Oklahoma Gazette 12-24-14

free every wednesday Metro oKC’s Independent weeKly vol. XXXvI no. 52 deCeMber 24, 2014

FOOD: AREA RESTAURANTS SPILL ON THEIR FAVORITE NYE CHAMPAGNES. P.23 FILM: BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH DAZZLES IN THE IMITATION GAME GAME. P.45

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12/17/14 10:51 AM

CONTENTS 30

6

ON THE COVER

We had a blast putting together this week’s cover story. Oklahoma music tour de force Tyson Meade (whom Spin calls The Godfather of Alt Rock) brings together a ridiculously diverse and talented group of musicians to reminisce about 2014. Meade’s friendship is the one thing they in common. In fact, several local musicians met each other for the first time during the photo shoot for his story. Now, all of them are pals. P. 37.

— Jennifer Chancellor, editor-in-chief

NEWS

32

25

LIFE

LIFE

4

Metro: cohousing movement

16

OKG picks

6

Education: U.S. Grant High School

21

Food & Drink: leftovers, New Year’s Eve toasts, Flame Brazillian Steakhouse, food briefs, OKG eat: holiday cheer

32

Active: Chesapeake Energy’s Snow Tubing, trout season

34

Sudoku / Crossword

37

Cover: musicians remember 2014

8

State: Eastern Flyer

10

Metro briefs

28

Culture: elephant birth

41

12

Chicken-Fried News

29

44

Film: Wild, The Imitation Game

14

Commentary

Community: Skyline Urban Ministry

Music: Travis Linville, Turnpike Troubadours, event listings

Letters

30

Culture: Red Earth Museum

46

Astrology

14

31

Visual Arts: Celebrations, Re-Action Painting

46

Classifieds

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.

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I-40 EXIT 178 | SHAWNEE, OK | 405-964-7263 OKL AHOMA GAZETTE | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | 3

LIFE METRO

Communal companions A local group makes plans to develop a multi-generational cohousing community.

GA RETT FI S BEC K

BY BEN FELDER

When Mike and Debra Luther talked about the idea of cohousing with their friends, it was always an interesting conversation about living together in a communal setting. Nonetheless, when the couple pitched the concept as a realistic idea, none of their friends joined them.

“It was something we had fun talking about,” Mike said. “But I guess it wasn’t something they took too seriously.”

Finding a deeper sense of community is a popular concept today as urban living continues to grow in popularity and younger residents seek housing that encourages neighborly interaction.

However, the cohousing idea takes that concept further by clustering homes together in a way that encourages interaction, including development and use of common areas.

‘A lot of interest’

SIX CHARACTERISTICS OF COHOUSING 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Participatory process: Future residents participate in the design of the community so it meets their needs.

Neighborhood design: The physical layout and orientation of the buildings (the site plan) encourage a sense of community.

Common facilities: Common facilities are designed for daily use, are an integral part of the community and are always supplemental to the private residences.

Resident management: Residents manage their own cohousing communities and perform much of the work required to maintain the property.

Non-hierarchical structure and decision-making: Leadership roles naturally exist in cohousing communities; however, no one person (or persons) has authority over others.

No shared community economy: The community is not a source of income for its members.

Source: Published by the Cohousing Association of the United States

the design intentionally encourages interaction among residents.”

Josh has become a point person with the group, but one key characteristic of cohousing is no one resident is in charge.

“We talked at the meetings about how important it was not to have a leader,” Sherry said. “We also discuss bylaws and how you are going to handle everything moving forward.”

Josh Buss meets with a group to discuss local cohousing options.

Encouraging interaction

Looking to find more people serious about cohousing, Mike and Debra came across Josh and Sherry Buss, who also were in search of cohousing supporters.

“We live in Moore, and there are just normal houses on our street where everyone just pulls into their garages and is done at the end of the day,” Josh said. “We are interested in a community where we know our neighbors in an intentional way.”

Josh helped organize a group to discuss the concept and develop a plan.

Mike and Debra, along with dozens of others interested in the concept, have met regularly for several months.

“Cohousing is a community of

4 | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | OKL AHOMA GAZETTE

We are interested in a community where we know our neighbors in an intentional way.

— Josh Buss

people who, from the beginning, make all the decisions about what their community is going to be like,” Josh said. “In all cohousing communities,

The Cohousing Association of the United States (CAUS) reports there are hundreds of cohousing groups across the country. The closest one is in Stillwater.

The Oakcreek Cohousing Community opened three years ago and consists mainly of senior residents.

The Oklahoma City group seeks a multi-generational community.

The CAUS offers six characteristics of cohousing — including details on ownership, leadership structure and core values — that Josh said his group is looking to follow.

“Each home is privately owned and can be bought and sold just like any house, but community members share ownership of communal land,” Josh said.

“It’s still up in the air as to whether it would be in an urban or rural setting, but we will be in the metro.”

Josh said meetings are open to people with any level of interest. In 2015, he hopes to settle on details related to a timeline and structure.

“At this point, we don’t have a large enough group of people who are really committed to cover the financial aspects or the decision-making part,” Josh said.

It took Oakcreek three years to launch, but Josh and Sherry said that could be an ambitious timeline.

“This isn’t a typical neighborhood or home. There is just a lot more that goes into it,” Sherry said.

Meetings take place on the second Monday of each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at SixTwelve, 612 NW 29th St. Josh said anyone interested in learning more can attend or contact him at cohousingokc@gmail.com.

“We are still early in this process,” Josh said. “But there is a lot of interest.”

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OKL AHOMA GAZETTE | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | 5 12/11/14 10:24 AM

M A R K HA N COC K

NEWS EDUCATION

Success Granted U.S. Grant High School has seen a rise in test scores thanks to a combination of data analysis, teachers and the students themselves.

BEN FELDER

U.S. Grant High School has seen dramatic rises in test scores over recent years that tell a success story in this oftentroubled urban school district.

With more than 80 percent black or Hispanic students and 95 percent of students classified as living in poverty, test scores in nearly every core subject area have risen since 2011. On the A through F report card, which district officials have criticized, U.S. Grant is a B school with a score of 85.

“Grant was in the middle of a radical change when I got here,” said Lam Pham, an Algebra II teacher who is in his third year at the south Oklahoma City high school. “It seems like everyone on the [teaching] team is very capable, and we work together in some great ways.”

Before Pham’s arrival, just 19 percent of students in 2011 and 33 percent in 2012 scored proficient in Algebra II on the end-of-the-year test. In 2013, that rate jumped to 83 percent, and it topped 90 percent last year.

The school saw dramatic increases in other core subjects during the same time period, including a 50 percent boost in geometry, 24 percent growth in English and a 45 percent gain in history. End-ofthe-year tests in Oklahoma have evolved over the last few years, and more change appears likely, but the sizable gains show a strategy that district officials could employ at other high schools.

“Everything we do here is based upon statistics,” Principal Clay Vineyard said.

“We track data on everything.”

A few years ago, before Vineyard’s

arrival, the school received several million dollars in school grants used to improve professional development among teachers.

After shuttering half of its staff a few years ago, U.S. Grant rebuilt its teaching core and adopted a new philosophy of regular testing with pinpoint data analysis in an effort to discover what students know, what they don’t and why.

“We meet and we collaborate, but it’s more than that,” said Vineyard of the professional learning community (PLC) system used. “We make sure that our teaching is completely aligned.”

Common formative assessments are tests issued every two weeks and designed to mirror the end-of-the-year exams. Vineyard can pull up a chart on his computer that shows the results of a 20-question test and the percentage of students in each class who got it right.

“We want to first look at the positives and see who did well,” Vineyard said.

“What strategies did he use that aren’t being used in another class? Then we look at what classes aced this [question] and what class bombed it.”

Using that data, teachers of a certain subject can share strategies that work in some classes and determine what works best. Vineyard said it’s a system that shows the value of data in modern education, along with the need for testing.

Collaboration

“You hear a lot of criticism about testing, and people will say we test our kids too much,” Vineyard said. “But we

6 | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | OKL AHOMA GAZETTE

Lam Pham in his U.S. Grant High School classroom. want to test our kids a lot. The whole reason for an assessment is to know if the teaching you have been doing has worked. We want to know very frequently what we are teaching is being absorbed and learned, or else it’s worthless to do it.”

U.S. Grant’s success appears to back up the claim that data, accountability and quality teachers combine to make a big difference in education. It is also proof that academic success is within reach of urban school systems.

“The fact that there are so many voices in the room and the fact that we are sharing strategies and looking at each other’s best practices is a big help,” Pham said about his team of teachers. “I think we got a much better idea of where our students were and then picking up the students that were behind.”

Pham said the collaboration between teachers, with data to support ideas, is a major factor in improved academic performance.

Consistency of teachers appears to also be a benefit at U.S. Grant, as Pham is entering his third year and said it’s easier to work with a team of teachers who have been around for a while.

“The great thing is I’ve worked with this team that has been with me the whole time I’ve been here,” Pham said.

“We know what the students know, and we know what the students need.”

Utilizing data is not just a process for teachers. Teachers make students keep

Grant was in the middle of a radical change when I got here.

It seems like everyone on the [teaching] team is very capable, and we work together in some great ways.

— Lam Pham

folders that show every standard they have to know, and the students must track how well they know it.

“How many times in school did your parents say, ‘How are you doing in school?’ and you just said ‘OK’? That’s because you didn’t know. These kids know how they are doing and why.”

Vineyard said the system at U.S. Grant holds teachers, administrators and students accountable to high standards but offers a blueprint on how to reach those standards.

“It is painstaking work, and we have people here who are committed to kids,” Vineyard said. “You have to have the staff that is willing to do it. It’s hard to find teachers like we have, and that is a real reason for the difference.”

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OKL AHOMA GAZETTE | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | 7 11/25/14 11:05 AM

NEWS STATE

GA RETT FI S BEC K

Easy rider A long-awaited passenger rail line from Oklahoma City to Tulsa will soon be a reality, as might plans for expansion.

BY BEN FELDER

Evan Stair might be the biggest supporter of expanded passenger rail service in Oklahoma. He was also probably the biggest skeptic that it would happen.

“It’s kind of hard to believe we are seeing this,” Stair said about the new Eastern Flyer rail line.

The passenger rail line linking Oklahoma City and Tulsa will be the first proposed transit project in recent years to be completed. It also could be the first in a series of transit-related projects, including a new downtown streetcar system in 2018 and, in several years, a possible regional transit system that has already been endorsed by city leaders.

Stair leads Passenger Rail Oklahoma, a grassroots organization that champions expanded passenger rail service to the state. He has been an advocate for more rail options, even when frustrating dealings with Amtrak, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and other agencies left him wondering if it would ever happen.

“It took a lot of work to get to this point,” Stair said.

Starting February 2015, a passenger rail line will link OKC with the Tulsa area by twice-daily trips between the two cities. Work is underway to bring the trains into downtown OKC and Tulsa, as the current route stops short of

both cities. But until that happens, Iowa Pacific, which owns and operates the Eastern Flyer, will use buses to shuttle passengers from the OKC station near Midwest City to various locations across the metro, including Will Rogers World Airport and the state Capitol.

Stair is excited for the new route, but his group originally wanted service from OKC to Wichita, which would have given OKC access to Kansas City and other cities along a west-east Amtrak line.

“That effort fell apart in 2010 mainly due to Kansas Gov. [Sam] Brownback, who didn’t see a need for passenger rail,” Stair said about the lack of support from leaders in Kansas and Oklahoma.

Passenger Rail Oklahoma instead advocated for a Tulsa-OKC line, realizing that it could someday allow for a connection to Kansas City via a freight line that travels north from New Orleans to Kansas City, passing close to Tulsa.

In 2010, Stair met Rep. Richard Morrissette, D-Oklahoma City, who soon became one of the Legislature’s biggest passenger rail advocates. “[Morrissette] was instrumental in starting the Eastern Flyer Passenger Rail Development Task Force, and that legislation was passed in 2011,” Stair said.

The task force studied and planned

8 | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | OKL AHOMA GAZETTE

a passenger line connecting the state’s two largest cities and sought a public or private solution. The work helped bring Iowa Pacific to the table.

“I am excited to learn that recent trial efforts to put rail back on the line between Oklahoma City and Tulsa have been successful,” said Morrissette following Iowa Pacific’s announcement that it would operate the line.

“Dedicated volunteer rail advocates in Oklahoma have pushed for this service, literally for decades.”

Decisions, decisions

Stair hopes the Eastern Flyer will expand the frequency of its service as ridership builds. He also hopes to extend the line past Tulsa, which could link OKC with Kansas City, St. Louis, New Orleans and Chicago.

“What you have to look at is what we are doing is an incremental step toward larger service,” Stair said. “But Oklahoma City-to-Tulsa is a viable passenger rail route.”

While the Eastern Flyer is prepared to start service without a stop in downtown OKC, project officials say a terminal there is critical to future success. Finding a route into downtown remains a challenge, but city leaders expressed support for the idea.

“It didn’t quite get to downtown Oklahoma City, and it didn’t quite get

Evan Stair, president of Passenger Rail Oklahoma, visits downtown Santa Fe Depot in Oklahoma City. to downtown Tulsa, so we have some work to do,” Mayor Mick Cornett said.

“If there is a way we can work with the railroad and figure out how to get closer into the Santa Fe hub, I think it will really improve the experience.”

The Santa Fe hub could be an ultimate destination, as transit officials hope it will blend regional and commuter rail lines, along with the current Amtrak line that travels from OKC to Fort Worth. Currently, there is no direct rail route into Santa Fe Depot, and Eastern Flyer officials say the best short-term solution might be to bring the train into Bricktown and construct a temporary platform.

Cornett’s office said he’s planned a meeting with Eastern Flyer officials next month to further discuss details. City officials also hope to find a way to bring the rail line closer to downtown.

“It may work alright [as it is], but I think it will be a deterrent to a longterm [success] to not have it reach downtown,” Ward 4 Councilman Pete White said. “There are solutions on this end to at least bring the train into Bricktown.”

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OKL AHOMA GAZETTE | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | 9 11/7/14 3:09 PM

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Roadwork

A planned streetscape redesign will turn the Western Avenue business district into a construction zone but ultimately benefit the district when completed.

BY BEN FELDER

The Oklahoma City Council recently approved funding for a Western Avenue business district streetscape project. Soon, larger sidewalks, trafficslowing medians, bicycle parking and trees will improve safety community use of the area.

“This is probably the most progressive streetscape project outside of Project 180,” said Ward 2 Councilman Ed Shadid, who compared the Western Avenue project to downtown efforts to strengthen pedestrian infrastructure.

Shadid said construction in business districts often causes short-term disruptions and aggravation, especially when done on a large scale.

“This certainly will be a burden for the businesses,” Shadid said. “But we really need to support those businesses during this construction.”

Organizers said Western Avenue improvements will be made block-byblock next year, during which times traffic along individual blocks will shrink to one lane.

The city contracted The OU Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) to make streetscape and walkability improvement recommendations for the popular uptown shopping district. ICQ renderings show the addition of trafficslowing crosswalk medians and larger sidewalks in front of Will Rogers Theatre at 43rd Street and Western Avenue. Currently, due to the popularity of venues near that intersection in particular, pedestrians often squeeze themselves through narrow sidewalks and around sidewalk tables, parked cars and moving traffic.

Ward 8 Councilman Pat Ryan was the only council member to vote against the project. Before his vote, he said he was concerned about the impact that ongoing construction could have on the local businesses along Western Avenue.

Some business owners said they were excited about proposed improvements but also expected a decline in sales

Many business owners say they’ve started saving money to help them stay open while proposed pedestrain infrastructure improvements are made.

during construction. Many said they’re already saving money to help their shops remain resilient during the long-term process.

“As a small business owner — especially a relatively new small business owner — the idea of the construction time is terrifying,” said Able Blakley, co-owner of Savory Spice Shop. “It’s one of those things where it will be amazing, and I’m completely 100 percent in support of it — if I can live through it.”

PROVID ED / IQC

ANTI-AGING SERVICES

A rendering of planned changes to Santa Fe Depot.

On track

To best serve city transit users, local streetcar advocates want a $28 million redesign that would turn downtown’s Santa Fe Depot into a transit hub and also directly link stops along a planned downtown streetcar line.

Overall, members of Oklahoma City’s streetcar subcommittee praised city staff on the $28 million Santa Fe redesign that will incorporate the current Amtrak stop and future rail and bus services.

Funding will come from city and federal funds, officials said.

To meet federal requirements, Santa Fe will have a streetcar track that stops at E.K. Gaylord Boulevard. However, the initial streetcar route plans do not include regular use of that track.

Instead, the closest streetcar stops are planned at least a block away from Santa Fe, along lines to run down Sheridan and Reno avenues.

