March 2014 by The Norman Transcript

March 14, 2014

people land images

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whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

The Big Read at Pioneer Library

Book & Music Reviews

6 11 Healing Studio 7 at the Firehouse Top 10 Social 12 Calendar Our People, Our 8 Land, Our Images Medieval Fair at 2nd Friday The One Event 4 Reaves Park 10 Art Events 14 at MAINSITE

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staff

Publisher Terry Connor

Ad Director Debbi Knoll

Production Manager Rob Rasor

Executive Editor Andy Rieger

Advertising Representatives Rebekah Collins Robin Escarcega Kimberly Lehenbauer Nick Sheats Angela Williams Erik Winters

Writers Hannah Cruz Katherine Parker Zachary Ellege Doug Hill

Editor Hannah Cruz

Layout Artist Kerry Friesen

Photographers Kyle Phillips

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Medieval Affair

by Hannah Cruz

The middle ages will spring to life during Norman’s through you. It’s a very powerful performance and a upcoming Medieval Fair April 4-6 at Reaves Park, 2501 very loud one,” she said. “It’s just mesmerizing, the Jenkins Ave. sounds of the bells. Imagine the bells from the church In its 38th year, the free tower are now down at ground level fair blurs the past with the and you can see what’s happening present during three days of and watch it while he plays this live entertainment, historical carillon.” presentations and arts and crafts For more on Cast In Bronze shopping opportunities. visit castinbronze.net. Medieval Fair Coordinator Ann Eckart said act Didgeman and Marie Eckart said the fair attracts Scarlett are bringing an interactive, upwards of 300,000 people every educational music experience to fair year over the course of its three goers this year. days. For Eckart, it’s no surprise so During the act, performers many flock to the fair. go over the history of instruments “To have fun,” she said with and then pass the instruments out a smile. “To get away from their to audience members. By the end every day worries. There are so of the act, Eckart said, an orchestra Ann Marie Eckart many sights and sounds that will has been created with audience overwhelm the senses and help you to forget about members holding various acoustic, percussion and wind all the worries of every day life. It’s a great chance to instruments. escape and take a step across that bridge of time to a Among the traditional yearly activities, Eckart simpler time.” said many fair-goers don’t miss the opportunity to be Held annually since 1977, the fair, hosted by “knighted” or “princessed” by the fair’s royal court at the the University of Oklahoma, features a little bit of Royal Pavilion. everything. From entertainment, demonstrations, arts, Others enjoy shopping from art and craft booths crafts, games and food, Eckart said the fair has it all. that offer goods such as pottery, stained glass, armor, “If you can imagine it, you can probably find it at weapons, costumes, jewelry, puppets and more. Medieval Fair,” she said. This year, Eckart said the artisan vendor jury spent This year brings some unique opportunities for fair an exceptional amount of time deliberating over the goers, Eckart said. Among perhaps the most interesting applications to ensure all vendors are of the highest is Cast In Bronze, bringing carillon performances quality. straight into the park. Parking, $5, is available at Lloyd Noble Center on A carillon is a four-ton musical instrument made of Jenkins Avenue, located one block south of Reaves Park 35 bronze bells played from a modified keyboard with (benefits the Lloyd Noble Center). the fists and feet. Musician behind Cast In Bronze, Frank Fair visitors should be aware City of Norman’s Della Penna, recently performed on TV show “America’s ordinances prohibit smoking in city parks. Alcoholic Got Talent,” Eckart said. beverages are also prohibited. Pets are allowed, though “To see it on TV doesn’t do it justice. I’ve heard not encouraged because of the large crowds, and leash it in person at the Muskogee and Texas festivals and laws are strictly enforced. the bells just have this resonance that goes all the way For more information visit medievalfair.org.

