Our Next Step in the March Toward Civil Rights

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Our next steps in the march toward civil rights

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gesture, hands hidden in pockets or a vocal pitch rising in uneasiness can lead to the loss of life at the hands of police. With each unarmed man or woman killed by police, protests in American cities erupt, posing the questions Can the justice system be color-blind? and What is the future of civil rights for Black America?

By Laura Eastes | Cover photo Emmy Verdin

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NEWS

Marching forward

Following this month’s Black Lives Matter Oklahoma march, rally and protest, the community relays an urgent need to take action and improve relationships. By Laura Eastes

It all comes down to fear and lives at risk.

For certain American citizens, a hasty or thoughtless gesture, hands hidden in pockets or a vocal pitch rising in uneasiness can lead to the loss of life at the hands of police.

It’s what the American public, especially African-Americans, took away from Ferguson, Missouri, where a white officer shot and killed unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown during the summer of 2014. Months later, 12-year-old Tamir Rice was shot and killed by Cleveland police after officers mistook his toy gun for a real weapon. In northeast Oklahoma, a reserve Tulsa County deputy officer allegedly mistook his own gun for a Taser, shooting and killing Eric Courtney Harris during an undercover sting operation just over a year ago.

Most recently, Alton Sterling was fatally shot by police in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The 37-year-old was selling CDs outside a convenience store. A cell phone video showing an officer tackling Sterling and firing shots went viral. A day later, 32-year4

Garland Pruitt, NAACP Oklahoma City president, addresses a peaceful crowd during a July 10 Black Lives Matter demonstration in Bricktown. | Photo Garett Fisbeck

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old Philando Castile was shot dead by an officer in suburban St. Paul, Minnesota, following a traffic stop. Through streaming video posted to Facebook Live, the world watched the painful event unfold. Police have killed at least 146 black people, five in Oklahoma, since Jan. 1, according to The Counted, an investigative and crowdsourced data project by The Guardian that tracks police killings in the United States.

Following flared tensions over the officer-involved deaths, five law enforcement officers were gunned down July 7 in Dallas and at least three officers were fatally shot July 17 in Baton Rouge, prompting President Barack Obama to urge Americans “to temper our words and open our hearts” in a July 17 address to the nation.

Building trust between police and the communities they serve is no easy task.

Racism and its link to alleged police brutality is not unique to the last few years and dates back before the civil rights heyday of the mid- and late-’60s. However, just as powerful reporting, photos and video did in that era, today’s national media coverage

mixed with social media engagement have again thrust the conversation of police brutality, racial discrimination and civil rights into the public consciousness. With each unarmed black man or woman killed by police, protests in American cities erupt, posing the questions Can the justice system be color-blind? and What is the future of Black America?

Social change

Oklahoma City’s conversation publicly launched July 10 when Black Lives Matter Oklahoma, along with several other civil rights organizations, led marchers over G.E. Finley Bridge and into Bricktown for a peaceful protest, rally and memorial vigil in solidarity with the families and communities impacted by the hundreds of black Americans killed by police across the nation.

We all have a voice, and we need to use it.

Garland Pruitt

“Before the healing begins, we must diagnose then treat what ills us in this country,” Grace Franklin, executive director of OKC Artists for Justice, told the crowd amid cheers and chants. “We are plagued by racial and socio-economic discrimination manifested in the belief that black lives don’t matter as much as other lives when

they are interacting with the police.

Somehow, black and brown lives are void of families, dignity, love and humanity. That is unacceptable.”

The march, rally and protest event is believed to be one of the largest civil rights demonstrations in Oklahoma City since the 1960s.

“This was a call to action,” Rev. T. Sheri Dickerson, a Black Lives Matter Oklahoma event organizer, told Oklahoma Gazette.

“Action is something we needed. We can’t be successful and we can’t continue unless we have everyone involved.”

Oklahoma City’s protest, fueled by anger, frustration and grief over recent fatal police-involved shootings, is shaping up to serve as a crucial stepping-stone in the next phase of civil rights in the state, sparking further public course.

“We will start those uncomfortable conversations,” Dickerson said while discussing planned Black Lives Matter Oklahoma and OKC Artists for Justice town hall meetings between the public, law enforcement and community leaders beginning later this month. “The [forums] have to bridge the gap to help deescalate and defuse the tension between the community and law enforcement officers.”

Over the weekend, the NAACP, the People’s Economic Opportunities for Prosperity, Longevity and Equality Foundation (PEOPLE) and Midwest City police knocked on doors in Midwest City’s Quail Ridge housing addition to encourage community engagement and build relationships with law enforcement. July 28, the continued on page 6

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same area will be the location of a march against violence.

Saturday, nonprofit Believe Inc. hosts It’s A Community Thing, a march to raise awareness around issues of community violence, incarceration, poor health outcomes and mental illness. The march begins 9 a.m. on the steps of the state Capitol.

“It is mandatory that we get involved and we raise our voices,” said Garland Pruitt, NAACP Oklahoma City president.

“Change needs to happen. If we don’t confront it, it won’t change itself.”

Civic participation

Gazing out into the distance, former state Sen. Connie Johnson was taken back at the sight coming over G.E. Finley Bridge on July 10.

The first row of more than a dozen Black Lives Matter Oklahoma marchers locked their arms as they lead hundreds who held up signs calling for an end to civil rights injustices and police brutality.

A year earlier, Johnson marched across Selma, Alabama’s Edmund Pettus Bridge to commemorate the historic and brutal 1965 civil rights march that widely became known as Bloody Sunday. She knew from personal experience the significance of marching in solidarity to end violence and push for equality.

“To see that replicated in Oklahoma City in this moment, that’s what struck me,” Johnson said. “We are on the forefront of a revolution of people starting to see they can make a difference.”

Johnson has long advocated for civic engagement and voting in local, state and national elections. She believes civic participation and the voting booth are essential to addressing policies regarding officer body cameras, excessive force, civil rights and other issues chanted by the crowd.

“The only way you change the policies is if you change the people,” Johnson said.

“We have to hold our elected officials accountable.”

Police accountability

Ward 7 Councilman John Pettis Jr. often hears from constituents who question the 6

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Community members participate in a Black Lives Matter march, rally and protest earlier this month in Bricktown. | Photo Garett Fisbeck

large number of white officers patrolling northeast Oklahoma City.

“My response is always, ‘Yes, this is true,’” said Pettis, whose ward includes the city’s largest concentration of black community members. “We, as AfricanAmericans and minorities, must get more people involved in law enforcement.”

About 10 percent of the Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD) is AfricanAmerican, Pettis said. Recent efforts, such as the Metro Tech Pre-Law Enforcement program — a partnership with the OKCPD — have resulted in minorities and women pursuing entry into the force. Pettis is the council’s leading supporter for the pre-law enforcement program. He said more support is needed if the community wants to see a more diverse police force.

We are on the forefront of a revolution of people starting to see they can make a difference.

Connie Johnson “As we complain about not having enough black officers, we are not pushing our own children to be police officers,” said Pettis, whose niece is participating in the program. “If we encourage kids to be NBA or football players, we should also encourage them to go into law enforcement. That’s the only way we will be able to change the dynamics of the police department.”

Last fall, OKCPD began testing officer body cameras after the Oklahoma City Council approved the purchase in hope of reinforcing public trust in law enforcement. Their use was suspended in midJune following an arbitrator ordering the program on hold until the police union and continued on page 8

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Former state Sen. Connie Johnson speaks during a recent Black Lives Matter event in Oklahoma City. She called on the crowd to vote. | Photo Garett Fisbeck

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department reach a policy agreement.

While citizens wait to see officer-worn body cameras again, Pettis advises another avenue for ensuring the accountability of police officers. The councilman would like to see the public request more frequent officer ridealongs.

“The community can see what the police officer sees every single day,” Pettis said. “It allows an officer to learn about the community. Wouldn’t it be awesome if we had a month when community members did police ridealongs on all shifts in the Springlake division? What kind of message would that send?”

Bystanders’ role

Too many high-profile incidents of police brutality and shootings have compelled bystanders to pull out cell phone cameras and record interactions. The footage often plays an important role in investigations as well as public awareness of possible police misconduct.

American Civil Liberties Union’s Mobile Justice app enables witnesses to submit videos and details of potentially troubling law enforcement actions to Oklahoma’s ACLU office.

“The ACLU developed this app in response to what we see as an epidemic: racial profiling, over policing and overreaching of law enforcement in many communities, but especially in communities of color,” said Allie Shinn, ACLU of Oklahoma spokeswoman. “If you are having a negative or potentially negative interaction with law enforcement, you can’t call the police on the police. Your only option is to document the encounter and get some help later.”

Staff reviews submissions and ACLU’s legal team takes action where potential legal remedies exist. As of July 13, more than 900 people have downloaded app, Shinn said.

Marching on

Black Lives Matter Oklahoma attracted thousands of supporters, including a handful of local and state lawmakers, but many hope the message spreads beyond the estimated 2,500 people who gathered in Bricktown July 10 for the event.

“Not only do the people need to take it 8

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to heart — what it replicated and what it stood for — but the elected officials need to, too,” Johnson said. “In this moment, we have an opportunity to listen and be earnest in our response as public servants and actually do something.”

Pruitt said he was encouraged by the passion for change ignited in the youth and young adults who participated in the protest. He believes real change will come when participation in rallies, elections and encounters with policy makers increases.

“If we don’t have conversations, we don’t have anything,” he said. “It is real easy to go on Twitter and Facebook, but if you are not meeting with the people that make decisions, draft polices and vote on the laws, you haven’t accomplished anything.

“As long as we live and breathe, we have got to stand up, speak up and confront those situations. We all have a voice, and we need to use it.”

Charting a course for change takes resources and knowledge of the justice system and government. Black Lives Matter Oklahoma set the public on course during the July protest. Upcoming events will keep the public focused as the longer march continues.

“We will extend ourselves to law enforcement. We understand, appreciate and honor their sacrifice given on a daily basis, but let’s get to know one another,” Dickerson said. “Once that type of understanding is accomplished, Black Lives Matter will focus on the community and the progression of the people. No longer will we speak out because there has been another life loss unnecessarily from excessive use of force, abuse of power or out of fear.”

Learn more » Black Lives Matter Oklahoma:

facebook.com/blacklivesmatterokc

» Believe, Inc.: facebook.com/

Believe-Inc-1428957747390034

» American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma: acluok.org

» Metro Tech Pre-Law Enforcement Program: metro tech.edu

» OKC Artists for Justice:

facebook.com/okcart4justice

» Oklahoma City Branch NAACP: okcnaacp.org

» P.E.O.P.L.E. Foundation: peoplefoundationokc.org.

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Officer friendly

Police build relationships with area youths and communities through a new partnership with YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City. By Laura Eastes

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Justin Echols will never forget his first encounter with law enforcement. People rarely do.

Growing up in an Oklahoma City suburb, Echols believes he was fortunate to interact with police at his school, Ridgeview Elementary, located in the city’s northwest quadrant. There, officers dropped into classrooms and presented the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program.

“My first interaction with police was with an officer teaching us about drugs and safety,” Echols recalled. “I never had a negative concept of law enforcement. …

I grew up in an environment where police kept the community safe.”

Echols said his experience isn’t unique to him — far from it, as the school-based drug use prevention program has been taught in countless schools since 1983.

Often, school buildings serve as initial meeting spots for youths and police through school resource officer (SRO) programs. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, there are 19,000 SROs in schools across America.

However, not everyone grows up understanding law enforcement’s role or first meets officers in positive settings.

Some hold viewpoints that law enforcement only comes around when there is trouble or to start trouble.

Echols never saw officers in that light.

His positive childhood encounters inspired him to join the Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD). The master sergeant serves in the police community relations division as an SRO for Oklahoma City Public Schools.

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Echols’ message and cheerful demeanor dispels any hesitation or fear of police to the children he interacts with daily.

For the past 12 years, Echols has worked to strengthen the bonds of trust between youth and police. A large part of his job is to ensure youth understand the role of police, which is to protect and serve the community.

Extending message

“What do police officers do?” Echols asked nearly two dozen children seated in a circle in Earlywine Park YMCA, a YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City location.

A young girl excitedly raised her hand.

When called on, she told Echols and her peers that police “chase bad guys,” issue tickets and direct traffic.

The comment sparked further conversation. Echols added that an officer’s job is to keep everyone safe.

Recently, the officer traded the classroom for YMCA summer day camp.

Through a partnership with YMCA and OKCPD, SROs are spending their summer fostering positive interactions with children at Earlywine Park YMCA, Rockwell Plaza YMCA and Edward L. Gaylord Downtown YMCA locations.

The YMCA prides itself on introducing youth to positive role models, said David Foster, Earlywine YMCA executive director. Officers add to that mission and bring messages of honesty, responsibility and respect to camp curriculum.

“We usually have the officers here anywhere from two to three days a week,” Foster said. “When they are not here, the kids are asking us, ‘When are the officers

Sgt. Sherrica Buckingham left and MSgt. Justin Echols listen as summer day campers ask about the role of officers during camp at Earlywine Park YMCA. | Photo Laura Eastes

coming?’ Of course, when they see the officers, they get really excited. They see the officers as another buddy or someone to play a game or activity with, just like their counselors at the YMCA.” Often, Foster sees Echols swinging a pingpong paddle, playing the card game UNO or diving from a dodge ball. Echols is known for walking around campus, interacting with teens and other youths not enrolled in the camps.

Group discussions call for Echols to explain an officer’s role. Some lessons include visits to the parking lot to check out his patrol car. Small groups and oneon-one time allow Echols to teach character skills, such as courage, standing up for what’s right and conquering fears. He answers a lot of questions, including how fast a patrol car goes and how to place handcuffs on a suspect. Some questions go deeper, like what keeps Echols wearing the badge.

“These kids are actually thinking about the obstacles we experience on the job,” Echols said. “‘Do you like it? Is it hard? Do you ever get scared? How do you deal with fear?’”

The YMCA looks to extend the partnership and invites officers back when school is out for breaks and summer vacation, Foster said.

As Echols sees it, shooting hoops or joining in during a camp song is a step toward transforming future interactions between law enforcement officers and youth.

“Police work is a complicated job; it is a volatile job right now,” Echols said. “More understanding has to happen between the community and the police. The only way that happens is if we let relationships be built. The wonderful thing about kids is we get to build those relationships early in their lives. As they grow up, they grow up with us. They get to learn about us as people and police officers.”

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NEWS To lower infection risks, swimmers should hold their nose or wear nose plugs while in natural bodies of water, Oklahoma Department of Health officials say. | Photo bigstock.com

commonly found in southern states.

This summer, Oklahoma Department of Health officials advise swimmers in nondisinfected waters to exercise precautions to avoid the microorganism and other water-related illnesses.

“There are things as an individual, whether it is swimming in a natural body of water or a small kiddie pool, that we can do to protect ourselves,” said Laurence Burnsed, an Oklahoma Department of Health epidemiologist.

Other threats

Algae blooms are most likely to appear in stagnant waters as temperatures rise, Burnsed said. Humans and animals that swim or wade in water with blue-green algae are at risk for rashes or skin irritations.

“Swimming in water with high concentrations of algae can cause irritation of the eyes and throat,” Burnsed said. “Breathing in the strong odor from the algae can cause shortness of breath or coughing.”

h e a lt h

Avoiding infection

Watch out

An epidemiologist explains water dangers and safety measures to avoid contracting potentially deadly waterborne infections and illnesses.

By Laura Eastes

It’s called Naegleria fowleri but is often referred to as the “brain-eating amoeba.”

Naturally found in fresh bodies of water, Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic single-celled organism. It’s undetectable to those wading or swimming in lakes, rivers, streams or ponds.

A simple action, like a person diving or submerging their head into contaminated water, can lead to infection. The microorganism enters a person’s body through the nose and travels to the brain, where it destroys brain tissue.

It’s extremely rare but usually fatal as the infection rapidly develops into a form of bacterial meningitis, primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).

Since 1962, 138 people in the United States have contracted the infection, and

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only three people survived, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In Oklahoma, health officials report seven PAM cases over the last 18 years.

Most recently, a southern Oklahoma woman died after contracting the infection in August 2015 from swimming in the waters of Lake Murray State Park. The amoeba prefers warm water and is most

To avoid infection, health officials recommend against swimming in stagnant or polluted water. The amoeba is often found in the sediment of shallow areas.

Swimmers should hold their nose or wear nose plugs when diving or jumping into water. They also should never swallow the water, nor should they swim in areas with signs saying “No Swimming.”

Burnsed said in Oklahoma, conditions become ripe for Naegleria fowleri exposure in late July and early August.

“When we get into our late summer period with hotter temperatures and during periods of drought, that is the right condition for the amoeba to multiply at higher levels,” he said. “That’s why we see a higher risk of exposure during the later summer.”

The CDC reports PAM symptoms start about five days after infection. Initial symptoms can include headache, fever, nausea or vomiting. As it progresses, patients can experience hallucinations, stiff neck and head swelling.

People who believe they were exposed to the amoeba should immediately consult with their health care provider and provide detailed information about possible exposure in a natural body of water, Burnsed said.

It is very important that people be aware of the risks and take certain precautions.

Laurence Burnsed

Laurence Burnsed, an epidemiologist with the Oklahoma Department of Health, cautions swimmers using the state’s natural bodies of water. | Photo Garett Fisbeck

Burnsed warned that recreational bodies of water also can become contaminated with germs from rainfall and swimmers. Norovirus and E. coli can pollute the water, causing diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps in people who ingest it.

Similarly, stagnant water in wading or kiddie pools can become a breeding ground for germs. Burnsed recommended reading the instructions for draining and refilling pools.

Now is the time for Oklahomans to enjoy the state’s natural bodies of water and splash around in backyard pools.

Following water precautions ensures swimming, wading and splashing will be safer and healthier.

“It is very important that people be aware of the risks and take certain precautions,” Burnsed said.

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friedNEWS

Galavanting Gary

As if ice cream wasn’t enough, some Uber users received a very special delivery Friday when Academy Awardnominated actor and longtime former Tulsa resident Gary Busey showed up across Oklahoma City with their sweet treats.

Busey, known for his work in The Buddy Holly Story and Lethal Weapon, as well as his erratic behavior and a stint on Celebrity Rehab, tweeted July 14 that he would man an ice cream truck to help deliver ice cream bars to people who requested them using the ride-sharing service’s app.

“Delivering #UberIceCream in OKC with @Uber_OK tomorrow! Request ICE CREAM from 11am-3pm,” he tweeted, gathering interest from people across the city.

Anthem Brewing Co. responded, “We need this to happen. How do we get Gary to the brewery tomorrow?”

KTOK radio host Jason Doyle invited the actor to be a guest on his show. Cofounder of The Curbside Chronicle and legislative assistant Whitley O’Conner asked Busey to deliver treats to the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Oklahoma State University Foundation development director Keegan Davis, meanwhile, tried to lure Busey back to Stillwater, where he attended college before leaving one credit shy of graduation.

Oklahoma Gazette tried to nab the elusive Amazon Fire pitchman, as well, but instead made do eating delicious ice cream delivered by a helpful and friendly Uber driver who wasn’t Busey and watching Point Break again.

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Healin’ hurt

We here at Chicken-Fried News hate to be the ones to burst Oklahoma’s collective bubble, but there’s no way Gov. Mary Fallin will be Donald Trump’s vice president.

Fallin herself denied it on CNN’s State of the Union on July 10.

“I have not been asked for specific documentation and have not had a specific conversation with any of his staff about being vice president. It’s certainly a great honor to be mentioned with numerous other people across our nation, but I have not been asked to provide any information,” Fallin told CNN’s Jake Tapper.

She also said she hopes the focus will be on candidates’ qualifications and not their gender.

What really sent her statements ricocheting across the internet was what the Oklahoma governor said about Trump and race.

“I think he is trying to campaign as a racial healer. I think that has been part of his message …,” Fallin told Tapper.

Her comments seem a bit underinformed in light of comments the presidential hopeful has made about Hispanic, AfricanAmerican, Muslim and Jewish people — not to mention comments he has made in the past — but perhaps Fallin is right and he is trying to turn over a new leaf now that he is the presumptive GOP nominee.

July 15, Trump set everyone straight when he took to Twitter to announce that

he chose Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate. Pence is a social conservative who supported Indiana’s short-lived religious freedom bill that made it okay for businesses to refuse to serve LGBT customers.

Journalism violation?

According to a sternly written piece by Columbia Journalism Review, the line between advertising and editorial was crossed when The Oklahoman ran a frontpage Sunday Life feature on Sea Island, Georgia, titled “Resort offers one-of-a-kind experiences, chance to be pampered.”

Columbia Journalism Review (CJR), a publication of Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, called the recent article a “full-fledged puff piece.”

Take it from us at Chicken-Fried News;

you don’t have to be a graduate of the private Ivy League school to feel at least a little queasy about the decision to have an investigative journalist tackle a story on the boss’ other business. Typically, Intro to Journalism courses touch on the separation of advertising and newsroom functions. It’s a core principal in journalism, though not always rigidly adhered to as it should be, as the CJR piece underscores.

Since Colorado billionaire Philip Anschutz earned bachelor’s degree in business from University of Kansas, we assume it is unlikely he enrolled in a journalism or mass communications class. Regardless, Anschutz celebrates five years of ownership of The Oklahoman and its parent company The Oklahoman Publishing Company in September. In mid-June, he bought out fellow owners of the Sea Island resort to become sole owner, according to Atlanta Business Chronicle.

That’s why CJR staff raised its eyebrows when the Sea Island piece hit newsstands.

The travel feature focused specifically on the resort, noting the accomplishment of receiving four Forbes Five-Star Awards for eight consecutive years. Adjacent to the cover story was another article, “Sea Island resort acquisition includes generational commitment to excellence,” which quoted Anschutz about his dedication to Sea Island.

New York-based CJR posed the question, “Why was The Oklahoman offering this sort of gushing coverage to a high-end

coastal resort?” The reporter was unable to find out. Phone calls and emails to several Oke editors were not returned.

Was a line crossed? Was the code of ethics violated? Does real journalism still exist? At Chicken-Fried News, we hope the latter is true.

Safety shooting

Last week, Oklahoma City’s Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) union requested that officers be allowed to carry their personal firearms and ammunition while on duty.

