The Future of Our Past
The OKPOP Foundation has officially completed the $18 million Heart & Soul Campaign, and the State Treasurer has now approved and certified the pledges, releasing the state’s matching funds. This milestone marks the beginning of OKPOP’s next chapter: exhibit design, fabrication, and the build-out of Oklahoma’s first museum dedicated to the global creative impact of its people.
Hello Friends and Potential Donors,
“You know, this whole campaign wasn’t just about raising $18 million – it was about backing a mission that means something. OKPOP is here to celebrate the crazy amount of creativity that comes out of Oklahoma, to tell the stories of the folks who shaped music, film, and art, and to fire up the next generation to chase their own big dreams. The way people showed up to support this blows me away. Oklahoma should be proud of what’s coming.”
Honorary Campaign Chair
We recently had the honor of connecting with actor Iqbal Theba for an OKPOP video interview.
Best known to many audiences as Principal Figgins on Glee, Iqbal’s creative journey began far from Hollywood. Born in Pakistan, he came to Oklahoma as a young student with his father’s life savings, choosing the University of Oklahoma because it was the most affordable path toward a new future.
Within two weeks of arriving in Norman, he was working in the Cate Center cafeteria. Not long after, a friend invited him to see his first play at OU’s Rupel Jones Theatre. Something shifted.
“I had not seen a play in my life,” he told us. “I saw the play…and something happened. That experience stayed with me. It was kind of a mystical thing.”
That moment eventually led him from architecture to acting, from Oklahoma to New York, from waiting tables and missing meals to building a long career in television, film, and commercials. His breakthrough role on Glee brought him wider recognition, but his story is rooted in persistence, gratitude, craft, and the Oklahoma friendships that helped carry him forward.
Throughout our conversation, Iqbal spoke with honesty about the kindness he found in Oklahoma, the racism he also experienced, the mentors who helped him at OU, and the importance of staying open, curious, and committed to the work.
His advice for young actors and creators is simple but hard-earned: keep going.
He also spoke movingly about why OKPOP matters.
“Imagine a kid…5, 10, 12 years old…if they come to a museum that offers works by people from Oklahoma…it would be very inspiring. It tells them it’s doable: you can do it, you should do it, give it a try.”
That’s the heart of OKPOP.
Thank you, Iqbal, for sharing your story with us and for reminding future Oklahoma creatives that their beginning does not limit their possibility.
#OKPOP #IqbalTheba #Glee #OklahomaCreatives #OklahomaHistory @theiqbaltheba
It was great to connect with Brady Smith of Old Blood Noise Endeavors for an OKPOP interview.
Born in Stillwater, raised across Edmond and Norman, and now based in Oklahoma City, Brady’s creative path runs through film, music, electronics, and Oklahoma’s remarkable boutique guitar pedal scene.
As owner of Old Blood Noise Endeavors, Brady has helped shape a company known for strange sounds, tactile creativity, bold visual design, and a willingness to follow curiosity wherever it leads.
“Make weird noises and take risks,” Brady told us. “That’s always kind of been the standard for where we’re at.”
We’re grateful for the chance to preserve Brady’s story and celebrate the Oklahoma makers helping musicians discover new sounds, new tools, and new ways to create.
#OKPOP #OldBloodNoise #OklahomaCreatives #GuitarPedals #OklahomaMusic @oldbloodnoise
Today we remember Oklahoma’s own Glenda Farrell on her birthday.
Born in Enid, Glenda became one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses during the Golden Age of film, appearing in more than 200 productions and winning audiences with her wit, charm, and unmistakable screen presence. She was especially celebrated as the fearless, fast-talking reporter Torchy Blane, a character whose intelligence and determination helped inspire the creation of Lois Lane in the Superman comics.
Long before superheroes filled movie screens, an Oklahoma storyteller helped define one of popular culture’s most iconic journalists.
Happy Birthday, Glenda Farrell. Thank you for reminding us that courage, curiosity, and a sharp wit never go out of style.
#OKPOP #Oklahoma #GlendaFarrell #FilmHistory #PopularCulture
Happy Birthday to our friend Allan Heinberg!
