Criterion Concert Hall

[BDP]

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

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.

[shawnw]

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...

[ljbab728]

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.

[skanaly]

So no windows. ....

[Pete]

^

They just haven't cut them in yet.

[Urbanized]

IIRC the windows are not to be actual window openings.

[catch22]

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).

[Urbanized]

^^^^^^
Yeah, pretty sure that was the reasoning.

[Laramie]

Can't wait to see this project completed.

[Uptowner]

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"

[Urbanized]

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.

[Urbanized]

My Morning Jacket 4/27 confirmed via band's website: Events : My Morning Jacket

[Urbanized]

^^^^^^^
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.

[onthestrip]

My Morning Jacket 4/27 confirmed via band's website: Events : My Morning Jacket

[BDP]

My Morning Jacket 4/27 confirmed via band's website: Events : My Morning Jacket

Yes! Hope this is a harbinger.

[BDP]

^^^^^^^
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.

[Urbanized]

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.

[BDP]

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

[Pete]

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.

[BDP]

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.

[onthestrip]

So if you buy using your "roll call" membership you dont have to order through ticketmaster or if you do you dont have to pay their fees?

[BDP]

So if you buy using your "roll call" membership you dont have to order through ticketmaster or if you do you dont have to pay their fees?

Correct. It's through the band's site, no Ticketmaster.

Now, there could be a price discrepancy that makes it close to even, but the MMJ site listed only a $.30 "processing" fee total. I don't know what TM will charge, but it's $10 per $22 ticket for Ben Rector.

[BDP]

oops

[OkieHornet]

Correct. It's through the band's site, no Ticketmaster.

Now, there could be a price discrepancy that makes it close to even, but the MMJ site listed only a $.30 "processing" fee total. I don't know what TM will charge, but it's $10 per $22 ticket for Ben Rector.

are roll call tickets will-call?

[BDP]

are roll call tickets will-call?

Yes.