The countdown for Opening Night 2019 has begun and that means it’s time to meet this year’s co-chairs! Kindt Steven Myers and Rachael Crawford have been hard at work to make magic happen for the community this New Year’s Eve, so let’s get to know them:
Kindt is the director of hospitality for Humankind Hospitality, a local restaurant group with deep roots in the Paseo Arts District (its restaurants include Picasso Cafe, The Other Room, and OSO Paseo), but he is best appreciated for his work in the events industry. Myers is well known for producing showstopper galas and corporate events, has an expansive skill set in restaurant and catering management and design, and a deep love for customer service systems. Myers is an Oklahoma City native, and enjoys serving his community through volunteerism with deadCenter Film Festival, Arts Council OKC, and Other Options, Inc. Kindt is an active participant with Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, Oklahoma Girls Arts School, Sunbeam Family Services, and other local and civic organizations.
From Kindt: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve our city and community with Arts Council OKC as co-chair for this year’s Opening Night festivities! This mighty work would never be possible without the stellar employees of Arts Council OKC and the hundreds of volunteers who give of their time and talents to create such a celebratory event. The fireworks show and the multiple live musical acts are just a few highlights I look forward to! This event provides a wide array of entertainment and events and makes participation easy and inexpensive – allowing for folks from all areas of the city and state to come together celebrating the close of a year, and a new beginning, together!”
Rachael currently serves as the Group and Community Engagement Coordinator for Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma where you can catch her bringing in groups from all over OKC to experience the art theatre or sometimes selling tickets at the box office. Crawford currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Plaza District and the Professional Development Committee of Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Oklahoma City. She is a Big with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and is an active member of Friends of the Plaza, Artisans, Oklahomans for the Arts, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, and Miller Neighborhood Association. Crawford is an experienced festival organizer and has served on planning committees for Plaza Festival and Festival of the Arts.
From Rachael: “I have been a volunteer with the Arts Council OKC for quite a while–I’ve been involved with past Opening Night events and the Festival of the arts–so I was very honored and humbled when asked to chair this year’s Opening Night celebration. Part of what I do in my current position at Lyric Theatre, and what I love most about it, is that I am able to interact with the community and introduce them to the arts. It was a natural fit to chair an event by an organization whose mission is to bring the arts and the community together. Opening Night will be an memorable night for the entire community and I hope people from all over will come together in downtown and ring in the New Year together!”
Rachael and Kindt, along with our other dedicated volunteers, are preparing a memorable night in downtown OKC for Opening Night 2019. Wristbands go on sale this Saturday, December 1st. We can’t wait to ring in the New Year with everyone!
View more info about the event here.
