Fighting For Privacy

fighting for privacy

The new health information exchange law in Oklahoma is met with opposition from those who provide mental health services.

By Kendra Michal Johnson

NOMINATION BALLOT INSIDE!

OF FLORIDA GEORGIA LIN E

FIRST

Friday, May 5, 2023

In the Paseo Arts & Creativity Center at 3024 Paseo

Gallery I: The Paint Pushers

Gallery II: Adoration for Life, PACC Studio Artists

Gallery III: Bryan Dahlvang

Opening reception is Friday, May 5, 6-9pm. Featured thru May 29

Local and national art, great food, art classes & plenty of shopping!

Protesting for privacy

OKLAHOMA’S

By Kendra Michal Johnson

“HIE. Not for me.”

The chant echoed around the steps of the state capitol March 18.

The crowd had marched from the Oklahoma Health Care Authority’s office parking lot, down Lincoln Boulevard before several hours of speeches under a sun fierce enough to burn but too cold to free them from their coats and sweaters.

The protest’s focus?

The implementation of Senate Bill 1369—a law creating a statewide health information exchange (HIE) and requiring health care providers to participate.

The text of the bill defines health information exchange as “the electronic movement of health-related information among organizations according to nationally recognized standards for purposes including, but not limited to, payment, treatment, and administration.”

It requires that the state appoint “an entity whose primary business activity is health information exchange and which is governed by its stakeholders” to run it.

“Beginning July 1, 2023, all health care providers as defined by the rules promulgated by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority Board and who are licensed by and located in this state shall report data to and utilize the state-designated entity,” according to SB1369.

SB1369 passed in both legislative bodies and was signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt on May 11, 2022.

Provider protests

The universal nature of the HIE caused a large number of mental health care providers to become concerned that their clients’ right to privacy would be affected.

“Our goal is to focus on preserving a client’s right to consent and a client’s right to privacy over what is shared,” Oklahoma Providers for Privacy Representative and Board Member and Licensed Professional Counselor and board approved Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor Shay Espinosa said.

Oklahoma Providers for Privacy organized the March 18 protest at

the capitol, which was scheduled the Saturday before the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA)

Board of Directors approved a revised version of APA WF 22-16 Statewide HIE, on March 22.

“The proposed revisions will implement the changes required by OK Senate Bill 1369 to the Oklahoma statewide Health Information Exchange (HIE),” according to the OHCA website.

When discussions surrounding APA WF 22-16 began to circulate in the time leading up to the March 22 meeting, a portion of the mental health professionals community realized that mental health care providers would be included in the mandate to participate in the HIE system.

Espinosa emphasized the importance of total confidentiality in providing mental health care to clients.

“There is such a stigma about obtaining mental health services that many clients will stop seeking services if they’re worried who is going to know that they’re even obtaining therapy,” Espinosa said.

Opponents of SB1369 listed several reasons that an individual may need to keep their mental health records private, including possibly from healthcare professionals.

“Unfortunately, there are providers where if somebody comes in and says, ‘Hey, I’m having this physical symptom,’ if their chart says that they have anxiety or that they have bipolar disorder, or that they have ADHD or some—you know, any mental health diagnosis, there’s an unfortunate possibility that physical symptoms might be misattributed to those diagnoses,” Kimberlea Harlow said.

Harlow is a master’s student pursuing Licensed Professional Counselor licensure and was a

member of the temporary board for Providers for Privacy when the March 18 protest was held.

Other reasons individuals might need their mental health information protected are the negative effects a data breach could have on women, children, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants and minority groups.

Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate April Starr spoke at the protest, sharing the story of her experiences providing therapy to women who had been victims of domestic violence.

“Not only are these women isolating in their houses because they fear being found by their ex-partner, but they also hide in their houses because their PTSD symptoms are so extreme that they can’t hardly leave the house,” she said. “They are on fire and drowning.”

Starr said that she is waiting to tell her clients about the possibility of the HIE requirements until she knows that she has no other choice.

“I haven’t discussed this mandate with most of my clients because they’re in a place that even the threat of their privacy going away would likely cause suicide,” she said.

The bill endangers her clients, Starr said.

“The carelessness with which this bill was written speaks to the privileged position of those who wrote it and the lack of care for anyone with mental health issues, but even more so, a lack of care for the lives of women and children in the state,” Starr said.

Legislative response

Oklahoma State Representative Jacob Rosecrants (D-Norman) acknowledged the protestors’ concerns in his speech to Oklahoma Providers for Privacy.

“It does suck—the fact that everybody was not talked to about this before they rolled it out. This is why this happened,” Rosecrants said.

He said he supports the creation of a statewide HIE in general but believes mental health care should be exempt.

“It makes sense when you’re talking about medical, because you’re talking about okay, this person comes in and you just pull it up real quick; you’re like ‘Oh, they have this history of a knee problem or whatever else,’ right?” Rosecrants said. “It doesn’t make sense when it comes to those private conversations that you’re having with your mental health therapist.”

Other legislators responded less favorably to protests.

“I’m astounded by some of the unprofessional conduct with some of our counseling association and some of our counselors,” Oklahoma State Rep. Marcus McEntire (R-Duncan) said at a press conference March 21. “They’ve chosen to react emotionally and unethically toward the HIE by telling their clients that it’s something nefarious and that their sensitive data is somehow compromised or at risk.”

McEntire said that the new HIE system will be in compliance with all existing laws and regulations protecting sensitive health data.

NEWHEALTHINFORMATIONEXCHANGE

LAWSPARKSPROTESTSAMONGMENTALHEALTH CAREPROVIDERS.

A protest attendee documents the March 18 gathering on the Oklahoma Capitol Building steps. | Photo by Kendra Michal Johnson

Dream Big

“The law is and has been clear on this data,” McEntire said. “And I’m concerned that those who have worked to destigmatize mental health for the last 10-20 years have been thwarted, those efforts have been thwarted, by this. And it’s been done by those administering the care. And so I’m kind of angry about it.”

Another HIE bill

Meanwhile, a second bill— House Bill 1688, passed out of the House and into the Senate on March 22.

Among other things, this bill would expand the role of the Office of the State Coordinator for Health Information Exchange to include implementing the Oklahoma Health Care Transparency Initiative Act of 2023.

To implement this act, the office would “collect, validate, analyze, and present health data, including claims data” among other tasks, according to the version of HB1688 being considered by the Senate.

If this version of the Bill is signed into law, it would allow a more specific set of exemptions to SB1369, including “financial hardship, size of the practice, technological capability, type of health care provider, or such other bases as may be provided by rules promulgated by the Board.”

HB1688 would also require the creation of penalties up to $1,000 per day for healthcare provider entities who fail to submit data to the HIE system, with the only listed exception to these penalties being for state or federal health care entities.

Backing the bills

Proponents of the statewide HIE

have said that it will improve the quality of care that patients receive.

According to OHCA’s Health Information Exchange Fact Sheet, “With the statewide HIE, the state can vastly improve public health, care coordination, records exchange, and address care fragmentation and care gaps for providers.”

When healthcare providers are able to access a statewide database of patient records, they will be able to gather information on behalf of unconscious patients in emergency situations.

“I live in Duncan, Oklahoma,” McEntire said at the press conference. “If for some reason I’m in Tulsa on a legislative thing and I have a wreck and I’m in the ER and I am unconscious, then the medical professionals in the ER in Tulsa would be able to pull up my medical records, know what drugs I am taking.”

Additionally, access to patients’ mental health records specifically, could allow primary care physicians and others to better support patients’ mental health needs.

Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) Chief Communications Officer Heath Hayes said that half of the more than 800 people who died by suicide within the last year saw a primary care physician during the week before their death.

HIE implementation

The health information exchange program that SB1369 mandates will be implemented through two companies: MyHealth, a Tulsa-based nonprofit, and Orion Health, based out of Auckland, New Zealand.

DON’T MISS THIS

A protestor’s sign asks OHCA Board members to vote against APA WF 22-16, which would implement the health information exchange requirements of SB1369. | Photo by Kendra Michal Johnson

“MyHealth has the contract for the State Designated Entity and provides all day-to-day operations activities for the HIE, including governance and policies and procedures,” Oklahoma Health Care Authority Public Affairs Coordinator Emily Long said. “Orion Health has the technology contract for software and state systems integration.”

The awarding of the contracts was a complex process.

“The original HIE effort was first announced by the Health Care Authority back in 2020,” according to the Oklahoma State Medical Association website. “At that time, the Health Care Authority contracted with an out-ofstate platform called Orion to set the program up.”

MyHealth responded by filing a complaint “pointing out their bid was approximately $30 million lower than Orion’s. After several months of negotiation and legal wrangling, OHCA and MyHealth reached an agreement,” according to the Oklahoma State Medical Association.

Both Orion Health and MyHealth were contracted to provide services for the HIE.

“Orion Health was selected as the HIE technology vendor through a competitive bidding process,” Long said. “MyHealth Access Network was designated as the State Designated Entity through a sole source contract justified based on their unique qualifications.”

According to MyHealth’s website, the nonprofit’s Board of Directors includes three state employees: Oklahoma Secretary of Health and Mental Health Kevin Corbett, Oklahoma Health Care Authority State Coordinator for Health Information Exchange Stephen Miller, and Oklahoma State Department of Health Commissioner of Health Keith Reed.

A spokesperson representing MyHealth stated that the board members are not financially compensated for their service.

“All of MyHealth’s funding is from subscription revenue,” Oklahoma City University Assistant Professor of Accounting Robin L. Walker said in a brief written analysis of MyHealth’s tax forms from 2015 to 2019.

According to OHCA’s Health Information Exchange factsheet, “There is a one-time connection fee to establish EHR [electronic health record] system interoperability. This is a variable cost dependent on

a provider’s system, and the estimated average is $5,000,” and providers will also need to pay an ongoing subscription fee.

Providers unable to meet this requirement such as due to financial reasons may request an exemption, according to the factsheet.

Patient consent

Healthcare providers will receive training in how to handle relevant consent paperwork for the HIE.

“As part of on-boarding to the HIE, behavioral health providers/

“Patients can request to have specific information marked as sensitive and not included with the rest of their information,” Long said. “Patients will need to make this request to their provider during their appointment.”

This policy appears to have some mental health practitioners wondering why they’re being included in the HIE at all.

According to a statement by the Oklahoma Counseling Association (OCA), “Our belief is that very few, if any, of our clients will ever opt-in to the system. If our members have

their patient.”

When asked to provide information regarding how information usage will be monitored and any kind of potential breach of confidentiality might be addressed, (ODMHSAS) Chief Communications Officer Heath Hayes said that he didn’t know how to respond.

“You can have all the faith and confidence and all of the firewalls and protection of a system but that doesn’t give you any guarantees or safeguards at the end of the day,” Hayes said.

Meanwhile, according to MyHealth’s website, “MyHealth systems were designed and continue to be evaluated by a thirdparty world-class information technology security company, and are regularly scheduled for secondary independent professional review.”

Some opponents of the HIE said that these measures aren’t enough.

