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INSIDE COVER P. 16 Oklahoma Contemporary Arts

Center opens its new facility that allows it to expand its outreach and broadens the scope of its exhibits. By Jeremy Martin Cover by Phillip Danner

NEWS 4

CITY Pride 2020 events

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Arts Center opens new facility

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NEWS

Twofold Pride

Due to not being able to agree on a united plan, separate organizations will host respective Pride events. By Miguel Rios

Oklahoma City will be home to two Pride celebrations this year. Board members from Oklahoma City Pride Alliance and 39th Street District Association decided to host their own events after they could not agree on a unified vision for Pride 2020. “There is a little confusion, and hopefully as we move through the next couple months, some of that’ll sort itself out,” said John Gibbons, president of district association and owner of The Boom! “They’re Oklahoma City Pride Alliance, but they use OKC Pride. We’re the 39th District Association but use OKC Pride on 39th. “We totally and completely support their endeavor. We’re going to do everything we can to promote it. We wish them the best of luck with it. … They just wanted to do something different than we wanted to do.” 39th Street District hosts Pride on 39th June 12-14 in the historic gay district. The block party and festival culminate with the traditional parade along 39th Street 6 p.m. Sunday June 14. Nickolas

people feel it should stay here where the history is and where we in Oklahoma City began really. That was really one of the big factors.” Pride Alliance kicks off its Pride Week with opening ceremonies June 15 at Tower Theatre. The festival is June 19-21 in downtown OKC, with the parade 10 a.m. Saturday. Other events throughout the week will be announced. “Even within marginalized communities, I don’t think that disagreements are a bad thing. I wanted to be very diplomatic about things as well. That’s really all we can do,” said Hannah Royce, Pride Alliance president. “Being pragmatic and honoring the fact that we celebrate Pride differently is OK. That’s alright, and that’s an exciting place to be in 2020 in one of the reddest states in America. … There’s always had to have been those disagreements, I think, for communities to evolve and grow outside of what they have always known. If we’re not having those disagreements, we’re potentially compla-

as the organization’s secretary. Last year’s celebration has been touted as the most successful Pride in the city, with a 120,000-person attendance at the parade and festival, according to reports from police. Mayor David Holt made OKC history by proclaiming the third week in June to be Pride Week in the city and by being the first mayor ever to walk in the parade. Notably, several other elected leaders like Congresswoman Kendra Horn, State Rep. Jason Dunnington and the city’s newest councilmembers James Cooper, JoBeth Hamon and Nikki Nice also walked in the parade. Royce said her group wanted to host the parade and festival in the district again but there were several things the two groups could not agree on, one of them being the parade on Saturday, which was done last year for the first time to encourage higher attendance. “[It was] things that just have historically been tradition that we kind of shook up,” Royce said. “Sunday parade was one of the biggest things, but I think the most exciting thing now is that we get both. People have the ability to attend the 6 p.m. parade on 39th Street, but we’re also going to give them a downtown parade at 10 a.m. Saturday.”

Pride on 39th

Pride Alliance kicks off its Pride Week June 15 at Tower Theater with the festival and parade June 19-21 in downtown OKC. | Photo Nick Marek Photography / provided

Potter, 39th Street District director, said they will also have some events around the city, which will be announced soon. “The biggest thing with moving the main event off the strip is that our history is here. Angles has a history with the police, and that really got the gay community in Oklahoma City to band together and to fight and to really work towards equal rights,” he said. “A lot of 4

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cent, we’re potentially stagnant in what we have been doing forever.” In 2019, Pride Inc., the organization that had been hosting pride for decades, was dealing with the fallout of an embezzlement scandal that ultimately caused the group to fall apart. Because of that, 39th Street District almost hosted the 2019 Pride festivities. But due to the group’s 501(c)(4) status, former district director Lauren Zuniga stepped down to form the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Pride Alliance, which fully organized the official Pride events in 2019. Zuniga now serves

Gibbons said Pride on 39th will be what people have come to expect and hopes the district’s leadership will develop the events into a sustainable annual celebration. “We’re going to do it like we have always done it, like we will always do it, and that’s really it in a nutshell,” he said. “The community knows what to expect; that’s why they’re coming. There’s going to be great music, there’s going to be great entertainment, there’s going to be great foods, there’s going to be shows in all the bars. It’s going to go on all day long.” Registration for vendors and parade participants will open by March 15 when the website goes live. If interested in volunteering or providing feedback for Pride on 39th, email director@39thdistrictokc.com. “Our community overwhelmingly is passionate about this event happening on this street,” Gibbons said. “We’re

39th Street District hosts Pride on 39th June 12-14 in the historic gay district. | Photo Nick Marek Photography / provided

hoping that the 39th Street District brings a level of professional management to this project each year, where it is sustainable, it can continue to grow, where it is safely managed and done. … The history is on this street, and it’s with this board and with this community.”

OKC Pride

OKC Pride’s theme is Full Spectrum Future. Vendor and parade registration will open in the spring. Royce said discount codes will be available for those who signed up for Pride on 39th vendor booths or parade entries. “To me, it’s not a bad thing that we said, ‘Hey maybe our visions don’t match up. Maybe it’s just not a good match,’” Royce said. “Yes, it’s awkward for both organizations, but I really feel that this speaks volumes to the wants and need for more.” Royce said Pride Alliance wants to grow and evolve OKC Pride and provide resources and visibility for the state’s LGBTQ+ community. “Everybody celebrates Pride differently, and it’s OK that things look different this year and they may look different next year,” she said. “Our vision will continue to grow and flourish and hopefully have year-round events … where we team up with different organizations that, again, fit into our mission of diversity and inclusion. “It’s my hope that we get to come back and at least celebrate with them in ways that have yet to be discovered on 39th Street because I do think that something should forever always happen there. They say there’s nothing like mounting that hill and seeing the [parade] crowd along 39th. But I also feel like there’s a new feeling too. Last year, everybody felt it, like ‘Holy shit! This is a big deal. My whole city is here, plus some. The mayor and Sam Presti are walking in the parade together.’ Last year was monumental. … It’s my goal as a leader of this organization to continue to push the needle, to push the envelope, to be seen and be visible.” For volunteering opportunities, visit oklahomacitypride.org.

Lord, grant me the unearned confidence of an Oklahoman editorial writer.

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News briefs

OKCPS invites community input, mayor David Holt gives the State of the City address and OU students stand their ground. By Miguel Rios

CITY Public school future

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Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) announced last week its intent to host four community work sessions to get input as it works to update the district’s strategic plan. Known as The Great Commitment, the current strategic plan closes in 2020. An updated plan will be in place through 2025 after stakeholders help provide input. “We launched iteration No. 1 of the strategic plan, and we called it The Great Conversation. That evolved into a fiveyear strategic plan that we refer to as The Great Commitment,” said Sean McDaniel, OKCPS superintendent. “What we need to do now as a district is develop our next five years, our next path forward. … We want to know what our community thinks and believes about our future and what it should look like and any gaps in The Great Commitment and how to fill those gaps.” One of the sessions already happened. The next is 6 p.m. Thursday at John Marshall Enterprise High School, 12201 N. Portland Ave. The third session is 6 p.m. March 10 at Capitol Hill High School, 500 SW 36th St. The final session, which will be in Spanish, is 6 p.m. March 12 at US Grant High School, 5016 S. Pennsylvania Ave. OKCPS is also hosting a teacher fair 4:30-6 p.m. March 11 at Douglass High School, 900 N. Martin Luther King Ave. According to a press release, administration teams will be interviewing and hiring educators on-site. Registration is not required. “We’re looking for nurses, we’re looking for social workers, we’re looking for elementary teachers, middle school teachers, high school teachers, administrators,” said Jason Brown, deputy Mayor David Holt said the city needs a “unified vision for public education” during his State of the City address. | Photo Miguel Rios

superintendent. “We invite any and all. There will be individuals who are hired on that day. If a candidate comes in, they have everything in place and we’ve had an opportunity to check references and make sure they’re the best person to put in front of kids, why waste time?”

Mayor’s address

Mayor David Holt said he wants to find a “unified vision” for public education at his second State of the City address last week. “This should be viewed as an opportunity by all people who care about public education in our city to once again have everyone at the table ready to do big things. And let me emphasize, this isn’t an operational conversation,” he said, commending OKCPS leaders for their work operating the largest school district in the state. “This is where we talk about the things nobody could achieve on their own. … I have no preconceived notions about where the conversation goes, but I just know forward is where we have to go, and I believe a mayor has an obligation to be a catalyst in getting us there.”

OKCPS hosts public work sessions to get input on its strategic plan and a teacher fair for recruitment. | Photo Miguel Rios

Hosted by Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, the sold-out 2020 State of the City address cost either $60 (chamber members) or $100 (non-members) to attend. It was also livestreamed on the city’s official Facebook page. Holt touted the city’s “remarkable year,” calling it “triumphant” and attributing many of the highlights to previous MAPS slates. He said the MAPS 4 advisory board will likely be seated next month to begin implementation.

STATE Black emergency response

University of Oklahoma’s Black Emergency Response Team hosted a press conference followed by a sit-in — some students even participated in a hunger strike — last week to address racism on campus. Though the demonstration came after two professors used the N-word in class, students emphasized that they continuously deal with racism on campus.

advice to the office of the senior president and provost.” The university will also regularize a 360 review process for senior executive leadership, starting with provost Harper. “Establishing a feasibility committee for a multicultural center, equity training for faculty, and a course on diversity were all fully committed to by the administration,” according to BERT. “This is a win for us. This is a win for the people. But these are wins that we must continuously fight for. … Together we sat and slept on hard floors until a change was made. As BERT, we find this more than inspiring.” The initial racist incident came from a professor’s use of the N-word during class. Professor Peter Gade likened the slur to the phrase “OK, boomer” during his capstone class. Gade has since stepped down from teaching the class for the rest of the semester. But on the heels of that, news broke that for the second time during Black History Month, another OU professor used the slur while reading a historical document. Joe Harroz, the university’s interim president, said in a statement

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The sit-in ended after various demands and meetings lasting three days. “We were ready for action. And we took it. That action continues today. The work does not stop here, and we are proud of the progress that we made throughout this time,” reads a statement from last Friday. One of BERT’s most notable demands was the resignation of provost Kyle Harper, who students say is complicit in the oppression of minority students for his silence and inaction in the face of racist scandals. “When it was clear that Provost Kyle Harper would refuse to resign, we gave a new list of demands that would ensure some accountability and checks on the Office of the Provost to bring about equity,” the statement reads. “Out of these demands, two are under the scope of Interim President [Joe Harroz].” Because of the pressure from BERT and other students, faculty, staff and organizations who supported their efforts, a student advisory council will be created to “provide insights and

BERT’s sit-in at OU lasted three days. | Photo Jess Eddy / provided

that the professor “could have made the point” without using the word. BERT officials said most of their demands will be represented within the university’s strategic plan that will be presented to the Board of Regents March 10-12.

March election

The March 3 election asked Oklahomans to vote in national, county and city matters. All Oklahomans got to vote in the presidential primary. Five Democrats and two Republicans are still running as of press time. Oklahoma County residents could vote on whether or not to allow liquor stores to operate and sell products on Sundays. Oklahoma City residents could vote on whether or not to implement a 1/8th cent sales tax to support public park operations. Visit okgazette.com for the results.

O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | M A R C H 4 , 2 0 2 0

chicken

friedNEWS games and rock music are so violent nowadays, not because we’re letting authority figures hit children with paddles. Oh, wait.

Learned income

OK paddling

Despite being a symbol for fraternities, sororities and the (illegal) practice of hazing, some Oklahoma students are exposed to a paddle much, much earlier. The practice of corporal punishment, with or without a paddle, is still allowed in 19 states, and to the surprise of no one, Oklahoma is one of those states. Since 2011, when New Mexico banned corporal punishment, no other state has followed suit. Educators in some Oklahoma schools say swatting kids with a paddle is a way to “keep kids in line when other forms of punishment fail,” and they say many times, parents ask them to do so. “We have twice as many requests for us to swat as we actually swat,” Inola superintendent Kent Holbrook told KTUL. “Most of the kids my age, as we grew up, we probably mostly all were swatted, and most everyone I knew came out okay.” Holbrook told KTUL the district has written permission from parents to swat, paddle or spank their kids. He said they only do so to one or two kids a month in elementary school and even more sparingly in middle and high schools — probably because they’ve been paddled into well-behaved students by that point. Inola police chief Brad Craig supports paddling, saying kids won’t learn if they’re not in a good “learning environment, discipline environment.” “They talk about how low our scores are. Does anybody think that might be part of the problem?” he said. The reason we have some of the worst educational outcomes in the country is because we’re not hitting our kids enough? Wow! Here we thought it was because of low funding, poor teacher pay and state leaders generally not viewing education as a priority for years, leading to qualified teachers leaving in droves for states with better school systems. It’s interesting Craig compares low educational scores to not being punished corporally because eight of the 19 states that haven’t banned this are commonly in the Top 10 lists for worst education systems (New Mexico, Louisiana, Arizona and Alabama, among others). State Rep. John Waldron told KTUL that corporal punishment presents a cycle of behavior that reinforces high negative state statistics like murder rates and adverse childhood experiences. But that can’t be true, right? Those bad statistics are 100 percent because video8

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The headline alone provokes an almost Kafkaesque image. “‘Our kids have become a piggy bank’: Epic Charter Schools shields $50M in taxpayer funds from public scrutiny,” by Andrea Eger (Tulsa World, Feb. 23) reports Epic has paid its for-profit management company millions of taxpayer dollars annually “for school expenditures that are never audited and which Epic claims are shielded from public scrutiny.” Students enrolled in taxpayer-funded Epic One-on-One virtual charter school, Tulsa World reported, have Learning Fund accounts with a beginning balance of $1,000. The money can be used for books, learning materials and extracurricular activities offered by approved outside vendors; but students must also pay administration, curriculum and technology fees, and students enrolled at Blended Learning Centers, which combine online and in-person instruction, pay all of their Learning Fund money back to Epic. One parent interviewed said Epic also takes an $85 “processing fee” from each of her children’s learning fund accounts, a fee that, if applied to every student, World calculated, might have totaled $4-$5 million from 2011 to 2018. In the 2018-2019 school year, Epic Youth Services — the for-profit management company owned by Epic founders Ben Harris and David Chaney — invoiced the charter school for more than $20 million dollars, Tulsa World reported, and “invoices for five of its eight past years of operation … total more than $42 million.”

