The Tulsa Voice | Vol. 1 No. 5 by The Tulsa Voice

POETIC JUSTICE A new regiment of word warriors fight the city’s biggest battles from Tulsa’s smallest stages | pg. 26

A L M S 4 A RT

The state’s move to starve the arts | pg. 8

BURN CO., HOME OF THE MEAT POETS

A POEM THAT’S LOUDER THAN A BOMB

BEST (FAT TUESDAY!) THINGS TO DO

Billy Currington

Thursday, March 6

Paul Anka 10 Thursday, April

Gabriel Iglesias Friday, March 7

Jennifer Nettles Friday, April 11

REO Speedwagon Saturday, March 15

Rodney Carrington Friday, May 16

LIGHTING IT UP S C A N TO PURCHASE TI C K E TS

2 //CNENT_31052_HR_ENT_TulsaVoice_2-19_1413925.indd CONTENTS 1

Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE 2/12/14 10:21 AM

MCNELLIE’S ST. PATRICK’S DAY EVERY LOCATION OPEN AT 10AM

MONDAY MARCH 17 2014 TELL YOUR FRIENDS! ONE DAY ONLY!

THE ANNUAL CELEBRATION

TULSA • SOUTH CITY • OKC • NORMAN THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

CONTENTS // 3

4 // CONTENTS

Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

contents // Feb. 19 - Mar. 4, 2014

VOICE T H E

T U L S A

F R E E • I N D E P E N D E N T • A LT E R N AT I V E

FEB. 19 - MAR. 4, 2014 // VOL. 1 NO. 5 POETIC JUSTICE POETIC USTICE J JUSTIC C I T POE E A new regiment of word warriors fights the city’s biggest battles from Tulsa’s smallest stages | pg. 26

the

s figh ts 26 d war rior t stag es | pg. t of wor AL MS 4 A RT sma lles The state’s move to starve the arts | pg. 8 regi men Tul sa’s A new tles from est bat city ’s bigg

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The state’s

move

to starve

| pg. 8 the arts

OF CO., HOME BURN POETS THE MEAT

THAT’S A POEM THAN A BOMB LOUDER

BURN CO., HOME OF THE MEAT POETS

PUBLISHER Jim Langdon

the city A new regi men ’s bigg est t of wor 37 bat tles d from Tul war rior s figh ts sa’s sma lles t stag es | pg. 26 4

A POEM THAT’S LOUDER THAN A BOMB

Y!) TUESDA BEST (FAT TO DO THINGS

BEST (FAT TUESDAY!) THINGS TO DO

AL MS

The state’s

move

to starve

A RT

the arts | pg. 8

BURN CO., THE MEAT HOME OF POETS

A POEM LOUDER THAT’S THAN A BOMB

BEST (FAT TUESDA THINGS Y!) TO DO

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Matt Cauthron

EDITOR Natasha Ball ASSISTANT EDITOR John Langdon

COVER STORY

So many poets, we couldn’t pick just one. This edition of The Tulsa Voice sports three covers, each featuring a student who competed in the 2014 Louder Than A Bomb—Tulsa Final Championships at Cain’s Ballroom on Saturday, Feb. 8.

CONTRIBUTORS Brook Becker Greg Bollinger Sheilah Bright Jeremy Charles Claire Collins Kelsey Duvall Angela Evans Barry Friedman Britt Greenwood Hannibal B. Johnson Joshua Kline Jeff Martin Joe O’Shansky Ray Pearcey Michelle Pollard Andy Wheeler

From left:

Wesley Miller, McLain High School. Amaris Taylor, Holland Hall.

ART DIRECTOR Madeline Crawford

FOOD & DRINK

Brook Becker, Bixby High School.

Cover photos by Jeremy Charles

20 voices’choices 21 boozeclues 22 take a dive: Keel’s Lounge 24 dining listings

8 Oklahoma’s arts under the gun

32 OK So: Storytime, grown up 33 pen places: literary landmarks in OK 34 oklahomacool 36 The great Johnnie Mae 37 events & things to do 39 perspective 40 a rtspotting: RAW deal

12 news from the plains 14 Ghosts of Greenwood past 16 bottomline

42 musicnotes 44 l ive music listings

FILM & TV ARTS & CULTURE

OK, let’s legalize it

MUSIC

food review: Burn, Co.

NEWS & COMMENTARY

NEWS EDITOR Jennie Lloyd

48 film review: “Maiden Trip” & “Robocop” 50 tv review: “House of Cards”

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Morgan Welch AD SALES MANAGER Josh Kampf ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Sean Comeaux AD SERVICES MANAGER Amy Sue Haggard DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Samantha J. Toothaker

The Tulsa Voice is published by

ETC. 51 free will astrology 52 news of the weird 54 crossword, games

1603 S. Boulder Ave. Tulsa, OK 74119 P: 918.585.9924 F: 918.585.9926

PUBLISHER Jim Langdon PRESIDENT Juley Roffers

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

VP COMMUNICATIONS Susie Miller

SEND ALL LET TERS, COMPLAINTS, COMPLIMENTS AND HAIKUS TO:

CONTROLLER Mary McKisick

voices@langdonpublishing.com facebook.com/thetulsavoice twitter.com/thetulsavoice instagram: thetulsavoice THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

RECEPTION Gloria Brooks Gene White

CONTENTS // 5

editor’sletter

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*Offer expires 3/31/14 and is available to new residential customers in Cox service areas. $79.99/month includes new subscription to Cox TV Economy, Internet Essential, and Phone Starter service to complete the 3-service bundle. After 12 months, bundle rate increases by $12/month for months 13-24. Regular rates apply thereafter. See www.cox.com. 2-year agreement required. Early termination fees may apply. TV Economy consists of Cox TV Starter service and selected cable networks from Cox TV Essential. A Cox digital receiver is reflected in the advertised retail price. Other equipment options are available and prices may vary. Additional bundle options are available and may be required to for access to all advertised features. Free install limited to standard pro install on prewired outlets. Prices exclude additional installation/activation fees, equipment charges, inside wiring fees, additional outlets, taxes, surcharges and other fees. Not all services and features available everywhere. A credit check and/or deposit may be required. Offer may not be combined with other offers. Other restrictions may apply. †Cox Home Security requires separate 3-year term. Additional conditions apply. Fastest in-home WiFi based on June 2013 study of comparable in-home wireless routers by Allion Test Labs, Inc. Speed claim based on maximum download speed of Cox High Speed Internet Ultimate 150 Mbps service. Free cloud storage amount varies with Internet service level. Savings based on Cox Digital Telephone Premier package compared to similar Verizon, AT&T or Century Link package as of 10/7/2013. Cable modem required for Internet services. A DOCSIS 3 modem is required to consistently receive optimal speeds for Preferred and higher tiers, and is strongly recommended for all other tiers. Uninterrupted or error-free Internet service, or the speed of your service, is not guaranteed. Actual speeds vary. Telephone modem required and will be provided for duration of phone service subscription. Upon disconnection of phone service, modem must be returned within 30 days or a monthly rental fee or lost equipment charge will apply. Modem uses household electrical power to operate. Telephone service, including access to e911 service, will not be available during an extended power outage without a battery or if the modem is moved or inoperable. New modem installs do not come with a battery. You may purchase a battery from Cox or, if you are a Lifeline customer, obtain a battery from Cox without charge. You must monitor and replace the battery as needed (see www.cox.com/battery).Telephone service provided by an affiliated Cox entity. Other restrictions may apply. HBO GO® and MAX GO® are only accessible in the US and certain US Territories where a high speed broadband connection is available. Minimum connection of 3 Mbps required for HD viewing on laptop. Select titles not available in HD. Minimum 3G connection is required for viewing on mobile devices. Some restrictions may apply. HBO®, Cinemax® and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. Contour from Cox is available to residential customers in Cox service areas. Minimum of Cox Advanced TV, High Speed Internet Preferred, and an iPad® 2 or newer or select AndroidTM enabled tablet required to enjoy all Contour features. Other restrictions may apply. © 2014 Cox Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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I watched Allison McClaughry from the audience, on my feet like all the others who waited too long to claim a seat. Barely old enough to vote, she commanded the full weight of the spotlight that has shone on Bob Wills and Johnny Rotten, kicking off a day in the life of a movement in sneakers and jeans. Louder Than a Bomb, a youth slam-poetry competition and festival founded in Chicago over a decade ago, is now in more than 10 cities and states. At half past noon on Saturday, Feb. 8, Cain’s Ballroom opened its doors for this year’s championship event in Tulsa, our city’s fourth. One after another, for nearly two hours, that historic place was filled with the voices of Tulsa’s kids. Without a flinch they called this city out on our past evils, on our ongoing prejudices. Allison performed a poem she’d written about Louder Than a Bomb itself, calling it at once a safe harbor as well as a point of departure. Brook Becker read “Prescriptions,” a poem about the absurdities of the war on drugs. He won a ticket to the big competition in Chicago with his performance of “Awkward,” a poem about sexuality and acceptance, which you can read here in this edition of The Tulsa Voice, on page 31. These teens, a motley crew, could easily double as the cast of “Kids,” the 90s counterculture film by Tulsan Larry Clark. Much of what is going on in their lives— or presumably is, according to their poetry—is just as raw and hair-raising as what’s depicted in the film. I heard echoes of Joe Brainard and Ron Padgett that day at Cain’s, too, the creators of White Dove Review, the literary journal the New York School poets created when they were Central High School students. No one wanted that Tulsa on a tourist brochure or the cover of a glossy magazine. So we put some T:6”

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young woman stood at the microphone, squinting through her glasses against the lights. Her hair, fighting the ponytail, is the same color as her freckles...

of the artists of Tulsa’s new wave of poets, the teens of LTAB, on the cover of this paper. This spoken-word movement has escaped the walls of our high schools. On the other side of downtown in Tulsa’s Pearl District there’s a line that forms on Monday nights outside of Creative Room. Young, old, black, white, and all of the above sing their songs and perform their poetry as part of the Cypher 120 event, sometimes waiting in sub-zero wind chill for the privilege. On page 26 poet Claire Collins reveals what it’s like to take that mic, just in time for the one-year anniversary of the event. On page 8 is Kelsey Duvall’s interview with a Tulsa teaching artist who is worried about what could happen to education programs like hers and Louder Than A Bomb Tulsa—not to mention the economy of our burgeoning arts district—should Oklahoma’s lawmakers decide to defund the arts. Britt Greenwood looks into a crowd-funded model for the arts on page 40. Jeff Martin is on page 34 with the story of the life and words of John Berryman, Oklahoma’s prison-town poet, who would’ve been 100 this year. Our staff mapped Oklahoma’s literary landmarks just in time for your first spring road trip, on page 33. On page 32 is a list of our city’s smallest stages, the kinds of places where the muses sound like Larry Clark and Ron Padgett and Allison McClaughry and no one guards the microphones.

NATASHA BALL EDITOR Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

CONTENTS // 7

Starving art

Threat to public funding for the arts could impact education and economic development, too by KELSEY DUVALL

ate Johnson’s students, a visiting busload from Carver Middle School, ask questions about the art around them, in a gallery at AHHA—why the subject’s hair is different colors, why it’s dark and grey but the shoes “pop,” where lines define the subject. She asks questions right back—critical-thinking questions, ones about meaning and the elements of art. Just outside the gallery walls is Tulsa’s arts district, the city’s latest “it” neighborhood, filled with new museums, art galleries, restaurants, and housing—a cauldron of growth both cultural and economic. Johnson is a Gallery Associate and Family Lab Facilitator at Hardesty Arts Center (AHHA). She conducts student tours for Any Given Child, an education initiative that brings every TPS student in elementary and middle-school to AHHA, as well as other local art and music destinations. Recently, she’s been selected to coordinate a new summer-arts program. Johnson’s work is funded in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council. “I feel like when I’m growing as an artist, I bring that back to the programs and to the kids. The more experience I have as an artist, the more experience I have in the programs, the better program I will be able to coordinate,” Johnson said. On paper, an idea can seem simple and efficient: Reduce funding to the arts that helps galleries 8 // NEWS & COMMENTARY

and working artists and put it in the lagging state coffers. But legislation proposed this session that would do this—it’s Oklahoma State Legislature House Bill 2850, which would reduce funding for OAC to zero over the course of four years—as well as Governor Mary Fallin’s proposal to consolidate the Oklahoma Arts Council under the state Tourism Department, threatens more than the arts community. Ask members of the local arts community and they’ll say education and the economy are under siege, as well. Johnson won the 2013 Oklahoma Visual Arts Fellowship after graduating from the University of Tulsa with an M.F.A. in Ceramics. The $5,000 grant, awarded by the Oklahoma Visual Arts Council (OVAC), stems from independent fundraising, but support from OAC provides money that organizations need in order to create the administrative framework that establishes such awards programs, said Kelsey Karper, OAC associate director. “You submit your work and say this is what I make, this is what I do, and I need help to do it. I bought materials, and I used it to support myself financially. I also took a trip and did a workshop,” Johnson said. “I’ve been doing a lot of fiber work. I wanted formal training because I’m self-taught.” The starving artist isn’t make-believe. Working artists often face financial challenges, forced to take part-time jobs to make ends meet

while carving out time to hone their crafts. “Having that funding and being able to buy the materials and having the time to make the work that leads to more ideas…It definitely enabled me to just continue working and dream a little bit,” Johnson said.

We have the First Friday Art Crawl. They’re coming to the galleries, then they’re going to a restaurant, then they’re going to a bar. [That] boosts our economy. Before winning the award, Kate was already on a path beyond the potter’s wheel. The time she spent growing as an artist has enhanced what she brings to teaching programs at Gilcrease Museum and primarily the Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa (AHCT). “I started to find some direction and interest in non-profits and community arts. I feel like it’s a good fit for me because it brings me fulfillment, and at the same time I’m able to work in the arts and support myself,” said Kate. Funding from OAC pays for teachers, supplies, and busses— the essentials for any successful education venture. “These programs are building a new generation of art enthusiasts,” Johnson said. “We need

art patrons. Otherwise, we’re just making it for ourselves. It’s important to raise not just the next generation of artists, but art enthusiasts.” Johnson isn’t the only one confused by the legislature’s proposal to cut funds to the arts in the face of the explosion of commerce in the Brady Arts District. Ken Busby, Executive Director and CEO of AHCT, has data that shows that for every $1 that OAC gives in grants, it generates $8 for the economy. “We have the First Friday Art Crawl. They’re coming to the galleries, then they’re going to a restaurant, then they’re going to a bar. [That] boosts our economy, which is great for everyone,” Johnson said. Plus, H.B 2850’s funding cuts threaten available gathering and working spaces for artists. As those diminish, some worry our artists will leave the state. Without opportunity, a revenue-producing art scene could disappear. After the tour, Johnson’s students created their own art. As they worked, they chattered about their experience at the gallery that day. They said they didn’t know art could come off the page like that. One budding artist said Johnson’s tour helped him think about art in new ways. They learned that the part of town they were visiting is the center of the arts in their community. They wondered aloud if this would be the only art they’d make all year. Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

Form and Line: Form Line:

AllAn Houser’s Houser’s sculpture sculpture And AllAn And drAwings drAwings

February 13 Through June 29, 2014 February 13 Through Celebrating the centennial of the birth of June 29, Chiricahua Apache artist Allan2014 Houser.

The Force by Allan Houser The Force Vermont marble, copyright 1990 bycopyright Allan Houser Chiinde LLC Vermont marble, photo by Wendycopyright McEahern1990 copyright Chiinde LLC photo by Wendy McEahern

Celebrating the centennial of the birth of Works loaned by artist Allan Allan Houser, Inc. Chiricahua Apache Houser.

Exhibition season by title sponsor is the Works loaned Allan Houser, Inc. Sherman E. Smith Family Charitable Foundation. Exhibition season title sponsor is the Sherman E. Smith Family Charitable Foundation.

Gilcrease MuseuM a university of Tulsa/city of Tulsa Partnership Gilcrease MuseuM a university of Tulsa/city of Tulsa Partnership

1400 North Gilcrease Museum Road • Tulsa, Oklahoma 74127-2100 • 918-596-2700 • gilcrease.utulsa.edu The University of Tulsa is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action institution. For EEO/AA information, contact the Office of Human Resources, 918-631-2616; for disability accommodations, contact Dr. Tawny Taylor, 918-631-2315. TU#14132

THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

NEWS & COMMENTARY // 9

cityspeak

Unlikely allies

Oklahomans of all stripes uniting behind push for marijuana legalization by RAY PEARCEY

ometimes television or film dramatizations of history can give you an electric, panoramic insight into events that simply don't jump off the page in the dry-as-a-bone narratives in our children’s textbooks. The Daniel Okrent/Ken Burns television and book combo, "Last Call," is one instance. "Last Call" placed a hot light on the improbable social and political entanglements that accomplished alcohol prohibition in the US in 1920. The television show successfully portrayed the odd political dynamics, wacky social alliances, and simple strangeness behind the American Prohibition movement and its sorry, 13-year life. Both works were wonderful illuminations of an old cliché: The past is never really passed. In the years leading up to Prohibition, the women's suffrage movement joined up with some pretty reactionary, xenophobic, even anti-feminist forces from the south, including the Ku Klux Klan, plus some hyper-conservative religious groups and some rigid, "good government" types in order to push Prohibition. The suffragettes shook hands and made alliances with these forces because all were in favor of 10 // NEWS & COMMENTARY

Prohibition, and because some of their "partners of convenience" promised to stand down on their opposition to granting the vote to women, at least temporarily. It's no accident that the Prohibition period also marked the rise of organized crime. Organized crime in America grew fat, prosperous, and powerful because it exploited the enormous mismatch between the prohibition legislation and a diversion that dates back to pre-history. What we may have in play just now in Oklahoma are the wobbly beginnings of a similar coalition of unlikely allies. Libertarian, left liberal, and social progressives are aligning to push Oklahoma into the burgeoning "weed legalization zone." I was at the state capital earlier this month, when what I guessed was 300 Oklahomans gathered for a rally for the legalization of medical marijuana in our state. Many were in favor of full legalization. The demonstrators represented a fascinating mixture of left-leaning Democrats, Ron-Paul libertarians, and antigovernment Oklahomans. Our state’s legislature has failed to look seriously at marijuana-law reform. Legalization is proceeding apace elsewhere. It is law in sev-

eral states. Our legislature hasn't conducted so much as a hearing on the issue. It certainly hasn't considered the across-the-board actions carried out in Washington state, the District of Columbia, and Colorado. The only member of the legislature aggressive on this matter led the Capitol rally: Sen. Connie Johnson of Oklahoma City. Since her election in 2005, Johnson has been a forceful, articulate, and

Libertarian, left liberal, and social progressives are aligning to push Oklahoma into the burgeoning “weed legalization zone.” savvy proponent of marijuana legalization and what it could bring to Oklahoma. I talked with Johnson recently about the growing pile of biomedical findings that posit marijuana therapy could be useful in the mitigation of intense pain and neurological maladies of various kinds, as well as help those with ophthalmic diseases, exceeding the efficacy, with lower costs, of many conventional

drugs and traditional medical interventions. Oklahoma offers a striking example of the impacts of antiquated marijuana laws and management rules. We incarcerate more women than any other state, at a rate that approximates those in some of the most repressed societies on the planet. The rate at which we incarcerate men isn't far behind. A recent ACLU "disparity study" on marijuana arrests across the country showed how Hispanic and black people are subject to weed arrest and conviction rates a blockbuster multiple of that for whites in Oklahoma, even though available data shows that consumption rates are practically equal. In other words, the enforcement of weed law disproportionally affects minority communities. The damage is enormous. US Department of Justice Bureau stats on federal-prison admissions from 2006-2009 suggest that 31 percent of federal-correction admissions are attributable to drug-related offenses; nearly 50 percent of the same are associated with marijuana violations. Convicted persons often have a hell of a time securing housing, regular employment, voting rights, college Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

and tech school loans—all important to the functioning of a productive citizen. All Oklahomans pay the price for this dysfunction. Let the people decide? Sen. Johnson and Chris Fairchild, a medical marijuana advocate, have all but given up on our ultraconservative state legislature and our current governor. Johnson and Fairchild believe, as do a handful of in-state political consultants that I count as my friends and sometimes associates, that the only way to push through radical changes in our marijuana policies is to get the matter before the people in the form of a statewide vote, an action that could take place as soon as November of this year. Securing permission to call for a statewide referenda requires the signatures of thousands of Oklahomans. The threshold written into state law is around 8 percent of a benchmark election—something on the order of 100,000 voter signatures on a petition. The scope The New York City Police Department, according to a couple of good sources, spent more than 1 million hours scoping out, investigating, arresting, and handling marijuana law and usage violations in New York between 2000 and 2012. It's hard to imagine that Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Lawton, Broken Arrow, and Edmond cops spend proportionally less time on these matters than their Big Apple counterparts. In fact, our outsized incarceration rates suggest that marijuana law enforcement “intensity” in Oklahoma could exceed that in other places. There are real prospects for better policing of other (some would say higher-priority) crimes, should we elect to pursue a different set of weed policies. This says nothing of potential savings to taxpayers for incarcerating, housing, and feeding people convicted of marijuana related offenses. In Oklahoma, weed related offenses, which in Oklahoma accounts for at least 15 percent, perhaps as much as 30 percent, of state-incarceration outlays, according to estimates provided by Neill Franklin of LEAP, an outfit based in Silver Springs, Maryland made up THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

of law enforcement professionals for drug-law reform, as well as Ryan Kiesel and Brady Henderson of the Oklahoma ACLU during a January 23 conference on drug laws and mass incarceration. Mo' money Oklahoma is in need of new revenue sources for public schools, infrastructure, public safety, higher education, and (despite what Governor Fallin may believe) the funding of our arts, parks, and museums. According to a recent stimulation study, a “national” marijuana legalization initiative could produce new revenues of $7-$30 billion annually. For Oklahoma, a rough, per-capita estimate suggests a marijuana tax could produce up to $200 million. These figures are significant when compared to the estimated $170-million deficit that will come in the absence of dramatic cutbacks to state services that appear to be on tap for this year. "Weed industrialization" It's suspected that marijuana will be a whale of an industry for the country as a whole. Sen. Johnson, in her message at the Capitol, touted her support for “industrializing” marijuana for Oklahoma. It stands to reason that a state with enormous agricultural assets and an advancing biomedical community might benefit from industrialized marijuana. But it's going to take a conscious effort and some imaginative thinking to make this happen. For instance, lawmakers could tie a legalization initiative to the condition that products and accessories could come only from in-state growers and providers. An Oklahoma weed industry needs to be something other than a “colony” for weed growers from California, Colorado, Washington state, and Mexico—a system that wouldn't improve economics or generate jobs here, and could actually lower the tax yield. Ray Pearcey, a technology, public policy and management consulting professional, is managing editor of The Oklahoma Eagle and is a regular contributor to The Tulsa Voice.

