Best of OKC

FREE EVERY WEDNESDAY | METRO OKC’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLY | AUGUST 24, 2016

The metro's original, longest-running and only all-local reader's poll!

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Mission statement Oklahoma Gazette’s mission is to stimulate, examine and inform the public on local quality of life issues and social needs, to recognize community accomplishments, and to provide a forum for inspiration, participation and interaction across all media.

Election minority voters Community Oklahoma Women’s Coalition

8 Education SQ 779 10 Education Northeast Task Force

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12 Chicken-Fried News 14 Letters

25 Best of OKC results 53 Visual Arts Outnumbered 54 Visual Arts Allied Arts

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P.25 It’s here! The metro’s original, longest-running and only all-local reader’s poll! This year, Oklahoma Gazette readers cast more than 1 million votes (1,212,084, to be exact) during this year’s Best of OKC poll. That’s a record high and over two times more votes than were cast in last year’s poll. This issue is where you’ll find this year’s roundup of Oklahoma City’s best and favorite restaurants, districts, people, places and entertainment. Thank you, readers, for making this the greatest Best of OKC reader’s poll in our city’s history. Cover design Christopher Street.

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Performing Arts The Liar Culture Geekinomicon OKC Culture Debaroti Ghosh Active UCO Paralympics Active marathon runner Film The Outsiders house Community Ride for Recovery Calendar

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73 Astrology 74 Puzzles Sudoku | Crossword

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For information on entering this week’s Gazette Giveaway see pg. 58

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NEWS

election

Elizabeth Larios, an Independent candidate for House District 54, canvasses a Moore neighborhood. | Photo Garett Fisbeck

Knocking change While the number of minority voters is expected to rise, south OKC politicians go door-to-door, encouraging registration. By Laura Eastes

When Elizabeth Larios volunteered to go door-to-door with Oklahoma voter registration forms, she imagined meeting nonvoters and those who had never before participated in the democratic process.

As she ventured into neighborhoods near Oklahoma City’s SW 29th Street — an area with a vibrant and growing Hispanic community — she was greeted with a range of responses.

At times, within seconds, Larios heard comments like, “My vote doesn’t matter” or “One vote wouldn’t change anything.”

“They would ask, ‘What is voting going to do?’” Larios said.

The longtime Moore resident explained voting was a direct way to influence important issues affecting the community and hold elected officials accountable.

Larios, who is Hispanic, encouraged them to complete the one-page voter registration application and vote in upcoming elections.

Now, as an Independent candidate in House District 54, Larios knocks on doors to share about her own campaign and discusses topics like health care, education and human services with residents in southeast Oklahoma City, Valley Brook and north Moore. She still carries voter registration forms, but she finds many people are registered and ready to vote in the district that begins just 20 blocks southeast of where she tried to mobilize voters years ago.

“It wasn’t hard for me to think of politics when I decided I wanted to make changes,” said Larios, who moved into House District 54 as a sixth-grader after her family relocated from Harrah. “I grew up in a place that encouraged politics ... Had I grown up in southside Oklahoma City, I might not have seen the importance of voting or known of politicians coming to my door.”

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Who will be at the polls?

This November, Oklahoma voters will cast ballots for president, weigh in on myriad state questions and determine numerous state and local races.

In recent years, Oklahoma and other states have struggled to attract voters to the polls. Nationally, voter participation was down for the 2014 midterm elections.

Oklahoma posted the second-lowest voter turnout in the nation as 34.2 percent of eligible voters cast ballots, according to a U.S Census Bureau report.

Nationally, older and wealthier people tend to vote more frequently than the young and the poor, the data shows. Whites and blacks vote more regularly than Hispanics and Asians. Will those trends continue as the American electorate continues to diversify? According to Pew Research Center, 31 percent of the electorate will identify as Hispanic, black, Asian or another racial or ethnic minority in November. Research shows young Hispanics, followed by Asians, are the driving force behind a diversified voting population. Most growth in the electorate has come from naturalizations, or immigrants becoming U.S. citizens.

In Oklahoma, Hispanics comprise a significant and growing portion of the population. U.S. Census data from 2010 recorded 16 percent of Oklahoma County residents were Hispanic, compared to 9 percent a decade earlier.

As reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanic voters posted low voter turnout results, as only 18 percent of eligible Hispanics cast Oklahoma ballots in 2014.

reluctant to vote. Canvassing neighborhoods south of SW 44th Street, Mickey Dollens, Democratic candidate in House District 93, approaches everyone. The 29-year-old visits predominately Hispanic neighborhoods as well as white and Asian communities. Dollens speaks with voters and non-voters, English speakers and nonnative English speakers.

“It all goes back to public education and safety,” Dollens said. “Minority communities want what everyone wants: opportunities, security and the best opportunities for their children.”

Jay Means, the Republican in the race, detailed crime, illegal immigration and high taxes as the issues he hears about from voters. Means has yet to encounter a person uninterested in democracy or a nonvoter.

Further east, in House District 92, Republican candidate Joe Griffin said he speaks with the public about safety, which is a concern among all ages, races and ethnicities. The district runs through parts of south OKC and downtown and weaves into some northwest neighborhoods.

“The stories are the same,” Griffin said.

“They are concerned about jobs, not being able to come home and sleep safe night.

People want a safe place for their kids.”

Forrest Bennett, a Democrat running for the House District 92 seat, introduces himself to residents at their doorstep and asks about their concerns.

“It opens the door to a good conversation and we can really get to the heart of the manner,” Bennett said. “I hear a lot about education, pensions and jobs.”

Bennett describes south OKC as home to many Hispanic families and older, longtime residents. In downtown and into Midtown, the candidate meets younger residents who tend to lean more liberal.

It’s a heterogeneous district, and families and younger voters talk about education. Older voters bring up social security, disability and healthcare, Bennett said.

“You have to know what your district looks like and make sure you are representing the people in your district,” he said.

“What I’ve learned is a lot of people feel like politicians go up to the Capitol, worry about their own issues and not the issues they heard when campaigning.”

Griffin believes elected officials must represent everyone.

“If you only cater to a small base,” Griffin said, “you are disenfranchising the others.”

In 2014, Shane Stone, a construction superintendent, was elected representative of House District 89. The southside OKC district is home to many Hispanic families.

Stone refers to the area as a majority-minority district, meaning a majority of the constituents are part of minority populations. It’s no easy task to represent these communities, explained Stone, who is white. When non-English speakers call his office, he calls them back once a translator can join the call. Additionally, he often attends community events, introducing himself to people and gauging constituents’ attitudes toward state issues.

“As an elected official in a majority minority district, it is very easy to forget about the minorities you represent,” Stone said.

“You have to remember its your job to get those people engaged, let them know about services available from the state, but also let them know their voice will be heard if they get out and vote regularly.”

Voting power

It all goes back to voting. Hispanics, minorities and millennial voters ages 18 to 35, as defined by Pew Research Center, could influence government by casting ballots in November.

Those who don’t vote have reasons ranging from political confusion to untrustworthy politicians.

“I get it,” Bennett said. “Washington and the state Capitol are not doing a whole lot to make the average person enthusiastic about following politics.”

His opponent agreed.

“There is a lot of frustration out there on a local, state and federal level towards politicians who are just willing to kick the can down the road,” Griffin said.

For legislative candidate Dollens, engaging disenfranchised voters has paid off.

His typical campaign speech dives deeper, assembling a new voter and supporter.

“One of the most surprising things I’ve learned is how much people have to say,” Dollens said.

Candidate experiences

Often, candidates campaign door-to-door to build connections with voters as well as mobilize people uninterested in voting or

Democrat Mickey Dollens, who is running for House District 93, walks the neighborhood streets in south Oklahoma City. | Photo Garett Fisbeck

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Unifying for change

Oklahoma Women’s Coalition brings together people and organizations to advocate for women’s rights legislation. By Kara Stewart

Gift Certificates Available

Launched just seven years ago, Oklahoma Women’s Coalition (OKWC) has made an impressive impact on Oklahoma’s legislature, with even more changes anticipated this upcoming year.

Started in 2009 by Jean Warner, Donna Lawrence, Jan Peery and Pat Potts, the coalition serves to unite like-minded individuals and organizations within the state to advocate for the rights of women and girls. Those organizations include YWCA Oklahoma City, YWCA Tulsa, Girl Scouts’ eastern and western Oklahoma chapters and Oklahoma Nurses Association.

OKWC works with its partners across the state to establish coalition priorities before presenting those concerns to lawmakers. Additionally, OKWC hosts educational events to heighten awareness of those priorities and promotes partner events to effectively advocate statewide.

While driving any change is challenging, OKWC specifically focuses on four women’s rights areas: health and wellness, alternatives to incarceration, violence prevention and economic security.

“Unfortunately, Oklahoma is typically in the bottom five states for any factor in any of those areas,” said Danielle Ezell, executive director of OKWC.

Getting graded

The National Partnership for Women & Families organization, which performs comprehensive analysis of each state’s laws and regulations governing paid sick leave, protections for pregnant workers and other workplace rights for expecting parents, released its latest report Aug. 3.

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The Expecting Better report shows Oklahoma, along with 12 other states, received an “F.” OKWC is working to change that.

Last year alone, OKWC worked with Oklahoma lawmakers to pass eight bills.

Five focused on alternatives to incarceration. After analyzing statistics, Ezell said it was apparent where the coalition’s focus should be: “Oklahoma has the highest rate of female incarceration,” she said.

With only 26 counties in the state incarcerating women below the national average, Oklahoma currently has twice the amount of female inmates as any other state. The bills OKWC helped author and pass included House Bill 2479, which “reduces or eliminates minimum sentencing and reduces maximum sentences for convictions under the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act,” and House Bill 2472, which “allows district attorneys the discretion to file a charge as a misdemeanor offense rather than a felony after considering provided circumstances,” according to summaries on OKWC’s website.

Another successful step last year was the passing of Senate Bill 1196, relating to Oklahoma’s Parents’ Bill of Rights, which allows exceptions to parental consent regulations and allows minors to self-consent to sexual assault nurse examiner, or SANE, examinations if they have been sexually assaulted. Previously, due to Oklahoma’s stringent parental rights laws, minors with non-life-threatening injuries could not receive treatment or examinations — including forensic rape kits — by medical professionals without parental consent.

Danielle Ezell, executive director of Oklahoma Women’s Coalition, works to unite groups to advocate for women and girls in the Oklahoma Legislature. | Photo provided

Equal pay

But OKWC isn’t always so successful.

House Bill 2929, or the Equal Pay Act, is a bill that would examine the issue of equal pay. It survived eight days of deliberation and voting before it died on the Senate floor.

“About 60 percent of employers have policies in place preventing or prohibiting employees from discussing pay,” Ezell said.

“It prevents employees from having that discussion, potentially finding out they aren’t making as much and going to their manager to discuss why and what they may need to do, performance-wise, to see that pay increase.”

While there are laws in place that protect employees up to a management level regarding salary discussions, they lack protections for employees above management level, Ezell explained. HB 2929 would protect all employees discussing compensation and increase previously established fines.

Looking forward

From the concerns being presented by the network this year, Ezell said OKWC also plans to focus its attention toward the economic security sector. As a part of that, OKWC leadership remains hopeful that HB 2929 will be introduced again next year.

“We’ve already seen some opposition,” Ezell said, “but we’ve seen a lot of support for it as well.”

Already this year, OKWC has seen some success with its priority areas; in February, Gov. Mary Fallin signed an executive order directing state agencies to eliminate questions about prior felony convictions from initial employment applications.

OKWC also joined with nonprofit and state organizations to successfully prevent elimination or cuts to the child/childcare tax credit.

“I definitely think equal pay and paid family leave are two very exciting things I think that we’re going to see on the horizon,” Ezell said.

Learn more about Oklahoma Women’s Coalition at okwc.org.

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Money matters Lottery payoff is questioned as voters begin to consider a state question regarding a tax increase for education. By Laura Eastes

More than a decade ago, Oklahoma voters approved two measures to cash in on state lottery revenue and send relief to cashstarved public schools. Voters were persuaded to vote yes on the lottery as lawmakers touted it as a chance “to do something big for education.”

The 2004 lottery proposal, authored by state Sen. Brad Henry, promised as much as $300 million annually would be deposited into the state’s Education Lottery Trust Fund. The funds were to be distributed to common education, higher education and CareerTech. The school consolidation and assistance fund and the teachers’ retirement system also benefited.

Now, in 2016, Oklahoma voters are once again faced with a measure to direct funding to education, which has suffered in recent years after repeated budget cuts at the state level. State Question 779 asks November voters to decide whether to raise the state’s sales and use tax by 1 percent to support investments in public education, CareerTech and higher education. The tax increase calls for pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade teacher pay raises of $5,000.

It comes before Oklahoma voters on the Nov. 8 ballot. In the months leading up to the vote, a common question of debate is, Where have Oklahoma’s lottery funds been during the recent education funding crisis?

Oklahoma education has received $755.5 million in aid since its inception, according to Oklahoma Lottery data.

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watched the state’s Education Lottery Trust Fund, which averages about $60 to $70 million a year. Gene Perry, the institute’s policy director, said the fund has pumped funding into Oklahoma’s prekindergarten through high school classrooms; however, the dollars are far less than those cut from other revenue sources.

“The lottery has been helping some, but many of the other revenue sources for schools have been cut significantly,” Perry said. “The lottery is not enough for what has been cut.”

For this current fiscal year, $2.4 billion was allocated to the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Lottery funds comprise $23.3 million of the common education funding.

The national recession hit just four years after state voters approved the lottery. The economy’s downward spiral also negatively affected public education, as the state’s investment has wavered between $2.33 billion and $2.572 billion over the past eight years.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the Sooner State leads the nation for the largest cuts to general school funding since the start of the recession. After inflation, the state’s per-pupil funding is down by 24.2 percent since 2008.

Oklahoma schools are supported mostly through state and local funding, with some federal dollars. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a well-known research institute issuing reports on government policies, also found state and local funding combined dropped 10.1

for Oklahoma’s schools. Fees collected by the state are deposited into Oklahoma’s general revenue fund and the Education Reform Revolving Fund, also known as the 1017 fund. In a study commissioned by the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, tribal gaming reached $1 billion in contributions to education during the fall of 2015.

Protective language

Over the last decade, lottery funds failed to become the revenue source many anticipated. | Photo Gazette / file

percent since 2008 when taking inflation into account.

Lottery payoff

Oklahomans haven’t forgotten the claims of lawmakers. As governor, Henry stated lottery sales would generate as much as $300 million in new education funding.

However, political analysts and educational leaders come to similar conclusions on low lottery revenues. Henry’s original lottery plan included video gaming, which was removed to win legislative support.

Notably, Oklahoma voters also approved Oklahoma’s State-Tribal Gaming Act, paving the way for American Indian tribes to operate electronic amusement games and electronic instant bingo games, which have boomed over the last 12 years.

“Many people would rather gamble than scratch a lottery ticket,” said Shawn Hime, Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA) executive director.

When lottery dollars were first distributed to the state Department of Education, Hime served as assistant state superintendent. By law, 35 cents of every dollar spent on a lottery ticket goes to education.

Of those 35 cents, 45 percent goes to common education, specifically distributed through the state funding formula.

Lottery funds benefit school districts, but not as a baseline-funding stream, Hime said. At the headquarters of Yes for State Question 779, campaign volunteers often field questions about the lottery and its mission to fund public education.

“I don’t think the lottery was ever intended to be the fix for education,” said Amber England, Stand for Children Oklahoma executive director and supporter of State Question 779. “I am afraid it was sold that way, but it never generated enough revenue. I think the intention was great, in terms of creating a stable revenue source of education.”

Tribal gaming also is a funding source

Like the lottery, supporters of the 1 percent tax increase for public education included supplant language in the ballot initiative.

If voters approve the sales tax increase, the funds are in addition to already-allocated education funding.

“For lack of a better word, it’s a lockbox,” England said when describing the ballot measure. “It is protecting the funding and making sure it goes exactly where voters intended it to.”

In recent years, Oklahoma’s education funding has waved in and out of cuts.

However, the Board of Equalization hasn’t supplanted those cuts with lottery dollars, Perry said.

“How it works is the Legislature hasn’t targeted education more than another state government agency,” Perry said. “It doesn’t count as supplanting when education is actually being relatively protected, only getting a 3 to 4 percent cut as other agencies take much higher cuts.”

Real fixes

The lottery is often a topic of debate at the state Capitol. Some argue increasing cash prize amounts would generate more sales and generate more revenue for education.

Others propose legislation to review the state’s lottery system.

While the lottery has not provided the financial boom it promised, it has generated a funding source for education. To truly fix Oklahoma’s education funding crisis, all revenue streams and tax policies must be examined, Perry said.

“The lottery and State Question 779 are backed by real revenue, which is vital to any proposal,” Perry said. “There are other [proposals] that say move money around to fix schools, but the money is simply not there. Unless you have a new revenue source behind it, we are not going to be able to improve education.”

Improving Oklahoma’s education system and correcting funding gaps will take statewide conversations among educators, lawmakers, parents, business leaders and civic leaders, Hime said.

OSSBA supports State Question 779 but hopes to see continual efforts to boost education. The sales tax proposal is a step, but not the magic bullet.

“What do we want our schools to look like? What do we want high school graduates to look like? How do we get there?

What are the resources necessary to offer that first-class education that we want?”

Hime asked. “It has to include a highquality teacher in the classroom and today’s technology. That’s what we have been missing in the past. … Instead of talking about the money, let’s talk about the resources we need.”

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e d u c at i o n

Teacher Alexis Daniels works with students at FD Moon Academy in northeast Oklahoma City. | Photo Gazette / file

Equal education The Northeast Task Force was created to redress student underperformance in Oklahoma City Public Schools. By Laura Eastes

Just months after Ruth Veales was sworn into office, the newly elected Oklahoma City Board of Education member listened as district leaders presented data illustrating an academic achievement gap between white and minority students.

“Black students were flatlined as far back as I could see the data, which was eight to 10 years,” Veales said as she described the report presented at a spring 2010 board meeting.

Months earlier, when Veales campaigned for the District 5 seat, which represents the northeast section of Oklahoma City and Spencer, she focused on issues of school safety, increasing parental involvement in schools and improving relations between administrators and parents.

Raising literacy and high school graduation rates also were priorities.

We didn’t come to this point overnight. ... This is not a quick fix.

Ruth Veales The data presented was disconcerting to Veales, who represents a large majority of the district’s black students. Veales recalled saying, “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” as she urged board members and district leaders to act in order to raise the achievement level for every single subgroup and, at the same time, close the achievement gap between white and minority students.

Over the last six years, District 5 schools have taken on more than their share of challenges. The schools are located in some of 10

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Oklahoma City’s poorest neighborhoods, and a high majority of its students qualify for free or reduced breakfasts and lunches.

The elementary schools hold some of the district’s highest student mobility rates, which refers to the frequency of students leaving a school. A majority of the schools post fewer hours of parent and patron volunteerism than other district schools.

School counselors split their time amongst the elementary schools to meet students’ needs since they lack a full-time counselor dedicated to their school.

District 5 students score below the state average in math, reading, science, social studies and writing proficiency.

“Here we are now in 2016,” Veales said.

“We are moving close to 20 years with the same results in this district. That is alarming to me.”

New creation

Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) is pivoting in a new direction, mostly due to the impetus of Aurora Lora, who became the district superintendent in July. Often, Lora touches on her own experience graduating from a low-performing El Paso, Texas, high school when describing her perseverance to improve educational outcomes in schools deemed chronically failing. Before she was named to the superintendent post, Lora served two years as OKCPS’ associate superintendent, overseeing curriculum and monitoring student achievement.

At the July 18 board meeting, Lora first introduced the concept of the Northeast Task Force, a group instructed to closely evaluate the district’s implementation of The Great Commitment to benefit African-American students and provide constant and transparent communication to the northeast school community.

Beginning next month, 20 selected individuals will begin meetings to examine 11 schools and study successful urban education models. Educators, parents, students, community leaders and partners will serve on the task force.

“This is a group that, over the course of September to December, will look at highpoverty and high-performing schools from across the country,” Lora said during the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of Schools luncheon Aug. 17. “[The task force] will make recommendations about what they think it will take to improve our schools in northeast Oklahoma City, in terms of school structure and options, academic supports and wrap-around services.”

The district is accepting applications through Friday and is seeking community members to review Northeast Academy for Health Sciences and Engineering Enterprise, Star Spencer High School, Frederick A. Douglass Mid-High School, Rogers Middle School, FD Moon Academy, Willow Brook Elementary, Spencer Elementary School, Green Pastures Elementary, Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, Thelma R. Parks Elementary and Edwards Elementary School.

“It is a step in the right direction,” Veales said. “It is a step we should have taken a long time ago, but we can’t do anything about the past.”

New approaches

studies, science and writing below state averages, according to data from the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability.

The state data shows a majority of students did not test proficiently on state tests for third-, fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders.

Martin Luther King Jr. students were furthest from the state average on the thirdgrade math exam. Only 5 percent of students were deemed proficient or above, compared to the state average of 71 percent.

At the high school level, 6 percent of Douglass students and 8 percent of Northeast students earned proficient or above scores on the End of Instruction biology exam.

“We didn’t come to this point overnight.

It’s going to take a lot of work, dedication and sustainability in order to be successful.

This is not a quick fix,” Veales said before stating advice to the future task force members. “You must have energy and the mindset to be open to what you think you know about education.”

Veales, who also serves on the National School Boards Association’s Council of Urban Boards of Education, believes the task force should look into nontraditional education models. Past one-size-fits-all approaches to education programs do not work uniformly across the whole district.

The task force must be steadfast and candid in their conclusions and recommendations to the district’s board and administrators. It falls upon the board and administrators to implement recommended measures, said Jacobs.

“We can’t dance around the issues,” Jacobs said. “My hope is that everyone who is part of the task force is ready to have courageous conversations — realistic and honest conversations about what the barriers are and how we remove them.”

Veales is hopeful the task force’s recommendations will provide the basis for a plan to direct resources to more equitably serve all students. She is tired of seeing disproportionate achievement gaps among minority students, a trend that, if it persists, does so to the detriment of the entire district.

“Until we can educate every child, we will continue to be at a deficit in Oklahoma City Public Schools,” she said. “That is the mindset we all must take. Until we look at it from a holistic perspective, we will never, as a district, be where we need to be.”

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When school board members speak about the Northeast Task Force, there is a sense of urgency, even among those representing schools across town. Test scores coupled with racial disparities in school suspensions and lack of supports illustrate the district’s struggle to meet students’ needs, explained board member Carrie Coppernoll Jacobs.

“When you see a whole quadrant of the city failing, that’s not a problem with the children,” said Jacobs, who represents schools located in both northwest and southwest portions of the city. “That is a problem of adults. We have to fix it. When you look at test scores that are abysmal for a whole quadrant of town, that doesn’t mean that the children are incapable of learning. It means what we are providing is not working.”

For the 2014-15 school year, seven elementary schools in northeast Oklahoma City posted scores in math reading, social

A student at their locker inside FD Moon Academy, one of the schools to be examined through the Northeast Task Force. | Photo Gazette / file

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Shocking honor

Earlier this month, a retired Elk City teacher shocked his peers and the community after he “honored” another longtime agriculture teacher by presenting the African-American instructor with a white robe and hood and a confederate flag.

An anonymous letter detailing retired agriculture teacher Larry Long’s behavior hit news outlets and social media after the Aug. 2 meeting cosponsored by CareerTech, which included several hundred guests, KFOR.com reported.

“He went so far as to present the gift of a KKK sheet and hood to one African-American in the room,” KFOR.com quotes from the anonymous letter. “He gave another teacher a gift of pig manure and made comments on how one person dressed gay… Most people in the room were in shock and offended by his comments and actions. Several got up and left.”

Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology spokesperson Paula Bowles confirmed an investigation into the allegations was ongoing, KOCO.com reported.

An Aug. 12 KFOR.com story said Long apologized for his remarks and that Elk City Public Schools is planning a meeting to consider removing Long’s name from an agricultural building they recently named after the former teacher.

“I never intended to convey any racist actions or comments,” read part of a statement from Long. “I realize now that what I said and did was harmful, offensive and hurtful. I have always been committed to teaching students equality, fairness and justice. I am deeply sorry that my actions have brought these values into question.”

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Water settlement

It’s unlikely that most Oklahoma City residents have visited Sardis Lake, a reservoir located in both Pushmataha and Latimer counties.

It’s a good three-hour drive into southeastern Oklahoma before arriving at the lake about five miles outside Clayton.

However, the lake comes up in many talks about the future of OKC’s water.

It’s a topic that spurs debate and resulted in multiple court filings, including a 2011 lawsuit by Chickasaw and Choctaw tribes.

The tribes argued Oklahoma Water Resources Board “had no right to consider an offer to use water from traditional Native American homeland.”

The state countersued, hoping for a ruling outlining where the tribes’ rights began and ended, according to the Associated Press.

On a sunny August day, leaders from the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations, along with state and OKC officials, announced there was no need for court action.

According to StateImpact Oklahoma, the 88-page agreement brings tribal leaders to the table on important future water issues and gives OKC the opportunity to pump water from Sardis Lake for residents.

Additionally, the tribes agree to drop their claims of ownership and control over the water in southeast Oklahoma.

Before any leader crosses the conflict off their “To Do” list, federal lawmakers must take a look.

The agreement will become final with Congressional approval.

Rooster row

Cock-a-doodle-don’t pretend 2002 was the end of cockfighting in Oklahoma.

Despite the passage of State Question 687 (aka The Oklahoma Ban on Cockfighting Act) in November 2002, the bloodsport retains popularity in the Sooner State.

Oklahoma City Police arrested 37-yearold Pablo Marquez near Trosper Park after receiving complaints about cockfighting in the area.

According to reports, when police searched the wooded property near 2300 SE 36th St., they found several roosters with clipped spurs, sharpened metal gaffs which are commonly attached to birds’ legs in cockfighting and a dirt arena scattered with feathers.

They also found Marquez, who claimed ownership of a stall on the property that included gaffs, antiseptic sprays used to treat wounded birds and other items associated with cockfighting, according to police.

According to the Oklahoma Supreme

on The Book of Mormon, would they be allowed to promote it?

What about productions and events that nonreligious groups might find offensive? Who determines what is offensive?

Strait Wrap

Court Network, Marquez has not been charged with a crime and is out of jail on bond.

SQ 687 made it a felony to instigate or encourage cockfighting; keep places, equipment or facilities for cockfighting; aid or assist in cockfighting; and own, possess, keep or train birds for cockfighting.

If 2002 sounds way too recent for this law to be passed, it is.

Oklahoma was the 48th state to outlaw cockfighting, which means we beat Louisiana, the last state to pass a ban, by five years.

Public demon-stration

On Aug. 15, hundreds of Christians gathered outside Civic Center Music Hall and downtown as a small congregation of devil worshippers performed two rituals in front of a 100-seat theater not even a quarter full.

Many were upset that an event they

see as a mockery of their faith was allowed to be held at the municipal building, though event organizers paid to rent the space and for Civic Center advertising.

Amazingly, the metaphysical conflict did not keep the sun from coming up the next day.

To the human eye, everything was as it was before. Many people in the city have already forgotten it ever happened.

The office of Mayor Mick Cornett, responding to a public statement from Archbishop Paul Coakley of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, told NewsOK.com the city would review the Civic Center’s advertising and promotion policies for the future.

Chicken Fried-News is afraid Cornett and the city would be opening up a can of worms if they choose to restrict or block paid advertising from private renters.

