April 2014 by The Norman Transcript

TOWN

April 11, 2014

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whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4

SIDE

Festival of the Four Winds Q&A with Matthew Kaney

Norman Music Festival 7

Book & Music Reviews

StART Norman

Fossil Field Trip

Shawn Mullins at Sooner Theatre

Top 10 Social Calendar

Photos of Medieval Fair

2nd Friday Art Events

Contemporary Dance Oklahoma

photo by Kyle Phillips

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TOWN

staff

Publisher Mark Millsap

Ad Director Debbi Knoll

Production Manager Rob Rasor

Executive Editor Andy Rieger

Advertising Representatives Rebekah Collins Robin Escarcega Kimberly Lehenbauer Ryan Dillard Angela Williams Erik Winters

Writers Hannah Cruz Amber Hodge Doug Hill Kirsten Viohl

Editor Hannah Cruz Layout Artist Kerry Friesen

Photographers Kyle Phillips Jay Chilton

N-town is a monthly publication of The Norman Transcript, 215 E. Comanche St, Norman, OK 73070. (Phone: 405.321.1800). Letters or editorial contributions should be sent to: N-town, P.O. Drawer 1058, Norman, OK, 73070 or emailed to hcruz@normantranscript.com. N-town is not responsible for unsolicited submissions. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner, without permissions is prohibited. Address advertising inquiries to Debbi Knoll, 405-366-3554 or dknoll@normantranscript.com. N-town can be found online.

FESTIVAL OF THE FOUR WINDS Festival of the Four Winds a new direction for OU. by Doug Hill

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Despite Native American Nations playing a big part in Oklahoma’s culture, there are still misunderstandings about how they operate as sovereign nations. It’s an issue that is getting addressed in a big way during the first Festival of the Four Winds 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 12 at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History. Ann Barnes, logistics planner for the University of Oklahoma’s American Indian Institute and a member of the Choctaw Nation, developed the idea some years ago that OU should sponsor a festival celebrating the arts and cultures of the tribal nations. “We’re hoping to educate about and celebrate the 39 nationally recognized tribes of Oklahoma,” Barnes said. “An invitation was extended to all these tribes for a free spot to display anything they like such as their traditional dress, foods and fun activities.” Instrumental in bringing this event to reality have been many others including Dr. Daniel Brackett, chairperson of the Jacobson Foundation Board of Directors and Chelsea Wesner, American Indian Institute program planner based in South Dakota. The event is designed to appeal to both tribal members and those with no tribal affiliation who want to learn about this rich aspect of living in Oklahoma. Food vendors will be set up outside the museum and the art show will be indoors. There will be dancing, singing and other musical performances throughout the day. Cultural demonstrations such as storytelling, beading, jewelry making

and flute playing will occur in museum classrooms. There will be an art show and also activities for children including being given a “passport” for them to have stamped at each nation’s area. The Oklahoma Arts Council is a cosponsor of the festival that will focus on traditional arts and crafts. “The Jacobson House has provided a large role in coordinating arts activities for children,” Wesner said. “Native American films will screen throughout the day and there will be a People’s Choice award for the art show that includes both new and established artists.” Jacobson House’s Executive Director Tracey Satepauhoodle-Mikkanen has coordinated fun hands-on activities for children such as making cornhusk dolls, dream weavers and dream catchers. “There will be something for everybody,” Barnes said. “Drum making, sculpture, pottery, painting, performing arts and food.” Most of the festival’s events will be inside the museum because of weather considerations. This will be an opportunity for people to attend the first of what’s planned to be an annual event. “We’re just trying to get off the ground and someday we’d like to be similar to the Medieval Fair with our Native American Fair right here in Norman that’s a three day event. But we’ll have to grow into that,” Barnes said. The focus will be on Oklahoma tribes but Wesner has already received

an inquiry from a Kansas educator about bringing students of Native American culture here to experience the day. “It will be great to have people come from outside Oklahoma to join us,” Wesner said. The festival has the potential to dispel misconceptions many have about the tribal nations. “Many think that all Native Americans are one and the same but we’re really not,” Barnes said. “We’re like France, Italy and England with our own languages, dress and cultural traditions. We’re not just one group, we’re many groups and many nations. As Choctaws we wear the ribbon dresses and everyone has their own beautiful traditional clothing.” OU’s American Indian Institute is a non-profit organization that will be coordinating the event and it’s up to each tribal nation how they will be representing their peoples. As with many events of this nature, funding has been a challenge but Four Winds’ admission will be free and open to the public. “We’re depending on a lot of volunteer support and contributions just to make it happen,” Wesner said. “This will be an interactive, experiential event for all ages. People will be coming to learn about history and heritage but also that Native American culture is a living culture.” The festival takes its name from a painting titled “The Four Winds” by Kiowa artist Mirac Creepingbear (19471990).

photo provided

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Forget paint or clay, Norman resident Matthew Kaney creates art from virtual materials. The University of Oklahoma art alumnus uses technology to build video game installations as a form of visual art. Each piece presents the player with a friendly way to grapple with a variety of contemporary issues. Kaney is showing his work during an exhibit titled “All Fun & Games” at the Firehouse Art Center, 444 S. Flood Ave., through May 24. Two receptions are scheduled in conjunction with the show, 6-9 p.m. April 11 and 6-11 p.m. May 9 at the Firehouse. For more information on Kaney visit mindofmatthew.com.

What is your main goal when you’re doing a piece?

With the games and with a lot of my other interactive pieces, I generally have some sort of — not quite message — but some sort of idea or context that I want to communicate. With these games, each one is my attempt to illustrate some political issue, some sort of contemporary situation, through the lense of these game controls and through a bit of satire, a bit of deliberate reduction in that way, I guess. I did a game where it runs on a desktop computer and you have this virtual farm land and

“

I think to some extent it can be used to engage people in spite of themselves. Definitely want to draw people in and have them play through these satirical versions of ultimately very real world events with serious implications and serious concerns.

with Matthew Kaney by Hannah Cruz

it has virtual kudzu, and as this virtual kudzu grows the game keeps copying copies of kudzu leaves onto your hard drive into proportion to the game, literally filling up your hard drive with these kudzu. It’s a good example of something that uses the game form, not necessarily to achieve the traditional goals of the medium, but to offer a context or way of thinking about things.

do you go about Q How building one of these games or installations? Definitely the software comes

A first and usually I’ll start out

with a sense of roughly how the game will be played. You need to have a wide view of what types of controls make sense, what kind of layout schemes — in broad strokes how the game will be played. That’s completely conceptual processing, just sketching and notes and ideas. From there I usually start making the art work. With all of these arcade games I wanted to draw on the aesthetics of late ‘70s, early ‘80s, low resolution arcade games. As an artist, and really as a designer, it’s a fun set of aesthetic constraints to work within. It’s fun to figure out as a design challenge how to pack this information, this illustration into such a tiny package. In broader conceptual terms, I liked how playful they are,

how approachable and how they sort of say “games” in a way that I think is going to appeal to the most people. I very much want to bring in people. Especially given the context of a gallery installation, these aren’t necessarily going to be the same demographic people who are already sort of serious gamers as it is. I work with the art work at that point and that’s literally just drawing teeny tiny Photoshop documents... Once I’ve got bits of the artwork in place or a rough layout mocked up in Photoshop, then I’ll usually go into the code and start writing the code and going back and forth between the art work and the code. how long does it take you Q Soto create any given piece? software part, I can A The generally put together the code and the artwork for the software in about a week or two. I’ll usually spend a while letting my basic ideas percolate and then once I’m reasonably satisfied with the design, then it can be a week or two of more intensive work to put it together. Then the physical installation of the arcade games, it took a long time to come up with the original design. Fortunately I designed it in such a way that it’s been pretty adaptable.

