pop - Jun 10, 2011

pop ‘Amazing Radio Show’

DEADCENTER FILM FESTIVAL

‘Women Behind Bars’

Local acapella group to host vocal extravaganza Page 4

MUSIC REVIEW

Behind the scenes of an OU student’s guerilla-style documentary Beastie Boys still bringing bold beats

IN GOOD TASTE

Page 6

POP GETS LIT

Graphic Novel: ‘American Vampire Volume 2’ Page 3

Barbecue bliss Page 7

Friday, June 10, 2011

pop Kendall Brown, editor Stacy Swan, layout artist CONTACT US Phone: 366-3533 Fax: 366-3516 pop@normantranscript.com WEEKLY DEADLINE Noon Tuesday All faxed or mailed information submitted must be typed.

pop is published each Friday by The Norman Transcript, P.O. Box 1058, Norman, OK 73070.

To advertise, call 366-3554.

CORRECTION POLICY Corrections of errors in fact will be published in this space and will be made as soon as possible after the error has been brought to the editor’s attention ON THE COVER Top: A woman and her child sit together during the filming of “Women Behind Bars.”

The documentary focuses on the especially high statistical rate of female incarceration rate in Oklahoma.

Bottom: Amina Benalioulhaj shows film footage to documentary participants.

Photos Provided

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High Notes

By K e n d a ll

The not bummer Norman summer Editor’s Note: “High Notes” is a new weekly column by Pop Editor Kendall Brown that highlights people, places and events in the local art community.

W

ell, it’s summertime, folks, and the livin’ is easy. And while your daddy might not be rich or your ma good looking like in the 1930s song made famous

by Billie Holiday, I have some good news for you about your summer season.

Many claim that Norman becomes a no-man’s land during the summer, as the 18 to 24 year old crowd orchestrates a mass exodus back home to mom and dad’s couch. Often people complain that there’s nothing to do in

p.m. June 26 will feature The Damn Quails.

For those more interested in film, coffee shop and wine bar Michelangelos has begun hosting a monthly indie film night. Focusing on local artists, the shop provides filmmakers with the opportunity to screen their short films for the public.

The length of the films range from five to 25 minutes, and after each screening the artist is available for questions from audience members.

Norman’s film scene is quickly growing, and the indie film night provides a chance to meet the up and coming artists in person. The next film night is 7 p.m. June 25.

Finally, if you’re looking for an

evening of entertainment focused on the visual arts, Norman’s next everpopular Second Friday Circuit of Art is tonight at 5. For the night, galleries and shops along Main Street stay open later into the evening and provide free admission for attendees.

Second Friday Circuit of Art easily can fill an entire evening with nonstop arts immersion, as more than 10 galleries and shops participate each month.

So there you have it. If you’re here in Norman for the summer, there’s plenty going on to keep you busy through the hotter months. So get out of that air conditioned house and into the sunshine. Norman art awaits you.

MOVIE LISTINGS

MaryAnne Hempe Forgotten Video

Opening

‘Outpost’

(2008) In war-torn Eastern Europe, a world-weary group of mercenaries discover a longhidden secret in an abandoned WWII bunker.

‘The Burrowers’

(2008) In the Wild West, a rescue party sets out to find a family of settlers that has vanished from their home under mysterious circumstances. Read the full reviews

@

town during the summer. But if you’re bored this summer, you’re not looking hard enough. Norman will be bursting at the seams with entertainment for all ages, and much of it is free.

Twice a month, all summer long, Norman’s Performing Arts Studio will host its Summer Breeze Concerts at Lions Park. Featuring a different artist each time, Summer Breeze brings out a broad mixture of Normanites.

Although it’s the musicians that illicit the initial draw, it’s often the side performances that keep people lounging on the blankets. It’s not uncommon to see jugglers, hula-hoopers and fire dancers dotted throughout the park, dancing to the music flowing from the stage. The next concert is 7:30

Bro w n

Po p Edit or

.com

— Film descriptions from IMDB.com

Super 8 — After witnessing a mysterious train crash, a group of friends in the summer of 1979 begin noticing strange happenings going around in their small town, and begin to investigate into the creepy phenomenon. PG-13. (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14) Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer — Third-grader Judy Moody sets out to have the most thrilling summer of her life. PG. (Hollywood Spotlight 14)

Also Showing

Bridesmaids — Picked as her best friend’s maid of honor, lovelorn and broke Annie (Kristen Wiig) looks to bluff her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals with an oddball group of bridesmaids. R. (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14)

The Hangover Part II — Right after the bachelor party in Las Vegas, Phil, Stu, Alan and Doug jet to Thailand for Stu’s wedding. Stu’s plan for a subdued pre-wedding brunch, however, goes seriously awry. R. (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14) Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs.