In July, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) alleged “Chaney and Harris knowingly and intentionally acted jointly together, to create a system of financial gain at Epic to entice and promote fraudulent acts by teachers, administrators, and parents of home school students to wrongfully create and conceal the existence of ghost students” — home and private school students whose parents enrolled them in Epic only to get the Learning Fund money and not to receive instruction from the school.

We’ve gotta admit piggy bank kids sounds less ominous than ghost students, so … progress? Feb. 25, House Bill 2905, the Virtual Charter School Transparency and Reform Act of 2020, authored by Sheila Dills, R-Tulsa, passed unanimously in the House Common Education Committee.

Newkirk news

We wouldn’t expect a high school basketball game in Newkirk to make national news, but that’s what happened when a volunteer announcer called the opposing team’s player names “disgusting.” A video has been viewed thousands of times and made it all the way to The Washington Post and ABC News. “The Crooked Oak Lady Ruff Necks, now their names are pretty disgusting,” the still-unidentified announcer is heard saying in the video while someone in the crowd says, “What? ... No, he didn’t just say that,” as Crooked Oak players looked on in shock. The announcer was removed during the game by the Newkirk school district, and the superintendent issued an apology to the Crooked Oak players and parents. “I was just tying to make sure my teammates were OK,” one of the players told KFOR. “Because I knew, I could tell they were affected by how that was said.” “I was actually kind of scared on the court,” another player told the station.

The school district has not said whether the announcer will keep his position, keeping it behind the veil of “personnel matter.” KFOR spoke to the players, but they also spoke with members of Newkirk defending the announcer. They said the announcer is in 80s and dealing with health issues and that he simply said “disgusting” when he meant to say “difficult.” Either way, it’s an insensitive thing to say. “He never said, ‘Oh, I’m sorry. I meant difficult. My apologizes,” a parent told KFOR. The superintendent issued an apology, but that hasn’t made its way to the players or parents. “The girls should have been given a public apology, the same way they were demeaned publically,” the parent told KFOR. It shows the lengths many white people will go to “prove” they aren’t racist rather than appropriately apologize.

REVIEW

EAT & DRINK

Bayou best

In Automobile Alley, Magnolia Bistro serves some of the finest Cajun food in Oklahoma City. By Jacob Threadgill

Magnolia Bistro 722 N. Broadway Ave., Suite 100 magnoliabistro405.com | 405-673-7550 WHAT WORKS: The étouffée and gumbo have depth of flavor, and the jalapeño cornbread is unique and tasty. WHAT NEEDS WORK: The shrimp and grits need more acidity. TIP: It’s only open for lunch Monday-Friday.

In a corner restaurant in Automobile Alley that’s only open for lunch on weekdays, Magnolia Bistro offers the best Cajun food in Oklahoma City. Magnolia Bistro, 722 N. Broadway Ave., Suite 100, is the sister restaurant to Brielle’s Bistro, 9205 NE 23rd St., in Midwest City, which chef Dwayne Johnson opened in 2018. Quickly building off the success of Brielle’s, Johnson and wife Kaylee opened Magnolia in the location formerly occupied by Fit Pig in the summer of 2019. Johnson has years of experience in the culinary field. He grew up in Florida but is attracted to Cajun-style cooking that brings with it a pan-Southern flair with items like South Carolina low-country shrimp and grits and honey-lime wings. Johnson operated King’s Catering & Cuisine for some time but failed to attract a regular lunch crowd despite doing well on the catering side. Attracting a crowd hasn’t been a problem since he opened Brielle’s Bistro, though. People have flocked to Brielle’s, where they mix all-day breakfast with cocktails, Cajuninspired dishes and plenty of in-house baked goods. Brielle’s is named after Johnson’s

daughter who suffers from the rare condition arthrogyrposis multiplex congenita, which has required multiple surgeries to strengthen the use of her extremities. The love with which Johnson cooks at Breille’s is evident in how he has trained staff at Magnolia. He stays out in Midwest City most days while his wife and other members work in Automobile Alley. I first went to Brielle’s in May of last year and was very pleased with both the service and quality of food served out in Midwest City. Magnolia Bistro is a restaurant after my own heart. I lived in Mississippi for over a decade and made many trips down to New Orleans. Cajun cooking is heavily in my rotation at home, and that’s mostly where I like to enjoy it because most restaurants around here don’t satisfy my itch. While Brielle’s has a lot of dinnertype menu items, Johnson pulled out all the stops to make Magnolia Bistro a restaurant that can be proud to represent Louisiana’s state flower. “The spice level will be higher over than at Brielle’s. It’s handcuffed me out there,” Johnson told me just before it opened.

above Traditional jambalaya with sausage and shrimp served with crawfish jalapeño cornbread | Photo provided

left The Natchitoches Meat Pie is a Louisiana version of an empanada. | Photo provided

“But [at Magnolia], we’re able to do it.” It’s a cozy restaurant with limited seating. There are only a handful of tabletops and a long bar section by the front windows. Customers place their order at the counter at Magnolia, and the service from the kitchen is quick, making it the perfect chance to get a high-quality meal downtown on your lunch break. If there is a downside to Magnolia, it is the limited seating and the fact it is only open 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. MondayFriday. On a recent visit to the restaurant, from ordering at the counter to being done with the meal, I was out in less than 30 minutes. The food was good enough to linger and talk with friends,

but I was on a tight schedule, which I imagine is a similar situation for a lot of folks working downtown. I started the meal with a cup of chicken and sausage gumbo ($4.49). With a thick, dark roux as a base for the gumbo, it’s in contention for the best offering of its kind in the city. The sausage was seared for extra flavor, and a few dashes of Louisiana hot sauce got it to the spice level I wanted. I had to fish to find the rice, but it was there and cooked well. The item that caught my attention is Johnson’s spin on shrimp and grits, but Magnolia Bistro deep-fries a grit cake and pairs it with a cream sauce with the

Shrimp with fried grits, a cup of gumbo and crawfish jalapeño cornbread at Magnolia Bistro | Photo Jacob Threadgill

holy trinity of onion, green pepper and celery with chunks of Andouille sausage. The shrimp was well cooked, but I think the fried grits are something that sound better in concept than reality. I appreciate Johnson for thinking outside the box from the standard shrimp and grits, which you can now find at menus across the city — even ones that traditionally don’t serve Southern food. I missed the creamy texture of the grits paired with the shrimp, and the sauce didn’t really provide it, especially since it missed the opportunity to cut through the cream with tomatoes. I also tried an order of Magnolia’s blackened catfish in crawfish étouffée. I liked the étouffée at Brielle’s Bistro when I dined there, but I thought Magnolia’s version was even better. Johnson wasn’t lying when he said the spice level is higher, and it also benefitted from less whole chopped pieces of pepper — more of it melted into the sauce for flavor. The catfish was of high quality and did not taste too “fishy.” I tried three different side items from Magnolia: the jalapeño and crawfish cornbread, red beans and rice and lobster macaroni and cheese. The cornbread certainly isn’t a traditional, but it was excellent — bursting with paprika and other spices, plus whole chunks of crawfish. The lobster macaroni and cheese is also a must-try; it’s luxurious and creamy with large chunks of lobster. The red beans and rice left a little bit on the table; it was actually only kidney beans (I usually make a mixture of kidney beans and red beans), but the sauce was fairly thin. I make a meatless version but like to thicken it up with tomato juice. There’s so much left I have to try on Magnolia Bistro’s menu like Who Dat! Po Boy, which is a 12-inch baguette with blackened shrimp, lump crab, fried green tomatoes and remoulade sauce ($17.29), and the Natchitoches Meat Pie that is a Louisiana version of an empanada filled with meat and rice. Visit magnoliabistro405.com. O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | M A R C H 4 , 2 0 2 0

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Slice return

Veteran pizza operator Danny Falcone has returned to Oklahoma and taken over New York Pizza & Pasta in Norman. By Jacob Threadgill

The common legend for what makes New York pizza special is the water. But for New York native Danny Falcone — who introduced Oklahoma City’s first by-theslice pizza option — the qualities of a good crust are about the other ingredients. “I use olive oil and if you use the right oil, you get the right crust,” Falcone said. “People say the water, and the water has a lot to do with it, but you can give me any water and I’ll make a good pizza; that’s the truth.” Thirteen years after Falcone opened his eponymous restaurant on May Avenue, which briefly spawned three additional locations (only the original remains), Falcone has returned to Oklahoma after seven years operating a pair of restaurants in Florida. “I came for two weeks to do a real estate deal with an army buddy of mine, and 16 years later, I moved back east,” he said. “It was a long two weeks. I really got to like it here and to like the people, and it’s really calm.” After making a name for himself in Oklahoma City, Falcone is trying his hand in Norman, taking part ownership and complete control of the restaurant at New York Pizza & Pasta, 217 W. Boyd St., on Campus Meatballs and tomato gravy served over spaghetti | Photo Phillip Danner

Corner directly across from the University of Oklahoma campus. Like a sports manager that has already won a title and is looking for a new challenge by turning a mediocre team into a contender, Falcone has overhauled New York Pizza & Pasta’s menu since taking over in mid-January. “We’ve completely revamped the place,” Falcone said, referring to new tables, chairs and electronic menu boards. “It wasn’t really known for its food.” Falcone paired with co-owner Mark Pritz to increase New York Pizza & Pasta’s lunch and dinner crowds, which will enhance its already-popular bar crowd. “He has over 30 years [experience] in the restaurant industry, so I thought it was a perfect opportunity to bring in an

Pizza is available by the slice and whole pie at New York Pizza & Pasta. | Photo Phillip Danner

expert who has more experience than I have and make some changes,” Pritz said. “It’s good food, not that it was bad before, but Danny has been a perfect fit.” Falcone has revamped the menu to include New York-style thin crust that is light and crispy but still has a good amount of chew. Pizzas are available by the slice or whole ($10-$23). He also makes variations like a deepfried pizza in which the dough is dropped into the fryer and topped with sauce, cheese and toppings and placed in the oven. There’s also a stuffed pizza that has a second layer of crust. The Grandma pizza is on the menu in honor of Falcone’s grandmother, who made a square pizza with thin crust, minimal sauce, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and basil.

meat and simmer it for hours.” The restaurant offers a cheese lasagna made with marinara and a meat lasagna served with gravy. There is also an Alfredo sauce on the menu and a pink sauce (Alfredo mixed with marinara) by special request. There are eight hot sandwiches ($7.49-7.99) like meatball parmigiana, sausage and peppers and a cold Italian cold cut sandwich. Falcone takes pride in serving salads that he likes to refer to as “exotic” like the Key West salad with mandarin oranges, smoked gouda, blueberries and a homemade mango poppyseed dressing. There’s also a seafood salad ($8.99) packed in oil and spices imported from Italy bursting with baby octopus, mussels, shrimp, clams and cuttlefish and served on a bed of lettuce. The res-

above Winsil and Danny Falcone operate New York PIzza & Pasta in Norman. right Pepperoni and sausage calzone at New York Pizza & Pasta | Photos Phillip Danner

There’s also off-the-menu Roman and Sicilian styles of pizza available — both of which are thick crusts, but Falcone said the Roman style is more airy. “They’re not to be confused with Chicago deep dish,” he said. Falcone’s wife Winsil prepares meatballs each day made with beef, pork, veal, garlic and fresh basil. They’re served over spaghetti ($8.99) with Falcone’s recipe for tomato gravy. “I have a hard time educating people on what the difference is between the [tomato gravy and marinara],” he said. “Every day, people come in here and want meatballs with marinara, and I tell them no. They ask, ‘Why not? You don’t have it on the menu?’ We do, but in English, marinara means meatless, and you don’t put meat with marinara sauce. I do make gravy, but they automatically think brown or white. I’ve got to explain to everybody that gravy means I cook it with bones,

taurant makes all of its dressings inhouse, from blue cheese to ranch, which Falcone used to consider a faux pas for a pizza restaurant, but the Oklahoma market wants it with pizza. “At Falcone’s, we wouldn’t even sell you ranch; we didn’t even carry it,” Falcone said. “My wife convinced me put it on the menu. They must drink it because we make it by the bucket full. I don’t get it.” At lunch, New York Pizza & Pasta offers specials for two slices and a drink for $5 or a burger and fries. For dinner, it offers family meals to feed four, like a large two-topping pizza with a bowl of spaghetti and salad for $25.99. The restaurant is now open on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. “I can eat pizza every day or pasta every day, and it’s good to back in Oklahoma,” Falcone said. “I’m trying to change the mentality to from a bar to a restaurant, and it’s going to take time.” Visit nypizzausa.com. O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | M A R C H 4 , 2 0 2 0

F E AT U R E

EAT & DRINK

Paseo Punk

With inventive burgers and a whiskey-focused bar menu, Burger Punk crowd-surfs into The Paseo Arts District. By Jacob Threadgill

The same aesthetic that made Burger Punk the most unique food truck in Oklahoma City is applied to its brickand-mortar location in The Paseo Arts District, which opened for lunch and dinner the last week of February. The truck’s black finish was applied to multiple black textures and finishes — from leather bar stools to skull wallpaper — and its signature pink Mohawk is transported to a neon light over its bar, which houses the most expansive whiskey list in the city as a whiskey-only selection. With its punk-themed burgers like The Clash, which tops a 5-ounce Angus patty with American cheese, nacho cheese Doritos, grilled onions, jalapeños, cilantro and hoisin mayonnaise, Burger Punk started as a mobile arm of 84 Hospitality Restaurant Group (Empire Slice House, Revolución, Gorō Ramen, Gun Izakaya) in late summer 2018. Group CEO Rachel Cope said she was pleased with the truck’s reception after running it in the heart of Oklahoma City at places like Stonecloud Brewing Co and The Bleu Garten. She contacted the landlord for Burger Punk’s location, 3012 N. Walker Ave., about other business when they asked if she was interested in taking over the space formerly occupied by The Root. “The trickiest part behind the bar, there was the walk-in that had stairs that went underneath, barely tall enough to stand up in, so it wasn’t really usable,” Cope said. “Then upstairs, where the pool table is, the ceilings were really high, but you wouldn’t notice now because we have a drop ceiling in there now. We tore it all out and filled it all in and paved over it. Now it’s the kitchen area.” Cope said the restaurant’s identity came together as the construction process started in late 2019. The neon light over the bar is an homage to Los Angeles’ Viper Room, but they made it pink to coincide with the Mohawk on the Burger Punk truck. “We didn’t want to go too gimmicky punk with it,” she said. “We wanted it to be something that didn’t look like it was trying too hard but could definitely tell it had some of those elements, whether they were subtle or not.” Andrew Eskridge developed Burger Punk’s initial menu on the truck, but after he left the restaurant group to take a job with U.S. Foods, Cope tapped Tom Woolly — formerly of Picasso Cafe — to finalize the brick-and-mortar menu at Burger Punk and oversee the kitchen at Revolución. “When I first came and looked at the [menu], I was thinking about poached pears, prosciutto and Brie and thought 12