much does it cost to build Q How one of these things? They’re pretty expensive. I

A created the first three with a (Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition) Momentum Spotlight grant last year, and then was able to create a fourth one when I did an exhibition of this work in Kansas City last fall. They were able to pull together a little more money to commission some new work so I added a fourth wall mounted game and also a multiplayer game. They’re definitely expensive pieces to fabricate and because of that I’ve basically only been able to create these arcade games when I’ve been able to pull together funding. But the nice part about it is the monitors are incredibly reusable for other things and the internal computers actually are pretty cheap. There’s like a $30 computer that I use to run all of them. Getting the TV was probably the most expensive part, pretty cheap LCD TV. you learn all the coding Q Did and things when you were in school? Or is that something you’ve done on your own? It’s been a bit of both. While

A I was at OU, I got a minor in computer science. Because of that I have a really strong technical base when it comes to writing software.

As far as other things like electronic circuitry goes, I picked up some from the art school and I’ve had classes that have discussed some of these topics but nowhere in the depth that like an electrical engineer is going to get into this. ... Technologies from the early end have sort of wrapped around where they’re much more accessible to artists. Artists right now, especially with hardware, are dealing with circuitry in ways that is basically the state of the art form 30 years ago but it’s the newest and most exciting thing that is happening in art right now. I think there’s also been a push to take various coding, hardware design, microprocessors and computer chips and democratize them in a certain way, especially with the current rise with DIY. ... And just pushes to take technologies that were once incredibly difficult to get into and try to simplify the interface into ways that are much more feasible for artists and designers and hobbyists to get into. entire creative process, how would you Q Your compare it to the traditional artistic media? think that painting is a good contrast. If A Iyou’re not at all interested in the paint you can buy the paint, buy the canvases off the shelf and create work just like that. I think that’s similar to people using Photoshop. Certainly there are painters experimenting with different types of paint, different pigments, and you could, if you wanted, get a Ph.D. in chemistry and really be generating new, crazy, wild things. But somewhere in the middle there is an understanding of, “Oh, okay, if I mix these materials together I’ll get these properties and I can get this.” I think no matter what you’re working with — paint or charcoal or wood or plaster or ceramics — I think artists have always been interested in pushing their materials, playing with their properties. In that respect, I don’t think what I do is any different. I think it’s a different medium, and there’s definitely different skill sets.

Q It is. I have done so little color mixing with A paint that every time I try to mix paint it’s But the process is very similar.

always weirdly foreign to me, I’ll sort of mix colors together and they’ll always skew in different ways. That’s a medium I haven’t spent much time with and don’t really understand, but I respect and can totally see someone who really has a good intuition and a good sense of that can make the materials do

exactly what they want. I feel like I’m working in a similar way but in these abstract procedures and algorithms. Ways of thinking about virtual data are just much more comfortable to me. I’m taking that medium and playing with it and sort of thinking about the historical context and thinking about what would this look like, what does this remind people of, how does this make people feel when they interact with it or approach it? like a painter would do, thinking about Q Much art history and all those things. Exactly. If you work in marble or bronze or clay, these are all specific mediums with specific histories and specific connotations and they exist in our culture in ways that we recognize. And different technologies are exactly that: Arcade games and websites, video games on the computer versus video games on mobile devises — all these technologies have their own histories, have their own associations, and have their own kind of quality and effects for things they’re better at or worse at or things they can communicate. I think it’s all open for artistic experimentation.

do you want your audience to get out of Q What viewing and interacting with your pieces? these arcade games, specifically, I’ve A With been thinking about the ways games compel us in certain ways. With these games some of the objectives are things like working in this electronics factory and performing these repetitive tasks to assemble iPhones. Or say you’re the richest class? How do you rig the economic system in your favor? Maybe these are political issues people don’t want to think about — or certainly don’t feel the most sympathetic towards the type of character they’re portraying — but because of the game form it’s still very compelling.

Q Maybe a little more friendly than other media. I think to some extent it can be used A Itto is.engage people in spite of themselves. Definitely want to draw people in and have them play through these satirical versions of ultimately very real world events with serious implications and serious concerns. I think also to get people thinking about what games can be and what art can be.

Trickle Down screenshot provided Drone 3 screenshot provided Trickle Down Installation. photo provided

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photo provided

by Hannah Cruz

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The Feel Spectres' Amy Mays sings a song during the band's show at Opolis during the opening night of the 2013 Norman Music Festival. photo by Kyle Phillips

In its seventh year, Norman Music Festival is once again packing downtown Norman with the sounds of local, national and international music for three days of entertainment. Scheduled for April 24, 25 and 26, NMF Chair Steven White said the event has something for everyone. “If you’re allergic to fun, you might not like it,” White said. “But if you like to have a good time, it’s not a bad event. And it’s free.” Over the course of the festival, White said over 300 soloists or bands will perform in approximately 15 venues, including genres like rock, reggae, country, folk, Americana, psychedelic, pop, hip-hop and more. With this year’s headliner — the psychedelic southern rock band The Bright Light Social Hour from Austin, Texas — White said he’s going for an “urban jam party” feeling. Other bands scheduled to perform on the Main Stage, located at Main Street and Porter Avenue,

Big Sam’s Funky Nation lead singer Sam Williams puts on a show for the crowd during the bands’ set on the Main Stage during the 2013 Norman Music Festival. photo by Kyle Phillips

include Oklahoma City psychedelic folk rock band Horse Thief, Nashville-based rock outfit Diarrhea Planet, French psyche-punk rock band La Femme, Norman blues singer Caleb McGee, and Norman hiphop group ADDverse Effects. Though the Main Stage features indie groups, White said it’s a well-rounded lineup that will give fair-goers an opportunity to hear from groups they may not have listened to before. “It’s great exposure to so much music,” he said. Jack O’Brien, bassist and singer with The Bright Light Social Hour, said this will be the group’s first Norman performance. They plan on performing a few new songs. But like any other show, the group will start off slow and relaxed and gradually ramp up the energy. “It’s the most seductive way to have high a energy performance,” he said. “By the end there is crowd surfing and crazy lights.” Bands slated for the Sailor Jerry Stage, located at Jones Avenue and Comanche Street, include Wichita,

Crowds of people flood Main Street during the 2013 Norman Music Festival. photo by Kyle Phillips

Kan., blues rock band Moreland & Arbuckle, local instrumental rock/surf/R&B/Okie twang group Terry “Buffalo” Ware and the Shambles, Norman native country singer Cutter Elliott, Tulsa singer-songwriter John Moreland, and sister group the Tequila Songbirds. The Sooner Theatre stage, at 101 E. Main St., will feature top local acts including Tyson, Feel Spectres and $69 Guitar. Combined with a kids area hosted by Republic Bank, a carnival by Lions Club and various street performers, White said he anticipates this year’s event will attract 70,000 in attendance. White said such a large-scale event wouldn’t be possible without the partnership of many different groups including the city of Norman, Norman Chamber of Commerce, Norman Downtowners Association and many businesses and restaurants. For more information visit normanmusicfestival. com or find Norman Music Festival on Facebook and Twitter.

