Summer Brew Review by Oklahoma Gazette

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inside COVER P.13 Oklahoma Gazette’s panel of experts and enthusiasts blind-tasted more than 30 craft and seasonal brews and rated them on aroma, appearance, taste, mouthfeel and overall goodness. We proudly present the top 16 in the Gazette’s 2017 Summer Brew Review. By Gazette Staff. Cover by Christopher Street. Photo bigstock.com.

NEWS 4 State the impact of arts on

Oklahoma’s economy

numbers on the rise

6 City OKC homeless family 8 Education OSU-OKC, Dove

Science Academy offer early college program

10 Chicken-Fried News

EAT & DRINK 13 Cover Summer Brew Review

22 Event A Taste of Edmond is Sunday 23 Event McLoud Blackberry Festival 24 Gazedibles Passing through

ARTS & CULTURE 26 Leisure Fourth of July events 27 Art Coded_Couture at

Oklahoma Contemporary

28 Art Native American Body of Art at

31 Film Q&A with actor Richard Ray

Whitman of Neither Wolf Nor Dog

32 Culture Calle Dos Cinco’s

Fiesta Fridays

33 Youth Sonic Summer Movie Nights

Anderson JULY 14 8PM

Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park

30 Art Kehinde Wiley: A New Republic at OKCMOA

John

at Myriad Botanical Gardens

Tickets Starting at $25

34 Youth Mariana Llanos’

Poesia Alada

35 Calendar

MUSIC 38 Event Maurice Johnson

at OKCMOA

39 Event Droids Attack at

Blue Note Lounge

40 Review The Big News’ Welcome

to the Weird Kids Table

41 Live music

FUN 42 Puzzles Sudoku | crossword 43 Astrology OKG Classifieds 43

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NEWS s tat e

Profitable pursuit

New studies prove arts are big business in the Sooner State. By Laura Eastes

For decades, Oklahoma’s arts and culture supporters have long touted the value of their activities enhancing quality of life — bringing about personal enjoyment, enriching perspectives, fostering public dialogue and providing opportunities for public involvement. Following last week’s release of Arts & Economic Prosperity 5: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts & Cultural Organizations and Their Audiences in the State of Oklahoma, supporters now have compelling data that proves the arts have value beyond enrichment, entertainment and education — they fuel the economy. According to the report, nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences contributed $872.8 million to the state economy in 2015. In the greater Oklahoma City area, the nonprofit arts sector pumped $602.7 million into the economy. Nationally, the survey found nonprofit arts and culture organizations had an economic impact of $166.3 billion. Those are some of the impressive numbers in the report, said Julia Kirt, executive director of Oklahomans for the Arts, a statewide organization dedicated to increasing support for arts, culture and arts education. “Arts and cultural organizations are usually cautious about describing their economic impact,” said Kirt, who believes that will change thanks to data in the local, state and national research initiated by Americans for the Arts. The study is the largest of its kind examining the economic impact of nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and their audiences. “I think people frequently think they are throwing their money down a black hole when they send it to arts or cultural organizations,” Kirt said. “Even though we want education to be enough, community-building to be enough, we have to also

talk about this part of it, and the money does have a return. … We hope, at the very least, this changes people’s view of art events from being charitable to being something that generates revenue and local spending.” Oklahomans for the Arts was instrumental in collecting data from 392 of the state’s more than 700 arts and cultural nonprofits for the report. Additionally, the findings related to the 3,823 surveys returned by both residents and non-residents visiting Oklahoma arts events or museums. Allied Arts, Arts Council Oklahoma City, the City of Oklahoma City, Norman Arts Council and The Arts in Guthrie contributed to the research. The last study of this depth of the economic impact of arts and culture in Oklahoma was completed in 2009, Kirt said.

Drilling down

While the data proves the arts are a powerful generator of economic activity, the figures also show the state’s arts and culture sector is trending in the right direction, said Kirt and Kelsey Karper. The study found there were 12.7 million nonprofit art attendees in 2015. In the last state survey, there were 5 million nonprofit art attendees. “Even though we gathered from more audiences for this survey, the growth speaks volumes,” Kirt said. “It means that our arts organizations are functioning savvier. Not only do they know how to market their events, they are providing something people want to go to: relevant programming that attracts people.” Karper said high-quality arts and cultural events attract visitors from within and outside Oklahoma. Of the 12.7 million attendees, 1.5 million were nonresidents spending on average $92.83 in the local community. Oklahoma attendees spent $31.93. Cultural tourism has an econom-

A tale of three cities Spending and economic impact in greater OKC, Norman and Guthrie:

$44.6 million: Spending by Norman nonprofit arts and cultural audiences $56.1 million: Total economic impact in

$220.4 million: Direct spending by

Norman

greater OKC nonprofit arts and cultural organizations

$1.6 million: Direct spending by Guthrie

$382.2 million: Spending by greater

nonprofit arts and cultural organizations

OKC nonprofit arts and cultural audi-

$2.3 million: Spending by Guthrie non-

ences

profit arts and cultural audiences

$602.7 million: Total economic impact

$3.9 million: Total economic impact in

in greater OKC

Guthrie

$11.5 million: Direct spending

Source: Arts & Economic Prosperity 5: The

by Norman nonprofit arts and

Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts & Cultural

cultural organizations

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Organizations and Their Audiences

from left Arts advocates Julia Kirt, Kelsey Karper and Deborah McAuliffe Senner helped make the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts & Cultural Organizations and Their Audiences in the State of Oklahoma report possible. | Photo Garett Fisbeck

ical advantage for both the event and the communities, said Karper, who served as project manager for the two-year study. When attending a cultural event, attendees often eat dinner at a local restaurant, pay for parking, buy gifts and souvenirs and pay a babysitter. Some stay overnight in a local hotel. She hopes Oklahoma’s arts groups will expand marketing efforts well beyond the boundaries of any one town. “I think arts and culture organizations are very efficient in their use of funds when it comes to marketing dollars,” Karper said. “They are targeting to the audience that would be most receptive. I think this study will encourage those organizations to go beyond their local community. We know that people will travel to another community to attend arts and cultural events.” Oklahoma’s arts sector is growing. Cultural destinations like Oklahoma Contemporary’s Automobile Alley arts campus, Oklahoma City’s American Indian Cultural Center & Museum and Tulsa’s Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture (OKPOP) are in the works and expected to open within five years. Arts advocates like Karper and Kirt see the arts as a fast-growing industry in Oklahoma. The figures also included 29,165 full-time arts and cultural jobs in the Sooner State. Perhaps an unexpected study outcome is a stronger connection among the state’s arts and cultural organizations, Karper said, which could lead to strategic partnerships, the pooling of resources and delivering even more high-quality arts programs to Oklahoma audiences. “Beyond the data, I think the study process has given our statewide arts community a reason to come together,” Karper said. “We’ve always been very supportive of each other, but having a project like this has brought us closer and created a line of communication. I think that will carry forward and make us a much more united community.”

Hey, big spenders Economic impact of the arts in Oklahoma: $331.2 million: Direct spending by Oklahoma nonprofit arts and cultural organizations $541.6 million: Spending by Oklahoma nonprofit arts and cultural audiences $872.8 million: Total economic impact

Cultural tourists spend an average of two-thirds more per person per event than Oklahoma-based audiences. Oklahomans: $31.93 Tourists: $92.83

Resident vs. cultural tourist spending per person per event in Oklahoma: Overnight lodging Oklahomans: $4.09 Tourists: $35.69

Meals and refreshments (not purchased at the event) Oklahomans: $11.22 Tourists: $18.37

Local ground transportation Oklahomans: $2.73 Tourists: $12.04

Souvenirs and gifts Oklahomans: $5.21 Tourists: $11.90 Source: Arts & Economic Prosperity 5: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts & Cultural Organizations and Their Audiences

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NEWS

from left Jerod Shadid and Dan Straughan were instrumental in completing the 2017

cit y

Point-in-Time study, released last week. | Photo Garett Fisbeck

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No relief

Advocates say lack of affordable housing in Oklahoma City contributes to a dramatic rise in the number of homeless families. By Laura Eastes

The lack of affordable housing in Oklahoma City is a leading contributor to homelessness, which takes a devastating toll on adults and children who must live on the edge of society, officials said following last week’s release of the 2017 Point-in-Time study. Almost 1,370 people were counted as homeless in OKC by Point-in-Time outreach workers on Jan. 26. While OKC’s homeless population has fallen nearly 10 percent in the last year, one segment is on the rise. “As a community, we’ve invested heavily in this work, and it has been very successful,” said Dan Straughan, executive director of Homeless Alliance. “We are at a point where if we can’t address the issues of affordable and accessible housing, it is going to be really challenging to make significant progress.” According to the 2017 Point-in-Time study, 118 families, totaling 359 adults and children, experienced homelessness, compared to 92 families a year earlier. Straughan and other homeless advocates say the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population — families — is also the most difficult to house and the solution lies beyond the boundaries of nonprofits and social services organizations. Straughan said addressing homelessness is about increasing and expanding affordable housing solutions. While the report focuses on numbers and percentages, Straughan knows about the people behind the statistics, including families whose heartbreaking struggles with homelessness now dictate every aspect of their lives and their futures. While each family’s circumstances are unique, rising housing costs are squeezing working families out. For the

poorest families, homelessness can be the end result. “We are pooling community resources to make real progress, but it all goes back to the affordable housing issue,” Straughan said. “The nonprofit and the faith-based community can do a lot, but we can’t do it all. We can’t get to zero without [housing subsidy vouchers and affordable housing stock].”

Hidden dilemma

Oklahoma City is not alone in the rising number of homeless families. The nation’s affordable housing shortage continues to play a major role in rates of family homelessness in America’s cities, according to researchers at Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. Thanks to a national strategy to deal with homelessness among veterans and the chronically homeless, the number of individuals living in a shelter or on the streets is decreasing in OKC and many other major cities. Expanding rental vouchers for veterans, implementing “housing first” models — in which a person moved into the housing while receiving services for help with employment, mental health or addiction issues — is overshadowed by the troubling numbers of families losing their homes. In OKC, Straughan describes a perfect storm leading to a growing number of families experiencing homelessness. In recent years, the city has experienced some of the fastest growth in median rent, causing families to pay more in housing costs with fewer dollars left over for groceries, clothing, education and health care. At the same time, a downturn in the

BEST PRICES IN TowN state’s economy has left many Oklahomans jobless or earning less, which creates a greater demand for government Housing Choice vouchers, which subsidize rent for low-income individuals and families. Such demands have created long voucher waiting lists and long public housing waiting lists, both moving at a very slow rate. When a family in which the adults work full-time minimum-wage jobs struggles to find affordable housing or receive a voucher, the end result can be sleeping in a car, on a family member’s couch or on the streets. Should the family seek services, they enter a social services sector with limited resources to help, Straughan said. “Without a doubt, there are more people in need than services available,” he said. “You have inflow driven by the cost of rent, and you have outflow held back by just the availability of financial resources.” Homeless Alliance operates the WestTown Homeless Resource Campus at NW Fourth Street and N. Virginia Avenue. Since 2011, workers representing a variety of nonprofits and government agencies have assisted veterans, youth, individuals and families through programs designed for those experiencing homelessness or near homelessness. Within the context of poverty and the lack of affordable housing, additional factors like mental illness, addiction disorders and domestic violence might push people into homelessness.

City struggle

In a recent presentation to the Oklahoma City Council, city staff revealed more than 40 percent of households in the metro pay housing costs that exceed 30 percent of their income. Economic stresses affect the city’s renters and homebuyers as well as its homeless population. Recognizing the needs of the city’s homeless, the City of Oklahoma City coordinates the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Continuum of Care program, sending federal grants to local organizations providing housing and support

services for people who have experienced homelessness. Jerod Shadid, the City of Oklahoma City’s community development division planner, said federal emergency solutions funds, which totaled $388,987 for the current year, are invested into programs to help homeless families. While city planners have seen an increase in federal funds to benefit homeless veterans and the chronically homeless, funding for families has remained flat. Shadid, who authored the Point-inTime study with assistant planner Stacy Triply, said the Point-in-Time count gives an imperfect but useful snapshot of the highly fluid homeless population at a point in time. The number of people experiencing homelessness in OKC is estimated to be more than four to five times greater on any given night. Since the study highlights present trends among the city homeless, Shadid felt it necessary to include affordable housing data in this year’s report. “To meet the growing demand for low- and very low-income housing, OKC must see more rapid growth in the development of new affordable units than it has in the past five years,” the report stated. “If not, we may expect a gradual but possibly significant rise in homelessness and the working poor populations over the next 10 years.” According to the report’s figures, a person or household earning minimum wage must work 63 hours per week to reasonably afford a one-bedroom apartment at OKC’s fair market rate. “We have put a lot more affordable housing data in this report,” Shadid said. “I think that problem will continue to be a problem if it is not addressed.” One hopeful sign of affordable housing comes from the 2017 General Obligation Bond program, approved by the Oklahoma City Council earlier this month. One of 11 propositions will provide $60 million in funds over a decade in economic and community development, some of which are earmarked for affordable housing. OKC voters are scheduled to vote on that bond proposition and others Sept. 12.