Where would the city draw the line for promotion? If a local group wanted to put

If all of the bad and sometimes downright terrifying news coming out of Oklahoma County Jail has you feeling a little panicky, you can now breathe a sigh of relief because The Wrap is here to save us all.

Not really.

It’s actually here to restrain inmates who might hurt themselves or others and is only supposed to be used as a last resort.

Inmates subjected to The Wrap are first handcuffed while laying facedown.

Their ankles and legs are strapped, and then a harness is put around their chest and hooked to their handcuffs and then their ankles.

It’s sort of like a full-body straight jacket without all the psychoanalysis that comes with it.

“It will keep the person from being able to assault the officer either by foot, by fist, by head-bumping,” Sheriff John Whetsel told News9.com. “This restraint

system works.”

News9.com reported the Oklahoma County Jail has three of the devices and they’re to be used to handle “violent, combative inmates.”

Inmates put in The Wrap will be allowed a break during which they may take a walk every two hours.

We here at Chicken-Fried News doubt anyone would be able to stay violent and combative for over two hours, but we’ve never actually been booked into the jail — as far as you know anyway.

MAKING AS MUCH SENSE OF THE 2016 ELECTION AS WE POSSIBLY CAN. 91.7 OKC | 107.5 TULSA | KOSU.ORG

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letters

NEWS the 2013 reforms.

The worker appealed and her case is now pending review. Unmistakably, the Oklahoma Option is working as intended by the legislature.

Chad Whitten Bixby

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.

You first

Fine, then!

As Oklahoma City becomes more communist and shifting fines from tenants to landlords, viewing landlords as endless sources of funding, Oklahoma City is becoming less desirable to Americans and better for socialists.

A tenant parks an RV on the yard for a day and the city notices. Does it fine the tenant, the perpetrator? Of course not. It fines the landlord, who was not at fault in any way, shape or form. Upon getting the letter regarding the fine, I had already evicted the tenant for other reasons, but I still got robbed by OKC. Is this a city for Americans or socialists? Inquiring minds want to know. Of course people who like living off of others see this as a good thing, like MAPS and taxpayer-funded sports programs to which I’m forced to pay for, etc., etc.

Richard Robinson Oklahoma City

Pound the table

For decades, Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation has been synonymous with concepts like disingenuous, fraud, corruption, intellectual dishonesty and even contempt. From the outside looking in, Oklahoma’s old-school workers’ compensation system was viewed as having nothing to do with protecting injured workers and everything to do with enriching the lawyers and medical providers who exercised substantial influence over the process.

Oklahoma managed to create an entrenched, decades-long system run by those intent on handing out awards that defied common sense, without regard to

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law, thereby fostering a gold-rush mentality among workers, lawyers and medical providers.

In 2013 and with the specific intent of creating sweeping reform, the Oklahoma Legislature passed landmark legislation that repealed the Workers’ Compensation Act. It eliminated the one-sided court system and replaced it with an administrative system. The 2013 Oklahoma reform also addressed longstanding problems associated with coverage for preexisting conditions.

In the old-school system, an Oklahoma worker’s non-occupational, pre-existing medical conditions would present no obstacle to obtaining a substantial compensation award.

With the 2013 reforms, compensation for preexisting conditions became limited to those accidents that result in a significant aggravation of the pre-existing condition.

Since passage of the 2013 reforms, Oklahoma Trial Lawyers have worked to challenge these new reforms as unconstitutional. The most recent challenge to the Oklahoma Option is currently awaiting a decision by the Oklahoma Supreme Court in the case styled Vasquez v. Dillard’s.

In that case, the trial lawyers and others have generated mountains of pa-

perwork but have carefully avoided any discussion as to whether any on-the-job injury ever occurred.

For example, court records in Vasquez suggest that there was not a work-related accident. The worker experienced pain while carrying shoeboxes from a retail sales floor to back storage area. The claim was denied.

After five months during which Ms. Vasquez’ attorneys attempted unsuccessfully for the second time to get the Oklahoma Supreme Court to rule the Option unconstitutional, Ms. Vasquez’ attorneys filed an appeal.

Upon receipt of Ms. Vasquez’ appeal, the Dillard’s appeal committee obtained an independent examination from a board-certified family physician who conducted a review of Ms. Vasquez’ medical records.

An examination found that she had pre-existing and degenerative conditions to her cervical spine that were not aggravated by carrying the shoeboxes.

Based upon this report, the appeals committee determined that her medical conditions could not be covered by Dillard’s Option Plan.

There was no work accident because there was no significant aggravation of the pre-existing condition as required by

Two things were omitted in Ms. Dershem’s Letter to the Editor (Opinion, Letters to the Editor, “The Truth,” Carolyn Dershem, April 27, Oklahoma Gazette): not opening with “Once upon a time…” and not closing with “… lived happily ever after.” Just like all fairy tales.

You must realize that the anthropogenic climate change cabal is fraught with fraud, lies, hyperbole and extortion.

None of the breathless predictions have come to pass; they haven’t even come close. The data they use is based on faulty models, fiction and abysmally poor collection techniques.

You assert that Oklahoma needs “a relevant energy industry and an infrastructure that gets the energy to the people who are going to use it.” I would submit that this paradigm already exists in spades. Oil is an international, fungible commodity, and the only reason the United States, of which Oklahoma is one, remains dependent on Middle East oil is a feckless energy policy.

The United States has more oil, natural gas and coal than the rest of the world.

Just because you may prefer avian abattoirs, aka wind and solar, to produce energy, it does not mean the rest of the world will follow.

You realized, of course, that China is putting a coal-fired power plant online every week and European countries are returning to fossil fuels and we put hundreds of thousands of miners out of work.

But I’m a fair, open-minded person.

You may have a magic wand to cause us not to be dependent on carbon-based energy. But I challenge you to show us troglodyte deniers how easy it is.

I’m sure you will have no problem maintaining the same standard of living that you now enjoy.

Pete Lepo Edmond

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EAT & DRINK Roughtail’s Everything Rhymes with Orange is a good pairing beer, as well. The citrus-tinged hops have enough flavor to stand up to big tastes like barbecue or spicy sausages, like chorizo.

Sausage symbiosis

f eat u re

Chili dog, nacho dog and Chicago dog from Chili Dog Express | Photo Garett Fisbeck

Pairing pups

As summer’s heat fades, hot dog fans and beer enthusiasts find the season’s best companions.

By Greg Elwell

Summer is winding down. In Oklahoma, that means it might finally get cool enough for food lovers to light the grill and enjoy their favorite charred meats and vegetables.

prices have increased. Coney Island still shovels hot dogs and plates of spaghetti covered in a Greek-spiced chili to hungry customers.

Dog park

Dog sweaters

Of course, one popular grill inhabitant is found year-round in Oklahoma City no matter the weather.

“People are always looking for the allAmerican chili dog,” said Yolanda Oates, who owns Chili Dog Express with her husband Tyrus.

The restaurant, 329 NW Fourth St., was Tyrus’ “brilliant idea,” she joked. But it must be working, as the pair moved the business from Edmond to Oklahoma City two years ago.

There is no end to Oklahoma City’s appetite for hot dogs, Oates said. Whether it’s over 100 degrees or below freezing outside, about the same amount of business comes through the door.

That taste for grilled dogs also catapulted Gale VanCampen from a small hot dog cart in Bricktown to a massive food truck.

Hot Dog OKC has fans “weinering up” with hot dogs, brats and Frito chili pies almost every night of the week.

VanCampen’s fame spread when her stand became a frequent stop for visiting basketball celebrities, including Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.

But this obsession has been long-brewing. Downtown favorite Coney Island Hot Dogs started business in 1924. It has changed owners (and buildings) since then, moving to 428 W. Main St. during the rush of Oklahoma City’s urban renewal in the late 1960s.

The menu hasn’t budged even though 16

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Company’s Pale Ale are good fits in that category, he said. Though it’s a little higher in alcohol content, Mounger also recommends Anthem Brewing Company’s Golden One, a Belgian-style blonde ale with a fruity finish.

That big punch is what makes Golden One work well with bold, spicy flavors.

Mounger said he’s a “hops head” when it comes to beer, so he loves the sharp and bitter bite of India Pale Ales like COOP’s F5 IPA and Anthem’s IPA. Like a knife, these beers can cut through the richness of fatty grilled fare like hot dogs and burgers.

Whether cooking them or pairing them, the spicier sausages call for the smooth, clean flavor of lager. To boil before grilling, be sure to puncture the skin on bratwurst, allowing the beer to get in and mix with the meat. Then a quick turn over the coals will give each link a pleasant crispiness and a tasty char.

Look for Anthem’s OK Pils, but maybe don’t waste it on the boiling. Drinking this malty brew is easy in the heat and a good way to quench the thirst brought on by a pile of dogs.

Lagers and pilsners are also a sure bet for lighter fare, including chicken, fish and veggies. Heavier beers, like stouts, can drown out the lighter flavors and sweetness of less fatty dishes.

The real test is what tastes best to the person eating and drinking. Whether it’s a local craft beer, a light national brew or nonalcoholic concoctions like an Arnold Palmer, it’s all about finding the right balance for the crowd’s tastes.

That’s why it’s always a good idea to stock a variety of beers and other beverages when planning a cookout.

If chili wasn’t hot enough, more than a few metro joints are trading in a carnival favorite: the corn dog.

It’s the foundation of Deep Deuce’s Anchor Down, 30 NE Second St., where the staff dips dogs made from beef, chicken, cheese and even — shudder — vegetables.

Guard Dog ($8) is a field roast sausage dipped in vegan masa batter with maple mustard for dipping.

If those flavors sound outrageous, watch out for Norman’s Diamond Dawgs, 753 Asp Ave., which serves up the wonderful Wonderboy ($4.49).

A hot dog dipped in Cap’n Crunch batter gives it a sweet-savory balance that tastes better than a bowl of cereal at breakfast.

And much like its cinematic origins, Wonderboy takes customers’ taste buds deep into the stands.

Paired up

However, man cannot live by dog alone.

In these summer months, he (and she) also need beer.

Local beer enthusiast Emerson Mounger, better known on Twitter as @405beergeek, said his favorite beer for grilling out is a nice ale.

“They typically aren’t too high on the ABV (alcohol by volume), and they are lighter than a style that uses more malt,” he said.

Local favorites COOP Ale Works Horny Toad Blonde and Roughtail Brewing

A lineup of local beers on tap at TapWerks Ale House | Photo Gazette / file

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EAT & DRINK

f eat u re

COOP taproom and warehouse manager Aaron Cross pours a cold beer. | Photo COOP Ale Works / provided

Heavy pour

Local breweries scramble as ABLE Commission reinterprets SB 424’s impact on taprooms selling cold, strong beer. By Greg Elwell

What was planned as a celebration might now be a protest after Oklahoma’s Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission decided Senate Bill 424 does not give breweries the ability to sell beer for consumption in their taprooms.

Both COOP Ale Works, 4745 Council Heights Road, and Anthem Brewing Company, 908 SW Fourth St., expected to welcome crowds of fans with pints of fullstrength beer Friday when SB 424 goes into effect.

The planning began July 29, when ABLE officials met with brewers and seemed to say local beer makers could serve their creations in taprooms, said COOP director of sales and marketing Sean Mossman.

“In our first meeting with ABLE after

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the law was passed (signed by Gov. Mary Fallin June 6), their interpretation was that consumers would not be able to purchase beer for on-premises consumption, but could buy it to take off-premises,” he said.

“Two weeks ago, they agreed the law did intend to allow for on-premise consumption.”

But that changed Aug. 18 when brewers meeting with ABLE were told the agency had reversed its decision once again and would not allow consumers to drink fullstrength beer in the taprooms.

Shortly after that meeting, Mossman said the decision hit them hard.

“At this point, we don’t know what to do,” he said.

Clarity sought

As news spread of the enforcement change, ABLE began receiving calls from breweries and consumers.

At ABLE’s regularly scheduled meeting Aug. 19, director A. Keith Burt said he was taking the advice of ABLE’s legal counsel and asking for guidance from state Attorney General E. Scott Pruitt on interpretation of the law.

According to the bill, those with a brewer’s license can “sell beer produced by the licensee to consumers twenty-one (21) years of age or older on the premises of the brewery; and to serve free samples of beer produced by the licensee to visitors twentyone (21) years of age or older.”

That means breweries can sell canned or bottled beer or sealed growlers of beer direct to consumers, but it does not explicitly say that breweries can sell beer for consumption in their taprooms, Burt said.

“Two weeks ago, I didn’t know they wanted on-premises consumption,” he said.

“If it’s not spelled out, you can’t do it.”

Legislative intent

Bill co-author Rep. Cory Williams, D-Stillwater, told commission members at the meeting the intent of SB 424 was always to put local breweries on a level playing field with local wineries, which can directly sell wine to consumers in tasting rooms and sell glasses of wine for drinking on-premises.

Burt said that while the authors’ intent was clear, he was not sure if the legislature that approved it intended the bill to be interpreted that way.

Williams said one problem with proving legislative intent is that there was not a lot of talk needed on the House floor to get SB 424 passed because legislators view the craft brewing industry as “the darlings of the alcohol reform era.”

Several brewers said they came to Oklahoma City specifically to open a taproom. Ross Harper, who is working on Angry Scotsman Brewing, and Bruce Sanchez, who is weeks away from opening Twisted Spike Brewing Co., said the current ABLE stance on SB 424 would have a significant impact on businesses’ ability to hire staff and repay construction loans.

Prairie Artisan Ales, brewer of popular Bomb! beer, recently announced plans to

start brewing at 3 NE Eighth St. by spring 2017.

Prairie Artisan Ales was acquired by Krebs Brewing Co., based in Krebs, OK, in June. The business is best known for making the classic Choc beer. President Zach Pritchard said the passage of SB 424 was integral to the decision to open a brewery and taproom in Oklahoma City.

Parties paused

Though the taprooms at COOP and Anthem will remain open and serving low-point beers, the sudden shift in interpretation has squelched plans for celebrations.

COOP will still hold a party 4-8 p.m.

Friday in its taproom to celebrate the release of its seasonal Oktoberfest beer, but it will be unable to fill the 50 special oneliter German beer boot glasses it will sell at the event.

“We intended to have a celebration of the new law,” Mossman said. “Now we may have to have a call-to-action from craft beer fans.”

The brewery is also giving away a trip for two to the Oct. 8 Great American Beer Festival in Denver, including festival tickets, round-trip airfare from the nearest local airport to Denver, hotel and a $100 Visa Gift Card for meals.

Anthem’s taproom event runs 5-9 p.m.

Friday and all day Saturday, said president and head brewer Patrick Lively, though without the ability to pour any beer higher than 3.2 ABV. Local designer MENT Apparel is selling a new T-shirt to commemorate SB 424 going into effect, and food truck Murphy’s CookShack is selling barbecue Friday.

The taproom is open noon-9 p.m.

Saturday. Mim’s Bakery and The Flying Pig BBQ trucks will be on hand 5-9 p.m.

Anthem’s taproom also hosts the third Good Time Fun Show comedy event 7-9 p.m. Saturday with comedians Mac Blake, Kath Barbadoro, Aaron Brooks and Matt Raney.

Craft beer bar Oak & Ore, 1732 NW 16th St., is still moving forward with Oklahoma Tap Liberation Tour Friday, regardless of the decision. Tickets for the free OKC Party Bus tour of local breweries are available on eventbrite.com, but seating is limited.

b rie f s By Greg Elwell

Guests crowd in for beer and food at last years’ Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s ARTonTAP. | Photo Oklahoma City Museum of Art / provided

•Tap that Beer lovers rejoice: It’s lucky year 13 for ARTonTAP, Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s annual beer-tasting event. Tickets to the Sept. 23 party went on sale Aug. 19.

This year’s event features more than 80 beers to try from local brewers Anthem Brewing Company, Belle Isle Brewing Company, Bricktown Brewery, COOP Ale Works, Marshall Brewing Company and Roughtail Brewing Company as well as national and international brands from Capital Distributing, Oklahoma Beer Imports, Paragon Brands, Premium Brands Wine & Spirits, Quality Beverage Company and Rahr & Sons Brewing Company.

Food from Museum Cafe, Brown Egg Bakery, James E. McNellie’s Public House, Old Germany Restaurant and Texadelphia will also be served.

Guests will be able to view the museum’s exhibits and enjoy the Heineken USA Roof Terrace Beer Garden overlooking the city.

ARTonTAP sells out of its 800 tickets almost every year. Tickets are $45-$50 for nonmembers and are available at okcmoa.org.

Museum marketing and communications director Becky Weintz said the event is so popular with the staff that many buy tickets to attend as guests and show off the museum.

Funds raised support the museum bringing in exhibitions like Matisse in His Time.

Yukon territory

Though it opened earlier this year, Yukon restaurant and coffee shop Dérailleur celebrates its official grand opening during Labor Day weekend.

The modern American restaurant, 10 W. Main St., Suite 100, is the passion project of owner Richie Bean, who moved to Yukon when he was 16. After serving in the Marine Corps, he returned and decided he wanted to revitalize Main Street, which was an important area for him during high school.

Free events, including bounce houses and obstacle courses for children, a car show, food trucks and shaved ice, are scheduled Sept. 2-3. Jeff Dodgen, The Main Liners and The Lonelys perform Sept. 2, and Matt Cowell, Tequila Songbirds and Steelwind perform Sept. 3.

There will also be activities all weekend at The Paint Mill next door.

The sixth annual tour stages local and regional competitions across the nation, including a stop at Sam’s Club, 6521 SE 29th St., in Midwest City. One of five regional qualifying events, teams compete for a slot in the Sam’s Club National BBQ Championship Oct. 1 in Bentonville, Arkansas. The championship includes a $50,000 top prize. Visit kcbs.us/samstour for more information.

The Midwest City competition is more than a qualifier for teams; it also gives the public a look inside the grills of championship barbecue chefs.

Michael McDearman will demonstrate grilling techniques and let the public sample the finished product.

Non-competing guests are encouraged to attend between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Visit kcbs.us/samstour.

•Tasty tour

Twenty-thousand bucks will buy a lot of ribs.

That’s how much barbecue teams in Midwest City vie for Sept. 24 when Sam’s Club National BBQ Tour comes to town.

Sanctioned by Kansas City Barbeque Society, the world’s largest barbeque competition organization, the event pits teams against one another to create the best chicken, pork ribs, pork and beef brisket.

Photo KCBS-Sam’s Club National BBQ Tour / provided

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re v iew

EAT & DRINK

Cafe culture

Classic diner fare gets a personal touch at Stevie’s Cafe.

By Greg Elwell

Massive, fluffy biscuits toe the line between solid and gas. Break one open 6072 S. Western Ave. and it feels like it could float facebook.com/steviesokc | 405-631-8300 away, which is why customWhat works: Chicken-fried steak and ers must quickly apply a biscuits and gravy are utterly fantastic. liberal dose of creamy, What needs work: The decor needs peppery sausage gravy. updating, and the bathrooms could use a Like the best diners, good mopping.

Stevie’s knows how to cook Tip: Pay attention to the specials. Sometimes an egg. Order them up fried the best items are only up for a day or two. easy or soft scrambled and bask in the glow of a perfectly prepared breakfast Great meals often appear on the way to staple. Even the sausage something else. patties were done just right.

The culinary growth of Oklahoma City Too often, sausage is an afterthought means driving its streets can be a blessing that becomes an immediate regret when and a curse for a food lover. Put on a blindcustomers take a bite of a rock-hard ground fold, spin around and shoot an arrow in pork hockey puck. But these thin discs any direction and there’s a good chance it retained a delicate texture that gave way easily to being cut with a fork but held towill seriously wound someone. Arrows are sharp and dangerous. gether when lifted to the lips. It might seem But the arrow will probably also hit like a little thing, but it’s one that shows three good restaurants on the way to an the cooks know what they’re doing.

Some folks do not care about meat, or involuntary manslaughter conviction.

There’s no diner worth spending a dime perhaps they’ve been hurt before and must in the slammer, but Stevie’s Cafe, 6072 S. guard their hearts. But for those who Western Ave., comes close. cannot restrain or repress their emotions, The soundtrack, according to the waitStevie’s has Meat Lover’s ($7.49). staff, is a reflection of the kitchen’s mood As the name suggests, it is meant for on a given day. Based on a few visits, the lovers of meat. Specifically, it’s for people kitchen is full of happy people. who love ham, sausage and bacon alongside And happy people make happy food, a couple of eggs and a heaping helping of home fries. judging by the likes of Hungry Boy ($5.99).

What a name. It would be hard enough to If the name Hungry Boy got a rise, resist ordering this just for the sheer joy seeing a plate with a giant slab of bone-in of looking the server in the eyes and saying, ham is reason for confetti cannons and “I’ll have a Hungry Boy, please.” But the booth-dancing. The texture of the ham food that comes is so deeply satisfying with grill marks across the surface was a Stevie’s could change the name to somedelight. Each bite had a bit of chew, releasthing terrible and it’d still be a best seller. ing more of that salty, slightly sweet flavor “Could I get the Invasive Tax Audit?” mixed with a bit of char.

If the Invasive Tax Audit had a double The home fries are a great side, but if helping of biscuits and gravy, two eggs and Stevie’s is serving it, the macaroni and two sausage patties, then the answer is, cheese is a lock. Restaurants try (and fail) “Yes, yes, a thousand times yes.” to make great mac and cheese all the time,

Stevie’s Cafe

Stevie’s Favorite Spinach Omelet | Photo Garett Fisbeck

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Hungry Boy is a double portion of biscuits and gravy, two eggs and sausage. | Photo Garett Fisbeck

Chicken-fried steak with mashed potatoes, gravy, toast and green beans | Photo Garett Fisbeck

but this simple southside cafe has the recipe down pat.

Given that she put her name on it, Stevie’s Favorite Spinach Omelet ($7.49) seemed like it was worth a shot. What an understatement.

The spinach is not wilted and slimy — a sad state of affairs many restaurants serving spinach seem to think is normal.

It was crisply fried in bacon grease. The omelet held more, of course: big chunks of perfectly cooked bacon, creamy jack cheese and fresh tomatoes.

It’s a rustic omelet in the best sense of the word. Don’t go in expecting a thin crêpe of eggs delicately folded around a bit of filling. Stevie’s serves meals. Anyone who’s hungry an hour after stopping at this restaurant must have forgotten to order, because they do not mess around.

Take the Bacon Waffle ($5.99), but not mine. Leave that one. Get another.

The waffle was airy and crisp, but nice and deep. On top, of course, was the requisite sprinkling of bacon. But dig deeper.

Let the fork sink into the fluffy squares of batter and it will find perfectly cooked

bacon hidden inside the waffle. It’s like finding a bag of money inside a hug — it was so good to begin with, but it just keeps getting better.

Every step of the way, this restaurant goes above and beyond. The service is friendly. The food is delicious. It just feels like home. Except few homes serve a chicken-fried steak ($8.99) as good as the one at Stevie’s.

This hand-breaded beauty has everything a great chicken-fried steak needs.

The crust was crisp and had enough body to hold the gravy, but not so much that it’s all you taste. The seasoning was on the spot, as well, with a nice bite of black pepper. The meat wasn’t quite fork-tender, but it doesn’t take more than a quick chew to make it melt in the mouth.

Stevie’s Cafe is about the best argument one could imagine for wandering about Oklahoma City. Take a drive, with or without a destination, and get lost in this massive city. With a little luck, anybody can find a place this great hidden in plain sight.

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eat & DRINK

Carb countdown

Carbohydrates are a mix of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. How these three elements, so integral to human life, have become demonized in the last few years is a mystery. But no more. It’s time to eschew low-carb and no-carb diets. Put away your paleo cookbooks. Forget about fake sugar.

Embrace the carbohydrate and celebrate these local bakeries that make the simple carb taste so good.

By Greg Elwell Photos Garett Fisbeck

Backyard Bounty Bakery

Big Sky Bread Company

“Perfection cannot be rushed,” says the website for Backyard Bounty Bakery. But those hungry for a great New York-style bagel better rush to order the day before, because the only way to guarantee delivery is to plan ahead. Backyard Bounty’s bagels are the result of a two-day process, including a 24-hour proofing period to ensure greatness. The bagels are boiled before they’re baked, giving each one that signature crust and chewy interior.

Big Sky Bread is full of big flavors for bread lovers. Does it have to be spelled out? This company is not some challah-back girl.

Even if someone is light oat cracked in the head, they need to do what’s rye and recognize this local bakery is turning out some of the best bread in the metro. From spicy jalapeño cornbread loaves to the chewy, nutty pleasures of Mountain Bread, there’s always a good reason to roll into Big Sky.

1235 SW Second St bybbakery.com | 405-397-5388

6606 N. Western Ave. bigskybreadokc.com | 405-879-0330

Brown’s Bakery

1100 N. Walker Ave. facebook.com/brownsbakeryokc 405-232-0363 After talking it over with the dentist and looking at the X-rays, the problem is clear: Instead of one sweet tooth, you’re plagued with an entire mouthful of sweet teeth.

There’s not a cure, per se, but here’s some advice: Go to Brown’s Bakery. Each day, the dedicated staff at Brown’s makes mountains of doughnuts, muffins, cinnamon rolls, cakes, cookies and Danishes.

And if you happen to have a savory tooth in there, the sausage rolls are tasty, too.

New Owner & New Menu

8027 NW 23rd • Bethany • 405.789.7111

Learn to Brew

2307 S. I-35 • Moore • 793-Beer (2337) 6900 N May oKC • 286-9505

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Crimson & Whipped Cream

331 White St., Norman crimsonbakery.com | 405-307-8990 It doesn’t matter if they Boomer sooner or later; customers will always find time for the delectable desserts at Crimson & Whipped Cream. The baking schedule at this gourmet treat emporium changes daily, so make sure it’s the right day to find a coconut cupcake or oatmeal cream pie before heading in. But if a fresh cookie isn’t enough to power you through your schedule, Crimson & Whipped Cream also has a pretty tasty coffee bar.

La Oaxaqueña Bakery 741 SW 29th St. 405-635-0442

Pan dulce literally means “sweet bread,” and it’s a daily delicacy in Mexico. Though it might not be quite as sticky sweet as some baked goods in the U.S., pan dulce at La Oaxaqueña Bakery in Oklahoma City is irresistible. Choose from shell-shaped conchas, “little pigs” called cochinitos and orejas that look like ears, but definitely save room for a churro. Or stray to the restaurant side of La Oaxaqueña and eat one of the best tacos in town.

Prairie Thunder Baking Company

1114 N. Classen Drive prairiethunderbaking.com 405-602-2922 Is that thunder rumbling across the dusty Oklahoma plains? Could a storm finally be on the way to quench the state’s drought?

No, it’s just the sound of hungry stomachs stampeding toward Prairie Thunder in Midtown for one of the bakery’s signature breads. Always changing, but always delicious, its boules, baguettes and loaves are the result of bakers who start early to make OKC’s doughy dreams come true.

Quoc Bao Bakery 2501 N. Classen Blvd.

405-760-6322

Man cannot live by bread alone — people won’t put up with a bread-only diet for long.

But man can absolutely live by Quoc Bao Bakery alone, or even with a roommate.

Quoc Bao can handle any meal. Fresh, hot doughnuts and muffins for breakfast, followed by delightful banh mi sandwiches for lunch (Buy three, get one free!) and crisp, delicate fried eggrolls for dinner. And anyone with an extra banh mi won’t be alone for long.

