Arts and 66 in Oklahoma and Route 66 Rising stars got its early start when Michael Anthamatten who had started the Tina Turner Museum and originated legislation for the Tina Turner Highway was asked by Cultural Czar Ken Busby to create an organization for Route 66 dedicated to music. Michael decided to meld his parent organization out of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Rising Star Productions (an Oklahoma young talent agency) into a Route 66 platform. Michael brought in James Ruggles, as VP and it was decided that the alternate name, Route 66 Rising Stars should be the new flagship.
James had experience as President of Tulsa Friends of Chamber Music, and as Violinist, had led this organization (from 2006, on) as older and young ensembles as well as (in his younger years) playing fiddle with members of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys! Michael Anthamatten's young talent (Country, Blues, Rock and other genres) were able to meld with Jame's small groups (Classical, Jazz, Swing and Western Swing and Broadway). The concerted fusion of elements provided for an eclectic interesting stage experience for concert goers.
The experience of Route 66 Rising Stars had already played off the stages of The Route 66 Festival in Clinton Oklahoma in 2017, 2018 and 2019. In 2018 they had played at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in Muskogee a few times, and 2019 various churches in Bartlesville and Claremore.
The 2019 season was wrapped with a concert at the beautiful Coleman Theater in Miami, Oklahoma, with special guests Brenda Cline and "Queen of Country Fiddle", Jana Jae. Over time, Recordings in top Nashville studios have been made by Route 66 artists such as Winnie Cooper, Jana Cox, and others. As the future moves forward, new artists are emerging as well as other Recording Studios including both Tulsa (new!) and Nashville.
In 2020 because of Covid 19, James decided eventually to start an eclectic program of Arts/Humanities entitled "The James Ruggles Show". He was advised to name it this to be able to have a variety of programming to include both the Fine Arts and Route 66, which of course goes beyond the confines of Oklahoma. The website was changed to Artsand66inOklahoma.com as a For Profit organization and Michael Anthamatten retained Rising Stars (Route 66 Revival) Productions.
