Oklahoma City's Civic Center Music Hall to celebrate 75th year

Co-chairmen Judy Love and Ann Johnstone are coordinating the 75th anniversary gala, which will begin with a gala buffet dinner for sponsors in the Meinders Hall of Mirrors, followed by performances featuring local arts organizations, a wine reception during intermission and ending with the Frankie Valli performance.

Michael Baron, Lyric Theatre's artistic director, is coordinating the groups who will perform on the first half of this gala event. Oklahoma native Gerald Steichen will serve as guest conductor of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.

“We'll talk a little about the history of the building, and we're featuring some local actors as radio DJs who will introduce some of the great acts that have appeared at the hall over the years — people like Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, James Brown and Elton John,” Baron said. “The event will also give us a chance to promote the resident organizations' upcoming seasons.”

Originally a partnership between the Chamber of Commerce and City Hall, the Municipal Auditorium, as it was known during its early years, was built as a multipurpose facility that showcased everything from classical music and touring stage productions to sporting events and beauty pageants.

Built in 1937 with funding provided by President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal program, the hall operated as the Municipal Auditorium until 1966, when it was remodeled and re-christened the Civic Center Music Hall.