Thursday, April 24 • 6 p.m. — Paul Shell, Michaelangelos Indoor • 6:30 p.m. — Tom Crider, Michaelangelos Indoor • 7 p.m. — Hayden Bedwell, Abners • 7 p.m. — Hayden Bedwell, Abners • 7 p.m. — Nathan Brown, Michaelangelos Indoor • 7 p.m. — Anklets, Tres - Indoor • 7 p.m. — Tele Mori, Tres - Patio • 7:30 p.m. — Kefalonia, Brewhouse • 7:30 p.m. — Tom Marshall, Michaelangelos Indoor • 8 p.m. — drainbows, Red Brick Bar • 8 p.m. — Jessey General Thompson, Bluebonnet • 8 p.m. — Sierra Rose, Michaelangelos Indoor • 8 p.m. — Kaitlin Butts, Tres - Indoor • 8 p.m. — All About A Bubble, Tres - Patio • 8:30 p.m. — Mikah Young, Brewhouse • 8:30 p.m. — Darden Pierce, Michaelangelos Indoor • 9 p.m. — Brothels, Red Brick Bar • 9 p.m. — Western Residents, Bluebonnet • 9 p.m. — JAB - Solo Performer, Michaelangelos Indoor • 9 p.m. — Mighty Big Fire, Tres - Indoor • 9 p.m. — Carter Sampson & Joe Mack, Tres - Patio • 9:30 p.m. — Akiba, Brewhouse • 9:30 p.m. — Kirby Evans, Michaelangelos Indoor • 10 p.m. — Corey Roberts, Abners • 10 p.m. — The Choke, Red Brick Ba • 10 p.m. — Rachel Brashear (99), Bluebonnet • 10 p.m. — Bowlsey, Tres - Indoor • 10:30 p.m. — Blake Fischer, Brewhouse • 11 p.m. — STEPHEN SALEWON, Abners • 11 p.m. — The Dead Armadillos, Red Brick Bar • 11 p.m. — Barling, Tres - Indoo • 11 p.m. — IndianGiver, Bluebonnet • 11 p.m. — ADMIRALS, Tres - Patio • 11:30 p.m. — Defining Times, Brewhouse • 12 a.m. — Nathan Richards, Abners • 12 a.m. — NicNos, Red Brick Bar • 12 a.m. — Them Apples, Bluebonnet • 12 a.m. — Midnight Revival, Tres - Indoor • 12:30 a.m. — Moongiant, Brewhouse • 1 a.m. — Big Casino, Red Brick Bar • 1 a.m. — Aaron Pierce, Bluebonnet Friday, April 25 • 6 p.m. — Grel, Red Brick Bar • 6 p.m. — Max Ridgway Trio, Gray Street Stage • 6 p.m. — Milk Jr, Dreamer Concepts • 6 p.m. — Bob Deupree, Michaelangelos Indoor • 6:30 p.m. — Matthew Stratton, Michaelangelos Indoor • 7 p.m. — Wess McMichael and the Mostly All Man Band, Gray Street Stage

schedule

• 7 p.m. — Shawn Reidy, Brewhouse • 7 p.m. — heavy shake, Red Brick Bar • 7 p.m. — [PEACH], Bluebonnet • 7 p.m. — kick nancy down, Dreamer Concepts • 7 p.m. — Farrel Droke, Michaelangelos Indoor • 7 p.m. — Kneighbourhood, STASH • 7:30 p.m. — David Henson, Michaelangelos Indoor • 7:40 p.m. — Mon, STASH • 8 p.m. — Kacey Walkingstick, Abners • 8 p.m. — Ronnie Harris, Bison Witches • 8 p.m. — And There Stand Empires, Gray Street Stage • 8 p.m. — Good Culture, Brewhouse • 8 p.m. — Bored Wax, Red Brick Bar • 8 p.m. — Dave McDaniel, Bluebonnet • 8 p.m. — Limp Wizurdz, Dreamer Concepts • 8 p.m. — Annie Oakley, Michaelangelos Indoor • 8 p.m. — john brakefield, Tres - Indoor • 8:20 p.m. — KNOble Savage, STASH • 8:30 p.m. — Frank Lawrence, Michaelangelos Indoor • 9 p.m. — Andy Adams, Abners • 9 p.m. — aDDLib, Bison Witches • 9 p.m. — The Moai Broadcast, Gray Street Stage • 9 p.m. — Them Hounds, Brewhousee • 9 p.m. — The Bourgeois, Red Brick Bar • 9 p.m. — Limber Limbs, Bluebonnet • 9 p.m. — The Pizza Thieves, Dreamer Concepts • 9 p.m. — Peter Erickson, Michaelangelos Indoor • 9 p.m. — Frank Black, STASH • 9:30 p.m. — Tanner Miller, Michaelangelos Indoor • 10 p.m. — Amanda Earhart, Abners • 10 p.m. — Dare We Say, Pioneers, Bison Witches • 10 p.m. — Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Gray Street Stage • 10 p.m. — Oklahoma Cloud Factory, Brewhouse • 10 p.m. — Power Pyramid, Red Brick Bar • 10 p.m. — The Younglings, Bluebonnet • 10 p.m. — Cosmostanza, Dreamer Concepts • 10 p.m. — Edgar Cruz, Tres - Indoor • 10:20 p.m. — Josh Sallee, STASH • 11 p.m. — Chase Kerby and the _____, Abners • 11 p.m. — Warrbuckss, Biso Witches • 11 p.m. — New Westerns, Brewhouse • 11 p.m. — Bloody Knives, Red Brick Bar • 11 p.m. — The Trading Co., Bluebonnet • 11 p.m. — Your Mom, Dreamer Concepts • 11 p.m. — Defcon Battle (multiple performers), STASH • 11 p.m. — Sunny Side Up, Tres - Indoor • 12 a.m. — Allie Lauren, Abners • 12 a.m. — Oilhouse, Bison Witches • 12 a.m. — Eureeka, Brewhouse • 12 a.m. — BitchWizard, Red Brick Bar

• 12 a.m. — Em and the MotherSuperiors, Bluebonnet • 12 a.m. — Fire Bad!, Dreamer Concepts • 12 a.m. — Rum Fellows, Tres - Indoor • 12 a.m. — The Samurai Conquistadors, Tres - Patio • 1 a.m. — Klipspringer, Bison Witches • 1 a.m. — Void Opus, Brewhouse • 1 a.m. — Love Cobra, Red Brick Bar • 1 a.m. — Feathered Rabbit, Bluebonnet

