The Tulsa Forum by TulsaNow

(http://www.tulsanow.org/forumpics/bradytheater.jpg)

Matrix plans on adding a new facae as well as a mixed-use expansion to the east where surface parking exists now.

Estimated Cost: $22M ($17M Construction)


If you have project details or images you want posted to the forum, you can email admin (at) tulsanow.org and we will post it.

Isn't the surface parking south of the current structure?

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Originally posted by Oil Capital

Isn't the surface parking south of the current structure?

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I think it's south and west of the brady, but it's been awhile since I've been there.

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well as a mixed-use expansion to the east where surface parking exists now

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Wait a minute? Did you say they were going to build on the surface parking lot?? Can they do that? Where will everyone park? Is this the beginning of a downtown that is full of buildings instead of surface parking lots? I am placing a call to my city councilor. This is ridiculous! [:P][:P]

They are tearing down the BOk building for surface parking for the Brady and the City Hall at One technology Center FKA WilTel.

No fears., parking for all!

I like it, it compliments the structure rather than detracting like the current entrance does. I love going to concerts and events in the Brady and now the foyer will have air con!

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Originally posted by DM

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well as a mixed-use expansion to the east where surface parking exists now

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Wait a minute? Did you say they were going to build on the surface parking lot?? Can they do that? Where will everyone park? Is this the beginning of a downtown that is full of buildings instead of surface parking lots? I am placing a call to my city councilor. This is ridiculous! [:P][:P]

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I heard, bubt not positive, that the expansion includes this new thing called "structured parking."

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Originally posted by sgrizzle

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Originally posted by DM

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well as a mixed-use expansion to the east where surface parking exists now

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Wait a minute? Did you say they were going to build on the surface parking lot?? Can they do that? Where will everyone park? Is this the beginning of a downtown that is full of buildings instead of surface parking lots? I am placing a call to my city councilor. This is ridiculous! [:P][:P]

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I heard, bubt not positive, that the expansion includes this new thing called "structured parking."

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only problem is structured parknig at the brady will need to be monitored security at all times because some brady shows really bring out the thugs.  I was thinking at the Stone Temple Pilots and Orbital concerts....lots of riff raff loitering outside who couldnt get a ticket...

Maybe it's time to cover the railroad tracks with parking garages to help muffle the noise.

The Lorton's own the land between the tracks and the Brady. I think. Anyway, they could build it for profit.....

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Originally posted by inteller

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Originally posted by sgrizzle

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Originally posted by DM

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well as a mixed-use expansion to the east where surface parking exists now

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Wait a minute? Did you say they were going to build on the surface parking lot?? Can they do that? Where will everyone park? Is this the beginning of a downtown that is full of buildings instead of surface parking lots? I am placing a call to my city councilor. This is ridiculous! [:P][:P]

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I heard, bubt not positive, that the expansion includes this new thing called "structured parking."

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only problem is structured parknig at the brady will need to be monitored security at all times because some brady shows really bring out the thugs.  I was thinking at the Stone Temple Pilots and Orbital concerts....lots of riff raff loitering outside who couldnt get a ticket...

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If they couldn't get a ticket, they might not be able to get a parking spot either. Parking garages don't have near as many problems as open lots.

OK, what's the deal?  I just heard that the Brady's contract with the current management company is done after November...and if the owner doesn't find another mgt company, "it will probably get boarded up" (in the words of a current employee).  That doesn't sound like "closed for renovations."

Do anybody have any scoop on this?  What's going on with the Old Lady?  I love this venue!  Lyle Lovett, kd lang, Bonnie Raitt...they all complimented this amazing theater and thanked Tulsa for keeping it alive.  So what gives?

I decided to cut to the chase:

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Sorry to bother you with such banter, but I also run a small business and I realize the detriment a misguided rumor can have.

I have heard from several people and now read on an internet thread (I know, I know...) that the Brady may be forced to close due to management issues.  Instead of participating or contributing to the gossip I thought it would be wise to ask someone who may actually know - or at very least know more than "this one guy who worked there."    Some excitement was building about the announced renovations and this seems like it could place a damper on it.

Again, sorry for (probably) wasting your time, but far better to actually hear whats going on that participate in gossip.

