The Heartbeat of Tulsa’s Music Scene
Where Music Meets Legacy
For decades, the Big 10 Ballroom™ was a hub for jazz, blues, and soul legends. Today, this historic venue blends nostalgia with modern versatility, creating unforgettable experiences.
Built in 1948, the Big 10 Ballroom - located at 1624 E. Apache St. - was a major music venue in the 1950s and ’60s, featuring performances from artists like Ray Charles, Ike and Tina Turner, and James Brown. After falling into disrepair, this historic venue has been refurbished and opened to the public in 2023 by our Director Dr. Lester Shaw.
Executive Director Dr. Lester Shaw
Dr. Lester Shaw is a Tulsa-based educator, artist, and community builder renowned for his dedication to youth empowerment and cultural preservation. He is the founder and executive director of A Pocket Full Of Hope, Inc., a nonprofit organization that utilizes the arts to foster leadership, self-esteem, and life skills among young people aged 7 to 19. Through programs in music, theater, dance, and film, the organization provides a supportive environment for youth to explore their potential and navigate challenges such as violence and substance abuse.
His academic focus includes learning assessing learning strategies for under resourced youth. He has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Oklahoma and Langston University as well as the Vocal Music Director at Booker T Washington High School until his retirement in 2025.
In 2007, Dr. Shaw purchased the historic Big 10 Ballroom, a landmark venue from the 1940s, ’50s and 60’s that once hosted legendary artists like Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, and James Brown. After years of restoration, the ballroom reopened in 2023 as a community hub and performance space for A Pocket Full Of Hope, aiming to revitalize North Tulsa through arts, education, and cultural tourism.
Dr. Shaw’s contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Oklahoma Governor’s Arts Award for Community Service, the Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.
Through his multifaceted work, Dr. Shaw continues to inspire and uplift the Tulsa community, blending artistic expression with educational initiatives to create lasting impact.
Education and Development Director Dr. Brenda Shaw
Dr. Brenda Shaw is an accomplished educator and community leader whose career bridges public education and nonprofit innovation. She serves as Education and Development Director for A Pocket Full of Hope® (APFOH) and the Historic Big 10 Ballroom, Inc., where she advances youth development programs that blend music, media, and mentorship to help young people build confidence, resilience, and essential life skills. Her leadership has sustained initiatives that keep students engaged in school while preparing them for lifelong success.
At the Historic Big 10 Ballroom, Dr. Shaw helps oversee educational programming and development efforts that connect Tulsa’s cultural legacy with new generations. By integrating history, the arts, and community partnerships, she champions the revitalization of the Ballroom as both a vibrant performance venue and a symbol of African American heritage in Oklahoma.
In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Dr. Shaw is the Assistant Superintendent of Bixby Public Schools, bringing more than 30 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and administrator. In this role, she supports academic excellence, fosters positive school culture, and promotes innovative approaches to student success. She also promotes restorative practices, which focus on building healthy relationships and repairing harm through dialogue and collaboration. Dr. Shaw’s work reflects a holistic vision of education—one that recognizes the power of schools, nonprofits, and cultural institutions working together to inspire learning, preserve history, and strengthen communities.