“As a streetcar subcommittee, we want to make sure [Santa Fe Depot]

is tied in [to the streetcar] system,” said committee chairman Nathaniel Harding during a meeting last week.

Committee members also asked about developing a covered walkway from Santa Fe Depot to those streetcar stops and added signage inside the station that would direct riders to those stops.

City Engineer Eric Wenger, who gave a Santa Fe station plan presentation to the committee, said stop integration would be revealed further in the process.

Wenger also said construction on the station is slated to begin this summer, with completion expected in the fall of 2016.

As part of Wenger’s presentation, there is a proposed tunnel under the elevated railroad track linking the station with Bricktown. Some committee members suggested a covered walkway from the tunnel’s exit in Bricktown to the streetcar stops on Sheridan and Reno.

Because a $13 million federal grant for the Santa Fe station redevelopment required it to link to the streetcar route, a track will be built in front of the station, although it will hardly ever be used, at least during the first phase of the system.

Consultants recommended not ordering the five streetcars until the final construction price for the route was set, but committee members expressed a desire to move quicker.

“I don’t see a reason to wait that long [to place an order] when we know we at least need five cars,” said Jill Adler.

Consultants for the streetcar believe five cars, with four in use and one as a backup, would allow the first phase of the route to offer service every 10 minutes.

Jeff Bezdek said streetcar manufacturers are “notoriously late,” and it was noted that new cars for Seattle were already several months behind schedule. The committee asked city staff to prepare for a July 1 order of five streetcars, even if final construction cost of the route was not yet set.

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Say what?

“I’m not against fracking ... but there are some places you don’t do this.”

That was the shout from a person in the crowd at last week’s public hearing on a proposed natural gas well near Lake Hefner. The meeting featured a standing-roomonly crowd with hundreds of more protesters outside, most of which were against drilling near the lake.

As the city continues to review the proposal, check with okgazette.com for updates.

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Attitude

Last December, Miranda Lambert lost 20 pounds.

Thankfully, none from her mouth.

In a breath of refreshing air, Huffington Post reported that Tishomingo native Miranda Lambert has been completely reasonable in light of the hullaballoo made about her weight loss.

Lambert also took the opportunity during an interview with Marie Claire to champion a positive body image for all women. She repeatedly advocated for being yourself and loving your body, regardless of your perceived flaws.

She is quick to admit she is as self-conscious as everyone else, but she criticized the media for presenting weight gain or loss as the end-all-be-all of a celebrity’s worth.

With that said, her giggle-inducing quote is sure to resound with women everywhere.

“When you have to walk out there in front of thousands of people, it does

feel good to know that your shit’s not jiggling,” she said.

Ah, Ms. Lambert, thank you for stating that in a way that only an Okie would. We love you just the way you are.

What’s in a name?

The Oklahoma City Public School Board decided this month to do away with the Redskins mascot at Capitol Hill High School, siding with cultural respect rather than tradition.

Many Native Americans praised the board’s move, but the next day, there were several students and alumni who criticized the board’s decision and claimed the Redskins name was respectful to Native Americans.

It’s true that not all Native Americans are offended by the name, but

it’s hard to imagine this type of name being acceptable if associated with any other race. Some might say the school board is being too sensitive, but many of those same people flip out when a person says, “Happy holidays,” rather than, “Merry Christmas.”

Some student athletes have also complained that a name change dishonors their tradition and that they will “always be Redskins.”

However, student athletes should thank the school board because they effectively agreed to give Capitol Hill all new uniforms.

Tough all over

Things are tough, especially if you live in several Oklahoma counties.

The New York Times recently compiled a mountain of data to illustrate the places in the United States where it is hardest and easiest to live. All the information was compiled into an interactive map, using information such as

household income, percentage of college graduates and the disability rate by county.

The Oklahoman’s Jaclyn Cosgrove used the information in a story about 10 Oklahoma counties: five where it’s easiest and five where it’s toughest.

The piece included fascinating information and surprising results. The top five easiest Oklahoma counties to live in are Canadian, Woods, Cleveland, Ellis and Beaver, in that order.

The five counties where things are toughest were found to be McCurtain, Hughes, Sequoyah, Okfuskee and Adair.

In the national scheme of things, McCurtain, which was found to be the hardest place to live in Oklahoma, ranked 2,890 out of 3,135.

Canadian County ranked 354 nationwide.

Factors for the ratings included income mobility, unemployment rate, disability rate, median household income, education level, obesity and life expectancy. The upside? Oklahoma counties avoided the 10 lowest counties in the nation, including six in eastern Kentucky.

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We’re No. 46!

And that’s just plain lazy.

According to 2014 results from the United Health Foundation, Oklahoma’s overall health ranking, the Sooner State’s fallen two notches from No. 44 in 2013 to No. 46 this year. Why? Oh, let us count the ways: 23.7 percent of us smoke (compared to 19 percent nationally), one-third of adults are physically inactive (compared to 23.5 percent nationally), 32.5 percent are obese (compared to 29.4 percent nationally) and 62.7 percent of children are immunized (compared to 70.4 percent nationally).

Those are a lot of numbers. And despite health initiatives that include our residents losing 1 million pounds together in recent years, we’re still struggling. The New Year is nigh, y’all.

The city’s more walkable, bikeable and health-aware then ever before. Let’s get off our butts and admit that we’re more than social smokers. Oklahoma Gazette supports you. Heck, our staff’s even getting in on the action. Visit okgazette. com/readygazettego for more details.

Sleepdriving

It’s the holiday season, so we all feel a pang of empathy when one of our own is busted for public intox.

Oklahoma State Senator Bryce Marlatt faces a misdemeanor charge of “actual physical control of a vehicle” after being found asleep behind the wheel of his truck on a country lane, KJRH.com reported.

The dozing senator (a phenomenal name for a musical) left his truck running, and therein lays the rub.

When a Woodward County deputy knocked three times (the title of the first song of the musical), the senator opened his window, and that’s when the deputy alleges he smelled alcohol.

Dang.

When asked how much he’d had to drink, the wry senator replied, “No more than anyone else,” KJRH.com reported.

His attorney, Craig Box, said Marlatt took a prescription sleep aid

not work as expected and would duplicate programs that already exist.

He also said that instead of spending the $22 million required in the bill, we should hold the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) accountable for frequently failing to serve veterans, according to the report. The VA estimate that 22 veterans take their own lives every day.

The second bill would have provided a government-backed payout to insurance companies in light of another terrorist attack. The terrorism insurance program was initiated in 2002 after the market tanked because of the 9/11 attacks.

Coburn said the program “has made the [insurance] industry $40 billion in the last 12 years” while taxpayers take the majority of the risk and “the insurance industry makes all the money.”

Regardless of what you might think of him, it is going to be less fun and (possibly less) morally confounding with Coburn in office.

and then drank. When he realized his blunder, he stopped to sleep it off.

He pleaded not guilty to the charged.

Last objections

Dr. No is at it again, and he is being blasted from various groups for sticking with his principles. But this time, it is for the last time as senator.

Sen. Tom Coburn, in his final lame-duck session before he retires, has blocked a bill that could save the lives of “thousands of veterans,” according to a story on PostBulletin.com, as well as a bill that some say would restore the terrorism insurance market, according to USA Today.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, said the first bill would ensure that programs to prevent veterans’ suicides would work as expected, while Coburn objected, stating that the bill would

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OKL AHOMA GAZETTE | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | 13

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OUR MOST POPUL AR

COMMENTARY

Reduce teen rapes, assaults

BY JANET L. PEERY

Sexual violence and bullying are major public health concerns for today’s society, especially among Oklahoma youth. High school is a critical time in the development of the future leaders of our communities.

It is when we transform from children into young adults. It is also when they are more likely to be a victim of sexual violence and bullying.

Victimization might affect an adolescent in crucial areas of development and can radically change his or her worldview. Teenagers are going through the process of forming their identities independent of their parents and are largely influenced by peers and media. During this already-perplexing, emotionally driven and difficult time, many teens experience sexual violence.

Our state prides itself on our kindness to strangers, our welcoming nature and our spirit of resiliency. However, when students, administrators and leaders in

our state ignore and condone what is happening in our own communities, we completely contradict that image.

These factors might contribute to the statistic that Oklahoma ranks sixth in the nation for reports of rape and third in the nation for women murdered by men. When a victim of assault faces complacency from those who should be her/his role models, we ignore and discount the gravity of the crime. Most devastatingly, we re-victimize someone who is already hurt. Our complacency tells perpetrators that they can get away with these crimes.

In light of the recent incidences involving Norman High School students and the international attention they received due to the nature of the students not feeling safe simply receiving an education, it is no wonder that rape is under-reported and that victims often prefer silence. The lack of adequate

and appropriate response and resources ultimately affects victims receiving vital services such as those offered at the YWCA Oklahoma City.

The YWCA is the only certified provider for domestic and sexual violence with an emergency shelter in Oklahoma County. Its Sexual Assault Advocacy and Forensic Exam Program responds to the needs of victims 24 hours a day.

In addition, the YWCA also developed a specific Teen Sexual Assault Program just to keep up with the demand and unique needs of this underserved population. Also, the Prevention Education Program works with schools in the metro and surrounding area and teaches the students to identify healthy dating habits and red flags in dating relationships. Additionally, students learn how to be active bystanders, people who stand up in the face of injustice, trust a victim of violence and work to implement

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

change. Instead of educating our youth on “how not to get raped,” we teach them how not to commit rape or let it go unreported.

It isn’t until we can change society’s view on this type of violence that we will have a safe environment for victims of sexual violence to come forward. It is when we hold the perpetrator accountable that we can help protect victims from being bullied and further victimized.

This is not about sex.

Sexual violence is taking power and control over another individual where sex is used as the weapon and bulling is the imbalance of power.

We, as a community, should look at this as an opportunity to change so that we are no longer cultivating a society that blames victims for being victimized.

Janet L. Peery is the CEO of YWCA Oklahoma City. She serves on the advisory board of Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women and is a founding member of the Oklahoma Women’s Coalition.

LETTERS 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.

Is a US-Iranian alliance possible?

Congress and the American people have many reasons to cheer the progress of United States negotiations with Iran.

Both nations have much to gain from a successful outcome and improved relations. The conflicts threatening Iraq and tensions with Russia underscore the value of pursuing positive relations with Iran. The possibility of a US-Iranian alliance would benefit the whole Middle East. Is this possible?

Since the inauguration of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Iran has displayed a new openness to improved relations with the US. Iranians elected Rouhani because they were frustrated by the confrontational strutting of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose belligerent

rhetoric undermined Iranian credibility, emboldened US hawks and made Israel nervous. President Rouhani and Javad Zarif, his foreign minister, strongly desire increased trade and tourism based on respect and mutual benefit. They have both staked their futures on improved relations with Western nations.

Last January, the US and Iran agreed to a six-month period of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. A prerequisite was Iranian compliance with several preconditions, which Iran is meeting. Iran agreed to increased access for inspectors with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to sensitive sites, and this was done. Iran is providing information about its uranium enrichment program, which it has always avowed is purely for energy and medical purposes. Iran has also reduced its uranium enrichment capabilities, confirmed by the IAEA. It is good news for all sides that Iran and the US are on the road to better relations.

Amid the attacks of the ISIS group in Iraq and increased tensions with Russia over the Ukraine, an emerging harmony between the U.S. and Iran could change the political equation.

As a neighbor to Iraq, Iran could potentially get involved opposing ISIS to stabilize Iraq. And, should tensions with

14 | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | OKL AHOMA GAZETTE

Russia worsen, Iran’s oil and natural gas reserves could replace Russia’s exports to Europe. Iran also wants to import beef and wheat from the US, a benefit to ranchers and farmers in states like Oklahoma. There are skeptical factions in the US and Iran concerning the negotiations that are suspicious of “the other side.” Israel has historically believed that Iran was secretly preparing to build an atomic weapon and takes the position that Iran must abandon all uranium enrichment, even that permitted by international treaties for their nuclear power plants. At various times, the Israeli government and its supporters have advocated military strikes on Iran’s

enrichment facilities. They should all be satisfied by reports from the IAEA inspectors that there is no evidence of Iran wanting an atomic weapon.

Iran is a cultured nation three times the area of Iraq with a population of 80 million people — almost three times the population of Iraq or Saudi Arabia.

Iran is home to one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations. Iran also has a formidable modern military.

The benefits to the U.S., Iran and the Middle East of a positive outcome to the negotiations are clear.

— Nathaniel Batchelder Oklahoma City

OKL AHOMA GAZETTE | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | 15

MONK to

BOOTLEGGER “Only French vipers have balls…” p.262

OKG picks are events

recommended by Oklahoma Gazette editorial staff members.

For full calendar listings, go to okgazette.com.

Unusual book gift!

Available at Amazon & local bookstores

www.monktobootlegger.com

BOOKS Story Time With Julie, kid friendly story time with the latest children’s books, 10:15-11 a.m., Dec. 27. Full Circle Bookstore, 1901 Northwest Expressway, 842-2901, fullcirclebooks.com. SAT Last Sunday Poetry Reading, poetry readings with an open mic opportunity, 2-3 p.m., Dec. 28. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 842-2900, fullcirclebooks.com. SUN

Spirited Away, (JA, 2001, dir. Hayao Miyazaki) Academy Award winner for ‘Best Animated Feature’; a ten year-old discovers a magical world and must fend for herself when her parents are turned into swine; part of the Celebrating Studio Ghibli series, 5 p.m., Dec. 26 & 28; 2 p.m., Dec. 27. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 236-3100, okcmoa.com. FRI-SUN Whisper of the Heart, (JA, 1995, dir. Yoshifumi Kondo) a young girl notices that all the library books she has checked out have been checked out by the same boy who she eventually meets; their life goals begin to conflict but remain friends through it; part of the Celebrating Studio Ghibli series, 8 p.m., Dec. 26.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 2363100, okcmoa.com. FRI Princess Mononoke, (JA, 1997, dir. Hayao Miyazaki) a young warrior is infected with a curse and travels to the sacred Great Forest to find a cure; part of the Celebrating Studio Ghibli series, 8 p.m., Dec. 27; 2 p.m., Dec. 28.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 2363100, okcmoa.com. SAT-SUN

HAPPENINGS Holiday Lights Spectacular, a light extravaganza; 118 foot Christmas tree and over 80 lighting displays, Dec.

P ROVI DED

FILM Howl’s Moving Castle, (JA, 2004, dir. Hayao Miyazaki) Academy Award nominated animated feature which tells the story of Sophie who is turned into a ninety year-old and her mission to find a cure; part of the Celebrating Studio Ghibli series, 2 p.m., Dec. 26; 5 p.m., Dec. 27.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 2363100, okcmoa.com. FRI-SAT

Die Hard It might just be the best holiday film of all time. There are Christmas trees everywhere.

The soundtrack includes RUN-DMC’s “Christmas in Hollis.” People are transformed.

Stir in violence, boobs, curse words, family dramas and even NYPD officer John McClane (Bruce Willis), who makes the most out of having to visit his ex-wife and kids on Christmas Eve. Lo and behold, a German terrorist kidnaps him. Crazy shit happens during the holidays. We totally relate. Harkins Theatres brings the film back to the big screen for its Tuesday Night Classics series 7 p.m. Tuesday at Harkins Bricktown Cinema 16, 150 East Reno Ave. Tickets are $5. Visit harkinstheatres.com/specialevents.

Tuesday the beautifully-adorned Bricktown canal free of charge, 6-9:30 p.m., Dec. 26-28. Zio’s Italian Kitchen, 12 E. California Ave., 278-8888. FRI-SAT

24-30. Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E. Reno Ave., Midwest City, 739-1293, midwestcityok.org. WED-TUE Chickasha Festival of Lights, walk or drive through a sea of beautiful Christmas lights; carriage rides and pictures with Santa, 6-10 p.m., Dec. 24-31. Shannon Springs Park, 2400 S. Ninth St., Chickasha, 224-9627.

WED-WED

Holidays in the Crystal Bridge, view the crystal bridge adorned with lights for the holiday season, 6-9 p.m., Dec. 28. Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, 301 W. Reno Ave., 297-3995, myriadgardens.com. SUN Oklahoma Glitz and Glam, celebrate with style at Oklahoma’s Glitz and Glam New Year’s Eve Celebration; live music from Laura Leighe and Blake-O, Dec. 31. IAO Art Gallery, 706 W. Sheridan Ave. WED

Free Water Taxi Rides, enjoy a fun-filled float down

FOOD

KO RINEARSON

New Year’s Eve Party-Simple and Splendid, learn how to throw an elegant New Year’s Eve party with festive cocktails, appetizers and treats that will please and entertain your guests while they wait to ring in the new year, 9:30 a.m., Dec. 27. Williams-Sonoma, 1901 Northwest Expressway, 843-5013, williams-sonoma. com. SAT

See A Christmas Carol and Fight Hunger Don’t be a Scrooge! Lyric Theatre in the Plaza District, 1727 NW 16th St., is taking donations to fight hunger across our state. After performances of the beloved holiday classic A Christmas Carol, which runs through Saturday, the theater will collect cash donations for Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, which feeds over 110,000 Oklahomans a week. Last year, patrons raised more than $17,000. For show tickets and more information, visit lyrictheatreokc.com or call 524-9312.