They also requested OKC police be issued more body armor, NewsOK.com reported.

In a letter sent last Wednesday, FOP president John George asked police chief Bill Citty for the changes, saying, “Allowing our officers to carry rifles could help end a dangerous situation sooner and save innocent lives.”

Citty has said before that he doesn’t see a necessary need for the extra firepower and called the recent shooting attack on Dallas police “an aberration.”

He has, however, considered adding additional police helmets and shields.

Also, police supervisors are now required to respond to all “shots fired” and gun calls, and those officers already have rifles, Citty said in a video posted to the NewsOK.com website.

“I just feel like it’s in the best interest of this department and the city that we

provide the equipment for our officers, that they don’t have to buy their own, that we have control over the quality of that equipment,” Citty said.

Fatal Force, a data sourcing project by The Washington Post, cites three police-related fatal shootings of suspects in Oklahoma City so far this year.

Professional critics

Yelp is the name of a website that lets users leave star ratings and write reviews of restaurants and businesses based on their own experiences. Yelp also is a good approximation of the sound every Oklahoma City Thunder fan made on July 4 after learning Kevin Durant’s plans to leave the team for the Golden State Warriors.

Well, that or any other option on a select list of more potent four-letter words.

Chicken-Fried News recently discussed many of the ways Thunder fans made their disappointment known. It is no surprise that the silliest venting came online, where fans purged their frustrations by swarming the Yelp page for KD’s Southern Cuisine, the basketball superstar’s namesake restaurant in Bricktown.

Sean Y. of Oklahoma City left a one-star review and wrote: “I recommend the Longwhorn Special [sic]. $49.95 and they kick you in the junk before leaving.”

Sheppard M. of Norman also got creative with his review but was kind enough to leave three stars: “Much like his game it was overpriced and flashy. But at the end of the day it was average. Lots of little wins but no big moment on this menu.”

The reviews weren’t all by Oklahomans.

People outside the state dogpiled on the opportunity to stir the pot in the midst of the nation’s biggest sports story.

Ron G. of Sacramento wrote: “Best drink on the menu= ‘Tears of Thunder Fans.’”

Ron G. sounds like a Warriors fan, a wise choice if you live in the same city as the Sacramento Kings.

Many of the pseudo-reviews have since been removed by Yelp, but the fallout from Durant’s decision will probably linger in the back of Thunder fans’ minds for a while to come.

Justin K. of Williamston, Michigan, might have said it best: “The salt... the salt more than anything is what makes me ecstatic for round 2 of KD’s. Well done!”

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co m m en ta ry

NEWS

Opinions expressed on the commentary page, in letters to the editor and elsewhere in this newspaper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ownership or management.

KD syndrome: Can we get over it?

letters

In the weeks leading up to the departure of Oklahoma City Thunder free agent Kevin Durant, billboards sprouted up all over town pleading for him to stay. They looked oddly like valentines.

In a sermon to my congregation, I confessed that surely we had more important issues to deal with in Oklahoma than whether a really nice guy and a great basketball player made $30 million here or $30 million someplace else. I even suggested that the church purchase its own billboard that read: WHETHER KD STAYS OR LEAVES, OUR KIDS COULD USE SOME TEXTBOOKS. In my life as a pastor and professor, I have come to believe that some things are true even if we prefer not to talk about them.

One of them is what might be called, for lack of a better term, “diversionary amusement syndrome” (aka KD Syndrome). It is a disease spread intentionally by those who run the world to make people believe that our games are more important than our daily lives, that the fortunes of warriors outweigh the fortunes of citizens.

In a lecture at Yale University on resisting Empire, I put it this way: “Just consider, for example, the endless chatter of professional sports talk. Grown men seated in a studio that is reminiscent of a man cave for video gamers, verbally hyperventilating over trades as if they are talking about the fate of nations. Who will go first in the NBA

It is a disease spread intentionally by those who run the world to make people believe ... that the fortunes of our warriors count for more than the fortunes of our citizens.

draft, and how will it affect Cleveland’s future or Miami’s chances or LA’s claim to celebrity fame? Where are the preachers when we need them to say, ‘Who really gives a damn about which member of the athletic criminal class gets traded to which owner of the corporate criminal class?

Real people are starving to death.’”

This is not an original idea, of course.

George Orwell’s classic 1984 describes KD Syndrome when Winston talks about the lower classes that comprise 80 percent of the population. They were called the “proles,” an obvious abbreviated form of proletariat. Though the proles are the majority, they are unimportant. The Party explicitly teaches that they are “natural inferiors who must be kept in subjection, like animals.”

They are fat and happy in large measure because they have no real aspirations and are allowed one consuming diversion: playing the numbers (the lottery).

Against fantastic odds, they believe they will get lucky, but in the meantime,

In his letter, “Redefining hate” (Opinion, Letters, June 29, Oklahoma Gazette), Pete Lepo states that Donald Trump “... has not said anything negative about Hispanics.”

In announcing his campaign for president last June, Mr. Trump said that Mexicans were rapists and that they were bringing drugs and crime into the U.S. Sounds like negative comments to me, but apparently not to Mr. Lepo.

Delores Jackson Oklahoma City

Open letter

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Rev. Dr. Robin Meyers is senior minister of Mayflower Congregational UCC Church and Distinguished Professor of Social Justice at Oklahoma City University. | Photo provided

Straight on hate

Oklahoma Gazette provides an open forum for the discussion of all points of view in its Letters to the Editor section. The Gazette reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity. Letters can be mailed, faxed, emailed to jchancellor@okgazette.com or sent online at okgazette.com.

Include a city of residence and contact number for verification.

To Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: America is a democracy, not a theocracy. We have separation of church and state, which means freedom of religion, freedom from religion, no state-endorsed religion and no religious test. However, bigoted, “Christian” Republicans like you do not understand this and instead either seek to legislate your religion against everyone else or judge, condemn and discriminate.

Your religion is just that; yours. If your faith is so true and right, be happy and content with it. Stop trying to legislate it against everyone else. Stop forcing your hate on the rest of America. We do not want or need your judgment or your brand of saving. Spare us your ignorance and unwarranted hate, discrimination and bigotry.

Your rights end where the next person’s begins. If everyone truly treated everyone else the way they themselves want to be treated — regardless of race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexual orienta-

they are unable to rise up against their oppressors because they are too busy being Amuse[d] … to Death (Neil Postman).

Fast-forward to 2016. Oklahoma has a $1.3 billion state deficit that is largely selfinflicted and we had already cut social services to the bone. Most disgraceful of all, we have been busy building a “major league city” at the expense of public education. Now we are in real trouble.

But perhaps if we talk about sports all the time, the proles will not rise up. A sports writer from The Oklahoman recently suggested that with KD’s departure, we have all experienced the five stages of grief. Really? Did someone die?

In case you haven’t noticed, the proles are getting restless. They are armed. They are about to nominate their Strongman.

The Party had better wake up, because sports talk has never put food on anyone’s table.

Concerning statements

tion or identity — the world would be an infinitely better place. One of the main problems is religious zealots like you. You cherry-pick your doctrine to use against any group you do not understand and ignore the main tenets of your faith. And you simultaneously excuse yourselves from any wrongdoing because you consider yourselves to be on the side of right. No matter how impassioned one’s beliefs may be does not make said beliefs true or right. The solution is very simple: Respect the innate dignity and inalienable rights of all human beings, period.

All the killing and discrimination in God’s name is a complete farce. It is all for nothing, no positive end result, as it yields only death and destruction, ruined lives, damaged family relationships and pain and suffering of countless innocent victims.

You and your brand of hate are part of the problem, not the solution. Your social media post blaming Orlando terrorist victims for their own deaths and injuries is despicable.

Stacy Smith Oklahoma City

‘Injustice anywhere’

Regarding the horrifying shootings of Dallas police officers and, in other parts of the country, questionable shootings by police: When societal problems go inadequately addressed/ignored/unresolved and more evil things happen, the only surprise is that so many people act surprised.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” —Martin Luther King Jr. Jack Bowen Fort Worth, Texas

Concerning Jack Fowler’s news article “Transcending hate” in the June 22 issue of the Gazette, I take exception to a quote

by Paula Sophia Schonauer. She states that “plenty” of American pastors promote “that it’s within a Christian’s duty to kill gay people.”

That is simply not true. To make this statement would seem to nullify many other good points that Paula makes. She comes across as uninformed on the topic or being guilty of fabrication to make her point.

Even Bill Maher, one of America’s bestknown atheists, addresses this issue when comparing Christianity with Islam and says exactly the opposite of Paula Schonauer in a recent interview with Charlie Rose.

Schonauer needs to retract her statement to re-establish her credibility as a spokesperson for the LGBT community.

Steve Stearman Oklahoma City

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EARL’S RIB PALACE GREAT BBQ DOESN’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHERE YOU COME FROM.

EARLSRIBPALACE.COM

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review

EAT & DRINK

Meat ’n’ greet Introduce yourself to fine dining at The Meat Market Refectory.

By Greg Elwell

Rarely has someone put the kind of care and precision into a restaurant as The Meat Market Refectory co-owner Steve Spitz.

Speaking to Spitz about the restaurant at 2920 NW 63rd St. is entrancing. Months before it opened, the way he spoke of the look and feel was specific. His descriptions of the food made people drool.

The countdown to opening day (and the six months after, before Oklahoma

comfortable wearing a pair of slacks and a button-down shirt.

Servers come in pairs, which is good for keeping glasses filled, but it can get a little crowded.

It might be better to have too much attention instead of too little, but it’s nice to have a few minutes alone with your dining companions before you’re approached about another glass of wine or how everybody is enjoying their entrees.

First-rate fare

That said, you probably will want another glass of wine.

Oenophile friends excitedly 2920 NW 63rd St. pointed out the fairly extensive meatmarketrefectory.com | 405-608-8866 wine list, including several What works: It’s hard to beat the perfectly “good buys” on some hard-tocooked lamb and pork chops. find bottles. Ask your server, too. Mine were eager to share What needs work: Paired servers might overwhelm diners. their opinions on pairings for different meals and tastes.

Tip: For $12, a bowl of Hatch green chili and But even if you’re not a pork stew is gourmet on a budget. drinker, there’s a lot to recommend at Refectory.

The lump crab cakes ($19) Gazette could review it) were excruciating. are divine. Nobody’s sure why crabs are so If anything made people pause, it is the lumpy to begin with, but maybe that’s how logo. Friends who do branding and design the mild sweetness is concentrated into said they couldn’t eat there, which is a bit the meat. much. And it’s their loss, because if you If you’re willing to share these, conget past the overlapping blue and gray Ms sider marrying whoever you’re with and R, you will find one of the best resbecause that’s true love. taurants in the city.

Carnivores are required to order the The exterior and the sign don’t do the grilled Australian lamb chops (half rack inside of the building justice. It is beautifor $18, full rack for $32). fully designed and immaculately kempt.

Cows must have the worst public relaSomebody loves this restaurant, and that tions team in America, because the other makes it easier for everyone else to love animals seemed to have convinced most it, too. of us that cows are the only red meat we can safely enjoy.

There are no dress codes at Refectory, Well, bull. If you’re fussy about eating but it’s a place gentlemen might feel more

Australian lamb chops | Photo Garett Fisbeck

The Meat Market Refectory

Slider trio | Photo Garett Fisbeck

sheep, a bite of these lamb chops is just the thing to help you get over it. The bone-in bites are tender, juicy and packed with flavor that had me gnawing for every last bit of meat.

They also can be ordered as an entree, including sides, for a bit more — $26 for a half rack and $38 for a whole — and it might be the best decision you make all day.

Menu changes

I feel similarly about the Duroc pork chops ($31 for 12 oz.), which are leaving the menu. It’s a shame, too, because it’s rare to find a piece of pork so perfectly cooked.

Slightly pink, as it should be served, they are worth a visit as soon as possible.

Of all the luck, another dish I tried is also making an exit: jumbo sea scallop scampi ($34). The scallops are enormous, but I can understand they might be a hard sell in Oklahoma City. Hopefully this one, made with fresh tagliatelle pasta and a champagne lemon reduction, will return as a special.

Pride and joy

Refectory management says it’s the only

organic-based prime steakhouse in the city, and I’ve had plenty of confirmation from other diners that the steaks are top-shelf.

One diner described his prime filet (5 oz. for $32, 9 oz. for $55, including sides) as so good that he had to get up and walk away from the table.

However, Spitz’s pride and joy is the chicken-fried steak ($26) with Hatch green chili gravy. Made with a New York strip steak that is dry-aged for two weeks and wet-aged for another three weeks, it’s tender enough that you really only need the edge of your fork to cut it. This truly is elevated comfort food.

As for sides ($6 for those not included with an entree), I recommend the mashed potatoes, which are made with care and infused with tons of buttery flavor. The roasted beets were also quite good and had a deep, earthy sweetness.

The Meat Market Refectory lives up to the hype.

Once people get past the sign outside, they’ll find one of the city’s best finedining establishments waiting to serve an exceptional meal.

Chicken-fried steak with Hatch chili gravy | Photo Garett Fisbeck O kg a z e t t e . c o m | j u ly 2 0 , 2 0 1 6

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EAT & DRINK

f e at u r e

Internationally known chef Rick Bayless recently returned to OKC for a pop-up dinner at The Tasting Room to raise money for the victims of the Moore tornadoes in 2013. | Photo Gazette / file

Reservations required

Restaurants feed hunger for one-of-a-kind meals.

By Greg Elwell

The bar at The R&J Lounge and Supper Club, 320 NW 10th St., gets noisy. Booths are filled, the patio bustles and voices rise over music.

In the back, past the bathrooms and up a small set of stairs, is a door to a quiet, intimate room. Once a week, dinner there is prepared by chef Brad Ackerman.

R&J Dinner For Twelve joins a bevy of one-time and ongoing multi-course dinners across Oklahoma City that cater to diners’ growing appetite for out-of-theordinary meals.

Building followers

One of the city’s long-loved fine dining spots is The Metro Wine Bar & Bistro, 6418 N. Western Ave., and it has hosted special dinners almost since it opened.

“We started doing wine dinners about 26 years ago,” said owner Chris Lower. “I have seen a lot more of those spring up lately.”

While there’s nothing wrong with a wine distributor rep planning a paired dinner, Lower said The Metro only holds

them when the winemaker or winery owner is in town. The experience is about inviting people to hear a personal story from someone who has a connection to the wine. Over the years, the restaurant built a fairly large mailing list to alert guests about upcoming events.

“We have some people who come to almost every winemaker dinner we do,” Lower said.

Something special

What’s missing from many special dinners, said Ludivine co-owner Jonathan Stranger, is something special.

“It has to be outside of the regular restaurant experience,” he said. “It’s not just good food and good service. There has to be a wow factor.”

That can be a special space or special guests, like when Stranger teamed up with dozens of local chefs and celebrity restaurateurs Danny Bowien and Rick Bayless for OK Chefs Relief in May 2013 to raise money for victims of the Moore tornadoes.

To do something extraordinary in his

home base at Ludivine, 805 N. Hudson Ave., Stranger turns to exotic ingredients and meals outside the norm, as he has with his Head-To-Tail dinner series, where guests paid a premium to dine on Oklahoma-raised black wagyu beef dishes, grass-fed Oklahoma lamb and wild yellowfin tuna from Montauk, New York.

“For one thing, it’s on a Monday night, when the restaurant is usually closed,” he said. “And I really push myself to serve something we wouldn’t serve every night.”

The tuna only has four muscle groups, so he cooked using the spine, the collar and the eyes to create memorable dishes.

“You don’t really make money on all the extreme stuff,” Stranger said. “It’s about doing it because you want to.”

He said his next special dinner has almost no lead time.

“I’m working on something that’s a surprise. No one will know about it until an hour before it starts,” he said. “This one I’m doing, it’s going to be incredible. I just want to be a part of people dining this way.”

Pricing right

Dinners vary in scope and price, but for restaurateurs, Lower said, the best part of set menus is certainty.

“The economics of it, you can dial those in,” he said. “You know what you’re paying for the food, and you know exactly what the wine costs.”

Unlike most evenings, he knows just what customers are going to have because they’re all having the same thing, he said.

It’s almost like a catering job, except chefs have the luxury of cooking in their home kitchen and serving the food fresh.

The Metro usually holds special dinners on Sunday nights — typically a slower night for the restaurant — meaning a bump in sales.

Expanding palates

It’s also a chance for chefs to raise their culinary bar.

Several times a year, members of Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs get together and ask some of Oklahoma City’s best chefs to push the boundaries of cuisine in the metro.

Chaîne meals range from about $50 for the Dining Around series to upwards of $150 for full-fledged dinners with wine

e th t a Be summer heat

by stopping in for Whiskey Cake’s

Boozy Ice Cream Social.

We are offering Real Beer Floats with Roxy’s Ice Cream Social Vanilla Ice Cream and Prairie Artisan Ales Prairie Bomb Imperial Stout for $5! The Real Beer Floats will be flowing Monday-Wednesday from 3-6pm

all summer long!

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pairings. Each time, the local chapter of the international dining club explores the skills and imagination of the chef.

Though the menu at The Red Cup, 3122 N. Classen Blvd., is filled with Frito chili pie and sandwiches during the day, once a month, chef Patrick Clark expresses gourmet flair with The Red Cup Supper Club. His focus isn’t just on skill; it’s on giving diners a better understanding of the ingredients.

“After speaking with [iconic local chef] John Bennett about the dinners when they first started,” Clark said, “we both agreed that I should focus on the individual ingredients, highlighting them in their prime rather than pairing them with other things causing the palate to overlook how amazing a fresh ingredient is.”

Stranger said that’s the job of a special dinner.

“You have to take people out of the norm and out of their comfort zone,” he said. “It’s difficult to do well.”

The key, Stranger said, is to try to understand it from the guest’s experience. If diners don’t think there is anything special about the meal, they’re also unlikely to come back when it isn’t a special event.

The list

For those tired of hearing about great dinners after they happen, check out restaurants’ websites and Facebook pages for information and sign up for mailing lists.

Here are a few to start: » Reserve a seat for The R&J Lounge and Supper Club’s Dinner For Twelve at 405-602-5066, and find the most recent menu at rjsupperclub.com/ events. » Learn about upcoming guest chef and wine dinners at The Metro by emailing metrowinebar@coxinet.net with “add to email list” in the subject line. » Ludivine keeps a running list of recent and upcoming events at ludivineokc. com/events. » The Red Cup Supper Club’s August dinner is already sold out, but tickets are available for September’s dinner No. 7 on eventbrite.com. » To join Oklahoma City’s Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, visit the group online at bailliages2.chaineus. org/oklahoma.

Classen SAS students play during a formal performance at the school. Guitar was cut as a major after budget shortfalls forced teacher layoffs. | Classen SAS / provided

“It’s so exciting,” she said. “We would like to hire an adjunct to teach three classes of guitar. We’ll need close to $14,000 to be able to keep the guitar program.”

Fancy that

Budget blues

e v e nt

“In the past, we had a full-time guitar teacher. This year, when budget cuts hit, we had to lose eight positions and all our adjuncts,” she said. “That’s almost 15 When Classen School of Advanced Studies percent of our teaching staff. When you have a school like Classen, where we have was forced to cut the guitar program, different majors in addition to providing the community stepped in to help. the required class load, those cuts make a big difference.”

By Greg Elwell The public school offers two houses of study: International Baccalaureate and W hen Mark Mann learned how In short, Mann knows Visual and Performing Arts ( VPA). Students Oklahoma’s budget shortfall would affect the healing power of fine seeking a VPA degree at arts education at Classen School of liquors.

Bourbon, BBQ Advanced Studies, he immediately The event features Classen can choose from & Blues bourbon from Bulliet, thought of bourbon. eight majors: visual arts, George Dickel and I.W. “Every year in October, we pick a differdance, vocal music, piano, 8-11 p.m. Friday ent children’s charity to benefit with our Harper, beer by COOP Ale guitar, band, strings and Dunlap Codding Scotch dinner. We partner with Glazer’s, a Works and barbecue pretheater arts.

609 W. Sheridan Ave. distributor in Oklahoma,” he said. “We’re pared by Kam’s Kookery.

In order to come in on classensas.com already doing Scotch, so I asked [Glazer’s], Oklahoma Jazz Hall of budget, one of the teachers 405-706-7484 ‘What do you think about bourbon?’”

Fame member Dorothy let go was the guitar in$100 Bourbon, Barbeque & Blues, 8-11 p.m. structor. Without an in“Miss Blues” Ellis and guiFriday, is the logical follow-up to tarist Joe Settlemiers will structor for those classes, perform.

Oklahoma City Charity Scotch Tasting, guitar would be dropped an event the local children’s charities from the curriculum. fundraiser Mann and friends Steve Cortes Gently weeping When Davis received a phone call from and Bill Hickman put on for the past nine Classen’s guitar program is in a bad way, Mann offering a fundraiser, it hit the right said school principal Ashley Davis. years. chord.

In addition to Bourbon, Barbeque & Blues, famous Oklahoma country musician Reba McEntire offered financial assistance.

“I reached out to her through a family member, hoping initially she would offer us something signed to auction,” Davis said. “Then I got information that she’s going to donate money to help out of the kindness of her heart.”

Though McEntire won’t attend the event, Davis said her help makes it easier to keep Classen’s guitar program.

Mann said his event partners, his wife Tonya Mann and friends Marc and Barbara Brockhaus, have been integral to the response they’ve received so far.

“I suspect we’ll have about 200 people,” he said. “With auction items, live and silent, and parents selling tickets, this is turning into quite a big endeavor.”

Glazer’s help with bourbon has been tremendous, he said, and Kamala Gamble of Kam’s Kookery will donate most of the food and labor.

“Another individual is donating a whole roast pig,” Mann said. “It’s going to be the centerpiece.”

He said they hope to raise more than $50,000 for the school, saving the guitar program and helping shore up other areas that were cut.

School administrators hope the event raises enough to support Classen’s student intern program, which lets high schoolers visit local elementaries to teach younger students skills they learned from Classen art and music courses.

“Almost assuredly, this will be an annual event we’ll do for Classen,” he said.

“Everybody involved in the district and the school has jumped onboard. And if the state ever gets their act together on the budget, Classen can use the money to do other things for students.”

