pop - Jul 29, 2011

pop Prairie Fire Christophe Murdock and Co. will rock The Deli on Wednesday

REVIEWS • Music: Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers • Art: Firehouse Art Center Faculty Art Show • Food: Top Dog Classic Coneys • Food: ‘Cowboys & Aliens,’ ‘The Smurfs,’ ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’

The Society moves in UCO grad aims to create a collaborative utopia for artists of all media in OKC PAGE 6

Friday, July 29, 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 and sent to pop@normantranscript.com.

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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.

CONNECT Facebook.com/ normanpop Twitter.com/ transcriptpop ON THE COVER

Artists Jerrod Smith moves artwork into The Society, a creative-collaboration space for local artists, in Oklahoma City’s Plaza District.

Photo provided

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THE DISH

High Notes

TEA

Tea Café

By K e n d a ll

Bro w n

POP Edit or

Stay classy, Oklahoma

By Kendall Brown POP Editor

On Saturday, singer Amy Winehouse was found dead at her home in London.

Winehouse, who won several Grammys over her short career, was perhaps better known for her extreme drug and alcohol problems than for her musical achievements.

As news of her death spread, discussion and speculation grew over the Internet. Though the autopsy report ruled her cause of death inconclusive, many made jokes referencing Winehouse’s hit song “Rehab” and the tell-tale line, “They tried to make me go to rehab, but I said no, no, no.” Some took a kinder approach and discussed the sad fact that we had all watched her slow and unfortunately, very public, descent into addiction and eventually, death.

What everyone seemed to agree on, however, was Winehouse’s induction into the “Forever 27 Club.”

For those unfamiliar, the Forever 27 Club (or simply the “27 Club” or “Club 27”) is the mysterious phenomena regarding influential musicians dying

AP Photo

Amy Winehouse has a drink in 2008 while performing for 90,000 spectators in Lisbon, Portugal.

Winehouse, 27, was found dead Saturday in London. at the age of 27. The five pivotal members of the club are Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain and Brian Jones.

Some kind soul even added Winehouse to that prestigious list shortly after her death was announced.

But Winehouse didn’t have nearly the same level of impact on music as the other Forever 27s — her very public battle with addiction muffled what lit-

tle of her unique, soulful sound she was able to share with us.

Considering Winehouse’s lost potential for influence got me to thinking about Oklahoma’s music scene. We have an incredible amount of talent in Oklahoma — Jabee, Black Canyon, Penny Hill, John Calvin, Sherree Chamberlain, Samantha Crain, to name a few.

Many are poised to move into the nationwide limelight, and thanks to the humble practicality that goes with being raised an Oklahoman, they’re likely to maintain their integrity in the process.

It’s horrifically sad that another talented soul has been lost so early. But I’m thankful that we have so many artists right here who have the same potential Winehouse did, but also exhibit the humble practicality that comes with being an Oklahoman. For them, it’s about the music, not about becoming Forever 27.

Do you agree or disagree with Ms. Brown? Have something to say? Letters to the Editor can be sent to kbrown@normantranscript.com or by mail to Kendall Brown, The Norman Transcript, 215 E. Comanche, Norman, OK 73069.

Christy Jergensen Fisher nominated the vanilla milk tea with boba from Tea Café this week as her favorite File Photo tea in Norman.

Tea Café offers a wide range of flavors for your tea, including black or green tea shaken with fructose and your choice of the following flavors: classic, blueberry, green apple, honey, kumquat, lemon, lychee, mango, orange, passion fruit, peach, pineapple, strawberry, raspberry, almond, hazelnut, caramel, vanilla, chocolate and honey.

The Dish is a weekly feature dedicated to reader suggestions on Norman’s culinary highlights. Next week’s category: Pad Thai — who makes your favorite? To nominate, email pop@normantranscript.com.

DIY DELICACIES Perfect Summer Lemonade Ingredients 13⁄4 cup white sugar 8 cups water 11⁄2 cups lemon juice Directions 1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to boil and stir to dissolve sugar.

Allow to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until chilled.

2. Remove seeds from lemon juice, but leave pulp. In pitcher, stir together chilled syrup, lemon juice and remaining 7 cups of water.

Have a DIY recipe for a beverage or side you want featured? Email pop@normantranscript.com

That show’s name sounds familiar ...

“Same Name,” a new CBS show in which celebs (such as David Hasselhoff) switch lives with their real-folks namesakes, puts us in mind of one of our favorite subjects: TV shows that shared the same name. In each case, the original has

Friday, July 29, 2011

been long forgotten, eclipsed by its hit namesake.

Take these five: • “Who’s the Boss?” (1954) — Mike Wallace (really) hosted this game show in which a celebrity panel quizzed secretaries in an

attempt to identify their well-known bosses.

• “Happy Days” (1970) — Summer variety show hosted by comedian Louis Nye that featured the comic team of Bob and Ray as well as New York kids TV star Chuck

TELEVISION McCann.

• “The Practice” (1976-77) — Comedy about father (Danny Thomas) and son (David Spielberg) doctors with greatly differing views on practicing medicine.