Born in Tulsa, Allan’s love for Wonder Woman began with his very first comic book: Wonder Woman #212, bought at the QuikTrip on South Lewis Avenue.
Early in his career, he created the 1994 Off-Broadway play The Amazon’s Voice, featuring his former Holland Hall classmate Tim Blake Nelson. He went on to co-create Young Avengers, write DC’s Wonder Woman comics, and co-write the screenplay for the 2017 Wonder Woman film.
Happy birthday, Allan — and thank you for showing how far an Oklahoma story can fly.
#OKPOP #AllanHeinberg #WonderWoman #Tulsa
It was an honor to spend time with Charles Shadle, Choctaw composer and Senior Lecturer in Music at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and preserve his story as part of the growing OKPOP Oral History Collection.
A proud member of the Choctaw Nation from Tishomingo, Oklahoma, Charles shared how Oklahoma’s landscapes, family traditions, and a treasured shaped-note hymnal passed down through generations—including one carried on the Trail of Tears—helped shape his musical voice. Throughout his remarkable career as a composer and educator, he has woven together Choctaw heritage, contemporary classical music, and a deep love for Oklahoma into works that continue to inspire audiences around the world.
One thought from our conversation perfectly captures the spirit of his work:
“The closer the music was to images or ideas I associate with Oklahoma and my family… the more powerfully my own music sounded.”
Thank you, Charles, for sharing your wisdom, your creativity, and your story. We’re honored to help preserve your legacy and inspire future generations of Oklahoma creators.
#OKPOP #Oklahoma #Choctaw #ClassicalMusic #Storytelling @choctawnationok
Happy Birthday, David T. Walker! 🎸
Born in Tulsa, David T. Walker became one of the most heard—and often unseen—guitarists in modern music. His soulful, instantly recognizable playing helped shape recordings by Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, and countless others.
From Motown and soul to jazz, gospel, pop, and film scores, Walker brought taste, feel, and a signature voice to every session. He is a reminder that some of the most influential artists in popular culture are the ones whose names may not be on the marquee—but whose sound is everywhere.
Happy birthday to a Tulsa original and a true guitar great.
#DavidTWalker #TulsaMusic #OklahomaMusic #GuitarLegend #OKPOP
Fans of @casadecalexico don`t need to be told that the recording of Minas de Cobre on the album "Black Light" was recording magic...they already know! But, have you heard the story? John Convertino (@gi_gi_1958) sat down with us and talked about that recording session and why collaboration is an important part of what Calexico is all about. And collaboration has defined their sound since they started recording this album in 1997.
We recently connected with Tulsa comedian, writer, and Saturday Night Live veteran Steven Castillo to record his creative journey for the OKPOP archive.
Born in Tulsa and raised in Oakhurst, OK, Steven’s story traces a path from late-night comedy obsessions, Weird Al records, video games, and his first life-changing open mic at the Tulsa Looney Bin to studying film at the University of Tulsa, performing in Chicago, and eventually joining the writing staff of Saturday Night Live, where he contributed to memorable sketches including Stu, Tiny Horse, and Sábado Gigante.
Steven reflected on the lessons he learned along the way: staying true to your voice, embracing failure, asking for help, surrounding yourself with good people, and remembering why you create in the first place.
From Tulsa open mics to Studio 8H, Steven’s journey is a reminder that big creative dreams can begin anywhere—and that Oklahoma continues to send storytellers, performers, writers, and creators out into the world.
Thank you, Steven, for sharing your story, humor, and creative journey with OKPOP.
#OKPOP #StevenCastillo #SNL #TulsaComedy #OklahomaCreatives @steezus_castillo
Donate
Your charitable donation directly contributes to OKPOP’s future, we are grateful for your support! Donations to support the OKPOP Museum may be made to the OKPOP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.
Donations may be made through the secure online donation form or mailed to:
OKPOP Foundation
422 North Main Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103
If you have questions about additional gifting options, please contact Abby Kurin at akurin@okpopfoundation.org
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