Dunlap Codding, 609 W. Sheridan Ave., hosts the event.

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b r i e f s By Greg Elwell

EAT & DRINK

from left Herman Marshall owners Herman Beckley and Marshall Louis sit on barrels of their whiskey. | Photo Herman Marshall / provided

•Whiskey rebellion

Featuring Traditional Peruvian Recipes and Favorites C h a r C oa l r ot i sse r i e C h i C k e n A C e v i C h e A lo m o sa lta d o

5805 NW 50th. • Warr Acres • 405.603.3997

Open 7 days a week Sunday-Thursday 11am-8pm • Friday and Saturday 11am-9pm

An Oklahoma Legend Since 1910

South Africa is invading Oklahoma by way of Texas.

Marshall Louis, co-owner of whiskey distillery Herman Marshall, came to Dallas, Texas, 30 years ago from Cape Town, South Africa. After growing and selling a small business, he was bored. That was when he met Herman Beckley and decided to go into business making whiskey.

Six years later, Herman Marshall is making a push into Oklahoma restaurants and liquor stores.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for Oklahoma,” Louis said. “When we started expanding, I wanted to get in and get going here.”

A University of Oklahoma (OU) fan, Louis said he told his son, who played football for the University of Texas, that he loved him, but he was still rooting for OU. The small-batch distillery makes four different whiskeys: a rye, a bourbon, a singlemalt and Temptress, which is liquor made from Temptress Imperial Milk Stout from Lakewood Brewing Co. Louis said the offerings have done well in competition against better-known brands including Makers Mark and Woodford Reserve and brought home a gold medal for Best Small Batch Bourbon at the International Whisky Competition. In addition to liquor stores in Oklahoma City and Texas, Herman Marshall products are available at Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar, 1845 Northwest Expressway; Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, 310 Johnny Bench Drive; and Scratch Kitchen + Cocktails, 132 W. Main St., in Norman.

Wine winners

FINALIST BEST OF OKC

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405.236.0416 • CattlemensRestaurant.com

Open 6am Every Day

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Some Oklahoma City fine dining establishments are recognized in the latest issue of Wine Spectator Magazine for their exemplary selection of bottles.

The list came out in the July 19 issue, the magazine’s annual Restaurant Awards.

Boulevard Steakhouse & Martini Lounge, 505 S. Boulevard, in Edmond and Opus Prime Steakhouse, 800 W. Memorial Road, are Best of Award of Excellence honorees.

Museum Cafe inside Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, was once again named an Award of Excellence winner.

Boulevard moved up in the rankings this year thanks to a fruitful trip to Napa Valley, said general manager Britton Stewart.

“It was almost like a steakhouse summit,” he said. “We tried over 150 wines, and that helped us dig deep into Napa Valley wines.”

He said it’s also getting easier to get wines into Oklahoma.

“Talking to people in Paso Robles, they said Oklahoma was becoming a much bigger market for California wines,” he said.

Boulevard offers about 675 wines by the bottle and 20 or so by the glass, Stewart said.

Photo Dylan Owens / provided

•Road to Rio

With the Olympics on the way, Thirst Wine Merchants and V2 at Vast are teaming up for another Wine for the People event 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

Themed Road to Rio, the event features wines from gold medal countries around the globe, including Argentina, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the good old USA. Paired with the international consortium of wine is fare from the Vast/V2 culinary team.

V2 is on the 50th floor of Devon Tower, 333 W. Sheridan Ave. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door and include tax and gratuity. Advance tickets are available at eventbrite.com.

s U w o Ll o F on

instagram Photo OETA / provided

•Movie munchies

Those visiting Slaughter’s Hall might have trouble staying awake for the OETA Movie Club if they order B.J. Wexler’s sandwich.

Emmy Award-winner Wexler has long been a local celebrity, but now he’s joining the ranks of those honored by Slaughter’s, 221 N. Central Ave., with his own sandwich.

Viewers might know him best with a bucket of popcorn, so the sandwich created for him by head chef Jonathan Groth includes popcorn chicken tossed in Buffalo sauce in honor of Wexler’s hometown, Buffalo, New York.

The sandwich is available through July. One dollar of each sale goes to The OETA Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting OETA with the development of private, corporate, charitable and other non-state funds.

OETA Movie Club runs 9 p.m.

Saturdays with encore presentations 11:30 p.m. most Fridays.

Top tequila

Using the hashtag #AdultBreak2K16, Topgolf hosts National Tequila Day at its facilities across the country, including the Oklahoma City location, 13313 Pawnee Drive.

It’s the first year for National Tequila Day for this Topgolf location, said marketing manager Ashley Harkins, and it promises to be a good time for adults.

“We’ll be featuring three signature drinks and also doing giveaways of Casamigos [Tequila] prizes,” she said.

“Plus we’ll have a DJ and all that good stuff.”

Featured cocktails include Bloody Maria, a watermelon margarita, and Wingman, a version of a classic sidecar using tequila.

The event runs noon to 4 p.m., giving everybody a few hours before work on Monday.

to see all our

Vote Ted’s #1 Best Mexican Restaurant

Del City 5301 Main St. Ste. 117 405-813-8337

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Lawton 3807 Cache Road 580-699-8337 West OKC 300 Outlet Shoppes Dr. 405-607-8337

@okgazeTte

OKC 2836 NW 68th St. 405-848-8337

Edmond 801 E. Danforth Rd 405-810-8337

Broken Arrow 3202 W. Kenosha St. 918-254-8337

South OKC 8324 S. Western Ave. 405-635-8337

Norman 700 N. Interstate Dr. 405-307-8337

Tulsa Hills 7848 S. Olympia Ave. WEST 918-301-8337

Dine-In • ToGo • Catering • Banquet Facilities

Oklahoma Gazette

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g a z e di b l e s

eat & DRINK

Chill out

Don’t go outside. People always act like going outside is healthy, but those people don’t understand July in Oklahoma. It’s so hot.

Studio audience: How hot is it?!

Whoa. It’s so hot I didn’t even realize there were other people here. Maybe it’s time to visit one of these spots for a cool treat.

By Greg Elwell Photos Emmy Verdin and Erick Perry

Huey’s Shave Ice

Belle Kitchen

Pops

Gillette doesn’t have anything on Huey’s, makers of some of Oklahoma City’s finest shave ice. Using a big block of frozen water, Huey’s shaves the ice layer by layer to create an almost snowlike consistency. You could have it plain — aka an Amish snocone — but these are best served with a mix of fruit flavors, like strawberry, orange and banana in the Banana Keet. Add some sweet cream for a really unique treat.

The pastries at Belle Kitchen get the lion’s share of the attention, and with good reason. But even if this little bakery didn’t churn out unique and delicious doughnuts and macarons, it would still be a favorite summer stop for house-made ice cream.

The usual suspects are wonderful, but the olive oil ice cream is a surprising delight.

Need your own custom flavor? The restaurant can work with you on special orders.

Root beer and ice cream are so good together it borders on suspicious. What are they trying to hide? Nobody gets along as well as those two without some deep, dark secret binding them. Did root beer witness ice cream commit murder? Does ice cream hold a dossier proving root beer is in the Illuminati? And how did frosted mug get caught up in this scandal? Find out for yourself at Pops.

Mobile hueysokc.com | 405-250-0234

7509 N. May Ave. belle-kitchen.com | 405-430-5484

6447 Avondale Drive pops66.com | 405-446-8767

Join us

for lunch

Open Tuesday-sunday | 1630 nW 23rd | 405.525.8886

New Owner & New Menu

8027 NW 23rd • Bethany • 405.789.7111 24

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Cafe 7 Pastaria and Delicatessen

Cafe Oasis

14101 N. May Ave. cafe7okc.com | 405-748-3354

1135 NW 25th St. cafeoasisoklahomacity.com 405-528-5700

Salads — they’re no longer considered torture under the Geneva Conventions.

As such, local restaurants make some truly tasty piles of greens. At Cafe 7, you can choose from pizzas, pastas and sandwiches or go fork-deep in its signature salad of romaine lettuce and field greens tossed with cranberries, apples, balsamic vinaigrette, toasted walnuts and bacon and topped with sliced chicken breast.

Boba tea, also called bubble tea, is a treat no matter what the weather. There’s nothing quite so addictive as slurping a fruity smoothie or slush through a giant straw at Cafe Oasis and sucking a big ball of tapioca into your mouth. The mildly sweet “bubbles” are chewy bits of happiness. Unfortunately, there’s a dark side to boba tea — when the tapioca is gone, you’ll have to get in line for another cup.

Organic Squeeze

District House

If you’re hot and you’re healthy, then you probably already know about Organic Squeeze. Though it’s most known for fresh-squeezed juices, this eatery also makes a dynamite smoothie full of ingredients that add pep to your step. A favorite is Tropical C, which is packed with strawberries, pineapple, orange and apple juices and a touch of Himalayan salt to bring it all together.

People feel sleepy, even in the summer. But when they wake up sweating, the last thing anyone wants is a piping-hot cup of bean juice (pictured, front). That’s why District House’s serves cold brew, a chilly blast of slow-steeped caffeine with the ideal mix of chilly beverage and energy jolt. Mix it with cream and simple syrup or drink it straight — either way, you’ll be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed the rest of the day.

1325 N. Walker Ave. organic-squeeze.com | 405-796-7793

1755 NW 16th St. districthouseokc.com | 405-633-1775

AUTHENTIC INDIAN CUISINE New Days of

oPerAtion Taking Tuesdays as a Holiday

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A lA CArte | Wine & Beer | HAlAl MeAt PrivAte Dining UP to 60 | CAtering AvAilABle 709 N. MOORE, MOORE 701-3900 WWW.HIMALYASOK.COM

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125 W Britton rd. ★ oKC ★ 405-840-3474 O kg a z e t t e . c o m | j u ly 2 0 , 2 0 1 6

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ChiCken CaShew

www.sandbburgers.com 20 nw 9th • 405-270-0516 5929 n may • 405-843-8777 1909 S douglaS blvd • mwC • 405-741-9494 7745 S walker (I-240 & walker) • 405-631-0783 14020 n may • 405-418-8477 640 nw expreSSway • 405-603-8116 123 e State hwy 152 • muStang • 405-256-6788

26

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summer healthy menu items

pineapple Chicken • fresh Spring rolls • papaya Salad Chicken teriyaki • Mixed Vegetables Sala Thai • 1614 NW 23rd, OKC • 405-528-8424 TaSTe of Thai • 1801 S. Air depOt, MWC • 405-732-1519 gin Thai fuSion • 1333 N. SANtA fe #123, edMONd • 405-471-6587

ac t i v e

ARTS & CULTURE

Olympic mettle

Nobody knows more about the Rio Olympics than you. Prove it with our ultimate party trivia quiz! By Jennifer Chancellor

“Welcome to hell.”

Or, as the International Olympics Committee would rather us say it, welcome to the Rio 2016 Olympics.

This year’s official summer games run Aug. 5-21 in Rio de Janeiro, marking South America’s first time to host the Olympic Games.

Undoubtedly, the event is a huge score for Rio, which has spent the past several months making headlines for its rising tide of violence and financial instability as it seemingly careens toward its date with athletic superstardom.

The hellacious greeting stuck, however, as lurid headlines of unpaid police, gang violence, zika infections, pollution, broadcasting delays and other hang-ups washed into global web browsers like body parts on polluted Brazilian beaches.

The Olympics have become a trope of sorts. The reality is every good Olympics carries with it a whiff of scandal. (Some admittedly stronger than others.) It also brings with it a roster of exceptionally talented and trained athletes from countries and states around the globe, including America and Oklahoma. That last bit is really important.

But you already know all this, right?

While lamenting that one-hour (or longer) broadcasting delay during this year’s opening ceremonies, relax, check your local listings, brush up on your Okie-tied trivia and use this opportunity to show off your Olympic mettle.

1. What time of year are mosquitos likely to spread the zika virus in Rio?

a) 1984 Summer Olympics b) 2014 Winter Olympics c) 1980 Summer Olympics

Wayman Tisdale | Photo provided

4. Edmond-born former Sooners basketball star Blake Griffin now plays with the Los Angeles Clippers, but he’s skipping the 2016 Olympics.

What’s the reason he gave for declining?

9. Oklahoma City Thunder baller Russell Westbrook will participate in the Rio Olympics.

10. Oklahoma State University athletes have earned how many medals since the 1924 Olympics? a) 12 b) Why so serious? c) 25

11. Which Olympic medal winner was born in Oklahoma, belonged to the U.S. Air Force and went on to coach at the University of Oklahoma?

Hint: He’s a member of the 2011 class of the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. a) Dave Schultz, 1984 gold medalist b) Shelby Wilson, 1960 gold medalist c) Jay Thomas “Tommy” Evans, 1952 silver medalist

a) True b) False

The Silence of the Lambs | Photo provided

a) quad surgery requiring bone marrow injection treatment b) a moped crash tore an ankle ligament c) he lied about the injury so another player could take his place

5. How many visitors and athletes are expected at this year’s Olympic games in Rio? a) 2 billion b) eleventy thousandish c) 350,000-500,000

12. A customs dispute kept what food item from U.S. athletes in during the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia?

2. How many countries are represented in the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games? a) 47 b) 207 c) 13

Photo bigstockphoto.com

a) 1980 b) 1982 c) 1984

a) 1984 b) 2012 c) 2002

8. In what year did a U.S. president boycott the Olympics to protest the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

Bonus points if you also name the president.

a) August b) January

3. Sooner basketball All-American and NBA star Wayman Tisdale helped lead the U.S. Olympic basketball team to a gold medal in what year?

7. What year did University of Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops help carry the Olympic Winter Games flame across Oklahoma?

6. A stretch of Interstate 35 in Edmond is named for the most-decorated Olympic gymnast is U.S. history.

Who is it?

a) 5,000 containers of single-serve Chobani yogurt shipped from upstate New York b) 460,000 pounds of raw ingredients shipped daily to produce 60,000 meals a day for 18,000 athletes, staff and coaches c) A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti. continued on page 28

a) Bart Conner b) Shannon Miller c) Shaun White

Bob Stoops | Photo Gazette / file

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ARTS & CULTURE 15. American athletes John Carlos and Tommie Smith made bold human rights and political statements during the 1968 Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City when they did what during their medal ceremony for the men’s 200 meter race?

Fast facts

Oklahoma-born 2016 Team USA athletes

Gil Roberts, Oklahoma City, track and field » He’s the first Red Raider (Texas Tech) athlete to make the

a) They stood shoeless, wearing black socks, to represent black poverty. b) Carlos wore a beaded necklace he said “were for those individuals that were lynched or killed and that no one said a prayer for, that were hung and tarred.” Smith donned a black scarf to represent black pride. c) They raised black-gloved fists in the air in what they called a “human rights salute” and bowed their head as they turned to face American flags and the U.S. national anthem played.

kpmhoto.com occo sto. igot | Bph tock gspe Jim otoThbior Ph

13. Native American Oklahoma sports star Jim Thorpe took home two gold medals — decathlon and pentathlon — from the 1912 Summer Olympics.

David Plummer, Norman, swimming » He graduated from Westmoore High School in Moore in 2004. » He started swimming as a tadpole at age 5. » He trains three to five hours a day, six days a week. » His favorite U.S. city is Enid, Oklahoma.

19. In what year did the Summer Olympics celebrate its first AfricanAmerican gold medalist?

a) John Taylor in the 1908 Olympics b) Jackie JoynerKersee in the 1996 Olympics c) The USA basketball Dream Team in the 1992 Olympics

16. The 2016 U.S. Olympic Team includes approximately how many athletes? a) 550 b) 2,300 c) 120

a) 2012 b) 1988 c) 2010

18. Which Okie-tied Olympic medal winner was a three-time NCAA championship wrestler and owned a cattle auction?

Photo bigstockphoto.com Russell Westbrook | Photo Gazette / file

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Washington Post, USA Today, NBC, olympic.org, Brazilian Tourism Board, iaff.org, newson6.com, nbcolympics.com, Sports Illustrated, Bleacher Report, welcometoloudcity.com, imbd.com, teamusa.org, examiner.com, Wikipedia, ESPN, The Associated Press, takedownwrestle.com

5. c 4. a 3. c 2. b September is winter in Rio. 1. b: August through early

Answers:

why? Because we were standing

15. All three are correct: In a July

13. Neither: Jim Thorpe

or another. And do you know

14. a

the of the dispute.

restored to his children

York Sen. Charles E. Schumer of

Thorpe’s death, the medals were

should get past ‘nyet,’” said New

Thorpe’s. In 1983, 30 years after

12. a: “The Russian Authorities

silver medalist, refused to accept

11. c

Hugo Wieslander, the decathlon

10. c

In an act of solidarity with Thorpe,

9. b

league baseball three years prior.

Games in Los Angeles.

learned he played pro minor

of its allies boycotted the 1984

stripped from him after judges

later, the Soviet Union and 14

won both, but the medals were

Summer Olympics. Four years

wants to be related to in one way wants to see and everyone a universal image that everyone is the modern-day ‘Mona Lisa’ — me and Tommie on the podium did.” He added, “That picture of … Still, I wouldn’t change what I those Olympics were hell for me. wrote, “The first 10 years after essay posted to Vox.com, Carlos

20. a 19. a 18. c 17. a 16. a ing for humanity.” for something. We were standj u ly 2 0 , 2 0 1 6 | O kg a z e t t e . c o m

a) True b) False c) What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?

17. In what year did Russell Westbrook win an Olympic gold medal?

a) Wayne Wells, 1972 gold medalist b) John Smith, 1988 gold medalist c) Ross Flood, 1936 silver medalist

28

20. Former Thunder star and NBA MVP Kevin Durant will join Team USA for this summer’s Olympic tournament.

6. b

a) 2014 Sochi Winter Games b) 2016 Rio Olympic Games c) never

Indoor Championships.

7. c

14. Evangelistic music group Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma performed “flash mob” and other shows at which recent Olympic games?

» In 2014, his team earned the 4x400 meter relay gold medal at the 2012 World

8. a: President Jimmy Carter

a) True b) False

» He graduated from Millwood High School in Oklahoma City in 2007.

declared a boycott of the 1980

ac t i v e

continued from page 27

U.S. National team in 12 years.

ARTS & CULTURE

Vote Us Best ac t i v e

Head-first sliders make a splash at a previous Slide the City event.

The giant water slide returns July 30. | Photo Slide the City / provided

Slippery slope

Slide the City returns to Oklahoma City for another wet ride down Shartel Avenue. By Greg Elwell

In winter, sliding down the street usually middle of the city,” he said.

The entrance to Slide the City is 911 N. ends in a car wreck. In July, however, it might end up being the most entertaining Shartel Ave., and it extends south to NW three blocks of the year. Slide the City Fifth Street. returns to Oklahoma City for a July 30 Tickets come in three levels: single event with a big slide, lots of water and slider, triple slider and all-day slider. The blocks of padded plastic that first two include a slide time, send participants careening either 9 a.m.-2 p.m. or 2-7 down the street. p.m. Tickets prices increase Slide the City Started in 2014, Slide the as the event nears with a Block Party City is a simple concept that day-of single slide pass for travels well. Organizers said $20 and a triple slide pass 9 a.m.-7 p.m. July 30 the event visits more than for $45. An all-day pass in911 N. Shartel Ave. 100 cities this year. Last cludes unlimited trips for slidethecity.com $99. A Gazette code saves year, Slide the City hit more $15-$99 than 70 venues around the guests 20 percent on a triple world, including an OKC slider pass if they use the stop last July, where local resident Cacky code “okgazette” at slidethecity.com/locaPoarch, her kids and about 3,000 others tion/oklahoma-city. took the plunge.

Slide the City is a for-profit company, “I went with my son, but my daughter but it does donate a portion of proceeds to also went with a birthday party of teenaglocal charities. Last year, the event raised ers,” she said. “I had heard about it from money for United Cerebral Palsy of Oklahoma. This year’s recipient is other cities, so when tickets went on sale, Muscular Dystrophy Association of I got them.”

Her daughter Parker said the lines got Oklahoma City. pretty long, but she remembers thinking Each ticket includes a mouthguard and the slide was enough fun that it was worth a drawstring bag, but triple sliders and the wait. all-day sliders also get an inflatable tube, Michael Kimball said he and his wife which is required to go down the slide. enjoyed it, especially with it being so close All-day sliders also get a hat and a T-shirt. to home.

However, it takes more than just a ticket “We live down here in the [city’s] core. to ride. Participants must be age 5 or older and at least 46 inches tall.

We got the three rides tickets and took our But even those who can’t or don’t want bikes over,” he said. “The line can be pretty to slide can find something to do, because long, but it moves quickly,” he said. “The line goes right past where everybody is Slide the City transforms three blocks of sliding, so you get to watch other people Shartel Avenue into a big block party.

“This unique event was a huge success crashing into each other.”

His advice for going with a significant last year, but for 2016, we are going to be other is to let them go first so you can go adding some fun entertainment to give it more of a community feel,” Slide the City faster and ram them from behind.

“My wife didn’t really appreciate that,” co-owner John Malfatto said in a press he said. release.

Still, it’s an interesting way to see your Food trucks, live music, street enterhometown, he said. tainers and local vendors also will be onsite.

“It’s something different, something you wouldn’t ordinarily get to do in the

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Fun fitness

Myriad Botanical Gardens’ new health and wellness initiative offers myriad reasons to get outside, garden and eat well. By Ian Jayne

This summer, Myriad Botanical Gardens implements Myriad Life, a new program promoting wellness and health in the Oklahoma City community. Myriad Life consists of three components: food, fitness and frame of mind.

Ann Fleener, Myriad Botanical Gardens director of education, said the new program arose from a grant offered

by Oklahoma City Community Foundation (OCCF). The gardens received $30,000 to turn Myriad Life into a reality.

“We’re pretty excited to see what they’re going to do,” Sally Ray, OCCF community programs officer, said about the partnership. “We know they’ve already been really great stewards of a wonderful asset in Oklahoma City.”

Ray said OCCF’s Wellness Initiative includes a program called OK 5210, which encourages Oklahomans to consume five fruits or vegetables daily, limit recreational screen time to two or fewer hours, engage in one hour of physical fitness and consume no sugary drinks. “[Myriad Life] directly aligns with the initiative because it’s focusing on those numbers,” Ray said.