Evil — Red Riding Hood is training in the group of Sister Hoods, when she and the Wolf are called to examine the sudden mysterious disappearance of Hansel and Gretel. PG. (Robinson Crossing) Insidious — A family looks to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose child in a realm called The Further. PG-13. (Robinson Crossing) Kung Fu Panda II — Po joins forces with a group of new kung-fu masters to take on an old enemy with a deadly new weapon. PG. (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14) Limitless — A writer (Bradley

Critical consensus: 80% Positive (20 reviews counted) — It may

Friday, June 10, 2011

wakes up in the body of an unknown man and discovers he’s part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train. PG-13. (Robinson Crossing) Thor — The powerful but arrogant warrior Thor is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard and sent to live amongst humans on Earth, where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders. PG-13. (Warren Theatre) Water for Elephants — A veterinary student (Robert Pattinson) abandons his studies after his parents are killed and joins a traveling circus as their vet. PG-13. (Robinson Crossing) X-Men: First Class — In 1963, Charles Xavier starts up a school and later a team, for humans with superhuman abilities. Among them is Erik Lensherr, his best friend... and future archenemy. PG-13. (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14)

FROM ROTTENTOMATOES . COM

IN THEATERS THIS WEEKEND

‘Super 8’

Cooper) discovers a top-secret drug which bestows him with super human abilities. PG-13. (Robinson Crossing) Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides — Jack Sparrow and Barbossa embark on a quest to find the elusive fountain of youth, only to discover that Blackbeard and his daughter are after it, too. PG-13.

(Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14) Prom — A group of teenagers get ready for their high school prom. PG. (Robinson Crossing) Rango — An ordinary chameleon accidentally winds up in the town of Dirt, a lawless outpost in the Wild West in desperate need of a new sheriff. PG. (Robinson Crossing) Soul Surfer — A teenage surfer girl summons the courage to go back into the ocean after losing an arm in a shark attack. PG. (Robinson Crossing) Source Code — An action thriller centered on a soldier who

evoke memories of classic summer blockbusters a little too eagerly for some, but Super 8 has thrills, visual dazzle and emotional depth to spare.

‘Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer

Critical Consensus: 13% positive (15 reviews counted); no concensus at presstime

POP GETS LIT

‘American Vampire’ doesn’t disappoint, sparkle creatures of the night who have f you were to put Stephanie received so much attention in the the Meyer and Scott Snyder in a popular media as of late, is embodied room and ask them to talk about in the character of Skinner Sweet. how the vampire should be interpretEven before the blood of a prim and ed in the modern age, even money proper European vampire mixed with says that not only would his own and turned him they disagree, a fist-fight into the walking dead, would likely ensue.

Skinner was as vicious, In the graphic novel bloodthirsty and machi“American Vampire,” avellian as they come, from the ongoing series which is not a roster of by writer Scott Snyder qualities that you generaland artist Rafael ly want to add superAlbuquerque, there isn’t a strength, shape-changing single hint of kind of glitand razor sharp talons to. ter paint covered, starryThis hardcover collects eyed blood-sippers found issues 6-11 of the ongoing in “Twilight.” No, series and continues to Snyder’s bloodsuckers are “American Vampire” follow the trail of death the kind of vampires that Volume 2 left behind Skinner Sweet if you brought them and the people and places home to Mama ... Mama he comes across in his trek through would definitely be eaten. early America. The beginning of this In this second volume of Scott volume finds him crossing paths with Snyder’s tale of vampires trailing Cashel McCogan, chief of police in blood across multiple generations of American history, he continues to cul- the burgeoning Las Vegas, Nevada of 1936 in a story arc entitled “Devil in tivate the mythology and concepts he seeded within the first several issues of the Sand.” Four wealthy construction magnates are found dead, all mutilathis book, now nominated for the ed past the point of recognition and Eisner Award of Best New Series of all completely drained of blood. Each 2011. were involved in the controversial Snyder’s update on the undead

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building of the Boulder

By L e v i L e e Dam, so the motive for their murders should be obvious, but as the threads of the investigation are steadily woven together by Cashel, along with the mysterious Agents Straw and Book of the FBI, the evidence instead points to a blood fued between vampires that goes back hundreds of years, and of course the ever-present, ever-meddling Skinner Sweet.