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People gathered last week at WestTown Homeless Resource Campus. The 2017 Point-in-Time study found many homeless populations decreased from 2017 to 2016, but the number of homeless families is on the rise. | Photo Garett Fisbeck O kg a z e t t e . c o m | J u n e 2 8 , 2 0 1 7

E d u c at i o n

NEWS

Head start

A unique local college and charter school program enables students to earn their high school diploma and an associate’s degree. By Laura Eastes

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Bailey & Glasser LLP is investigating the creation of the HAC, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), a retirement plan in which employees of HAC, Inc. participate. The trustee of the ESOP is GreatBanc Trust Company. Bailey & Glasser is investigating the transactions in which the ESOP purchased HAC, Inc. in 2011, including the valuation of HAC, Inc. stock at that time. HAC, Inc. stores include Homeland, United Supermarkets, Country Mart, Super Save Cost Plus and Cash Saver. Contact us at 855-423-8870 for a free consultation and/or to learn more about our investigation. Contact: Ryan Jenny | T: 855-423-8870

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A partnership between Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City and Dove Science Academy that combines the final two years of high school and the first two years of college in a single twoyear program seemed like a great idea on paper. Modeled after other early college high school programs in the United States, the local program enables students to earn an associate’s degree nearly tuition-free while earning their high school diploma. Additionally, after completing the program, students can continue on to earn a bachelor’s degree. The program is likely to cut their four-year tuition bills in half, said Tracy Edwards, OSU-OKC associate vice president of academic affairs. Edwards promoted the program’s potential to others in academia, and his on-paper concept adapted into reality during last spring’s parent meeting. EXCELerate Dove offers high-performing, highly motivated students — many who come from low-income families and minority backgrounds — to rapidly achieve their academic dreams. “Not only was every parent there, but siblings and grandparents,” Edwards said. “Seeing all the students in the cohort, plus all their family members smiling and nodding, that was the day I decided this was more than a good idea.” On June 5, 17 Dove Science Academy students walked into an OSU-OKC classroom for a college algebra class. The students, dually enrolled at the northwest OKC public charter school and the college, are tackling summer

speech, art and algebra college courses. In the fall, they will attend classes at Dove that will be taught by both OSU-OKC and Dove instructors. By the end of the 2019 spring semester, students will have mastered a STEM-centric curriculum and completed the general education courses required at most universities. “You have a group of students who are committed to a program,” Edwards said when asked of his observations two weeks in. “You have parents who are committed. You have a campus that is committed. You have a president [at OSU-OKC] and a [Dove] superintendent committed. … We will put another 17 people out who not only have a quality education, but a head start on their future.”

Unique opportunity

Earning college credits in high school is not a new concept. For years, high school students have taken college courses and earned credit through various programs, including A d v a nc e d Pl a c ement ( A P), International Baccalaureate (IB) and concurrent enrollment in Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities. What makes EXCELerate Dove different is the early college high school model, which accelerates learning through a rigorous high school-college course of study while also ensuring students graduate with an associate’s degree or more than 60 hours of college credit, Edwards said. It’s a model that is gaining ground because advocates say the program is most effective among low-income and minority students, who are typically underrepresented among college-

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from left High school students Vanessa Ramos and Alexandra Molina spoke about their experiences with the EXCELerate Dove program offered through a partnership with Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City and Dove Science

JUVEDERM RADIESSE

Academy. | Photo Garett Fisbeck

bound populations. A 2013 study conducted by the American Institutes for Research found students who attended early college high schools held better high school graduation rates, high rates of postsecondary enrollment and higher rates of college degree attainment. This spring, Texas Education Agency announced 41 new programs launching in the 2017-18 school year, raising the state total of early college high school programs to 198. OSU-OKC and Dove leaders plan for the program to grow beyond the inaugural class and strive for it to serve as a model in Oklahoma, which has been slow to create early college high school programs.

Universal approval

Vanessa Ramos and Alexandra Molina began their Dove careers at the charter school’s elementary school. Since entering high school, their focus has been to prepare for a college career. Thanks to EXCELerate Dove, the two 16-year-olds are getting a jumpstart on their goals. “Dove does a good job of preparing you,” said Molina, who plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree followed by a law degree. “You get used to asking teachers for help. I feel very prepared.” Ramos pointed out the program also allows students to dig deeper into the academic subjects that already interest them. The real benefit is financial, as college is expensive. EXCELerate Dove allows her to contribute to the total cost of her college education. “Getting all the hours of college in and finishing early is a plus,” said Ramos, who is interested in a career in aeronautical engineering or computer science. EXCELerate Dove is popular among parents like Shawnta Grier. While Grier admits she initially was concerned about the rigorous course load, her daughter Jalen convinced her she could handle it. “I feel like this is a blessing for her to be a part of,” said Grier, who has two older children attending college. “She will graduate high school with an associate’s. When she goes on for her bachelor’s, she wouldn’t take on as much [student loan] debt. … It is one less thing that we have to worry about. It is a blessing, and we are very grateful.”

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chicken

friedNEWS

Chicken-Fried fury

Oklahomans take three things seriously: college football, fried chicken and hating Kevin Durant. So it is with an air of resignation that we inform you an Oklahoma City man threatened to blow up a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen after he was told the restaurant did not have the food he wanted. Oklahoma City Police were called June 13 to Popeyes, 5200 N. May Ave., on a report of a passenger in a vehicle in the drive-thru making threatening statements, according to Fox 25. “I’m gonna blow this bitch up. I’m gonna come back, and it’s not gonna be nice,” said the man, according to employee statements. The irate man left and then later returned, this time driving the vehicle, and allegedly told an employee, “I’m gonna get you, too. I’m gonna blow it up.” Police arrested Alfred C. Bell, 36, whom they identified as the threat-maker. We at Chicken-Fried News love us some Bonafide® Chicken and Signature Sides, but lordy, if Popeyes is out of hearty and flaky buttermilk biscuits, we’ll sigh heavily and just order a hand-sized cinnamon apple pie instead. Besides, we all know that the only way it’s acceptable to “blow up” a business if you’re unhappy with its service is to complain about it on social media.

J U N E 2 8 , 2 0 1 7 | O kg a z e t t e . c o m

Neon news

For a mere $25, you and a close friend of your choice can cuddle baby tigers, bears and wolves borrowed from their mothers so they can travel for hours a day — in this case from Wynnewood to Oklahoma City — for photo ops and play sessions at the mall. When it’s worded that way, dude, it sounds a little bit … exploitative. Neon Jungle petting zoo operators boast 64 years of combined experience working with such animals and emphasize that people gain more appreciation for and education about animals when they can interact with them. Fair enough. Several months and several thousands of dollars of petting zoo revenue later, the animals, grown and no longer able to maintain their babylike cuteness, will often be left in unaccredited roadside zoos. At least those are the complaints People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has against Neon Jungle petting zoo, which opened in Plaza Mayor at the Crossroads this spring. But hey, who doesn’t want to be able to kiss a baby lion in airconditioned comfort just after shopping for your favorite silky underwear?

Neon Jungle is operated by Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park. Both are the subject of PETA petitions, and Oklahoma City Animal Welfare is investigating Neon Jungle. Additionally, an Oklahoma City ordinance prohibits exotic animals from being kept within city limits, but petting zoo owner Jeff Lowe told The Oklahoman that during a recent visit from OKC Animal Welfare, he was told that his cub-cuddling operation was operating within the law.

Go outside!

Oklahomans have always taken pride in working hard for what they have. According to a new study by Project Time Off, they also work often. The state ranked fifth-highest in unused vacation time, with 69 percent of workers opting to stay in the office rather than collect sand in their toes at Bricktown Beach. Maybe it’s the weather — Alaska came in with the third-most vacation days up for grabs while Hawaii used the second-highest number. Perhaps Sooner State workers simply prefer climate-controlled cubicles to sticky, windy summer weather. (Or maybe they just have a lot of work to do.) Oklahoma’s approximately 9.7

Party planner

million unused days of freedom go against a national trend that sees American workers using more vacation days, Project Time Off data shows. Researchers estimated that if Oklahoma workers used all their vacation days, they would add $690 million in direct spending to the state’s economy. Though employees decide for themselves to work rather than sunbathe, the study authors said the issue is more cultural than individual. “Unfortunately, many of the states with the worst vacation usage work in cultures where workers hear negative or mixed messages about time off more frequently,” the study reads. We here at Chicken-Fried News would like to be the first to encourage workers to take some well-earned time away from their desks this summer. It’s good for you and the economy.

Here’s some breaking news for Oklahomans who have been living in a void without internet or any form of local news for the past several years: Republicans dominate statewide elections. Republicans control every office voted upon in statewide elections. They also have an edge in both the state Senate and House of Representatives. Each of Oklahoma’s representatives in Congress is a Republican, and Donald Trump (who is not an Oklahoman, but is definitely a Republican) won the majority vote in every Oklahoma county in November’s presidential election. To put this news another way, Oklahoma Democrats do not have much to lose. That is why the appointment of 24-year-old political activist Anna Langthorn to lead the Oklahoma Democratic Party probably shouldn’t be seen as too much of a gamble. According to a recent Associated Press story, Langthorn already has logged five years of service with the state party and other social and political causes. Her position is the latest in a small trend of millennial leaders for state Democratic parties. Nevada and North Dakota recently named 28-year-olds William McCurdy II and

Kylie Oversen, respectively. Oklahoma’s new party leader told AP that she hopes to unite the party’s traditional base with a younger, fervent following that was invigorated by candidate Bernie Sanders. Langthorn’s promotion to party leader is a move Democrats hope will rally more support from millennial voters, some of whom have been reluctant to show up at voter booths. (Hey, finding time to vote is challenging when avocado toast is this good! We’re speaking from experience!)

Equal opportunity

Tax is a catchy word. In Oklahoma, any headline with the word catches attention. In fact, we at Chicken-Fried News were hooked by NewsOK.com’s recent headline “Airbnb to begin collecting taxes in Oklahoma.” “Oh, no,” we moaned. Here the state goes again imposing taxes on everything we like: alcohol, tobacco, groceries and cars. Now, the state wants to tax our beloved Airbnb, where we book our staycations and rendezvous (on the infrequent occasions when we actually use our vacation time). But our tax distress soon faded. Next month, Airbnb — the wellknown community-driven travel

site — will collect a 4.5 percent state sales tax in addition to local lodging and city taxes from clients who stay in Oklahoma. While this is new for the state, it is not unheard of. In fact, Airbnb must collect taxes in more than 275 jurisdictions, including 20 other states, according to NewsOK.com. In other words, Airbnb guests will pay a laundry list of taxes, just like they would if they stayed at a hotel. So, that’s fair, right? It seems fair to us. It’s not like in-state residents do much vacationing anyway. Don’t believe us? Read the Chicken-Fried news story “Go outside!” before we say, “We told you so!”

O kg a z e t t e . c o m | june 2 8 , 2 0 1 7

j u n e 2 8 , 2 0 1 7 | O kg a z e t t e . c o m

cov e r

EAT & DRINK

Summer brew review O

f all the famous historical quotes about beer attributed (often erroneously) to great thinkers and drinkers like Plato, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, perhaps the most relevant to us as Oklahomans as we turn our minds to summer comes from actor Jack Nicholson. “Beer; it’s the best damn drink in the world.” Indeed it is. But even after we narrow the field of beverages down to beer, there are still many choices to make. Lager or ale? How smooth or bitter should it taste? Day drinking, after-yard work cool-down

or nightcap? What is the best beer for your needs? Oklahoma Gazette is here for you. Our panel of experts and enthusiasts blindtasted local and national craft and seasonal brews and rated them on aroma, appearance, taste, mouthfeel and overall goodness. After sniffing, swishing, aerating and sipping more than 30 selections, we proudly present the top 16 results in the Gazette’s 2017 Summer Brew Review — our celebratory kickoff for readers searching for the perfect brews to drink this season. continued on next page

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Selection process

It was a tough job, but somebody had to do it. By Greg Elwell

Putting together our Summer Brew Review requires more than downing several bottles and cans of craft beer, so Oklahoma Gazette gathered a small panel of beer experts and enthusiasts to help taste and rate more than 30 seasonal brews.

The panel

Nick Trougakos is a longtime beer lover

who runs The Thirsty Beagle beer blog (www.thirstybeaglebeerblog.com), which covers happenings big and small in the state’s craft beer world. He also founded the Oklahoma City Craft Beer Week event in 2014 to draw attention to the local brewing community.

Patrick Glueck runs the YouTube beer

video blog Making It Grain, where he reviews local and national craft brews. In addition to creating frequent videos — he has posted 96 episodes in the last 10 months — Glueck also is a home brewer. Greg Elwell has helped cover Oklahoma

City’s food and lifestyle beats for the Gazette for close to a decade. He also enjoys local beer.

The process

MONDAY

Sauced Singo@8PM

TUESDAY

oPen Mic nigHT@8PM

WEDNESDAY

Red diRT PoeTRY@8PM

THURSDAY

SKeTTi nigHT & THRee acT THuRSdaY

FRIDAY

ZacH BaKeR@8PM on THe PaTio dJ Peace@9PM in THe lounge

SUNDAY

induSTRY nigHT@10PM

Over the course of an evening, panelists were served samples of 31 alcoholic beverages (mostly beer). The tastings were blind to ensure panelists shared honest assessments of the beers without regard to brand. Each round was divided into a similar beverage style so panelists would judge similar beverages against commonly held standards for that type of drink.

