Celebs add glam to noteworthy event at Choctaw Casino Resort
By Charles Clark
Choctaw Nation
Durant, Okla. - It’s not unusual to find fun and excitement in the Choctaw Casino. But June 28 saw even more thrills and glitz, as the new Grand Theater was opened with a ribbon cutting at- tended by Chief Gary Batton, Choctaw Nation officials, and one of America’s most legendary rock’n’roll bands, Aerosmith.
No fewer than 200 people—members of the Choctaw Nation, local dignitaries and the public—were on hand to witness the occasion.
Chief Batton addressed the turnout noting it was an important and joyous milestone in the long and difficult trail of the Choctaw people. Amid the glee of the occasion, Batton’s comments brought gravitas and a sense of pride in this latest accomplishment of Choctaw enterprise. He also pointed out that the 400 construction workers and now 300 added staff members have brought 700 new employment opportunities to southeast Oklahoma.
Executive Director of Choctaw Gaming Janie Dillard said, “It’s not over yet,” as she zestfully listed the new features of the facility, which opened along with the Grand Theater.
Vocalist Steven Tyler, guitarist Joe Perry and other members of Aerosmith were on hand to help those at the ribbon cutting ceremony “Dream On.” Attention shifted in all directions as rock stars, top leaders of the Choctaw Nation, flashing lights of the casino, and the bling of new spa hallways, competed for the eyes and ears of the crowd.
The three suites and 3,000 seats of the Grand Theater had sold out days in advance for the concert by platinum-recording artists Aerosmith. Barely two weeks into its Blue Army 2015 Tour, Aerosmith wowed cheering head bangers in an energy-filled, 90-minute parade of hit songs that included “Cryin’,” “Rag Doll,” “Jaded,” “Walk This Way” and “Sweet Emotion.”
Sounds from their 1970’s wild youth-style, through the MTV video star-years, to the perfecting of their rock classics in stadiums took fans on a journey of nostalgia while demonstrating the lexicon of their influence.
Dillard said that acts are booked at the venue through December. Standing in the wings are Kenny Rogers and Wynonna, who are in concert Aug. 6; Three Dog Night and Nazareth, Aug. 8; Boston, Aug. 27; Nickelback, Sept. 4; BJ Thomas and The Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley, Sept. 19; and the “Queen of Country” Loretta Lynn, Oct. 3. The Band Perry, Aretha Franklin and more are scheduled before New Year’s Eve arrives.
The new Spa Tower offers a luxury experience for those needing a getaway. While staying in a choice of hundreds of rooms and suites, guests may enjoy a hair salon, barbershop, mani-pedi nail care, chemical peels, and state-of-the-art fitness center found in the 25,000-square-foot facility. Robes and sandals are provided for those who enter the co-ed mineral baths area. Water terraces over tiles, into the soaking mineral salts from Savoy, Hungary. And if that doesn’t get you relaxed enough, massages, facials and light refreshments can be ordered up. One example is the naturally refreshing cactus toning wrap and foot revitalizing treatment.
Business travelers can make use of a new Conference Center. The 14,000-square-foot Magnolia Grand Ballroom has its own kitchen, which can accommodate more than 800 diners. Versatile private suites and 16 fully equipped meeting rooms allow for the needs of any size gathering.
From bridal parties, couples retreats and business seminars to the casino excitement of world poker tours and today’s favorite musical entertainment, the Choctaw Casino Resort is an oasis in southeast Oklahoma and the Grand Theater rocks.
To go:
The Choctaw Casino Resort and the Grand Theater are located at 4418 S. Hwy 69/75 in Durant. It is suggested that those interested in attending a particular concert not delay in making reservations. Several of the upcoming shows are nearly sold out. At this writing, for example, fewer than 50 seats remain for Boston. For Box Office information, call (800) 628- 1403 or visit online choctawcasinos.com.
Choctaw artists create original décor
Hotels often display art. But it’s usually from mass printings, mundane in nature—just something to break up lengthy walls of taupe.
Not so at the Choctaw Casino Resort’s new Spa Tower, where original creations by five contemporary Choctaw artists adorn the new expansion.
A good starting point is always at the beginning. To view the nouveau art at Choctaw Casino Resort, guests need only to approach the registration desk. Five impressive works can be found directly behind check-in.
Chief Gary Batton is quoted in a brochure on the project: “I am excited to see our Choctaw artists highlighted in the interior design of the Durant resort expansion… We invite you to visit the art displays and learn of the great heritage and culture of the Choctaw people.”
More one-of-a-kind pieces can be observed when strolling the hallways from the lobby into the new 25,000-square-foot facility.
The Artists
DYLAN CAVIN The Norman artist has said he prefers painting over graphic design: “For me, the artwork was and still is my main connection of my heritage… It forces me to go back and to read and to do research and to go through the history, and to me that connects me more with my past and it comes around that way.”
NORMA HOWARD As a child, the Stigler artist used to go home and draw the toys that her classmates had: “I live the Choctaw life, so I know it’s from within.”
GWEN COLEMAN LESTER Now calling Claremore home, the artist can’t remember a time when she didn’t draw: “I like to put Choctaw language in there whenever I can.”
DG SMALLING The Oklahoma City-based artist travelled the world as a child of missionaries: “Rather than something being an interior design project, the Nation now has for the first time in hundreds of years a definitive body of work to represent what Choctaw Nation is at this point in the 21st century. That’s the importance of this collection, the standard that it establishes for other artists.”
JANIE UMSTED Calling Durant her home, the artist came by it naturally, receiving art instruction from her mother since age 3: “…This has become a project that I think about all the time. It really has taken over my life in a very good way.”