1 FREE ICE CREAM SODA W/ THIS COUPON EXP. 9/30/16

5805 NW 50th • Warr acres • 603.3997 2106 sW 47th • OKc • 601.2629 OpeN 7 days a WeeK Sunday-ThurSday 11am-8pm • Friday & SaTurday 11am-9pm

125 W Britton rd. ★ oKC ★ 405-840-3474 O kg a z e t t e . c o m | a u g u s t 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

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designs that inspire THANK YOU, OKLAHOMA CITY FOR NOMINATING K&N! K&N INTeRIOR CONsIGNMeNT 3704 N Western | 405.521.0012 2229 NW 138th | 405.749.3500

K&N INTeRIOR FAbRICs 9470 N May | 405.749.1081 K&N URbAN ON MAY 9460 N May | 405.748.8595

LOCALLY OWNeD AND OPeRATeD OPeN 7 DAYs A WeeK 24

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best of okc winners

The metro’s original, longest-running and only all-local reader’s poll!

By Greg Elwell, Ben Luschen, Laura Eastes, Candice Macis, Jennifer Chancellor and Brittany Pickering Photos Gazette staff, file and provided That’s right!

This year, Oklahoma Gazette readers cast more than 1 million votes (1,212,084, to be exact) during this year’s Best of OKC poll.

That’s a record high and over two times more votes than were cast in last year’s poll.

That’s amazing.

This issue is where you’ll find this year’s roundup of Oklahoma City’s best and favorite restaurants, districts, people, places and entertainment. Best weather team? Yep, it’s here. Best farmers market? You know it. Best sushi? Uh-huh!

From best free entertainment to best place to drink after a hard day, Oklahoma Gazette’s 32nd annual Best of OKC reader’s poll results include 129 categories of the best of everything our metro has to offer. (Did we mention they’re the best? Because they are.)

Thank you, readers, for making this the greatest Best of OKC reader’s poll in our city’s history. The best of everything is in your hands. Now, turn the page! continued on page 26

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PEOPLE

the lost ogle

Joey and heather

the lost ogle

Best radio personality or team

Joey and Heather at KYIS KISS 98.9

Last December, Joey Combs and Heather Potter moved their lively and amusing morning show from WiLD 104.9 KKWD-FM to 98.9 KISS-FM. Each weekday morning from 6 to 10 a.m., listeners catch the duo, joined by their producer Nugget, as they discuss OKC happenings, yoga pants, Pokémon GO and Justin Bieber. Testing listeners’ trivia knowledge, the two give away tickets to the hottest events and concerts. Listen for 30 minutes and it’s easy to see why Gazette readers spend their drive time with Joey and Heather.

Favorites: Jack and Ron (KQOB-FM Fun 96.9); Rick and Brad (KATT-FM Rock 100.5); TJ, Janet and JROD (KJYO-FM KJ103 102.7); The Morning Animals (WWLS-FM 98.1)

Best person to follow on social media

The Lost Ogle

With almost 33,000 Facebook likes and more than 41,000 Twitter followers, local fans know The Lost Ogle’s publisher and co-founder Patrick Riley is king of social media. For years, Riley’s “obscure local social blog” has updated readers about Oklahoma’s sometimes backward politics, local TV reporters’ social media selfies and beloved OKC basketball stars. Those blog posts become social media shares, likes and comments. When it comes to social media accounts, The Lost Ogle is where curious metro-area readers go to learn, laugh and indulge in random schadenfreude.

Favorites: Aaron Tuttle, Kevin Durant, Steve Lackmeyer, Floyd Martin

Best local website or blog

The Lost Ogle

On May 13, 2007, TheLostOgle.com debuted as cofounder and publisher 26

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ree drummond

Patrick Riley shared his opinions of the Fox 25 weather crew. The twoparagraph analysis kicked off what has become a nine-year run of sometimes offensive, off-the-cuff, entertaining and funny news and non-news. The Lost Ogle is where many Oklahomans become informed about important public policy decisions, scandals, police body-cam footage, aspiring Mrs. America candidates, Thunder trades, homeless puppeteers and what Lawton rapper Knuckles is dropping. It’s as informative as it is funny.

Favorites: Keep It Local OK, Red Dirt Report, OKCTalk, Daily Thunder

Best local living author

Ree Drummond

It all began with blogging about enchiladas and Alfredo sauce from the kitchen on her family’s Osage County cattle ranch in 2006. A decade later, Ree Drummond is the author of a handful of cookbooks, children’s books and The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels, which chronicles her love story with The Marlboro Man — now her husband. Her titles have appeared on New York Times Best Sellers lists, and she landed a national cooking show called The Pioneer Woman. This Oklahoma redhead shines her spotlight on rural living, proving Oklahomans do eat great, especially when on the ranch.

Favorites: S.E. Hinton, Emily Alexander, Kristi Brooks, Lou Berney

Best big-time Oklahoma singer/songwriter

Garth Brooks

The Yukon-raised musician is a country music legend, which is why Gazette readers voted Garth Brooks the best bigtime Oklahoma singer/songwriter. After all, the Recording Industry Association of America certified Brooks as the topselling solo artist in U.S. history with 137 million albums. When he and wife Trisha Yearwood share any stage, that concert

mick cornett

garth brooks

ryan parrott

graham colton hideaway pizza

instantly sells out. In 2015, Brooks and Yearwood performed seven sold-out concerts at BOK Center in Tulsa. Any chance for an OKC show soon? Gazette readers are hopeful.

Favorites: Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire, Toby Keith

Best local singer/ songwriter (not national)

Graham Colton

For the second year in a row, Gazette readers have chosen Graham Colton as Oklahoma City’s best local singer/ songwriter. Originally from OKC and heavily involved in local events like Red Tie Night, Colton is well-known around town for his music talent and enthusiasm for this city. Outside OKC, Colton’s fans include Oprah Winfrey, who picked up one of his tunes for her Big Give television special. Earlier this year, Colton dropped his newest single, “Life’s What You Make It.” Favorites: Mike Hosty, Samantha Crain, Chelsey Cope, Carter Sampson

Best community leader

Mick Cornett

Oklahoma City Mayor

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett was listed along with Pope Francis, U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren (another Okie!) and comedy writer John Oliver in Politico’s 2015 list of 50 “thinkers, doers and visionaries transforming American politics.” “Mayor Mick” has led the city hall horseshoe since March 2, 2004. He is the first OKC mayor to be elected to a fourth term, and among other top 50 American cities, Cornett also is the longest-serving. He loves OKC and believes in its people. In return, his community believes in him.

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

Best chef

Ryan Parrott of Picasso Cafe

Ryan Parrott knows food and Oklahoma City. At age 19, he served as kitchen manager at Tommy’s Italian-American Grill in Northpark Mall. The gig launched a very successful culinary career and landed him in some of the metro’s top kitchens, including The Petroleum Club, Barry Switzer’s Lighthouse Restaurant, The Mantel Wine Bar & Bistro, Deep Fork Grill and Iguana Mexican Grill.

Now, fans can catch him at Picasso Cafe, where he dishes up anything from quiches to salmon filets.

Favorites: Bruce Rinehart of Rococo, Kurt Fleischfresser of Vast, Jonathon Stranger of Ludivine, Steve Spitz

Best wait staff

Hideaway Pizza several metro locations

Have a question about the stuffed mushrooms? Want to know the difference between The Boz and Da Bomb? Ask Hideaway’s wait staff. No question is too difficult, and no request is too large. No onions on the pizza? No problem. Extra chocolate syrup drizzle on the vanilla bean gelato? You got it.

Hideaway waiters and waitresses know the menu cover to cover. They stand ready to serve and ensure customers visit again and again.

Favorites: Cheever’s Cafe, Charleston’s Restaurant, The Pump Bar, The Metro Wine Bar & Bistro continued on page 28

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PEOPLE

keith and heather paul the pump bar rachel tennyson

susan emberton

continued from page 27

Best bar team

The Pump Bar 2425 N. Walker Ave.

Where else can a customer toss a bean bag sack with one hand and hold a Pussy Cat in the other? It’s not a feline; it’s a cocktail made with bourbon, grapefruit juice, honey syrup and grenadine. The answer is The Pump Bar, a former service station turned hot spot with plenty of outdoor space to drink and play. The Pump Bar’s staff mixes up classic cocktails, pour glasses of wine and tell you all about the $5 beer and shot special.

Favorites: Edna’s, Republic Gastropub, Ludivine, Rockford Cocktail Den

Best waiter or waitress (and their restaurant)

Ted’s #1

Best Mexican Restaurant Del City 5301 Main St. Ste. 117 405-813-8337 Lawton 3807 Cache Road 580-699-8337 West OKC 300 Outlet Shoppes Dr. 405-607-8337 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

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Rachel Tennyson at The Pump Bar

Being a waitress isn’t easy, but Rachel Tennyson makes it look fun. That’s because she really does have a blast.

The Pump Bar’s high-spirited waitress works at one of the city’s most popular gathering places mostly because of its sensational cocktails and lively atmosphere. Any customer who has a question about an appetizer, needs a drink recommendation or wants to know more about the eatery should ask Tennyson.

Favorites: Whitney Wood at Hideaway Pizza on Northwest Expressway, Chris Evans at Oak & Ore, Katherine Ramont at Hideaway Pizza on Northwest Expressway, Eryn Scott at Bellini’s Underground

Best bartender (and their bar)

greeted patrons at the beloved bar as she slid frosty mugs across the counter.

After raising their glasses, guests feel that smooth and satisfying taste of the Lunch Box, a signature drink made with fresh orange juice, amaretto and light beer. Emberton keeps them coming all night long and remembers what you like the next time you visit. Both are good reasons why she is Oklahoma City’s best bartender.

Favorites: Becky Ginn at The Pump Bar, Katie Wicks at Guyutes, Amy Nelms at Red Piano Lounge in the Skirvin Hilton, Chris Barrett at Ludivine

Best business owner (and their business)

Keith & Heather Paul owners of A Good Egg Dining Group

Cheever’s Cafe, Iron Star Urban Barbeque, Red PrimeSteak, Republic Gastropub, Tucker’s Onion Burgers and Kitchen No. 324 are well-known and sought-after OKC eateries. Behind every great restaurant are great people who run the show. For A Good Egg Dining Group, those folks are Keith and Heather Paul. OKC residents are glad the couple ventured into the restaurant scene. Not only are they responsible for some of the city’s best eateries, but they’ve helped a countless number of charities and organizations over the years. A prime example of their generosity is Tucker’s Refill the Community Program, which raises funds for neighborhood schools.

Favorites: Ian & Hailey McDermid (owners of The Pump Bar), Adam & Stephanie Jones, (owners of Paint N’ Cheers), Stephanie Durst (owner of OKC Vapes), Mindy Emmerich (owner of On the Edge with Skulls & Stones)

Susan Emberton

Best local band

Edna’s is legendary, and so is Susan Emberton. For 12 years, Emberton has

Do you realize that The Flaming Lips are Gazette readers’ top local band? Well,

at Edna’s

The Flaming Lips

the flaming lips

jack fowler

lyric theatre of oklahoma

Thanks for Nominating us

Best

dj diverse

thai restaurant | lunch spot the psychedelic rock veterans earned it for 2016. More than three decades ago, The Lips began playing OKC’s Blue Note Lounge. Now, The Lips perform sold-out shows in places like Chicago, London and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Oklahomans are proud of the band’s success and rock genius. Many applaud the group for their commitment to being weird and sticking by their OKC roots.

That’s why this band is Gazette readers’ choice for best local band.

Favorites: My So Called Band, Mike Hosty Duo, Horse Thief, Nicnōs

Best Club DJ

DJ Diverse

What do you get when you give DJ Diverse four hours at a local bar? A wildly successful party. Wondering what one hears during those four hours? DJ Diverse is like a musical chameleon, playing everything including rap, R&B, hip-hop, dance and top 40. DJ Diverse can be found all over town and on the radio waves through Wild 405 Traffic Jam Mix on 104.9 FM. Favorites: Crystal Vision, Blake O, DJ Saad, DJ J20

Best performing arts group (ex: theater company, dance company, orchestral group)

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma shows end the same way. It doesn’t matter if a member of the cast belted out the intense and powerful lyrics of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” during Dreamgirls or a lively version of “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” had the crowd grooving during The Wizard of Oz. Standing ovations are the norm and welldeserved by the theater company known for Broadway-caliber performances.

uptown 23rd district restaurant local restaurant to order to-go kwtv-tv cbs channel 9

Gazette readers agree time and again that Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma is the city’s best performing arts company.

Favorites: Oklahoma City Philharmonic, OKC Improv, Carpenter Square Theatre, Oklahoma City Ballet

Best visual artist

Jack Fowler

Jack Fowler is just what Oklahoma City’s art scene needs. Fowler is known for his portraits and other pop art pieces, which can be spotted in Paseo Arts District galleries or on his social media pages. In the near future, OKC residents and guests could see his work on the back wall of Chevy Bricktown Events Center. Fowler proposes “Bricktown Octopus,” which is sure to bring even more vibrancy to the city’s Bricktown entertainment district.

Favorites: Erin Cooper, Jason Pawley, Adam Jones, Rick Sinnett

Best weather team

KWTV-TV CBS channel 9

When severe weather conditions are imminent, Oklahoma City trusts KWTV News 9 for the report. The station was home base for long-time award-winning meteorologist Gary England, who retired in 2014. David Payne now serves as chief meteorologist and leads the weather team, which includes Jed Castles, Matt Mahler, Lacey Swope, Justin Rudicel, Cassie Heiter and the NEWS 9 StormTrackers.

Whether it be snow, sunshine, sprinkles or a sandstorm, Gazette readers look to KWTV News 9 for the updates.

Favorites: KFOR-TV NBC channel 4, KOCO-TV ABC channel 5, KOKH-TV channel 25 continued on page 30

Thank you for nominating us!

BRICKTOWNBREWERY.COM

BEST BEER SELECTION BEST BRICKTOWN DISTRICT RESTAURANT BEST LOCAL CRAFT BEER BEST PREGAME OR PRE CONCERT SPOT O kg a z e t t e . c o m | a u g u s t 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

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Get Swirled with us

PEOPLE

On the patiO!

Thanks for our nominaTions! cocktail • patio dining pre-game or pre-concert spot post-game or post-concert spot

okc pride festival and parade

richardson homes

Open Daily 11am - 2 am

COrner Of Classen & BOyD, nOrman 329.3330 | themOnt.COm

festival of the arts oklahoma city memorial marathon

continued from page 29

Best local annual event or festival

Festival of the Arts

Thousands visited Bicentennial Park for the 50th anniversary of Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts this past April. Artists from across the country specializing in painting, pottery, photography and more showcase their best works. Metro-area restaurants cook up their best festival-like dishes, some of which are only available at the event.

Hosted by Arts Council Oklahoma City, the festival is a must-see for everyone.

Favorites: Paseo Arts Festival, Oklahoma Pride Festival and Parade, deadCenter Film Festival, Plaza District Festival

RUSTIC ITALIAN FOOD AND ITALIAN WINE

Tues-Thurs 5PM-10PM | Fri & Sat 5PM-11PM Sun 5PM-9PM

Now taking reservations on Open Table 1 block from Civic Center & OKC Museum of Art

Gift Cards Available

305 N. Walker

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405.702.7660

Best charity event

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon

Runner’s World named the Run to Remember as one of the top 12 “must run” marathons in the world. To Oklahomans, it’s a rite of passage to participate in Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon in some way, either by volunteering, participating or supporting a runner.

The race commemorates the lives of the 168 people killed and the survivors of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing. This past spring, participants raised over $1 million for Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

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

Best local homebuilder

Richardson Homes

As Richardson Homes puts it, they don’t just build homes. Instead, they build homes that “open the door to the good life.” The team at Richardson Homes is committed to quality construction and customer satisfaction. Clients are encouraged to describe their dream homes, and the team delivers, which is why it was voted Best Local Homebuilder for the second year in a row.

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

Best LGBT event

OKC Pride Festival and Parade

Oklahoma City’s first Gay Pride parade hit the streets in 1987. Nearly 30 years later, the parade has grown into a threeday event each June with spirited block parties, live entertainment, food, booths and more. The parade is always the highlight, with colorful floats, rainbow flags and lots of cheers from participants.

The festival and parade are hosted by OKC Pride, a nonprofit dedicated to providing leadership to meet the needs of the LGBT community through awareness, health and educational services.

Favorites: Sunday Gospel Brunch at The Boom, Red Tie Night, AIDS Walk OKC, Equality Run

PLACES cookie’s

Festival of the Arts

central oklahoma humane society Plaza Walls project in Plaza District

the blue door

Best place to volunteer

Central Oklahoma Humane Society

groovys

7500 N. Western Ave.

Time is valuable, but the best way to donate it is by helping furry friends.

Central Oklahoma Humane Society saves homeless cats and dogs from euthanasia at local shelters and gives them a second chance through its adoption program.

Whether you’re looking to open your home for foster pets or get down and dirty in the kennels, this nationally recognized organization offers many ways to help. It’s open seven days a week at five locations. New volunteers must attend OK Humane 101 and can register online at okhumane.org.

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

Best free entertainment

Festival of the Arts

Arts Council Oklahoma City 500 Couch Drive

This downtown arts festival has been a spring staple since 1967. Boasting hundreds of visual, culinary and performing arts, this event is a sight to see for the entire family. Performers donate time between three different stages, and juried artists show off skills in paint, woodwork, photography and more. Admission is always free. Children also can take part in hands-on activities.

Favorites: Myriad Botanical Gardens; Bricktown; Sonic Summer Movies at Myriad Botanical Gardens; Sunday Twilight Concert Series, Arts Council Oklahoma City

Best live music club

The Blue Door

2805 N. McKinley Ave.

Dubbed the best listening room in Oklahoma, The Blue Door lives up to the hype. Greg Johnson returned to

chesapeake energy arena

Oklahoma City in 1992 after living in Austin, Texas, for many years as a music journalist and publicist. He began what is an encouraging environment for singer/ songwriters and folk, bluegrass, rock, country and blues musicians. It hosts names like Jimmy Webb, David Lindley and Tom Rush, and guests can enjoy an intimate venue with great music and little pretense.

Favorites: The Blue Note Lounge, Wormy Dog Saloon, The Deli, Opolis

Best concert venue

Chesapeake Energy Arena 100 W. Reno Ave.

Perhaps best known as the home of the Oklahoma City Thunder, this 581,000-square-foot arena also holds more than 23,000 fans. Some of the biggest names in music come to Oklahoma City’s biggest concert venue. Stars like Blake Shelton and Carrie Underwood are set to perform there and regularly do.

The three-tier arena has featured soldout tour stops for Lady Gaga, Cher, Justin Bieber and The Rolling Stones, among many others. Loud City gets loud for basketball and music fans alike.

Favorites: The Zoo Amphitheatre, The Criterion, Civic Center Music Hall, Diamond Ballroom

Best dance club

Groovys

5705 Mosteller Drive

When it comes to dance clubs, there really isn’t anything better than classic disco, strong drinks and regulars who know how to have fun. Gazette readers agree. The throwback music of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s is a hit among this diverse crowd, so be prepared to wait in line. Groovys opens at 9 p.m. but gets packed by 10 p.m. on the weekends. Inside, you might see trendy 20-somethings dancing with people who look like they stepped out of Saturday Night Fever. It’s open Wednesday through Saturday until 2 a.m.

Favorites: The Copa, Kamps 1310 Lounge, Dollhouse Lounge & Burlesque, Club One15

Best karaoke bar

Cookie’s

2304 N. Western Ave.

If you want to hear some of the best karaoke singers in Oklahoma City in a charming little dive bar, then Cookie’s is your place. It has long been known as a fun place to sing and be sang to.

The décor might appear unchanged since the ’70s, but the friendliness of the bartenders and the regulars make Cookie’s a welcoming place to practice your favorite Elvis or Katy Perry song.

The drinks are made well to infuse patrons with liquid courage.

Favorites: Henry Hudson’s Pub, Nancy’s 57th Street Lighthouse, Don Quixote Club, By George’s Tavern

Best public art/mural

Plaza Walls project in Plaza District Northwest 16th Street and Indiana Avenue

The Plaza District has cultivated a mecca of creativity with its unique shops, dining and art galleries. The Plaza Walls project, lead by co-creators and co-curators Dylan Bradway and Kristopher Kanaly, is a natural extension of this creativity.

Since September 2015, hundreds of feet of rotating mural space at 1708 N. Indiana Ave. have displayed more than 30 pieces of public art, essentially turning Plaza District into an open-air art gallery. More than 20 artists have contributed to this transformative visual masterpiece.

Favorites: New Zealand Thunder player Steven Adams mural on The Paramount building in Film Row, Taste of Western murals in Western Avenue District, Cultivation mural at EK Gaylord Boulevard and W. Reno Avenue, Flamenco memorial to John L. Belt in Paseo Arts District continued on page 33

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PLACES bc clark jewelers

rink gallery

Paseo Arts District

bad granny’s bazaar

blue seven

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

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Best place to buy local art

Paseo Arts District

Paseo Street from 28th Street and N. Walker Avenue to 30th Street and N. Dewey Avenue

Each passing decade, Paseo Arts District seems to experience a rebirth. The 1920s brought The Elms, Oklahoma City’s first art studio and gallery. By 1930, the district had its name and became the city’s first retail district located north of downtown. The ’50s and ’60s brought with them business growth, college partiers, jazz venues and freespirit counterculture. The ’70s welcomed Paseo’s growing gallery scene and its first Paseo Arts Festival. The area officially organized when the nonprofit Paseo Arts Association formed in the ’80s. Development continues today as the district boasts restaurants, shops, music venues, art schools, more than 20 galleries and more than 80 artists.

Favorites: Festival of the Arts, Plaza District, DNA Galleries, Paseo Arts Festival

Best museum

Oklahoma City Museum of Art 415 Couch Drive

One-of-a-kind exhibitions like Matisse in His Time: Masterworks of Modernism from the Centre Pompidou, Paris and permanent Dale Chihuly free-blown and sculptural glasswork displays set this museum on the art world’s map.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art connects people and the world around them to art. Its many youth programs cultivate a love for the arts with classes, camps and

bad granny’s bazaar

workshops. Interactive programs like drop-in yoga and glass blowing also are available, and family workshops welcome children as young as 15 months old.

Favorites: Science Museum Oklahoma, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Sam Noble Museum

Best fine jewelry

BC Clark Jewelers 101 Park Ave.

Oklahoma was still Indian Territory when BC Clark opened in 1892.

Operating as the oldest jewelry and retail store under its original name, BC Clark Jewelers has been family owned and operated for four generations.

Today, the full-service jewelry store has multiple Oklahoma City locations that offer designer jewelry, diamond rings, luxury watches, fine china, bridal registry, repair and more.

Favorites: Naifeh Fine Jewelry, Lewis Jewelers, Mitchener Farrand, Huntington Fine Jewelers

Best thrift store

Bad Granny’s Bazaar 1759 NW 16th St.

Search through unique collectibles, vintage clothing, furniture, jewelry and art to find hidden treasures at this charmingly idiosyncratic thrift store.

Bad Granny’s specializes in all things upcycled, recycled, repurposed and gently used. Look for a Halloween costume or find a retro evening gown.

This is the place to find the perfect sweater for this year’s ugly sweater Christmas party. The store is open noon7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Favorites: Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma, Uptown Thrift, Nearly New Shoppe, EARC Thrift shop (Employment & Residential Centers)

Best clothing consignment

Bad Granny’s Bazaar

blue seven

1759 NW 16th St.

This is the best place to buy and sell gently used wearables. Bad Granny’s loves all things retro and vintage, so your grandma’s leisure suits from the ’70s will find good homes if you take them here.

Whether you’re looking to sell a high school prom dress or 1920s jewelry, Bad Granny’s has the consignment market on lock-down. Unique items are appreciated but not necessary there. Trendy clothes are accepted, too.

Favorites: Daisy Exchange, Nearly New Shoppe, Cindy’s Resale, The Bottom Drawer

Best furniture consignment

RINK Gallery

3200 N. Rockwell Ave., Bethany

This huge space acts as an antique store and furniture gallery. You can buy and sell thoughtfully bought French armoires as well as repurposed and repainted coffee tables. This gallery features a variety of vendors and opens seven days a week.

Free hot dogs with chili are known to be served on weekends. Plus, you can meet many sellers of the unique collectibles and furniture around the consignment store on Sundays. Everyone is friendly, so arrive prepared to chat with workers, sellers and guests.

Favorites: RetrOKC, The Green Attic, 2 Doors Down, K&N Interior Consignment

Best men’s clothier

Blue Seven

7518 N. May Ave.

Any man who shops at Blue Seven knows he will be dressed in style from head to toe.

More than a retail shop, this locally owned business supports and promotes Oklahoma artists and designers with its Just OK specialty boutique. Social consciousness is sexy, and Blue Seven values people above all else. Men can choose from a variety of denim jeans, coats, T-shirts, boots, shoes, jewelry, watches, shoes, beard oil, bowties, manicure kits and more.

Favorites: Mr. Ooley’s, S. J. Haggard & Co., TRADE Men’s Wares, Steven Giles

Best women’s clothing boutique

Blue Seven

7518 N. May Ave.

Voters have spoken, and Blue Seven is best for women’s clothing, too! Shop for the latest delicate chain necklaces, bohemian tops, perfumes, home fragrances, dresses, cardigans, sandals, strappy tanks and more at this locally owned retail store.

Support Oklahoma-based companies and designers by visiting the Just OK boutique to find comfy and housewarming gifts, tees, gift cards and more.

Favorites: Lucca Fashion Boutique, Lush Fashion Lounge, Balliets, The Black Scintilla continued on page 34

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PLACES

empire slice house

full cirCLE bookstore

University of Oklahoma

continued from page 33

2310 N. Western • 524-0887 M-F 7am-6:30pm Sat 9:30am-4pm

Best place to dine before a show

Empire Slice House 1734 NW 16th St.

Whether you’re catching a show at Civic Center Music Hall or Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, Empire Slice House has your quick-and-delicious pre-show dinner plan taken care of. New York-style pizza by the slice in the beloved and centrally located Plaza District makes Empire an easy pick before before any show. The delicious slice varieties are as influenced by pop culture as its décor and feature names like Fat Tony, MCA, Figgy Stardust and Rocksteady.

Favorites: Cheever’s Cafe, Museum Cafe, Red PrimeSteak, Flint

Best place for continuing education

University of Oklahoma (OU) 660 Parrington Oval, Norman

Since its founding in 1890, the University of Oklahoma has been a much loved public research university. Located just 20 minutes south of Oklahoma City, its campus population hovers between 20,000 and 30,000, just large enough to give students a private campus feel with public university affordability. But you don’t have to live in Norman to benefit from OU — the public school has campuses in three locations across the state.

Favorites: University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC), Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC), Francis Tuttle Technology Center 34

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ymca

Best bookstore or comic shop

Full Circle Bookstore 1900 Northwest Expressway

Oklahomans love our independently owned businesses, which is why Oklahoma Gazette readers voted Full Circle Bookstore the best bookstore or comic shop in Oklahoma City. The state’s largest independently owned bookstore, located inside 50 Penn Place, has been dedicated to helping people expand book collections for more than 30 years. With selections in every genre imaginable and 60,000 new titles, Full Circle has something for everyone, including a full cafe, author signing events and discussion groups.

Favorites: Second Chance Books & Comics, New World Comics, All-Star Comics, Best of Books

Best place to get fit

YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City several metro locations

Looking to get in shape? Look no farther than your local YMCA. The greater Oklahoma City area has more than a dozen locations to choose from. Pick your sport and YMCA has it, from aquatics to indoor soccer. Family and youth programs are also available. A Y membership joins you to an organization that focuses on youth development, healthy living, social responsibility and strengthening communities.