• “Friends” (1979) — Short-

lived comedy-drama about life as seen through the eyes of three 11year-olds from different backgrounds.

• “Lost” (2001) — Al Trautwig hosted this short-lived “Amazing Race”-style reality competition.

— Newsday

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MUSIC

Murdock and Prairie Fire set to scorch Deli

By Doug Hill Christophe Murdock has never been a musician bound by convention when it comes to blending genres.

He’s continuing that artistic irreverence with a new project called Prairie Fire. It includes himself on vocals and guitar, Isaiah Harrell on drums and Eddie Mercury on bass. They’re performing as the featured band 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, kicking off Universe City Open Mic night at The Deli, 309 White St. Admission is free.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Christophe said. “We’ll play a mix of punk rock, rockabilly and old school real country, not that radio s---.”

He was dodging the mid-afternoon July heat over a glass of cool, clear water while talking about his music. Based in Shawnee, Murdock spends a good deal of his creative energy in Norman because of the many venues and opportunities to play out here.

“This town has an amazing

What: Prairie Fire When: 10:30 p.m. Wednesday Where: The Deli, 309 White St. How much: Admission is free amount of talent,” he said. “And because of the college it’s constantly being replenished.” Murdock has been a presence on the local scene for nearly 15 years in several different bands and solo. He frequently plays in a number of joints along Main Street, including Michaelangelo’s, Bill and Dees and the Blue Bonnet Bar. These places schedule live music for their patrons to hear at little or no charge.

Since starting with a 12-string guitar in 1997, Murdock’s method of operation hasn’t changed significantly. Writing songs at an all-night gas station job, playing them at solo gigs and being a member of outfits such as Social Parasite and South Side Crazy Kids fill his resumé.

Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers “Bride of The Noisemakers” 429 Records (2011)

Before catching singer-pianistpopper Bruce Hornsby at a solo show at Rose State a few years ago, I had a pretty good idea of what he sounded like and what his style was. Admittedly, I had not followed his career very closely since he was jamming with Jerry Garcia in the early ‘90s, at the end of his days with The Range. Still, he had some killer jazz chops, a great turn of phrase at the ready and sociallyconscious lyrics that reflected his days as a kid in racially segregated Virginia and its legacy as featured in his 1986 pop radio hit “The Way It Is.”

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Musician Christophe Murdock and his new project, Prairie Fire, which includes himself on vocals and guitar, Isaiah Harrell on drums and Eddie Mercury on bass. They’re performing as the featured band 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, kicking off Universe City Open Mic night at The Deli, 309 White St. Admission is free.

IF YOU GO

For POP

But what really struck me about Hornsby was his weird sense of humor. At the time he said he was working on some odd play involving a creep driving around. I know, weird. Just listen to his lyrics — closely — and there are some naughty things taking place. Not on all of them, just a few choice tracks.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Photo provided

“I used to try to keep my punk songs completely separate from the folk and country music,” he said.

“And in the early 2000s started my band Mockingbird Lane.”

It was named after the street

address of TV show The Munsters’ family abode and followed gothic, horror and punk themes. Even though he cut a 7-inch vinyl, 45 rpm record last year titled “Fear the Dead,” Murdock balked at my

assertion that his songs tend toward the macabre.

“Songs like that and ‘Wolfs Head’ are about my personal demons and anger rising up, with

REVIEW

what we get here. “Country Doctor” has Hornsby tickling the keys in a seemingly effortless way as JV Collier’s bass burbles beneath.

“Talk of the Town,” a jazzy pop number from his ‘93 album “Harbor Lights,” shows Hornsby in a playful mood as he merges into “Charlie, Woody, ‘N’ You.” Hornsby’s soulful side comes out on the humorous “What the Hell Happened,” while a cover of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” merges with his own “Fortunate Son” quite nicely.

From his days with The Range comes the ‘88 track “Defenders of the Flag.” With Hornsby on accordion and some smokin’ sax from Bobby Read, there is a Heartland rock vibe at work here with Hornsby’s poke at small-town hypocrisy.

Side two is rife with jams aplen-

ty. “The Wind Up / Big Rock Candy Mountain / Candy Mountain Run” kick things off in a big way. “Tango King” has a brassy, sassy power while the duclimer of “Shadow Hand” offers a rootsier, folk side of Hornsby.

Over the past 25 years that the pop music world has been familiar with Hornsby, it is interesting to hear a slight smokiness to Hornsby’s voice. Age and constant touring can take a toll but in Hornsby’s case it seems to have enhanced the heft to his delivery.

“Bride of The Noisemakers” shows off the professional skills of one of the best touring bands around — a mix of jazz, pop, soul and classical and a sampling of his ample catalogue. I hope next time Hornsby comes to town, he has some Noisemakers in tow.