Wednesday, Dec. 24-Saturday

16 | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | OKL AHOMA GAZETTE

Saturday Cooking Class, learn to make turkey and spinach stuffing casserole, 1 p.m., Dec. 27. Buy For Less, 3501 NW Expressway, 946-6342, buyforlessok.com. SAT New Year’s Eve Celebration, four-course, chef chosen fondue dinner, Dec. 31. The Melting Pot, 4 E. Sheridan Ave. WED New Year’s Eve Dinner, ring in the New Year at Vast with three different prix fixe menus menus and seating times, 4-5:30 p.m.; 6:30-8 p.m.; 9-10:30 p.m., Dec. 31. Vast, 333 W. Sheridan, Ave., 702-7262. WED New Year’s Eve at Ludivine, a 3 course choice menu, wine pairings, champagne specials, and other high end specialties you can add to your menu, 6 p.m., 8 p.m., and 10 p.m., Dec. 31. Ludivine, 805 N. Hudson Ave., 7786800, ludivineokc.com. WED

YOUTH Drop-In Art: Bubble Prints, guest artists as they interact with families to create extraordinary works of art inspired by the Museum’s collection, exhibitions and special occasions, 1-4 p.m., Dec. 27. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 236-3100, okcmoa.

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Lights on Broadway Lights, camera, holidays. Right now, eight blocks of historic Automobile Alley — from NW Fourth Street to 10th Street on N. Broadway Avenue — is blanketed in warmth and light with more than 180,000 LED bulbs.

Also, if you’re headed to Bricktown, check out OneMain Financial’s Bricktown Canal Lights. They shine from dusk till dawn through New Year’s Day.

Wednesday-Wednesday, ongoing

com. SAT Free Crafts for Kids, make your own celebration noisemaker to ring in the New Year, 11 a.m.-3 p.m, Dec. 27. Lakeshore Learning Store, 6300 N. May Ave., 858-8778, lakeshorelearning.com. SAT Thunder Holiday Basketball Camp, basketball camp for kids ages 5-16; opportunity work on basketball skills, as well as focus on life lessons such as teamwork, sportsmanship and respect, 9 a.m.-noon, Dec. 29-30. Santa Fe Family Life Center, 6300 N. Santa Fe Ave., 840-1817, sfflc. pscok.com. MON Mommy & Me Painting, paint party for moms and kids; paint either a penguin or polar bear, 1-3 p.m., Dec. 30. Pinot’s Palette, 115 E. California Ave. TUE School’s Out Safari Day Camp, safari adventure for kids to enjoy during their winter break, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 a.m., Dec. 30-31. Oklahoma City Zoo, 2000 Remington Pl., 424-3344, okczoo.com.

TUE-WED

PERFORMING ARTS Steve Hirst, stand up comedy, 8 & 10:30 p.m., Dec. 26-27. Loony Bin Comedy Club, 8503 N. Rockwell Ave., 239-4242, loonybincomedy.com. FRI-SAT The Steve Reynolds Program, live talk show with special guests, comedians, prizes and more, 9 p.m., Dec. 27. Opolis, 113 N. Crawford Ave., Norman, opolis.org. SAT CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

OKL AHOMA GAZETTE | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | 17

continued

The Book of Mormon, Tony Award winning play of nine Tony Awards including Best Musical; two young missionaries are sent to Uganda to try and convert citizens to the Mormon religion, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 30-31.

Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., 297-2264, okcciviccenter.com. TUE-WED

848-5567, 50pennplacegallery.com.

ACTIVE

Goddess/Anti-Goddess, artists Deborah Brackenbury, Elyse Bogart, Douglas Shaw Elder & Karyn Gilman explore the history of deification and vilification the female form and psyche have faced. IAO Art Gallery, 706 W. Sheridan Ave., 232-6060, iaogallery.org.

Devon Ice Rink, bundle up and gather friends for some ice skating fun, Nov. 24, 26-31. Devon Ice Rink, 100 N. Robinson Ave. WED/FRI-WED Santa’s Adventure on the Oklahoma River, be like Santa down the Santa Zip dropping presents into chimney targets, experience the Rumble Drop and fall faster than a snowflake, climb to the North Pole on the SandRidge Sky Trail along with many other adventures, 1-8 p.m., Dec. 27-28. Boathouse District, 725 S. Lincoln Blvd., 552-4040, boathousedistrict. org. SAT OKC Barons vs. Charlotte Hurricanes, professional hockey game, 4 p.m., Dec. 28; 6 p.m., Dec. 31. Cox Convention Center, 1 Myriad Gardens, 602-8500, coxconventioncenter.com. SUN/WED Opening Night Finale 5K, race throughout downtown OKC; costume/festive dress contest, 4 p.m., Dec. 31.

Bicentennial Park, 500 Couch Drive, 297-3882. WED OKC Thunder vs. Phoenix Suns, NBA basketball game, 7 p.m., Dec. 31. Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W. Reno Ave., 602-8700, chesapeakearena.com. WED

VISUAL ARTS 9203 N. Pennsylvania Ave. | 405.607.4323 | www.NaifehFineJewelry.com

Andre Tutak Exhibition, exhibit of Polish born artist now living in Yukon; produces works in oil and acrylic that are sold in galleries all over the world. Oklahoma State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., 521-3356, ok.gov.

Art on Paper, exhibit featuring multiple talented artists and their creative works on paper; prints, drawings, photographs, books and more. JRB Art at The Elms, 2810 N. Walker Ave., 528-6336, jrbartgallery.com.

OKC125, 125 artists were given a disposable camera and 125 minutes to make photos of anything they wanted within the boundaries of downtown Oklahoma City. The Underground, 101 Park Ave., 235-3500, downtownokc.com.

Re-Action Painting, exhibit of local artist Don Holladay; printmaker who experiments with alternative materials for his artwork surfaces and uses non-traditional objects to create texture. Mainsite Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main St., Norman, 360-1162, mainsite-art.com.

Saints and Scoundrels, a mixed media series of small works on handmade paper by Leigh Ann Campbell.

Paseo Gallery One, 2927 Paseo St. Satellite Space: Morgan Robinson, three-dimensional sculptures by visual artist Morgan Robinson. Kasum Contemporary Fine Arts, 1706 NW 16th Street, 6046602, kasumcontemporary.com.

Spiritual Hunger, exhibit of Norman artist, Laura Reese; an innovative show combining food, gardening, and visual art. The Project Box, 3003 Paseo St., 6093969, theprojectboxokc.com.

The Animal Kingdom, clayboard etchings by Linda Hiller; Masonite board with a layer of clay, covered with ink and then artwork is etched by hand. The Summer Wine Art Gallery, 2928 B Paseo St., 831-3279, summerwinegallery.com.

The Toy Maker, a collection of recreated ‘Once Toys’ which have been reanimated to amuse anew. Kasum Contemporary Fine Arts, 1706 NW 16th St., 604-6602, kasumcontemporary.com.

These Are Not Your Grandmother’s Florals, artwork

by Jerry Piper; oil and water paintings. The Purple Loft

PROVIDED

Connie Seabourn, contemporary artist known for her watercolors and bright, bold screen printing. 50 Penn Place Gallery, 1900 Northwest Expressway, Suite 113-R,

espongo i miei sentimenti, exhibition of new work

by Oklahoma City based artist, designer, architect, and builder Larry Dean Pickering. Nona Jean Hulsey Gallery, NW 27th Street and Blackwelder Ave., 2085229.

Oklahoma @ the Movies This is your last call to catch the Oklahoma @ the Movies exhibit at Oklahoma History Center. One of the center’s most popular exhibits, it focuses on the experience of moviemaking in Oklahoma, both on camera and off, and contains ephemera from famous Oklahomans including Gene Autry, Hopalong Cassidy, Tom Mix and James Garner. The exhibit closes Wednesday, Dec. 31, so see (or revisit) it before it all goes back into the archives and possibly moves to Tulsa’s proposed OKPOP Museum. Visit okhistory.org.

Wednesday-Wednesday

18 | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | OKL AHOMA GAZETTE

P ROVI DED

Race into the New Year Register now to kick your New Year’s resolution off a day early with a brisk run.

There’s still time to join the Opening Night Finale 5K, which crosses downtown and SkyDance Bridge and then finishes at Bicentennial Park. The top male and female finishers receive an original work by local artist Dean Imel, and the top three finishers in each category will win art from local potter and metal sculptor Collin Rosebrook. For this race, dress in your festive best (costumes encouraged), as there also will be a prize for the best dressed. It starts 4 p.m. New Year’s Eve, ending in time to join the biggest party of the year, Opening Night, downtown.

Register now at artscouncilokc.com or call 270-4848.

Find everything you need on the

Wednesday, Dec. 31 Art Gallery, 514 NW 28th St., Suite 400, 412-7066.

Thunderheads, oil paintings of dramatic storm clouds in the Oklahoma skies by artist David Holland.

Governor’s Gallery, State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Ave., 521-2931, arts.ok.gov.

Victory In Loss, series of oil paintings and embellished

Naughty

screen prints by Oklahoma based artist Bjorn Bauer.

DNA Galleries, 1709 NW 16th St., 525-3499, dnagalleries.com.

or

Nice list

Watch Out for the Under Toad, artist Romy Owens has created a series of work inspired by the crashing of water on land. AKA Gallery, 3001 Paseo St., 606-2522, akagallery.net.

615 E. Memorial, OKC • 755-8600 8009 W. Reno, OKC • 792-2020

PROVIDED

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for weekly specials. www.PatriciasStores.com

Norman Arts Council Holiday Inspiration Gift Stretch your Norman Arts Council donations even further. Until Dec. 31, Republic Bank & Trust will match the first $5,000 donated by the community. Norman Arts Council sees the arts as a uniting and moving force, and it has supported public art, events and arts education since 1976. See that Norman Arts Council thrives in its mission of art for all in 2015. While out finishing holiday chores, drop off or mail donations to 122 E. Main St. in Norman or donate online at normanarts.org/holidayinspirationgift.

Wednesday-Wednesday

For OKG music picks see page 43

OKL AHOMA GAZETTE | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | 19

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20 | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | OKL AHOMA GAZETTE

LIFE FOOD & DRINK

Holiday remix Using little more than the leftovers from your holiday meal, you can create everything from cocktails to tasty deli-style sandwiches.

BY DEVON GREEN

You cooked for an army, and you feasted like a battle victor. Even so, if you’re like most families, your refrigerator is now packed tight with leftover food.

With a little imagination and guidance — and these recipes — what you create won’t be called leftovers.

They’ll be meals (and cocktails).

Not Your Grandma’s Turkey Sandwich First, let’s address that ubiquitous staple of post-holiday fare with a version of the turkey sandwich that’s a little more than turkey on bread. This recipe makes two sandwiches and has a prep time of 10-20 minutes.

• • • • • •

4 slices of hearty bread — your choice; we recommend a hearty levain or whole grain 4 tablespoons of cranberry sauce (You knew it must be good for something, right?)

4 ounces of sliced turkey 2 ounces of Brie, cut into pieces 4 pieces of crisped bacon 1/2 cup baby spinach, arugula or a salad mix that includes your favorite baby greens

Directions 1.

2.

3.

Place 2 slices of bread on a baking sheet and top with Brie pieces, sliced turkey, cranberry sauce and bacon.

Broil for about 1-2 minutes, until cheese is melted.

Top with greens and the remaining slices of bread.

Nana’s Quick and Easy Ham and Bean Soup For many, the romance of the post-feast ham sandwich quickly wears thinner than deli-shaved prosciutto. Here’s a quick and easy soup that’s sure to warm you up faster than it fills you up. It cooks almost as quickly as the time it takes to read the recipe. For an all-day, come-and-go gettogether at your house, toss this in a Crock-Pot set on warm and serve with fresh corn bread.

PHOTOS PROVID ED

Ingredients

Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • •

2 medium carrots, sliced 2 stalks of celery, roughly chopped 1/2 cup chopped white onion 2 tablespoons salted butter 4 15.5-ounce cans of great northern beans 4 cups chicken broth 2 cups fully cooked cubed ham 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced 1 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 bay leaf (optional)

Directions 1.

2.

3.

Saute carrots, celery and onion in butter in a large pot until tender and onions become slightly translucent.

Stir in all remaining ingredients.

Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low or low, depending on your stove. Your goal is a mild simmer.

top Nana’s Quick and Easy Ham and Bean Soup. bottom Upcycle your leftovers with this turkey sandwich made with panini, turkey, spinach and homemade cranberry sauce.

Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, until heated through.

For those who prefer a little more time in the kitchen, here’s an easy cornbread recipe, too.

Directions

Cornbread Ingredients

3.

4.

• • • • • • • •

1 cup cornmeal 1 cup all-purpose flour 5 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 cup white sugar 1 pinch salt 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup milk 1/2 cup butter, melted

1.

2.

4.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9-inch baking dish.

Mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a bowl.

Add the eggs, milk and butter. Combine thoroughly and pour into prepared baking dish.

Bake on center rack for 25-35 minutes, until fork inserted in center comes out clean and sides pull away from the pan.

Handy Turkey Casserole Potpies This is more of a fun concept than a strict

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

OKL AHOMA GAZETTE | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | 21

Jim’s

r

Dine

Jim’s Diner

Jim’s

Dine

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LIFE FOOD & DRINK

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• Lunch • CHICKEN FRIED STEAK WITH MASHED POTATOES & VEGGIES...$6.29

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P ROVI DED

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recipe, and it’s easy enough to get younger cooks involved, too. The recipe is primarily improvisation, and the ingredients are left to the whim of the maker. The Handy Turkey Casserole Potpie is essentially a portable casserole using whatever leftover holiday ingredients you wish. One pre-made piecrust will yield approximately 2-3 piecrusts depending on the size. If you wish to make your own piecrust, follow the easy recipe in the expanded version of the article on Oklahoma Gazette’s website.

Directions 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Roll out piecrust to approx. 9 inches in diameter.

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Using a biscuit cutter, cut as many 5-to-6inch circles as possible out of the piecrust.

Use the remaining crust to make one more by rolling it out to a similar thickness.

Make sure there is an equal number of rounds. Separate them into two groups — these will be the bottoms and tops.

Lay the bottoms out on the baking sheet.

Put your fillings like turkey, ham, dressing, gravy, cranberry sauce, or other items in the center. For this recipe, we limit it to what you likely have on hand in regard to leftovers. In general, you can make these savory or sweet with whatever fillings you can dream up.

Place the remaining rounds on top of each mini pie, pressing the edges together, first with your fingers and then with the tines of a fork.

Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, turning once while cooking, until golden brown.

Cranberry Mojito This is a grown-up holiday treat with a healthy dose of vitamin C as a bonus. It’s also guaranteed to be the hit of any holiday party. The recipe is adapted from a wellworn copy of Southern Living we found in our aunt’s basement.

First, you must make the cranberry reduction at least an hour prior to party time.

Then mix as you go. If Auntie Gemma can whip these up from scratch after she has had a few, we don’t anticipate you having any problems.

While testing these foods and drinks, we found this cocktail goes exceptionally well with the Not Your Grandma’s Turkey Sandwich.

Part one: cranberry reduction (Makes enough for about two dozen cocktails.)

Use all those cranberries to liven spirits in this cranberry mojito.

Ingredients •

• • • •

2 cups of cranberry juice (Remember all those whole cranberries you have? Mash them up and strain the juice from them, or put that fancy new juicer to good use.)

1/2 cup jellied cranberry sauce 1/4 cup sugar 4 dashes of bitters 1 rosemary sprig (approximately 3 inches)

Directions 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Boil the cranberry juice, cranberry sauce, sugar and bitters in a medium-size saucepan over medium heat, stirring consistently for five minutes or until smooth.

Reduce heat to low and simmer while stirring occasionally until half of the original amount of liquid remains — about 20 minutes.

Add rosemary, cover and let stand five minutes.

Remove rosemary and cool for 30 minutes.

Cover and chill for at least one hour. This can be kept covered in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Part two: the magic concoction Ingredients • • • •

•

3 mint leaves 1 tablespoon cranberry reduction 1 1/2 teaspoon fresh lime juice 1 1/2 ounces rum (or more) (We recommend locally made Scissortail Distillery’s Oklahoma Landrum.)