• 5 p.m. — Chelsey Cope Band, Sooner Theater • 5 p.m. — The Grown Ups, Brewhouse • 5 p.m. — BITE ME, Red Brick Bar • 5 p.m. — Silver Spruce, Dreamer Concepts • 5 p.m. — Giraffe Massacre, STASH • 5 p.m. — Tracy Reed & Matt Johnson, Michaelangelos Outdoor • 5 p.m. — Matt Lowery, Tres - Indoor • 5:30 p.m. — Rainbows Are Free, Sailor Jerry Stage • 6 p.m. — Jerrod Beck, Abners • 6 p.m. — Feel Spectres, Sooner Theater Saturday, April 26 • 6 p.m. — Prix Teen, STASH • 12 p.m. — Handsome Devils, Bluebonnet • 6 p.m. — Cecada, Brewhouse • 12 p.m. — Blue Gorilla, Michaelangelos Outdoor • 6 p.m. — Psychotic Reaction, Red Brick Bar • 12 p.m. — Found Footage, Dreamer Concepts • 6 p.m. — The Gentle Art of Floating, Dreamer Concepts • 1 p.m. — Cutter Elliot, Sailor Jerry Stage • 6 p.m. — Radio Apathy, Michaelangelos Outdoor • 1 p.m. — Daydream Empire, Brewhouse • 6 p.m. — Clare Costello, Tres - Indoor • 1 p.m. — Beau Mansfield & Ken Dedmon, Bluebonnet • 6:30 p.m. — Tequila Song Birds, Sailor Jerry Stage • 1 p.m. — Brother Rabbit, Dreamer Concepts • 7 p.m. — Colin Nance, STASH • 1 p.m. — Elizabeth Speegle Band, Michaelangelos Outdoor • 7 p.m. — Damn Quails, Sooner Theater • 1:30 p.m. — Evangeline, Michaelangelos Indoor • 7 p.m. — Kill the Reflection, Michaelangelos Outdoor • 1:45 p.m. — North Meets South, Sailor Jerry Stage • 7 p.m. — Tony Romanello and the Black Jackets, Brewhouse • 2 p.m. — L.T.Z., Bison Witches • 2 p.m. — Jim Madsen & The Big Train String Quartet, Michaelangelos Outdoor • 7 p.m. — Idre, Red Brick Bar • 7 p.m. — Ofidelis, Bluebonnet • 2 p.m. — Derrick Weber, Brewhouse • 7 p.m. — The Venditos, Tres - Patio • 2 p.m. — Headbutt, Red Brick Bar • 7 p.m. — Luna Moth, Dreamer Concepts • 2 p.m. — Acoustic Ross, Bluebonnet • 7 p.m. — JV’s Fillin’ Station, Tres - Indoor • 2 p.m. — Ivy Mike, Dreamer Concepts • 7:30 p.m. — John Moreland, Sailor Jerry Stage • 2 p.m. — Dash Engine, STASH • 8 p.m. — Corporate Ghost, Brewhouse • 2:30 p.m. — Charlie Hill, Michaelangelos Indoor • 8 p.m. — Costanzas, Red Brick Bar • 2:30 p.m. — Terry Buffalo Ware & The Shambles, Sailor Jerry Stage • 8 p.m. — Honeylark, Bluebonnet • 3 p.m. — MilitantxMindz, Bison Witches • 8 p.m. — Gregg Standridge, Tres - Indoor • 3 p.m. — Fos, Brewhouse • 8 p.m. — Helen Kelter Skelter, Dreamer Concepts • 3 p.m. — Matt Stansberry & The Romance, Sooner Theater • 8 p.m. — Green Corn Revival, Tres - Patio • 3 p.m. — Bipolar Echo, Red Brick Bar • 8:30 p.m. — Moreland & Arbuckle, Sailor Jerry Stage • 3 p.m. — Idabel, Bluebonnet • 11 p.m. — Sonic Violence, Red Brick Bar • 3 p.m. — Jahruba and the Broke Brothers, Dreamer Concepts • 11 p.m. — Kelli Lynn and the Skillet Lickers, Bluebonnet • 3 p.m. — DNA Combo, Michaelangelos Outdoor • 11 p.m. — Paperscissor, Dreamer Concepts • 3 p.m. — Jumpship Astronaut, STASH • 11 p.m. — Foreign Home, Tres - Indoor • 3:30 p.m. — Anvil Salute, Michaelangelos Indoor • 11 p.m. — MRD, Tres - Patio • 3:30 p.m. — Mama Sweet, Sailor Jerry Stage • 12 a.m. — The Sluts, Red Brick Bar • 4 p.m. — Rick Reiley, Abners • 12 a.m. — The Chloes, Bluebonnet • 4 p.m. — $69Guitar!, Sooner Theater • 12 a.m. — Dustin Prinz, Abner • 4 p.m. — the rosewood girl, Brewhouse • 12 a.m. — Magnificent Bird, Dreamer Concepts • 4 p.m. — Easy Lovers, Red Brick Ba • 12 a.m. — Japanese Game Show, Tres - Patio • 4 p.m. — The Great American Jug Band, Bluebonnet • 12:30 a.m. — Aluma, Brewhouse • 4 p.m. — Direct Connect, Dreamer Concepts • 1 a.m. — Traindodge, Red Brick Bar • 4 p.m. — Daddy Love Band, Michaelangelos Outdoor • 1 a.m. — Erik The Viking, Tres - Indoor • 4 p.m. — The Hitt Boyz, STASH • 4 p.m. — Kali Ra, Tres - Indoor • 4:30 p.m. — Sarah Reid, Michaelangelos Indoor Select performance times and days have yet to be • 4:30 p.m. — Taddy Porter, Sailor Jerry Stage scheduled. For an up-to-date listing of events visit • 5 p.m. — Regg, Bison Witches normanmusicfestival.com. • 5 p.m. — Autumn Ray, Abners

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reviews books

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by Amber Hodge Book: The Lost Child of Philomena Lee (2009, Macmillan) Author: Martin Sixsmith Why you should read: Originally published in 2009, “Philomena” tells the true story of Michael Hess, who was a lawyer, and later deputy chief counsel and chief counsel for the Republican National Committee during the administrations of Reagan and Bush. The account begins with his birth to unwed mother Philomena Lee in a convent in Roscrea, Ireland. When a young American couple comes to the convent looking to adopt a little girl, they wind up taking young Anthony Lee, as he was named at the time, much to his mother’s dismay. From then, the story focuses on Michael, who is raised by a Catholic family in the Midwest, and his life up until his death in 1995. A graduate of Notre Dame and George Washington law school, Michael struggled to come to terms with being gay as he moved into adulthood. In his attempts to explore his sexuality, he frequented gay bars and dated numerous men, which led to failed relationships and opened him up to darker urges in his endeavors. It was, during that era, that AIDS began to make itself known, and Michael fell victim to the fatal disease, which took his life at age 43. Michael’s failed attempts to find his birth mother and her attempts to find her lost son only add to the tragic narrative. “Philomena.” while ultimately sad, is a worthwhile and interesting read. This story has had a significant impact in both the literary and cinematic world. The book currently sits at No. 18 on the NY Times Best Seller’s list for paperback nonfiction. The movie, titled “Philomena,” released in November 2013. It has been nominated for three Golden Globes and four Oscar Awards, including Best Motion Picture of the Year and Best Adapted Screenplay.

by Amber Hodge by Amber Hodge Book: The Invention of Wings (2014, Viking) Author: Sue Monk Kidd Why you should read: Kidd might be known for her worldwide hit “The Secret Life of Bees,” which released in 2002 and spent more than two years on the NY Times Best Seller’s list, but “The Invention of Wings” is giving it a run for its money. It currently sits at No. 7 for combined print and e-book fiction, and is an Oprah’s Book Club pick. It is rife with southern charm and history, and Kidd pulls out all the stops to deliver a fantastic story. The narrative begins in 1803 Charleston, where young Sarah Grimké is presented with equally young slave Hetty “Handful” for her 12th birthday. When Sarah requests that Handful be returned, and is denied, she pens a “manumission” document in an attempt to free her, which is quickly torn to pieces. Though Handful must remain Sarah’s maidservant, the two form a reluctant friendship. Sarah even teaches Handful to read and write, resulting in punishments for both of them. In alternating point of views, “Wings” spans 35 years of Sarah and Handful’s lives as they both find ways to make it in a world that has equal troubles for them both. One of the most interesting aspects of this story is that Sarah was truly a historical figure, and among the first female abolitionists. According to Kidd, “Sarah was the first woman in the United States to write a comprehensive feminist manifesto, and Angelina [her sister] was the first woman to speak before a legislative body.” “Wings” is a remarkable book, and the light shed on female empowerment and slavery in harsh times is thought-provoking. Readers won’t blink an eye at the nearly 400 pages, as the story is told with elegance and care, lending to an easy read.