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it was maybe a little too much,” Woolly said. “We wanted a diner, great burger and something that is memorable and sticks with you.” He said the group tried burgers from around the city and regionally to get a sense of what to add to the menu. The Clash ($10), OG Punk (American cheese, house dill pickles, lettuce and Punk Sauce, $8), Velveeta Underground (liquid gold cheese sauce, sliced habanero and crispy onions) and the Green Daze (same as the OG Punk by with a Beyond Meat plantbased patty, $11) remain on the menu from Burger Punk’s food truck menu, as do its signature crinkle-cut fries and a Punk Shake made from Tillamook vanilla bean ice cream topped with miso caramel and Butterfinger crumbles and dusted in gold. Woolly and staff added a Hatch chili burger ($10), which tops the New Mexico chilies with housemade ranch and American cheese. They also added their version of an Oklahoma classic, the Theta burger, but substitute the traditional hickory sauce with Woolly’s creation, Evil Barbecue Sauce. “I created the Evil Barbecue Sauce, which is a play between barbecue sauce and hickory sauce,” Woolly said. “It’s a little spicier, a little vinegar and based off of a South Carolina mustard sauce even though there is no mustard.” Woolly also developed a chili for the restaurant that gets his name added to the menu where it can be ordered atop a burger, fries or as a standalone bowl or cup. He said the key is using high-quality tomatoes that provide acidity to cut through cheese

and fat. It’s served with Oklahoma Citymade Seikel’s gold mustard. “We cook it down ahead of time so that we’re not eating chili that was made that day; it’s been made 24-48 hours ahead so it has time to blend together and do its own thing,” Woolly said. “Normally I’d put beer, chocolate and coffee, kidney beans and all kinds of things, but this chili didn’t need it. We started with good meat, great tomatoes and went from there.” Its liquid gold cheese sauce is served on Mosh Pit Fries and serves as the base for macaroni and cheese made with local Della Terra rigatoni.

Whiskey-focused

Ryan Goodman, 84 Hospitality Group beverage director, admitted that it was a little intimidating at first when Cope asked to develop an entire cocktail and spirit list using only whiskey. “We wanted to build that list out of flavors people wouldn’t expect out of whiskey to show that you can make a daiquiri with whiskey and some stuff that

Burger Punk’s Theta burger substitutes hickory sauce for Evil Barbecue Sauce. | Photo Phillip Danner

you wouldn’t think about,” Goodman said. The initial list includes 65 selections of whiskey with room to grow. Goodman said they focused on a lot of smaller distilleries making good product in addition to classics like Basil Hayden, Crown Royal and Woodford. “We wanted American whiskies that might not be well known,” he said before highlighting Tom’s Town from the Kansas City area. The Tom’s Town Double Oak ($10) and Tom’s Town Royal ($12) are two Goodman and staff favorites. There are nine whiskey cocktails that include Rock the Cashbah with lemon, floral elixir, Larceny bourbon, Byrrh and egg white ($9) and Turbo!, which is a slushie made with cold brew coffee, coconut cream, Evan Williams Bottledin-Bond, xocotatl bitters and vanilla. “It’s got two of my favorite things in it, cold brew and whiskey, so it’s a pickme-up and mellow-you-out at the same time,” Cope said. Burger Punk also carries beer. Visit burgerpunkokc.com.

Chanchaleune honored

The opening of Burger Punk comes at a busy time for 84 Hospitality. Cope has been in Tulsa overseeing the opening of an Empire Slice House location, and partner and executive chef (Gorō Ramen and Gun Izakaya) Jeff Chanchaleune became the first chef in Oklahoma City to receive a regional James Beard nomination as the organization announced he is among 20 chefs to be named semifinalist for best chef in the Southwest region (Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and Oklahoma). “It’s something we’ve always talked about and hoped that would happen, but Oklahoma just gets kind of passed over,” Cope said. “Jeff is an easy target for it because he’s so unique and looking forward to seeing what happens next.” Finalists will be announced March 25. Mosh Pit Fries with liquid gold cheese sauce, bacon, jalapeños and crispy onions | Photo Phillip Danner

OPENING C E L E B R AT I O N MARCH 12 TICKETS AT

O KCO N T E M P.O RG

Public opening: 10 a.m. March 13 Regular hours begin March 14. oklahomacontemporary.org Exhibitions | Classes | Camps | Performances 11 NW 11th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73103

O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | M A R C H 4 , 2 0 2 0

GAZEDIBLES

EAT & DRINK

New brew

March is national caffeine awareness month. You should be “aware” of these seven new coffee shops that have opened in the metro since December 2018. By Jacob Threadgill with provided and Gazette / file photos

Play Cafe

610 NW 23rd St. playcafeokc.com | 405-724-9434 While this cafe is a place for parents with small children to learn and play, it’s also welcoming to those without little ones in tow, especially early mornings and early afternoons. Play Cafe offers coffee from Sincerely Roasters and loose-leaf tea from nearby Urban Teahouse.

Christian & Sons Clocks

SALE SALE SALE

SPRING FORWARD

2911 W. Wilshire | 405 810 5979

Jitters Coffee

Culture Coffee

If you’re familiar with Jitters Coffee’s original location in Midwest City, this new location in Del City has an expanded space and menu. The two locations have the same selections of organic coffee, frappes, signature coffee drinks and tea, but the Del City location has expanded breakfast offerings like waffles and frittata but also expands to lunch with sandwiches and salads.

This modern coffeehouse opened in February in the Innovation District, which is focused on bringing research institutions, community-oriented public spaces and residential spaces to the city’s east side. With a place like Culture Coffee providing a hub, it’s off to a great start. Culture Coffee offers coffee from local roasters KLLR Coffee and Prelude Coffee Roasters as well as fresh salad mixes from local LGR Farms.

5501 Main St., Suite 110, Del City jitterscoffeeground.com 405-724-9353

1029 NE Sixth St. facebook.com/culturecoffeeokc

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4:30–6:30PM | MON-SAT M–TH 4:30–9pm | F & S 4:30–10pm Closed Sunday piattookc.com | 405-608-8866 2920 NW 63rd

M A R C H 4 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

EÔTÉ Coffee

7 NE Sixth St. eotecoffee.com | 405-463-7312 What started as a hobby for EÔTÉ owner Todd Vinson in 2012 has turned into a high-level coffee roastery. EÔTÉ first opened a warehouse off Lincoln in 2016 but now has its very own coffee shop in Deep Deuce, located next to Parlor OKC. Its cafe offers options from its slow bar (French press and pour-over) as well as drip and cold brew on tap.

Prelude Coffee Roasters 3 NE Eighth St. preludecoffeeroasters.com 405-445-4353

If you’ve walked into 8th Street Market for a bite at Magasin Table or drink at Prairie Artisan Ales and wondered why it smells like coffee, Prelude is your answer. Located on the second floor of the building, Prelude offers a variety of on-site roasted coffee that ranges from espresso to cold brew and rotating single-origin hand-brewed coffee. Prelude also offers more than 15 varieties of tea that can be made into a tea latte.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC COME SEE US! Largest showroom in Oklahoma!

Open Flame Coffee Company + Roastery

Zero Tolerance Coffee

307 S. Air Depot Blvd. openflamecoffee.com | 405-455-3292

913 W. Britton Road zerotolerancecoffee.com 405-314-0048

This local, family-owned coffee shop and roastery opened in December 2018. It roasts four kinds of coffee in-house that are built around flavor profile rather than the standard light, medium or dark roasts. It offers all of the classic coffee preparations in addition to signature drinks like the Hawaiian Breeze with white chocolate, coconut powder and macadamia nuts.

Not just coffee, Zero Tolerance also roasts its own cacao to make chocolate. While other coffee shops want to load up their beverages with colors and flavors, Zero Tolerance offers only whiskey-barrel-aged coffee and chocolate. It sells its coffee wholesale, but its new coffee shop location recently opened in what was Main Street in the former town of Britton.

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ARTS & CULTURE left Named Folding Light, Oklahoma Contemporary’s new building is four stories and 53,916 square feet with 18-foot ceilings and an integrated LED tracklighting system. | Image provided

COV E R

right Alicia Eggert The Sun, 2015 neon, motor, mixed media 42” x 42” x 12” Courtesy of the artist | Image Alicia Eggert / provided

Stay golden

Oklahoma Contemporary’s inaugural exhibition in its new facility draws inspiration from local light. By Jeremy Martin

After months of construction delays caused by Oklahoma’s notoriously unpredictable weather, Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center is ready to reopen in its new downtown location with an exhibition inspired by another of the state’s signature features. Bright Golden Haze, on display March 13-Aug. 10 at Oklahoma Contemporary, 11 NW 11th St., features works exploring the ways light shapes the environment and art. The inaugural exhibition in the nonprofit arts center’s new building, Bright Golden Haze takes its name from the first line of “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” the opening song from R icha rd Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s musical Oklahoma! Oklahoma Contemporary artistic director Jeremiah Matthew Davis said the exhibition was originally inspired by architect Rand Elliott’s design for the art center’s new building, named Folding Light because of the reflective quality of its metal exterior. “We began to think and contemplate about the uniqueness of this place, of the space, of the built environment and the natural environment in our area,” Davis said, “and he began to think about a building that would reflect the everchanging nature of the Oklahoma sky as well as provide a canvas for beautiful sunsets and sunrises here.” Davis said curatorial and exhibitions director Jennifer Scanlon was also “struck by the quality of light in Oklahoma,” when she visited the state to interview for the job and began imagining an exhibition featuring “works that are literally constructed of light, 16

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using light as a medium; works that create an environment or a sense of place through the use of light.” “There’s been a lot of shows that have works of art that engage with light, but we’re really excited to present this as a unique perspective on how light can really create the environments in which we live and help shape who we are,” Davis said.

Literally nothing in the current exhibition would we have really been able to support in our previous space. Jeremiah Matthew Davis The exhibition includes works such as Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson’s “Black Glass Eclipse,” which emits a color-canceling golden light. “I love the eclipse shape,” Eliasson said in an interview with Wallpaper magazine. “Did you know that unlike a square, it doesn’t deform in perspective? Confronted with it, in perspective, you can’t sense the depth of the space. I like to play with the idea of challenging perceptions, or reflections, and geometry offers endless possibilities. Many might think that when you enter the art world, you step out of the ‘real’ world. But it is very much the opposite: with amplified sensations, one can connect even closer with the world and its current issues.”

Bahamas-born New York City-based artist Tavares Strachan’s “I Belong Here” highlights the significance of its title’s simple declarative statement with white neon light. “When turned on, the neon tubes flicker and buzz; the work emits a pale light and an audible hum,” wrote Conceptio art critic Stamatina Gregory. “Electricity makes the sculpture visible, revealing the way in which glass, power, black paint, and noble gases combine to create a drawing in space, an industrially produced object (glass must be fabricated, neon distilled from air) crafted to emulate a hasty, almost indecipherable scrawl within a field of gestural lines. … The sentence evokes presence itself.” Similarly, Texas artist Alicia Eggert’s spinning neon sign “The Sun” brings new illumination to The Flaming Lips’ lyric “The sun doesn’t go down; it’s just an illusion caused by the world spinning ’round.”

Room to grow

Davis said Bright Golden Haze is “a landmark exhibition, not only for the orga-

nization but really for the state,” and before moving into the new four-story, 53,916 square-foot building with 18-foot ceilings and an integrated LED track-lighting s y stem , Ok l a hom a Contemporary could not have mounted anything of its size and scope. “Literally nothing in the current exhibition would we have really been able to support in our previous space,” Davis said. “Some of that has to do with capacity and capability of the actual space. … That gives us a little bit more real estate to play with in terms of installing artwork and being able to provide more space for large-scale works. … A lot of the objects that we have been able to curate into the show are from institutional loans, and the building and the current specs that we have for climate control, humidity levels, security, fire suppression — all of those things are new for the organization and provide us with the ability to be proper stewards of artwork from a museum perspective, so other institutions can trust that the building and the systems that we have in place and all of our plans are appropriate to secure a loan agreement for us. So a lot of the works that we have in the show would really only be able to happen in this new building.” However, one aspect of the art center’s previous location at State Fair Park will be missed. “The only thing we will miss, and I think this is universal among our staff, is the old planetarium,” Davis said. “We Christian Keesee and Jeremiah Matthew Davis | Photo provided

will definitely miss doing interesting installations in that space, from sound art to unique exhibition space for visual art to projection space for digital animation and 3D works. We did a lot of fun things in that space, but building a planetarium made no sense and was entirely outside of the scope of our mission here.” Visitors familiar with the old Oklahoma Contemporary will find plenty of reasons to love the new location. “There’s a surprise around every corner,” Davis said. “Longtime supporters and patrons of Oklahoma Contemporary will be really pleased to see the amount of space that’s been dedicated to education and learning in the new building.” In addition to 8,000 square feet of gallery space divided between two floors, the main building includes nine classrooms, a dance studio, a 199-seat theater, a green room, a cafe operated by Empire Slice House co-owner/chef Avery Cannon, and a retail shop featuring many works by Oklahoma artists.

We are going to be able to host classes that we’ve never been able to host before, and they’re going to be in much more comfortable environments. Adrienne Lalli Hills “If you find something in the shop at Oklahoma Contemporary,” Davis said, “you’re not going to be able to find it somewhere else in the city. Many of the works on view are also linked to our programming or inspired by our exhibitions or our educational offerings.” An adjacent 10,000 square-foot warehouse space has been remodeled as a studio space for artists working in ceramics, fiber, metal and wood.