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NEWS & COMMENTARY // PM 11 1/9/14 12:34

newsfrom theplains

Deconstructing Coburn With apologies to Dylan, in Oklahoma, it takes a lot to laugh, it takes a train to cry by BARRY FRIEDMAN

enator Tom Coburn, due to a recurrence of prostate cancer (and other matters, he insists), decided to retire at the end of this congressional session. If you believe reports (and I don’t), Coburn’s move threw the state GOP for a loop. But Republicans in Oklahoma are like the Apparatchik in the old Soviet Politburo. They don’t panic. The GOP’s nominee will, in fact, be the senator from Oklahoma, and will be for a long time. Democrats have as much chance of winning this November as I do of being invited to Representative Sally Kern’s house to watch gay porn and eat Baba Ghanoush. Still, who’s not running for Coburn’s empty seat is more interesting than who is. The grownup in the GOP delegation, Tom Cole (OK-4), decided against it, saying he was just too happy (and powerful) in the House of Representatives. Attorney General Scott Pruitt, who, apparently, is too busy filing frivolous, expensive, and un-winnable lawsuits on behalf of Oklahoma, also said no. Most surprising of all, First District Congressman Jim Bridenstine decided to sit this one out. Methinks he missed a golden opportunity, as this race will most surely, if inexplicably, be a referendum on President Obama, and nobody brings the berserk1 quite like the congressman, as shown when Bridenstine—a veteran, a patriot, a man of no doubt unsullied integrity who loves and honors America—joined in the frivolity when a supporter talked of hanging the country’s commander in chief.2 “You know, you look so sweet,” he said “… and everybody knows the lawlessness of this president.” 12 // NEWS & COMMENTARY

Tom Cobur n

Ah, what a mensch! We continue. Which leaves 5th District Congressman James Lankford and Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representative T.W. Shannon. Lankford announced first. Almost immediately he took heat from those in his party who think he’s not conservative enough. This came about because, in 2013, he decided to be a responsible representative/human being and voted to raise the debt ceiling so the government could pay the bills it had already incurred. (The congressman did vote against raising the ceiling last week, though, so he’s clearly

hoping they’ll let him back on the crazy train.) Oh, for the days when loving fetuses and ALEC but hating science and ACA was all you needed to make it in the Republican Party. Speaker of the Oklahoma House, T.W. Shannon—who promised, if elected, to go to Washington to say “No” a lot—announced about ten days later. It was the speaker, you may remember, who once made the claim: “I don’t believe providing health insurance is a proper or efficient function of government,” which might be of mild interest to the nation’s 40.3-million3 seniors and 22-million veterans4 who rely on such programs.

For Democrats, the difference between Langford and Shannon is the difference between hemlock and arsenic. In Oklahoma, the GOP is two shades of red— scarlet and blood—and style points, as mildly interesting as they are, don’t matter when both candidates are against same-sex marriage, Planned Parenthood, and the EPA and in favor of tax cuts, the XL Pipeline, and the NRA. As for Senator Coburn, before we start carving his visage into the side of Robbers Roost Peak, let’s remember he wasn’t exactly Henry Clay during his time in Washington. Hell, he wasn’t even Henry Bellmon. Like John McCain, he gets great press for being above the fray, a non-partisan, country-first, straight shooter—and, like John McCain, it’s a maddening, inaccurate characterization. For instance, much has been made of Coburn’s friendship with the president. But he’s friend to Obama in much the same way Iago was to Othello: I hate the Moor I know not if't be true; But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, Will do as if for surety. (Othello, 1.3.12) To wit, it was Senator Coburn who called for Obama’s impeachment, even though he couldn’t tell you what the president did wrong.5 “I think those are serious things, but we're in serious times. And I don't have the legal background to know if that rises to 'high crimes and misdemeanors,' but I think you're getting perilously close," Coburn said at a Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

town hall in his home state last August. Not that the senator doesn’t still love the guy, it’s just that his buddy can be so black6 sometimes. “His intent isn’t to destroy. It’s to create dependency because it worked so well for him. I don’t say that critically. As an African American male, coming through the progress of everything he experienced, he got tremendous benefit through a lot of these programs … So it’s very important not to get mad at the man. And I understand, his philosophy—there’s nothing wrong with his philosophy other than it’s goofy and wrong [laughter]—but that doesn’t make him a bad person.” Look at that section again. It’s condescending, borderline racist, and factually insupportable. What programs, exactly, have been of such tremendous benefit to African Americans, generally, and to the president, specifically—and, the implication is, to the exclusion of everyone else (read: whites)?

And this is his fking friend! It was Coburn who asked the government to find offsets before helping the people of Moore—his constituents—after May’s killer tornadoes7, including the need to build storm shelters for them. "If you're living in that area of Moore in Oklahoma, the likelihood of being hit by another tornado is about zero in terms of odds,” Coburn said during an interview on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” From John Irving’s “The World According to Garp”: “We'll take the house. Honey, the chances of another plane hitting this house are astronomical. It's been pre-disastered. We're going to be safe here." I digress. And it was Coburn, an OB/ GYN, who looked at the Constitution of the United States and said it could use a fresh perspective8. “I used to have a great fear of constitutional conventions,” Coburn said, according to Tulsa World. “I have a great fear now of

not having one.” Yeah, because there’s nothing scary about taking a document written by Gouverneur Morris, Edmund Randolph, and James Madison and allowing the likes of Representative Markwayne Mullin, who’s not entirely certain how many branches9 of government there are, to take a red pencil to it. These are the shoes Shannon or Lankford will promise to fill. I think we should all have a drink now and split a Percocet. One more thing: whoever loses shouldn’t toss out his yard signs and bumper stickers. Senator Inhofe, who recently went under the knife for a quadruple bypass, will likely win re-election in November, two weeks before turning 80. The GOP crazy train will be coming ‘round the mountain again… this time with Bridenstine aboard—and who-knows-howmany from that town-hall meeting, lining the route, waving to welcome it.

1 h uffingtonpost.com: “Jim Bridenstine: Obama, Joe Biden Unfit To Lead” 2 k tul.com: “Bridenstine Supporters Call for President Obama’s Impeachment” 3 m oney.usnews.com: “65-and-Older Population Soars” 4 b illmoyers.com: “A Snapshot of Our Nation’s Veterans” 5 washingtonpost.com: “Coburn: Obama getting ‘perilously close’ to impeachment standard” 6 washingtonpost.com: “Coburn, Obama and ‘dependency’” 7 huffingtonpost.com: “Tom Coburn: Tornado Relief Bill Unnecessary, ‘Washington Creating A Crisis’ To ‘Advantage Themselves’” 8 ijreview.com: “Sen. Coburn Calls for a Constitutional Convention, Credits ‘Liberty Amendments’ Book” 9 youtube.com: “Republican: FOUR Branches of Government Should Work Together”

“News from the Plains” appears each issue and covers Oklahoma politics and culture—the disastrous, the unseemly, the incomprehensible … you know, the day to day stuff. Barry Friedman is a touring stand-up comedian, author and general rabble-rouser.

NEW VINYL IN STOCK!

3336 S. Peoria Avenue • 918-949-6950 • www.idaredboutique.com facebook.com/idaredtulsa • Mon-Wed 10:30-7:30, Thurs-Sat 10:30-9:00 THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

NEWS & COMMENTARY // 13

myvoice guesteditorial

photos cour tesy of Hannibal B. Johnson

Ghosts of Greenwood past From riot to renaissance on Black Wall Street by HANNIBAL B. JOHNSON

arly in the twentieth century, the black community in Tulsa—centered in the “Greenwood District,” or simply “Greenwood”—became a nationally renowned entrepreneurial center. Legendary African American statesman and educator Booker T. Washington dubbed Greenwood Avenue “The Negro Wall Street” for its now-famous bustling business climate. Legal segregation forced black Tulsans to do business with one another. This economic detour— the diversion of black dollars away from the white community—allowed the thirty-five-square block Greenwood District to prosper. Greenwood’s insular service economy rested on a foundation of necessity. This necessity, in turn, molded a talented cadre of African American businesspeople and entrepreneurs. From movie theatres to professional offices, from grocery stores to schools, from beauty salons to shoeshine shops, the Greenwood District had it all. So developed and refined was Greenwood Avenue, the heart of the District, that many compared it favorably 14 // NEWS & COMMENTARY

to such historic streets as Beale Street in Memphis and State Street in Chicago. African American boosters such as E.P. McCabe touted Oklahoma, then divided into Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory, as a virtual “promised land” for African Americans. McCabe dreamed of an all-black state carved out of Oklahoma Territory. He and others in the late 1800s recruited African Americans to rise up from the South and head for the Midwest. In search of full citizenship, land ownership, and economic opportunity. Though McCabe’s “black state” dream never materialized, Oklahoma boasts more than fifty all-black towns throughout its history—more than any other state. The promise of Oklahoma faded significantly when she became a state in 1907. The new Oklahoma Legislature passed as its first measure Senate Bill Number 1, which firmly ensconced segregation as the law of the land in Oklahoma. Jim Crow reigned. The Greenwood pioneers parlayed Jim Crow into an economic

advantage. They seized the opportunity to create a closed-market system that defied Jim Crow’s fundamental premise: African American incompetence and inferiority. The success of the Greenwood District, given the prevailing racial pecking order, could scarcely be tolerated, let alone embraced, by the larger community. Over time, fear and jealousy swelled. African American success, including home, business, and land ownership, caused increasing consternation and friction. In 1921, a seemingly random encounter between two teenagers lit the fuse that would set Greenwood ablaze. The alleged assault on a young white woman, seventeen-year-old Sarah Page, by a young black man, nineteenyear-old Dick Rowland, triggered unprecedented civil unrest. That event became the immediate catalyst for the Riot. Fueled by sensational reporting by The Tulsa Tribune, jealousy over black economic success, and a racially hostile climate in general, mob rule held sway. Authorities arrested Dick Rowland. A white mob threatened

to lynch him. African American men, determined to protect the teen from the rumored lynching, marched to the courthouse that held young Rowland. Law enforcement authorities asked them to retreat, assuring Dick’s safety. They left. The lynch talk persisted. A second group of African American men from the Greenwood District proceeded to the courthouse. The black men exchanged words with the swelling group of white men gathered on the courthouse lawn. A gun discharged. Soon, thousands of weapon-wielding white men, some of them deputized by local law enforcement, invaded Greenwood. In fewer than 24 hours, people, property, hopes, and dreams vanished. The Greenwood District burned to the ground. Mobs prevented firefighters from extinguishing the flames. Property damage ran into the millions of dollars. Hundreds of people died. Scores lay injured. Many African Americans fled Tulsa, never to return. In an instant, Tulsa stood defiled and defined. Ever courageous, the Greenwood District pioneers rebuilt Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

the community from the ashes. Official Tulsa leadership hindered the rebuilding and rebirth of Greenwood, blaming black citizens for their own plight, turning away charitable contributions for rebuilding, and creating reconstruction roadblocks. Some individuals and institutions in the greater Tulsa community stepped up, however, providing much needed assistance. For example, Holy Family Cathedral and First Presbyterian Church offered refuge to African Americans. The American Red Cross, called “Angels of Mercy” by many, provided stellar care—medical care, food, shelter, and clothing—for Riot victims, some of whom lived for months in tents. Mt. Zion Baptist Church, only six weeks old when the Riot broke out, had been built with the help of a $50,000 loan from a single individual. Rumors during the unrest that preceded the Riot included a fictitious but persistent story that Mt. Zion housed a stash of arms for the looming racial conflict. The mob torched Mt. Zion during the Riot, leaving nothing but a dirt floor basement. Church members, still dazed by the devastation of the Riot, made several key decisions. They elected to continue to meet, often in private homes. When presented with the option of extinguishing the $50,000 mortgage through bankruptcy, the church leadership balked. While the legal obligation could perhaps be eliminated, they felt a moral obligation to pay off the loan, even absent the building. Decades later, Mt. Zion did just that. The church paid off the loan and raised enough money to build a new structure. Mt. Zion remains a vital and vibrant part of Greenwood. Remarkably, and in stunningly short order, the Greenwood District came alive once again, bigger and better than ever. In 1925, the area hosted the annual conference of the National Negro Business League. By 1942, more than 200 businesses called the Greenwood District home. The Greenwood story speaks to the triumph of the human spirit and to widely cherished virtues such as faith, determination, integrity, humility, and compassion. THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

Integration, urban renewal, a new business climate, and the aging of the early Greenwood pioneers caused the community to decline through the years, beginning in the 1960s, and continuing throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. A comprehensive arts, entertainment, educational, and cultural complex is now emerging. As the area sits poised for a renaissance, the ghosts of Greenwood past loom large on the horizon.

*T his article is based on Hannibal B. Johnson’s book, “Black Wall Street: From Riot to Renaissance in Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District,” available on Amazon.com or from the publisher, Wild Horse Media Group, owner of the Eakin Press imprint. Johnson’s newest book, Tulsa Historic Greenwood District, published by Arcadia Publishing, was released earlier this year.

Hannibal B. Johnson, a Harvard Law School graduate, is an author, attorney, and consultant specializing in diversity issues, human relations, and non-profit leadership. He also teaches at Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma. His books include Apartheid in Indian Country?; Black Wall Street; and Acres of Aspiration, works chronicling the African American experience in Oklahoma and its indelible impact on American history.

THE PHOENIX

NEWS & COMMENTARY // 15

bottomline by JENNIE LLOYD

Darren Price

The night we’ll never know

REPLY@

In 2011, an Oral Roberts University freshman and her boyfriend were executed as they strolled together in Hicks Park. The bodies of Carissa Horton and Ethan Nichols were found on the morning of Sept. 19, 2011. Each had been shot in the head. Apprehended for the crime were Darren Price and Jerard Davis. They admitted to being at the scene, but neither man takes credit for pulling the trigger. Price was sentenced to two life terms last week, without the possibility of parole. A defenseteam psychologist testified he grew up in “deplorable home conditions” amid drug abuse and violence, per Tulsa World. Price did not act alone. Davis was sentenced to life without parole after pleading guilty to two murder counts – a deal which spared him the death penalty. Bottomline:.Whodunnit in the Hicks Park case? Davis and Price are the only ones who will ever know.

Sally Kern

What the *?&@% do we know?

The Oklahoman reported earlier this month that directors of five state agencies were “stunned and perplexed” after Governor Mary Fallin’s State of the State Speech on Feb. 3 (least surprising headline ever). As part of her speech Fallin recommended that the Oklahoma Arts Council, J.M. Davis Memorial Commission, Oklahoma Historical Society, Will Rogers Memorial Commission, and Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission be consolidated under the umbrella of Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation. If Fallin gets her way, Deby Snodgrass – a former Chesapeake Energy executive and current Secretary of Tourism – will be the keeper of Oklahoma’s rich arts and history. Bottomline: Tourism is the activity or practice of touring, especially for pleasure; also, the promotion of tourist travel, especially for commercial purposes. I dug further into the definition of commercial, defined as making or intended to make a profit. And therein lies the rub. State Rep. Scott Inman - (D) Del City Oklahoma’s arts and @RepScottInman history should be preserved based on its importance to us, Fallin: we must nix arts council, historical soc., to our heritage, without will rogers comm etc b/c we can’t afford it regard for commerce ($17M total) but we can afford $136M tax cuts or profit—or anyone donning a fanny pack.

16 // NEWS & COMMENTARY

State Rep. Sally Kern recently introduced House Bill 2349, which would “beef up mandatory fines and sentences for any person convicted of ‘obscenity,”’ so went the Feb. 10 rant on The Lost Ogle. The LO found it ironic that a legislator who has made her name by offending gays, women, and minorities would want to toughen obscenity laws. Obscenity is “patently offensive to the average person,” Kern told Channel 4 KFOROklahoma City. “It has a theme of interest in lewd sex and then to the average person has no literary, artistic, or scientific value or purpose.” Bottomline: Who is an “average person”? Does Kern consider herself “average”? Her bill seeks to make it easier to prosecute obscenity cases, but this piece of &%@*? misses the mark. Some may consider Kern’s attempt to shove her idea of what’s offensive down the throats of “average” Okies as obscene.

Art, history collide with commerce

Paging Dr. Feel Good Oklahoma Watch obtained some dope state data that shows Oklahoma pharmacies filled nearly 10 million prescriptions for narcotics and other controlled substances last year. The scripts equaled 597 million doses of painkillers, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, steroids, and other meds. The three most popularly prescribed legal drugs were hydrocodone (Lortab), oxycodone (Percoset), and alprazolam (Xanax). Of the roughly 16,000 medical professionals registered to write scripts in Oklahoma, less than 2,000 of them accounted for nearly three-quarters of all controlled substance prescriptions filled last year, per the report. Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s painkiller habit has improved. Oklahoma was No. 1 in that department several years ago. “The latest survey by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows that the Sooner state has fallen to No. 8 on the Rx drugabuse list,” according to the report. Bottomline: While marijuana remains taboo, those innocent orange prescription bottles could be far deadlier than that dank green bag from your kooky neighbor. Addiction specialists identified prescription opiates as a gateway drug for street heroin. Why? Oddly enough, for addicts, heroin is cheaper than a stocked medicine cabinet. Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

bottomline Okies support the green cause

The day before Valentine’s Day, hundreds of people rallied at the Capitol to support two bills geared to relax Oklahoma’s marijuana laws. Sen. Constance Johnson introduced the bills. Constance, an Oklahoma City Democrat, has been, well, constant in her support for marijuana reform. She has presented varying version of bills to decriminalize weed over the years—without success. Senate Bill 902 would legalize medical marijuana. Senate Bill 2116 would allow people to carry small amounts of marijuana. A Sooner Poll shows more than 71 percent of Oklahomies support medical marijuana legalization, as of fall 2013. Bottomline: Opponents of the bill “fear the drug is a gateway to harder narcotics and that medical marijuana can be abused by those not in need of it,” per an article that appeared in a recent edition of the Tulsa World. But, as the following report shows, Oklahomans don’t need green to steer ‘em toward harder narcotics. Read on.