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If you can imagine it, you can probably find it at Medieval Fair

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photos by Kyle Phillips

Medieval Fair Free Lecture Series: Learn about the middle ages — just for the fun of it — during Medieval Fair Free Lecture Series, co-sponsored by the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies and the University of Oklahoma at the Norman Library, 225 N. Webster Ave. The fourth lecture, titled “The Songs of the Troubadours: Courtly Love in Medieval France and Beyond,” is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. March 28. Jennifer Saltzstein, OU School of Music associate professor, will speak. The fifth and last lecture, titled “The Extraordinary Journey of Finch and Baines,” is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 18. Jamie Hart, OU History Department professor, will lecture on the lives of two young Englishmen in the mid-17th century, and how their lives reflect European society of the time.

SEE THIS:

photo by Kyle Phillips

From live music to dancing, jugglers to circus acts, story telling to costume contests, the Medieval Fair has it all. In fact, Medieval Fair Coordinator Ann Marie Eckart said there’s more fair than can be seen in a day. “People should really plan to come out more than once,” she said. “As soon as possible we will have the program up on the website so people can plan their day if they want to. And that will have a list of the artists and the performers and the times and the places.” Check out our highlighted schedule for the fair’s most popular events. Visit medievalfair.org for full details.

• Human Chess Game: 12:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. every day at the Camelot Stage • Joust: 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. every day at the Jousting Field • Black Oak Shillelagh The Last Huzzah: 6:15 p.m. every day at the Gryphon Stage

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Pioneer Library System’s Big Read is big fun by Katherine Parker

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Tough, self-reliant Mattie Ross, independent rookie Laboeuf and surly Rooster Cogburn are jumping off the pages of Charles Portis’ “True Grit” during the Pioneer Library System’s Big Read with entertainment and education in Cleveland, McClain and Pottawatomie counties. The Big Read, which began in 2007, is a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) program designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The Big Read provides competitive grants to support innovative reading programs in selected communities and PLS has been a recipient of such grants four times. PLS has been onboard with The Big Read since its inception. The NEA added three new titles to its reading list in 2012, including “True Grit.” With the Oklahoma setting and a different theme than former PLS Big Reads, it was a natural selection for the library system. Each year PLS participates as a NEA-funded Big Read or on its own with donations from state and local organizations under the program title “PLS Big Read.” PLS public information officer Gary Kramer said this year’s PLS Big Read was produced with state and local funding. Past Big Read projects, funded by NEA or PLS depending on the year, included books: “The Grapes of Wrath,” “Bless Me, Ultima,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “The Maltese Falcon,” “The Things They Carried,” “The Joy Luck Club,” and “Old School.” Next year’s novel has already been selected by PLS, but the title will not be revealed until this year’s finale on April 12. Kramer

said the selection for 2015 is a fantasy novel, a genre PLS has never featured before. ••• The first of several Big Read events in Cleveland county starts 7 p.m. March 14 with the Bold Talk Scholar Panel Discussion at the University of Oklahoma’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave. The book discussion features University of Central Oklahoma English Professor Steve Garrison, PLS local history and genealogy resources librarian Kathryn Ramsay and Oklahoma Poet Laureate Nathan Brown. Oklahoma City attorney and musician Bob French will moderate the discussion. French, Steven Streetman and Gary Howe will play country music during the event. Complimentary copies of the novel will be available while supplies last. The 2010 Coen brothers blockbuster, “True Grit,” is showing 6:30 p.m. March 27 at the Moore Warren Theatre, 1000 Telephone Rd. in Moore, and 6:30 p.m. April 3 at Cinema Center 8 in Shawnee. Attendees may dress in western wear and enter a costume contest. Awards for the costume contest will be presented after the movie showings. Preceding each showing will be a documentary film “The True, True Grit,” produced by the University of Oklahoma Video and Media Services Department. The documentary showcases the actual locations in Arkansas and Oklahoma visited by characters in the “True Grit” novel. The PLS Foundation is hosting an evening for adults during its third annual fundraiser, “Literally