“Part of HIPAA was to assure the public that their medical records would be kept private,” Oklahoma City University School of Law Professor Emeritus and Health Law Program Director Vicki Lawrence MacDougall said. “When you look at the wall of shame, which you can access on any computer, you have to wonder how well that’s working.”

staff are trained to present to the patient a notice of privacy statement that describes the HIE and asks for the patient’s consent by signing a consent form,” Long said. “Only if the patient consents is their data sent to the HIE, otherwise the HIE has no knowledge of their visit or encounter with that clinic/provider.”

While behavioral health will operate on an opt-in basis, other health records may be on an opt-out basis.

“All patients have the ability to block access to their data,” Long said. “This can be requested at their provider or requested directly to the HIE using the opt-out form. For behavioral health providers, licenses and other state laws require them to gain patient consent prior to sharing information. These providers will offer an opt-in form.”

Forms where patients can opt-out or revoke previously opting in to MyHealth’s system are available at myhealthaccess.net/opt-out.

Additionally, patients can ask to have only certain information withheld from the HIE system.

no records to submit to the system then why are we being required to pay $5,000 and still join the HIE? In addition, the ongoing monthly fees will cause a significant financial burden to our private counseling agencies, which generally operate on very thin profit margins.”

The organization said that no OCA members prescribe medication, so there is no risk of a drug interaction if information from OCA members’ practices is withheld from the HIE.

Data security

“Access to the data within the HIE is strictly governed by HIPAA and audited in real time,” McEntire said.

Unauthorized access to records will be flagged.

“If somebody looks into your health record and they are not in the chain of your primary care physician, and they’re somebody outside of that, that instant will be logged and will be investigated,” he said. “Nobody should be looking at health data that does not pertain to

The “HIPAA wall of shame” is an unofficial name for an online list kept by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights, documenting data breaches affecting the health information of at least 500 individuals.

As of April 28, seven incidents are listed as currently under investigation in the state of Oklahoma. Nationwide, 867 entries are in the currently under investigation section of the list.

The list’s archives section shows a OHCA data breach in 2022, affecting the health information of 8,629 people, “including names, dates of birth, addresses, social security numbers, and account information.”

“I do not think that Oklahoma is necessarily any better or worse than other states at the present time, as far as maintaining confidentiality,” MacDougall said.

With HB1688 having passed the House but not yet passed in the Senate, the HIE could change a lot, or not at all, depending upon the bill’s fate.

Unless modified by further legislation, the current Oklahoma HIE system will take effect July 1.

The Oklahoma Providers For Privacy marchers around the Capitol. | Photo by Kendra Michal Johnson

Get picklin’

PICKLEBALL IS EXPLODING IN POPULARITY IN OKLAHOMA WITH COURTS POPPING UP ACROSS THE STATE.

By Berlin Green

Fun, social and healthily addictive, the fastest growing sport in America is looking for a way to bounce its way into your heart.

With over 36 million players nationwide, pickleball has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, and for good reasons — the ease of play, the low cost of entry and sociability make the game accessible to people of all ages. The game can be learned in just a few lessons, and players can participate in competitive tournaments at all levels.

Brandon Mackie, cofounder of Pickleheads, the self-designated digital home for pickleball, scours the country for pickleball courts and helps connect people to leagues in their areas.

“Pickleball is a social activity as much as it is a sport,” Mackie said. “It’s commonly played in an open-play format where 50 or even more players show up and rotate games and partners. You also almost always play pickleball as doubles, which leaves many opportunities to socialize and meet players.”

Pickleball combines the elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong to make a fun and easy game for young or old. The rules of the game are simple: two to four players use paddles to hit a perforated ball back and forth over a net on a court that’s

about a third the size of a tennis court. The objective is for each side to score points by volleying the ball until it touches the ground in their opponent’s half of the court.

During the COVID-19 pandemic,

the reasons are clear.

“The magic of pickleball is it’s easy to learn, but hard to master,” Mackie said. “Beginners can go out their first time, learn the game, have fun and even win a few games.

their summer vacation. Armed with only ping-pong paddles and a Wiffle ball with an old badminton court to serve as the playing field, the dads soon found a way to keep their family occupied and active. As for the name, that comes from one of the founder’s dogs, Pickles, who would chase the runaway balls that bounced out of bounds during the games.

The first official pickleball court was constructed two years later. By 1984, the United States of America Pickleball Association (USAPA) was founded to help promote and grow the sport.

when many were looking for responsible ways to socialize and stay active, pickleball provided a way to get out and have fun while keeping your distance. But the popularity didn’t wane as the world returned to normalcy. People were into it and

But advanced players stay challenged and keep coming back for more. This dynamic is a big reason why pickleball continues to grow like crazy.”

According to Pickleheads, there are 19 official pickleball courts throughout the Oklahoma City metro and over a hundred statewide. Scissortail Park offers free access to their courts, while establishments like Chick-N-Pickle allow guests to play for a fee while enjoying the venue’s menu. Hidden Trails Golf & Country Club, The Greens Country Club and Sante Fe Family Life Center have all added pickleball courts to their facilities, and the City of Oklahoma City’s recent MAPS 4 initiative put aside $150 million to upgrade every neighborhood and community park outside of downtown Oklahoma City which will include some new pickleball courts.

The game was invented in 1965 by three dads near Seattle as a way to entertain their children during

Now ‘picklers,’ as they’ve become known, come together in all ages and walks of life to enjoy it. While the young find a great deal of joy in the game, the young at heart find it helps keep them active, healthy and sharp. Seniors love the sport so much that in 2005 pickleball became part of the Senior Games, a multi-sport event for athletes over the age of 50. Its health benefits are noticeable. A 2018 study from Western Colorado University found that pickleball players averaged a heart rate of 109 beats per minute and burned 354 calories per hour, which qualifies the activity as a moderate-intensity workout on par with yoga, hiking and water aerobics. After playing for an hour every other day for six weeks, the players experienced significant improvements in their cardiovascular fitness, including cholesterol levels, blood pressure and maximal oxygen uptake.

So this spring and summer, grab your paddle and hit the court. Visit pickleheads.com

The people play pickleball. (above) Brandon Mackie, co-founder of Pickleheads. (left). | Photos provided.

WHO’S THE BEST?! YOU TELL US!

Kill your lawn

A DRAIN ON RESOURCES AND GENERATING A WEALTH OF POTENTIALLY HARMFUL CHEMICALS, ALTERNATIVES TO THE TYPICAL AMERICAN RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE ARE GAINING MOMENTUM.

By Emily Soreghan

“Urban citizens do not always realize what a difference they can make with a few earth-friendly practices,” Josh Kouri with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC) said.

The director of OCC’s Yard-By-Yard program, Kouri helps Oklahoma homeowners improve the beauty, environmental sustainability and health of their backyards by conducting site visits to consult on yard transformations, certifying yards and providing resources for folks looking to engage

2023 2023

making our pets sick, killing beneficial insects and exposing children to a deluge of potentially-harmful chemicals, many of which are already banned in Europe and China.

“Most of the fertilizer you put on your lawn—it’s not going to stay there. It washes into our streams and rivers and causes problems down the line. It causes bacterial blooms and issues with our drinking water,” Kouri said.

The pollution doesn’t stop there. Gas-powered lawn equipment

in backyard conservation.

Kouri’s mission is personal.

“I grew up rural enough that I had a connection to the land. For good or for evil, humans have influence over the natural world. So we have the duty to use that influence well,” he said.

Today our 40 million acres of urban lawns soak up an estimated 7 billion gallons of water per day on average. A third of all residential water pours through our sprinklers, and 50 percent of that water is wasted by evaporation and runoff.

“Lawns are the number one irrigated crop in the U.S. by land area. More than corn, wheat, anything else is our irrigated lawns,” Kouri said.

Americans doused their residential landscapes in 59 million pounds of pesticides in 2012, according to The New York Times. These chemicals have unintended side effects, drifting over fences, gushing through gutters,

emitted 26.7 million tons of CO2 in 2011. Carcinogens spewed by these backyard beasts have been linked to lymphoma, leukemia and developmental and neurological disorders, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, and children and people with chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable to their deleterious health effects. Routine use of these machines near homes, schools and public parks is a large-scale but preventable public health risk, especially for lawn workers.

“Even if you have a healthy lawn— you fertilize it organically, you don’t spray pesticides on it—the other problem is that it replaces more beneficial alternatives,” Kouri said.

Native plants are more adapted to our climate, so they tend not to need much additional water or fertilizer. They also support native wildlife.

“There are some things called gen-

Ellen H. made her front yard pollinator friendly by adding a variety of native plants. | Photo provided.

eralists—they’ll feed on the kinds of non-natives sold in garden centers. But there are also things called specialists, which only feed on one family of flowers. So if we’re not growing those, and destroying their native habitat, we lose those specialists,” Kouri said.

The loss of these specialist bees, wasps, and caterpillars has been linked to declining bird populations. Native plants also have stronger root systems—these deep roots break up soil compaction, reduce water runoff and nourish the fungi and bacteria that turn nonliving dirt into rich soil. With all of this, it’s easy to see lawns as yet another turf for the culture wars.

“I don’t want to make this into something where people are pitted against each other—neighbors who want the traditional home landscape vs. people who see the negative side effects,” Kouri said.

Lawns are ubiquitous, in part, because there are benefits. But Kouri urges homeowners to think about their scale.

“If you are someone who needs a lawn—for kids, or pets, or to get around your property—just really ask yourself: how big does it need to be? You can make it as small as possible without getting rid of it completely,” Kouri said.

Large lawns can become small yards and a beautiful pollinator garden can replace any flower bed.

“We’re trying to find functional and sustainable compromises—ecologically sound landscapes that also enhance the beauty and social function of human spaces.” Kouri said.

To participate in Yard-By-Yard, the homeowner must implement five conservation practices across three of four categories: soil, water, food production, and wildlife habitat, which Kouri then visits. Once certified, participants receive wildflower seeds, a quarterly email newsletter, information sheets and connection to a local network of support and resources.

If this sounds daunting, have no fear—Kouri’s goal is to help folks tailor strategies for their specific site, budget and timeframe.

“Sometimes a homeowner will rush into something, try to plant a pollinator meadow, but they don’t fully un-

derstand the timeframe or the steps to prepare the site… They get burnt out on the process, their neighbors see it, and they think, ‘Oh this stuff doesn’t work,’” he said.

tems. Once native plant communities are destroyed, invasive and opportu nistic plants are quick to colonize the swath of sun and plentiful resources, outcompeting slower-to-germinate native species.

we’re preaching enhance the beauty of the places we live. They bring more life, more vibrancy, more greenery through the drought summers into our neighborhoods,”

slice of Oklahoma, you’re in luck. Spring is a great time to green up your slice of Oklahoma.

grass with cardboard weighed down by wood chips or heavy-duty plastic and leave it through the summer—six months minimum. November through January, spread wildflower seeds or plant seedlings mid-spring.

byyard

Events

events, all of which are free and open to the public.

May 6 , 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Martin Park Nature Center

Welcoming Wildlife: Supporting Birds (and More) at Home

May 12, — 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Will Rogers Garden

Healthy Soils at Home: The Foundation for Resiliency

May 20, TBD

Central Park Community Garden

Wrap-Up Celebration: Putting It All Together

Laurie E. holds a Yard By Yard sign in her pollinator friendly yard. | Photo provided.