— Andrew W. Griffin

What we have in “Bride of The Noisemakers” is a solid collection of Hornsby standards — 25 songs on two discs — recorded with his five other “Noisemakers” between 2007 and 2009, at the end of which a studio album, “Levitate,” was released. There is no aforementioned “The Way It Is” or “Mandolin Rain” or “The Valley Road.” This is more jam oriented, I would expect, due to his stint playing with the Grateful Dead.

Improvisational noodlings were their bread and butter, as it is with Hornsby. In fact, disc two closes out with a cover of the beautiful Dead ballad “Standing On the Moon” which segues into his song “Halcyon Days.”

But that’s just a small portion of

Continued on Page 5

POP GETS LIT

Donley’s ‘Outworld’ a story 27 years in the making

By Levi Lee For POP

It began with a headline: “Scientists Believe Hole Developing in Ozone Over Antarctica.”

N. Harold Donley found the headline of the paper staring back at him. It was 1978, and lying there under the blazing summer sun an idea began to form in the back of his mind. Twenty-seven years later, the manuscript for his science fiction novel “Outworld,” Donley’s first work of fiction, was complete.

“The whole project just came together over time.” Donley said.

“It’s been a real experience.”

“Outworld” paints a vision of the future in which climate change is no longer a theory, but an undeniable fact. With average temperatures soaring to 120 degrees or more and the ozone layer obliterated the landscape of our earth has been scorched under the boiling sun. As temperatures rise and fresh Continued from Page 4 me trying to force it down,” he said. “They shouldn’t be taken at face value even if there is zombie or werewolf imagery.”

He said “Fear the Dead is actually about stage fright and although he has been around violence all his life, his goal is to escape it not glorify it.

Unfortunately in the life of a young American Indian troubadour, who bounces around mostly without a permanent address, anger that can breed violence is common. A recent West Coast tour included an incident in Sisters, Ore. “I was on my way home and stopped at a gas station, minding my own business,” Murdock said. “After paying for fuel I came back outside and my truck was surrounded by cops. They asked if I

an despite the dystopic state of the water supply becomes increasingly world that they live in. They have scarce the population of the earth adapted and evolved in order to dwindles to a scant few. The story survive the intense heat and lack of revolves around two distinct and water. They live off of vastly different groups the land, and in relaof people, the Dometive harmony with the Dwellers and the world around them.

Gnomons.

Both of the groups live The Domein relative isolation and Dwellers live in a have little contact with giant, temperature each other. The infrecontrolled dome which quent contact they do sits atop the burnt have is usually violent, prairie and holds the as the Dome-Dwellers last remnants of society Security teams frefrom what they refer to quently hunt the as the “Before Time.”

“Outworld” Gnomons for sport.

Their government in

by N. Harold Donley Donley said one of the dome is run like a his chief motives with corporation, in that a the book was to raise questions Board of Directors are in charge of about how we choose to live and making decisions and delegating work to associates who perform the interact with each other and the day to day tasks of upkeep, mainte- world around us.

“All I wanted to do was pose nance and security of the dome.

The Gnomons, a seemingly sub- questions for people. Everything is interrelated. If it poses questions for human mute people who live in them then, as a writer, I think I’ve the barren wilds of the outworld, done my job.” portray ideals that are more utopi-

owned the vehicle and if I was an Indian.” He affirmed both questions and the police told him it was illegal to drive a tribally tagged vehicle off the “reservation.”

Murdock truck is registered in Oklahoma through the Kickapoo Tribe. “They actually asked if I minded pulling the truck over behind another building where no one could see or hear us,” he said. “I told them I’d pull out of the way so people could get gas but where everybody can see and hear us.”

A couple of hours later Murdock resumed his journey home with a $300 ticket.

After a heap of hassle the summons was ultimately dismissed when a Kickapoo Tribe attorney educated the Sisters police about a Supreme Court decision governing the matter.

Fortunately, from such frustration songs are often born.

Murdock has many influences but none greater than his cousin Merle Kilgore (1934-2005). Kilgore managed Hank Willians Jr. and co-wrote “Ring of Fire” with June Carter Cash. He also penned “Wolverton Mountain,” “Johnny Reb” and “Fast Talking Louisina Man,” all made hits by other artists.

Murdock is reluctant to bask in the glow of a relative but acknowledges his admiration for a man who always treated him like a prince.

“Whenever I spoke with Cousin Merle, he always made me feel like it was all about me,” Murdock said.

“Kid Rock sang ‘I Saw the Light’ at Merle’s funeral, and I got to perform ‘Wayfaring Stranger.’”

After years of writing and revising, the manuscript for “Outworld” was finally completed five years ago, but finding a publisher for the sci-fi novel was a bit of a struggle.

“I shopped it around to multiple publishers who all had the same response: ‘Not what we’re looking for right now. Great story. And I said, if it’s so great well why don’t you publish it!’”

Donley remained undeterred and completely determined to get his book into the hands of hungry science fiction readers. Now, years later he has finally found a way that not only would get his book out to the public, but also keep in step with the environmental themes of the work itself.

“The more I looked at e-books, the more I realized that not only is it simpler but it’s also a more ecological way to go. We should not cut down trees just so that N. Harold can have a book.”