Never enough abortion laws

Oklahoma’s Republicancontrolled Legislature has “become a testing ground for some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country,” according to an Associated Press story. Two new House Bills, 2418 and 2684, have been injected into our frying pan-shaped Petri dish. They “easily cleared a House committee,” says The Oklahoman, even as “outnumbered Democrats argued the bills as unnecessary.” One bill would require abortion providers to have clinical privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of their practice. Rep. THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

Mike Ritze, a doc himself, intro’d the bill, saying it was designed to provide a “safety mechanism” for women with complications. The second bill is a rewrite of Rep. Randy Grau’s 2011 bill that targets the use of abortion-inducing drugs. Grau’s original bill was shot down by the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which ruled

the similarly written legislation unconstitutional. Bottomline: As a doctor, Rep. Ritze probably knows that, statistically, abortion is one of the safest surgical procedures a woman can undergo. Fewer than 0.5 percent of women who have an abortion ever develop a complication, according to data

compiled by the Guttmacher Institute. The risk of death associated with abortion is about one-tenth the figure associated with women in childbirth. Too, someone should probably tell Ritze and Co. the abortion rate in Oklahoma has dropped about 20 percent since 2008.

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The Farm Shopping Center at 51st & Sheridan • 918-624-2600 • Open 10-6 Monday-Saturday NEWS & COMMENTARY // 17

foodreview

Burn Co. BBQ 1738 S. Boston Avenue Fare: Barbecue Price: $ $ $ $ SoundBite:

A crusty char on the outside of a rib and the subtle spices of their houseground sausage—these are Burn Co. hallmarks, techniques mastered by [Adam] Meyers.

Oh, Burn! Burn Co. BBQ gets an upgrade, barbecue fans rejoice by ANGELA EVANS

ome of the best barbecue in Tulsa has been cooked in a parking lot on 11th Street. Two guys toiled over a few smokers in a trailer during snow, rain, or blistering heat. Their brand of barbecue packed their small storefront on 11th Street every day for lunch. Lines would form outside as early as 10 a.m., rain or shine. Now Tulsa’s beloved Burn Co. BBQ has moved to a proper restaurant space on 18th and Boston. The move is the latest chapter in this underdog story about two skinny white kids and their crew of misfits who dare to do barbecue their own way. Cousins Adam Myers and Robbie Corcoran started Burn Co. as a catering biz on the side, but they began to see it as a viable way to support their families. With no angel investors or trust funds, the two saved up the old-fashioned way to open their business. It was hard at first, trying to make a name for themselves in a town saturated with barbecue joints. But they kept at it, handing out samples to folks in the line that, on their last day in their strip-mall space, snaked from the cash register out the front door. 18 // FOOD & DRINK

Now Burn Co. finally has room to breathe. Myers and Corcoran hatched their Burn Co. business plan inside the almost century-old building on 18th and Boston building six years ago. Even then they imagined the building as their ideal restaurant. Think back to that perfect backyard barbecue in college. The radio is pumping out Sublime, and strangers are striking up conversations while sipping beer out of red solo cups. The new Burn Co. has that vibe. The sun shines down from the skylight above, washing over large picnic tables in the open dining room. The large bar will soon feature a variety of Okie-brews, and new murals will deck the walls. The focal point of the wide-open space is the kitchen. You won’t see a single microwave, fryer, or griddle. Instead, there’s a line of Hasty Bake grills and a crew of guys happily chopping mounds of beautiful meat. The crew begins cooking everything they will serve for the day bright and early, starting at 4 a.m. each morning. Nothing is precooked or prepared ahead of time. Hungry guests have taken note:

get to Burn Co. early. There were days on 11th Street when they sold out before 1 p.m. Now, the line starts at 10 a.m. On Fridays, it’s “barbecue for breakfast.” Now a covered awning shelters hungry guests as they inch toward the front door. Though the line can be long, orders are usually out within five minutes. The line isn’t so bad when everyone waiting seems to know it’s worth it. Perfectly cooked meat is a happy common ground for Tulsans in the know. Meyers knows his way around a Hasty-Bake—he sold them for twelve years. In the barbecue grill business, you sell the sizzle, which means you learn how to use it to prepare food like a maestro. A crusty char on the outside of a rib and the subtle spices of their house-ground sausage—these are Burn Co. hallmarks, techniques mastered by Meyers. Brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and baby back ribs are on the daily menu. Order a “happy plate” and they’ll set you up with a little of everything. Barbecue sauce is served on the side, your choice of hot or regular.

Brisket is easy to botch. Pulled pork can be a stringy nightmare in the wrong hands. Burn Co.’s is delicately textured, nicely smoked and seasoned. Their barbecue chicken has the perfect smoky flavor in each tender layer. Nothing about Burn Co.’s barbecue is overt. It is just undeniably good. The sausage is unlike anything else in Tulsa. Craig Kus is Burn Co.’s meat man, and his sausage recipes are superb. His proprietary Lava Link “won’t blow your head off, but it’ll warm you up and stick with you,” he said. Kus runs the meat counter, a new addition to the old eatery, which means hand-cut steaks and pork chops are now on the menu. Burn Co. is not looking to expand beyond their lunch service of 10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m., but the new space can be rented out for events in the evening. Burn Co. fans are quick to say it’s the best in town, but in a city that boasts a high concentration of ‘cue joints, those are fightin’ words. Burn Co. does add its own spin to Tulsa’s standard of traditional barbecue. Even with all the praise and legions of fans, the quality of Burn Co. barbecue speaks for itself. Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

LANNA THAI RESTAURANT & BAR « « « « « FINE DINING « « « « « Voted Tulsa’s Best Thai Restaurant 1st Place Award for 14 Consecutive Years Ranked in the top 50 nationally.

Surveyed more than 4000 Thai Restaurants by Focus Thai Cuisine 2007

Lunch Specials Daily See our full menu at LannaThaiTulsa.com 7227 S. MEMORIAL • 918.249.5262 • FIND US ON

Ask About the Slice of the Day!

Salads • Pastas • Desserts • Catering • Beer • Wine Extensive Gluten Free Options

“Thai Styled Fresh Seafood”

Ranked in the Top 10 in 2011

In Tulsa: Late Night Slices Th, F, Sa 10p to 1a Full Bar • Award-Winning Cocktails more than 75 Beers • Wines

Visit us online at TheTropicalTulsa.com

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For Best New Restaurant by the Tulsa World

Voted Tulsa’s Best Vegetarian Restaurant 2013

BEST CHINESE FOOD Dine in or carry out,

3.5 Out of 4 Stars From Scott Cherry’s Review in Tulsa World

TULSA’S BEST DINNER SPECIAL! GOLDEN GATE CHINESE CUISINE 30 Years in Business

2620 S. Harvard • 918-742-4942 OPEN: Mon.-Fri. 11am-9pm, Sat. 12pm-9pm

Fine dining… At an affordable price! Ask us about our Monthly Wine Dinners!

South 918.499.1919 6024 S. Sheridan

Downtown 918.592.5151 219 S. Cheyenne

THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

½ Price Appetizers in the bar from 4-6pm Live music on Friday with Cole Jella Open daily at 11:00 AM 101st & Yale • 296-3000 • www.bistroatseville.com FOOD & DRINK // 19

voice’schoices

where we found the best dishes in Tulsa

JOHN LANGDON

MATT CAUTHRON

MADELINE CRAWFORD

NATASHA BALL

Pollo al Carbon

Lone Wolf

SMOKE.

Guang Zhou Dim Sum

2405 1/2 E Admiral Blvd (behind the Doll House)

918.951.8691 Nestled in a small parking lot on the south side of 244 on Lewis is a Mexican food truck that should not be missed. Pollo al Carbon serves fantastic authentic Mexican food at great prices. I go for the tamales. The larger Tamales Oaxaqueñas are filled with spicy shredded pork, and the smaller Tamales de Elotes are like the most delicious and moist cornbread you’ve ever eaten. And like everything from Pollo al Carbon, they’re not ready until you smother them in the included green salsa, which will leave your lips tingling with pleasure.

409 N Main (usually) 918.804.1345

1542 E 15th St 918.949.4440

Even if the fries were served plain I would make the trip— how they get them so perfectly crispy is a culinary mystery beyond my grasp. But top them with the good stuff—a heaping helping of spicy pickled kimchi, melted cheese, sliced jalepeños, Thai chili aioli, cilantro, and (if you’re smart) the special addition of Kung Pao pork or candied bacon (but not both, you animal)—well then, as my granddad used to say, you’ve got yourself a certified humdinger.

Whether planning a stop by SMOKE. for Saturday mimosas or a lunch with visiting relatives, one of my favorite options is their surprisingly hearty crab-stuffed fried green tomato. A burst of flavors packed into a bite-sized sphere and paired with a Tabasco and Old Bay aioli sauce, the stuffed tomato is generous with crab and light on the breading. Available on the lunch, brunch and dinner menus, the ingredients are versatile enough for any meal, any time.

HOURS VARY. Keep up at: facebook.com/LoneWolfTruck

MON – SAT, 11 A.M.–12 A.M.

DAILY, 11 A.M–7 P.M.

SUN, 11 A.M.–9 P.M.

4003 E 11th St 918.835.7888

Tulsa’s stretch of the Mother Road has its milkshakes, its burgers, its chicken-fried steak. And then there’s the dim sum, or Cantonese food served by the bite, like the xôi gà hâp gói là sen. It’s a pillow of sweet rice and mixed meats, wrapped and steamed inside a carefully folded lotus leaf. It’s humble—you can trade for one with little more than a song—but it has hooks. MON – FRI, 10:30 A.M.–3 P.M.; 4:30 P.M.–8:30 P.M. SAT – SUN, 10:30 A.M.–8:30 P.M. DIM SUM, SAT – SUN, 10:30 A.M.–3 P.M.

foodstuff Hey, joe

Volunteer Tulsa presents Tulsa’s first Coffee Crawl. Enjoy the unique flavors of locally owned coffee shops and learn about ways to volunteer to help the community. Along the 1.1 mile walk (you can drive or ride if you’d like), enjoy food and drink samplers, “Coffee Talk,” and volunteer service opportunities, all while getting your coffee passport stamped at each of these seven local coffee shops: Foolish Things Coffee Company, Topeca Mayo Hotel, Mod’s Coffee & Crepes, Hodges Bend, Topeca Hyatt Regency, Joebot’s Coffee Bar, and Chimera Cafe. Complete your passport and be eligible to win prizes. MAR. 1, 9 A.M.–NOON, & 1–4 P.M. VISIT TULSACOFFEECRAWL.BPT.ME FOR MORE INFO AND TICKETS.

20 // FOOD & DRINK

Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

boozeclues

(tips on drinking well in Tulsa) Naples Flatbread & Wine Bar 201 S. Denver Ave.

the bartenders: Marty Solis the cocktail: Smoky Mountain Smash the ingredients: Old Smokey Moonshine, cucumber, lime, sweet soda

SAVOR THE FLAVORS OF AUTHENTIC SOUTHWEST INSPIRED DISHES

3509 S. Peoria Ave. 918.745.6699 cafeolebrookside.com

THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mar. 4, 2014

FOOD & DRINK // 21

take a dive

Toga parties and mystery stew The weird world of Keel’s Lounge by JOSHUA KLINE and eating Jello shots, whooping and staggering like a fratboy. I try to imagine him in a Batman costume. My friend returns with a flimsy Styrofoam plate covered in a puddle of brown liquid, its surface broken by the occasional carrot and potato along with a floppy, buttered piece of wheat bread. He pokes and prods at the vegetables, looks at me apologetically. “I haven’t eaten all day,” he reasons before diving in. He cleans his plate and goes back for seconds. We don’t talk about it.

First, the Bloody Mary. No one expects a good Bloody Mary from an obscure dive like Keel’s Lounge, but I’d heard it was impressive. According to our bartender Alisha (or “A”, as she prefers to be called), the mix is prepared each morning by Keel’s owner, Kim. A pours the mix from a re-purposed Ocean Spray juice bottle into a frosted mug, along with a generous ration of Barton’s finest gin. “You want the salad on top?” she asks. Of course, I want the salad. She spears a pickle, pepperoncini, pepperoni, pearl onion and green olive, places it on the mug’s rim, and presents the drink to me. She watches intently as I take my first gulp. “Holy shit,” I say. “It’s good, right?” she asks. It is. Bits of horseradish make their way to my gums. The horseradish is always the giveaway—if you’re not left tonguing your teeth, it’s not worth your time. The Bloody Mary at Keel’s has horseradish to spare. A, eight months pregnant, is bursting with gregarious energy. Earlier in the night, as we approached the entrance, she’d stood in the doorway, a backlit shadow with a rounded belly, and greeted us with disarming familiarity. “There you are!” she said. As we stepped into the light, she laughed and apologized. “Sorry, I thought you was someone else!” She talks our ears off while the winter Olympics hum from the bar’s television. I dig for the rogue horseradish with my fingernails. We learn that her unborn baby, her third, is due on April Fool’s Day. “What kind of shit is that!” she bellows. She pauses while we watch a woman from

***

Keel’s Lounge 5116 E. Pine St. Kazakhstan shoot down the luge track. We learn that Kim is a generous, decent boss who has taken care of A and allowed her ample time off for each pregnancy. We learn that the two plastic breasts hanging from the bar’s mantle are battery-operated. A bikini top rests below the nipples; I imagine a pervy regular pawing it off. “They’ll jiggle when they got batteries,” A informs us. She busies herself while Finland takes the lead in speedskating. We pay respect to the tacky ornament. A mimics the jiggling motion. NBC cuts to a commercial.

*** Next, let’s talk about the stew. “There’s some food over there if y’all wanna eat,” A tells us. We follow her gaze and spot a folding table covered in an autumn-themed vinyl tablecloth, under the “Ladies Room” sign. The table holds a

crock-pot, a bag of cheap bread, and a bucket of Country Crock Shedd’s Spread. Balanced on the buffet table is a dry-marker board covered with handwritten notifications. Two drew special attention: First, a fuzzy photo of a dude in a Batman costume. A caption reads, “Our friend Dennis, AKA Batman.” And directly below it: “Toga! Toga! Toga! Keel’s first ever Toga Party!! Prizes for best dressed. Saturday, Feb 15th, 7pm.” My friend and I look at each other, silently daring the other to solve the mystery of the dive-bar crock. He stands up. “Fuck it,” he says. “I’m hungry.” He helps himself at the table. I watch him scoop the stew; I wonder who made it, if it’s still warm, and what other meals they serve patrons. Is there a tuna casserole night? I look to my right at the chain-smoking old-timer at the end of the bar, the one in the trucker hat. I picture him wearing a toga

Finally, the vodka-soaked gummy bears. They’re fairly self-explanatory. A hands us a plastic ramekin filled with candy critters heartlessly drowned in cheap booze, and a toothpick for skewering. The alcohol has dulled their glowing sheen. There is a pink pool of gummy miasma circling the bottom of the cup. We take turns stabbing at the poisoned beasts until they’re gone. I use the toothpick to search my teeth for any remaining bits of horseradish. “They’re good, right?” A refrains. “We also have dollar Jello shots.” At the mention of Jello shots I involuntarily look back at the old-timer and again see him draped in a toga. Maybe he can read my thoughts, or maybe he was just put off by my confused stare. He stands, tabs out, and leaves us, just A and her children.

This is not a review, nor is it meant to promote already-popular midtown establishments. For suggestions on his next drink, email joshua.s.kline@gmail.com.

TAKE A DIVE is a running column in which Joshua Kline explores the fringes of drinking culture in Tulsa County by visiting the dives, holes, beer bars and neighborhood pubs that keep Green Country drunk and happy. 22 // FOOD & DRINK

Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

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dininglistings BROOKSIDE Antoinette Baking Co. Biga Billy Sims BBQ Blue Moon Bakery and Café The Brook Brookside By Day Café Ole Café Samana Charleston’s Claud’s Hamburgers Cosmo Café & Bar Crow Creek Tavern Doc’s Wine and Food Egg Roll Express Elmer’s BBQ Fuji La Hacienda The Hen Bistro Hibiscus Caribbean Bar and Grill In the Raw Keo Lambrusco’Z To Go

Leon’s Brookside Mazzio’s Italian Eatery Mondo’s Ristorante Italiano Old School Bagel Café Pei Wei Asian Diner R Bar & Grill Rons Hamburgers & Chili Señor Tequila Shades of Brown Sonoma Bistro & Wine Bar Starbucks Sumatra Coffee Shop Super Wok The Warehouse Bar & Grill Weber’s Root Beer Whole Foods Market Yolotti Frozen Yogurt Zoës Kitchen

DOWNTOWN Baxter’s Interurban Grill The Boulder Grill Café 320 Casa Laredo Coney Island Daily Grill Foolish Things Coffee Grand Selections for Lunch The Greens on Boulder Heavy Metal Pizza Lou’s Deli MADE Market in the DoubleTree by Hilton Mazzio’s Italian Eatery Mexicali Border Cafe

Naples Flatbread & Wine Bar Oneok Café Oklahoma Spud on the Mall Seven West Café Sheena’s Cookies & Deli Steakfinger House The Sushi Place Tabouli’s Bistro at Atlas Life Ti Amo Topeca Coffee Trula The Vault Williams Center Café

BRADY ARTS DISTRICT

I-44/BA INTERCHANGE Big Anthony’s BBQ Bill & Ruth’s Subs Billy Sims BBQ Binh-Le Vietnamese Chop House BBQ D’Oro Pizza Desi Wok Fiesta Cozumel Hideaway Pizza Himalayas – Aroma of India Ichiban Teriyaki Jumbo’s Burgers Las Bocas Las Tres Fronteras Le Bistro Sidewalk Cafe Mamasota’s In & Out Mazzio’s Italian Eatery Monterey’s Little Mexico

Nelson’s Buffeteria Pho Da Cao Pickle’s Pub Rice Bowl Cafe Rib Crib BBQ & Grill Royal Dragon Sezchuan Express Shawkat’s Deli & Grill Speedy Gonzalez Grill Spudder Steak Stuffers USA Tacos Don Francisco Thai Siam Tokyo Garden The Tropical Restaurant & Bar Viet Huong Villa Ravenna Watts Barbecue

Abear’s Caz’s Chowhouse Chimera Draper’s Bar-B-Cue Fat Guy’s Gypsy Coffee House Hey Mambo The Hunt Club Laffa Lucky’s on the Green

Mexicali Border Café Oklahoma Joe’s Prhyme Downtown Steakhouse The Rusty Crane Spaghetti Warehouse The Tavern Zin Wine, Beer & Dessert Bar

TU/KENDALL WHITTIER Big Al’s Health Foods Bill’s Jumbo Burgers Billy Ray’s BBQ Brothers Houligan Burn Co. BBQ Capp’s BBQ Corner Café Duffy’s Diner El Rancho Grande Freddie’s Hamburgers Guang Zhou Dim Sum Jim’s Coney Island Las Americas Super Mercado & Restaurant Lot a Burger

Maxxwell’s Restaurant Moonsky’s Cheesesteaks and Daylight Donuts Mr. Taco Nelson’s Ranch House Oklahoma Style BBQ The Phoenix Pie Hole Pizza Pollo al Carbon Rib Crib BBQ & Grill The Right Wing Route 66 Subs & Burgers Tacos Don Francisco Tally’s Good Food Cafe Umberto’s Pizza

