Sheila Tiarks will be the featured poet at The Performing Arts Studio Second Sunday Poetry Reading May 18.  The reading begins at 2:00 in the Norman Depot, 200 South Jones Avenue.  There is no admission charge.  Light refreshments will be served.

Tiarks, a retired social worker, began writing poetry only seven years ago.  Her first one person extended reading was at PAS Second Sunday Poetry in 2006.  She has since become a prominent personality in the metro poetry scene and is now the host/coordinator of the monthly poetry readings at Full Circle in Oklahoma City. 

“Sheila Tiarks is an accomplished poet in her own right, one whose poetic vision has delighted audiences who have found her warm and perceptive.” says Carl Sennhenn, host of Second Sunday Poetry.  “We look forward to her second reading at the Depot.”

For additional  information on Performing Arts Studio programs call 405-307-9320.  PAS hours are 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Tuesday through Friday and 1:00 to 5:00 Sundays.

Kane, Welch, Kaplin

Those who attended the almost rained out concert last summer will testify to the outstanding musical experience Kane, Welch, Kaplin provided.  “It was magical.” says Summer Breeze Chair Steven White.  “They moved into the gazebo and played the entire show with the audience, who had braved the sprinkles, clustered around, spellbound."

In 2004, Kieran Kane and Fats Kaplin, well known artists in their own right, joined Oklahoma native son Kevin Welch and began recording as a band.  Their first two albums reached number one on the Americana charts.

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.

The Larry Pierce Trio will be featured on Sunday, May 11, at the Performing Arts Studio’s Jazz in the Gallery series.  The concert, which begins at 7:30 pm in the Norman Depot, 200 South Jones Avenue, is free and open to the public.  A light dessert will be served.

The Larry Pierce Trio has played the past several years at Junior’s in Oklahoma City with singer Denise Smith.  Pianist and group leader Larry Pierce, in addition to his night club work, has for the past ten years led the pit band at the University of Oklahoma shows “Sooner Scandals” and “University Sing.”

Trio drummer Eddie Ferguson also plays with Garrett Jacobson (Big G), a prominent blues artist in the Oklahoma City area.  Bass player Tom Clark played with Al Good’s big band for several years, and now plays frequently with the Floyd Hanes Orchestra.

The Larry Pierce Trio’s music is primarily light jazz and standards, providing the perfect evening for a Mother’s Day celebration, or just a pleasant way to end the day.  The price is right.  The music outstanding.  And, the Emily Dutcher photography exhibit in the gallery will transport you to scenes from around the world.  Come and join us!

For additional information about Performing Arts Studio programs, phone 405-307-9320.  PAS hours in the Depot are Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 am to 3:00 PM, and from 1:00 to 5:00 on Sunday.

Jazz in the Depot Gallery is made possible in part by grants from Norman Arts Council, Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.