The initiative launched July 9 and runs 12 weeks.

Myriad Life participants will have several options for physical exercise and healthy cooking. Those who join can also opt-in to a certificate program to be considered for one of three prizes.

To fulfill certificate program requirements, participants must attend 15 physical fitness classes within the 12-week timeframe. On their first visit, Myriad Life members will receive a punch card on which they can track their weight.

“One of our goals is to show that when people increase their fitness level, they absolutely will see some benefits,” Fleener said.

Fitness class options include yoga, Zumba, dance lessons and a free walking club.

“If you think about [Myriad Life] like a gym membership, it’s really, really cheap,” Fleener said.

Ray echoed Fleener’s sentiments on the accessibility of Myriad Life, especially to people who might not know about affordable local health and wellness opportunities.

“We have great parks in our city, so let’s find ways to get people out there, walking around, moving,” Ray said.

Holistic approach

Fleener said she appreciates the general cultural shift away from dieting and “getting fit” toward “being well.”

Her background in socio-horticultural studies has shown her how essential it is to spend time outdoors. She said gardening and being in nature lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and increases happiness.

Myriad Life’s three-pronged approach to health helps participants combine physical activity with healthy cooking and meditative time in nature.

“Classes like this really can improve your overall wellness,” Fleener said. “If you want to lose weight, this is a great program for that. If you want to lower your stress levels, meditation.”

Courses include subjects such as edible gardening and healthy cooking.

Ray also noted the flexible, individual nature of health and wellbeing and said small changes make a difference. “[A healthy lifestyle] doesn’t mean necessarily that you’re a strict vegetarian or you have to work out for an hour every day,” she said.

Visit myriadgardens.org or call 405445-7080 for more information.

RUNOFF Ballot Oklahoma City’s first and longest-running readers’ poll, the Best of OKC, is

back for its 32nd year! You nominated your favorites last month and we tallied them up, so now we need you to tell us who is the Best of OKC right here, at bestofoklahomacity.com, via Facebook or on our Best of OKC app until July 27th.

people Best radio personality or team

Jack and Ron, KQOB-FM FUN 96.9 Joey and Heather, KYIS-FM KISS 98.9 Rick and Brad, KATT-FM Rock 100.5 The Morning Animals, WWLS-FM 98.1 TJ, Janet and JROD, KJYO-FM KJ103 102.7

Best person to follow on social media Aaron Tuttle Floyd Martin Kevin Durant The Lost Ogle Steve Lackmeyer

Best local website or blog Daily Thunder Keep It Local OK The Lost Ogle OKCTalk Red Dirt Report

Best local living author Emily Alexander Kristi Brooks Lou Berney Ree Drummond S.E. Hinton

Best big-time Oklahoma singer / songwriter Blake Shelton Carrie Underwood Garth Brooks Reba McEntire Toby Keith

Best local singer / songwriter Carter Sampson Chelsey Cope Graham Colton Mike Hosty Samantha Crain

Best community leader

Cyndi Munson, U.S. House Representative District 85 Ed Shadid, Ward 2, Oklahoma City Council Jill Castilla, President & CEO, Citizens Bank of Edmond Kevin Durant, formerly of Oklahoma City Thunder Mick Cornett, Oklahoma City Mayor

Best chef

Bruce Rinehart of Rococo Jonathon Stranger of Ludivine Kurt Fleischfresser of Vast Ryan Parrott of Picasso Cafe Steve Spitz

Best wait staff

Charleston’s Restaurant Cheever’s Cafe Hideaway Pizza The Metro Wine Bar & Bistro The Pump Bar

Best bar team

Edna’s Ludivine Republic Gastropub Rockford Cocktail Den The Pump Bar

Best waiter or waitress

Chris Evans at Oak & Ore Eryn Scott at Bellini’s Underground Katherine Ramont at Hideaway Pizza on Northwest Expressway Rachel Tennyson at The Pump Bar Whitney Wood at Hideaway Pizza on Northwest Expressway

Best bartender

Amy Nelms at Red Piano Lounge in the Skirvin Hilton Becky Ginn at The Pump Bar Chris Barrett at Ludivine Katie Wicks at Guyutes Susan Emberton at Edna’s

Best business owner

Adam & Stephanie Jones, owners of Paint N’ Cheers Ian & Hailey McDermid, owners of The Pump Bar Keith & Heather Paul, owners of A Good Egg Dining Group Mindy Emmerich, owner of On The Edge with Skulls & Stones Stephanie Durst, owner of OKC Vapes

Best local band The Flaming Lips Horse Thief Mike Hosty Duo My So Called Band Nicnos

Best Club DJ Blake O Crystal Vision DJ Diverse DJ J2O DJ Saad

Best performing arts group

Carpenter Square Theatre Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma OKC Improv Oklahoma City Ballet Oklahoma City Philharmonic

Best visual artist Adam Jones Erin Cooper Jack Fowler Jason Pawley Rick Sinnett

Best weather team KFOR-TV NBC channel 4 KOCO-TV ABC channel 5 KOKH-TV FOX channel 25 KWTV-TV CBS channel 9

Best local annual event or festival

deadCenter Film Festival Festival of the Arts Oklahoma Pride Festival and Parade Paseo Arts Festival Plaza District Festival

Best charity event

Boots & Ball Gowns Gala benefiting Infant Crisis Services, Inc. COOP Ale Works Anniversary Party benefiting Central Oklahoma Humane Society Festival of Quilts benefiting Edmond Quilt Guild Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Red Tie Night benefiting Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund

Best local homebuilder

Home Creations Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods Jeff Click Homes Richardson Homes Salazar Homes, Inc.

Best LGBT event

AIDS Walk OKC Equality Run OKC Pride Festival and Parade Red Tie Night Sunday Gospel Brunch at The Boom

pLACES Best place to volunteer

Best free entertainment

Bricktown Festival of the Arts, Arts Council Oklahoma City Myriad Botanical Gardens Sonic Summer Movies at Myriad Botanical Gardens Sunday Twilight Concert Series, Arts Council Oklahoma City

Best live music club Opolis The Blue Door The Blue Note Lounge The Deli Wormy Dog Saloon

Best concert venue Chesapeake Energy Arena Civic Center Music Hall The Criterion Diamond Ballroom The Zoo Amphitheatre

Best dance club

Club One15 The Copa Dollhouse Lounge & Burlesque Groovys Kamps 1310 Lounge

Best karaoke bar

By George’s Tavern Cookie’s Don Quixote Club henry hudson’s pub Nancy’s 57th Street Lighthouse

Best public art/mural

Cultivation mural at EK Gaylord Boulevard and W. Reno Avenue Flamenco memorial to John L. Belt in Paseo Arts District New Zealand Thunder player Steven Adams mural on The Paramount building in Film Row Plaza Walls project in Plaza District Taste of Western murals in Western Avenue District

continued on next page

Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity Central Oklahoma Humane Society Infant Crisis Services, Inc. Pets and People Humane Society Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

For your ballot to be counted: + The ballot may NOT be + Oklahoma Gazette must receive your ballot (one per envelope) by mail no later than July 29th, 2016

typewritten, photocopied or hand-delivered.

+ All contact information must be complete.

O Okg kgaazzeettttee. .cco om m || jjuuly ly 21 0 3, 2016

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pLACES continued

Best place to buy local art DNA Galleries Festival of the Arts Paseo Arts District Paseo Arts festival Plaza District

Best museum

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Oklahoma City Museum of Art Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Sam Noble Museum Science Museum Oklahoma

Best fine jewelry BC Clark Jewelers Huntington Fine Jewelers Lewis Jewelers Mitchener Farrand Naifeh Fine Jewelry

Best thrift store

Bad Granny’s Bazaar EARC Thrift shop (Employment & Residential Centers) Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma Nearly New shoppe Uptown Thrift

Best clothing consignment Bad Granny’s Bazaar The Bottom Drawer Cindy’s Resale Daisy Exchange Nearly New Shoppe

Best furniture consignment

2 Doors Down The Green Attic K&N Interior Consignment RetrOKC RINK Gallery

Best men’s clothier Blue Seven Mr. Ooley’s S. J. Haggard & Co. Steven Giles TRADE Men’s Wares

Best women’s clothing boutique Balliets The Black Scintilla Blue Seven Lucca Fashion Boutique Lush Fashion Lounge

Best Place to Dine Before a show Cheever’s Cafe Empire Slice House Flint Museum Cafe Red PrimeSteak

Best place for continuing education

Francis Tuttle Technology Center Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC) University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) University of Oklahoma (OU)

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Best bookstore or comic shop

All-Star Comics Best of Books Full Circle Bookstore New World Comics Second Chance Books & Comics

Best place to get fit 10Gym Four Star Fitness Hidden Dragon Yoga Lake Hefner YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City

Best park

E.C. Hafer Park, Edmond Mitch Park, Edmond Myriad Botanical Gardens Stars and Stripes Park Will Rogers Garden Exhibition Center

Best med spa

Bliss Medical Spa Dr. Tim Love, MD Mariposa Aesthetics & Laser Center Renaissance Salon & Spa Udånder

Best place to get an aesthetic update

Advanced Aesthetics Dr. Tim Love, MD Mariposa Aesthetics & Laser Center Premier Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics Rejuvena Cosmetic Medical Center

Best bicycle shop

Al’s Bicycles Celestial Cycles Melonbike Schlegel Bicycles Wheeler Dealer Bicycle Shop

Best retail establishment you wish was locally owned Anthropologie H&M Sprouts Farmers Market Target Whole Foods Market

Best family in-state staycation

Beavers Bend State Park Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees The Oklahoma City Zoo Turner Falls Park Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Best local district Bricktown Midtown Paseo Arts Plaza Uptown 23rd

Best adult entertainment establishment

Dollhouse Lounge & Burlesque Little Darlings Night Trips Red Dog Cafe The Boom

Best new retail establishment to open after 6/1/15

AMP Variety Bison Shop Forever Young Toy Shoppe Mode Reference Point Rust & Rot

Best nonprofit

Central Oklahoma Humane Society Goodwill Industries of Central Ok Inc. Infant Crisis Services, Inc. Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma Sunbeam Family Services

Best vapor shop 23rd Street Vapes Liquid Vapor Lounge OKC Vapes Party Moore Vapor World

Best place to meet a hipster The Mule Paseo Arts District Plaza District The Pump Bar Saints Pub

Best place to buy a new vehicle Bob Howard Auto Group Bob Moore Auto Group David Stanley Auto Group Fowler Auto Group Hudiburg Auto Group

Best place to buy a used vehicle Bob Howard Auto Group Bob Moore Auto Group Eskridge Auto Group Fowler Auto Group Hudiburg Auto Group

Best place to see or be seen

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FOOD & DRINK continued

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ARTS & CULTURE

f i lm

Fargo screens July 31 at Oklahoma City Museum of Art. | Image provided

Brothers grim

Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s screening series highlights the quirky work of Joel and Ethan Coen.

By Ben Luschen

Anderson said it has been a while since Few films have managed to define a spethe museum has shown any Coen works, cific population of people quite like Fargo, whether the “Minnesota nice” practitioso he decided this is a good time to highlight ners of the Upper Midwest like it or not. the brothers’ approach to the film noir Renowned brotherly auteur duo Joel and genre through the years.

Ethan Coen made the regional accent, Film noir is the term used to describe mannerisms and endearing passivity globmovies made in the 1940s and ’50s that ally recognizable after their movie debuted were visually and tonally dark and utilized at Cannes Film Festival in 1996. now-classic tropes like street-savvy detecMichael Anderson, Oklahoma City tives and femme fatales.

Museum of Art director of curatorial The curator admitted it is a concept that affairs and a Minnesota native, said of all could apply to almost any movie the two the movies the Coens put together, Fargo have made. Picking their best examples is always hits home. a bit like choosing the sweetest candy on “It came out when I was in high school; the checkout rack. it’s definitely the one that’s the closest to “We decided to pick and choose three my own experience and my history,” different variations they did on film noir,” Anderson said. “I’m very much from the he said. same culture that they’re talking about in Blood Simple. is a straightforward neothat film.” noir, a modern-era tribute to black-andFargo is included in a series of Coen white 1940s classics like Double Indemnity features screening this month at the and The Postman Always Rings Twice. museum, 415 Couch Drive. Blood Simple.

The Big Lebowski also adapts many shows 8 p.m. July 29, The Big Lebowski benchmark qualities of the ’40s-style narscreens 8 p.m. July 30 and Fargo screens rative, but to a decidedly more comedic 2 p.m. July 31. effect. As in many noir staples, the proThe idea for the tagonist by chance finds t hemed su m mer his way into a perilous screenings came from plot involving a forebodthe announcement Coen Brother Noir ing financier. But instead that Criterion of a fedora-wearing Blood Simple. 8 p.m. July 29 Collection home video Humphrey Bogart, the The Big Lewbowski distribution company Coens give viewers The 8 p.m. July 30 will issue specially reDude, a spaced-out Jeff Fargo 2 p.m. July 31 stored DVD and Bridges in a bathrobe.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art Blu-ray editions of A nderson called 415 Couch Drive Blood Simple., the Fargo an example of film okcmoa.com brothers’ 1984 featureblanc storytelling. Film 405-236-3100 length directorial blanc is French for $7-$9 debut, in September. “white film,” the counter

to film noir, or “black film.” Fargo’s endlessly white snowscapes might be enough to justify the label, but its comedic tone and take on Midwestern optimism strengthen the argument, despite the graphic violence it depicts.

Reel legacy

The Coens, while universally lauded for an oeuvre that includes Raising Arizona (1987) and No Country for Old Men (2007), are considered relatively young in a historical context.

Anderson said their best project might still be in front of them — and hopefully so.

“They’re very much Baby Boomer filmmakers,” Anderson said, “filmmakers that are staunchly framed in the context of classical Hollywood.”

The brothers grew up at a time much of classic Hollywood still played on television.

Anderson said they pay clear tribute to these styles while also reinventing them.

Signature existential strains and Judaic qualities can be found in many of their works. Anderson said their latest film, Hail, Caesar!, released in February, is an important project because it shows the influences of their previous features.

“They’re very postmodern filmmakers, too,” he said. “They’re combining different genres, different narratives.”

Anderson said it is likely that the museum’s Blood Simple. screening will be the first opportunity for many fans to see the movie on a big screen. Particularly resourceful guests can utilize the museum theater bar to order a White Russian — The Dude’s cocktail of choice — for the Big Lebowski viewing.

“It’s an opportunity to see them either for the first time in the theater or for the first time maybe on 35 millimeter [film],” he said. “That’s another aspect to it: providing people another opportunity to see something on the big screen or format that they either haven’t seen before or haven’t seen in a long time.”

The museum’s selection is so key to the Coen filmography that the screenings could also be used for new viewers to get acquainted with the directors’ work.

“You have comedy, you have a pretty violent drama and then you have something like Fargo that mixes the two,” Anderson said. “I think it really gives you a sense of their career arc.”

They’re very much ... filmmakers that are staunchly framed in the context of classical Hollywood.

Michael Anderson

Blood Simple. screens July 29 at Oklahoma City Museum of Art. | Image provided O kg a z e t t e . c o m | j u ly 2 0 , 2 0 1 6

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ARTS & CULTURE

f i lm

from left Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, Kristen Wiig and Leslie Jones become unlikely action stars in Ghostbusters. | Photo Sony Pictures / provided

Ain’t afraid

Action-heavy comedy Ghostbusters puts worries about a remake back in the grave. By Greg Elwell

There’s a certain poetic justice when the villain of the remade and revamped Ghostbusters film is revealed as a nerdy loner who doesn’t much like women.

After the early word that the titular team would be an all-female cast of comedy heavy hitters, internet trolls emerged like a swarm of ghosts breaking through from the other side to haunt every mention and proclaim their childhoods ruined.

Perhaps they were afraid it would be nothing more than a “girls rule, boys drool” screed.

Though there’s a degree of girl power to the new film, it’s not misandrist. The characters just want to be taken seriously, regardless of gender.

But let’s stop talking subtext for a minute and get to the real question: Is the new Ghostbusters any good? Yes. It’s a bunch of funny people fighting ghosts in New York City. More jokes hit than miss.

The big names in the film are Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig, who made Bridesmaids such an indelible and hilarious romp.

When the film starts, Erin Gilbert

(Wiig) is a former believer in the paranormal who took her scientific acumen to Columbia University. The only problem is her past is haunting her just as she’s up for tenure.

Enter Abby Yates (McCarthy), a stillardent believer in ghosts who was unceremoniously dumped by Gilbert years ago after they wrote a book together.

When the book starts popping up at Columbia, Gilbert goes to confront Yates and meets her new partner, Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon from Saturday Night Live).

A deal is struck that leads Gilbert back into investigating ghosts, and when they find one, her world topples.

There is plenty of humor to be mined from the formation of the team, including Saturday Night Live’s Leslie Jones as Patty Tolan and a scene-stealing Chris Hemsworth (Thor, Rush) as Kevin. But once things get moving, it quickly becomes a fairly action-heavy flick.

It doesn’t all make sense, necessarily, but it’s so much fun, the viewer won’t really care in the moment.

from left Kate McKinnon, Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy star as the titular Ghostbusters in the 2016 reboot. | Photo Sony Pictures / provided

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And that is the key to enjoying the 2016 Ghostbusters — watching the movie in front of you. If there was one criticism that could be leveled at the Paul Feig-directed film, it’s that it pays almost too much homage to the 1984 original.

Jokes about recreating the iconic logo and cameos by previous cast members elicited cheers from the audience, but those touches had an air of inevitability about them, and I fear they won’t age well.

That is to say you should go see this movie in the theater.

The giant screen, the darkness and the camaraderie of an audience buoys the film during slow segments and intensifies during the action scenes.

It might be hard to picture Wiig as an action hero, especially as some of her recent films (Welcome to Me, The Skeleton Twins) have turned to drama, but it’s equally as ridiculous to think of Bill Murray (Peter Venkman in the original) as the heroic type.

It works because they’re both great actors.

They know how to commit.

By far, the wildest performances in Ghostbusters are from McKinnon and Hemsworth. As brilliant-but-unhinged Holtzmann, McKinnon provides a lot of the early attitude and downright hilarious moments. She, more than anyone, carries the Venkman role, adding cutting sarcasm and levity to every scene.

Hemsworth goes all-in for Kevin with a physicality and general air of confusion that make him irresistible to watch.

For those who don’t think women are funny or are somehow upset that Ghostbusters 3 with the original cast didn’t happen, it’s okay to skip this one and just re-watch the original. But anybody looking for a laugh, some great visuals and fun, intense action scenes, the new Ghostbusters is a solid choice.

And with luck, the new film will lead people to rediscover the old one. Separate, but connected, there is a lot to love about both Ghostbusters, regardless of which bathroom you use.

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ARTS & CULTURE “Brave Cherokee” by Zachary Presley | Image 108 Contemporary / provided

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Defining culture Native artists break down long-standing stereotypes in Savages & Princesses.

By Ben Luschen

Savages & Princesses: The Persistence of Native American Stereotypes noon-5 p.m. WednesdaysThursdays and noon-7 p.m.

Fridays-Sundays Aug. 5-Sept.25.

108 Contemporary 108 E. Brady St., Tulsa 108contemporary.org 918-895-6302 Free

Artist Hoka Skenandore felt like his work was out of place.

He was honored when America Meredith, a Swedish-Cherokee painter and publishing editor of First American Art Magazine, invited the Shawnee resident to join Savages & Princesses: The Persistence of Native American Stereotypes, a two-month exhibition she’s curating for 108 Contemporary.

Savages & Princesses runs Aug. 5-Sept.

25 at 108 Contemporary, 108 W. Brady St., in Tulsa. The concept behind the show is to confront Native stereotypes with humor and satire through contemporary

Native art.

Skenandore, Oneida-Oglala and Lakota-Luiseño, could certainly be called a contemporary Native artist, but he was unsure how his series of 13 painted vinyl records would work with other artist submissions.

“My work doesn’t fit that idea, though it did prompt me to add portraits of Native People into the mix of my usual, random juxtaposed imagery,” he said.

Eventually, Skenandore realized that the need for Native art to look “Native” is a stereotype in and of itself. His streetstyled, brightly colored designs over LPs do not look like anything found in a natural history museum.

The opportunity to give actual Native artists a say in how they are perceived is 108 Contemporary’s primary motivator in hosting the show, which is worth making the road trip to Tulsa.

Offering platforms

Krystle Brewer, 108 Contemporary managing director, said organizers began planning Savages & Princesses about two years ago. Brewer was partially inspired by the work of Zachary Presley, a Chickasaw artist in Durant who often explores issues of identity in his art. He also is a featured artist in the exhibit.

Brewer met Meredith while the artist was a guest curator for Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition’s (OVAC) Momentum Tulsa

2015 exhibit. They discussed an idea she had to bring work like Presley’s to an exhibit at 108 Contemporary. Meredith said she was open to the idea and agreed to curate the exhibit.

Savages & Princesses is an opportunity to experience contemporary Native imagery from the source instead of mass media.

“By choosing a Native curator who’s working with the Native artists, we’re giving them a platform or an area where they can have their own voice on the topic,” Brewer said, “because so many times, their images are reappropriated in ways where they have no say.”

The world seems to think that Native culture is open for appropriation and free for the taking.

Shan Goshorn

Brewer said the show will be fun and light, with deeper meaning underneath the levity.

“It’s going to be very brightly colored, a lot of humor and satire,” she said. “The idea is to make these really heavy, sometimes dark topics — like one of them addresses scalpings and redskins — but doing it in a way that’s approachable and humorous.”

Smashing stereotypes

Skenandore said he found out about Savages & Princesses after Meredith emailed him to ask if he wanted to participate in a Tulsa group show. He agreed because of his admiration for the curator.

“Working with [Meredith] is a blast,” he said. “Plus, she tends to gather together very talented individuals, and I am extremely humbled to be counted among them.”

Matt Bearden, a Citizen Band Potawatomi artist in Tulsa, said he was similarly excited when Meredith approached him. The show fulfills his longtime goal to be featured at 108 Contemporary.

“Those large, white walls are just screaming for a monster canvas,” he said.