UTICA SQUARE Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Goldie’s Patio Grill McGill’s Olive Garden P.F. Chang’s China Bistro

Pepper’s Grill Polo Grill Queenie’s Café and Bakery Starbucks Stone Horse Café Wild Fork

WO ODLAND HILLS Asahi Sushi Bar Baker Street Pub & Grill Billy Sims BBQ Bistro at Seville Bluestone Steahouse and Seafood Restaurant Brothers Pizza Bucket’s Sports Bar & Grill Charlie’s Chicken Chuy’s Chopsticks El Tequila Fat Daddy’s Fat Guy’s Burger Bar Fish Daddy’s Seafood Grill Fuji FuWa Asian Kitchen Firehouse Subs The Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse Haruno Hungry Howie’s Pizza In the Raw on the Hill Jameson’s Pub Jamil’s

Jason’s Deli Jay’s Original Hoagies Keo Kit’s Takee-Outee La Roma Lanna Thai Louie’s Mandarin Taste Marley’s Pizza Mekong River Mi Tierra Oliveto Italian Bistro Ri Le’s Rib Crib BBQ & Grill Ridge Grill Ron’s Hamburgers & Chili Savoy Shogun Steakhouse of Japan Siegi’s Sausage Factory & Deli Ti Amo Italian Ristorante Wrangler’s Bar-B-Q Yasaka Steakhouse of Japan Zio’s Italian Kitchen

TERWILLIGER HEIGHTS Bill & Ruth’s Blue Rose Café The Chalkboard Dalesandro’s Elwoods

Mansion House Café Ron’s Hamburgers & Chili La Villa at Philbrook

MIDTOWN Albert G’s The Alley Bangkok Thai Super Buffet Bros. Houligan Celebrity Restaurant Daylight Donuts Supershop Eddy’s Steakhouse 24 // FOOD & DRINK

Felini’s Cookies & Deli Golden Gate Mary Jane’s Pizza My Thai Kitchen PJ’s Sandwich Shoppe Phill’s Diner Steve’s Sundries Trenchers Delicatessen Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

BLUE D OME Albert G’s Bar & Q Dilly Deli El Guapo’s Cantina Fassler Hall Joe Bots Coffee Joe Momma’s Pizza

Juniper McNellie’s S&J Oyster Company Tallgrass Prairie Table White Flag Yokozuna

WEST TULSA Arnold’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers Burger House Charlie’s Chicken Go West Restaurant & Saloon Jumpin J’s Knotty Pine BBQ Linda Mar

Lot a Burger Monterey’s Little Mexico Ollie’s Station Rib Crib BBQ & Grill Sandwiches & More Union Street Café Westside Grill & Delivery

SOUTH TULSA BBD II Baja Jack’s Burrito Shack Bamboo Thai Bistro Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders Bodean’s Seafood Restaurant The Brook Camille’s Sidewalk Café Cardigan’s Charleston’s Cimarron Meat Company Dona Tina Cocina Mexicana El Samborsito Elements Steakhouse & Grille The Fig Café and Bakery First Watch Five Guys Gencies Chicken Shack Gyros by Ali Hebert’s Specialty Meats

Helen of Troy Mediterranean Cuisine India Palace La Flama Mahogany Prime Steakhouse McNellie’s South City Mr. Goodcents Subs & Pastas Naples Flatbread & Wine Bar Nordaggio’s Coffee OK Country Donut Shoppe Pita Place Redrock Canyon Grill Ripe Tomato Ron’s Hamburgers and Chili Sushi Hana Japanese Fusion Thai Village Tres Amigos Mexican Grill & Cantina White Lion Whole Foods Zio’s Italian Kitchen

EAST TULSA Al Sultan Grill & Bakery Big Daddy’s All American Bar-B-Q Birrieria Felipe Bogey’s Brothers Houligan Casa San Marcos Casanova’s Restaurant Charlie’s Chicken Cherokee Deli Darby’s Restaurant El Centenario El Gallo Loco El 7 Marez El Refugio Azteca Super Taqueria Fiesta Del Mar Flame Broiler Frank’s Café Fu-Thai Garibaldi’s The Gnarley Dawg Hatfield’s

CHERRY STREET

Jay’s Coneys Josie’s Tamales Kimmy’s Diner Korean Garden Lot a Burger Maria’s Mexican Grill Mariscos Costa Azul Mariscos El Centenario Mekong Vietnamese Pizza Depot Porky’s Kitchen Ron’s Hamburgers & Chili RoseRock Cafe Señor Fajita Seoul Restaurant Shiloh’s of Tulsa Shish-Kabob & Grill Stone Mill BBQ & Steakhouse Tacos San Pedro Taqueria la Cabana Timmy’s Diner

Andolini’s Pizzeria Café Cubana Chimi’s Mexican Food Chipotle Mexican Grill Coffee House on Cherry Street Daylight Donuts Doe’s Eat Place Full Moon Café Genghis Grill Heirloom Baking Co. Hideaway Jason’s Deli

Kilkenny’s Irish Pub & Eatery La Madeleine Lucky’s Restaurant Mary’s Italian Trattoria Mi Cocina Palace Café Panera Bread Phat Philly’s Qdoba Mexican Grill SMOKE. Te Kei’s Tucci’s Café Italia Zanmai

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Main Street Tavern McHuston Booksellers and Irish Bistro Romeo’s Espresso Cafe

DECO DISTRICT Atlas Grill Billy’s on the Square Boston Avenue Grill Deco Deli

Elote Café & Catering Mod’s Coffee & Crepes Tavolo The Vault

Admiral Grill Bill & Ruth’s Christy’s BBQ Evelyn’s Golden Saddle BBQ Steakhouse Hank’s Hamburgers Harden’s Hamburgers

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Hero’s Subs & Burgers Ike’s Chili Los Primos The Restaurant at Gilcrease White River Fish Market

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111 N Main St, Tulsa, OK 74103 | (918) 728-3147 www.laffatulsa.com | info@laffatulsa.com FOOD & DRINK // 25

Photo by Jeremy Charles

26 // FEATURED

Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

WHEN I'M ON STAGE Three minutes on the front lines of Tulsa’s spoken-word scene by CLAIRE COLLINS

THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

FEATURED // 27

From left: On stage at C ypher 120 (photo by Cur t is Price); top right and bot tom right, compet itors perform at Lounder Than a Bomb Tulsa 2014 (photos by Jeremy Charles)

still get nervous. My heart pounds in my ears. I take my place behind the mic. This will be roughly the 1,567th time I’ve taken the stage—I’m a teaching artist through the Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa, but I’ve been a poet all my life—but my palms get sweaty, my hands still shake when I speak.

Here’s what I see when I’m on stage: college professors and hip hop artists. Single moms, choir singers, and cashiers. They want poetry. Poetry reminds us of our commonalities, our shared joys and heartbreaks. Poetry is what we want when when nothing else will do. At first glance, you might not realize you were in the company of so many artists and muses. Tonight, the crowd is hungry. It wants to be provoked, inspired, lifted out of the mundane. I ignore my anxiety and give them what they want. I become a whirl28 // FEATURED

ing dervish, a woman possessed. It's Monday night at Creative Room, in Tulsa's Pearl District. It’s the night for Cypher 120, a weekly open mic for Tulsa’s poets, musicians, vocalists, and emcees. The room is dim, but the energy is undeniable, tangible. The place is milling with people. We've reached capacity a few times. The Pearl District is the breeding ground for the long-overdue renewal of our city. This isn’t your typical Monday night. I've heard some people say it’s like church. First timers are advised to greet three people

they've never met before, like at a Sunday-morning service. But there’s no religious affiliation. “I think the aspect of fellowship is what people come for,” said Phre Written Quincey. Cypher 120 is his project. I met Written seven years ago, at Living Arts of Tulsa. We were struggling to get a crowd to spoken-word events, to be heard. We once took our poetry to Brookside. We performed for passersby on the sidewalk. Written is a poet, an activist, a Cincinnati native. To Written, the

Pearl District is a middle ground. The true agenda of Cypher 120 is to get people to come together who wouldn't otherwise. “I believe that we should no longer enforce the segregation of our city, the division now being based on class as much as race," he said. “Art transcends all those barriers of race and class that we so commonly and comfortably use to separate ourselves." Cypher 120 is an anomaly indeed, considering Tulsa’s history and the divisions that still cut (continued on page 30) Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

FEATURED // 29

From top left: Amaris Taylor of Holland Hall performs at Lounder Than a Bomb Tulsa 2014 (photo by Jeremy Charles); Danielle Roche of Stre et School at Louder Than a Bomb Tulsa 2014 (photo by Jeremy Charles); On stage at C ypher 120 at C reat ive Room (photo by Cur t is Price).

(continued from page 28) through our city. Here, diversity spurs cultural change. Stereotypes to fall apart in the face of hard truth. Everyone is their own star; everyone brings a voice and talent to the stage. Written was intent on creating a space where artists could be comfortable. He decided to add entertainment to keep the audience's attention. “We needed a vehicle to get people to listen," he said. Over the past year that Cypher 120 has been in Tulsa, there’s been music from DJ A.B. from 105.3 KJAMZ, the live jazz band composed of R&B artist 30 // FEATURED

Christon Mason, along with Ricky “Stix” Skawinski, and Paul Humphrey, both music majors at the University of Tulsa. These artists don’t compete. It’s disarming that way. We encourage and uplift. Whether it's the demand for change or the continued effort to unite our city, these artists are shaping a new outlook for our future. If a fellow poet reads an amazing poem, I'm spurred to go write something, share something. I'm challenged every week to be better than I was the week before. I look out at the audience, a group of strangers. My heart

is pumping it's way out of my chest. They’re quiet, captivated by all that nervous energy I’m funneling into my poem, my performance, and out into the atmosphere. It’s times like these I see myself in the kids I work with through Louder Than A Bomb, a program sponsored by AHCT. These kids face bullying and body image issues. They have parents in prison. They are starved of attention that’s positive, not negative. I've seen poetry save the lives of countless teenagers, mine included. For me, the bullying started in

fourth grade. It didn’t stop until graduation. Luckily, I found an outlet through poetry. Through poetry, youth become empowered, confident. It’s a confidence they will take with them the rest of their lives. I’ve watched teenagers go from timidly speaking in front of our class to performing original poetry on stage. Then I hear it: applause. The strangers are smiling. I feel the sweet relief of a story told. For a second, I'm humbled and can’t speak. I shuffle back to my seat before this audience, these strangers, all smiling at the same time. Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

Photo by Jeremy Charles

A couple weeks ago somebody hit on me. A couple weeks ago I was put into a situation in which any person with wriggling social anxiety fears: Flirting. So in response I smile, swayed, stared them in the eyes and said, “Your face; I like that.” So I sometimes have trouble with being charming. That is to say I am not the most popular socialite. Okay, there is no getting around this: I am awkward. But not awkward like Zooey DeSchanel and the mystery behind her bangs. I am zero-fly, fly-down, downright uncomfortable awkward. And now that I’ve got that off my chest, Do you know how much a polar bear weighs? On average, one-thousand-two-hundred-twenty-five pounds, Or enough to break the ice: Hi! I’m Brook! And that is my one and only pick-up line, I may not be suave but who says that means I am not sexy? Because it is all about what attracts, And you do not need to charm somebody with grace, If you can seduce them with clumsiness. I do not need to worry about what I should say if your eyes are brown, Because I can you tell you that they are the prettiest supernovas I’ve ever seen. It would be stupid to declare my love for you in French, When I can call out my passion in Klingon. Why would I tell you that you have the right shape, When I could inform you that you are as curvy as a line graph on U.S. economic instability. Forget having the “right shape,” Because I am talking about multi-dimensional figure sexy. If beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, My eyes behold everyone. You don’t need that L’Oreal or that Maybe Maybeline, Because maybe beauty is more than skin-deep, And you are treading the depths, So don’t even think about calling yourself ugly. And what would be the point in telling you that you are an angel, When it would be better said by saying:

Awkward

by BROOK BECKER

THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

“Girl, you are so lovely, I bet the Westboro Baptist Church absolutely despises you.” It’s true. I can’t jump. And the only dance I’ve learned are ballet And pumping my elbows to the beat of the music. But the more you know how stunning you are, Just makes your wonder more wonderful. And I am the least fly white guy you will ever know, But who needs swagger when the sexiest thing is being yourself?

FEATURED // 31

TULSA’S SPOKEN-WORD EVENTS Cypher 120 // Every Monday from 8 to midnight, Written Quincy hosts this open mic/open jam session for poets, emcees, and all musicians. The free-flowing creativity at Cypher 120 is truly something to behold. $5, 18+, The Creative Room, 1317 E 6th St, creativeroomtulsa.com Open Mic at The Gypsy // Tulsa’s longest-running open mic is open to all poets, comedians, and musicians with original material. A true Tulsa tradition, open mic is every Tuesday at 7 p.m., performer signup is at 6:30. The Gypsy Coffee House, 303 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, 918-295-2181, gypsycoffee.com Black History Month Open Mic // All Tulsans are invited to this open mic celebrating Black History Month. No competition, just free expression. 2/19, 1-2:45 p.m., Booker T. Washington High School, 1514 E Zion St., 918-925-1000, btw.tulsaschools.org

Rachel Deaton (top) and Ter rence LaMont Bellows

Storytime, all grown up OK So brings the story slam movement to Tulsa by ANDY WHEELER

randa Piersall has worked as a hospice nurse for nine years. She has heard hundreds of stories. “When they are coming to the end, they review their lives. I hear people’s regrets. People tell me their best memories, their most happy memories. Those things are just gorgeous,” she said. Piersall learned about storytelling on the Internet. She called The Moth Radio Hour, a storytelling podcast. They told her it would probably take a couple of years before they would make it to Tulsa. So Piersall decided to bring a storytelling event to town herself. Now, on the second Wednesday of every month, Tulsans line up to tell stories. With the help of Michelle Bias, Piersall started Ok, So Tulsa Story Slam last year. 32 // FEATURED

It’s an event where everyone is invited to share their stories. They range from hilarious to poignant, wistful to irreverent.

She called The Moth Radio Hour, a storytelling podcast. They told her it would probably take a couple of years before they would make it to Tulsa. So Piersall decided to bring a storytelling event to town herself. The Ok, So Tulsa Story Slam mimicks The Moth’s model. Armed with nothing but five min-

utes of stage time, participants tell their true stories. Each month features a different theme. The winners from each month’s contest move on to the grand slam that will be in April at the IDL Ballroom in downtown Tulsa. It’s a time-consuming venture for Piersall, a single, working mother. “The good thing is, I love it,” she said. “It’s like my one thing I do a month that I absolutely love to do. In the year since it started, Ok, So has grown into something larger, something communal. The participants share their lives, a little piece of themselves. New stories are always welcome, Piersall said. “Many people just come to listen, but often most are too shy to tell a story,” she said. “And anyone can tell a story—we all do it, all day long. They just need to get up there and be brave.”

J’Parle’ Live // J’Parle’ Literary Magazine presents an evening featuring the stories, poetry, and music of Curtis Price, Claire Collins, and Branjae Jackson. Hosted by Jerica Wortham. 2/20, 7-9 p.m., $5, 21+, Retro Bar & Grill, 800 N Peoria, 918619-2295, facebook.com/JParleLlc Poetry Out Loud State Finals // Seven finalists will compete in the Oklahoma State Finals of Poetry Out Loud, the national poetry recitation contest. The winner will advance to the national competition in Washington D.C. in late April. Special guests at the State Finals include OK Poet Laureate Nathan Brown, and Laura Scenian, Director of State & Regional Partnerships for the National Endowment for the Arts. 3/1, 1-3 p.m., Hardesty Arts Center, 101 E Archer St., 918-5843333, ahct.org/programs/poetry-out-loud/ ROMP Festival // The Rural Oklahoma Museum of Poetry is hosting its first poetry festival. Celebrate with the winners of ROMP’s student poetry poster contest, create group poems, and tour the museum. 4/5, 2-5 p.m., Rural Oklahoma Museum of Poetry, 6619 S 4382 Rd., Locust Grove, 918864-9152, rompoetry.com Tulsa Unplugged // More than a poetry reading, Tulsa Unplugged is a full-scale production featuring the best spoken word performers, as well as dancers and actors to bring their poems to life. Featuring Emmy and Tony award winner, seven-time Def Poetry Jam poet George ME. 4/18, 8:30, $12-$25, Liddy Doenges Theatre, Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 110 E 2nd St, 918-596-7122, tulsapac.com Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

Pen Places literar y landmarks in

O K L A H O M A A road-trip map to the best places to find your voice

Woody Guthrie birthplace Okemah Ralph Ellison Branch of the Metropolitan Library System Named for novelist Ralph Ellison, author of Invisible Man. Ellison grew up in Oklahoma City. He was born there in 1914, a full century ago. 2000 NW 23rd, Oklahoma City Territorial Community of Claremore Birthplace of playwright and poet Lynn Riggs as well as the setting of Riggs' Green Grow the Lilacs. The play inspired the Broadway musical Oklahoma. Claremore Marshall Served as the subject of Prairie City, a book by Angie Debo, the woman lauded as the first lady of Oklahoma history. Oklahoma State University Library Home of the literary papers of Angie Debo. 216 Edmon Low Library, Stillwater

McAlester Birthplace of poet and Pulitzer and National Book Award winner John Allyn Berryman, author of The Dream Songs. Berryman would have celebrated his 100th birthday this October. Sequoyah's Cabin A one-room log cabin built by Sequoyah's own hands, less than a decade after he created the Cherokee syllabary. 470288 Highway 101, Sallisaw

Will Rogers Museum A museum of native limestone built to honor the comedian, actor, writer, and native Oklahoman who claimed he’d never met a man he didn’t like. 1720 W. Will Rogers Blvd, Claremore

Tahlequah Public Library Hangout of Woodrow Wilson Rawls, author of Where the Red Fern Grows and Summer of the Monkeys. Rawls would have been 101 this year. 120 S. College Ave, Tahlequah

Osage Tribal Museum Home of the Osage Constitution and works by John Joseph Mathews, one of the Nation’s most important writers and author of Talking to the Moon and WahKon-tah: The Osage and the White Man's Road, the first university-press book to become a Book of the Month Club selection. 819 Grandview Ave, Pawhuska

Stroud Public Library Home of some of the books and papers of Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel, who migrated from Oklahoma to California during the Dust Bowl era. There, she became known as the Okie poet. 301 W. 7th St, Stroud

* Locations source: American Library Association, ala.org THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

FEATURED // 33

oklahomacool Moving beyond Woody & Will in search of the new Oklahoma canon

Singer of dreams The not-so-boring life of Oklahoma’s prison-town poet by JEFF MARTIN

early a century ago, John Allyn Smith, Jr. was born in the prison town of McAlester, Oklahoma. It was the fall of 1914, just seven years after statehood. A few months prior, an inmate at Oklahoma State Penitentiary made history with his escape. It was the prison’s first. When John was 10, his family headed to Florida. Not long after, his father, John Sr., shot and killed himself. When his mother remarried, The generic surname “Smith” was soon replaced with the slightly more interesting “Berryman.” His mother sent him to boarding school. Boarding school begat Columbia University. Columbia begat a fellowship at the University of Cambridge in England. After graduating in 1936, Berryman’s first collection of poetry debuted in 1942 from the now-legendary New Directions Publishing, still quite new at the time. From the pain of his boyhood he drew his greatest work. The boy had grown up to be a poet, a star. For more than anything else, Berryman is remembered for his “Dream Songs,” a form consist34 // ARTS & CULTURE

ing of three stanzas, six lines per. Shakespeare had his sonnets; Berryman will always have his Dream Songs. It was one of these works, No. 14 to be exact, that caught my attention years ago. The first line hit me like only the best poetry is capable: “Life, friends, is boring. We must not say so.”

“ The artist is extremely lucky who is presented with the worst possible ordeal which will not actually kill him. At that point, he’s in business.” –John Berryman Exactly 30 years after his debut, in 1972, Berryman leapt to his death from a bridge in Minneapolis, joining so many great 20th-century poets who took their own lives. In between, this troubled man from a small Oklahoma town won both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award.

