one benefit of living in a large city should be having lots of choices and opportunities available to you.

Agreed. I love Interpol but always have to go Tulsa to see them. Happy that we finally have a venue that will support them.

BTW, sneering about what constitutes "good" vs "bad" has no place in this conversation. The important word is simply "more". Oklahoma City ALREADY gets bands like Metallica, and Pearl Jam, The Who and RHCP, and even Avenged Sevenfold for that matter. We get those shows because we already have venues and promoters who will bring those mass-market bands here.

We also have good small venues who routinely bring great emerging artists, who might play here to a hundred people but one day end up being much bigger. I once saw The Black Keys in OKC with about 50 other people in the audience.

What we have been totally lacking is a good venue/promoter combo who will bring bands who have lots of popularity but not necessarily enough to fill an arena. That can mean acts like Beach House or Interpol or the Arcade Fire or Bon Iver, but can also mean great classic acts who can no longer fill arenas but can still fill a room like this. Pretenders, Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan...those shows usually bypass OKC for the Brady or for casinos. This will give us a (great) shot at those shows.

BTW, besides Avenged Sevenfold I have seen every act I just listed, and almost all of them multiple times. I have pretty wide-ranging tastes. I'm just ready to start seeing more of those shows HERE. This is about having more options and catering to varied musical tastes, because one benefit of living in a large city should be having lots of choices and opportunities available to you.

This^

I recognize Metallica, Pearl Jam, and the Who. I have no idea who any of these other bands are. Apparently I am not "cool".

Yeah, I wasn't saying these are bad gets just underwhelming to me personally because I really had no idea who these bands were besides Kirk Franklin. It's awesome that people who are into MMJ might be able to go see them here and not have to drive to Dallas and Tulsa. Hopefully other bands that usually would stop in Dallas or Tulsa might make their way through here.

I'm really hoping between the Tower and Criterion we start to pick up some of the great 80's and 90's acts that still tour, like the Psychedelic Furs, B-52's, Human League, Berlin, English Beat, Matthew Sweet, Howard Jones etc.

I've seen them all in smaller venues in L.A. and all were fantastic and super fun concerts.

I just want some decent electronic acts to come here.

And here I thought I was the only Matthew Sweet fan in Oklahoma...

Would be fun to get some of the big DJ's like David Guetta, Tiesto, Avicii, Afrojack, Calvin Harris, Axwell...

Would be fun to get some of the big DJ's like David Guetta, Tiesto, Avicii, Afrojack, Calvin Harris, Axwell...

Amen.

I'd really even be fine with some of the lower card guys coming.

Domestic stars like Pretty Lights, Griz, Dillon Francis would be great. They tour America more often & we almost always get passed over. I'm going to see Savoy in Tulsa @ Cains at the end of the month and hardly anybody knows about them.

Would be fun to get some of the big DJ's like David Guetta, Tiesto, Avicii, Afrojack, Calvin Harris, Axwell...

Personally, I'm pining for Above & Beyond, but any of those would be a huge get for OKC!

Personally, I'm pining for Above & Beyond, but any of those would be a huge get for OKC!

I need some group therapy.

And here I thought I was the only Matthew Sweet fan in Oklahoma...

Not anymore! :)

I saw him at the El Rey in Los Angeles which is well smaller than even the Tower and it was awesome.

Can anybody find a list of which artists Live Nation is associated with? All I can find is that they are connected to 280+ artists but can't find exactly whom.

Not anymore! :)

I saw him at the El Rey in Los Angeles which is well smaller than even the Tower and it was awesome.

Love that place! I'd actually love it the Tower kind of went with the vibe, plush design, raised seating or booths along the walls, etc.

And I'd be one of the first in line for a Matthew Sweet show.

Amen.

I'd really even be fine with some of the lower card guys coming.

Domestic stars like Pretty Lights, Griz, Dillon Francis would be great. They tour America more often & we almost always get passed over. I'm going to see Savoy in Tulsa @ Cains at the end of the month and hardly anybody knows about them.

Pretty Lights would be awesome, along with Dillon Francis. Or one of the top dj's in the world. I just saw Hardwell and he was excellent.

I'm really hoping between the Tower and Criterion we start to pick up some of the great 80's and 90's acts that still tour, like the Psychedelic Furs, B-52's, Human League, Berlin, English Beat, Matthew Sweet, Howard Jones etc.

I've seen them all in smaller venues in L.A. and all were fantastic and super fun concerts.

Agree 100%. New Order, Pet Shop Boys, The Cult...

Oh hey, the Cult will be at the Brady in March.... :-P

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Exactly.

It would be so awesome to be able to walk or at least Uber to these events and also give your money to locals and thus invest in the local music scene.

Starting to get excited about all this.

Wow Kirk Franklin is a throw back.

He fell out of mainstream way back, but he's still super active and influential in the urban music industry. Probably doesn't move the needle if you aren't into Christian music, but he's definitely legend status and his shows are super high energy. He doesn't really have to tour to sell albums so he usually only hits large markets or historic venues. This is low key a really good booking for the Criterion. I bet it easily sells out.

