pop - May 28 by The Norman Transcript

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• friday •may 28 • 2010

Brown makes musicians’ dreams possible • SWAN celebrates one year of making music • SWAN reviewed • Experimental concert celebrates Rauschenberg • West Texas tale showcases acting

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pop

friday, may 28, 2010

pop Editor-in-Chief: Aaron Wright Phone: 366-3533 Fax: 366-3516 E-mail all press releases and all other inquiries to: pop@normantranscript.com Weekly deadline: 5 p.m. Monday All faxed or mailed information submitted must be typed. All letters to the editor must include address and phone number.

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The Norman Transcript, P.O. Box 1058, Norman, OK 73070. To advertise in this section, call 366-3554. COVER ART: Circe’s Annatova Neches, left, and Rob Vollmar perform at the Deli earlier this month. They are performing at 10 p.m. today at the Brothers Eatery & Pub. photo by Doug Hill

West Texas tale showcases acting By Mary Anne Hempe

Mary Anne Hempe

Forgotten Video

As an eighth-generation Texan, Tommy Lee Jones takes great pride in his home state. So when it came time for his big screen directorial debut, Jones couldn’t imagine making his movie anywhere else. “This is my home country,” he said, “These are my home people, that's why I'm interested in making a movie about this place.” Jones asked Mexican screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga (“Babel”) to create the story, and the result was 2005’s “The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada,” an intense look at friendship, revenge and respect. When they talk about the middle of nowhere, they must mean Van Horn, Texas.There is absolutely nothing to do in the tiny desert town, which exists only because of the nearby Mexican border. Most of Van Horn’s residents are border guards, sworn to protect the border from anyone crossing over illegally from Mexico. While they’re not generally known to be the nicest of guys, even the hardcore vets are shocked by the behavior of their newest recruit, Mike Norton (Barry Pepper). Mike and his Barbie-doll wife Lou Ann (“Mad Men’s” January Jones, no relation to Tommy Lee), recently moved

Forgotten Video from Cincinnati to Van Horn, to be, as Lou Ann notes, “where the work is.” And there’s plenty of work in Van Horn for a gung-ho jerk like Mike Norton. Illegal aliens constantly try to cross over into the barren region, and it’s Mike’s job to keep them out, no matter what it takes. Mike has no sympathy for these “wetbacks” and doesn’t hesitate to use his fists to beat anyone — women included — who try to run once they’ve been caught. On an unscheduled personal break in the desert one day (to look at the latest edition of “Hustler”) Mike freaks out when he hears gunfire in the distance. In a panic, he responds by indiscriminately shooting back — only to discover that in the process, he has killed Melquiades Estrada (Julio Cesar Cedillo), a ranch hand who works for a tough old cowboy named Pete Perkins (Tommy Lee). Although Estrada was an illegal, Mike knows he won’t be able to explain his way out of this one. Illegal alien or not, this was a crime. He hastily buries the poor man and returns to town, hoping that no one will care that

Films playing at Warren Theatre New Releases: • Sex and the City 2: The fierce foursome are back and this time they’re taking on Abu Dhabi. R. • Prince of Persia: An adventurous prince and a rival princess must use the Dagger of Time to stop an angry ruler from releasing the Sands of Time. PG-13 Now Showing: • Date Night: Steve Carell and Tina Fey star in this comedy about a couple that is mistaken for a pair of thieves that a number of people want out of the picture. PG-

13. • Iron Man 2: Robert Downey Jr. returns as the cocky billionaire Tony Stark. Now that the world knows of his secret identity as Iron Man, Stark faces pressure to share the secret of his technology. PG-13. • Letters to Juliet: While vacationing in Italy, Sophie finds a letter written to Shakespeare’s Juliet. She decides to reunite the lovers in the letter. PG. • MacGruber: Back in all his glory, unorthodox MacGruber assembles a team of experts to recover

a nuclear warhead stolen by his enemy Dieter Von Cunth. R. • Robin Hood: Russell Crow stars as the expert archer who preys on the rich to aid the poor. This movie gives the back story to the legend of Robin Hood. PG-13. • Shrek Forever After 3D: A tamer, married Shrek longs for the days when he felt like a “real ogre.” Seeking the thrill, he makes a deal with Rumpelstiltskin, which launches him into an alternate version of Far Far Away. PG.

