Weekly Arts and Entertainment Highlights (May 24, 2012)

This week’s events celebrate the opening of a new library, the films of an English director, the 66th year of a rodeo named after a Western celebrity, and the history and culture of cowboys.

The new Patience S. Latting Northwest Library in Oklahoma City is officially open as of this Tuesday. The 35,000 square foot addition to the Metropolitan Library System entertains kids and families this weekend in celebration. On Thursday, ventriloquist Patrick Riley visits the library for a show, and Lego Robotics take over on Friday. However, Saturday is the main attraction with activities from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. including face painting, storytelling, music, juggling demonstrations, and a special appearance by multi-talented performer Gustafer Yellowgold who is back by popular demand. The Northwest Library is located at 5600 NW 112nd Street in Oklahoma City.

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art film department recognizes British director and screenwriter Terence Davies. The museum screens two of his movies this weekend with multiple chances to see his most recent film “The Deep Blue Sea” on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Made in 2011, it is an adaptation of the 1952 play by Terence Rattigan and stars Rachel Weisz. The style of the movie combines Davies’ signature tracking shots, post-war England, and Samuel Barber’s Opus for Violin and Orchestra. The museum also shows “The Long Day Closes,” which was made in 1992. It was Davies’ second feature length film, exploring his childhood in 1950s Liverpool.

This Memorial Day weekend, the Will Rogers Stampede Arena on Blue Starr Drive in Claremore remembers the United States’ history with the 66th Annual Will Rogers Stampede Rodeo. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on May 25th, 26th, and 27th. The winners of the Miss Will Rogers Stampede Queen and Princess contest are crowned on Sunday at 4:30 p.m., and Roy Shoop’s presentation called “God and Country” happens afterwards. This event is a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned rodeo.

The Dogwood Foundation and National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum give kids the unique opportunity to get a taste of the old west during the 22nd Annual Chuck Wagon Gathering and Children’s Cowboy Festival this Saturday and Sunday. The museum offers pony rides, bandana painting, covered wagon rides, games of horseshoes, and butter making. John Erikson, author of the “Hank the Cowdog” children’s series, makes an appearance. Authentic chuck wagon food is available, including recipes from awarding-winning chuck wagon cooks. Festival veteran Red Steagall considered the Cowboy poet of Texas performs as well as other musical acts. The festivities begin at 10:00 a.m. daily.

On Memorial Day, the Myriad Gardens and Crystal Bridge Conservatory give complimentary admission to Veterans and Active Military members from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For more events, visit the calendar page of our website.