- (me)

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To which the Management rep responded:

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I can’t really comment on that right now, but I will say this: you’ll notice there are no shows scheduled past November and you’ll notice that Road Work Entertainment (our promoter) is doing several shows through this year and well into next at other venues.

Johnny Buschardt
Road Work Entertainment LLC
The Historic Brady Theater

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Which I indeed noted, but I am not familiar enough with the concert release habits of the Brady to draw such a conclusion.  So there ya have it, looks like bad news indeed.  

Perhaps they saw this coming and planned the renovations to take place WHILE they are seeking a new promoter.  Or perhaps they need the renovations to attract a new promoter - I understand that's what Cain's did.  I'd love it if someone expanded on this for me and contacted someone affiliated with the owners (please reference it as a rumor, while correspondence is public by virtue of sending it, I'd hate to get this guy in trouble for what little he pointed out).

Isn't that source a local comedian?

Not that he doesn't know what he is talking about...I just saw one of his shows and thought he was funny.

I don't know about that, he is the listed contact on the Brady's website and titled as the "Management Director."  Seemed like the guy to talk to.

From a friend of mine,

"not sure about the brady, we were working on a big remodel project about a year ago, but it's gone now, not sure what happened to it"

(Edit)

From another friend..."typical, dec is a slow month"  "dec-mar would be remodel time"

I trust both of these guys but they couldn't give me anything firm.  I hope it still goes.

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Originally posted by PonderInc

OK, what's the deal?  I just heard that the Brady's contract with the current management company is done after November...and if the owner doesn't find another mgt company, "it will probably get boarded up" (in the words of a current employee).  That doesn't sound like "closed for renovations."

Do anybody have any scoop on this?  What's going on with the Old Lady?  I love this venue!  Lyle Lovett, kd lang, Bonnie Raitt...they all complimented this amazing theater and thanked Tulsa for keeping it alive.  So what gives?

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You could try asking local TV or radio news about it.

I did a bit more digging.  Here's an article from the 5/29/07 OKC Journal Record:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4182/is_20070529/ai_n19204767

The article states that Historic Brady LLC is "hoping to move on a lease/purchase contract with Brady owner Peter Mayo by the end of the year....Having completed a feasibility study of the Brady Theater, the buyout group Historic Brady LLC desires to not only restore some of its celebrated ambiance, such as the Bruce Goff interiors installed in the 1930s, but also to bring needed upgrades, including handicap access and environmental systems and wider, more comfortable 21- inch seats. While that promises to lower its 2,750 seating capacity, the remodeling would take advantage of unused supports made for a third balcony, adding a level to bring its capacity back to 2,500.

"Working with Tulsa Entertainment Group LLC, the Historic Brady LLC also intends to build a two-story, 20,000-square-foot building on the west lot alongside the concert hall that would house not just a gift shop and restaurant but a nonprofit museum celebrating the acts that have performed there. That still-untitled heritage center already claims its first archives, the donated album collection of Rockin' John Henry and the Bobcats."

Please, please, please let this be true.  

^ Not true. City/County voters made it difficult on the ole Lady with the arema and 2025.

Just think, for a small investment the COT could condemn the truckers, turn the areas into synergy and create a Beale street or a Nashville or an Austin with a small (relatively) investment.....


Shall we gather at the river (to cuss and discuss)....?????


Anyway, do not be sooprised at what happens down in the Brady. Not looking too good....

How, in the hell, does an 18,000 seat arena have a detrimental effect on a 3,000 seat theater?  Its not like they will be competing for the same acts.

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Originally posted by cannon_fodder

How, in the hell, does an 18,000 seat arena have a detrimental effect on a 3,000 seat theater?  Its not like they will be competing for the same acts.

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The resurgence of the Cain's and the "Osage Events Center" are hurting the Brady. And the Brady is having problems NOW, and the arena isn't even open.

I think brady's lack of remodeling hurts the brady more than the arena or the "osage events center."

Bands play the "osage events center" because the casino is footing the bill.

