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Gonzo Charity - Sep 16, 2004 - Printable Version
- Aranda To Perform "Unplugged" Concert at Plaza District Festival
by Mark Faulk
The Plaza District in Oklahoma City has experienced many ups and downs over the years. After falling into disrepair in the eighties and early nineties, it seemed destined to remain another example of the "crumbling infrastructure" that has plagued the inner cities of America. But, thanks largely to the efforts of the Plaza District Association and improvements made possible by the MAPs program, the area has been experiencing a rebirth in recent years. After years of neglect, thriving businesses have begun to move back into the area, remodeling the unique storefronts that line this small business district tucked between two inner city neighborhoods. It has re-established itself as a performing arts district since the Lyric Theatre and Everything Goes Dance Studio have taken up residence there. Located on NW 16th Street between Penn and Classen, it is one of Oklahoma City’s oldest shopping and commercial areas and has recently begun to enjoy revitalization after last year’s completion of a streetscape project that included street resurfacing, new sidewalks, historic lighting, landscaping and decorative paving. The Plaza District Association has worked diligently to unite the residents of the Plaza neighborhood and assist new businesses in finding homes there. The presence of Lyric Theatre and the future promise of a renovated Plaza Theatre will soon make the Plaza District the place to go for live theatre, just as The Paseo is the place for visual arts.
To celebrate this rebirth, the Plaza District proudly presents the 6th Annual Plaza Festival, on Saturday, September 25, from 3:00 to 9:00pm. “This is a celebration for people of all ages,” explains Susan Hogan, Executive Director of the Plaza District Association. “We truly offer a unique variety of entertainment for the whole family.”
The highlight of the festival will undoubtedly be the music of Aranda, who will perform in a special "unplugged" concert to close out the evening's events. It will be their last performance before they disappear into the recording studio to begin work on their next album, which is scheduled for release in mid-December. The band is led by brothers Dameon and Gabe Aranda, who graduated from NW Classen High School, and were born and raised in the "inner city" area that surrounds the Plaza District. In addition to having acquired a large regional following, Aranda recently returned from a stint in California that included a recording contract with Sony Records. Starting at 7:00, their upbeat pop/rock sound will provide a fun and fabulous nightcap; guests at the festival can dance, or just relax and enjoy the music while taking in dinner and refreshments.
During the afternoon hours, children can enjoy games and activities including a Moon Walk, face painting, and a brand new Children’s Craft Corner. Another unique element of the festival promises to involve festival participants in providing the day’s entertainment. A special class, or “Clown College” will take place from 1:00 – 3:00pm at the Everything Goes Dance Studio at 1721 NW 16th St., where anyone between the ages of 5 – 105 can learn the art of clowning, including the application of make-up, designing of costumes, and creating balloon animals. These new “clowns” will then be invited to stroll through the festival and entertain the guests with their new skills. For more information about attending Clown College, please call Byron Jackson at 417-8812.
Also for the first time this year, from 3:00-9:00, the Plaza Festival will present a Classic Car Show for the whole family’s enjoyment, as well as the works of individual artists on display, available both for browsing and for buying. Of course, to celebrate the performing arts, the Plaza Festival offers an incredible lineup of talent showcasing just some of what Oklahoma City has to offer in the way of entertainment.
Guests can expect a wide array of acts from groups including the Lyric Theatre Academy, the Everything Goes Dance Studio, the Cynthia Poteet Theatre at St. Luke’s, the LMD Performance Company, the Harp Ensemble from Classen, and the Pseudodance Theatre.
“It is a joy to witness the vast improvements that take place in this neighborhood each and everyday. The Festival offers a wonderful opportunity for the residents to share good times with each other and also to share with the rest of the city all that the Plaza District has to offer,” says Susan Hogan.
(Editor's note: Even though the Plaza District Association is not technically a charity, I am including them in this column because their efforts to revitalize the inner city have resulted in bringing back to life an area that was neglected for many years. I spent my high school years "next door" in the Gatewood and Mesta Park neighborhoods, and returned there with my family after getting married. Now, some thirty-odd years after I first moved there, my daughter attends Everything Goes Dance Studio in the Plaza District, and my favorite band, Aranda, will perform there in a special unplugged concert on September 25th. Sidenote: I went to high school at nearby Classen High School with Gabe and Dameon Aranda's dad. Damn, I'm old! Oh well, what goes around comes around.)
Please call the Plaza District Association at 525-7939 or Lyric Theatre at 524-9310 for more information about celebrating at the 2004 Plaza Festival.
To find out more about Aranda, check out their website at www.ArandaMusic.com , and look for their new album this December.
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