ion Oklahoma Magazine August/September 2017 by don swift

ionok.com

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Onward and Upward Aubrey McClendon Tribute The Jones Assembly OKC State Fair of Oklahoma 21c Museum Hotel OKC Sooner Theatre Oklahoma! Musical

Lifestyle … Culture … Entertainment

publisher : Don Swift assistant : Joni Yeager editor : Tim Farley editiorial assistant : Darian Woolbright videographer : Jeremy Gossett director of photography : Michael Downes web site developer : Patrick Moore with Set Sail Media web site developer : Nina Jones, Data Design Inc. illustration : Rosemary Burke graphic design : Wendy Mills Advertising Sales Tina Layman

Photographers Jeremy Gossett Hugh Scott, Jr. Tracy Reece Jerry Hymer

Advertising Consultants Peter Preksto

Contributors fashion : Linda Miller art : Joy Reed Belt people : Peggy Gandy entertainment : Heide Brandes social issues : Robbie Robertson community : Lauren Wright contributing writer : Greg Horton contributing writer : M.A. Smith contributing writer : Mindy Wood contributing writer : Julie York

Contents COVER STORY

It all started with a paddle… “Onward and Upward” by Don Swift

MOVIE REVIEW

Montford T. Johnson and the Power of Persuasion Integrity, Vision, and Management Skills by James A. Lely

SPORTS

26 56 58

University Football Schedules OKC Energy 2017 Fall Schedule OKC Thunder 2017-2018 Basketball Schedule

MUSIC

The Wise Guys: A Long and Winding Road by Jeb Reid

BUSINESS

The Jones Assembly: Food, Spirits, Music American Restaurant and Concert Venue by Bud Elder

46 8 ionOklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

21c Museum Hotel OKC

EVENTS

What’s New At The Oklahoma State Fair

by Tim Farley

ART

Nan Quick Sheets: One of Oklahoma’s Best Known Artists by Ryan Williams

COMMUNITY

First Liberty Bank celebrates Third Annual Liberty Bash

PEOPLE

How Our Kids Taught Me How to Teach by John Thompson

62 78

Oklahoma Hall of Fame Names 2017 Honorees

Garland McWatters champions Millennials in book series

Leadership Oklahoma announces 31st Annual Class

by Garland McWatters

88 ENTERTAINMENT

Oklahoma City Community College Performing Arts Series and Add-On Performances 2017-2018 Season

Bruce Davis: Local Hero Plays Prominent Role as ‘Officer Reeves’ in “All Eyez on Me” by Stephanie D. Moore

THEATRE

56 68

OKC Broadway The Sooner Theatre Presents the musical Oklahoma! Summer Studio Series 2017

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 9

Publisher’s Note W

“Like” us on facebook facebook.com/pages/ IonOklahoma-Online

elcome to ion Oklahoma Magazine. We are all about Oklahoma’s quality lifestyle, culture, events and people. Are you one of those people who get much of their daily news and information over the internet? Have you identiﬁed many of your favorite websites, sources you enjoy as a loyal follower, and visit on a regular basis? Ion Oklahoma Online www.ionok.com can become one of those favorite websites for you too along with over our 39,977 opt in email subscribers primarily located in 4 counties and 79 different zip codes in central Oklahoma . If you enjoy reading many wonderful success stories, all involving the progress the State of Oklahoma and it’s people are making, you will enjoy ion Oklahoma Online. At ion Oklahoma we publish six printed editions annually and make them available for our subscribers to download each printed edition at no charge or purchase a printed paper copy on demand from our publishers hosting website www.magcloud.com. ion subscribers receive our weekly “Eye on the Weekend” special edition with 15 or so events scheduled on the weekend they can enjoy and many of these events we designate as family friendly. Ion Oklahoma is totally integrated into the world of social media (facebook, twitter, Instagram) which means all our subscribers can easily share all our editorial content with their facebook and twitter friends. We are very user friendly and want to hear from you. We are always to publishing your wonderful Oklahoma stories, so please let us know by emailing swiftdon2@cox.net. Sincerely, Don Swift Publisher, ion Oklahoma Magazine

10 ionOklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Cu ltural Cultural Progr Programs rogr rams

Óä£ÇqÓä£n Óä£ÇqÓä£n

Annie Moses Band-American Rhapsody Tuesday, September 12, 2017 • 7:30 PM

Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone Thursday, October 5, 2017 • 7:30 PM

The Hot Club of San Francisco-Cinema Vivant Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 7:30 PM

Do You Speak Djembé?

Thursday, February 1, 2018 • 7:30 PM

Cirque Éloize Saloon

Thursday, February 22, 2018 • 7:30 PM

Lonesome Traveler: The Concert (with Special Guest Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul & Mary) Thursday, March 29, 2018 • 7:30 PM

RIOULT Dance NY

Thursday, April 19, 2018 • 7:30 PM

ABBAMANIA

Tuesday, May 1, 2018 • 7:30 PM

À Ài v À >Ì ] V> Ì i L Ý vwVi >Ì {äx® ÈnÓ ÇxÇ À Û Ã Ì VVV°i`ÕÉ«>Ã° À Ài v À >Ì ] V> Ì i L Ý vwVi >Ì {äx® ÈnÓ ÇxÇ À Û Ã Ì VVV°i`ÕÉ«>Ã° *ÕÀV >Ãi Ì V iÌÃ >Ì Ì V iÌÃ° VVV°i`Õ *ÕÀV >Ãi Ì V iÌÃ >Ì Ì V iÌÃ° VVV°i`Õ ww www.kgou.org w.kgou.org

COVER IT ALL STARTED WITH A PADDLE…

“Onward and Upward” BY DON SWIFT

he Boathouse District located on the Oklahoma River in downtown OKC was first established in 2006 with the opening of the Chesapeake Boathouse. It has since grown to include a row of iconic boathouses along the river: the world-class Devon Boathouse, Chesapeake Finish Line Tower, UCO Boathouse, Sandridge Youth Pavilion, McClendon Whitewater Center, Riversport Rapids, and Riversport Adventure Park. This row of boathouses is the destination for athletes, metro area families and visitors from across the state, nation, and around the world. Riversport Adventure Park offers a huge variety of outdoor and water activities for all ages.

Chesapeake Boathouse

12 ionOklahoma

When I think of notable Oklahomans, I think of Will Rogers, Wiley Post, Bud Wilkinson, Robert S Kerr, Dean McGee, Frank Phillips, Fred Jones, and E.W. Marland, all who made significant contributions during their lifetimes, and their legacies live on forever in Oklahoma history. These Oklahomans have impacted the State of Oklahoma over the years, but few have accomplished so much during their lifetime as Aubrey McClendon. One day history will record Aubrey McClendon as one of those notable Oklahomans who made many significant contributions to Oklahoma and Oklahoma City during his lifetime and impacted peoples’ lives far more than they realize. One of Aubrey McClendon’s most notable and visible contributions to Oklahoma City among the many was the vision he, Mike Knopp, and Ray Ackerman shared about a possible Boathouse District along the Oklahoma River.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

McClendon Whitewater Center Mike Turpen and Judy Love

It was at a time when the riverbed was only a dirty, muddy place without water and a “place to mow.” Today as we all know, it has been transformed into an outstanding Riversport Adventure Park and “river to row” as Mike Turpen would say, “thanks to Aubrey McClendon, Mike Knopp and Ray Ackerman.”

Pat Downes, Boathouse Foundation Board member recalls “What has evolved over a period of years far exceeds any expectations that any of us could have had in those early days.” Three Oklahomans and successful business leaders, among many who really knew Aubrey, understood how important the Boathouse District was to him and Oklahoma City. For this reason Judy Love, Mike Turpen, and Bob Ross gladly volunteered to chair the “Onward and Upward” fundraising campaign that began in March 2017 and will end in October 2017. The Aubrey McClendon Memorial Tribute goal is $6,000,000. The funds raised thus far have been $4.7 million. These funds will go toward providing the Boathouse Foundation with the long term financial stability of annual operations and growth over the years, along with the dedication of the McClendon Whitewater Center and special interactive display of Aubrey McClendon’s vision and history of the Boathouse District located inside the Whitewater Center. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 13

Sarah Katie practice on the river

Bob Ross mentioned that all persons making a donation will have their name printed on the Aubrey McClendon Memorial donor wall. Bob also shared that everyone in his family has made donations, and he likes the idea their names will be printed on the donor wall together. Donations can be easily made by going to www.riversportokc.org/tribute. Bob wanted to encourage all Oklahomans to make a donation, and said it did not matter how large or small. Everyone’s donation will matter and make a difference. Anyone can contribute. As we all know the Oklahoma River Boathouse District is enjoyed by thousands of Oklahomans and people who visit every year. It has really turned into a unique Riversport Adventure Park and Boathouse District located at the crossroads of America. Visitors like and appreciate the unique, iconic architecture along the river, designed by Rand Elliott & Associates.

any Oklahomans have mentioned their passion to continue what was started through their remembrance of Aubrey. Judy Love mentioned her

14 ionOklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

main interest and desire would be to honor Aubrey McClendon for his vision, his contributions, his love for the river at the Boathouse District and his delight at the huge benefit for Oklahoma City. By honoring Aubrey, it would be both comforting to his family now and rewarding to his family in the future. Mike Turpen shared that Aubrey was a pioneer and inspiration to others in our community. Aubrey raised the bar and expectations for others to give back to our community as he had. We can learn a lot about a person when we hear those life lessons and special sayings we all share with our friends, business associates, and family members. Mike said Aubrey would often share “new ideas create new realities” and “if you ain’t givin, you ain’t livin.” Well, that sounds like the “golden rule” to me. Additionally, Teresa Rose Crook remembered Aubrey would often say “success is in the details” and “thick skin, short memory.” His visionary partner, Mike Knopp shared that Aubrey would often say “Onward and Upward.” And James Pickel remembered that trait

Views of the Boathouse District seen from the Oklahoma River.

of Aubrey’s of getting things done would always say “hurry up.” Others have those famous sayings in their memory such as Rand Elliott’s two favorite quotes “Think faster. We have lots to do!” and “Don’t look back!” Rand states genuinely, “I think about him every day. The entire city benefited from his generosity.” John Bullard, a close family friend, shared that Aubrey would often say, “Just being good is not enough.” Finally, the lesson all young people should have instilled in them comes from the memories of Tom Price. Aubrey would say all kinds of things like “never be afraid to be a leader” and “don’t wait until you’re old to begin giving back.”

That’s what he did. Aubrey was always approachable. He could talk with and indeed enjoyed communicating with all kinds of people. He was amazing. Watching him work the room was like watching a maestro lead an orchestra. He’d say “if you’ll listen everyone has something interesting to say.”

here are several words that mean the same as pal: chum, comrade, acquaintance, crony and friend. But Randall Colton defines pal explicably in the following: A pal is someone you give a hug to at your favorite watering hole or restaurant. A pal is that person you

do not have to see consistently and yet that ‘same old bond’ is still there when you do. A pal is on your cell list but rarely a number you feel like you have to call. A pal is easy and casual and non invasive. Unlike a true friend, a pal is more of that someone you say ‘what is going on with you’ and then you move on. A friend is deeper and more constant and more relevant and more meaningful. I was simply Aub’s pal. In college, I was a lifeguard at OKCCC and met Aubrey there on the makeshift grass volley ball court we created beside the pool. Nothing spectacular happened on those ‘hotter than hades’ summer days where games were never planned— they simply sprung up. Aub was highly competitive but not to the point of being ‘that guy’ you wanted to avoid. However, it was pretty apparent that competitions to win points, games and matches was a bit of a priority. It was all fun but winning made it more appealing.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 15

Above: the Harvard Rowing Team practices on the Oklahoma River. Inset center: Sunset on the Oklahoma River — the only rowing course in the world to have lighting, thanks to OG&E.

I lost touch with ‘The Duke Devil’ until about 10 years later. I was in the financial business and Chesapeake had gone public. Up, down and sideways in his early market pricing tenure, Aub was being Aub. Making the deals that only a guy like him could make and taking the chances that only a bonafide oilman can stomach. I watched CHK get smacked around initially. Then, I saw a nice recovery, a meteoric rise, an oil market crash, another huge upside move, another oil market blood letting and, well, I’m guessing you know the rest. My pal was just being Aub. It was at one particular low point for the stock and the ensuing naysayers and condemners and bad press that I wrote Aubrey a letter. It was short and to the point. I simply told him that I was a fan and that

these clouds will lift. Basically, it said hang in there pal. My cell rings about 4 days later from a number I did not recognize. Normally, I let these calls go straight to voice mail but oddly, I chose to pick this one up. On the other end was my volley ball buddy telling me that he had placed my letter under his desk glass and read it a lot. Then he thanked me. The guy who single handedly changed the landscape of this city, donated his money to build churches and schools, employed thousands of people——he calls and thanks me. Wow, now there’s the ultimate irony. But, after all, Aub was being my old pal.

here came a time when my investment career crossed paths with one of the nicest and most well known financial personalities in the world, Dr. Bob Froehlich. I had the opportunity to bring him to OKC so I decided to attempt a face to face with these two giants in their respective fields—’Wildcatter

16 ionOklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

meets Wall Street’. As Aubrey was traveling extensively, I knew my chances were slim but maybe my pal would throw me a bone. Not only did Aub agree to the meeting, we had lunch in a private dining area at Chesapeake. And although the lunch was to be Dr. Bob acquainting himself with my buddy the billionaire, it turned into something completely different and truly fascinating to witness. After we shook hands to leave and I had gotten my typical Aub hug, Dr. Bob and I were in my car heading to yet another appointment. Before we left the parking lot, Bob said “never has a CEO asked me the type of questions Aubrey asked nor bothered to know my personal life facts and ask about them—never! Needless to say, I am both impressed and a huge fan.” But, no surprise to me, that was my pal.

have no right to author this about Aubrey. Again, I was just a pal. His real friends like Rob Braver,

