The Norman Downtowners Association and The Performing Arts Studio are pleased to announce a new season of Lunchtime Concerts, opening with Gypsy Wind on Friday, May 9.  The free concert begins at noon on the north lawn of the Norman Depot, 200 South Flood.  A complimentary lunch and beverage are provided.  The concert will move inside the Depot in the event of rain.

Gypsy Wind includes Bob Mansfield on accordion, Tom Wheelus on bass, David Foulks on violin and Ivan Pena on Gypsy guitar.  The group performs in the Oklahoma City area, playing concerts and performing for private parties, festivals and fund raising events. 

“This will be a lively concert with a repertoire that includes Balkan, Russian, Romanian and Hungarian music, as well as Arab and Hebrew, Pakistani and Turkish.” says PAS Director Nancy McClellan.  “They also play some jazz and Spanish music.”  The concert ties in with the ‘First Time Around’ exhibit in the Depot, which features photographs from around the world.

“The Norman Downtowners Association, representing businesses in the downtown area, is pleased to sponsor this annual Lunchtime Concert series as a gift to the community.” says president Newton Mitchell.  Visit www.normandowntowners.com to learn more about the wide variety of shops and services available downtown, Norman’s official Arts District. 

For additional information, call the Performing Arts Studio at 307-9320.  Office hours are 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Tuesday through Friday and 1:00 to 5:00 on Sunday.

“Almost Outlaws,” a duo that never breaks the law, will play for the final Lunchtime Concert beginning at noon on Friday, October 12.  A free chili lunch will be served, prepared by Mark Amspatcher, owner of The Diner.  The concert, sponsored by the Norman Downtowners Association and produced by The Performing Arts Studio, takes place on the north lawn of Norman’s historic train depot, 200 South Jones.  In case of rain, the concert will be moved inside.

Judge Bill Hetherington and attorney Lindsay Bailey, make up “Almost Outlaws.”  The two, who have played together for several years, were regulars at Sooner Legends last year.  Bailey on guitar and Hetherington at the keyboard, come together to make country and western music for all to enjoy.  Don’t miss this special musical treat!

The Norman Downtowners Association, which represents the many outstanding businesses in the downtown area, is pleased to bring Lunchtime Concerts to the community.  Everyone is invited to attend and to explore the many new and established businesses to be found downtown.

For more information call The Performing Arts Studio at 307-9320.

Arabesque (photo provided)

Miranda Arana and Steve Vanlandingham, as Arabesque, have been mesmerizing audiences since 2003 with their lively blend of Celtic, Arabic, Judeo-Spanish, Turkish and other world folk traditions. Creating spontaneous and heartfelt expressions through the blending of musical forms and styles, they have performed across Oklahoma as members of the Oklahoma Arts Council Touring Artist Program, at fairs, festivals, schools, universities and private functions.

John Arnold

John Arnold is a name well known in the Norman music scene.  In 1980, John was named Male Vocalist of the Year at the Oklahoma Opry.  He and the band quickly became very popular with Oklahoma audiences, playing many of the state’s biggest venues.  In 1983 they won the Wrangler Country Music Showdown national finals in Nashville, beating out 50 other artists for the $50,000 prize and a nationally televised performance.  They were signed to a recording contract with Complete/Polygram records and charted with their first single “How We Gonna Know if it’s Love?”