Studio School

Studio School associate director Adrienne Lalli Hills said the new campus gives Oklahoma Contemporary new art education opportunities. “Here we’re going to have space and equipment to do things on a larger scale and address more topics,” Lalli Hills said. “We are going to be able to host classes that we’ve never been able to host before, and they’re going to be in much more comfortable environments. We’re also going to be able to host a lot more classes, so in addition to the people we’re welcoming back, we’re really looking forward to having a whole bunch of new folks taking classes with us too.” Studio School will offer more than 50 classes for teens and adults of all experience levels. “If you’ve never picked up a paintbrush, never shaken a leg, never touched

clay, it doesn’t matter,” Davis said. “There’s a class for you where you can start as a beginner, grow inspired and continue to gain confidence as your skills develop.” The new facilities allow the arts center to offer new kinds of classes and improve the classes it previously offered. “What we were probably best known for in the past was ceramics and fiber arts, and those will continue here, only way scaled up,” Lalli Hills said. New class subjects include antlerhandle knife-making, collage and DJing taught by Tony Tee and Angel Little, who co-curated the art center’s 2017 exhibition Not For Sale: Graffiti Culture in Oklahoma. “We’re hoping to move into more interdisciplinary and unexpected offerings as well,” Lalli Hills said. “So the future is probably going to hold more classes like DJ school where we’re also bridging fine arts and pop culture and kind of helping erase that division a bit.” In September, Ok la homa Contemporary hosts Ed Ruscha: OKLA. Though the California-based photographer and painter grew up in Oklahoma City, Davis said OKLA will be Ruscha’s first solo exhibition in state history. “So much of his body of work is connected to his time living and growing up in Oklahoma City before he moved away to California, so we’re thrilled to be able to present works that are inspired by the landscape here, the history, his travels on Route 66, the culture that he grew up with in Oklahoma City, and hopefully provide a new curatorial lens on his substantial body of work,” Davis said. “We hope that not only is this a chance for people in Oklahoma to experience Ed’s body of work, it’s also a chance for us to share and create some new knowledge regarding the way his creative process has been inspired by his time and connection to the state.” Though Oklahoma Contemporary, after more than a decade of planning, development and construction, has a new, larger location and an expanded payroll including more than 100 fulland part-time staff and educators, Davis said, the art center is still working toward the same goal it had when it first opened on the fairgrounds as City Arts Center in 1989. “Our mission is really the same,” Davis said. “We just now have the facilities that support the aspirations and the ambitions that the organization has long held. So now we’re really able to continue the great work of encouraging artistic expression in all its forms. Now with our dedicated spaces for theater, for dance, for ceramics, with world-class quality exhibition spaces, we’re able to take that mission to a new level. … We just look forward to people’s reactions and responses and getting as much feedback from the community as possible. … There will always be new things for us to learn, but really the challenges

that we can anticipate I think are being taken care of and the ones that we can’t we’ll just have to wait and see how people engage with the space, and then we’ll learn from there.” Oklahoma Contemporary’s grand opening and ribbon-cutting is 10 a.m.-9 p.m. March 13. The gallery will also be open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. March 14, and Oklahoma City Streetcar will be free to ride on both days; get off at the Art Park stop. Regular gallery hours beginning March 15 are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays. The gallery

Studio School will offer more than 50 art classes for teens and adults of all experience levels. | Photos provided

is closed Tuesdays. Admission is free. Call 405-951-0000 or visit oklahomacontemporary.org.

Bright Golden Haze March 13-Aug. 10 Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center 11 NW 11th St. oklahomacontemporary.org | 405-951-0000 Free

O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | M A R C H 4 , 2 0 2 0

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Funky junk

Decades Revisited Vintage Mall has shared one-ofa-kind antiques with the Oklahoma City area for over five years. By Jo Light

For an antique enthusiast, Decades Revisited, 3639 NW 39th St., might be a dangerous destination, only because shoppers are sure to find something that will catch their eye. Even a quick wander through the booths reveals some exceptional finds, like a 1930s porcelain gas stove in almost perfect condition, the “Estate Fresh Air Oven” decal still gleaming on its front. That one’s already sold, but what about antique quilts, industrial wooden cabinetry, commemorative Oklahoma plates or even bagged and boarded comic books and magazines? I found myself lingering in front of a huge 1937 Camel cigarette ad, a framed lithograph on cloth. There was also a Kodak Brownie Starmatic camera in its original box that I didn’t need but definitely wanted. Decades Revisited has been open for about six and a half years. Current owners Andy Rapoport and Dale Kremeier took over the business in March 2019 after the former owners decided to retire. Rapoport said he and Kremeier got into antique buying and selling as a hobby, starting a booth called FunkyJunky roughly 10 years ago. They sold items at both Decades Revisited and another nearby antique mall in Bethany. For Rapoport, this soon became a full-time job in addition to his position in the corporate world, which he left when he and his partner decided to dedicate more time to antiquing. Despite the time commitment that the work requires in order to keep the stock fresh and ever-changing, Rapoport is passionate about the business. He loves the fact that vintage items are usually of a higher quality than massproduced goods, especially furniture. “If it’s made it this long, it’s going to hold up, and oftentimes at a more affordable cost,” he said. Currently, Decades Revisited houses about 60 dealers, with an emphasis on true vintage products in each booth. The store is also an exclusive seller of Wise

Owl Paint, and some food items are available as well. Rapoport is proud that the store caters to a wide audience. It has retained a loyal clientele and much of the store’s group of existing dealers while also expanding and updating the store’s image. “I always like to say, ‘We’re not your grandma’s antique store,’” he said. “We appeal to a variety of people. Right now, we’re seeing a surge of young people coming in, especially with the midcentury crowd.” Keeping the store from appearing “junky” and maintaining a high standard of customer service has been a focus. Another way they’ve maintained a devoted customer base is through honoring one of the store’s established quirks. “We are very well known for our Hot Tamales,” Rapoport said. He explained that the previous owners always kept a bowl of the candies near the front entrance, and when the business sold, many customers specifically asked that the homey tradition continue. Now Rapoport and Kremeier even include Hot Tamales in store giveaways. They have also incorporated several special events and extended hours. Each week on Thursday, Decades Revisited hosts Shop Like It’s the Weekend. The store stays open until 8 p.m., and from 6 to 8 p.m. everything is 10 percent off. It also hosted a Leap Day event on Feb. 29, Leap into Spring, a sidewalk sale that focused on outdoor goods like patio furniture and garden items. Currently, they are planning the store’s next series of outdoor flea markets that take place once a month throughout the spring and summer. Vendors spill out into the mall’s parking lot, and food trucks are invited to serve attendees. The next outdoor flea market will be in late March. Rapoport keeps an eye on trends within the industry to better cater to Decades Revisited’s customers.

Decades Revisited, 3639 NW 39th St. | Photo Phillip Danner

For instance, he said farmhouse style will remain a mainstay among Oklahoma City buyers, but he’s also seeing customers move toward unpainted midcentury modern style and industrial pieces. Rapoport said there are booths to supply any style, including 3 Dog Decor, which specializes in industrial items, and MidBin, which sells midcentury furniture. Adam Bradshaw from MidBin has been selling with Decades Revisited for a couple months now. “Working with Andy and Dale has been nothing short of great, and their cooperation in helping me get started there has been extremely helpful,” Bradshaw said via Facebook, “especially in the area of midcentury modern and vintage furniture in Oklahoma City.”

If it’s made it this long, it’s going to hold up. Andy Rapoport Treasure Hickingbottom is with Treasures with Mom and has been selling with Decades Revisited since May 2019. She has seen Rapoport and Kremeier work hard on the store. “It’s like being a part of great team with a family feeling,” Hickingbottom said via Facebook. “To be friends and work with them is a very special honor.” Lee and Angie Ward with 3 Dog Decor also said via Facebook that those in the antique world feel like “a big family.” Rapoport said the excitement of searching for and finding treasures is what keeps the business exciting. “The thing that I like most about it is the adrenaline that you get from finding the coolest piece that you don’t find anywhere else,” he said. “It’s the search and the hunt for that.” When he’s able to share that item with customers, it’s another level of enjoyment bringing the process “full circle.” The thrill of the hunt was certainly a feeling I had as I walked through, and I could see how it would be difficult to leave without a purchase. But I noticed the bowl of Hot Tamales on my way out and departed with a smile. Visit facebook.com/decadesrevisited.

CO M E DY

ARTS & CULTURE

Politically direct

Stand-up comic Hari Kondabolu makes his Oklahoma debut at The Paramount Room. By Jeremy Martin

In a 2017 interview with Antigravity magazine, stand-up comic Hari Kondabolu said he wanted to get more personal with his material. In a 2020 interview with Oklahoma Gazette, Kondabolu said incorporating more jokes about his own life has helped make his jokes about political and social issues more relatable, but there is a downside. “When a thing doesn’t go well, that’s personal; it hurts a bit more,” Kondabolu said. “It’s hard to not take personal.” Kondabolu — who performs 8 p.m. March 12 at The Paramount Room, 701 W. Sheridan Ave. — offered some advice for people who take his more political material personally in his 2018 Netflix special Warn Your Relatives. “If you think I’m talking about you,” said the comic, who also worked as a writer and correspondent for Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell, “then yes, I am definitely talking about you.” Oklahoma Gazette: As you’ve added more personal material to your act and just as you’ve gotten better as a comic

Hari Kondabolu performs 8 p.m. March 12 at The Paramount Room. | Photo Rob Holysz / provided

over the years, has it gotten easier to play harder rooms where people might disagree with you? Kondabolu: I don’t think I could have done it 10 years ago. I don’t think I was as skilled as a performer. Let’s say there was a heckler or someone who fiercely disagreed. I would have probably just gotten really angry. … You have to remember that it’s not an echo chamber. You’re not performing into a vacancy. There’s something about performing into the void when it’s dark enough that

you almost forget these are human beings, right? … It took awhile to be able to get out of my head. You have to be in your head in order to remember the jokes, but if there’s any disruption, you can give yourself a second to think and respond. … It almost makes those interactions fun. Almost. It’s a moment where the room is a bit more alive. OKG: Do you change your act at all depending on where you are? Kondabolu: Not drastically. Bits and pieces. Sometimes you get so used to playing East Coast cities or Brooklyn, you just make these references … and you’re like, “Nobody knows what the hell this is.” … It’s fun to bring in local stuff because every city has their weird things or historical things that are strange or bizarre. … I think the audience knows you give a shit. Because I do give a shit, I want every show to be a special show. OKG: If personal stories make controversial opinions easier to relate to, do you think that a lot of the people who are angry about The Problem with Apu haven’t actually seen it? Kondabolu: 100 percent. … Part of it was to personalize the experience and explain it, as a Simpsons fan, as a child of the ’90s, as a South Asian American, laying it all out there and then going after the argument, or at least having a

deeper discussion. But if you don’t see the film, all you hear is, “Somebody hates this thing,” and then the argument feeds itself — “Political correctness.” “Everyone’s too sensitive.” “They’re trying to destroy everything.” … That’s not at all what the film is trying to do. … It’s kind of ironic because it kind of feeds exactly into the point I’m making. When you have limited images or ideas about something, you draw inferences that aren’t true. … I’m getting a lot of people posting pieces of beef on my Facebook wall or sending me tweets because they know I’m Hindu and they think that’ll hurt me in some way. And it’s like, “Yes, this is what happens when your only image of Hindus is from The Simpsons.” … I knew there would be some pushback, but I foolishly assumed that it would be in good faith. You start to realize that’s not how things work. Local comic Cameron Brewer shares the bill. Tickets are $20-$25. Call 405532-6376 or visit facebook.com/theparamountroom.

Hari Kondabolu 8 p.m. March 12 The Paramount Room 701 W. Sheridan Ave. facebook.com/theparamountroom 405-532-6376 $20-$25

Spring Break Sneak Peek Week Themed Activity Days The Cowboy • March 14 - 20

You’re invited to experience hands-on learning in a new space for people of all ages. Visit nationalcowboymuseum.org for a detailed schedule of Spring Break Sneak Peek Week!

1700 Northeast 63rd Street Oklahoma City, OK 73111 (405) 478-2250

O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | M A R C H 4 , 2 0 2 0

LEARN IN A NEW LIGHT

Ignite your creativity and hone your skills at our new Studio School.

STUDIO SCHOOL REGISTRATION OPEN NOW

OklahomaContemporary.org/studioschool Classes | Workshops | Artist demonstrations NW 11th and Broadway, Oklahoma City

M A R C H 4 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

CO M E DY

ARTS & CULTURE

Empathetic edge

Margaret Cho finds the sweet spot between compassion and cruelty at Bricktown Comedy Club. By Jeremy Martin

You don’t have to agree with Margaret Cho to laugh at her. “I hope that I can be contrary and also bring up another way of thinking about something — or even be cruel or be shitty,” Cho said. “To me, it’s kind of funny to be nasty and mean. … I think that’s fun. I think that there are certain things that are inherent to my being, like I’m politically progressive and a feminist and queer … but at the same time, you don’t have to agree with me on all of the issues that come up, and I like that.” The comic, actor, podcast host, television producer and Masked Singer contestant will perform 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. March 13-14 at Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California Ave. Oklahoma Gazette: Is there a trade-off between being empathetic and being edgy? Margaret Cho: No, I don’t think so. I think that you can get very close to the edge or just be very close to danger, but at the same time, have compassion for others. We’re all going through the human experience, and nobody is immune from pain and suffering, but at the same time, there are issues or experiences that can be really intolerable. And you can be free to complain about it, and I think it works. OKG: Do you find that the nature of how people receive comedy has changed during your career? Cho: Yeah. It’s kind of a need to acknowledge that we have to change language because the way that we talk and the way that we relate to things is inherently sexist and inherently racist and inherently problematic … so working to change that is really important. But then, part of the symptom of that, it becomes cancel culture where people get real upset about stuff that they may not have been upset about a few years ago. We have a shifting society that’s learning to call out itself, which is really vital because it’s important for progress, but it makes jobs for comedians more challenging. … Life is changing. The world is changing. Let’s change with it and evolve with it. … We don’t have to fight it. OKG: Do you think being Margaret Cho lets you get away with more or less onstage? Cho: Both because you do have some leeway, especially for me because I’m an older woman. I am a longtime comedian and so there’s a kind of like safety there that I can take people on

Margaret Cho performs 7:30 and 10: 30 p.m. March 13-14 at Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California Ave. | Photo Albert Sanchez / provided

a longer journey, because they’re going to trust that, but at the same time, you’ve got to be wary of that. Being a woman of color, being queer — those things also do buy me a little bit of space. … It’s like I have this much time where I can be, actually, an asshole, and that’s actually very valuable. It speaks to the different tolerance that we have in society for opinions and for what’s being woke and what’s not woke, and I think that’s fun to play with. So it’s a constant game. … What can I do to make it fun for myself and also speak to the individuality of identity? ... You don’t want to be blatantly shitty. You don’t want to be racist or homophobic. You don’t want to be sexist in a way that’s a problem. I just don’t want to do that in my life. … There’s definitely consequences, especially because everybody has a phone, everybody has that sort of power to take what you said and amplify it in a way that can be very unflattering and not necessarily what you want to represent. So you are aware of that, but you also don’t want it to get in the way of freedom and being dumb and having a good time.