Tom Blanton and Charlie Givens have those deep memories and life events that are infinitely larger and of greater meaning, value and interest than those penned above. But maybe a pal can offer a unique prospective from the cheap seats and provide those of you who did not know him, a glimpse of who Aubrey was and why his memory will remain. You see, most of us will not enjoy the word ‘legacy’ attached to our names after these earthly days are gone. However, my pal, who bled ‘Duke Blue’, has his secured in Oklahoma history. If you were either uninformed or ignorant enough to have formulated any type of negative feelings via the less than kind press in his final days, you simply did not know Aubrey. And if you did not know him, you missed out on one of the best cats whoever prowled these streets. In the mid eighties, Aubrey bought my home on Larchmont Lane in Nichols Hills. After the close, he invited us to The Waterford for brunch. It was one of only two times that I broke bread with my buddy and I wish there had been many more. However, as we all know, life tends to get in the way and time slips by for everyone. In closing, I do not consider myself much when it is all said and done. I have had my share of wins and losses with good life moves and poor ones. But I was Aub’s pal and he was mine. To coin an old horseshoe phrase ‘that’s close enough to count’.

ubrey McClendon was not only a visionary, but a great leader with a rarely found combination of both a “keen mind” and “generous heart” said Mike Turpen. He would lead by example. Aubrey had a

Bob Ross

brilliant mind and would attract very talented people around him in whatever endeavor he would pursue. Yet it was Aubrey’s capacity to work and focus when it was required that separated him from virtually everyone else. In fact, especially early on when his success and the success of Chesapeake was unsure, it was Aubrey who would work tirelessly to enhance the likelihood of success of every project he worked on.

artha Burger shared that she had the pleasure of working side-by-side with Aubrey McClendon for almost twenty years. I was fortunate to see first-hand how one of the most significant contributors to the oil and gas industry made things happen. One of the things that was so special about Aubrey, is that he also cared so much about the community he chose to live in.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 17

Aubrey didn’t just talk about improving our community; he worked hard and invested to make it happen. Through his commitment, he inspired so many others, including me, to do the same. There is rarely a day that goes by when I’m not reminded of Aubrey or something he said. His is often that voice in my head urging me to try something new, take a risk, make a difference. One of my favorite things that Aubrey often said, “We may not be the smartest guys in the room, but no one can outwork us!”

Roy Williams shared the quality of life we have come to enjoy in Oklahoma City is due in no small part to Aubrey McClendon’s vision and generosity. Very few have the ability or the drive to change a community or state, much less the entire world as Aubrey did. His legacy of leadership lives on in the projects he touched and the people he mentored.

would encourage all those Oklahomans who have not recently toured the Riversport

18 ionOklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Adventure Park on the Oklahoma River to do so this summer. I know you too will be impressed as I have been with all the growth during the past eleven years. For example, the Riversport Rapids are new and offer Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking, Tubing, and Surf Zone water activities for those people looking for a fun new experience. These activities are for all ages and group sizes to enjoy. Dragon Boating is the worlds’ fastest growing water sport and now groups of all ages can try it out in the Boathouse District. Participants will meet the Dragon Boat steerer at the boat docks where they will put on a PFD and learn the basic paddle stroke. Paddlers sit in pairs on wooden seats, and a drummer keeps time as they paddle on the water. A minimum of ten participants is required. People who come to the Riversport Adventure Park should plan that most water activities will require 1-2 hours for the best possible experience. Guest passes begin at only $25.00 per person. Adventurers pay one price and play all day.

Judy Love, Mike Turpen, and Bob Ross should be commended for their time and efforts in leading the fundraising campaign for this very worthwhile cause of not only honoring Aubrey McClendon, but providing the ongoing funding for this Riversport Adventure Park in downtown OKC to grow and expand its economic impact on Oklahoma Tourism. It is something all Oklahomans should be proud of. The donors listing as of early August 2017 include the following Oklahomans: Abbott, Jim Albert, Phil Alcantar-Lopez, Leo Allert, Justin & Jenae American Fidelity Foundation Anderson, Joan Anderson, Mo Anonymous Arnall, Sue Ann Arvest Bank Ascent Resources BancFirst Bank of Oklahoma Barry, Redmond Beasley, William Bert, Dave Blanton, Tom Blumenthal, Jeff Boren, Dan Boren, David Bowen, Charles & Cassie Burger, Martha

Burke, Kingsley Busby, Sundee Campbell, Cody Chambers, Elliot Choctaw Nation Chris Carter, John-Mark Beaver & David Hayes Christie, Kimberly Clements Foods Cobbs, Chris Cook, Traci Crane, Edwin Crook, Teresa Rose Curtis, Cathy Denny, Tim Ditto, Nancy Dixon, Linda Dixon, Steve Dobson, Everett Douglas, Donald Brent Douglass White, Millar & Betsy Edwards, Carl

Eisbrenner, Kathleen Ellison, Susan Evans, Serena Fisher, Jeff Fixley, Lindsey Foerster, Steve Fred Jones Foundation French Family Foundation Fudge, Chip Funk Sr., Bob Gamble, Gerald / Jane Jayroe Gardner, Linda Garwood, Dan Gaylord Foundation Gilmore Caffery, Mary A. Goldsworthy, Tom Goode, Patricia Gourley, Vicki Griffin, David Griffith Family/On- Cue Grigsby, Jennifer Hahn Cook, Edward

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 19

Hargis, Burns Hogan, Dan Holland, Charles Holmboe, Joanie Hooper, Rhonda Howard, Bob Hudiburg, David Inasmuch Foundation Irani, Ronnie Jacobs, Lorrie Johnson, Glen D. Johnson, Jim Johnson, Mike Johnson, Mike & Carol Kapchinske, John Keating, Frank

Keeling, John & Wanda Kennedy, John Kilpatrick, Tammie Kirkpatrick Family Fund Knopp, Mike & Tempe Kobs, Keri Lawson, Chris Leichter, Kurt Lester, Mark Lightsey, Brent Tom and Judy Love Family Lovero, Michael MacEntire, Taylor Marcum, Alan Maxwell, Leslie & Scott Mayes, Jenna

20 ionOklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

McClendon, Joe C. McDaniel, Tom & Brenda McLaughlin, Dave Meinders, Herman Merrick, Frank Mid First Bank Miller, Steve Ming, Mike Muller, David Newviile, Tim Nickel, Diane & Stan Nickles, Don Norick, Ron Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Parry Family Charitale Fund Patemostro, Lauren & Gino PKG Consulting

Pointer, Mary Presbyterian Health Foundation Price, Ford Price, Tom & Lisa Prichard, Ann Rainbolt, David / Gene Records, George & Jeff Ross, Bob Rowe, Walter Salyer, Meg Schinn, Tony & Kelly Self, Tiffany Sellers, John Shapiro, Craig Shdeed, William F. Shinn, Taylor & Katie Short, Rachel Sias, Dick Simons, Roger

Slater, Robert Smith and Pickel Smith, Lee Alan Stacy, Blake Stone, Renzi Switzer, Barry Tall Oaks Midstream Partners Tatro, Brian The Oklahoman Tompkins, Cathy Total Environment Trauschke, R. Sean Turpen, Mike USRowing Valentine, Thad Vanderhider, Hallie Ward, Trent Williams, Roy H. Winchester, Jerry Zitkus, Lester

I would encourage all families to make a donation before the end of September2017 in the names of every family member— as I plan to do and request the names are printed together on the Aubrey McClendon Memorial Honor Wall. Albert Einstein once said, “Only a life lived for others is worth living”. Oklahoman’s have lived up to this quote as far back as the early statehood day to the creation of the Oklahoma Standard after the 1995 OKC Alfred P Murrah Federal building bombing. Aubrey McClendon deserves to be recognized as someone who lived for others. Let us take this challenge to live by giving. n

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 21

MOVIE REVIEW Montford T. Johnson and the Power of Persuasion Integrity, Vision, and Management Skills BY JAMES A. LELY

n 2015, C. Neil Kingsley republished a memoir written by his grandfather, Neil R. Johnson, who was the oldest son of Montford T. Johnson’s oldest son. The memoir documented Montford T. Johnson’s amazing life, abandoned at 18 to become a builder of a great Oklahoma cattle empire over the next 35 years. Driving down Highway 81 from El Reno to Minco, the land to your left after Union City, now Braum’s farm land, was the western extent of a great ranch that ran across Tuttle to Newcastle. Much of today’s Oklahoma City was part of that ranch, an achievement that owed much to Johnson’s character and integrity—and a policy of hiring Native Americans exclusively to drive his cattle and run his ranch. Playing the lead role of Montford T. Johnson, Martin Sensmeier is a member of the Tingit and Koyukon/Athabaskan tribe of Alaska.

22 ion Oklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Above, production shot on the set of Johnson’s prairie home Right, production shot taken during filming in Okahoma.

Half Chickasaw himself from his mother, Rebekah Courtney, Johnson became a close friend of Cherokee fur trader and trail builder Jesse Chisholm, who admired Johnson’s straight treatment of the Chickasaw Nation and encouraged him to build ranches along the western edge of Chickasaw territory. Johnson made and kept peace with the neighboring Kiowas and Comanches, who often attacked other ranchers. The memoir, The Chickasaw Rancher, has been made into a motion picture by Chickasaw Nation Productions. Martin Sensmeier, who landed a starring role alongside

Denzel Washington in The Magnificent Seven, plays the lead role of Montford Johnson. The film also features Tommy Flanagan of the acclaimed television series “Sons of Anarchy” and Dermot

Mulroney, who starred in the movie My Best Friend’s Wedding, in a diverse ensemble cast. Principal photography in Oklahoma wrapped June 22nd, while two additional days of photography took place in

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 23

The Chickasaw Rancher, filmed in Oklahoma, reveals the story of Johnson's family and friends over thirty-plus years. The hardships, gun fights, cattle rustling, tornadoes, the Land Run of 1889, and the rise, fall, and revival of the Chickasaw Nation.

Florida. Filming in Oklahoma took place on the Chickasaw Ranch, near Davis, Oklahoma, and other locations across the Chickasaw Nation. Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said film production is part of the Chickasaw Nation’s effort to tell the story of the Chickasaw people. “We became involved in making movies because film is a great way to tell our own stories and illustrate the important role Chickasaw people have played in American history. We are pleased we have such a diverse group of actors involved in telling the story of Montford Johnson’s remarkable legacy of entrepreneurialism, altruism and diplomacy,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “Montford Johnson’s story is also the story of the Chickasaw Nation. He went through tough times. He was able to stand up against adversities. He became a success in spite of difficult times. This is a perfect story to tell about the Chickasaw Nation.” The Chickasaw Rancher has twelve Native American tribes represented in speaking roles. Chickasaw citizens and Cheyenne and Arapaho citizens, among others, will appear in pivotal roles. More than 175 Chickasaw citizens appear as extras in the film. Governor Anoatubby said film production was part of the Chickasaw Nation’s effort to tell the true story of Native Americans such as Montford Johnson. More information on the book and film can be found at chickasawrancher.com. n 24 ionOklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

OKLAHOMA BORN & BREWED JOIN US FOR A UNIQUE TASTING EXPERIENCE THAT IS COMPLETELY BORN AND BREWED RIGHT HERE IN OKLAHOMA!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 7-10 P.M. TICKETS $65 | AVAILABLE AT OKLAHOMAHOF.COM GAYLORD-PICKENS MUSEUM | 1400 CLASSEN DRIVE | OKC Hosted by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s Second Century Board

BENEFITING

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Ned’s Catering Bryan Garrett PLLC, Injury Attorney

Honorable Vicki Miles-LaGrange

SPORTS

2017 SOONERS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE 2017 OKLAHOMA SOONERS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

TIME (CST)

Sat., Sep. 2

UTEP Miners

Norman, OK

2:30pm

Sat., Sep. 9

Buckeyes

Columbus, OH

6:30pm

Sat., Sep. 16

Tulane Green Wave

Norman, OK

5:00pm

Sat., Sep. 23

Bears

Waco, TX

Time TBA

Sat., Oct. 7

Iowa State Cyclones

Norman, OK

Time TBA

Sat., Oct. 14

Longhorns

Dallas, TX

Time TBA

Sat., Oct. 21

Wildcats

Manhattan, KS

Time TBA

Sat., Oct. 28

Texas Tech Red Raiders

Norman, OK

Time TBA

Sat., Nov. 4

OSU Cowboys

Stillwater, OK

Time TBA

Sat., Nov. 11

TCU Horned Frogs

Norman, OK

Time TBA

Sat., Nov. 18

Kansas Jayhawks

Lawrence, KS

Time TBA

Sat., Nov. 25

West Va Mountaineers

Norman, OK

Time TBA

Fri. Dec 1 or Sat. 12/2

Big 12 Championship

Arlington, TX

Time TBA

26 ion Oklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

2017 COWBOYS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE V2017 OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

TIME (CST)

Thurs., Aug. 31

Tulsa Golden Hurricane

Stillwater, OK

6:30pm

Fri., Sep. 8

Jaguars

Mobile, AL

7:00pm

Sat., Sep. 16

Panthers

Pittsburgh, PA

11:00am

Sat., Sep. 23

TCU Horned Frogs

Stillwater, OK

Time TBA

Sat., Sep. 30

Red Raiders

Lubbock, TX

Time TBA

Sat., Oct. 14

Baylor Bears

Stillwater, OK

Time TBA

Sat., Oct. 21

Longhorns

Austin, TX

Time TBA

Sat., Oct. 28

West Virginia Mountaineers

Morgantown, WV

Time TBA

Sat., Nov. 4

Oklahoma Sooners

Stillwater, OK

Time TBA

Sat., Nov. 11

Cyclones

Ames, IA

Time TBA

Sat., Nov. 18

Kansas State Wildcats

Stillwater, OK

Time TBA

Sat., Nov. 25

Kansas Jayhawks

Stillwater, OK

Time TBA

Fri. 12/1 or Sat. 12/2

Big 12 Championship

Arlington, TX

Time TBA

2017 BRONCHOS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE 2017 UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA BRONCHOS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

TIME

Thurs., Aug 31

Lindenwood

EDMOND

7 pm

Sat., Sept 9

Pittsburg State

Pittsburg, KS.