We also have good small venues who routinely bring great emerging artists, who might play here to a hundred people but one day end up being much bigger. I once saw The Black Keys in OKC with about 50 other people in the audience.

This is very true. And even places like the music lab have brought in acts that are playing bigger venues around the country on the same tour. They recently had Dawes and Nathaniel Rateliff. The latter has been playing Fillmore size venues and will play Red Rocks later this year. Even the much maligned Diamond gets substantial acts from time to time.

The touring scene isn't as void as some make it out to be, but this will fill the gap in the market for what now constitutes "large" acts. The reality is that few rock bands can sell out an arena today. Of the top 15 tours of 2015, all the rock shows were bands that came to fame many years ago, the rest was top 40 pop, rap, or country:

15) Foo Fighters ? Sonic Highways Tour | Avg. Price: $164.12 - In Photos: Top 15 2015 Concert Tours At The Ticket Booth - Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/pictures/geeg45edjim/15-foo-fighters-son/)

My Morning Jacket is a great example of what I think this venue is built to attract. Their last three albums charted at 11 or higher and they could play arenas or large amphitheaters in some markets, but will most likely play the theater circuit, which is primarily the circuit the Criterion will be a part of. I think Metallica, the Who, and Pearl Jam can still fill arenas. If the Criterion ever did book a band like those, it would be a real treat. Sometimes those guys will do multiple dates in a Criterion size venue in one market. I'd be very happy to see it host something like that. If it can build a reputation as a great place to play, we may see it happen.

So... I hate to be the one to do this because I'm no fan of more parking, BUT... has anyone asked, on those nights when there's both a Thunder and Dodgers game, where 2000-4000 more cars might park to enjoy a concert at this venue? I'm going to walk or take the 50, so no issue for me. Just wondering what the thought was here. Will be interesting to see if the Bricktown lot will finally fill up...

So... I hate to be the one to do this because I'm no fan of more parking, BUT... has anyone asked, on those nights when there's both a Thunder and Dodgers game, where 2000-4000 more cars might park to enjoy a concert at this venue? I'm going to walk or take the 50, so no issue for me. Just wondering what the thought was here. Will be interesting to see if the Bricktown lot will finally fill up...
I understand your question, but I think 2000 additional cars might be a top. It's impossible that every person attending an event would drive there individually in a car.

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So no windows. ....

^

They just haven't cut them in yet.

IIRC the windows are not to be actual window openings.

IIRC the windows are not to be actual window openings.

Yeah I faintly remember the plans showing faux windows. I would think windows would ruin the acoustics, and probably make it difficult to contain the sound inside the building (complaints from the hotels and residences across the street for late night shows).

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Yeah, pretty sure that was the reasoning.

Can't wait to see this project completed.

Don't know if the windows are fake or not but the before and after renderings are incredible. It looked like a turd with no "Windows"

Yeah, no question it was a big improvement. The original design would have been kicked by BUDC if they hadn't been added, and the required exterior upgrades drove the building's TIF request.

My Morning Jacket 4/27 confirmed via band's website: Events : My Morning Jacket (http://www.mymorningjacket.com/events)

^^^^^^^
BTW, if you scroll further down that page you'll see that they have TWO nights at Red Rocks at the end of May, both of which will probably sell out. Anyone who questions whether or not this a HUGE show for a venue this size hasn't been paying much attention to new music for the past decade and a half.

My Morning Jacket 4/27 confirmed via band's website: Events : My Morning Jacket (http://www.mymorningjacket.com/events)

:rock_on:

My Morning Jacket 4/27 confirmed via band's website: Events : My Morning Jacket (http://www.mymorningjacket.com/events)

Yes! Hope this is a harbinger.

^^^^^^^
BTW, if you scroll further down that page you'll see that they have TWO nights at Red Rocks at the end of May, both of which will probably sell out. Anyone who questions whether or not this a HUGE show for a venue this size hasn't been paying much attention to new music for the past decade and a half.

Yep. And selling this out would send a good message to the agencies and help establish the markets viability.

Also helps that Alt-J sold out the Chevy last April and that bands like Local Natives have done really well at the Diamond recently, despite the venue itself. There is a very obvious untapped market for bigger alt/indie shows here. Hopefully they will keep 'em coming.

I predict MMJ will sell out, and maybe pretty quickly. Lots of people are going to want to check out the new room, if nothing else.

The Kirk Franklin show is now listed on the Criterion site, plus comedian Brian Regan in December:

The Criterion - Live music and event venue in Oklahoma City (http://criterionokc.com/)

Holy cow, that Brian Regan show is for December 3rd!

He's awesome, though. And good to see they will be booking comedy acts as well.

Holy cow, that Brian Regan show is for December 3rd!

He's awesome, though. And good to see they will be booking comedy acts as well.

For sure. I think we can already tell that it will not be focused on any one genre or format.

BTW, you can buy MMJ tickets now if you sign up for their "roll call" club. It's $15, but I was able to buy 4 tickets and $15 on four tickets is way less than what ticketmaster tacks on. Tickets are $35.45.