music by Doug Hill by Doug Hill Musician: Helen Kelter Skelter Album name: Self-titled Why you should listen: Helen Kelter Skelter is a Norman band comprised of Eli Wimmer, Cody Clifton, Nathan Harwell, Jay Jamison and Tim Gregory. Their band’s name is a tongue twisting mash-up of the American deaf and blind political activist Hellen Keller and Beatles’ song “Helter Skelter.” The band has released a new eponymous EP with three original compositions and two remixes of the first and third tracks. The disc clocks in at a fleeting 17 minutes of playing time. It was produced by the band members, mixed by Trent Bell at Bell Labs in Norman and mastered by Ben Lindesmith. Attractive cover art is by Shelby Stong. Helen Kelter Skelter has shared little about themselves at their website or anywhere on social media. Rather than divulging what instruments they play, there are less than helpful designations next to each name such as “Mad Scientist” (Jamison) and “Technician of sorts” (Gregory). So the question arises: Should they be taken seriously? And the answer is yes because their music is good. The physical CD copy of this album was passed on the old fashioned way of one handing it to another. When asked what Helen Kelter Skelter sounds like the one word description was “psychedelic.” That’s accurate after a fashion. The group indeed bears similarities to early bands from that genre such as Quicksilver Messenger Service and Blue Cheer. Helen Kelter Skelter also recalls fusion jazz including Weather Report and Return to Forever. The remix track of “Wish List” is even complete with zooming asteroid space sounds, a Joe Zawinul synthesizer trademark during the 1970s. The first version of “Wish List” is heavy as a pile of bricks. It’s the hallucinogenic rock of ominous vocals, insistent guitar riffs and bad-ass percussion. “Some Tight Rope” has more of a folk rock sound with meandering melody, highly discernible lyrics, measured guitar licks and twinky keys. “You’ll Get Your Money Back” reverts to intense testosterone-fueled rock ‘n’ roll. You won’t want your money back for this little psychedelic gem.

by Doug Hill by Doug Hill Musician: Johnny Drummer Album name: Bad Attitude Why you should listen: It’s probably reason enough to spin this record that producer Michael Frank wrote a thousand word introduction for the liner notes. The man who founded Earwig Music Inc. in 1978 and managed David “Honeyboy” Edwards (1915-2011) for 27 years is a scholar of and multi-talented fixture on the Chicago blues scene. Frank details his nearly two decade long professional association with Johnny Drummer, praises these new “well crafted tunes,” and concludes with the advice to “Dig it!” And well you should. Bad Attitude’s 13 original Drummer songs are a fresh and entertaining set of compositions from a guy who has been lighting up blues stages around the world since 1959. By this point in their careers lots of gents are laid back on automatic pilot, if still performing at all. This is not the case with Drummer. There’s spark and swagger in these tunes that comes from a genuine interest in life, keen sense of humor and strong indications of a still active libido. No one will accuse Drummer of being overly-refined in his song writing. “Bit Her in the Butt” about a bad dog may be crude but it’s undeniably funny. It contains a lesson both inner city and country kids often learn early, some vicious canines you just can’t turn your back on. “Don’t Call Me Trash” is about living in a double-wide trailer park. Drummer’s solid-sender brass section honks extra stout on this track about the hard working people who don’t reside behind a white picket fence. “One Size Fits All” glorifies Drummer’s personal anatomy. “It makes no difference if you’re short/ if you’re tall/ I got what you want/ I got what you need/ One size fits all,” he sings confidently. That’s just the opposite of a bad attitude.

StART mural on the side of a building at Main Street and Webster Avenue Tuesday, March 18, 2014. photo by Jay Chilton

photo by Kyle Phillips

11 photo by Kyle Phillips

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by Hannah Cruz

F From vacant to thriving, an abandoned old lumberyard in downtown Norman is being transformed with month-long arts programming during StART Norman by the Norman Arts Council. Norman Arts Council Executive Director Erinn Gavaghan said the programming is designed to inspire change and a sense of community through the arts and â&#x20AC;&#x153;placemaking.â&#x20AC;? The initiative is a hybrid of two existing models: Better Block, which takes underutilized urban areas and revitalizes them with arts activities for a weekend, and No Longer Empty, which takes vacant properties in urban areas and places sight-specific art installations for a temporary amount of time. cont. on page 12

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Norman’s celebrations kick off 6-10 p.m. April 11 at the southwest corner of West Main Street and Webster Avenue, with a weekend packed full of free activities, art installations and pop-up restaurants and vendors. A month’s worth of programming will follow, including everything from the performing to visual arts. With any luck, Gavaghan said StART Norman will inspire residents and visitors to reimagine the potential the city’s empty spaces contain. “After that we turn the space back over to the owners,” she said, referring to when the programming is done. “We hope that we will have started a dialogue of people who want to do something on that block, giving owners an idea of what they can do with the lumberyard.” The idea for the arts initiative was formed in spring 2013 after the city’s hotel/motel tax increased, leaving NAC with an additional $50,000 of unbudgeted funds. Gavaghan said NAC formed a committee of community leaders, including partnering with the University of Oklahoma’s Institute for Quality Communities, to form a plan to develop a select portion of the downtown area. Additional funds were provided by Fowler Holding Co. Since then, she said the committee has budgeted every single penny of their funds, including hiring a project manager. The rest of the funds have

gone to artists and developing a month’s worth of free arts programming for the public — an investment that includes something for everyone in the community. The month includes live music, poetry and book readings, artist talks, panel discussions, film screenings, arts activities, acting, a writing workshop, open mic night and more. Twelve local and national artists have transformed the space with art installations, a film room and a collaborative mural centered around the theme “Threshold: the promised land.” Curators Laura Reese and Heather Ahtone, both of Norman, said the theme “implies an opening for change, a boundary yet to be crossed, and the maximum or minimum point of change.” “Promised land brings to mind hope and new beginnings, as well as a reflection on local history,” Reese said. “With the site of the lumberyard in mind we wanted our title to reflect both the history of the space as a place of building and the future of change we wanted to inspire.” Participating artists are Marwin Begaye, Eyakem Gulilat, Heather Clark Hilliard, Alexandra Knox, Erin Latham, Cedar Marie, Leigh Martin, Ellen Moershel and Michael Wilson, all from Norman; Joseph Erb, Tulsa; Sarah Hearn and The Wriders, Oklahoma City; and C. Maxx Stevens, Boulder, Colo.