Estrada is missing. Someone does care, though. Pete Perkins cares very much about his good friend Melquiades, and he won’t rest until Estrada’s body is found, has a proper burial and his killer is brought to justice — Pete Perkinsstyle. Arriaga won the Best Screenplay prize at the Cannes Film Festival for his script (which was translated from Spanish into English by Tommy Lee Jones), and Jones took home the Best Actor award for his intense portrayal of the grief-stricken and somewhat crazy Pete. As a director, Jones knows how to get the most out of the gorgeous West Texas scenery (many scenes were shot on Jones’s cattle ranch, by the way); loved the shot in his cabin before Rachel (Melissa Leo) comes to tell him about Mike.The overall pacing is a bit slow, but Jones still gets terrific performances from his cast, especially Barry Pepper, Dwight Yoakam, Melissa Leo and Levon Helm, whose haunting portrayal of the lonely old blind man will stay with you long after the movie is over. You can find “The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada” (rated R for violence, language and a few gross-out scenes involving Melquiades’s corpse) at Hastings. Check it out!

Films playing at Robinson Crossing • Alice in Wonderland: The Tim Burton take on the classic tale of a girl named Alice and her journey through a strange land. PG. • Diary of the Wimpy Kid: This film follows middle school student Greg Heffley throughout the course of one academic year as he tries to survive being a pre-teen. PG. • Hot Tub Time Machine: Four friends find themselves back in 1986 at a ski resort where they used to party after they enter a magical jacuzzi. R. • Shutter Island: A U.S. marshal and his partner travel to a Massachusetts island to investigate the disappearance of a criminally insane patient. R. • The Bounty Hunter: Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler play Milo and Nicole, a divorced couple. Milo is delighted to throw his bailskipping ex-wife, a journalist, in jail, but the task proves to be hard as Nicole avoids jail to crack a murder case. PG-13. • Why Did I Get Married Too: This sequel reunites the “Why Did I get Married?” cast for a vacation that brings issues to light. PG-13.

Films playing at Hollywood Spotlight New Releases: • Sex and the City 2: The fierce foursome are back and this time they’re taking on Abu Dhabi. R. • Prince of Persia: An adventurous prince and a rival princess must use the Dagger of Time to stop an angry ruler from releasing the Sands of Time. PG13. Now Playing: • Clash of the Titans 3D: “Incredible Hulk” director Louis Leterrier remakes the 1981 adventure about the quests Perseus carries out for the gods in order to

win the imprisoned princess Andromeda. PG-13. • Date Night: Steve Carell and Tina Fey star in the comedy about a couple that is mistaken for a pair of thieves that a number of people want out of the picture. PG-13. • How to Train Your Dragon 3D: A young Viking who grows up in a society that hunts dragons becomes the owner of one, finding out that there’s more to the creature. PG. • Iron Man 2: Robert Downey Jr. returns as the cocky billionaire Tony

Stark. Now that the world knows of his secret identity as Iron Man, Stark faces pressure to share the secret of his technology. PG-13. • Just Wright: Leslie Wright (Queen Latifah) falls for an NBA basketball player whom she is helping with physical therapy. Unfortunately, the NBA star has his eyes set on Wright’s childhood friend. PG. • Letters to Juliet: While vacationing in Italy, Sophie finds a letter written to Shakespeare’s Juliet. She decides to reunite the lovers. PG.

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pop

friday, may 28, 2010

SWAN celebrates one year of making music Special to pop Norman singer/songwriters have several reasons to celebrate. In one year, the SongWriter Association Norman has created an expansive website, released a compilation CD, created Tshirts and has grown to nearly 40 members. To celebrate its first year together, SWAN members are performing 7 p.m. June 1 at The Abner Ale House, 121 E. Main St. Throughout the evening, members of the songwriting organization will entertain with original songs, many of which were written since the group began. The concert is free and open to the public. “The whole impetus for forming SWAN began with monthly singer/songwriter showcases organized by NormanMusicScene.com,” said Michael Bendure, cofounder of SWAN. “During the informal shows, many of us local songwriters would get to interact and have fun together, but after the show, we went home and never really hung out. SWAN

To mark its first anniversary, the SongWriter Association Norman is holding a live music celebration 7 p.m. June 1 at Abner’s Ale House, 121 E. Main St., in Norman. The “SWAN One Year Anniversary and CD Release Party” is free and open to the public. SWAN member Tracy Reed, shown here, performs an original song during one of the group’s monthly meetings. Photo provided gives us an excuse to network and develop ourselves, while also making good friends.” Richard “Daddy” Love, creator of NormanMusicScene.com, teamed up with Bendure and the pair started the SWAN group, a non-profit organization which serves to encourage songwriters at every level of experience and ability. Together, the group seeks to improve members’ abilities

and confidences in the areas of writing, performing, recording and running sound for a live show. Jim Barger, a Norman resident, started writing songs when he was 62 and had never performed publicly until a few months into the SWAN membership. “I wanted to touch people, reach inside my heart and pull out a message that people would remem-

ber,” he said. “I joined SWAN and the instructors, fellow musicians and members helped my songwriting skills so much. SWAN is like my big brother.” June marks one year since local performers joined together for the first meeting. The open-mic style concert at Abner’s doubles as an anniversary celebration and a CD release party.