Brunch is the most important meal of the day, and it’s not just for Sundays anymore. Get the goods on the best brunch destinations in OKC in this special issue just in time to plan for Easter, Mother’s Day and beyond.

Tickets are $30-$40. Call 405-5940505 bricktowncomedy.com.

Margaret Cho 7:30 and 10: 30 p.m. March 13-14 Bricktown Comedy Club 409 E. California Ave. bricktowncomedy.com | 405-594-0505 $30-$40

Publishes APril 8|DeADlines APril 1 Call 405.528.6000 or email advertising@okgazette.com to book your space O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | M A R C H 4 , 2 0 2 0

WE’RE SOCIAL.

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

BOOKS Anne Bishop book signing the author will sign copes of The Queen’s Bargain, a novel about an aristocrat who unknowingly courts a witch, 6:30 p.m. March 11. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 405-842-2900, fullcirclebooks.com. WED Author panel Peter Lerangis, Lisa Greenwald and Janae Marks will discuss their writing, 5 p.m. March 10. Best of Books, 1313 E. Danforth Road, 405-3409202, bestofbooksok.com. TUE Barbara Lowell book signing the author will sign copies of My Mastodon inspired by 19th century scientist Charles Willson Peale, 11 a.m. March 7. Best of Books, 1313 E. Danforth Road, 405-340-9202, bestofbooksok.com. SAT Grant Jenkins book signing the author will sign copies of the novel Ivory Tower, a thriller about a professor who uncovers a scandal in her university’s football program, 6:30 p.m. March 5. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 405-8422900, fullcirclebooks.com. THU Linda Sue Park book signing the author will sign copies of Prairie Lotus, the story of a young half-Chinese girl facing racism in Dakota Territory in 1880, 6:30 p.m. March 10. Best of Books, 1313 E. Danforth Road, 405-340-9202, bestofbooksok.com. TUE

@OKGAZETTE

Mid-Oklahoma Writers a meetup for local writers featuring guest speakers and literary discussions, 7-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. Eastside Church of Christ, 916 S. Douglas Blvd., 405-732-0393. TUE Second Sunday Poetry hear the works of a variety of local poets, 2 p.m. second Sunday of every month. The Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave., 405-3079320, pasnorman.org. SUN Tom Watson book signing the author will autograph copies of children’s chapter book series Trouble at Table 5, 6 p.m. March 9. Best of Books, 1313 E. Danforth Road, 405-340-9202, bestofbooksok.com. MON Wendelin Van Draanen book signing the author will sign copes of Hope in the Mail, a book of writing advice, 6:30 p.m. March 9. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 405-842-2900, fullcirclebooks.com. MON

FILM Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979, USA, Allan Arkush) punk rock obsessed high school students take over their school with help from The Ramones; Marky Ramone will be present for a post-film Q&A session, 8 p.m. March 8. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave., 405-235-3456. SUN

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL HIGH SCHOOL

W. MARKY RAMONE IN-PERSON Q&A

93 minutes A teenager (P.J. Soles) and her friends get even with their principal to music by the Ramones. Q&A and meet-andgreet with legendary drummer Marky Ramone following the film. General admission and VIP tickets available

ONE NIGHT ONLY Sun, March 8th @ 8:00 PM

GREED

104 minutes Greed is the fictional story of a retail billionaire, set in the glamorous and celebrity-filled world of luxury fashion, which is centered around the build up to a spectacular 60th birthday party in an exclusive hotel on the Greek island of Mykonos. Directed by Michael Winterbottom

Same God (2020, USA, Linda Midgett) a documentary chronicling political science professor and Shawnee native Larycia Hawkins’ movement to find

common ground among religions, March 8, Sun., March 8. AMC Quail Springs Mall 24, 2501 W. Memorial road, 405-755-2406, amctheatres.com. SUN

HAPPENINGS COOP Ale Works Anniversary Party celebrate 11 years of locally brewed beer and the launch of a new line of hard seltzer at this party benefitting the Oklahoma Humane Society, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. March 7. COOP Ale Works Tap Room, 4745 Council Heights Road, 405-842-2667, coopaleworks.com. SAT Dealing with the Shade learn how to grow healthy plants in shady places at this lecture presented by Oklahoma County Master Gardeners, 6 p.m. March 11. Will Rogers Garden Center, 3400 NW 36th St., 405-943-0827, okc.gov. WED Film Row Trivia Night test your cinematic knowledge at this monthly competition hosted by VHS and Chill, 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month. The Paramount Room, 701 W. Sheridan Ave., 405-887-3327, theparamountroom.com. TUE Master Wellness Volunteer training program learn to teach health and wellness strategies, give food demonstrations and more at this training session, Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. through March 31. OSU Extension, 2500 NE 63rd Street, 405-713-1125, oces. okstate.edu/oklahoma. TUE Memory Garden Groundbreaking Ceremony celebrate the groundbreaking for a specialized sensory garden created especially for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias; reception to follow, 3 p.m. March 8. Will Rogers Garden Center, 3400 NW 36th St., 405-943-0827, okc.gov. SUN No Tie Night a gala fundraiser for the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund, March 5, Thu., March 5. Park House, 125 Ron Norick Blvd, 405-200-1547. THU Oklahoma Native Plant Society meeting Gloria Caddell and Sheila Strawn will discuss the flora and biological soil crusts of the Cimarron Gypsum Hills, 6:30 p.m. March 5. OSU-OKC John E. Kirkpatrick Horticulture Center, 400 N Portland Ave, 4059453358. THU Pre-ARTini Fashion Show a fashion show featuring appetizers, cocktails and local models, 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 5. The Paramount Room, 701 W. Sheridan Ave., 405-887-3327, theparamountroom.com. THU Ripple Effect OKC hear stories of people making an impact in their communities at this TED-Talkinspired event with a buffet and and live band, 5-10 p.m. March 6. Castle Falls Restaurant & Event Center, 820 N. MacArthur Blvd., 405-942-6133, http:castlefalls.com. FRI Under The Big Top an evening of carnival-inspired games, performances and food raising funds for Calm Waters Center offering grief and divorce support services to children and families, 6:30-10 p.m. March 6. Farmers Public Market, 311 S. Klein Ave., 405-232-6506, okcfarmersmarket.com. FRI

FOOD Everything Strudel — a German Lifestyle Royal Bavaria master chef Andy Gmeiner will demonstrate how to cook vegetable, sausage and pear, walnut and bleu cheese streudels at this cooking class, 6:30 p.m. March 10. International Pantry, 1618 W. Lindsey St., 405-360-0765, intipantry.com. TUE OKC Farmers Market a year round farmers market featuring fresh produce, honey, baked goods, meat, hand made goods and more., Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. OKC Farmers Market, 311 S. Klein Ave., 4054860701, okcfarmersmarket.com. SAT

OPENING Friday, March 6th

Piatto Menu Favorites I Piatto executive chef Bill Forster will demonstrate how to cook vanilla poached pear salad, stuffed beef rolls braised in tomato sauce with polenta and salted caramel custard, at this cooking class, 6:30 p.m. March 5. International Pantry, 1618 W. Lindsey St., 405-3600765, intipantry.com. THU

VHS & CHILL PRESENTS:

LEPRECHAUN 3

94 minutes One night in Las Vegas, a pawn shop owner purchases a statue of a leprechaun from a mysterious stranger. He ignores the stranger’s warning to never remove the statue’s golden medallion and takes it for himself. Instantly the statue transforms into the murderous Leprechaun (Warwick Davis), who vows to kill anyone who takes his gold. Scott McCoy (John Gatins), who unwittingly took a gold coin from the pawn shop, and Tammy (Lee Armstrong), Scott’s new friend, are first on the list. The DTV sequel in a rare theatrical presentation.

ONE NIGHT ONLY Sunday, March 8th @ 8:00 PM

Showtimes & Tickets at Rodeocinema.org 2221 Exchange Avenue, OKC 405-235- 3456 (FILM)

M A R C H 4 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

OKCine Latino Film Festival 2020 Watch films from Spain, Mexico, Latin America and the United States at this two-day festival, which also includes screenings of local student films and, on opening night, a dance party with live music by Latin Mojo Band. The festival is 7 p.m.-midnight Friday at The Yale Theatre, 277 SW 25th St. and noon-5 p.m. at Capitol Hill Library, 327 SW 27th St. Tickets for Friday are $25-$30, and admission Saturday is free. Visit historiccapitolhill.com/okcine-latino. FRIDAY-SATURDAY Photo Erick Corral / provided

Tamales! El Toro Chino’s Klaudya Barcenas will demonstrate how to cook pork, chicken and vegetarian tamales at this hands-on cooking class, 2 p.m. March 7. International Pantry, 1618 W. Lindsey St., 405-360-0765, intipantry.com. SAT

The Happy Hour: Affirmation Toast Women’s History Month is obviously a great time to celebrate the past accomplishments of historical figures, but don’t forget to recognize the present achievements of the women around you and appreciate your own as well. Raise a glass 5-6:30 p.m. March 11 at The Treasury, 10 N. Lee Ave. Tickets are $55. Call 325660-2264 or visit thetreasury.work. MARCH 11 Photo bigstock.com

YOUTH Beginning Martial Arts Classes students ages 7 and older can learn martial arts from instructor Darrell Sarjeant at this weekly class, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursdays. Nappy Roots, 3705 Springlake Drive, 405896-0203, facebook.com/pg/nappyrootsbooks. THU Dr. Seuss Day in the Gardens children can meet The Cat in the Hat at this story time featuring crafts, games and photo opportunities, 10 a.m.-noon March 7. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405445-7080, myriadgardens.com. SAT Furry Fiction a story time encouraging kindness toward animals with a chance to interact with adoptable animals, 10-10:30 a.m. March 6. Oklahoma Humane Society, 7500 N Western Ave., 405-2861229, okhumane.org. FRI Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Picturing the Past children can learn about the work of photographer Dorothea Lange, make a rag doll or mini soapbox car and participate in hallway derby before a screening of Kit Kitteridge: An American Girl, 10 a.m.-noon March 7. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. SAT Weatherschool children can learn about Oklahoma’s weather at this presentation by the KFOR 4Warn Storm Team, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. March 4. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. WED

PERFORMING ARTS Comedy Night at Nosh standups CJ Lance, Josh Lathe, and James Nghiem are scheduled to perform, 7-10 p.m. March 6. Nosh Restaurant, 200 Southeast 19th St., 405-814-9699, noshinmoore.com. FRI Così fan tutte University of Oklahoma School of Music and University Theatre present Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s comedic opera, March 6-8, March 6-8. Reynolds Performing Arts Center, 560 Parrington Oval, 405-325-7370, ou.edu. FRI-SUN Having Our Say sisters Sadie and Bessie, both more than 100 years old, share their life story while cooking dinner onstage in this play based on the real-life Delany sisters, Feb. 19-March 8, Through March 8. Lyric at the Plaza, 1725 NW 16th St., 405524-9312, LyricTheatreOKC.com. WED-SUN Nowruz Persian Music Festival learn about Persian music at this festival featuring an educational workshop and a concert of music from four regions of Iran, March 6-7, March 6-7. Sharp Concert Hall, 500 W. Boyd St., (405) 325-4101, music.ou.edu. FRI-SAT

ACTIVE Big Pink a week-long volleyball tournament played with four-foot inflatable balls and held as a fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen foundation, Through March 6. University of Central Oklahoma, 100 N. University Drive. MON-FRI Daffodil Dash a 1K walk to celebrate the blooming of 40,000 daffodil bulbs planted last fall; yellow floral themed attire is encouraged, with prizes for people and dogs, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. March 7. Scissortail Park, 300 SW Seventh St., 405-445-7080, scissortailpark.org. SAT Fight for Air Climb first responders, corporate teams, families and individuals will climb 42 flights of stairs to raise money for the American Lung Association in Oklahoma, March 7, Sat., March 7. Valliance Bank Tower, 1601 Northwest Expressway, 4057926400. SAT

GO TO OKGAZETTE.COM FOR FULL LISTINGS!

Dorothea Lange: Politics of Seeing an exhibition of photographs documenting the experiences of Dust Bowl migrants and Japanese American prisoners in World War II internment camps, Feb. 14-May 10, Through May 10. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. FRI-SUN Home on the Range an exhibition featuring 20 artists’ perspectives on the buffalo’s importance to Native culture and art, through June 30, Through June 30. Exhibit C, 1 E. Sheridan Ave., 405-767-8900, exhibitcgallery.com. SUN-TUE I Paint Music/Inside Outside view paintings by artists Karen Mosbacher and George Bogart at this double exhibition, March 6-April 25, March 6-April 25. JRB Art at The Elms, 2810 N. Walker Ave., 405-528-6336, jrbartgallery.com. FRI-SAT

Ignite Arts Festival Get a sneak preview of the future of local art at this juried show of elementary and middle school student work. The event will also feature live performances by music, dance and drama students, T-shirt printing and student and local vendors and food trucks. The festival is 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at Harding Fine Arts Academy, 3333 N. Shartel Ave. Admission is free. SATURDAY Photo provided downtownokc.com/kerr-park. TUE

Open Badminton hit some birdies in some morning pick-up games of badminton with friends, 10 a.m.noon Saturdays. Jackie Cooper Gymnasium, 1024 E. Main St., 405-350-8920, cityofyukon.gov. SAT

40 Over 40: Women Artists of Oklahoma an exhibition highlighting works created by Oklahoman artists over the age over 40, through March 13, Through March 13. MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main St., 405-360-1162, mainsitecontemporaryart.com. FRI

Spring Bocce Ball League a four-week tournament for 16 teams, 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesdays March 10-31. Kerr Park, 102 Robert S. Kerr Ave., 405-235-3500,

Until We Organize: The Struggle for the Equal Rights Amendment an exhibition of photographs chronicling Oklahoma’s battle over the ERA, through Nov. 30, 2020, Through Nov. 30. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, 405-521-2491, okhistory.org. MON-TUE When Worn an exhibition featuring works by jewelers and metalsmiths from across the country, through March 26, Through March 26. Melton Gallery, 100 N. University drive, 405-525-3603, uco.edu. MON-THU

In the Direction of the Sun an exhibition of works by Kyndall Rainey and Danny Joe Rose III on display in the Crystal Bridge Visitor Center, through March 23, Through March 23. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, myriadgardens.com. SAT-MON

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.

