“Organum Records. This group of local musicians earns major points for its pride for Tulsa and its mission to boost the music scene in town. We love the eclectic and improvisational style that it shares with the community.”
It’s hard to believe that we’re already a decade into the 21st century. 2008 flew by, leaving a lot of interesting developments in its wake. It was a year of transformation for good ol’ T-Town, and the people at the forefront of its evolution have created even more room for our city’s growth. And it is with this new cohort that we introduce the Hot 100 list for 2009, along with a few fun ones thrown in for good measure. We have been fortunate to witness physical changes in our city, the fruits of promises purloined. In a way, places like the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park symbolize making peace with a disturbing past. Only by recognizing our mistakes can we move on in a constructive manner. Leaders and ordinary citizens alike have worked to bridge rifts between mainstream Tulsa and its minorities, whose diversity undeniably gives our city its color and vibrancy. As the years go by, our solidarity will become more pronounced and our efforts to make Tulsa a better place to live will be far more effective. Some argue that the deterioration Tulsa has seen during the last few decades is inherently tragic. Cycles of growth and decay are natural for any organism; and without these disturbing voids, we wouldn’t have room to implement the changes we want to see. This is the year for re-creation! This year’s Hot 100 list scratches the surface of innovative Tulsans who have made it their duty to revamp our fine city. Many groups and individuals have been part of the Hot 100 for some time now, and we have had to retire them to make room for the newbies. If you’re wondering where “so-and-so” is, consider him or her part of the unspoken, though indispensable foundation that makes possible the potential leaps and bounds made in 2009. Let us all be grateful for progress we’ve seen in the recent past, while opening our minds to other changes that we hadn’t considered before. Initiatives to include citizens’ input have been established so that we can execute new developments knowing we have explored all possible options. UTW’s Hot 100 list is a testament to Tulsa’s willingness to take into account distinct ideas and points of view. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, we hope you enjoy!
