US OPEN entertainment options

The temperatures may be hot, but so is the Tulsa area entertainment scene for this US Open week. There are a number of music festivals, exhibitions and theatre productions to enjoy. <br><br>KOTV's

Wednesday, June 13th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The temperatures may be hot, but so is the Tulsa area entertainment scene for this US Open week. There are a number of music festivals, exhibitions and theatre productions to enjoy.

KOTV's Glenda Silvey tells tournament visitors and Tulsans why this is a good week to go out on the town. Anyone with the urge to paint the town should find their way to the Greenwood Music Festival. This artist is reproducing the poster on a downtown mural. Organizers wanted a big show for the new millenium, so they booked names such as Jeffrey Osborne, Will Downing and Tulsa's own Gap Band. Chuck Cissell, Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame: "You can't get any bigger than that, so we thought it would be a terrific time to make it as big as possible, as universal as possible, great community spirit, lots of love, good food, good music, 2001."

For theatre lovers, Light Opera Oklahoma presents its usual Gilbert and Sullivan fare, along with My Fair Lady and Naughty Marietta through the end of June. American Theatre Company's production of the drama "Wit" at the PAC drew strong reviews. Tulsa arts supporters say there's plenty to interest US Open visitors. Wendy Thomas: "I think people get really surprised if this is their first time in Tulsa, because not only do we have really classy restaurants and shopping, but they're surprised at the cultural offerings we have as well." That includes the city's two major museums, Gilcrease and Philbrook, where an exhibition by glass artist William Morris just opened. It features two large installations and 20 smaller sculptures created in glass.

Living Arts of Tulsa opens a show called "Generations" this weekend, with the work of Tulsa artists and their children. Director Steve Liggett says it's a busy week for the arts. "I think there are a lot of things people would enjoy. The thing is, I think, being curious and being able to go out to those things that you don't know much about."

Businesses and arts groups hope not only visitors, but home towners will take advantage of what's available and enjoy. That's just a small sampling of what's going on. Bartlesville's OK Mozart Festival is also happening this week.