Weekly Event Calendar: January 8-14

Each week, Oklahoma Today staffers comb through their calendars to find a handful of great events happening across the state. Get out! See Oklahoma! And be sure to let us know what you find, either here or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @oklahomatoday.

Uneven and parallel bars are among the most challenging events in competitive gymnastics. The Dry Bar competition at The Jones Assembly in Oklahoma City involves considerably less athletics, but will be much tastier. Watch as some of the state’s best bartenders compete to make the best and most beautiful non-alcoholic mocktails. Act fast because limited seating is available. Ticket sales benefit The Recovery Center of Oklahoma City. January 11. Tickets, $20. etix.com

The state's best bartenders leave the booze on the shelf to craft mocktails for the Dry Bar competition at The Jones Assembly in Oklahoma City. Photo courtesy of Pixabay

We’re in the dead cold of winter, so why not heat things up by checking out the classic steamy R&B vocals of Keith Sweat at River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa. The 2013 Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award winner hosts a show that would be the perfect Valentine’s date if it weren’t a month early. Songs like “Twisted,” “Get Up on It,” and “How Deep Is Your Love” will carry concert goers through the night. January 11. Tickets, $45-$80. tickets.riverspirit.com

Some of the best riders in the world will be competing in Guthrie this week for the International FInals Rodeo at the legendary Lazy E Arena. There is a lot that is the same about the IFR in its fifty-fourth year: athletes still compete for titles in events like steer wrestling and bareback riding. There is one significant change this year, though. The IFR has gone the way of the NFL and other pro sports leagues and introduced instant replay review for the in-arena action. January 11-14. Tickets, free-$75. ipa-rodeo.com

Men and women compete for the title of world champion in several different events through the four days of the International Finals Rodeo at Lazy E Arena in Guthrie. Photo courtesy International Professional Rodeo Association

Those searching for a night of fun and bluegrass music should turn to Grove in northeastern Oklahoma. On the second Saturday of each month, revelers gather inside the Grant Middle School auditorium for the Grove Bluegrass Show featuring a rotation of some of the area’s best pickers and bluegrass talent. This Saturday’s show features the four-piece band Midnight Hollow, but expect to be in bed well before the actual midnight hour, as the music starts at 6 p.m. January 6-7. Tickets, $15. tulsaopera.com

Like sneaking broccoli into the kids’ macaroni and cheese, sometimes parents need to be creative when it comes to introducing their offspring to the wonders of orchestra. That’s where the Oklahoma City Philharmonic comes in with their Funky Fresh and Sugar Free program, pairing the orchestra with the local favorite family-friendly band Sugar Free Allstars for a Sunday afternoon concert at Civic Center Music Hall. Sugar Free is both the entrée and the veggie in this scenario, with their funk-rock live instrumentation paired with silly and wholesome lyrics. January 14. Tickets, $11. okcciviccenter.com

Oklahoma's favorite family funk super duo Sugar Free Allstars joins the Oklahoma City Philharmonic for musical fun and dancing at Civic Center Music Hall. Photo courtesy of Sugar Free Allstars

Written By

Ben Luschen

Luschen joined the *Oklahoma Today*’ staff as Research Editor in 2021 and currently works as the magazine's Web Editor, managing the website and social media fronts. His past *Oklahoma Today* stories have ranged in content from the state's bee and quail industries to its vibrant art and music scenes. Not adverse to a road trip, Luschen is always on the lookout for the next big adventure. He is never out of opinions about the current state of Oklahoma City Thunder basketball.