Snyder has crafted some wonderful and diverse characters in “American Vampire,” not the least of which is the notorious Sweet, and the gorgeous art of Rafael Albuquerque gives them each heft and makes them feel real.

“American Vampire” is most certainly a departure from the majority of vampire fare saturating the market these days. It’s a departure down one of the dark backroads of American history, hitching a ride with a sharp-toothed hellion of a man, blood drying at the corners of his lips as they curl into a grin and he tells you he has a tale to tell you if you’ll ride shotgun with him for a while.

Take my advice — get in. You may not leave unscathed, but you won’t be disappointed.

Annual June Bug Jam to benefit Transition House Pop Staff The 16th annual June Bug Jam, a musical showcase of local talent will be 7 to 9 p.m.

Saturday at the Sooner Theatre.

The concert benefits Transition House, a local organization that aids those recovering from mental illness and addiction issues, and is free — but donations are appreciated.

The event will feature a silent auction, raffle and games. T-shirts are also available for sale in advance of and

at the show. Sizes small to extra large are $18 each — $15 with the purchase of three or more. Sizes larger than XL are $20 each.

“We invite everyone to be a part of this amazing talent showcase that is what we call a ‘Musical Anti-Depressant,’” said Transition House’s Bonnie Dunn in a release.

“This event is about raising money for Transition House, Inc., plus it will help to raise awareness of our work while helping people understand that recovery from mental illness is possible.”

Our classifieds deliver Call Jan, 366-3501 or Sarah, 366-3503

MUSIC

‘Amazing Radio Show’ a vocal harmony extravaganza

By Doug Hill For POP

Norman resident Rob Williams is just a guy who can’t say no. That’s how he got to be president of the metro barbershop harmony group called Music Central.

They are an acapella men’s singing chorus.

“Another of our members, Emil Lyon, bugged me for about two years before I showed up for my first rehearsal,” Williams said.

“When I arrived, they were singing a Beach Boys melody, which got my attention because I grew up in the Seventies and liked that.”

Williams was hooked and joined in with gusto. Six years later, he was named leader of the group.

“I got to be president by not saying no,” he said. “We were at a competition and it was announced I was the new president. I said ‘What?!’ There wasn’t even a vote.” Williams noted that he once was named chief of a small Indiana town’s volunteer fire department in the same manner.

Music Central is a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, and they perform in regional competitions, also staging a couple

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Photo Provided

Music Central, a group of gents ranging in age from 15 to 76, will host “Amazing Radio Show on Saturday evening at Del City High School. of area concerts a year.

Saturday evening they will host “Amazing Radio Show,” which also features Zing, a female vocal outfit and 2010 Sweet Adelines International Quartet Champions, at at Del City High School.

“Music Central’s members come from all walks of life,” Williams said. “We have doctors, a postman, engineers and military people.”

One gent just shipped out to Afghanistan. Williams is

Friday, June 10, 2011

an environmental services company geologist. There are 30 members, with 18 to 20 actually singing together on the risers during any given weekly recital. Some of the men have degrees in music, but half — including the president — can’t read a note.

“We have learning tapes that help us out,” Williams said.

The group’s individual ages range from 15 to 76.

There are a few fathers and

sons, and for them in particular, it’s very much a family activity. Music Central’s Director Larry Thomason has two sons who participate. Brandon Thomason is one and also functions as their publicity coordinator.

“It lightens the load somewhat from our everyday professions and challenges,” Williams said.

One new member said after a long rehearsal that the evening was the first time he hadn’t thought about his

high-pressure job in three months.

Williams said their singing also satisfies the human need for creativity as well as being a social outlet, hanging out with the guys.

“It’s doing something with others to create something larger than oneself,” he said. “I used to be a pottery maker but only have time for one hobby, so this is it now.”