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Thou shalt not lie … about kids

GOV.

By Robin Meyers

If you didn’t know better, you might think Gov. Kevin Stitt was related to Mother Teresa. He is so concerned about poor children “trapped” in low-performing public schools without options that he plans to use state funds (whether vouchers or tax credits) to pay for private school tuition. Finally, he preaches, we will offer a “way out” for poor single mothers on the south side of OKC or the north side of Tulsa (aka Black and brown mothers) and their children who are lost to gangs, drugs, and violence. Thank you, Jesus.

Who does Stitt think he is kidding? After going on and on about how rich folks already have school choice, which is true, he pretends to be pushing school choice legislation that is both unconstitutional and violates the separation of church and state so that he can save the “last and the least of these.” You could almost hear the angels singing, except they were too busy gagging.

How will Stitt save these poor kids? The governor and his party (who once called public school teachers “slugs”), will try to make it possible for everyone, including those rich people who already have school choice, to also get vouchers or tax credits. That is, his plan to subsidize private education with our tax dollars will be based on a new and revolutionary concept of need. You get it whether you need it or not.

So let me see if I understand exactly how this will benefit poor kids. If you can afford private education for your kids you are truly fortunate. But you are also expected to pay the taxes that help to educate other, less fortunate kids. This is not double taxation from which you need relief. This is that quaint but disappearing concept known as the Common Good. It is the very heart and soul of the American Experiment.

So, let’s assume that the bill passes, either for vouchers or for tax credits. Who really wins and who really loses? When other states have tried this, most recently

Arizona, the data spoke louder (and more truthfully) than the politicians. Rich people gained the most from the plan, when those applying turned out to be the top 25 percent of the wealthiest households, and four out of five students were already in private schools or being homeschooled. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey sounded just like Stitt when he said it was all about the poor kids “locked in underperforming schools.”

To help mitigate this deception and improve the odds that we pass some version of what should be called the Lying About Kids Act, some lawmakers have proposed an income cap of $250,000. Stitt would have nothing to do with it, reminding us that he believes in the free market, and income caps are unnecessary government meddling. Of course. This makes perfect sense from someone who is proposing that the government get involved in subsidizing those who can already afford to buy something, or have already purchased it, by helping them to pay for it with other people’s money. Adam Smith is turning over in his grave.

House Speaker Charles McCall said that an income gap is a form of “class warfare.” Yes it is. We can’t allow poor people to resent rich people for using public funds to buy what they can already afford, now can we? What’s more, how are rich people supposed to feel if they are left out of the educational welfare they say no one should get—unless of course they can get it too! We never think the government is wasting money when it is wasted on us. As for Speaker McCall’s concern about class warfare, news flash: we’ve been at war for a long time, and the rich won.

Besides, let’s face it. We all know that most poor kids won’t be able to

cash in their vouchers or tax credits for private school tuition. Many rural districts don’t even have those options to begin with, and there are transportation issues, as well as no guarantee that those students in south OKC or north Tulsa would even be admitted to private schools. Diversity and inclusion are not the hallmarks of private education— lack of diversity and exclusion are, and that’s why they attract those who can afford them. What’s more, every time a student good enough to be admitted to a private school leaves a failing public school, the failure of the school she left behind is accelerated.

The truth is often painful and difficult to hear. We are in a downward spiral when it comes to the most important single collective social obligation we have in America: a good public education for every child. Every move that Republicans make to accommodate the rich while pretending to help the poor drains resources from what should be our priority—helping the kids who truly need help.

Before somebody turns out the lights on common education, we need to support the few brave voices left at the Capitol, like that of Julia Kirt (D-Oklahoma City), whose recent analogy was simple and effective, like the truth-telling boy in the story of The Emperor’s New Clothes. “We joke that this is like a person saying they want to take their tax dollars from a local park and use it for a country club membership they are already paying for.” I would also add, while at the same time expecting others to pay more to keep the park up to their neighborhood standards.

Who knows, maybe the dirty little secret is that Republicans know that we can’t attract hightech businesses to a state whose public schools they have helped to destroy unless we also include individual educational tax incentives for the kids of the employees who move here.

Sounds like corporate welfare to me.

This is not “soaking the rich.” It’s subsidizing them at the expense of the poor. Shame on us.

The Rev. Dr. Robin Meyers is pastor of First Congregational Church UCC in Norman and retired senior minister of Mayflower Congregational UCC in Oklahoma City. He is currently Professor of Public Speaking, and Distinguished Professor of Social Justice Emeritus in the Philosophy Department at Oklahoma City University, and the author of eight books on religion and American culture, the most recent of which is, Saving God from Religion: A Minister’s Search for Faith in a Skeptical Age. Visit robinmeyers.com

KEVIN STITT’S WORDS AND ACTIONS ARE AT ODDS WHEN IT COMES TO HIS PUBLIC EDUCATION PRIORITIES.

Rev. Dr. Robin Meyers. | Photo by Berlin Green

- 05/27

DIRT MONKEY X JANTSEN - 06/01

SPARTA - 06/02

EMO KARAOKE - 06/03

SWIM FAN W/ WELSHLY ARMS - 06/09

MEET ME @ THE ALTAR - 06/10

DJUNAH - 06/11

AX AND THE HATCHETMEN - 06/16

JAMES MCMURTRY - 06/17

THE RACEY SHOW - 06/ 24

NICK SHOULDERS AND THE CRAWDAD BAND - 06/27

THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS - 05/03

SHREK RAVE - 05/05

JOSEPH - 05/09

MY SO CALLED BAND - 05/13

LADY CAMDEN - 05/18

RYAN HAMILTON - 05/19

THE ELTON JOHNS - 05/20

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SERIAL KILLERS - 05/21

WEIRDLESQUE - 05/26

RAY WYLIE HUBBARD - 06/01

TAB BENOIT - 06/08

TAYLOR SWIFT LASER DANCE PARTY - 06/09

THIN WHITE DUKES (DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE) - 06/10

BELA FLECK AND THE FLECKSTONES - 06/13

AN HOMAGE TO DAFT PUNK BY BUMP - 06/16

THE STEELDRIVERS - 06/17

ROSS MATHEWS - 06/22

GIMME GIMME DISCO (PRIDE EDITION) - 06/24

YELAWOLF - 06/26

BABYTRON - 06/29

@TOWERTHEATREOKC TICKETS AT TOWERTHEATREOKC.COM

Harpy Hour with Oklahannah - 05/12

Man or Astro-Man? - 05/17

Red Dirt Poetry Night - 05/24

QWeirdo Show - 05/26

Harpy Hour with Oklahannah - 05/27

OKC-SPAN - 06/06

DANCING AT PONYBOY!

LIVE Dj UPSTAIRS AT PONYBOY. ALWAYS FREE.

FRI & SAT NIGHTS | 21+ 10:30PM-CLOSE

@PONYBOYOKC

TICKETS AT ponyboyokc.com

by Jerry Bennett Poor Kevin isn’t getting his way and he’s throwing an absolute temper tantrum about it.

“Oklahomans elected me to advocate on their behalf and fight for the taxpayer. I take this responsibility seriously and so I cannot, in good faith, allow another year to go by without cutting taxes and reforming education, both of which we can absolutely afford with our $1.2 billion surplus and over $6 billion in savings. Therefore, until the people of Oklahoma have a tax cut, until every teacher in the state gets the pay raise they deserve, until parents get a tax credit to send their child to the school of their choice, I am vetoing this unrelated policy and will con-

tinue to veto any and all legislation authored by senators who have not stood with the people of Oklahoma and supported this plan,” he wrote in his identical veto message for 20 Senate bills.

This spring veto storm also included several pieces of legislation originating in the House as well, but the slash-and-burn began well before this flurry.

Last month, he also disbanded a 20-year-old state council on homelessness with an accompanying statement with all the flair for language and panache Kevin is known for.

“Building housing, giving people free stuff is not the answer,” Stitt said.

Sure, the number of unsheltered continues to skyrocket in the state’s metros and affordable housing is quickly becoming a thing of the past, but according to Kevin: “If you don’t want to get help, there’s not a lot that society can do.”

Also on the chopping block is apparently OETA, the PBS affiliate that uses public airwaves to broadcast educational and enriching programs like Sesame

According to Bob Anthony, it’s not that the Oklahoma Corporation Commission can’t do something to reign in energy companies, it’s that they don’t want to.

“The contagion of self-diagnosed impotence at the Corporation Commission is more than just a disservice to Oklahoma ratepayers; it is a dereliction of this agency’s constitutional and statutory duties,” he wrote in an April filing. “The impotence of my fellow commissioners is entirely psychosomatic; they have either been misinformed about the authority and jurisdiction of the Corporation Commission, or they simply do not want to investigate possible wrongdoing by some of this state’s leading corporate citizens and so deceive

themselves into paralysis.”

Well, that’s not what the rubber-stampers playing Santa Claus to public utilities paying dividends to private shareholders have in mind.

In this state, what corporations want from the Corporation Commission they usually get, as evidenced by the seemingly never ending price hikes as well as the hidden fees and charges all us non-shareholding, paying customers have received due to entities like Oklahoma Natural Gas failing to secure a supply of energy before the 2021 winter

snap that our collective wallets will now feel for decades.

“Conducting a full, open and thorough investi gation of the costs incurred by Oklahoma’s regulated public utilities and passed on to Oklahoma’s ratepayers is a legal obligation each of us Corporation Commissioners assumed when he or she raised their right hand and took the oath to perform the duties of this office to the best of our ability,” Anthony wrote.

But unless Anthony is willing

Street, Nova and Masterpiece Theatre to scores of Oklahomans.

Like the man-child said, free stuff (to the less than wealthy) is not the answer and educational programming apparently isn’t the help he’s willing to offer in our society unless it’s done his way.

to take a stand and take these words off the page and into action, he’s just as impotent as his fellow commissioners.

Illustrations

GAZEDIBLES

Taco ... Friday?

Much like St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco De Mayo has become more of an American drinking holiday than the rightful celebration of Mexico’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Luckily, Oklahoma is no stranger to the vibrant flavors that come from Mexico. Whether you’re looking to pay homage to history or savor Mexico’s taste, here are seven places to check out.

By Tatum Stewart

A hidden Bethany gem, Birrieria Diaz never always delivers with their quality and taste. If you’re looking for authentic Mexican cuisine that will satisfy an insatiable appetite, Diaz offers your usual enchiladas and street tacos. But try their molcajete for a unique experience. Served in an actual scorching hot lava rock, molcajete is packed high with marinated grilled steak, juicy chicken, crumbly chorizo, small quesadillas and a savory grilled cactus.

3 Tequilas El Sabor De La Baja

(405) 900- 5649 • 2815 NW 10th St. elsabordelabaja.com

Bringing the sea to Oklahoma City, El Sabor De La Baja specializes in catering to seafood cravings. Lined with nautical decor, on their menu you’ll find a plethora of piquant seafood options like their tuna and octopus ceviches. Order the Torre Mariscos Mulege, a complex literal tower of ceviche with fresh fish, shrimp and crisp vegetables like cucumbers and peppers topped with avocados.