Bearden first planned to exhibit a few satirical football helmets from his Sacred Mascots series and a mixed media piece examining the Native alcoholism stereotype, but his plan soon ballooned into a Native hometown version of Pablo P ic a sso’s “Guernica.”

He said the gritty piece is an allegory of his childhood and his prejudices growing up in Osage County.

“It’s going to require the viewer to think a little and not just take an image at face value,” he said.

Eastern Band Cherokee Shan Goshorn submitted a basket titled “Vessel.” A nude and pregnant woman is depicted on its side, along with the Luther Standing Bear quote, “It is the mothers, not the warriors, who create a people and guide their destiny.”

Goshorn said the choice to show an undressed woman emphasizes her pregnancy and removes the perceived dress often attributed to American Indians.

She said Native women are often portrayed in sexually objectified ways.

“The world seems to think that Native culture is open for appropriation and free for the taking, not realizing that much of this usage directly violates the sacred intent of the way we use eagle feathers, the way we dance and paint and dress ourselves,” she added.

Sharing perspectives

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Norman artist Tom Farris, who is OtoeMissouria and Cherokee, said exhibits like Savages & Princesses are good for artists because they allow them to take more chances artistically.

“I really appreciate shows like this because it allows me to approach the creative process from a purely conceptual perspective and removes the concern of sales,” he said.

Bearden said he is just half-Native and is eager to see how other artists in the show address the stereotypes they constantly come up against. He wants the exhibit be a place for open conversations about the topics presented, not an opportunity for in-your-face activism.

“I hope people can look at these works with arms unfolded and open to interpret and see things from other perspectives,” Bearden said. “We don’t know what the other guy is dealing with in their lives, so maybe we can stop arguing and yelling at each other and ease off the reactionary attitude.”

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ARTS & CULTURE

v i s ua l a r t s

Drum by Brent Greenwood | Photo provided

Art beat

An Exhibit C drum show and two other showcases highlight Native American art and culture.

By Erick Perry

Exhibit C gallery and retail shop, 1 E. Sheridan Ave., hosts a painted hand drum exhibit through October. The upbeat exhibit showcases the Native American art form of stretching animal skin or leather over wood or pottery to make drums.

Seven Native artists, many of whom are presenting their first painted hand drum, are featured.

Paige Williams, Chickasaw Nation director of corporate development and tourism, said although the Bricktown gallery and shop typically works with the Chickasaw Nation, several other tribes also are represented in this show.

The exhibit includes Comanche,

Chickasaw and Choctaw artist Tim Nevaquaya; Chickasaw and Mississippi Choctaw artist Jeremy Wallace; Navajo artist Marwin Begaye; Chickasaw artist Paul Moore; Chickasaw and Ponca artist Brent Greenwood; Cheyenne-Arapaho artist Brent Learned; and Cheyenne, Arapaho and Oglala Lakota artist George Levi.

Williams said the exhibit’s goal is to bring awareness of a nontraditional art form to Bricktown visitors.

“Each drum has similarities but shows each artist’s personal depiction and interpretation [of their culture], which vary drastically,” Williams said.

Although the hand drums can be used like a powwow drum, Williams said most are considered works of fine art.

Exhibit C is open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

Everything on display is for sale. Learn more at exhibitcgallery.com or call 405767-8900.

In Davis

Through November, the Chickasaw Nation also highlights two artists in the southern region of the state. Featured artist Margaret Dillard displays her oil and acrylic paintings at Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center in Davis. Danny Beaver, an artist who specializes in stained and painted wood plates, is featured at Chickasaw Visitor Center in Sulphur.

Each drum has similarities but shows each artist’s personal depiction and interpretation [of their culture], which vary drastically.

Paige Williams

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Dillard, a Chickasaw Nation member, began creating art at a young age. Her grandmother was an original Chickasaw enrollee who is said to have been an artist.

In a media statement, Dillard said creativity runs in her family and several work in differing art mediums. “[Dillard] has been working since she was a small child, so her art has evolved,” Williams said. “The way she interprets has evolved. It’s transitional. … Having a strong Chickasaw woman to showcase that is important.”

The Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center, located off exit 55 on Interstate 35 in Davis, hosts Dillard’s work. Its hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Visit Chickasaw Country’s website or call 580-369-4222.

In Sulphur

Beaver, a Muskogee Creek Nation citizen, uses traditional southeastern designs from the Mississippian Period atop wood plates. He said the designs tell stories of settlers and represent ceremonial periods of history. Through his art, he hopes to show that his history and culture is still thriving.

His work also is a potent stress reliever.

“I work full-time as a tribal police officer for Creek Nation. Being in law enforcement, you need a stress release,” Beaver told Oklahoma Gazette. “Besides my family, I feel artwork is one of the best ways to relieve stress.”

Beaver typically hand-cuts the items he works with, such as wooden plates, discs and war clubs. He then burns, stains, carves and paints them with traditional designs. A variety of his pieces are on display and for sale at Chickasaw Visitor Center in Sulphur, open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. For more information on the center, located on the northeast corner

Tim Nevaquaya | Photo provided

of Broadway Street and State Highway 7, visit chickasawcountry.com or call 580622-8050.

“To see an artist work in wood and what you can do with a raw element is perfect for where [the Chickasaw Visitor Center] is held,” Williams said.

The venue shares office space with the National Park Service, due to a long-term partnership.

Williams said that Dillard and Beaver bringing their “creative, Native” art pieces to the centers allows the Chickasaw Nation to continue providing guests with Native cultural experiences.

Drum by Tim Nevaquaya | Photo provided O kg a z e t t e . c o m | j u ly 2 0 , 2 0 1 6

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performing arts

Madeline Dannenberg, Cora Grace Winstead and Jessica Martens in Fiddler on the Roof. | Photo KO Rinearson / provided

Striking staging Lyric Theatre’s new production of Fiddler on the Roof tells the story with a unique perspective. By Keaton Bell

Over half a century after its premiere on Broadway, the songs of Fiddler on the Roof are known around the world. From joyous “If I Were a Rich Man” to haunting “Sunrise, Sunset,” the musical focuses on the story of a Jewish milkman and his family’s troubles in rural Russia at the turn of the 20th century.

While the show certainly has its lighthearted moments, Fiddler on the Roof is, at its core, about the importance of family and tradition and the tensions surrounding them.

That is something Michael Baron could relate to when he took on directing duties for Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma’s production of the musical, which runs July 26-30 at Civic Center Musical Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave. “As a Jewish musical theater director, Fiddler on the Roof has always been high

on my bucket list of shows to direct,” Baron said. “It’s a show I’ve seen countless times and whose music has been played at almost every Jewish wedding and bar mitzvah I’ve attended, including my own.”

That notability can be seen as both a benefit and a detriment. At this point, Fiddler on the Roof is essentially synonymous with musical theater.

Between being one of the most-performed high school musicals and having multiple Broadway productions and a film adaptation, Fiddler has become difficult to ignore.

For this reason, audiences have likely seen it in one form or another, making it continuously harder to make the material fresh again.

But in an interesting twist, Lyric Theatre’s version incorporates American Sign Language and two deaf actors portray

Fiddler on the Roof has always been high on my bucket list of shows to direct.

Michael Baron 42

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Fiddler on the Roof 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-July 28, 8 p.m. July 20, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

July 30 Civic Center Music Hall 201. N. Walker Ave. lyrictheatreokc.com 405-254-9312 $30-$94

love-struck characters Hodel and Perchik.

Two interpreters will be incorporated onstage to fully communicate to deaf viewers.

New opportunities

Baron planned on utilizing the performers after discussing it with a friend, deaf actor Christopher Tester.

After brainstorming how it might be possible and what Lyric would need to provide to make it happen, Baron said it seemed like a wonderful opportunity to showcase an underrepresented community.

“Our goal is to create a new village for Fiddler that is accessible to both hearing and deaf patrons,” he said. “I hope this collaboration reveals new insights by bringing hearing and deaf actors to the Lyric stage for the first time.”

And it certainly helps when performers are as passionate and talented as Sandra Mae Frank.

“I didn’t want to be an actress at first because it’s already tough enough to be an actor alone, but to be a deaf actress?” she said. “I just did it anyway by taking the risk and moving forward with theater because I eat, breathe and dream it. It’s my life. It’s who I am.”

Frank, who became deaf due to an unknown cause at the age of 3, doesn’t want to work in theater simply because it’s her passion.

She also wants to use it as a tool for educating others.

“Everyone has their own struggles in their own ways, but for me, as a deaf actress, I also have to be an advocate and teach others about my culture,” she said.

Frank uses ASL as her main form of communication, which comes with its own set of challenges.

“It gets hard once in a while being vulnerable and bringing my culture to the public, but it’s also very beautiful letting my culture be a part of the story,” she said.

“And depending on what the context is about, it brings more depth to a story by adding a different perspective from a deaf character than how it’d usually be done if performed by a hearing actor.”

Frank certainly thinks the addition of ASL to the story of Fiddler on the Roof makes perfect sense.

In the musical, Hodel is the intelligent and free-spirited 17-year-old daughter of main character Tevye.

Over the course of the story, she falls

in love with Perchik, a scholar and Bolshevik revolutionary who is exiled to Siberia.

“I love that Hodel and Perchik are deaf, and it makes total sense,” Frank said.

“Hodel resisted Perchik at first because of tradition, but to me, adding the deafness to the character gives it more purpose.

She’s so hesitant, but she sees this handsome, deaf stranger, and it stirs up these feelings.”

Elaborate plans

With only two weeks from the beginning of rehearsals to opening night, Lyric Theatre hopes to put on one of the biggest and most ambitious productions of Fiddler on the Roof.

Its actors and production staff have certainly put in the work. Baron notes the planning for the show started nearly a year in advance, coordinating everything from casting across the nation to meetings with the choreographer and music director.

“The process to create this show has many facets,” he said. “From collaborating with scenic, costume, lighting, props and sound designers to create a wholly original production based on Jewish folk art built here in Oklahoma, consulting experts like Rabbi Vered Harris of Temple B’nai Israel, and so much more.”

Sandra Mae Frank plays Hodel in Lyric Theatre’s production of Fiddler on the Roof, which features two deaf performers. | Photo Shandon Photography / provided

But even with flashy musical numbers and elaborate sets, Frank and Baron agree the heart of the show lies in the more restrained and emotional moments.

“Fiddler is about the sometimes difficult balance between tradition, religion and family, which is always something audiences can relate to,” Baron said. “The fact that it uses such moving music that evokes emotion from the actors and audience makes it a special evening of theater always worth revisiting.”

Frank echoed that sentiment and said she hopes audiences leave the show filled with a new appreciation for the musical.

“I hope they feel a sense of joy and that no matter where you are in life or what defines you, family is where your home is and where you’ll find love,” she said.

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ARTS & CULTURE

performing arts

The Pollard Theatre in Guthrie | Photo Gazette / file

Eclectic legacy

The Pollard Theatre Company plans a wild ride for its 30th anniversary season. By George Lang

When the final curtain came down on Pollard Theatre Company’s production of American Idiot, artistic director W. Jerome Stevenson came to the conclusion that the company should never secondguess its audience.

As it turned out, Green Day singerguitarist Billie Joe Armstrong’s Broadway adaptation of the rock act’s 2004 concept album didn’t alienate the Pollard’s older patrons — all ages came ready to experience “Jesus of Suburbia.”

“I’ll never judge them again,” Stevenson said. “I’ll never assume that I know more than they do — these are sharp people.”

So, for Pollard Theatre Company’s 30th anniversary, the adventurous company located at 20 W. Harrison Ave. in Guthrie will mount a season in which classics share space with genre-defying new musicals.

Stevenson worked closely with Pollard’s artistic development committee to assemble the lineup, which begins Aug. 19 with A.R. Gurney’s Sylvia. Originally produced off-Broadway in 1995, Sylvia recently completed a Broadway run starring Matthew Broderick and Annaleigh Ashford.

“We knew we wanted to open with something charming and sweet and good-

natured,” Stevenson said. “But we also didn’t want it to be something that was so done. And with its history with Sarah Jessica Parker (in 1995) and Annaleigh Ashford on Broadway, it’s also a production with a strong female role.”

The Pollard follows Sylvia with something far less sweet and good-natured, but with multiple strong female roles.

Heathers: The Musical, premiering Oct. 7, brings the 1988 cult comedy to the stage with original music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy.

Stevenson said that the production definitely will appeal to nostalgic Gen X’ers who fondly remember the scabrously funny Winona Ryder/Christian Slater dark comedy, but the production also will resonate because of its still-current subject matter.

“It’s a regional premiere for us,” he said.

“It’s funny and dark, but it’s also really prophetic. It really speaks to all those fears people have about high school and how it can affect you, how it can damage you if left unchecked. Also, it works great in October, because while it’s a dark comedy, it’s really kind of a horror show.

It’s kind of this generation’s Sweeney Todd in a weird kind of way.”

A Pollard season would feel incomplete

W. Jerome Stevenson at Pollard Theatre in Guthrie | Photo Gazette / file

I’ll never assume that I know more than they do — these are sharp people.

W. Jerome Stevenson without its wildly popular annual production of A Territorial Christmas Carol, Nov. 25-Dec. 23, which is to the Pollard as The Nutcracker is to ballet companies.

After a short break, the company returns Feb. 10-March 4 with American playwright August Wilson’s Fences, which won a 1987 Pulitzer Prize for drama and that year’s Tony Award for best play.

Set in Pittsburgh in the early 1950s,

Fences examines issues of race relations, prison, war and the lingering effects of segregation. Also, HBO is currently producing a film version of Fences with a script adapted by Tony Kushner and Denzel Washington. Stevenson said he wanted Oklahoma audiences to see the production onstage before it hits the screen.

“It’s a powerful and striking play,” he said. “It’s certainly a show I love for multiple reasons, and now we’ve got a large enough talent pool that it’s possible.”

Pollard comes back from Wilson’s drama on April 14 with a crowd pleaser, Mel Brooks’ The Producers, which Stevenson promised will feature some interesting casting decisions to mix things up for character Max Bialystock.

Then comes the proverbial “split-lift” of the 30th anniversary season as Pollard closes out with Bring It On: The Musical, an adaptation of the 2000 cheerleading comedy featuring music by Hamilton mastermind Lin-Manuel Miranda.

“I have this rule about musicals and plays in general. I’ll give it about 10 pages and I’ll give it about two songs. If it hasn’t connected for me by then, it’s not for me — or it’s not for me right now,” Stevenson said. “Well, they had me engaged immediately because it’s Lin-Manuel Miranda and Tom Kitt, who did American Idiot. It’s kind of the antithesis of Heathers. Where Heathers is this gritty and, in a lot of ways, frightening look at high school, Bring It On is a much more John Hughes-y play where it’s all going to work out, the pretty girl is going to choose the loner kid and they’re all going to learn a valuable lesson in the end. How fun is that?”

Visit thepollard.org for more information.

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ARTS & CULTURE

There is a lot to do, see and purchase throughout Autumn and Gazette gives its readers direction on where to find the best festivials, fashions, foods and more!

Featuring a 3 month calendar For all your Favorite Fall activities to adVertise call or email us todaY For more inFormation. specialsections@okgazette.com 405.528.6000

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Publishing sePtember 21, 2016

Classy rides

Youth National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show returns to Oklahoma City after 15 years.

By Christine Eddington

After a 15-year hiatus spent in Tulsa and Albuquerque, New Mexico, the 2016 Youth National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show returns to Oklahoma City’s State Fair Park SaturdayJuly 30, bringing with it more than 800 horses, 1,600 riders and another 1,600 family members, friends and helpers from the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“When we took a look at Oklahoma City, we saw significant improvements that have been made to the facilities at State Fair Park, which we really liked. Also, everyone we worked with was so accommodating,” said Julian McPeak, Arabian Horse Association director of marketing.

“Those factors combined with our show beginning to outgrow the Albuquerque facility and Oklahoma’s location being in the middle of the country brought us back to Oklahoma City.”

The show is free to the public to view, and in addition to watching competitions, guests will find shopping opportunities, behind-the-scenes educational tours and youth games and activities.

Twenty to 30 vendors in the Shopping Expo inside Jim Norick Arena will sell everything from tack and equine supplies to jewelry, equestrian show and high-fashion clothing. The Arabian Horse Association booth offers free youth crafts and activities, including scavenger hunts.

Shopping Expo hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily throughout the event.

Many classes will be familiar to experienced equestrian fans.

“Arabians are very versatile,” McPeak

The 2016 Youth National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show returns to Oklahoma City July 23-30. | Photo provided / file

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2016 Youth National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show Saturday-July 30 State Fair Park 3001 General Pershing Blvd. arabianhorses.org/YNL 303-597-8251 Admission varies depending on event.

Open to the public.

said. “They can be driven (pull carts), be ridden English or Western, there are reining classes, dressage, hunter pleasure classes … really the only thing they’re not the best at is jumping.”

One show class in particular is unique to Arabian horse shows: the Arabian Mounted Native Costume Class, in which rider and horse are traditionally costumed as they would have been many years ago in the desert. The course is conducted in three gaits: walk, canter and hand-gallop, which is faster than a canter.

“There is no trotting because historically, when traveling in the desert, the sand was too deep to trot,” McPeak said.

Costuming is elaborate, with tassels, draped fabrics and glitter, and accounts for 15 percent of competitor scores.

Youth Nationals participants are age 18 or younger. The association serves more than 84,000 owners of Arabian, HalfArabian and Anglo-Arabian horses in North America and is headquartered in Aurora, Colorado.

“We are the caretakers of the breed,” McPeak said.

Total Arabian Interaction Learning, or T.A.I.L., tours are a special feature available throughout the event.

“These are fantastic for kids and parents,” McPeak said. “You get to take a tour of the horse show barn — really go behind the scenes — and there are learning stations set up along the way. Then, you’ll get to meet and pet at least one Arabian horse and enjoy a few show classes with a tour guide who will explain what’s happening as you watch.”

T.A.I.L. tours are 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 10 a.m. Tuesday and July 27; 3 p.m. July 28; 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. July 29; and 10 a.m. July 30.

Reservations are requested and can be made by emailing youth@arabianhorses. org or calling 303-597-8251. Tours can accommodate up to 25 people.

For a schedule of events and more information, visit arabianhorses.org/YNL.

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Celebrate Harry Potter during My Chic Geek’s Aug. 21 Harry Potter Day celebration. | Photo bigstock.com

Gallopin’ Gorgons!

Pottermania comes alive at an Aug. 21 celebration in OKC. By Christine Eddington

Harry Potter Day runs wanted a shop that cos2-6 p.m. Aug. 21, and tumers and regular Harry Potter Day those 240 minutes dressers could both enjoy. The couple has include activities, food 2-6 p.m. Aug. 21 four kids ages 11 to 22 and fun at My Chic My Chic Geek Geek’s family-friendly between them, and their 4413 N. Meridian Ave. monthly celebration at costuming preferences mychicgeek.com 4413 N. Meridian Ave. span Harry Potter, Star 405-367-7955 Londall Guyse, shop Wars and anime.

Free owner and self-pro“It’s going really claimed Slytherin, said well,” Guyse said. “You his favorite book in the series is Harry can come in and buy a Harry Potter purse Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. or scarf, or you can come in and buy a “We are taking over the whole block, regular purse or scarf. When we were essentially,” he said about the area at NW planning our store, we thought about 44th Street and Meridian Avenue. “We’re locating in a mall, but we really wanted space for events. I was a retail buyer for working on our butterbeer recipe, and since our shop used to be a house with a years and have been doing costuming for backyard, we’re working on hosting some three years.”

Quidditch there.”

The duo celebrates a different genre or A highlight of the day will be Hogwarts, segment of the costuming community open to 60 lucky students. For $10, which once a month and has hosted a Ghostbusters includes a wand, students will enjoy wand event complete with a 30-foot-tall Stay selection and classes such as Potions and Puft Marshmallow Man, a Star Wars day Defense Against the Dark Arts. After the and a special day for Whovians (fans of classes, each of which lasts 10 minutes, cult favorite show Doctor Who). A Firefly day is planned for Sept. 8.

Hogwarts opens for tours.

My Chic Geek has apparel and acces“We will also have wand selection for the general public, too, throughout the sory items featuring Harry Potter, Doctor day,” Guyse said.

Who, Star Wars, Fallout, Ghostbusters and Guests also are encouraged to come in more. It also sells non-themed goodies. costume.

“We just got back from a Star Wars “I’m still deciding whether to go generic celebration in Anaheim,” Guyse said. “We or to be a particular character,” Guyse are members of Jedi OKC, which has been said. “I’m pretty bald, so I have a good head around for 15 years and does a lot of charity for wigs, but I’m not going to be Snape.” work, and giving back is built into our busiWares worthy of Borgin and Burkes ness model as well.”

My Chic Geek donates five percent of will be sold in Vendor Alley, and there will what it earns to Positive Tomorrows and be food trucks on hand for a quick nosh.

“We expect a big turnout for Harry five percent to INTEGRIS Mental Health Potter, and we will be ready for a crowd,” in Spencer. he added.

Learn more at mychicgeek.com and My Chic Geek opened in November. facebook.com/mychicgeek.

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co m m un i t y

Lone Survivor legal counsel Kyle Sweet and his wife Sara purchased a service dog and donated it for the live auction in 2015. | Photo provided

Casual cocktails

A foundation helping veterans cope after trauma holds a fundraiser at OKC Farmers Public Market.

By Candice Macis

As the only surviving member of SEAL brain injury (mTBI), chronic pain and Team 10 in Operation Red Wings, a sexual trauma due to past and ongoing mission to kill or capture a high-ranking conflict.

Dustin Conover, a recipient of a Lone Taliban leader, Marcus Luttrell had a Survivor retreat, described treatment as story to tell and healing to do.

The shootout that occurred in the “a restorative, empowering, holistic apmountainous eastern Afghanistan terrain proach.”

Conover, who also is on the planning stemmed from the team’s hard decision committee for the upto let a group of goat coming Lone Survivor herders go after they stumbled upon their Oklahoma Baubles & Oklahoma Baubles location was docuBoots Gala, described & Boots Gala mented in 2007 New his journey with mTBI York Times best-seller and PTSD. 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 13 Lone Survivor. The He explained that OKC Farmers Public Market he repressed trauma healing Luttrell expe311 S. Klein Ave. rienced on his ranch for years after leaving lonesurvivorfoundation.org in Texas with family the army in 2005, but a 832-581-3592 and friends after the car accident that re$150 sulted in a fatality incident that killed three team members shifted his brain into and all 16 of the men sent to save them “combat mode.”

