^^^^^^^^^
They could play every evening out with First Aid Kit's "Stay Gold" (this Conan clip features Oklahoma's own Samantha Crain singing background for the Swedish sisters in between cocktail shifts at R&J).

DyqN-uOxyA8

There are plans to show moves here. 2001 Space Oddyssey will be the first one.

http://kfor.com/2017/11/08/tower-theatre-to-show-its-first-movie-in-30-years/

^^^^^^^^^
They could play every evening out with First Aid Kit's "Stay Gold" (this Conan clip features Oklahoma's own Samantha Crain singing background for the Swedish sisters in between cocktail shifts at R&J).

DyqN-uOxyA8

I love them so much. BTW, their cover of "America" is divine.

There are plans to show moves here. 2001 Space Oddyssey will be the first one.

http://kfor.com/2017/11/08/tower-theatre-to-show-its-first-movie-in-30-years/

From a historic standpoint alone.....I could see myself going here for movies A LOT!

I just have one question.... The article says they are showing "2001: A Space Oddyssey".... Does anyone else find that to be... Well... Odd? ;)

Odd? "I see" what you mean ����

From a historic standpoint alone.....I could see myself going here for movies A LOT!

I was thinking the same, seems like they could fill a lot of empty dates with classic movies. I still haven't been here yet, so I picked up some 2001 tickets. Should be a lot of fun to see it in that setting!

From a historic standpoint alone.....I could see myself going here for movies A LOT!

In LA, they have a lot of these small types of theatres. Most are single screen. The one in Laguna Beach closed down a couple years ago but it was my favorite. I understand there are plans to bring it back, don’t know what’s going on. I would love to see a few of these theatres around the metro.

I was thinking the same, seems like they could fill a lot of empty dates with classic movies. I still haven't been here yet, so I picked up some 2001 tickets. Should be a lot of fun to see it in that setting!

Did you get tix at the box office?

In LA, they have a lot of these small types of theatres. Most are single screen. The one in Laguna Beach closed down a couple years ago but it was my favorite. I understand there are plans to bring it back, don’t know what’s going on. I would love to see a few of these theatres around the metro.

You and me both. I think adding theaters like these and live music venues to each budding district around OKC would take each community to another level. Only thing left would be a fresh grocer/market like what Seattle and Milwaukee has.

Did you get tix at the box office?

Just bought them on their website.

Just bought them on their website.

Duly noted. I would prefer buying them at a box office (not a big fan of online purchases) but either way I don't want to miss this show.

Dude! I just opened the link Plutonic Panda posted and they're going to show "Fifth Element" on Tuesday. Id much rather see that movie instead. I can only imagine how packed its going to be for that movie. Chris Tuckers character is hilarious lol. I gotta say, as a kid growing up, I always envisioned 'the future' would look like a cross between "Fifth Element" and that cartoon "The Jetsons" with flying cars and Mcdonald's meals that sprout up from a quarter sized box lol. I can't wait for this!

Duly noted. I would prefer buying them at a box office (not a big fan of online purchases) but either way I don't want to miss this show.

The box office is always open the day of events. And I seem to remember seeing a social media post that they open it daily. I would double check that though. Sounds like there will be more than a few OKCtalkers at 2001. I’ve always loved that flick.

I had a brief talk with one of the owners at a show in October. They said movies were quite difficult because of the licensing fees. They even had to have the theater inspected by a a film studio agent to get it “verified” to be of a certain standard for screenings. I’m perfectly happy with a bohemian style theater doing classics and indie movies in my hood. They had the louis C.K. Movie lined up but cancelled in the wake of his sexual misconduct scandal. Great that the tower has shown ambitions to get relative and new indie films in house though.

Yup.

Should be nice, can't wait.

The box office is always open the day of events. And I seem to remember seeing a social media post that they open it daily. I would double check that though. Sounds like there will be more than a few OKCtalkers at 2001. I’ve always loved that flick.

I had a brief talk with one of the owners at a show in October. They said movies were quite difficult because of the licensing fees. They even had to have the theater inspected by a a film studio agent to get it “verified” to be of a certain standard for screenings. I’m perfectly happy with a bohemian style theater doing classics and indie movies in my hood. They had the louis C.K. Movie lined up but cancelled in the wake of his sexual misconduct scandal. Great that the tower has shown ambitions to get relative and new indie films in house though.

Ur/Bun sells concert tickets whenever they're open, but not sure if they do movie tickets.