A safe haven for college students looking to get an outrageous margarita, 3 Tequilas also stands as a home to authentic Mexican tastes. This locally-owned cantina has all the dishes. If you have a dramatic appetite, try the El Rey De Los burrito. A hefty two-foot burrito filled with three different meats and the traditional burrito fillings smothered in a creamy white cheese sauce.

WEDNESDAY MAY 10

Gary Clark Jr.

THURSDAY MAY 18

Josh Abbo Band with Chancey Williams

TUESDAY JUNE 6

Shakey Graves with Buffalo Hunt

MONDAY JUNE 19

Sofi Tukker

WEDNESDAY JULY 12

Gogol Bordello

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 9

Orville Peck

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 28

Warren Zeiders

BY QUIARA ALEGRIA HUDES

MAY 11-28

TICKETS: 405-521-1786

JBT.BOXOFFICE@GMAIL.COM 321 NW 36TH ST OKC

(405) 603-1304 • 6700 NW 39th birrieriadiaz.com

(405) 216-0500 • 315 S Broadway 3tequilas.com

Photos provided

Birrieria Diaz

With several brick-and-mortar locations, the taco truck is still nestled in the Whitaker’s parking lot across the street from the fairgrounds. Open until midnight, Taqueria El Rey’s truck supplies the city with the most flavorful street tacos that will make your stomach and wallet happy. These steak tacos are the quintessential part of a late night bite, complete with all the fixings while staying authentic and simple.

It’s said that it’s a good sign if a restaurant is constantly packed — Tarahumara’s is no exception. Arguably one of the best Mexican/ Tex-Mex spots in Norman, the cantina takes recipes from the state of Chihuahua and delivers portion sizes big enough to share. Their menu is the length of a novel, filled with classically authentic choices from sizzling fajitas to masa-wrapped pork tamales. All recipes are made fresh every day delivering quality time after time.

Family-owned and operated, Azteca is home to Guadalajaran native cuisine. Azteca uses only fresh ingredients that customers will surely appreciate. Make sure to try the mole enchiladas, a traditional dish with multiple complex flavors primarily driven by the sweet-and-sour creamy chocolate sauce that covers the dish.

Multiple locations oksanmarcos.com

A local chain, San Marcos is a comfort Mexican food spot fit for any occasion. This laid back dining experience features the most well-known options such as a wide variety of enchiladas like the chipotle variation filled with savory spices that will make your taste buds dance. If fajita flavor is what you’re searching for, try their brochetas, a kabob-style fajita with perfectly grilled shrimp, marinated chicken and steak sandwiched between peppers.

(405) 360-8070 • 702 N Porter Ave. facebook.com/TarahumarasOK

(405) 886-0998 • 2941 NW 10th St.

(405) 942-0206 • 4024 N May Ave. aztecamexicangrillokc.com

Tarahumara’s Mexican Cafe & Cantina Taqueria El Rey Azteca San Marcos

1.

Oklahoma City’s original and longest-running readers’ poll, Best of OKC, is back for its 39th year! We need your input in telling us the best our city offers, so nominate your favorites RIGHT HERE or at bestofoklahomacity.com until Monday, May 29, 2023. STAY TUNED FOR THE RUNOFF BALLOT PUBLISHING JUNE 28!

17.

RESTAURANT OR BAKERY WITH GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS

34. BEST PRE- OR POST- EVENT SPOT TO GRAB A DRINK

2.

You must fill out at least 30 categories. Oklahoma Gazette must receive your ballot (one per envelope) by mail no later than Monday, May 29, 2023.

18.

19.

20.

LATIN RESTAURANT (NOT MEXICAN)

21.

22. BEST WESTERN EUROPEAN RESTAURANT, NOT ITALIAN (DANISH, ENGLISH, FRENCH, GERMAN, IRISH, SCOTTISH, SPANISH, ETC.)

23. BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

24. BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

25.

26.

EASTERN ASIAN RESTAURANT (CHINESE, JAPANESE, THAI, VIETNAMESE)

35. BEST LGBTQ+ BAR OR CLUB

36. BEST DIVE BAR

37. BEST NATIONAL OR REGIONAL RESTAURANT *

33. BEST CHEF

The ballot may NOT be typewritten, photocopied or hand-delivered. There cannot be multiple hand writings on the ballot.

38. BEST LOCAL COVER BAND

39. BEST LOCAL ORIGINAL BAND OR SINGER (EX: SINGER/SONGWRITER, RAPPER, HIP-HOP GROUP)

40. BEST PERFORMING ARTS GROUP (EX: THEATER COMPANY, DANCE COMPANY, ORCHESTRAL GROUP)

41. BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY, TEAM OR SHOW

42. BEST VISUAL ARTIST

43. BEST LOCAL ANNUAL EVENT OR FESTIVAL

44. BEST CHARITY EVENT

45. BEST FREE ENTERTAINMENT

46. BEST BAR/CLUB FOR LIVE MUSIC

47. BEST PLACE FOR KARAOKE

48. BEST CONCERT VENUE

Make sure your selections are locally owned (unless otherwise noted) and your choices do NOT appear on the ballot more than three times.

All contact information must be complete.

BOOKS

S.C. Gwynne book signing American history writer will be autographing his latest book, His Majesty’s Airship, which tells the story of British airship R101 and the tragedy that befell it, 6:30-8 p.m., May 8. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 405-842-2900, fullcirclebooks.com. MON, MAY 8

FILM

BlackBerry (2022, Canada, Matt Johnson) the story of the meteoric rise and catastrophic demise of the world’s first smartphone, 5:30 & 8 p.m., May 12; 2 & 8 p.m., May 13; 12:30 & 3 p.m., May 14; 7:30 p.m., May 18. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. FRITHU, MAY 12-14

Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman (2022, France, Luzembourg, Canada, Netherlands, Pierre Földes) a lost cat, a giant talking frog, and a tsunami aid a bank employee, his dissatisfied wife, and an anxious accountant to discover purpose in their lives, while also potentially rescuing Tokyo from disaster., 5:30 p.m., May 5; 2 & 8 p.m., May 6; 12:30 p.m., May 7. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. FRI-SUN, MAY 5-7

De Humani Corporis Fabrica (2023, France, Switzerland, USA, Lucien Castaing-Taylor, Verena Paravel) a documentary utilizing specialized recording equipment and microscopic cameras to explore the magnificent terrain of the human body, 7:30 p.m. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. THU, MAY 11

Passion (2008, Japan, Ryûsuke Hamaguchi) delve into the intricate network of lies, bitterness, and unreciprocated desires that surface among a circle of friends in their thirties, triggered by the announcement of an engagement by a couple, 5:30 p.m., May

13. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. SAT, MAY 13

R.M.N. (2022, Romania, France, Belgium, Sweden, Cristian Mungiu) Matthias returns to his rural Transylvanian town to find his family and former lover in turmoil, 8 p.m., May 5; 5 p.m., May 6; 3 p.m., May 7. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. FRI-SUN, MAY 5-7

Silent Sunday: Peter Pan (1924, USA, Herbert Brenon) the classic tale of Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, the Darling children and the Lost Boys where they meet the villainous Captain Hook with an added live musical score played on an organ, 3 p.m., May 7. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave., 405-235-3456, rodeocinema.org. SUN. MAY 7

Stonewalling (2022, China, Ji Huang, Ryûji Otsuka) When Lynn discovers that she is pregnant, finishing her studies is in doubt, not wanting to have an abortion and hide her pregnancy from her absent boyfriend, she hopes to give the child away at birth, 7 p.m., May 4. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com.

THU, MAY 4

Wake in Fright (1971, Australia, USA, United Kingdom, Ted Kotcheff) following a regretful gambling wager, a schoolteacher finds himself stranded in a town inhabited by unstable, inebriated, aggressive men who pose a danger of influencing him to adopt their erratic, alcoholic, and aggressive behavior, based on Kenneth Cook’s novel, 7 p.m., May 11. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave., 405-235-3456, rodeocinema.org.

THU, MAY 11

HAPPENINGS

Asian Festival an annual celebration of Asian culture featuring arts and crafts and the Miss Asia Oklahoma Pageant, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., May 6. Mayfair Church of Christ, 2340 NW 50th St. SAT, MAY 6

Calderón Dance Festival a festival commemorating the life of Shannon Calderón and her aspiration of creating a community that offers diverse, equitable, and inclusive dance opportunities, featuring dance classes, performances, artist panels, live music and more, noon-8 p.m., May 7. Plaza District, 1618 N. Gatewood Ave., 405-426-7812, plazadistrict.org.

SUN, MAY 7

Cinco de Mayo Fest indulge in a range of music and dance performances and savor the most delectable cuisine presented by the Hispanic community of Oklahoma City, 4-10 p.m., May 5th. Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., 405-445-7080, scissortailpark.org. FRI, MAY 5

Creating a Monarch Waystation learn how to create a waystation: from designing and sourcing plants to maintenance and certification, 1-2 p.m., May 6. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, myriadgardens.com. SAT, MAY 6

Dungeons & Dragons & Brews join in on an afternoon of adventuring while playing the fantasy tabletop role-playing game and enjoying local craft

OKG PICKS

beer, 1 & 5 p.m., Sundays through Dec. Vanessa House Beer Co., 118 NW 8th St., 405-517-0511, vanessahousebeerco.com. SUN, THROUGH DEC

Eastside Fresh Market a weekly farmer’s market with vendors selling fresh produce, homemade desserts, plants and other unique products, 4-7 p.m., Tuesdays. Oklahoma County OSU Extension Center, 2500 NE 63rd St., 405-713-1125, facebook.com/Eastsidefreshmarket.

TUE, THROUGH OCT 24

Edmond’s Farmer’s Market an all-Oklahoma grown and made market, offering produce, meat, plants, baked goods, salsa, BBQ sauce, herbs, crafts, and more, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturdays through Oct. 28. Festival Market Place and Farmers Market, 26 W. 1st St., 405-359-4630, edmondok.gov/365/ Farmers-Market. SAT, THROUGH OCT 28

Farmers Market at Scissortail Park a morning market featuring local sourced options such as, pasture-raised meats, fresh produce and cultivated mushrooms, plants, eggs, raw honey, breads and baked goods, assortments of specialty prepared food and beverage producers, as well as highquality artisan from almost 60 vendors, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturdays through Oct. Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., 405-445-7080, scissortailpark.org/ farmersmarket. SAT, THROUGH OCT

Guided Garden Explorer Tour free tour of the gardens led by the horticulture team focusing on flowering perennials, shrubs, and trees, 1 p.m. every second Friday and 10 a.m. every last Saturday of the month. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, myriadgardens.com. FRI-SAT, ONGOING

Introduction to Beekeeping and Pollination participants will learn the fundamentals of beekeeping and starting their own beekeeping venture while observing pollinator and wild-scape plantings that can guarantee success in their home garden, noon-1 p.m., May 7. Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., 405-445-7080, scissortailpark.org. SUN, MAY 7

Knit Night an evening of fellow knitters working on their projects while enjoying the store’s atmosphere, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 405-842-2900, fullcirclebooks.com. TUE, MAY 9

Live & Loud a networking event for aspiring songwriters, composers, lyricists, musicians, and bands to exchange ideas with industry professionals, 7-10 p.m., Thursdays. Joe & Charlies’ Sober Nightclub, 1146 N. Macarthur Blvd., 405-999-0450.