Hate to always relate everything to marketing on these threads, but here I go again.  The Brady is a historic theatre, and has a much different feel than the BOk Center will, or certainly the Osage Events Center.  The BOk Center is perfect for Eric Clapton, Green Day, or Red Hot Chili Peppers concerts, while the Brady is more suited for The Strokes, The White Stripes, or Amy Winehouse.  The Osage Events Center is better for Ted Nugent or KC and the Sunshine Band.  Cain's is in my opinion the most likely competitor with the Brady, as both have potential for hosting what concertgoers view as cutting edge-type events.  The obvious difference in marketability between Cain's and The Brady is the size of the two venues.  It would be of strategic management value for the owners of Cain's and The Brady to merge business interests to better focus on their target market and maximize the potential of event attraction.  Historic venues like Cain's or the Brady are often preferred by Indie rock and bluesie-rock musicians (markets that have been growing dramatically for the past few years).  Cain's open-floor arrangement is also ideal for punk rock, alt. rock, and metal concerts(events that garner lots of jumping, mosh pits, or headbanging).  I also would like to see regular theatrical and comedy productions at the Brady- it would lessen the dependence on concerts.

Anyway, that's just my take on this issue.  I sincerely hope the Brady's future can somehow be secured.

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Originally posted by perspicuity85

Hate to always relate everything to marketing on these threads, but here I go again.  The Brady is a historic theatre, and has a much different feel than the BOk Center will, or certainly the Osage Events Center.  The BOk Center is perfect for Eric Clapton, Green Day, or Red Hot Chili Peppers concerts, while the Brady is more suited for The Strokes, The White Stripes, or Amy Winehouse.  The Osage Events Center is better for Ted Nugent or KC and the Sunshine Band.  Cain's is in my opinion the most likely competitor with the Brady, as both have potential for hosting what concertgoers view as cutting edge-type events.  The obvious difference in marketability between Cain's and The Brady is the size of the two venues.  It would be of strategic management value for the owners of Cain's and The Brady to merge business interests to better focus on their target market and maximize the potential of event attraction.  Historic venues like Cain's or the Brady are often preferred by Indie rock and bluesie-rock musicians (markets that have been growing dramatically for the past few years).  Cain's open-floor arrangement is also ideal for punk rock, alt. rock, and metal concerts(events that garner lots of jumping, mosh pits, or headbanging).  I also would like to see regular theatrical and comedy productions at the Brady- it would lessen the dependence on concerts.

Anyway, that's just my take on this issue.  I sincerely hope the Brady's future can somehow be secured.

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It's been awhile, but isn't Cain's standing only? Brady has two levels of seating and talked about a third.

Brady has BB King schedule for January;

Tue   10/23/07            The Doobie Brothers
Thu   10/25/07       Sammy Hagar & The Wabos
Tue   11/27/07       Deborah Harry
Sat   01/26/08       B.B. King


Someone scheduled him out that far, or there is some SNAFU.  I hope it does well for them!

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Originally posted by sgrizzle
It's been awhile, but isn't Cain's standing only? Brady has two levels of seating and talked about a third.

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Yes, Cain's is standing room only.

I'm pretty sure BB King is playing at the PAC, not the Brady.

Everything I saw pointed to the Brady:

http://www.pollstar.com/tour/searchall.pl?By=Venue&Content=Brady+Theatre&go_green.x=0&go_green.y=0

http://www.showtimetickets.com/eventInstance.do?method=load&id=820080

BUT!!!!  The venue has now been changed:

http://www.tulsapac.org/calendar.asp?id=504&task=display

Same date, same time... but at the PAC.

Not good news for the Brady for sure.

Looks like it will be a few hit and miss shows in 08....few other changes until the city steps up, imo...

When will our city leaders realize the value in a simple redevelopment of the areas directly around the Cain's and on to The Old Lady?

2025? Way over the top. But hey now, we will be like a big city and attract young folks by having big acts ..... makes us act big. Meanwhile, the whistle will quit blowing and the train put it's breaks on....

Dont know if we can attract and suupport any big acts like other big cities. But as Dfest has shown us we dont have to do what others do and try to bring them here, we can create our own thing and have a blast. Perhaps someday Dfest will be what brings the big act that fills the new arena?

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Originally posted by recyclemichael

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Originally posted by FOTD

When will our city leaders realize the value in a simple redevelopment of the areas directly around the Cain's and on to The Old Lady?/quote]

But there has been a lot of work done in the area by city leaders in the area. I see new sidewalks and streetlamps all over near there.