After deciding to self-publish his

novel in the e-book format, Donley’s next challenge was promoting it, because as Donley himself puts it: “When you self publish, you’re IT.” So Donley embarked on a digital grassroots campaign to get the word out about his novel via social media, and has found the method quite successful.

“The time is right for self-publishing. Coupled with social media you can let the people decide, rather than the publishers or the agents.”

So N. Harold Donley has finally fulfilled the dream he’s had since he was sixteen years of age of writing a fiction novel. When giving advice to young, aspiring writers, Donley has a singular and simple piece of advice.

“Do it. Just do it. As they said in The Six Million Dollar Man, ‘We can do it. We have the technology.’

The hard part is just actually writing it!”

Summer Breeze

Photo by Kyle Phillips

Terry “Buffalo” Ware plays for the crowd at the Summer Breeze Concert Series at Lions Park.

Friday, July 29, 2011

pop

5

COVER STORY

The Society aims to create artist’s utopia

By Kendall Brown POP Editor

Imagine a place where artists work together to create work and inspire one another. Free of unnecessary competition and animosity, the artists encourage one another to grow and expand, looking for connections and success for not only themselves, but each other as well. In this place, it’s not uncommon to see a designer and a screen printer, a photographer and a painter working together to achieve a common goal.

Are you imagining it? In Oklahoma City, what you’ve just imagined is now known as “The Society.” Newly formed by University of Central Oklahoma graduate Jerrod Smith, The Society is nestled in the heart of the Plaza District.

“You know, the word ‘society’ means just people coming together for a common interest,” Smith said. “The common interest here is that we’re doing work in a community of people that hold each other accountable.”

Brand new, The Society’s movein date for artists is Monday, and a launch party for the public is set for Aug. 12.

The space The Society is held within is a unique one. A handyman as well as an artist by trade, Smith is renovating the space himself. Once he is finished, there will be several unique areas housed within the building. Smith will actually live within an apartment component housed on one side of the building.

In the middle are several studio spaces, which will function the majority of the time as work spaces, but during the Plaza District’s monthly art walk will also serve as exhibition space. And on the other end of the building is a large workshop space, which will hold a full shop of tools, as well as a loft containing more studios and a catwalk overlooking the space.

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Photos Provided

Artist and University of Central Oklahoma graduate Jerrod Smith works on a piece at The Society, a creative-collaboration space in Oklahoma City’s Plaza District.

On top of all that, the building also contains a community laundry space, a full bathroom available to artists and a patio space for relaxation. It’s a level of hip, artistic living not often expected of Oklahoma City.

“The space is so flexible,” Smith said. “If a designer came in and said, ‘Look, what you’re doing is great, I love it, but it’s not quite the type of light I need,’ well, then, we’ll find a light. It’s a great platform for people that dream really big things and then see them to fruition with people that are going to help them make it work in a community environment.”

Friday, July 29, 2011

The idea for The Society had been percolating in the back of Smith’s mind for quite some time.

He kept expecting a space embodying those ideas to pop up somewhere in the area.

As he said, it was simply too good of an idea not to. When it didn’t however, Smith took matters into his own hands. He located the perfect space, began renovating it and formed a website with an informational video and rental application.

It was a huge leap of faith.

Luckily, it was one that has already begun to pay off. Rental applications have begun coming in, and

Smith is still accepting more.

He does not have a set number of artists in mind necessarily, just the end goal of assembling a group of artists who work together well and are dedicated to producing art and supporting the artistic community they live and work in.

Supporting the Oklahoma art scene and other artists is a value that’s important to Smith.

“I don’t want to move,” Smith said. “I want to support the community I’m in. I don’t need to move to a big city to make it work.

I can do exactly what I want to do here. If we fling a door open for one of us, we keep it open for the

rest of the group to try and give everyone the chance to be successful in what they’re doing.”

For now, Smith is busy finishing up the building renovation, promoting the space, sorting through applications and planning the launch party.

The party, which will be at The Society space, 1609 Blackwelder, will feature several local musical acts, including Jabee and Denver Duncan, a professional BMX rider demonstration, building tours and an afterparty within the space.

For more information on The Society, visit www.thesocietyokc.com. pop

ART

Firehouse faculty showcase fun, polished art

By Elizabeth Burr

REVIEW

For POP

Norman’s Firehouse Art Center is in the midst of its annual Faculty Art Show, continuing through Monday.

The annual Faculty show is always an enjoyable experience. The artists are accomplished, and their work is fun and polished.

The exhibition includes painting, pottery, sculpture and jewelry.

There is only one artist who is making jewelry — Elyse Bogart. Her broaches in this show are stunning.

She has called the three pieces “Dying Flower” 1, 2, and 3. My particular favorite is No. 1. Her design is clever, becoming richer visually and in its meanings the more you study it. Bogart creates her jewelry with intricate mixes of metals, somehow managing to organize these many elements into a bold – but so delicate – piece of jewelry.

Another metal artist in the show is George Wilson.