I doubt there will be any parades or fireworks for John Berryman’s 100th birthday this October. Heavy drinking, angry, adulterous poets rarely receive such honors. John Berryman has been dead for more than 40 years. The role of the poet has changed so much in that time. How many living poets can you name off the top of your head? Nothing meant more to me as an aspiring young writer than the words of the great poets. As a kid I remember being both bored and endlessly curious. My mother would always tell me that “only boring people get bored.” Was she right? Was I boring? I find myself saying it to other people from time to time, and it’s hard to imagine being bored. There’s so much to do. Maybe it was the honestly of Berryman’s line, the one about how life is boring, that got me. I’m not sure. Perhaps I’ll never be. I’ve since moved away from such intense adulation, but in those all-too-rare moments, when I stumble upon a stanza or line of worth, I still feel that original sensation.

Berryman at a Glance At Columbia Berryman studied under poet and public intellectual Mark Van Doren. Van Doren’s brother Carl was a Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer (Benjamin Franklin). His son, Charles Van Doren, became infamous after his involvement in the quiz-show scandal of the 1950s. (For more on this, see Robert Redford’s great 1994 film, Quiz Show). Many of Berryman’s students went on to illustrious careers in their own right, including Pulitzer winners W.D. Snodgrass and Philip Levine. (Levine was in Tulsa not long ago as a guest of the Nimrod International Journal of Poetry and Prose at the University of Tulsa.) In the mid-60s, Berryman was invited to the White House for dinner with President Lyndon D. Johnson. The meeting never occurred. Berryman went overseas instead. Berryman’s influence can be found in modern music. He’s referenced by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and The Hold Steady, just to name a few. This fall, Farrar, Straus and Giroux will re-release The Dream Songs, a combination of Berryman’s two most acclaimed works, 77 Dream Songs (1964) and His Toy, His Dream, His Rest (1968). Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

The Oklahoma Championship Steak Cook-Off Presents St. Patrick’s Day Run Saturday March 15, 2014

RunnersWorld Tulsa is excited to be the Presenting Sponsor of the 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Run. This year’s race will start at 3920 S. Peoria and will benefit Special Olympics Oklahoma and the Tulsa Running Club. For more information: (918) 481-1234 or www.sook.org

S A P

& A T Tastings FEATURING

The Most Popular Spanish Tapas Paired With Your Choice of Signature Drinks Provided By BROWN FORMAN

TULSA’S STORYTELLING FESTIVAL,

Tapestry of Tales...

Tulsa has a new event for 2014! The Tulsa Storytelling Festival will be April 25-26 and will feature some of the best national tellers in America. • Donald Davis, Appalachian storyteller • Corinne Stavish, Jewish teller • Tim Tingle, Native American teller • Charlotte Blake Alston, AfricanAmerican teller All events will be held at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. For more information, contact us at info@tulsastorytellingfestival.com.

tulsastorytellingfestival.com THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

Thursday, APRIL 24 • 6:30 P.M.

ONEOK FIELD IN DOWNTOWN TULSA

Tickets: $100 pp, Table of 4: $350, Table of 8: $750

Call 918-582-4128 x140

Go To Www.oksteakcookoff.com ARTS & CULTURE // 35

cour tesy of Sand Springs Cult ural and Historical Museum

The great Johnnie Mae Remembering a lover and a fighter, inside and outside the wrestling ring by SHEILAH BRIGHT

ohnnie Mae Young learned wrestling moves from her brother, Fred, and shocked the Sand Springs High School football coach when she walked onto the field and announced, “I can kick that football as far as any guy.” Ed Dubie Sr. teed it up and watched her sail it 30 yards. Feared in the ring and loved at home, the 90-year-old Sand Springs native and wrestling stunner could work a crowd into a tomato-tossing frenzy. Then, she’d wink her way into fans’ hearts. Young hit the professional wrestling circuit at age 17, armed with a few maneuvers from her high-school coaches and a few signature moves of her own, including the infamous Bronc Buster—part leg lock, part pelvic vise. Mae dressed the part of genteel lady in heels and sweaters, at least by day. She was a bar-room brawler in men’s pants and cigars by night. Good girls may win medals, but Mae understood that bad girls got invited back. When the crowds showed up with rotten eggs and old vegetables, they stretched a chicken-wire fence over the ring. She grew her fan base and 36 // ARTS & CULTURE

earned some titles. She dodged some run-ins with the law after sending frisky men to the hospital with bruises too difficult to explain to their wives. She grappled out a career as a tough broad who couldn’t be pushed into any kind of corner. “From 1939 to 2011, Johnnie Mae Young probably had the longest career of any athlete, pro or amateur, in the history of sport,” says Rodney Echohawk. Echohawk, a Sand Springs journalist, covered her career and was a friend of Mae’s. “She had the scars and the broken bones to show that you had to be a good athlete to accomplish what she did.” She winked when she proclaimed herself “The Great Mae Young.” She wore lipstick and teased the camera for publicity’s sake. For the past 30 years she lived with one kidney. Still, she donned flesh-baring costumes and jumped into the wrestling ring, just so someone could toss her around until she put them in a stranglehold. In 2000, at age 77, Young rolled up to a WWE Monday Night Raw event in a wheelchair. She was lifted out and power bombed onto a table by Bubba Rae Dudley. To

prepare, she reportedly slapped Dudley in the face and told him not to be “a wuss.” In televised promotional stunts, she stripped to her bra and panties, tossed a prosthetic breast cutlet onto the desk of Conan O’Brien, and gave birth to a rubber hand in a performances so strange even her friends cringed.

“ From 1939 to 2011, Johnnie Mae Young probably had the longest career of any athlete, pro or amateur, in the history of sport.” “She told me that she never did anything that she didn’t want to do,” says Echohawk. “She was just having a bit of fun.” The Great Mae Young was inducted into the World Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame, but her friends say one of her most treasured honors was her 2005 induction into the Sandite Hall of

Fame. Sand Springs disappointed her only once; someone stole her championship silver belt when she returned home to show off in the late 1960s. “She never said she was from anywhere but Sand Springs, Oklahoma. She was a Sandite through and through,” said Ruth Ellen Henry, who was close to Young. The local museum where she works featured an exhibit honoring Young’s career. Henry accompanied Young to several wrestling events. In the 1990s, Young shifted careers and became a Christian evangelist. She returned to South Carolina about three years later to live with her longtime friend and wrestling legend, the late Lillian Ellison, a.k.a. the Fabulous Moolah. Even in her last days, she stirred up headlines. When the local paper announced her death— the proclamation came days too early—Twitter was a typhoon of laments. Finally, the account was retracted. Still under contract with the WWE, Mae died Jan. 14 in the care of former midget wrestler, Diamond Lil. The Great Mae Young’s next match was scheduled for 2023, on her 100th birthday. Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

eventlistings New Genre XXI – Week 1 New Genre Festival presents works of art that push the limits of traditional media while incorporating the new media made possible by today’s technology. See our next issue for installations and performances featured in the second week of New Genre XXI. See page 38 to learn more about Week 1.

Events An Evening of Werewolves and Vampires with Glen Duncan // British author Glen Duncan comes to Tulsa to celebrate the release of his new novel By Blood We Live. The final installment of his trilogy of books that includes The Last Werewolf and Tallula Rising, By Blood We Live is a love story in the setting of the final battle between werewolves and vampires, and explores what it means to be, and not to be, human. 2/19, 7 p.m., Dwelling Spaces, 119 S Detroit Ave, dwellingspaces.net Jay Ryan / The Bird Machine // King of screen-printing Jay Ryan will present a lecture and poster show at the Living Arts Center, 307 E. Brady St. The artist has developed concert posters since 1995 and operates his own shop, The Bird Machine, in Chicago. Known for his hand-drawn text, computer-free design technique and humorous animal subjects, Ryan has worked with thousands of indie rock bands, including Fugazi, Shellac, the Flaming Lips, Andrew Bird, the Melvins, the Decemberists and Hum, as well as his own band, Dianogah. In addition to band art, he is famous for his cartoony prints of raccoons and toasters. He also has served as vice president of the American Poster Institute, organizing the successful “FLATSTOCK” poster convention series. 2/20, 7:30 p.m., $25, $10 for students, free for Art Directors Club members, Living Arts, 307 E M.B. Brady St, artdirectorsoftulsa.org

The Bulletproof Mind // Tulsa Community College Campus Police will host one of the nation’s leading law enforcement trainers, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, for a special presentation called The Bulletproof Mind. Grossman is THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

one of the world's foremost experts in the field of human aggression and the roots of violence and violent crime. He is the author of “On Killing” and has presented to more than 100 colleges and universities worldwide, and has trained educators and law enforcement professionals across the county and internationally. He helped train mental health professionals after the Jonesboro school shootings, and he was also involved in counseling or court cases in the aftermath of the Paducah, Springfield, Littleton, Virginia Tech, and Nickel Mines Amish school shootings. In addition, Grossman served on the prosecution team in United States vs. Timothy McVeigh. The event is free and open to the public but tickets are required. Tickets are available at each of the four TCC Campus Police offices or by calling 918-595-7777. E.T. Credit is available for law enforcement. 2/21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., VanTrease PACE, 81st St. and Highway 169. Runner’s World Valentine’s Poker Run // A five-mile game of poker. On this untimed out-and-back run, entrants will receive a playing card at the beginning of the run, three more at stops along the route, and a final card once they cross the finish line, back where the run begins. The entrant with the best poker hand at the end of the race gets his or her pick of prizes from Runner’s World and donated by the Tulsa community. Second best hand gets second pick, and so on. Each entrant must make a minimum donation of $5. 2/22, 8 a.m., Tulsa Spine and Rehab Clinic, 3345 S Harvard, runnersworld.com The Oklahoma Regional Braille Challenge // Blind and visuallyimpaired children and young adults ages 6 to 19 from Oklahoma compete in five categories requiring them to read, type, and transcribe braille. The winner moves on to the national Braille Challenge in Los Angeles. 2/28, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Oklahoma School for the Blind, 3300 Gibson St., Muskogee, 918-4412749, osb.k12.ok.usw Hannibal B. Johnson’s Images of America // Author, attorney, consultant, and Tulsa Voice contributor

Hannibal B. Johnson hosts a book signing for his book Images of America: Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District. Through context-setting text and scores of captioned photographs, the book provides a basic foundation for those interested in the history of Tulsa, its African American community, and race relations in the modern era. 2/23, 1-4 p.m., Jewish Federation of Tulsa, 2021 E 71st St., hannibalbjohnson.com Put an end to human trafficking // The Coalition of Tulsa Churches to Fight Human Trafficking meets on the fourth Thursday of every month to raise awareness of human trafficking in Tulsa and discuss what can be done to fight this terrible trade. There are victims of human trafficking here in Tulsa. The Coalition’s guest speaker this month is Mayor Dewey Bartlett. 2/27, 6:30 p.m., Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church, 4102 E 61st St Bill Nye the Science Guy // “BILL! BILL! BILL! BILL!” Expect this enthusiastic cheer from the audience when Bill Nye speaks at OSU on the 20th. Nye will speak on the need for science and technology and how they relate to education, and will also take audience questions. 2/20, 7 p.m., $10 (free with OSU student ID), GallagherIba Arena, 1046 W Hall of Fame Ave., Stillwater. For tickets, email logan.scott@ okstate.edu

Spotlighters perform The Drunkard and The Olio every Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. - $15, $13 for seniors, $10 for kids. – Tulsa Spotlight Theater, 1381 Riverside Dr., 918-587-5030 Clybourne Park // Bruce Norris’s wickedly funny and fiercely provocative Pulitzer Prize winning play about race and real estate depicts one house in two eras. Act One takes place in 1959, as community leaders try to stop the sale of the house to a black family, and Act Two takes place in the present day, as the now predominantly AfricanAmerican neighborhood fights to hold its ground in the face of gentrification. The play acts as both prequel and sequel to Lorraine Hasberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun.” “This show is a great example of why we do theatre,” said Sara Phoenix, artistic director of Theatre Tulsa. “It takes issues that we are dealing with today and allows us to confront them and think about the m through deeply personal stories.” 2/21-3/1, 8 p.m., 2/23, 3/2, 2 p.m., $14-$18, Liddy Doenges Theatre, Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 110 E 2nd St., 918-596-7122, tulsapac.com

Visual Arts Tulsa Art Studio Preview // The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition presents the Tulsa Art Studio Tour, a self-guided tour with talented artists who live and work in Tulsa. Meet artists, buy artwork, and observe art being created in a variety of working spaces. Catch a preview of the art and artists featured on this year's Tour and enjoy delicious treats and refreshing drinks. Free and open to the public. 2/20, 6-8 p.m. Exhibit continues through 4/2. Circle Cinema, 10 S. Lewis Ave, ovac-ok.org

Performing Arts The Drunkard and The Olio // A Tulsa tradition for more than 60 years, Tulsa

Clybourne Park

The Bottom of the Sea // The Playhouse Tulsa continues its commitment to new work by offering the first public reading of resident playwright Cody Daigle’s new play The Bottom of the Sea. Taking place in a small seedy apartment in New Orleans in the weeks following the release of the film version of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, the play imagines an artistically unhappy Tennessee Williams struggling to complete his next screen project. His ARTS & CULTURE // 37

New Genre XXI – Week 1 Glenn Herbert Davis: VALUE // friend and muse, Italian actress Anna Magnani, arrives to urge him along. The Bottom of the Sea is a play about artistic freedom, identity, shame and friendship. A purchased ticket to The Playhouse Tulsa’s performance of A Streetcar Named Desire will admit the holder into The Bottom of the Sea free of charge. Otherwise, tickets are $9. 2/22, John H. Williams Theatre, Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 110 E 2nd St., 918-596-7122, tulsapac.com

$15-$25, Tulsa Little Theater, 1115 S Delaware Ave, twolipsburlesk.com

Comedy 2/19 The Loony Bin – Ms. Pat, Tony Dijamco – 8 p.m. - $7 2/20 Comedy Parlor – Rumble-Ish: The Improv Competition – 7:30 p.m. – $5 The Loony Bin – Ms. Pat, Tony Dijamco – 8 p.m. - $2 2/21 The Loony Bin – Ms. Pat, Tony Dijamco – 7:30 p.m., 10 p.m. - $10 Comedy Parlor – Spontaniacs – 7:30 p.m. – $10 Comedy Parlor – Comfort Creatures – 9 p.m. – $10 Comedy Parlor – Armean Khezri – 10:30 p.m. – $10

The Bottom of the Sea

Adaskin-Schumann Ensemble // Ensemble Schumann and the Adaskin String Trio collaborate to perform masterworks with uncommon instrumentation. For this show, the five players will explore the timbres of piano, strings, and oboe in different and delightful combinations. 2/23, 3 p.m., $25, $5 for students, John H. Williams Theatre, Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 110 E 2nd St., 918-596-7122, tulsapac.com The Mountaintop // The scene opens on the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. as he returns to room 306 of the Lorraine Motel after delivering one of his most memorable speeches on April 3, 1968 in this dramatization of King’s last night on earth by Katori Hall. Presented by Theatre North, this will be the first time the play is performed in Oklahoma. As director Dr. Rodney Clark said to ilovenorthtulsa.com, the play is “about the real man himself, as opposed to the icon that we know.” 2/283/8, 8 p.m., $15-$20, Charles E. Norman Theatre, Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 110 E 2nd St, 918-596-7122, tulsapac.com Elmer Gantry // Tulsa Opera presents the Oklahoma premier of this Grammy award-winning new opera by Robert Aldridge. Based on Sinclair Lewis’s novel and the 1960 film of the same name, the American opera tells the story of the rise and fall of a man who finds fame and fortune in the Evangelical movement of the 1920s. 2/28, 3/2, 2:30 p.m., Chapman Music Hall, Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 110 E 2nd St, 918-596-7122, tulsapac.com Re-Titillate the 918! // To celebrate their 4th anniversary, the gorgeous gals of TwoLips Burlesk are celebrating their hometown with a Tulsa-themed extravaganza! Featuring the tantalizing burlesque of Poppy Pie, Ginger Slap, Tangy Tart, Lollie Pop, Olive Hertrix, and Jill Pickle, the show will also include performances from special guests, including founder of the Kansas City Burlesque Symposium Eartha Delights, drag superstar Nikki Trash, and sideshow master Mr. Crispy, and hosted, as always, by local comic Hilton Price. 3/1, 8 p.m.,

38 // ARTS & CULTURE

2/22 Comedy Parlor – Chairold – 7:30 p.m. – $10 Comedy Parlor – Doug Shadell – 9 p.m., 10:30 p.m. – $10 The Loony Bin – Ms. Pat, Tony Dijamco – 7:30 p.m., 10 p.m. - $10 2/23 Comedy Parlor – Sunday Night Stand Up – 7:30 p.m., $5 2/24 The Shrine – TGIM Comedy Night w/ Chuckreal, Rick Shaw, Peter Bedgood, Shophia Starr, Travis Cagle, Dave Short, Corey Douglas, Billy Bazar 2/26 The Loony Bin – Dante, Rebekah – 8 p.m. – $7 2/27 Bamboo Lounge – Matthew Spruill, Summer Ferguson, Damon Vargas, Billy Bazar The Loony Bin – Dante, Rebekah – 8 p.m. – $7 2/28 The Loony Bin – Dante, Rebekah – 7:30 p.m., 10 p.m. – $10 Comedy Parlor – Snap! – 7:30 p.m. – $10 Comedy Parlor – Manly Men Stand Up – 10:30 p.m. – $10 3/1 Comedy Parlor – Squeaky Clean Stand Up – 7:30 p.m. – $10

Undercurrent – Matthew Spruill, Meredith Long, Dain Livingston, Ryan Jones, Billy Bazar, Terre Cossey, Cian Baker, Ross Clettenberg 3/1 (cont’d) Comedy Parlor – Kelly’s Treehouse – 9 p.m. – $10 The Loony Bin – Dante, Rebekah – 7:30 p.m., 10 p.m. – $10 Comedy Parlor – Blue Late Special – 10:30 p.m. – $10

Sports 2/19 Reynolds Center – TU Women’s Basketball vs. LA Tech – 7 p.m. - $5 2/21 Case Tennis Center – TU Women’s Tennis vs. North Texas – 2 p.m. Case Tennis Center – TU Men’s Tennis vs. Texas A&M – 6 p.m. BOK Center – Tulsa Oilers vs. Quad City Mallards – 7:35 p.m. - $20.85-$53.05

An immersive and subversive installation which uses the Living Arts gallery as a base and was fabricated on site to fit and connect specifically within the space. The large forms are constructed of lightweight lumber frames skinned with translucent polyethylene. They mimic the character of temporary enclosures and are accessible for audiences to move through. Davis will give a performance in the environment at the end of the exhibit on 2/27 at 6 p.m. Living Arts, 307 M.B. Brady St., 918-585-1234, livingarts.org The Trailer // A project by The Bridge Club collective, The Trailer is a mobile installation and series of live performance works centered around

2/22 Reynolds Center – TU Women’s Basketball vs. North Texas – 2 p.m. - $5 2/23 Case Tennis Center – TU Women’s Tennis vs. Kansas State – 10 a.m. Case Tennis Center – TU Men’s Tennis vs. Oklahoma State – 2 p.m. 2/25 J.L. Johnson Stadium – ORU Baseball vs. Missouri State – 3 p.m. - $5-$12

a vintage trailer. The interior of the trailer has been transformed to resemble a Victorian domestic space with the installation of an ornate headboard, wallpaper, hardwood floors, and a crystal chandelier. The ornate interior conflicts with the notion of mobility, and alludes to our sometimes-simultaneous desires for adventure, discovery, comfort, and home. Audiences are invited to explore the installation while Bridge

2/27 Mabee Center – ORU Women’s Basketball vs. Lamar – 5 p.m. - $7 Mabee Center – ORU Men’s Basketball vs. Lamar – 7:30 p.m. - $7-$15 2/28 J.L. Johnson Stadium – ORU Baseball vs. Harvard – 3 p.m. - $5-$12 3/1 J.L. Johnson Stadium – ORU Baseball vs. Harvard – 2 p.m. - $5-$12 J.L. Johnson Stadium – ORU Baseball vs. Harvard – 5 p.m. - $5-$12 SpiritBank Event Center – Tulsa 66ers vs. Rio Grande Valley Vipers – 7 p.m. $14-$34 Cox Business Center Arena – Oklahoma Defenders vs. Kansas Koyotes – 7:05 p.m. Mabee Center – ORU Men’s Basketball vs. Sam Houston State – 7:30 p.m. - $7-$15 3/2 J.L. Johnson Stadium – ORU Baseball vs. Harvard – 12 p.m. - $5-$12 Mabee Center – ORU Women’s Basketball vs. Sam Houston State – 1 p.m. - $7 Reynolds Center – TU Men’s Basketball vs. UTSA – 3:05 p.m. - $10-$39 3/4 J.L. Johnson Stadium – ORU Baseball vs. Wichita State – 3 p.m. - $5-$12

Club members are engaged in a variety of performance activities in and around the trailer. 2/27-3/1, Living Arts, 307 E M.B. Brady St., 918-585-1234, livingarts.org A Very Long Night // Inspired by her brother Juan Velasco’s book The Massacre of the Dreamers, Maria Velasco uses graphite drawings, large-scale digital prints and experimental animation to tell the non-linear story of two small children as they dream of Westerns and folk heroes to escape the traumatic events of their real lives. Soon though, their dreams become nightmares. Strong content; may not be suitable for children. Through 3/27 – Living Arts, 307 E M.B. Brady St., 918-585-1234, livingarts.org Unscripted Play // Over a two month residency, Tulsa artist Sarah McKemie and Dutch artist Ieke Trinks collaborate on a process-based performance project and exhibition that encourages us to transform our daily routines. Installation open through 3/9,

Retitillate the 918!

performances on 2/28, 3/1 at 8 p.m. Hardesty Arts Center, 101 E Archer St., 918-584-3333

Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

perspective

‘Gram it Follow thetulsavoice on Instagram and hashtag your photos with #thetulsavoice when you’re out and about having fun in Tulsa.