Lemon-lime soft drink of choice.

Directions 1.

Muddle mint leaves, cranberry reduction and fresh lime juice against the sides of a glass or shaker. Muddling is easiest when you use the right tool: a muddler. They’re available just about anywhere bar and cookware is sold.

2. Add ice cubes and rum and give it a rough shake until thoroughly chilled.

3. Strain into a 10-12-ounce glass filled with ice cubes.

4. Top with soft drink and garnish with mint leaves and a lime.

Note: Although making a pitcher at a time is possible, best results come when made individually.

Bon appetit, and congratulations on surviving another holiday season.

22 | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | OKL AHOMA GAZETTE

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Local establishments load up on champagne and other sparkling wines to ring in 2015.

BY GREG HORTON

New Year’s Eve is indisputably the biggest night of the year for sparkling wine. While people will buy bubbles for personal celebrations throughout the year, fully one-third of sparkling wine sales happen in the last eight weeks of the year. That means people who don’t normally try sparkling wine — which includes cava, Champagne, prosecco and other styles — will give them a try as part of the year-end celebration.

Several area restaurants are capitalizing on the trend by offering special lists as part of their New Year’s Eve events. O Bar in the Ambassador Hotel, 1200 N. Walker Ave., will be celebrating its very first New Year’s Eve in business with a Gatsby party. The entire seventh floor of the hotel will be a wall-towall celebration featuring live music, light snacks and Champagne.

Bar manager Jeff Cole said there will be no cover for the event, and the festivities should start about 9 p.m. and last until after midnight.

“We will be featuring Moet & Chandon at a great price, and we’ll have a complimentary toast at midnight,” Cole said.

O Bar’s normal list also includes Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, an excellent American sparkling wine.

The bar’s rooftop patios will be open, and weather permitting, the toast should feature an amazing view of downtown.

The rooftop view from Packard’s New American Kitchen, 201 NW 10th St., is also stunning, and a midnight toast will take place in its rooftop bar as well. John Ross, managing partner at Packard’s, said the restaurant will have a full menu that night as well as some feature items by executive chef Chris McKenna.

Jeff Cole, manager of O Bar, is big on Champagne this holiday season.

In addition to the normal selection of bubbles that includes Mercat Brut Cava and Sommariva Prosecco, bar manager Nick Schaeffer created a list of premium Champagne, including three “grower Champagnes,” a designation indicating the wine is produced from grapes grown by the winery, a rare thing in Champagne. The New Year’s Eve list features GonetMedeville, Pierre Peters, and Pehu Simonet, all outstanding examples of grower Champagnes.

Bin 73 Wine Bar, 7312 N. Western Ave., is one of an increasing number of bars that is offering single-serving bottles of sparkling wine. Called 187’s (.187 ml) by people in the industry, the twisttop bottles fill exactly one glass and eliminate waste. Bin 73, too, will have live music for New Year’s Eve, featuring local artist Curt Hill.

General manager Candice Pugh said Bin 73 will have singleserving bottles of prosecco, American sparkling wine and Champagne for the evening. The 187 makes it convenient to try an outstanding French tradition like Nicholas Feuillatte Brut Rosé at far less than half the price of a full bottle.

Fittingly, Red PrimeSteak, 504 N. Broadway Ave., will offer Gérard Bertrand Code Rouge for New Year’s Eve. The unusual blend of grapes comes from an area outside Champagne, thereby allowing winemakers to experiment with grape blends. In this case, the Code Rouge is a blend of chardonnay, chenin blanc and mauzac, a very unusual but uniquely delicious combination.

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OKL AHOMA GAZETTE | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | 23

LIFE FOOD & DRINK

Grand Casino Hotel Resort brings the art of the Brazilian steakhouse to Oklahoma.

Flame offers a vast salad bar featuring more than 30 gourmet items ranging from imported cheeses to cured meats and fresh vegetables.

BY LOUIS FOWLER

MOET & CHANDON IMPERIAL 750ML - $42.69

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When one hears the word “steakhouse,” especially in Oklahoma, images of 72-ounce cuts of meat and tacky Western curios on the wall probably come to mind. However, the proprietors of Flame Brazilian Steakhouse, the new restaurant located in Shawnee’s Grand Casino, are more than prepared to change the way these casas de carne are experienced.

Also known as a churrascaria, Brazilian steakhouses offer a buffetstyle sampling of numerous meats, complete with Brazilian flair evident from the charcoal used to the way food is served. Recent franchises such as Fogo de Chão and Texas de Brazil have popularized the culinary art form recently in the United States, but Flame is looking to perfect it.

Grand Chairman Rocky Barrett fell in love with the concept after visiting one during his travels, with the added bonus that no one had ever opened up a true Brazilian steakhouse in Oklahoma. He felt it would be a great dining experience for patrons to have while either enjoying the casino or just as a standalone dinner visit.

Flame Brazilian Steakhouse serves dinner Wednesday through Sunday, with an additional brunch offering on Sunday mornings. Reservations are highly recommended.

Paul VanRaamsdonk, director of food and beverage at Grand, has helped open such notable eateries as Red Piano Lounge, Park Avenue Grill and Mahogany Prime Steakhouse, but he never faced a challenge as big as opening Flame, mostly due to the way this form of cooking is closely guarded by those who practice it.

“Finding someone who knew how a Brazilian steakhouse worked was very, very difficult,” VanRaamsdonk said. “Texas De Brazil or Fogo De Chão purchases the visas for their staff

24 | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | OKL AHOMA GAZETTE

to come over, so they’re very loyal and it’s a very tight-knit community. We did research all over Dallas before we opened up, and they just did not want to give out any information. Actually locating someone like Ramon was difficult, and it took us about year.”

With more than 23 years of kitchen experience that started in Miami, Florida, Head Chef Ramon Tolentino, a seasoned veteran of many restaurant concepts, was selected for the unique way he brought his own personal recipes as well as plenty of passion and verve for Latin food to the idea of churrasco cooking.

Finding someone who knew how a Brazilian steakhouse worked was very, very difficult.

— Paul VanRaamsdonk

“We use a lot of charcoal when we cook the meat fresh every day,” Tolentino said. “The meat is aged at least 23 days. We use a lot of beef that gets its flavor from the charcoal in how you sear in the juice — the meat gets heated to 800 degrees and it sears all the juices inside so it’s always going to be flavorful and tender — and how you cut the meat. Everything is authentic.

Everything is from scratch. Everything.”

VanRaamsdonk added that because the more popular Brazilian steakhouse are franchises, Flame will be less standardized, avoiding the constant and repetitive nature of chains and offering more of a personal feel to the upscale restaurant. Adults can enjoy a

romantic night out and children will be clamoring to have their birthday parties there.

The setup is simple: Start off with a trip to the stocked salad bar that features items such as lobster bisque, prosciutto, imported and domestic cheeses and tomato mozzarella. Then, as authentic Brazilian music plays overhead, highly stylized servers called “gauchos” — clad in authentic Brazilian uniforms — serve a wide-ranging variety of meats off skewers right at the table. This allows customers to sample and savor specially cooked items ranging from chicken, pork and lamb to sausages and numerous cuts of beef, including the ever-popular picanha, a tender, prime cut of sirloin that is flavored with smoked sea salt and considered the coup de grace of any churrasco dining experience.

“What we’ve gotten most of our comments about, is the overall experience,” VanRaamsdonk said.

“From the moment that you check in with the hostess stand and get seated, the way that our servers are trained at a very high-end capability with wine knowledge, drink knowledge, food knowledge — it’s all done with a distinct Oklahoma country/home spirit where they’ve got great personalities and really talk with the guests. It’s not pretentious at all.”

Tolentino echoed the sentiment.

“It’s really simple,” he said. “We’ve got the best service, the best food, the best ambiance, the best atmosphere.

We take care of our guests like it were their own house. They feel like they’re in their own home with their family. You go to visit the tables and the people are happy. You actually get to know the guests, and it’s a family restaurant. They come here and feel like they are part of the family.”

P ROVI DED

Flame on

FOOD BRIEFS

Oompah!

Dust Bowl Lanes and Lounge

BY DEVON GREEN

There are also plans for specialty nights, including league night. If the locations in Tulsa are any indication, they will be popular.

“We have league night there, and we fill it up every week,” Fontaine said.

As you can imagine, there will be a run on theme parties for birthdays and special occasions. For reservations, contact annie@dustbowlokc.com. For more information, visit fasslerhall.com.

GA RETT FI S BEC K

P ROVI DED

The ownership of McNellie’s Group, known for its locations in Midtown, Norman and Tulsa, decided to add more fun to its roster of great beer joints and eateries.

The group recently opened Dust Bowl Lanes and Lounge and Fassler Hall at 421 NW 10th St., smack dab in the growing entertainment hub of Oklahoma City’s Midtown.

Dust Bowl offers the coolness of yore: classic 1970s alleys with polished lanes and borrowed shoes. Citizens of OKC, you are now free to eat and bowl to your heart’s content.

For those who have visited Fassler Hall and Dust Bowl Lanes and Lounge in Tulsa, you have a better idea of what awaits you in Midtown.

“We’re McNellie’s Group, so we have the Public House there, and we wanted to help bring that neighborhood up to speed. It was a ground-up, yearlong effort,” Brian Fontaine, general manager of the concept in Tulsa, said.

Fassler Hall features a Germaninspired menu with sausages made in-house and schnitzel sandwiches.

It also offers freshly made German pretzels, and its unique fries are cooked in duck fat.

“The Dust Bowl is kind of a 1970s vintage bowling alley. We have tots and onion burgers and hot dogs, finger food,” Fontaine said.

The two venues are connected, with Fassler Hall on one level and Dust Bowl Lanes and Lounge dominating another.

GA RE TT FI S BE C K

Oklahoma owned and operated McNellie’s Group makes noise with its Oklahoma City franchise as it expands to include German fare and bowling.

left Carl Albert Future Farmers of America students put their own spin on the holidays. above Ludivine has created a special New Year’s Eve menu. Pictured here is homemade bucatini with caviar, crab butter, mustard and dill, which pairs well with a sparkling rose wine.

Holiday farmer

If you are driving on Lincoln Boulevard near the Capitol, you will see holiday decorations of a different stripe on the lawn of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF), 2800 N. Lincoln Blvd.

Students from Carl Albert Future Farmers of America put in many hours of work planning and implementing the holiday decorations — a largerthan-life farmer working in his field, which is lit for all to see — on ODAFF’s lawn. There are stalks of corn and tomato plants and a basket of harvested food next to the farmer, reminding Oklahomans of agriculture’s

importance in feasts of all kinds.

The decorations will be up through the holiday season. To learn more about ODAFF, visit www.oda.state.ok.us.

Ludivine New Year

Dining at Ludivine is delightful, especially during the holidays.

This year’s New Year’s Eve menu is tailored for everyone, from the wildly adventurous to those who are tired of calling all the shots.

For $50 this New Year’s Eve, the restaurant offers three-course menu selections.

There will be 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. seatings with a champagne

toast at midnight.

“If you want to just sit back and enjoy the evening and let us cook, you’re covered. I am excited to bring some special ingredients for those of you who are very trusting of us,” said co-owner and chef Jonathon Stranger.

There also will be wine pairings, champagne specials and other add-ons to further customize your holiday meal.

The level of customization is up to you, but chefs Stranger and Russ Johnson and their crew are ready for just about anything.

For more information or to make reservations, call 778-6800 or visit ludivineokc.com.

OKL AHOMA GAZETTE | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | 25

Spirits of the season Congratulations! You’ve almost survived most of the holiday season. We think it’s time you treat yourself.

We’ve pulled together a list of cool joints where you can get away from the in-laws for a bit and put the frayed nerves to rest. Here’s to another holiday season!

— By Devon Green Photos by Mark Hancock and Garett Fisbeck

Red PrimeSteak

The Mule

Ludivine

504 N. Broadway Ave. redprimesteak.com 232-2626

1630 N. Blackwelder Ave. themuleokc.com 601-1400

805 N. Hudson Ave. ludivineokc.com 778-6800

In case you haven’t noticed, the bartenders at Red PrimeSteak are not messing around. So why would they fool around with one of the most classic drinks of winter? It would be sheer folly. So belly up to the bar and order yourself a fireplace in a glass. The hot toddy is traditionally drunk before going to bed or in wet or cold weather. While you might not be in your pajamas for a while, we’ll definitely have plenty of the appropriate weather to make this one of your new favorite drinks.

There are beers to enjoy in the summer, all light and even fruity. And there are beers that mimic the meals that you crave in winter. Anderson Valley Brewing’s Winter Solstice Ale, named for the night of the year that is the longest, is definitely not a summer drink. Kick back at The Mule to enjoy the beer of the season — one that goes down remarkably well with the Okie Poutine — for some nourishment on a cold winter night.

It’s a well-respected fact that Ernest Hemingway did not favor colder climates. He instead opted for the warmth and sunshine of the Florida Keys and Cuba, places where he could dip his toes in the sand and not worry about winter’s chill. While we are certainly not in the same climate, perhaps this would be Papa’s drink of choice if he were to find himself in a chilly Oklahoma winter.

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405-948-2001 26 | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | OKL AHOMA GAZETTE

Bin 73 Wine Bar

7312 N. Western Ave. bin73.com 843-0073

WSKY Lounge

Republic Gastropub

5900 Mosteller Drive thegeorgeprime.com 242-4761

The genius mixologists at The George have you covered no matter what your taste, and they’ve made several sexy signature cocktails that will suit your mood. Sunset Love, with its addition of passion fruit juice and prosecco Italian bubbles, will whisk you away to warmer climates. The Harvest Moon with locally made Strong Tonic and apple and cinnamon flavors will have you feeling very grown-up about your penchant for apple pie. There are several others to choose from, so please don’t be shy.

Who says that candy is only for kids?

With the chocolate martini at Bin 73, you get the best of both: booze and candy (and not the sticky-sweet version).

This martini is all grown up. While you’re at it, why not sample a few other libations on the menu? We suggest the Bin 73 Special. You might find Bin 73 so pleasing and relaxing you could invite the relatives along. Anything can happen during the holidays.

WSKY Lounge is nice and hidden away, making it that much more likely you’ll not be found by those you don’t invite.

With a broad whiskey and cocktail selection and a dark, cozy feel, WSKY is just the place to while away the hours sampling the finest liquors from around the globe and moving on with your life after that 18th horrible Christmas sweater from Aunt Fran.

Republic Gastropub is a serious pub with some excellent food. Or is it the other way around? Whatever you decide, we highly recommend its special drink for December: The Root Down. This magical concoction consists of draft Abita root beer, bitters and 90-proof bourbon to make sure you feel warm all the way down to your toes.

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228 NE Second St. wskylounge.com 606-7171

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LIFE

GI LLI A N LA N G

Before birth The Oklahoma City Zoo gets ready for the birth of a second elephant in four years.

BY DEVON GREEN

above Malee strolls with the herd at the OKC Zoo.

LISA LE E

We all know Malee, the toddler-aged elephant who is the pride and joy of the Oklahoma City Zoo. Since her birth in 2011, she has been hailed as both a boon to our zoo and proof of its success as part of the elephant conservation program.

Now, after a 22-month gestation period, the city awaits another joyful event: the birth of Malee’s sibling.

Dr. Jennifer D’Agostino has been the director of veterinary services at the zoo since 2008, during which time she has been involved in the discovery of Asha’s first pregnancy and her first birth. She has learned a lot through the process and even more in the meantime. She is ready for another adventure as Asha approaches her second big day.

Since all three adult elephants are part of a national conservation program, they are monitored closely throughout their lives. Asha; her sister, Chandra; and Rex are the subjects of regular tests to track their overall health. Three-year-old Malee is no stranger to the tests either, as she has been monitored closely since birth.

During the pregnancy, the specialists at Integris Bennett Fertility Institute have lent their valuable expertise to the process. This partnership started during Asha’s pregnancy with Malee.

“We knew we were going to need someone to do the daily progesterone levels, but we didn’t have the funding to buy the equipment,” D’Agostino said. “We have some friends at Integris, and I knew they had helped us in the past. When we asked, they said it was absolutely no problem.”

The issue was not whether other labs in Oklahoma can do the tests but rather that their instruments lack the

Asha and Chandra sensitivity necessary to get the hormone information needed. Samples from Asha are still sent to the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. once a week. The Smithsonian lab keeps track of every elephant in the breeding program in the United States and keeps their important health and disease data on file. During pregnancy, they monitor Asha’s hormone levels daily with information from the Bennett Institute and send a week’s worth of samples to the national lab. This way, they get immediate results from the lab at Integris and make sure they are on track with the Smithsonian’s information. These daily results are key to determining the date of birth.