Reese said the intent of the installations is to create a sense of community and help visitors see the potential Norman’s empty spaces have for a vibrant future. “The artists have created work that examines themes around building and construction, natural for a lumberyard, that also remind us of our future potential,” Reese said. “What blossomed most boldly within the core of each installation is the importance of ‘home’ and how we set roots wherever we are long enough to do so.” Latham’s installation is a play on a community garden, using plant materials to explore the idea of a wild past versus a cultivated present. She said she thought a lot about the history of the city and state before starting the project, as well as how she’d ultimately like to see the community develop. “I want [viewers] to get the idea of how easy it would be to transform a space with materials that can be found anywhere,” Latham said. “Innovation, the idea of what we can do with the future, the importance of community gardens... Just the idea of thinking about our societies and predominately where we’re going with the environment and how in the future we may need to create these environments.” Begaye, Moershel and Wilson created the mural at the corner of Main Street and Webster Avenue. The group formed

their ideas by thinking about the history of the space, Begaye said. “I think it’s an excellent idea, just to start integrating more of the community involvement to reactive these spaces,” Begaye said. “The space really had a lot of history and a lot of houses were built from the lumber being delivered.” The mural is a colorful, contemporary design that centers around railroad tracks and incorporates Norman’s road map into the composition. The artists worked on the mural for several weeks with the help of community volunteers, Begaye said, including sixth to 12th grade students from Norman Public School’s Indian Education Program. Begaye said working on the mural fostered a sense of community for him as people passing by stopped in to comment. “I don’t know what’s going to happen with this, some people driving by said, ‘You know they’re going to tear that down.’ And just the interest when we were in the process of painting this — there was so much traffic,” he said. “It was just busy all the time, people honking at us and encouraging us and people did come by and ask to volunteer.” For more information visit startnorman.com.

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CHALLENGE YOUR IMAGINATION AT THE

ENROLL BEFORE MAY 1ST AND SAVE $10 OFF OF CLASS TUITION 14

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CLASSES ARE NOW ENROLLING.

Five sessions from June 2 - August 1 Visit normanfirehouse.com for a full listing of classes. Call 405.329.4523 or visit the Firehouse to enroll today!

Children’s Summer Art Show: August 8 - 23, 2014 Reception: August 8th, from 6 - 8 PM

Visit the StART Norman SPACE exhibit: Threshold: the promised land 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday April 11–May 10 and during all program times. Unless otherwise noted programming is at 227 W. Main St. For more information visit startnorman.com. April 11 • 6-10 p.m.: StART Norman Opening Reception • 6-10 p.m.: Threshold: the promised land exhibit • 6-10 p.m.: Better Block Norman, throughout 200 Block of W. Main St. • 7-10 p.m.: Live music: Jazz in June presents the Paseo St. Walkers, Das Boot Camp Bier Garten (outside) • 7-10 p.m.: Live music: Audra Elizabeth, LOCAL Café (outside)

April 24 • 6 p.m.: Oklahoma Film and Music Office and the Norman Music Festival present a panel discussion on Oklahoma Music in Film and TV

April 18 • 7 p.m.: Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies and the Medieval Fair presents “And They Sang a New Song:” “Twenty-four Musical Elders at Santiago de Compostela,” a film by Dr. Susan Caldwell and Dr. Eugene Enrico of the University of Oklahoma, with Q&A

May 4 • 1 p.m.: Madison Morrison’s Engendering, a Marathon Reading, interpretive poetry reading and live painting performance (outside).

April 26 • All day: Norman Music Festival Music Triage Center and Open Jam Session

May 1 • 6:30 p.m.: Lindsey Allgood presents Presence: April 12 a performative exploration of active existence in • 12-8 p.m.: Better Block Norman, throughout 200 a place that will soon not exist, interactive arts Block of W. Main St. experience • 12-8 p.m.: Threshold: the promised land exhibit • 8 p.m.: University of Oklahoma English Department • 5-8 p.m.: Live music: The Oopapas, Das Boot Camp presents Todd Marshall Fuller Poet Bier Garten (outside) May 2 April 13 • 6:30 p.m.: Robert Mansfield presents Primed • 1-4 p.m.: Better Block Norman, throughout 200 Accordion, the progression of the modern accordion Block of W. Main St. and the different musical styles on various models • 1-4 p.m.: Threshold: the promised land exhibit and performances • 1 p.m.: Norman Singers presents Singing From the May 3 Heartland, corner of Main St. and Santa Fe in the • 1-5 p.m.: The Norman Arts Council and the pop-up retail green (outside) Pioneer Library System present the annual • 1-4 p.m.: Tunes by DJ Timmy B (outside) Writers Workshop: Threshold with author William April 16 Bernhardt, participants will be guided through • 7 p.m.: University of Oklahoma English Department writing techniques and site-responsive exercises • 5-6 p.m.: Writers Workshop: Threshold with presents Crag Hill Poetry Reading Nathan Brown, participants will learn Brown’s April 17 techniques for presenting work to a public audience • 7 p.m.: NAMRON Players presents On Puppets, a • 6:30-9 p.m.: Threshold Open Mic Lounge, poetry, Staged Reading of a New Play prose, short stories, and songs are welcome

April 19 — Family Arts Day at StART! • 1-4 p.m.: Arts Activities with the Firehouse Arts Centerand Vanessa Rudloff • 1 p.m.: The Depot presents Jennifer Kidney Poet and Storyteller • 3 p.m.: Cimarron Opera presents Tales from the Brothers Grimm • 7 p.m.: The Depot presents Nathan Brown, 20132014 Oklahoma Poet Laureate

444 South Flood Avenue | Norman, Oklahoma 73069

April 25 • 7 p.m.: Norman Music Festival Spectacle Stage

May 6 • 12-4 p.m.: The Sketchbook Project is passing through Norman and will have their mobile sketchbook library set-up. The public is welcome to browse through the library of sketchbooks from across the country and artists are invited to purchase a sketchbook and contribute to the library. For more information visit sketchbookproject.com May 7 • 7 p.m.: The Songwriters Association of Norman hosts an Open Mic night

May 8 April 22 • 6 p.m.: “Black Wall St. 1921” an Artistic • 7 p.m.: The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art presents Interpretation of the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot by Gregory Fred Talks: Threshold Jerome and Eric Humphries April 23 • 7 p.m.: Cimarron Opera presents An Evening with Brett Payne and Friends