7 pm

Sat., Sept 16

Fort Hays State

EDMOND

7 pm

Sat., Sept 23

Missouri Western

St. Joseph, MO.

6 pm

Sat., Sept 30

Emporia State

EDMOND

2 pm

Sat., Oct 7

Northwest Missouri

Maryville, MO.

Sat., Oct 14

Nebraska-Kearney

EDMOND

2 pm

Sat., Oct 21

Missouri Southern

Joplin, MO.

3 pm

Sat., Oct 28

Central Missouri

EDMOND

2 pm

Sat., Nov 4

Washburn

Topeka, KS.

1 pm

Sat., Nov 11

Northeastern State

Tahlequah, OK.

3 pm

28 ionOklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

1:30 pm

MUSIC

The Wise Guys: A Long and Winding Road BY JEB REID

I’

m proud to be a founding member and featured singer of The Wise Guys, one of the city’s most popular cover bands and one of its longest-tenured entertainers.

Original Wise Guys Jeb Reid, left, and Randy Colton, leading the singing at a private party in 2004.

While most bands are lucky to stay together a few years, The Wise Guys have been around since 1986 playing the so-called ‘Vintage Rock’ that we’ve loved since our youth: The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and the countless other rockers who are featured in a typical Wise Guys performance today. Playing music that ranges from the 1950’s all the way up into the 2000’s is, to say the least, a huge test for us each time we perform. This music truly transcends any speciﬁc era, because despite its age, great music is always great music. Our challenge is always to play those songs well, authentically, and with the respect they deserve. So…how does a band stay together for more than three decades? Well, it isn’t easy. But nothing worth doing right seldom is. It starts with the individuals who make up the group. And I’ve had the good fortune to share a stage with some of the ﬁnest musicians – and greatest friends – I will ever know.

It all started in college… I dabbled in singing as a youth, but began in earnest with my ‘brother from another mother’ Randy Colton at our OSU fraternity house in the late 1970’s. We’ve been singing and performing together ever since. From taking center stage for our fraternity’s participation in campus-wide musical revues and singing competitions…to the AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ion Oklahoma 29

formation of The Grease Spots, a wildly popular vocal group singing 1950’s ‘do wop’ music…to performing as the opening act for legendary entertainer Bob Hope at a sold-out beneﬁt concert in Stillwater a few weeks prior to our graduation…singing was an intoxicating drug to my senses, and I was hooked! After graduation, Randy and I had made plans to expand our act to CLockwise from left: Original Wise Guy Mike Harris, who plays keyboards, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, banjo and harmonica! Drummer/percussionist Jeff Hanes is a long-time musician and the newest member of The Wise Guys. Singer/guitarist Jeff Curran, a well-known local musician and attorney, joined the band in 2011, replacing original Wise Guy, Pat Castleberry. Bassist Chris Greenley is a two-time Wise Guy, playing with the band from 20102013, then returning to us again last year. Lead guitarist extraordinaire Brad McPherson, a Wise Guy since 2003, is shown picking and grinning with Jeff Curran at a recent performance.

The Wise Guys performing in front of a full house at KOMA’s ‘Fan Jam’ celebration in 2015.

include Mike Harris and Pat Castleberry, two great friends and fraternity members who we’d sung with during college. We would put together a fourvoice singing group, with Randy and Mike on acoustic guitars. We’d perform the music we’d grown up with during the Sixties and Seventies that we all knew and loved. It was going to be fun!

Fast-forward eight years But things change in the ‘real’ world. Pat set out for law school, then grad school. Mike was already married and expecting his first child. Randy and I were beginning our vocational careers and would soon be married as well. Precious time and memorable music was slowly slipping from our grasp. Finally…in the spring of 1986, a fullyeducated Pat moved back to Oklahoma City, we began to practice and worked hard to get our proverbial vocal act together. But what would we call

ourselves? That was easy. Because of our collective penchant for smart aleck humor, dripping with sarcasm, only one name would suffice: The Wise Guys. Our very first ‘gig’ occurred that fall in a restaurant on Western Avenue called Dominoes (now Flip’s Wine Bar). Though we were paid nothing for our efforts, the beers were cold and free. Better yet, our friends managed to stuff $40 or $50 into our Tip Jar that night. We got to see all our pals, so we were happy with the

meager compensation. Playing there a handful of times over the next year for our friends in our own little ‘public’ living room on Western was plenty for us. But one intriguing phone call changed that. Vince Orza, the one-time TV news anchor-turned-restauranteur called, wondering if we would consider performing at his new Garfield’s Restaurant. Enticing us with the princely sum of $200 per performance, we realized that maybe there might be a larger audience for our shenanigans. Our foursome quickly purchased a real-life PA system on credit from Larsen Music. Our salesman, Darrel Tackett, showed us how to operate our new toy, and was even willing to come to Garfield’s and operate it for us. Little did we know that Darrel was also a fine saxophonist and an aspiring drummer, and we immediately invited him to sit-in!

An original Wise Guy, the author has been performing with the band and its predecessor, The Grease Spots, since the Truman Administration (well maybe not THAT long…)

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 31

An expectant crowd at last year’s KOMA ‘Fan Jam’ event is chanting and ready for The Wise Guys performance to begin!

Principal guitarists Randy Colton, Brad McPherson and Jeff Curran (l to r) performing at a show in 2012.

It dawned on us that the only things keeping our four-man singing group from becoming a full-fledged band was the need for a drummer and a bass player. So, Darrel set up his drum kit, phoned his bass-playing buddy Randy Riebe, and before you could say ‘rock and roll band,’ The Wise Guys became one! By 1990 we were filling Garfield’s with young, professionaltypes who enjoyed our particular brand of raucous music, spontaneous humor and general may-hem. And being paid the princely sum of $200 – no wait, now it was $300 – each time we performed. Thanks to our success at Garfield’s, others began to hire us and soon we were playing virtually every weekend at wedding receptions, country club gigs, class reunions and private parties all over Oklahoma City.

Trouble in paradise By now, all of us had wives, children, mortgages and real day jobs. But the weekends were almost always devoted to playing music. This time away from home was placing extra strain on our wives, who were often stuck with the kids and other responsibilities in our absence. Something had to give. And unfortunately, something did. Even though our popularity was soaring, two of our band members divorced during this time, and by 1995, it was apparent to me that with two small children of my own at home, I needed to devote my time and attentions to my family. I informed the guys that I would be stepping away from The 32 ionOklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Wise Guys for an extended period of time. No one was happy about this decision except my family, but it was the right thing to do. The two band members who had recently divorced were happy to focus their attentions on the band and the group forged ahead. What ensued was a run of an additional three years with a revolving door of other singers, guitarists and contributors while I was away. Some very talented localmusicians including Bruce Eagle, David Bryant, Steve Merritt and Stan Stack were among those who, for a while at least, became official Wise Guys. By the end of 1998, The Wise Guys were winding down, feeling the effects of the lack of continuity in band personnel as well as a growing sense of responsibility to maintain their own family unity. Bassist Randy Riebe, had already departed for a new job in Dallas, and drummer Darrel Tackett had accepted a demanding position with a major oil company. Neither would return. During my break from the band, I stayed in regular contact with my original Wise Guys cohorts, Randy, Mike and Pat. Because of our lengthy personal history, we always had a great time together socially. And as our children were now of middle and high school age, the itch to play together again was regularly creeping into our conversations.

The Phoenix rises… During my Wise Guys hiatus, I’d been playing keyboards and singing with a group of talented musicians at my church. They

were mostly experienced rockers like me who, for whatever reason, found themselves at our large suburban church, willing to contribute their Godgiven musical talents to praise the Lord and help lead worship. Early in 2002 I suggested to Randy that we get Pat and Mike together for a jam session. I also proposed that I bring my buddy Brad McPherson – a terrific lead guitarist in my church band — to see what he had to offer musically. Brad was about our age and had many of the same musical influences we all had. We set a Thursday night session to get us all together and see if we might be musically compatible. Brad was an instant and complete sensation with us! The ‘Guys’ immediately recognized Brad to be a marvelous player and a great person who could become a cornerstone for our dreams of a Wise Guys reunion. But where would we find an equally-skilled bass player and drummer for such a reformation? Brad and I both realized that our church band rhythm section of drummer Jeff ‘Ringo’ Wilder and bass player Doug

Vrooman could be an ideal fit. The only question was would either of them be interested in joining a band like The Wise Guys? To our amazement, both loved the idea and after a couple of practices, it was clear that with the addition of Brad, Doug and Jeff, The Wise Guys were ready to rock and roll once again – bigger and better than ever! They’re back… In the spring of 2003, the NEW Wise Guys were now totally polished, practiced and poised to re-take the local music scene. After a series of successful appearances at the old Varsity Sports Grill, the band started to recapture our original mojo and was soon playing throughout Oklahoma City at a wide variety of events and venues. Within a few years, The Wise Guys were approached by KOMA Radio about performing at the popular station’s firstever ‘Fan Jam’ event – an appreciation party hosted by the station to honor their loyal listeners. From its humble beginnings with a

couple hundred fans at a local hotel, Fan Jam has grown into a big-time event that today takes place at Riverwind Casino’s magnificent Showplace Theatre attended by thousands of ticketed fans. The Wise Guys take great pride in being KOMA’s choice to entertain their loyal and knowledgeable listeners eight out of the past nine years – including this year’s Fan Jam event scheduled for Saturday, August 19 at Riverwind. Our affiliation through the years with the top-rated radio station in the market at their signature event is a tremendous source of pride for our guys.

Playing to a different beat The Wise Guys have endured many professional peaks and valleys over the years but managed to stay true to our music. One original Wise Guy, Pat Castleberry, stepped away from the band six years ago to devote the time to lead his technology company to tremendous success. He was replaced by current Wise Guy (and fellow attorney) Jeff Curran, a talented singer and guitarist. Today, the Wise Guys rhythm section consists of Chris Greenley on bass and Jeff Hanes, our newest member, on drums. Both are among the finest musicians with whom any of us have ever been associated. Throughout the long history of the band, Wise Guys fans are the first to tell us that we are unlike any other band in Oklahoma. An expectant downtown crowd estimated at 40,000 gathers in the evening chill for the finale concert of ‘Opening Night’, the OKC Arts Council’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration which The Wise Guys headlined in 2005 and again in 2007.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 33

Witty and totally entertaining, front man Randy Colton sings, plays rhythm guitar, and serves as the focal point for every Wise Guys show.

Every Wise Guys performance is unique. We never play the same set list twice. Each show consists of songs hand-picked from our repertoire specifically for the audience we will entertain. As a result, every show is different than the previous show, or our next. Every Wise Guys show is engaging. We’ll never be a ‘background’ band playing quietly during an event. Ask anyone who has attended one of our performances and they will tell you we interact with our crowd, engage our audiences, and encourage attendees to enjoy the event to the fullest, drink up, dance, have fun, and sing along. A Wise Guys show will never be routine or boring! Every Wise Guys show is entertaining. That’s why we work our tails off to never disappoint you. From colorful, on-stage humor delivered by front man Randy Colton and the rest of us, to rock solid musical performances enhanced by lush vocal harmonies and impressive solo renditions, The Wise Guys are a top-flight, highly entertaining band. Let me paraphrase a typical comment we hear regularly: “We’d never heard you guys play before and our first thought 34 ionOklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

was that you were a comedy act. But when you began to play your songs, we realized that your music was even better than your comedy!”

Still making music…and magic The Wise Guys continue to ‘push the envelope’, constantly working to expand our repertoire and create new levels of entertainment. To enhance our appeal to younger audiences, we consistently add newer music to our shows. And now, our next major project is a special ‘Time Travel’ show where we perform – in chronological order – some of the greatest songs from four of the most musically prolific decades of all-time: the 1950’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. We will debut the ‘pilot’ show on Friday, August 25 at Edmond’s UCO Jazz Lab. After more than 30 years of making music, we’ve already traveled a long and winding road to get to this point. But the good news is that this same road stretches out in front of us now, imploring us to continue our journey and keep playing the music that we and countless others genuinely love. n

4410 North Western Oklahoma City, OK 73118

BUSINESS THE JONES ASSEMBLY Food, Spirits, Music American Restaurant and Concert Venue BY BUD ELDER

ake that Tulsa!