Williams said Saturday’s show will have a vaudeville feel with laughter and highquality quartet and chorus singing.

“The Zing ladies are international champions which means they are tops and very entertaining,” Williams said.

Music Central’s members are not professionals, but they strive to sing at that level. During shows, they often draw men from the audience into standing up and learning a little four-part harmony. They’ve even recruited new members that way. A few of the members know vocal training techniques such as how to breathe during songs and methods for enhancing resonance.

Music Central competes against similar groups from

other cities.

“We have division, district and international levels and you have to qualify to move up,” Williams said. “We usually win division, except when we go up against the Vocal Majority out of Dallas. They have 120 to 140 fellas on the risers.”

Ouch — Texas again.

Our friends to the south usually finish first or second internationally, but Barbershop Harmony Society rules say they have to layout and can only win every three years.

Music Central’s songbook includes selections from The Beatles, Billy Joel, golden oldies from the Fifties and patriotic tunes.

“We have a spiritual set that is pretty up-tempo,” Williams said. “There are also Broadway and jazz numbers.”

“Acapella” means no back-up musical instruments accompany the singers, but depending on the venue, sometimes amplification is used — especially for quartet selections. Twenty strong, male voices singing together can create amazing volume.

“We often have the comment that it sounds like there are 60 of us,” Williams said.

COVER STORY

‘Women Behind Bars’ premiers Saturday at deadCENTER OU student’s film looks into the lives of women in Oklahoma prisons

IF YOU GO What: “Women Behind Bars,” an OU student’s guerilla-style documentary about the lives of female inmates in Oklahoma’s prisons, will premier at the deadCENTER film festival When: 4 p.m. Saturday Where: Oklahoma City Public Library, 300 Park Ave.

By Kendall Brown Pop Editor

Amina Benalioulhaj did not set out to be a filmmaker. She went to the University of Oklahoma to study women’s and gender studies, and it wasn’t until her junior year, working as a research assistant for Dr. Susan Sharp, that the idea for a documentary was born.

“While working for her, I read the research she’d conducted on the life histories of Oklahoma’s female offenders and their children, and was surprised to discover that Oklahoma had the highest female incarceration rate per capita in the United States,” Benalioulhaj said.

“That research, in all of its glaringness, stuck with me for several months. Inevitably, I decided something needed to be done to help these women, their children, and the communities in which they lived.”

Benalioulhaj approached Sharp with the idea of making a film for class credit that would also help educate the public regarding the issue of female incarceration in Oklahoma. Now, 15 months later, the film, “Women Behind Bars”

Photo Provided

Amina Benalioulhaj films children at a prison in Oklahoma as they wait to enter the prison to visit family members during the making of her documentary “Women Behind Bars.” The film will premier Saturday at the deadCENTER film festival in Oklahoma City. together was the gravity of the has made it into deadCENTER did a lot of networking; I asked anyone and everyone I knew for issue they were dealing with. As film festival and will premier they visited prisons, meeting help. I ended up with a crew of Saturday in Oklahoma City. women and the children, hearing Benalioulhaj and her small film four people who were really pastheir stories, the reality of the situacrew, formed of other University of sionate about the subject matter, tions these women were in was not Oklahoma students, shot “Women talented on set, and willing to easily put aside. The women were work for free — they even put Behind Bars” guerilla style. There no longer statistics — they were was no budget — in fact, the little some of their own money behind real people, with real stories. They money spent on the film often the film. On set, we learned a lot about each other and became very were women that had to visit with came from their own pockets.

“I began the film with a crew of close friends.” their children in supervised visitaone: myself,” Benalioulhaj said. “I Part of what drew the film crew tion rooms or by chainlink fences

on a prison yard. They were children who only saw their mothers occasionally and tucked themselves in each night because there was no one else to do it.

“Filming these women was so eye opening,” Benalioulhaj said.

“Their faces and stories remain imprinted in my mind. It was a very emotional set — all of our crewmembers cried. We had a lot to process after shoots, and there were many times when we’d ride back from the prison in silence.”

In the end, for Benalioulhaj and her crew, the work was worth it.

The goal was impact — educate people, open eyes and change minds. With the exposure of deadCENTER, that’s sure to happen.