Favorites: Lake Hefner, 10Gym, Hidden Dragon Yoga, Four Star Fitness

AL’S BICYCLES

BEAVERS BEND STATE PARK

SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET MYRIAD BOTANICAL GARDENS

BRICKTOWN

RENAISSANCE SALON AND SPA

BEST PARK

MYRIAD BOTANICAL GARDENS 301 W. Reno Ave.

More than 15 acres of gardens offer a lush escape in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City. Myriad Botanical Gardens offers lush outdoor grounds including water features, live music and performing arts events, festivals, walking and running trails, an amphitheater and a water stage and is well suited for family visits, special occasions, education and art programs, health and fitness classes, running and more. The campus also features Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, the Great Lawn, Meinders Gardens and a Children’s Garden.

Favorites: Will Rogers Garden Exhibition Center; Mitch Park, Edmond; Stars and Stripes Park; E.C. Hafer Park, Edmond

BEST MED SPA

RENAISSANCE SALON AND SPA 10440 N. Broadway Extension

This spa is located in a charming 1920sera farmhouse right off Broadway Extension near Edmond. In 2001, the current owners renovated the multifamily structure into a full-service salon and spa. The spa offers a double massage room for couples, a nail boutique and a sunless tanning salon, and its services include refresher, full body, Swedish, pregnancy, hot stone, aromatherapy and couples massages, along with reflexology/ acupressure. The center also offers body, face and specialty treatments, detox, exfoliation and hair, nail, makeup and waxing services.

Favorites: Mariposa Aesthetics & Laser Center; Dr. Tim Love, MD; Bliss Medical Spa, Udånder

DR. TIM LOVE, MD

BEST PLACE TO GET AN AESTHETIC UPDATE

DR. TIM LOVE, MD

11101 Hefner Pointe Drive

Dr. Tim Love believes a strong client/ physician rapport is integral to exceptional plastic surgery results, and his clinic developed that bond during Love’s more than 30-year career as a plastic surgeon. He is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of American Society of Plastic Surgeons and American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. His undergraduate studies were at Oklahoma State University, and he earned his Doctor of Medicine from University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.

Favorites: Rejuvena Cosmetic Medical Center, Mariposa Aesthetics & Laser Center, Advanced Aesthetics, Premier Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics

BEST BICYCLE SHOP

AL’S BICYCLES

several metro locations

Multiple locations and more than three decades in business establishes Al’s as the largest independent bike dealer in Oklahoma. Friendly and knowledgeable staff know cycling is a way of life, whether you ride recreationally or professionally, across the city or in your neighborhood. You’ll find Al’s Bicycles locations in northwest and southwest OKC, Edmond and Norman, and each offers free test rides and lifetime adjustments after the sale.

Favorites: Schlegel Bicycles, Wheeler Dealer Bicycle Shop, Celestial Cycles, Melonbike

BEST (NATIONAL OR REGIONAL) RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT YOU WISH WAS LOCALLY OWNED

SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET several metro locations

At Sprouts Farmers Market, customers find fresh, natural and organic foods at affordable prices in a welcoming atmosphere. The bright, open floor plans of all stores resemble local farmers markets and boast full-service delis, seafood and meat counters and barrels of whole grains. Shoppers also can fill their baskets with raw food, paleo, organic, vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO products, from melons and stone fruit to grass-fed beef and coconut milk. Pick up your favorite probiotic, multivitamin or essential oil in the health and beauty section, as well. Find locations in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Yukon, Tulsa, Bixby and Broken Arrow. Its newest shop opens in October in Stillwater.

Favorites: Whole Foods Market, Target, Anthropologie, H&M

BEST FAMILY IN-STATE STAYCATION

BEAVERS BEND STATE PARK 435 Oklahoma Highway 259A, Broken Bow

The picturesque hideaway nestled on the shore of Broken Bow Lake in the highlands of southeast Oklahoma has welcomed Oklahoma staycationers and out-of-state visitors since 1937. Rentable cabins, fishing, hiking, an 18-hole golf course and amphitheater keep everyone

in the family entertained. The Owa-Chito Festival of the Forest — an art, music and culture festival highlighting Choctaw County — welcomes June visitors. The Beavers Bend Folk Festival & Craft Show is a major draw every November.

Favorites: Turner Falls Park, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, The Oklahoma City Zoo, Grand Lake o’ The Cherokees

BEST LOCAL DISTRICT

BRICKTOWN

area west of S. E.K. Gaylord Blvd., around Reno Avenue

The marked growth of downtown Oklahoma City’s entertainment and dining hub is well-documented. Oklahoma City Thunder games are an obvious draw, but there is always something happening no matter when you visit. Guests can make a night of seeing a movie at Harkins Bricktown Cinemas 16, play miniature golf at Brickopolis Oklahoma City or listen to music at Michael Murphy’s Dueling Pianos. Even a free stroll along Bricktown Canal is a fun and healthy way to sightsee.

Favorites: Midtown, Plaza, Paseo Arts, Uptown 23rd

continued on page 36

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PLACES

bob moore auto group dollhouse lounge & burlesque

bob moore auto group

okc vapes

central oklahoma humane society

rust & rot

continued from page 35

Best adult entertainment establishment

Dollhouse Lounge & Burlesque 210 E. Sheridan Ave.

Dollhouse Lounge & Burlesque is a Bricktown club featuring drinks, dancing and heart-racing shows from the establishment’s cast of burlesque performers. The non-nude lounge opened its doors in 2012 and features weekly vintage, modern and themed performances. Dollhouse offers a fancy, classy alternative to the city’s other dance clubs. The 21-and-older venue, open Friday and Saturday only to the public and Sunday through Thursday for private events, is a great and swanky way to cut loose with your friends on the weekend.

Favorites: The Boom, Night Trips, Red Dog Cafe, Little Darlings

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

Rust & Rot

161 Jack Terry St., Edmond

Woodworking is local craftsman and designer William Graeber’s passion and living. Customers can buy ready-made furniture at Rust & Rot, but the store prides itself on bringing to life ideas and visions that pull homes together. Rust & Rot creates pieces from repurposed 36

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materials and salvaged items, challenging the idea that beauty can only be plucked off a glossy assembly line.

Favorites: Forever Young Toy Shoppe, Bison Shop, Mode, AMP Variety, Reference Point

Best nonprofit

Central Oklahoma Humane Society 7500 N. Western Ave.

Since 2007, Central Oklahoma Humane Society has worked to increase city adoption rates and reduce avoidable pet euthanizations. The organization enriches communities while promoting the well-being of animals. It works closely with local shelters and offers programs encouraging spaying and neutering and readjusting pets to life in a home. For those interested in adopting, a society specialist can assist you in finding a pet that fits your lifestyle.

Favorites: Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma; Infant Crisis Services, Inc; Goodwill Industries of Central Ok Inc.; Sunbeam Family Services

oklahoma city thunder games plaza district

Best place to meet a hipster

Plaza District

NW 16th Street between Classen Boulevard and Pennsylvania Avenue

Look at that funny hat. How tight are those jeans? If everyone around you looks like they crawled out of a giant Urban Outfitters bin, you’re probably in Plaza District, the city’s focal point for arts and trendy eateries, located along 16th Street. Whether it is the Saints Pub patio or at the bar inside ever-bustling The Mule, Oklahoma City’s young counterculture has definitely claimed the district as its own.

Favorites: Paseo Arts District, The Mule, The Pump Bar, Saints Pub

Best vapor shop

Best place to buy a new vehicle

OKC Vapes

Bob Moore Auto Group

This locally owned and operated electronic cigarette and e-liquid supplier works with every customer to make sure their specific needs and tastes are met. OKC Vapes’ in-house e-liquids are created with pharmaceutical nicotine in a food-grade environment to ensure quality and safety. A knowledgeable service staff educates customers and steers them toward equipment, liquids and accessories that fit their needs.

Favorites: 23rd Street Vapes, Vapor World, Party Moore, Liquid Vapor Lounge

Bob Moore is a simple name, but the quality of service the auto group offers is anything but plain. Since its founding in 1970, the car dealer has long been a local favorite for anyone searching for an Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Maserati, Mazda, Nissan, Porsche, Ram or Subaru. The sales staff at Bob Moore makes sure every buying experience is efficient and painless.

Favorites: Fowler Auto Group, Bob Howard Auto Group, Hudiburg Auto Group, David Stanley Auto Group

3710 NW 50th St.

several metro locations

Best place to buy a used vehicle

Bob Moore Auto Group several metro locations

Bob Moore sells preowned vehicles, too. No car is unaffordable with the auto group’s wide selection of financing options, regardless your credit situation.

Check out a dealership near you or browse its wide selection of used cars and trucks at bobmoore.com. Online or in-store, customers know they’ll experience the same quality buying experience Bob Moore has become known for during its more than four decades of operation.

Favorites: Fowler Auto Group, Bob Howard Auto Group, Hudiburg Auto Group, Eskridge Auto Group

Best place to see or be seen

Oklahoma City Thunder games

Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W. Reno Ave.

So Mary Fallin, Wayne Coyne, Toby Keith and Russell Westbrook walk into the same building. No, this isn’t the setup for a horrible bar joke. It’s for a fantastic, true-to-life quip about what makes Oklahoma City Thunder games marquee events during basketball season. Even if celebrity-watching isn’t your thing, there’s more than a decent chance you’ll run into a friend or two at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Favorites: The Bleu Garten, Plaza District, Bricktown, Fassler Hall

myriad botanical gardens

myriad botanical gardens

regional food bank of oklahoma

the bleu garten

Best place to spend adult time that is kid-friendly

Best place to pay it forward

Myriad Botanical Gardens

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

Parenthood doesn’t mean date night has to end forever. In fact, bring the kids along. Maybe dinner and wine for two in that swanky hotel isn’t an option this weekend, but that’s OK. What more romantic setting is there than lush, expansive and community-oriented Myriad Botanical Gardens? Walk handin-hand as the kids occupy themselves with Pokémon GO! before the free Sunday Twilight Concert Series or Picnics on the Great Lawn events.

Favorites: Oklahoma City Thunder games, The Bleu Garten, Plaza District, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

Volunteering at Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is a good option for large groups looking for a service project or people wanting to spend time bettering someone else’s day. The food bank provides enough food for more than 116,000 Oklahomans every week.

Food drives are popular around the holiday season, but the pantry accepts nonperishable donations and cash gifts year-round.

Favorites: Central Oklahoma Humane Society; Infant Crisis Services, Inc.; The Curbside Chronicle; S&B Burger Joint’s Pay it Forward

301 W. Reno Ave.

3355 S. Purdue Ave.

Best place to take a selfie

Best pet-friendly patio

Myriad Botanical Gardens

The Bleu Garten

301 W. Reno Ave.

One day, you log into Facebook and think, “Gee, this picture of my dog that I set as my profile pic seven years ago does little to highlight my newly defined, post-diet jawline.” What do you do? Put on a fancy suit and call your friend with the handme-down Nikon? No need. Just grab your smartphone and head over to the gorgeously landscaped downtown oasis that is Myriad Botanical Gardens. Selfie sticks are optional.

Favorites: Oklahoma City Thunder games, Bricktown, Plaza District, Devon Energy Center (Devon Tower)

301 NW 10th St.

Look at Fido over there in the corner.

He looks like he has had just about enough of that monkey-shaped squeak toy. Fido wants to see the town; Fido wants to be social! Give Fido what he wants. The open-air patio and chatter at The Bleu Garten food truck park is perfect for Fido or just about any other dog. Oh, and a great bar makes it cool for pet owners, too. Please don’t give Fido beer though.

Favorites: Sauced on Paseo, The Pump Bar, Fat Dog Kitchen & Bar, Fassler Hall continued on page 38

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

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PLACES barking dog bakery

riverwind casino

the garage burgers & beer

tinker federal credit union

cheever’s cafe

23rd street body piercing

continued from page 37

Best place to treat your pet (ex: supplies, vet, park)

Barking Dog Bakery 10455 N. May Ave.

Cake is so good, it’s almost cruel not to let the dog have some, too. No, it can’t have a slice from the Boston cream in the fridge, but breathe easy and know there is a whole bakery dedicated to high-quality treats created with pets in mind. Barking Dog Bakery offers cake, a tasty selection of cookies, ice cream, popcorn and bones.

All products are made without added sugar or sodium so your fluffy friend can be happy and healthy.

Favorites: Midtown Mutts Dog Park, Edmond Dog Park, A1 Pet Emporium, Midtown Vets

Best place to get a home or auto loan

Tinker Federal Credit Union

several metro locations

For those who find themselves in need of a home or auto loan, Tinker Federal Credit Union has stood out for more than 70 years. Oklahoma’s largest credit union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial association that promises lower interest rates on loans and negligible, if any, service fees.

Online visitors can apply for loans, check rates and calculate payments.

There are several hundred ways to qualify for membership, which might be one reason Oklahoma Gazette readers voted the credit union the Best of OKC. Favorites: Bank of Oklahoma, BancFirst, Oklahoma Employees Credit Union, Weokie 38

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jimmy’s egg

Best place to celebrate an anniversary or birthday

Cheever’s Cafe 2409 N. Hudson Ave.

The Cheever’s building has a history that dates to early statehood, but it’s likely that won’t be what you’re thinking about as you chow down on its famous chickenfried steak while celebrating another year of significance for you or a loved one.

There is something about Cheever’s that makes every moment special. It could be the elegant ambiance or the delicious food, or maybe it’s the generous portions.

We’ll go with all three.

Favorites: Ranch Steakhouse, Vast, Red PrimeSteak, Broadway 10 Bar & Chophouse

Best casino

Riverwind Casino

1544 W. Oklahoma Highway 9, Norman

The 219,000-square-foot Normanbased Riverwind Casino is an ornate shrine to gaming. Guests have more than 2,500 electronic games to choose from, and weekly poker tournaments are a popular draw. If gambling isn’t your thing, Riverwind regularly brings major musical acts, comedians and entertainers to its Casino Showplace Theater and River Lounge venues. The casino also offers a wide selection of delectable food and beverages.

Favorites: WinStar World Casino, Remington Park Racing & Casino, Grand Casino Hotel & Resort, Lucky Star Casino

Best place to pick up your Gazette

Jimmy’s Egg

several metro locations

There are few more classic pairings in the world than a hot cup of java and a newspaper. Jimmy’s Egg is an excellent place to find both. The content in your favorite fiercely independent alternative newsweekly pairs well with omelets, bacon, gravy or any item on the local diner’s menu. So gladly take that refill, prop your leg up and chuckle to yourself over the latest batch of Chicken-Fried News.

Favorites: City Bites, The Pump Bar, OKC Vapes, Party Moore

Best pub quiz/trivia night

The Garage Burgers & Beer several metro locations

For 10 points, which local dining establishment was awarded a 2016 Oklahoma Gazette Best of OKC award for Best Pub Quiz/Trivia Night? If you or your team answered The Garage Burgers & Beer, congratulations! You can read!

You’re also pretty smart! These 10 points won’t do you any good at The Garage, the Gazette or any other metro area business, but you’re free to take your newly boosted self-esteem to a Garage Burgers & Beer trivia night near you.

Favorites: 51st Street Speakeasy, Belle Isle Restaurant & Brewing Company, Henry Hudson’s Pub, Saints Pub

Best place to get pierced or inked

23rd Street Body Piercing 411 NW 23rd St.

23rd Street Body Piercing is committed to providing its clients with safe, quality piercings. The business performs above and beyond Association of Professional Piercers and Oklahoma State Department of Health standards, and employees also routinely participate in continuing their education. The state’s largest piercing studio also offers an array of jewelry and is happy to special order anything not already in stock. Please remember to tip your piercing artist; they work hard to make you happy!

Favorites: Atomic Lotus Tattoo, No Regrets Tattoo, Mystical Illusions, Mind Bender Tattoo continued on page 40

Best Sushi Best Japanese Best Western Avenue Restaurant

Best Japanese

Sushi Neko • Musashi’s Best Western Avenue District Restaurant

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PLACES

hobby lobby

the garage burgers & beer

fassler hall

the boom

continued from page 38

THANK YOU, OKC! WE LOVE YOU MORE THAN BUTTER. TRUST US...THAT’S A LOT. STOP IN TO FIND YOUR NEW FAVORITE Macadamia Key Lime Drunken Turtle Peanut Butter Chocolate

Coconut Cream Strawberry Rhubarb Bird Dog Buttermilk

FLAVORS CHANGE EACH DAY LOCATED IN THE PLAZA DISTRICT • 1711 NW 16TH PIEJUNKIE.COM • 405.605.8767

Best place to spruce up your home

Hobby Lobby

several metro locations

Does that wall look a little bare? Need a side table to tie the room together?

Look no farther than Hobby Lobby.

From picture frames to wicker baskets, the locally owned craft store has just about everything customers could want or need, with a wide range of looks and styles. If handmade is more your style, you can find the supplies you’re looking for in-store, too. Its website is also loaded with project inspirations, step-by-step guides and instructional videos that will help put together a picturesque space.

Favorites: Plenty Mercantile, Mathis Brothers Furniture, Decades Revisited A Vintage Mall, K&N Interior Consignment

Best LGBT bar or club

The Boom

2218 NW 39th St.

If you despise good times, stay clear of The Boom. Metro-area readers voted The Boom as the city’s best LGBTQand-everyone-else bar and club for great reasons. There are few things funnier in OKC than The Boom’s weekly Sunday Gospel Brunch featuring Kitty Bob Aimes and Norma Jean Goldstein.

Sunday and Tuesday karaoke nights are guaranteed hits for a crowd of friends.

A number of plays and other shows also make their way through The Boom’s theater throughout the year.

Favorites: HiLo Club, The Copa, Angles, Tramps

Best post-game or post-concert spot

Fassler Hall 421 NW 10th St.

Adrenaline still pumping from the thrilling Oklahoma City Thunder victory? Did that concert leave you in existential bliss? Oh, but the fun has just begun. Take your friends over to Fassler Hall and grab a bench and a pint on the breezy, open patio. The international beer selection is top-notch, so there’s a good chance Fassler will have what is needed to extend the celebration or comfort fans after a tough loss.

Favorites: The Pump Bar, The Mont, Guyutes, Flint

Best rooftop (bar or restaurant)

The Garage Burgers & Beer

Roof Terrace at Oklahoma City Museum of Art

The big event is in a few hours, but you have a monster-sized case of hunger to sate before you can even think about enjoying that show. Let The Garage Burgers & Beer help slay that beast.

Oklahoma Gazette readers agree The a u g u s t 2 4 , 2 0 1 6 | O kg a z e t t e . c o m

Garage has the area’s tastiest selection of burgers. (It also offers a wide selection of craft beers!) With locations across the metro, this is an ideal place to meet your crew no matter where the post-eats game or concert is located.

Favorites: Bricktown Brewery, The Mont, Flint, KD’s Southern Cuisine

Best pre-game or pre-concert spot

several metro locations

40

Roof Terrace at Oklahoma City Museum of Art

415 Couch Drive

Grab a cocktail from the bar atop the Roof Terrace at Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) and you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. There are a few locations

blue seven

midtown optical

0su-okc farmers market

a date with iris

in which you can take in a breathtaking sunset while appreciating the city skyline, and Gazette readers know this one tops that list. The rooftop view alone is reason enough to visit OKCMOA, and its Art After 5 event on Thursday nights lets guests explore the many art galleries below through 9 p.m.

Favorites: Packard’s New American Kitchen, O Bar at the Ambassador Hotel, Guyutes, Bossa Nova Caipirinha Lounge at Cafe do Brasil

Best boutique of local oddities

Blue Seven

7518 N. May Ave.

Blue Seven is mostly packed with a choice selection of men’s and women’s apparel, but it’s also home to a menagerie of unique, eclectic odds and ends. This is Oklahoma’s unofficial stop for one-of-akind gifts and memorable Dirty Santa candidates. Much of what is found inside Blue Seven is made in Oklahoma, so there is another reason to feel great about buying those combination drumstickcooking spoons. Don’t laugh; drummers cook, too.

Favorites: Bad Granny’s Bazaar, Craig’s Curious Emporium, Plenty Mercantile, DNA Galleries

Best farmers market or farm stand

OSU-OKC Farmers Market 400 N. Portland Ave., OSU-OKC campus

There is a decent chance that apple in the produce bin at the national chain supermarket was picked at least a week

ago. That’s why Oklahoma Gazette readers know OSU-OKC Farmers Market is a top choice for fresh, locally cultivated fruits, vegetables, meats and other commodities.

The market regularly features around 50 vendors at its year-round gatherings Wednesdays and Saturdays. Food from the market is fresher and of higher quality.

Shopping there also is a great way to make sure your money stays local.

Favorites: OKC Farmers Public Market, Edmond Farmer’s Market, Uptown 23rd Farmers Market, Urban Agrarian

Best optical shop

Midtown Optical 1106 Classen Drive

Do not trust eyecare to just anyone.

Midtown Optical goes above and beyond to make sure its customer needs are met.

The most up-to-date technology ensures your vision is assessed as accurately as possible. Midtown also offers many frames and lenses that their opticians will help you choose from. Award-winning Dr. Cody Greenhaw also excels in laser procedures and nonsurgical corrections to nearsightedness.

Favorites: Sam’s Optical, Black Optical, Dick Story Optical, TSO Optical

Best florist

A Date with Iris 4201 N. Western Ave.

Finding local, high-quality floral arrangements and centerpieces at A Date with Iris is easy. Weddings, get-togethers and holidays are immediately elevated by this shop’s colorful, expertly customized displays. Want to perk up someone’s day?

Have an arrangement delivered through the florist’s citywide delivery service. A Date with Iris’ quaint and colorful studio space is a great place to stop and look around during your visits to Western Avenue.

Favorites: New Leaf Florist, Trochta’s Flowers & Garden Center, Capitol Hill Florist and Gifts, Tony Foss Flowers O kg a z e t t e . c o m | a u g u s t 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

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FOOD & DRINK

Join us

for lunch

put putaacork corkin init itwinery winery

Open Tuesday-sunday | 1630 nW 23rd | 405.525.8886

CUPPIES & JOE tapwerks ale house

COOP ALE WORKS

Best tea or coffeehouse

Best local craft beer

Cuppies & Joe

COOP Ale Works

A coffee shop is more than just a place to get hot java. It’s a meeting place and a studying spot. It’s where people find laughter and heated debates. At Cuppies & Joe, drinkers become diners when they see the selection of perfectly baked and decorated cupcakes with names like Horse Bite and Mary Poppins. It also could have been voted best place to find an OCU student that isn’t OCU, because this shop packs them in day and night.

Favorites: The Red Cup, All About Cha, Elemental Coffee Roasters, Urban Teahouse

The competition for local beer dollars is constantly on the rise. It seems like there’s always a new brewery coming online. But this year’s winner is an original. COOP Ale Works has only been around for seven years, but it has become the de facto local beer for many in Oklahoma City. Whether it’s hoppy F5 IPA; boozy, delicious Belgian-style DNR; or another bestseller, COOP makes beer Gazette readers love to drink.

Favorites: Anthem Brewing Company, Bricktown Brewery, TapWerks Ale House, Mustang Brewing Company

727 NW 23rd St.

Best local winery

4745 Council Heights Road

Best beer selection

Put A Cork In It Winery TapWerks Ale House 115 E. California Ave.

Oh, you want wine? Well Put A Cork In It! It’s not rude; that’s the name of the winery. Put A Cork In It Winery is an Oklahoma City establishment that makes a variety of meritage wines — blends that combine different varietals to create a more balanced flavor. With names like Dustbowl, Thunderhead and Redbud, you will savor the Oklahoma love in every glass.

Favorites: Waters Edge Winery, Tres Sueños Winery & Vineyard, Native Spirits Winery, Clauren Ridge Vineyard & Winery 42

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121 E. Sheridan Ave.

What the ale? Craft beer bars have popped up all over the city, but one of the first is still the best for Gazette readers.

TapWerks Ale House is a Bricktown institution and one of the best spots in the metro to taste a wide variety of beers. Keep an eye on those taps because they constantly change. The waitstaff knows the beer selection forward and back, too, so whatever you crave, you can find it at TapWerks.

Favorites: James E. McNellie’s Public House, Oak & Ore, Republic Gastropub, Bricktown Brewery

CHEEVER’S CAFe

BEVERLY’S PANCAKE HOUSE

LUNCH BOX, EDNA’s

the mule

THE GARAGE burgers & beers

JIMMY’S EGG iron star urban barbeque

Best cocktail (and the restaurant/bar that serves it)

Lunch Box, Edna’s

5137 N. Classen Circle

Why do people love Edna’s Lunch Box so much? Is it the sweetness of the amaretto? The tartness of the orange juice? The light and smooth Coors Light?

Or maybe it’s the smile they get from Edna’s bartenders. The bar offers visitors the right mix of intoxicating libations, friendly service and raucous regulars to make any night of the week a fun one.

It’s why Edna’s has sold more than 1.5 million Lunch Boxes “and counting…”

Favorites: S&B Bloody Mary (S&B’s Burger Joint), Sooner Swirl (The Mont), The Black Betty (The Pump Bar), Fire on the Pineapple (Guyutes)

Best breakfast

EMPIRE SLICE HOUSE

Best weekend brunch

Cheever’s Cafe 2409 N. Hudson Ave.

Make your reservations now. Actually, make them a few weeks ago because Cheever’s Cafe isn’t the kind of brunch spot one rolls into unannounced. This upscale restaurant fills to capacity for lunch and dinner, but its weekend brunches are truly crazy. With a menu including French toast bread pudding, fried chicken and waffles and the alwayspopular Cheever’s chicken-fried steak, the venue has earned its brunch stripes.

Favorites: Picasso Cafe, Kitchen No. 324, Cafe Kacao, Packard’s New American Kitchen

Jimmy’s Egg

Best lunch spot

If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then it’s time Mayor Mick Cornett handed the key to the city to Jimmy’s Egg, which took the Best Breakfast category again this year.

There’s a reason this Oklahoma City original has captured the hearts and bellies of diners across the state (and into a few others). Whether you come in for a stack of pancakes, a gourmet waffle or just a simple plate of bacon, eggs and toast and a cup or two of hot, fresh coffee, Jimmy’s delivers every time.

Favorites: Waffle Champion, Cafe Kacao, Classen Grill, Kitchen No. 324

1734 NW 16th St.

several metro locations

Empire Slice House Lunch has always been bitter about the way people fawn over breakfast. It’s truly the middle child of the Daily Meal family. But that was before lunch found Empire Slice House, which Oklahoma Gazette readers agree is the best lunch spot in Oklahoma City. A great place for a couple pieces of pizza in a hurry or a long, luxurious lunch with a fine selection of beers, Empire captured a place in our hearts by making itself at home in our stomachs.

Favorites: The Mule, Cafe 501, Saturn Grill, Thai House Restaurant

Best late-night eats

Best sandwich shop

Beverly’s Pancake House

The Mule

3315 Northwest Expressway

When Beverly’s Pancake House says it serves breakfast all day, it means all day.

There are locks on the doors, but good luck finding this 24/7/365 diner closed even for a minute. Whether it’s 3 p.m. or 3 a.m., there’s always a friendly face inside Beverly’s, waiting to take orders for pigs in a blanket, ham steak and eggs or the famous Chicken in the Rough fried chicken. The location has changed over time, but Beverly’s is always a winner.

