Band’s music video features Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios as a backdrop

Oklahoma-based punk-pop band Thru It All recently shot a music video for "Irrelevant," a song from its forthcoming EP, that features that city's Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios on 66 prominently. The moments with Mary Beth Babcock's shop -- and its huge Buck Atom fiberglass statue -- begin about the 30-second mark. https://youtu.be/kx2eFB7lUqA I recognized several … Continue reading Band’s music video features Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios as a backdrop

Asleep At the Wheel releases new version of “Route 66” for 50th-anniversary album

Western swing band Asleep At the Wheel last week released an album that marks its 50th anniversary, "Half of a Hundred Years," that includes a new version of "Route 66." The new cut of "Route 66" includes guest vocalists Leroy Preston and Johnny Nicholas to accompany the band's longtime lead singer, Ray Benson. Preston was … Continue reading Asleep At the Wheel releases new version of “Route 66” for 50th-anniversary album

New Roger Miller mural goes up in Erick

An artist recently completed a large mural paying tribute to late musician Roger Miller on a building along Route 66 in Erick, Oklahoma, that used to house his museum. Brian Lewis of Greensboro, North Carolina, painted the mural on the building on the southeast corner of the intersection of Roger Miller Boulevard (aka Route 66) … Continue reading New Roger Miller mural goes up in Erick

Illinois Rock and Roll Museum to open later this year after first Hall of Fame induction

The Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet will open to the public later this year after it holds its first Hall of Fame ceremony on Aug. 31. Inductees of the inaugural class are Buddy Guy, Chicago, Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon, Muddy Waters, The Buckinghams, The Ides of March and longtime disc … Continue reading Illinois Rock and Roll Museum to open later this year after first Hall of Fame induction

Data indicates surge of business at drive-in theaters may persist

Many drive-in theaters did a booming business during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, mostly because it was the only safe or open entertainment venue for people to watch movies and, in some cases, go to concerts. According to a story from CNN Business, the good times for the drive-ins may not be over: Last … Continue reading Data indicates surge of business at drive-in theaters may persist

Newest cost-share grants announced from Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

Six projects, including four historic sites, will receive more than $103,000 in cost-share grants from the Route 66 Corridon Preservation Program under the auspices of the National Park Service. The awards first were revealed Thursday in a social media post for the Road Runner's Retreat complex, which received a grant, near Chambless, California. Here are … Continue reading Newest cost-share grants announced from Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

65-foot guitar unveiled at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Catoosa

The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa in Catoosa, Oklahoma, unveiled the lighting of a 65-foot-tall Gibson Les Paul electric guitar on Tuesday night. The big guitar is on the east side of the casino, along Route 66. Though the big unveiling was this week, the Hard Rock had been hinting at this for a … Continue reading 65-foot guitar unveiled at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Catoosa

Next phase of Oklahoma Music Trail to launch at Route 66 Heritage Festival

The next phase of the Oklahoma Music Trail will be launched this weekend at the inaugural Route 66 Heritage Festival in downtown Miami, Oklahoma. The trail currently is a well-developed website shepherded by Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who also is Oklahoma's tourism chief and a big Route 66 advocate. The Joplin Globe had details on … Continue reading Next phase of Oklahoma Music Trail to launch at Route 66 Heritage Festival

Lobo Theater in Albuquerque to be converted into a concert venue

The historic Lobo Theater in Albuquerque soon will be converted into the Lobo Lounge and Event Center and reopen next month. According to a report by KQRE-TV in Albuquerque, the theater was used as a church starting in 2000 but had been closed during the pandemic. J. Richard Rivas told the station some of his … Continue reading Lobo Theater in Albuquerque to be converted into a concert venue

Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 to hold first induction Aug. 31 at Rialto Square Theatre

The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet will hold its first induction ceremony on Aug. 31 at the city's Rialto Square Theatre after it was postponed from March 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement about the ceremony was made Friday on WJOL radio: “Last year’s debut event was postponed due … Continue reading Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 to hold first induction Aug. 31 at Rialto Square Theatre