Yours”, 6-8 p.m. April 7 at LOCAL, 2262 W. Main St. Patterned after the Patrón Social Club, the evening includes literature, libations and culinary creations featuring wild west fare by Kyle Mills, executive chef. Tickets are $100 and are available through the PLS Foundation. For more information, call the PLS Development Office at 405-8014521. The PLS Big Read will culminate at its big finale on April 12. The day includes a parade, fair, wild west show and more. The day begins 10 a.m. with the annual Norman ‘89er Day Parade in downtown Norman. The parade features a wagon train with characters from the novel. Activities will continue at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds with a free Family Fun Fair. The fair features family-friendly activities, performances and games. Actors from the parade portraying novel characters will be available for autographs. Orr Family Farm will give hay rides. Kramer said rain or shine the event will go on. Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West Show is scheduled for 2 p.m. It will be the first-ever Norman performance. The show traditionally performs at the historic Pawnee Bill Ranch. “They are only doing three shows this year and the PLS Big Read is one of those special events,” Kramer said. “It will be a real treat and exciting. The performers will shoot guns, perform tricks, conduct chariot races and add comedy throughout.”

Top: Mattie Ross and Rooster Cogburn, portrayed by Shalla Strider and Dennis Edwards, prepare for a parade promoting the PLS Big Read. They’ll be part of the‘89er Day Parade on April 12 through Downtown Norman. photo provided Above: Performers in Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West Show put on their performance last summer on the grounds of the Pawnee Bill Ranch. The group will take a road trip to Norman for the April 12 finale of this year’s PLS Big Read, part of a day full of festivities celebrating the Pioneer Library System’s commemoration of the novel“True Grit.”photo provided

Additional “True Grit” events will take place at various Pioneer Library System libraries throughout March and April. For a full listing of events at Norman, Blanchard, Newcastle, Noble, Purcell, Shawnee, Southwest Oklahoma City and Tecumseh libraries visit justsoyouknow.us/bigread or okreadstruegrit.org. The following events are scheduled at the Norman Public Library, 225 N. Webster Ave.: • “Let’s Talk About It Oklahoma,” book discussion of “True Grit” with scholar Bill Hagen, 2 p.m. March 30 • “Saving Sweetness,” Little Read story time, 2 p.m. April 6

HEALINGstudio by Hannah Cruz

He thinks it sounds a little crazy, but Mark Dvorak still holds this truth: Art changed his life. For a little over a year Dvorak, 52-year-old Norman resident, has been attending the Norman Firehouse Art Center’s Healing Studio, an open format studio for individuals with varying degrees of cognitive, physical and learning disabilities to participate in art. “It’s made things more bearable,” he said. “Art and music is a good way to get away and have a good time and not worry about your problems. I know everyone has their problems, I feel bad about that. It’s helped me quite a bit since I’ve been going. I look forward to it on Fridays. It’s unbelievable. It’s something to really look forward to.” Dvorak will be exhibiting his work along with his classmates during a Healing Studio exhibit at the Firehouse, 444 S. Flood Ave., through March 29. An opening reception is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. March 14. The free program is offered 50 weeks a year, with each session lasting two hours. Teacher Jane Lawson leads students through prepared art activities that are designed to be adjusted to the various needs of different students. FAC Executive Director Douglas Shaw Elder said students are able to develop a sense of community and foster creative expression during open studio times. “Each of them, regardless, has a certain style of mark-making. They have good days, they have bad days. Even Picasso said Picasso can’t be Picasso at times, so that is a part of every day life — the more you realize we do have ups and downs at all levels. The importance is coming together,” he said. Dvorak said he’s done a little bit of everything during class time, including painting and working with pencils and colored pencils. And though the projects are not technically difficult, he said they are