Fruity juice When creating seasonal foods, chefs look to what is growing locally in gardens and farms. But with the lead time necessary to create seasonal craft beers, brewers focus more on ingredients and styles that taste like summer. Orange: In Oklahoma Gazette’s Summer Brew Review, one top-rated beer was Roughtail Brewing Co.’s Everything Rhymes with Orange. Despite a strong citrus taste, the titular orange flavor is derived from a blend of simcoe, citra and mosaic hops. Its bright, juicy taste makes this

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Scoring sheets included a list of descriptors to be checked off and five categories in which each sample was judged: aroma, appearance, flavor, mouthfeel and overall impression. The scores are weighted in favor of taste and smell, each worth up to 10 points, and appearance, mouthfeel and overall impression earned up to six points each for up to 38 points per sample. For the Gazette’s Summer Brew Review, samples were focused largely on warm weather-appropriate styles.

Summer styles

Hard cider: Hard cider is a carbonated

alcoholic beverage usually made with apple juice that has been fermented with yeast at lower temperatures than most beers, which helps preserve delicate aromas. Craft hard ciders straddle the line between beer and wine (and even champagne). Gose-style: A German-style beer, a gose is a salty, top-fermented beer usually brewed with coriander. It is sour and bubbly with a moderate alcohol content. IPA: India pale ales are warm-fermen-

brew with gentle flavors and medium bitterness. Pilsner: Pilsners are smooth, lightly

colored types of pale lagers prized for drinkability and low-to-medium hoppiness. Wheat: Wheat beers are top-fermented

with at least a 50-50 mix of wheat to barley malt, if not higher, producing a lighter-colored brew with less hoppy bitterness. Styles include Belgian witbiers and south-German-style hefeweizens. They are generally smooth and easy to drink.

Scoring

Appearance, mouthfeel and overall impression were each scored on 6-point scales. Aroma and taste were scored on 10-point scales. The highest possible combined score is 38. Beer scores listed are combined average scores from the three-judge panel. The top 16 beers are listed here with comments aggregated from the entire three-judge panel.

Score averages

26-38: Outstanding — world-class

example of style

21-25: Excellent — exemplifies style well;

might need minor fine-tuning

16-20: Very good — generally within style parameters; some minor flaws

tation beers with strong hop flavors, imparting fruity and floral characteristics and a signature bitter bite. They are often described as “juicy” and sometimes “crushable,” meaning it’s easy to drink them quickly.

6-10: Fair — off flavors, aromas or major style deficiencies

Kölsch‑style: This German-style beer

0-5: Problematic — major off flavors and

is slowly growing in popularity stateside and is made using a mix of fermentation styles, creating a light, easy-to-drink

beer refreshing during Oklahoma’s sizzling summers. Pineapple: Ballast Point Brewing Company scored highly with two fruit-based beers from its Sculpin India pale ale series, flavored with pineapple and grapefruit respectively. Sculpin also enhances and creates lush, tropical flavors provided by a mix of hops and even adds natural fruit flavors into the brews to amp up the sweet, refreshing taste of these easy-todrink drafts. Habanero: Oklahomans are no strangers to the lure of spice, so it’s little wonder Ballast Point’s

11-15: Good — misses the mark on style

and/or has minor flaws

aromas dominate

Habanero Sculpin India pale ale was a hit. While some consider hot peppers vegetables, they’re actually fruits. This fiery ingredient adds plenty of heat but also makes for a delightful summer beverage thanks to the habanero’s floral, fruity sweetness. Cherries: Despite its weighty alcohol content of 12.8 percent, the smooth-drinking nature of COOP Ale Works’ Cask-It Series Brandy Barrel Aged DNR with Cherries makes it a fine choice for summer nights when you don’t have anywhere to be early the next day. This craft

brew spends time aging in barrels with cherries, which rounds off some of DNR’s otherwise sharp, alcoholic edge and adds a tart sweetness that goes down easily. Maybe too easily. Mint and Lime: Lime and beer go together so well that 405 Brewing Co. decided to skip the squeeze and just brew its summery libation with limes. To add to its hot weather bonafides, Cool for the Summer adds in spearmint, a key ingredient in refreshing Moroccan tea. The juicy, tart lime gives the beer a pleasant citrus kick while the mint adds a breathy tingle on the back end. — Greg Elwell

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Summer brew review

By Greg Elwell | Photos by Garett Fisbeck

1. Everything Rhymes with Orange India Pale Ale Roughtail Brewing Company, Oklahoma City Alcohol by volume: 7 percent Average score: 32, outstanding

What rhymes with super floral and hoppy rind? The panelists thrilled at Roughtail Brewing Company’s Everything Rhymes with Orange, giving the IPA plaudits for its juicy, citrus bouquet and “hops like LeBron.” The cloudy, orangeyellow brew is a smooth drinker with little pucker, making it an extremely desirable IPA. The beer is creamy sitting on the tongue with tropical fruit flavors and an easy-to-quaff mild bitterness. “Very solid IPA,” commented one expert. “[A] great late-addition hops.” Another noted its middle-ofthe-road carbonation, “the perfect amount for an IPA.”

2. Saturday Siren Dry-Hopped Pils COOP Ale Works, Oklahoma City Alcohol by volume: 5.4 percent Average score: 32, outstanding

“

Panelists gave high marks to locally made and named Saturday Siren from COOP Ale Works, a dry-hopped pilsner that delivered good, subtle hop character and juicy citrus flavors. The beer is “light and very crushable,” as one expert said, with a gorgeous yellow tint that presented clean and clear in the glass. The flavors of hops and sweet fruit fade easily with little aftertaste and a mildly astringent mouthfeel. Saturday Siren has a light aroma of mosaic hops and pithy orange juice befitting a “great flavor-forward pils” that makes it a great entry point into hoppy beers.

BEER

makes you feel the way you ” ought to feel without .

BEER

3. Cask-It Series Brandy Barrel Aged DNR with Cherries COOP Ale Works, Oklahoma City Alcohol by volume: 12.8 percent Average score: 31.3, outstanding

The hazy red-and-copper complexion of COOP Ale Works’ Cask-It Series Brandy Barrel Aged DNR with Cherries helped make this Belgian strong dark ale one of the prettiest and tastiest beers sampled. The brew has a nose of cherry and liqueur (obviously) but also held a little heat and aromas of sweet dried raisin and fig. Though one called the flavor “boozy as hell,” all gave it extremely high marks for its tart cherry taste and smooth and creamy texture that coats the mouth. At 12.8 percent ABV, the complex and interesting brew also is the most potent in our top 16.

BEER

makes you feel the way you ought to feel without beer. -Henry Lawson (Australian Poet)

4. Exit 174 Rye Pale Ale Iron Monk Brewing Company, Stillwater Alcohol by volume: 6.2 percent Average score: 29.6, outstanding

“Dirty socks, but not in a bad way. I know; weird,” said one panelist about the aroma of this rye pale ale. Iron Monk Brewing Company’s Exit 174 Rye Pale Ale — brewed with rye from 46 Grain Company in Ames — wowed judges with its deep-orange sunrise appearance and bready flavor with plenty of hops and citrus-grapefruit notes. Exit 174 drew praise for its great balance of rye and hops with good carbonation. The hops added just the right sting without overwhelming the brew, creating a solid beer that wisely incorporated the rye into an overall delicious product. continued on page 16

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5. Hazelutely Choctabulous Rogue Ales, Newport, Oregon Alcohol by volume: 5.7 percent Average score: 29.6, outstanding

“I would wear this,” said one panelist of Rogue Ales’ Hazelutely Choctabulous brew. Touted as a “candy bar in a bottle” right on its label, the blend of 40 percent chocolate stout and 60 percent hazelnut brown nectar ale whiffs of wood and tobacco and has a dark hazelnut hue. The scent of sweet chocolate gives way to a flavor of lightly roasted malts with a mild bitterness and hints of coffee. Despite its color, Hazelutely Choctabulous has a thinner texture that slips away quickly, leaving the drinker eager to take another sip. “A bit light, but great overall,” commented one judge. “Good blend of roast and bitterness,” said another.

6. Milk Stout Iron Monk Brewing Company, Stillwater Alcohol by volume: 6 percent Average score: 29.3, outstanding

The best part of waking up could be a can of Iron Monk Brewing Company’s Milk Stout, which presented panelists’ noses with a huge espresso presence and a bit of vanilla beans stacked with roast malt. This dark brown ale delivered on coffee taste as well with a lightly boozy, sweet flavor. The texture is a little thin and fades quickly without much aftertaste. The panel agreed this flavorful brew “could be great over ice with milk.”

7. 60 Minute India Pale Ale Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, Delaware Alcohol by volume: 6 percent Average score: 28.6, outstanding

Tasters loved the crystal-clear golden hues of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery’s 60 Minute East Coast-style India pale ale with an air-light, almost imperceptible aroma, and one panelist caught hints of bubblegum. The flavor was described as lovely, and panelists praised the light hops and bit-of-citrus taste that made the beer extremely quaffable. “Nice mix of malt and hops,” said one. “Deft bittering.” The texture is smooth with little carbonation. It earned a designation of a “flagship” beer that is a solid pale that’s not overly hop-heavy.

8. Velvet Antler American Amber Iron Monk Brewing Company, Stillwater Alcohol by volume: 4 percent Average score: 28.3, outstanding

Living up to its name, Iron Monk Brewing Company’s Velvet Antler pours an amber red color with a slightly bubbly head and gives an aroma of malt that one reviewer categorized as “pretty standard.” Its flavor was rich with flavorful malty grain and tasted “roasty” and smooth with peppery components. It has a filling mouthfeel with medium-low carbonation and a full, nice creaminess. Velvet Antler is on-point in style. Most experts agreed it is a great amber with no cons.

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9. Pineapple Sculpin India Pale Ale Ballast Point Brewing Company, San Diego Alcohol by volume: 7 percent Average score: 27.6, outstanding

Prized for its golden sunrise color, Ballast Point’s Pineapple Sculpin IPA with natural grapefruit flavors has a light head and an aroma that’s at once hoppy, grassy and floral. Judges noted its juicy scent of mango and grapefruit, which brought out a pleasant bitterness on the palate with a good balance and malt backbone. The very hoppy beer lingers on the tongue with a “light, sweet flavor without the sugar,” as one panelist described it. Another called it a “bythe-numbers IPA.” The rest of the group said it was enjoyable with a great aroma.

10. Grapefruit Sculpin India Pale Ale Ballast Point Brewing Company, San Diego Alcohol by volume: 7 percent Average score: 27.3, outstanding

The California IPA invasion continues with Ballast Point’s Grapefruit Sculpin. Though it’s named for a spiny fish, the flavor is bright with lemon zest and wheatgrass. “Good bitterness,” observed one expert, though it felt “a little light on the malt” on his palate. This hoppy IPA’s citrus essence shines through. Its mouthfeel was light with a tickle of bubbles and drinks smooth. The clear, golden beer won favor for its delightfully juicy and fresh floral aroma.

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11. Dirty Blonde Belgian-Style Blonde Ale Twisted Spike Brewing Co., Oklahoma City Alcohol by volume: 6.2 percent Average score: 27, outstanding

With a nose that is sour and sharp, Twisted Spike Brewing Co.’s Dirty Blonde Belgian-style ale presented with a color one panelist called “cloudy yellow, like white wine.” Drinkers loved the hints of clove, yeast, pepper and light banana and its smoky Belgian taste. The flavor is “reminiscent of a hefeweizen,” remarked one judge, who liked its creamy texture and praised it as a “tasty beer.” It’s a light, drinkable ale with good flavors, a bite of phenolic spice and alcoholic heat.

12. Stone Delicious India Pale Ale Stone Brewing Co., Escondido, California Alcohol by volume: 7.7 percent Average score: 27, outstanding

Aptly named, the Stone Delicious IPA from Stone Brewing Co. hits the glass with a hazy gold complexion and a short head. The smell was described as clean and milky with sweet hops and a hint of flowers. For lovers of robust IPAs, the citrusy IPA with Lemondrop and El Dorado hops gives drinkers strong bitterness with a nice balance of grapefruit and hops. One reviewer called it “almost perfect” but also noted its “lingering bitterness.” The mouthfeel starts smooth with medium-low carbonation and ends with a slightly astringent sting. “Solid IPA,” declared another panelist.

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13. Golden Spike Saison Ale Twisted Spike Brewing Co., Oklahoma City Alcohol by volume: 6.4 percent Average score: 26.6, outstanding

Twisted Spike’s saison brew Golden Spike was deemed “Belgian-y (Is that a word?)” by one panelist, who also said he caught hints of malt, lime and jalapeño on the nose. The aroma of fruit and vegetation rises from this hazy yellow ale with a sour, slightly fruity flavor full of signature hops sting. It is “good for style” with “no noticeable flaws,” noted one judge who enjoyed its “nice, rounded mouthfeel.” Another said he liked it and praised the slightly sweet, slightly hoppy beer as “easy drinking, as farmhouses go.”

14. Habanero Sculpin India Pale Ale Ballast Point Brewing Company, San Diego Alcohol by volume: 7 percent Average score: 26.6, outstanding

Scent and flavor often go hand in hand, but Ballast Point’s Habanero Sculpin India pale ale with habanero peppers added (the label also warns “heat may vary”) pleasantly surprised the entire panel with its floral aroma and nice hop presence that is grassy and musty yet clean. Upon tasting the golden, slightly cloudy IPA, though, the taste of fresh garden peppers came through clearly. The slow burn reminded one panelist of Tabasco with heat and spice and a mouthfeel that “stings for days.” “Yowza, this is hot,” he said. Another said it is a “great, spicy IPA” but wished it had even more flavor.