Favorites: Empire Slice House, Waffle Champion, The Pump Bar, Guyutes

Best hamburgers

The Garage Burgers & Beer several metro locations

Throw a rock in Oklahoma City and it’ll probably hit a contender for the city’s best hamburgers. This year’s winner is no surprise — The Garage Burgers & Beer is opening new locations to meet the demand for the restaurant’s menu of specialty burgers and fries. Those who haven’t been should fire up their engines and pull into The Garage for a Huevos Rancheros burger and a big ol’ basket of Thunder Fries.

Favorites: S&B’s Burger Joint, Nic’s Grill, Tucker’s Onion Burgers, Irma’s Burger Shack

1630 N. Blackwelder Ave.

Visitors to Oklahoma City who skip a visit to The Mule will kick themselves for missing out on this gourmet grilled cheesery. Don’t be fooled by the laidback feel of this restaurant and bar — as fun and free as it is in the dining room, the kitchen staff are pros at making delectable sandwiches. Take a bite of Macaroni Pony and customers will find themselves melting like cheese for The Mule’s tasty treats.

Favorites: City Bites, Someplace Else A Deli & Bakery, Neptune Submarine Sandwiches, The Sandwich Club

Best barbecue restaurant

Iron Star Urban Barbeque 3700 N. Shartel Ave.

It may have lost an “R” when it recently updated its name, but Iron Star Urban Barbeque kept the most important thing: high-end smoked meats. Party planners should check out the full racks of ribs and family-size sides of decadent macaroni and cheese. And those looking for a lighter option need Iron Star’s salmon salad in their lives. As winter comes, be sure to remember the best warm-up deal in town is Iron Star’s $6 bowl of Range Chili.

Favorites: Earl’s Rib Palace, Swadley’s Bar-B-Q, Backdoor Barbecue, Bedlam Bar-B-Q continued on page 44

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FOOD & DRINK sushi neko

whiskey cake kitchen & bar

hideaway pizza the drake seafood and Oysterette the bleu garten

cattlemen’s steakhouse

continued from page 43

coolgreens

Best pizza place

Hideaway Pizza

several metro locations

King James’ editorial team did a real number on The Bible. Not only did they cut an additional eight disciples and delete the part where Noah’s ark fights pirates, but they put apples in the Garden of Eden instead of the only food tempting enough to get Adam and Eve kicked out: pizza! Even so, anyone interested in experiencing the pleasures of pizza need look no farther than Best Pizza winner Hideaway Pizza. It makes pies so good, it ought to be a sin.

Favorites: Empire Slice House, The Wedge Pizzeria, Upper Crust Pizza, Pizzeria Gusto

Best steakhouse

Cattlemen’s Steakhouse 1309 S. Agnew Ave.

Want to meet the meat? Head down to Stockyard City, where ranchers bring cattle to market. Then make a more personal connection with a stop at readers’ choice for best steakhouse: Cattlemen’s. This venerable beef base has been serving metro diners the finest steaks since 1910. There are steaks for every budget, including some fancy dryaged prime beef for connoisseurs. It’s been open this long for a reason, folks.

Favorites: Ranch Steakhouse, Red PrimeSteak, Mahogany Prime Steakhouse, Broadway 10 Bar & Chophouse 44

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byron’s liqour warehouse

Best sushi

Sushi Neko

Best patio dining

Meow! Literally translated as “sushi cat,” Sushi Neko once again tops the polls for Oklahoma City’s best sushi. It’s a posh spot to gobble the freshest fish in the city. The service is purr-fect and the menu gives sushi fanatics pause as they peruse the entrees, both cooked and raw. Just be sure to reserve your seats, because Sushi Neko is popular with all the cool cats in OKC. Favorites: Tokyo Japanese Restaurant, The Sushi Bar, In the Raw Sushi Bricktown, GoGo Sushi

301 NW 10th St.

4318 N. Western Ave.

Best vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or healthy menu options

Coolgreens

several metro locations

Goldilocks and the three bears put on a lot of porridge weight over the years, so it’s no surprise they started looking for a healthier option. Hotgreens was too hot. Coldgreens was too cold. But Coolgreens? As Gazette readers will tell you, it’s just right. Salad, soups, sandwiches and flatbreads are on-point and the results are easy to see on-scale.

No matter your diet, this fast-casual eatery has something for you.

Favorites: Picasso Cafe, The Loaded Bowl, The Red Cup, Guyutes

The Bleu Garten The menu is always changing at The Bleu Garten because there are always new trucks parked inside, serving up the best in mobile meals to hungry diners. Even during the hottest swaths of the summer, crowds grow inside the Garten. Voted the city’s best patio dining venue, it’s a fine spot for parties big and small. And those who get tired of talking will have plenty of fun with giant Jenga sets and a people-watching.

Favorites: Sauced on Paseo, The Pump Bar, The Mont, Flint

Best liquor store

Byron’s Liquor Warehouse 2322 N. Broadway Ave.

If Lord Byron were still with us, no doubt he would gladly write an Ode to Byron’s Liquor Warehouse. The Best Liquor Store winner inspires loyalty as well as verse with great prices on a ridiculous variety of liquors, beers and wines. The parking lot always seems full.

Anyone who is thinking about drinking is probably planning a trip to Byron’s in the near future.

Favorites: Sam’s Warehouse Liquor, Broadway Wine Merchants, Freeman’s Liquor Mart, Moore Liquor

Best (national or regional) restaurant you wish was locally owned*

Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar 1845 Northwest Expressway

Even though Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar isn’t locally owned, it is still locally sourced with plenty of produce. Heck, the restaurant even grows herbs for dishes and drinks in its outdoor garden. The small chain is opening up new stores all over Texas, but Oklahoma City remains the only current Oklahoma location.

Cocktail lovers can find an ever-evolving menu of drinks and plenty of great food to enjoy with them at Whiskey Cake.

Favorites: Panera Bread, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, The Cheesecake Factory, Chili’s Grill & Bar

Best seafood restaurant

The Drake Seafood and Oysterette 519 NW 23rd St., Suite 111

Like its namesake, Sir Francis Drake, The Drake Seafood and Oysterette attacked Oklahoma City’s appetite for fresh seafood like a pirate ship. Buckles were swashed and oysters were shucked as the restaurant that tells customers to “Stay Gold” took the city’s local fish game to the next level. One of The Drake’s signature features is an always-rotating lineup of fresh oysters, giving diners a chance to taste the world right here in OKC. Favorites: Pearl’s Oyster Bar, Hefner Grill, The Shack Seafood & Oyster Bar, Off the Hook Seafood & More

café do brasil

PIE JUNKIE

flip’s wine bar & trattoria

TED’s café escondido

Best dessert restaurant, shop or bakery

Pie Junkie

1711 NW 16th St.

Once again, readers voted this Plaza District favorite as their top spot for desserts. Just like nearby Empire Slice House, Pie Junkie offers fans a chance to enjoy a slice or take home an entire pie.

The selection is impossible to beat, with creamy chocolates, luscious fruits and even some savory quiches thrown in for good measure. Those who love food on a crust will find Pie Junkie a must.

Favorites: La Baguette Bistro, Ingrid’s Kitchen, Brown’s Bakery, Cuppies & Joe

Best Mexican restaurant

Ted’s Café Escondido several metro locations

Hola, amigos! It’s time to give the Best Mexican Restaurant honors to Ted’s Café Escondido again. This popular local restaurant does fajitas, enchiladas and tacos so well, it’s almost loco. With a focus on Tex-Mex-style food, Ted’s kitchen loves to drape silky sour cream sauce and chunky chili sauce over meatand veggie-packed tortillas. As difficult as it is to put down that last bite, you’re almost legally required to save room for a sopapilla.

Favorites: Chelino’s Mexican Restaurant, Abel’s Mexican Restaurant, San Marcos Mexican Restaurant, Cultivar Mexican Kitchen

Best Latin restaurant

Café do Brasil

440 NW 11th St. Suite 100

If the Rio Olympic Games have inspired a craving for the cuisine of Brazil, the best Latin restaurant winner is the perfect spot to visit. Café do Brasil is home to a bevy of authentic Brazilian dishes and drinks. Some flavor combinations might seem unusual until you try them. Trust owner Anna Davis to present dishes that are as beautiful as they are tasty. Start the meal with a caipirinha for a boozy kick from the Southern Hemisphere.

Favorites: 1492 New World Latin Cuisine, Cafe Kacao, Zarate’s Latin Mexican Grill, Chiltepe’s Latin Cuisine & Bar

10% off your entire purchase with this coupon

(Expires 9/30/16)

Best Italian restaurant

Flip’s Wine Bar & Trattoria 5801 N. Western Ave.

Readers would have flipped their lids if last year’s returning champ didn’t make a return appearance. Flip’s Wine Bar & Trattoria is an old-school Italian restaurant with one of the city’s best patios.

Sip a glass of Italian wine and look out as Western Avenue rumbles past. Slurp some whole wheat spaghetti marinara or order a crispy thin-crust pizza and enjoy the ambiance and camaraderie that has made Flip’s a favorite since 1985.

Favorites: Gabriella’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria, Stella Modern Italian Cuisine, Vito’s Ristorante, Victoria’s the Pasta Shop continued on page 47

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23rd Street Vapes would like to convey our gratitude for the nomination and thank all of the readers who voted us into the finals. We appreciate your support and for allowing us to serve the community.

Thank you, Gazette readers!

Come by and see us for quality supplies, excellent equipment, and the best customer service in OKC, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Ask about our rewards program!

131 NW 23rd Street, OKC | 600-6610 Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am - 8pm | Sunday Noon - 5pm 46

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FOOD & DRINK

INGRID’S KITCHEN thai house restaurant

zorba’s mediterranean cuisine lido restaurant

gopuram taste of india

continued from page 47

Best Western European restaurant, not Italian (Danish, English, French, German, Irish, Scottish, Spanish, etc.)

Ingrid’s Kitchen 3701 N. Youngs Blvd.

Say “Ingrid’s Kitchen” and watch the ears perk up around you. That’s a group well-versed in one of the city’s best spots for European breads, sausages and schnitzels. The ever-popular restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, but the weekends are when it really gets hopping, with The Silvertops jazz sets 2 p.m. every Saturday and a boisterous brunch buffet offered every Sunday.

Favorites: Fassler Hall, La Baguette Bistro, Old Germany Restaurant, Royal Bavaria

Best Mediterranean restaurant

pho lien hoa

musashi’s dot wo garden

Best Indian restaurant

Gopuram Taste of India 4559 NW 23rd St.

A shocking number of Oklahomans first experienced Indian food with Gopuram Taste of India. Some are introduced at Festival of the Arts. Others walk into the eatery to see a massive buffet of delights both sweet and spicy. The uninitiated need only visit once before they’re hooked on delicate jasmine rice, spicy chicken tikka masala and pliant, pillowy circles of naan.

Favorites: Taj Cuisine of India, Himalayas Aroma of India, Sheesh Mahal, Ajanta Cuisine of India

Zorba’s Mediterranean Best Japanese restaurant Cuisine Musashi’s 6014 N. May Ave.

Zorba’s serves so much more than gyros. It’s unfortunate that Mediterranean cuisine is so often written off as gyros and kebabs, but that’s only because other cuisines would kill to have a top two like that. And then, out of nowhere, comes falafel. It’s like the 1992 Dream Team of delicious foods. So maybe you’ll keep getting a gyro at Zorba’s, but there’s nothing wrong with that.

Favorites: Basil Mediterranean Cafe, Mediterranean Imports & Deli, Couscous Cafe, NuNu’s Mediterranean Cafe & Market

4315 N. Western Ave.

The air is filled with the scrape and sizzle of spatulas moving steak, shrimp and chicken across the blazing-hot teppanyaki table, but listen a little closer. Hear that crinkling sound? Those are the smiles of everyone at Musashi’s when they watch the chef prepare their dinner in front of them. Yes, the best Japanese restaurant winner is so good, it makes smiles audible. That sounds like a place everyone needs to try.

Favorites: Sushi Neko, Shógun Steak House of Japan, Tokyo Japanese Restaurant, Shiki Japanese Restaurant

Best Chinese restaurant

Dot Wo Garden 6161 N. May Ave.

If nobody has registered Garden.Wo, they’re missing out on a great opportunity.

After all, Dot Wo Garden is one of Oklahoma City’s premiere Chinese restaurants, which might be why readers have once again crowned it best Chinese restaurant. Since 1989, Dot Wo has been Dot Wowing customers with a menu of American classics like beef with broccoli and true Chinese favorites, including clay hot pots.

Favorites: Grand House Asian Bistro, Golden Phoenix, Fung’s Kitchen, Chow’s Chinese Restaurant

Best Thai restaurant

Thai House Restaurant 500 NW 23rd St.

Thai-red of the same old food? Then it’s time to make your way to Thai House Restaurant, even though the name is misleading. Yes, it serves great Thai food. Yes, it’s a well-run restaurant with happy servers and a fully-stocked lunch buffet. But if it’s a house, would anyone look askance at someone who shows up wearing pajamas and fuzzy slippers? Thai House Restaurant is a tasty place to be.

Favorites: Thai Kitchen OKC, Panang Thai Restaurant, Sala Thai, Tana Thai Bistro

Best Vietnamese restaurant

Lido Restaurant

2518 N. Military Ave., Suite 101

Which came first: Lido or Oklahoma City? Sure, the elites up in their ivory towers will say that Oklahoma City was founded in 1889 and Lido didn’t appear to be here during the Land Runs. Whenever it got here, there’s a reason this Asian District mainstay has long been a resident of Best of OKC lists. There’s traditional Vietnamese food alongside Chinese favorites and even a small menu of French cuisine if you’re so inclined.

Favorites: Pho Lien Hoa, Mr. Pho, Golden Phoenix, Pho Cuong

Best pho restaurant

Pho Lien Hoa 901 NW 23rd St.

Eating a punch bowl-sized serving of pho from Pho Lien Hoa is basically mandatory for anyone new to Oklahoma City. Volunteer community patrols are stationed at every intersection on the outskirts of town, stopping motorists and asking if they’ve been to Pho Lien Hoa. Though it’s the perfect dish for fall and winter, it’s not hard to find people craving a piping-hot bowl of beef and noodle soup in the middle of the steamiest summers.

It’s just that good.

Favorites: Mr. Pho, Pho’ever, Pho Cuong, Pho’Nomenal Vietnamese Noodle House continued on page 48

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FOOD & DRINK

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continued from page 47

Best new restaurant to open since 6/1/15

The Drake Seafood and Oysterette 519 NW 23rd St., Suite 111

A Good Egg Dining Group did plenty of research before opening The Drake Seafood and Oysterette in Oklahoma City last year. The long-awaited restaurant paid off dividends quickly as diners went wild for its assortment of seafood options, oysters and the impossible-to-resist squid ink “black mac.” The brightly lit sign beckons customers at night, and its wonderful service and immaculately cooked menu keeps them coming back.

Favorites: Guyutes, Sunnyside Diner, Chae Modern Korean, Cultivar Mexican Kitchen

Best fine dining establishment

Cheever’s Cafe 2409 N. Hudson Ave.

Cheever’s Cafe is a beloved institution of finer dining in Oklahoma City, and its menu is affordable. What readers voted for was an enduring quality that started with Keith and Heather Paul back in 2000. Cheever’s is the rare restaurant that serves as a both a special occasion spot and a place to enjoy a great weeknight dinner with friends. It’s more proof that dining doesn’t have to break the bank to be fine.

Favorites: Red PrimeSteak, Vast, Broadway 10 Bar & Chophouse, The Metro Wine Bar & Bistro 48

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Best neighborhood pub

The Pump Bar

2425 N. Walker Ave.

There’s plenty of parking behind The Pump Bar, and even though it’s a destination spot for many, it’s also common to see crowds rolling in from nearby neighborhoods. Located at the top of the Uptown 23rd District, this come-as-you-are bar serves strong drinks and tasty meals with a smile. It’s not a place people go just to be seen, but it’s almost impossible not to run into someone friendly when you pull up a chair on the patio.

Favorites: James E. McNellie’s Public House, Henry Hudson’s Pub, Saints Pub, Guyutes

Best dive bar

Edna’s

5137 N. Classen Circle

It’s almost impossible to have anything but a great night at Edna’s. There are too many people happily hoisting the famous Lunch Box, singing along to the jukebox and milling about the room, meeting new friends to stay upset for too long. Edna isn’t dancing on the bartop anymore, but her spirit lives on in a tavern that takes it easy and makes every customer feel like a regular, which is a pretty darn effective way to make more regulars.

Favorites: Cock O’ the Walk, The Pump Bar, HiLo Club, Cookie’s

FoLlow Us republic gastropub

on

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to see what we are tweeting

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Oklahoma Gazette

AUTHENTIC INDIAN CUISINE New Days of

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visit Us Wed-Mon

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Classen grill

the pump bar

Best upscale bar

Republic Gastropub 5830 N. Classen Blvd.

The best place to be when your team wins (or loses) is Republic Gastropub.

Either you can celebrate with an expertly crafted cocktail or drown your sorrows in a beer from the restaurant’s massive selection. Even if you don’t like sports, Republic is a great spot to find food that puts most bars to shame and enough people that there’s always somebody new to meet. Just get there early — a whole lot of people love Republic.

Favorites: O Bar at the Ambassador Hotel, Vast, Sidecar Barley & Wine Bar, Rockford Cocktail Den

Best place to drink after a hard day

Best new bar to open since 6/1/15

Guyutes

730 NW 23rd St.

It took no time at all for Guyutes’ upstairs patio to become a must-visit hotspot for local alcohol enthusiasts.

There is a great view of bustling 23rd Street, the soundtrack is ridiculously, almost suspiciously great and the drinks are tasty and affordable. Strapped for cash? There’s a quality $2 beer on the menu. Feeling extravagant? A Sweet Pete is $9 but tastes like a million bucks.

Favorites: Fat Dog Kitchen & Bar, Rockford Cocktail Den, Anchor Down, Cultivar Mexican Kitchen

Best diner

The Pump Bar

Classen Grill

Sometimes, the only way to salvage a rough day is with an adult beverage.

How fortuitous, then, that The Pump Bar is an adults-only establishment with a wide variety of drinks. You might consider checking to see if Uber is available or there’s a designated driver nearby before diving mouth-first into the bar’s plethora of Tiki drinks. Ian’s Zombie won’t reanimate your corpse, necessarily, but it might have you chowing down on some Okie Poutine like it was a bowl of braaaaaaains.

Favorites: Republic Gastropub, Edna’s, HiLo Club, Guyutes

If everybody in the club enjoyed themselves last night, it’s a fair bet they’ll be standing in line for Classen Grill today. This perennial favorite does everything needed of a diner and more.

Recovery tastes so much better when it’s made of pancakes, sausage patties and scrambled eggs. Be sure to order the biggest pitcher of the fresh-squeezed orange juice available, because it always goes too fast.

Favorites: Jimmy’s Egg, Beverly’s Pancake House, Nic’s Grill, The Diner

2425 N. Walker Ave.

5124 N. Classen Circle

continued on page 50

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FOOD & DRINK

bricktown brewery

grand house asian bistro empire slice house republic gastropub

hideaway pizza the saucee sicilian

paseo grill

the wedge pizzeria

Best Plaza district restaurant

Empire Slice House cheever’s cafe

continued from page 49

Best food truck or food cart

The Saucee Sicilian mobile

Serving some of the best pizza in the metro all across the metro is The Saucee Sicilian, where Gannon Mendez and his Nonna, Priscilla Jones, toss pies in the oven and jokes at customers. The lines might get long, but don’t stray too far — the blazing-hot cooker keeps these pies coming out at a rapid clip. Get there early if you can, because once the dough is gone, so is the truck. Haven’t found them yet? Keep an eye on Twitter.

Favorites: The Loaded Bowl, Taqueria Sanchez, Taste of Soul Egg Roll, The Hall’s Pizza Kitchen

Best Uptown 23rd district restaurant

Cheever’s Cafe 2409 N. Hudson Ave.

Despite fierce competition that seems to grow every year, Cheever’s Cafe once again nabbed the city’s best Uptown 23rd district restaurant honors from the hungry pack. It is saying something, though, that a street that is quickly becoming OKC’s food mecca leads back to Cheever’s every time. Maybe it’s the comfy atmosphere, the chicken-fried steak or the seafood enchiladas, but there’s no doubt this one-time flower shop continues to bloom for diners.

Favorites: Pizzeria Gusto, Guyutes, The Drake Seafood and Oysterette, Thai House Restaurant 50

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1734 NW 16th St.

It’s hard to argue with the thousands of Oklahoma Gazette readers who chose Empire Slice House as their No. 1 Plaza District restaurant. This always-busy pizza parlor makes slices from the traditional to the unimaginable and quickly serves up beer and cocktails to thirsty diners. And if you ever get bored — unlikely in a spot so popular — the walls are covered in comic books that deserve to be perused.

Favorites: The Mule, Oak & Ore, Saints Pub, Chiltepe’s Latin Cuisine & Bar

Best Paseo Arts district restaurant

Paseo Grill

2909 Paseo St., Suite A

Whether it’s a business lunch or a nobody’s business dinner, Paseo Grill is the king of Paseo Arts District. The cozy tables and dimmed lights are as intimate as can be. And those seeking a little privacy can request a table behind a curtain. The food remains, after all these years, steady and stellar. Like the Room of Requirement in Harry Potter, this funky little spot can be casual or special — whatever you need it to be.

Favorites: Picasso Cafe, Sauced on Paseo, The Red Rooster Bar & Grill, The Other Room

Best Asian district restaurant

Grand House Asian Bistro 2701 N. Classen Blvd.

It’s not a nice house. It’s not a fancy house.

It’s Grand House Asian Bistro, where diners come from across the metro to

partake in expertly cooked Chinese favorites and the grandest of traditions: dim sum brunch. The expansive menu holds something for everyone. Though it’s known for Chinese food, there’s even a sushi menu for those who can’t get enough of that Japanese delicacy. And the service makes Grand House feel like Grand Home.

Favorites: Golden Phoenix, Lido Restaurant, Pho Cuong, Fung’s Kitchen

Best Automobile Alley district restaurant

Hideaway Pizza

Best Classen Curve district restaurant

Republic Gastropub 5830 N. Classen Blvd.

901 N. Broadway Ave.

There’s nothing hidden about Hideaway Pizza. Even as locations multiply across the city and suburbs, the Automobile Alley restaurant is still a destination, with its classic interior and glorious neon sign. Hideaway pulls in patrons searching for a pizza robust enough to handle the most toppings allowed by law.

Get the Hideaway Special to experience a slice of everything that makes this pizza joint an enduring favorite.

Favorites: Iguana Mexican Grill, Red PrimeSteak, Broadway 10 Bar & Chophouse, Cultivar Mexican Kitchen

The Curve emerged in the last few years as a dining hotspot. Even as a few places have come and gone (We miss you, Tamazul!), one Classen Curve mainstay has gotten even better. Republic Gastropub remains one of the best restaurants in the area with a killer list of beers in the bottle and on-tap and a menu that gives new meaning to the idea of pub grub. Save room if you can, because Meme’s Donuts are the perfect cap to a night at Republic.

Favorites: Tucker’s Onion Burgers, Upper Crust Pizza, Cafe 501, Flip’s Wine Bar & Trattoria

Best Bricktown district restaurant

Best Deep Deuce district restaurant

Bricktown Brewery

The Wedge Pizzeria

When Oklahoma comes to party, the destination is Bricktown. And for Gazette readers, Bricktown Brewery is the epicenter of the fun-quake. Home to locally brewed beer, big burgers and big flavors, this rapidly expanding concept busted out of Bricktown and made its way to Edmond, Shawnee and Wichita. But the original is still where visitors to OKC come to find a great meal before catching an Oklahoma City Dodgers game.

Favorites: Chelino’s Mexican Restaurant, West, Jazmo’z Bourbon St. Cafe, KD’s Southern Cuisine

If handmade eats with a gaggle of locals sounds like a fun night, wedge yourself into this crowded, cozy pizza place in Deep Deuce. Lunches pack in guests with an $8 personal pizza and salad combo, or you take the whole office and split a few gourmet pies. Vegan? Vegetarian?

Gluten-free? Something they haven’t even discovered yet? Good news! The Wedge has a pizza for every palate and a great selection of beer to wash it down.

Favorites: Deep Deuce Grill, Slaughter’s Hall, Urban Johnnie Bar & Grille, Anchor Down

1 N. Oklahoma Ave.

230 NE First St.

www.samsoptical.com

OKC

EDMOND

500 W I-240 Service Road Oklahoma City, OK 73139

3404 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73013

405-778-6227

405-844-7267

We Care, You’ll See kitchen no. 324

waffle champion

BEST OPTICAL

big truck tacos

Best Midtown district restaurant

Best Downtown restaurant (includes Arts, Film Row and Farmers Market districts)

Waffle Champion

Kitchen No. 324

The winner and still champion! Waffle Champion earned this coveted prize again with an updated menu and updated hours. A heads-up to late risers: The breakfast lines are still kinda insane.

There’s better news, though: The latenight waffle window means you can still be a champ before you end a night on the town. New selections like pizza grilled cheese and cheeseburger mac join old favorites, including the always-tempting buttermilk fried chicken in a waffle.

Favorites: James E. McNellie’s Public House, Stella Modern Italian Cuisine, 1492 New World Latin Cuisine, GoGo Sushi

With breakfast, lunch and dinner, Kitchen No. 324 has once again won the No. 1 prize for downtown restaurants.

Breakfast is still the big draw, but don’t sleep on dinner, when the chefs at Kitchen serve a short rib ragu that gets tongues wagging and desserts that might even have some skipping the meal.

And for those who can’t decide between breakfast or lunch, try some of both, as its brunch menu is served 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday.

Favorites: Museum Cafe, Joey’s Pizzeria, Power House, Flint

the wedge pizzeria

1212 N. Walker Ave., Suite 100

Best Western Avenue district restaurant

The Wedge Pizzeria 4709 N. Western Ave.

The original location still draws big crowds at The Wedge. Oklahoma City’s original gourmet pizzeria was a hit as soon as it opened its kitchen, but at nearly 10 years old, it still grows its popularity by serving up the best flavors and adding plenty of new ones. One of the best secrets, though, is the antipasto platter.

Tons of roasted vegetables, cheeses and a smattering of meats can make one of the best appetizers in town a must.

Favorites: Sushi Neko, VZD Restaurant & Bar, The Drum Room, West

324 N. Robinson Ave.

Best local restaurant to order to-go

Big Truck Tacos 530 NW 23rd St.

There’s something about those tacos and burritos that hypnotize readers into ringing up Big Truck Tacos for a pickup order. As much as everyone loves the beef al carbon and the Crispy’cado, there’s nothing like rolling the dice and unwrapping a mysterious 5th Amendment. It could be anything, but it’s always delicious. Big Truck Tacos also creates more than delicious tacos.

Surprise! Try a burrito, cobb salad or a side of potatoes, guacamole or refried black beans with your to-go order.