fulfilling and inspire him to do more. In fact, Dvorak said he now creates art at home. He calls his home work his “independent living collection.” Of course, Dvorak said he has enjoyed making friends during the classes. “I love it. It’s great socialization,” he said. “Ms. Lawson, if you have a question about how to do something she has great advice. I don’t really have an artist background but I’ve learned so much. It’s great for all of us to get together.” Elder said FAC exhibits Healing Studio work every year. The goal with the annual exhibit is for artists to feel a sense of accomplishment, as well as help create a dialogue between the artists and their viewers. “Somebody is saying something and it’s up to us to come in and listen,” Elder said on why the public should come to this exhibit. “That’s the whole viewing experience.” For Dvorak, exhibiting his work fills him with a sense of pride. “Oh, man, I think it’s wonderful. I am thrilled to death just to have the Firehouse show some of my stuff. It’s unbelievable. That in itself to me, for them to say bring your stuff on to show it — that’s cool,” he said. “I don’t think they say it to everybody. They must like some of the things I do. I just love to create. It’s great inspiration.” For anyone contemplating joining the Healing Studio class, Dvorak said he knows it can make a difference for them, too. “It’s unfortunate that some people are not positive and sometimes I’m not positive all the time. Crud, I get my down moments — everybody does,” he said. “But heck, it’s not the way to be. I hate having to feel down sometimes but sometimes I do. But art seems to really help. It helps me forget my problems a little bit.” For more information on FAC and the Healing Studio visit normanfirehouse.com or call 405-329-4523.

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Even Picasso said Picasso can’t be Picasso at times, so that is a part of every day life — the more you realize we do have ups and downs at all levels. The importance is coming together

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Douglas Shaw Elder

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people land images Larry McNeil, Yéil

Erica Lord, Untitled

Sama Alshaibi, Olives from Gaza The Bitter Dream Lee Marmon, Laguna Eagle Dancers

A new exhibit at Fred Jones opens April 4th by Hannah Cruz

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A new photography exhibit at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum on a variety of social or political issues. of Art is working to break down cultural stereotypes and start Ahtone said the images tell a story by the way they are a dialogue on what it means to be “native.” laid out in relation to each other, highlighting similarities “Our People, Our Land, Our Images” is a touring exhibit and differences between each native culture. The series of featuring 51 historical and contemporary images as a collection helps identify stories “Our People, Our Land, photographs by 26 indigenous or struggles each community deals with. Our Images” is on display photographers from North America, South “While cultures are obviously unique April 4 to May 25 at the America, the Middle East and New Zealand. there are similarities between living in a FJJMA James T. Bialac Asstistant Curator Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, dominate society that has one view and 555 Elm Ave. of Native American and Non-Western Art having a different world view,” Ahtone said. One of the artists Heather Ahtone said the exhibition explores “Even if those other world views are not included in the exhibit, issues indigenous peoples across the world compatible there are similar experiences of Shan Goshorn, face, including similarities and differences that.” each group or artist has dealing with Many images explore the idea of dual Native American artist identity, traditions, politics and histories. identity and how native peoples around the and activist from Tulsa, Perhaps most importantly, she said, the will be giving a gallery talk world handle stereotypes in their way of exhibit explores native issues through the living or dress, Ahtone said. 6:30 p.m. April 11 eyes of native people and is curated by “A lot of time people are looking to at the museum. natives. indigenous people, and including Native “As a museum, using images that explore those issues, American people, in that maybe a particular look is going to helps to at least further the dialogue,” she said. “We may not tell you who that person is,” she said. “... I think that’s one of resolve it, but if we can help further the dialogue, we may the things about identity that this exhibition kind of gets to is, one day get to a place where those things ... embrace the it’s no longer that phenotypic manner of identifying people diversity rather than trying to homogenize it all.” but it’s also the ways that they might seek to create visual The exhibition is organized by Native American and guest signals of who they are.” curator Veronica Passalacqua of the C.N. Gorman Museum One historical image shows a group of Native American at the University of California, Davis, and is a program women dressed in the contemporary clothing of 1902. of ExhibitsUSA, a national division of Mid-America Arts Ahtone said the photograph starts a difficult conversation Alliance, with the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National about visual cues related to Native Americans — there’s no Endowment for the Arts. visual references to clue the viewer in that they’re looking at Included photographs feature a range of subjects and Native Americans, but does that make them any less Native represent a variety of time periods and cultures. While American? As Ahtone asked, can we allow people culturally some images are more journalistic in nature, others include to be something that evolves without needing to look a double-exposed images, posed photographs with models certain way? or photoshopped pictures to include a variety of images or “I think we can see that was already a question that could words. Ahtone said the result is that some images give subtle be raised 100 years ago,” Ahtone said. “Why are we still insight into native life, while others offer direct commentary dealing with the same d*** question?”