May 9 • 6-10 p.m.: StART Norman Closing Reception featuring DJ Timmy B

by Hannah Cruz

field trip

Take a step into the past during the Sam might catch your eye,” she said. “Lots of rocks, Noble Museum of Natural History’s Family so have to look closely, but lots of great fossils Invertebrate Fossil Field Trip. out there.” Led by Dr. Steve Westrop, museum Westrop gives a formal presentation the invertebrate paleontology curator, the trip takes night before the trip at the museum. During the families to White Mound, a site located near presentation, Westrop explains that Oklahoma Sulphur, Okla., that was once the sea floor over used to be a shallow ocean over 400 million 415 million years ago. years ago. As a result, the types of fossils “The world was completely different. You found on site were the creatures that were have completely different animals so it really living in the ocean at the time. The museum’s tells you how much things have changed over collections of relevant fossils are also on hand time,” Westrop said. “You’re for participants to examine. getting basically a view of the The most common fossil on world as it once was. It’s the site are the brachiopods, Westrop Sam Noble Museum’s closest thing we have to time said, with approximately 20 Family Invertebrate travel.” different varieties at the location. Fossil Field Trip is for The fossils at White Mound “I actually think a lot of the families, children 7 — brachiopods, basically the kids get fed up in finding them, and up with an adult. shellfish of over 400 million they’re so common,” he said, The program kicks off years ago, and trilobites, related laughing. 6:30-7:30 p.m. April 25 to the modern horseshoe crab Westrop said the trilobite with a brief orientation — weather out of the rock layers fossils — an animal that came on paleontology. naturally, Westrop said. Instead and went before dinosaurs of having to pound on the rocks, existed — are more difficult Participants leave from participants sift through gravel to find. Even then, most kids the museum 9 a.m. April to find pieces that are fossils. walk away with at least a partial 26 in university vans to Whatever they find, participants trilobite fossil. the site, where they will are welcome to keep. And with Westrop has been doing the be able to find and keep fossils in abundant supply on fossil trip twice a year, once in marine fossils. the fall with adults only and site, Westrop said sometimes Space is limited and once in the spring with families, participants take home “boat advance registration since 1999. With over 30 trips loads” of fossils. is required. On-site under his belt, he said most of Jes Cole, museum head of registration is not the fossils they find are generally education, said the experience available for this routine. is great for families because it’s program. To enroll, call “That’s good because “surface fossil collecting” and no 405-325-1008. Cost: that means the kids can take specialized equipment is needed members $90 (includes everything home with them,” — just a bag and maybe toilet one child and one adult)/ he said. “We haven’t yet had paper to wrap up a fossil. Plus, $45 for each additional anything where we thought, there is always something new person; non-members ‘Wow, well I think you ought to to find, even if a participant has $110 (includes one child donate that to the museum,’ but been on the trip previously. and one adult)/ $55 for we live and hope.” “It’s like a big treasure hunt each additional person. — looking for something that

Participants dig for fossils during a previous Family Invertebrate Fossil Field Trip with the Sam Noble Museum. photo provided.

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Participants work with Roger Burkhalter, right, Sam Noble Museum collection manager for the Invertebrate Paleontology collection, during a previous Family Invertebrate Fossil Field Trip. photo provided.

Shawn Mullins

by Doug Hill

Tickets to Shawn Mullins’ concert, scheduled for 8 p.m. April 11 at The Sooner Theatre, 101 E. Main St., are $40-$50, and are available at soonertheatre.org.

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photo provided

There’s no question Grammy nominee singer/songwriter Shawn Mullins will be playing his 1999 hit single “Lullaby” during his upcoming performance 8 p.m. April 11 at The Sooner Theatre, 101 E. Main St. Mullins is a stellar songwriter and it’s the kind of tune that is liable to roam around in your noggin for a day or two after hearing it. The “Everything’s gonna be alright/ rockabye” chorus has been soothing magic for his throngs of dedicated fans. The song’s official music video with its poignant story is presently just under 2 million views on YouTube. “That song is in classic radio rotation now, which is hilarious,” Mullins said from his home in Atlanta. “I’m grateful for that big hit I had though. It has allowed me to travel all over the world and go pretty much anywhere and play a show. Maybe not a stadium full but at least a few hundred people and that’s cool.” Mullins shied away from the label “master songwriter” but indeed he is. His full album discography counts 18 titles since 1990. There are many

genuine masterpieces of human insight, emotion and musicianship in those discs. He’s presently signed to the venerable Vanguard Records label. Mullins is a product of the New South. He was growing up when school bussing to achieve integration was a hot controversy. “It was intense and eye-opening,” he said. “For me it was an education to be a proud southern Georgia guy but to look ahead and get out of some of the ideas of our forefathers. I feel like I’ve been part of that. Not just in music but I’ve got to be involved in some cool civil and human rights causes that I was invited to be in.” Although his songs aren’t blatantly political, it’s obvious that the struggles of 1970s-80s Atlanta deeply enriched his social consciousness. “As white kids we had to figure out what our place was in that and how to support it and not feel like an enemy,” Mullins said. “My grandfather was a union organizer for the railroads back in the 1940s and he’s a guy that never would have said the ‘n’ word ever.

“I had great people before me who were already progressive. On the other hand I had distant cousins who lived up in the country who weren’t like that and weren’t as educated and probably weren’t going to be educated, but you can try.” Mullins found that there were and are actually many places in the Deep South where people are open-minded and not judgmental. “Dahlonega, Georgia (U. of North Ga.) where I went to college is a perfect example,” he said. “The Klan used to march around the square in that town and now you’ll see same sex couples and all different colors of people. It’s been an amazing evolution in that small mountain town.” Mullins is in a good place in his life right now. He’s recently married and has a young son. Working on new material has been stimulating and he’s feeling the itch to produce another album. “I hope my music has gotten better over the years,” he said modestly. “One thing that I’m certain of is that I’ve become a better live performer.

The bottom line is that shows are entertainment.” Mullins is touring with upright bass player Tom Ryan from Athens, Ga., whose nickname is Panda. “He looks kind of like a Panda bear,” Mullins said. “He’s an unbelievable talent and great backing singer.” Mullins likes to listen to an audience coming into the theater and pick up on the vibe. “I try to get in that same place to be able to entertain them,” he said. “There will be some stories and some of the material I play will be serious but it will be fun. We’ll rock out as much as you can acoustically and have a good time.” He has learned that audiences want to escape the cares of their lives for a few hours. “They want to leave happy, not bummed-out but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some serious stuff in there that’s thought-provoking,” Mullins said. “I’ve tried to write songs that make people feel good. There needs to be a little silver lining even when the stories are kind of sad.”

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CAL

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.

1 18

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Midway Deli Concert Series at Midway Deli Don’t miss the last show of the Midway Deli Concert Series. Native Spirits Winery is sponsoring this year’s series and is serving wine at every show. Susan Herndon is closing 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.

Norman’s 89er Day Parade on Main Street Commemorate the Great Land Run of 1889 during the 89er Day Parade 10 a.m. April 12 in Downtown Norman. The parade — featuring covered wagons, Western displays, horses, color

guard, vintage cars and more — moves east to west beginning at Crawford Avenue and Main Street. For more information visit norman89er.com

The Seasons at the University of Oklahoma Poetry Reading at Norman Depot See Haydn’s “The Seasons,” during a performance by Oklahoma Festival Ballet, OU Symphony Orchestra, OU Combined Choirs and select soloists. Two performances are

scheduled for 8 p.m. April 12 and 3 p.m. April 13 in Reynolds Performing Arts Center, 560 Parrington Oval.Tickets are $20 and may be purchased through the OU Fine Arts Box Office at 405-325-4101.

scheduled for 6 p.m. April 13 at the First Presbyterian Church of Norman, 555 S. University Blvd. For more information call 405-364-8962.

Celebrate spring during Eggstravaganza! 4-7 p.m. April 26 at the Sam Noble Museum, 2401 Chautauqua Ave. This year’s festivities includes complimentary

Children’s Poetry Celebration at Library

Children in grades kindergarten through fifth grade will have the opportunity to submit original poems as part of the Norman Library’s annual poetry contest.The poetry reading and awards are scheduled

Get outside to enjoy nice weather and art during May Fair Arts Festival 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 3 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 4 at Andrews Park, 201 W. Daws St. The free festival, hosted

for 6 p.m. April 28 at the Norman Library, 225 N. Webster Ave. Blank forms may be picked up from the Library’s Children’s Department. For more information visit pioneer.lib.ok.us.

Earth Day Festival at Reaves Park

admission, games, crafts, discovery tables with museum specimens to explore, photos with the bunny and an egg hunt. For more information visit snomnh.ou.edu.

