Weekly Events Calendar: January 22-28

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 Nathan Gunter
One of the most well-reviewed Broadway musicals of the last decade is coming to the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts in Stillwater. Come From Away chronicles in song the true story of the 7,000 airline passengers who were stranded at Newfoundland’s Gander International Airport after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The music and book tell the story of the way the people of Gander welcomed these new refugees and the culture clashes, unexpected connections, and moments of beauty through pain that followed.
January 23-24. Tickets, $40-$120. mcknightcenter.org

The 2019 Olivier Award-winning musical Come From Away brings its touring production to Stillwater's McKnight Center for the Performing Arts this Tuesday and Wednesday. Photo courtesy Matthew Murphy

By Megan Rossman
If you’re looking for a swanky cultural experience, you’re in for a treat at the Armstrong Auditorium in Edmond. Along with incredible acoustics in the theater, the lobby features three of the largest crystal chandeliers in North America, caramel onyx walls, art exhibits, and more Austrian crystal than you’d find in all the Hobby Lobbies of America. But all this finery pales in comparison to the world-class performance the audience will hear on January 25 when the Vida Guitar Quartet takes the stage. These four internationally acclaimed U.K. musicians and educators will play famous pieces from composers like Schubert, Vivaldi, and Joaquin Turina, plus West Side Story hits including “I Feel Pretty.”
January 25. Tickets, $40-$80. armstrongauditorium.com

See the United Kingdom's Vida Guitar Quartet perform this Thursday inside the ornate performance hall of Armstrong Auditorium in Edmond. Photo courtesy Armstrong Auditorium

By Karlie Ybarra
“I pick my favorite quotations and store them in my mind as ready armour, offensive or defensive, amid the struggle of this turbulent existence.” Renowned poet and son of Scotland Robert Burns knew a thing or two about the struggle of being alive. He also knew how to have a good time, so Scotfest Burns Night at River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa is sure to be a barry shindig. Aside from the usual toasts, visitors can rock their kilts off as Tulsa Metro Pipe Band and the Waxie Dargles take to the stage. There also will be plenty of dancing, food, and alcohol! Tickets are $135, and all you bonnie lads and lasses can go to okscotfest.com to get yours.
January 27. Tickets, $125. okscotfest.com

By Ben Luschen
The main event this Saturday at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City might more accurately be described as an event of manes. Of courses, it’s all about horses during the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Convention. If you’re in the horse world, earning admission into those hallowed halls is surely an unbridled honor, and it goes without saying that every honoree is outstanding in their field. This year’s honorees have not been shared publicly yet, at least not that I’m aware of, but last year they actually inducted more humans than horses. The human honorees included the late trainer and owner Doug Carpenter; veterinarian, trainer, and Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association adviser Dr. Bob Story, and breeder Ron McMillan. But of course it behooves me to draw attention to the equine honoree, the legendary 1950s race horse Three Bars, known not just as an ace on the track but as a coveted and prolific stud, siring more than 500 foals in his day. Good luck filling those horseshoes. A reception party for this year kicks off the evening festivities at 5 pm, and the OQHA Hall of Fame & Year End Awards Ceremony begins promptly at 5:45. Admission includes access to the open bar and if there is an open trough as well I’d hope they’d let you use that too. Reserve your seat and dinner now.
January 27. Tickets, $35-$75. okqha.org

The 2019 Olivier Award-winning musical Come From Away brings its touring production to Stillwater's McKnight Center for the Performing Arts this Tuesday and Wednesday. Photo courtesy Matthew Murphy

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.