SWAN album has little bit of everything By Aaron Wright pop editor

The singer/songwriter style has always been my favorite genre of music. When I first moved to Norman, pop writer Doug Hill wrote an article about an organization, the SongWriter Association Norman. Following my read of the article, I went to hear the members during one of their opening nights at Michelangelo’s. I was impressed. When I heard the announcement of

CD review their new CD, I was anxious to get my hands on one to hear the lyrics and sounds of acoustic guitar strings being stroked. What I found was an album that features 17 original songs that span a variety of topics and styles. Some are reminiscent of Bob Dylan’s flowing tunes while others resemble the trotting country twang of artists such as Johnny Cash. Michael Bendure’s “Greatest Woman in the World” is the

song with the heaviest rock sound on the album. Most tracks consist of just the singer and guitar. However, tracks such as Bill May’s “Love Can Kill” incorporate the subtle use of other backup instruments. Oklahoma is a common theme among several songs such as Daddy Love’s “Frito Chili Pie,” in which Love speaks of the big Oklahoma sky and the prettiest girl at Sonic. “A Little Town in

Oklahoma” by Jim L. Watson tells of the joys of growing up in Henryetta. For me, Katie Mariah’s song “Patience” was the most memorable. Mariah’s tender voice sails through this song about letting go of the past. My only wish is that the CD came with lyrics. “SWAN Songs 2010, Vol. 1,” $10, will be available for sale during the anniversary event, as well as at Guestroom Records and the Norman Convention & Visitors Bureau, both on Main Street.

“I think it’s amazing that in less than a year this group has actually created its first compilation CD,” said Jim Madsen, SWAN member. “There are many other songwriting groups in markets much larger than ours that don’t have this level of group productivity. That really says a lot about the group here in Norman.” Members of the group include songwriters of all levels. Teenagers to senior citizens, newbies and pros all have roles in the organization. On the first Tuesday of each month, SWAN members hold a formal meeting focusing on one area of development. Each meeting concludes with a song circle during which

members can debut new songs. Other Tuesday nights are open mics at various Norman restaurants. The mission of SWAN is to support the development of songwriting, performance and recording skills of songwriters; to enhance public awareness of local songwriters through live showcases and other promotional activities; to provide a forum to share and exchange ideas, experiences, music, lyrics and tips about songwriting, performing and recording; and to create opportunities for public performances featuring local songwriters. SWAN’s other activities are listed at www.NormanSongWriters.org or www.nac.org.

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pop

friday, may 28, 2010

Circe’s music enchants metro By Doug Hill

If you go

pop reviewer

Annatova Neches has lived all over the United States but settled in Norman four years ago because of our music scene. “I visited someone who lives here and heard the Ills play a show,” she said. “It was like discovering a different world musically with all these incredibly talented, intelligent, innovative and focused people.” Neches came from Baltimore, Md. where she’d completed an undergraduate degree in psychology at Goucher College. “I moved here to play music,” Neches said. “Even though Baltimore is a big city near other big cities, I just wasn’t impressed compared to what’s here in Norman.” She’s a songwriter, vocalist, pianist, guitarist and self-described obsessive journal keeper. Neches named her current band Circe for the island-dwelling sorceress in Greek legend who attempts to beguile Odysseus. “I understand her and that witchy quality smart women are often associated with,” Neches said. “Circe was not omnipotent and I like that she has a vulnerable and human side.” Neches used this character as inspiration for a stage persona reflective of her own exotic physical beauty and haunting lyrics. Her first project in Norman, called Golden Ladders, produced the album “The Vital Principle.” She was the lyricist and vocalist but wanted to write music, too. “I wasn’t allowed enough creative control and left Golden Ladders to be able to

Circe in concert, 10 p.m. today, May 28, Brothers Eatery & Pub, 563 Buchanan, $5 admission at the door.