T-Town has held its live music pedigree over Oklahoma City for almost a hundred years – Cain’s and The Brady, Leon Russell, David Gates and J.J. Cale. Casinos, clubs, restaurants and dives. Western swing to punk. But times change. In the past couple of years, Oklahoma City, it seems, got its communal act together. The Criterion. The Tower. And now – The Jones Assembly, located at 901 W. Sheridan, directly behind the 21C hotel. Oh but wait. Unlike many facilities living in 4/4 time, The Jones Assembly brings much more to the table. Specifically, the dining table. Goodness, here you’ll some 20,000 square feet with picnic tables in an open-air patio and a portable dining room of banquettes and booths on the floor, easily removed to make room for about 1,600 concert goers. And the menu fits the people of Oklahoma like an oven mitt – from comfort food like biscuits, okra and deviled eggs to tuna tartare and octopus. Entrees include wood burning fire pizza, fried chicken confit, burgers and seasonal seafood. At cocktail hour, which lasts from opening to closing, The Jones Assembly boasts two bars: one large woodand-iron number on the ground floor and a more intimate listening lounge on the mezzanine. The

36 ion Oklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Above, Indoor waiting area and bar. Right, a wall of boxes creates a mosaic leading visitors to the bar area.

cocktails served thereon are both potent and potable. Beginning at 4:00 p.m. each night, the second floor of The Jones Assembly becomes “The T Room,” providing patrons with an elevated and personalized bar. “The T Room” is available for private use and ideal for intimate cocktail parties, happy hours, or group hangouts. Oh, right. The music. The beat of the drum, the riff of the guitar. While many local eateries offer live tunes, the performances thereof are relegated to a far corner and are, sadly ignored by dining patrons. Not here. After a brilliant pre opening party for the Dead Center film festival, featuring Oklahoma film icon and cultural troublemaker Gary Busey, The Jones Assembly AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 37

went right to the big time, opening their live music activities with The Wallflowers, Jakob Dylanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big time band. As if to solidify the point that the joint was for real, it also booked Lake Street Dive, one of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular new bands. Upcoming at the Jones Assembly will be JJ Grey & Mofro w/ The Main Squeeze, southern rock from northern Florida on September 29; Cut Copy, an Australian electric music band on October 5; St. Paul & The Broken Bones, a six piece soul group, w/ Los Coast on October 13; Third Eye Blind on October 31 and, get this, on November 11, The Jones Assembly will host American treasure Willie Nelson, no explanation necessary. The Jones Assembly posts hours from 11:00 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with a 10 a.m. brunch on Sunday. A limited menu will be served during performances. Tulsa who? n

Left, the upstairs bar has open views to the outside. Below, the second level provides a view of the main floor.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 39

The Bestselling Book by Kent Frates

Oklahoma’s Most Notorious Cases Six cases that remain the talk of the courtroom Oklahoma has had more than its share of sensational legal battles with national ramifications, but for the first time in one volume, attorney/historian Kent Frates reveals the facts behind six cases that helped shape the history of the state—and the nation. From bloody murders, to political scandal, to the horrific act of domestic terrorism known as the Oklahoma City Bombing, OKLAHOMA’S MOST NOTORIOUS CASES captures the stories, the times, and the import of these landmark trials.

Read the book that inspired the serial podcast We Will Always Remember (RealMysteries.us | weekly Feb. 12 to April 23) www.

Order now by visiting

OkMostNotoriousCases.com

or calling toll free 877.536.7634

Only

$24 Includes 16 pages of historic photos!

available at Full Circle Bookstore, OKC Best of Books, Edmond The Bookseller, Ardmore The Book Place, Broken Arrow and Barnes & Noble

Great Gr Gre rea eat at Ticketed Ticke Tick Tic ket ete ted ed d Events! Eve ven ent nts tss! PRC C A X T R E M E BU ULLS TO U R & C O N C E RTS R

GARY G ARY AR RY AL LLAN LLAN ALLAN

September 14-19 TICKET PRICES ST TART AT AT

Thursday,, Sept. 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 p.m. Friday, Friday, Sept. 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 11:30 Saturday, Sept. 16. 16 . . 1 1:30 a.m., 3:30 & 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sunday, Sept. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:30 & 5:30 p.m. Monday, Monday, Sept. 18 . . . . . . . . 10:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Tuesday, Sept. 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 p.m.

CARNIV VA AL RIDE

Arm Ar Arm mba mb mbands! ban and nds ds! s!

SA SAVE VE $

Friday, September ember 22 7:30 30 p.m.

JOSH JO OSH TURNER TURNER Saturday, September 23 7:30 p.m.

when you purchase an Unlimited Carnival Ride Armband at the -LP 1RULFN $UHQD %R[ 2I¿FH RU through our other ticket buying options.

(Outside Gate Admission NOT INCLUDED)

HURRY, OFFER OFFE ENDS SEPTEMBER 13!

WAYS WA AYS TO TO B BUY UY TICKETS! JIM NORICK ARENA BOX OFFICE,

okstatefairr.com OR 405.948.6800 405

ENTER RTA TA I N M E N T S T TA TA TAG AGE

Free Concert

September 18 HA WK NELSON & ZACH ZACH WILLIAMS HAWK 7:30 p.m.

September 21 CHASE BRYANT RY YANT BR 7:30 p.m. September 22 ONE! TONY! TONE! TONY! TONI! TONI! T 7:30 p.m.

(with Outside side Gate Gat Admission))

September 14 WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN MORGAN 7:30 p.m.

September 16 BEATLEMANIA BEA ATLEMANIA LIVE! 8 p.m.

September 19 GARY GAR RY PUCKETT PUC and the UNION GAP 7:30 p.m.

September 15 THE O OAK AK RIDGE BO BOYS OY YS 7:30 p.m.

September 17 LA MAFIA 3 p.m.

September 20 ELVIS EL LVIS EXTRAVAGANZA EXTRA AV VAGANZA 7:30 p.m.

okstatefair atefair..com

7KH 2I¿FLDO 6RIW 'ULQN of State Fair Park

September 23 DENNIS DeYOUNG: DeYOUNG: The The Music of STYX 8 p.m. September 24 SUGAR FREE EE ALLSTARS ALLST TARS ARS 3 p.m. pm

EVENTS

Photo: Holly Cowden

42 ion Oklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

WHAT’S NEW AT

THE OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR BY TIM FARLEY

New shows, demonstrations and competitions, bigger rides and a breathtaking exhibit of a former U.S. president await fans at the Oklahoma State Fair next month. An exhibit centered on the life of President John F. Kennedy will allow fairgoers to take a step back in time and look at the life of the president who was assassinated on Nov. 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas. The exhibit, the largest traveling JFK exhibit in the country, will be located in The Pavilion. The exhibit will display hundreds of authentic items from JFK’s life and presidency, including one of his presidential limousines and the last White House event invitations and programs dated Nov. 20, 1963. Tickets to the exhibit are $5 for adults (ages 12 and older) This year’s State Fair also will allow fairgoers to reach new heights thanks to the Sky Eye Wheel, the largest portable ferris wheel in North America. The ride stands at a towering 155-feet tall. In addition, Sky Eye Park will include a seating area, food trucks and more – all based in the Entertainment Plaza so visitors can enjoy every corner of the Fair.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 43

Photo: Hugh Scott

New shows and demonstrations are packed into the 11-day run of the Fair than ever before. All shows and demonstrations are free with outside gate admission. Some of the demonstrations will include animals, including a live shark encounter that displays the awe and fascination of these magnificent creatures. Fair guests will learn how these sharks maneuver under the sea on the Bandshell Lawn. In addition, Panfilov’s Performing Pets will be on the Plaza Stage as Andriy Bilobrov and Mayya Panfilova train five Jack Russell terriers and several cats.

As part of the show and demonstration, the duo will present the public with amazing animal accomplishments far beyond the traditional animal tricks. If that’s not enough, the Glamping Cooking Show presented by Dianne Linderman will highlight a bit of Americana history with its museumquality, interactive 1950s vintage exhibit. Surrounding a restored vintage 1959, 20-foot Airstream trailer are vintage chairs, tables and bikes that would have been part of a typical campsite, but this time it’s in the Creative Arts Building. Fairgoers are sure to enjoy Linderman’s incredible

cooking and the chance to take a deep breath of nostalgia. Animals will continue to play a big role in the State Fair demonstrations. A service dog demonstration will educate Fair fans about the importance and purpose of service dogs. Fairgoers will see service dogs in action as the canines exhibit various activities service dogs perform on a daily basis. The show also will educate audiences on proper ways to approach a service dog. Since square dancing is Oklahoma’s ofﬁcial folk dance, it only makes sense that square dancing demonstrations would be part of the State Fair. During these demonstrations, dancers will perform a variety of moves. In fact, fairgoers might even get a chance to participate and learn some square dance moves. If fairgoers want more action, Jaye Anders-Kukowski and her Cowgirl Mounted Shooting demonstration might ﬁll the bill. Anders-Mukowski, a stunt rider and mounted shooting expert, will demonstrate her horsemanship and accurate marksmanship using two .45caliber, single-action revolvers while running a fast-paced and timed pattern. There’s also Rider Kiesner, the world’s fastest rope and gun spinner, and Madison McDonald Thomas who is billed

La Mafia

Gary Puckett & the Union Gap 44 ionOklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Hawk Nelson

Oak Ridge Boys

as one of the world’s champion trick riders. She will showcase her equestrian magic in motion. All competitions, including the new ones, require preregistration. One competition will focus on Quilts of Valor. The quilts from this competition will be donated to veterans who have been involved in military actions overseas. Special event announcements and general news for the 2017 Oklahoma State Fair will be released as information becomes available. Fairgoers are encouraged to share their Fair experiences, memories and stories by using #okstatefair and #BiggerBetterBestOK. Fair visitors can also use hashtag #MyAdventureRoad on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to share experiences while at the State Fair. The State Fair begins Sept. 14 and continues through Sept. 24. Tickets are available at the State Fair Park box ofﬁce, online, or by calling 405-948-6800. For more information, visit www.okstatefair.com. Eli Young Photo: Hugh Scott

The JFK Exhibition – Fairgoers will be able to take a step back in time at The JFK Exhibition – the largest traveling JFK Exhibition in the country – in The Pavilion. It displays hundreds of – more – authentic items from his life and presidency, including one of his presidential limousines, and last White House event invitations and programs dated November 20, 1963. Tickets are $5 for adults (ages 12 & older). Beatle Mania Photo: Hugh Scott

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 45

BUSINESS 21c MUSEUM HOTEL OKC Unique Boutique Hotel and Contemporary Art Museum

n 2006, preservationists and contemporary art collectors, Steve Wilson and Laura Lee Brown opened their first hotel in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. It was a time, when Louisville was going through a revitalization of the downtown area and they wanted to take an active role in the preservation of their hometown. “We believe in the power of contemporary art” said the founders. Their innovative idea for a hotel was so different it developed very quickly into a center for the community with a genuine hospitality, chef driven restaurants and carefully curated contemporary art exhibitions. The 21c Museum Hotel was so popular and different it attracted people from around the country. In 2017 there are now seven 21c Museum Hotels. Matt Cowden, the 21c Museum Hotel GM in OKC said, “Art is the Heart of the Experience in all our hotels along with being anchored in the local 46 ion Oklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Matt Cowden, GM

community. The founders rotate their personal museum contemporary art collection from hotel to hotel and the galleries are available 24/7 for all our guests to enjoy. We are much more than a hotel.” The 21c Museum Hotel is located in the historic downtown Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant that was built in 1916. Albert Kahn was Henry Ford’s architect who designed large modular manufacturing bays throughout the building located at 900 West Main Street in Oklahoma City. Another reason our hotels have become so popular are the chef driven restaurants and special touches they prepare for the original dishes on our menus. Art can energize a community, be a sign of positive change and enrich the travel experience. Art can also coexist harmoniously with commerce as many Oklahomans understand who have developed the wonderful Myriad Gardens in the downtown area of OKC. While it was never the intent of the Founders to open more than one 21c Museum Hotel, the couple’s vision and success has inspired others to consider bringing this blending of art and hospitality to their communities. Today, the 21c Museum Hotels are pushing the boundaries of both the museum and hospitality worlds, with over 1,000 employees to operate 7 hotels, 8 food & beverage outlets, and have plans to develop more hotels in the future. Growing organically is the plan. Matt Cowden shared nearby their hotel location on Main Street, is a lot of new business development, restoration of older buildings and the plan will be to brand the area as the “West Village District” in downtown Oklahoma City. n

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 47

ENTERTAINMENT OKLAHOMA CITY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

PERFORMING ARTS SERIES and ADD-ON PERFORMANCES 2017-2018 Season Oklahoma City Community College kicks off its Performing Arts Series with a high-octane performance by the Annie Moses Band, an American Rhapsody. The band will perform at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 12. All performance times for the series are 7:30 p.m. OCCC's exciting 2017-2018 Performing Arts Series and Add-On Touring Attractions features world-class productions you won't want to miss! Tickets are offered as a Subscription to the Series that supplies one ticket to each production (at a savings of over 20%), a Pick 5, or a Pick 3 Package. Individual tickets for the Performing Arts Series events went on sale August 1st. To purchase individual tickets to a show in the series, go to tickets.occc.edu.

PERFORMING ARTS SERIES EVENTS Annie Moses Band – American Rhapsody, Tuesday, September 12, 2017, 7:30 PM With their distinctive style of music, the Annie Moses Band combines the best of beloved genres in a style that unifies audiences of all ages, classical and folk enthusiasts, jazz aficionados and bluegrass buffs. Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, Thursday, October 5, 2017, 7:30 PM Peter Noone and the legendary British pop band are back playing favorites such as “I’m Into Something Good” and “Mrs. Brown You Have a Lovely Daughter.”

Annie Moses Band

The Hot Club of San Francisco - Cinema Vivant, Thursday, November 16, 2017, 7:30 PM The Hot Club of San Francisco presents Cinema Vivant, an evening of vintage silent films accompanied by live Gypsy swing, often called Gypsy jazz. To hear this ensemble is to be carried back to the 1930s and the small jazz clubs of Paris. Herman’s Hermits 48 ion Oklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

The Hot Club of San Francisco

Do You Speak Djembé?, Thursday, February 1, 2018, 7:30 PM As you enter the theater your djembé drum awaits you on your seat. The entire audience participates in the show and plays with an amazing line-up of world-class Western and African musicians where the audience becomes the largest djembé band in America. Do You Speak Djembé? Cirque Éloize Saloon, February 22, 2018, 7:30 PM Since 1993, this amazing group has been combining music, theater and acrobatics to create moving performances filled with magic and emotion. Based on the multidisciplinary talents of its artists, the Wild Wild West comes alive as Cirque Éloize expresses its innovative nature through theatricality and humanity, and combines performance arts with music, dance and theatre in a path-breaking and original manner.

Lonesome Traveler: The Concert (with Special Guest Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary), March 29, 2018, 7:30 PM With their show entitled “Roots of American Folk Music,” Lonesome Traveler celebrates the likes of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Peter, Paul and Mary, Bob Dylan, The Byrds, James Taylor and others, depicting the story of folk music from the 1920s to the ‘60s and beyond within the context of an ever-changing America.

