A New Leaf Fosters Independence And Employment For Young Adults

In the Tulsa metro area, research shows that 29,000 people have developmental disabilities or autism. Of those individuals, eighty-five percent are unemployed, with 74% living with their families for their entire lives.   Mary Ogle, CEO of A New Leaf, saw a need to develop real-life skills for individuals with developmental disabilities or autism. The Hardesty…

Reporter’s Notebook: TCC’s 2024 Student Art Exhibition was a discovery of new names in art (Reviewer’s Choice) 

The annual student art exhibition presented unexpected art produced by Tulsa Community College (TCC) students. In this essay, Tatyana Nyborg, TCC Connection editor, highlights her choices for the most interesting student artworks displayed at the exhibit this year.  Victoria McGoffin surprised the exhibit guests with her sculpture “To Heap.” The sculpture is made from cement,…

Review: Purple Rain 

Prince’s Magnum Opus Celebrates 40th Anniversary at Circle Cinema  I have seen “Purple Rain” many times over the years, starting with its premiere in 1984. There was a fever going on for the Purple One back then that really took off with his breakout album “1999.”    Loaded with bangers like “1999”, “Little Red Corvette,” and…

Review: Starlight Jazz Orchestra Kicks Off Summer Series with ‘A Certain Kind of Swing

Imagine this: A group of individuals from different ages and walks of life come together to play some of the most beautiful pieces in jazz music for an audience as unique as the performers themselves.   The Starlight Jazz Orchestra celebrated its 78th session of free concerts, kicking off the first of their eight summer…

‘I Can’t Play Harmonica’ features a seasoned musician engaging beginning performers  

On June 22, the McKeon Center for Creativity featured harmonica player Dave Bernston, a member of the Route 66 Harmonica Club and who has played and taught blues harmonica for over 30 years.   As a part of C4C’s “I Can’t” workshop series, Bernston was the headliner for “I Can’t Play Harmonica.” He shared the basic…

Review: Tulsa Sings! 2024 brings the ‘Best of Broadway’ to TCC

On April 6, the Signature Symphony held its final concert of the year, titled Tulsa Sings!: Best of Broadway.  The concert began with Katie Sawicki, director of development and operations at Signature Symphony, coming onstage to welcome everyone and mention this season’s sponsor, TTCU Federal Credit Union. The symphony warmed up, then launched into the…