Circle Cinema in Tulsa to host free screening of “Route 66: An American Odyssey” on Nov. 11

The historic Circle Cinema in Tulsa will host a rare and free screening of John Paget's film "Route 66: An American Odyssey" with a question-and-answer session with the filmmaker and the film's narrator and host, Michael Wallis. A reception will be held in the venue's lobby at 6 p.m. Nov. 11, with the screening at … Continue reading Circle Cinema in Tulsa to host free screening of “Route 66: An American Odyssey” on Nov. 11

Artist provides modified sculptures for Tulsa’s Cry Baby Hill

The artist who created a controversial sculpture for Tulsa's Cry Baby Hill has submitted revised concepts of his initial design. According to the Tulsa World and other area media outlets, Ken Kelleher of New Hampshire provided a more bicycle-centric look to his proposed 21-foot-tall "Cry Baby Cry" statue. The new variations show the same figure … Continue reading Artist provides modified sculptures for Tulsa’s Cry Baby Hill

Tulsa officially earns “Capital of Route 66” title

Several towns along the Mother Road for years have claimed to be the "Capital of Route 66." But the City of Tulsa and the Tulsa Route 66 Commission ensured it isn't just an idle boast. After a lengthy process, Tulsa officially secured a federal copyright for "Capital of Route 66." According to KJRH-TV and other … Continue reading Tulsa officially earns “Capital of Route 66” title

Special online screening of “Route 66: An American Odyssey,” live Q&A set for June 6

The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership announced a special online screening featuring an announcement and discussion with filmmaker John Paget about his forthcoming Route 66 centennial film and the premiere of a newly remastered HD version of his acclaimed 1994 documentary "Route 66: An American Odyssey." The free online event will take place at 5 … Continue reading Special online screening of “Route 66: An American Odyssey,” live Q&A set for June 6

Production begins today on “Route 66: The Main Street of America” documentary

John Paget, director of the award-winning "Route 66: An American Odyssey" film 30 years ago, starts production today in Oklahoma on a new documentary, "Route 66: The Main Street of America." The film will be released during Route 66's centennial in 2026. The documentary recently won designation as an Official U.S. Route 66 Centennial Project. … Continue reading Production begins today on “Route 66: The Main Street of America” documentary

A look back at Vice TV’s “Abandoned” episode in 2016 about Route 66

I remember when Vice TV's "Abandoned" episode about Route 66 first aired in 2016, but the full 43-minute program was uploaded to YouTube just a few weeks ago. The gist is two skate punks travel Route 66 from west to east, seeking assorted abandoned places to use their skateboards (natch), talk to the locals, and … Continue reading A look back at Vice TV’s “Abandoned” episode in 2016 about Route 66

Michael Wallis talks about Route 66, “Cars” film and writing career in a recent TV interview

Bestselling author Michael Wallis recently sat down with a Tulsa TV station to talk about his long writing career, the "Cars" movie and his personal and professional connection to Route 66. Wallis, 77, was plugging an appearance at the recently completed Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa. A lot of young people remember his small … Continue reading Michael Wallis talks about Route 66, “Cars” film and writing career in a recent TV interview

President Biden to appoint 12 people to Route 66 Centennial Commission

President Joe Biden announced his intent today to appoint 12 people to the Route 66 Centennial Commission. The list contains several people that many in the Route 66 community would know well. Here they are, with short descriptions of each individual, though more extensive biographies can be found in the White House announcement: Caroline Beteta, … Continue reading President Biden to appoint 12 people to Route 66 Centennial Commission

New Mexico PBS puts its archive online, including “¡Colores! Route 66 in New Mexico”

New Mexico PBS stations recently completed digitization of their archives since 1963, including a one-hour special about Route 66 in that state. "¡Colores! Route 66 in New Mexico" aired in August 2001. I recommend you spend time with it during the Thanksgiving holiday. You'll probably see vintage photos and footage you've never seen before. The … Continue reading New Mexico PBS puts its archive online, including “¡Colores! Route 66 in New Mexico”

Scenes from the Blue Whale of Catoosa’s 50th-anniversary celebration

A bunch of Route 66 aficionados have posted photographs from Saturday's 50th-anniversary party of the landmark Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma. The event included appearances by "Route 66: The Mother Road" author Michael Wallis, Dean "Crazy Legs" Walker, Ron "Tattoo Man" Jones and Blue Whale park director Liz Huckleby, to name a few. KTUL-TV in … Continue reading Scenes from the Blue Whale of Catoosa’s 50th-anniversary celebration