Sunday jam at Guthrie Gre en

T YPros pub crawl

Photos by Natasha Ball

En-gay-gement party

Folk Alliance f undraiser

by NATASHA BALL

“Y

ou may now kiss to seal the covenant of this public engagement, with the hope that Oklahoma will one day recognize your commitment to one another.” With those words, Rev. Tamara

Lebak blessed 31 Oklahoma couples at a statewide engagement party for same-gender couples hosted Feb. 12 by All Souls Unitarian Church. The evening, attended by nearly 400, was held in celebration of the recent ruling

THE ART DIRECTORS CLUB OF TULSA // PRESENTS

SCREENPRINTED CONCERT POSTERS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Feb. 20 // 6:30 pm Living Arts of Tulsa

that the state’s ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional. A stay prevents gay marriage in Oklahoma, pending an appeal to the ruling. Guests included clergy of several denominations, all ready to perform same-sex weddings.

JFJO + Prairie Ales

RYAN SIEV ERT

OF I DEO CHICAGO A PASSION ATE T Y POGRA PHER, PR IN T MA KER , PHOTOG RA PHER A N D OCCASIONA L F IL MMA KER

MARCH 20 // 6:30 PM LIVING ARTS OF TULSA

WWW.ARTDIRECTORSOFTULSA.ORG // ADCT IS A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION FOUNDED TO FOSTER TULSA’S CREATIVE COMMUNITY. // SEASON SPONSORS: CLAMPITT PAPER, QUIKPRINT, WESTERN PRINTING AND THIS LAND THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

ARTS & CULTURE // 39

artspotting

Some like it RAW

A Tulsa show toys with crowd-funding for the arts by BRITT GREENWOOD

n entrance corridor lined with faces generated by paint and pastel welcomed visitors to the monthly RAW artists show. Artist Timothy Brown stood at the end of the downward path, corralling visitors to the ticket gate. His artwork was displayed on pieced-together easels, 10 uniform works illuminated by mounted lights. January’s show, hosted by The Vanguard, was titled “Pixels.” Brown had traveled from his home Lawton to take part in RAW. He was dressed in a button-up shirt, and his black loafers shined. It was his first art show. RAW, operated by a California-based business, promises spectators an eclectic and local arts experience. Dozens of Tulsa artists have debuted at RAW shows since they popped up here in 2012. Each participant is expected to sell 20 event tickets—either that, or pay a fee as high as $200, depending on ticket sales. “It’s easy to get a ‘Yeah, I’ll go’ from people but to actually get them to pre-order a ticket is the tough part … but from what it sounds, RAW helps get your name out there.” said Blair Batson, a “Pixels” artist. Heidi Luerra, founder of RAW, said RAW brings in the non-gallery-goers. “If asking an artist to sell tickets for that opportunity in addition to a long list of benefits is wrong, then perhaps are so many other crowd-funding platforms,” she said. RAW artists are given an online profile, access to RAW’s online community, and a chance to compete in the International RAWards, among other benefits. 40 // ARTS & CULTURE

Models at a re cent RAW show

If asking an artist to sell tickets for that opportunity in addition to a long list of benefits is wrong, then perhaps are so many other crowdfunding platforms. –Heidi Luerra “I believe that Tulsa is rich with talent, although it would be an unassuming place to many onlookers,” Luerra said. “We think it's a really cool city with lots of amazing artists that deserve the spotlight.”

Luerra claims to have done extensive research on the local arts scene and has relied on correspondence with a local director, who was replaced last year by Andrea Zikich, who is based in California. Luerra has never been to Tulsa. “Pixels” brought a dizzying amount of guests—200 in the first hour. They ranged from baby faced to retirees, who flocked to the perimeter of the venue to escape inebriated gallery-goers. Conversing with the artist, or even viewing the art, proved challenging in such a crowd. For the first hour of the show, based on the guest count they gave me, I estimated ticket revenue, based on the pre-

sold rate and door price, was likely between $3,000-4,000. Heads above the motely crowd, models with hair teased high gazed at invisible interests. On the main floor were drawings, design work, painting, and photography, all clipped to a chain-link fence. A shadowed staircase led to a second level, a gallery for yet more artists, including a display of dreadlocks from Rae Morales of Southern Dreadology. Performing artists took the stage there, on rotation between short-film showings. Make-up artist Murrell Collins had painted the models’ faces. Her work was astonishing. Four days after “Pixels,” Timothy Brown was happy with his launch at RAW. He did say, though, that he was “hoping the crowd was going to be more than just friends and family of the artists.” Coy Johnson, RAW’s 2012 visual artist of the year, thinks the exposure and networking opportunities that came as part of the show were valuable. Even so, “I don’t think it’s a venue for fine art,” he said. One of Johnson’s photorealistic oil paintings was knocked to the ground by a drunk, shattering the museum glass. He didn’t enjoy selling tickets. Price Jones, a 2013 RAW artist, said, “$200 for an art booth for a few hours in a loud, dark bar is ridiculous.” He said his sales were dismal. Price set up a booth at last year’s Blue Dome Arts Festival—a three-day event—for half the cost of his set-up at RAW. But Jesse Bell believes. A 2012 RAW show helped launch her art career, she said. “I have been busy ever since,” said the penand-ink artist. Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

MORE ART HAPPENINGS A VERY LONG NIGHT // Maria Velasco, inspired by a novel by her brother, Juan Velasco, titled “The Massacre of the Dreamers,” proposes adult-predator scenarios through the installation of drawing, digital prints, and animation. Velasco sets the scene of a childhood home with two children who have dreamlike experiences portrayed through a “cowboy and Indian” game with characters like the defiler and Buffalo Bill // through 3/27; Living Arts; 307 E. Brady; 918-585-1234

UNSCRIPTED PLAY // Resident artists Sarah McKernie and Leke Trinks redefine routine and domestic space by approaching everyday-ness with a sense of curiosity through creativity exercises, improv, and sight/sound effects. Visitors are welcome to “play” in the interactive gallery // through 3/9; Hardesty Arts Center; 101 E. Archer; 918-584-3333

g Tulsa Performin r te en C ts >> >> Ar E PAC… TH COMING TO

MARCH

INTO THE POWWOW// Award-winning writer and photographer M.J. Alexander offers photographs of NativeAmerican dancers she has encountered over the last 15 years as she documented the American West // through 2/22; TAC Gallery; 9 E. Brady; 918-592-0041

2/28-3/8: The Mountaintop Theatre North

2/28, 3/2: Elmer Gantry Tulsa Opera

6-27: Dwelling Spaces Linda Stilley, PAC Gallery

7-15: [title of show] American Theatre Company

7-8: Acts of Absence New Genre Festival

12,19, 26: Brown Bag It Noontime Concerts PAC Trust

14: Mia Farrow Tulsa Town Hall

16: Flipside: The Patti Page Story PAC Trust

21-30: A Few Good Men Theatre Tulsa

23: Elias String Quartet Chamber Music Tulsa

25: Dual Ragtime Piano

VALENTINE’S GROUP SHOW // New works from Tulsa’s most collected artists // through 3/1; M.A. Doran Gallery; 3509 S. Peoria; 918-748-8700 THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

Bryan Wright & Dalton Ridenhour Ragtime for Tulsa

Tickets and info: 918.596.7111 & TulsaPAC.com DOWNTOWN AT 3RD & CINCINNATI ARTS & CULTURE // 41

musicnotes by MATT CAUTHRON

Bring on the Carnival

you’re invited

Photos by Brooke Allen Blue Dome Mardi Gras Parade, 2013

f you’ve never experienced the Mardi Gras Parade in the heart of downtown Tulsa’s Blue Dome District, I humbly implore you to correct that mistake on March 4. Now in its fifth year, the parade offers all the great things about Mardi Gras (the revelry, the music, the cheap plastic neck ornaments) without all the atrocious things about Mardi Gras (the overcrowded chaos, the drunk fratboys, the potpourri of foul and mysterious odors). This year, The Tulsa Voice will partner with the McNellie’s Group to throw a music-centric Fat Tuesday throwdown that will

album review

commence immediately after the parade makes its last turn. Guitar master and bandleader Paul Benjaman will anchor an all-star Tulsa jam that will include singer-songwriter-guitarist-growler Beau Roberson, dreamy drummer Paddy Ryan, sax man and civil disobedient Mike Staub, with many more special guests sure to join in. Heated tent, beer and booze specials, free to get in. What else do you want from us? Just go already. Tuesday, March 4 // After the parade // Corner of 2nd St. and Elgin Ave.

Don’t miss these shows

Flowers & Wounds, Jesse Aycock

ith his guitar in such high demand for other groups, it’s a wonder Jesse Aycock has time to put out any material of his own. Yet his latest album, “Flowers & Wounds,” finds the Tulsa singer-songwriter in inspired form, displaying a level of assured maturity in songwriting, playing and production that surpasses any of his previous output. Aycock recruited guitarist Neal Casal and drummer George Sluppick of the Chris Robinson Brotherhood for the recording session (along with Eric Arndt on bass), and bringing in the big guns paid off in spades. The record is tight and polished throughout, with a foundation of restrained authority from the backing players that never hints at grandstanding or overreaching. Though the album contains some brighter, up-tempo tracks (the impossibly catchy “Out to Space” evokes early Tom Petty), 42 // MUSIC

it really shines when the darkness sets in and Aycock aims his signature tenor at moments of contemplative sorrow. The minor-key blues of “Where’s the Light” to open the record and the stripped-down acoustic whisper of “Look Inside” to close it provide perfect bookends for a work that often feels rooted in heartache. Overall it’s a strong, well-rounded effort from a musician who seems poised to continue an already upward trajectory through the ranks of the music industry. As Tulsa guitar hero Paul Benjaman quipped in advance of Aycock’s recent appearance on “Conan” with the Hard Working Americans: “Come to a local show and pay $5 to see him now, or wait and pay $45 to see him later. Your pick.” “Flowers & Wounds” (Horton Records) — Available at select local retailers, iTunes, Amazon.com and HortonRecords.com.

MCs Dr. Fre eman and Verse of Oilhouse

Rhyme Time Tulsa hip-hop collective Oilhouse—featuring Verse, Algebra, Dr. Freeman, Mike Dee, Sr’Ron, ULUNZU, and DJ Nutter—headline a versatile bill at the Creative Room (1317 E. 6th St.) with generous helpings of punk rock, soul, and R&B, slated to warm up the crowd in advance of the main event. // 7 p.m., Feb. 22.

Straight to the Dome The music found a way. Conceived as a monthly showcase at Dwelling Spaces, The Blue Dome Music Series has grown some serious legs in its second year, expanding its offerings and venues across the downtown district. Held the first Saturday of each month, the series showcases local, original music and is curated by musicians Chris Combs, Cami Stinson, and Horton Records President Brian Horton. Check out facebook.com/BlueDomeMusicSeries for information and updates on artists and venues. // 7 p.m., March 4 Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

BRADY THEATER SWITCHFOOT FRIDAY – MARCH 7

TurnpIke TrOubadOurS

SATURDAY – MARCH 8

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SUNDAY – MARCH 9

aLICe In CHaInS FRIDAY – APRIL 25

GrOupLOVe neW pOLITICS, MS Mr JrOddY & THe buSIneSS SMaLLpOOLS

SUNDAY – APRIL 27

needTObreaTHe FRIDAY – MAY 2

ReASoR’S & STARSHIP 866-977-6849

www.bRADYTHeATeR.CoM

THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

MUSIC // 43

musiclistings Sometimes Soon Local neo-soul singer and songwriter Brandi Hamilton has one of the best voices in Tulsa. Her timbre, style, and phrasing sound like Jill Scott by way of D’Angelo. At her upcoming show at Recess Lounge on 2/23, she’ll be debuting “Sometimes,” the first single from her debut album, Miss Lady Soul, which will be released later this year. Tickets are $10. Recess Lounge, 1660 E 71st brandihamiltonmusic.com Brandi Hamilton

Wed. // Feb. 19

Fri. // Feb. 21

The Shrine – Cecada, Mexican Cartel, Erin O’Dowd – 9 p.m. - $5

The Shrine – Bungalouski, The Move Trio – 9 p.m. - $5

Cain’s Ballroom – Excision, Dirtyphonics, ill.Gates

C-Note @ Hard Rock Casino – Scott Ellison – 9 p.m.

Soundpony – DJ Mooneyham Bronzai

Soundpony – DJ Sweet Baby Jaysus

Cellar Dweller – Live Jazz w/ Michael Cameron – 9 p.m.

Cabin Creek @ Hard Rock Casino – Rivers Edge – 9 p.m.

Undercurrent – Fist of Rage, For the Wolf, Subject to Loss

Undercurrent – Empire Falls, BlackWater Rebellion, Spank, Machine in the Mountain

Cimarron Bar – Sara D and the Damned Souls

Cimarron Bar – Warkastra, 1st Strike

Westbound Club – Johnny Duke & Shootout – 10 p.m.

The Vanguard – Sick/Sea, SocietySociety, Attica, Chris Aytes & The Good Ambition, Another Run – 8 p.m. - $7-$30

The Colony – Tom Skinner Science Project, Rachel LaVonne Crow Creek Tavern – Susan Herndon – 8 p.m.

CJ Moloney’s – Jump Suit Love Club 209 – Simon Parker & Company – 10 p.m. The Colony – Chris Lee Becker and Friends

Fat Daddy’s Pub & Grille – Chris Clark

Creative Room – Alan Doyle – 9 p.m. - $5

Main Street Tavern – Olivia Duhon

Crow Creek Tavern – Glam R Us – 8 p.m.

Market Pub – Rick Berry

Fat Daddy’s Pub & Grille – Skinny Minis

Mercury Lounge – THE PUNKNECKS – 9 p.m.

Fishbonz – T3

On the Rocks – Don White – 7 p.m.

Foolish Things Coffee Co. – Room to Let, Jason Swanson – 6:30 p.m.

Pickles – Billy Snow

The Fur Shop – Train Wreck in Sarasota

Roosters – DJ Cory B

Gypsy Coffee House – Paul Pfau & Zach Nytomt – 8 p.m.

Silver Flame – Bobby Cantrell – 7 p.m. Soundpony – DJ Prez Undercurrent – Big Sexy Acoustic The Vanguard – Chimaira, iwrestledabearonce, Oceano, Fit for an Autopsy, Reflections, DeadAlive, Machine in the Mountain – 5:35 p.m. – $18-$40

Thurs. // Feb. 20

The Hunt Club – Klondike 5 Infuzion – Lost On Utica – 9:30 p.m. Market Pub – Rick Berry Mercury Lounge – Whitey Morgan and the 78’s, Eric Strickland and the B Sides – 8 p.m. Mystic River Lounge @ River Spirit Casino – Easy Street – 9 p.m. Pepper’s South – Scott Musick – 8:30 p.m. Pickles – Sucker Punch

Cabin Creek @ Hard Rock Casino – Bill Holden – 8 p.m.

Riffs @ Hard Rock Casino – Travis Kidd – 5:30 p.m. – Usual Suspects – 9 p.m.

Cimarron Bar – Harry Williams and Friends Jam

Romeo’s Espresso Café – Open Mic Night

CJ Moloney’s – Matt Lip

Rum Runnerz – Devoid – 8 p.m.

The Colony – Jared Tyler, Arthur Thompson, Matt Hayes and Travis Fite Cronies – Mikey Bee Crow Creek Tavern – The Rustlers – 3 p.m. – Melissa Hembree – 8:30 p.m. Fishbonz – Steve & Sheldon The Hunt Club – Fine as Paint Lanna Thai – Scott Musick - Noon Market Pub – DJ Cory B Mystic River Lounge @ River Spirit Casino – Jenny Labow – 8 p.m. Retro Bar & Grill – J’Parle’ Live w/ Branjae Jackson, Claire Collins, Curtis Price – 7-9 p.m. - $5 Riffs @ Hard Rock Casino – Darren Ray – 3 p.m. – Pop Machine – 7 p.m.

Roosters – DJ Mikey B

White Flag – Air Loom – 8 p.m. – The Dusty Pearls – 10 p.m. Woody’s Corner Bar – DJ Spin The Yeti – Happy Hour Metal Show w/ Mortuary Science, Lung Butter, Fisthammer – 4 p.m. – Cucumber & the Suntans, The Dirty Creek Bandits, Hey Judy, The Daddyos – 8 p.m. ZIN Wine Bar – Ayngel & John

Westbound Club – Johnny Duke & Shootout – 10 p.m. White Flag – Carnegie – 9:30 p.m. Woody’s Corner Bar – Patrick Winsett and The Foolish Pride – 9:30 p.m. The Yeti – The Fabulous Minx, Dull Drums, The Daddyos

Sat. // Feb. 22 Baker St. Pub - Superfreak BOK Center – Imagine Dragons – 7 p.m. $31.85-$63.80 C-Note @ Hard Rock Casino – Travis Kidd – 9 p.m. Cabin Creek @ Hard Rock Casino – Duke Mason – 9 p.m. Cain’s Ballroom – JJ Grey & Mofro, Paul Benjaman Band Cimarron Bar – 7 Day Crash Cherokee Casino Claremore – Heath Wright CJ Moloney’s – DJ Mikey B JJ Grey

Club 209 – Country Western w/ Mother Tucker The Colony – Del Toros w/ Fiawna Forte Crow Creek Tavern – The Curtis Roper Band – 9:30 p.m.

Sun. // Feb. 23

Downtown Lounge – Abigail Williams, Erimha – 7 p.m. - $10

Chimera – Vinyl Brunch w/ Sacha Thomas – Noon-4 p.m.

Ed’s Hurricane Lounge – The Salty Dogs – 3 p.m.

Cimarron Bar – Open Jam w/ the Kevin Phariss Band

Fat Daddy’s Pub & Grille – Scott Ellison

The Colony – Paul Benjaman’s Sunday Nite Thing

Fishbonz – Mike Barham The Fur Shop – The Dirtboxwailers Gypsy Coffee House – Ryon Whitfield – 8 p.m. Harvard Sports Bar – Radio Junkies – 9 p.m. The Hunt Club – Daydream Empire Lil Dixie – Kelli Lynn and the Skillet Lickers – 8 p.m. Market Pub – Rick Berry

Soundpony – DJ Why Not?!?

