Weekly Events Calendar: April 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.

By Karlie Ybarra
I’ve decided I’m going to start my own music hall of fame. My first inductee into the Karlie Ybarra Closet of Musical Accomplishment will be ZZ Top. Not only does this allow me to start reverse alphabetically, but they also deserve it for being cool as heck. First of all, they’ve been influenced by blues, rock, country, new wave, and even punk—everyone from BB King to Depeche Mode. Up until bassist Dusty Hill’s death in 2021, they’d been playing with their original lineup for more than 50 years—the longest running band in history. It’s also worth noting that before Dusty passed, he asked to be replaced by the band’s longtime guitar tech, Elwood Francis, which they honored. Finally, ZZ Top crafted the most brilliant lyrics in rock history—she’s got legs, and she knows how to use them. It’s like they’re singing directly to me! But you don’t have to trick Billy, Frank, and Elwood into attending an induction ceremony to see them. Just show up at the Tulsa Theater on April 10 with a ticket and a heart that’s ready to rock. Oklahoma native songster and usually sharp dressed man JD McPherson will be there too! You can wear some cheap sunglasses for extra credit, but you’ll probably need to take them off inside. Oh, and when you’re there, could you ask one of the guys what exactly Tush means?
April 10. Tickets, $40-$250. tulsatheater.com

Hear "Tush," "Francine," and other classic hits during ZZ Top's appearance Wednesday at Tulsa Theater. Photo courtesy ZZ Top

By Ben Luschen
When discussing the great rock bands of the ’70s and ’80s, the name Toto rarely comes up. It could be because their yacht-rock and arena-rock sound hasn’t always been the preferred medium for critical accolades. It could be because poor health and other factors prevent founding vocalist and songwriter David Paich from touring with the band. It could simply be because the success of their biggest song, “Africa,” forever overshadows any and everything else the band could ever do. The truth is, though, that Toto’s well of hits goes a lot further than some will have you believe, as anyone who attends their show Thursday at The Cove inside Tulsa’s River Spirit Casino Resort. There you can bear witness to Toto’s full repertoire of hit songs--tunes you might think you haven’t heard but really... you have. I’m talking about timeless bops like “Hold the Line,” “Roseanna,” “Georgy Porgy,” and “Don’t Change My Heart.” But yes, we promise all those who attend will be feeling the rain down in Africa as well, and Weezer is not invited.
April 11. Tickets, $20-$35. tickets.riverspirittulsa.com

By Megan Rossman
Crawfish. Crayfish. Crawdad. Mud Bug. Spiny Lobster. Cherax Destructor. Creek Conch. River Scorpion. Pauper’s Prawn. Whatever you call them, most people’s favorite habitat for these freshwater crustaceans is typically in a bowl of gumbo. The staff at Linney Breaux’s and Kroner & Baer Brewpub in Tahlequah evidently share the feeling, because on April 12 and 13, they’ll be hosting Crawfest Six at the pub. This marks the sixth year Linney Breaux's will provide an assortment of Cajun delights, including the delicious namesake bottom feeders. Last year, they dished out 3,500 pounds of crawfish and expect to serve even more this year. If you’re not content to stuff your face for the sheer joy of it, you may seek validation in a crawfish-eating contest, as well. There also will be plenty of beer to drink, bands to listen to, vendors and games, and even activities for the children that may or may not involve ten-legged common yabbies.
April 12-13. Admission, free. okcrawfest.com

No matter what you call them, crawfish are always good eating at Tahlequah's annual Crawfest. Photo courtesy Pixabay

By Kiersten Stone
Whether you prefer to walk on the ground or take to the sky, both options will be available at the OSU Flying Aggie’s 8th annual Fly-in. This event has something for everyone with aircraft rides, local vendors, and food vendors. However, the main attraction is the aircraft. It includes more than 30 airplanes from the last 100 years in aviation. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 13, make sure you head to the Stillwater Regional Airport to connect with OSU Aggies, alumni, aviation enthusiasts, and more, and to take a plane ride to see Stillwater from a whole new view.
April 13. Admission, free. flyingaggies.com

Flight enthusiasts won't want to miss the eighth annual OSU Flying Aggie's Fly-In at Stillwater Regional Airport. Photo courtesy OSU Flying Aggies

By Nathan Gunter
One of our stocks in trade here at Oklahoma Today is finding weird and wonderful places for Oklahomans to visit. Whether it’s the pigeon museum in Oklahoma City, the creepy tunnels under downtown Tulsa, the supposedly haunted restaurant Frank & Lola’s in Bartlesville or the Airbnb in a missile silo in southwest Oklahoma, there’s a lot to uncover. And one of my favorite places like this is ROMP: The Rural Oklahoma Museum of Poetry. It’s a small museum in Locust Grove curated by the amazing Shaun Perkins, and if you’re ever headed toward the Grand Lake area, you need to spend half an hour hanging out there.

OR! On April 13, you could stop by for Wonder City Wordfest, the museum’s annual celebration of the written word in all its many variations, from Barbara Cartland to Toni Morrison and everyone in between. The event will feature live music and dancing, a poetry reading, a poet costume contest, and more.
April 13. Tickets, $10-$35. rompoetry.com

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.