Introduction to Procreate learn to use the digital art studio at this introductory workshop taught by Nathan Kent, 6-9 p.m. March 4. Artspace at Untitled, 1 NE Third St., 405-815-9995, 1ne3.org. WED O. Gail Poole’s Sideshow an exhibition of surreal and unusual paintings by the eclectic Oklahoma artist, through May 10, Through May 10. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., 405-325-3272, ou.edu/ fjjma. FRI-SUN

Monday Night Group Ride meet up for a weekly 25-30 minute bicycle ride at about 18 miles per hour through east Oklahoma City, 6 p.m. Mondays. The Bike Lab OKC, 2200 W. Hefner Road, 405-603-7655. MON

Run the Alley a three-mile social run for athletes of all abilities ending with beers at The Yard, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays. OK Runner, 708 N Broadway Ave., 405-702-9291, myokrunner.com. THU

Undisclosed Image an exhibition featuring works by photographers Brenda Biondo, Carol Golemboski, Meggan Gould, Martin Venezky and Ariel Wilson, 5-8 p.m. March 11. Oklahoma City University School of Visual Arts, 1601 NW 26th St., 405-208-5226, okcu. edu/artsci/departments/visualart. WED

VISUAL ARTS

Brown Bag Lunch Series Seth Hopkins, Executive Director at the Booth Western Art Museum will present “Andy Warhol Did Western Art?” a discussion of the inspiration for the Warhol and the West exhibition, noon- 1 p.m. March 5. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. THU

Oklahoma Landmarks an exhibition of artworks by Kathy Buttry, March 8-April 30. 50 Penn Place Gallery, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 405-848-5567, 50pennplacegallery.com. SUN-THU Paseo Arts District’s First Friday Gallery Walk peruse art from over 80 artists with 25 participating business for a night of special themed exhibits, refreshments and a variety of entertainment opportunities, 6-10 p.m. first Friday of every month. Paseo Arts District, 3022 Paseo St., 405-525-2688, thepaseo.org. FRI

For OKG live music

see page 40

GO TO OKGAZETTE.COM FOR FULL LISTINGS!

SPRING 2020

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03.13.20

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THE JONES ASSEMBLY PRESENTS

BOB SCHNEIDER AT THE YALE THEATER

05.02.20

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JOHNNIE WALKER PRESENTS

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06.14.20

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- Oklahoma Gazette O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | M A R C H 4 , 2 0 2 0

Changing tunes

Recorded at 51st Street Speakeasy, Matt Jewett Live captures the singer-songwriter in a creative flux. By Jeremy Martin

After his “pretty popular kind of like punkish, emo, I don’t know what kind of band” Shut Up Matt Jewett played its last show in June of 2018, the band’s namesake stopped play ing music for several months. “I was just so burnt out,” Jewett said. “It was almost eight months on the button that I didn’t play any shows. I didn’t touch a guitar for like six months. … I was just kind of spent and done.” Matt Jewett Live, recorded by James and David Nghiem in May 2019 in the small upstairs Scotch Room at 51st Street Speakeasy, will be released Friday through local record label Robot Saves City. Jewett started playing music again in February 2019 when he opened for Canadian singer-songwriter Seth Anderson at HiLo Club. “After that show, I started writing a little bit again and went through a flourish where I hit three or four songs pretty quickly in a couple of months,” Jewett said. “I had not had that. I’d been in a real big rut of writer’s block for about a year and a half or two years where I just really hadn’t written anything, or at least anything that I thought was any good.” “Bad Math,” “It Always Ends the Same” and “Younger Man’s Game” were written in the months before Live’s recording. “There’s some really, really new stuff,” Jewett said. “There’s some really old stuff on there, too.” The album also includes “Never Look Back,” a cover of a song by Caught Stealing frontman Pete Allen. “It’s an upbeat party-sounding song with them, but the lyrics are really, really kind of gut-wrenchingly dark, so I just took it and turned it into the most depressing song humanly possible,” Jewett said. “They’ve got the party version, and I’ve got the massive bummer version.” The song’s transformation is indicative of the way Jewett’s newer songs compare to his work with his former band, as well. “Anybody who’s ever seen me knows that I can’t just stand still in front of a microphone with a guitar,” Matt Jewett said, “but the stuff is definitely not as fast as it used to be. I sing a lot more than I squelch. A lot of that [Shut Up Matt 24

M A R C H 4 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

Matt Jewett Live will be released Friday through local record label Robot Saves City. | Image James Nghiem / provided

Jewett] stuff was very sardonic and sarcastic and had a lot of dark humor in it, and this stuff is not funny at all. These songs are kind of OK with just being super fucking depressing.” Fortunately his newer songs are less autobiographical than some of his earlier material. “It often sounds like I’m purely writing about like amorous romantic relationships and them maybe not going so well, and I think I kind of just frame a lot of things in the context of that just because it’s a little bit more universally relatable,” Jewett said. “There are a lot of times when I’m saying ‘you,’ and ‘you’ could actually mean ‘me.’ ‘You’ could mean, ‘I’m talking about myself, but for the sake of the story, I’m maybe pointing it outside of myself.’ But also, sometimes, I’ll just take a little chip of something that’s happened and the rest of it is purely fiction. There’s a lot more fictitious-character-writing in my songs than I think a lot of people think.” The “you” in album closer “Younger Man’s Game,” we’re told, feels “a change coming on.” “As the angst and rage fades to shame,” Jewett sings, “and you become resigned like the end of the day / Same as it ever was / All that anger was just a younger man’s game.” Jewett plans to release a “proper studio EP” later this year. Live will be available for purchase at robotsavescity. com, and money from sales will go to Sisu Youth Services, a nonprofit providing shelter and care for homeless youth.

F E AT U R E

MUSIC

Strange brew Norman metal duo Bugnog’s debut Chuggernaut is “trudgy, slow” and secretly explosive. By Jeremy Martin

Bugnog celebrates the release of debut album Chuggernaut 9 p.m. March 14 at Blue Note Lounge, 2408 N. Robinson Ave. At the time of this interview, the “two-dude” Norman metal band was still finishing it. “In past projects, we’ve had outside help,” guitarist Nog said, “and it just never came out the way we wanted it to come out, so this outing, we decided total DIY, total do-it-byyourself, and that way we can get the sound that we’ve been, kind of, I guess maybe chasing for this project.” The album is “a long time coming” collaboration that began a little over a year ago. “We always joked about … ‘We need to get together and form this doom band and just play really heavy, trudgy, slow stuff,’” drummer Bug said. “We always laughed, and then both of us got freed up, and we were like, ‘You know what? Let’s just do this thing.’” Nog said he’s influenced by “typical doom metal bands” Sleep and Black Sabbath as well as The Mars Volta and jazz bassist Charles Mingus, while Bug listens to deathcore, black metal and childhood favorites such as Metallica and Megadeth. Vinnie Paul’s “big drum sound” in Pantera is a “huge influence” as well, but the duo doesn’t necessarily want to sound like any of those things. “We were trying to not try to emulate bands that we liked too much,” Nog said. “While we were in this band, for me at least, a lot of times I’ve been trying to listen to not metal stuff.” Bug and Nog, who have played together in other bands under other names, have “kind of a love-and-hate relationship sometimes,” Nog said, but the two have an easy time communicating. “I would say it’s our ability to compromise, our ability to straight up look each other in the face and say, ‘Dude, that sucks,’ or ‘Dude, that’s boring,’ or, ‘This is just not going to work together,’” Nog said. “I think it’s just this ability to not get butt-hurt about the other’s input.” Though their abilities to play each other’s instruments are limited, they both accept suggestions. “We’re both willing to try something, to take direction,” Bug said. “That way, we can both hear it and be satisfied that we heard the idea.” Sometimes the ideas need work. “I wanted to have like a bell type of thing at the beginning of one of our

Bugnog celebrates the release of debut album Chuggernaut 9 p.m. March 14 at Blue Note Lounge.| Image provided

songs, ‘Inquisitor,’” Bug said, “and he deemed it to sound to much like a messenger app dinging.” The dinging noises weren’t Bug’s only controversial contribution. “Bug is a sucker for explosions,” Nog said. “There might be less explosions on the album than he wants, but — ” Bug interrupted. “I’ve got a couple buried in there,” Bug said. “I try to keep them hidden and don’t tell him what I’m up to, but I know they’re there. They’re buried enough to where nobody can hear them. I don’t even know if I can hear them, but it makes me feel good.” Bugnog, according to the band’s bio, is both a metal duo and “a delicious and intoxicating drink made from booze, bud and bugs.” If anyone has a recipe, Nog offered to taste it at the album release show. “If people want to bring out some bugnog, their own homemade bugnog concoction for us to test to see if it’s up to our standards,” Nog said, “they’re more than welcome to.” “We have our own version, which is not to be disclosed,” Bug said. “It’s a secret recipe,” Nog said. Admission is $5. Dire Gnome and Starfighter share the bill. Visit bugnog. bandcamp.com.

Bugnog 9 p.m. March 14 Blue Note Lounge 2408 N. Robinson Ave. facebook.com/bluenoteokc | 405-600-1166 $5

Tony Foster Jr.’s Kaleidoscope reveals spirituality through soul and R&B. By Jeremy Martin

Kaleidescope isn’t the album Tony Foster Jr. expected to make. “I never would have thought that an album like that would be my debut album, just a collection of thoughts that are very personal, that are very spiritual,” Foster said. “I never planned on being an artist with that kind of message. … It’s not that it’s something that I didn’t want to do; I just never imagined it being that way. I’ve always been a soul, R&B guy.” Relea sed Feb. 21, Kaleidoscope is Foster’s fulllength studio debut, following his live album Long Story Short, released in June of 2018. In Kaleidoscope’s first single, “Song Back,” Foster sings, “Help me, God / I need an answer, God / I’m losing all my hope / Trying to control my pride / Can you restore my soul? / I need you to make me whole.” Foster said the album was recorded during “a really big transitional period” in his life. “I had recently gone through a divorce,” Foster said. “I was doing some work in the community in a new way, living on my own and being really connected with the local music scene. I was doing music full-time … as a worship leader at Life Church. All of those events taking place at the same time started those ideas for the songs. The actual songs themselves kind of started to write themselves.” Foster recorded Kaleidoscope’s vocals over four days in September of 2018 at James Conner’s Veux Studios. The album features guests Sean C. Johnson (“Song Back”), Jacobi Ryan (“Fall Over”), Thomas Who? (“For the Love of God”) and Adam Ledbetter of Adam & Kizzie (“Sunset”). Though Foster did not expect to release anything as spiritual as Kaleidoscope, he said the album’s message and meaning helped make it something more than he could have achieved on his own. “It was really like a sacrifice to let go of my own ideas and my own thoughts and my own ambitions as an artist,” Foster said. “But I will say that there have been so many rewards … that I wouldn’t have been able to curate or come up with on my own, so I can definitely see the reason why I was called to present this body of work in this way. The overall quality of the album, the way

Tony Foster Jr. released Kaleidoscope Feb. 21. | Image provided

that the sessions were created, the way they were produced, all of the contributions to the album were essentially donated to me. They were gifted to me, and not from me crowdfunding or asking resources, ‘Hey do you know a guy?’ … The way that the album was edited, mixed, mastered, the way it was done in such detail — man, a lot of hours outside of me being there were spent by other people on this project, and you can’t pay somebody enough to care, to take personal investment in your project.” The album’s title represents a convergence of beauty that can’t be fully comprehended. “You can never make sense of what you see inside of a kaleidoscope,” Foster said. “You never say, ‘Oh this is a butterfly,’ or, ‘This is a flower. It’s just a mesh of colors and images, and you know you like looking at it. … I kind of saw that happening in my life outside of the album, outside of the process, the vulnerability that I experienced while I was writing that music. It was a really difficult, difficult period, but things just started to take shape. … I just felt like the project was my opportunity to tell people that you don’t have to know exactly what you’re looking at, what you see, but you can know that whatever it is, it’s beautiful. And you don’t need to keep shifting it to try to make sense of it in order to experience it and to enjoy it.” Foster, joined by Johnson, Ray June and Sid Carter, will celebrate the album’s release April 17 at The Paramount Room. Visit tonyfosterjr.com.

F E AT U R E

Beyond comprehension

Magic kingdom

Sela Da Sorcerer’s “crass, fun” Nirvana celebrates small moments of bliss. By Jeremy Martin

Sela Da Sorcerer compares her music to the cartoon South Park. “It’s raw, crass, fun on the surface but full of philosophy lower in depth,” Sela said. The OKC hip-hop artist performs Tuesday at Unwired Records, 2914 N. MacArthur Boulevard. Sela began recording as da Sorcerer about two years ago after a coworker saw her writing poetry on the back of her schedule during downtime at Science Museum Oklahoma and asked her to do a guest verse. Listening to the song — “Jack n Jill,” from Revolution’s mixtape The Cosmic Sons — she knew she wanted to make more. “It was insane hearing myself saying all these cool, bad-ass, clever things, and it was really fun,” Sela said. “After that, I was like, ‘Alright, I want one song that’s completely me, and now I want a reggae song, and now I want kind of a more serious political song,’ and I just kept going from there. I just keep envisioning new sounds that I want to play with.” She released 21-track debut Yin Yang in May and six-track EP Nirvana in December. She was inspired to write her most recent release when she found a connection between several free beats on YouTube. “I heard about four or five different instrumentals that I liked immediately,” Sela said. “They had this kind of theme behind them that immediately stood out to me. I wrote all the songs in, like, two days. A few days later, I recorded them all. I snapped the picture on a cell phone and edited it myself and put it out there.” The album celebrates the search for “small moments of nirvana, even in difficult spaces or even through poverty or through struggle,” Sela said. As an artist, Sela finds inspiration in positivity. “It wasn’t always that way, but it’s something that I’m very conscious about now. Things that I take in to my body consciously and physically, with the food that I eat and what I wear, but also what I put out into the world, I’d like it to be positive,” Sela said.” It doesn’t have to be serious or introspective, but I like things that are uplifting or motivating. … There’s a lot of sad-core kind of earworms out there right now. There’s kind of that ethos out in music right now, or it’s really violent, or really materialistic, and none of that really resonated with me, so I wanted to do something that felt more organic and raw and happy.” Sela hears progress between her first

Sela Da Sorcerer released Nirvana, her second album, in December. | Image provided

album and the follow-up, and she said she thinks other people seem to hear it too. “They sound really different if you listen to them back to back,” Sela said. “I think Nirvana is a little more polished. I think they’re more recognizable as songs. They follow certain concepts. Yin Yang was a lot of lyrical flexing and having a lot of fun just being clever and exploring themes, lyrically more so than sonically. There’s some tracks on Yin Yang that are still a little raw, but they’re great. I’ve gotten a lot more show offers and gotten to do a lot more cool stuff and gotten to network a lot more since releasing Nirvana. I think it’s a little closer to what people are used to hearing, I guess.” After getting positive feedback for her first music video “Garden,” Sela plans to release more videos in 2020 and said she wants to try making reggae, EDM, industrial and gothic music. “I’d like to keep putting out weird, cool, experimental music, and I’d like to experiment with other genres a lot more,” Sela said. “I don’t really see myself completely staying in hip-hop next year, but I just want to make fun, good, interesting music that makes people think and makes them feel good and feel empowered.” Visit soundcloud.com/seladasorcerer.