15. Carolina Apple Granny Smith Hard Cider Bold Rock Hard Cider, Nellysford, Virginia Alcohol by volume: 4.7 percent Average score: 26.3, outstanding

The lone hard cider to make it into our top 16, Bold Rock Carolina Apple Granny Smith Hard Cider sits in the glass with a slight yellow hue that is almost clear and an aroma of light apple and white wine. Our panelists described it as estery with an abundance of fruity banana and bubble gum scents. Tasters loved its understated carbonation that was clean with no residue. The easy-to-drink beverage tasted of sparkling white wine with strong, sweet apple notes and a bit of pear. “Not too sweet,” commented one panelist, who called it an interesting cider that was not cloying. “The sweetness is nice,” said another.

16. Cool for the Summer 405 Brewing Co., Norman Alcohol by volume: 5 percent Average score: 26.3, outstanding

Based on a German-style gose, 405 Brewing Co.’s Cool for the Summer is brewed with limes and a touch of spearmint. Its aroma translates on the nose like a “salt-rimmed lime margarita,” one expert commented, and is fresh and light. The beer poured a bright yellow, “like hazy apple juice,” another reviewer said, and tastes of apricot and coriander. Panelists enjoyed its salty, lemony notes and called it tart and grassy. “Basic gose, but I’m a bit of a fan,” admitted another expert, who also enjoyed its medium mouthfeel. The bubbly brew is an interesting and light beverage that is ideal for summer nights. 18

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Cheers!

27th Annual Choctaw Oktoberfest 2017 | Photo bigstock.com

Reds, Whites & Brews | Photo bigstock.com

Toast summer’s best libations at these events and cool metro-area taprooms. By Gazette Staff

Metro Reds, Whites & Brews

Yeehaw! Grab your cowboy or cowgirl, hats and boots because Reds, Whites & Brews is back for another year to help raise money for Catholic Charities’ Homeless Services’ Sanctuary Women’s Development Center. Enjoy an evening of beers from Oklahoma craft brewers, wines from three vineyards and yummy food. Guests are entered into a raffle drawing and live auction with the purchase of their $60 tickets. 6-10 p.m. July 27, Cattlemen’s Special Event Center, 1325 S. Agnew Ave., redswhitesbrews.com

2017 Oklahoma Craft Beer Summit

Created by Oak & Ore initially to catch the eyes of lawmakers, push for legal changes in the beer industry and raise funds to support its case, this event has now become a way for brewers and the public to mingle, be educated and, of course, taste beers from 20 Oklahoma brewers. Tickets are $60-$75 and include access to educational seminars and a pre-conference party as well as beer tastings, glassware and bottle trading, a T-shirt and specialty glassware. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 5, Tower Theatre, 425 N.W. 23rd St., oklahomacraftbeersummit.com

State

eagles and the Sutton Scholarship Awards. General admission tickets are $45 and include a sampler cup and tastings of more than 30 restaurants and 50 beers. Or for a wilder time, you can purchase a patrons ticket that includes all of the above plus early access, a VIP area and a cup-holder lanyard. 5-8 p.m. Aug.12, Exhibit Halls B & C, Cox Business Center, 100 Civic Center, Tulsa, wildbrew.org

27th Annual Choctaw Oktoberfest 2017

405 Brewing Co.

Anthem Brewing Company

McNellie’s Harvest Beer Festival

Mustang Brewing Company

Join McNellie’s at its downtown Tulsa location for the eighth annual Harvest Beer Festival. It features beer from over 40 breweries to try in tiny pint glasses and food from James E. McNellie’s Public House, El Guapo’s Cantina and Fassler Hall. Noon-8 p.m. Sept. 30, James E. McNellie’s Public House, 409 E. First St., Tulsa, mcnellies.com

Wild Brew is a unique event featuring more than 50 local breweries and food from a selection of Tulsa restaurants and raising money for bald

NOW thru

McNellie’s Harvest Beer Festival | Photo bigstock.com

4-8p.m. Thursday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday 1716 Topeka St., Norman www.405brewing.com | 405-573-2668

Want to do something different this Labor Day? Check out Oktoberfest in Choctaw and get in touch with your inner German. Entrance is $5 and free for kids under the age of 12. Enjoy German cuisine, beer and wine and, of course, live music and dancing all nine days of the event. Sept. 1-9, Choctaw Creek Park, 14098 NE 21st St., Choctaw. oldgermany.com

Wild Brew

Metro taproom hours

Noon-6 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays and Noon-9 p.m. Fridays-Sundays 908 SW 4th St. anthembrewing.com | 405-604-0446

COOP Ale Works

4-8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, noon-8 p.m. Saturday 4745 Council Heights Road coopaleworks.com | 405-842-2667 3-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday 520 N. Meridian Ave. mustangbrewing.com | 405-943-0100

Roughtail Brewing Co.

3-8 p.m. Thursday, noon-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday 279 N. Air Depot Blvd., Midwest City roughtailbeer.com | 405-771-6517

Twisted Spike Brewing Co.

4-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-9 p.m. Saturday, 1-9 p.m. Sunday 1 NW 10th St. twistedspike.com | 405-267-9961 Mustang Brewing Company | Photo Gazette / file

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Bottom’s up

A sampling of Oklahoma craft beers.

Breweries and taprooms 405 Brewing Co. and Taproom 1716 Topeka St., Norman 405brewing.com 405-573-2668 American Solera 1801 S. 49th W. Ave., Tulsa americansolera.com 918-949-4318 Anthem Brewing Company and Taproom 908 SW Fourth St. anthembrewing.com 405-604-0446 Back Porch Drafthouse 5370 NW Cache Road, Suite 1, Lawton bpdrafthouse.com 580-699-2999 Battered Boar Brewing Company (taproom coming soon) 14801 Metro Plaza Blvd., Edmond batteredboar.com 405-254-5000 Belle Isle Restaurant & Brewing Company 1900 Northwest Expressway belleislerestaurant.com 405-840-1911 Beavers Bend Brewery and Taproom 46 Coho Road, Broken Bow beaversbendbrewery.com 580-494-3455 Black Mesa Brewing Company (coming 2017) 1354 W. Sheridan Ave. blackmesabrewing.com 405-778-1865 Bricktown Brewery (see website for more locations) 1 N. Oklahoma Ave. bricktownbrewery.com 405-232-2739 Cabin Boys Brewery and Taproom (coming 2017) 1717 E. Seventh St., Tulsa 918-809-4203

Elk Valley Brewing Co. and Taproom (coming soon) 1212 N. Hudson Ave. elkvalleybrew.com 405-209-0016 Elgin Park Brewery 325 E. Mathew B. Brady St., Tulsa elginparkbrewery.com 918-986-9910 Indian Brewing Company and Taproom (coming soon) 333 W. Dallas St, Broken Arrow facebook.com/indianbrewingco Iron Monk Brewing Company and Tap Room 519 S. Husband St., Stillwater ironmonkbeer.com 405-714-2585 Marshall Brewing Company and Tap Room 618 S. Wheeling Ave., Tulsa marshallbrewing.com 918-292-8781 Mountain Fork Brewing and Taproom 85 N. Lukfata Trail Road, Broken Bow facebook.com/mountainforkbrewery 580-494-3233 Mustang Brewing Company and Taproom 520 N. Meridian Ave. mustangbrewing.com 405-943-0100 Nothing’s Left Brewing Co. 3001 W. Mobile St., Broken Arrow nothingsleftbrew.co 918-645-6171 Prairie Artisan Ales’ Prairie Brewpub 223 N. Main St., Tulsa prairiepub.com 918-936-4395 Prairie Taproom (coming soon) 3 NE Eighth St. prairieales.com 918-302-3003

Choc Beer Company and Choc Room 120 SW Eighth St., Krebs petes.org/choc-beer 918-423-2042

Roughtail Brewing Co. and Taphouse 1279 N. Air Depot Blvd., Midwest City roughtailbeer.com 405-771-6517

COOP Ale Works and Taproom 4745 Council Heights Road coopaleworks.com 405-842-2667

Renaissance Brewing Co. 1147 S. Lewis Ave., Tulsa renaissancebeer.com 918-557-6022

Dead Armadillo Craft Brewing and Taproom 1004 E. Fourth St., Tulsa dabrewery.com 918-232-8627

Royal Bavaria Restaurant and Brewery 3401 S. Sooner Road, Moore royal-bavaria.com 405-799-7666

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Stonecloud Brewing Co. (coming early 2017) 1012 NW First St. stonecloudbrewing.com Twisted Spike Brewing Co. and Tasting Room 1 NW 10th St. twistedspike.com 405-267-9961 Vanessa House Beer Co. 516 NW 21st St. vanessahousebeerco.com 405-816-4870 The Willows Family Ales (coming soon) Pearl District, Tulsa facebook.com/thewillowsbeer

Serving craft beers 3Sixty Restaurant & Bar 5900 Mosteller Drive 3sixtyokc.com 405-418-7686 51st Street Speakeasy 1114 NW 51st St. 51stspeakeasy.com 405-463-0470 Anchor Down 30 NE Second St. anchordownokc.com 405-605-8070 The Barrel 4308 N. Western Ave. barrelokc.com 405-525-6682 The Bleu Garten 301 NW Tenth St. bleugarten.com 405-879-3808 Brent’s Cajun Seafood & Oyster Bar 3005 S. Broadway, Edmond brentscajunseafood.com 405-285-0911 Bricktown Brewery (see website for more locations) One Remington Place bricktownbrewery.com 405-419-4449 Cheever’s Cafe 2409 N. Hudson Ave. cheeverscafe.com 405-525-7007 The Drake Seafood and Oysterette 519 NW 23rd St., Suite 111 thedrakeokc.com 405-605-3399 The Drum Room 4309 N. Western Ave. drumroomokc.com 405-604-0990 Earl’s Rib Palace (see website for more locations) 216 Johnny Bench Drive earlsribpalace.com 405-272-9898

Empire Slice House 1734 NW 16th St. empireslicehouse.com 405-557-1760

The Library Bar & Grill 607 W. Boyd St., Norman gldining.com/the-library 405-366-7465

Pizzeria Gusto 2415 N. Walker Ave. pizzeria-gusto.com 405-437-4992

Fassler Hall 421 NW 10th St. fasslerhall.com 405-609-3300

The Lobby Cafe & Bar 4322 N. Western Ave. willrogerslobbybar.com 405-604-4650

Power House 1228 SW Second St. powerhouseokc.com 405-702-0699

FlashBack RetroPub 814 W. Sheridan Ave. flashbackretropub.com 405-633-3604

Lost Highway 1613 N. May Ave. losthighwaybar.com 405-601-5606

Flip’s Wine Bar & Trattoria 5801 N. Western Ave. flipswinebar.com 405-843-1527

Louie’s Grill & Bar (see website for more locations) 9401 Lake Hefner Parkway louiesgrillandbar.com 405-751-2298

Pub W (see website for more locations) 3121 W. Memorial Road pubdub.com 405-608-2200 The Pump Bar 2425 N. Walker Ave. pumpbar.net 405-702-8898

Gabriella’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria 1226 NE 63rd St. gabriellasokc.com 405-478-4955

Ludivine 805 N. Hudson Ave. ludivineokc.com 405-778-6800

Republic Gastropub 5830 N. Classen Blvd. republicgastropub.com 405-286-4577

The Garage Burgers & Beer (see website for more locations) 307 E. Main St., Norman eatatthegarage.com 405-701-7035

Lumpy’s Sports Grill (see website for more locations) 5909 Northwest Expressway lumpyssportsgrill.com 405-728-7000

The Root 3012 N. Walker Ave. facebook.com/therootokc 405-655-5889

Guyutes 730 NW 23rd St. guyutes.com 405-702-6960

Mary Eddy’s Kitchen + Lounge 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City 900 W. Main St. maryeddysokc.com 405-982-6960

Hideaway Pizza (see website for more locations) 6616 N. Western Ave. hideawaypizza.com 405-840-4777 HiLo Club 1221 NW 50th St. hilookc.com 405-843-1722 Humble Pie Authentic Chicago Style Pizza 1319 S. Broadway, Edmond facebook.com/humblepiepizza 405-715-1818 Hudsons Public House (see website for more locations) 27 E. Sheridan Ave. hhpublichouse.com 405-605-4995

The Mule 1630 N. Blackwelder Ave. themuleokc.com 405-601-1400 Noir Bistro & Bar 701 W. Sheridan Ave. theparamountokc.com 405-208-4233 Oak & Ore 1732 NW 16th St. oakandore.com 405-606-2030 O’Connell’s Irish Pub & Grille 769 Asp Ave., Norman facebook.com/oconnellsnorman 405-217-8454

Ingrid’s (see website for more locations) 3701 N. Youngs Blvd. ingridsok.com 405-946-8444

Okie Tonk Cafe (see website for more locations) 1003 SW 19th St., Moore okietonk.com 405-603-8665

Interurban (see website for more locations) 1150 Ed Noble Parkway, Norman interurban.us 405-307-9200

Opus Prime Steakhouse 800 W. Memorial Road opusprimesteakhouse.com 405-607-6787

Iron Star Urban Barbeque 3700 N. Shartel Ave. ironstarokc.com 405-524-5925 James E. McNellie’s Public House (see website for more locations) 1100 Classen Drive mcnellies.com 405-601-7468 Bourbon St. Cafe 100 E. California Ave. jazmoz.com 405-232-6666

Packard’s New American Kitchen - The 10 Roof 201 NW 10th St. packardsokc.com 405-605-3771 The Patriarch Craft Beer House and Lawn 9 E. Edwards St., Edmond thepatriarchedmond.com 405-285-6670 Picasso Cafe / The Other Room 3009 Paseo St. picassosonpaseo.com 405-602-2002

S&B’s Burger Joint (see website for more locations) 20 NW Ninth St. sandbburgers.com 405-270-0516 Saints 1715 NW 16 St. saintspubokc.com 405-602-6308 Sauced on Paseo 2912 Paseo St. saucedonpaseo.com 405-521-9800 Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails 132 W. Main St., Norman scratchnorman.com 405-801-2900 Slaughter’s Hall 221 N. Central Ave. slaughtershall.com 405-606-6063 TapWerks Ale House 121 E. Sheridan Ave. facebook.com/tapwerks 405-319-9599 VZD’s Restaurant & Bar 4200 N. Western Ave. vzds.com 405-602-3006 The Wedge Pizzeria Deep Deuce (see website for more locations) 230 NE First St. thewedgeokc.com 405-270-0660 WSKY Lounge 228 NE Second St. wskylounge.com 405-606-7171 The Zu Sports Grill 16 S. Broadway, Edmond thezusportsgrill.com 405-330-1833

Be Back soon!