Great Los Lobos show last night. Those guys are so, so good. Encore included a blistering cover of “Cinnamon Girl.”

Great Los Lobos show last night. Those guys are so, so good. Encore included a blistering cover of “Cinnamon Girl.”

Yep, agreed. First time we've been to the Tower, and they put on a good show (not as good as 16 years ago when they were in prime jam-band mode, but still good)! Found out that for the movies they show, it's only seating in the balcony that's open and a screen comes down from the ceiling (with speakers behind it that are permanently hung there for the balcony sound during concerts, I'm guessing). Screen doesn't look huge, so I wouldn't expect a full wide-screen 70mm experience, but it may end up being that large when it's that close to the balcony due to perspective.

The Tower guys are doing such an amazing job. Seems like something’s going on here more nights than not. Does a ton for the vibe along 23rd.

Saw a question in Lackmeyer's chat today that reminded me to ask something about the movies being shown here. If anybody has gone, what's the viewing experience like? Screen the right size, sound and pic quality OK, sightline, etc.?

^

I've seen the setup but haven't watched a movie there.

This is all setup in the balcony and there is a drop-down screen that falls just beyond the balcony as you face the stage.

They also have concessions and a full bar.

Saw a question in Lackmeyer's chat today that reminded me to ask something about the movies being shown here. If anybody has gone, what's the viewing experience like? Screen the right size, sound and pic quality OK, sightline, etc.?

I went to the first showing they had and really enjoyed it. The screen is a very nice 4K projection that seemed to be a good size for the space. The chairs obviously aren't going to be as comfortable as you would get at more modern theaters like Warren, but I didn't consider that a deal breaker, especially when getting to see movies that aren't in theaters anymore.

I went to the first showing they had and really enjoyed it. The screen is a very nice 4K projection that seemed to be a good size for the space. The chairs obviously aren't going to be as comfortable as you would get at more modern theaters like Warren, but I didn't consider that a deal breaker, especially when getting to see movies that aren't in theaters anymore.

Cool, GTK, how's the sound? I saw the speakers behind the screen, but wasn't sure if they had others around the balcony or not...

I thought the sound was great. Actually a bit loud, but very clear and crisp. Granted, the movie I saw was Christmas Vacation, so not the most audio-intensive film. But overall experience was very good. The seats are old-fashioned theater seats, but they were comfortable enough. Seating the balcony only, to me, actually made for a more comfortable, intimate experience, as you aren't in an empty theater, and there are no bad seats.

I thought the sound was great. Actually a bit loud, but very clear and crisp. Granted, the movie I saw was Christmas Vacation, so not the most audio-intensive film. But overall experience was very good. The seats are old-fashioned theater seats, but they were comfortable enough. Seating the balcony only, to me, actually made for a more comfortable, intimate experience, as you aren't in an empty theater, and there are no bad seats.

Yes it was a bit loud, but very clear and crisp. Little full, lotta sap.

Cool, GTK, how's the sound? I saw the speakers behind the screen, but wasn't sure if they had others around the balcony or not...

I saw 2001: A Space Odyssey there (obviously quite sound intensive, lol) and don't remember thinking it was bad at all. I don't remember being blown away or anything, but it was more than sufficient.

It’s a really cool in that there is depth behind the screen. Meaning it is intimate in the 200 or so seats in the balcony, and when the screen is down it really feels like a normal theater. The space and everything just feels correct. But behind the screen there is the hint of the dark room with low lights. Just makes it feel different and cool.

Also, the sound system in the Tower is next-level. I was told the number but not really mine to repeat. I’ll just say no concert venue in OKC has a system as nice for the space, by a lot.

I was definitely impressed with the sound when I was there to see John Moreland. Impressed to the point that I even commented on it to my friend.

The concert sound is second to none. And the movie theater sound is ridiculous. I know that studios require a certain level of sound and projection quality in order to even allow a theater to screen a film. I think the standard minimum these days is Dolby DTS with a lot of new theaters going Atmos 3D. I didn’t count last time I was in but they’re running at least 9.2

Yep, when we saw Los Lobos, we thought the sound was great, nice and loud *and* clear. Thanks for all the replies about the films, we'll give it a shot next time there's something we wanna see (2001 would've been cool, but I saw it at the Continental in OKC a loooooong time ago, and we both saw it in the 70mm restoration a while back on the Navy Pier IMAX screen when we lived in Chicago, so didn't really need to see it here).