THU, ONGOING

LIVE! on the Plaza join the Plaza District every second Friday for a themed art walk featuring artists, live music, shopping and more, 6-10 p.m. second Friday of every month. Plaza District, 1618 N. Gatewood Ave., 405-426-7812, plazadistrict.org.

FRI, MAY 12

Night Market at Scissortail Park shop from Oklahoma’s top local businesses and artisans, featuring home décor, gifts, specialty food, art, bath and body products, fashion, and plants, along with live stage performances and a variety of local food trucks, 5:30-10 p.m., May 12 & June 2. Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., 405-445-7080, scissortailpark.org. FRI, MAY 12

Norman Pride Festival Weekend featuring events from a parade and live entertainment to a drag brunch, along with family-friendly activities, food trucks, live music and more, May 5-7. Various Locations in Norman, 405-366-8095, normanokpride.org/pride2023. FRI-SUN, MAY 5-7

Oklahoma City Flower & Garden Festival explore stunning botanicals such as flowers, herbs, and succulents, while browsing unique jewelry, garden art, and crafts, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., May 13. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-4457080, myriadgardens.com. SAT, MAY 13

oNE OKC: Homecoming Weekend experience a diverse range of activities, spanning from live performances and food trucks to political discussions and community service initiatives, throughout a three-day event highlighting the area’s local businesses and historic culture, May 5-7. oNE OKC, NE 23rd & Rhode Island, neokcr.org/oneokc. FRI-SUN, MAY 5-7

Oklahoma Orchid Society’s Kicks on Route 66 Show & Sale a two-day show over hundreds of orchids from around the world, guests will be able to purchase flowers and growing supplies and talk with experts on growing and re-blooming these plants, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., May 6-7. Will Rogers Garden Center, 3400 NW 36th St., 405-209-7657, okorchidsociety.org. SATSUN, MAY 6-7 Photo Adobe Stock

Parlor Pop-Up a pop-up shop featuring local artists and small businesses throughout the venue for patrons to shop from, 2-7 p.m., second Saturday. Parlor OKC, 11 NE 6th St., 405-294-4740, parlorokc. com. SAT, MAY 13

Red Dirt Writes a monthly writers’ workshop led by Durell Carter, Red Dirt Poetry’s Director of Education, 7-8:30 p.m., second Thursday of every month. Literati Press Comics & Novels, 3010 Paseo St., 405-882-7032, literatipressok.com. THU, MAY 18

Riversport Summer Music Series spend the afternoon relaxing at the river listening to live music from local artists, 2-5 p.m., Saturdays through Sept. 30. Riversport OKC, 800 Riversport Drive, 405-552-4040, riversportokc.org. SAT, THROUGH SEPT 30

Round Barn Rendezvous a free live concert featuring an open jam session filled with country, bluegrass, folk and Americana music where onlookers watch the show from the hayloft on the second floor, noon-5 p.m., second Sunday of every month. Arcadia Round Barn, 107 OK-66, 405-396-0824, arcadiaroundbarn.com.

SUN, MAY 14

Small Space and Pocket Gardens participants will learn about using even the smallest of spaces to grow medical and edible plants and produce, led by Connie Patillo, 11 a.m.-noon, May 6. CommonWealth Urban Farms, 1016 NW 32nd St., 405-795-2044, commonwealthurbanfarms.com/garden-school.

SAT, MAY 6

Summer Train Rides enjoy a 40 minute train ride in historic passenger coaches pulled by vintage diesel locomotives on the historic MKT mainline track, 9:15 & 11:15am, 1:15 & 3:15pm, First and Third Saturdays. Oklahoma Railway Museum, 3400 NE Grand Blvd., 405-424-8222, oklahomarailwaymuseum.org. SAT, ONGOING

Ulti-Mutt Dog Show a just-for-fun amateur dog show for non-purebred dogs showing off their tricks and personalities, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., May 6. Solo’s Park & Pub, 13310 Pawnee Drive, 405-849-5990, forpurposeevents.com/events.

SAT, MAY 6

VDubs on Auto Alley join the VW Club of Oklahoma City for VDubs and check out some air and water-cooled Volkswagens and Porsches, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., May 6. Automobile Alley, 1015 N. Broadway Ave., 405-488-2555, vwclubofoklahoma.org/events.

SAT, MAY 6

Vibes a monthly art walk featuring art exhibitions, live music, samples and demonstrations from local vendors, food trucks and more, 5-9 p.m., first Thursday of every month. Downtown Edmond, 32 N. Broadway Ave., 405-249-9391, downtownedmondok.com. THU, MAY 4

Shorts Oklahoma City Ballet will perform three ballets in one featuring Gerald Arpino’s Birthday Variations, George Balanchine’s Western Symphony and Twyla Tharp’s The Golden Section, each ballet will showcase different dance styles from neoclassical to western, 7:30 p.m., May 5-6; 2 p.m., May 7. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., 405-297-2264, okcciviccenter.com. FRI-SUN, MAY 7 Photo provided continued on page 22

continued from page 21

FOOD

Veggie Dinner at Picasso Cafe join Picasso Cafe on the third Tuesday of each month for a fourcourse menu; featuring a fresh and creative take on vegetarian-inspired fare with the option to have a wine pairing, reservations required, 6:30 p.m., third Tuesday. Picasso Cafe, 3009 Paseo St., 405-6052002, picassosonpaseo.com. TUE, MAY 16

Craft Beer & Baby Goats enjoy local craft beer while playing with baby goats, 3-8 p.m., May 13. Skydance Brewing Co., 1 N.E. 7th St., Ste. A, 405-768-2154, skydancebrewing.com. SAT, MAY 13

Mother’s Day Dessert Cruise enjoy bite sized desserts and mimosas with mom while sailing down the river, 1 & 4 p.m., May 14. Oklahoma River Cruises Regatta Landing, 701 S. Lincoln Blvd., 405-7027755, okrivercruises.com. SUN, MAY 14

Pop-Up Garden Café enjoy al fresco dining, live music, chess, and garden views with colleagues and friends amid a bistro setting complete with flowers and umbrellas, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursdays. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, myriadgardens.com. THU, THROUGH MAY

Sip and Stroll a leisurely event for guests aged 21 and above to explore wildlife while visiting conservation-themed bars and food trucks, 6-10 p.m., May 11 & 18, June 8 & 15. The Oklahoma City Zoo, 2000 Remington Place, 405-424-3344, okczoo.com.

THU, MAY 11 & 18, JUNE 8 & 15

Sunday Jazz Brunch enjoy a lavish brunch featuring classics like eggs benedict, lemon buttermilk pancakes and Italian favorites the wood-fired grill with live jazz music and signature cocktails, 11 a.m.3 p.m., Sundays. Tellers, 120 N. Robinson Ave., 405900-6789, tellersokc.com/event. SUN, ONGOING

Wine Down Wednesday explore the sommeliercurated menu of Old and New World wines while listening to live music, 5 p.m., Wednesdays, through May 31. The Great Hall at First National Center, 120 N. Robinson Ave., 405-900-6789, greathallokc.com.

WED, THROUGH MAY 31

YOUTH

Animal CSI students will be introduced to the world of forensic science and learn how to identify pathologies found on a variety of animal bones, 3-4 p.m., May 16. Skeletons: Museum of Osteology, 10301 S. Sunnylane Road, 405-814-0006, skeletonmuseum.com. TUE, MAY 16

Crafts and Tales a story followed by an activity ranging from learning about a real specimen from the collections to crafting a thematic piece of artwork, 11 a.m.-noon, Wednesdays. Sam Noble Museum, 2401 Chautauqua Ave., 405-325-4712, samnoblemuseum.ou.edu. WED, ONGOING

Festival of the Child an outdoor family event filled with over 50 different activities from face painting to kayaking, a petting zoo to inflatables and so much more, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., May 6. Yukon City Park, 2200 Holly Ave., 405-354-1895, cityofyukon.gov. SAT, MAY 6

Scissortail Park Fishing Event children will learn basic fishing skills including casting, knot tying and catching a fish, rods, reels and bait will be provided, 10-11:30 a.m., May 14. Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., 405-445-7080, scissortailpark.org. SUN, MAY 14

Storytime with the Author local author will be reading her new children’s book The Reluctant Rodeo Queen: A Story When Faith Triumphs Over Fear that tells the story of a strong-willed young girl, her proud father, and a rodeo event she’s not sure she wants to participate in, 11 a.m., May 13. Best of Books, 1313 E. Danforth Road, 405-340-9202, bestofbooksok.com. SAT, MAY 13

Tale of the Tooth students will learn how to identify what animals eat through a story about teeth, and then get hands-on time with skulls to use their knowledge to discover what different animals eat, 11 a.m.-noon, May 16. Skeletons: Museum of Osteology, 10301 S. Sunnylane Road, 405-8140006, skeletonmuseum.com. TUE, MAY 16

Weekday Story & Craft Time for Littles listen to a story or two followed by a hands-on arts and crafts activity, 10 a.m., every 2nd and 4th Thursday. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 405-842-2900, fullcirclebooks.com. THU, ONGOING

PERFORMING ARTS

Art Moves a free arts event that features a wide range of artistic mediums from live art demonstrations to musical and theatre performances to short films and more, weekdays in various downtown OKC locations, noon-1 p.m., weekdays. Downtown OKC, 211 N. Robinson Ave., 405-2353500, artscouncilokc.com/art-moves. MON-FRI, ONGOING

Bang Bang Queer Punk Variety Show a variety show featuring drag, burlesque, belly dancing and more, 8 p.m., May 11. Blue Note, 2408 N. Robinson Ave., 405-600-1166, thebluenotelounge.com. THU, MAY 11

Beer Circus a two-day event featuring vendors, live music, beer and, of course, circus acts by Spring Family Circus, 2-9 p.m., May 13-14. Anthem Brewing Company, 908 SW 4th St., 405-604-0446, anthembrewing.com. SAT-SUN, MAY 13-14

The Brothers Size in Louisiana bayou, Ogun Size works hard while younger brother Oshoosi, recently released from prison, is aimless; their story highlights freedom’s fragility and need for belonging, presented in partnership with OKC Rep, 8 p.m., May 4 & 8; 2 & 8 p.m., May 6; 2 p.m., May 7. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-9510000, okcontemp.org/TheBrothersSize. THU-SUN, MAY 4-8

Chelsea Handler a live stand-up comedy performance, 7:30 p.m., May 6. The Tulsa Theater, 105 Reconciliation Way, Tulsa, 918-582-7239, bradytheater.com. SAT, MAY 6

Josh Wolf a live stand-up comedy performance, 6 p.m., May 11. Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N. Main St., Tulsa, 918-584-2306, cainsballroom. com. THU, MAY 11

JP Sears a live stand-up comedy performance, 7:30 p.m., May 11; 7:30 & 10:15 p.m., May 12; 7 & 9:45 p.m., May 13. Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California Ave., 405-594-0505, bricktowncomedy. com. THU-SAT, MAY 11-13

Menopause The Musical celebrates women and the humor in aging, through parodies of popular songs and comedic sketches, 8 p.m., May 6. Hudiburg Chevrolet Center, 6000 S. Trosper Place, 405-297-2264. SAT, MAY 6

OKCPHIL Classics: Oklahoma Stories a performance of Joan Tower’s Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman, Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Hannibal Lokumbe’s Trials, Tears, Transcendence: The Journey of Clara Luper, 8 p.m., May 13. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., 405-297-2264, okcciviccenter.com. SAT, MAY 13

OKG PICKS

Open Mic Night enjoy an evening of music, stories, poetry and comedy performances, Thursdays. Core4 Brewing, 7 N. Lee Ave, 405-620-4513. THU, ONGOING

Steve Hofstetter a live stand-up comedy performance, 7:30 p.m., May 16. Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California Ave., 405-594-0505, bricktowncomedy.com. TUE, MAY 16

Sunday Gospel Brunch a comedy performance over brunch hosted by Kitty Bob and Norma Jean as they mix a farcical church service with skits, sing-alongs, and drag, noon & 1:30 p.m. The Boom, 2218 NW 39th St., 405-601-7200, theboomokc.com.