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Teo Allain Chambi, Niña en Cotabambas, Cusco Jennie Ross Cobb, Graduating Class of 1902

people land images Larry McNeil, Yéil

Erica Lord, Untitled

Sama Alshaibi, Olives from Gaza The Bitter Dream Lee Marmon, Laguna Eagle Dancers

A new exhibit at Fred Jones opens April 4th by Hannah Cruz

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Teo Allain Chambi, Niña en Cotabambas, Cusco Jennie Ross Cobb, Graduating Class of 1902

5 p.m. LOCAL, 2262 W. Main St., is helping to present the Big Spring Fling at the Normandy Creek Shopping Center, featuring bounce houses, live music, sidewalk sales, demos, kids crafts and more.

5:30 p.m. Dreamer Concepts: An Art Space for Emerging Artists, 324 E. Main St., ushers out Dreamer 53: The Art Education Experience, featuring a Wilson Elementary School students’ vividly colorful designs based on the paintings of Aboriginal Austrailians, with a closing reception.

Plan your perfect Art Walk with us. Find a complete list of events at 2ndfridaynorman.com.

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6:15 p.m.

STASH, 412 E. Main St., is excited to present new work from Norman artist Jackie Miller, along with live music and food from Big Truck Tacos and The Loaded Bowl.

Dope Chapel, 115 N. Crawford Ave., makes its first 2nd Friday Art Walk appearance with Zero Equals Zero, featuring sculptures and paintings by Anna Thomas. Photography by Allison Campbell, Felix Blesch and Heather Eck will also be on display.

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6:30 p.m.

The Social Club, 209 E. Main St., is presenting work from Stacie Bloomfield of Gingiber, an illustrative paper goods and homewares store. It’s also Social Club’s 2nd Birthday, and they are celebrating with cake, refreshments, a special performance by DJ Chrome Pony, the Archive Photo Booth and giveaways.

D.M. Wealth Management, 201 E. Main St., welcomes painter Darline Hobbs with musical guest Frank Lawrence.

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7 p.m. Gray Owl Coffee (223 E. Gray) is exhibiting small, inexpensive drawings and sketches from Norman artist Skip Hill.

7:30 p.m. Ball and Morse, 111 N. Peters Ave., hosts nature photographer of Kansas City transplant Jessie Furnish with appetizers on hand.

8:30 p.m. Sonder Music, Dance & Art, 225 E. Gray St., presents Ghost Jinks, an exhibit from Allie Campbell also featuring a performance by Shameless Friend.

8 p.m. Bell’s Mystical Beginnings, 207 W. Main St., will have art from local artists on display, also playing host to a drum circle and belly dancing. Tarot and Oracle Readers will be available as well.

9 p.m. Michelangelo’s Coffee & Wine Bar, 207 E. Main St., features a free live performance by singersongwriter Justin Randon.