“Once those levels reach a baseline, we have approximately three to five days until the birth, and by that point, the entire elephant team — everyone she knows — will stay there 24 hours a day,” D’Agostino said.

28 | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | OKL AHOMA GAZETTE

There has been training — even re-training — for everyone from the zookeepers to Asha herself for the birth.

With the staff, it’s primarily what to do in such close proximity to a 3-4 ton animal and what to do if there is a minor emergency. With Asha, it’s mainly a refresher course, as it will be stressful and crowded. D’Agostino is confident that she will remember much of the process from last time and expects an easy birth.

The doctor explained that a lot of the help that comes from the elephant team mimics what her herd would do in the wild.

“Throughout the birth, the grandmother, the sisters, they’re all there, and then once the baby is born, the aunts and grandmas, they are cleaning the baby and getting it ready to meet mom. In the meantime, mom is off to the side, recuperating,” D’Agostino said.

In the future, the team hopes to have a large enough herd that the amount of people helping will be lessened and things will progress in a more natural

way. As it is with all elephants in the program, the approximately 250-pound bundle of joy will be treated much the same as human babies — cleaned, weighed, measured, toes counted and off to meet mom.

The team is already planning on Chandra getting pregnant, whether by natural means or with some help from fertility experts via in vitro fertilization as soon as she is in season again. Elephants go into season four times a year.

The zoo is expecting the new baby elephant soon.

Everyone she knows will stay there 24 hours a day.

— Dr. Jennifer D’Agostino “We’re ready any day now, but even the tests can only tell us so much,” D’Agostino said. “But we’re prepared, and I know Asha is going to do great.”

Owing to the cold weather, the public might not get to see the new family member outside in the yard for some time. This is ultimately up to mom and the keeper’s judgment about when the baby is ready to tackle the great outdoors.

GA RE TT FI S BE C K

Reaching out A local nonprofit group relocates and expands services for Oklahoma City’s needy.

BY ZACH JACOBS

A local nonprofit organization recently reopened its doors to the public after moving all its services to a remodeled and expanded main facility.

Skyline Urban Ministry, a community outreach organization supported by United Way of Central Oklahoma and the United Methodist Church, reopened its newly designed Food Resource Center Nov. 13 at its location at 500 SE 15th St. in Oklahoma City, formerly known as McKee Center.

John Bobb-Semple, project manager for community initiatives at Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, said this project had spanned more than two and a half years and both Skyline staff and volunteers and their clients will benefit greatly from it.

“We decided to unify the organization into one facility to expand its operation to serve more people,” said Bobb-Semple.

He said Skyline needed warehouse space to store more food and provide a better intake process for its clients.

Bobb-Semple said Skyline’s eye clinic and food pantry were housed at its former location on Eighth Street downtown, while the remaining services — clothing for adults and children, a senior citizens’ fellowship ministry, a Christmas gift donation program and an annual prom event for local senior high school girls — were all located at its SE 15th Street location.

Expanding that location was “necessary to bridge food programs with services to help get people back on their feet” and gives Skyline “a much larger space to serve clients from,”Bobb-Semple said.

Housing services in one building can also help Skyline better “provide for clients and give better service overall,” although the new facility and

Volunteers pray before serving clients at Skyline Urban Ministry in Oklahoma City. equipment will present new challenges for Skyline staff and volunteers. One major change in the expansion is the installation of a new walk-in cooler and freezer, which will be stocked with items like frozen vegetables and dairy products.

“This [freezer and cooler] will give them the opportunity to take in dairy or fresh produce at whatever capacity comes in,” Bobb-Semple said, adding that most food pantries don’t have space for those types of donations.

“The Food Resource Center model is unique in Oklahoma,” he said, “and there are very few nationwide.”

The facility’s new space will help Skyline staff and volunteers accomplish their mission to impact lives, empower those in need and address the roots of poverty in Oklahoma, Bobb-Semple also said donations and volunteers are critically needed.

Chesapeake Energy Corporation and the Cresap Family Foundation are taking part in a matching gift project in conjunction with Regional Food Bank this year. Chesapeake and the Cresap Foundation together will match up to $1 million in donations from now until Jan. 15, 2015, But Bobb-Semple said there also is a great need for volunteers — whether to help stock shelves or serve clients as “shopper helpers” — to help take care of the projected increase of clients the groups’ officials expect to see at Skyline due to the expansion.

“We need friends to volunteer to shoulder the load of the facility,” he said. “A little bit of sweat isn’t all for naught.”

This exhibition has been organized by the Tampa Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg and curated by Barbara Pollack.

Birdhead (Chinese, founded 2004). The Light of Eternity No. 3 (detail), 2012. Black and white inkjet print. © Birdhead, courtesy of the artists and ShanghART Gallery Shanghai.

OKL AHOMA GAZETTE | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | 29

M A RK HA N COC K

LIFE CULTURE

A night at the museum Red Earth Museum revives its volunteer docent program.

’TIS THE SEASON TO GIVE Donate before December 31st

Give at www.kgou.org Melody Harwell, Owner Coffee Slingers Roasters & KGOU listener and giver

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Harness, Show Headstalls & lots of silver bits & spurs

30 | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | OKL AHOMA GAZETTE

BY ZACH JACOBS

Officials from Oklahoma’s premier American Indian art museum have announced plans to bring back their once-thriving volunteer program after ten years of inactivity.

Eric Oesch, deputy director and director of communications at Red Earth Museum in downtown Oklahoma City, said Red Earth’s docent program was “vibrant.” However, he said that when he returned to work at Red Earth after several years away, the “program wasn’t strong anymore.”

While Red Earth is more wellknown for its annual festival held each June, the actual museum is open every weekday. “[Red Earth] puts on the largest Native American festival each June, and we rely heavily on volunteers and have a strong volunteer base for the festival,” said Oesch. “We have a very small staff, but we don’t have many volunteers on a daily basis.”

But Oesch is optimistic about the new program. On the heels of Vickie Norick, a member of the Red Earth board of directors, being named to receive the Oklahoma Governor’s Arts Award for Community Service, Oesch feels there are others nearby who have the time to volunteer at Red Earth.

He said Norick has volunteered for four hours at Red Earth every Monday over the last two years, updating a database of nearly 1,500 historical artifacts and contemporary pieces of art in the museum’s permanent collection. “[Vickie]’s been on the board of directors for seven years or so, and that’s volunteering in itself,” Oesch said.

However, Oesch said volunteer

from left Three of four permanent employees at the Red Earth Art Museum, Flo Domer, Eric Oesch and Christy Alcox, with a painting called “Winds of War” by Gary Montgomery, a Seminole. docents don’t need to involve themselves as much as Norick has; they can act as tour guides or exhibit hosts or possibly take on a clerical project. The initial orientation and training class will take place in January 2015.

“This will be an ongoing program that people can join once they learn about it,” he said, adding that Red Earth staff intends to keep docent volunteering ongoing throughout the months and years to come.

Each volunteer would have a specific schedule and their own area in which to work during their time there.

However, volunteers must commit to a minimum of four hours per month and at least 50 hours per year.

In return, not only do docents have a chance to help the small permanent staff accomplish their weekly duties, but they also will qualify for discounted rates to special classes and select items in the Red Earth Gift Store as well as free downtown parking at the Santa Fe Parking Garage while volunteering.

Red Earth is located at 2 Santa Fe Plaza, at the intersection of Park and Broadway avenues. For more information, call 427-5228 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit redearth.org.

LIFE VISUAL ARTS

Eye of the beholders This tiny Paseo Arts District studio and gallery builds community with its cooperative model.

An acrylic painting

by Mary Howard.

BY TREVOR HULTNER

Celebrations Noon-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday In Your Eye Studio & Gallery 3005 Paseo Street #A inyoureyegallery.com 525-2161

Paseo Arts District’s In Your Eye Studio & Gallery hosts Celebrations, works by glass artist Nicki Albright and acrylic painters Sue Hale, Dana Powell and Mary Howard, noon-5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

“We’re equal-opportunity artists,” Hale, a founding member of the gallery, said about the exhibit’s theme. “[The holiday season] is a great time to celebrate.”

The exhibit opened with a reception

earlier this month, and Hale said it went well.

“We’re a really tiny gallery,” she said of her location next to Picasso Cafe. “But we got 12 people in there.”

Everything about In Your Eye’s exhibits — from the name and theme to how many participants there are — is chosen by gallery members.

“Sometimes we do shows alone, and sometimes we do them together,” she said. “Dana and I decided we wanted to do a show together, and we invited back a former member, Nicki Albright, and another friend of ours, Mary Howard.”

Even though all of these artists know each other, Hale said each artist has a distinct style.

“Nicki is a glass artist; she does

Reactionary art A local artist conveys energy through work that is a response to the action movement of the ’50s.

BY ADAM HOLT

Re-Action Painting Through Jan. 10 Closing reception 5:30 p.m. Jan. 9 Mainsite Contemporary Art 122. E. Main St., Norman mainsite-art.com 360-1162 FREE

A local artist responds to Jackson Pollock and his contemporaries with an exhibition of abstract expressionism at Mainsite Contemporary Art in Norman.

Re-Action Painting is the latest project of artist and attorney Don Holladay. His prior work graced the walls of Firehouse Art Center, Paseo Originals Gallery (now Kasum Contemporary Fine Art) and Leslie Powell Gallery.

The exhibition is Holladay’s take on the action painting movement of the

1950s. Artists such as Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning exemplify the genre, using the subconscious and spontaneity to coat their canvas.

“Their goal was to convey high energy,” Holladay said. “The painter was actually interacting with the canvas.”

This interaction involved nontraditional methods and tools to create their works. Standing over the canvas, dripping, sloshing and slinging mediums such as house paint, emphasizing movement, were tactics encouraged by the genre.

Thinking, however, was not.

Holladay finds this liberating.

“When I work, I do not begin with a preconceived image of the final product,” Holladay said. “I go wherever emotion or the painting takes me.”

By allowing one stroke to lead to the next, marks Holladay once thought as

mostly fusion,” Hale said. “The other three of us are acrylic artists, but we all have very different styles. Dana and Mary mainly do portraits of women, and I do a little bit of everything.”

Added to that is a mutual love of color instilled by former gallery owner Kay Orr. Orr died in 2002 at age 81. She taught both Hale and Powell and is one of the main reasons Hale pursues art fulltime today. Hale retired from journalism in 2008, leaving her executive editor role at The Oklahoman to study and create art.

“When she died, her son came to us and asked if we’d like to take over the gallery,” Hale said. “I said, ‘Yeah, we’ll do that.’”

In Your Eye operates on a cooperative model that allows member artists — usually between 9 and 12 — to work as equals with tasks distributed evenly.

Hale said gallery and studio membership includes oil and acrylic painters, two photographers, a jewelry maker who uses recycled gift cards to make her jewelry, a potter and a sculptor.

“It’s a family,” she said. “Several of us have been there for several years, and we really work together. We do all of our own maintenance on the inside of the gallery; we’ve painted, we’ve redone floors. It’s definitely a family.”

The studio includes a gift shop that sells small prints and mixed media items.

Learn more at inyoureyegallery.com.

accidents become a doorway taking the work into a new direction.

The exhibition consists of 35 pieces on paper and canvas ranging in size from 6 inches by 10 inches to 5 feet by 7 feet.

Both abstracts and figurative works are represented. The vast majority were created in the last two years during Holladay’s peak interest in action painting.

Holladay’s art is not defined only by strokes and the final product but also his choice of materials.

“I use a wide variety of tools,” he said. “I prefer the most expensive oils and ink, but — it’s almost embarrassing to say — I use cheap tools.”

Ice scrapers and throwaway brushes are often found by Holladay’s side, along with other cheap utensils he purchases at hardware stores. These tools offer him peace of mind while working.

“I love throwaway brushes,” he said.

“I don’t worry about hurting cheap tools. I often cut most of the hair off a

brush, down to the stump. I couldn’t do this with expensive brushes.”

Many of his works incorporate string, twine and burlap affixed to their surfaces.

The idea of this interaction with the canvas not only serves him as artistic inspiration but also for the experience of the viewer.

“When I use nontraditional materials like a burlap sack, I want to infuse them into the painting,” Holladay said. “I don’t want the Artwork by viewer to realize Don Holladay it’s there until they get very close to the painting.”

Holladay reiterated that the exhibition, no matter the materials, follows a single idea.

“The one connecting theme is trying to convey energy in each and every piece,” he said.

Re-Action Painting runs through Jan. 10 with an artist talk and closing reception scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9 at Mainsite Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main St., in Norman.

OKL AHOMA GAZETTE | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | 31

MidFirst Bank, one of Oklahoma’s largest employers, is seeking candidates for a variety of call center opportunities in our home loan servicing operation:

LIFE ACTIVE

Loss Mitigation Follow Up Associates Loss Mitigation Plan Administrators Loan Counselors Customer Service Representatives We are looking for individuals who possess strong communications skills, a positive attitude and a desire to help others. These positions require extensive phone contact (inbound/outbound calls) with mortgagors and require someone who has excellent multi-tasking skills to assist with file documentation.

Candidates must be dependable and have strong PC skills.

Some of the many reasons to join our team include: • Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Bilingual candidates fluent in Spanish and English earn an additional $1.00 per hour • Competitive salaries and excellent benefits • Classroom-style and on-the-job training programs • Business casual atmosphere For additional information about these exciting career opportunities and to complete an on-line application, please visit our website.

Tubular snow show Snow tubing is now in session downtown during winter.

JOSH WALLACE

All candidates must complete an on-line application. If you are unable to attend or have previously submitted an application or were interviewed, please send us an e-mail to hr@midfirst.com to let us know that you are interested.

AA/Equal Opportunity Employer-M/F/Disability/Vets

Chesepeake Energy’s Snow Tubing 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark 2 S. Mickey Mantle Drive downtownindecember.com 218-1000 $12

An annual winter tradition has had an upgrade as Chesapeake Energy’s Snow Tubing continues in downtown Oklahoma City.

“It’s kind of like an amusement park; if it’s really crowded, you might only get to go down a few times, but if it’s not, you’ll have a chance to go over and over again,” said Alex Freedman, director of media relations for the Oklahoma City Dodgers.

As part of Oklahoma City’s Downtown in December festivities, snow tubing is held at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and features a 150-foot slope that runs from the bottom of the upper deck all the way to second base. Roughly 25,000 people attended the winter event last year.

While the slope will still have separate lanes for adult and children, additional lanes are being put in this year.

“Both slides [are] bigger this year,” Freedman said. “In the past, the regular slide had three lanes. It now has four with the safety lane in the middle, so it’s really like adding two lanes on that one.”

Previously the children’s slide had one lane, which is now widened to create an additional lane. The construction of the slope itself is a bit of an undertaking. Starting with

32 | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | OKL AHOMA GAZETTE

Chesapeake Energy’s Snow Tubing at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark as part of Oklahoma City’s Downtown in December festivities.

covering the field, setting up the foundation and then finally firing up the machines to crank out the snow that covers the slide, Freedman said.

The preparation can take several weeks before the sledding starts each year.

Tickets are $12 for a 90-minute session, which are scheduled every two hours starting at noon every day.

As for the number of times you’ll be able to tube down the icy slide, Freedman said it can vary from day to day.

Crews constantly keep up with the slope throughout the day so tubers can have the same experience whether it is a sunny 60-degree day or one hovering around freezing.

Potential visitors can also call before they make the trek to the ballpark to check for weather-related updates.

Snow tubing will be open for regular hours Friday through Jan. 4.

Riders must be 4 feet or taller to ride on the large slope. Riders under 4 feet must ride the smaller kids slope.

Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark ticket office.

For more information on the snow tubing or any of the other events taking place as part of Downtown in December, visit downtownindecember.com.

Ring in the Trouts out

Winter is coming, and that means it’s trout season at Oklahoma City’s Dolese Youth Park Pond.

BY BRENDAN HOOVER

Winter temperatures are descending on Oklahoma City, which means just one thing for local anglers: trout season.

The city’s annual rainbow trout season opened Dec. 1 at Dolese Youth Park Pond, 5105 NW 50th St. Approximately 2,400 pounds of rainbow trout will be stocked at about two-week intervals during the 13-week season, which runs through Feb. 28.

About 90 percent of the trout averages nine to 14 inches in length and three-quarters of a pound in weight. The remaining 10 percent are trophy fish topping 24 inches long and four pounds in weight, according to OKC’s fisheries biologist Bob Martin. He is in his 33rd year working at the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery, located at Lake Hefner.

According to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC), rainbow trout, which are native to the cold streams west of the Continental Divide, have been introduced to Oklahoma with great success. Last year, the ODWC stocked 5,000 rainbow trout at Dolese Park.