He created items for a very sophisticated kitchen, such as a tea ball, a teaspoon, and two small knives. His use of metal is skilled and eyecatching. Yet it his designs of these items that is striking.

There is a hint of Bauhaus in his work.

Photo by Jerry Laizure

Emily Smart, a junior in the University of Oklahoma College of Art, has her photograph “I Dreamt I was a Architect” on display in the Firehouse Art Center faculty art show. The show ends Monday.

One true sculptor amidst the artists is Bill Boettcher.

His two sculptures use wood as a base, but the sculptural sections use marble and Oklahoma Alabaster. His finishing of these stones is beautiful. Both works are polished to a beautiful smoothness. His work is very tactile.

Craig Swain, sculptor, uses wire for his two works.

Both works are individually formed, but work better

when they are together. The wire is painted, and cleverly shaped in their warrior mode on painted wood.

One of my favorite ceramicists was Carla Chew.

Her pieces are shaped elegantly, seemingly inspired by Grecian prototypes. Her glazing and manipulation of the textures of her pitchers is eye-catching. They are black and white and have a gentle lean, making the two pitchers a true set.

There are three other ceramic artists in this show with engaging work: Florene Welcher, who has made generously sized stoneware fruitbowls and a lidded casserole pot with a tray. Alexis Rodgers has presented a reddish brown stoneware ginger jar.

Douglas Shaw Elder has three abstract sculptures on view for the show. Made from plywood and Baltic Birch, the polished shapes

suggest many possible subjects. They are magical in their formal and psychological suggestiveness.

The painters and other two-dimensional artists included in the show are a mixed bag for the viewer.

Ruth Ann Borum exhibits skilled wordburning designs on birch with occasional acrylic paint accents. Pamela Bradford has contributed a large pencil and graphite portrait of a woman in thought. Jenna Bryan has a small but exquisite pen and ink drawing of mushrooms.

John Brandenburg has a richly colored painting, Vase for Janet in the exhibition.

Near to Brandenburg’s painting, are two ink and watercolor paintings by Beverly Henderson. Each has a kitten as a subject matter.

I was impressed with the photographs shown by Richard Jepson. Ironically one of Jepson’s photographs, Brieanne, which depicts a sassy and sexy young woman posed on a car, has an eerie reminder of an equally sassy/sexy young British singer who passed away recently.

For more information call the Firehouse Art Center, call 329-4523 or visit normanfirehouse.com.

ART EXHIBITS The following is a list of current and upcoming art exhibits in Norman: • Firehouse Art Center, 444 S. Flood Ave., features the Children’s Summer Art Show from August 1227 with an opening reception during the 2nd Friday Circuit of Art in August.

• Jacobson House Native Art Center welcomes guests for The Legacy Lives: Kiowa Youth Art Competition and Exhibition through August with an Award Ceremony on Aug. 12 and Lecture & Workshop by renowned Kiowa Artist, Richard Aitson from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 13.

• Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., on Aug. 12 will feature live music by Ann and Hugh Roff Gallery Arabesque, an Arabic and Celtic string and flute duet; short films presented by deadCENTER Film Festival: “Pillow” (18 min., USA) and “Floating Lanterns” (9 min., USA) • Third Eye Gallery, 120 E. Tonhawa St., features “Progressions,” an exhibition of recent mixed media paintings that layer text, scraps of dried flowers, silk, paper, and recycled paint by Sarah Capshaw. Refreshments will be served. The Gallery’s regular summer hours are 4 to 8 p.m.

Monday and Tuesday, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 1 to 6 p.m.

Saturday, and 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

The Gallery is also open by appointment.

— Source: Norman Arts Council

IN GOOD TASTE

Top Dog serving a delicious American classic at a great price

by Levi Lee for POP

Coneys. Big screen TVs. Free video games. Sooners memorabilia. There are very few places that make me feel more American than Top Dog Classic Coneys, 2203 W. Main St. Nestled in a small strip mall on Main Street with company the likes of a video game store, a hair salon and a Big Lots, most people wouldn’t even know it was there if they didn’t examine the place with a magnifying glass. For those of you who do choose to look a little closer, you’ll find a wonderful little hole in the wall that serves distinctly American cuisine.

The traditional Coney Island-style hot dog, now known simply as the

“Coney,” was invented by George Todoroff in Jackson, Mich., in 1914.

Todoroff’s traditional coney was different from anything Americans had seen before, and what made it distinct from other hot dog dishes of the time was its beanless chili. Topped with two stripes of mustard and this thick, beefy chili, Todoroff’s coney was crowned with glistening chopped white onions. Here in Norman, Top Dog Classic Coneys is busy day in and day out keeping the Americana of coneys alive in the heartland of the USA. You can choose from coneys served in this classic manner, to any other variation of hot dog heaven.

For $5 you can get two piping hot, delicious coneys, your choice of chips and an ice cold fountain drink. That’s an excellent deal any way you slice it.

As if that weren’t enough, Top Dog Coneys is the perfect place to indulge in some down home American cuisine and take in your favorite sport on any one of TVs that are hung around the dining room.