RIOULT Dance NY, April 19, 2018, 7:30 PM Founded in 1994, RIOULT Dance NY fast became an established name in modern dance with a reputation for presenting the sensual, articulate, and exquisitely musical works of Pascal Rioult.

ABBAMANIA, May 1, 2018, 7:30 PM Dance in your seats to the Swedish phenomenon ABBAMANIA, the tribute band, which takes you back in time by recreating one of the world’s finest pop groups in a live stage performance. Fantastic costumes, exciting choreography and lots of glitter make performances of “S.O.S.,” “Super Trooper” and “Dancing Queen” as thrilling and fresh as they day they debuted! AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 49

ADD-ON PERFORMANCES U.S. Navy Band Cruisers, August 14, 2017 As the U.S. Navy’s premier contemporary entertainment ensemble, the Cruisers play genres of music ranging from jazz & standards, rhythm & blues, classic rock, adult contemporary and pop as well as original material. This elite group has engaged and excited audiences of all ages throughout the U.S. and abroad with world-class musicianship and high energy, fun-filled performances.

The Capitol Steps, August 19, 2017 The Capitol Steps return to OCCC with their unique blend of musical and political comedy and satire, guaranteed to leave both sides of the political spectrum laughing. There’s never a shortage of good material in politics!

Adam Trent, March 15, 2018 Adam Trent has been described as “Justin Timberlake meets David Copperfield.” He takes the magic world by storm, blending dancing and singing to his own original pop music with innovative stage illusions, charming wit, and emotion to create an experience that is part magic show, part concert, and part stand-up comedy.

Riders in the Sky present Christmas The Cowboy Way, December 12, 2017 For more than thirty years, Riders In The Sky have been keepers of the flame passed on by the Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, while remaining true to the integrity of Western music. They have become modern-day icons by branding the genre with their own legendary wacky humor and way-out Western wit, and all along encouraging buckaroos and buckarettes to live life “The Cowboy Way!”

50 ionOklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Arrive in style! (405) 600-9111

PEOPLE

How Our Kids Taught Me How to Teach BY JOHN THOMPSON

uring a two-week summer camp for at-risk children in the Arbuckle Mountains, we had plenty of physical altercations. “Richard” (as I will call him) was always quick to pick up a rock or a piece of steel in a fight, and he was involved in the majority of the conflicts. Sparked by the killing of a turtle, a riot almost erupted. It was not Richard’s turtle, so I wondered why the other kids knew with certainty that he could be set off by such a provocation. The wiry and high-strung 8th grader wanted to talk about it. Richard began with a calm account of the death of his grandmother along with six others in a boiler explosion at a school in Spencer.

A successful hike and environmental education lesson

52 ion Oklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Summing up the lessons he learned through mourning, he spoke in a low voice, “I think about things – deep things,” while his eyes darted back and forth, frantically on high alert for danger. Gosh, how did we get here? was an academic before crack and gangs clobbered my neighborhood. My life was transformed by the relationships that inner city kids and I formed. Soon, I found myself as an environmental educator working with kids like

emphasis, Richard repeated, “I think of things – deep things.” Once again, everything changed for Richard when his uncle was busted on drug charges and all was lost. He claimed to not be upset by all of that. It brought him closer to real suffering and prompted new ideas for helping the poor. By this point in our conversation, he exhibited the explosive force of a television evangelist, proclaiming, “I think of things - deep things!” Back home, his once-powerful uncle still had enemies, and Richard was now more vulnerable and afraid. But that just made him identify more with people who never had power and made him wish he could do good - not just for

Richard. They provided an invaluable introduction into what I would need to understand when teaching at John Marshall and Centennial high schools. Richard further explained his time in California living with a rich uncle, an “O.G.” (old-time gangsta.) He would plan ways to invest the family’s wealth to help the underprivileged. Pumping his ﬁsts and striking out for

Top: My cabin mates and first co-teachers Middle: My assertive discipline plan Right: The kids rest on the side of the rocks while on the hike.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 53

humans, but for all of the earth. Again subdued, Richard wrapped up his sermon, “I think of things - deep things.” The campers conﬁrmed that Richard’s uncle had had money, power, and reputation, and that I would understand when we returned home. The camp had become a safe zone, but he grew more and more agitated when returning to Oklahoma City. He was practically glued to me for the bus ride. Richard’s peers would come over and provide emotional support. Even the kids who were the most “down” with the “Crips”—the gang in opposition to his uncle’s “Bloods”—started to treat him with kindness. Richard was picked up by his uncle, who had once displayed power and inspired fear but who was now a broken man and clearly an alcoholic. Richard made a point of introducing me as his friend, and the uncle earnestly voiced appreciation. Though we had just met, the former gang leader grasped my hand and forearm and made it clear that he needed to communicate his deep appreciation for helping his nephew. Like many others, the O.G. grieved for the pain he had inﬂicted upon his family. This and countless other poignant conversations illustrate the challenges faced by urban schools. Despite such stress and tragedy, Richard, his friends, and even his uncle, managed to hold onto their moral core. This could be the rock upon which school reform in the inner city is founded. My book, A Teacher’s Tale: Learning, Loving and Listening to Our Kids, focuses on teaching in an age of school “reform.” It argues that accountability-

Above: Hiking the Grand Canyon with a John Marshall student, Brandy Clark, who is now an inner city teacher Below: Community gardening with my neighbors.

driven, competition-driven reform did incredible damage to our poorest children. Since the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, schools have been forced to focus on academic instruction to meet measurable “objectives.” Data-driven school reform used the stress of high stakes testing in order to overcome the stress of generational poverty. Reforms used the stress of output-driven

54 ionOklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

mandates to overcome the stress of the traumas our kids often endured. It increased segregation in a campaign to undo the legacy of segregation. Rather than appeal to children’s moral and emotional strengths, reformers narrowed the curriculum, starving artistic and musical expression and creativity, as they imposed teach-to-the-test remediation. But, Richard and others taught me lessons that should be the basis of a new era of school improvement. Listen to the kids and they will teach us how to teach them. Rather than focus obsessively on remediating weaknesses through basic skills instruction, we must provide the same holistic, meaningful instruction that we want for affluent kids. Show poor children of color this respect, and they will rise to the challenge. But, in our schools where so many children have suffered multiple traumas, we must first build a system of socioemotional supports. We need full-service community schools that bring health, mental health, early education, and postsecondary education providers into our poorest schools. We must bring back field trips and introduce our children to the full diversity of our community. We must make schooling a team effort, building partnerships from an array of nonprofits and recruiting mentors from all types of backgrounds. Few things could be more joyous than signing up for this loving adventure. Everything we teach and share with children like Richard will yield amazing rewards for all of us. n

2017 FALL SCHEDULE GAME DATE

START TIME

GAME

August 2

7:30 PM

Reno 1868 FC @ Energy FC

August 5

7:30 PM

Real Monarchs @ Energy FC

August 12

7:30 PM

Energy FC @ Tulsa Roughnecks FC

August 19

7:30 PM

San Antonio FC @ Energy FC

August 25

9:30 PM

Energy FC @ Orange County SC

September 2

7:30 PM

Energy FC @ Swope Park Rangers

September 10

5:00 PM

Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 @ Energy FC

September 17

5:00 PM

Tulsa Roughnecks FC @ Energy FC

September 20

9:00 PM

Energy FC @ Reno 1868 FC

September 23

9:30 PM

Energy FC @ Sacramento Republic FC

October 1

5:00 PM

LA Galaxy II @ Energy FC

October 8

5:00 PM

Swope Park Rangers @ Energy FC

October 15

5:00 PM

Seattle Sounders FC 2 @ Energy FC

LOCATION Taft Stadium Taft Stadium OneOK Field Taft Stadium Orange County Great Park Swope Soccer Village Taft Stadium Taft Stadium Greater Nevada Field Bonney Field Taft Stadium Taft Stadium Taft Stadium

Home Games in boldface

2017-2018 OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER BASKETBALL SEASON Thu Oct 19th Sat Oct 21 Sun Oct 22 Wed Oct 25 Fri Oct 27 Sat Oct 28 Tue Oct 31 Fri Nov 3 Sun Nov 5 Tue Nov 7 Thu Nov 9 Fri Nov 10 Sun Nov 12 Wed Nov 15 Fri Nov 17 Mon Nov 20 Wed Nov 22 Fri Nov 24 Sat Nov 25 Wed Nov 29 Fri Dec 1 Sun Dec 3 Tue Dec 5 Thu Dec 7 Sat Dec 9 Mon Dec 11 Wed Dec 13 Fri Dec 15 Sat Dec 16 Mon Dec 18 Wed Dec 20 Fri Dec 22 Sat Dec 23 Mon Dec 25 Wed Dec 27 Fri Dec 29 Sun Dec 31

7:00pm 8:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 8:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 8:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 9:00pm 8:00pm 7:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 6:00pm

New York Knicks Utah Jazz Minnesota Timberwolves Indiana Pacers Minnesota Timberwolves Chicago Bulls Milwaukee Bucks Boston Celtics Portland Trail Blazers Sacramento Kings Denver Nuggets LA Clippers Dallas Mavericks Chicago Bulls San Antonio Spurs New Orleans Pelicans Golden State Warriors Detroit Pistons Dallas Mavericks Orlando Magic Minnesota Timberwolves San Antonio Spurs Utah Jazz Brooklyn Nets Memphis Grizzlies Charlotte Hornets Indiana Pacers Philadelphia 76ers New York Knicks Denver Nuggets Utah Jazz Atlanta Hawks Utah Jazz Houston Rocket Toronto Raptors Milwaukee Bucks Dallas Mavericks

Oklahoma City Salt Lake City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Minneapolis Chicago Milwaukee Oklahoma City Portland Sacramento Denver Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City San Antonio New Orleans Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Dallas Orlando Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Mexico City Memphis Oklahoma City Indianapolis Philadelphia New York City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Salt Lake City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City

Watch the game on TNT.

Watch the game on NBATV Watch the game on NBATV Watch the game on ESPN. Watch the game on NBATV Watch the game on TNT

Watch the game on ESPN Watch the game on ESPN

Watch the game on NBATV Watch the game on NBATV

Watch the game on ESPN Watch the game on ESPN Watch the game on NBATV

Watch the game on ABC Watch the game on NBATV

2018 Wed Jan 3 Thu Jan 4 Sun Jan 7 Tue Jan 9 Wed Jan 10 Sat Jan 13 Mon Jan 15 Wed Jan 17 Sat Jan 20 Tue Jan 23 Thu Jan 25 Sat Jan 27 Sun Jan 28 Tue Jan 30 Thu Feb 1 Fri Feb 2 Sun Feb 4 Tue Feb 6 Thu Feb 8 Sun Feb 11 Tue Feb 13 Wed Feb 14 Thu Feb 22 Sat Feb 24 Mon Feb 26 Wed Feb 28 Fri March 2 Sat March 3 Tue March 6 Thu March 8 Sat March 10 Mon March 12 Tue March 13 Fri March 16 Sun March 18 Tue March 20 Fri March 23 Sun March 25 Thu March 29 Fri March 30 Sun April 1 Tue April 3 Sat April 7 Mon April 9 Wed April 11

9:30pm 9:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 4:00pm 2:00pm 7:00pm 2:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 6:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 9:30pm 8:00pm 1:00pm 9:30pm 9:30pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 9:00pm 7:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 7:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 12:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 5:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 6:30pm 7:00pm

Los Angeles Lakers LA Clippers Phoenix Suns Portland Trail Blazers Minnesota Timberwolves Charlotte Hornets Sacramento Kings Los Angeles Lakers Cleveland Cavaliers Brooklyn Nets Washington Wizards Detroit Pistons Philadelphia 76ers Washington Wizards Denver Nuggets New Orleans Pelicans Los Angeles Lakers Golden State Warriors Los Angeles Lakers Memphis Grizzlies Cleveland Cavaliers Memphis Grizzlies Sacramento Kings Golden State Warriors Orlando Magic Dallas Mavericks Phoenix Suns Portland Trail Blazers Houston Rockets Phoenix Suns San Antonio Spurs Sacramento Kings Atlanta Hawks LA Clippers Toronto Raptors Boston Celtics Miami Heat Portland Trail Blazers San Antonio Spurs Denver Nugget New Orleans Pelicans Golden State Warriors Houston Rockets Miami Heat Memphis Grizzlies

Los Angeles Los Angeles Phoenix Oklahoma City Minneapolis Charlotte Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Cleveland Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Detroit Oklahoma City Washington DC Denver Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oakland Los Angeles Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Memphis Sacramento Oakland Oklahoma City Dallas, TX Phoenix Portland Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Atlanta Oklahoma City Toronto Boston Oklahoma City Oklahoma City San Antonio Oklahoma City New Orleans Oklahoma City Houston Miami Oklahoma City

Watch the game on ESPN Watch the game on TNT Watch the game on NBATV Watch the game on ESPN

Watch the game on ESPN Watch the game on ABC Watch the game on TNT Watch the game on ESPN Watch the game on TNT Watch the game on ABC Watch the game on TNT Watch the game on TNT Watch the game on TNT