Favorites: Hideaway Pizza, Empire Slice House, The Garage Burgers & Beer, Thai House Restaurant O kg a z e t t e . c o m | a u g u s t 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

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ARTS & CULTURE

Toe-to-toe An all-star roster of local artists strike back against a perceived political majority. By Ben Luschen

Misogynists and racists clearly do not When local artist Jack Fowler journeys beyond his social circle, he is reminded represent most self-identifying conservathat his opinions sometimes clash with tives, but Fowler said he thinks the rise of what is often considered a majority view. boisterous Republican presidential It is a reality he knows many of his art nominee Donald Trump amplifies the friends share, so Fowler, a self-described voices of people who do harbor those political progressive, curated and orgabeliefs, especially in Oklahoma. nized an all-star art exhibit as a platform “I thought, ‘We’re a really small percentto voice the frustrations that come with age of where we live in this state,’” he said. advancing social conversations beyond “I think the city has become big enough now fear, hate, bigotry and left-right dogmas. that I can forget that. Everyone I know now Outnumbered debuts 6 p.m. Sept. 2 at is Adam, Romy and people I know that share The Paseo Plunge, 3010 Paseo St., during a view of the world that I do.”

Paseo Arts District’s First Friday Gallery Lanman and Owens joined Fowler to Art Walk. Artists Romy discuss the project during a Owens, Adam Lanman, recent Oklahoma Gazette Ebony Iman Dallas, Hugh interview. Lanman said the Outnumbered Meade and Don state legislature’s actions regularly cause him to Rosencrans join Fowler in Sept. 2-Sept. 29 sharing how overwhelmwonder exactly whom lawThe Paseo Plunge ing Oklahoma lawmaking makers truly represent.

3010 Paseo St. and conservatism can feel “It perpetuates this idea paseoplunge.com for those on the other side in me of, ‘What am I doing 405-315-6224 of the political spectrum. here? What is going on? Who Free Outnumbered was are these people?’” he said. partly fueled by Fowler’s “And yet everyone who I sodesire to work with artists he hadn’t before, cialize with — everyone who I see on a but the inspiration arose from a conversaregular basis, the people I work with — tion he had with a stranger. Fowler said he don’t hold these views.” was shocked by the man’s blatantly sexist Fowler said state, national and occaand violent statements. sional international press coverage of “I was like, ‘You know, you couldn’t talk Oklahoma’s state Capitol battles is personto a stranger that way in my neighborally embarrassing. hood,’” Fowler said.

“Everything that comes out of that build-

ing is an Onion article, and it’s never because it’s too liberal,” he said. “It’s not like we’re passing flaky San Francisco laws.”

Both artists agreed conservative lawmakers often promote and defend policies that clearly contrast the biblical principles many of them also claim to champion.

“Oklahoma is this supposedly familyfriendly, family-first, God-fearing place,” Lanman said. “And yet those aren’t the values that are being passed through legislation and those aren’t the values that I see coming across. It’s not kids first; it’s kids last — dead last.”

Perpetuating pessimism?

Other Outnumbered artists, like Owens, believe many liberals are discouraged from voicing their opinions or being politically active because they are routinely fed a public and media narrative that tells them their opinions are meaningless.

A 2015 Oklahoma State Election Board voter registration report shows 886,153 registered Republicans in the state, 882,686 Democrats and 261,429 independents. Republicans comprise nearly 44 percent of Oklahoma’s registered voters, and Democrats comprise 43 percent.

Oklahoma, the homeland of fascistdefying folk musician Woody Guthrie, has early progressive roots. Registered Democrats outnumbered Republicans as recently as 2014.

“We continue to perpetuate this idea that we’re outnumbered,” Owens said.

“We keep saying, ‘My vote doesn’t matter.’

It’s just that the red [Republican] people are louder.”

Fowler said the Democratic party’s platform has shifted dramatically from where it was generations ago. He believes many of the state’s voters register as Democrats because their family always has.

Oklahoma’s presidential voting history

Local artist Jack Fowler, seen here in his Film Row studio, curated the Outnumbered exhibition to rebel against Oklahoma’s conservative majority. | Photo Garett Fisbeck

shows where the state leans socially, Fowler said. The state last elected a Democratic candidate in 1964.

Owens said while the political gap might not be as wide as some make it out to be, a lack of tangible returns in the form of approved political policy can be frustrating.

“The sentiment I totally get, because it is scary that we live in an America that is this divided,” she said. “I think Oklahoma is very representative of many states.”

Striking back

Fowler and the rest of the Outnumbered artists know art can be a powerful tool to push back against what they view as misguided policy.

“I look at it as a fight,” Fowler said. “It’s us against them, and if they want to try and produce the culture, then I’m going to produce it back. That’s how I look at it, as a boxing match.”

If political discourse is a boxing match, then progressive contenders have been rabbit punched while on the ropes.

“I think we’re losing, and that’s why I’m in the show,” Lanman said. “I think the policies that are in place in Oklahoma are some of the most backward in the country — flat-out.”

Fowler said he is happy artists are sharing their perspectives and experiences through the exhibition.

“If we were all doing the same thing, it would be more like a meeting of accountants or something,” he said. “I’m just excited to see what everyone does.”

Editor’s note: Jack Fowler is an Oklahoma Gazette contributing reporter.

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Local support

Allied Arts fundraising campaign brings in almost $3 million to support culture and arts education programs across central Oklahoma. By Brett Dickerson

“I check oil prices every day,” said Deborah McAuliffe Senner, Allied Arts president and CEO. The nonprofit foundation raises private contributions to benefit underserved and other cultural and arts education and programming across central Oklahoma.

This year’s campaign ended June 30 and brought in a record number of 6,243 donors who pledged just under $3 million, Senner said. That amount is lower than the $3.3 million raised during last year’s fundraising campaign.

Oil prices are important because some of Allied Arts’ biggest donors are energy sector companies and employees. The enthusiasm of employee giving campaigns within those companies also contributes to successful Allied Arts campaigns.

Energy company donations comprised 37-39 percent of Allied Arts gifts in the past, Senner said. In 2016, she believes faltering oil and gas revenues influenced the sector’s donation plunge to about 20 percent.

Energy sector layoffs in late 2015 and early 2016 reached into the thousands. The reductions also struck a blow to employee giving campaign participation and overall excitement related to its annual funding drive.

As a result, the capacity for Allied Arts to maintain giving at the same historic highs of recent years also took a hit, she said.

Reduced giving means reduced support for nonprofit programs for people of all ages across Central Oklahoma. Organizations benefiting from Allied Arts grants and support are Oklahoma Contemporary Arts 54

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Center, Opry Heritage Foundation of Oklahoma, Arts Council Oklahoma City, deadCenter Film Institute, Norman Firehouse Art Center and Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and Thelma Gaylord Academy, among others.

Still strong

Senner said this year’s campaign was “[the] most difficult yet,” but she’s still upbeat.

Allied Arts executed successful new fundraising approaches and its board continued raising money through the close of the fiscal year in June.

“I just kept thinking, ‘One more kid can be helped’; that was the driving factor in keeping me going,” Senner said. “In light of the economy being what it was, I would say that the biggest surprise was that we ended up where we did.”

Creative thinking and innovations helped overcome much of the potential shortfall, she said.

Senner said four new strategies strengthened this year’s Allied Arts campaign.

The organization “targeted everyman” by showing where funds go and what its programs do.

First lady Terri Cornett, the wife of Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, is an experienced media ad sales executive. Allied Arts hired her as an independent contractor to help develop the campaign’s deeper concepts. More emphasis was placed on internal employee giving campaigns and swaying donors within those companies to “step up” participation.

Allied Arts benefitting programs » Ambassadors’ Concert Choir » Arts Council Oklahoma City » Canterbury Voices » Carpenter Square Theatre » Cimarron Opera » deadCenter Film Institute

O T T N WA S T E K C I T ?

S L T L N SE YOUR EVE TO

» Norman Firehouse Art Center » Individual Artists of Oklahoma (IAO) » Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and Thelma Gaylord Academy » Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art » Metropolitan School of Dance » National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum » OK City Chorus » Oklahoma Children’s Theatre » Oklahoma City Ballet » Oklahoma City Museum of Art » Oklahoma City Philharmonic Guests study an exhibit at Oklahoma Contemporary, one of 26 central Oklahoma groups that receive funding support from Allied Arts. | Photo provided

Maintaining programs

Senner said the organization was determined to make sure funding for youth arts programs was not cut any more than necessary.

Arts Council Oklahoma City is one of 26 Allied Arts recipient organizations. Peter Dolese is executive director.

The Arts Council is most widely known for organizing the popular Festival of the Arts in the spring and the Opening Night event on New Year’s Eve in downtown OKC. When Arts Council learned what its budget would probably be, it decided to make sure its metro-area All Access Arts program would be spared from cuts, Dolese said. All Access Arts hires art teachers to lead afterschool programs for elementary children and senior adult programs in nursing facilities.

“We just felt like that program was too valuable in a year when public schools have to make cuts in that area,” Dolese said.

Instead, Arts Council chose to cut its storytelling festival because of the alreadystrong festival Territory Tellers has hosted for a decade.

» Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center » Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park » Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) » Oklahoma Youth Orchestras » Opry Heritage Foundation of Oklahoma » Prairie Dance Theatre » Red Earth, Inc. » Science Museum Oklahoma » The Sooner Theatre Source: Allied Arts

AffORdAbLE TICKETINg OpTIONS fOR Multi-day festivals Film festivals Conferences Event venues Music events

“We knew that storytelling was not going to be lost if we cut that part of our program,” Dolese said. “The most important thing to remember is that if you aren’t being creative and being very wise with how you spend your dollars all along, you’re going to be lost when there’s a downturn in the economy.

“With the Arts Council of Oklahoma City, we are constantly aware that we’re not entitled to anything. We’re very careful with how we spend our money.”

Learn more at alliedartsokc.com/donate or call 405-278- 8944.

Fundraisers And more!

Kids work on projects at Firehouse Art Center in Norman. Allied Arts funds help support the venue’s cultural and art education programs. | Photo provided

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ARTS & CULTURE The Liar delivers deceit, mistaken identity and laughs. | Photo Barry Burris / Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park / provided

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Oklahoma Gazette

Absurd comedy Multiple love interests and deceptions highlight reinterpreted classic The Liar. By Jack Fowler

A 17th-century French farce gets a modern upgrade from one of America’s most celebrated playwrights in the latest offering from Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park.

The Liar is a comedy written by Pierre Corneille and was first performed in 1644.

In 2010, a new translation and adaption debuted by David Ives, author of the 2011 Broadway hit Venus in Fur and the man The New York Times called “the maestro of the short form.”

It premiered locally last week and runs through Sept. 3 at Oklahoma Shakespeare on Paseo, 2920 Paseo St. The update has been praised for its wit and style as well as Ives’ command of the language and his comedic pacing. A comedy with as many moving parts as The Liar could become a muddled mess in the hands of a lesser playwright, but Ives has been commended for repackaging the 300-yearold classic into an audience-friendly affair.

Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park executive director Kathryn McGill said the company has waited to take a shot at The Liar since its debut.

“We have wanted to produce it for several years now,” McGill said. “It was commissioned years ago by the Shakespeare Theatre of Washington, D.C. to bring to life plays by great writers that are not done enough or that truly need a translation for revival in the 21st century.

Corneille’s original play is tremendously funny and clever, but the adaptation by David Ives brings it into the 21st century in a very hilarious and vivid way.”

For those who thought Shakespeare in the Park only produced plays written by Shakespeare, McGill said the group’s mission is to reach audiences through works written by other masters, too.

“We are committed to cultivating the widest possible audience,” McGill said.

“We’re committed to bringing to life classic plays that are relevant and language-based, so we do more than Shakespeare.”

As for The Liar, audiences should expect a fast-paced, slickly written period piece that might be easier for some to digest than one written by The Bard, at least as far as language goes.

The setting: Paris, 1643. Dorante is a silver-tongued charmer cursed with a single flaw: He cannot tell the truth, no matter the topic or audience. Naturally, he meets Cliton, the manservant who cannot tell a lie.

Dorante also courts Clarice, whom he thinks is named Lucrece. In the meantime, Dorante’s father arrives and announces that he has found the woman his son should marry, who turns out to be Clarice.

However, Clarice is secretly engaged to some guy named Alceippe.

It is a French farce, after all, so the plot twists and folds over itself like an episode of Three’s Company set in the 17th century.

The script has been praised for being wellwritten and flat-out funny.

“It’s extremely clever and modern, but true to the original,” McGill said. “In a way, it’s also a very touching play, but funny from beginning to end.”

Visit oklahomashakespeare.com for more information.

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The Liar 8 p.m. Aug. Thursday-Aug. 27 and Sept. 1-3; 2 p.m. Sunday Oklahoma Shakespeare on Paseo 2920 Paseo St. oklahomashakespeare.com 405-235-3700

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Con artists

Geekinomicon celebrates pop culture with its inaugural convention Sept. 2-4 at Cox Convention Center. By Tyler Talley

Over the past month, citizens might have noticed a curious and massive statue of famed Transformer and Autobot leader Optimus Prime in downtown Oklahoma City. The monolith does not signal end times or herald the arrival of Galactus, Eater-of-Worlds. The figure, on loan from G&M Body Shop in Stillwater, sets the stage for the metro’s inaugural Geekinomicon Sept. 2-4 at Cox Convention Center, 1 Myriad Gardens.

Oklahoma has seen a growing demand for pop culture conventions over the past few years with events such as SUPER! BitCon gaming expo held annually at State Fair Park and Tulsa’s Wizard World Comic Con. Geekinomicon, however, is probably the first event of its size to be held in Oklahoma City, according to Tyler Rigney, Geek Expos media relations manager.

He said the convention also celebrates “its maiden voyage” in OKC and credited Mayor Mick Cornett’s office for recognizing the metro’s sizable “nerdy” population and working alongside Geek Expos to make the convention happen.

“They have recently done some major improvements to cater to their athletic and outdoorsy demographics with the Riversport district and want to do the same for their geeky community,” Rigney said. “That desire, with the desire for us to provide a con for geeks by geeks combined to make a beautiful and very symbiotic relationship.”

He also thanked the city for helping make the process of bringing the convention to OKC “as smooth and simple” as possible.

“The reason we chose OKC is because we met with the municipality and they were very receiv[ing] to the idea of their city

Geekinomicon OKC Sept. 2-4 Cox Convention Center 1 Myriad Gardens geekexpos.com/geekinomiconoklahoma-city 405-602-8500 $15 and up

Captain America visits Bricktown on his way to Geekinomicon OKC. | Photo illustration Tyler Rigney / provided

having a convention of their own,” Rigney said. “The mayor is very progressive and understood that every large city has a con of their own and [Oklahoma City] should have one too. The city has been so helpful and supportive of us.”

Geekinomicon hosts a number of con staples, including a vendor floor, cosplay, attractions such as a life-size replica of a Star Wars Rancor and opportunities to meet and hear celebrities involved in nearly every facet of pop culture.

Rigney said featured guests are selected through a variety of means, typically by assessing which fandoms are popular or have been dormant long enough to warrant a resurgence.

This year’s celebrity guest list features Greg Grunberg (Heroes, Star Wars: The Force Awakens), Adrianne Palicki (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), John Noble (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) and many more.

“The end goal is to have enough interest spread across the board that multiple generations can all find something to enjoy,” Rigney said.

He said the convention also serves as the first reunion of the Doctor Who madefor-TV movie cast.

The 1996 film stared Paul McGann as the eighth iteration of The Doctor, Eric Roberts as The Master and Daphne Ashbrook as Grace Holloway.

Rigney said all three are scheduled to attend.

“A pop culture convention is essentially a place to let loose and have fun,” Rigney said. “You will almost always see some crazy new thing you never knew existed.

All in all, a pop culture convention is an adventure. You never know what to expect.”

Visit geekexpos.com/geekinomiconoklahoma-city for more informaton.

c u lt u r e

Debaroti Ghosh applies mehndi (henna) tattoos on customers. | Photo Emmy Verdin / for Gazette

Handy works

Local artist Debaroti Ghosh celebrates tradition and new beginnings through her henna creations.

By Christine Eddington

Strolling through a farmers market or flea market, people expect to find goodies like cantaloupe, tomatoes and okra; maybe some goat milk soap — nothing too exotic, unless Debaroti Ghosh has her mehndi booth set up.

Mehndi is the application of henna paste in intricate patterns on the skin, most often on hands and feet. It’s commonly done in countries like India, Bangladesh and Pakistan and has been practiced since the late Bronze Age. The color it imparts is a deep brown.

Ghosh practices her art in a variety of locations like OKC Farmers Public Market and during September at Old Paris Flea Market. She also works at wedding parties.

“We are trying different locations to see which works best, testing the market,” Ghosh said.

Connecting lines

It comes in tiny tubes and is squeezed out onto the skin and allowed to dry. The pigment it leaves darkens for several days and can last up to a month if treated with care.

“It dries pretty quickly, and so most of the time, you would just go to sleep with it on,” she said. “Then, when it has come off, the design will be there.”

Most of the time, women decorate themselves this way, but men do it too for special occasions. Ghosh’s husband Gaurav Kumar, an Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) research scientist, wore mehndi designs on his hands at their wedding.

For women, it’s often applied for a special splurge or party, holiday, gathering or social event.

“It’s popular before weddings partly because the henna has a cooling, calming effect on the skin,” Ghosh said.

In May, Ghosh was contracted to create mendhi art on wedding party members the day before a wedding, which is traditional. She also offered mendhi to guests who wanted to try it at the reception.

That day, she worked on 45 people and went through 36 tubes of henna.

“There was a woman there who was Chinese who wanted her back done, which is very unusual, so I did her back,” she said.

One tradition is for the bride to incorporate the letters of her husband’s name into her designs, but not all in one spot.

“The husband must find all of the letters,” she said. “If he cannot, he will have to do what his wife says for the rest of the marriage.”

Ghosh has been a mehndi artist for half

of her 28 years and began her career out of necessity.

“I started when I was 14 or 15, in India,” she said. “I wanted my hands done, but I was so small that nobody would do it, so I decided to learn myself, and I used to practice on my mom’s hands and legs, when she would let me.”

Tasty traditions

Her artistry extends beyond mendhi and into the culinary world.

“She is teaching an Indian cooking class at Francis Tuttle,” Kumar said. “I encourage her to pursue her art. I told her, ‘If you want to make a career of your art, I will support you in that.’”

Her classes will be offered in the fall and spring.

“The class in the fall will focus more on entrees, and the class in the spring will be about Indian street foods,” she said.

The artist herself is lovely, and her work is beautiful.

She explained what brought her from India to Oklahoma, via Nice, France, as she calmly applied a swooping pattern of paisley shapes, lacelike designs and floral elements to her friend Ankita, another recent Oklahoma transplant.

As she worked, Kumar told the story of how he and his wife met.

“I was working on my Ph.D. in Nice, and she came to the university there to do her master’s degree in French,” he said.

“There aren’t many Indians there, and a group of us had get-togethers. She came to one of our Indian get-togethers, and we realized we lived in the same area, so we became friends, and then…

“And then we decided to marry.”

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ac t i v e

ARTS & CULTURE

Goal medals

Heather Erickson center makes her third trip to the Summer Paralympics. | Photo University of Central Oklahoma / provided

ESPY finalist Heather Erickson and the U.S. women’s sitting volleyball team hope to finally capture Paralympic gold. By Ben Luschen

Donald Trump is right; the United States is losing to China. Who knew he was talking about Paralympic sitting volleyball all this time? In two prior Paralympic games, Heather Erickson, a 2016 ESPY finalist for Best Female Athlete with a Disability and team captain and power/right-side hitter for the U.S. women’s Paralympic sitting volleyball team, has finished second to the Chinese squad.

Erickson is among 11 University of Central Oklahoma-based athletes traveling to the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro for sitting volleyball, a fast-paced version of indoor volleyball that requires participants to remain seated on the court during play as they scoot around to extend rallies and score points. The Paralympics is the highest level of global competition for disabled athletes.

An official sendoff for the UCO athletes happens 4 p.m. Tuesday at UCO Wellness Center, 100 N. University Drive, in Edmond.

Fans can meet this year’s UCO Paralympians and collect autographs. The sitting volleyball competition begins Sept. 9.

The U.S. has never won Paralympic gold in sitting volleyball. More than just making America great again; Erickson wants to take the team where it has never been before.

“I want to go beat them,” Erickson said.

“London was more like, ‘I want to go and have fun.’ In Rio, I just want to go and beat the crap out of China and listen to our national anthem and come home with a gold.

That’s all I want from life.”

Realizing dreams

International competition once seemed like a fantasy for a young girl who spent seemingly most of her life in a cast.

Erickson broke her right leg as an infant.

The fracture was pseudoarthrotic, meaning her body perceived the break as two bones.

Erickson underwent 18 surgeries from the time she was born to age 8, but no attempt

to regrow the bone would ever take.

Her early childhood was spent strapped into a walking boot and on tiring pain management medications. Her mom played tennis, and her dad was a college football player. It bothered Erickson that her leg kept her from participating. She remembers marveling as she and her sister watched the gymnasts on television during the 2000 Olympic games. Like many other girls, her dream was to one day compete on that stage.

Soon after, doctors came to Erickson and her parents with a difficult choice: Amputate the troubled leg now and begin adjusting to life in a prosthetic or keep trying to correct the fracture surgically with the possibility of amputating in the future anyway.

“We just decided after 18 failed [surgeries], it was just like, ‘Give it a break and let me be a kid,’” Erickson said. “We just went ahead and amputated then.”

For many, losing a limb would be debilitating. But Erickson said she felt liberated.

The cast and drugs were gone. She was able to compete athletically with other children.

Her prosthetic finally made life normal.

Renewed effort

Erickson was 15 years old in 2008 when she traveled with the national team to Beijing.

They eventually took home a silver medal.

Erickson and the U.S. again won silver at the 2012 Paralympics in London.

The London Paralympics was a bit of a disappointment for Erickson, she said, because the team was unable to improve upon its last result.

“We didn’t have a deep bench; we didn’t have people to bring in,” she said. “People just weren’t as experienced.”

The national team again finished second to China in the 2014 world championships.

This year feels different. Erickson said the team is performing at one of the highest levels of play she has seen in her national career. It is also a deeper and more experi-

enced team across the board.

She feels confident in knowing that the drive to score points is spread across the unit.

“There’s no reason we shouldn’t come home with anything but a gold, in my opinion,” she said.

Paralympic partners

UCO Paralympic Sendoff 4 p.m. Tuesday UCO Wellness Center University of Central Oklahoma 100 University Drive, Edmond facebook.com/

ing college and life, but it’s an especially challenging task for Paralympic trainees, Erickson said. She works at Dick’s Sporting Goods and as a volleyball coach in addition to her training and schoolwork, but she knows it’s not possible for everyone. “[UCO has] done awesome because we have courts we can use every day; we can come in and do extra practices,” she said. “They provide housing, which is huge for us, because we don’t have to go out and find another job; we can focus on

If the U.S. finally does take ucowellnesscenter gold in sitting volleyball this 405-974-2000 year, the national program’s Free partnership with the University of Central Oklahoma could be credited as one of the training.”

It’s almost counter to logic to say an amkey contributing factors.

In 2005, UCO became an official putation could benefit a person’s athletic Paralympic training site and the host site future, but as Erickson heads to her third for both the men’s and women’s sitting volconsecutive Paralympic games, she can leyball teams. Before that, athletes like count the decision to live with a prosthetic leg as one of her best life decisions.

Erickson had to leave home for weeks at a time to participate in training camps that “Right after I got fitted for that prostravelled from state to state. thetic, my life was easy,” she said. “I could Taking root in Edmond makes for more play sports. I ran track, which will never routine, convenient and consistent training. happen in my life again. I’m a thrower, not a runner.”

Many athletes choose to enroll in the university as well. There are at least eight UCO Erickson’s artificial leg has carried her resident athletes and alumnae on the to her sport’s pinnacle event time and time women’s team. The men’s team features again, as has an unbreakable will. three resident athletes.

“I’m stubborn, and I don’t like to lose,” Many students have a hard time balancshe said, “nor do I like to be the worst.”

Screen Printing . Embroidery . Design www.OklahomaShirtCompany.com

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Nels Bentson has run in 49 states and on all seven continents. | Photo provided

in 2007.”

Bentson said running in Antarctica required no special training but the location did pose certain difficulties.

“We ran on ice quite a bit, up and down a glacier,” he said. “The glacier was rather steep. That’s kind of challenging to find that kind of hill here.”

The icy glaciers of Antarctica are a far cry from the trails around Lake Hefner, where Bentson said he likes to run. He averages 35-40 miles over the course of four or five days each week.

By 2010, Bentson had run on all seven continents. His next goal came to him organically, a byproduct of his passion for running.

“At that point, I had 20-some states already completed, so I said, ‘Well, that’s almost half. Let’s do it,’” Bentson said.

Over the years, Bentson has run marathons in 49 states, including the initial Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.

“I try to stay to the smaller marathons,” Bentson said of his preference to avoid large crowds. “Now, I just find it easier to go on my own.”

He starts and finishes when he wants, running at his own pace.

Let them tell me what they want, and I’ll go do what I think I can.

Nels Bentson

ac t i v e

Lasting benefits

Runner’s high

Come September, septuagenarian Nels Bentson will have run a marathon in every state in the U.S.

By Ian Jayne

Most people likely have not traveled to all seven continents or even all 50 U.S. states.

On Sept. 25, Nels Bentson will have done so while running. The 72-year-old Oklahoma City resident originally from Denver, Colorado, said he began running nearly four decades ago.

Bentson did not run or participate in athletics when he was in school, but he has more than made up for the time lost.

“I joined some friends that were doing it. It seemed to come kind of naturally,” I wasn’t really good at it at first; it was kind of more of a social thing,” said Bentson. “[My] first marathon was in 1984. I’d been running a long time before that.”

Thirty years after he took up running, Bentson faced an obstacle that any runner would dread.

“In 2004, I had to have a complete hip replacement on my right side, which

slowed me down for a while,” he said.

Bentson said his physician was not encouraging about his running habit and said he would never run another marathon. But Bentson had other ideas.

“Let them tell me what they want, and I’ll go do what I think I can,” he said.

Road runner

Bentson continued to run, finding farflung places in which he could get in his miles.

As a result of his travels, he has run in places such as Iceland, Germany, Mongolia and Tanzania. He has also traveled to and ran on all seven continents.

The year following his hip replacement, Bentson accomplished a remarkable feat.

“I went to Antarctica in 2005 and did the full marathon,” Bentson said, “and then went back and did the half marathon

While Bentson acknowledged the wear and tear that can come from running, he also affirmed the values of running as an exercise helpful for aging.

“It’s hard on your joints, but then, on the other side, there’s a lot of positive health benefits,” he said. “The greatest benefits [are] mental as well as physical.

It does help your cognitive thinking. The older you get, you slow down physically and mentally.”

He also said his physician now supports him.

“I go back and see him every year,” Bentson said. “He says, ‘Keep it up.’”

Bentson said he continues to read about running and still learns about ways to improve his technique.

“Keep moving,” he said. “Don’t stop.

Once you stop, things will go backwards real quick.”

After Bentson’s 50th marathon in New Hampshire in September, he will have run over 1,300 miles.

“People keep asking me what I’m going to do after September,” he said. “I haven’t figured that out yet.”

Bentson said he might start running half-marathons.

“I intend to keep on running as long as I’m able,” he said. “I’ll keep running at some distance.”

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ARTS & CULTURE

film

Donnie Rich and Zachary Matthews find old papers with front-page stories about filming The Outsiders. | Photo The Outsiders House Museum / provided

Still gold

Recent renovations to Oklahoma’s coolest house ensure The Outsiders is remembered after all these years. By Ian Jayne

If the walls of a particular house in Crutchfield Park, Tulsa, could talk, they would a say a lot about literature and some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Francis Ford Coppola’s 1983 adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s debut novel, The Outsiders, immortalized the building as the home of Ponyboy Curtis, but years of wear and tear as a rental house have done their damage.