photos by Doug Hill

Circe put a musical spell on their crowd at the Deli May 11. They’re performing again tonight at Brothers Eatery & Pub on Campus Corner. Pictured here are Annatova Neches, left, Rob Vollmar and Ben Carter. write melodies as well,” Neches said. Norman musician Ben Carter learned she was a free agent. “He was working with Ben Lindesmith at Zanzibar Studios,” she said. “And they basically tricked me into being in their band.” Neches described being invited to a casual “jam” session that was actually a regular practice for alt/psychedelic outfit Zèbre. “Creative people need a creative outlet,” she said. “I was sad not to be playing with anyone, so I started writing parts for their music.” Neches admits she wasn’t completely naïve to the guys’ ruse and gladly became Zèbre’s keyboardist. In 2007 she had the opportunity to form her own band, Circe,

“It was like discovering a different world musically with all these incredibly talented, intelligent, innovative and focused people.” Annotova Neches about hearing a show in Norman which currently includes Ben Carter (bass/guitar), Scott Young (drums) and Rob Vollmar (lead guitar). “Release of our album ‘The Helios Project’ has been an exciting highlight of 2010,” Neches said. “We spent two years working on it and there was a lot of time and love bringing it to fruition.” Also a visual artist, she created cover art for both CDs. You may have seen the

large outdoor mural Neches completed for Othello’s patio. Additionally, Neches is a vocal instructor at Sonder Music, 225 E. Gray St. “We’re about to release a DVD filmed at my house called ‘Circe Unplugged,’” she said. “We’re a rock band live, but this is a different take on our music where we all played acoustic instruments.” Ben Lindesmith and John Thomas of Main St. Photo/

Video did the filming and producing. “Lindesmith is a really talented producer,” Neches said. Circe has been gigging around the metro on a regular basis. “I love the live performance,” she said. “Their hard work, input and creative energy make Circe what it is.” I had the opportunity to observe one of Circe’s dynamic live performances

May 11 at the Deli. Norman’s all-string quartet Jamland Complex opened the show with a wild set combining red dirt funk and psychedelic hillbilly. Circe’s siren song is irresistible because of solid musicianship and the writing Neches has brought to this artistic amalgam. Introducing numbers, she briefly said their themes. “Envy” is about cats. “Lullaby” is about sex. “24” is about being 24. Circe demonstrated conclusively they’re all about rock ‘n’ roll heart and soul. The complaint that Rob Vollmar’s beloved lead guitar wasn’t heard often enough is fading now that he’s playing with a band booking frequent shows. Ben Carter’s live performance is remarkable for preternatural stage presence and infectious enthusiasm. Similarly, Scott Young is a young gun on drums. “Broken Doll” is a signature tune for Neches’ smoldering sexuality. “I want to own you/ have you for the rest of time,” she sang. “I want to have you pressed up close to me/ I want to take you where you need to be.” Annatova Neches is the archetypal dark and dangerous femme fatale with a cherry red guitar. Circe’s magnetism comes from the energy of four people obviously doing what they love. See them tonight live at Brothers Eatery & Pub, 563 Buchanan.

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friday, may 28, 2010

Brown strives to make musicians’ dreams possible By Michael Kinney Transcript Staff Writer

Jammal Brown describes himself as a born hustler. But the former Oklahoma Sooner and current member of New Orleans Saints said it has nothing to do with the negative stereotypes associated with the word. He is all about making moves, on and off the field. “I’m good at football, so that’s what I do,” Brown said. “But I’m a hustler trying to do something.” A prime example of Brown’s hustle was given May 22-23. While most NFL stars are using the offseason to recoup and relax from a rigorous season, Brown was back in Norman taking care of his side venture. As CEO of Dreamkassh Entertainment, he was on hand to oversee the making of three new music videos for the group E.G.F. (Every Girl’s Fantasy), one of the newest groups on Brown’s record label. With Dreamkassh, Brown said he wants to usher in a new genre of music that he describes as sexy pop with an urban edge. That’s not the normal aspirations of a menacing 6foot-6, 320-pound offensive lineman. But Brown is proving he is not the normal football player.

photo by Michael Kinney

Former Oklahoma All-American Jammal Brown, center, takes part in a music video shoot Saturday in Norman for the group EGF, which is part of his company Dreamkassh Entertainment. With the Saints winning their first title in franchise history, most of the players are probably still basking in the limelight of being a Super Bowl champion. But Brown was placed on the reserve/injured list in September after having surgery to repair a sports hernia. The two-time pro bowler, who had been responsible for keeping

quarterback Drew Brees standing up right, had to watch from the sidelines when New Orleans was making it’s run. Brown, 29, got another slight shock when the Saints used their first round draft pick in the NFL draft to select USC tackle Charles Brown. Many believed this was a move to replace the former OU All-American. “I love being in New