Watch the game on ABC

Watch the game on TNT Watch the game on ABC

Watch the game on NBATV Watch the game on TNT

Watch the game on TNT

Watch the game on TNT Watch the game on ABC

THEATRE

OKC BROADWAY

KC Broadway begins its 20172018 season Sept. 5 with the under-the-sea spectacular “The Little Mermaid” as the Civic Center celebrates its 80th anniversary. “The Little Mermaid” show runs through Sept. 10. Later in the month, “Beautiful – The Carol King Musical” comes to town with shows Sept. 26-Oct. 1. “The Purple Color” (Jan. 2-7), “School of Rock” (Feb. 6-11), “Finding Neverland” (March 13-18) and “An American in Paris” (June 5-10) are the remaining plays in the schedule. Season specials are “Rent” (Nov. 7-12) and “The Book of Mormon” (April 24-29). These iconic Broadway plays will help Oklahoma City celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Civic Center, which was built as part of a Public Works Administration project in April 1937. The first performance at the then-Municipal Auditorium, “Rhapsodic Rhythms” took place on Oct. 4, 1937. Almost 30 years later, Municipal Auditorium was 60 ion Oklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

remodeled and renamed the Civic Center Music Hall. Ten years later in 1976, KISS performed at the Civic Center, making it one of the biggest concerts to ever play the venue during the band’s “Alive!” tour. Interestingly, the band’s opening act did not make it to the building, forcing the management to find a new opening act on the day of the show. The band that was called to fill in was referred by then-assistant technical director Richard Charnay, who would spend 40-plus years at the Civic Center. The fill-in band was called Mountain Smoke, which featured an unknown artist by the name of Vince Gill. In September 2001, the Civic Center Music Hall reopened after a three-year renovation. A complete interior renovation of the historic Civic Center Music Hall included accommodations for major theatrical, dance and musical groups; a multi-story atrium; balconies, box seats and suites; excellent acoustics and a hydraulic orchestra pit. That same year, the Civic Center Foundation was established. The private, nonprofit organization

1939-42 Orchestra

supports the Civic Center Music Hall financially to help bring performing arts to Oklahoma City. The foundation has helped make capital improvements including the Civic Center Music Hall’s message center and improvements to the Freede Little Theatre. The foundation’s goal is to develop resources that foster advocacy for the Civic Center Music Hall and to provide for the improvement, maintenance and support of the Civic Center. OKC Broadway is a partnership between the Civic Center Foundation and The Nederlander Organization. The foundation and The Nederlander Organization formed the partnership prior to the 2016-2017 theatre season. The name Nederlander has been synonymous with great entertainment since 1912 when David T. Nederlander purchased a 99-year lease on the Detroit Opera House. During the next five decades, Nederlander and his sons built or managed theatres, produced doznes of live shows and presented hundreds of the top headliners of the day. In 1964, son James M. Nederlander moved to

James M. Nederlander 1922-2016

James L. Nederlander

New York City and purchased the Palace Theatre on Broadway. His work, pioneering spirit and vision enabled him to build one of the largest privately-held live entertainment companies in the world today. Notable Nederlander productions include the musical biography about Gloria and Emilio Estefan. In addition, productions in Nederlander Broadway theaters include “Hamilton,” “Wicked,” “The Lion King,”, “Finding Neverland” and “An American in Paris.” The Nederlanders are also co-founders of The National High School Musical Theatre Award, named “The Jimmy Award,” a national program that celebrates outstanding student performances in high school musical productions across the United States. For more information about shows and tickets, visit www.okcbroadway.com/tickets. n

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 61

PEOPLE Oklahoma Hall of Fame Names 2017 Honorees

he 90th class of outstanding Oklahomans have been selected for induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. These accomplished Oklahomans will join the 683 individuals who have been inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame since 1928. The Honorees were officially announced at a luncheon on May 18, hosted by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum. New inductees were presented to a roomful of past Oklahoma Hall of Fame Honorees. “It’s incredibly inspirational to be surrounded by such an accomplished group of people who have literally created our history,” said Shannon L. Rich, president and CEO of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and Gaylord-Pickens Museum. “The Oklahoma Hall of Fame announcement luncheon gives past inductees the first opportunity to congratulate the new class.” The 2017 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Honorees are: Justice Tom Colbert, Sapulpa; Congressman Tom Cole, Moore; Bob Funk, Piedmont; Shannon Miller, Edmond; Phil Parduhn, Edmond; Hal Smith, Ardmore; and Carrie Underwood, Checotah. Those individuals who will be honored posthumously are Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher, Chickasha; and Sequoyah, the Cherokee Nation I.T. The 2017 Class will be formally inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame on Thursday, November 16, in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame was founded in 1927 with the purpose of honoring Oklahomans in their 62 ion Oklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

lifetime with the state’s highest honor and educating Oklahoma’s youth on our rich history. The GaylordPickens Museum, home of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, was opened in 2007 with the intent of giving the public access to the stories of these and other notable Oklahomans. “Being inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame is the single-highest honor an individual can receive from our state,” Rich said. “The recognition of our state’s greatest asset – our people – is the foundation upon which our organization was created.” Along with being honored at the formal induction ceremony, the 2017 Honorees will be recognized in November with the unveiling of their portraits at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, home of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. In addition, their biographies, photos and fun facts will be accessible through interactive exhibits. The 90th Oklahoma Hall of Fame Banquet & Induction Ceremony will be held on Thursday, November 16, at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City. In celebration of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s 90th induction ceremony, past inductees Vince Gill and Kristin Chenoweth will return home to serve as emcees. For more information about the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Banquet & Induction Ceremony or making a nomination to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, contact Madison Nash, director of Honoree Relations, at 405.523.3203 or mn@oklahomahof.com. Tickets and table sponsorships for the event will go on sale August 25. For more information about the Oklahoma Hall of Fame or Gaylord-Pickens Museum, call 405.235.4458 or visit OklahomaHoF.com.

In 2000, Colbert was appointed to the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals, serving as Chief Judge in 2004 and followed by an appointment to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Justice Colbert made history as the first AfricanAmerican on both the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals and the Supreme Court. He made history again, in 2013, when he became the first African-American to serve as Chief Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. JUSTICE TOM COLBERT | Sapulpa After graduating from Sapulpa High School, Colbert went on to earn degrees from Eastern Oklahoma State College and Kentucky State University before serving in the United States Army and its Criminal Investigation Division. While at KSU, Colbert was named All-Conference in track and field for the long jump and triple jump and All-American in track and field for the long jump. Following an honorable discharge, he resumed his formal education and earned a masters of education degree at Eastern Kentucky University. He taught middle school students in inner-city Chicago and served as a recreation specialist for a local boys’ club. Returning home to Oklahoma, he earned his juris doctorate from the University of Oklahoma before accepting the position of Assistant Dean at Marquette University Law School. He served as an Assistant District Attorney for Oklahoma County before entering private practice. During this time he also served as an attorney for the Department of Human Services.

CONGRESSMAN TOM COLE | Moore Tom Cole was elected to Congress in 2002 and is currently serving in his eighth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Identified by TIME Magazine as “one of the sharpest minds in the House,” he is an advocate for a strong national defense, a strong proponent for biomedical research, an advocate for taxpayers and small businesses, and a leader on issues dealing with Native Americans and tribal governments. Cole has a significant background of service to his home state of

Oklahoma. Before Congress, he served as State Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party, District Director to former Congressman Mickey Edwards, and a member of the Oklahoma State Senate. He also served as Oklahoma’s Secretary of State under governor Frank Keating. Cole is widely regarded as one of the GOP’s top political strategists. He served as executive director of the National Republican Congressional Committee in the 1992 cycle. He also served as chief of staff of the Republican National Committee. In the 2008 cycle, Cole served as chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. Tom Cole is a fifth-generation Oklahoman and an enrolled member of The Chickasaw Nation. He and his wife, Ellen, have one son, Mason, and reside in Moore.

BOB FUNK | Piedmont In 1983, Bob Funk founded Express Employment Professionals, establishing the company’s international headquarters in Oklahoma City. As CEO and

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 63

chairman of the board, Funk leads the company with more than $3 billion in sales, 770 franchises, and employs more than 510,000 people annually in the United States, Canada, and South Africa. Born in Duvall, Washington, Funk graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a BA and MA and completed his graduate studies in theology at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He holds honorary doctorate degrees from Seattle Pacific University, Oklahoma Baptist University, and Southern Nazarene University. Inducted into the International Franchise Association Hall of Fame, Funk was named Most Admired CEO by The Journal Record and Man of the Year by Impact OKC Magazine. Funk served as chairman of the Chairmen of The Federal Reserve and chairman of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank, serving the Tenth District, in 2006 and 2007. The success of the staffing business has afforded Funk the opportunity to enjoy his hobbies: Express Ranches and world champion Express Clydesdales. Funk has lived in Oklahoma for more than 50 years and is passionate about giving back to the business, agricultural, and nonprofit communities, not only financially, but through service on a number of boards, including serving as chairman of the OKC Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Oklahoma Youth Expo and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. He currently sits on the boards of the American Staffing Association, the FFA, and several banks.

women make their health a priority. In 2011, she was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer. After having the tumor successfully removed and an aggressive chemotherapy regimen, today she remains cancer free. Miller currently resides in Florida with her husband, John Falconetti, and her two amazing children, Rocco and Sterling.

SHANNON MILLER | Edmond From Edmond, Shannon Miller is a gymnastics icon with seven Olympic medals! And, she is the only female athlete to be inducted into the US Olympic Hall of Fame . . . twice. Once as an individual and once as part of a team. She has won an astounding 59 International and 49 National competition medals, more than half being Gold. She is the first U.S. gymnast to win two World AllAround titles. Her tally of five medals—two Silver and three Bronze—at the 1992 Olympics was the most medals won by a U.S. athlete in any sport. At the ’96 Olympic Games, she led the “Magnificent Seven” to the U.S. Women’s first ever Team Gold, and for the first time for any American gymnast, she captured Gold on the balance beam. After retiring from Olympic competition and receiving undergraduate degrees from the University of Houston and a law degree from Boston College, Miller launched her company Shannon Miller Lifestyle, devoted to helping

64 ionOklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

PHIL PARDUHN | Edmond Chairman of Pelco Products, Inc. in Edmond and Pelco Structural, LLC in Claremore, Parduhn holds degrees from both Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma. An industrial engineer by trade, his career started in innovation as co-founder of VePed Traffic Controls and Trafco Constructors with his brother-in-law in 1961. There Parduhn focused his attention on the manufacturing and distribution of traffic-related products. VePed led to the successful launch of Pelco Products, Inc. in 1985, also a manufacturer of traffic-related products. In 2005, Parduhn launched Pelco Structural, LLC, which focuses on steel

infrastructure for the utility, traffic, lighting, distribution, and communication industries. Parduhn holds numerous patents and has been awarded the Governor’s Contribution to the State’s Excellence Award, Innovator of the Year by The Journal Record, Leadership in Public Service Award by the Oklahoma Employment Securities Commission, Sam Walton Business Leader Award, Sustaining Member of the Year by the International Municipal Signal Association, Good Neighbor of the Year Award by the Neighborhood Alliance of Central Oklahoma, and the John Pinkley Lifetime Industry Member Award by Missouri Valley Institute of Transportation Engineers. Parduhn has been recognized as Edmond’s Citizen of the Year and inducted into the Edmond Hall of Fame for his commitment to community and entrepreneurial spirit.

HAL SMITH | Ardmore An Ardmore native, Hal Smith began his career in the restaurant industry while attending the University of Oklahoma and working at the Across the Street

Restaurant. As a working partner in Crosstimbers Restaurants, he opened and managed units in Norman, Oklahoma, and Amarillo, Texas in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 1973, he joined Steak & Ale Restaurant Corporation, a whollyowned subsidiary of Pillsbury, as a manager trainee before being named president and COO and ultimately chairman and CEO and vice president of Pillsbury. His next ventures included executive leadership roles for Chili’s, Chi Chi’s Mexican Restaurants, and Haagen Daz, among others. In 1992, he ventured out on his own and founded Hal Smith Restaurants, a restaurant management company headquartered in Norman. Since that time the company has developed both multi-unit and single-unit concepts, including Charleston’s Restaurant, Red Rock Canyon Grill, Mahogany Prime Steakhouse, Krispy Kreme, Ted’s Café Escondido, Louie’s Bar & Grill, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, The Garage, Upper Crust, Pub W, and The Legacy Grill. Today Hal Smith Restaurants operates more than 60 restaurants in seven states and employs more than 6,000 employees. With his wife Sandy, Smith founded the Norman Youth Foundation to support youth-oriented charities in Oklahoma. Those benefiting include Center for Children and Families, Ally’s House, Coaches for Cancer, WIN Foundation, JD McCarty Center, Thunderbird Clubhouse, and the Bootstrap Program, among countless others.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD | Checotah Carrie Underwood emerged from the promise of her 2005 American Idol win to become a true multiformat, multi-media superstar, spanning achievements in music, television, and film. A seven-time GRAMMY Award winner, she has amassed more than 100 major honors, sold 64-million records worldwide, and recorded 25 #1 singles, 13 of which she co-wrote, with a catalogue that has been streamed over 2.6 billion times. The first female to be twice named the Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year, Underwood was recognized by Pollstar as the top female country touring artist for each of her headlining tours in 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2016. All five studio albums—Some Hearts, Carnival Ride, Play On, Blown Away, and Storyteller—are certified Platinum or multi-Platinum, and each an American Music Awards winner as Favorite Country Album and tallied an incredible 40 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. The voice of primetime television’s #1 program, Sunday Night Football, Underwood is also a

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 65

longtime co-host of the CMA Awards. The Grand Ole Opry member demonstrated her creative diversity in 2013, starring as Maria von Trapp in NBC’s holiday blockbuster, the Emmy-winning The Sound of Music Live!, whose airings attracted 44 million viewers.

