Jim Johnson

Each Monday in October from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. KGOU features Oklahoma Engaged LIVE: Voice of the Voter hosted by KGOU General Manager Dick Pryor and Managing Editor Logan Layden. The program focuses on what’s motivating voters to get to the polls this fall. Episode 1 from October 5th includes a discussion with KGOU reporter Katelyn Howard about the impact of fear and anxiety on voters. It’s a particularly relevant discussion for 2020. 

KGOU is freshening up its 9 to 11 p.m. Friday time slot with Tonic: The Funky Groove Show. A KGOU original production hosted by Michael Bendure, Tonic is set to premiere June 12 and will feature a mix of instrumental funk and groove music spanning the past six decades.

When young Herb Alpert chose a trumpet during a music appreciation event at school, he says he found his voice. Years later, Alpert turned that ‘piece of plumbing’ into a tool that helped him find the love of his life and become an internationally renowned musician, record mogul, and noted philanthropist.  In anticipation of his October 16th appearance at the Tower Theatre in Oklahoma City, Alpert shares some of the key moments in his storied life and career.  

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 Paula Poundstone is perhaps best known in public radio circles for her role as a panelist on NPR’s "Wait… Wait… Don’t Tell Me!," but her humorous take on life has been in public view for nearly 40 years. Comedy Central considers her among the top 100 comedians of all time, and she’s authored two books. Her latest, “The Totally Unscientific Study Of The Search For Human Happiness,” documents her personal search for bliss.  

Many children of the 1970s and 1980s can trace their first taste of the banjo to Kermit the Frog, sitting alone, forlorn but hopeful, strumming his banjo and singing at the beginning of The Muppet Movie. Kermit’s song, “The Rainbow Connection,” was the breakout hit of the 1979 movie, and served as a positive introduction to the banjo.

A handful of dancers bust out classic 90’s hip hop moves inside the Race Dance Company studio in Oklahoma City. As they pause to pose, Enid-born author-turned-playwright Shelby Simpson took her place in the center of the room.

Simpson’s second book, We’re All Bad In Bed, revels in embarrassing and awkward sexual moments. Simpson tackles her own sexual misdeeds and those of her friends. And soon, Simpson will reveal these sexual escapades before a live audience in a stage adaptation that incorporates theater, rap and hip-hop dance.

Rockabilly, punk, surf & blues are more than musical genres. For many they represent a certain attitude, outlook and even… a way of life. Those who subscribe to such an outlook accept no substitutes or imposters. That’s where The Vibro Kings come in. This Oklahoma-based trio’s music reflects a genuine appreciation for the aforementioned genres and the kind of ethos each tends to reflect. These guys are serious about their craft and what it says about them & their fans.

The Lucky Losers is a band featuring vocalist Cathy Lemons and vocalist/ harmonica ace Phil Berkowitz.Their music is a throwback to the hybrid of soul, blues, rock, gospel, and country that emerged in the late 1960’s - with harmonies reminiscent of Delaney and Bonnie. 

The primary work of the second legislative special session of the year is over.

On Friday afternoon, Governor Mary Fallin signed SB0001XX and SB0002XX to provide supplemental funding for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and Department of Human Services to get the agencies through April. The Senate passed the bills on Wednesday and the House of Representatives passed them on Friday, without any no votes, to send them to the governor.