Cain's Ballroom is getting ready to reopen

A piece of Tulsa history is back. The Cain's Ballroom closed during the summer for renovations - and it reopens next week. News on 6 reporter Emory Bryan has a preview. <br><br>A long overdue, outside

Friday, September 26th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A piece of Tulsa history is back. The Cain's Ballroom closed during the summer for renovations - and it reopens next week. News on 6 reporter Emory Bryan has a preview.

A long overdue, outside and inside cleaning of Cain's Ballroom is nearly done. Co-owner Alice Rogers took on the project - and she's happy with the result. "I think a lot of people were worried - just wanted to make it safer -- historic nature."

The Cain's was built in 1924, and really had not changed much since. When new owners took over - they decided it was time for new lighting and paint, and a return to the original barrel ceiling that was covered with acoustic tile. For the first time - the ballroom is air-conditioned - and it has plenty of bathroom space. 47 toilets instead of 7 before.

Some of the biggest changes are hard to see. The new stage is twice as large. And it will handle bigger acts - and smaller groups can play next door, in a new club connected to Cainâ€™s.

The walls are covered with posters from some of the acts that have played Cainâ€™s - and there's both a flag, and a suitcase from the Wills family - as in Bob Wills.

The original Texas Playboys banner is still over the stage - and Bob's picture is still at the entrance. It' will always be the house that Bob built - that's finally been renovated.