“The smell of the cordite in the airbag inspired him to establish the Lone Survivor Foundation.

— when it exploded, it’s the same as the Lone Survivor gives military service smell of a battlefield,” he said. members suffering from invisible scars Lone Survivor Foundation came to the of combat the chance to feel the same type rescue after Conover unsuccessfully tried of healing Luttrell did on his ranch. to find additional help.

The foundation’s website, lonesurvi“I didn’t want to live anymore,” he said. vorfoundation.org, describes the height“My PTSD affected me that much.” ened need of resources for those affected by combat stress (PTSD), mild traumatic 48

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Healing retreats

According to Conover, the people at Lone Survivor reached out to him almost immediately after he filled out the online application.

“In three weeks, I was on my first retreat in Dallas,” he said.

Lone Survivor holds three retreats over long weekends. The first is for veterans affected by trauma, the second is for veterans and their caregivers and the third is for families. “[Lone Survivor] raise[s] money for these retreats, and the veterans are not out a dime,” explained Debbie Ritter, event planner for Baubles & Boots.

A central theme of the retreats is education. Conover said the first two days of his retreat were filled with education on PTSD and mTBI. They go over the same 17 symptoms the VA uses to assess PTSD. “The intent of the retreat is to show you that you are, in fact, damaged,” he said, “because there are a lot of folks that don’t believe it.”

Conover explained how neurofeedback was used to show him and the other men, who served similar combat roles, the damage done to their brains from concussion-like trauma. He explained that the tough exterior military personnel are encouraged to adopt makes it hard for some to seek help.

The second retreat educates primary caregivers on how to deal with veterans they are often unfamiliar with after they return from conflict.

Women suffering from military sexual trauma have similar retreats tailored to their specific needs.

Dustin Conover, an Iraq War veteran, said Lone Survivor helped him cope with life after military trauma. | Photo provided

Rebuilding relationships

Conover said Lone Survivor more than saved his life.

“It changed my life with my wife,” he said. “It saved our marriage.”

The last retreat includes military members’ children and gives families a chance to bond. Children are educated about why their parent might get angered easily, has to take frequent naps or can’t be around too many people, explained Conover.

He said the family retreat includes activities like archery and swimming to make it fun for kids. Equine therapy is used in all the retreats and helps participants practice potentially stressful situations and get immediate feedback since horses mimic emotions and behaviors.

This is the third year Lone Survivor Oklahoma Baubles & Boots Gala is held at OKC Farmers Public Market, 311 S. Klein Ave. The gala begins at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 13, and attendees are encouraged to wear ball gowns with cowboy boots and tuxedo tails with blue jeans for an evening filled with cocktails, silent and live auctions, dinner, speakers and dancing.

Ritter said the foundation would like more land so it could send more military members on retreats. She talked about how the facility built off the coast of Galveston is already booked through 2016.

Ritter believes fate drew her to Lone Survivor, and she teared up as she talked about her husband, who was a Vietnam veteran affected by Agent Orange.

“They really care, and they really follow through,” she said. “That’s the big thing.”

educat i o n

Representatives from Edmond’s Spring Creek Assembly of God speak to a student during UCO’s 2015 Interfaith Fair. | Photo UCO Photo Services / KT King / provided

Spiritual ed

UCO’s Interfaith Fair exposes students to diverse religions. By Candice Macis

University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) of the fair is to educate students. hosts its second Interfaith Fair Aug. 25, “One area that I thought we could grow during Stampede Week. The fair, held in [is] more conversation about religion,” she said. during UCO’s annual welcome week for new and returning students, occurs during Conley also explained that even though the first full week of classes. MeShawn Oklahoma continues to grow in diversity, Conley, director of the Office of Diversity most UCO students come from the state and Inclusion at UCO, and it is still considered said she expects as many the Bible Belt. Many of as 2,000 students parUCO Interfaith Fair them are not just being ticipate in Stampede exposed to different reWeek’s activities. More ligions when they come 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 25 than 16,500 students ento school; it’s also their Broncho Lake rolled at UCO last year. first exposure to many 100 N. University Drive, Edmond Interfaith Fair brings different things ranging uco.edu a diverse group of metro from different gender 405-974-3588 area faith and religious orientations to different Free ethnic groups. organizations to Broncho Lake at UCO in an effort Conley believes diverto help students connect on and off campus sity education is important.

“We want them to develop this idea of with groups that reflect their culture.

Conley cited a campus climate survey sent cultural competence … being able to interto UCO faculty/staff and students last year nalize their views and opinions about different cultural groups and bringing them as evidence of this diversity. Almost 2,000 people participated in the online survey, to the point where they’re accepting and and though the results have yet to be pubrespecting of the experiences of different cultural groups,” she said. lished, Conley said it showed “tremendous According to Conley, this is where culdiversity of religion on campus.”

Though the data was just released, tural competence transcends the idea of Conley explained how campus diversity tolerance, which does not fully embrace was shown by the success of last year’s fair. others’ opinions. Instead, she’d like them “It was evident last fall, when we first to find they have more in common with had this Interfaith Fair, by the amount of other people than not. students who stopped and talked to the Conley also explained that it’s impordifferent organizations and had these contant for students to be exposed to a range versations,” she said. of religions and viewpoints while in college Thirty different groups participated in because the workplace will be full of the first fair, and Conley plans to add more. various types of people. She explained that “This year, we will add more organizaif they don’t gain understanding about tions, more groups to continue having those themselves and others around them now, conversations between our different diit will be that much harder when they enter versity groups,” she said. the job market.

Last year, many Christian, Muslim- and Organizations interested in participatBuddhist-based faiths were represented. ing in this year’s Interfaith Fair are encourConley explained that the first purpose aged to visit uco.edu/diversity or contact of the fair is to connect students who might the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 405-974-3588. Registration is free and be coming from a wide range of areas to local religious groups. The second purpose open through Friday.

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Every person has a story to tell, but sometimes he or she might need help telling it.

That is the driving philosophy behind the National Multicultural Writer’s Association (NMWA), a nonprofit that provides a community for writers in Oklahoma and beyond.

“NMWA’s purpose is to provide a venue to help aspiring writers reach their goals, become published writers, and for members of the organization to reach their personal goals,” Thomasena Martin-Johnson, a

published author and former professor of writing and English at Langston University, told Oklahoma Gazette.

NMWA has not always hosted the symposium. Martin-Johnson said that eventually, membership between the two groups overlapped and a merger occurred three years ago.

“It finally got to the place where everybody who was in NMWA was a part of [the symposium],” she said.

While the event initially focused on biographical storytelling, Martin-Johnson said NMWA has since expanded the subject matter to include poetry, nonfiction and youth-oriented writing.

NMWA also hosts other projects, such as book fairs, to benefit local readers and writers. Martin-Johnson said A Writer’s Vision has become a major project for the organization.

“We welcome anyone who’s interested,” she said. “We want to become an integral part in Oklahoma, whereby writing and reading become important.”

Telling stories

Martin-Johnson and other NMWA leaders often teach symposium classes, but they decided on a change for the 2016 program.

For the first time, the event takes place over two days and at two venues.

We’ve had several people who have been published as a result of attending.

Thomasena Martin-Johnson

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Guests gather at last year’s National Multicultural Writer’s Association symposium.

This year’s event is Aug. 27-28. | Photo provided

Guests this year will hear from writer Valerie J. Lewis Coleman, bringing A Writer’s Vision Literary Symposium 2016 full circle. Martin-Johnson said one of the initial inspirations for the event came after a similar seminar Coleman led in Ohio.

In addition to education and encouragement, another vital element of the symposium is the ability to network and develop and maintain connections with editors, publishers and other industry affiliates.

“It’s going to be a networking organization,” Martin-Johnson said. “Many people come and they’ve always had it in the back of their mind that they want to write something. This kind of jumpstarts them, gives them a nudge.”

The community A Writer’s Vision promotes has led to results for writers.

“We’ve had several people who have been published as a result of attending,” Martin-Johnson said.

She also noted how the possibility of publication for multicultural writers living in the central United States is not readily apparent or visible. MartinJohnson said that modern writers and writers from the central U.S. are not always talked about.

“If you go to school in the United States, many of the writers that you know anything about are from the East Coast,” she said.

She also destigmatized rejection and urges writers to not take it as the final say of their own work. She added that self-publishing is another valid avenue for expression, citing past self-published authors such as Walt Whitman and W.E.B. DuBois.

“Write. Write every day. Write,” Martin-Johnson said of her advice to aspiring writers.

Buy a Ticket. Share the tradition.

July 26 - 30 Civic Center Music Hall

405.524.9312 // LyricTheatreOKC.com Allied Arts | Oklahoma Arts Council | NEA

Learn more at nmwa.net.

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calendar are events recommended

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

How to Let Go of the World and Love the Things Climate Can’t Change, (US, 2016, dir. Josh Fox) Traveling to 12 countries on six continents, the film acknowledges that it may be too late to stop some of the worst consequences and asks what is it that climate change can’t destroy? Followed by a discussion the led by Jim Stovall, representing the Environmental Committee of the Oklahoma Council of Churches, 7:30 p.m. July 23. SixTwelve Community Center, 612 NW 29th St., 405-208-8291, sixtwelve.com. SAT Batman: The Killing Joke, (US, 2016, dir. Sam Liu) as Batman hunts for the escaped Joker, the Clown Prince of Crime attacks the Gordon family to prove a diabolical point mirroring his own fall into madness; along with a never-before-seen documentary and a behind-the-scenes look at the Joker’s memorable song and dance number, 7:30 and 10 p.m. July 25. Cinemark Tinseltown, 6001 N. Martin Luther King Ave., 405-424-0461, cinemark.com. MON IAO Monthly Film Screening, screening featuring works invited by the IAO film committee along with an open screening; filmmakers are invited to bring 5-10 minutes of work to show for feedback and discussion, 7-9 p.m.

July 27. IAO Gallery, 706 W. Sheridan Ave., 405-232-6060, iaogallery.org. WED

Art All Night! If you like your weekends exciting but a little more low-key, trade crowds and clubs for art and workshops.

To celebrate the opening of 21C Museum Hotel, OKC Art Team hosts a series of classes Friday 7 p.m.-2 a.m. at 900 West Main St. The workshops feature basic photography, costume makeup, comic-book drawing, songwriting and more. While the events are free, a block of rooms is available at the hotel for a special rate of $121 if you want to make a night out of it. Visit 21cmuseumhotels.com/oklahomacity.

Friday Photo bigstock.com / provided

BOOKS Nothing Daunted Women’s Book Club, discuss Friendship by Emily Gould, 7 p.m. July 21. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 405-8422900, fullcirclebooks.com. THU Pat Becker Book Signing, author of I Love Being Me, Search for Paradise and Bodacious Bo, signs and reads from her books, 11 a.m.-noon July 23. Best of Books, 1313 E. Danforth Road, Edmond, 405-3409202, bestofbooksok.com. SAT

FILMS Summer Movie Fun: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, (US, 2009, dir. Phil Lord and Chris Miller) a local scientist is often regarded as a failure until he invents a machine that can make food fall from the sky but little does he know, that things are about to take a turn for the worse; $2 movies and concession discounts, 9 a.m. July 20-22. Harkins Theatre, 150 E. Reno Ave., 405-231-4747, harkinstheatres.com.

MON - FRI

HAPPENINGS Gypsy Glam, an upscale three-day roadshow; a shopping experience like no other with boutiques, live music and more, July 22-24. Cox Convention Center, 1 Myriad Gardens, 405-602-8500, coxconventioncenter.com. FRI -SUN See You Saturdays, enjoy hands-on activities, food trucks, interactive crafts, guided tours and giveaways highlighting different regions of Oklahoma, July 23. Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum, 1400 Classen Drive, 405-235-4458, oklahomaheritage.com. SAT Glow, listen to live music by Copa Reefer, enjoy the sunset and the activities the Oklahoma River has to offer, followed by the movie Ant-Man, 6-10 p.m.

July 22. Boathouse District, 725 S. Lincoln Blvd., 405-552-4040, boathousedistrict.org. FRI 4th Friday in the District, block party featuring food trucks, live music and pop-up shops, 6-11 p.m.

July 22. OKC Farmer’s Public Market, 311 S. Klein Ave., 405-232-6506, okcfarmersmarket.com. FRI National Day of the American Cowboy, experience live musical entertainment, crafts, roping lessons, kids activities and purposeful horsing around, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 23.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. SAT New World Comic Con, costume contests, panels, local artists and vendors along with a kids carnival, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 23.

Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, 3001 General Pershing Blvd., 405-948-6700, okstatefair.com.

SAT

Barks and Bubbles, join Waters Edge Winery and 9th Street Barking Lot for a dog-friendly mimosa social, 9 a.m.-noon July 23. 9th Street Barking Lot, 29 NE Ninth St., 405-212-2220, 9thstreetbarkinglot. com. SAT

Summer Bridal Show, meet Oklahoma wedding professionals, visit with more than 100 vendors, gather ideas and useful information, prizes and more, 1-5 p.m. July 24. Cox Convention Center, 1 Myriad Gardens, 405-602-8500, coxconventioncenter.com. SUN BoardGame Mania, enjoy some of the classic board games featuring Monopoly, Scrabble, Life, Jenga, Trouble and others, 4-8 p.m. July 24. FlashBack RetroPub, 814 W. Sheridan Ave., 405-633-3604, flashbackretropub.com. SUN Lunch & Learn, learn about today’s voter registration process and why we are unable to locate so many historical voter registration records, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. July 27. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, 405-521-2491, okhistory.org/ historycenter. WED

Taste of Oklahoma, local chefs prepare a farm-totable dinner made with fresh, local ingredients, 7-9 p.m. July 22. Park House, 125 Ron Norick Blvd., 405232-7275, parkhouseokc.com. FRI Weekly Farmers Market, shop goods from local produce, bakers and artisans, 9 a.m.2 p.m. July 23. OKC Farmers Public Market, 311 S. Klein Ave., 405-232-6506, okcfarmersmarket.com. SAT

FOOD Auntsfield Wines of New Zealand: July Wine Dinner, hosted by the Cowley family, owners of Auntsfield Wines, a renowned New Zealand Winery that prides itself on making exciting wines of individuality, with personality and sense of place; enjoy fine New Zealand wines from Auntsfield paired with a five-course dinner prepared by the Vast Culinary team, 7 p.m. July 20. Vast, 333 W. Sheridan Ave., 405-702-7262 , vastokc.com. WED July Farm to Table (Beer) Dinner, dine amongst the barrels and brewing equipment in the middle of Anthem Brewing Company; summer-focused dinner by chef Tim Mort with beer pairings of Anthem offerings, 7-10 p.m. July 20. Anthem Brewing Company, 908 SW Fourth St., 6405-04-0446, anthembrewing.com. WED July Plaza Beer Walk, walk through Plaza District visiting restaurants featuring a lineup of delicious craft beer from a different brewery each time, 5-9 p.m. July 27. Plaza District, 1618 N. Gatewood Ave., 405-367-9403, plazadistrict.org. WED Art After 5, enjoy the skyline along with live music, friends and cocktails on top of OKCMOA, 5-11 p.m.

July 21. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. THU Tea & Tips, health tips and refreshments, 9:3010:30 a.m. July 21. Uptown Grocery Co., 1230 W. Covell Road, Edmond, 405-509-2700, uptowngroceryco.com. THU Quick Class: Got Chocolate?, indulge in a chocolatey daze of delectable sweetness and discover everything there is to know about the smooth, satisfying richness that is chocolate, 5:30-6 p.m.

July 21. Natural Grocers, 7013 N. May Ave., 405840-0300, naturalgrocers.com. THU

Speakeasy 90s-00s Dance Party You knew there was a good reason you didn’t throw out that distressed denim.

Fans of the boy band era, TLC, Franz Ferdinand or any of the many sounds found under the Y2K umbrella will rejoice at the opportunity to relive their glory days at the 51st Street Speakeasy’s 90s-00s Dance Party. Music begins 10 p.m.

Saturday at 51st Street Speakeasy, 1114 NW 51st St. Admission is free. Visit 51stspeakeasy.com or call 405-463-0470. Saturday Photo bigstock.com / provided

Wine for the People: Road to Rio, enjoy tastings of various wines from Italy, Germany, South America, France, Spain, Argentina and USA presented by Thirst Wine Merchants paired with locally sourced fare, 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 21. V2 at Vast, 333 W. Sheridan Ave., 405-208-4347, vastokc.com. THU

Alternatives to Sodas: Herbal Syrups and Drinks, learn how to grow many of the garnishes found in delicious drinks and learn how to make (and taste) better-for-you juices, infused waters and herbal syrups, 10-11:30 a.m. July 23. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com/events. SAT

Reds, Whites and Brews, wine lovers sample fine wines from California and Oregon and those with a taste for hops can sample Oklahoma and regionally brewed craft beers along with food prepared by Cattlemen’s Steakhouse and The Petroleum Club; enjoy live music, raffles and more. Proceeds benefit Sanctuary Women’s Development Center, 6-10 p.m. July 22. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. FRI

Dinner: More Veggies, Please!, discover how to eat more organic vegetables at dinner, 3-4 p.m. July 24.

Natural Grocers, 7013 N. May Ave., 405-840-0300, naturalgrocers.com. SUN

Sonic Summer Movies: Hook, (US, 1991, dir. Steven Spielberg) when Captain Hook kidnaps his children, an adult Peter Pan must return to Neverland and reclaim his youthful spirit in order to challenge his longtime enemy, 8 p.m. July 20. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com/events. WED

Gluten Free Shopping Tour, shopping tour focusing on how to shop for gluten free foods, 10 a.m. July 26. Buy For Less, 3501 Northwest Expressway, 405946-6342, buyforlessok.com. TUE

YOUTH A Night at the Museum, have you ever wondered what happens in the museum when the doors are locked and the lights go down? Explore and play in the museum with your family in a whole new way, you just might see something you’ve never seen before, 7-9 p.m., July 21. Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman, 405-325-4712, snomnh.ou.edu. THU

French Cancan, (US, 1954, dir. Jean Renoir) comedy drama from Jean Renoir chronicles the revival of Paris’ most notorious dance as it tells the story of a theater producer who turns a humble washerwoman into a star at Moulin Rouge, 7:30 p.m. July 21. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. THU

Drop-In Art: Cubist Clay Portraits, join guest artists each Saturday as they interact with families to create extraordinary works of art inspired by the museum’s collection, exhibitions and special occasions, 1-4 p.m. July 23. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa. com. SAT

Beer Cinema: Fast Times at Ridgemont High, (US, 1982, dir. Amy Heckerling) a group of Southern California high school students study their most important subjects: sex, drugs and rock n’ roll; enjoy the film paired with Founders Redankulous, 8-11 p.m. July 21. The Patriarch, 9 E. Edwards St., Edmond, 405-2856670, thepatriarchedmond.com. THU An American in Paris, (US, 1951, dir. Vincente Minnelli) free showing of the 1951 film starring Gene Kelly in which three friends struggle to find work in Paris and things become even more complicated when two of them fall in love with the same woman, 7:30 p.m. July 23. UCO Mitchell Hall Theater, 100 N. University Drive, Edmond, 405-974-2000, uco. edu. SAT

Summer Cheese & Wine, enjoy light, refreshing and drinkable wines perfect for summer weather and learn how to best pair them with cheese, 6:45-8:15 p.m. July 22. Forward Foods-Norman, 2001 W. Main St., Norman, 405-321-1007, forwardfoods.com. FRI

Beer Yoga There are a number of good reasons to practice yoga: improved fitness, greater balance, mental relaxation. The Bleu Garten adds a pint of craft beer to that list of benefits. For health! Beer Yoga begins 10 a.m. Sunday at The Bleu Garten, 301 NW 10th Street. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance at eventbrite.com. Bring your own mat. Guests must be at least 21 years old to attend. Visit www.bleugarten.com.

Drama Day Camp, summer camp presented by UCO Fine Arts and Design for ages 7-12, July 25-29.

University of Central Oklahoma, 100 N. University Drive, Edmond, 405-974-2000, uco.edu. MON - FRI Art Workshop, summer camp presented by UCO Fine Arts and Design for ages 15-18, July 25-29.

University of Central Oklahoma, 100 N. University Drive, Edmond, 405-974-2000, uco.edu. MON - FRI

Sunday Photo bigstock.com / provided continued on page 54

go to okgazette.com for full listings!

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FoLlow Us on

tTwiTter

calendar continued from page 53

to see what we are tweeting

Classic Radio Theatre, travel back in time to the golden days of radio; live performance of scripts from radio shows from the 1930s to 1960s, 2:30 p.m. July 24. Actor’s Casting & Talent Services, 30 NE 52nd St, 405-702-0400, actorscasting. com. SUN The Swinger David Scott, the Midnight Swinger erupts onto the stage like the volcano in front of the Mirage Hotel in a fresh and original, overthe-top event that has been called sharp-witted, clever and classy, 8 p.m., July 27-28; 8 & 10:30 p.m., July 29-30. Loony Bin Comedy Club, 8503 N. Rockwell Ave., 405-239-4242, loonybincomedy. com. WED -SAT

about!

ACTIVE

@okgazeTte

Rowing Camps, half-day camps focus on rowing; full-day camps include rowing plus Riversport Adventures in the Boathouse District and whitewater rafting, June 20-Aug. 5. Boathouse District, 725 S. Lincoln Blvd., 405-552-4040, boathousedistrict. org.

Oklahoma Gazette ¡Los Extraños Monstruos! Art Sunday and Refugio Antiatomico team up for ¡Los Extraños Monstruos!, an art show 7-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Bomb Shelter, 1609 N. Blackwelder Ave. The art opening is a free, all-ages event that also serves as a Card Series 2 release show.