“I think that, especially for this subject matter, a documentary has potential for a lot more political impact,” Benalioulhaj said. “That was ultimately my goal with this film, to educate the public and hopefully to inspire some form of change in consciousness and action at the public level.”

Friday, June 10, 2011

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TNT June’s 2nd Movie Geek

ART

MUSIC REVIEW Beastie Boys

Friday Circuit of Art tonight

Hot Sauce Committee Part Two Capitol (2011)

After a few years’ hiatus, the Beastie Boys are back. There’s no doubt about that after listening to the spicy new hiphop disc “Hot Sauce Committee Part Two.” I’ve been a fan of the Beasties — Adam “MCA” Yauch, Adam “Ad Rock” Horovitz and Mike “Mike D” Diamond — since “Licensed to Ill” was released in ’86 and I was trying to be a skater-punk and failing brilliantly. My junior high schoolmates and I, though, knew all the rhymes and the MTV video for “Fight For Your Right (To Party)” was an afterschool special all its own. What teen could resist their attitude and boundary-busting rap-rock?

Now in their 40s, the Beasties are staying as interesting and relevant as ever. The guys splash grooves and beats and cultural references all over “Hot Sauce.” and try to ignore the raps and rhymes and fun beats on opener “Make Some Noise,” complete with old-school sounds and scratches …

Mike D: “Yo, I burn the competition like a flame thrower / My rhymes age like wine as I get older / I’m getting bolder competition is waning …”

And listening to the tune it is clear that they are still comfortable with the dense, bottom-heavy sounds that at times drown out the lyrics. That said, it’s no less danceable or at least fun to bob your head to.

They invite some guests into the “Hot Sauce Committee,” like Nas, on “Too Many Rappers” where they all agree there are too many rappers and “not enough MCs.” As AdRock raps: “To all you crab rappers and hackers / And circuit benders tweaked on Splenda / I take the cake, I stole the mold / that golden microphone well that’s mine to hold.”

Another guest, hip-hop/dub singer Santigold, appears on the reggae-styled “Don’t Play No Game That I Can’t Win. It’s here that I should note that the Beastie Boys are not breaking any ground to speak of. They are quite comfortable looking to the past and keepin’ it real with a mix of styles. We’ve come to expect it from them over the past decade or so.

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Dig the ’80s-era, “Funky Drummer”esque beats they dust off on the infectious “Nonstop Disco Powerpack” where the guys rap like the old days. Ah, the old days.

And while “OK” has plenty of plinky synths straight out of the Reagan era and some robot voices are a hoot but it’s the rhymes that keep you coming back.

Raps MCA on “Crazy …”: “I’ve got my rhymes in a pitcher and it’s time to pour / I’m at the tee and I’m screaming ‘fore!’” Swing, fellas!

“Funky Donkey” is no “Brass Monkey” but it’s got a looseness that fans of the old stuff will appreciate, plus they reference Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues,” yo!

For those who love the obscure (and not so obscure) cultural references, the Beastie Boys are masters at this. A reference to “Troll 2” in “Long Burn the Fire” or a song referencing the Six Million Dollar Man himself on the punk-rockin’ “Lee Majors Come Again.” I could go on …

Reports are that “Hot Sauce” was scheduled to be released earlier but MCA’s cancer diagnosis and his struggle with it delayed it for a couple of years. Listening to it, you wouldn’t suspect MCA has had any health problems. He and the other B’s express the energy of guys half their age.

While I’m sure some hardcore fans would argue with me about it, this is probably the Beasties’ most inventive release since 1992’s underrated “Check Your Head.” Hard to believe so much time has passed since those days and amazing to think the Boys — now men — continue to remain funky fresh.

— Andrew W. Griffin

Friday, June 10, 2011

With Jeff Johncox

NOW PLAYING

Super 8

Starring: Kyle Chandler, Pop Staff Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, Amanda Michalka The Norman Arts Rated: PG-13 Council’s monthly 2nd Friday What Jeff says: J.J. Circuit of Art event, a collabo- Abrams’ throwback to 1970s ration among artists, art and ’80s Steven Spielberg organizations and businesses, films has been high on my will kick off it’s June event at 6 “want” list for almost a year.

COMING SOON GREEN LANTERN tonight.

Watch the review Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively The Jacobson House opens @ .com its doors Friday evening for a Rated: PG-13 welcome reception.