I believe they have a Meyer Leopard line array, which is super awesome. I may be biased as my company is a Meyer dealer. For people who have no idea about this, they spent $$$ on the speakers.

Bowling for Soup on 4/22

Really excited for Black Angels/Black Lips

Really excited for Black Angels/Black Lips

Black Angels were great at ACM's Perf. Lab, and in this space they should be even better, I'll have to try to make this one!

From last night’s ULI Oklahoma Impact Awards: https://twitter.com/ulioklahoma/status/962140381092737024

Punch Brothers to play the Tower in September!!!!!! Amazing. Seeing these guys is like a religious experience.

https://www.facebook.com/events/167945953999947

Punch Brothers to play the Tower in September!!!!!! Amazing. Seeing these guys is like a religious experience.

https://www.facebook.com/events/167945953999947

I've been freaking out about this as well. Have seen Nickel Creek and Chris Thile on PHC but I have a feeling Punch Brothers, especially at a venue like the tower, will be absolutely amazing. This is the type of show I would have never thought OKC would get only a year ago. Kudos to Chad and everyone else at the Tower for continuing to up their game.

Blue October on June 3rd. Looks like I will finally make it to a concert there...

^^^^^^^
That is an excellent booking for them. They continue to make more discernible upward progress in bookings than any venue.

^^^^^^^
That is an excellent booking for them. They continue to make more discernible upward progress in bookings than any venue.

I think that's partially it, but I think a lot of it also has to do with where Blue October is playing these days. When they toured, almost always, they would stop at the Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa and then the Diamond here in OKC on a second leg. In 2016, they bypassed Cain's and played the Brady Theatre, which is significantly bigger, so it looks like they are doing the same thing for OKC from going to Diamond to the Tower. Either way, it's a great pickup for the Tower and I really look forward to that show, assuming the wife will let me go :)

I wouldn't call Tower bigger than Diamond, capacity wise, though...

I don't know the numbers but Diamond still FEELS bigger than Tower, but I don't know if the balcony is used at Tower for shows. It wasn't for the only show I've been to.

I think that's partially it, but I think a lot of it also has to do with where Blue October is playing these days. When they toured, almost always, they would stop at the Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa and then the Diamond here in OKC on a second leg. In 2016, they bypassed Cain's and played the Brady Theatre, which is significantly bigger, so it looks like they are doing the same thing for OKC from going to Diamond to the Tower. Either way, it's a great pickup for the Tower and I really look forward to that show, assuming the wife will let me go :)

Easy there. Diamond Ballroom holds way more than Tower. They get larger shows. Always will.

Easy there. Diamond Ballroom holds way more than Tower. They get larger shows. Always will.

Maybe it just feels bigger. And maybe their shows have become more intricate with lighting and height that the Brady and Tower bring that Diamond and Cain’s don’t have.

Has anyone been to the tower for a concert and sat in the balcony? Was it a good experience or would GA on the floor be a lot better?

PUNCH BROTHERS!!!!!

This is the show I was desperately hoping would come to OKC. Nobody is making better music.

I think that's partially it, but I think a lot of it also has to do with where Blue October is playing these days. When they toured, almost always, they would stop at the Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa and then the Diamond here in OKC on a second leg. In 2016, they bypassed Cain's and played the Brady Theatre, which is significantly bigger, so it looks like they are doing the same thing for OKC from going to Diamond to the Tower. Either way, it's a great pickup for the Tower and I really look forward to that show, assuming the wife will let me go :)

They probably bypassed Cain’s because DCF does bookings for Brady and no longer does so for Cain’s. Which makes it even more interesting that here they are bypassing Diamond (also DCF and in fact OWNED by DCF) in favor of Tower. Also, as stated above Diamond is DEFINITIELY a larger capacity than Tower.

They probably bypassed Cain’s because DCF does bookings for Brady and no longer does so for Cain’s. Which makes it even more interesting that here they are bypassing Diamond (also DCF and in fact OWNED by DCF) in favor of Tower. Also, as stated above Diamond is DEFINITIELY a larger capacity than Tower.

When did that start?

My understanding is that it has been that way for a few years. The way it was described to me - and keep in mind that this is second hand - is that DCF and Cain’s had a great relationship until DCF started also booking shows at Brady, at which point Cain’s ownership cut them off completely from booking the venue.

I have no idea if it is related, but I personally feel like Cain’s traditionally strong bookings have dwindled a bit over the past couple of years. I just got tickets to Lord Huron in October, but there hasn’t been much over the past year especially that has caught my interest.