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Patriotic palate

A Taste of Edmond allows guests to sample great eclectic fare. By Angela Evans

For one night, A Taste of Edmond guests won’t have to choose just one place to eat — they can try them all. The annual fundraising event offers sumptuous samples from dozens of eateries. Taste of Edmond runs 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday. “We have a lot of traditional fare represented, but Edmond is also unique in that we have a lot of ethnic restaurants. Guests will end up getting a taste of cuisine from around the world,” said Maggie Murdock Nichols, Taste of Edmond event committee chairwoman. In fact, she discovered one of her new favorite restaurants at last year’s event. “Mt. Everest Cuisines was at Taste last year; I had never heard of them, but they served Indian and Nepali food,” she said. “I met the owners, and they were so sweet and kind. Now, I eat there once, sometimes twice a week.” Edmond’s Festival Market Place, 26 W. First St., will be filled with more than 35 restaurants featuring everything from barbecue and popular American cuisine to Middle Eastern, Italian, Central American and South Asian fare. “It’s quite a good deal, and we want people to be able to go as a family, so we try to keep it affordable,” said Murdock Nichols, who is also a longtime Edmond resident. “I’ve been every year for as long as I can remember. It’s a tradition that everyone looks forward to being a part of.” Tickets are $12 in advance and are available from Edmond merchants listed at libertyfest.org or can be purchased at the event for $17. Children under 10 years old are admitted free. Admission includes food and nonalcoholic beverages. Taste of Edmond was founded in 1991 and is one of the biggest fundraisers for Edmond’s premier LibertyFest festival

A Taste of Edmond features more than 35 local restaurants serving everything from Mediterranean fare (like Simply Falafel, pictured) to American, Italian, Middle Eastern and South Asian favorites. | Photo Garett Fisbeck / file

and related events. The Independence Day celebration spans two weekends and features patriotic-themed car shows, parades, performances and, of course, fireworks. Proceeds from A Taste of Edmond ticket sales also help finance the nonprofit event. “You really get a lot out of Taste; not just the food and experience, but you’re giving back to an event the whole community can enjoy,” Murdock Nichols said. Participating restaurants, including Othello’s Italian Restaurant, Earl’s Rib Palace, Simply Falafel, Ted’s Café Escondido and Hideaway Pizza, among others, donate special dishes to help support LibertyFest. Taste also offers those business owners an opportunity to meet the people in the community and talk about their food in a fun environment. “You get a one-on-one experience with the restaurant owners because they are usually the ones handing out the food,” Murdock Nichols said. “You get a chance to meet the chef, owner or other workers that you may not get to talk to usually from places you may not have ever tried.” Visit libertyfest.org/taste-of-edmond. Learn more about LibertyFest events at libertyfest.org.

A Taste of Edmond 6:30-8:30 p.m. July 2 Festival Market Place 26 W. First St., Edmond libertyfest.org/taste-of-edmond | 405-340-2527 Free-$17

EVENt

Bramble on McLoud devours its legacy as the Blackberry Capital of the World during its annual festival. By Angela Evans

Blackberries grow wild throughout the backyards and backroads of McLoud, but there was a time when cultivating the beauties was big business. As a clever marketing maneuver, a blackberry grower’s association shipped a box of its finest blackberries to our 33rd president and made an impression. Moved by the gift and impressed by the quality of the fruit, President Henry S. Truman declared Mc L ou d , Oklahoma, the official Blackberry Capital of the World in 1949. The quaint community located about 30 miles outside Oklahoma City in Pottawatomie County, maintains its cozy, small-town identity, and the Blackberry Festival is a big part of its tradition. Even though blackberries are no longer the lifeblood of the economy, the festival has seen huge growth with big developments in the works. “This year is a restructuring [of] the event. We are doing things we’ve never done before,” said Melanie Krause, McLoud Chamber of Commerce office manager. “We have new food vendors who must use blackberries in at least one of their menu items.” That includes a vendor that incorporates blackberries into its cinnamon rolls and a barbecue joint that cooks them into its barbecue sauce, she said. McLoud Blackberry Festival honors the town’s history with a good, oldfashioned community affair, including a parade, pageant and, of course, general admiration of the dark, tart and juicy edible aggregate fruit. Of course, there will be the traditional blackberry preparations, including plenty of cobblers, ice creams and jams. The “cobbler gobbler” eating contest gives hardcore blackberry lovers the chance to indulge their competitive side. “There really is something beautiful about happy faces covered in blackberries,” Krause said. “It’s such a fun event, and everyone gets a kick out of it.” The festival also features a parade with floats and Native American tribes performing in full regalia. The Blackberry Pageant lets local girls compete for the chance to represent the

McCloud Blackberry Festival features a lot of the seasonally ubiquitous fruit, along with family fun, June 30 and July 1 in McLoud. | Photo bigstock.com

town as part of her reigning duties. “This year’s pageant is one of the biggest groups we’ve ever had,” Krause said. “There is a dance contest, and the girls can show off a talent. … The winner will represent our town for fundraisers and other activities.” In addition to about 40 vendors selling arts, crafts and other retail items, there will be carnival rides, a car show, live music and even an Elvis impersonator. Admission to the family-friendly event is free. “It’s a good, small-town festival that you can go to with your kids,” Krause said. “We are only about 20 minutes or so away from the city, but we are one of those hidden treasures that hasn’t been taken over by big city stuff.” The indefatigable berry bushes and brambles still run strong throughout the town. “They’re wild everywhere here still. Though it’s not what keeps our town running anymore, there are some farms locally [that] provide all the berries for our event,” Krause said. “It’s pretty incredible how versatile a blackberry can be in an area where they had a lot of blackberries.” McLoud Blackberry Festival runs 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday at McLoud High School Athletic Complex, 1280 W. Seikel Blvd., in McLoud. The event wraps up with the crowning of the new Blackberry Pageant winner, a performance by The Wise Guys and a fireworks show. Admission is free. Visit mcloudchamber.com.

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Summer is a magical time when it feels like everyone but you is on vacation, including your family. Whether your brother is rolling through town or your third stepcousin twice removed from a Hootie & the Blowfish concert is stopping by for a bite to eat, everybody seems a little nervous about straying too far from the highway. Give your visitors a taste of Oklahoma with these conveniently located eateries that’ll have them happily fed and ready to get back on the road. By Greg Elwell Photos by Garett Fisbeck, Cara Johnson and Gazette / file

Hugo’s Taquizas

3409 NW 23rd St. facebook.com/hugos.taquizas 405-601-1244

If someone is traveling down Interstate 44, have them pull off at NW 23rd Street for lunch at Hugo’s Taquizas. Tacos are $1 each on Tuesdays and just $1.50 the rest of the time. The carne asada (steak), carnitas (pork) and cabeza (beef cheek) will put whatever tacos they eat back in Maryland to shame. Take on Burrito Impossible, a three-pound burrito filled with your choice of three meats, rice, beans, cilantro, onions and salsa wrapped in two flour tortillas.

Gorditas Mexican Kitchen 3264 SW 44th St. 405-601-5911

Not far from where State Highway 52 and Interstate 44 meet, you’ll find Gorditas Mexican Kitchen, where the specialty is — you guessed it — gorditas. Spanish for “chubby,” a gordita is a thick masa tortilla stuffed with delicious fillings, from the simple pleasures of frijoles (beans) and cheese to the mélange that is discada — ground beef, hot dogs, tomatoes, onion, bell peppers and jalapeños. And since gorditas are portable, your relatives can even consider ordering some for the road.

The Garage Burgers & Beer

1024 W. Interstate 240 Service Road eatatthegarage.com | 405-601-4198

Oklahoma knows burgers better than any other state in the country. Treat your traveling kin to one of the city’s favorite dishes at The Garage Burgers & Beer located near Interstate 240. The Classic is a good place to start, but don’t overlook The Big G. It’s hard to do better than a pair of beef patties, one cooked onion burger-style, with pickles, onions, cheese and special sauce. Upgrade from beef to a bison patty for $2 more.

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GoGo Sushi Express and Grill

The Restaurant at Sooner Legends

Traveling can be hard on the stomach. Encourage your fam to indulge in tasty, light-on-the-tummy sushi from GoGo Sushi Express and Grill. With more than 75 sushi rolls on its menu (including one named for Damon Lane, Oklahoma City’s funniest meteorologist), it’s hard to imagine they won’t find something to love. GoGo also serves tasty salads and hibachi-cooked meats.

Hut, hut, hike on over to Sooner Legends with your relatives traveling through Norman for a taste of University of Oklahoma history and filling comfort fare. There are enchiladas and burritos for Tex-Mex lovers and a passel of salads. Carnivores can dig into an extensive selection of barbecue dinners, including delicious catfish and ribs, or try a true Oklahoma classic — a chicken-fried steak with mashed potatoes smothered in gravy.

1611 S. Interstate 35 Service Road, Moore gogosushinow.com | 405-794-3474

1200 24th Ave. SW, Norman soonerlegends.com | 405-701-8100

Swadley’s Bar-B-Q

Pho Bulous Noodle & Grill

2233 W. Memorial Road swadleys.com | 405-413-7333

Some relatives you can’t wait to see leave, and some you want to stay forever. Meet the latter at Swadley’s Bar-B-Q located just off Kilpatrick Turnpike and make sure they order the Oklahoma Sampler with more than a pound of meat (chicken, sausage, brisket, ham and a rib) and two sides. There’s no way they can finish it and still drive anywhere. Besides, one taste of real Oklahoma barbecue might have them searching for their own home in the metro.

3409 S. Broadway, Suite 700, Edmond facebook.com/phobulousedmond 405-475-5599

“Vietnamese food? In Oklahoma?!” is something one of your relatives might say when you direct them to Pho Bulous Noodle & Grill off Interstate 235. After one taste of its scrumptious pho, they’ll be glad you suggested it. The thermometer might be topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit by the time they arrive, but locals know it’s never too hot for a bowl of richly spiced Vietnamese beef and noodle soup. Finish the meal with a cold bubble tea.

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ARTS & CULTURE

top left A parade, face painting, amusement

Red, White and Boom festivities kick off 8:30 p.m.

rides, inflatables and more await guests at

Monday at State Fair Park and feature Oklahoma City

Edmond’s LibertyFest, which runs through

Philharmonic. | Photo provided

Tuesday. | Photo Joshua Officer / provided

Leisure

Tuesday at Wheeler Park, 1120 S. Western Ave. In addition to the food and fun, Casey and Minna fiddle and guitar duo performs 4-8:30 p.m. on the main stage. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free. Visit wheelerdistrict.com.

Patriotic parties

Metro Fourth of July events offer everything from baby races to fireworks displays. By George Lang

It’s the big No. 241 for the grand ol’ United States of America, meaning it’s time to light fuses and strike up bands. Central Oklahoma knows how to unfurl the red, white and blue for Independence Day, and with July Fourth hitting on Tuesday this year, the fun and fireworks begin this weekend and carry through to the big birthday date. Here are some of the best and brightest city and metro-area communities that will fill their parks and public spaces with the rockets’ red glare.

Red, White and Boom

Beginning 8:30 p.m. Monday at State Fair Park, 3001 General Pershing Blvd., Red, White and Boom offers what could be the definitive music event of the holiday as Oklahoma City Philharmonic performs patriotic favorites such as “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and military songs before the fireworks display begins at 10 p.m. Maestro Joel Levine conducts the orchestra featuring solo performances by Oklahoma City theater star Renee Anderson, Broadway star Mat Govich and Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma star Vince Leseney. The gates open at 6 p.m. Admission and parking are free, and entrance to State Fair Park is available through gates 5 and 6. Visit okcphil.org. 26

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bottom left Stuff your face with American pride (and hot dogs) Monday and Tuesday during Yukon’s Freedom Fest. | Photo provided

LibertyFest

Edmond’s LibertyFest gets a jump on the patriotic festivities every year, starting in the last week of June with kite festivals, park concerts, a rodeo, car shows and more continuing through the big day. At 9 a.m. Tuesday, the LibertyFest Parade will attract more than 50,000 guests to downtown Edmond. The party continues at 6 p.m. with Parkfest on the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) campus, 100 N. University Drive, featuring rides, inflatables, a cliff jump, music, toddler activities and more. Chosen by CNN and USA Today as one of the Top 10 Fourth of July celebrations in the country. LibertyFest culminates with a 9:30 p.m. fireworks display at UCO. Admission is free. Visit libertyfest.org.

