Criterion Concert Hall

[OKC_on_mines]

^^^^+1


Agree that urbanized did a great job of bringing perspective to our live music scene here in OKC.

A lot of our buzzing districts have live music venues. Uptown, film row, bricktown, plaza (?)

I think were on the right track

[Urbanized]

...Also wanted to thank Urbanized for your post, nice way to sum it all up, just wish it would all happen sooner than it is (seems like it's been a version of "Free Crab Tomorrow" every single day for months and months).

You're welcome. I just wanted to add, I was looking at Tower's website ( https://towertheatreokc.com/ ) and right now on the books they have 24 shows over the next 20 weeks, and this is a week after their first-ever show, with essentially zero industry and artist reputation to build on. The vast majority are touring acts. I can't wait to see what they have accomplished with some successful shows under their belts and good word-of-mouth in the industry and among artists.

I think the Tower is simply going to be a monster when it comes to bookings.

[TheTravellers]

So I'm wondering if the Criterion owners are worried/interested in how Tower's doing so well, and if they will ever be able to get a piece of that pie? Can the owners kick Levelland to the curb for being such a crappy promoter or if they're locked into a contract for a decade? Are they even considering that? Or are they just going to let Levelland limp along the way they've been doing for years (ever since the Criterion opened, pretty much)? Do the owners even care that they're missing out on big shows and decent money? Does anybody know the owners and can ask those questions (I'm just a regular concert-goer, no connections to anybody, so I can't)?

[Urbanized]

^^^^^^^^
Levelland IS the owner of Criterion. Of course - like most anything - the real owner is the bank. As long as they make their mortgage Levelland is in control of the building.

[TheTravellers]

^^^^^^^^
Levelland IS the owner of Criterion. Of course - like most anything - the real owner is the bank. As long as they make their mortgage Levelland is in control of the building.

Interesting, other posts had implied that somebody else was the actual owner and they had hired Levelland as the operator/promoter, now I know. So, to answer my own questions, Criterion bookings will probably not improve in the foreseeable future unless Levelland gets it sh*t together, which doesn't show signs of happening quickly...

[Pete]

Levelland has an investor for the building but they are the main owners and operators.

[Urbanized]

Interesting, other posts had implied that somebody else was the actual owner and they had hired Levelland as the operator/promoter, now I know. So, to answer my own questions, Criterion bookings will probably not improve in the foreseeable future unless Levelland gets it sh*t together, which doesn't show signs of happening quickly...

Well, since they no longer have responsibilities related to Tower or Wormy Dog it seems like now is the time for things to turn around for them, if it ever is to happen. Obviously the schedule is still light, but if you're pulling for them it would seem to be encouraging that bookings are better than the REALLY dry spell of some months ago, and also that Live Nation bookings seem to have returned to the venue.

[TheTravellers]

Well, since they no longer have responsibilities related to Tower or Wormy Dog it seems like now is the time for things to turn around for them, if it ever is to happen. Obviously the schedule is still light, but if you're pulling for them it would seem to be encouraging that bookings are better than the REALLY dry spell of some months ago, and also that Live Nation bookings seem to have returned to the venue.

Yep, agreed, hopefully they have the wherewithal, time, *and* the $$$ to be doing that *right now*. Going to The xx in Oct, glad to see them come here, the other Live Nation acts just aren't my thing, but it is better than it was for most of this year, though...

[OSUFan]

To be completely fair, the Criterion (when they do book shows) is still booking shows that are much bigger gets than the Tower. That is not a knock on the Tower because I'm blown away with how well the Tower has done so quickly (I've already bought tickets for two different shows). I wouldn't be shocked if they start booking better shows than the Criterion (they are definitely booking more). However, I think every show the Criterion has booked the next two months would all be the biggest shows the Tower has booked.

Not excusing the issues the venue has had but they are still booking some really good shows.

[Roger S]

Well the Jason Isbell concert this Sunday has been postponed to Jan 4th due to a death.

If you are a Frank Turner fan (opening act). He will be playing 89th Street - OKC on Sunday now.

[Pete]

Just announced that David Byrne will be playing this venue 4/25.

[Urbanized]

Oh my holy lord

[Ross MacLochness]

Oh my holy lord

+1

[Pete]

The press release says Byrne will be playing hits from the Talking Heads as well as music from his forthcoming record.

[Urbanized]

That is an amazing get for this market.

[aDark]

I was having a pretty abysmal Tuesday until I read this. Thank you and thanks to the Criterion!

[Martin]

wow... this is a once in a lifetime kind of event!

*ducks*

[stjohn]

Eh, they have shows at the Criterion slightly more often than that.

[TheTravellers]

wow... this is a once in a lifetime kind of event!

*ducks*

Eh, same as it ever was...

[Jersey Boss]

Eh, they have shows at the Criterion slightly more often than that.

Did you not know that Bill Ransic will be appearing, courtesy of the Junior League?

[bradh]

who is David Byrne?



*ducks*

[PhiAlpha]

who is David Byrne?



*ducks*

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=David+Byrne

[bchris02]

Anybody who used Windows XP should remember this song at least.

[BDP]

wow... this is a once in a lifetime kind of event!

*ducks*

Eh, same as it ever was...

Bravo, guys.

[bradh]

Hey that wasn't the point of my post butthead