Ok la homa residents Zacha r y Matthews and Donnie Rich, along with hip-hop icon Daniel “Danny Boy” O’Connor — a trio of Outsiders enthusiasts — took it upon themselves to restore the house to its former glory. Oklahoma Gazette spoke to Matthews about the home’s past, present and future.

Matthews said when O’Connor (of House of Pain, La Coka Nostra and Delta Bravo Urban Exploration Team) would travel through Tulsa, the pair would park a half-block from the house and look at it.

“I just can’t believe it’s sitting there, deteriorating, while we’re watching downtown Tulsa blossom,” Matthews recalled thinking.

“Every visit, it was worse and worse,” Matthews said. “So we committed to finding who the owner was and seeing if they were interested in selling.”

After two and a half months of scouring Tulsa County Assessor records and 62

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Facebook, Matthews found himself taking the most direct course of action.

“I just went up and knocked on the door and I talked to the girl that lived in the house,” he said.

Upon finding out that the house would be up for rent, Matthews described his reaction as “slack-jawed.” He immediately called O’Connor, who was in Los Angeles, and they decided to buy the house. However, Matthews and O’Connor were not the only ones interested; he said Habitat for Humanity wanted to acquire the property and build new structures in its place.

Sincerity swung the pendulum in favor of Matthews and O’Connor — after all, the Habitat for Humanity project could be built somewhere else.

“We’ve lost so many great things in Tulsa, and this fluke, the main house from the hottest film of the ’80s, is still standing on the corner,” Matthews said.

Finally, in March, Matthews and O’Connor purchased the structure.

Matthews said they realized almost immediately that its days as a residence were over.

“We knew trying to live there would be like trying to live in a fish tank,” he said, citing the vast number of Outsiders fans who made pilgrimages to the house.

So the home of the Curtis brothers would become a different kind of home: a museum encapsulating and honoring the iconic book and film and their impact on American pop culture.

“When we saw the public’s reaction to what we had done, it was a no-brainer that we’d done the right thing,” Matthews said.

Cleaning house

After years of neglect, in order to preserve the house for future enjoyment, it was necessary to perform extensive repairs and renovations.

“The foundation of the house was twisted. The walls came down. The ceilings came down,” Matthews said. “What we’re going to wind up with is just a solid house that’s going to stand up for a long time.”

However, the renovations have not intruded upon the film’s spirit and aesthetic.

“This is the Curtis brothers’ house,” Matthews said. “We’ve got to keep it Grease.”

Painstaking research and careful attention to detail on the part of Matthews, O’Connor and Rich have been essential parts of the renovation. According to Matthews, they have done their homework and “[gone] through those HD Blu-ray copies frame-by-frame” in order to extract as much information as possible from the film’s sets.

Local vendors have donated their goods and services to the project, and Matthews and O’Connor also set up a GoFundMe account to help ease the financial burden for the forthcoming museum. Matthews said the donations range from large sums to a $37 contribution from students who pooled their money. This seems fitting, as a school class was initially responsible for nudging Coppola toward making The Outsiders into a film at all.

Additionally, a recent fundraising event helped bring publicity and awareness to the project. Guests included cast members C. Thomas Howell and Darren Dalton, producer Gray Frederickson and author S.E. Hinton, who wrote The Outsiders as a student at Will Rogers High School in Tulsa.

“She got behind this from the start,” Matthews said of Hinton. “Her support just lent that legitimacy to the project …

I don’t know if it would have had the success without her.”

Matthews credited The Outsiders’ examinations of diversity and socioeconomic understanding for the continued relevance of the book and film. It also helps that the novel has never gone out of print and is often required reading for students.

When the museum opens next May, visitors can experience the classic story in a new way.

“I don’t want to give away our biggies, but we’ve got the stuff,” Matthews said of the museum’s exhibits. “It’s going to look exactly like it did from filming.”

Daniel “Danny Boy” O’Connor and Tulsa resident Zachary Matthews bought the home where much of The Outsiders was filmed and will restore it into a museum. | Photo The Outsiders House Museum / provided

c ult ur e

Willie “Farm Boy” Moore, Central Oklahoma Survivors Motorcycle Club president, gives safety and route instructions during last year’s Ride for Recovery. | Photo Sharla Bardin / provided

Joy ride

Survivors Clean & Sober Motorcycle Club hosts its fourth annual Ride for Recovery to benefit children with developmental disabilities. By Mark Beutler

Spending a week at summer camp can help a child make memories that last a lifetime. Children with developmental disabilities also benefit from the fellowship and camaraderie that camp brings.

JD McCarty Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities in Norman offers Camp ClapHans every year, giving kids with disabilities opportunities to swim, ride horseback, fish and sit around a campfire.

A local motorcycle group teams with the center to provide scholarships for youths who might need them. The fourth annual Ride for Recovery poker run and fundraiser event is Sept. 4 at the center, 2002 E. Robinson Ave., in Norman.

“The Survivors Clean & Sober Motorcycle Club is a brotherhood of bikers whose primary purpose is to be in the community for the brother or sister that wants to stop drinking and drugging,” said Willie “Farm Boy” Moore, a club member who helped organize the poker run. “This is a way for us to give back to the community and help pay for these children with special needs to go to camp next summer.”

Moore said more than 90 bikers participated last year. This year, organizers expect at least 150, with riders coming from Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado.

Ride for Recovery Registration begins 9 a.m., ride begins 11 a.m. Sept. 4 JD McCarty Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities 2002 E. Robinson Ave., Norman jdmc.org 580-451-0712 $20-$30

Registration is $20 for a single rider and $30 for a couple, Moore said. Riders depart the center at 11 a.m. on a 75-mile route that ends where it started.

“When we get back, we will have barbecue sandwiches, chips and beans for lunch and then have a raffle, a 50/50 drawing and an auction,” he said. “High hand of the run pays a $200 prize and low hand pays $100.”

Attending the summer camp costs around $325, but scholarships are available for families that qualify.

“Get involved by coming out and supporting the run,” Moore said.

Anyone also can donate raffle items or cash.

“All of us who are involved work a 12-step program, and we are just trying to give back what we can and be productive

All of us who are involved work a 12-step program, and we are just trying to give back what we can and be productive members of the community.

Willie ‘Farm Boy’ Moore

members of the community,” he added.

JD McCarty Center got its start in 1946 and, in the beginning, was limited to patients with cerebral palsy. Seventy years later, the center treats more than 100 different developmental disabilities.

“We are the only hospital of our kind in Oklahoma,” said Greg Gaston, JD McCarty Center director of marketing. “Last year, we saw kids from 62 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties.”

Camp ClapHans is named for Sammy Jack Claphan, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, NFL player, special education teacher and coach, Gaston said.

“Sammy Jack played blindside tackle at OU,” Gaston added. “When he died unexpectedly at the age of 45, a group of his former teammates started to raise money to build a cabin at the camp in his name.

After that, the hospital administration decided to name the camp in his honor.”

Today, the camp is comprised of two cabins, one for boys and one for girls. It is staffed by volunteers — usually college students majoring in special or general education or recreational activities — who receive two weeks of orientation with the hospital staff.

Gaston said Camp ClapHans has a oneto-one camper-to-staff ratio, is accredited by the American Camp Association and has a nurse on-site 24 hours a day.

“We appreciate the Survivors Clean & Sober Motorcycle Club chose to honor Camp ClapHans with their support last year. We hope this partnership continues for a long time to come,” Gaston said.

“While the McCarty Center is a state agency, no state dollars were used to build the camp. It was built entirely with money raised through JD McCarty Center Foundation, and camp operations are funded the same way, through donated and fundraised money. Having partnerships with groups like Survivors helps ensure the camp will continue to operate.”

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calendar These are events recommended

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

BOOKS Roxie McBride Signing, author signs Caroline’s Crinolines, the story of a clever, compassionate child who has strange request such as she must eat things that being with the letter C and only likes pets, flowers and clothes that begin with the letter C, 3-5 p.m. Aug. 27. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 405-842-2900, fullcirclebooks.com. SAT Lance Hawvermale Book Signing, author signs Face Blind: A Mystery in which a man with a neurological disorder that prevents him from recognizing human faces confronts a killer in Chile’s Atacama desert, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 31. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 405-842-2900, fullcirclebooks.com. WED

FILM Floating Films: Captain Phillips, (US, 2013, dir.

Paul Greengrass) the true story of captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in 200 years; enjoy watching the film projected outdoors at the new Riversport Rapids, watch on the lawn or rent a tube or raft and watch on the water, 9:15 p.m.

Aug. 26. Riversport Rapids, 800 Riversport Drive, 405-552-4040, riversportokc.org. FRI Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World, (US, 2016, dir. Werner Herzog) Werner Herzog’s exploration of the Internet and the connected world, 5:30 and 8 p.m. Aug 25. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. THU Western Movie Matinee: An Afternoon of Comic and Cartoon Shorts, screening featuring six comedy short films ranging from The Paleface to Two Little Indians, 1 p.m. Aug. 31. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. WED

HAPPENINGS Oklahoma Observer Newsmaker Series, join Observer editor Arnold Hamilton for a lively, onehour conversation with Rep. Cory Williams and Oklahoma AFL-CIO president Jimmy Curry on the plight of the state’s working class and legislative efforts to undermine local control, 3-4 p.m.

Aug. 25. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 405-842-2900, fullcirclebooks.com.

THU

Race Poetry Reading, special poetry reading on the issues of race and heritage with poets of color along with an open mic, 7-8 p.m. Aug. 25. IAO Art Gallery, 706 W. Sheridan Ave., 405-232-6060, individualartists.org. THU Astronomy Nights in the Gardens, members of the OKC Astronomy Club and their telescopes return to the gardens for summer nights filled with star gazing; check out the moon, stars and planets, 8:30-10 p.m. Aug. 25. Myriad Botanical

20 16

Thank You issue Publishes August 31

Featuring BesT of The resT of okC

The issue includes a recap of the 2016 winners and finalists, along with the Rest of OKC, our editorial staff’s lighthearted look at some unique categories that did not make it on this year’s reader poll.

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Focus on Dark Art Art that is bright and pretty, odd or interesting gets a lot of attention, while art that is dark or depressing is often overlooked, hidden or ignored.

Kasum Contemporary Fine Art wants to change that with its new exhibit, Focus on Dark Art. The art in this show is made up of paintings, sculptures and prints that are “disturbing, emotionally intense, sobering, personally evocative and sometimes macabre.” The group exhibit features Joe Turk, Brett McDaniel, Brian and Stephanie Magby (aka Undeveloped Area Farms), Kjelshus Collins and Jeannette Herrera (aka BlueFaceKiller) and runs through Oct. 2. Kasum, 1706 NW 16th St., is open 11:30a.m.-7:30 p.m. TuesdayThursday, 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday. Admission is free. Visit kasumcontemporary.com. Wednesday-Sunday, ongoing Image Jeannette Herrera / provided

Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com/events. THU Emerging Technologies in Advertising & Marketing, learn from industry experts and check out the newest marketing tech making its way into Oklahoma City; including 360-degree video, augmented reality, the up-and-coming promotional arm of virtual reality and more, 6:30-8 p.m. Aug. 25. McNeese Stills + Motion, 300 NW 62nd St., 405-840-0102, mcneesestudios.com. THU Ladies’ Only Chess Club, chess club giving girls and women a venue where they can build and maintain social relationships with other chess playing girls and women; all skill levels are invited to participate, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Aug. 27. District House, 1755 NW 16th St., 405-633-1775, districthouseokc.com. SAT Remington Bark, canine charity event; dog owners can bring their four-legged companions out for an evening of fun, including a vendor fair, a doggie photo booth, canine costume contest and reduced-cost vaccinations among other activities, 6 p.m. Aug. 27. Remington Park, 1 Remington Place, 405-424-9000, remingtonpark.com. SAT

Festival of Hope Festival of Hope is celebrating its 15th year. The masquerade gala features a special dinner, live entertainment and live and silent auctions. The night raises awareness and funds for HeartLine and its programs. Festivities begin 6:30 p.m. Saturday at National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St. Single tickets are $150, and a table of eight is $1,000. Visit heartlineoklahoma.org or call 405-840-9396.

Levy Restaurants Job Fair, annual job fair hiring for part-time seasonal positions, 2 p.m. Aug. 30.

Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W. Reno Ave., 405-602-8700, chesapeakearena.com. TUE Big Game, live team game show with Alex Sanchez presented by OKC Comedy and Black Mesa Brewing Company, 8 p.m. Aug. 31. Opolis, 113 N. Crawford Ave., Norman, opolis.org. WED

FOOD Art After 5, enjoy the skyline along with live music, friends and cocktails on top of OKCMOA, 5-11 p.m. Aug. 25. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. THU

Saturday Photo HeartLine / provided

go to okgazette.com fo go to okgazette.com for full listings!

Cooking with Kam, learn how to make great side dishes form local, seasonal vegetables, noon-1 p.m. Aug. 25. Park House, 125 Ron Norick Blvd., 405-232-7275, parkhouseokc.com. THU

Story Time With Julie, kid-friendly storytime with the latest children’s books, 10:15 -11 a.m. Aug. 27 Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 405-842-2900, fullcirclebooks.com. SAT

Oskar Blues Beer Dinner, a delicious four-course beer dinner with each course paired or prepared with Oskar Blues beer selections, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 25. Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse, 7 Mickey Mantle Drive, 405-272-0777, mickeymantlesteakhouse. com. THU

Chihuly Plates: Ages 3-5, create a Chihuly-themed masterpiece using paper plates, tissue paper, shells, and sand; visit the Chihuly collection and focus on vibrant summer colors and water themes, 11 a.m.-noon Aug. 27. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. SAT

August Farm to Table Dinner, five courses from chef Tim Mort paired with wine from Putnam Wines, 7-10 p.m. Aug. 25. OKC Farmers Public Market, 311 S. Klein Ave., 405-232-6506, okcfarmersmarket.com. THU Oktoberfest Release Party, COOP Ale Works hosts a celebration of the passing of Oklahoma SB 424 and the release of its fall seasonal, Oktoberfest; German cuisine, entertainment and more, 4-8 p.m. Aug. 26. Coop Ale Works, 4745 Council Heights Road, 405-842-2662, coopaleworks. com. FRI Edible Adventures: Sushi Madness, hands-on cooking class perfect for team building, date night or family fun, 6-10 p.m. Aug. 26. Platt College, 2727 W. Memorial Road, 405-912-3260, plattcolleges.edu. FRI Eats on 8th, food truck festival and night market, 6-11 p.m. Aug. 26. Midtown OKC, NW Eighth Street and Harvey Avenue. facebook.com/EatsonEighth

Art Adventures, children experience art through books and related projects for youths ages 3-5, 10:30 a.m., every Tuesday. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., Norman, 405-325-3272, ou.edu/fjjma. TUE

PERFORMING ARTS Good Time Fun Show, comedy show along with the celebration of taproom laws changing in Oklahoma, 7-9 p.m. Aug. 27. Anthem Brewing Company, 908 SW Fourth St., 405-604-0446, anthembrewing.com. SAT Steve McGrew, standup by country comedian Steve McGrew, 8 p.m. Aug. 25, 8 and 10:30 p.m.

Aug. 26-27. Loony Bin Comedy Club, 8503 N. Rockwell Ave., 405-239-4242, loonybincomedy. com. THU -SAT

FRI

Red Wine & Cheese Pairing, learn about red wines and how to pair with cheeses while enjoying an array of red wine and cheeses from around the world, 6:15-8:45 p.m. Aug. 26. Forward FoodsNorman, 2001 W. Main St., Norman, 405-321-1007, forwardfoods.com. FRI POP! Champagne & Spirit Tasting, enjoy

samples of champagne, sparking wine, scotch and whiskey along with small bites from Broadway 10 Bar & Chophouse, live music and more, 6:30-9 p.m. Aug. 26. MercedesBenz of Oklahoma City, 1225 N. Broadway Ave., 405-236-1224. FRI

Tour de Palate, food, wine and beer tasting event to raise money for blood and bone cancer research, benefiting the Go Mitch Go Foundation, 7-11 p.m. Aug. 26. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., 405-297-2264, okcciviccenter.com.

FRI

Weekly Farmers Market, shop local produce, bakers and artisans, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Aug. 27. OKC Farmers Public Market, 311 S. Klein Ave., 405-2326506, okcfarmersmarket.com. SAT Healthy & Taste-Tea!, from an earthy jasmine green to a dark red hibiscus, learn what makes each cup of tea so unique in taste and so beneficial to our health; sample year-round and refreshing summertime favorites and unlock the power that comes from freshly brewed tea, 3-4 p.m. Aug. 28. Natural Grocers, 7013 N. May Ave., 405-8400300, naturalgrocers.com. SUN Pahlmeyer’s French Clones: August Wine Dinner, join Vast and Pahlmeyer Estate Vineyard for a selection of Pahlmeyer’s finest wines paired with a four-course dinner prepared by the Vast culinary team, 7 p.m. Aug. 30. Vast, 333 W. Sheridan Ave., 405-702-7262, vastokc.com. TUE

YOUTH Titanoba: Monster Snake, exhibit of a realistic replica of the largest snake on record weighing an estimated one-and-a-half tons and measuring 48 feet long. Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman, 405-325-4712, snomnh.ou.edu.

Be the Dinosaur, a state-of-the-art video game exhibit that turns the player into a virtual Triceratops or a T-rex. Tickets are $2 for a 30-minute session. Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman, 405-3254712, snomnh.ou.edu.

Bringing Books to Life, storytime based off nature and the season; includes small craft; ages 2-5, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Aug. 24. Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-297-3995, myriadgardens.com. WED Weekly Walk-Ups, make-and-take crafts on Mondays, play with food on Tuesdays, storytime on Wednesdays, crafts focusing on the environment on Thursdays and a scavenger hunt on Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon, Aug. 24-30. Children’s Garden, 301 West Reno & Harvey, 405-445-7080, oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com. WED Chihuly Plates: Ages 15-36 Months, create a Chihuly-themed masterpiece using paper plates, tissue paper, shells and sand; visit the Chihuly collection and focus on vibrant summer colors and water themes, 10-10:45 a.m. Aug. 27. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-2363100, okcmoa.com. SAT

Matisse in His Time Matisse in His Time: Masterworks of Modernism from the Centre Pompidou, Paris has built up excitement since it was announced that the visiting exhibit’s single North American stop would be at Oklahoma City Museum of Art. OKCMOA has had such great turnout for Matisse in His Time that it implemented extended hours through the exhibit’s final weeks. Extended hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sept. 2-3 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 4, 11 and 18. Matisse’s Windows, a lecture by Michael J. Anderson, director of curatorial affairs, is 6 p.m. Sept. 7. Museum admission is free-$12. Visit okcmoa.com.

Wednesday-Sunday, ongoing Image Collection Centre Pompidou, Paris. MNAM-CCI. Legs du Victomte Guy de Cholet aux Musées nationaux, 1916, 2009. AM 2009-214. © 2016 Succession H. Matisse/Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY / provided

Driving Miss Daisy, Alfred Uhry’s Pulitzer Prizewinning play puts together a crotchety white Southern lady and a proud, soft-spoken black man who form a bond that endures for 25 years, 8 p.m.

Aug. 25-27, 2:30 p.m. Aug. 28. Jewel Box Theatre, 3700 N. Walker Ave., 405-521-1786, jewelboxtheatre.org. THU -SUN

100 95

Whodunit Dinner Theater: Victim of Retirement, dinner and a comedic murder mystery play involving the audience, 6:15 p.m. Aug. 26. Teds Escondido, 6900 N. May Ave., 405-420-3222, whodunit.net. FRI

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Young Guns of Comedy Tour, comedy show featuring Dan Lamorte, Nate Marshall, Usama Siddiquee and Chike Robinson, 8 p.m. Aug. 26-27.

Gigglez Bar & Grill, 1016 N. Walker Ave., 405-6022074, gigglezokc.com. FRI -SAT

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e.com for full listings! go to okgazette.com for full listings!

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calendar Bark for Life, noncompetitive walk event for dogs and owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer, 7 p.m. Aug. 26. Hafer Park, 1034 S. Bryant Ave., Edmond, 405-359-4630, edmondok.com. FRI 8th Annual Moore War Run, 5K with proceeds helping to fund scholarships and other activities for Moore Public Schools students, 7:30 a.m.

Aug. 27. Moore High School, 300 N. Eastern Ave., Moore, 405-735-4700, mooreschools.com. SAT OKC Energy vs. Tulsa Roughnecks, professional soccer game, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27. Taft Stadium, 2901 NW 23rd St. SAT Spirit Sprint 5K Run & Stroll, with proceeds benefiting the Spirit League, the Yukon Parks and Recreation special needs sports league, 8 a.m.

Aug. 27. Chisholm Trail Park, 500 W. Vandament Ave., Yukon, 405-350-8937. SAT GloRun 2016, 5K and 1-mile fun-run in the darkness through multiple tunnels filled with artwork and black lights, 6 p.m. Aug. 27. Mitch Park, 1501 W. Covell Road, Edmond. SAT OKC Dodgers vs. Memphis, minor league baseball game, 7:05 p.m. Aug. 29-31. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S. Mickey Mantle Drive, 405-218-1000.

MON -WED

List your event in

Yoga in the Gardens, all-levels class led by Lisa Woodard; bring a mat and water and enjoy yoga in the Myriad Botanical Gardens, 5:45-6:45 p.m.

Aug. 30. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com/events. TUE

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.

Submit your listings online at okgazette.com or e-mail them to listings@okgazette.com.

Sorry, but phone submissions cannot be accepted.

31 Musician and filmmaker Rob Zombie unveils his seventh film, 31, during a onenight screening event in select theaters nationwide. The film follows a small group of carnival workers as they make their way through a horrifying game and is set for a small theatrical release Sept. 16. The screening begins 7 p.m. Sept. 1 at Cinemark Tinseltown USA, 6001 N. Martin Luther King Ave., and AMC Quail Springs Mall 24, 2501 W. Memorial Road.

Tickets are $12-$16.26. Visit fathomevents. com. Sept. 1 Photo provided continued from page 65 Sylvia, a modern romantic comedy about a marriage and a dog, Sylvia centers around Greg and Kate, a couple married 22 years and returning to Manhattan from the suburbs after their children have left the nest, 8 p.m. Aug. 26-27, 2 p.m. Aug. 28. The Pollard Theatre, 120 W. Harrison Ave., Guthrie, 405-282-2800, thepollard.org. FRI -SUN Twinkle Twinkle Lil’ Show, comedy variety show, 9 p.m. Aug. 26. Kendell’s Bar, 110 S. May Ave., 405-601-6848. FRI

Deep Deuce Dash and Draft, run a 5K and enjoy a cold one for your hard work afterward, 6 p.m.

Aug. 31. Anchor Down, 30 NE Second St., 405605-8070, anchordownokc.com. WED

VISUAL ARTS A Beastly Affair, metal sculpture by Stephen Schwark and photography by Arlie Mornhinweg with an intent to present modern-day beasts as they are — fearful beings constantly consumed by the fight to survive — in an effort to expose such tendencies in ourselves that have been suppressed. The Paseo Plunge, 3010 Paseo St., 405-315-6224, paseoplunge.com.

A Hiding Place, group exhibition of poetry, video and visual art. Artspace at Untitled, 1 NE Third St., 405-815-9995, artspaceatuntitled.org.

Art Show at INTEGRIS Cancer Institute, the show includes more than 200 pieces by artists whose lives have been touched by cancer. Integris Cancer Institute, 5911 W Memorial Rd., 405-773-6400, integrisok.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.

Drop-In Art: Matisse Shape Mobiles, 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

Nghiem’s Fairy Tales, a storytelling show with funny people telling true stories; hosted by James Nghiem, 8 p.m. Aug. 27. New World Comics, 6219 N. Meridian Ave., 405-721-7634, newworldcomics. net. SAT Cameron Esposito, comedy show presented by OKC Comedy; standup comic, actor and writer who has appeared on Comedy Central, TBS, NBC, E! and more. ACM@UCO Performance Lab, 329 E. Sheridan Ave., 405-974-4700, acm.uco.edu. SUN OKC StorySLAM: That One Friend, an openmic storytelling performance followed by the evening’s featured teller, 7 p.m. Aug. 28. Saints, 1715 NW 16th St., 405-602-6308, saintspubokc. com. SUN

ACTIVE OKC Dodgers vs. Colorado Springs, minor league baseball game, 7:05 p.m. 24-27, 6:05 p.m. Aug. 28.

Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S. Mickey Mantle Drive, 405-218-1000. WED -SUN Drop-In Yoga, yoga class in the museum’s galleries, 5:45-6:45 p.m. Aug. 25. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. THU Zumba in the Gardens, participate in the Latininspired cardio-dance, 5:45-6:45 p.m Aug. 25.

Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, oklahomacitybotanicalgardens. com/events. THU

Oklahoma County Free Fair The area’s best growers and makers will compete at the Oklahoma County Free Fair. The fair begins 3 p.m. Thursday, 2 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Oklahoma State Fair Park, 3001 General Pershing Ave. Fair admission is free. Homemade and grown foods and goods can be found in the Centennial Building. The horse show begins 6:30 p.m. Friday and continues 9 a.m. Saturday. Visit oces.okstate.edu/oklahoma or call 405-713-1125. ThursdaySaturday Photo OSU Extension Center / provided

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go to okgazette.com for full listings!

go to okgazette.com fo

occasions, 1-4 p.m. Aug 27. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. SAT 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.

Gallery Talk, faculty members from the Art History department lead the first of two informal walking tours of the School of Art and Art History Faculty Exhibition, 4 p.m. Aug. 30. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., Norman, 405-3253272, ou.edu/fjjma. TUE Hell on Wheels: Uniting a Nation by Rail, exhibition of the labor force that built the first transcontinental railroad reflecting the colorful diversity of the American West in the 1860s through a display of wardrobes. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org.

House & Garden, solo exhibition from Alex Emmons. Mainsite Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main St., Norman, 405-360-1162, mainsite-art.com.

Janet Massad, showcase of Massad’s ceramic pieces. JRB Art at The Elms, 2810 N. Walker Ave., 405-528-6336, jrbartgallery.com.

Jerron Johnston, artist showcases work in water color, pencil pastels and oil. In Your Eye Studio & Gallery, 3005-A Paseo St., 405-525-2161, inyoureyegallery.com.

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

Margot Holaday and Dodge Hill, featured artists through August. The Studio Gallery, 2642 W. Britton Road, 405-752-2642, thestudiogallery.org.

Noble Figures, artist John Brandenburg showcases his paintings and mixed media drawings of figurative as well as semi-abstract and organic or landscape-like content. JRB Art at The Elms, 2810 N. Walker Ave., 405-528-6336, jrbartgallery.com.

O. Gail Poole: Rediscovered Oklahoma Master, over the course of five decades, O. Gail Poole built, tore down and rebuilt his artistic style with breathtaking regularity, creating one of the most diverse bodies of work of his generation; a headturning collection of the master’s portraiture and landscapes. Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum, 1400 Classen Drive, 405-235-4458, oklahomaheritage.com.

OKCurrent, consists of original works by: Matt Glazner, Colby Bowers, Jay Gourley, Gretchen Rehfeld, Charles Davis,Nora Bisher, Kevin Lee Wells, Brent Learned, JD Merryweather, Zack Parker, and Micah Moad; benefiting Big Dogs Huge paws.

Studio 3108, 3108 N. Classen Blvd., 405-210-5701.

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 West Main St., Yukon, 405-494-0321, spraycancreative.com.