Orleans,” Brown told Nola.com. “But I've understood from day one that this is not college; this is a business. And things will work out the way they work out. “If the Saints want to deal me, then that’s the business side of it. Whatever plan they have is whatever plan they have. So it’s not really for me to speak on that. I look to the future, I don’t

look behind.” Even though Saints officials have said they are not looking to replace him, Brown, who is entering his sixth season in the league, does not plan to be caught off-guard whenever his football career comes to an end. With Dreamkassh, Brown is able to build a side venture that could grow into bigger things in the future. But it also allows him to do something even more important: Pave a way for those who may not have had the same opportunities as he has had. “I think my main job is to lead them to success,” Brown said. “Part of that is building a structure for them.” Brown, who attended MacArthur High in Lawton, is especially trying to show those in his hometown that they can look beyond their city limits to find their dreams. He said he came up with the name Dreamkassh to let people know dreams can come true. The making of E.G.F’s video “Ooh Aah” was shot at a house in Norman by director Mr. Boomtown, but most of the dancers and extras used on set came from Lawton, Norman and Oklahoma City. Brown wanted them to get a look at

the possibilities. “It’s real big,” Brown said. “Most of them have lived in Lawton their who lives and didn’t know they could live their dream. I wanted them to see you can live your dream. I just think being here let them know this is something they can grasp.” One of those who has grasped onto Brown’s vision is E.G.F.’s Tweezy (Antonio Sutherland), also a native of Lawton. He and A-Mitch (Aaron Mitchel) joined Dreamkassh last year after doing mostly ghost writing for other artists. “He gives us opportunities most labels wouldn’t,” Tweezy said. “You don’t see that a lot. We didn’t graduate with him or go to school with him. But he loved our music. “It’s like a big brother deal.” In a few weeks, Brown will return to his main occupation when training camp opens in New Orleans. At that point, he will leave the day-to-day aspects of Dreamkassh so he can focus on football. Yet, Brown still will make sure to keep opening avenues for those looking to go after their dreams. “I’m not a big music guy,” Brown said. “But God has led me down this path. I’m going to teach my people how do it.”

ROBOTMAN & MONTY® by Jim Meddick

Experimental concert celebrates Rauschenberg By Michael Bendure Special to pop

What does a collage sound like? Does modern art make a sound? Stringed instruments, a record player, percussion and vacuum cleaners will be featured in a free concert 5 p.m. today at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. The experimental concert draws its inspiration from the works of modern artist Robert Rauschenberg. For the last several months, the FJJMA on the University of Oklahoma’s Norman campus has displayed multiple works by Rauschenberg (1925-2008) alongside other modern artists in its Hobson Family Gallery. The works are on loan from a private collector. To honor the life and works of Rauschenberg, the museum is staging the live concert surrounded by Rauschenberg’s works in conjunction with the OU School of Music. Michael Lee, associate professor, is organizing the music for the event. Performers include violist Christian Asplund, a leading experimental composer/performer and founder of Seattle Experimental Opera, University of Houston professor Blake Wilkins on percussion and featured cellist Jonathan Ruck from Utah. Lee will join the trio on bass, record player and vacuum cleaners. The concert will be followed by Art After Hours at 6 p.m. in the museum’s Dee Dee and Jon R. Stuart Classroom.

Sponsored by Arvest Bank, the 45-minute talk will focus on Rauschenberg’s works. Light refreshments will be served. The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., is in the OU Arts District on the corner of Elm Avenue and Boyd Street on the OU Norman campus. MICHAEL D MONROE (405) 360 9500 1100 Rambling Oaks Dr. Norman, OK 73072 MichaelMonroe@AllState.com

The Bounty Hunter PG13 12:15 2:20 4:45 7:15 9:30 Hot Tub Time Machine R 12:20 2:20 4:20 7:20 9:40 Shutter Island R 1:00 4:00 7:00 9:35

Why Did I Get Married, Too? PG13 12:55 3:55 6:55 9:25 Alice in Wonderland in 2-D PG 12:30 2:45 4:55 7:05 9:20 Diary of a Wimpy Kid PG 12:25 2:25 4:25 7:10 9:15