Through creel surveys, which help fish management experts gauge trends, Martin estimates that local fisherman — primarily metro residents over 50 — put in about 18,000 angler hours per season, catching 80 to 85 percent of the trout stocked.

Martin said that catching a big trout “puts a lot of smiles on anglers’ faces.”

The rainbow trout are bought from a commercial hatchery in Nebraska, thanks to federal funds administered by the ODWC and private sponsors Dolese Bros. Co. and the 89er Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

Trout season is part of the Close to Home fishing program, a cooperative agreement between state municipalities and the ODWC that encourages fishing in urban ponds, lakes and rivers.

“A lot of people don’t realize that Oklahoma is home to some great fishing,” said Micah Holmes, ODWC information supervisor. “We want it to be as easy as possible to go fishing.”

The ODWC does not receive any state tax appropriations. Holmes said its funding comes from state fishing license sales and federal excise tax levied on fishing equipment.

Operated by Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation, the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery is the only municipal fish hatchery in Oklahoma. More than 5 million walleye, striped bass hybrids, channel catfish and hybrid sunfish are raised annually at the hatchery. The fish are stocked at Lake Hefner, Lake Overholser, Lake Stanley Draper and local Close to Home fishing waters and are provided by the ODWC at no cost.

Fishing generates revenue through the sale of state and municipal fishing licenses, and the local economy is boosted as anglers purchase equipment, food and gasoline to support their hobby, Martin said.

“We are supporting sport fishing on city lakes,” he said. “And I like to think, along with the fisheries management work, we are doing stewardship to the resource.”

The city will host a free family trout fishing clinic on Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Putnam City High School gymnasium, 5300 NW 50th St. During the clinic, anglers will learn about the best bait and lures to catch trout, angler ethics, knot tying, casting and other fishing tips.

Pre-registration for the clinic will begin in January. For more information, call 297-1426.

Visit okgazette.com for city and state fishing regulation information.

W E N

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OKL AHOMA GAZETTE | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | 33

SUDOKU/CROSSWORD SUDOKU PUZZLE HARD

WWW.S UDOKU-P UZZLES .N ET

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

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS Puzzle No. 1214, which appeared in the December 17 issue.

P A P A

M A W F R E A S I G O T H M I T S C O F M E T A S H A C E M A W P O C A R A D L P E D

S M I B E P O R S M B R R A E B I D E S L E E E R T S T T E E S R I C N A M U P E T S V E E R R O

A C S R R Y T I N G S C A A C E Y R O D E D S H A P O B U R N H E A V S A L E D E E S E R P S E S A P E R B A I R S H O U R A S T O G E E

A M A T O

M A C H U

M R O L Y M P I A

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Artsy Fartsy

A T L A S

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M T O S S A

I N F U S W E E S T E C K U B D E R G

N O T T O B E O P E R O N

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H I D S E E L F N E D I E G R H I S N Y M D O B R R A R A N N S A I N Y T H E B O T A W

Rusty & the

Rough Riders 7:30-10:30pm read

KICKAPOO-CASINO.COM 34 | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | OKL AHOMA GAZETTE

in this issue

A T E A W A Y A T

P I L L A R O F S T R E N G T H

A L S O

L O U D

T E E S H I R T

O D S I D E S

W T I A T O U N A B E A T A M E

A D O S

40 & 8 Dance Club Saturday Dance

Art | Film | music | theAter

O V A L



A C U P

New Year’s Eve Party 8:00-12:00am

featuring the STEVE STORY BAND

Vocals/Guitar/Fiddle

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M A S S

cash Bar 3100 SW 119th • 691-4267

ACROSS 1 Bed cover 6 Flips 12 Symbol in the logo of The Big Bang Theory 16 ___ test 19 Drops 20 Title hunter of a 1922 film 21 “___ chance!”

22 It may be beaten, with “the” 23 Religious rituals for cats?

25 Web browsers 27 “Off the hook” 28 Cookware brand 29 Tofurky, to turkey, e.g.

30 Nagging question?

32 Demanding sort 35 Having left the company, maybe 36 Seeds 40 “Let’s Be Cops” org.

42 Master of Japanese writing?

47 Sound before a big blow?

49 Orbitz offering 51 Poet who wrote “Let us not speak of them, but look, and pass on” 52 Strange pond scum?

54 Ingredient in some London pies 55 Jim of children’s TV 56 Shred 57 “Zounds!”

59 Swear 61 Day care attendee 62 The tiniest amount 64 Never: Ger. 65 “Gilgamesh,” e.g.

66 Turns down 67 “Grant your own damn wishes,” e.g.?

71 Do the Right Thing pizzeria 73 Fire proof?

74 Part of E.U.: Abbr.

75 Former auto exec Lee 78 Way of the East 79 Former White House press secretary Perino 80 Cop (to) 82 Markdown marker 83 Futilely 85 Born abroad?

87 “How deep is your love?” or

“You should be dancing”?

89 Abnormal swelling 90 Olive Garden starter 92 Full complement for a Quidditch team 93 Comment from a driver who finally reached his destination?

95 Jog 97 Stop what you’re doing 98 Goggle 99 ___ bean 101 Per 103 Arsenal workers 107 Viet ___ 109 Closest friend, slangily 114 Discusses at length 115 Surprised comment upon rummaging through a tea chest?

117 Cause of wear and tear 118 Chef Paula 119 See 80-Down 120 Calrissian of Star Wars 121 “Just ___” 122 Start to go down the drain 123 Literary prefaces 124 Convinces DOWN 1 Deity in the Edda 2 “Sure, put me down for that” 3 Cavils 4 James of jazz 5 “God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on You” group 6 College for a Brit 7 “Tennessee Waltz” singer 8 Sufficient, informally 9 Santa Claus-tracking org.

10 Descriptive of dingos and jackals 11 Blue expanse 12 Actress Paquin 13 It might be clipped and filed 14 Capital on a river of the same name 15 Like early Sears business 16 Leftover bit 17 When doubled, part of many a Robin Williams tribute 18 Abbey area 24 Faithful, in old poetry 26 Korda who directed Sahara

1

2

3

4

5

6

19

10

11

12

37

38

39

47

32 41

49

33

85

77

112

113

66

81

86

87

82 88

91

92 95

98

99

100

106

107

114

96 101

97 102

108

115

109

110

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119

120

121

122

123

124

65 66 68 69 70 71 72 76 77 79 80 81 84 86 88 90 91

111

116

117

31 Chemical compound often labeled “S” 33 Barn attachments 34 Pot money 36 Took care of 37 Blue expanse 38 Some queenly attire 39 Fighter pilots fly them 41 Friday night series?

43 Veracruz’s capital 44 Not learned 45 Keep a low profile?

46 Circus sights 48 Classic theater 50 Play again 53 Mosaicist or glassblower 55 About 2 1/2 acres 58 Made a false move?

60 End of a famous boast 63 ___ Flux, 2005 sci-fi

76

61

75

94

105

46

70

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90

104

60

69

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93

59

74

84

45

55

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film Most chill-inducing Many a bored student Actress Woodward Relative of the cha-cha Brain-freeze drinks Larsson who wrote The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo U.S.’s first grocery chain University of Miami athletes, for short Means Transportation service for the disabled Alphabetical 119-Across Any four-letter word Pals Dict. info Hair gel, e.g.

Sidestepped Ending with cow or hole

1221

NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE CROSSWORD PUZZLE ‘WELL, GOLLY!’ By Jim Peredo / Edited by Will Shortz

94 Warmed up the crowd (for) 96 “___ honest …”

100 “Heaven forbid!”

102 Strips 103 Rarity in un desierto 104 One of the friends on Friends 105 Deferential 106 Electronics giant 108 ___ the Great of children’s lit 110 Picnic side dish 111 Brown who founded The Daily Beast 112 Annual “500” 113 Vanity cases?

115 Antithesis: Abbr.

116 Attorneys’ degs.

Stumped? Call 1-900-285-5656 to get the answers to any three clues by phone ($1.20 a minute). The answers to the New York Times Magazine Crossword Puzzle that appeared in the December 17 issue of Oklahoma Gazette are shown at left.

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P HOTOS BY M A R K HA N COC K

LIFE COVER

It’s a wrap From chewing on Gum to smoking Bowlsey, our local music scene celebrates a phenomenal year.

BY TYSON MEADE

Editor’s note: Tyson Meade, a longtime local musician and Oklahoma’s Godfather of Alternative Rock recently spoke to many of his friends — also fellow musicians — about their favorite moments, music and feats of 2014. Soft-spoken and kindhearted Meade also shares his “love letter” to this exceptional year, which covers his whirlwind re-entry into the local music scene after a stint in China, the release of his long-awaited solo album Tomorrow in Progress and his admiration for, well, almost everything (except Toledo).

Good tidings!

Sometimes, life is great.

My year started with me fronting a live Stardeath and White Dwarfs performance of David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. This year ends with me doing a Q&A with some of my favorite Oklahoma musicians.

The 12 months in between these two events was magnificent.

In no particular order, I played with an idol from my youth, put out my first record in 10 years, made a few videos and spent a month or two on the beach in San Diego. Most importantly, I connected with a whole lot of great, up-and-coming musicians in a state that I am proud to be from and to call my home: Oklahoma.

Yes, life can be great, and surprisingly surprising.

I’ll tell you about why I love the artists in a bit. First, let me explain why my return to Oklahoma after years abroad in Saudi Arabia and China actually catapulted me into new and unexpected places, thanks to a community of artists here that are overwhelmingly supportive of each other. (Beware! There are a lot of pop culture references and dropped names ahead.)

Godfather of Alt Rock

This year, I released my first album of new music in a decade, Tomorrow in Progress. I was thrilled by a warm Oklahoma reception from print media and radio. I listened in near-disbelief as KOSU/TheSpyFM played my new record in its entirety. It also kept several songs in heavy rotation.

This year, Spin proclaimed me the Godfather of Alternative Rock. Perhaps now I need a jumpsuit like James

Brown’s. (Let me know if anyone finds one at a local thrift store.)

Let’s backtrack a bit. Before all that, during the harsh February, I escaped the Oklahoma cold and I put the final touches on my record in Los Angeles with Kerry Brown (producer for Smashing Pumpkins and Courtney Love) at the helm. Kerry had just put the finishing touches on another friend’s record — a New Orleans hotel and bar owner named Greg Dulli, who has a band called The Afghan Whigs.

Kerry and I are old friends who rekindled our friendship when I lived in China. He and his wife, Stacey Sher, produced a Steven Soderbergh film, Contagion, there.

Our friendship began in the dawn of the ’90s when Kerry was married to Smashing Pumpkins bassist D’arcy Wretzky.

One day, while Kerry was painstakingly mixing my song “Buddy Dash,” his 10-year-old daughter Maggie and I picked lemons and made lemonade while an ice storm hit Oklahoma.

Kerry is a magical person. I never know who I’m going to meet when I’m with him. Forest Whitaker greeted me at Kerry’s home when I went there this summer so Kerry could direct the “Buddy Dash” video. Kerry was producing songs for Forest’s daughter. I told Forest that I loved The Last King of Scotland but that I really loved him in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

He told me that movie made a lot of people stars and then gave me a hug in appreciation. He’s a big guy.

All of this was glamorous and great, but really one of the favorite things about this last year was getting to know some of the up-and-coming local artists.

Next stop, Gazette Q&A. Learn what else Meade did this year and find more artist Q&A’s and expanded content at okgazette.com.

local

okgazette•com

Tyson Meade

BOWLSEY

Folk-infused hip-hop, neo-soul and chillpop from Clarissa “Cid” Castillo, Taylor “Shraz” Mercier and “The Reverend” Justin Hogan How we met: Adam & Kizzie and Bowlsey I had not met until I approached both acts about contributing to this Q&A. Nevertheless, tongues are wagging about both. The Oklahoma Gazette photo shoot for this piece brought us face-to-face for the first time, and I am excited to get to know them and to be a part of their orbits. Thus, I’ll start with them. — Tyson Meade 1. What was your funniest or most absurd moment?

The most absurd moment was when we played a house show somewhere in the Shawnee of Houston-ish, Texas, in which we saw some “Bro, what up my n***a?” white kids pull out a military, blacked-out, pump-action shotgun. We were like “Oh hell no” but were assured [when] they put it in their trunk. Then someone asked “Yo, where the heroin at?” like that’s how people talk about it around there. After we played, a guy heavily under the influence of some form of opiates gave me the coldest, wettest handshake of my life and I’m like, “I’m in Texas ... Ebola! Ebola!” So, I ran to the bathroom and washed my hands repeatedly. We all survived.

ADAM & KIZZIE Urban soul, rap and pop from Adam and Kizzie Ledbetter 1. Did you have any time-travel moments in 2014?

We got our van stuck in some mud in the middle of nowhere in Illinois just last month and, I swear, we were on the set of The Color Purple. It was like the surface of the moon in the middle of monsoon season in the Deep South in a Ralph Ellison novel. All because Google Maps promised to save me 37 minutes! Do not trust robots!

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Kizzie and Adam Ledbetter

OKL AHOMA GAZETTE | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | 37

LIFE COVER

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

2. What was the best moment for you this year?

We were on tour in Texas in September, our first ever, and we watched our album reach No. 23 on the iTunes jazz charts from the road. That was an intense moment for us, for sure.

TRENT BELL

Owner of Bell Labs Recording Studio, formerly of Chainsaw Kittens How we met: I’ve known him decades. He’s mentioned all through this piece. He’s integral to the unity of our music community. — TM Did you have any time-travel moments in 2014?

Playing Chainsaw Kittens songs live for the first time in many years definitely takes me back a few years.

SUGAR FREE ALLSTARS

at The Spy. (Slight miscommunication.)

Needless to say, I didn’t make it on the radio.

MATT DUCKWORTH

The Flaming Lips, Stardeath and White Dwarfs, Brainwasher How we met: Grammy winner Trent Bell introduced me to Matt Duckworth when he played in The Neighborhood who opened for Chainsaw Kittens at the first Norman Music Festival. Actually, Trent introduced me to quite a few of the musicians that I know. When I needed a drummer to replace the drum machine on Tomorrow in Progress, Trent suggested Matt. I agreed. When he played my songs, I got chills. With the trajectory his life has taken, I had to include him in this. — TM 1. What was your funniest or most absurd moment?

Dressing up as Glenda the Good Witch on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Grammy-winning children’s music by vocalist-keyboardist Chris Wiser and drummer Rob Martin How we met: I’ve known half of Grammy winners Sugar Free Allstars since the mid-’80s. Rob “Dr. Rock” Martin and I cut our teeth playing shows at the American Legion in Norman. The other half of this duo, Chris “Boom!” Wiser, I have not known that long. However, I do love their approach to making music for the pre-tween set. They are stars at libraries around the country. — TM

2. Did you have any time travel moments in 2014?

My friend Zac Cox’s birthday literally disappeared somewhere over the Pacific on the way to China.

1. What was your funniest or most absurd moment?

Showing up 12 hours late to an interview

Pop and rock from Troy Cheshier How we met: I met Troy Cheshier a few years ago through Trent Bell (Chainsaw Kittens, Bell Labs Recording Studio).

At that time, Trent introduced him to me as a bass player. I had not heard his voice.

[Flash] forward to this last spring, [and] I heard his voice for the first time when he came

Chris Wiser and his baby

3. When do you think we’ll finally get those long-awaited jetpacks?

Have you guys heard of the MonoRover?! The future is now!

REGG

38 | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | OKL AHOMA GAZETTE

in to sing backing vocals on a song at Bell Labs. The strength, pitch and timbre of it is that of a great singer waiting to happen.

I very much look forward to seeing what is in store for this 21-year-old. — TM 1. What was your funniest or most absurd moment?

Hitting a turkey with my car on the way to my grandmother’s house two days before Thanksgiving. (My car still has a fairly large dent on the hood.) It may have been a very small man with wings, but for the sake of the story, let’s just say it was a turkey.

2. Did you have any time-travel moments in 2014?

Time travel? Like Marty McFly? I’ve been wearing a jean jacket a lot, if that counts.

HELEN KELTER SKELTER Rock ’n’ roll from Eli Wimmer, Cody Clifton, Nathan Harwell, Jay Jamison and Tim Gregory How we met: Speaking of Trent, he’s repeatedly mentioned his new favorite band. This piqued my interested because Trent records a plethora of bands at his Bell Labs Recording Studio. In March, I got to hear this mystery band when I DJ’d a St. Patrick’s event at Opolis. That night, Helen Kelter Skelter was magical, with elements of everyone from Television to Nick Drake, UFO and early U2. Their audience was just as diverse. They also became part of my album release show, and then later, when Tim DeLaughter asked me to open for his band The Polyphonic Spree, I called on them to be my backing band.