10 p.m. Opolis, 113 N. Crawford Ave., is featuring Norman’s favorite hip-hop outfit ADDVerse Effects. $8 cover.

reviews books by Zachary Elledge Book: Under the Never Sky (2012, HarperCollins) Author: Veronica Rossi Why you should read: “Under the Never Sky” is a clever young adult novel built around a distopian future akin to “The Hunger Games” or the “Divergent” series. The plot revolves primarily around Aria, who has grown up in a futuristic and enclosed society. The outside world is filled with “Savages” and contains “a million ways to die” for those foolish enough to explore it. Inside the man-made pods everyone has a visor-type technology that allows them to connect to virtual worlds with endless possibilities, ala “The Matrix,” which further removes them from reality. Aria is exiled from her home after an accident occurs while she’s trying to find out about her mother, a scientist working in a different pod. Death seems certain after exile until she meets a Savage named Perry. Normally she would never associate with the type, nor he with her, but now he is her only means of survival. She clings to him as she continues to discover the fate of her mother. An interesting plot to be sure, and is probably why it has achieved best-seller status. The symbolism is obvious and heavy handed, but that doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyable. For example, Aria’s name — she’s a singer. And the small character Echo repeats everything his brother says. Still, though the style and dialogue are simplistic — which will attract some and distract others — fans of futuristic and distopian sci-fi will probably find a home here. If you like it, you have two other books to look forward to, and some fans are already looking forward to the announced movie.

music by Doug Hill Musician: Jason Vivone and the Billy Bats Album name: Eddie Ate Dynamite Why you should listen: All you have to do is glance at this album’s cover art to know it’s going to be a twisted listen. A stick of high explosive in a hot dog bun on grandma’s red and white check tablecloth is certifiably bent. The picture goes to title track “Eddie Ate Dynamite” (“Then he asked me for a light”). It’s a novelty tune that takes on a surreal quality half way through the number with a church lady-style choir chanting, “Eat that dynamite!” Band leader Jason Vivone counts six Billy Bats under his direction and two of them are female vocalists utilized to tremendous effect. Based in Kansas City, they beg the question just what the hell is going on in that ostensibly conservative town. This is the kind of music that ruffles traditional feathers with the Blues Society set. “Analog” is a slithering hymn to the joys of old school recorded music. It’s complete with Vivone preacher-hollering about being, “At home with the crackle and hiss/ You know I loved it since I was a kid.” Arrangements, vocal phrasings and slick guitar licks are clever across all these original compositions. Sometimes it’s not even the singing that sings. In 1940s wolf whistle tribute “Cut Those Apron Strings,” uber-cute girly spoken word makes the song sparkle. Similarly, “Where Did the Day Go?” is a bizarre instrumental strut punctuated with that mundane verbal question. The strong dose of offbeat in these grooves brings to mind Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks who played KC area joints back in the day. Vivone takes aural weird to an even higher level. The sense of humor, virtuosity and esoteric musical references on “Eddie Ate Dynamite” are fearless in making blues a blast. by Doug Hill Musician: Molly Venter and Eben Pariser Album name: Goodnight Moonshine Why you should listen: It’s the rare 21st century professional musician who has just one project. Molly Venter and Eben Pariser are no exceptions. Venter played here in Norman at the Winter Wind concert series late last year with her main gig Red Molly. Pariser is lead vocalist and bass player for retro hipster (“Steamboat Soul”) quartet Roosevelt Dime based in Brooklyn. Considering the evidence presented in their debut 11 song Goodnight Moonshine album, there’s a case to be made that there shouldn’t be any distractions from this endeavor. They’ve forged a fresh sound that incorporates a slew of influences while equally utilizing the unique talents of each musician. It’s a sophisticated flavor of Americana that manages something most music in this genre either doesn’t attempt or can’t do. That not so little feat is creating an amalgamation of country and city sounds. Goodnight Moonshine doesn’t create this blend in every track. It’s spread out like the remote plains, small towns and cities of America are interspersed across the map. The songs aren’t all folk or jazz or adult contemporary music. Rather they borrow promiscuously from these and more. “Work I Done” is a song Venter wrote after spending a Father’s Day afternoon visiting the Brooklyn Navy Yard Museum. Although it’s about historically male-dominated occupations, it’s sung with her feminine lead vocals rather than Pariser’s, which is genius. “Dark Side of the Rainbow” is a mash up of Pink Floyd and the Judy Garland classic with paired vocal solos that miraculously work in this unlikely combination. It’s so much more entertaining than the duo showing off perfectly harmonized vocals on some other song. “End of the World Blues” bears mention if for no other reason than nearly everyone has had the annoying experience that inspired this song. It’s when a churchly pair knocks on the door and proceeds to share their unsolicited opinion on end times. It’s enough to make you want to say goodnight and then pour a shot of moonshine.