I guess I don't understand what blame you want to put on city leaders.

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Industrial uses should be moved from the Brady district.

I don't disagree nor agree...but...

Who pays to buy those businesses?

It would probably costs millions to move the Milk Company and many dollars to move the other industrial use properties.

Where does the money come from?

Is redevelopment of this area a higher priority than east downtown development? Than river bank development? Than north side development?

Y'know, I like the Brady.

But I like Cain's more.

And, apparently, so do a whole heck of a lot more people and music artists.

Just sayin'.

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Originally posted by recyclemichael

I don't disagree nor agree...but...

Who pays to buy those businesses?

It would probably costs millions to move the Milk Company and many dollars to move the other industrial use properties.

Where does the money come from?

Is redevelopment of this area a higher priority than east downtown development? Than river bank development? Than north side development?

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It is north side development....

Is Beale Street a high priority for Memphis? For real, the Brady has more potential to be a national attraction than the East side ....the East End does not have the history nor the right synergy. BTW, the Cain's gets the acts ONLY because of the numbers....In other words, both the Ole Lady and the Cain's serve the country well.....except for parking. I was down there for the Doobies and found nowhere close to park because there was a teeny show at Cain's....and what about the Mathews conversion? What about channel 6? They have vision...Come on, the Brady could reep the greatest return for the buck....and the money? Lortons, Sharps, Ceja, Kaiser, Rodgers, etc. and TIFF and THE CITY OF TULSA (you) ....the east side is futuristic Wally World.

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Originally posted by rwarn17588

Y'know, I like the Brady.

But I like Cain's more.

And, apparently, so do a whole heck of a lot more people and music artists.

Just sayin'.

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I like both Cain's and the Old Lady...but I'd have to say, I prefer to have the option of sitting down at a concert (guess this makes me old...).  

Cain's is busy b/c it's got great management, great history, and a great business plan.  It can book small, independent artists and attract a hundred people...or big acts like Damien Rice or Willie Neslon and pack 'em to the gills.  They don't have to worry about empty seats b/c...there aren't any!  The place is like one of those clown cars at the circus...its capacity expands from small to infinity as needed.

The Brady could definitely support more acts...even after the arena is built, its size puts it in its own niche.  And I am certain that if the remodeling/facelift would occur, it would attract national attention.  

I've seen concerts all over the country, and the Brady is one of my favorite venues, despite needing some TLC.  I love the "up close and personal" intimacy of the place.  You don't have to spend a fortune to get close enough to see the performers' faces...you're already right there.

$80 for a concert at Red Rocks or some huge NBA arena with microscopic performers and distorted sound...or $40 at the Brady for a real show you can see and hear.  I know which one I'd pick any day!

http://www.ktul.com/news/stories/1107/476964.html


NewsChannel 8 has learned Tulsa's historic Brady Theater is closing its doors, for now. Effective at midnight Friday night, the Tulsa Entertainment Group will no longer occupy or manage the Brady Theater. That means the 'Old Lady on Brady' will sit dark.

Some of the biggest acts in music have performed there and there is a sense of history that runs back to 1912. For that reason, Owner Peter Mayo is hoping to eventually reopen.
He says there is an entire neighborhood at stake.

"This whole area of town needs a lot of attention," Mayo says. "There are three venues here -- Cain's, the Brady and the new arena. This area of town needs to be an entertainment district."

Tonight at 10, we will have more on this developing story

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Originally posted by cannon_fodder

How, in the hell, does an 18,000 seat arena have a detrimental effect on a 3,000 seat theater?  Its not like they will be competing for the same acts.

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Maybe not neccesarily the same acts but the same customer and their money.

Workers are currently remodeling the bathrooms and bar area (among other things) in preparation for the Brady to reopen in April.  The first show will be "Panic at the Disco," which I've never heard of...but after that, the guys who are doing the remodeling said that Sheryl Crow will be coming to the Brady sometime soon.  Her tour dates aren't posted yet, but I'm excited.

Well that's a turnaround from ... ya know.. nothing.

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Originally posted by PonderInc

Workers are currently remodeling the bathrooms and bar area (among other things) in preparation for the Brady to reopen in April.  The first show will be "Panic at the Disco," which I've never heard of...but after that, the guys who are doing the remodeling said that Sheryl Crow will be coming to the Brady sometime soon.  Her tour dates aren't posted yet, but I'm excited.