O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | M A R C H 4 , 2 0 2 0

LIVE MUSIC Nuclear Okra, The Depot. ACOUSTIC Opal Agafia, The Deli. AMERICANA Poolboy/Call Boys/Candy Fly, Opolis. ROCK Randy Coyne’s Jazz Cartel, Grand House. JAZZ

KAMASI WASHINGTON March 7

Reckless Kelly, Tower Theatre. COUNTRY Scott Cook/Chris Blevins, The Blue Door. SINGER/

RAUL MALO March 12

SONGWRITER

Sons Of Texas/Sunflower Dead/Kirra, Oklahoma City Limits. METAL

SHINYRIBS March 13

Sundance Head, Diamond Ballroom. COUNTRY

SATURDAY, MAR. 7 All Seems Lost/Understanding Eris/Crazy Love Hawk, 89th Street-OKC. METAL

KELLER WILLIAMS March 14 MT. JOY March 15 CROSS, RAGS & YOUNG March 20 AMANDA SHIRES March 21

The Bottom of the Barrel, Bluebonnet Bar. AMERICANA

The world’s leading MARCH 25 Queen Tribute! TOWER THEATRE

MARCH 25 Oklahoma City, OK

Tickets at www.towertheatreokc.com

BLUE OCTOBER March 29 TICKETS & INFO AT TOWERTHEATREOKC.COM @TOWERTHEATREOKC 405-70-TOWER | 425 NW 23rd Street

Brothers Griiin/Net/Endocrine Twins, The Drunken Fry. ELECTRONIC/ROCK

TOWERTHEATREOKC.COM 405-70-TOWER 425 NW 23rd Street, OKC

Crooked Vinyl/Follow the Buzzards/Lunar Division, Red Brick Bar. ROCK

Orville Peck Country music, masked singer Orville Peck told Vice last year, is “kind of the last massive genre to have really embraced weird, outsider, alternative aspects.” His 2019 debut Pony features shimmering dream pop country with the haunting quality of Roy Orbison soundtracking David Lynch. Like fellow Canadian k.d. lang, Peck has a ready willingness to challenge country’s self-imposed boundaries and the raw talent to make some of its most exciting music. Nashville country rockers Teddy and The Rough Riders draw first 6:30 p.m. March 13 at The Jones Assembly, 901 W. Sheridan Ave. Tickets are $25-$125. Call 405-212-2378 or visit thejonesassembly.com. MARCH 13 Photo Carlos Santolalla / provide

WEDNESDAY, MAR. 4

@ponyboyokc #StayGoldOKC 26

M A R C H 4 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

Miss Brown to You, Full Circle Bookstore. ACOUSTIC The Odyssey/One Two Ten, Opolis. ROCK Tim Buchanan Band/Cat Casual & the Final Word/ Fire Bad!, The Paramount Room. ROCK The Whiskey Gingers, Nosh Restaurant. ACOUSTIC

SUNDAY, MAR. 8 Dori Freeman, The Depot. FOLK Hosty, The Deli. ROCK Johnnyswim, Chesapeake Energy Arena. FOLK/ SOUL

Ravens Three, Full Circle Bookstore. FOLK Red Elvises, Ponyboy. ROCK Vale of Pnath/Wolf King/Xerophtalmia, 89th Street-OKC. METAL

Jason Hunt and Preston Ware, Sean Cumming’s Irish Restaurant. FOLK

TUESDAY, MAR. 10 The Happy Fits, Ponyboy. ROCK Hippie Sabotage/ilo ilo, The Criterion. POP Kyle Reid, Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails. SINGER/

Amarillo Junction, JJ’s Alley Bricktown Pub.

SONGWRITER

Chew, Red Brick Bar. EXPERIMENTAL

Tom Paxton and The DonJuans, OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater. FOLK

Trippie Redd/BlocBoy JB/Kodie Shane, The Criterion. HIP-HOP

WEDNESDAY, MAR. 11

ACOUSTIC

THURSDAY, MAR. 5

Amarillo Junction, JJ’s Alley Bricktown Pub. ACOUSTIC

Dead Horses/Ken Pomeroy, Ponyboy. AMERICANA

Hot House Band, Othello’s Italian Restaurant. JAZZ

Excision/Wooli/PhaseOne, The Criterion. ELEC-

Sativa Prophets/Mondoz/XTZ, Glass Lounge.

TRONIC

HIP-HOP

John Carlton & Kyle Reid, The Winston. SINGER/

Shelly Phelps & Dylan Nagode, Jazmo’z Bourbon St. Café. ACOUSTIC

Trap Boy Freddy, Glass Lounge. HIP-HOP

SONGWRITER

FRIDAY, MAR. 6 Audio Book Club/Husbands, The Paramount Room. ROCK

Catherine Fuller, Full Circle Bookstore. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

Electric Okie Test, 51st Street Speakeasy. COVER

WWW.PONYBOYOKC.COM

Midas 13, Okie Tonk Café. COVER

MONDAY, MAR. 9

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

3.5 ROOTS OF THOUGHT with Twiggs & Swimfan 3.8 IGOR AND THE RED ELVISES with Klamz 3.10 THE HAPPY FITS 3.11 DEAD HORSES with Ken Pomeroy 3.12 JORDAN ROBERT KIRK 3.13 DOUG BURR with Kyle Reid 3.15 FREE MODE Mt. Joy After Party 3.19 MONTU with Olympus Mons 3.22 C.W. STONEKING 3.27 TYSON MOTSENBOCKER 3.29 THE MASTERSONS 4.1 NORDISTA FREEZE with WHOA DAKOTA 4.8 JOE PUG with Matthew Wright 4.9 PONY BRADSHAW

Kamasi Washington/Jeremy Thomas Quartet, Tower Theatre. JAZZ

Jessica Tate & John Rouse, Bossa Nova Caipirinha Lounge. JAZZ Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards/Saturn, Stockyards Central. ROCK Lauren Daigle, Chesapeake Energy Arena. CHRISTIAN

Wailing Aaron Jennings, Red Brick Bar. COUNTRY

Live music submissions must be received by Oklahoma Gazette no later than noon on Wednesday seven days before the desired publication date. Late submissions will not be included in the listings. Submissions run as space allows, although we strive to make the listings as inclusive as possible. Fax your listings to 528-4600 or e-mail to listings@okgazette.com. Sorry, but phone submissions cannot be accepted.

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THE HIGH CULTURE

CANNABIS

requires a crystal ball. I have ordered one from Amazon. Until it arrives, I will say that we do anticipate some changes in banking as the regulatory landscape changes. But this cash-heavy industry will always have more compliance reporting than is necessary for other lines of business.

Green banking

Mel Barnes, chief operations officer for Oklahoma State Bank, talks with Oklahoma Gazette about banking regulations in regard to cannabis. By Matt Dinger

Oklahoma State Bank is the most recent financial institution to offer banking services for Oklahomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s medical cannabis industry. Executive vice president and chief operating officer Mel Barnes recently took the time to answer some questions about the current and future climate for banking cannabis. Oklahoma Gazette: Please introduce yourself and explain how you came to be where you are now. Mel Barnes: I have been in the banking industry in the OKC and Norman communities for 26 years. I began my career in the bank card department. Over the last 26 years, I have worked primarily in payments, eCommerce, corporate training and business development. With a lengthy operations background, I have been very excited about creating a program for marijuana-related businesses and providing them the tools to operate the financial end of their business just as any other industry can operate in 2020. OKG: If a business wishes to open an account with your bank, what do they need to bring with them to get started?

How much can they expect to pay for the account? Barnes: We use a compliance management system that allows our clients an easy onboarding process. We simply send a link to a questionnaire on our secure portal, which allows the client to upload necessary entity documents and required Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority licenses. The client must be in compliance with the OMMA in order for the bank to provide services. The portal will facilitate ongoing communication between the bank and the client, along with providing reminders when licenses expire or more documentation is needed. We have created a tiered fee structure that we have found to be one of the most competitive in the state. The more accounts you need, the smaller the monthly fee per account. Please contact Oklahoma State Bank for fee details. OKG: What are some of the major differences between traditional business banking and banking cannabis? Barnes: The main difference, and the explanation for the expense involved, is the compliance aspect. Federal banking

OKG: Do you anticipate the ability to make cashless cannabis purchases using debit or credit cards for medical cannabis becoming available? Barnes: The card payment associations do not participate in cannabis transactions for reasons related to federal regulations. In time, I do believe you will see Visa and MasterCard (the associations) enter this payment space. There are millions of dollars in potential transactions from which they do not benefit. But that time is not now. I hear of some interesting schemes on the part of payment providers to trick the systems and get around association regulaMel Barnes | Photo provided tions. MRBs beware. OSB offers a cashless payment regulations require full transparency for system for consumer and B2B transacmarijuana related businesses (MRBs). tions that utilize the ACH network. This The reporting requirements are similar is the most reliable means of making to other cash-intensive industries. We cannabis-related payments. must comply with the Bank Secrecy Act, which addresses money laundering. OKG: What is the benefit of having a Unlike other traditional industries, there bank account for cannabis money rather are requirements to submit sales records, than keeping it as cash or using it for which are reconciled with deposit activpurchases? ity. We ask our clients to provide the same Barnes: Clearly, large amounts of cash reporting that is provided to the OMMA create an enormous security risk. Making on a monthly basis. Compliance is expenpayroll and utility payments using cash sive and requires additional technology creates logistics conundrums as well. and manpower. Payments could be one of the biggest challenges in this industry. Having a bank OKG: Why are so many banks reticent account available for deposits and making to touch Oklahomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s medical cannabis payments with an online banking tool money? works for virtually every industry. It Barnes: As discussed previously, there creates safe and reliable payment is a tremendous amount of compliance methods and reduces the security risks required of banks in this industry. The related to carrying stacks of cash all over liability falls upon the bank, and all retown. Additionally, traditional payment porting must be timely and accurate. In methods create financial records. Your light of this ongoing reporting, some CPA will thank you. banks do not want to commit resources to MRBs. Those banks that do not wish to provide services to MRBs are known to detect transactions related to cannabis and close client accounts. Without a compliance department dedicated to MRBs, many banks simply opt out. I encourage businesses that currently hold bank accounts at non-cannabis-friendly institutions to consider a conversation with a bank that is prepared to provide you most of the same services as they provide to any other industry. OKG: Do you anticipate a relaxation of federal law on banking cannabis money? Barnes: The answer to this question O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | M A R C H 4 , 2 0 2 0

CANNABIS

THE HIGH CULTURE

Reddit reel

The definitive online forum for Oklahoma cannabis information since before the vote on State Question 788 is getting bigger by the day. By Matt Dinger

There is a place cannabis enthusiasts and patients have been congregating online before State Question 788 was even voted into law. The r/OKmarijuana subreddit hit 10,000 members last week. Scotty Biffle, AKA Rude_E_Huxtable, is the founder of the group and a mental health professional from northwest Oklahoma. “I’m not a fan of Facebook. I think that’s terrible,” Biffle said. “I saw that [State Question] 788 was coming around. I thought it would get killed before it ever got to the voting portion of it. Once I realized that it actually had some legs, I’d just kind of been on Reddit about six, seven months. And I thought, ‘Well, there ain’t nobody else that’s jumping in on this,’ so I just kind of saw an opportunity for people to get together and share information and try to be on the same page collectively

M A R C H 4 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

instead of scattered to the wind.” He launched r/OKmarijuana in May 2018 and shared quite a bit of its early content. “Most of it was from news sites, but it was more along the lines of the political end for me,” Biffle said. “There’s so much money that people were making off of marijuana being illegal around this part of that state. It just got hosed with all this fearmongering and propaganda. You know, ‘If you guys start letting people have cannabis, they’re gonna …’ You know, the old reefer madness trip. I really thought it would just be used to help share information easily for 788. And then once it passed, it just kind of grew from there. At first, it was what dispensaries are gonna open and what products were available. I remember one of the first dispensaries was talking about those Dank Vape carts that ended up being bad news. And then the pricing.”

While many members and moderators have come and gone, only about 150 accounts have ever been banned from the subreddit in the 21 months since r/ OKmarijuana’s birth.

Organizing members

“It’s hard for me to keep track of the old members. I’d like to look through there and give some credit,” Biffle said. “I know PizzaBarista, he’s been around since the beginning. He’s a mod. He’s a good guy. ChefSlapChop, he was the main contributor to the subreddit looking the way it did from about the time you were able to purchase at a dispensary up until The Peak opened and he got offered a job and he took it. He messaged me and said, ‘Man, I can’t be

The OKmarijuana Reddit page launched May 2018. | Image Reddit / provided

a mod anymore.’ I said, ‘Well, you do a fine job.’ He said, ‘Well it’s a conflict of interest and I don’t want to cause any problems,’ so he stepped down. He made a post stating that.” ChefSlapChop, AKA Alex Jordan, said he taught himself how to code CSS and offered to create the style template for the subreddit. “Before 788 passed, I was trying to find a cool community on Reddit that could really cater to Oklahoma’s medical marijuana community, and I found the most popular one was r/OKmarijuana. It just looked shabby. There was no style at all to it,” Jordan said. “And as somebody whose mother sent them to rehab

and have been in handcuffs and arrested for cannabis and kicked out of school for cannabis, I really wanted 788 to have good information, a good community for information-sharing where people could go and talk about upcoming legislation and upcoming community drives, and I didn’t like how it looked, really. I just didn’t have any pop. So I just kind of out of the blue reached out to the moderator, Rude_E_ Huxtable and said, ‘Hey, man, I’d like to create a style sheet for you guys and kind of make it look a little cleaner just to kind of add a little bit more legitimacy to the movement.’ This was prior to it passing, and none of us really thought that it would ever pass. I myself, I thought Oklahoma would ban dancing before they ever legalized cannabis, and then it passed and there wasn’t any information being organized by anyone and everyone was kind of using it as a platform to ask really repetitive questions like, ‘How do I get a card and what do I do? Where do I find a doctor?’ And so we’ve just started kind of doing mass data collection on resources to go to, scheduling of events to attend and tried to just organize it in a way that was cool. And everything went surprisingly pretty well. I designed kind of what it looks like now, with the exception of a few alterations that have happened since I’ve left.”

litical persuasions all getting to remain anonymous so they can literally say or do whatever the hell they want. You’re going to get a few hiccups along the way, but for the most part, as you might expect, a cannabis community is pretty chill and pretty nice to each other.” While being a moderator was a lot of work for Jordan, Biffle has less day-today responsibility.