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See our detailed calendar in N-town lite in the main edition of The Norman Transcript for a complete guide of this week’s events.

N-town staff picks the top 10 things you can’t miss this month.

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Generations exhibit at the Norman Depot “Generations,” a father-son art exhibit with Brad and Nathan Price, is kicking off with an opening reception 6-9 p.m. March 14 at the Norman Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave.

The exhibit features works in oil, acrylic and mixed-media and will continue through April 31. A closing reception is scheduled 6-9 p.m. April 11. Both receptions will include

painting demonstrations by the artists. For more information on Brad visit bradprice.net. For more information on Nathan visit nathanpriceart.com.

Spring Break Escape at Sam Noble Head to the Sam Noble Museum, 2401 Chautauqua Ave., March 17 to March 21, for a week of fun during Spring Break Escape. The week long programming includes

crafts, auditorium shows, storytelling, scavenger hunts and more, all free with paid museum admission. For more information visit snomnh.ou.edu.

Midway Deli Concert Series at Midway Deli Jamey Johnson at Riverwind Casino Don’t miss the last two shows of the Midway Deli Concert Series. Native Spirits Winery is sponsoring this year’s series and is serving wine at every show. Bob Livingston performs

Magic To Do at Sooner Theatre

Enjoy music from some of the most famous musicals during “Magic To Do: A Musical Montage” 8 p.m. March 28 and 29 and 2 p.m. March 30 at the Sooner Theatre, 101 E. Main St. The performances includes songs from favorites

View Apache filmmaker Dustinn Craig’s films 1-4 p.m. March 29 at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave. Films include: shorts “A Snapshot in Time” (2009, 10 minutes),“Home” (2005,

like “Pippin,”“Les Miserables,” “Wicked,”“Miss Saigon,” “Phantom of The Opera” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Tickets are $20 or $25 and are available at soonertheatre.org.

7 p.m. March 21 and Susan Herndon closes up the season 7 p.m. April 11 at the Midway Deli, 601 W. Eufala St. Admission is $10 at the door.The venue is smoke free.

The Cherry Orchard at OU Anton Chekhov’s tragicomic masterpiece “The Cherry Orchard” is scheduled for 8 p.m. April 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12 and 3 p.m. April 6 and 13 at The Univeristy of Oklahoma’s Weitzenhoffer Theatre, 563 Elm Ave.The production is rated G.

Six Norman artists are selling paintings, mixed media works and jewelry during their Affordable Art Show 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 5 at Legend’s Times Two, 1333 W. Lindsey St.

Tickets are $35-$55 and are available at riverwind.com. For more information on Johnson visit jameyjohnson.com

Beppe Gambetta at Norman Depot

7 minutes), and “I Belong to This” (2003, 15 minutes), and Craig’s feature film “We Shall Remain: Geronimo” (2008, 84 minutes.) For more on Craig visit vimeo.com/betterones.

Art Sale at Legend’s Times Two

Country musician Jamey Johnson is stepping into the limelight during his upcoming show 8 p.m. March 28 at Riverwind Casino, 1544 West State Highway 9.

Film Screening at Fred Jones

Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for seniors, OU faculty and staff and military, and $14 for students.To purchase tickets call or visit the OU Fine Arts Box Office at 405-325-4101, located at 500 W. Boyd St. in the Catlett Music Center.