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Panic! at the Disco is a hell of an alt-rock band.  They'll pack the house.  So glad to hear that things are progressing.

Crow has some listing already:
NY, London, New Orleans Jazz Festival... through June of 2008.  My guess is she is not official booked yet or maybe that tour is not announced yet.
http://www.pollstar.com/tour/searchall.pl?Content=A-SHECRO&StartSearch.x=12&StartSearch.y=12&By=All&PSKey=Y

But it looks like April 15th is their official grand-reoping based on the schedule:
Tue   04/15/08          "Honda Civic Tour"
Tue   04/15/08       Motion City Soundtrack
Tue   04/15/08       Panic At The Disco
Tue   04/15/08       Phantom Planet
Tue   04/15/08       The Hush Sound

Damn glad they're getting it done and coming back!  Hope they bring in some big names or some great acts.

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Originally posted by PonderInc

Workers are currently remodeling the bathrooms and bar area (among other things) in preparation for the Brady to reopen in April.  The first show will be "Panic at the Disco," which I've never heard of...but after that, the guys who are doing the remodeling said that Sheryl Crow will be coming to the Brady sometime soon.  Her tour dates aren't posted yet, but I'm excited.

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All true.  

That could have come straight from Pete Mayo's mouth.

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Originally posted by Conan71

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Originally posted by PonderInc

Workers are currently remodeling the bathrooms and bar area (among other things) in preparation for the Brady to reopen in April.  The first show will be "Panic at the Disco," which I've never heard of...but after that, the guys who are doing the remodeling said that Sheryl Crow will be coming to the Brady sometime soon.  Her tour dates aren't posted yet, but I'm excited.

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All true.  

That could have come straight from Pete Mayo's mouth.

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I LOVE Panic at the Disco!!!!! Can't wait

It's official: Sheryl Crow will re-open to the Ol' Lady on April 23. Tulsa World Article (http://"http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=20080222_1_A9_spanc65607")

Might be a show I'd like to see.  Not really into Crow, but of course I know her stuff.

They have a new web site..

http://bradytheater.net/index.htm

So does this meant that the Brady will be remodeled to the extent of the original plan?

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Originally posted by bmuscotty

They have a new web site..

http://bradytheater.net/index.htm

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Not really sure why a site for the brady theater looks like a lamborghini...

I'm guessing the major remodel is on hold.

Looks more like an Alfa Romero to me.  And BTW, I saw Sheryl in Austin, awesome show.

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Originally posted by PonderInc

It's official: Sheryl Crow will re-open to the Ol' Lady on April 23. Tulsa World Article (http://"http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=20080222_1_A9_spanc65607")

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but, but, but there is a show listed before her show.  It is on the 15th or some such.  Does that mean they are the dry run show?

Earlier in this thread I posted that "Panic at the Disco" would re-open the Brady followed by Sheryl Crow.  (This was information I got from the guys who were doing construction/remodeling at the theater.)  The Tulsa World said that Sheryl Crow would "re-open" the Brady.  I just posted their article, but didn't go back and check the dates.

But you're right.  "Panic at the Disco" comes first.

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Originally posted by PonderInc

Earlier in this thread I posted that "Panic at the Disco" would re-open the Brady followed by Sheryl Crow.  (This was information I got from the guys who were doing construction/remodeling at the theater.)  The Tulsa World said that Sheryl Crow would "re-open" the Brady.  I just posted their article, but didn't go back and check the dates.

But you're right.  "Panic at the Disco" comes first.

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So glad to hear they did some work on the bathrooms.  I don't even drink beer at Brady shows, because if I have to go, I'll miss most of the show waiting in line!

It seems that the work on the bathrooms was more like "repairs" than "remodels."  Went to see Sheryl Crow last night...and the lines were crazy!  Maybe they should rent port-a-potties for big concerts and put them out in the parking lot!

Just saw that Tom Waits will be playing the Brady June 25th.

Very...very pleased with this...and pleasantly surprised.

I was very pleased with Tom Waits at the Brady as well.  Then I realized that I am leaving town that afternoon.