POSTHUMOUS: ADA LOIS SIPUEL FISHER | Chickasha A graduate of Langston University, she dreamed of being a lawyer. However, Langston did not have a law school and at that time state statutes prohibited blacks from attending white state universities. At the urging of the NAACP, twenty-one-yearold Fisher agreed to seek admission to the University of Oklahoma’s law school and challenge Oklahoma’s segregation laws. Her application was denied. Not because of her academic credentials, but because of her race. Fisher filed a lawsuit, represented by a young Thurgood Marshall and later U.S. Supreme Court Justice. After losing at the county and state levels, she appealed to the U. S. Supreme Court. The nation’s highest tribunal ruled that Oklahoma must provide Fisher with the same opportunities for securing a legal education as it provided to other citizens. Rather than admitting Fisher to OU, the Oklahoma Legislature created a Langston University School of Law in the Senate rooms of the Oklahoma State Capitol. Fisher filed a motion contending that the Langston law school did not afford the equal legal education as that of OU. Although the county and state courts upheld that the two were “equal,” after learning of Fisher’s intent to again appeal to the U. S. Supreme Court the Oklahoma Attorney General conceded and Fisher was admitted to the University of Oklahoma, more than three years after her initial application. Langston’s law school closed 12 days later. Fisher graduated from the OU College of Law and earned a master’s degree in history. After practicing law in Chickasha, she joined the faculty at Langston University. She retired 30 years later as assistant vice 66 ionOklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

president of academic affairs. In 1991, the University of Oklahoma awarded Fisher an honorary doctorate of humane letters. SEQUOYAH | The Cherokee Nation I. T. Sequoyah was born circa 1776 at the village of Tuskeegee, Tennessee. His father was Nathaniel Gist, a Virginia fur trader. His mother was Wut-teh, daughter of a Cherokee Chief. Although Sequoyah was exposed to the concept of writing early in his life, he never learned the English alphabet. He began to toy with the idea of literacy, “talking leaves”, for the Cherokee people. Unlike the white soldiers, he and the other Cherokees were not able to write letters home, read military orders, or record events as they occurred. After the war, he began in earnest to create a writing system for his fellow Cherokees. He began by making symbols that could make words. He reduced the thousands of Cherokee thoughts to 85 symbols that represented sounds. He made a game of this new writing system and his daughter was the first that he taught how to make the symbols. In 1821, after 12 years of working on the new language, he and his daughter introduced his syllabary to the Cherokee people. It was approved by the Tribal Council and within months, thousands of Cherokees became literate. In 1822 Sequoyah visited Cherokees in Arkansas, and in 1828 he moved with them to Oklahoma. He was active in the political life of the tribe, serving as envoy to Washington in 1828 and helping Cherokees displaced from eastern lands. By 1825 much of the Bible and numerous hymns had been translated into Cherokee. By 1828 they were publishing the Cherokee Phoenix, the first national bilingual newspaper, along with religious pamphlets, educational materials, and legal documents. In recognition of his contributions, The National Cherokee Council awarded Sequoyah a Silver Medal, which he wore the rest of his life, and later an annuity of $300. His statue is one of only two Oklahomans on display in the National Statuary Hall Collection in Washington, D.C. He continued to serve Cherokee people as a statesman and diplomat until his death. n

ART One of Oklahomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Known Artists

Nan Quick Sheets: A Legacy Remembered BY RYAN WILLIAMS

an Quick Sheets was born December 9, 1899, in Albany, Illinois. Nan was the youngest of five children, and at an early age in her youth acquired a real love of painting. At the age of only 17, she earned a college degree in pharmacy from Valparaiso, University in 1905. Shortly after graduation, Nan moved to Salt Lake City, Utah and took a job in a local pharmacy. While in college, Nan had met Dr. Fred Sheets. During the summer of 1918, Nan and Fred were married and moved to Oklahoma City in 1914 where she found a growing city with a fledgling cultural scene, but no art museum or gallery. Between 1918 and 1923 Nan had the opportunity to study painting under many notable painters specializing in landscape painting at the Broadmoor Academy of Fine Arts during the summers. While in Colorado at the Academy, her husband was building a surprise artist studio and gallery for her at their home in Oklahoma City located at 2810 North Walker. 68 ion Oklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

The Elms exterior – in the 40s (above) and in 2010 (right).

The Elms, as it was called, because of the giant elm trees in the front yard, scheduled many art shows and local artist exhibits each year. During the fall, Nan Sheets would exhibit her own art, and introduce a set of new paintings at an annual event that gained a real following of art lovers in Oklahoma City. In 1923, Nan Sheets became the first Oklahoma artist to become listed in the national directory of “Who’s Who in Art”. BY 1927, MANY OF NAN SHEETS paintings hung in juried exhibitions throughout the country in cities such as Kansas City, New Orleans, and New York City. Also in 1927 Nan lectured and would give tours at the

National Exhibition of Women Painters in New York City. By 1930 Nan Sheets was best known as one of Oklahoma’s most outstanding artists and had gained national recognition for her achievements. After 1927 Nan would travel in search of landscape subjects to paint, and her excursions took her to New England, New Mexico, Nova Scotia, the Canadian Rockies, and throughout Europe. She took her students to Europe, and they painted landscapes from Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany and Holland. Her capacity to produce large amounts of artwork was astounding. She would return home with 40 to 50 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 69

The Elms interior, circa 1940s, and a younger and older Nan Sheets.

paintings of landscapes from her trips. BETWEEN 1932 AND 1936 NAN Sheets took part in art activities both locally and nationally through her lectures, workshops, and broadcasting. She also served as a art columnist for The Daily 70 ionOklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Oklahoman from 1934-1962. In 1957, a $250,000 donation from John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick made it possible to build a new building for the art center at the fairgrounds in Oklahoma City. The circular building, completed in 1958, housed nearly 23,000 square feet of exhibition space and an outside courtyard for sculpture. Nan Sheets served as director of the Oklahoma Art Center until 1965 when she retired at the age of 79. In 1945, Sheets and Eleanor Kirkpatrick planned the first Beaux Arts Ball to raise funds for the Art Center, and the Beaux Arts Society continues to support even today after all these years through annual donations of funds to an art acquisition trust. Nan was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1953. Today Nan Sheets paintings are hanging in permanent collections

Joy Reed Belt

throughout the country such as the Kansas City Art Institute, the Dallas Museum of Art, the University of Oklahoma, the Philbrook Art Center, and the State Art Collection of Oklahoma. The painting in the Oklahoma State Art Collection by Nan Sheets is entitled “Taos Pueblo” and is done in oil. It is thought to have been created in the 1930’s. Nan spent most of her time in New Mexico after retiring, and died in 1976 after a long illness at the age of 90. HISTORICALLY, NAN SHEETS will be remembered as a “person who understood the importance of art to the quality of life in the city, and she wanted to make art a part of people’s daily lives,” said Bob Blackburn, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Historical Society. THIS STORY DOES NOT END here as you might expect. The Nan Sheets legacy lives on thanks to the very talented Joy Reed Belt and her love and dedication to making art a part of people’s daily lives in Oklahoma City and the State of Oklahoma. Joy Reed Belt is celebrating the 14th anniversary of JRB Art at the Elms, the gallery she opened in the onetime home of Oklahoma art pioneer Nan Sheets.“I think it’s important to offer all Oklahomans a world-class art gallery of historical significance. Because we can say there’s been an art gallery, the Elms for (almost) 100 years, through thick and thin, through the recession,

through the hippies, and through both the good times and touch times alike. It was only a few years that the Elms was not a gallery,” Belt said. “There’s a wonderful legacy to all that.”After creating more than 100 exhibitions in the past decade, Joy Reed Belt, now has many wonderful memories from showcasing internationally renowned painters and photographers to championing emerging artists. Occasionally, there are people who come in the gallery to share their mother or grandmother took lessons here,” Belt said, flipping through newspaper clippings, magazine photos and exhibit brochures in Sheets’ personal scrapbook, which a friend bought her at an estate sale a few years ago.“I feel I am continuing on with the tradition Nan Sheets started over a century ago at JRB Art at the Elms, and love the art world as she did during her lifetime”. n AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 71

THEATRE The Sooner Theatre presents the musical OKLAHOMA!

SUMMER STUDIO SERIES 2017

he best way to start any day is to remember one of the more memorable songs from the musical Oklahoma! “Oh What A Beautiful Morning.” The musical Oklahoma! opened in New York City on Broadway, March 31, 1943. Rogers & Hammerstein took an original play written by Lynn Riggs from Claremore, Oklahoma called “Green Grow the Lilacs ”and added music, lyrics, original dances, and much more to create what later became known as the musical Oklahoma! This musical was so successful that it ran for an unprecedented 2,212 performances at the Saint James Theatre, 44th & Broadway NYC, NY. In 2018, the musical Oklahoma! will celebrate its 75th Anniversary. 72 ion Oklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

I want to thank both the Production Team and Staff at The Sooner Theatre in Norman, Oklahoma for presenting their world-class production of Oklahoma! and scheduling six sold out performances between August 3 – 6, 2017. Over 3,000 Oklahomans enjoyed the musical. Brandon Adams, Jennifer Baker, Mandi Jiran, Stephanie Govich, and MacKay Whalen are really to be commended for their long hours & many days of cast member rehearsals that were required to take on a project like this musical and make it a huge success. There were over 44 young performers who auditioned for the cast of characters that included the actors, dream dancers, ensemble members and stage crew. This musical production was very special to several people. Brandon Adams and Jennifer Baker performed leading roles in the musical Oklahoma! for over a decade at the Discoveryland Theatre in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Actually the outdoor theatre, Discoveryland was located in a nearby suburb, Sand Springs, Oklahoma and became known as the National Home of Rogers & Hammerstein’s musical Oklahoma! “The setting, the people, the beautiful music, and this wonderful story that we shared with audiences as the evening sun would set was really indescribable,” said Jennifer Baker, who played the role of Laurey in the musical for over 10 years. After a long run on Broadway Rogers & Hammerstein decided AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 73

to ďŹ lm the musical as a movie in 1955. Shirley Jones and Gordon McRae were hired for the leading roles in the movie which meant the musical Oklahoma! could then be enjoyed in theaters by millions of people worldwide. Congratulations to everyone at The Sooner Theatre in Norman, Oklahoma for bringing this wonderful musical production back to Oklahoma in 2017. n

74 ionOklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 75

COMMUNITY UAL LIBERTY BASH N N A D R I H T

Liberty Bash 2017 was a huge success. Approximately 400 First Liberty Bank employees, customers and friends from the neighborhood attended the 3rd annual event on Friday June 9th, 2017 in the First Liberty Bank parking lot. The event was held to thank the community for its support and celebrate the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 11th successful year. Guests were treated to food, face painting and fun. Coach Barry Switzer was on hand to sign autographs. The Village firefighters and police also attended to help show the kids a good time. n

Grayson Carnes

First Liberty Bash 2017 President & CEO Joey Root, Exec Vice President Tammie Garrison, Coach Barry Switzer and Guest Bill Pelley.

76 ion Oklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Big thumbs up from Jack Grooms.

FLB employee Cathy Westmoreland and FLB Board Member William Toellner Sonja Wahle. All the way from Hennel, Germany to enjoy Liberty Bash 2017!

PEOPLE Leadership Oklahoma

Thirty-First Annual Class OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., July 1, 2017—Leadership Oklahoma is honored to announce the members of its thirty-ﬁrst class that were carefully selected from applicants throughout the state. “Leadership Oklahoma is very proud of the 51-people chosen for this year’s program,” Brent Kisling, Executive Director, Enid Regional Development Alliance and Chair of the Leadership Oklahoma Board of Directors. “Class 31 is a diverse group of outstanding leaders with a broad range of experience and interests who will enhance the knowledge and understanding of the critical issues impacting the State. Leadership Oklahoma is dedicated to recruiting, educating and connecting caring and committed Oklahomans and providing them with the information and network to help shape Oklahoma’s future.” Over the next ten months, Class 31 members will meet monthly to visit nine communities; Seminole, Lawton/Fort Sill, Norman, Enid, McAlester, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Durant and Guymon, to discuss the many social, environmental and economic complexities of our state to stimulate inquiry, analysis and solutions for the public good. Members of Class 31, the cities in which they live and where they work are: regions they represent are: Cinthya Allen, Norman, AT&T; Christopher Azbell, Okmulgee, Muscogee (Creek) Nation; Melissa Baldwin, Bixby, Mental Health Association Oklahoma; Bradley Boles, Marlow, Wilco Machine & Fab, Inc., Lori Boyd, Yukon, The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital; Tiffani Bruton, Tulsa, Cox Communications; David Burgy, Tulsa, Oklahoma Air National Guard; Susan Damron, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Bar Association; Samantha Davidson, Oklahoma City, GlobalHealth; 78 ion Oklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Claudia Griffith, Cyndi Munson, Kent Carter.

Michael Dooley, Lawton, Department of the Army/Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill; Dena Drabek, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Watch; William “Rusty” Edmiston, Collinsville, The Ross Group; Lauren Ellis, Duncan, United Way of Southwest Oklahoma; James Finch, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Gas and Electric; Leigh Gaddis, Ada, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation; Rick Grundman, Tulsa, ONE Gas; Victor Guarry, Edmond, Bank of Oklahoma;

Class XXVI – Mike Carrier, Kathy Williams, Jesse Boudiette, John Killam, Robyn Sunday-Allen, Jodi Cline.

Teena Gunter, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry; Melonie Hau, Duncan, Duncan Public Schools; Jason Hawkins, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City Energy FC/Prodigal LLC; Sally Hawkins, Guymon, Bank of the Panhandle; Marcus High, Ardmore, Mercy Hospital; Carmela Hill, Tulsa, Williams; Kyle Hubbard, Bartlesville, Arvest Bank; Larry Killebrew, Beggs, Green County Technology Center; Thomas Lewis, Lawton, Congressman Tom Cole; Terron Liles, Ponca City, The Bag Lady Boutique and Terron Liles Weddings;

Roger Gaddis, Jodi Lewis, Brent Kisling, Cody Holcomb.

Hazel Lonewolf, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City Indian Clinic; Brian Lott, McAlester, McAlester Army Ammunition Plant; Dwayne Martin, Altus, City of Altus; Joshua McClintock, Edmond, RedAnt, LLC; Victor McCullough, Edmond, Quayle United Methodist Church of OKC; Cyndi Munson, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma House of Representatives; John Osborne, Edmond, Frankfurt Short Bruza (FSB) Architects & Engineers; Judy Parker, Ada, Chickasaw Nation; Caryl Parsons, Woodward Boomtown Hospitality, Inc. (Big Dan’s);

Carmela Hill, Ben Kimbro, Rose Washington.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 79

Richard Cudjo, Martha Burger, Lindy Ritz, Paula Root.