Italian musician Beppe Gambetta is entertaining Oklahoman crowds during the Performing Arts Studio’s Winter Wind Concert Series 7 p.m. March 30 at the Norman Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through ticketstorm.com or at the Depot. For more information on Gambetta visit beppegambetta.com.

Corazon Watkins, Betty Wood, Carolyn Faseler, Jana Diedrich, Shawn Ryan and Barbara Mauldin are selling most of their art work at $25 or less.

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Shawn Mullins at Sooner Theatre See Atlanta-based singer/ songwriter Shawn Mullins perform live during his upcoming Norman concert 8 p.m. April 11 at the Sooner Theatre, 101 E. Main St. Tickets are $40-$50

and can be purchased at soonertheatre.org. For more information on Mullins visit shawnmullins. com.

THEONEEVENT by Doug Hill

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The hippest, grooviest, moddest party is taking place during The ONE Event, Norman Arts Council’s annual fundraiser slated for 7-11 p.m. March 29 at MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main St. “It’s going to be a really fun party,” NAC Executive Director Erinn Gavaghan said. “We work hard to make it not seem like it’s a fundraiser.” The gallery space will be transformed into a chrome edifice reflecting the “Andy Warhol’s Factory” theme for 2014. DJ Timmy B will be providing the musical vibe that’s sure to include plenty of Lou Reed, Rolling Stones and The Velvet Underground. “We hope to raise at least $2,300,” Gavaghan said. “All proceeds will be used to support our operations, salaries, rent and utilities. It keeps us going and allows us to support the rest of the arts in Norman.” Food will be catered by “Norman’s hippest restaurants” and the bar will be open. Ticket purchasing patrons are encouraged to attend in groovy attire suitable to the Warhol Factory uproar that stretched from 1962 to 1984. “We’ll be doing awards for best-dressed,” Gavaghan said. There will be an “itty bitty teeny weenie” art raffle conducted during the party. Local artists confined to a six inch by six inch format will have created work that patrons may vie for.

“It’s a blind raffle and people may indicate the pieces they hope to win,” she said. The third annual “Chair-ity Auction” will be another chance for benefactors to purchase special seat-inspired designs from utilitarian to purely decorative. “These will range from two dimensional works on paper to small sculptures,” Gavaghan said. An auction for personal experiences such as a McNellie’s Pub beer tasting and Mariposa Coffee Roastery party will also be up for grabs to the highest bidder. It’s no secret that state funding for the arts is under close scrutiny by the Oklahoma legislature this year. Gavaghan said support is needed from national, state, community and private sources to maintain many arts programs. “It’s hard for organizations to raise operational support,” Gavaghan said. “Membership drives, donations from Republic Bank and First American Bank, grants from the Kirkpatrick Foundation and the Oklahoma Arts Council are all important.” NAC’s overall annual budget is approximately $150,000. “In my four years here I have observed a huge impact that the arts have had on the Norman community,” Gavaghan said. “Second Friday Art Walk Nights attendance has increased and that means more people going into downtown businesses.”

“Start Norman” is a new program being launched this spring by NAC emphasizing how the arts can play a positive role in economic development and quality of life. “It’s vital for any community,” Gavaghan said. “Just like having good schools and strong businesses.” Norman is scheduled to host the Oklahoma Arts Conference this fall. “Arts leaders from around Oklahoma will be here to see the great things that we’ve done here in town,” she said. “We’re a good example of how a community can be positively affected by the arts.” NAC has been a leader in extending operational grants to the various arts organizations around town. Building support for and within these groups helps make Norman a richer place to live. Raising funds through the ONE Event helps keep the momentum going. General admission tickets are $50. VIP tickets are $75 and include access to the VIP lounge, VIP after-party at Guestroom Records featuring a Velvet Underground Cover Band and invitations to the Pre-ONE wine tasting on March 27 at LOCAL. The ONES tickets are $100 and include entire VIP access as well as recognition as an event sponsor. To purchase tickets visit normanarts.org.

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