Mercury Lounge – Midnight River Choir, Green Corn Revival

Undercurrent – Joshua Yarbrough and the Boogie Rhythm Boys

Mystic River Lounge @ River Spirit Casino – Easy Street – 9 p.m.

Woody’s Corner Bar – Aaron Woods Acoustic – 9 p.m.

Pickles – Christine Jude Band Riffs @ Hard Rock Casino – MIC – 9 p.m.

The Yeti – Bass Tribe

Roosters – Ziplock

Crow Creek Tavern – Jacob Dement – 8 p.m. Fishbonz – DJ Cory B The Fur Shop – Jill Holzbauer, Eric von Strauss, Grazzhopper Mercury Lounge – The Bar Brawl III – 6 p.m. – Brandon Clark – 8 p.m. Pickles – Open Mic Recess Lounge – Brandi Hamilton – 9 p.m.-midnight – $10 Soundpony – Sour Bridges Smoke – Olivia Duhon – 6:30 p.m.

voice’s pick

Shades of Brown – Gwen’s Kids – 7-9 p.m. 44 // MUSIC

Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

MUSIC // 45

musiclistings 18TH & BOSTON

Mon. // Feb. 24

Cimarron Bar – Harry Williams and Friends Jam

Dwelling Spaces – Kyle Reid & The Low Swingin Chariots – 7 p.m.

The Colony – Open Mic

CJ Moloney’s – Matt Lip

Creative Room – Cypher 120: Open Mic/Jam for Poets, MCs, Musicians – 8 p.m. - $5

The Colony – Beau Roberson and Pilgrimish

Ed’s Hurricane Lounge – The Salty Dogs – 3 p.m.

Downtown Lounge – Tantric – 8 p.m.

Cronies – Mikey Bee

Fat Daddy’s Pub & Grille – Matt Breitzke

Mercury Lounge – Dustin Pittsley

Crow Creek Tavern – Dan Martin – 8:30 p.m.

The Fur Shop – Mark Gibson

The Shrine – Rev. Peyton Big Damn Band – 9 p.m. - $10 ADV, $15 DOS

Fishbonz – Travis Kidd

The Hunt Club – Greg Reichel and the Big Flats

Woody’s Corner Bar – Tulsa Writer’s Round – 7 p.m.

Lanna Thai – Scott Musick - Noon

The Hunt Club – Meggie McDonald Market Pub – DJ Cory B

Fassler Hall – Tequila Songbirds – 9 p.m.

Joe Momma’s – Jay Coop Market Pub – Rick Berry Mercury Lounge – The Damn Quails – 8 p.m.

Mystic River Lounge @ River Spirit Casino – Jesse & Bryan of Another Alibi – 8 p.m.

Shades of Brown – Gwen’s Kids – 7-9 p.m.

Bounty Lounge – Rick Berry

Riffs @ Hard Rock Casino – Hi Fidelics – 3 p.m. – Stars – 7 p.m.

Soundpony – Soul Night!! w/ Soul Fingaz and Sweet Baby Jayzus

Cork Wine Cafe – Olivia Duhon – 6:30 p.m.

Soundpony – Moai Broadcast

Tallgrass Prairie Table – Denver Duncan

Crow Creek Tavern – Open Mic w/ Rusty Swan

Undercurrent – LBC, Kinfolkz

Undercurrent – Bound, Contagion 237, Zerotheist, The Way it Was

Tues. // Feb. 25

The Fur Shop – Desi & Cody’s Fur Jam Gypsy Coffee House – Open Mic – 7 p.m. Mercury Lounge – Wink Burcham, Samantha Harlow – 8 p.m.

The Vanguard – Lord Buffalo, Surf De Soleil – 8 p.m. - $7 Woody’s Corner Bar – Brandon Jackson – 9 p.m. The Yeti – Move Trio

Riffs @ Hard Rock Casino – Brent Baker Band – 7 p.m. Woody Guthrie Center – Grant Peeples, Erik Alvar – 7 p.m. - $12 ADV $15 DOS

Fri. // Feb. 28 C-Note @ Hard Rock Casino – Chad Lee – 9 p.m. Cabin Creek @ Hard Rock Casino – Outlaw Son – 9 p.m.

2/24 Rev. Peyton Big Damn Band

Westbound Club – Johnny Duke & Shootout – 10 p.m. White Flag – The Move Trio – 9 p.m. The Vanguard – The Agony Scene Reunion Show w/ Smoke They Gave Their Offspring, Heemeyer, Disjointed – 8 p.m. - $12-$40 Woody’s Corner Bar – Tear Stained Eye – 9:30 p.m. The Yeti – Fuck Your Ego Yokozuna – Olivia Duhon – 10:30 p.m.

Cain’s Ballroom – Zeds Dead, Flip Squad, KiiD H4WK

2/26 Rehab Farewell Tour

2/28 Star & Micey w/Carolina Story FRI. 2/21 Cecada w/ Mexican Cartel & Erin O’Dowd

3/4 Agent Orange SAT. 2/22

Bungalouski w/ Movie Trio

Cimarron Bar – Dead Metal Society CJ Moloney’s – T3 The Colony – Joe Baxter and the Lost Cause

TULSASHRINE.COM SUN. 2/23 Smoke Dza w/ Josh Sallee

Creative Room – EMMA, Outline in Color, Kingdom of Giants, The Ongoing Concept - $13-$15 Crow Creek Tavern – The Johnny E. Band – 9:30 p.m. Ed’s Hurricane Lounge – Kelli Lynn and the Skillet Lickers – 9 p.m. Fat Daddy’s Pub & Grille – Ben & Nick Fishbonz - OMG The Fur Shop – We Make Shapes Gypsy Coffee House – Grant Wiscaver – 8:30 p.m. The Hunt Club – RPM Market Pub – Rick Berry Cecada

Mercury Lounge – Red Eye Gravy, Alex Culbreth & The Dead Country Stars – 8 p.m. Mystic River Lounge @ River Spirit Casino – Hi Fidelics – 9 p.m.

Sun. // Mar. 2 Cain’s Ballroom – The Expendables, Stick Figure, Seedless Chimera – Vinyl Brunch w/ T. Read Richards – Noon-4 p.m.

Pickles – Wharp Drive

Cimarron Bar – Open Jam w/ the Kevin Phariss Band

Wed. // Feb. 26

Riffs @ Hard Rock Casino – Hi Fidelics – 5:30 p.m. – BackRoad Anthem – 9 p.m.

The Colony – Paul Benjaman’s Sunday Nite Thing

Cain’s Ballroom – The Ben Miller Band, Trampled Under Foot, Green Corn Revival

Roosters – DJ Cory B

Mercury Lounge – Brandon Clark – 8 p.m.

The Shrine – Star & Micey, Carolina Story – 9 p.m. - $7 ADV, $10 DOS

Soundpony – The Saturday Giant

Cellar Dweller – Live Jazz w/ Michael Cameron – 9 p.m. Cimarron Bar – The Zen Okies The Colony – Tom Skinner Science Project, Rachel LaVonne Crow Creek Tavern – Susan Herndon – 8 p.m. Fat Daddy’s Pub & Grille – Chris Clark Main Street Tavern – The Begonia’s

Soundpony – The Chads, Resin Hands Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill @ Hard Rock Casino – Jason Young Band – 8 p.m. Undercurrent – Sextion 8 The Vanguard – HED PE, Smile Empty Soul, Sunflower Dead, Oldman, Triple Se7en, Summer on Titan – 7 p.m. - $12-$40

The Vanguard – Layzie Bone, The Mo Thugs Collective, Oilhouse, KG Tha Phenom, Alan Doyle – 8 p.m. - $15-$50

Mon. // Mar. 3 Carl’s Coney Island, Claremore – The Matchsellers – 11:30 a.m.

Market Pub – Rick Berry

Westbound Club – Johnny Duke & Shootout – 10 p.m.

Mercury Lounge – Ali Holder – 8 p.m.

ZIN Wine Bar – Olivia Duhon – 9 p.m.

Creative Room – Cypher 120: Open Mic/Jam for Poets, MCs, Musicians – 8 p.m. - $5

On the Rocks – Don White – 7 p.m.

The Yeti – Sleepwalking Home, The Del-Fi Soundtrack

Mercury Lounge – Dustin Pittsley – 7 p.m.

Pickles – Billy Snow Roosters – DJ Cory B The Shrine – Rehab – 9 p.m. - $7 ADV, $10 DOS

Sat. // Mar. 1

Silver Flame – Bobby Cantrell – 7 p.m.

4 Aces Tavern – David Dover – 8 p.m.

Soundpony – Lungs Face Feet

Arnie’s Bar - Larkin

Undercurrent – Big Sexy Acoustic

Cain’s Ballroom – Bob Wills Birthday Celebration w/ Texas Playboys, The Round Up Boys – 7 p.m. - $20-$32

The Colony – Open Mic

Soundpony - Autonomics Undercurrent – Death Ray, Kicktree Woody’s Corner Bar – Tulsa Writer’s Round – 7 p.m.

Tues. // Mar. 4 Bounty Lounge – Rick Berry

Thurs. // Feb. 27

Cimarron Bar – G Force

The Fur Shop – Desi & Cody’s Fur Jam

CJ Moloney’s – DJ Mikey B

Gypsy Coffee House – Open Mic – 7 p.m.

Cabin Creek @ Hard Rock Casino – Nick Gibson – 8 p.m.

The Colony – Rusty James Porter, Kyle Dismukes, Cody Woody

Cain’s Ballroom – Keller Williams, Jon Wayne and the Pain

Creative Room – Pelican Johnny – 7 p.m.

46 // MUSIC

Make no mistake, Ms. Pat is far from your typical comedian. With a comedy career now MS. PAT spilling over 9 years this powerful woman brings a hardcore, in your face, honest and hilarious perspective to her shows. A must see! With Tony DIJAMCO Wed. 2/19 – 8 PM - $7 *Thurs. 2/20 - 8 PM - $2 *Fri. 2/21 - 7:30 & 10 PM - $10 *Sat. 2/22 - 7:30 & 10 PM - $10 Having performed for millions all over the world, with dozens of TV appearances, there’s DANTE no audience Dante cant make laugh. His unpredictable, high-energy delivery and unique viewpoint makes him a can’t miss show. With Rebekah *Thurs. 2/27 - 8 PM - $2 *Fri. 2/28 - 7:30 & 10 PM - $10 *Sat. 3/1 - 7:30 & 10 PM - $10 *these prices are valid with a reservation

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Mercury Lounge – Wink Burcham – 8 p.m. The Shrine – Agent Orange – 9 p.m. $7 ADV, $10 DOS The Yeti - OhhTate

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MUSIC // 47

filmreview

Jo el Kinnaman and Gar y Oldman in “Robocop”

There and back again “RoboCop” and “Maidentrip” win as portraits of transformation, discovery by JOE O’SHANSKY

hen people ask me what my favorite movie is and I reply, with no hint of irony whatsoever, “RoboCop,” they think I’m joking. Wait, what? Not “Casablanca”? “The Godfather”? Well, sure those films are objectively better than “RoboCop.” They are among the best movies ever made. But you said “favorite.” Paul Verhoeven’s 1987 satirical masterpiece struck a strange chord in me. The film’s goofy, black-andwhite morality has an entertaining, comic-book vibe. The cartoonish characters and themes of a systemically corrupt, dystopian, plutocratic future coupled with bullet-riddled loads of unrepentant uber-violence combined to make “RoboCop” a funny, gory, eerily prescient blast of a film. It helped that the 80s, which shaped many of my tastes, were awash with some of the better adventure, sci-fi, and fantasy movies ever made. “RoboCop” was the cherry on top of it all.

48 // FILM & TV

So, when I heard a slick, new, PG-13 remake of “RoboCop” was coming along to cash in on the brand, I hated the idea on principle. Sure, nothing could erase the glorious original, not even two sub-par sequels and a shitty Canadian television series. But there was no way they could redo “RoboCop” better than Verhoeven. No fucking way. It was hubris. Unsurprisingly, the 2014 iteration of “RoboCop” falls far short of its namesake. What is surprising, though, is that I didn’t hate it. Not at all.

Unsurprisingly, the 2014 iteration of “Robocop” falls far short of its namesake. What is surprising, though, is that I didn’t hate it. Not at all. Detective Alex Murphy (Joel Kinnaman) and his partner, Jack

Lewis (Michael K. Williams), run afoul of a group of weapons dealers during a sting gone wrong. Alex gets out of the subsequent shootout unharmed while Jack is critically wounded. Their target, Antoine Vallon (Patrick Garrow), the crime syndicate’s leader, orders a hit on Murphy. Meanwhile, OmniCorp, a leviathan weapons conglomerate headed by Raymond Sellars (Michael Keaton), is looking for a way to get the Dreyfuss Act, which bans the use of militarized robots for domestic law enforcement, repealed in Congress. Mounting a propaganda campaign though a right-wing television pundit, Pat Novak (Samuel L. Jackson), Sellars finds that public opinion might shift if OmniCorp can come up with a robot cop with a human’s touch. Sellars, along with his lead designer, Dr. Dennett Norton (Gary Oldman), begin vetting disfigured and near-death cyborg candidates, with no success. That is, until Vallon catches up with Murphy, nearly killing him

with a bomb planted under his car. Sellars and Norton convince Murphy’s wife, Clara (Abbie Cornish), to sign on to the RoboCop program. It’s the one way to keep Murphy alive for Clara and their son, and OmniCorp’s bottom line. But when their law-abiding Frankenstein starts going off the grid to solve his own murder, among other little quirks of his humanity which can’t be regulated, Murphy discovers corruption among his fellow cops and learns of the deep malfeasance of his corporate creators. Sellars learns that a product that can’t be controlled is a liability. The best moments of “RoboCop” come when it’s doing its own thing. The story focuses much more on Murphy and his family and the effect his transformation has on their lives. Meanwhile, the plot carves its own path for much of the first two acts, reintroducing the themes of corporate plutocracy, drone warfare, economic inequality, political corruption, and Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

propaganda. The flick plays none of it for laughs. Tonally, this iteration could not be more different from Verhoeven’s. The narrative threads and subplots bear only a passing resemblance to each other. Sure, there’s a way to keep RoboCop from killing his corporate overseers (instead of secret programming, a wrist band worn by a human prevents Murphy from acting against them), and the machinations of OmniCorp are similar, though on the whole they seem more subtly evil. But the whiff of studio interference, along with a convoluted plot, muddy the final act. And then there’s the collapsing resolve to avoid fan service. “Dead or alive, you’re coming with me” makes a nonsensical appearance. For such a humorless movie, the lack of sadistic violence dulls the nihilistic tone the original nailed. And while it touches on many of the themes of the original, this version doesn’t advance them as much as comment on them. But the FX look great, and director José Padilha (“Elite Squad”) culls some fine performances from a fairly remarkable cast—particularly Gary Oldman—while capturing the intermittent action with an adept visual sense. Despite its flaws and all the preemptive scorn, “RoboCop” succeeds at much of what it sets out to do, and at becoming its own animal. I can’t help but respect that.

*** Having left the Atlantic behind years ago, and despite never really becoming a true seafarer, aside from the occasional ferry ride between Manhattan and Staten Island, I’ve always suffered a deep nostalgia for the ocean. Standing on the cold, rocky beaches of Montauk, looking east across the ominous abyss and realizing that England was the next stop, was to me an enigmatic thought. I was about seven years old at the time. And, though I miss it, the ocean still scares me a little. Decades later, a seven-year-old Laura Dekker was already piloting THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

Laura Dekker in “Maidentrip”

her own small sail boat. By age ten she’d upgraded to a used, 38-foot ship, rechristened “Guppy,” thanks to her mariner dad. She eventually sailed it, solo, from the Netherlands to England in 2009. It’s amazing what you can do when you have the opportunity and, more importantly, fearless ambition.

It’s easy to see Dekker as cold and a little spoiled. But it’s difficult to see her on screen and not feel envy and awe, too. The new documentary, “Maidentrip,” chronicles what Laura Dekker did next: become the youngest person to circumnavigate the planet on a sailboat, solo. Dekker, the New Zealand-born daughter of a Dutch sailor and a German mother, set out from Gibraltar in 2009 after a 10-month court battle in which the Dutch government tried to prevent her voyage by assuming legal custody of the 14-year old. Despite the media circus, which weighed in on

everything from her entitlement to questioning her sanity and the fitness of her approving father, the court decided to leave Dekker to her muse. Thus began her 519-day journey around the globe. Shot largely by Dekker herself, “Maidentrip” takes the viewer along as she traverses the boundless waters, cutting a path from the Canary Islands to St. Marten, through the Panama Canal and across the epic gulfs of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. A seafaring, wanderlust-struck, semi-adoptive couple aides her, as does her biological family. Upon crossing the equator for the first time, she charmingly offers a sacrificial pancake to Neptune. Of course, adversity arises along the way. Dekker is a fascinating character. Enamored of the freedom her circumstances have afforded her and unmoored from a sense of family—her parents divorced in 2002, in part due to her father’s passion for the briny—it’s easy to see Dekker as cold and a little spoiled. But it’s difficult to see her on screen and not feel a mixture of envy and awe, too. Directed by Jillian Schlesinger, “Maidentrip” is a journeyman effort, revealing as much about

Dekker and the people around her as the voyage she undertakes. While the execution doesn’t distinguish itself, Dekker’s hand-held videography, bolstered by the film crew’s more-refined visuals during her stopovers, brings the viewer into her world and captures her romance with the solitude and the dangers of the deep. Dekker’s single-minded obsession is admirable, even if it’s somewhat with herself. We should all feel so unconstrained by the limits life puts on our dreams.

Tulsa’s independent and non-profit art-house theatre, showing independent, foreign, and documentary films.

FILM & TV // 49

tvreview

Kevin Space y, Robin Wright and Michael Kelly in the Netflix series “House of Cards”

Binge worthy The plot and tone are uneven, but we can’t stop clicking for the next episode of “House of Cards” by JOSHUA KLINE This review contains spoilers. Late in season one of “House of Cards,” Kevin Spacey’s Frank Underwood commits a truly evil act, maybe the first we’ve witnessed after a string of morally bankrupt political maneuvers. Underwood, the corrupt, power-hungry House Majority Whip, has been grooming Peter Russo, a congressman and a recovering alcoholic, to run for governor of Pennsylvania. It’s part of a larger scheme to disrupt the White House and position Underwood within reach of the vice presidency. After pushing Russo off the wagon, Underwood murders him and frames it as a suicide. It’s a pivotal moment in the show, one that allows his character to transition from ruthless, amoral antihero to undeniable villain. For the remainder of the season, while still enthralled by Underwood’s unscrupulous charisma, we’re left to cheer only for a trio of reporters working to expose the congressman’s crimes. The last episode ends on a cliffhanger, just as it seems the walls are closing in on Frank and his Lady Macbeth, Claire Underwood (Robin Wright). We know Frank won’t be taken down that easily—it’s his show and he’s running it—but what made the series so addictive was the push and pull of corruption and justice, the freight train of 50 // FILM & TV

unchecked power colliding with the righteousness of idealist politicians and an inquiring press. No one in the show was spotless, but some were more right than others, and watching Underwood play chess with naïve, ethically compromised journalist Zoe Barnes (Kate Mara) was exhilarating for the possibility that she might expose the truth about Underwood despite her own moral failings and myopic missteps. Underwood’s Machiavellian capacity for orchestrating and controlling complex webs of manipulation to serve his own advancement made for compelling television, but it was Barnes who provided the glimmer of eventual catharsis that layered the narrative with dynamism and uncertainty. Her presence kept us on our toes. It’s with mixed results that “Cards” second season almost immediately dispenses with the Underwood/Barnes chess game. By the end of episode one, Underwood’s freight train has all but destroyed any hope of justice. What we’re left with for the remaining twelve episodes is a dense, never-ending political battle. It’s fascinating and frustrating in equal measures. Frank’s chief adversary is now Raymond Tusk (Gerald McRaney), a Soros-like billionaire who for years has had the ear of the President. Instead of Russo, we have Jackie Sharp, heir to the Whip

position. And instead of Barnes, we have Lucas Goodwin, Barnes’ editor and lover who bends the law as he seeks answers.