If sports aren’t your thing, that’s just fine, too. Top Dog Classic Coneys has got you covered with a free game of Galaga or a handful of other classic arcade games. If you’d rather just focus on the food, you can have a chili cheese coney feast at Top Dog Classic Coneys from Monday through Saturday, when they have all you can eat chili cheese coneys for just $7.95.

Point being, when it comes to food that will make you long for other great American pastimes, Top Dog Classic Coneys is an excellent option.

‘Cowboys & Aliens’ Universal

Two big concepts. Two big stars. Seven credited writers.

Too much hype.

There’s no way that “Cowboys & Aliens,” the bigbudget sci-fi/Western mashup, could really work outside of a marketing campaign, right?

Not so fast. Director Jon Favreau shows that these two genres can go together as easily as peanut butter and chocolate or Homer Simpson and donuts. And, as he did with “Iron Man,” he does it in thrilling fashion.

Daniel Craig is the iconic, mythic Man With No Name of the American West. Well, he has a name (Jake Lonergan), he just can’t remember it. It’s 1873 in the Arizona Territory, and he wakes up in the middle of the desert with no memory, no knowledge of how he got there or why he’s bleeding,

pop

Photo Provided

FILM REVIEW

Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford

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The traditional Coney Islandstyle hot dog, available at Top Dog Classic Coneys was invented by George Todoroff in Jackson, Mich., in 1914.

AP Photo

In this publicity image released by Universal Pictures, Harrison Ford, left, and Daniel Craig are shown in a scene from “Cowboys & Aliens.” and no clue of why that strange metal bracelet is strapped to his wrist.

He hasn’t forgotten how to defend himself though and when a ragged posse of bad guys, who figure he must be an escaped convict with a bounty on his head, try to

Friday, July 29, 2011

capture him, he sees it as an opportunity to get a new set of clothes and some weaponry. With those two needs satisfied, he — like Shane and so many other cowboys of legend — walks into a small town and finds himself immediately immersed in

their troubles.

The town lives in fear of rich rancher Woodrow Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford), an ornery ol’ cuss with a noaccount bully of a son, Percy (Paul Dano), who likes to intimidate the locals by shooting at them. Charming.

When Jake gives him a lesson in manners, dad isn’t too happy. And, thanks to a poster, the sheriff (Keith Carradine) realizes that Jake is Arizona’s Most Wanted man and arrests him. On top of that, Jake is being shadowed by the beautiful Ella (Olivia Wilde), a mysterious woman who may be up to no good.

As if things couldn’t get any worse, aliens show up.

Of course, science fiction and the Old West have crossed paths before. Such TV series as “The Wild Wild West” and the late, lamented “The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.” have toyed with the concept. “Cowboys & Aliens” is based on a 2006 graphic novel of the same name, and the movie follows predictable Western and sci-fi plot points, culminating in a climax which relies a little too much on explosions.

Still, that doesn’t really matter as “Cowboys & Aliens,” which — once the aliens arrive — moves like a speeding bullet and is just a

lot of fun. It’s fun to see Ford and Craig, steely action heroes from two different generations, squaring off and then teaming up. It’s fun to see cowboys allying with Indians against their new enemy. It’s fun to see the likes of Walton Goggins (”Justified,” “The Shield”) as one of Jake’s old hold-up gang and Sam Rockwell (”Moon,” “Iron Man 2”) as the fearful barkeep in smaller roles. It’s fun to be scared by the genuinely creepy, ogrelike (and surprisingly fleetfooted) aliens. And the really fun part is that it’s not in 3D. So there’s no need to fork over extra dollars or strap on those glasses.

Now that we’re moving into August, often a fallow time for new releases as everyone’s looking forward to the fall film season, “Cowboys & Aliens” could be the last big, sci-fi cinematic hurrah of summer. If that turns out to be the case, it’s a great way to go out.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The MOVIE GEEK

FILM REVIEWS ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’ Steve Carell Warner Bros.

“You’re the perfect combination of sexy and cute” is the invincible pickup line for Ryan Gosling’s ladykiller character in “Crazy, Stupid, Love.” That fits the movie’s delightfully contradictory qualities, too. It’s romantic, touching, a little risque and screwball, yet reassuringly down-to-earth.

At the center of things is bland, pleasant Cal, the

human equivalent of Muzak (Steve Carell, playing it straight and never better).

Over a dull, date-night dinner, his wife of 30 years, Emily (Julianne Moore), announces that she’s having an affair and demands a divorce. Cal, shellshocked, steps out of their moving car on the way home, landing hard on the rocky road of midlife singlehood.

Soothing his bruises with meat-market vodka-andcranberry, Cal wins the sympathetic attention of pickup king Jacob (Gosling). He teasingly tutors the 50-year-

old near-virgin in the ways of courtship circa 2011. Yet this is no mismatched-buddies bro comedy. Dan Fogelman (writer of the ingeniously funny cartoons “Bolt” and “Tangled”) adds appeal to the premise through multigenerational complications. The movie includes several whammies guaranteed to leave your jaw on the floor.