That night was a highlight of my 30-plusyear career. Thus, Helen Kelter Skelter had to be part of this Q&A as well.

Tyson Meade and Troy Cheshier (Regg)

1. What was your most embarrassing moment?

After a show at Lola’s in

Tim Gregory and Eli Wimmer

Fort Worth, a couple of us struck up conversation with a middle-aged guy, interested primarily in his much-younger lady friend, conversing mainly about ourselves and the set we just played.

Shortly after, we found out said guy was the singer for Toadies. Oops! We gave him an EP. 2. What is your favorite album or albums of 2014? You can talk about why you like them if you want.

Collectively, we’ve been diggin’ new albums from Temples, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Liars, Perfume Genius, Alt-J and Primus, to name a few.

As far as local acts, Gum’s new record has been a huge hit within HKS. It delivers on so many fronts: incredible songwriting and lyrical content, impeccable quality, great tones and a ridiculous attention to detail. Great album. Great dudes. Tyson Meade’s Tomorrow in Progress has been a staple this year, too. And, of course, Broncho’s latest gem.

3. Did you have any time-travel moments in 2014?

Any time we travel/tour in Tim’s bus, we’re taken back to the ’70s, a time when the success rate of a seatbelt was questionable and air conditioning came via open window.

CIGARETTES ©2014 SFNTC (4)

SKATING POLLY Ugly pop from Kelli Mayo and Peyton Bighorse How we met: At the end of 2013, I met Peyton and Kelli at a Womb party where naked women were splattered with paint. I met Peyton through drummer Kliph Scurlock. She was nice but somewhat shy.

However, she told me that I should meet her stepsister Kelli. She was nice, too, but a bit shy. There were a lot of awkward silences during that first meeting.

This year, they played in my album release show. Their song “Alabama Movies” is my favorite song this year.

We are now great friends — with no awkward silences. Peyton’s mom even invited me to their house for a belated birthday dinner to mark my 52nd year.

How Kelli can write the way she writes as a 14-year-old is beyond me.

Already, she writes hits. And though Peyton is older at 18, her writing is beyond her years as well. And I’m in good company. Viggo Mortensen, Exene Cervenka and Calvin Johnson of K Records are just a few of their fans. Henry Mortensen, son to Exene and Viggo, is shooting a Skating Polly documentary. Naturally, I wanted to include them in this Q&A. — TM 1. What was your funniest or most absurd moment?

On our last tour, the gearshift in our van stopped working, so we had to change gears by lifting up the hood and moving something around under it. You really don’t realize how often you go in reverse until you have to get out of the car every time. And Henry filmed it anytime he could and made a montage video. — Peyton 2. What was your most embarrassing moment?

I have a countless amount of embarrassing moments from this year.

One memory that still stings me with humiliation is misusing the word “gaudy,” thinking it was “goddy” and meant “godlike.” Nope! The interview was on camera too, and it was for a

Peyton Bighorse and Kelli Mayo

super deep question. (facepalm) — Kelli 3. What is your favorite album or albums of 2014? You can talk about why you like them if you want.

St. Vincent — St. Vincent When I first played this album (on my terrible laptop speakers), I wasn’t that into it. The only song I really got into was “Digital Witness.” Then I went to visit my friends ShiSho in Ohio and they were playing it a lot, and I realized how absolutely perfect this record is. St. Vincent is one of my favorite musicians, and I believe this is her best album yet.

Christmas wish: Hopefully a tour van with the gearshift attached to the transmission!

* Visit NASCIGS.com or call 1-800-435-5515 PROMO CODE 101059 *Plus applicable sales tax Offer for two “1 for $2” Gift Certifi cates good for any Natural American Spirit cigarette product (excludes RYO pouches and 150g tins). Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer and website restricted to U.S. smokers 21 years of age and older. Limit one offer per person per 12 month period. Offer void in MA and where prohibited. Other restrictions may apply. Offer expires 06/30/15.

— Skating Polly

Tyson Meade — Tomorrow in Progress (Not to be a suck-up.) I fell in love with this record the second I clicked on the SoundCloud link. Once Tyson gave us the CD and vinyl, it was the only music our family listened to for months straight. Every time I play one song off of it, I have to play the rest of the album. Each song is so great by itself, CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

OKL AHOMA GAZETTE | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | 39 Oklahoma Gazette 12-24-14.indd 1

12/8/14 3:30 PM

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LIFE COVER

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Matt Duckworth, Kelli Mayo, Tyson Meade, Eli Wimmer, Peyton Bighorse and Tim Gregory seated CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

but as a whole the album, it just gives me chills.

Gruff Rhys — American Interior One of my favorite albums and movies of the year! Gruff is just absolutely brilliant. This album puts me in the best mood, a great blend of charming and catchy. — Kelli 4. What is Santa (or the devil or Cloris Leachman) bringing you for Christmas?

Hopefully a tour van with the gearshift attached to the transmission! — Kelli

TYSON MEADE

After all that, I invited my friends — both new and old — to ask me anything. And they did, though I reminded them I would rather not talk about that time in Toledo.

Troy Cheshier: I know how much you travel, and I’m sure you consider yourself a transplant of sorts. That being said, what was your favorite destination in 2014, and what is your craziest travel story?

Tyson Meade: By now, everyone knows about when I had to leave China within 24 hours, so I will tell a story involving the Middle East that actually didn’t happen in 2014 but is crazy. When I was living in Saudi Arabia, a student and his father took me and two other teachers on a severalday trip through the desert, in which we would sometimes have to stop to let herds of camels cross the road. When we stopped at a hubble bubble (water pipe) rest stop in the mountains, a

40 | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | OKL AHOMA GAZETTE

large pack of baboons came tearing through. They had no interest in us, but just to be safe, since we were out in the open, I was trying to figure out where I might go for safety. I was several feet from an outhouse. That would have been my stinky safe house.

Skating Polly: What’s the coolest Christmas present you’ve ever gotten?

TM: My mom — who I miss every minute of every day — always made Christmas magical when I was a kid.

That is the best Christmas present anyone could give anyone.

Skating Polly: What’s the strangest Xmas you’ve ever had?

TM: In Saudi Arabia, Christmas isn’t recognized. We worked that day and then had a pointless seminar after work. Some of the cool teachers invited me to a potluck dinner that night. Hashish was smoked in a hubble bubble water pipe.

Sugar Free Allstars: Tell us the most interesting time you acted and barked like a dog.

TM: As I stated earlier, I would rather not talk about that time in Toledo.

Bowsley: You tryna smoke a bowlsey?

TM: I don’t know. What’s he look like?

Looking back, I can’t believe all of the great things that happened for my friends and me. There’s no doubt this was a banner year. However, I predict that 2015 will be even better.

B L A KE ST UDDA R D

Celebrating Studio Ghibli!

Balancing act A godfather of modern Oklahoma folk talked about how he became a king of all trades while shying away from the credit he deserves.

BY JOSHUA BOYDSTON

Travis Linville 10 p.m. Friday The Deli 309 White St., Norman thedeli.us 329-3534

The scope of Oklahoma folk looks drastically different now than it did even five years ago, a veritable oil boom compared to the slow trickle that had preceded in the years — even decades — prior. Artists like John Fullbright and Parker Millsap are hogging the Americana spotlight on a national scope, nabbing Grammy nods and glowing reviews across the country and opening the door for other Okies (like John Moreland, among others) in the process.

Talking with those artists, lots of names and faces come up as a credit to the Sooner State’s reclamation of the folk music throne, but if there’s one that always comes up without fail, it’s that of Travis Linville.

He’s a humble guy quick to refuse much credit at all. But even he can’t deny his closeness with any and all of them, perhaps the smallest acceptance the fact that many consider him the godfather of modern Oklahoma folk.

“At some point or another, from producing records and grinding out the Oklahoma singer-songwriter bar thing for so long, you run into everyone on their way up, their way down and their way sideways,” Linville said of knowing just about every Americana musician from around these parts. “On a personal level, that’s where it comes from, hanging out before the national spotlight was on any of us.”

It’s more than networking or proximity. It’s true friendship, and there are precious few as beloved by their peers as Linville.

“I think about John [Fullbright] and I hanging out in my old studio,” Linville said, laughing. “He’d come over and play piano for me because he had nothing better to do. There were lots of late nights spent just goofing off, and if you had told either of us that we’d be doing a sold-out show in a theater together, we would have had a nice, long laugh about

Spirited Away

Friday, 5 p.m. • Saturday, 2 p.m.

Sunday, 5 p.m.

it. We couldn’t have fathomed how that would even go down.”

Playing Friday at The Deli, Linville might not be known the same way his friend Fullbright or former guitar pupil Millsap are, but his fingerprints are out there for the world to see and hear all the same. He’s the Oklahoma roots scene’s Swiss Army knife, a guy who can do a little bit of everything and has done a little bit of that for everyone.

And he’s fulfilling a life goal by earning a living playing music fulltime for two decades now, which is all the Norman songwriter could really ask for anyway.

“I always felt like I was supposed to be playing music,” Linville said. “That focus keeps you in. It’s about diversifying and saying yes to different kinds of gigs.

All of those things together can help you squeak out an existence.”

After a longtime residency at The Deli, a stint helming a recording studio and more, he now splits his time between solo endeavors, other odd music jobs and a steady gig as a sideman for critically acclaimed Houston singer-songwriter Hayes Carll. It’s a busy life, but it’s one that always keeps things interesting.

“When I have some time to put out a record or play some shows on my own time, it always feels fresh,” Linville said.

“I’m approaching something exciting as opposed to something a little worn out.”

The folk troubadour found just enough time to record and release Out on the Wire, his latest EP, in April. He has paired it with 2012’s Sun or Moon for a full vinyl LP available now.

“As a whole, I’ve progressively done more of what it is that I’ve been wanting to do,” Linville said. “Trying to capture what it is I am actually trying to do isn’t as easy as it seems like it should be. Out on the Wire, though, I’ve honed in on who I actually am.”

Linville is a songwriter’s songwriter who is quickly realizing there’s very little point in bending his will to the prescribed rulebook on how to make music. He has done it long enough and shaped enough careers for others to know there’s no right way to do it anyway.

Howl’s Moving Castle

Friday, 2 p.m. • Saturday, 5 p.m.

Whisper of the Heart One Night Only!

Friday, 8 p.m.

Princess Mononoke Saturday, 8 p.m.

Sunday, 2 p.m.

For movie descriptions and ticket sales visit okcmoa.com

Oklahoma Gazette wishes you a

m r a w ty s a o t & holiday season!

OKL AHOMA GAZ ETTE | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | 41

Readers now have access to an improved, responsive, interactive website, removing the need for the iTunes app.

The new okgazette. com features a smashing flipbook and easier search capability.

All smartphone and tablet users will love how adaptable it is for their on-the-go lifestyle.

So go check out okgazette.com for all your news, arts and entertainment needs.

Open 7 Days a Week through Feb. 1 Admission: $12 for all ages (includes skates) $8 for guests who bring their own skates $7 for Myriad Gardens members Hours: Monday – Thursday | 3 - 9 p.m.

Friday | 3 - 11 p.m.

Saturday | 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Sunday | 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. downtownindecember.com

42 | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | OKL AHOMA GAZETTE

DA R A N HE R M A N

replaces need for iTunes App!

LIFE MUSIC

Home-style music

Turnpike Troubadours are headlining two shows at Cain’s Ballroom, and they want you to eat it up.

BY JOSHUA BOYDSTON

Turnpike Troubadours with Jonny Burke 7 p.m. Friday Cain’s Ballroom 423 N. Main St., Tulsa cainsballroom.com (918) 584-2306 $25-$40

Turnpike Troubadours with Hayes Carll 7 p.m. Saturday Cain’s Ballroom 423 N. Main St., Tulsa cainsballroom.com (918) 584-2306 $25-$40

Even as Oklahoma’s own Turnpike Troubadours watch their careers launch off into another stratosphere, their personalities remain clung to earth.

To do anything less would be a crime against the very nature of the country rock outfit, one that is rooted to the very core in painting a sincere, scrappy, authentic picture of rural life in modern America.

Bands with less conviction would probably let prime slots at Austin City Limits and Wakarusa Music Festival or performing to nearly 10,000 at the famed Denver venue Red Rocks Amphitheatre in 2014 go to their heads, but not these Tahlequah natives.

Even in the face of mounting fame, its members still aren’t afraid of getting their hands a little dirty.

“Honestly, I’m trying to get this ’97 Cadillac Limousine running,” bassist R.C. Edwards said, laughing over the phone, explaining why he missed the first call. “Just lost track of time.”

Now the band is on the eve of a two-night stand at the venerable Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, a venue held in esteem of any Oklahoma musician and most others even outside of state borders. And Turnpike Troubadours have used their standing there as a benchmark for the greater picture, watching themselves go from a humble show on the side stage to headlining

and selling out the main stage and now attempting to do that on consecutive nights on Friday and Saturday, the second show already at capacity.

“That was always a goal, wanting to play there,” Edwards said. “For dudes out of eastern Oklahoma, it’s a dream come true. It’s surreal to think about. I remember going there in high school.

I think I saw Gwar there. Now you’re playing there. It’s unbelievable.”

Of course, playing to hundreds, even thousands, of adoring fans wasn’t always the case. Before, there were more people grinding their teeth than singing along, and winning those reluctant listeners over is probably the key to the band’s command over festival crowds and sold-out ballrooms today.

“It prepares you for hostile crowds.

When you grow up playing beer joints, you aren’t necessarily playing to people who want to hear you,” Edwards said.

For Edwards, lead singer Evan Felker and the rest of the Troubadour boys, playing something they are going to like doesn’t mean selling their souls in the process.

“There are a few things I hear here and there and I like, but a lot of it seems like it’s bad rap music or bad rock music so they call it country,” Edwards said of the state of modern country music. “That bro country stuff is like fast food. Everyone likes to eat it for a while, but sooner or later, you want some home cooking. That’s where our music comes in. It’s your mom’s cooking.”

Edwards doesn’t expect that will be any different when Turnpike Troubadours head in to record their fourth studio effort this March and April, hoping to have the new album out sometime in late 2015 or the early half of 2016. With the songs nearly all written out of the same head, heart and soul as the rest of their back catalog, Edwards promises it to be the best to date.

Maybe three nights at Cain’s is next.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24 LUCKY/Shaun Suttle, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. COVER The Friends No BS Jam, Friends Restaurant & Club.

VARIOUS

THURSDAY, DEC. 25 Brent Saulsbury/Will Galbraith/Wayne Duncan, Friends Restaurant & Club. ROCK David Morris/Edgar Cruz, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. VARIOUS Hosty Duo, The Deli, Norman. ROCK

FRIDAY, DEC. 26 4 Going Gravity, Riverwind Casino, Norman. ROCK Ali Soltani, Full Circle Bookstore. ACOUSTIC BAT, Nonna’s Purple Bar. ROCK

P ROVI DE D

LIVE MUSIC

Tweezer, Belle Isle Restaurant & Brewery. COVER Wino Browne, Oklahoma City Limits. VARIOUS

SATURDAY, DEC. 27 4 Going Gravity, Riverwind Casino, Norman. ROCK BAT, Nonna’s Purple Bar. ROCK Big G, UCO Jazz Lab, Edmond. BLUES Cody Shaw, Wormy Dog Saloon. COUNTRY Debbie Goodman & Friends, Belle Isle Restaurant & Brewery. POP Don and Melodee Johnson, Twelve Oaks, Edmond. JAZZ Eric Dunkin, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill. SINGER/ SONGWRITER Grant Stevens, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO Hosty Duo, Grandad’s Bar. ROCK Hotsteppers, Baker St. Pub & Grill. REGGAE Karen Khoury, Legend’s Restaurant, Norman. PIANO Kerry Wayne’s Rock Star Band, Remington Park. COVER Life of the Party, Oklahoma City Limits. COVER

Blake Lankford, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill.

COUNTRY

LUCKY/Urban Addiction, Russell’s, Tower Hotel. COVER

Chance Anderson, Wormy Dog Saloon. COUNTRY

Maurice Johnson, Avanti Bar & Grill. JAZZ

Christian Pearson/Gary Johnson, Skirvin Hilton Hotel.