Now it’s unchecked power vs. unchecked power. The good guys, few and far between, are unceremoniously discarded, marginalized, or bought off. Innocents are either foolish pawns or easily swatted flies. Now it’s unchecked power vs. unchecked power. The good guys, few and far between, are unceremoniously discarded, marginalized, or bought off. Innocents are either foolish pawns or easily swatted flies. The press is sidelined. Tellingly, the first episode ends with an actual fuck-you from the show’s writers. Frank Underwood removes his cuff links and sets them down on the counter. His initials face us in close-up: “F” engraved on one, “U” on the other. The credits roll, and we slavishly start episode two.

“House of Cards,” based on a British novel and subsequent miniseries, is essentially a Shakespearean tragedy in the vein of “Richard III.” Like the Bard’s schemers, Underwood frequently breaks the fourth wall to address the audience, making us not just complicit but invested in his misdeeds. Under the guidance of executive producer/director David Fincher, the first season was a disciplined, coldly elegant slow burn. If the first season could be faulted for anything, it would be tricking audiences through top-tier performances, technical artistry, and topical relevance into believing the show is anything other than an especially well-made melodrama. Many viewers seemed hell-bent on imposing some interpretation of reality onto the show, giving it far too much weight. Detractors missed the point as well, calling the show “ridiculous” and “cynical” and “unrealistic.” Fincher wasn’t closely involved with season two, and it shows. The plotting is unwieldy and the tone is all over the place. The emotional cues are less grounded, more spectacular. However, it still works to great effect. The show has always been ridiculous and unrealistic, and it still is. It also continues to be compulsively watchable, just not quite as poignant. Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

free will astrology by ROB BREZSNY

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): There are 15,074 lakes in Wisconsin, but more than 9,000 of them have never been officially named. That’s strange to me. In my view, everything is worthy of the love that is bestowed by giving it a name. I have named every tree and bush in my yard, as well as each egret that frequents the creek flowing by my house. I understand that at the Findhorn community in northern Scotland, people even give names to their cars and toasters and washing machines. According to researchers in the UK, cows that have names are happier: They produce more milk. Your assignment, Aquarius, is to name at least some of the unnamed things in your world. It’s an excellent time to cultivate a closer, warmer personal relationship with absolutely everything.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): From 2010 to 2012, Eric Garcetti worked as an actor on the TV cop shows The Closer and its spin-off series Major Crimes. He played the mayor of Los Angeles. Then in 2013, he ran for the office of L.A.’s mayor in real life, and won. It was a spectacular example of Kurt Vonnegut’s suggestion that we tend to become what we pretend to be. Your assignment Pisces, is to make good use of this principle. I invite you to experiment with pretending to be the person you would like to turn into. ARIES (March 21-April 19): A woman from New Mexico wrote to tell me that after reading my horoscopes for three years in the Santa Fe Reporter, she had decided to stop. “I changed my beliefs,” she said. “I no longer resonate with your philosophy.” On the one hand, I was sad that I had lost a reader. On the other hand, I admired her for being able to transform her beliefs, and also for taking practical action to enforce her shift in perspective. That’s the kind of purposeful metamorphosis I recommend for you, Aries. What ideas are you ready to shed? What theories no longer explain the nature of life to your satisfaction? Be ruthless in cutting away the thoughts that no longer work for you. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In Arthurian legend, Camelot was the castle where King Arthur held court and ruled his kingdom. It housed the Round Table, where Arthur’s knights congregated for important events. Until recently, I had always imagined that the table was relatively small and the number of knights few. But then I discovered that several old stories say there was enough room for 150 knights. It wasn’t an exclusive, elitist group. I suspect you will experience a similar evolution, Taurus. You may be wishing you could become part of a certain circle, but assume it’s too exclusive or selective to welcome you as a member. I suspect it’s more receptive and inclusive than you think. THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The renowned Lakota medicine man Sitting Bull (1831-1890) wasn’t born with that name. For the first years of his life he was known as Jumping Badger. His father renamed him when he was a teenager after he demonstrated exceptional courage in battle. I’d like to see you consider a similar transition in the coming months, Gemini. You’re due to add some gravitas to your approach. The tides of destiny are calling you to move more deliberately and take greater care with the details. Are you willing to experiment with being solid and stable? The more willing you are to assume added responsibility, the more interesting that responsibility is likely to be.

comparable sequence unfolding in the coming weeks for you, Leo. What will it take to free a valuable resource that’s concealed within a cheap veneer?

when your daydreams can serve you well. They’re more likely than usual to be creative, productive, and useful. Monitor them closely.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Holistic health teacher Deepak Chopra suggests that we all periodically make this statement: “Every decision I make is a choice between a grievance and a miracle. I relinquish all regrets, grievances, and resentments, and choose the miracle.” Is that too New Age for you, Virgo? I hope you can drop any prejudices you might have about it and simply make it your own. It’s the precise formula you need to spin this week’s events in the right direction -- working for you rather than against you.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): The English noun “offing” refers to the farthest reach of the ocean that is still visible as you stand on the beach. It’s a good symbol for something that is at a distance from you and yet still within view. I suggest that you take a long thoughtful look at the metaphorical offing that’s visible from where you stand. You’ll be wise to identify what’s looming for you in the future so you can start working to ensure you will get the best possible version of it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In the savannas of Africa, waterholes are crucial for life. During the rainy season, there are enough to go around for every animal species to drink and bathe in comfortably. But the dry season shrinks the size and number of the waterholes. The impala may have to share with the hippopotamus, the giraffe with the warthog. Let’s use this as a metaphor to speculate about your future. I’m guessing that the dry season will soon be arriving in your part of the world. The waterholes may dwindle. But that could ultimately prove to be a lucky development, because it will bring you into contact with interesting life forms you might not have otherwise met. Unexpected new alliances could emerge.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich wrote his Eighth Symphony in a mere two months during the summer of 1943. He worked on it in an old henhouse on a former chicken farm. The location helped relax him, allowing him to work with extra intensity. I wish you could find a retreat like that for yourself sometime soon, Sagittarius. I think you would benefit from going off by yourself to a sanctuary and having some nice long talks with your ancestors, the spirits of nature, and your deepest self. If that’s not practical right now, what would be the next best thing you could do?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A large plaster Buddha statue was housed at a modest temple in Bangkok, Thailand from 1935 to 1955. No one knew its age or origins. In May of 1955, workers were struggling to move the heavy ten-foot icon to a new building on the temple grounds when it accidentally broke free of the ropes that secured it. As it hit the ground, a chunk of plaster fell off, revealing a sheen of gold beneath. Religious leaders authorized the removal of the remaining plaster surface. Hidden inside was a solid gold Buddha that is today worth $250 million dollars. Research later revealed that the plaster had been applied by 18th-century monks to prevent the statue from being looted. I foresee a

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In his book The Storytelling Animal: How Stories Make Us Human, literary scholar Jonathan Gottschall muses on the crucial role that imagination plays in our lives. “[The] average daydream is about fourteen seconds long and [we] have about two thousand of them per day,” he says. “In other words, we spend about half of our waking hours -- one-third of our lives on earth -- spinning fantasies.” I bring this to your attention, Scorpio, because you are entering a phase

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Is there one simple thing you could do to bring a bit more freedom into your life? An elegant rebellion against an oppressive circumstance? A compassionate breakaway from a poignant encumbrance? A flash of unpredictable behavior that would help you escape a puzzling compromise? I’m not talking about a huge, dramatic move that would completely sever you from all of your burdens and limitations. I’m imagining a small step you could take to get a taste of spaciousness and a hint of greater fluidity. That’s your assignment in the coming week. This week’s homework: You can re ad f re e exc e rpts of my most re c ent b o ok at ht tp://bit.ly/PronoiaFre e2. Tell me what you think at Tr uthro oste r@gmail.com.

Testify at Freewillastrology.com. ETC. // 51

rock and roll crossword Threw the Bums a Puzzle by Todd Santos

Across 1 Type of hotel on the road 5 “I want to lay you down in a ___ of roses” 8 Collins “Against All ___” 12 Queen had a “Night” at one. 14 “I know this much is ___” Spandau Ballet 15 “Heart of Gold” Young 16 Fixed arrangements of the tones of an octave 17 PJ Harvey “Broken ___” 18 “___ Like Sunday Morning” 19 Longest song on Dylan’s “Street-Legal” 22 ’90s post-hardcore Chicago band 23 8-Across’ first name 24 “I Try” Gray 27 “Please believe that it’s true, ___, I love you” Styx 30 Prince song about a fruit? 34 Black Lab “Time ___” 35 Decemberists “As I ___” 36 Pioneering Christian rockers 37 “___, little girl” from 38 Special 41 What your stomach is in before show 42 What Belly fed 43 Lit “My ___ Worst Enemy” 44 Try to fill all of them 45 Quinn Allman group, with “The” 46 Repeated word in Raveonettes album title 47 Jose Gonzalez might drop one 49 Hawthorne Heights “This Is Who We ___” 51 Korn smash 57 Influential Dylan coverer 58 Madonna “___ Your Heart” 59 Post-hardcore Illinois band 61 Pointer Sisters “___ Excited” 62 Taylor Swift “___ Together With a Smile” 63 What sleazy promoter has 64 Quash musician’s audition 65 James Brown “I Want You So ___” 66 John Mellencamp “Walk ___” Down 1 Cali rapper Kennedy 2 Passion Pit “Smile ___ Me” 3 Beatles “Love ___” 4 Rita Ora song “Stay ___” 5 Green Day song about a problem child? 6 “The Final Countdown” band 7 What Everclear was “Out of” 2/23

8 Dexys Midnight Runners “Come ___” 9 DeLeo of STP 10 Len “The Hard ___ Approach” 11 Head of the Family Stone? 13 John Wetton’s band 14 Repeated word in “Mind Bomb” band name 20 “Green-Tinted Sixties Mind” band 21 Was “Sweet Talking” to Blues Traveler 24 Slipknot wears them 25 “Pictures of ___ World” Pat Benatar 26 Roy Ayers “___ Butter” 28 Goth godfather Daniel 29 Dickie of The Allman Brothers 31 Kiss “Every Time I Look ___” 32 “Mr. Jones” Counting ___ 33 What doom metal singer will do to dreams 35 DDT homeland 38 ’67 Simon & Garfunkel single 39 “If I Was” singer Midge 40 Used with your foot 45 “___ Parkway” Fountains of Wayne 46 James Blake “I Never ___ to Share” 48 Donnie Wahlberg band, for short 50 “Rumor Has It” McEntire 51 Notability 52 Skillet song for a break? 53 The Weeknd “What You ___” 54 “___ I” Boxcar Racer 55 ’80s “On the Loose” rockers 56 Doves “Winter ___” 57 “Poison” Bell ___ DeVoe 60 Old-schooler Shannon

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

news of the weird by CHUCK SHEPHERD

Our Cold, Dead Hands The semi-obscure Florida Statute 790.15 took center stage in January following a Miami Herald report of a resident of the town of Big Pine Key who routinely target-shoots his handgun in his yard, with impunity, to the consternation of neighbors. The statute permits open firing on private property (except shooting over a public right of way or an occupied dwelling), and several cities have tried, unsuccessfully, to restrict that right, citing “public safety” in residential neighborhoods. (A 2011 lobbying campaign by the National Rifle Association, and a state supreme court decision, nixed any change in the law.) “Negligent” shooting is illegal, but only a misdemeanor. Thus, even skillful shooting next door to a day care center or in a small yard that abuts a high-trafficked pedestrian street is likely perfectly legal. One Florida legislator who was originally from Alaska noted that even in Anchorage people cannot fire at will in their yards.

Cultural Diversity 2/16

Threw the Bums a Puzzle

South Korea is a well-known hub for cosmetic beautification surgery, with a higher rate per capita than the U.S., but the procedures can be expensive, inspiring many young women recently to resort to do-it-yourself procedures for their professional and romantic upgrades. A December Global Post dispatch noted that some might try to force their eyes to

2/5 SOLUTION: UNIVERSAL SUNDAY

52 // ETC.

stay open without blinking (using a novel $20 pair of glasses for hours on end) as a substitute for costly “double-eyelid” surgery. Also in use: a $6 jaw-squeezing roller device for the face to push the jaw line into a fashionable “oval” form. One teen told the reporter she applies an imaginative contraption to her face for hours a day to pressure her nose into more of a point, which is considered a desirable Western look.

Acquired Tastes In December, thieves in Wicklow, Ireland, raided a convent’s field at the Dominican Farm and Ecology Center, stripping it of its entire crop of Brussels sprouts. A nun at the farm said the sisters were devastated to miss out on the lucrative market for high-end Christmas dinners. (2) In January, Wal-Mart in China recalled its “Five Spice” donkey meat sold in some locations because the popular snack was found to be tainted — with fox meat.

Perspective Three million Americans are infected with hepatitis C (as are millions more overseas), but a very recent drug, Sovaldi, completely cures it with 84 daily doses. However, its manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, has somehow determined that a fair U.S. price for the drug should be $1,000 per pill ($84,000 for the total treatment). Shouldn’t Gilead reduce the price once it has recouped its expensive investment, asked an NPR reporter in December? “That’s very unlikely we would do that,” said Gilead’s Gregg Alton, but “I appreciate the thought.” (According to NPR, Gilead “developed” Sovaldi merely by buying Sovaldi’s actual developer for $11 billion. At $84,000 per patient, Gilead would “recoup” that investment from the first 150,000 customers, leaving 2.85 million more U.S. patients to pay $84,000 each, for an income of $239 billion.) Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

CELEBRATE FAT TUESDAY IN STYLE AT THE

5 Annual th

Blue Dome District Mardi Gras Parade HEAD TO DOWNTOWN TULSA TO JOIN IN ALL THE FUN. Watch as masked, costumed revelers and colorful, elaborate floats make their way through the Blue Dome District. In Mardi Gras tradition, brightly-colored beads and other trinkets will be tossed into the crowds, so collect as much as you can.

2014

Tuesday March 4th Parade starts at 7pm

Join us after the parade for the official after party - located under the big tent at 2nd and Elgin! START OF THE PARADE

1ST STREET

GREENWOOD AVENUE

3RD STREET

FRANKFURT AVENUE

ELGIN AVENUE

2ND STREET DETROIT AVENUE

Following the parade, the festivities continue in the Blue Dome District’s restaurants and bars.

CINCINNATI AVENUE

The Parade will start on 1st street near McNellies and run down and turn south on Detroit Ave. It will run all the way to 3rd Street then come back up Elgin Ave and end where it started on 1st Street.

Contact Nat@McNellies.com for questions about entries THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

ETC. // 53

ACROSS 1 Get into 7 Move through mud 12 Like a mobbed-up politician 19 Frosty’s pipe type 21 Invisible emanations 22 Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia 23 Fall sport 25 Dresses up 26 H, spelled 27 Professional athletes, essentially 29 Lawn growth 32 Elder Bush’s onetime domain 34 Bit of inheritance 35 Cover with graffiti, e.g. 36 Wives of a sultan, collectively 37 Ages on end 39 Hamlet was one 41 Bitter brews 42 Major Ukraine port 44 “Are we there ___?” 46 Banish 49 ___ Andreas fault 50 Prefix meaning “new” 53 Sofa accessories 59 Commerce imbalance 62 Trampled (on) 63 Coin-___ (vending machines) 64 Sturgeon eggs 65 Heads off at the pass 67 At ___ (disagreeing) 69 Consort of Zeus 70 One way to watch sports 76 Ear projection 77 Impolitely abrupt

78 Annual 79 Sailor’s “yes” 80 It may cook your goose 83 Colorless 85 Like a ball batted between the lines 89 “Blerg” and “Bazinga!” 92 No longer changeable 93 De-squeak 94 A little more than a quart, to a Brit 95 Water blocker 97 Acquired deservedly 100 Bean choice 103 Gorby’s former domain 106 Sudden desire 109 Blush 110 Addresses the crowd 113 Situated above 115 “Please, make yourself comfortable” 116 Electric dart shooter 117 Able to shrink 120 Orchestra offering 122 Rabbit ears, e.g. 123 Some milk containers 128 Boston ___ (dog) 129 Brainy club 130 Italian province or its capital 131 Classroom needs 132 In a crooked position 133 Usher elsewhere DOWN 1 Be a stage performer 2 Make like a dove 3 Grand ___ (wine bottle words) 4 Boxes, in a way 5 Faction makers 6 Like down

7 Formed a lap 8 Auto-service job 9 Arboreal ape (Abbr.) 10 Added flavor to an ear 11 City not far from Butte 12 Painting unit 13 Group of eight 14 Bind again 15 Picnic spoiler 16 All in your mind 17 Stab 18 Pieces of armor 20 Lawn ball game 24 State with a pennant-shaped flag 28 Sign up for more issues 29 Author’s “writer” 30 Air-traffic control device 31 Place to play basketball 33 “___ port in a storm” 38 Paving block 40 Canadian National Leaguer no more 43 Cherub 45 Choked 47 Apple seed 48 Golfing champ Ernie 51 English noble 52 Fiber-___ 54 Took a bus 55 In a curious way 56 Cookie for some twisters 57 Like secondhand clothing 58 Neptune’s realm 60 Palm fruit 61 Holiday brink 66 Buddhist shrine 68 Intrudes by oozing 69 “Wassup?”

70 Bean used to make miso 71 Lend criminal support to 72 Cenozoic and Big Band 73 Area between big hills 74 All riled up 75 Crazy like a fox 76 Fond du ___, Wis. 80 ___ Beta Kappa 81 Make a decision 82 “No ___ Traffic” (street sign) 84 Biblical birthright seller 86 Something extra 87 Feudal superior 88 Church leader 90 Rattling noises 91 Past tense of 133-Across 96 Post-wedding title 98 Sports Illustrated piece 99 City pests 100 Find 101 Presser, of sorts 102 Chanted word 104 The scarlet letter, for one 105 Paso ___, Calif. 107 Hobbling gait 108 Fancy little sewing cases 111 Sesame Street denizen 112 More downto-earth 114 Piece of timber 118 Motor vehicles 119 In ___ (actual) 121 Dallas Cowboys emblem 124 Noticed 125 “... ___ he drove out of sight” 126 Cell “messenger,” briefly 127 Drunkard

Universal sUnday Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker

Have a Ball! By Mary Jersey

3/9

Fat Tuesday T U

PARTY L S A S T Y

L E

The Mardi Gras celebration doesn’t stop when the parade winds down. Join us in a heated tent after the downtown parade for beers, booze and beads aplenty, with live music from Paul Benjaman and an all-star lineup of special guest musicians.

Tuesday, March 4 • 8 p . m .( ish ) Corner of 2nd St. & Elgin Ave. Free & open to the public

54 // ETC.

Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014 // THE TULSA VOICE

NEW LOOK NEW EXPERIENCE The new entrance to the dealership’s large showroom.

A new, high-tech car wash is free with every service appointment.

2014 Kia Sportage Priced from $20,974

Henry welcomes you to see the new state of the art KIA facility.

“We are proud to announce the completion of our $2.8 million expansion and renovation. We invite you to come see our “new dealership” which has been carefully designed to enable us to serve our customers better, and make purchasing a KIA the best car buying experience in Tulsa. Watch for our Grand Opening!” - Henry

2014 Kia Cadenza Priced from $29,995

2014 Kia Soul Automatic

Priced from $15,947

The New K-900 is on its way!

COME TEST DRIVE ONE IN OUR GREAT SELECTION. QUALITY COMES STANDARD. *Contact dealer for details; dealer retains all Kia rebates

4747 South Yale • (918)622-3160 • www.PrimeauxKIA.com THE TULSA VOICE // Feb. 19 – Mar. 4, 2014

ETC. // 55