Expect a quirky and eclectic collection of art as well as other fun happenings. Visit facebook.com/BombShelter23. FridaySaturday Photo bigstock.com / provided Summer Art Camp: Life-Size Installation Creation, from thumbnails sketches and mock-up models to the actual execution, 10- to 12-year-old campers explore and experience the creative process through a group-built, large-scale installation piece, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 25-29. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 3000 General Pershing Blvd., 405-951-0000, oklahomacontemporary.org. MON - FRI Summer Art Camp: 3-D Printing, 13- to 16-yearold students create one-of-a-kind, 3-D printed artworks; learn how to use free and easy CAD software and master the fundamentals of editing and preparing files for 3-D printing, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

July 25-29. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 3000 General Pershing Blvd., 405-951-0000, oklahomacontemporary.org. MON - FRI Summer Art Camp: Intro in Creative Robotics, Meet the concepts of artistic engineering through simple mechanical and algorithmic exploration in this STEM-based camp; youths ages 7-9, learn the basics of functional coding, creative designing and the if-then-else approach to problemsolving, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 25-29. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 3000 General Pershing Blvd., 405951-0000, oklahomacontemporary.org. MON - FRI

Advanced Sailing Camps, pick up where OKC Riversport Youth Sailing Camps left off; campers sail in teams and learn skills such as docking and using a jib, June 20-July 29. Lake Hefner East Wharf, 9101 Lake Hefner Parkway.

Ultimate Adventure Camps, camp giving kids a chance to try adventures like zip lining, the Sand-Ridge Sky Trail, high-speed slides, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and whitewater rafting, through Aug 12. Boathouse District, 725 S. Lincoln Blvd., 405-552-4040, boathousedistrict.org.

Drop-In Yoga, yoga class in the museum’s galleries, 5:45-6:45 p.m. July 21. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa. com. THU Zumba in the Gardens, participate in the Latin-inspired cardio-dance, 5:45-6:45 p.m July 21. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com/events. THU Riversport Run, timed 5K race starting at Riversport Rapids heading out on Oklahoma River trails and back again, celebrate after the race with whitewater rafting or tubing and live music, 7 p.m.

July 22. Riversport Rapids, 800 Riversport Drive, 405-552-4040, boathousedistrict.org. FRI OKC Dodgers vs. New Orleans, minor league baseball game, 7:05 p.m., July 22-23 & 25; 6:05 p.m., July 24. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S. Mickey Mantle Drive, 405-218-1000. FRI - MON Bowling for Rhinos, the zoo’s annual conservation fundraiser to help save wild rhinoceros populations; family friendly event with all proceeds benefiting rhino conservation in Asia and Africa, 6 p.m. July 23.

Heritage Lanes Bowling Alley, 11917 N. Pennsylvania Ave., 405-755-7575, heritagelanesokc.com. SAT OKC Energy vs. Tulsa Roughnecks, professional soccer game, 7:30 p.m., July 23. Taft Stadium, 2901 NW 23rd St. SAT

Summer Art Camp: Art Under Construction, students, ages 7-9, develop their artistic talents, as well as, engineering skills as they build with paper, cotton, buttons, metal washers, cups and wood; a building-up experience for your child’s art along with their self-esteem, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 25-29. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 3000 General Pershing Blvd., 405-951-0000, oklahomacontemporary.org. MON - FRI

PERFORMING ARTS

Vote Us Best Fine Jewelry

Annie Jr., adapted from the Tony Award-winning best musical based on the popular comic strip features everyone’s favorite little redhead Annie; with equal measures of pluck and positivity she charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City, 10 a.m. and noon, July 27-29; 2 p.m., July 30-31. Oklahoma Children’s Theatre, 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave., 405-606-7003, oklahomachildrenstheatre.org. WED -SUN Triple Feature Week, three funny dudes, one killer show; variety of comedy styles and limitless number of topics, 8 p.m.

July 20-21, 8 and 10:30 p.m. July 22-23. Loony Bin Comedy Club, 8503 N. Rockwell Ave., 405-2394242, loonybincomedy.com. WED -SAT Scenes From an Execution, unfurls in 16th-century Venice and concerns a fictional painter, Anna Galactia who has accepted a commission from the Doge of Venice to paint a gigantic work of public art celebrating the Battle of Lepanto but doesn’t think there’s much worth celebrating 8 p.m. July 21-23. Shakespeare on Paseo, 2920 Paseo St., 405235-3700, oklahomashakespeare.org. THU -SAT OKC Improv Summer Show, improvisational music and comedy from local performers, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

July 21-23. The Paramount Room, 7 N. Lee Ave., 405-517-0787, theparamountroom.com. THU -SAT

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Planet of the Apes As one of the most legendary science-fiction films ever made, Planet of the Apes blew audiences away after its 1968 release. Now, modern audiences can catch the epic on the big screen again when it returns to theaters as a part of TCM’s Big Screen Classics series. It screens 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday and Wednesday, July 27 at AMC Quail Springs Mall, 2501 W. Memorial Road, and Cinemark Tinseltown USA, 6001 N. Martin Luther King Ave. Tickets are $4.40-$16.26. Visit fathomevents.com.

Sunday and July 27 Provided

go to okgazette.com for full listings!

OKVD Battle Squad vs OKVD Outlaws: Sibling Rivalry, roller derby bout, 4:30 p.m. July 24. Skate Galaxy, 5800 NW 36th St., 405-605-2758, skategalaxyokc.com. SUN Rayo OKC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies, professional soccer game, 8 p.m. July 27. Miller Stadium, 1777 S. Yukon Pkwy., Yukon. WED

VISUAL ARTS Artwork by Linda Hiller, exhibit on display through August. 50 Penn Place Gallery, 1900 Northwest Expressway, Suite 113-R , 405-848-5567, 50pennplacegallery.com.

Randel Hicks, contemporary acrylic painter. Paseo Gallery One, 2927 Paseo St., 405-524-4544, facebook.com/paseogalleryone.

Spring 2016 Show, featuring works in oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media; handmade jewelry and ceramic sculptures will also be featured. The Studio Gallery, 2642 W. Britton Road, 405-7522642, thestudiogallery.org.

State of Mind, paintings composed of shapes in colorful formations reflecting a myriad of longings and recollections, but also unexpected joys and challenges in day to day life by Janice MathewsGordon. JRB Art at The Elms, 2810 N. Walker Ave., 405-528-6336, jrbartgallery.com.

Beginning Encaustic Workshop with Gayle Curry, one-day workshop on painting with encaustics introducing the basics of this medium; learn about safety issues, supports, grounds, fusing and paint techniques, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 24. Paseo School of Art, 3110-A N. Paseo St., 405-205-8990, paseoschoolofart.com. SUN Beyond, AK Westerman offers a compilation of works designed to incite the imagination and encourage us to embrace a state of amazement and wonder we so often abandon after childhood; vivid swirls of color and washes of light contrast with furtive, otherworldly creatures wrapped in darkness. Graphite Gallery, 1751 NW 16th St., 405919-0578, graphiteokcart.com.

Blooming, artist and storyteller Bernadette Esperanza Torres communicates with her hands, translating stories into clay; sculptures are autobiographical narratives sometimes with hand-built soft slap female Mexican/Italian full figures, flower mounds platters and animal imagery in clay. JRB Art at The Elms, 2810 N. Walker Ave., 405-5286336, jrbartgallery.com.

Brushstroke Dreams, bold brushstrokes and bright colors in expressionist paintings by local artist Brad Price. The Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave., Norman, 405-307-9320, pasnorman.org.

Contemporary West II: New Works by Stephen St. Claire, a feature of landscape paintings using the Dialuminism technique which embeds metal leaf and oil painting within layers of solar protective resins. Kasum Contemporary Fine Arts, 1706 NW 16th St., 405-604-6602, kasumcontemporary.com.

Crossroads of Commerce, Oklahoma history buffs won’t want to miss this exhibit showcasing the growth and development of Oklahoma’s economy from 1716 to statehood, the Dust Bowl, the depression, and all the way to present day. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, 405-521-2491, okhistory.org/historycenter.

FiberWorks 2016, an annual, juried, fiber exhibition giving artisans an opportunity to showcase their work from traditional crafts to innovated art.

IAO Gallery, 706 W. Sheridan Ave., 405-232-6060, individualartists.org.

Icons of Badassery, group show featuring the art of Todd Bane; see artistic interpretation of badassery in the years that lead up to 1984. Studio 3108, 3108 N. Classen Blvd., 405-210-5701, facebook. com/Studio3108.

Linda Hiller, acrylic paintings. 50 Penn Place Gallery, 1900 Northwest Expressway, Suite 113-R, 405-848-5567, 50pennplacegallery.com.

Matisse in His Time: Masterworks of Modernism from the Centre Pompidou, Paris, experience the full scop of Matisse’s extraordinary career through nearly fifty of his paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints daiting from the late nineteenth century to after World Ware II; including additional major works by Picasso, Renoir, Braque and more, opens June 18. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com.

Missing Pieces, local fiber artist Leigh Martin knits whimsical, detailed flowers in order to celebrate and share her awe at nature’s complexity. The Project Box, 3003 Paseo St., 405-609-3969, theprojectboxokc.com.

Oklahoma Roots on Route 66, exhibit of original artwork by Shel Wagner featuring a selection of her whimsical, must-see assemblage pieces.

Spraycan Creative, 420 W. Main St., Yukon, 405494-0321, spraycancreative.com.

Our City, Our Collection: Building the Museum’s Lasting Legacy, exhibit that tells the story of the museum’s history as a series of transformative gifts, bequests and acquisitions; including artists such as Georgia O’Keefe, Rembrandt van Rijn, Gustave Courbet and many more. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com.

Our Favorites, fun-filled exhibition showing gallery art from new to old including some that has never been seen.

In Your Eye Gallery, 3005 Paseo St. #A, 405- 5252161, inyoureyegallery.com.

Phebe Kallstrom and Whitney Ingram, featured artists for July including oil paintings by Kallstrom and handmade jewelry by Ingram. The Studio Gallery, 2642 W. Britton Road, 405-752-2642, thestudiogallery.org.

Really Bad Dates: An OKC StorySLAM Mine your dating past for some storytelling gold with OKC StorySLAM’s open mic Sunday night at Saints Pub, 1715 NW 16th St. The theme for the open-mic event is really bad dates, and the stories must be five minutes or less, told from your point of view, and they have to be true. Sign-up is 6-7 p.m. and the event runs 7-9 p.m. There also will be a featured teller, and at the end of the evening, the audience will vote on a winner. Visit okcstoryslam.wordpress. com. Sunday Photo bigstock.com / provided

The Modernist Spectrum: Color and Abstraction, explore the invigorating ways in which postwar American artists, especially those associated with the Washington Color School, made it new, producing novel work that sought to reinvent abstract art through an alternatively rigorous and playful manipulation of color, line, and shape. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com.

Wednesday Wax & Wine, enjoy sipping on your favorite beverage while you learn how to paint with beeswax; workshop teaching you how to create your own beautiful encaustic monotypes by melting walk on hot plates and pulling paper prints of luminous colors and bold shapes, 6-8 p.m. July 20. Skirvin Hilton Hotel, 1 Park Ave., 405272-3040, skirvinhilton.com. WED

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.

Fax your listings to 528-4600 or e-mail to listings@okgazette.com.

Sorry, but phone submissions cannot be accepted.

For okg live music

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MUSIC

event

Cooki Turner releases her new album, Moment 2 Moment, Vol. 2, Aug. 26. | Photo Brandon Clemons / provided

Fresh batch

Soulful songstress Cooki Turner returns with an album showcasing her equal talent live and in the studio. By Ben Luschen

Cooki Turner’s 2013 album, Heart of Me, Split record was born out of necessity.

Before the Urban Roots restaurant and That year, the Oklahoma City-born soul performance venue closed in Deep Deuce, singer had been unemployed for nearly four local soul duo Adam & Kizzie, along with several area artists, released a live compiyears. She chased a music career from an lation, Sounds of Deep Deuce, recorded in early age, signed to a local label when she was 18 and found some work as a studio the restaurant. Turner’s song “Take Me singer. Turner performed shows locally Away” is featured on the project. and beyond but sought conThe singer said Adam & fidence and, more than Kizzie’s Adam Ledbetter that, stability. was so impressed with her Moment 2 “Everything was like a rendition that he encourMoment, Vol. 2 aged her to release a live grind and a hustle,” Turner release party said. “It was all like, album of her own. ‘ W hatever happens, That idea became 9 p.m. Aug. 26 happens.’”

Moment 2 Moment, though Bistro 46 Now in her 30s, a more the concept eventually 2501 NE 23rd St. self-assured artist greets evolved into a project that facebook.com fans. For Heart of Me, she was half live and half studio /misscookiturner recruited outside writers material. Turner said both 405-595-3904 for nearly all her songs. On aspects of being a musician $10-$15 Moment 2 Moment, Vol. 2, are equally important to her follow-up release due her, and she wants that to come through on the album. out Aug. 26, she felt much more comfortable being creative. She wrote from her The songstress wants Moment 2 heart and shared her ideas with her team Moment’s theme to be about finding true of friends and collaborators. happiness through life and art. It’s a balancTurner has found secure musical ing act, which is why she decided to include footing and is more driven than ever to tell live and studio recordings in the project.

“Being in the studio is like perfecting fans who she is as a person. the moment, which I can do forever,” she “This one, I just took the reins a little bit more,” she said. “I’ve learned a little bit said. “Being onstage and being live is cremore, I’m a little more polished and I’m a ating a moment, and it’s all about embraclot more excited for what is to come.” ing the audience and the stage presence and everybody coming together and 56

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making this amazing family and this amazing unity.”

Sharing ideas

Turner still loves collaborating with local artists, something listeners hear a lot of on Moment 2 Moment. She wrote the album’s original songs with a team that included Thaddeus Johnson, Rachel Williams and Thonie Lee. Turner’s mother hosted the crew in her living room as they hashed out concepts and verses.

Lee wrote most of the second verse of the tune “Home.” Johnson wrote his verse for an updated version of “Ode to Music,” a song originally found on Heart of Me. In “Visions,” Moment 2 Moment steps out of its gospel and soul comfort zone and explores hip-hop. Turner supplies the chorus, but the number really belongs to a team of rappers that includes Jabee, Willis and Adam L (Ledbetter’s rap moniker).

Turner also appears on Jabee’s new album Black Future, set for an August release.

“Visions” approaches a theme similar to that found on Turner’s earlier single “Try.” People say they don’t want to give up on their dreams, she said, but there are always obstacles.

“For me to step back and really let hip-hop take force, it’s kind of different, but I love hip-hop,” Turner said. “Me and Jabee had an exchange where it was like, ‘OK, you be on my new record and I’ll be on your new record.’”

Dope Artistry

Moment 2 Moment’s release show is Aug. 26 at Bistro 46, 2501 NE 23rd St. In addition to a live show and a possible music video premiere, Turner said she would also like to include a discussion panel featuring the key album contributors. They would talk about how the album was made and take

questions from fans.

Until then, Turner is promoting her Indiegogo page. She wants to raise $3,000

by Aug. 5 to help cover album and release show expenses. She is also using the funds to seed her Dope Artistry merchandise line.

Whatever you do as a creative that brings art, if you strive to be the best that you can be, then you’re a dope artist.

Cooki Turner Turner said her Dope Artistry movement celebrates and promotes local artists of all kinds. Being creative is not just about being a musician or a painter, she said.

Makeup artists are creatives, too. As are architects.

“Whatever you do as a creative that brings art, if you strive to be the best that you can be, then you’re a dope artist,” she said. “For that reason, you present Dope Artistry.”

Turner said she’ll print shirts with the Dope Artistry message and offer designs with specific nods to music, photography and other creative ventures.

“Whatever your message is, whatever your vision is,” she said, “if you’re doing that with excellence and with standards, you’re going to succeed.”

Hear more of Turner’s music and learn more at cookiturner.bandcamp.com and facebook.com/misscookiturner. Learn more about her crowdfunding campaign by searching “Cooki Turner” on indiegogo.com.

event

Preston Hall and the DF Dub Allstars performed at Bricktown Reggaefest in 2015. | Photo Bricktown OKC / provided

Island breeze

Reggaefest has become an annual bright spot in a still-growing local reggae scene. By Ben Luschen

Reggae is not usually the first music genre The fest is fun, but outside the event, people might associate with Oklahoma Wallace said it is sometimes frustrating City, yet for more than two decades, fans watching reggae-rock music gain popularhave attended Bricktown Reggaefest, an ity in other parts of the world but not here. annual blast of tropical fun and sun.

“It’s taken over, but the music is really This year marks the 21st edition of the slow to catch up here,” he said. “We just kind of keep our course.” festival, which runs July 29-30 at the corner of Reno and Oklahoma avenues The music lacks local media attention in Bricktown. and fan support, he said, partially because Reggae found its place of a lack of appropriate in downtown because the performance venues. But often dance-friendly he remains optimistic that Bricktown island pop naturally comThe Suspects can one day Reggaefest plements summertime. find a market because he Brent Brewer, Reggaefest is confident in the band’s 5:15 p.m.-midnight event promoter, said a key music.

July 29-30 to its popularity is its “Even if it’s not your Intersection of Reno and overall feel-good vibe. favorite thing, you can be Oklahoma Avenues “The music is all about like, ‘Oh, I can still sit back brewerentertainment.com peace and love, and what and enjoy this drink and bricktownokc.com better way than to celesmoke and have a good Free brate it each year in downtime,’” Wallace said. town OKC,” Brewer said.

Brewer said one of the Admission to the outdoor fest is free bands he’s most interested in seeing is and open to all ages. Music from local and Watusi, a Dallas-based act that has regional bands begins at 5:15 p.m. and become a regional force and a Reggaefest continues through midnight both days. mainstay. Its set is 10:30 p.m. July 30.

Brewer said Reggaefest regularly Watusi’s history goes back more than 30 draws large crowds. years, and it has played with a number of “We pride ourselves on bringing in the premiere acts, including Ziggy and best regional reggae artists each year,” Damian Marley. One Love Uprising, a he said in an email interview with Dallas band by way of the Caribbean’s St. Oklahoma Gazette. “Seeing live reggae Kitts, is the festival’s other headliner. It music is very limited in our market, and performs 10:30 p.m. July 29. Food trucks people look forward to it each year. We and craft beer will also be on deck to replenish guests. hit capacity in the venue every year.”

The first Oklahoma band to play at Brewer said Reggaefest is open to this year’s festival is The Suspects, a anyone who likes to have a good time and reggae-rock hybrid formed in 1996. enjoy warm island jams.

“We try to keep the concept as a fun Ron Wallace, vocalist and guitarist for the band, said the festival is the best reggae summertime party,” he said. annual reggae event in OKC. He said The “Regardless if you recognize the band Suspects has performed at it for about name, you know it’s going to be great seven years. music and a great time.”

“There’s no drama; everyone’s there Visit bricktownokc.com for more into have a good time and enjoy the vibes,” formation.

Wallace said.

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MUSIC

event

Wye Oak’s Tween is comprised mostly of unreleased material originally recorded between 2011 and 2014. | Photo Alex Marks / provided

Watching, waiting Maryland indie-rock band Wye Oak drops a surprise record ahead of its return to Norman. By Ben Luschen

The surprise album is a popular music the idea of being at ease with the things trend. Some artists, including Beyoncé, U2 that make us who we are. and Kendrick Lamar, opt to keep project “I’ve had so much of a struggle just release dates a secret until they’re sudlearning how to inhabit and be comfortable denly dropped online. This strategy runs representing the things I make, both physcounter to traditional album promotion, ically and superficially and psychologibut hungry markets force the industry to cally,” she said. re-examine how things are done.

She wants to embody the concept of However, every shared secret includes radical vulnerability onstage and in her someone itching to spill it. Jenn Wasner, art. When fans pay for an album or to see a concert, she said they’re paying to see or vocalist and guitarist for Baltimore-based indie-rock band Wye Oak, was eager to hear them do something they’re not doing share the outfit’s new album, Tween, with in that moment or might never do. They the world. want to see something real and honest, and Released June 9 to the public without a level of vulnerability comes with that. warning, it is effectively a compilation “No part of me wants to edit out the flaws, because that would defeat the album featuring previously recorded material, shelved and reworked between 2011 purpose, but it’s still like this weird battle and 2014, though its last song, “Watching between the two sides of my brain,” Wasner the Waiting,” was written for this project. said. “The one side that I feel like is really “It’s really nice to finally be able to let me is being like, ‘It’s important to put yourthe world know [about Tween],” she said. self out there, the way you really look, the Wye Oak, which also includes drummer, way you really feel.’ Then there’s the other keyboardist and backup vocalist Andy side that’s just like, ‘I just want to be cool and look good.’”

Stack, is on tour to support the project. It performs 10 p.m. July 29 at Opolis, 113 N. It’s a message that especially rings clear Crawford Ave., in Norman. in a world driven by social media, where Surprise albums generate excitement, everyone has the chance to meticulously but they also create challenges for artists craft their public image. ahead of the release.

“I try to remind myself that I’m happier “We were like, ‘Well, we have to get this when I’m able to kill the shitty parts of my record out so that people will know there’s ego every single day,” Wasner said. “It’s something cool for people to come to these hard because you need to be constantly shows for,’” she said. aware of it to do it. It’s hard when your job involves being physically on display.”

Tween’s release was coupled with the debut of the “Watching the Wasner said there is some Waiting” music video. It more music left in the Wye Oak stands out in the Wye Oak vault, but it’s so old now it might Wye Oak catalogue because it features never see a public release. rare on-camera appearances She is, however, pleased 10 p.m. July 29

by Wasner and Stack. with the response Tween has Opolis Wasner said she wrote the received.

113 N. Crawford Ave. song about learning to be at “I’m thrilled. I feel like we Norman peace with oneself. “Watching really couldn’t be doing any opolis.org the Waiting” features a better with it,” she said. “And 405-637-4931 relaxed vibe to complement it’s really fun to play.” $12-$14 58

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review

Rare beauty

Blake Lusk challenges musical convention on his noisy new release To Be Human. By Ben Luschen

To Be Human defies clear categorization.

It is at times sunny and chipper and others dark and menacing. It clearly draws from a wellspring of influences, and it is nonetheless stronger for it.

Blake Lusk, the bassist, vocalist and producer behind experimental band Shishio, kicked off the second half of the year with one of the most interesting and compelling local releases of 2016.

The project, which debuted July 5 via Tape Gun Records, has a runtime of more than 50 minutes, but the length is necessary to explore as many of the sounds as Lusk is able to touch.