SUN, ONGOING

Water by the Spoonful a drama that follows a group of recovering addicts using dark humor to forge a bond of love and support in chat rooms spread across cyberspace, 8-10 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays through May. Jewel Box Theatre, 321 NW 36th St., 405-521-1786, jewelboxokc.com.

THU-SUN, MAY 11-14, 18-21, 25-28

ACTIVE

Barre3 Community Workout participate in a free total body workout combining yoga, Pilates, and ballet-inspired movements to tone, strengthen, and lengthen muscles, 6-7 p.m., May 5. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, myriadgardens.com. FRI, MAY 5

BikeFest guest can interact with bike organizations and bike shops, relish the delectable cuisine from food trucks, enjoy live music, and acquire greater insights into bicycling and transportation, noon-3 p.m., May 7. Wheeler Park, 1120 S. Western Ave., 405-297-2211, wheelerdistrict.com. SUN, MAY 7

Doga a one-hour dog friendly yoga session hosted by Shane Cooley, 9-10 a.m., Sundays through Dec. Bar K, 901 SE 5th St., 405-252-1993, barkdogbar. com. SUN, THROUGH DEC

Full Moon Bike Ride bring a bike or rent one from Spokies for a leisurely ride as the sun sets, lights and helmets are required to participate, 8:30-9:30 p.m., May 5. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, myriadgardens.com. FRI, MAY 5

Myriad in Motion: Tai Chi dress in your comfy clothes and flat shoes for an entry-level Tai Chi class led by Ling Miller, 4:30-5:30 p.m., every other Monday. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, myriadgardens.com. MON, ONGOING

Myriad in Motion: Yoga bring your mat and water for an all-levels yoga class with instructors from YMCA, 6 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, myriadgardens.com. TUE & SAT, ONGOING

Myriad in Motion: Zumba enjoy a high-energy dance fitness class with Latin-inspired music and choreography, 5:45 p.m., first and third Thursdays. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405445-7080, myriadgardens.com. THU, ONGOING

OKC Touch Rugby Practice an evening of playing touch rugby for beginning to advanced players on the Love’s Travel Stops Great Lawn, Tuesdays, Wednesdays. Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., 405-445-7080, scissortailpark.org. TUE & WED, ONGOING

Skele-Zen enjoy a relaxing morning of Vinyasa yoga among the museum’s collection of over 450 skeletons, 10:30 a.m. - noon, May 14. Skeletons: Museum of Osteology, 10301 S. Sunnylane Road, 405-814-0006, skeletonmuseum. com. SUN, MAY 14

Wheeler Crit cheer on Oklahoma’s top cyclists at this weekly race around the Wheeler District, 5-8 p.m., Tuesdays through the Fall. The Big Friendly Brewery & Taproom, 1737 Spoke St., 405-492-3785, thebigfriendly.com. TUE, ONGOING

Yoga in the Park bring a yoga mat and water bottle for an hour of spirit, mind and body alignment, 6-7 p.m., Fridays. Andrews Park, 201 W. Daws St., 405-366-5472. FRI, ONGOING

VISUAL ARTS

200 Years of Doctrine of Discovery: Johnson V. M’Intosh and the Indian Removal Act a pop-up exhibit that includes historic documents that informed the U. S. Supreme Court decision establishing the Doctrine of Discovery and the legal foundation for the Indian Removal Act, an introduction to federal Indian law and the history of the Peoria and Chickasaw Nations, through May 14. First Americans Museum, 659 First Americans Blvd., 405-594-2100. WED-SUN, THROUGH MAY 14 21st Century Mound Builders explore and learn about the Mound Builder cultures along the walking path to the top of the FAM Mound which is 90 feet in height and serves as a cosmological clock, ongoing. First Americans Museum, 659 First Americans Blvd., 405-594-2100. SUN-SAT, ONGOING

Art After 5 enjoy a discounted admission to the museum to explore the art galleries and Museum Store while partaking in specialty drinks, including beer and wine, 5-8 p.m., Thursdays. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. THU, ONGOING

The Art of Food an exhibition that features over 100 pieces of work by 37 well-known artists , all highlighting the subject of food, through May 22. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-951-0000, oklahomacontemporary.org. THUSUN, THROUGH MAY 22

Chihuly Then and Now: The Collection at Twenty an exhibition celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Chihuly collection at OKCMOA showcasing five decades of glass and painting telling the story of his groundbreaking career featuring never before seen works in Oklahoma City, through June 18, 2024. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. THROUGH

JUNE 18, 2024

Covered in Color an art festival and sidewalk chalk competition featuring live entertainment, food, family fun and more, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., May 13. W. P. Bill Atkinson Park, 7209 SE 29th St., 405-7391293, midwestcity.org. SAT, MAY 13

Downtown Edmond Arts Festival enjoy art from over 140 artists, face-painting, games, interactive crafts, live art demonstrations and more at this annual celebration, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., May 5-6; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., May 7. Downtown Edmond, 32 N. Broadway Ave., 405-249-9391, downtownedmondok.com/downtown-edmond-arts-festival.

FRI-SUN, MAY 5-7

Dystopian Hope featuring the work of three artists, Virginia Wagner, Sarah FitzSimons, and Kyle Larson, who strive to illustrate the ties between the artist’s view, the writer’s voice, and the filmmaker’s perspective in the current climate of political upheaval, unprecedented weather events, and deadly viruses, through May 5. Oklahoma City University,

Ostrich Egg Breakfast an all-you-can eat breakfast buffet featuring pancakes, sausage, bacon, waffles and omelets, 8 & 9:30 a.m., Saturdays in May. The Oklahoma City Zoo, 2000 Remington Place, 405-424-3344, okczoo.com. SAT, THROUGH MAY Photo Andrea J./ provided

2501 N. Blackwelder Ave., 405-208-5000. SUN-

SAT, THROUGH MAY 5

Fiber Art Class participants will learn how to create a hand-dyed flowy vest using multiple tye techniques to create a pattern before applying permanent dyes, 1-5 p.m., May 13. Artspace at Untitled, 1 NE Third St., 405-815-9995, 1ne3.org.

SAT, MAY 13

Green Vines Oklahoma City mural artist TANK and Eduardo Sarabia teamed up to decorate a building with Sarabia’s signature vine imagery, inspired by the floral motifs used to adorn houses in his childhood neighborhood in Los Angeles, through July 2024. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-951-0000, oklahomacontemporary.org.

FRI, THROUGH JULY 2024

Jose Dávila features sculptures in which the artist has balanced industrial materials in precarious ways off of fabricated construction, through May 2023. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-951-0000, oklahomacontemporary.org. THU-

SAT, THROUGH MAY

Magic, Not Quite Realism an exhibit featuring the paintings of Bert Seabourn and Connie Seabourn that portray “real” people, nature, mythology and animals in a fantasy setting with supernatural elements, through May 6. The Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave., 405-307-9320, pasnorman.org. SUN-SAT,

THROUGH MAY 6

Monthly Art Opening a monthly art show of local artists with April’s featured artist being Carrie Kouts, Apr. 6-May 7. DNA Galleries, 1709 NW 16th St., 405-525-3499, dnagalleries.com. THU-SUN, APR

6-MAY 7

Multiple Voices a metal sculpture involving tempered glass and “shelves” etched with blurred text, inspired by the Oklahoma Contemporary building created by Eva Schlegel, April 26-June 10. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-951-0000, oklahomacontemporary.org.

WED-SAT, APR 26-JUNE 10

OKLA HOMMA the signature exhibition of the museum, features works of art, interactive media, and film from all 39 tribes in Oklahoma as of today depicting stories with ancestral origins, collective histories, sports and more. First Americans Museum, 659 First Americans Blvd., 405-594-2100. ONGOING

outLAWman showcasing the often thin-line between the lawmen and the outlaws in the American west featuring transcripts from the Osage murder trails, Virgil Earp’s Smith & Weston revolver, a purse allegedly belonging to Bonnie Parker and other items, Nov. 19 through May 7, 2023. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. MON-SUN,

THROUGH MAY 7

Paseo Arts District’s First Friday Gallery Walk peruse art from over 80 artists with 25 participating businesses for a night of special themed exhibits, refreshments and a variety of entertainment opportunities, 6-9 p.m. first Friday of every month.

Paseo Arts District, 3024 Paseo St., 405-525-2688, thepaseo.org. FRI, MAY 6

Playing Cowboy an exhibition featuring Westernthemed toys from the 1880s all the way to present time including toy cap guns, costumes, board games, a coin-operated mechanical horse and more, through May 7. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. FRI-SUN, THROUGH MAY 7

Purpose and Pattern an exhibit that focuses on the combination of tradition, culture, and self-expression through examples of patterns in art, including basketry, pottery, intarsia, and textile designs from five different artists, March 1-June 30. Exhibit C, 1 E. Sheridan Ave., 405-767-8900, exhibitcgallery.com.

SUN-SAT, MAR 1-JUNE 30

Rainforest Adventure visitors will explore one of the least-known habitats on earth in a fully interactive maze exhibit, full of the sights and sounds of a tropical rainforest, 10 a.m.-5 p.m, Tuesdays-Saturdays and 1-5 p.m., Sundays, through June 4. Sam Noble Museum, 2401 Chautauqua Ave., 405-325-7977, samnoblemuseum.ou.edu.