Stepping back and just kind of going and looking at it just as a user, I’m really kind of proud of how cool it became. Alex Jordan “I don’t personally keep that sub going. It’s the new mod team and the community,” Biffle said. “We have had ups and downs, but this team seems to really work together and the sub is the best it’s been. I would like to see more community involvement with the industry on the sub. In the past, there were issues on both sides; we are headed in a new direction now and would like to see a broad spectrum of members. It is a patient sub first

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Jordan met Corbin Wyatt, the founder of The Peak who now owns Likewise, on the subreddit. A budtender job led to a management position, which keeps him at least as busy as being a moderator did. “When I left, it wasn’t bittersweet in the least. I was happy to kind of be done,” Jordan said. “It seemed like a full-time job at that point in time that I wasn’t getting paid for, but now stepping back and just kind of going and looking at it just as a user, I’m really kind of proud of how cool it became. ... You have people from all walks of life, all ages, all socioeconomic backgrounds, from all parts of the state, from all sorts of different po-

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The r/OKmarijuana subreddit hit 10,000 members last week. | Image Reddit / provided

and foremost, not an ad source. No astroturfing or shadiness welcome.” Moving forward, Biffle is also hoping to build a cancer patient resource for Operation Zero and other discounted Rick Simpson Oil programs. His fatherin-law died the same week the subreddit hit 10,000 users, and that inspired the idea of building a network of growers, processors and dispensaries, especially in rural areas. He asks that industry people willing to help contact him. You know where you can find him.

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DISPENSARIES

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GROWERS

allows the entity togrow, harvest, and package medical cannabis for the purpose of selling medical cannabis to a dispensary, processor, or researcher

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ever experienced cannabis quite like it, but that’s not a bad thing. Once accustomed to it, I was productive in a way that I usually only get from strong citrus strains but also with an energetic euphoria. I experienced a somewhat similar sensation from Elite Leaf’s Bling Cherries strain and a more sedate feeling from its Topanga Canyon run. It also has some of the best Purple Punch I’ve ever tasted at great prices. Who knows what else it has up its sleeve, but I’m eager to find out.

Bouquet: sweet and earthy Review: This hybrid flower is a cross between two strains I’ve never had before, Nom Nom (pink cut) and Thug Pug, but I’ve learned from previous visits to Elite Leaf to trust that they know what they’re doing. This one was deceptive at first, with no immediate effects and then mellow ones, so I kept hitting it — a mistake. After a few minutes, it all hit me at once and I was hanging on tightly for a few minutes for fear of being trampled. Fortunately, the feeling evened out and I became functional again after another short while. I don’t know that I’ve Hoof | Photo Phillip Danner 32

M A R C H 4 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Homework: Don’t tolerate bullying from critical voices in your head or from supposedly “nice” people who are trying to guilt-trip you. FreeWillAstrology.com ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Progress rarely unfolds in a glorious, ever-rising upward arc. The more usual pattern is gradual and uneven. Each modest ascent is followed by a phase of retrenchment and integration. In the best-case scenario, the most recent ascent reaches a higher level than the previous ascent. By my estimate, you’re in one of those periods of retrenchment and integration right now, Aries. It’s understandable if you feel a bit unenthusiastic about it. But I’m here to tell you that it’s crucial to your next ascent. Let it work its subtle magic.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

You are most likely to be in sweet alignment with cosmic rhythms if you regard the next three weeks as a time of graduation. I encourage you to take inventory of the lessons you’ve been studying since your birthday in 2019. How have you done in your efforts to foster interesting, synergistic intimacy? Are you more passionately devoted to what you love? Have you responded brightly as life has pushed you to upgrade the vigor and rigor of your commitments? Just for fun, give yourself a grade for those “classes,” as well as any others that have been important. Then—again, just for fun—draw up a homemade diploma for yourself to commemorate and honor your work.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

Are you ready to seize a more proactive role in shaping what happens in the environments you share with cohorts? Do you have any interest in exerting leadership to enhance the well-being of the groups that are important to you? Now is an excellent time to take brave actions that will raise the spirits and boost the fortunes of allies whose fates are intermingled with yours. I hope you’ll be a role model for the art of pleasing oneself while being of service others. CANCER (June 21-July 22) Cancerian author Lionel Trilling (1905–1975) was an

influential intellectual and literary critic. One of his heroes was another influential intellectual and literary critic, Edmund Wilson. On one occasion, Trilling was using a urinal in a men’s room at the New School for Social Research in New York. Imagine how excited he was when Wilson, whom he had never met, arrived to use the urinal right next to his. Now imagine his further buoyancy when Wilson not only spoke to Trilling but also expressed familiarity with his work. I foresee similar luck or serendipity coming your way soon: seemingly unlikely encounters with interesting resources and happy accidents that inspire your self-confidence.

admire the operas of Wagner or the art of Mark Rothko. Same with the music of Drake or the novels of Raymond Carter or the art of Andy Warhol. The problem is with me, not them. I don’t try to claim they’re overrated or mediocre. Now I urge you to do what I just did, Libra, only on a broader scale. Acknowledge that some of the people and ideas and art and situations you can’t appreciate are not necessarily faulty or wrong or inadequate. Their value may simply be impossible for you to recognize. It’s a perfect time for you to undertake this humble work. I suspect it will be liberating.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Poet Conee Berdera delivered a poignant message to her most valuable possession: the flesh and blood vehicle that serves as sanctuary for all her yearnings, powers, and actions. “My beloved body,” she writes, “I am so sorry I did not love you enough.” Near the poem’s end she vows “to love and cherish” her body. I wish she would have been even more forceful, saying something like, “From now on, dear body, I promise to always know exactly what you need and give it to you with all my ingenuity and panache.” Would you consider making such a vow to your own most valuable possession, Leo? It’s a favorable time to do so.

Scorpio-born Ralph Bakshi has made animated films and TV shows for over 60 years. His work has been influential. “I’m the biggest ripped-off cartoonist in the history of the world,” he says. Milder versions of his experience are not uncommon for many Scorpios. People are prone to copying you and borrowing from you and even stealing from you. They don’t always consciously know they’re doing it, and they may not offer you proper appreciation. I’m guessing that something like this phenomenon may be happening for you right now. My advice? First, be pleased about how much clout you’re wielding. Second, if anyone is borrowing from you without making the proper acknowledgment, speak up about it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Luckily, the turning point you have arrived at doesn’t present you with 20 different possible futures. You don’t have to choose from among a welter of paths headed in disparate directions. There are only a few viable options to study and think about. Still, I’d like to see you further narrow down the alternatives. I hope you’ll use the process of elimination as you get even clearer about what you don’t want. Let your fine mind gather a wealth of detailed information and objective evidence, then hand over the final decision to your intuition.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Certain artists are beyond my full comprehension. Maybe I’m not smart enough to understand their creations or I’m not deep enough to fathom why their work is considered important. For example, I don’t enjoy or

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

“Vainly I sought nourishment in shadows and errors,” wrote author Jorge Luis Borges. We have all been guilty of miscalculations like those. Each of us has sometimes put our faith in people and ideas that weren’t worthy of us. None of us is so wise that we always choose influences that provide the healthiest fuel. That’s the bad news, Sagittarius. The good news is that you now have excellent instincts about where to find the best long-term nourishment.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Poet Adrienne Rich wrote, “When a woman tells the truth she is creating the possibility for more truth around her.” I believe this same assertion is true about people of all genders. I also suspect that right now you are in a particularly pivotal position to be a candid revealer: to

enhance and refine everyone’s truth-telling by being a paragon of honesty yourself. To achieve the best results, I encourage you to think creatively about what exactly it means for you to tell the deep and entire truth.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Through some odd Aquarian-like quirk, astrologers have come to harbor the apparently paradoxical view that your sign is ruled by both Saturn and Uranus. At first glance, that’s crazy! Saturn is the planet of discipline, responsibility, conservatism, diligence, and order. Uranus is the planet of awakening, surprise, rebellion, barrierbreaking, and liberation. How can you Aquarians incorporate the energies of both? Well, that would require a lengthy explanation beyond the scope of this horoscope. But I will tell you this: During the rest of the year 2020, you will have more potential to successfully coordinate your inner Saturn and your inner Uranus than you have had in years. Homework: Meditate on how you will do just that.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

In 1637, renowned English poet John Milton wrote “Lycidas,” a poetic elegy in honor of a friend. Reading it today, almost four centuries later, we are struck by how archaic and obscure the language is, with phrases like “O ye laurels” and “Ah! who hath reft my dearest pledge?” A famous 20th-century Piscean poet named Robert Lowell was well-educated enough to understand Milton’s meaning, but also decided to “translate” all of “Lycidas” into plainspoken modern English. I’d love to see you engage in comparable activities during the coming weeks, Pisces: updating the past; reshaping and reinterpreting your old stories; revising the ways you talk about and think about key memories.

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes /daily text message horoscopes. The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700.

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PUZZLES NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE CROSSWORD PUZZLE RESOLVED | 0308 By Sophia and David Maymudes Puzzles edited by Will Shortz ACROSS

1 Feeling of hopelessness 8 Julius Erving, to fans 11 Calendar abbr. that’s also a French number 15 “Your choice — him ____” 19 Early online encyclopedia 20 “____-hoo!” 21 The Powerpuff Girls, e.g. 22 Fantasy author Gaiman 23 Going my way? 24 What’s up? 25 Wagner opus 27 “Stop rolling sevens!”? 30 Southeast Asian ethnic group 31 Princess in a galaxy far, far away 32 Lady bird 33 Org. in charge of Tokyo 2020 34 Suffix with expert 36 “Oy ____!” 37 Bay window 39 Home of Mount Rushmore: Abbr. 40 Bobby of the Black Panthers 42 Spew out 45 Build rapport like a presidential candidate? 50 “Livin’ la ____ Loca” 51 Celery unit 52 “Hmm, that’s odd!” 53 Dance craze of the early 2010s 54 Right on 56 Spot for a laundromat? 58 Color akin to cyan 60 Anger 61 Word with pop or crop 63 Subject of gossip 65 Dance-class garments 67 Matter of survival 70 Hate getting ready to move? 74 ____-di-dah 75 Children’s book made into a 2012 3-D animated film 77 Singer Bareilles 78 Grunts 80 Tempo 81 Ran 83 Fancy rides 86 Cy Young Award winner Hernandez 90 Requite 92 Board pick 94 Kind of scholarship 96 Dunce cap, basically 97 Makes friends while working retail? 100 Accepts responsibility for 101 “More or less” 102 Model and TV host Banks 103 Billionaire Carl 105 Trickster 107 Understood 108 Today, to José 109 Train-schedule abbr. 110 Dutch cheese town 113 This may be at the end of one’s rope 115 Event planner’s post-banquet task? 120 Winter athlete, not a summer one 122 Turnabout 123 Where first tracks are found 124 Wrinkled fruit 125 To Live and Die ____ 126 Wichita-to-Omaha dir. 127 Christie’s event 128 Start of a Guinness record 129 Rough talk?

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50 55 61 67

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Little House on the Prairie 42 Second person? 43 Be sociable 44 State in both the Mountain and Pacific time zones: abbr. 46 Locke who was called “the Father of the Harlem Renaissance” 47 Brexit exiter 48 Actress Swinton 49 “Ooh, that’s bad!” 55 Runner in Pamplona 57 One side of Mount Everest 59 What many Latin plurals end in 62 “Bull’s-eye!” 64 Relative of a xylophone 66 End-of-the-week expression 67 For face value 68 Whitney Houston hit “____ Nothing” 69 Places to swim during school? 71 ____ soda 72 Suits 73 Brief glimpse of a star 76 Slow, musically 79 Runner-up 82 Car with faulty brakes, e.g. 84 Study of birds: Abbr. 85 Star of Your Show of Shows of 1950s TV 87 Way down 88 Travel stop 89 Deletes, with “out”

Peter J. Brzycki

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DOWN 1 Pullers of Artemis’s chariot 2 Georgia of The Mary Tyler Moore Show 3 Extent 4 Antiterrorism law 5 Unpaid debt 6 “Indeed” 7 Bad records to have 8 Company that makes products that suck 9 Streaming-media device 10 Thrill-seeker’s action 11 Utterly failed 12 Prince in The Little Mermaid 13 Like medium-rare steak 14 Dress (up) 15 Ending with pseud- or syn16 Young woman to call when your data gets deleted? 17 Pooh creator 18 Formal lament 26 Miser, colloquially 28 Berate 29 Reluctant (to) 35 Baby plant 38 Letters before “.gov” 39 Island neighbor of Guadeloupe 41 ____ Ingalls Wilder, author of

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PUBLISHER 49

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VOL. XLII NO. 10

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112 119

91 Canyons 93 “The joke’s ____!” 95 Screening org. 98 Subject of the 2006 documentary When the Levees Broke 99 Rehearsals 104 Move in the direction of 105 “Overall …” 106 Home planet of Ming the Merciless 109 Gird (oneself) 111 “Half ____ is better …” 112 ____ Park, home of Facebook 114 M*A*S*H actress Loretta 116 Wrigglers 117 Spanish youngster 118 Neophyte: Var. 119 Visionary 121 Cassis cocktail

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A D I O S B I G 34

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R E N U

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T U R N P G E R A F O L F A S A G S E A C I M I S U E T N N S R C A Y S L U S Y T A L E N Y

D T C I O A M C E J E O T U S M A N E A D O B B I P E E T I T I Z E T Y M S T A O T H E M R S D I E T O A R O S T I B E E I A N E R

A N I L

T E L L

A Y B A B Y A H P O O T U T F A K M E C S N A K B I B A

I V E M A X A T E Y Q U C U S E A Y E F T T T H E H O V I A D E S W E R E S S G O C T T H A Z O O N U S S T R A N R O N O O L O G T O N S

S L I P S H O D S O D A F I S H Y

S P A N

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

I N D E X

M U P I S H T A X A M O E B A E

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