The Firehouse Art Center will show its students’ work and architectural designs from David Wanzer of 308 Design Collaborative for their capital campaign “Keeping the Flame of Art Burning.”

Just S. of 4th St. on I-35 in Moore ALL Digital Cinema & THX The Performing Arts Studio welcomes Jim Cobb SIMPLY THE BEST and music by Philipp Gulidov.

STASH presents the works SHOWTIMES FOR THE GRAND of photographer Greer AUDITORIUMS AND BALCONIES ROBINSON CROSSING Owings-Husserl. Pink I-35 & Robinson Crossing 447-1005 SUPER 8 PG-13 ALL SHOWS Elephant Café welcomes Erin $2.00 ALL SHOWS $1.00 1:30-4:30-7:30-10:30 TUESDAY INSIDIOUS • (PG13) SOUL SURFER • (PG) Elise. The exhibit of Carol THE HANGOVER 2 R 3:20-9:40 12:15 2:40 5:05 7:25 9:45 12:30 4:40 7:10 9:30 Beesley, Alan Atkinson, and X-MEN:1ST CLASS PG-13 12:00-6:30 PROM • (PG) RIO IN 2D (G) 12:25 4:45 9:25 12:20 2:35 4:50 7:00 9:15 Debby Kaspari will end with a HOODWINKED TOO! • (PG) RANGO (PG) OKLAHOMA’S LARGEST SCREENS 2:45 7:05 12:40 6:55 closing reception this 2nd JUDY MOODY SUMMER PG WATER FOR ELEPHANTS • (PG13) SOURCE CODE • (PG13) 11:30-1:50-4:20-6:50-9:15 Friday at MAINSITE 12:35 4:15 6:50 9:40 4:25 9:20 Contemporary Art. MIDNIGHT IN PARIS PG-13 1:45-4:15-7:00-9:50 The new additions of Third Eye Gallery and MerryBelle’s SUPER 8 PG-13 12:40-3:40-6:40-9:30 Gifts, Art & Tea celebrate the X-MEN: FIRST CLASS PG-13 individual artists as well this 1:05-2:10-3:00-4:10-5:30 month. Third Eye Gallery will 7:20-8:45-9:25-10:20-10:30 exhibit work in all media THE HANGOVER 2 R devoted to the exploration of 11:35-12:15-1:25-2:10-4:20-5:20 human spirituality.

6:45-7:15-7:50-10:05-10:30 THE HANGOVER 2 (R) MerryBelle’s will feature the KUNG FU PANDA 2 PG 12:25 12:55 3:20 4:05 6:35 7:05 9:10 9:40 art from Rebelline and Emily 3D * $$ 1:15-4:05 SUPER 8 (PG13) KUNG FU PANDA 2 3D (PG) 2D 12:15-3:00-5:30-8:00 12:15 12:45 3:50 4:20 7:00 Riggs as well as live music 12:30 3:35 7:00 10:00 7:25 9:35 10:00 PIRATES OF CARIBBEAN 4 PG-13 from Christophe and Kick JUDY MOODY AND THE NOT BUMMER (PG) KUNG FU PANDA 2 2D (PG) 3D * $$ 11:30-9:45 1:00 4:10 7:20 9:35 Nancy Down.

12:35 3:40 6:55 9:20 2D 2:55-6:20 PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 4 3D (PG13) All 2nd Friday Circuit of MIDNIGHT IN PARIS (PG13) 12:20 3:25 6:30 9:30 1:05 4:15 7:00 9:55 R BRIDESMAIDS Art events are free and run PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 4 2D (PG13) 1:00-4:00-7:05-10:20 X-MEN FIRST CLASS (PG13) 12:50 3:55 7:00 10:00 until at least 9 p.m. For more 12:15 12:45 1:15 3:30 4:00 THOR 2D PG-13 6:35-9:35 4:15 6:45 7:05 7:30 9:45 10:05 BRIDESMAIDS (R) information, visit 12:40 3:45 6:50 9:50 $$ Extra Charge for Digital 3-D www.2ndFridayNorman.com. no passes or supersavers

:

MOVIE LINE:(405) 703-3777 Times For Today Only WarrenTheatres.Com *No Passes

SUPPORT YOUR POLICE

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT Desi and Cody, 8 p.m., Othello’s, Free The Damn Quails, 10 p.m., The Brewhouse, $5 The Saucy Gentlemen’s Club, The Deli