Maybe it just feels bigger. And maybe their shows have become more intricate with lighting and height that the Brady and Tower bring that Diamond and Cain’s don’t have.

I think Tower can hold 250 in the balcony, plus 750 on the floor for a general admission show or 500 for a seated show. So 750-1,000?

I haven't seen solid capacity numbers for the Diamond, but to my untrained eye, it feels like 1,000-ish when they have it fully open? Sometimes they cut it in half and can fit 500 or so.

Is Diamond that much smaller than Cain's? I would think Diamond is more like 1,500.

I think Diamond is officially 1000 but might be wrong. Cain's is 1800. You're right; you could easily fit 1500 in Diamond; just not sure what the fire marshal says and honestly anything behind the sound man is wasted, terrible space. In front of the sound mixers it is a surprisingly decent experience as a fan.

I wish it were legally required for performance venues to post the fire marshal limit on their websites. I tried to find the Diamond limit on their website and couldn't find it there or on wikipedia, etc. I didn't spend more than a minute on it though so I may have missed it.

I wish it were legally required for performance venues to post the fire marshal limit on their websites. I tried to find the Diamond limit on their website and couldn't find it there or on wikipedia, etc. I didn't spend more than a minute on it though so I may have missed it.

They probably don't to prevent people from scalping tickets. Just a guess though.

I wish it were legally required for performance venues to post the fire marshal limit on their websites. I tried to find the Diamond limit on their website and couldn't find it there or on wikipedia, etc. I didn't spend more than a minute on it though so I may have missed it.

Go old school and call the FD.

I think Cain's is still doing an amazing job booking. I see Matisyahu, Excision, Jeezy, Sylvan Esso, K.Flay, and Black Tiger Sex Machine all coming up and I would love to see all of them. Probably just gonna catch Excision and maybe Sylvan Esso or BTSM. I am really disappointed in what Criterion is doing right now tho. I wish the people running tower could've taken over that venue too. I mean, their calendar stays 90% empty only having 3 or 4 shows a month when all these other great venues are doing that many a week!

I think Cain's is still doing an amazing job booking. I see Matisyahu, Excision, Jeezy, Sylvan Esso, K.Flay, and Black Tiger Sex Machine all coming up and I would love to see all of them. Probably just gonna catch Excision and maybe Sylvan Esso or BTSM. I am really disappointed in what Criterion is doing right now tho. I wish the people running tower could've taken over that venue too. I mean, their calendar stays 90% empty only having 3 or 4 shows a month when all these other great venues are doing that many a week!

You do realize they have multiple private events booked each month, right? They make money for the promoter. Not just concerts. But I get what you are saying.

You do realize they have multiple private events booked each month, right? They make money for the promoter. Not just concerts. But I get what you are saying.

This is an oft repeated misconception. If you look at their calendar, they have only had one private event in the last 6 months.

A big booking month for them is 3 shows. Assuming 5 hours for each, that means even in a very good month, the Criterion is a big black hole 98% of the time. And as a reminder, they received public tax money to help build that place even though there is nearly identical venue almost next door, which required zero public assistance.

If you look at their calendar, they have only had one private event in the last 6 months.

While I agree with the point you were making, this is not true. The McGuinness auction was February 2nd and Boots and Ballgowns was February 3rd and I suspect both were money makers for the venue. That said, I totally agree the space is criminally underutilized.

EDIT: I understand you were referring to private events shown on their calendar. My point is only that I know they have had at least a few more private events that are not publicly advertised on their calendar - I would be curious to know how many to see how big of a portion of the Criterion's business this is. Given the lack of concerts - it must be a decent sized chunk.

I've suspected of late that what's on the public calendar is not the full picture of what is going on in that venue (Criterion).

Okay, so on a good month they maybe get two private events at the Criterion. There are certainly some months (maybe even most) where they don't book any. I guarantee you they are not making money there given the cost to build that place and the monthly debt service.

Frankly, it's just a matter of time before the Criterion goes out of business and then hopefully another operator can come in and actually book some shows.

And BTW, Levelland (operators of the Criterion) is in the process of being evicted from their venue in Stillwater and were pretty much kicked out of the Wormy Dog space which is now home to the Dollhouse.

They were also booted out of operating the Tower Theater and Savings & Loan despite the BS "mutual parting" propaganda printed by the Oklahoman.