Here's a marvelous but bittersweet performance by Wilco of a Woody Guthrie poem, from about 10 years ago. I say bittersweet because that's former band member Jay Bennett on lead guitar, who died in his sleep two weeks ago. And, yes, I've been around the block enough to remember Bennett during his Titanic Love Affair … Continue reading “California Stars”
One more traveler
The big news Thursday in Tulsa was that Mayor Kathy Taylor unexpectedly announced that she would not be seeking re-election this fall. A report by KRMG radio contains this little snippet: She's a bit coy about her plans for life after office but does say she'll take a vacation down Route 66 with her husband … Continue reading One more traveler
Exhibit explores Route 66 and U.S. 41
For you roadies out east, the Booth Western Art Museum in the Atlanta suburb of Cartersville, Ga., soon will be hosting an exhibition by artist Chuck Middlekauff that explores Route 66 and U.S. 41, which goes from Chicago Michigan to Miami, Fla. Middlekauff, as noted by the image of the sign of the Sands Motel … Continue reading Exhibit explores Route 66 and U.S. 41
What the Kingman association wants to do
Tim McDonnell, president of the newly revived Kingman Route 66 Association of Kingman, Ariz., sent an image of this vintage photo of Duke's Packard dealership that once operated in town. The association's plan is to repair the neon on the sign, put it back on the original building, and paint murals on the walls and … Continue reading What the Kingman association wants to do
“Never doubt Dawn Welch”
Dave Cathey, the Food Dude for The Oklahoman, has a really good article and video about Rock Cafe owner Dawn Welch and the reopening of her historic Route 66 restaurant in Stroud, Okla., after a devastating fire. A choice excerpt: On opening day, the restaurant didn’t have nachos because the cheese warmer wasn’t ready. It … Continue reading “Never doubt Dawn Welch”
Ford issues Route 66 challenges
Ford's Fiesta Movement site has issued challenges to a bunch of young, hip "agents" who are spending six months behind the wheel of a 2011 Ford Fiesta and posting videos of their adventures on the site. Here's one of the challenges: It’s a long stretch of classic American road, but it doesn’t show up on … Continue reading Ford issues Route 66 challenges
POPS nominated for a Nickelodeon award
POPS on Route 66 in Arcadia, Okla., is a nominee for a Nickelodeon Parents Pick Award, and the ultimate winner is chosen via an online vote. POPS has been nominated for Best Tourist Spot in the Oklahoma City area. The other nominees are the Oklahoma City Zoo, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, the Paseo … Continue reading POPS nominated for a Nickelodeon award
Season 3 of “Route 66” coming in November
TVShowsonDVD.com reports that the complete Season 3 of the original "Route 66" television series will be released in an eight-DVD set on Nov. 10 with a $49.95 suggested retail price. According to the report, however, Critics Choice Video might exclusively release the entire set as early as late June. The release of "Route 66 -- … Continue reading Season 3 of “Route 66” coming in November
Book review: “Lincoln Highway Companion”
A number of guidebooks about the Lincoln Highway, an important predecessor to historic Route 66, exist for several states that the road traverses. However, Brian Butko's "Lincoln Highway Companion" (Stackpole Books, 192 pages, $26.95 retail) is the first book of which I'm aware that tries to compile all of the coast-to-coast road's unique motels, restaurants, … Continue reading Book review: “Lincoln Highway Companion”
Route 66 tour touts pet adoption
North Shore Animal League America and Fido Friendly magazine are embarking (pun intended) on a cross-country pet adoption tour, called "Get Your Licks on Route 66," this month. The 36-foot-long mobile adoption center will make stops in Los Angeles, Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Amarillo, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Joplin, St. Louis, Springfield, Ill.; and Chicago Heights. … Continue reading Route 66 tour touts pet adoption