PIANO

Mitch Casen, Friends Restaurant & Club. COUNTRY

DJ Fresh, Russell’s, Tower Hotel. VARIOUS

My So Called Band, The Deli, Norman. COVER

The Weathermen, Tapwerks Ale House & Cafe. COVER

Hotsteppers, Baker St. Pub & Grill. REGGAE

Turnpike Troubadours/Hayes Carll, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. COUNTRY

Justin Witte, Jazmo’z Bourbon St. Cafe. BLUES Karen Khoury, Legend’s Restaurant, Norman. PIANO Randy Cassimus, Bricktown Brewery. ACOUSTIC Scott Keeton, Remington Park. ROCK Souled Out, UCO Jazz Lab, Edmond. VARIOUS

OKG

Stephen Salewon, Jazmo’z Bourbon St. Cafe. BLUES

Eric Dunkin, Tapwerks Ale House & Cafe. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

Jabee/12 & Stik/Regg/MXM, 51st Street Speakeasy.

HIP-HOP

Jabee

music

pick

SUNDAY, DEC. 28 Edgar Cruz, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. ACOUSTIC Mike Hosty, The Deli, Norman. ROCK Mountain Smoke, UCO Jazz Lab, Edmond. BLUEGRASS

The Clique, Friends Restaurant & Club. VARIOUS

MONDAY, DEC. 29

Travis Linville, The Deli, Norman. SINGER/SONGWRITER

Alan Orebaugh and Friends/The Handsome Devils, The Deli, Norman. ROCK

Turnpike Troubadours/Jonny Burke, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. COUNTRY

Ali Harter Residency, Blue Note Lounge. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

The Brothel Sprouts/Milk Jr./Trash Pops, Blue Note Lounge. ROCK

Jabee’s Gift Raps Friday-Saturday

Emmy Award-winning rapper Jabee and Oklahoma clothier Clean Hands is holding a food and toy drive in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Two events offer opportunities to share a little holiday cheer with your favorite OKC hip-hop artist and hang with the cats from Clean Hands who make damn cool t-shirts and hats. Locally, bring unused toys and nonperishable foods to a party at the 51st Street Speakeasy, 1114 NW 51st St., 9 p.m. Friday. Jabee, 12 & Stik, Regg and MXM will perform. If you’re headed up the turnpike over the weekend, Saturday’s event is at The Yeti, 417 N. Main St., in Tulsa with performers Jabee, Dial Tone, Steph Simon, Young DV and others. Visit facebook.com/jabeemusic.

Jade Castle, Leadership Square. SINGER/SONGWRITER

Jared Sutton/Jarrod Baker, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill. ROCK

TUESDAY, DEC. 30

John Legend, WinStar World Casino, Thackerville.

SINGER/SONGWRITER Kerry Wayne’s Rock Star Band, Russell’s, Tower Hotel.

COVER

Reverend Horton Heat, Shrine, Tulsa, Tuesday, Dec. 30

PROVIDED

BAT, Nonna’s Purple Bar. ROCK Caleb McGee/The Memphis Dawls/Annie Oakley, The Deli, Norman. VARIOUS LUCKY/Shaun Suttle, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. COVER

Laura Leighe, IAO Art Gallery. POP Lower 40, Moonshiners Music House. COVER Pearson Jazz Trio/Mike Turner, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. JAZZ

Reverend Horton Heat, Shrine, Tulsa. POP

Slowvein, Oklahoma City Limits. POP

Steve Story, American Legion Forty & Eight. COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31

The Copperheads, Opolis. ROCK The Friends No BS Jam, Friends Restaurant & Club.

VARIOUS Voodoo, Belle Isle Restaurant & Brewery. ROCK

2AM, Baker St. Pub & Grill. ROCK American Aquarium, Wormy Dog Saloon. ROCK Aranda, Remington Park. ROCK Avenue, Tapwerks Ale House & Cafe. COVER BAT, Nonna’s Purple Bar. ROCK Bradio/The Fabulous Mid Life Crisis Band/Imzadi, Brady Theater, Tulsa. COVER DEERPEOPLE/Ztrio/Aaron Pierce, Blue Note Lounge.

VARIOUS Gentry, Kendell’s Bar. VARIOUS Hi-Def Howlers, Bricktown Brewery. ROCK Hosty Duo, The Deli, Norman. ROCK

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 them to listings@okgazette.com. Sorry, but phone submissions cannot be accepted.

OKL AHOMA GAZETTE | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | 43

LIFE FILM

P ROVI DED

Wild triumphs In Wild, Reese Witherspoon takes the audience through a rebirth that might leave you reeling.

BY DANIEL BOKEMPER

Just as Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) is proverbially cleansed by a baptism of tears, blood and foot sores, Jean-Marc Vallée’s Wild encapsulates one with a feel-good, yet believable catharsis. In doing so, the film distances itself from the typical inspiration gradient. Rather, a steady rubric of temperament through trauma rewards without saturation as the trials of the troubled heroine are endured intimately by the audience throughout her trek of the northwest. Likewise, Reese Witherspoon’s performance polymerizes the tragedy of Charlize Theron’s Aileen Wournos (Monster) with the optimism of Emile Hirsch’s Christopher McCandless (Into the Wild).

Based on the autobiographical novel of the same name, Wild follows Cheryl Strayed down the depths of a broken marriage, through the peak of severe substance abuse and emotional trauma and finally along the journey of rehabilitation. The aforementioned trek materializes in the form of the Pacific Crest Trail, a thousand-mile endeavor built on the notion of extreme detoxification. Estranged and in desperate need of a reboot, Cheryl battles haunting visions and ghastly memories of a life frothing with loss.

Eventually, a tangible goal is fathomed: A spiritual release at Oregon’s Bridge of

the Gods.

Narratively, the film conveys a back-and-forth between Cheryl’s hike and her past. Via careful placement of psychological triggers, Cheryl is hurled in reverse through an Aronofsky-esque downward spiral. The piece’s movements are appropriately paralleled by Cheryl’s hike. Within an arid desert, the protagonist recalls her compromised marriage with Paul (Thomas Sadoski). Once mountainous tundra is obtained, Cheryl shifts her attention to her late mother (Laura Dern), abruptly lost to a bout with spinal cancer. Eventually, the woman’s march through a woodland bog leads her to self-reflection upon familiar abuse, developed nymphomania and, perhaps most pressing, perilous drug use. This structure, compounded by exceptional editing, allows the film a form of accessibility usually unheard of considering its content.

Stewing at the heart of this work also lays a struggle of will. Periodically, Cheryl encounters men of little refrain, making haste to comment on her intellect, habits and physical composition. Likewise, Cheryl’s lack of control over her loved ones, specifically her ex-husband and mother, as well as an addiction to heroin use drives much of the film’s primary conflict. However,

44 | DECEMBER 24, 2014 | OKL AHOMA GAZETTE

the fracturing of such an expectation propels the character’s development forward — not only through a resolve to renovate but also to simply accept what has already occurred. In other words, the shadow of trauma becomes a comforting shade that can be engaged and dissipated at will.

As mentioned before, the locales of Wild serve as the focal point as well as a thematic supplement. The vast emptiness of the Sierra Nevada gives way to the intricacy of the Cascade Mountain Range, and the piercing of one pain — physical and mental — gives way to a new form of the like. The film was often shot from a distance, and the lone figure of Cheryl traverses subtly like a fly across the painting of the landscape. Closer to the piece’s conclusion, the lens is placed closer to Cheryl, as if to emulate the proverbial proximity the audience may share with the traveler at that point.

This closeness would be difficult to achieve, however, without the seemingly natural performance of Witherspoon.

Bruised and the perpetual underdog, Cheryl is exemplified and realized by the actress’s inherent charm. However, similar to Theron’s role in Monster, Witherspoon turns to intensity on a dime; often, both her desperate wales and somber whimpers encourage a

Reese Witherspoon is Cheryl Strayed in Wild. resounding shudder inside all within earshot. In contrast, Dern’s brief appearances offset the frequent fits of pessimism Cheryl puts forth. In doing so, Dern furnishes a parental role on par with, though not nearly as present as, Patricia Arquette’s performance in Boyhood, released earlier this year. Of course, the nature of this character study places the focus firmly at Witherspoon’s feet, to a tremendous effect.

At times, Wild leaves one almost as exhausted as its central figure.

However, the emotional derby is paced adequately, sprinkling periodic glimmers of hope in an almost utterly dire scenario. Persistence is frequently rewarded, and the minute victories, such as Cheryl obtaining a more comfortable pair of boots, feel like momentous triumphs. In a year flooded with titans of film, Wild contends that a seemingly annual formula can still be used to cultivate spiritual nourishment.

Ironically, Cheryl Strayed’s cinematic voyage through impeccable heat and frigid cold leaves the heart uniquely cozy.

Code cracker P ROVI DE D

Benedict Cumberbatch dazzles decoding in the biopic The Imitation Game.

BY PHIL BACHARACH

It’s impossible to overstate Alan Turing’s role in shaping the world we know today. During World War II, the brilliant mathematician led a small cadre of British cryptologists in cracking Nazi Germany’s supposedly unbreakable Enigma code. In so doing, Turing is estimated to have saved 14 million lives, with no less an authority than Winston Churchill crediting him with shortening the war by at least two years. And the machine Turing used to decode Enigma would serve as an early prototype for the computer.

But Turing was neither knighted nor celebrated with parades. His heroic accomplishments remained secret for decades, long after the British courts had persecuted him for the crime of being homosexual. He committed suicide in 1954 after being forced to undergo

chemical castration.

Turing’s story needed to be told, and that alone makes The Imitation Game, which opens in Oklahoma City on Christmas Day, worth seeing. Based on the Andrew Hodges book Alan Turing: The Enigma, the film’s subject and lead performance are captivating, even when the narrative lapses into the tired conventions of the Prestige Biopic — or, to be precise, the subgenre of Socially Awkward Genius Who Battles Mental Illness (think A Beautiful Mind or Shine).

Benedict Cumberbatch (TV’s Sherlock) is superb as Turing, whom we first meet in 1951, when he is a college professor in Manchester. Through flashback, Alan recounts his story, beginning with his recruitment in 1939 by a crusty British commander (Charles

Dance, HBO’s Game of Thrones) and an MI6 spook (Mark Strong, Zero Dark Thirty) to join a top-secret intelligence project at Bletchley Park. The team — played by Matthew Goode, Allen Leech, Matthew Beard and a scene-stealing Keira Knightley — is tasked with decoding Enigma. The German code has baffled British forces despite their being able to intercept them.

The Imitation Game is straightforward storytelling, but it does not follow a linear path. It zigzags from Alan’s bullied childhood to his quixotic quest at Bletchley. The Imitation Game often feels rote and oversimplified, and that seems unworthy considering Turing’s complex and troubling life.

Graham Moore’s screenplay brims with wobbly plot contrivances. How the

The Imitation Game is a World War II film about the British cryptologist who cracked the German Enigma code and helped end the war. secretive Alan reveals his sexual orientation stretches the bounds of credibility.

Similarly implausible is his only-in-themovies “Eureka!” moment that spurs Enigma’s eventual decoding.

A handful of important plot points are hurried along with such perfunctorily ham-handed dialogue. The thing is so glossy and scrupulously old-fashioned, all that’s missing are montages of newspapers with huge headlines spinning in circles — although Tyldum does manage to trot out a couple of retro montages complete with WWII newsreel footage.

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY ARIES March 21-April 19 Most salamanders reproduce by laying eggs, but the alpine salamander doesn’t. Females of that species give birth to live young after long pregnancies that may last three years. What does this have to do with you? Well, I expect you to experience a metaphorical pregnancy in the coming months. Even if you’re male, you will be gestating a project or creation or inspiration. And it’s important that you don’t let your the incubation period drag on and on and on, as the alpine salamanders do. I suggest you give birth no later than July.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Maybe you have had a dream like this: You’re wandering around a house you live in, and at the end of a long hallway you come to a door you’ve never seen before. How could you have missed it in the past? It must have been there the whole time. You turn the knob, open the door, and slip inside. Amazing! The room is full of interesting things that excite your imagination.

What’s more, on the opposite wall there’s another door that leads to further rooms. In fact, you realize there’s an additional section of the house you have never known about or explored. Whether or not you have had a dream like that, Taurus, I’m betting that in 2015, you will experience a symbolically similar series of events in your waking life.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The Greek god Zeus had seven wives. Themis, Leto, Eurynome, and Hera were among them. Another was his older sister Demeter, and a sixth was his aunt Mnemosyne.

Then there was the sea nymph Metis. Unfortunately, he ate Metis -- literally devoured her -- which effectively ended their marriage. In 2015, Gemini, I encourage you to avoid Zeus’s jumbled, complicated approach to love and intimacy. Favor quality over quantity. Deepen your focus rather than expanding your options. Most importantly, make sure your romantic adventures never lead to you feeling fragmented or divided against yourself. This is the year you learn more than ever before about what it’s

like for all the different parts of you to be united.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Here are three of my top wishes for you in 2105: You will have a clear, precise sense of what’s yours and what’s not yours . . . of what’s possible to accomplish and what’s impossible . . . of what will be a good influence on you and what won’t be. To help ensure that these wishes come true, refer regularly to the following advice from Cancerian author Elizabeth Gilbert: “You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select your clothes every day. That’s a power you can cultivate. If you want to control things in your life so bad, work on the mind. That’s the only thing you should be trying to control.”

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Author Robert Moss has published 27 books. When he talks about the art of launching and completing big projects, I listen attentively. There’s one piece of advice he offers that would be particularly helpful for you to keep in mind throughout the first half of 2015. “If we wait until we are fully prepared in order to do something, we may never get it done,” he says. “It’s important to do things before we think we are ready.” Can you handle that, Leo? Are you willing to give up your fantasies about being perfectly qualified and perfectly trained and perfectly primed before you dive in?

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The fish known as the coelacanths were thought to have become extinct 66 million years ago. That was when they disappeared from the fossil record. But in 1938 a fisherman in South Africa caught a live coelacanth. Eventually, whole colonies were discovered in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa and near Indonesia. I foresee a comparable phenomenon happening in your life during the coming months, Virgo. An influence you believed to have disappeared from your life will resurface. Should you welcome and embrace it? Here’s what I think: Only if you’re interested in its potential role in your future, not because of a nostalgic attachment.

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LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “Nothing brings people closer than business,” said composer Arnold Schoenberg. You could be living proof of that hypothesis in 2015, Libra. Your drive to engage in profitable activities will be at a peak, and so will your knack for making good decisions about profitable activities. If you cash in on these potentials, your social life will flourish. Your web of connections will expand and deepen. You will generate high levels of camaraderie by collaborating with allies on productive projects.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Deathwatch beetles have a peculiar approach to the mating game. Their seduction technique consists of smacking their heads against a hard object over and over again. This generates a tapping sound that is apparently sexy to potential partners. I discourage you from similar behaviors as you seek the kind of love you want in 2015. The first rule of romantic engagement is this: Sacrificing or diminishing yourself may seem to work in the short run, but it can’t possibly lead to lasting good. If you want to stir up the best results, treat yourself with tenderness and respect.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Dieterich Buxtehude (1637-1707) was a German composer whose organ music is still played today. He was a major influence on a far more famous German composer, Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750).

When Bach was a young man, he decided it was crucial for him to experience Buxtehude’s music first-hand. He took a leave of absence from his job and walked over 250 miles to the town where Buxtehude lived. There he received the guidance and inspiration he sought. In 2015, Sagittarius, I’d love to see you summon Bach’s determination as you go in quest of the teaching you want and need.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Even in normal times, you are a fount of regeneration. Your evergrowing hair and fingernails are visible signs of your nonstop renewal. A lot of other action happens without your conscious awareness. For example, your tastebuds replace themselves every two weeks.

You produce 200 billion red blood cells and 10

billion white blood cells every day. Every month the epidermis of your skin is completely replaced, and every 12 months your lungs are composed of a fresh set of cells. In 2015, you will continue to revitalize yourself in all these ways, but will also undergo a comparable regeneration of your mind and soul. Here’s my prediction: This will be a year of renaissance, rejuvenation, and reinvention.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “Sometimes I can feel my bones straining under the weight of all the lives I’m not living,” says a character in Jonathan Safran Foer’s novel Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. If you have ever felt that way, Aquarius, I predict that you will get some relief in 2015. Your bones won’t be straining as much as they have in the past because you will be living at least one of the lives you have wanted to live but haven’t been able to before. How you will handle all the new lightness that will be available?

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “Erotomania” is a word for the erroneous fantasies people entertain when they imagine that a celebrity is in love with them. Laughable, right? Just because I have dreams of Game of Thrones actress Lena Headey texting me seductive notes doesn’t mean that she genuinely yearns for my companionship. And yet most of us, including you and me, harbor almost equally outlandish beliefs and misapprehensions about all kinds of things. They may not be as far-fetched as those that arise from erotomania, but they are still out of sync with reality. The good news, Pisces, is that in 2015 you will have the best chance ever to become aware of and shed your delusions -- even the long-running, deeply-rooted kinds.

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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