To Be Human starts off with “Stones Throw,” an appropriately mixed set of auditory influences that sets the tone for what is to come.

The assisting guitar tandem of Henry Dillon and Tim Buchanan help build a trancelike dream world for the other sounds to play in.

This is a noise record, and to some people, that means heavy, dystopian walls of sound. To Be Human has moments like that, but it is overall an upbeat and tonally

optimistic project, as this song reflects.

“Stones Throw” is a song meant to make listeners move. A synthetic and steady beep bop throughout the tune is instantly infectious.

That, paired with the song’s drum rhythm, gives it an almost jazz or funk feel. It’s a fun way to open an album.

Four songs deep into the project, which has a very energetic first few tracks, listeners get to “Weird Fires,” also known as the point in the album when Mom probably stopped listening.

It’s a mix of screechy, whiny chords and hand drums that eventually gives way to an outright electric jam. Lusk definitely toys with the sound here, and his tinkering pays off. One could point to this song and say he’s taking a risk, but Lusk is playing with house money.

It is obvious he caters his sound to a purpose higher than mass appeal.

The album has its more accessible moments as well.

The next track, “Swell,” is a great example. This is what strumming a guitar sounds like in space. There’s an accenting

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hint of anthemic grandeur and wonder behind the acoustic rhythm, like something one might find on the soundtrack of an IMAX movie.

“Guts,” toward the end of the album, is another easy-access song. It might also be the best musical offering in the collection.

The guitars mesh so well with the song’s other textures and the assisting vocals of Taylor Hale, who also contributes percussion on the track.

Another standout is “Satellite.” The song gets progressively louder, eventually drowning out Lusk’s stretched-out vocals. Vocal clarity is sometimes an issue on To Be Human, but in this song, it is clearly an intended effect. This is also not one of those records on which that kind of clarity is a priority.

Listeners get more meaning from the sounds and how they make them feel on a personal level.

This is not the kind of album that can be recommended to just anyone. The unorthodox isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and that is unfortunate because Lusk’s offering is indeed worthwhile.

For the open-minded, this is a project

that can be enjoyed equally as the backdrop to day-to-day life or as a subject of intent study and dissection.

To Be Human takes chances and makes mistakes.

But missteps here are not caused by ignorance or a lack of care. They are natural bumps in a free-ranging pursuit of the beautiful, a word that in no way is synonymous with perfect or ideal, as the world continually shows us.

To err, after all, is human.

Find To Be Human online at tapegunrecords.bandcamp.com.

[Lusk] caters his sound to a purpose higher than mass appeal.

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Tickets Available At CriterionOKC.com Or Order By Phone By Calling 1.800.745.3000 Purchase Tickets At Our Box Office From 12pm-5pm On Weekdays For Premium Seating Or Season Ticket Info Contact: MorganKatz@Livenation.com O kg a z e t t e . c o m | j u ly 2 0 , 2 0 1 6

59

LIVE MUSIC

2 tickets to

These are events recommended

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

diamond

friday

Cody Jinks ballroom august & whitey to win morgan enter 2016 okgazette.com/gWW

05

Go to okGazette.com/GWW to enter to Win a pair of tickets gazette’s weekly winner will be announced each week in the table of contents.

Printed winners have 7 days to claim tickets. must Provide email, full name & Phone number.

WEDNESDAY, 7.20 Maurice Johnson, The R&J Lounge and Supper Club. JAZZ Saturn/HotBed, Red Brick Bar, Norman.

ROCK

Scott Lowber/Will Galbraith/Ed VanBuskirk, Friends Restaurant & Club. COVER The Lowest Pair, The Blue Door. COUNTRY The Queers, 89th Street Collective. ROCK

THURSDAY, 7.21

唀倀䌀伀䴀䤀一䜀 䔀嘀䔀一吀匀 䄀吀 䘀䤀刀䔀䰀䄀䬀䔀 䄀刀䔀一䄀

Antsy McClain/Edgar Cruz, The Blue Door.

SINGER/SONGWRITER

Ben Frantz Live, Sauced on Paseo.

SINGER/SONGWRITER

Garage Band Jam, Bourbon Street Bar. BLUES Ghost Bath/Underling/He Whose Ox is Gored, 89th Street Collective. ROCK

Hillsong United Australian Christian rock act Hillsong United returns to Oklahoma for a concert 7 p.m. Friday at Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W. Reno Ave. Originally founded as the worship band for Hillsong Church in 1998, the group celebrates the release of its 13th live album, Of Dirt and Grace: Live from the Land, this month. It’s a live version of its successful 2015 studio release Empires, inspired by the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes. Visit premierproductions. com or chesapeakearena.com or call 405602-8700. Friday Photo provided

Ragland/Heartbreak Heroes/Brain in the Sky, Red Brick Bar, Norman. ROCK

Roy Book Binder, The Blue Door. BLUES

Rugged Grace, Wormy Dog Saloon. COUNTRY

SINGER/SONGWRITER

The Time Jumpers, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa.

VARIOUS

Modest Mouse/Brand New, BOK Center, Tulsa.

ROCK

FRIDAY, 7.22

SALLI, VZDs Restaurant & Club.

Scott Keeton, Bourbon Street Bar. BLUES The Punknecks/JV’s Fillin Station/Danny Trashville/Christophe Murdock, Red Brick Bar, Norman. VARIOUS The Stir, Noir Bistro & Bar. COVER

Audio Bomb, Bourbon Street Bar. ROCK

The Tooth/Souls/Forty Fathoms/SLEDGE, 89th Street Collective. ROCK

Banana Seat, Riverwind Casino, Norman. VARIOUS

The Vibro Kings, Blue Note Lounge. ROCK

Big G, UCO Jazz Lab, Edmond. BLUES

Zane Williams, Wormy Dog Saloon. COUNTRY

Brittany Roe, Remington Park. COUNTRY

Aaron Lewis, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. COUNTRY

Campbell Young/The Ivy, ACM@UCO Performance Lab. ROCK

SUNDAY, 7.24

Caroline Spence, The Blue Door. SINGER/

Blues Jam with Tyler Lee, Bourbon Street Bar.

SONGWRITER

Elms/Ramesh, Opolis, Norman. ROCK Evolution Underground, Fort Thunder Harley Davidson, Moore. ROCK

BLUES

Brave Combo, The Depot, Norman. JAZZ Come Sunday Music Series: Samantha Crain/Annie Oakley, The Overholser Carriage House. SINGER/

Fitz & The Tantrums, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. POP

SONGWRITER

Foxburrows/Mil Jr./LION, The Deli, Norman. ROCK

Gentry Counce, Grady’s 66 Pub, Yukon. SINGER/

Jamie Bramble, Full Circle Bookstore. ACOUSTIC Micky and the Motorcars/The Callahan Divide, Wormy Dog Saloon. COUNTRY Midas 13, Oklahoma City Limits. ROCK Suede Panther, Grady’s 66 Pub, Yukon.

ROCK

SONGWRITER

Pouya/Germ/Ramirez/Shakewell, ACM@UCO Performance Lab. ROCK Scott Lowber/Will Galbraith/Rick Toops, Friends Restaurant & Club. COVER Twilight Concert Series: Jahmystics, Myriad Botanical Gardens. REGGAE

The Infamists/So Help Me’s/The Fervent Route, Blue Note Lounge. ROCK

TUESDAY, 7.26

The Mills Band, Classics Bar & Grill. COUNTRY

Adam and Kizzie, The Depot, Norman. R&B

SATURDAY, 7.23 Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours/ Edgar Cruz, UCO Jazz Lab. ACOUSTIC Bands for Books: The Dresden Bombers/SK Love/ Haniwa/Psychotic Reaction, First Pastafarian Church of Norman, Norman. ROCK

Like Moths to Flames, 89th Street Collective. ROCK Phillip Phillips/Matt Nathanson, Brady Theater, Tulsa. SINGER/SONGWRITER

WEDNESDAY, 7.27 2X4/I AM/Held Down, 89th Street Collective. ROCK

Big G’s Blues Band, Riverwind Casino, Norman.

BLUES

Brittany Roe, Remington Park. COUNTRY Bullet Boys/Uncle Freddy/Chasing Jenny/Fist of Rage, Oklahoma City Limits.

ROCK

㐀 㔀ⴀ㈀㜀㌀ⴀ㄀㘀㌀㜀 ∠ 䘀䤀刀䔀䰀䄀䬀䔀䄀刀䔀一䄀⸀䌀伀䴀 ㄀㠀㄀㐀㔀 伀䰀䐀 刀䄀一䜀䔀䰀䤀一䔀 刀䐀 ∠ 匀䠀䄀圀一䔀䔀Ⰰ 伀䬀 䘀䤀刀䔀䰀䄀䬀䔀⸀䄀刀䔀一䄀 䘀䤀刀䔀䰀䄀䬀䔀䄀刀䔀一䄀 60

j u ly 2 0 , 2 0 1 6 | O kg a z e t t e . c o m

Chase Haberland, Full Circle Bookstore. ROCK Jason Boland & The Stragglers/The Tequila Songbirds, Myriad Botanical Gardens. COUNTRY Kellie Pickler, Frontier City. COUNTRY Red Grass String Band, Bedlam Bar-B-Q. COUNTRY

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.

Fax your listings to 528-4600 or e-mail to listings@okgazette.com.

Sorry, but phone submissions cannot be accepted.

go to okgazette.com for full listings!

free will astrology Homework: Which actor or actress would be the best choice to play you in a film about your life?

Go to Realastrology.com and click “Email Rob.” ARIES (March 21-April 19) You now have more

luxuriant access to divine luck than you’ve had in a long time. For the foreseeable future, you could be able to induce semi-miraculous twists of fate that might normally be beyond your capacities. But here’s a caveat: The good fortune swirling in your vicinity may be odd or irregular or hard-to-understand. To harvest it, you will have to expand your ideas about what constitutes good fortune. It may bestow powers you didn’t even realize it was possible to have. For example, what if you temporarily have an acute talent for gravitating toward situations where smart love is in full play?

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) A directory published

by the U.S. Department of Labor says that my gig as an astrologer shares a category with jugglers, rodeo clowns, acrobats, carnival barkers, and stuntpersons. Am I, therefore, just a charming buffoon? An amusing goofball who provides diversion from life’s serious matters? I’m fine with that. I may prefer to regard myself as a sly oracle inflamed with holy madness, but the service I provide is probably more effective if my ego doesn’t get the specific glory it yearns for. In this way, I have certain resemblances to the Taurus tribe during the next four weeks. Is it OK if you achieve success without receiving all of the credit you think you deserve?

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Over the course of a 57-

year career, Japanese movie director Akira Kurosawa won 78 major awards for his work, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oscars. Among the filmmakers who’ve named him as an inspirational influence are heavyweights like Ingmar Bergman, Werner Herzog, Bernardo Bertolucci, Robert Altman, Francis Ford Coppola, and Martin Scorsese. But Kurosawa wasn’t too haughty to create lighter fare. At age 86, he departed from his epic dramas to create a 30-second commercial for a yogurt drink. Did that compromise his artistic integrity? I say no. Even a genius

can’t be expected to create non-stop masterpieces. Be inspired by Kurosawa, Gemini. In the coming weeks, give your best to even the most modest projects.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Capricorns may be the hardest workers of the zodiac, and Tauruses the most dogged. But in the coming weeks, I suspect you Cancerians will be the smartest workers. You will efficiently surmise the precise nature of the tasks at hand, and do what’s necessary to accomplish them.

There’ll be no false starts or reliance on iffy data or slapdash trial-and-error experiments. You’ll have a light touch as you find innovative short cuts that produce better results than would be possible via the grind-it-out approach.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) My friend’s 12-year-old

daughter Brianna got a “B” on her summer school math test. She might have earned an “A” if it weren’t for a problem her teacher had with some of her work. “You got the right answer by making two mistakes that happened to cancel each other out,” he wrote on her paper next to question seven. I suspect you will soon have a similar experience. Leo. But the difference between you and Brianna is that I’m giving you an “A.” All that matters in the end is that you succeed. I don’t care if your strategy is a bit funky.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Have ever fantasized about

being a different gender or race or astrological sign? Do you suspect it might be fun and liberating to completely change your wardrobe or your hairstyle or your body language? The coming weeks will be an excellent time to experiment with these variables, and with any others that would enable you to play with your identity and mutate your self-image. You have a cosmic exemption from imitating what you have done in the past. In this spirit, feel free to read all the other signs’ horoscopes, and act on the one you like best. Your word of power is “shapeshifter.”

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) The Golden Goose Award

is given annually to “scientists whose work may have been considered silly, odd, or obscure when first

conducted,” but which ultimately produced dramatic advances. Entomologists Raymond Bushland and Edward Knipling were this year’s winners. More than 60 years ago they started tinkering with the sex life of the screwworm fly in an effort to stop the pest from killing livestock and wildlife throughout the American South. At first their ideas were laughed at, even ridiculed.

In time they were lauded for their pioneering breakthroughs. I suspect you’ll be blessed with a vindication of your own in the coming weeks, Libra. It may not be as monumental as Bushland’s and Knipling’s, but I bet it’ll be deeply meaningful for you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

I hope it doesn’t sound too paradoxical when I urge you to intensify your commitment to relaxation. I will love it, and more importantly your guardian angel will love it, if you become a fierce devotee of slowing down and chilling out. Get looser and cozier and more spacious, damn it! Snuggle more. Cut back on overthinking and trying too hard. Vow to become a high master of the mystic art of I-don’t-give-a-f*ck. It’s your sacred duty to steal more slack from the soul-anesthetizing grind.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

I regularly travel back through time from the year 2036 so as to be here with you. It’s tough to be away from the thrilling transformations that are underway there. But it’s in a good cause. The bedraggled era that you live in needs frequent doses of the vigorous optimism that’s so widespread in 2036, and I’m happy to disseminate it. Why am I confessing this? Because I suspect you now have an extra talent for gazing into the unknown and exploring undiscovered possibilities. You also have an unprecedented power to set definite intentions about the life you want to be living in the future. Who will you be five years from today? Ten years? Twenty years? Be brave. Be visionary. Be precise.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Here’s one strategy you could pursue, I guess: You could spank the Devil with a feather duster as you try to coax him to promise that he will never again trick you with a bogus temptation. But I don’t think that would work,

frankly. It may have minor shock value, in which case the Devil might leave you in peace for a short time. Here’s what I suggest instead: Work at raising your discernment so high that you can quickly identify, in the future, which temptations will deliver you unto evil confusion, and which will feed and hone your most noble desires.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

After a cool, dry period, you’ll soon be slipping into a hot, wet phase. The reasonable explanations that generated so much apathy are about to get turned insideout. The seemingly good excuses that provided cover for your timidity will be exposed as impractical lies.

Are you ready for your passion to roar back into fashion?

Will you know what to do when suppressed yearnings erupt and the chemicals of love start rampaging through your soft, warm animal body? I hereby warn you about the oncoming surge of weird delight — and sing “Hallelujah!” for the revelatory fun it will bring.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

I’m composing your horoscope on my iPhone after midnight on a crowded bus that’s crammed with sweaty revelers. We’re being transported back to civilization from a rural hideaway where we spent the last 12 hours at a raging party. I still feel ecstatic from the recent bacchanal, but the ride is uncomfortable. I’m pinned against a window by a sleepy, drunken dude who’s not in full control of his body. But do I allow my predicament to interfere with my holy meditation on your destiny?

I do not — just as I trust you will keep stoking the fires of your own inspiration in the face of comparable irritations. You have been on a hot streak, my dear. Don’t let anything tamp it down!

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 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700.

O kg a z e t t e . c o m | j u ly 2 0 , 2 0 1 6

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puzzles

VOL. XXXVIII No. 29

New York Times Magazine Crossword Puzzle Double Quote

1

By Patrick Berry | Edited by Will Shortz | 0717

19

ACROSS 1 Onetime Scandinavian

automaker (containing the first part of the “double quote”)

5 Music’s Prince of Soul 9 Precious Australian exports 14 Abandon détente 19 Victimizes 21 Like pets but not strays 22 2015 Oscar winner Morricone 23 Solitary sort 24 Dream of many Koreans 26 Youngest Brady Bunch daughter 27 “No, no, it’s my treat!”

29 “____ Fideles” 30 Senatorial vote 31 “Key Largo” gangster Johnny 33 Church group 35 Break 36 Time periods in a polo match 39 U people?

41 Authoritarian announcements 44 Catch something 47 In the doldrums 50 Golden calf’s maker 51 Birds with throat pouches 54 Comp-sci acronym 56 Steep 57 Sitcom whose title character was Fran Fine

59 Perfumery oils 60 ____-Cat 61 First secretary of homeland security 62 Tank tops?

64 Make noise while asleep 66 Corresponding expense?

67 First-chair violinist, perhaps 68 Person with an account 71 Political org. dating to 1854 74 Bear witness 75 Painkiller first sold in 1950 76 Unable to continue 77 Nameless network user 78 Some dumps 80 Image Awards org.

81 Hall of announcing 82 Pan’s home, in myth 84 Minority branch of Islam 86 Longtime Texas politico Phil 87 Free throws, e.g.

91 ____ horn 94 Judges to be 97 Use as a bed

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98 Mom-to-aunt term 101 Actress Mason 103 Journalist/columnist Carl 105 France : madame :: Italy : ____ 107 Request for permission 109 Showing few lights, as cities

during WWII 112 Follow 113 Beeper from “a long time ago,” informally 114 Speaker of this puzzle’s “double quote” 115 Have another crack at 116 Long 117 Humorist Bombeck 118 Spotted (containing the last part

of the “double quote”)

DOWN 1 Like vindaloo 2 Golfer Palmer, to fans 3 Health care giant 4 Disputed North Pole visitor 5 Sir, in Surrey 6 Emulate 7 Head guy in Hamlet?

8 Draw in 9 Difficult duty 10 Market problem 11 Technology eschewers 12 Not secured, as a gate 13 Reagan-era program, in brief 14 Went over 15 Crosses the sill 16 Pernod flavoring 17 Crowd scenes?

18 “Woman With a Parasol” painter 20 Kikkoman product 25 “Oliver!” director Reed 28 “____ any drop to drink”: Coleridge 31 Repent of 32 Consents to 34 “Bearded” flower 36 Celebrate gloatingly 37 Grown-up pullet 38 Deceptive police op 40 Freight-train component 41 Delicately applies 42 Be deserving of 43 Treated with a preservative, as telephone poles

45 Teen spots 46 Michael’s wife in The Godfather

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Account EXECUTIVES Stephanie Van Horn, Saundra Rinearson Godwin, Elizabeth Riddle, Nathan Ward, Joel Scott

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EDITOR-in-chief Jennifer Palmer Chancellor jchancellor@okgazette.com

93 Private meeting 95 Mazda two-seater 96 Fully enjoy 98 [Bo-o-oring!]

99 Harden 100 Underworld figure 102 Vietnam War copter 104 ____ Flux (1990s animated series) 105 Cotillion attendee 106 Horatian collection 108 Put 110 Gone With the Wind studio 111 Verdi’s “O patria ____”

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S P A C E J U N C T I O N E K E T E D

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L A E N R S O N I R T C A T A N S B E E A V T R I S C L T O T I K I M I M E P U S T N I S A N D S K

Contributors Christine Eddington, George Lang Photographer Garett Fisbeck Editorial & PHotography Interns Keaton Bell, Candice Macis, Hannah Meeske, Erick Perry, Emmy Verdin Marketing & Editorial Intern Ian Jayne

ASSISTANT Circulation Manager Duke Fleischer Art Director Chris Street

Puzzle No. 0710, which appeared in the July 13 issue.

A O R T A

Staff reporters Greg Elwell, Laura Eastes, Ben Luschen

Circulation Manager Chad Bleakley

New York Times Crossword Puzzle answers

Fill in the grid so that every row, column and 3-by-3 box contains thediabolic numbers 1 through 9. www.printmysudoku.com Grid n°18871

Assistant EDITOR Brittany Pickering

Marketing Intern Diondra Ross

Stumped? Call 1-900-285-5656 to get the answers to any three clues by phone ($1.20 a minute).

Sudoku Puzzle Very Hard

Advertising Director Christy Duane, cduane@okgazette.com Account Executive / Advertising assistant Leah Roberts

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70 Record label owned by Sony 72 As soon as 73 Fires (up) 74 “We are always the same ____ inside”: Gertrude Stein

75 Nth degree?

76 Place for a throne 78 It’s all downhill from here 79 “I feel that way, too” 80 Hairsplitter’s objection 83 Storm shower?

84 Homeland network, for short 85 Darling 86 Take a turn for the worse 88 High rollers?

89 Add color to, in a way 90 Lead-in to -itis 91 It may contain bugs 92 Football Hall-of-Famer Bobby

Accounting/HR Manager Marian Harrison Accounts receivable Karen Holmes

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47 One who seems responsible but isn’t 48 Faux sophistication 49 Slam 51 Reform Party founder 52 “Idylls of the King” woman 53 Shaver 55 Without a date 57 Explicitly 58 Med. care options 59 ____ Villa (English football club) 61 Like major generals 62 Pushes 63 Nonhuman 1930s film star 65 Draft picks 66 Gun full of blanks, maybe 67 Shirt ornament 68 Fanta competitor 69 Quarters

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Oklahoma Gazette is circulated at its designated distribution points free of charge to readers for their individual use and by mail to subscribers. The cash value of this copy is $1. Persons taking copies of the Oklahoma Gazette from its distribution points for any reason other than their or others’ individual use for reading purposes are subject to prosecution.

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S A Y E R S

O D O I D U N N S M A D P R E T I O N W E P T O R E S

N O N R E C P O A L I L L X A N R A I S Y N T S A A C T R A I B L O S E N

O R B I T A L

O N E N O T E

L O N G B E D

L I N U S

M O O S E

A N N E S

Print Production Coordinator Ashley Parks Advertising/Marketing Design Coordinator Erin DeMoss Graphic Designer Anna Shilling www.okgazette.com Order mounted or ready-to-frame prints of Oklahoma Gazette covers, articles and photos at okgazette.yourheadline.com 3701 N. Shartel Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73118-7102 Phone (405) 528-6000 Fax (405) 528-4600 Copyright © 2016 Tierra Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

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