TUES-SUN, THROUGH JUNE 4

Second Friday Art Walk a free celebration of arts & creativity held monthly in the Walker Arts District of Downtown Norman, second Friday of every month, 6 p.m. Downtown Norman, 122 E. Main St.,

Spirit of Aloha: Polynesian Pop

an exhibit showcasing tiki culture through private collections featuring South Seas artifacts, Hawaiian carvings, tiki mugs and other art, May 11-July 31. Firehouse Art Center, 444 S. Flood Ave., 405-329-4523, normanfirehouse.com. THU-MON, MAY 11-JULY 31 Photo provided

405-637-6225, downtownnorman.com. FRI, MAY 6

Selections from In Citizen’s Garb: Native Americans on the Southern Plains an exhibit displaying modern gelatin silver prints made from glass plate negatives of Indigenous people in the Lawton and Fort Sill area from 1889 to 1891, ongoing. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, 405-521-2491, okhistory.org. TUE-MON, ONGOING

Sketching With Skeletons a still life composition class where participants will learn to create an imaginative still life with skulls, bones, florals, and more, led by local artist, Becca West of Trash Wolf Art, 10 a.m.-noon, May 7. Skeletons: Museum of Osteology, 10301 S. Sunnylane Road, 405-814-0006, skeletonmuseum.com. SUN, MAY 7

Synesthesia Factory Obscura’s newest immersive art experience focusing on color and textural elements while guests open their senses to discover what colors sound and smell like. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., 405-325-3272, ou.edu/ fjjma. THROUGH JUNE 4

WINIKO: Life of an Object, Selections from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian reflecting on the Native belief that their cultural materials hold the spirit of their makers and those who wore or used them this exhibit features of over 100 items that have been returned to the 39 tribes of Oklahoma after being taken from them in the early 1900s, ongoing. First Americans Museum, 659 First Americans Blvd., 405-594-2100. ONGOING

You Have Died of Dysentery an exhibit showcasing Western-themed games, books and videos, such as The Oregon Trail and Red Dead Redemption, through May 7. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. SAT-TUE, THROUGH MAY 7 Visit

Durbin Hills' Edmond ANNUAL Neighborhood Sale

WEDNESDAY, MAY. 3

Amarillo Junction, JJ’s Alley Bricktown Pub. ROCK

Charlie Memphis, The Jones Assembly.

COUNTRY

Jazz Jam, 51st Street Speakeasy. JAZZ

Parker McCollum/George Birge, Beer City Music Hall. AMERICANA

Sanguisugabogg/PeelingFlesh/Caustic, 89th Street—OKC. METAL

Trett Charles, River Spirit Casino Resort, Tulsa.

COUNTRY

Vibro Kings, Hollywood Corners. COVER

The Wednesday Band, The Deli. COUNTRY

THURSDAY, MAY. 4

Anvil/Midnite Hellion/Bling Oath, The Vanguard, Tulsa. METAL

Calf Fry 2023, Tumbleweed Dancehall & Concert Venue, Stillwater. COUNTRY

Clayton Fike, The Jones Assembly. INDIE

Country Music Group Therapy/Biscuits & Groovy, The Deli. COUNTRY

Keb’ Mo’, River Spirit Casino Resort, Tulsa. BLUES

Kenny Pitts, Ned’s Starlite Lounge. ACOUSTIC

Music Over Midtown, O Bar. VARIOUS

Party in the USA: Miley Cyrus Night, Beer City Music Hall. DANCE

Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, The Blue Door. FOLK

Rob Leines/Clancy Jones, Blue Note.

COUNTRY

Shelly Phelps and The Storm, Bourbon Street Bar. BLUES

Showboat Concert Series 2023, Bricktown

Water Taxi. VARIOUS ARTISTS

Tech N9ne, The Criterion. RAP

The Shiners, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES

Thursday Night Live Concert Series, American Solera Edmond. VARIOUS ARTISTS

FRIDAY, MAY. 5

200 Stab Wounds, 89th Street—OKC. METAL

Bids for Oblivion, Stonecloud Brewing Co. FOLK

Brett Young, River Spirit Casino Resort, Tulsa

COUNTRY

Brooks & Dunn, Paycom Center. COUNTRY

Brother Heywood, Hollywood Corners. ROCK

Caleb McGee/John Elisha, The Deli. BLUES

Calf Fry 2023, Tumbleweed Dancehall & Concert Venue, Stillwater. COUNTRY

Everybody Else’s Girl, Full Circle Bookstore. JAZZ

Joel Forlenza, Othello’s Italian Restaurant, Norman. INSTRUMENTALISTS

Kidd G, Beer City Music Hall. HIP-HOP

Live Jazz!, Hefner Grill. JAZZ

McKee Brother Jazz Band, Bourbon Street Bar.

JAZZ

Mojo’s Blues Revue, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES Phoebe/Limp Wizurdz, Blue Note. ALTERNATIVE

Shortt Dogg, UCO Jazz Lab. BLUES

Shrek Rave, Tower Theatre. DANCE PARTY

Will Gaines, The Jones Assembly. SINGER/ SONGWRITER zzzahara/Tokyo Swish/Lust Online, Resonant Head. INDIE POP

SATURDAY, MAY. 6

Bedlam Live Local Bands, Bedlam Bar-B-Q.

VARIOUS

Boyz Night Out, Bedlam Bar-B-Q. COVER

Calf Fry 2023, Tumbleweed Dancehall & Concert Venue, Stillwater. COUNTRY

Dance Party, Ponyboy. DANCE PARTY

Dylan Earl & Mallory Eagle, Blue Note. COUNTRY

Forty Roses, Hollywood Corners. COVER House Party with Ric Float/JNZO/Moon

CXLF, Beer City Music Hall. DANCE PARTY

Joel Forlenza, Othello’s Italian Restaurant, Norman. INSTRUMENTALISTS

Keathley and the Burning Bras/Pocket Change/Monte, 51st Street Speakeasy. INDIE

Live Jazz!, Hefner Grill. JAZZ

McKee Brother Jazz Band, Bourbon Street Bar. JAZZ

Miss Brown To You, Full Circle Bookstore. JAZZ

Mojo’s Blues Revue, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES

Pussy Riot, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. PUNK ROCK

Slow Joy/Dinosaur Boyfriend/Dud, Resonant Head. EMO ROCK

Smilin’ Vic, UCO Jazz Lab. BLUES Unwed Sailor/Forests/Limp Wizurdz/ The Others Like Us/Nuns/Feverest/ Flora Nova, The Vanguard, Tulsa. POP

SUNDAY,

MAY. 7

Go Dim/Stephen Stanley/Voth/Annie Dixon/ Gracee Shriver, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. POP

Jazz Night!, Blue Note. JAZZ

Jessica Tate, Full Circle Bookstore. INSTRUMENTALIST

Live Jazz!, Hefner Grill. JAZZ

No Whiners Aloud, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES

Tin Can Gramophone/Hosty, The Deli. FOLK

Unwed Sailor/Speak, Memory/Lazy Circles, Resonant Head. INSTRUMENTAL ROCK

MONDAY, MAY. 8

The Aints/Bailey Gilbert & Friends, The Deli. AMERICANA

We’re All Friends Open-Mic, Fair-Weather Friend. OPEN-MIC

TUESDAY, MAY. 9

Bruce Benson & Studio B, 51st Street Speakeasy. BLUES

Caleb McGee, The Deli. BLUES

Gary Clark Jr/Lindsay Beaver/Brad Stivers, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. BLUES

Joseph, Tower Theatre. INDIE

The Mars Volta, The Criterion. ROCK

Tomberlin/Trace Mountains, Resonant Head. INDIE FOLK

WEDNESDAY, MAY. 10

Amarillo Junction, JJ’s Alley Bricktown Pub. ROCK

Cooksey Band, Hollywood Corners. COUNTRY

Edgar Cruz and Friends, Broke Brewing Company. INSTRUMENTALIST

Gary Clark Jr/Lindsay Beaver/Brad Stivers, The Jones Assembly. BLUES

Jazz Jam, 51st Street Speakeasy. JAZZ

The Sounds That Ends Creation/ Kemper Temper/Tar Creek/Bad Tripp, The Sanctuary. METAL

Trett Charles, River Spirit Casino Resort, Tulsa. COUNTRY

The Wednesday Band, The Deli. COUNTRY

THURSDAY, MAY. 11

Chris Cagle, Tower Theatre. COUNTRY Circles Around The Sun, Beer City Music Hall. INSTRUMENTAL

Country Music Group Therapy/Biscuits & Groovy, The Deli. COUNTRY

Josh Roberts, The Jones Assembly. POP

Music Over Midtown, O Bar. VARIOUS

Rival Sons, Diamond Ballroom. ROCK

Shelly Phelps and The Storm, Bourbon Street Bar. BLUES

Showboat Concert Series 2023, Bricktown Water Taxi. VARIOUS ARTISTS

Stillhouse Junkies, The Blue Door. BLUEGRASS

The Shiners, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES

Thursday Night Live Concert Series, American Solera Edmond. VARIOUS ARTISTS

FRIDAY, MAY. 12

Brian Lynn Jones, Hollywood Corners. COUNTRY

Dance Party, Ponyboy. DANCE PARTY

Gregor the Piano Man, Cross Timbers Brewing Co. COVER

Joel Forlenza, Othello’s Italian Restaurant, Norman. INSTRUMENTALISTS

Kane Brown/Dustin Lynch/ Locash, BOK Center, Tulsa. COUNTRY

KATTFest, The Zoo Amphitheatre. ROCK

Labrys/Psychotic Reaction/Helen Kelter Skelter, Blue Note. ALTERNATIVE

City Music Hall. AMERICANA

Mojo’s Blues Revue, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES

Monte Montgomery, The Blue Door. BLUES

Scott Keeton/RJ Mischo, VZD’s Restaurant & Bar. BLUES

T3R Elemento, Tower Theatre. REGIONAL MEXICAN

The National Parks, 89th Street—OKC. POP

The Oak Ridge Boys, River Spirit Casino Resort, Tulsa. COUNTRY

SATURDAY, MAY. 13

Bedlam Live Local Bands, Bedlam Bar-B-Q. VARIOUS

The Bobby Lees/Fleure, The Vanguard, Tulsa. PUNK ROCK

Dance Party, Ponyboy. DANCE PARTY

Dirty Red & The SoulShakers, Hollywood Corners. ROCK

Grady Spencer & the Work, Beer City Music Hall. FOLK

Jabee, Factory Obscura. HIP-HOP

Jane Mays and the Minnie Funk Band, Bedlam Bar-B-Q. ROCK

Joel Forlenza, Othello’s Italian Restaurant, Norman. INSTRUMENTALISTS

Live Jazz!, Hefner Grill. JAZZ

McKee Brother Jazz Band, Bourbon Street Bar. JAZZ

Mojo’s Blues Revue, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES Monte Montgomery, The Blue Door. BLUES

My So Called Band: ‘90s Tribute, Tower Theatre. COVER

Noogy/Bloodrush/The Normandys, Blue Note. PUNK

Senses Fail/The Home Team/Action/

Adventure, 89th Street—OKC. ROCK

Ugly Kid Joe / Fozzy, Diamond Ballroom. ROCK

SUNDAY, MAY. 14

Bright Eyes, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. INDIE FOLK Celtic Jam, Full Circle Bookstore. CELTIC Coheed and Cambria, The Criterion. METAL Jazz Night!, Blue Note. JAZZ

Live Jazz!, Hefner Grill. JAZZ

Midnight/Spirit Adrift/Spiter, 89th Street— OKC. METAL

Mountain Smoke, UCO Jazz Lab. BLUEGRASS Nia Moné, Lions Park. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

Tin Can Gramophone/Hosty, The Deli. FOLK Yoke Lore/Runner, The Vanguard, Tulsa. INDIE POP

MONDAY, MAY. 15

The Aints/Bailey Gilbert & Friends, The Deli. AMERICANA

Telltale/Sundressed/Diva Bleach/ SouthAberdeen, The Vanguard, Tulsa.

