CityBeat OKC Podcast

Apollo Woods is the Founder of OKC Black Eats, an organization dedicated to promote and consult with black-owned restaurants in the Oklahoma City area. In today's show, Apollo tells us about an easy to learn about new restaurants, and how to support them with our business. He also discusses how he has worked to bridge cultural and ethnic divides in OKC, and tells us the history of OKC Black Eats.

You can check out the OKC Black Eats website at OKCBLACKEATS.COM

This week, Chris talks with Oklahoma musician, Katie Williams this week. They discuss her work and development as a musician, her influences, and the creative process. They also discuss what can be learned from the pandemic and what changes will persist for the better. Katie also discusses an upcoming album release, and tells how it is a stylistic departure for her.

This week, we talk with Shari Jackson, Executive Director of the Norman Music Alliance, which hosts the Norman Music Festival. Shari discusses how the organization has persevered during the pandemic, and explains what's ahead for the festival.

You can learn more about the festival at  www.normanmusicfestival.com

Donate to the organization at  www.givebutter.com/nmf

We're in danger of losing an important person in the OKC arts community! Marat Gabdullin is Associate Concertmaster of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. While Marat and his family are from Russia, they have been in the USA for 13 years, contributing to the community, the economy, and the growing OKC Arts scene. Due to an immigration administrative error, Marat and his family have been told they have to leave the USA within 30 days...during a pandemic... Can you imagine?

Tired of hearing about fake news? You'll definitely want to check out this interview with Andrea DenHoed from NonDoc Media. Andrea tells us about journalism the NonDoc way, and tells her story of relocating from New York to become the Managing Editor at NonDoc. If you care about getting the real story, you'll definitely want to know about NonDoc Media!

Check out NonDoc Media's website here.

Suzette and Jacque are breaking new ground in the Oklahoma brewery scene, and in a delicious way! Listen in as they tell Chris about how Equity Brewing Company became a reality, and how excited they are to add to the craft beer scene while promoting social change. Intelligent and wickedly funny, Suzette and Jacque will have you laughing your way to imagining a new reality for our community.

Internationally renowned artist Greg Burns is an institution in Oklahoma City. Known for working in ink and watercolor, Greg has built a career as an artist for decades. Greg and Chris discuss how he got started, and how he has persevered, even with significant physical challenges. You'll enjoy hearing Greg tell his story and discuss his approach to life as an artist.

Heather and Avis talk about all the ways Hope Community Services can help people in the Oklahoma City area. From housing and case management, to mental health, to legal aid - Hope has a wide range of services. The pandemic has put us all in new situations, and they explain how to reach out and get services, even when you don't know where to start.

Join us for this entertaining and engaging conversation with County Commissioner Carrie Blumert. She discusses her work and how this level of government has a direct impact on our daily lives. She also has some important suggestions for how we can all work to change the system to improve the ability of county leaders to help us.

You can learn more about Commissioner Blumert on her website at www.carrieblumert.com.

You can also find her on Twitter @CarrieBlumert and Facebook

Allie Wallace, Director of Communications at Areawide Aging Agency in Oklahoma City, tells us all about this important resource. Have you ever wondered about services and assistance for an aging individual? Whether it's for yourself or someone you care about, help is available, and the range of assistance may surprise you!

Allie brings a knowledgeable and compassionate addition to CityBeat OKC in this episode.