Episode 10: Mazen Abufadil, Photography Teacher at Holland Hall

Today's episode is sponsored by Tulsa Botanic Garden, presenting Festival of Lights through January 6.
On today’s episode, I’m feeling extra festive, because we’ve got Philbrook Museum director Scott Stulen in the studio to talk about the museum’s annual Festival.

Then, Morgan Phillips takes the stage with a dramatic rendition of What the What?!

That’s the voice of Scott Stulen, the now-iconic director of the always-iconic Philbrook Museum. In the past 2 and a half years, Scott has steered the museum in a distinctively modern direction. The Internet Cat Video Festival. The 80s-themed 80th anniversary. The bold, interactive visiting exhibitions featuring the works of Andy Warhol and Mel Bochner. Plus, who can forget the tiny motel from which local musicians played live-streamed mini-concerts.

Philbrook even has a podcast now, Museum Confidential, which — full disclosure — definitely had a hand in inspiring us to start a podcast too.

But, Scott knows that there are some things you just don’t mess with. One of those beloved traditions is Festival, which longtime Tulsans may remember as the Philbrook Festival of Trees, an annual holiday celebration that sees the Italian Villa decked out in full holiday glory, it’s immaculate gardens illuminated and glittering. But in addition to the warm familiarity, Scott promises us new surprises, too.

Scott and I were discussing the new cabin in the Philbrook gardens. Since this conversation, I’ve experienced it for myself — and it’s truly magical.

But the cabin isn’t the only new addition you can expect at Philbrook’s Festival.

We’ll be back with more of this conversation. But first, Morgan Phillips reconnects with her inner drama nerd thanks to the Orbit Initiative on this installment of What the What?!

To get a behind-the-scenes look at this and other adventures, be sure to follow Morgan on Instagram at @whatthewhattulsa.

When we left off, Scott Stulen was discussing the new additions to this year’s Philbrook Festival. But as it turns out, an old tradition is making a comeback this weekend.

Philbrook Museum is at 2727 S. Rockford Avenue.

Remaining festival dates are Fridays, Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28, plus Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24. As a reminder, the Children’s party is this Sunday, December 7.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit philbrook.org/festival. Adult tickets are $5/Philbrook Members, $15/Not-yet Members. Kids are free but require a ticket.
Featured Local Music:
Mark Gibson’s “Blue Eyed Soul” from his 2018 album “Live from Soul City.”

Catch Mark playing various venues this month, including a holiday concert on Dec. 15 at Soul City.

For more information, visit markgibsonmusic.com.
This episode is brought to you by the Tulsa Botanic Garden, presenting the holiday event Garden of Lights through January 6th.

There’s something for everyone at Garden of Lights, which runs through January 6that the Tulsa Botanic Garden, just 8 miles northwest of downtown. Have your photo taken with Botanical Saint Nick on Wednesday nights, or enjoy live music on Thursday evenings through December 20th. You can look forward to the sounds of the Bravo Performing Arts School, the Cascia Hall Singers, Mark Gibson and harpist Lorelei Barton. Plan to linger, since food trucks and a cash bar are available Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 22nd. Or catch a ride around the garden lake on the Holiday Express Train, which runs Fridays and Saturday nights. Speaking of trains, December 7th kicks off Holiday Train Week from 5 to 9 PM. Train lovers old and young can see a large-scale model railroad holiday di