SATURDAY Maggie McClure and Shane Henry, 8 p.m., Othello’s, Free The Stumblers, 10 p.m., The Brewhouse, $5 Dorian Small with Nathan McEuen, 9:30 p.m., The Deli

SUNDAY Anthony Nagid Jazz Quartet, 7 p.m., Othello’s, Free Mike Hosty Solo, The Deli

MONDAY Travis Linville, 1 p.m., The Deli, Free The Damn Quails, 10:30 p.m., The Deli

TUESDAY Zanzibar Records, The Deli

WEDNESDAY The Lonesome Heroes, The Deli

THURSDAY Scattered Blue, 10 p.m., The Brewhouse, $5 Camille Harp, 7 p.m., The Deli, Free Caravact CD Release Show, 10:30 p.m., The Deli Dustin Prinz, 8 p.m., Othello’s, Free

JUNE 17 Jacuzzi Lifeguards, 10 p.m., The Brewhouse, $5 Mama Sweet, The Deli Carrie Webber and Sarah Grote, 8 p.m., Othello’s, Free

JUNE 18 Saucy Gentlemen’s Club, 10 p.m., The Brewhouse, $5 The Pidgin Band, The Deli Susan Herndon, 8 p.m., Othello’s, Free

JUNE 19 Mike Hosty Solo, The Deli Anthony Nagid Jazz Quartet, 7 p.m., Othello’s, Free

JUNE 20 Evan Felker, 7 p.m., The Deli, Free The Damn Quails, 10:30 p.m., The Deli

JUNE 21 Kasra George and PaPa Win, The Deli

IN GOOD TASTE

Ray’s has something for everyone

By Kendall Brown Pop Editor

You don’t have to walk through the doors of Ray’s Smokehouse BBQ to start salivating. Before you even pull into the parking lot at 1514 W. Lindsey St., you can smell the meat cooking.

The atmosphere of Ray’s let’s you know right away that it’s a “come as you are” establishment — no crisp cloth napkins, no waiters in black tie hovering and no smooth jazz seeping through the speakers. But Ray’s doesn’t need all that. Ray’s makes barbecue and makes it well.

At Ray’s, barbecue has become a family affair. Owner Darryl Ray and his wife can often be seen at the flat grill or on the floor talking to customers. Their daughter Kendall often takes orders.

On the menu are several types of barbecue, including ribs, brisket, turkey and sausage, served as a sandwhich or dinnerplatter style. If you’re feeling especially brave, both the sandwhiches and platters come with multiple meat options. Most popular is the Ray’s the Roof Sandwhich, served with both chopped brisket and hot links.

If meat isn’t your thing, you might think Ray’s isn’t for you.

Photo by Kendall Brown

Emile Rolus, Nelcy Sanchez, Darryl Ray and Kendall Ray take a break from serving barbecue Wednesday afternoon at Ray’s Smokehouse BBQ, 1514 W. Lindsey St. You’d be wrong. In fact, a few of the restaurant’s most dedicated customers are vegetarians who keep coming back for the sides.

One particular side, the homemade macaroni and cheese, is especially worth mentioning. It is proof that mac and cheese should not, in fact, come in a blue cardboard box.

Possibly the most impressive thing about Ray’s is it’s ability to satisfy without breaking the bank. For around $10, you can eat your fill of barbecue and sides along with a drink. Just plan ahead — you might need assistance waddling back out to your car.

FAST FOOD FACTS

Ray’s Smokehouse BBQ Location: 1514 W. Lindsey St. Cuisine: Barbecue, of course Price Range: $6 to $10 Atmosphere: Very casual You Have to Try This: Ray’s the Roof Sandwhich (double-meat barbecue sandwhich; homemade mac and cheese Alcohol: No The Skinny: Ray’s homestyle barbecue and homemade sides satisfy without breaking the bank.

JUNE 22 Easy Lovers with Copperheads, The Deli

JUNE 23 Camille Harp, 7 p.m., The Deli, Free Albert Aguilar, 10:30 p.m., The Deli Jazz in June Afterparty, The Brewhouse John Calvin, 8 p.m., Othello’s, Free

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Friday, June 10, 2011

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