ALTERNATIVE

We’re All Friends Open-Mic, Fair-Weather Friend. OPEN-MIC

TUESDAY, MAY. 16

Bruce Benson & Studio B, 51st Street Speakeasy. BLUES

Caleb McGee, The Deli. BLUES

Kalo, The Jones Assembly. ROCK

Psychostick & Bit Brigade/Rid Them All, 89th Street—OKC. METAL

The Hails a five-piece indie rock band known for their dynamic sound and catchy melodies characterized by intricate guitar work, smooth vocals and emotive lyrics, see them live at 8 p.m., Sun., May 14 at Resonant Head, 400 SW 25th St., resonanthead.com.

SUN, MAY 14 Photo by Ian Ritter/provided

Levi Parham, The Jones Assembly. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

Live Jazz!, Hefner Grill. JAZZ

McKee Brother Jazz Band, Bourbon Street Bar. JAZZ

Mike and the Moonpies/Drew Cooper, Beer

Live music submissions must be received by Oklahoma Gazette no later than noon on Wednesday seven days before the desired publication date. Late submissions will not be included in the listings. Submissions run as space allows, although we strive to make the listings as inclusive as possible. Visit okgazette.com to submit your lisitngs or email listings@okgazette.com. Sorry, but phone submissions cannot be accepted. GO TO OKGAZETTE.COM FOR FULL LISTINGS!

These are events recommended by Oklahoma Gazette editorial staff members. For full calendar listings, go to okgazette.com.

THE HIGH CULTURE STRAIN

Strain name: Ricky Bobby

Grown by: Smokey Okie’s

Acquired from: Green Day

Date acquired: April 30

Physical traits: balanced green and purple

Bouquet: pungently gassy

Review: Sometimes you run out of weed at inopportune times, like, say, 3 a.m. on a Sunday morning and wind up searching for a 24-hour shop. Green Day offers an aroundthe-clock drive-thru and, after passing on the first suggestion MAC-1 (been there, done that), this cross between Apple Fritter and Cheetah Piss came highly recommended. The budtender said the grower was “Smokies,” but after seeing

Strain name: Cherrywanna

Grown by: Smokey Okie’s

Acquired from: Okie Medicine

Date acquired: April 30

Physical traits: thickly frosted shades of bright green

Bouquet: sweet and earthy

Review: My neverending search for new flavors (and a fantastic Facebook Marketplace deal) led me to a quiet strip mall tucked away in Yukon. Smokey Okie’s Cherrywanna came quickly recommended and it didn’t take long to see why. The super-sweet aroma out of the jar is retained when lit, taking your taste buds on a trip before offering a relaxed yet uplifting experience. Smokey Okie’s added this “hybrid” cross from Bul letproof Genetics of Deep Breath and Cherry Punch to their extensive catalog, checking all the boxes for a balanced and uniquely tasty flower that’s chill but not cloudy.

and smelling this flower, a hunch played. Googling the strain name, Smokey Okie’s was at the top of the list. Known for quality runs of exotic strains, despite the name and the scent, this one is more relaxing

[ed. note: Twice in the last month, we set out on our own for strain reviews and ended up grabbing things from what (at least seems to be) the same grower. Funny, but unintentional. Promise.]

WEEK OF MAY 4

Homework: Name three wonderful things you want to be experiencing one year from today. Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Before forming the band called The Beatles, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Paul McCartney performed under various other names: the Quarrymen, Japage 3, and Johnny and the Moondogs. I suspect you are currently at your own equivalent of the Johnny and the Moondogs phase. You’re building momentum. You’re gathering the tools and resources you need. But you have not yet found the exact title, descriptor, or definition for your enterprise. I suggest you be extra alert for its arrival in the coming weeks.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

I’ve selected a passage to serve as one of your prime themes during the rest of 2023. It comes from poet Jane Shore. She writes, “Now I feel I am learning how to grow into the space I was always meant to occupy, into a self I can know.” Dear Taurus, you will have the opportunity to grow ever-more assured and self-possessed as you embody Shore’s description in the coming months. Congratulations in advance on the progress you will make to more fully activate your soul’s code.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

Georges Rouault (1871-1958) was a Gemini painter who bequeathed the world over 3,000 works of art. There might have been even more. But years before he died, he burned 315 of his unfinished paintings. He felt they were imperfect, and he would never have time or be motivated to finish them. I think the coming weeks would be a good time for you to enjoy a comparable purge, Gemini. Are there things in your world that don’t mean much to you anymore and are simply taking up space? Consider the possibility of freeing yourself from their stale energy.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

Britain occupied India for almost 200 years. It was a ruthless and undemocratic exploitation that steadily

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

drained India’s wealth and resources. Mahatma Gandhi wasn’t the only leader who fought British oppression, but he was among the most effective. In 1930, he led a 24-day, 240-mile march to protest the empire’s tyrannical salt tax. This action was instrumental in energizing the Indian independence movement that ultimately culminated in India’s freedom. I vote to make Gandhi one of your inspirational role models in the coming months. Are you ready to launch a liberation project? Stage a constructive rebellion? Martial the collaborative energies of your people in a holy cause?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

As crucial as it is to take responsibility, it is also essential to recognize where our responsibilities end and what should be left for others to do. For example, we usually shouldn’t do work for other people that they can just as easily do for themselves. We shouldn’t sacrifice doing the work that only we can do and get sidetracked doing work that many people can do. To be effective and to find fulfillment in life, it’s vital for us to discover what truly needs to be within our care and what should be outside of our care. I see the coming weeks as a favorable time for you to clarify the boundary between these two.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Virgo-born Marie Laveau (1801–1881) was a powerful Voodoo priestess, herbalist, activist, and midwife in New Orleans. According to legend, she could walk on water, summon clairvoyant visions, safely suck the poison out of a snake’s jowls, and cast spells to help her clients achieve their heart’s desires. There is also a wealth of more tangible evidence that she was a community activist who healed the sick, volunteered as an advocate for prisoners, provided free teachings, and did rituals for needy people who couldn’t pay her. I hereby assign her to be your inspirational role model for the coming weeks. I suspect you will have extra power to help people in both mysterious and practical ways.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

What are the best methods to exorcize our personal demons, ghosts, and goblins? Or at least subdue them and

neutralize their ill effects? We all have such phantoms at work in our psyches, corroding our confidence and undermining our intentions. One approach I don’t recommend is to get mad at yourself for having these interlopers. Never do that. The demons’ strategy, you see, is to manipulate you into being mean and cruel to yourself. To drive them away, I suggest you shower yourself with love and kindness. That seriously reduces their ability to trick you and hurt you—and may even put them into a deep sleep. Now is an excellent time to try this approach.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

As she matured, Scorpio poet Sylvia Plath wrote, “I am learning how to compromise the wild dream ideals and the necessary realities without such screaming pain.” I believe you’re ready to go even further than Plath was able to, dear Scorpio. In the coming weeks, you could not merely “compromise” the wild dream ideals and the necessary realities. You could synergize them and get them to collaborate in satisfying ways. Bonus: I bet you will accomplish this feat without screaming pain. In fact, you may generate surprising pleasures that delight you with their revelations.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Some primates use herbal and clay medicines to selfmedicate. Great apes, chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas ingest a variety of ingredients that fight against parasitic infection and help relieve various gastrointestinal disturbances. (More info: https://tinyurl.com/ PrimatesSelfMedicate.) Our ancestors learned the same healing arts, though far more extensively. And many Indigenous people today still practice this kind of self-care. With these thoughts in mind, Sagittarius, I urge you to spend quality time in the coming weeks deepening your understanding of how to heal and nurture yourself. The kinds of “medicines” you might draw on could be herbs, and may also be music, stories, colors, scents, books, relationships, and adventures.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

The mythic traditions of all cultures are replete with tales of clashes and combats. If we draw on these tales to deduce

what activity humans enjoy more than any other, we might conclude that it’s fighting with each other. But I hope you will avoid this normal habit as much as possible during the next three weeks, Capricorn. I am encouraging you to actively repress all inclinations to tangle. Just for now, I believe you will cast a wildly benevolent magic spell on your mental and physical health if you avoid arguments and skirmishes. Here’s a helpful tip: In each situation you’re involved in, focus on sustaining a vision of the most graceful, positive outcome.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Is there a person who could serve as your Über Mother for a while? This would be a wise and tender maternal ally who gives you the extra nurturing you need, along with steady doses of warm, crisp advice on how to weave your way through your labyrinthine decisions. Your temporary Über Mother could be any gender, really. They would love and accept you for exactly who you are, even as they stoke your confidence to pursue your sweet dreams about the future. Supportive and inspirational. Reassuring and invigorating. Championing you and consecrating you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Congratulations on acquiring the Big New Riddle! I trust it will inspire you to grow wiser and kinder and wilder over the coming months. I’ve compiled some clues to help you unravel and ultimately solve this challenging and fascinating mystery. 1. Refrain from calling on any strength that’s stingy or pinched. Ally yourself solely with generous power. 2. Avoid putting your faith in trivial and irrelevant “benefits.” Hold out for the most soulful assistance. 3. The answer to key questions may often be, “Make new connections and enhance existing connections.”

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes / daily text message horoscopes. The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700.

NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE | BRING YOUR ‘A’ GAME

By Mike Hobin | Puzzles

Edited by Will Shortz | 0423

Mike Hobin is a real estate agent and property developer in Chicago. While at home during the pandemic, he watched the 2006 documentary about crosswords, “Wordplay,” and was inspired to try constructing one himself. Two years and two dozen submissions later, he’s making his debut. The seed of this puzzle was 116-Across. Then he thought of 24-Across .?.?. “and it really felt like I was on to something.” —W.S.

DOWN

1 Drains

2 Vertically level

3 “It’s ____ nothing”

4 Protect oneself against Covid, say

5 Expression of exasperation

6 ____ Lim—n, first Latina poet laureate of the U.S.

7 Like clothing patches

8 City west of Daytona Beach

9 Kids’ creations from sofa cushions

10 Lightheaded sorts?

11 [Man, that hurts!]

12 Creative writing and industrial design, for two

13 Restorative process

14 Hear

15 Flawed but relatable protagonist

16 “____ ahead” (redundant advice)

17 Fill

18 Most spiders have eight of them

25 Egging-on phrase

26 “First Lady of Song,” familiarly

31 Pulls a fast one on

32 And others: Abbr.

33 Classical form of poetry

37 Symptom 39 Tee off

40 Product used with a stylus

41 Actor Michael

42 Raquel of “Fantastic Voyage”

43 Hold ‘em variation

44 World capital located more than a mile above sea level

46 Reserve for later

SUDOKU HARD | N° 60882

Fill in the grid so that every row, column and 3-by-3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9. www.printmysudoku.com

NEW YORK TIMES

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Puzzle No. 0409 which appeared in the April 19 issue.

Stumped? Call 1-900-285-5656 to get the answers to any three clues by phone ($1.20 a minute). VOL. XV NO. 09