Janet Peery, Oklahoma City, YWCA of Oklahoma City; John Richardson, Norman, Bold Multimedia; Pamela Richardson, Tulsa, Volunteers of America Oklahoma, Inc.; Paula Root, Oklahoma City, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma; Nathan Shirley, Oklahoma City, Cemplex Group; Brady Sidwell, Goltry, Enterprise Grain/Sidwell Strategies/Sidwell Seed/Arbitrage Alpha/Sidwell Transport/Sidwell Farms; Amy Siegfried, Tulsa, Last Night’s Game; Ainslie Stanford , Edmond, Crooks Stanford & Shoop PLLC - Law Firm;

Scott Stidham, Brian Byrnes, Jim Finch.

Scott Stone, Edmond, Spartan Resources, LLC; Scott Thompson, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality; Brooke Townsend, Edmond, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma; Victoria Tracey, Oklahoma City, Accenture; Monica Treviño, Chickasha, University of Science & Arts Oklahoma; Cornell Wesley, Oklahoma City, US Department of CommerceEconomic Development Administration; and, Christine Woodworth, Edmond, SONIC, America’s Drive-In.

Leadership Oklahoma is a statewide organization founded in 1986 to create a network of leaders whose increased awareness and commitment to service will energize Oklahomans to shape the state’s future. Approximately 1,530 members from 170 Oklahoma communities have completed the leadership program. n

80 ionOklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

We fight i 4 1 in o h w for those oice.Oklaholimveascinihildrreen need a v POVERTY. critical t s o m s â&#x20AC;&#x2122; y it n u m m o c r u We surround o m. e th s s e r d d a o t n a c e dollar w y r e v e d n fi d n a , s m le prob entral C r o f t h g fi is th in w a m Help Central Oklaho t Oklahoma. Give today a

om StandUnitedOKC.c

PEOPLE Garland McWatters champions Millennials in book series Partners with NextGen Oklahoma Leaders to promote leadership [Note from the publisher. Garland usually features someone who is demonstrating the Spirit of Leading in Oklahoma. For this edition, I asked Garland to write about his own experiences that brought him to become an integral part of the NextGen Oklahoma Leaders team. – Don Swift, publisher]

he Millennial generation energizes me.

Like every generation before them, they take some knocks from their elders. Every generation has its ne’er-do-wells. And every generation produces some amazing young people ready to set the world on fire with their ideas and enthusiasm. I’ve met some amazing, talented and accomplished Millennials during my association with the NextGen Under 30 and the NextGen Oklahoma Leaders movement. Perhaps, the reason I relate to them is I remember how life-changing my twenties and early thirties were for me. I enjoyed a variety of professional opportunities during those years. At first glance they might seem disconnected; however, upon reflecting, I believe in each experience, I was part of building something. I found meaning and impact doing work that increased my competence and confidence and that let me have some say about what I did and how I did it. I refer you to a more complete narrative on my website at http://garlandmcwatters.com/home/about. I’ve never minded aging. Aging is inevitable. However, I’m terrified of becoming irrelevant. I think my experience as a leadership trainer has kept me in touch with the hopes and challenges of today’s workplace. Honestly, they are not much different in kind than those I experienced as a young man, eager to find my place in the work world. I’ve learned that no matter how much I’ve learned, every generation has to learn its own lessons in its own way. Experience handed down is information. Experiences learned in the first-person are more likely to be 82 ion Oklahoma DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017

converted into wisdom. I think my best hope of remaining relevant is to be available as a guide to those young people who are learning their way one experience at a time. I’ll be there to offer information that can help them transform their experiences into knowledge and wisdom.

Left: Garland and Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb talk with participant Madison Nash and another participant at Edmond NextGen Oklahoma Leaders workshop. Below: Garland visits with OSU staff at book signing and author book talk.

Men of a certain age begin thinking about legacies. They want to be remembers for their accomplishments. I hope to be remembered for the sense of possibility and feeling of optimism I helped to create for generations to come. Rather than monuments, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve chosen to leave stories. I still present leadership training and develop training materials, as I have since 1994. Looking forward, I am writing a personal-development series that tells the story of a young leader as he learns to lead and become a mentor to others along the way. The series is entitled A Workplace Story of an INPowering Life. I have no idea how many episodes it will take to tell this story. There are three currently published, and a fourth will be available soon. The protagonist, as the series begins, is a twenty-seven year old civil engineer named Marcus Winn. He works for Millennium Energy, a renewable energy company that is owned by a major independent oil and gas enterprise, Johnstone Energy Enterprises. Marcus is

a recently promoted project leader who must come to terms with all that he has yet to learn about becoming an effective supervisor. As we follow Marcus in his leadership development journey, we meet his family, work associates, team members, friends, and love interests who comprise his world. Each episode focuses on a personal and professional development topic expressed in the context of

Marcusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daily life. The story contends that personal and professional lives are not separate experiences, but one integrated experience. Marcus, and those populate his world, deal with the complexities and subtleties of change, which is often disruptive and unwelcome. His world is like our own lives in which we must forge new relationships, learn how to handle and cope with difďŹ culties and

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 83

Judging the 2017 collegiate ethics bowl.

disappointment, and find purpose in sometimes mundane routine. Get a closer look at the first three episodes at http://garlandmcwatters.com/books/inpowering-life-series/ I introduce the concept of INPowerment, as opposed to empowerment. INPowerment is the reservoir of personal creative energy we possess to shape our world through our challenges and choices. Empowerment, in my lexicon, is permission granted by outside authorities to act. Without INPowerment, one will not take advantage of the enabling provided by others. Many of those responsible for Marcus’s development and success are women. I’ll forego any spoilers about the storyline, but suffice it to say that most of the women in Marcus’s life are strong, positive role models for women in today’s workplace. There always will be disconnects as one generation gives way to the succeeding generation in the workplace. We’ve just learned to approach life with different ideas about how things are supposed to be. But we seem to figure it out when we engage to solve problems and create value in our culture. I am optimistic and excited about the kind of world Millennials can build. “Power to you,” I say. “Show us what you can do.” Whenever I get the chance to speak to Millennials, especially here in Oklahoma, I tell them, “Don’t wait to inherit a world. Create the world you want to live in. You have the Garland has a full calendar of writing, blogging, and podcasting.

84 ionOklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

imagination, the resources, and the numbers to do it. I, and others like me are here to help you get engaged. Do you have the will to take it on?” If I can INCourage the spirit, if I can INLiven the heart, if I can INLighten the mind, if I can INLarge the expectations of living for those I meet, I will have lived well. n Garland McWatters tells stories of the workplace in his writing and training. He lives in Tulsa, OK with his wife, Lynda.

Who W ho A Are re N NextGen extGen Oklahomans? In Individuals dividuals Impacting Im mpacting the the Next Next Generation Generation Cul Cultivating Change tivatting Cha nge Lea Leading ding Oklahomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oklahomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Future F u tu re

O Our ur Mission Mission and and Philosophy Philosophy CECA:: Connect CECA Connect | Educate Educate | C Coordinate oordinate | Act Act C Connect: onnect: Create Create a n network etwork o off n next ext g generation eneration O Oklahomans klahomans llocated ocated in rrural ural aand nd u urban rban Oklahoma Oklahoma ccommunities. ommunities. Educate: Educate: Provide Provide young young M Millennials illennials w with ith he helpful lpful k knowledge nowledge aand nd ttools ools tto ob become ecome ffuture uture lleaders eaders o off O Oklahoma. klahoma. C Coordinate: oordinate: P Plan lan lleadership eadership w workshops, orkshops, rretreats, etreats, a and nd A Award ward R Recognition ecognition C Ceremonies eremonies tto om make ake O Oklahoma klahoma ccommunities ommunities sstronger tronger a and nd rretain etain yyoung oung p people eople tto o llive ive a and nd w work ork in O Oklahoma. klahoma. Act: Organize and rrecruit ecruit p participation articipation in N NextGen extGen O Oklahoma klahoma p program rogram eevents. vents. Act: O rganize and

Pr Prepared epared by by:: OKnStyle Publishing, LLC OKnStyle P LC u b lis h in g , L West W ilshire Blvd Blvd Ste S te F 2 220 West Wilshire F2 Ok klahoma City, City, Ok la h o m a 7 3 116 Oklahoma Oklahoma 73116 www.ionok.com www.ionok.com 405.607.0930 405. 607.0930

RECOGNITION = RETENTION und under er

ooklahoma klahoma Nominate a yyoung oung professional you know that is deser ving recognition. Just go to

nextgenunder30.com

DO O YOU U KNOW

OVER-ACHIEVERS/UNDER OVER -ACHIEVERS/UNDER 30

doing amazing things in Oklahoma. The next generation of leaders in Oklahoma will be recognized at the Sixth Annual NextGen Under 30 Oklahoma awards. Nominate ng innovative, creative-thinking and inspiring young individuals who push the boundaries ar beyond their years. ars. T To o nominate a candidate, candid go to nextgenunder30.com

A state-wide event, with talented, high-achieving Millennials nominated in 15 categories ories as Oklahomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;ss best and brightest hope for the future These high achievers are nominated by members of their communities. Distinguished judges select 15 winners in each category oryy, one Gold Award, one Silver verr,, and 13 Bronze winners

on O OK magazine i

SEEKING OKLAHOMA’S PROMINENT FUTURE LEADERS

SEND US YOUR NOMINATIONS

ion Oklahoma Online aims at finding the next generation of leaders in the state of Oklahoma with the Seventh Annual “Next Gen” awards gala. Next Gen Under 30 will recognize innovative, creative-thinking and inspiring young individuals who push the boundaries beyond their years in 15 different career categories – arts, entertainment, business, media, sports, technology and more. To nominate a candidate, go to ion Oklahoma Online’s website: www.ionok.com/nextgenunder30 or visit www.nextgenunder30.com Any nominee 30 years old or younger in 2017 qualifies. Nomination deadline is Friday, August 25, 2017. Winners will be announced September 8th on www.nextgenunder30.com Monday, Oct 2 10:30-12 will be the Day at the Capitol with Lt Governor Todd Lamb.

nextgen AWARDS DINNER Friday, October 20, 2017 Cocktails 6-7pm • Awards Ceremony 7-9pm Embassy Suites Hotel • Norman, OK

ion Oklahoma Online | 220 West Wilshire Blvd, #F2 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116 | 405.607.0930

PEOPLE Local Hero Plays Prominent Role as ‘Officer Reeves’ in

“ALL EYEZ

ON ME”

A Tribute to the Life of National Musician, Tupac Shakur BY STEPHANIE D. MOORE

s the opening scene begins to play, the audience is immersed into the life and times of a controversial musician placed in prison. From riding a prison bus with other inmates, to being chaperoned by prison guards, the scene quickly cuts to Hill Harper, who plays the role of a reporter interviewing Tupac. Within seconds, a smile comes across your face as you see a person you not only recognize but greatly respect, local hero and retired Oklahoma City Police Lieutenant, Bruce Davis. Davis’ character shoves Tupac into the interview room with a snarl on his face that even scares you. That’s often noted as a first responder to the Oklahoma City Bombing, this retired local police officer has been answering casting calls and serving as a supporting actor to some of Hollywood’s most notables and it is nothing short of amazing. 88 ion Oklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Lt. Bruce Davis, served the Springlake Division of the Oklahoma City Police Department for more than 26 years. He has policed all walks of life from giving tickets to speeders in his neighborhood, to serving those after storms, to locking up drug dealers, to protecting the disadvantaged… he has seen and heard it all. On April 19, 1995, Lt. Davis found himself amid the rubble of the Alfred P. Murrah building when a second bomb was reported. He is a local hero that has served Oklahoma City with humility, strength and grace. After he retired, Bruce decided it was time to chase his lifelong dream. Loving the stage from a very young age, Davis began his acting career performing in national stage plays. Today, Davis has been featured in the “Fly Your Own Way’ national Foot Locker commercial that also starred Russell Westbrook, “The Painted

s Bruce Davis A scene from “All Eyez On Me.”

Women”, a film that has just received an offer from a major distributor, and “Let Me Make You a Martyr” a movie that played in select theatres and is now available on DVD and Amazon iTunes. You can also catch Davis in several other areas including a Rib Crib commercial, a “Fields & Future” music video, “Kings of Leon – Beautiful War” music video and much more. Even with that glowing resume, no one would have guessed that Mr. Davis would have landed an amazing principal role as ‘Officer Reeves’ in the movie “All Eyez on Me,” a tribute to the life of national musician, Tupac Shakur that was released in theatres across the nation. Steve Martin once said, “Be so good, they can’t ignore you.” Lt. Bruce Davis, who has a scene within the first two minutes of the movie and again later as the movie reflects on Tupac’s time in prison, was surprised to see his character utilized so much. Davis, who in real life is a soft-spoken and certain

individual (a stark difference from the character he plays in the movie) states, “If you watch the movie, I should be a villain. My character has little respect for Tupac. People often tell me how bad I was to Tupac, which makes me laugh. It means I delivered what the director wanted. The starring cast was amazing and I am so grateful to everyone that helped me to grow as an actor. I have been acting now for a while now, but to land this role without moving to Los Angeles is no small feat. The acting industry is demanding and requires a speciﬁc discipline. I am just thankful,” says Lt. Bruce Davis. They say that ‘All of the world is a stage’ and this is certainly the case for Lt. Bruce Davis, our local hero who has made Oklahoma proud. I can only imagine as another great milestone was marked complete it felt as if he was stepping into a fairy tale under a curtain of stars. Well, this is certainly one fairy tale I hope continues to the happiest of endings! n

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 ionOklahoma 89

Ê " > >Ê >}>â i Ê ÓÓäÊ 7i Ã Ì Ê 7 Ã À i Ê -Ì i Ê ÓÊ Ê " > >Ê

Ì Þ ] Ê " Ê ÇÎ££ÈÊ Ê {äx° ÈäÇ° ä ÎäÊ NÊ NÊ NÊ

Iowa Rock n Roll Music Association

The 2014 NextGen 30 Under 30 honorees.