May Fair Arts Festival at Andrews Park

his poetry book,“The White Bird,” the “Ben Kincaid” novels, the “Shine” young adult novels, and “Nemesis:The Final Case of Eliot Ness,” which is currently in production for an NBC miniseries.

Festival of Spirituals at First Presbyterian Church Eggstravaganza! at Sam Noble Museum During Cimarron Opera’s 45th Annual Festival of Spirituals, enjoy hearing traditional African American spirituals, a uniquely American art form. The free concert is

Hear poetry from William Bernhardt during the Performing Arts Studio’s Second Sunday Poetry event 2 p.m. April 13 at the Norman Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave. The event is free. Bernhardt is the author of 35 published works, including

Learn about the importance of protecting the earth during Earth Day Festival 12-5 p.m. April 27 at Reaves Park, 2501 Jenkins Ave. The free event includes hands-on art projects, musical

entertainment, loveable mascots, pet adoptions and more. For more information visit normanok.gov, or call 405-366-5473 or 405-364-7319.

by Assistance League of Norman, includes juried art booths, family and children’s art activities, entertainment, food vendors and more. For more information visit assistanceleaguenorman.org.

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Jimmy Webb at Sooner Theatre Award-winning singer/

Tickets are $40-

songwriter Jimmy Webb is

$50 and are available at

performing in Norman 8

soonertheatre.org.

p.m. May 9 at Sooner Theatre, 101 E. Main St.

For more information on Webb visit jimmywebb.com.

CAUGHT on camera Medieval M dii l Fair F i in Reaves Park April 4, 5 and 6 Photos by Kyle Phillips

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Mariah Menzie walks the Medieval Fair in her homemade tree outfit April 5 at Reaves Park. Menzie, a former OU student, dedicated her own time and money to the outfit, which she calls Mother Nature.

Brandi Oliver helps set up a Hearts Delight booth at Reaves Park April 3 to get ready for the Medieval Fair

The performer Fugli plays a concert for fairgoers April 5 at Reaves park Fighters put on a demonstration April 5 during the Battle of the Champions put on by the Society of Creative Anachronism. during the Medieval Fair.

5 p.m. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., returns with Art รก la Carte, featuring live music by The Company, deadCENTER short films Dotty and Jamon, refreshments and a gallery talk by artist Shan Goshorn.

5:30 p.m. STASH, 412 E. Main St., welcomes American folk artist Rick Sinnett, the artist behind the series of murals along the famous Route 66 and a master printmaker. Big Truck Tacos and The Loaded Bowl will also be on hand.

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

6 p.m. Bigfoot Creative, 315 E. Main St., is highlighting the work of several different local artists, selling a limited edition Art Walk shirt designed for local artists and serving up free refreshments.

6:30 p.m. Dreamer Concepts, 324 E. Main St., is hosting a Wine & Palette session 6:30-9:30 p.m.

7 p.m. The Social Club, 209 E. Main St., hosts a joint show with artists Aaron Cahill and Erin Robinson. DJ NGHBRS will spin records and Mariposa Coffee Roastery will be on hand.

6:45 p.m.

Ball and Morse, 111 N. Peters Ave., is presenting new work by photographer Marvin Lee, fresh from an exhibit at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Appetizers and refreshments will be available.

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7:15 p.m. MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main St., is presenting the OU MFA Thesis Exhibition, along with NAC Individual Artist Jamie Lim. Free refreshments from LOCAL will be available as well.

7:30 p.m.

The Performing Arts Studio & Depot Gallery, 200 S. Jones Ave., closes out the Generations exhibit, a father-son art show featuring Brad and Nathan Price. The paintings are being sold in an ongoing silent auction that closes with the exhibit. There will be live painting demonstrations and refreshments on hand.

8:30 p.m. Dope Chapel, 115 N. Crawford Ave., is back with featured artist Spencer Tracy.

9 p.m. Gray Owl Coffee, 223 E. Gray St., is exhibiting a solo show from Steve Blesch, featuring his new large series of small drawings.

8 p.m. The Bluebonnet Bar, 321 E. Main St., is presenting Noir at the Bar, a country grit poetry/crime novel reading. A musical interlude will be provided by Dostoevsky with a book sale and signing to follow.

10 p.m. Opolis, 113 N. Crawford Ave., is featuring some of the best and brightest of Oklahoma rap with Hip-Hop, a free outdoor show presented by Campus Activities Council Concert Series, Opolis and Norman Arts Council. The show starts 7 p.m. and wraps up by midnight.

DANCE l i k e

n o

o n e

i s

w a t c h i n g

by Kirsten Viohl

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A guarantee with every ballet and musical production is the story stor that is sure to be told, with its beginning, beginning middle and end. A guarantee with every contemporary show is just the opposite in expecting expect the unexpected, just as the University of Oklahoma Weitzenhoffer O School of Dance’s upcoming production is sure up to deliver. Contemporary Dance C Oklahoma, a mix of works and Okla new choreography from the CDO chor collection, hits the stage sta 8 p.m. April 25-26, 30, May 1-3 and 3 p.m. April 27 in the Rupel J. Jones Theatre, 563 Elm St. “There will be so something in the program enjoy,” Director and that everyone will enj Choreographer Austin Hartel said. “We classical music to very are going from classic contemporary music, it is a wide variety of different elements.” includes Hartel’s emotional The production in Maria,” featuring four female piece “Tears for Maria each solo depicts a different soloists. Hartel said ea emotional state, capturing moments in life that strike as conflicting and contemplating. “The choreography takes you on a journey,” Hartel said. OU modern performance dance junior Skye Cornwell, one of the soloists in Hartel’s piece, said she has taken it to heart to be selected as a soloist in “Tears for Maria.” “This piece is very sentimental to him,” Cornwell said. “It means a lot to me as a dancer that he put it into my hands and trusts me with it.” The dancer is giving her thanks to Hartel by working hard and giving her all to the solo and production. Hartel will have a second piece in Contemporary Dance Oklahoma, showing off his latest choreography titled “Nework.” The inspiration for his new piece came from different composers and working off the design elements. “Nework” is a physically enduring piece, the dancers even performing aerial work. “You want all of your dancers to grow,”

Hartel said. “As much as we can rehearse and practice in the studio, you can only really judge their growth until they perform.” Derrick Minter, also a director and choreographer for the show, will be featuring his newest work titled “Radar,” a piece derived from collaborating with sculptor Sohail Shehada. Minter’s second piece for Contemporary Dance Oklahoma is titled “Antiphonal,” another sure surprise. A highlight of the evening features a piece by special guest choreographer and dancer, Jessica Lang. Lang, a graduate from The Juliard School with a decorated career as a successful choreographer, visited the OU school of dance to teach students her piece Solo of Nine Parts. OU modern performance dance junior, Brenna Adkison, described the experience with Lang as beautiful and enlightening. Adkison is one of the nine dancers that will be performing in Lang’s lengthy piece. Like any collaborative process, the preparation for Contemporary Dance Oklahoma comes with its ups and downs. Adkison said the dancers can spend up to 12 hours a day in the studios, rehearsing and perfecting the dances for the upcoming production. “You can’t even understand the discipline of dance until you are in college,” Adkison said. “It is not just part of your life, it is your life and lifestyle. You are a dancer always.” Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 senior adult, 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. photos provided

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