Red, BRIGHT and Blue Festival

A daytime festival in the shadow of the Wheeler Ferris Wheel, the Red, BRIGHT and Blue Festival features food trucks, The Big Friendly Craft Beer Bus, pop-up shops and gelato and snow cones 2-9 p.m.

Freedom Fest

Yukon’s Freedom Fest at Chisholm Trail Park, 500 W. Vandament Ave., and City Park, 2200 S. Holly Ave., delivers two days of fun, music and fireworks. At 5 p.m. Monday, see the Rodeo Opry Band and Dr. Irv Wagner’s Concert Band perform for veterans, followed by a 10 p.m. fireworks display. At 8 a.m. Tuesday, children ages 8-13 can test their endurance in the Cherry Bomb Triathlon, in which contestants in separate age groups will swim, bike and run to the finishline. The triathlon begins at City Splash public pool in Yukon City Park. Admission is free. Other Freedom Fest events are the Freedom Fest Car Show, the annual children’s parade, free swimming at City Splash, a best-decorated bike contest, music by Mike Black and the Stingrays and Superfreak and an 8:30 p.m. patriotic concert by Oklahoma City Philharmonic followed by 10 p.m. fireworks. Visit yukonok.gov.

Bethany Freedom Festival

Starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Bethany Freedom Festival at Eldon Lyon Park, 7400 NW 36th St., in Bethany includes a classic car show, inflatables, pony rides, festival food, Wagner’s Carnival and live entertainment. At 9:55 p.m., organizers present one of the largest fireworks displays in Oklahoma. Admission is free. Visit cityofbethany.org.

Tribute to Liberty

Midwest City’s free, family-friendly Tribute to Liberty kicks off at 6 p.m. Tuesday with music by the 100 Bones Band, followed at 8:30 p.m. by Dr. Irv

Wagner’s Concert Band. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring picnics and blankets. It all happens at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E. Reno Ave., in Midwest City. In addition, Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty will be strolling through the park on stilts beginning at 7 p.m. Visit midwestcityok.org.

A Celebration in the Heartland

The City of Moore’s A Celebration in the Heartland starts at 10 a.m. Tuesday with arts and crafts, food vendors, inflatables, winery displays and $40 helicopter rides at Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12th St. Music performances by Hook and Stars precede a massive fireworks display at dusk. Admission is free. Visit cityofmoore.com.

Do-It-Yourself Celebration

The DIY spirit is alive and well in Mustang, which allows people to shoot off their own fireworks 9 a.m.-11 p.m. at Wild Horse Park, 1201 N. Mustang Road. It is legal to light and sell fireworks in Mustang through Tuesday, so this is the most libertarian of liberty celebrations. Admission is free. Alcohol is prohibited, though. Call 405-376-3411.

Norman Day – 4th of July Celebration

Beginning mid-afternoon Tuesday, Norman Day offers a family-friendly celebration featuring food trucks, live music by DT5 and John Arnold Band, inflatables, pony rides, a “nickel find” and, perhaps most interestingly, the annual Baby Crawl race. The festivities culminate in a 9:45 p.m. fireworks display at Reaves Park, 2501 Jenkins Ave., in Norman. Visit visitnorman.com.

Models sport CuteCircuit iMiniSkirts made with silk chiffon and LED lights. | Photo Theodoros

Art

Chliapas / CuteCircuit / provided

Cyber strut

Oklahoma Contemporary’s Coded_Couture merges art, fashion and technology. By Ben Luschen

Couture, by definition, is fashion designed as a custom fit for an individual wearer. The French haute couture concept can be traced back to the 17th century, and the term is not something Parisian elite toss around without discretion. In France, couture is strictly defined and regulated by an administrative body that determines which fashion houses can and cannot flaunt the lofty label based on the fulfillment of certain criteria. The custom fit in couture fashion is in reference to the wearer’s distinct and precise body measurements. Yet in the internet and social-media age, when one’s identity and persona is as much a digital construct as it is a physical manifestation, some might ask if there are other metrics or methods that could be used to further increase customizability. The future of couture fashion is explored in the Coded_Couture exhibition, which begins its six-week run Thursday with an opening reception at Oklahoma Contemporary, 3000 General Pershing Blvd.

Interactive fun

Coded_Couture displays a wide range of futuristic prototypes and sketches, many of which utilize some kind of coding or

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technology that rethinks personalized wear. The exhibit was first organized by two independent curators — Ginger Gregg Duggan and Judith Hoos Fox — for New York’s Pratt Institute. Coded_Couture made its debut at New York Fashion Week in 2016 and has since toured across the country. Oklahoma City is the last stop on that tour. Jennifer Scanlan, curatorial and exhibitions director at Oklahoma Contemporary, knows the exhibit’s original curators and went to see the show in Manhattan before making arrangements for its local stop. “[The exhibit] was really cool, and it offered all these opportunities for kids and adults to interact with it,” Scanlan said, “which I thought would be perfect for what we do at Oklahoma Contemporary, where we’re really interested in actively engaging our audience.” Coded_Couture does not feature clothing that resembles anything one could go out and buy today. Instead, it showcases concepts for what the fashion’s future might hold. Several innovative dresses by Chinese designer Ying Gao are on display and are made with new fabric technology that glows to track the viewer’s gaze across its

surface and reacts to other outside stimuli. An iMiniSkirt designed by British fashion brand CuteCircuit displays live Twitter messages. Viewers are encouraged to interact with the piece by tweeting messages at it or using a nearby tablet to influence the garment’s color. The show also features a hands-on children’s section sponsored by Google with an emphasis on encouraging children, especially young girls, to take an interest in coding and consider it as a future career. Scanlan said a fashion show featuring futuristic designs from Oklahoma designers is planned for August 5. Coded_Couture will be on display at Oklahoma Contemporary through August 10. The items in the exhibit are on the fantastical and artsy end of the spectrum, but smart, tech-based fabrics are already being put to practical use. Scanlan said some athletic teams use smart fabrics in their training gear to regulate heartbeat and train more efficiently. “There are other fabrics that are designed to emit light,” she said, “so if you’re designing a room, you can use a textile to emit light instead of using a light bulb.” Some Coded_Couture designers imagined a future in which fashion does not exist at all. Social media profiles on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other outlets are used today as an outward projection of who the user is as a person. “One designer has imagined that everyone is going to go around in a uniform,” Scanlan said, “but you will be able to use augmented reality systems on your phone to look at someone’s fashion created through a person’s personal social media posts.” In today’s world, a couture digital fit can be as important or appropriate as a physical one. A social media account is as much of an outfit as one’s favorite shirt or pair of pants. They both create a desired image.

Art code

Coding as a practice is sometimes associated with fashion-oblivious programmers or enterprising Silicon Valley types. Scanlan hopes that Coded_Couture shows coding exists as yet another method in which fine art and high fashion can be made not just in the future, but in the present. “Coding is an art form in and of itself,” she said. “It’s a way of creating art — it’s a tool — but it’s also using your creativity and expression.” Scanlan said within the contemporary art world, coding is widely recognized as a medium to create art and is regularly implemented. “Right here in Oklahoma, we have a number of schools like [the University of Central Oklahoma] that are really focusing on new media and technology within the art departments,” she said. “There are a lot of people who are already very excited about using coding and technology as an art form.” Coded_Couture exists as a cross-section of fashion, art and technology — three distinct realms that might not appear related, at least at surface level. Scanlan said part of Oklahoma Contemporary’s mission is to make people aware of places where art can converge with other areas and form something worthwhile. “Technology is so much a part of our culture, I think people are comfortable with it at this point,” she said. “I don’t think it will be an enormous stress for them. I just think it will be exciting to see what technology can do in a more creative way that they haven’t thought of before.” Visit oklahomacontemporary.org.

Coded_Couture Thursday through Aug. 10 Oklahoma Contemporary 3000 General Pershing Blvd. oklahomacontemporary.org | 405-951-0000 Free

Opening reception 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday

FutureFashion fashion show 6:30-9 p.m. Aug. 5

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ARTS & CULTURE

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Art

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Birthing beauty Native American Body of Art is one of the first nude Native American art shows by Native artists. By Ben Luschen

When Oklahoma City artist Brent Learned explains his latest art exhibition concept to other people, he sees a lot of raised eyebrows. Learned, a member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma and creator of 2016’s popular Native Pop! art show at Paseo Plunge, hosts Native American Body of Art July 7 at Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park’s Paseo Art District gallery, 2920 Paseo St. He said the new exhibition will be one of the first — if not the only — all-nude Native American art shows featuring Native American artists. Learned acknowledges his claim might sound unlikely, but through research, historical reasoning and talking to other Native artists, he said the show is very likely breaking new ground. “People think, ‘Oh, well, it’s been done,’ but no, it hasn’t,” he said. “There hasn’t been a whole exhibition about this type of artform.” Some people are hesitant to support nude art exhibits, regardless of concept. Considering the modern, more sensitive approach to Native imagery, even some Native artists have told Learned they were skeptical of his idea. He insists Body of Art is a tactful celebration of the Native American body. “How is it taboo, and how is it wrong?” he said. “My tribe — Cheyenne and Arapaho — we literally would fight in the nude. We don’t have a constitution 28

J u n e 2 8 , 2 0 1 7 | O kg a z e t t e . c o m

“Expecting” by Brent Learned | Image provided

that tells us what’s right and what’s wrong when it comes to art because the art is an expression. If your tribe has that, I’d sure love to see it.”

Classic portrayal

Native American Body of Art features work by 10 artists, including Learned, Steven Paul Judd (Choctaw/Kiowa), Serena Penaloza (Navajo/Maricopa), MaryBeth Timothy (Cherokee), Brenda Mackey Musgrave (Choctaw), Joe Hopkins (Muscogee Creek), Aakatchaq Inuit (Inuit/Inupiaq), George Levi (Cheyenne/Arapaho/Oglala Lakota), Oneka Jones (Western Shoshone/ Northern Paiute) and Amy Maguire (Potawatomie). The style of works will vary by artist, and Learned said he wants all works to be something one might find in a museum — classical and tastefully composed. Learned is including several of his own pieces in the show; many feature nudes in majestic, Roman-like poses. His work includes depictions of a pregnant woman and breast-feeding, which he calls some of life’s greatest beauty. His idea for Body of Art was partially inspired by a conversation he had more than a decade ago about a nude painting he made and was showing at a Native marketplace in Wichita, Kansas. The director of a local Native American art museum liked his work, which was in-

“Life” by Brent Learned | Image provided

spired by an actual 19th-century photograph by William S. Soule, and said he wanted to buy it and add it to the museum’s collection. Before he could do that, he needed approval from the museum’s CEO, who examined the painting and declined to buy it. “She said, ‘You’re depicting nudity,’” Learned recalled. “‘Sir, we’re a museum.’” Years of religious rhetoric, he said, has made nude art and nudity in general taboo for many. That thinking seems counter-intuitive to him. “If you’re a person who believes in a Creator,” he said, “you’d think you’d want to bring Him honor by depicting one of His creations on canvas or on paper.” Another inspiration for Body of Art came from a video Learned recently saw about the history of nude art. He said the video asserted that 85 percent of professional artists are male and 80 percent of nudes found in museums are of females by male artists. “Those stats are so out of whack,” he said. When putting together Body of Art, Learned made it a point to include more female artists than male. This was partly to help correct a historic imbalance between the genders in nude art, but also because Native women are statistically more likely to be victims of sex crimes. According to statistics by the United States Department of Justice published in 2004, Native women are more than twice as likely to experience a sexual assault crime compared to other races. When Native women are painted nude, it is often in a sexualized way. Learned said he too once depicted Native women in ways that were overly sexual or objectifying, but he has since changed. “I started doing the research,” he said. “Once I realized what the research was on that, I stopped.”

Historic absence

When Learned got his idea for Body of Art, he himself could not think of many examples of Native American nude art. He did a lot of internet research to try and determine what was out there. “You really come across almost pornographic material,” he said. “And if you don’t, you come across really cheesy images of females with a wolf or that

stereotypical bullshit.” He asked his friends and fellow Native artists if they could think of any examples of Native nude paintings or art exhibitions. “When it came to Native American nude art, they were like, ‘You know what; we’ve never really seen any,’” Learned said. A variety of converging factors likely go into why there is an historic absence of Native nudes by Native American artists. His theory is that colonization and forced cultural conformity pushed Native art to skip several natural phases. “You look at every culture around the world, and they had their own renaissance, especially Europe,” he said. “With Native Americans, when white migration happened, [certain tribes] went from living on the plains to all of a sudden being assimilated.” Many Native people were put in boarding schools and taught that their language, clothing and culture was wrong. Many generations lost touch of their cultural identity, Learned explained. In later eras, when that awareness reemerged, Native art had already progressed to contemporary or pop styles not usually concerned with classic nude forms. Through mass cultural assimilation, Native art was robbed of the chance for natural progression that other cultures experienced.

SEMINOLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Independence Celebration MONDAY, JULY 3rd 5p-fireworks at dark

Free inflatables, watermelon and peanuts along with Live entertainment from The Dudes 5:30-6:30pm, Smilin’ Vic & the Soul Monkeys 7-8pm and SquadLive 8:30-9:45pm. Food, fun, our annual t-shirt and novelties for sale too. THIS IS A FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT AND EVERYONE IS WELCOME

SEMINOLE MUNICIPAL PARK across from McDonald’s on Milt Phillips For questions please call: 405.382.3640

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Wide appeal

Fans of contemporary Native art should probably attend First Friday Gallery Walk July 7 in Paseo Art District. That night, Learned hosts the Native American Body of Art opening reception and a simultaneous second installment opening of the Native Pop! art show down the street at Paseo Plunge, 3010 Paseo St. Since last year’s Paseo premier, Native Pop! has toured nationally and more shows are planned at Chicago and New York City galleries. A tour also is possible for Body of Art. The exhibit is scheduled later this year at a gallery in Lawrence, Kansas. Learned said there is a strong national appetite to see Native art that goes beyond traditional works and defies stereotypes. “Everyone from around the country who comes and sees [Native Pop!], they’ve really enjoyed it,” he said. “They say it’s like an exhibit they’ve never seen before.” Visit facebook.com/nativeamericanbodyofart.

Native American Body of Art Opening 5-10 p.m. July 7 Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park 2920 Paseo St. facebook.com/nativeamericanbodyofart 405-235-3700 Free

O kg a z e t t e . c o m | J u n e 2 8 , 2 0 1 7

ARTS & CULTURE Kehinde Wiley | Photo Tony Powell / Oklahoma

Art

City Museum of Art / provided

Fixing Baroque

Kehinde Wiley: A New Republic offers a socially, politically and religiously charged corrective to the European masters. By George Lang

Major career retrospectives usually are earned by artists in their final years of activity, with catalogs spanning multiple decades, or those who have already left the confines of Earth and studio. But Harlem-based artist Kehinde Wiley’s work defies convention on so many levels that the 40-year-old artist’s large-scale, sociologically acute portraiture gets a career-spanning assessment with A New Republic through Sept. 10 at Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA), 415 Couch Drive. “It’s extremely unusual — it almost never happens,” said Michael Anderson, OKCMOA director of curatorial affairs. “So he’s pretty unique in that sense. He was able to go from a master’s art program and establish himself very quickly as an artist in Harlem in the early 2000s. This is an artist who is 40 now and is getting a career retrospective. It’s more like the beginning of a career retrospective because he has a lot of years ahead of him.” Reasons for Wiley’s quick rise in the art world aren’t hard to divine; his works are redolent of Baroque portraiture and often directly evoke masters ranging from Titian to Édouard Manet, but they are no mere pastiches. Wiley, who was 30

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“Mrs. Waldorf Astoria” | Image Kehinde Wiley / Oklahoma City Museum of Art / provided

born and raised in south-central Los Angeles before receiving his master’s degree in fine arts from Yale University in 2001, set up shop in Harlem in the early ’00s and developed an original methodology. He invited people off the street, mostly strangers wearing hoodies or warm-up suits, to come into his studio, thumb through art catalogues and select a heroic pose from antiquity.

ideas,” Wiley wrote in an FAQ on his website. “I was trained to paint the body by copying the Old Master paintings, so in some weird way, this is a return to how I earned my chops — spending a lot of time at museums and staring at white flesh. If you look at my paintings, there’s something about lips, eyes and mucous membranes. Is it only about that? No. It asks, “What are these guys doing?’ They’re assuming the poses of colonial masters, the former bosses of the Old World.” In the OKCMOA presentation of Kehinde Wiley: A New Republic, the seventh and final stop on a multi-year museum tour, Anderson said visitors will be struck first by the enormity of the works. These are canvases and stained-glass portraits that present almost like murals. “He’s produced works that are over 35 feet long,” he said. “So these are enormous for oil-on-canvas works. But beyond their size and beyond their scale and scope of it, these are works that look like paintings that you are familiar with, so they look like works from the Dutch golden age, or Baroque painting or rococo works from the 18th century. They have a visual resemblance to something you’ve seen, but they have contemporary African-American males in

the works.” This approach is in full flower in Wiley’s “Napoleon Leading the Army Over the Alps” from 2005. Modeled closely on Jacques-Louis David’s 1801 “Napoleon Crossing the Alps” (or “Bonaparte at the St. Bernard Pass”), Wiley’s work is nearly identical to David’s original in posture and detail, except the horse’s rider is a goateed AfricanAmerican man wearing a bandana, camouflage pants and Timberlands. In later paintings collected in the World Stage section, Wiley took inspiration from art that is far afield from the European masters, pulling from Maoist propaganda and African sculpture, among other idioms. Then, for the Down series, he placed his subjects in repose or death depictions. For 2007’s “The Dead Christ in the Tomb,” Wiley used Hans Holbein the Younger’s 1521 Christ depiction as the template but posed a young man with a bicep tattoo wearing boxer briefs in the crypt. Beyond the race and modernity, Wiley’s dead Christ wears a surprised and fully alive expression on his face.

New frontiers

With his An Economy of Grace series, Wiley shifts toward female portraiture, offering an opportunity to expand his vision and pull the audience in new directions. For instance, his “Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness” (2013) depicts the biblical saint as an AfricanAmerican woman with a striking shock of blond bangs. Perhaps the most disarming works in A New Republic are Wiley’s stained-glass portraits. Despite the shift in medium, pieces like “Arms of Nicolas Ruterius, Bishop of Arras” are unmistakably the work of Wiley, a trick that the artist also masters with a series of sculpted busts included in the exhibit. “He’s playing with religion and the question of who belongs in a stainedglass portrait,” Anderson said. “Those are the underlying questions: Who belongs on the wall of a museum? Who belongs in stained glass? Those are the core questions of his work, and he’s providing an original and provocative answer to those questions.”

Changing context

Beyond his immediately bracing skill at capturing nuanced emotions in his subjects, what comes across most effectively is the placement of young, AfricanAmerican men and women in powerful contexts. “My goal was to be able to paint illusionistically and master the technical aspects, but then to be able to fertilize that with great

“Portrait of a Venetian Ambassador, Aged 59, II” | Image Kehinde Wiley / Oklahoma City Museum of Art / provided

Kehinde Wiley: A New Republic 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday through Sept. 10 Oklahoma City Museum of Art | 415 Couch Drive okcmoa.com |405-236-3100 Free-$12

from left Actors Christopher Sweeney (Kent Nerburn) and Richard Ray Whitman (Grover) star in the independent film Neither Wolf Nor Dog. |

Film

Photo InYo Entertainment / provided

Dog tale

OKC actor Richard Ray Whitman stars in a small indie film making a big impact. By Ben Luschen

Scottish director Steven Lewis Simpson’s 2016 film Neither Wolf Nor Dog can be used as a prime example of grassroots digital marketing. The crowdfunded film was shot in just 18 days in South Dakota with a small cast and supporting crew of two. Simpson used a microscopic marketing budget (certainly by Hollywood standards) of less than $5 for Facebook ads and then premiered the movie in small towns rather than large cities. The strategy let to soldout screenings, an 8.6/10 audience score on IMDB and a 96 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film, adapted from the 1994 novel Neither Wolf Nor Dog: On Forgotten Roads with an Indian Elder by Kent Nerburn, is screening through at least Thursday at Harkins Theatres Bricktown 16, 150 E. Reno Ave. Additional screenings might be added later. The story is about a white writer named Kent (portrayed by actor Christopher Sweeney) who is lured into rural South Dakota to write the memoir of an old and dying Native American elder named Dan (portrayed by David Bald Eagle, who died in July 2016). Dan’s friend Grover (Richard Ray Whitman) is pointed with the writer as he tries to get him to see their reality the way they do without falling prey to white guilt. Whitman is a Yuchi-Muscogee Creek actor based in Oklahoma City. He has acted since the 1980s, appearing in War Party, American Indian Graffiti and Winter in the Blood. He also is a photographer and social activist. Whitman participated in the historic occupation of Wounded Knee, South Dakota, in 1973. He recently spoke with Oklahoma Gazette about Neither Wolf Nor Dog and what it was like to return to Wounded Knee for the film. Oklahoma Gazette: Are you excited for Neither Wolf Nor Dog’s Oklahoma premier? Richard Ray Whitman: Yes, I am. The

film has been making the rounds. It premiered last year in Edinburgh, Scotland, where the director and co-producer are from. The director, Steven Simpson, he’s managed to really promote the movie online and digitally. There’s pros and cons to that, but I know a lot of young independents are pushing it that way. If you wait and wait for a distributor, sometimes it never gets out there. They’ve really gotten good response on it. OKG: How did you get involved with the film? Whitman: It was a couple of years ago. Of course, the story comes from a series of books that came out in the ’90s by author Kent Nerburn. At the time, those books escaped me, but many of my friends — non-Indian and Indian alike — had read the books. They offered me the part, and I checked the book out of the library and read it. OKG: What was it like shooting on location in South Dakota? Whitman: I’ve made numerous trips there since the ’70s. I’ve worked with other independent filmmakers, and some are larger budgets, some are smaller. … We got to the point where the money just wasn’t totally there, so it was like, “We just have to shoot this film now.” The central character in the movie is the elder [Dave Bald Eagle], and when we filmed this he was 95 … and we shot it in 18 days. It was long days with minimal crew. I like working that way; there’s less of a pecking order. OKG: What was the feeling like on set? Did you feel pressured to get it done? Whitman: Yes. It was like three weeks. At the end of the days, we’d be like, “Wow! We knocked out three or four [script] pages today.” For me, I try not to focus on that. (Simpson) did have it roadmapped out and scheduled, … but I like that energy. There’s some pressure, like, “We have to try and bring this in,” you know?

OKG: David Bald Eagle seems perfectly cast for his role. What was he like on set? Whitman: Well, he was 95, and we worked around his energy. I like working with a director who is open to saying, “Well, this is how we have it on script, but how do you see it?” In some scenes, Dave Bald Eagle would go off-script. He’s bilingual in the Sioux Lakota language and in the oral tradition, and his memory and his recall was beautiful. … In some ways, I didn’t look at him as an actor — he’s like this elder with this great history. He went into Hollywood as a stuntman. When they made films about Indians with one shot fired and 10 Indians hitting the ground — he did those kinds of films then worked his way up and got supporting roles.

Welcome to Pet Gazette, a quarterly Glossy maGazine published by OklahOma Gazette.

OKG: It probably felt good to him going from films like that and being a stuntman in roles that probably weren’t very conscious of the way they portrayed Native Americans to a role like this. Whitman: Oh yeah. He talked about that, even in his final days. He passed away last July at age 97. He would always tease us jokingly on set and say, “Well, boys, this might be my last film.” One winter, his health was bad so they had a special screening for him up in Rapid City [South Dakota] in the Black Hills Film Festival. … His family came, and it was a packed house. That was his sentiment, that there was finally some truism in how we are presented. OKG: The climactic scene is filmed at Wounded Knee, which is a place you have some history in. What was it like filming there? Whitman: When they did the special screening for Dave in South Dakota, they did a Q&A. A question came from the audience about filming on a burial site — a mass grave. The question was whether this was a violation of some kind of sacredness. He … assured her that it’s not a movie set — it’s not a site that we just recklessly go to or just a backdrop that we drove by and said, “Wow! What a lovely location.” He took the question well, and it was informative. He said, “The people who were massacred there — the families, children and women — were my descendents.” It wasn’t like we just rolled in there and set the camera and tripods up, nothing like that. In the film, there are offerings. … It’s not just a tourist stop. It’s spiritual and a powerful place.

Neither Wolf Nor Dog 11:15 a.m., 2 p.m., 4:45 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 10:15 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday Harkins Theatres Bricktown 16 | 150 E. Reno Ave. harkinstheatres.com | 405-231-4747 $5.50-$10

PublishinG:

July 26, 2017 | october 25, 2017 January 31, 2018 | aPril 24, 2018

to place your ad in Pet Gazette, call your Gazette account executive at 405-528-6000 or email specialsections@ okgazette.com O kg a z e t t e . c o m | J u n e 2 8 , 2 0 1 7

C u lture

ARTS & CULTURE

Street beat

Historic Capitol Hill’s Fiesta Fridays series returns with a renewal of community growth and awareness. By Lea Terry

Once a busy commercial district home to retailers such as JC Penney, south Oklahoma City’s Capitol Hill area was in decline by the 1980s. However, in recent years, area leaders have raised awareness of what it has to offer in the way of shopping, entertainment and attractions. This effort includes Fiesta Friday held the last of each month through August and organized by Calle Dos Cinco, which promotes district development. This season kicks off 7-10 p.m. Friday at 225 SW 25th St., in the heart of Historic Capitol Hill. “The effort is part of our revitalization and community-building, so we want an activity that’s fun for families, attractive to visitors and that really features our local attractions,” said Donna Cervantes, director of Calle Dos Cinco, which moved the event to Fridays two years ago.