I won’t say more about the plot, and what I have told so far isn’t what really matters. The film emphasizes character and emotional values over jokes for their

own sake. What makes the movie so interesting are the small incidents — offhand exchanges where ironic banter contains the odd lance of stinging truth, little moments of life observed in telling and persuasive detail.

Every significant character in the film is forging a new life in a new world, where the old certainties and simplicities and optimism about happily-ever-after are outdated, a dilemma presented with amusement and chagrin.

— Minneapolis Star Tribune

MOVIE LISTINGS

New Releases

• Cowboys and Aliens — A spaceship arrives in Arizona, 1873, to take over the Earth, starting with the Wild West region. A posse of cowboys are all that stand in their way. PG-13. (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14) • Crazy, Stupid, Love — A father’s life unravels while he deals with a marital crisis and tries to manage his relationship with his children. PG-13. (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14) • The Smurfs — When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the tiny blue Smurfs out of their village, they tumble from their magical world and into ours. PG. (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14)

Also Showing

• Bridesmaids — Picked as her best friend's maid of honor, lovelorn and broke Annie looks to bluff her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals with an oddball group of bridesmaids. R. (Robinson Crossing) • Captain America: The First Avenger — After being deemed unfit for military service, Steve Rogers volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending America’s ideals.

PG-13. (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14)

• Cars 2 — Star race car Lightning McQueen and his pal Mater head overseas to compete in the World Grand Prix race. But the road to the championship becomes rocky as Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. G. (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14) • Friends with Benefits — While trying to avoid the clichés of Hollywood romantic comedies, Dylan (Justin Timberlake) and Jamie (Mila Kunis) soon discover however that adding the act of sex to their friendship does lead to complications. R. (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14) • The Hangover Part II — Two years 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. (Robinson Crossing) • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 — The final chapter begins as Harry, Ron and Hermione Granger continue their quest of finding and destroying the Dark Lord’s three remaining Horcruxes, the magical items responsible for his immortality. But as the mystical Deathly Hallows are uncovered, and Voldemort finds out about their mission, the biggest battle begins and life as they know it will

never be the same again. PG-13.

(Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14) • Horrible Bosses — Three friends conspire to murder their awful bosses when they realize they are standing in the way of their happiness. R. (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14) • Kung Fu Panda 2 — Po joins forces with a group of new kung-fu masters to take on an old enemy with a deadly new weapon. PG. (Robinson Crossing) • Mr. Popper’s Penguins — The life of a businessman (Jim Carrey) begins to change after he inherits six penguins. As he transforms his apartment into a winter wonderland, his professional side starts to unravel. PG. (Robinson Crossing) • Rio — When Blu, a domesticated macaw from small-town Minnesota, meets the fiercely independent Jewel, he takes off on an adventure to Rio de Janeiro with this bird of his dreams. G. (Robinson Crossing) • Transformers: Dark of the Moon — The Autobots learn of a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the Moon, and race against the Decepticons to reach it and to learn its secrets. PG-13 (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14) • 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. PG13 (Robinson Crossing) • Winnie the Pooh — During an ordinary day in Hundred Acre Wood, Winnie the Pooh sets out to find some honey. Misinterpreting a note from Christopher Robin, Pooh convinces Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo, and Eeyore that their young friend has been captured by a creature named "Backson" and they set out to save him. G. (Warren Theatre) • X-Men: First Class — In 1962, 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.

(Robinson Crossing) • Zookeeper — A group of zoo animals decide to break their code of silence in order to help their lovable zookeeper (Kevin James) find love — without opting to leave his current job for something more illustrious. PG. (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14) For Hollywood Spotlight 14 showtimes, call 579-0911 or visit gohollywood.com. For Robinson Crossing 6 showtimes, call 447-1005 or visit starplexcinemas.com. For Warren Theatre showtimes, call 703-3777 or visit warrentheatres.com.

‘The Smurfs’ Neil Patrick Harris Sony/Columbia

Maybe it was just that my expectations were low, but “The Smurfs” is a fun summer movie that will certainly have youngsters laughing.

And parents be warned: That annoying “Smurfs” theme song will be in your head for days.

The Smurfs — the original blue-man (and girl) group — are going about their lives until the evil Gargamel (Hank Azaria) shows up. Before he can grab the Smurfs for his wizardry work, six escape to a mystical land of glass and steel — New York. There, they get the help of a sweet young couple (Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays) to try to get home before Gargamel can grab them (a recurring theme as anyone who saw the cartoon knows).

Most of the credit for the movie working goes to Azaria, who plays the role of Gargamel so far over the top he could probably see both poles of the planet while filming. This is a rare case where such an extreme actually works. There’s no way to take the film seriously when Azaria keeps reminding us this is just a movie about blue people who are three apples tall.

The computer-generated Smurfs are fun and feature some smurfing good voice work by Jonathan Winters, as Papa Smurf, and Anton Yelchin, as Clumsy Smurf.