Oklahoma Stories, photography exhibition from Charles Rushton. Mainsite Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main St., Norman, 405-360-1162, mainsite-art. 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.

Outta’ the Ball Park, work by photographer Alan Ball and oil painter Nancy Park. Contemporary Art Gallery, 2928 Paseo St., 405-601-7474, contemporaryartgalleryokc.com.

Savages and Princesses: The Persistence of Native American Stereotypes, the exhibit curated by America Meredith features sixteen Native American artists and explores the stereotyping of Indigenous peoples using an often humorous approach. 108 Contemporary, 108 E. Matthew Brady St., Tulsa, 918-895-6302, 108contemporary.org.

The Innocents It’s 1945. The horrors of World War II are finally over, but Mathilde Beaulieu (Lou de Laâge, Breathe), a Red Cross doctor, is pulled into a secret at a Benedictine convent in Warsaw, Poland.

Director Anne Fontaine’s The Innocents pulls viewers into a fictionalized version of real events after the war with a film already being called a sleeper hit. The Innocents screens 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Friday-Saturday and 2 and 5:30 p.m.

Sunday at Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive. Tickets are $5-$9. Visit okcmoa.com. Friday-Sunday Image provided Through the Eyes of the Lynx: Galileo and Microscopy, the second of two Galileo’s World exhibitions; the Academy of the Lynx, or Accademia dei Lincei, were responsible for the first published report of observations made with a microscope (Apiarium, 1625), as well as with the telescope. At the same time Galileo was making his telescopic discoveries, he was also experimenting with lenses to magnify the small. Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman, 405-325-4712, snomnh.ou.edu.

Turn, painter AK Westerman and metalsmith Nancy Jackson pair their lush creations celebrating nature’s seasonal beauty and cycles of birth.

The Project Box, 3003 Paseo St., 405-609-3969, theprojectboxokc.com.

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.

Spring 2016 Show, featuring works in oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media; handmade jewelry and ceramic sculptures also are featured. The Studio Gallery, 2642 W. Britton Road, 405-752-2642, thestudiogallery.org.

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.

e.com for full listings!

For okg live music

see page 72

O kg a z e t t e . c o m | a u g u s t 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

67

A SeASonAl Guide to CentrAl oklAhomA PubliShinG SePtember 21, 2016

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

Featuring a 3 month CAlendAr including:

Labor Day Events Fall Theater Season Fairs, Festivals, Special Events

Concerts, Music and Clubs Art Exhibits and Shows Day Trips

Museums Kid Events & Classes Sports Schedules

expanded editorial content on fall activities in central oklahoma and a special section on the mother road. route 66 shopping, eating and attractions across the state.

DEADLinE For AD SPACE iS SEPTEMbEr 13, 2016.

Attention PubliCity SeekerS

Submit calendar events at www.okgazette.com or email to listings@okgazette.com Please be sure to indicate ‘Fall Guide’ in the subject line.

We do not accept calendar items via phone.

Deadline to submit items for our Fall Guide calendar is WedneSdAy, AuGuSt 31, 2016 by 5pm.

specialsections@okgazette.com | 405.528.6000 68

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MUSIC

EVENT

Revelers enjoy last year’s Backwoods Camping & Music Festival. | Photo Connor Johnson / provided

Woodland features

Backwoods Music Festival returns for its second year in Stroud. By Ben Luschen

Backwoods Music Festival begins its second Expanding growth year in its expanded format Sept. 2 at This is the second year Backwoods will Tatanka Ranch, 820343 S. 3480 Road, in spend in its new home at Tatanka Ranch.

Stroud. It’s headlined by national and inThe event began nine years ago as a collection of artists at Keystone Lake near Prue. ternational touring acts like British electronic trio Nero, digital duo Big Gigantic, “There [are] some people who have been New York jam band Moe and the eclectic coming all nine years who are still involved Nahko and Medicine for the People. today,” Royal said.

Those seeking more than live music also Backwoods grew organically from its will have plenty of enterhumble origins. Royal said tainment options during organizers reached out to the three-day festival over him to help grow the event through his marketing and Labor Day weekend.

Backwoods business experience.

Organizers brought in Music Festival several truckloads of hay Some festival fans did Sept. 2-4 to construct a giant maze not want Backwoods to reTatanka Ranch on the ranch, said Will locate. Royal said they liked 820343 S. 3480 Road, Royal, Backwoods executhe small, neighborhood Stroud tive producer. Guests can feel. But the move was vital backwoodsmusicfestival. climb a 100-foot fire tower to keep Backwoods running. com to guide a remote-con“To keep the festival $69-$449 trolled laser that shoots up alive, honestly, we have to to five miles. The lake feakeep growing to keep up tures an aquatic obstacle course and a beach with the demand of people who attend fesand bar with a 300-foot water slide. Art tivals,” Royal said. “It’s not only that, but installations, secret passages and other it’s a lot of work to do one in a year’s time, and the people who were working in it and added bits of infrastructure dot the forest.

“It’s really an entire experience,” Royal putting all their blood, sweat and tears into said. “I want to say it could be a mix between it year after year, they really wanted to start a music festival, a camping trip and a theme to see some benefit to that.” park or a fair all kind of mixed into one. And an art show on top of that.”

Something big Royal said Backwoods offers variety and Royal believes the annual event is on the energy often only found at much larger brink of a major breakthrough.

“This is probably the biggest secret still music festivals. sitting in Oklahoma right now,” he said.

“You have a lot of festivals that are rock or electronic and they kind of pigeonhole Every detail of Backwoods is closely themselves into a certain genre,” he said. considered to make sure guests and campers “We’re a cross-genre festival, so we like have the best experience possible, and that includes the stages. the best of the best of all types of music.”

This year, the main stage is modeled after a Roman pantheon. A tree house stage is suspended 40 feet in the air. A disco portal stage features a giant disco ball that opens from the floor like a lotus flower and shoots flames 50 feet high.

Royal said they are unique, immersive environments for guests.

“We take a very creative and artistic approach to the design of the stages,” he said, “and we integrate a lot of art installations and art into the festival itself to give it a unique experience that most festivals do not have.”

Backwoods organizers were also intent on improving each year. They took attendee feedback from last year and made an effort to address concerns. A new security team has been hired, and they are taking more measures to control dust.

The festival is not just a weekend getaway. Meditations, yoga and self-improvement workshops turn the ranch grounds into a lifestyle utopia for a few days.

The attention to detail Royal and other organizers show makes a real impact on the surrounding community.

“This is something that is bolstering the economy in this area by millions of dollars, not just because of what the festival is taking in, but all the money these people are spending,” Royal said.

A large percentage of the festival’s campers are from out of state. Royal said

Backwoods has made single-day passes available this year, and he encouraged anyone in-state to come and check out everything that is going on even if they can’t make it for the entire weekend.

“It’s a massive undertaking,” he said, “a massive event that’s happening here in Oklahoma, and there’s a lot of people who have not come to experience it yet.”

Visit backwoodsmusicfestival.com for more information.

Backwoods Camping & Music Festival moved to its Stroud location two years ago. | Photo Andrew Dolan / provided

A guest enjoys the outdoors at last year’s event. | Photo Connor Johnson / provided O kg a z e t t e . c o m | a u g u s t 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

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EVENT

MUSIC

Tues, AugusT 30

GAELIC STORM Fri & sAT, sepT 9 & 10

ERIC ANDRE, FORTUNE FEIMSTER, RON FUNCHES sun, sepT 18

BRIAN FALLON & THE CROWES & RYAN BINGHAM Mon, sepT 19

TEGAN & SARA w/ shurA

Fri, sepT 23

GLEN HANSARD Thurs, sepT 29

SAINT MOTEL w/ Jr Jr

Fri, sepT 30

LOCAL NATIVES wed, ocT 5

COLD WAR KIDS w/ The sTruMbellAs

wed, ocT 19

ERIC PASLAY Tulsa, OK

★ 423 NOrTh MaiN sT.

TICKETS & INFO: caiNsballrOOM.cOM 70

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Daze end

Husbands perform Saturday at Summer Daze. | Photo provided

A Norman back-to-school music festival at Opolis spells the end of summer. By Ben Luschen

Summertime 2016 has one last hurrah an outdoor stage in the lot behind the with Summer Daze back-to-school music venue. Outdoor stages will be all-ages. bash 1 p.m. Saturday-1 a.m. Sunday at “The sets will be staggered so that Opolis, 113 N. Crawford Ave., in Norman. music is going on around the clock with Music fans and incoming students can only marginal overlaps,” Boydston said. enjoy live music from the likes of indie “You’ll be able to see all 22 acts if anyone is so ambitious.” rock’s Tallows, Tulsa-based trio Sports, bedroom-pop outfit Husbands, grunge A variety of outdoor art events, includrock’s The Daddyo’s and ing Summer Daze, Norman neo -sou l fou r-piece Music Festival and 2nd Bowlsey during the Friday Norman Art Walk, Summer Norman bar and music build cohesiveness in the Daze venue’s inaugural fest. community.

Opolis hosts the event with “I think so many feel 1 p.m. Saturdayconnected to Norman support from Norman Arts 1 a.m. Sunday because the city and the Council.

Opolis Summer Daze marks businesses and art organi113 N. Crawford Ave. the city’s transition into zations within it strive to opolis.org t he Un i v er sit y of create those opportunities 405-673-4931 on a regular basis,” he said.

Oklahoma’s hectic fall seFree mester and football season, The sound of summer said Joshua Boydston, means different things to Norman Arts Council associate director. different people, Boydston said, so acts “Though maybe not as drastic as it was span breezy indie pop to garage rock and bright and sunny acoustic jams. in the past, Norman does feel like a different town in the summer,” Boydston wrote Boydston said the council also wanted in an email to Oklahoma Gazette. “We thought a back-to-school music festival would both put a nice bow on summer while also celebrating the influx of people coming back to Norman.”

Boydston said he hopes Summer Daze can help draw students, especially those new to the university, to Norman’s historic downtown arts district.

Those familiar with Norman Music Festival will find a similar setup at Opolis for Summer Daze. Some gigs will be on the Opolis indoor stage, and others will be on

Summer Daze to represent the sound of Norman and Central Oklahoma, which, in recent years, has broadened in scope.

“There was definitely an interest in keeping it appropriately eclectic and diverse,” he said. “Naturally, that lends itself to appealing to a variety of folks, and that’s how we wanted it.”

Norman Arts Council hosts music events like Jazz in June and concerts at monthly 2nd Friday Art Walk events in addition to Summer Daze and Norman Music Festival. Boydston said the council is considering adding a family-friendly fall music event.

He said he expects a good-sized Summer Daze crowd that would allow them to look into expanding the event. “[The arts council] would love to use this year as a basis to continue this as an annual event and maybe even expand upon it to have a nice fall-summer counterpart to Norman Music Festival,” he said.

A pre-party featuring psychedelic folkrock act Deerpeople and electronic duo PVLMS is 8 p.m. Friday at Opolis.

Tallows plays Saturday at Summer Daze. | Photo provided

BOWLSEY

LEVI PARHAM

WELCOME LITTLE STRANGER

Oklahoma’s International Bluegrass Festival Sept 29TH - Oct 1st Cottonwood Flats in Guthrie www.oibf.com Guthrie Escape Art • Wine • Music Oct 1st & 2nd Downtown Guthrie Guthrie Ghost Walk every Fri & Sat guthrieghostwalk.com

O kg a z e t t e . c o m | a u g u s t 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

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LIVE MUSIC

s U w o ll o F on

facebook ...all the cool kids are doing it! facebook.com/okgazette

Oklahoma Gazette

These are events recommended

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

WEDNESDAY, 8.24 Carnifex, 89th Street Collective. ROCK Fred Stuck, Kendell’s Bar. ROCK The Shook Twins, The Blue Door. POP

THURSDAY, 8.25 Cause A Scene Coast to Coast Tour, The Brass Room. VARIOUS Chateau, The Deli, Norman. ROCK David Morris, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO Devan and Bryson, Wormy Dog Saloon. COUNTRY Gary Allan, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Catoosa.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT FIRELAKE ARENA

COUNTRY

Groove Merchants, Red Rock Canyon Grill. COVER

FRIDAY, 8.26 Amarillo Junction, Riverwind Casino, Norman.

COUNTRY

Beau Mansfield & Friends, The Bluebonnet Bar, Norman. VARIOUS Born in November, Blue Note Lounge. VARIOUS Brian Gorrell & Jazz Company, UCO Jazz Lab, Edmond. JAZZ Bruce Benson, Othello’s Italian Restaurant, Norman.

JAZZ

Christian Pearson/Gary Johnson, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO Crash Randoms Carnival of Chaos, Oklahoma City Limits. ROCK Get Fired, The Unkempt Beaver. ROCK Graham Colton/The Tap Band, Ice House. SINGER/

SONGWRITER

Martha Stallings, Lottinvilles Restaurant, Edmond.

VARIOUS

Michael Kleid, Fuze Buffet & Bar. VARIOUS

Hannah Wolff

AMP Fest They will do it! The inaugural AMP Fest presents a daylong lineup of allfemale or female-fronted musicians and bands such as The Happily Entitled, The So Help Me’s, Miillie Mesh, Hannah Wolff (pictured), Cut-Throat Queens and more.

The streets will also be lined with booths from female art vendors. The festival runs noon-8 p.m. Saturday on Ninth Street in the Automobile Alley district, just north of downtown along Broadway Avenue.

Admission is free. Visit ampfestokc.com or call 405-810-6977. saturday | Photo provided

Lazy Rooster Rhythm Co., The Bluebonnet Bar, Norman. BLUES Midas 13, Okie Tonk, Moore. ROCK Neal McCoy, Sugar Creek Casino, Hinton. COUNTRY Scott Keeton, Bourbon Street Bar. BLUES Shadowman Blues, UCO Jazz Lab, Edmond. BLUES Shakers of Salt, Red Rock Canyon Grill. COVER The Blend, Remington Park. ROCK The Blue Cats, Riverwind Casino, Norman. ROCK The Suspects, TapWerks Ale House & Cafe. REGGAE Well Now Margery, Full Circle Bookstore. VARIOUS Willis Alan Ramsey, Norman Music Institute, Norman. SINGER/SONGWRITER

Mike & Brett Duo, Rock & Brews. ACOUSTIC

SUNDAY, 8.28

Mike Hosty, TapWerks Ale House. ROCK

Christian Pearson, Flint. PIANO

Miss Cooki, Bistro 46. R&B MLP Band, Bourbon Street Bar. ROCK Montu, The Deli, Norman. VARIOUS

Gentry Counce, Grady’s 66 Pub, Yukon.

SINGER/SONGWRITER

The Delta Bombers, 89th Street Collective. ROCK

MyRock, Red Rock Canyon Grill. ROCK

Tim Stanford and The Exclusives, Bourbon Street Bar. ROCK

Ryan Dorman and The Clever Guns, Wormy Dog Saloon. SINGER/SONGWRITER

Twilight Concert Series: Built for Speed, Myriad Botanical Gardens. COVER

The Blend, Remington Park. ROCK Travis Linville, The Blue Door. SINGER/SONGWRITER

SATURDAY, 8.27 4 Minute Warning/Violent Affair, Blue Note Lounge. ROCK Bowie Tribute, Belle Isle Restaurant & Brewery.

COVER

Bruce Benson/Larry Banks/Delon Ellis/James Blackmon, Bricktown Brewery. JAZZ Buddy South, Bedlam Bar-B-Q. COUNTRY Canaan Smith, Frontier City. SINGER/SONGWRITER Crueligans, Oklahoma City Limits. ROCK Daniel Jordan, Fuze Buffet & Bar. ACOUSTIC Edgar Cruz, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. ACOUSTIC

MONDAY, 8.29 Downtown Brown/Pinky Doodle Poodle, Red Brick Bar, Norman. ROCK

TUESDAY, 8.30 Caleb McGee, The Deli, Norman. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

Chuck Whetstone, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO

WEDNESDAY, 8.31 Grant Wells, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO Harumph, The Deli, Norman. JAZZ Maurice Johnson, R&J Lounge and Supper Club. JAZZ Scott Lowber/Will Galbraith/Ed VanBuskirk, Friends Restaurant & Club. COVER

Elaina Kay, Wormy Dog Saloon. COUNTRY Full Circle, Newcastle Casino. ROCK Grant Stevens, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO Groove Merchants, OKC Farmers Public Market.

405-273-1637 • FIRELAKEARENA.COM 18145 OLD RANGELINE RD • SHAWNEE, OK FIRELAKE.ARENA 72

a u g u s t 2 4 , 2 0 1 6 | O kg a z e t t e . c o m

FIRELAKEARENA

COVER

Helen Kelter Skelter/Sun & Stone, The Deli, Norman. ROCK Jim the Elephant, Baker Street Pub & Grill. ROCK Jose Hernandez, VZD’s Restaurant & Bar. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

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

By Rob Brezsny

Homework: What would the people who love you best say is the most important thing for you to learn? Testify at Truthrooster@gmail.com.

your web of close allies . . . take care of what takes care of you . . . and adore the intimate connections that serve as your foundation.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) In the coming weeks,

CANCER (June 21-July 22) It’ll be one of those rapidfire, adjust-on-the-fly, think-on-your-feet, go-with-yourgut times for you — a head-spinning, endorphingenerating, eye-pleasing, intelligence-boosting phase when you will have opportunities to relinquish your attachments to status quos that don’t serve you. Got all that, Cancerian? There’ll be a lot of stimuli to absorb and integrate -- and luckily for you, absorbing and integrating a lot of stimuli will be your specialty. I’m confident of your ability to get the most of upcoming encounters with cute provocations, pleasant agitation, and useful unpredictability. One more tip: Be vigilant and amused as you follow the ever-shifting sweet spot.

I hope you won’t scream curses at the rain, demanding that it stop falling on you. Similarly, I suggest you refrain from punching walls that seem to be hemming you in, and I beg you not to spit into the wind when it’s blowing in your face. Here’s an oracle about how to avoid counterproductive behavior like that: The near future will bring you useful challenges and uncanny blessings if you’re willing to consider the possibility that everything coming your way will in some sense be an opportunity.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Oh how I wish you

might receive the grace of being pampered and nurtured and entertained and prayed for. I’d love for you to assemble a throng of no-strings-attached caretakers who would devote themselves to stoking your healing and delight. Maybe they’d sing to you as they gave you a manicure and massaged your feet and paid your bills.

Or perhaps they would cook you a gourmet meal and clean your house as they told you stories about how beautiful you are and all the great things you’re going to do in the future. Is it possible to arrange something like that even on a modest scale, Taurus? You’re in a phase of your astrological cycle when you most need this kind of doting attention — and when you have the greatest power to make it happen.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) I invite you to dream

about your true home . . . your sweet, energizing, love-strong home . . . the home where you can be high and deep, robust and tender, flexible and rigorous . . . the home where you are the person that you promised yourself you could be. To stimulate and enhance your brainstorms about your true home, experiment with the following activities: Feed your roots . . . do maintenance work on your power spot . . . cherish and foster your sources . . . and refine the magic that makes you feel free. Can you handle one more set of tasks designed to enhance your domestic bliss? Tend to

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) At the risk of asking too much

and pushing too hard, my Guerrilla Prayer Warriors have been begging God to send you some major financial mojo. These fierce supplicants have even gone so far as to suggest to the Supreme Being that maybe She could help you win the lottery or find a roll of big bills lying in the gutter or be granted a magic wish by an unexpected benefactor. “Whatever works!” is their mantra. Looking at the astrological omens, I’m not sure that the Prayer Warriors’ extreme attempts will be effective. But the possibility that they will be is definitely greater than usual. To boost your odds, I suggest you get more organized and better educated about your money matters. Set a clear intention about the changes you’d like to put in motion during the next ten months.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Suggested experiments:

1. Take a vow that from now on you won’t hide your beauty. 2. Strike a deal with your inner king or inner queen, guaranteeing that this regal part of gets regular free expression. 3. Converse with your Future Self about how the two of you might collaborate to fully unleash the refined potency of your emotional intelligence. 4. In meditations and dreams, ask your ancestors how you can more completely access and activate your dormant potentials.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) I hope you are not forlorn,

shivery, puzzled, or obsessive right now — unless being in such a state will mobilize you to instigate the overdue transformations you have been evading. If that’s the case, I hope you are forlorn, shivery, puzzled, and obsessive. Feelings like those may be the perfect fuel — the high-octane motivation that will launch your personal renaissance. I don’t often offer this counsel, Libra, so I advise you to take full advantage: Now is one of the rare times when your so-called negative emotions can catalyze redemption.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) From what I can tell,

your vigor is peaking. In recent weeks, you have been sturdy, hearty, stout, and substantial. I expect this surge of strength to intensify in the near future — even as it becomes more fluid and supple. In fact, I expect that your waxing power will teach you new secrets about how to wield your power intelligently.

You may break your previous records for compassionate courage and sensitive toughness.

Here’s the best news of all: You’re likely to be dynamic about bestowing practical love on the people and animal and things that are important to you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) The odds are

higher than usual that you will be offered a boost or promotion in the coming weeks. This development is especially likely to occur in the job you’re doing or the career plans you’ve been pursuing. It could also be a factor at work in your spiritual life. You may discover a new teacher or teaching that could lift you to the next phase of your inner quest. There’s even a chance that you’ll get an upgrade on both fronts. So it’s probably a good time to check on whether you’re harboring any obstacles to success. If you find that you are, DESTROY THOSE RANCID OLD MENTAL BLOCKS WITH A BOLT OF PSYCHIC LIGHTNING.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) The cosmos seems

to be warming up to your charms. The stinginess it displayed toward you for a while is giving way to a more generous approach. To take advantage of this welcome development, you should shed any fear-based

beliefs you may have adopted during the recent shrinkage. For instance, it’s possible you’ve begun to entertain the theory that the game of life is rigged against you, or that it is inherently hard to play. Get rid of those ideas. They’re not true, and clinging to them would limit the game of life’s power to bring you new invitations. Open yourself up wherever you have closed down.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Are any of your allies acting like they’ve forgotten their true purpose? If so, you have the power to gently awaken them from their trances and help them refocus. Is it possible you have become a bit too susceptible to the inf luences of people whose opinions shouldn’t really matter that much to you?

If so, now is a good time to correct that aberration.

Are you aware of having fallen under the sway of trendy ideas or faddish emotions that are distorting your relationship with your primal sources? If so, you are hereby authorized to free yourself from their hold on you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Now would be a favorable time to reveal that you are in fact a gay socialist witch who believes good poetry provides a more reliable way to understand reality than the opinions of media pundits — unless, of course, you are not a gay socialist witch, etc., in which case you shouldn’t say you are. But I do advise you to consider disclosing as much as possible of your true nature to anyone with whom you plan to be intimately linked in the future and who is missing important information about you. It’s high time to experiment with being more completely yourself.

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.

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puzzles New York Times Magazine Crossword Puzzle Moral Thinking

VOL. XXXVIII No. 34 1

By Ian Livengood | Edited by Will Shortz | 0821

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ACROSS 1 Southwestern cliff dwellers 5 Means of going down a 36-Down 9 Have a hole in one’s heart 13 Meatheads 18 A Swiss army knife has a lot of them 19 Cream of the crop 21 Heads for Britain?

22 Thick-skinned grazer 23 Actress Streep playing a centenarian?

26 News-show group 27 Soup accompaniers, often 28 Like the settings of typical Grant

Wood paintings 29 Unruffled 30 ____ the top 31 Risky business for a compiler of quotations?

33 Good shot?

36 Counterparts of files 37 Smart 38 Not obvious to most 39 Evident worrywart 40 Done quickly 41 Protested from the stands 44 ____ Kitchen (frozen- food brand) 45 Not wandering, say 46 Attorney general’s investigation target 47 Like funk, now 51 Low-____ 52 Alaskan beer container?

56 Beat the tar out of 57 Honorific for a colleague 59 Vetoes 60 Lies ahead 62 Co. captains?

63 Typographical no-no 64 SiriusXM star 65 Some fine wool 67 Charming group?

68 Some True Value purchases 71 Bad way to go?

72 Promote singer Crow’s music?

75 P pronounced like an R 76 Pequod’s co-owner 78 Meets with 79 James who sang “Good Rockin’ Daddy” 80 Throat part 81 Shade in

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83 Layers 85 Wilderness Road trailblazer 86 Fitness grp.

89 Nat ____ (channel) 90 Self-righteous types 91 Hung out 92 Debt for comedian Will?

96 Poet 97 Celsius of the Celsius scale 98 Safe place 99 “Hamilton” and “1776” 103 Beat 104 “I can’t help you, but the Brady

Bunch mom will be happy to assist”?

106 ____Durkheim, so-called

“father of sociology” 107 Nervous people are on it 108 Who wrote, “A great flame

follows a little spark” 109 Part of some small buildings 110 Gulf cash 111 Charges 112 Monopoly holding 113 Like a headlining act, typically

DOWN 1 Preceder of snaps 2 Dept. of Labor branch 3 Lose a tan, say 4 Uranium 238 and strontium 90 5 Original SNL cast member 6 Rags-to-riches writer 7 January detritus 8 Body-image grp.

9 Sirens, e.g.

10 Pinkish orange 11 According to ____ (by the rules) 12 Subj. for an au pair, maybe 13 Product possibly named after a

real physician 14 One stop on Chicago’s Blue Line 15 Greasy spoons 16 Common soccer score 17 100 percent 20 Caligula, e.g.

24 Gallbladder neighbor 25 Like dirty water 29 Ruckus 31 “Enough!” to a Roman 32 ____ park 33 “____ me!”

34 Focus of onomastics 35 Frost-covered biochemical solid?

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41 Banana Republic competitor 42 Good listeners 43 Big name in Scotch 45 Love Actually, e.g.

46 Battle of Hastings participants 48 Like actor Flynn post-dieting?

49 A good thing to get out of 50 Black ____ 52 Gung-ho 53 Cutting costs?

54 Bathroom fixture 55 One of the Jacksons 58 Banished 61 “I’m still waiting …?”

63 Roused 64 Gets ready to do a load, say

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EDITOR-in-chief Jennifer Palmer Chancellor jchancellor@okgazette.com

90 Tut-tutters 91 Attacked, with “out” 93 One-eyed female on Futurama 94 Shake 95 The Cascades, e.g.

96 Monument Valley sighting 99 “Gimme!”

100 Common calculus calculation 101 Signs (on) 102 Booking time 104 Bunny boss 105 Small lump of tobacco

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

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Contributors Brett Dickerson, Christine Eddington Jack Fowler, Kara Stewart, Tyler Talley Photographer Garett Fisbeck Marketing & Editorial Intern Ian Jayne

Art Director Chris Street Print Production Coordinator Ashley Parks Advertising/Marketing Design Coordinator Erin DeMoss

Puzzle No. 0814, which appeared in the August 17 issue.

P O O C H

Staff reporters Greg Elwell, Laura Eastes, Ben Luschen

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New York Times Crossword Puzzle answers O N T A P

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Stumped? Call 1-900-285-5656 to get the answers to any three clues by phone ($1.20 a minute).

Sudoku Puzzle Very Hard

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65 Driving aid 66 65-Across producer, maybe 67 Plains dwellers 68 Arrondissement heads?

69 Macduff, for one 70 Disseminated 73 Request from 74 Katherine who co-starred in 27 Dresses 77 It stops talking 80 Telemarketer’s action 82 Notable whistle blowers 83 Green shampoo 84 Sang gracefully 85 ____ acid 86 Died down 87 Little fingers or toes 88 Buzz in space

Accounting/HR Manager Marian Harrison

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