$7.00 Bargain Matinees - All Shows Before 6PM $7.50 Student Admission With Valid I.D. • $3 Surcharge applies to all 3-D Tickets

TWILIGHT ECLIPSE - OPENING 6/30 - TICKETS ON SALE NOW! SEX AND THE CITY 2 • (R) LETTERS TO JULIET (PG) 11:45 12:30 3:00 3:45 6:15 7:00 9:30 10:15 12:05 3:25 6:50 9:25 PRINCE OF PERSIA (PG13) IRON MAN 2 (PG13) 12:10 3:10 6:40 9:35 12:00 12:35 3:15 4:00 6:45 7:15 9:40 10:10 DATE NIGHT (PG13) 12:40 3:40 7:20 10:05 SHREK FOREVER AFTER RLD 3-D • (PG) MACGRUBER (R) 11:55 12:25 12:55 1:25 2:15 2:45 3:20 12:20 3:35 7:10 10:00 3:50 4:35 5:05 6:30 6:55 7:30 8:00 9:20 9:50 HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 3-D (PG) 12:15 3:30 7:05 ROBIN HOOD (PG13) CLASH OF THE TITANS 3-D (PG13) 9:55 11:50 3:05 6:35 9:45 J

POP’S

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friday, may 28, 2010

SOCIAL CALENDAR

FRIDAY

28 Sam Noble, end of 10-year celebration, 7-10 p.m., free chocolate tastings, free REO Speedwagon, Riverwind

MAY/JUNE

Bandwagon Blues Night featuring: Basile Kolliopoulos (Reverb Bros) & Bloody Ol’ Mule, Hidden Castle, 1309 SW 24th Ave. Streetkings, classic rock, 9 p.m., $5, The Brewhouse

Experimental concert celebrating Rauschenberg, Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 5 p.m., free, followed by Art After Hours

Reel Renegardes Film Festival, Hidden Castle, 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., music night of festival, $10

Carrie Webber and Sara Grote, Singer/Songwriter, 7 p.m., Othello’s Shane Genry Band with Maggie McClure, 9 p.m., The Brewhouse $5

SATURDAY

29 Samantha Crain, CD RELEASE Zeb Dewear And The Fed Student Film, Brine Webb $7, 9 p.m. @ OPOLIS

SUNDAY

30 Darius Rucker, Riverwind Travis Linville, singer/ songwriter, Othello’s

The Dead Eyes and Psychotic Reaction, Hidden Castle, 1309 SW 24th Ave.

MONDAY

31 Norman photographer Mark Williams’ work, on display through today, The Performing Arts Studio, 200 S. Jones Ave., 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., free

Paul Geremia, 9 p.m., The Blue Door

Mark Williams and Wess McMichael, instrumental jazz, 7 p.m., Othello’s

Shane Genry Band with Maggie McClure, 9 p.m., The Brewhouse $5 Jamie Bramble and Airplanes, 8 p.m., Othello’s American Glamstand, 9 p.m., $5, The Brewhouse

WEDNESDAY 2 Open Mic Night, The Deli

SongWriter Association Norman’s one year anniversary party, 7 p.m. Abner Ale House, song circle jam and CD release party.

Ellis Paul and Don Conoscenti, 6:30 p.m., The Chouse, 717 W. Boyd, $15 at door, food and drinks welcome

Chocolate, the exhbit, Sam Noble Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $5

Wanderlust, travel and photography exhibit, Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., $5. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Summer Breeze concert, Elephant Revival, Lions Park, 7:30 p.m., free

THURSDAY 3 Whistle Pigs, The Deli, 10:30 p.m. Off Boyd Jazz, 9 p.m., The Brewhouse, $5 John Houser and Chase Overstreet, Singer/Songwriter, 7 p.m., Othello’s

“24 Works on Paper” exhibit, can be viewed from 8:30 a.m. - 5: 30 p.m., Firehouse Arts Center, 444 S. Flood

The Workweek, original rock, 9 p.m., $5, The Brewhouse

TUESDAY

9 deadCenter Film Festival starts, 7:30 p.m., street party kick-off, outdoor screening

10 Open Mic, hosted by Bill May, 7-10 p.m., Michelangelos, 207 E. Main

Reel Renegardes Film Festival, Hidden Castle, 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., ﬁlm screenings, $5

Happy Birthday SWAN! Birthday & CD Release Party Tuesday, June 1, 7:00 p.m. The Abner Ale House 121 East Main Live Music featuring Local Songwriters http://normansongwriters.org