Katy Perry’s voice work as Smurfette is OK but not distinct enough to warrant the star casting.

No matter the voice casting, please note: With Smurfs, there’s always going to be a lot of blue language.

— The Sacramento Bee

will return Aug. 5 with

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

a 3-D premium will be applied to each purchased 3-D ticket.

Why wait in line? PRINT TICKETS AT HOME www.GOHOLLYWOOD.com

COWBOYS & ALIENS (PG13) 12:40 1:10 1:40 3:20 3:50 4:20 6:30 7:00 7:30 9:10 9:40 10:10

HORRIBLE BOSSES (R) 1:25 4:10 6:45 9:15 HARRY POTTER 2D (PG-13) 12:30 3:25 6:40 9:35

CRAZY STUPID LOVE (PG13) 12:50 3:40 7:10 9:50

HARRY POTTER 3D (PG-13) 1:00 3:55 7:15 10:10

THE SMURFS 2D (PG) 1:20 4:05

FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS (R) 1:15 3:35 6:55 9:30

THE SMURFS 3D (PG) 7:20 10:00

CARS 2 3D (G) 12:45

CAPTAIN AMERICA 2D (PG13) ZOOKEEPER (PG) 3:45 6:50 9:20 1:05 4:00 7:05 9:55 CAPTAIN AMERICA 3D (PG13) TRANSFORMERS 3 3D (PG13) 12:35 1:35 3:30 4:30 6:35 12:55 4:15 7:35 7:35 9:25

NINE NIGHTS IN NORMAN 30 SAT

10 p.m. — The Nicnos Band, The Brewhouse, $5 TBA — My So Called Band, The Deli pop pick

8:30 p.m. — Regg, The Igloo Event Center, Free 10 p.m. — Kyle Earhart and the Lower Forty, The Brewhouse, $5 pop pick TBA — The Pidgin Band, The Deli

31 SUN TBA — Mike Hosty Solo, The Deli

01 MON 7 p.m. — Travis Linville and Roger Marin, The Deli, Free 10 p.m. — The Damn Quails, The Deli

02 TUE TBA — NStuff, The Deli

03 WED TBA — Prairie Fire, Universe City Open Mic Night, The Deli, 10:30 p.m.

04 THU 10 p.m. — Lauren Deger Jazz Quartet, The Brewhouse, $5 7 p.m. — Camille Harp, The Deli, Free 10 p.m. — The Wallpaper Series with Penny Hill and John Calvin, The Deli pop pick

VISUAL ARTS

MUSIC

29 FRI

10 p.m. — John Calvin, The Brewhouse, $5 TBA — Cookies and Cards fundraiser, The Deli pop pick

06 SAT 10 p.m. — The Jacuzzi Lifeguards, The Brewhouse, $5 TBA — Hosty Duo, The Deli

PERFORMING ARTS FILM & LIT

6 p.m. — Second Friday Circuit of Art, Downtown Norman galleries and stores, Free pop pick

8 p.m. — A Sreetcar Named Desire, OKC Civic Center, $19/$16 pop pick

9 p.m. — Heitz Movie Nitez showing “ET”, Marc Heitz Chevy Amphitheater, Free

8 p.m. — A Sreetcar Named Desire, OKC Civic Center, $19/$16

2 p.m. — A Sreetcar Named Desire, OKC Civic Center, $19/$16

6:30 p.m. — Quincy R. Lehr poetry reading, MAINSITE Gallery, Free pop pick

8 a.m. — Farmers Market, Cleveland County Fairgrounds, Free 10:30 a.m. — Toddler Time, Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, Free with museum admission 2 p.m. — Discovery Days, Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, Free with museum admission pop pick

OFF BEAT

10

05 FRI

pop

Friday, July 29, 2011

EVENT SUBMISSIONS To get your show or event in POP’s Nine Nights calendar, send the event name, time, date, location and admission price to pop@normantranscript.com.

Weekly deadline is noon Tuesdays.

PATRONS Terry “Buffalo” Ware plays for the crowds at the Summer Breeze Concert Series at Lions Park.

Photo by Kyle Phillips

Photo by Jerry Laizure

Yukon artist Charles Walkingstick checks out Carol Amrstrong's oil on linen painting “Climbing” at the Firehouse Art Center faculty art show.

Photo by Kyle Phillips

Michael and Gloria McCarthy try to keep cool Sunday night during the Summer Breeze Concert Series at Lions Park.

PHOTO SUBMISSIONS Photo submissions for Patrons must be high-resolution and include caption information with the names of people in the photo, along with the date, place and name of event where it was taken.

Photos are printed as space allows.

Photo by Kyle Phillips

The crowd claps as Terry ”Buffalo” Ware plays Sunday at the Summer Breeze Concert Series at Lions Park

Photo by Jerry Laizure

Quembe Walkingstick, of Yukon, looks at Carol Chew’s stoneware and porcelain ceramic pitcher at the Firehouse Art Center faculty art show. The show ends Monday.

Friday, July 29, 2011

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