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District evolution

It’s the fifth year of the free event that started as Taco Truck Tuesdays and was designed to showcase the many area food trucks and draw more foot traffic. Organizers showcased district amenities to shoppers and other visitors as well as to businesses looking for an affordable location. While plenty of businesses helped bring people in during the day, area leaders also knew they needed to organize evening events that would both provide a welcoming experience for visitors and attract restaurants, clubs and businesses that cater to nighttime crowds. Cervantes described Fiesta Friday as having a block-party atmosphere that welcomes people of all ages. She said the surrounding historic buildings add to the event’s ambiance. “This hasn’t grown to the point of crowds where you feel lost or too congested,” she said. The event features a DJ and a beer

garden in addition to classic cars from the Solo Riders Car Club. OKC Energy Football Club players will also be there. Children can enjoy inflatables, activities, a kids’ area and a craft booth. Food and drink options include Medio Tiempo Sports Cantina & Grill’s beer; El Taco Box’s tacos and burritos; Yepa Yepa El Raton’s hot dogs, hamburgers, corn in a cup and horchata; Upbeat Treats’ nachos and shaved ice; Churros Meoqui’s fresh churros; and offerings from Los Bandidos Mexican Restaurant.

Past and future

While the district honors and celebrates its past, it also reaches out to a new generation within the community who will help write the area’s next chapter. While many have fond memories of shopping in and visiting the area with their fam-

Fiesta Fridays feature a DJ, beer, food trucks and children’s activities in Historic Capitol Hill. | Photo Historic Captiol Hill / Calle Dos Cinco / provided

ilies, Cervantes also wants outreach efforts to attract younger generations who will create their own memories. She also promotes the district’s image, growth and vibrancy. “We’re trying to invite artists and performers and just make it more positive,” she said. “There’s a lot of good activity going on, and it’s open for families.” Visit historiccapitolhill.com.

Fiesta Fridays 7-10 p.m. Friday, July 28 and Aug. 25 Historic Capitol Hill | 225 SW 25th St. historiccapitolhill.com | 405-632-0133 Free

H H H H H H H H H H H H HH H H H H H new: miLiTArY - SurvivAL - eTc. H LoT To See - check YouTube H H H men'S BIG & taLL H H HeaDQuaRteRS H LATeST STYLeS - AweSome DeALS H H H CASUAL & WORKWEAR tO 10XL H H we help fit you in clothes H H we treat you like a neighbor H H 73 years as a family store H H Sam’S BeSt BuyS H H 2409 S. Agnew 636-1486 H H mOnDay - SatuRDay 9-5:45 H LIKE US ON FACEBOOK & YELLOW PAGES H H H H H H H H H H H H H H HH

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cAmperS pArADiSe

Starry cinema

The Sonic Summer Movies series at Myriad Botanical Gardens promises family-friendly films under the sky. By Greg Elwell

There’s nothing quite like watching a movie with a crowd. See one in a multiplex and you might sit among a crowd of 200 if it sells out. That’s nothing, said Myriad Botanical Gardens communications and marketing director Leslie Spears. Each Sonic Summer Movies night event routinely brings in about 2,500 guests to the Great Lawn, 301 W. Reno Ave. Films screen 9 p.m. Wednesdays through July 26. “I think for Frozen we actually had 3,000,” she said about the 2014 screening event. Imagine a sea of children and parents singing “Let It Go” in unison and you’ll have some idea of the event’s draw. “We showed The Wizard of Oz a few years ago and guests did sing along,” said public events director Ashley Elkins. “Normally when we’ve shown a musical, the audience does sing along.” As the summer progresses, the selections skew a bit more toward adults without moving beyond family-friendly fare. “We try to give a good balance of family-friendly and some that are a little more adult,” Elkins said. “We also try to pay attention to what’s been popular at the box office the previous year.” The Wednesday, June 28 event features 1984 classic The Karate Kid with visiting food trucks The Healthy Hippo, Blue Donkey Cafe, Cutie Pies Concession and Katiebug’s Shaved Ice and Hot Chocolate parked on Hudson Avenue. Subsequent Sonic Summer Movies events are Star Trek Beyond July 5, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them July 12, Moonrise Kingdom July 19 and 42: The True Story of an American Legend Jackie Robinson July 26.

Growing pains

With popularity can come challenges, though.

An audience takes in an outdoor screening of Back to the Future at Myriad Botanical Gardens in 2015. | Photo Doug Hoke / provided

“We had several complaints that guests with lawn chairs were sitting in front of guests with blankets. Basically, lawn chairs were blocking others’ view of the movie,” Elkins said. “We rope off the middle of the lawn and put out signage that marks the blanket side versus the lawn-chair side.” To make sure everyone can see and hear the films, the organizers use local company Phillips Pro Audio to install the screen and audio equipment. “I’m not sure of the exact dimensions, but it takes up the entire bandshell,” she said. “They don’t set up speakers around the lawn because the equipment they have is powerful enough to reach the back of the lawn without need for additional speakers. This is also the company that runs all the Arts Council’s Twilight Concert Series, so they are well-versed in audio-visual technology.”

WEEKENDS IN JULY enjoy FREE ADMISSION for kids 17 and under at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Visit okcmoa.com for more details.

Arrive early

Though movies begin at 9 p.m., Elkins said guests often arrive as early as 6 p.m. to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic before the sun sets. Guests who happen to get hungry but didn’t pack a dinner can purchase meals and snacks from a roster of food trucks. Pitchfork in the Park also remains open in Myriad Botanical Gardens’ east plaza, selling Popsicles, ice cream and a variety of savory sandwiches. Food trucks line up on Hudson Avenue. Visit myriadgardens.com.

Pick up a free Discovery Pack to sketch, play gallery games, and more during your visit.

Sonic Summer Movies 9 p.m. Wednesdays through July 26 Great Lawn | Myriad Botanical Gardens 301 W. Reno Ave. myriadgardens.com | 405-445-7080 Free

Kehinde Wiley (American, b. 1977). Randerson Romualdo Cordeiro (detail), 2008. Oil on canvas, 48 x 36 in. (121.9 x 91.4 cm). Private collection, Golden Beach, Florida, courtesy of Roberts & Tilton, Culver City, California. © Kehinde Wiley. (Photo: Robert Wedemeyer, courtesy of Roberts & Tilton)

O kg a z e t t e . c o m | J u n e 2 8 , 2 0 1 7

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ARTS & CULTURE

Poetic possibilities

Local children’s writer Mariana Llanos sparks love for writing and language. By Ben Luschen Peruvian-born author Mariana Llanos

FASHION + TECH

Mariana Llanos woke up at 5 a.m. and quickly freshened up before logging into Skype to speak to grade-school students in Nigeria, which is six hours later than local time. The Peruvian-born, Oklahoma-based children’s writer known for her Englishlanguage fantasy Tristan Wolf and the recently published Spanish poetry collection Poesía Alada: poesia y arte para volar, frequently Skypes with students in classrooms around the world. On this day, Llanos also had a later visit scheduled with an Illinois school. She reads Tristan Wolf the same way to both classrooms. She said the similarities in their reactions are striking. “They both felt the same about the story, and they laughed at the same spots,” she said. Though separated by more than 6,000 miles and the entire Atlantic Ocean, their relationship to the story was identical.

EXPERIENCE

Suddenly, the world felt smaller. She realized that everywhere, children are just that — children.

For me, when I have a story, if I don’t write it down, it’s kind of painful. Mariana Llanos Llanos, a mother of three young children, moved with her husband and family to Oklahoma City from Lima, Peru’s largest city, about 15 years ago after he found a new job in the United States. Writing has always been one of her passions, but it remained a hobby until 2013, when she self-published her first book, Tristan Wolf. Poesía Alada, a collection of children’s

FUTURE FASHION DESIGN

CODED_COUTURE 06/29 - 08/10 Free opening reception 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 29 oklahomacontemporary.org | 405 951 0000 | @okcontemporary 3000 General Pershing Blvd. | Oklahoma City, OK 73107

J u n e 2 8 , 2 0 1 7 | O kg a z e t t e . c o m

has been writing children’s books since 2013. | Photo Garett Fisbeck

poems paired with works by several illustrators, is one of the first projects Llanos wrote in Spanish, her native tongue. It was published in April. She wrote her first books in English for her children, who speak Spanish, but not as their first language. Now that they are a little older, she decided to do something different. “I wanted them to see that I am proud to speak Spanish, too,” she said. Llanos appreciates what she calls children’s “cultural books” — writings for young audiences that explain and normalize culture — but she does not want to be typecast into that niche. Her stories are informed by her Peruvian upbringing, but also transcend regional cultures. “I like to think my books are universal — things that could appeal to a child

here or a child in China,” she said. Llanos has visited more than 150 schools, some in person but most via Skype. When visiting students in classrooms, Llanos reinforces what their teachers have taught them, especially about creative writing. She also stresses the importance of reading and not being afraid to make mistakes. “I think I’m breaking stereotypes,” she said. “Maybe they’re used to hearing this accent at a restaurant or from the cleaning lady, but now they’re hearing it from a person who writes too.” Above all, Llanos wants all children to realize they can be writers. She is taking submissions for a new anthology of student-written poetry, which she plans to publish in the near future. Each selection will be paired with an illustrator who will help give life to the child’s vision. “I want to give kids that opportunity to be proud of what they’ve done,” she said. “With writing, it’s something where you have to use it. You write something, and then do you put it in your drawer, or what do you do with it? You use it; it can communicate and touch people’s hearts.” Find poetry submission at purplecornpress.com. Many of Llanos’ books are available at Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway. Visit marianallanos.com.

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

community of cannibals, June 30-July 2. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-2363100, okcmoa.com. FRI -SUN Star Trek Beyond, (2016, USA, Justin Lin) the USS Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a new ruthless enemy who puts them to the test, 8 p.m. July 5. Myriad Botanical Gardens, Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-4457080, myriadgardens.com. WED

HAPPENINGS Jazz Camp, participate daily in combos, instrumental master classes, improvisation and theory sessions, jazz history presentations, big band reading sessions and student jam sessions, through June 30. UCO Jazz Lab, 100 E. 5th St., Edmond, 405-359-7989, ucojazzlab.com. WED - FRI Brackets for Good Championship Celebration, an outdoor block party with special performances, art demonstrations, live music, food trucks and more during this come-and-go event, 11a.m.-1p.m. June 28. Allied Arts, 1015 N. Broadway Ave., 405-2788944, alliedartsokc.com. WED Guthrie Ghost Walks, hear tales of history, heartbreak, murderous intentions and mysterious happenings while walking among the classic architecture of downtown Guthrie, 8 p.m. June 30. Downtown Guthrie, 212 W. Oklahoma Ave., Guthrie, 405-293-8404, guthrieghostwalk.com. FRI Red White & Bark, play with dogs who need a new home, adopt a new pet and shop goodies to benefit the animal rescue, hosted by Heartland Husky Rescue, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 1. Tony’s Tree Plantation, 3801 S. Post Road, 405-456-9805, heartlandhuskyrescue.com. SAT

Brackets for Good Thunder fans still wondering what could have been as they watch former star Kevin Durant celebrating a league championship can now celebrate a title of their own. In April, Allied Arts was named winner of national fundraising challenge Brackets for Good and claim a $100,000 prize. Celebrate the victory with Rumble the Bison, shoot baskets on a mini goal and enjoy live entertainment, including a performance from America’s Got Talent star Darci Lynne Farmer. The event runs 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, June 28 at Allied Arts, 1015 N. Broadway Ave., in Automobile Alley. Attendance is free, and snow cones and cookies will be provided. Visit alliedartsokc.com or call 405-278-8944.

The Art of Speed: Oklahomans and Fast Cars, featuring unique automobiles from the private collections of several Oklahomans. The exhibit is organized by eras and includes cars dating from 1900 to modern day, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 1-Aug. 12. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, 405-521-2491, okhistory.org/historycenter. OKC 4th Fest, spend the day whitewater rafting, climbing the SandRidge Sky Trail, zipline across the Oklahoma River and enjoy many adventures for the entire family. Watch the fireworks from Bricktown and enjoy floating in the water with your favorite beverages, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. July 4. Riversport Adventure Park, 800 Riversport Drive, 405-552-4040, riversportokc. org. TUE Cards Against Humanity Tournament, good wine and dirty minds come together for the ultimate Cards Against Humanity tournament. Only two of the most horrible minds will win gift cards, 8 p.m. July 5. The Pritchard Wine Bar, 1749 NW 16th St., 405-601-4067, pritchardokc.com. WED

Jaws at Shawnee Splash Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water ... you were right! There will be no ravenous sharks in the pools at Shawnee Splash Water Park, 100 E. Highland St., in Shawnee, but there will be a screening of the Oscar-winning 1975 film Jaws, 8:30-10:30 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $6. Raft rentals are $5. Take a swim while catching a great movie without having to worry about what might lurk below the choppy waves. Visit shawneeok.org/shawneesplash or call 405-273-0700. FRIDAY Photo bigstock.com

FOOD

YOUTH

Sunset Market, bringing together local artists and vendors from all over the state with food truck lineups as well as nationally touring artists. Enjoy craft cocktails and a crawfish boil curtesy of Scratch Kitchen + Cocktails, 6:30-9:30 p.m. June 30. Downtown Norman, 122 E. Main St., Norman, 405-301-0031, Facebook.com/sunsetmarket. FRI

Okietales, a one-of-a-kind reading and storytelling time where kids hear and see history while diving into books and stories that explore topics from the Wild West and cowboys to land runs and pioneer life, 10:30-11:30 a.m. June 28. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, 405-521-2491, okhistory.org/historycenter. WED

The Farmers Market at Central Park, promoting the sale of garden-related products and produce, 8 a.m.-noon July 1. Moore Central Park, 700 S. Broadway St., Moore, 405-793-5090, centralpark. cityofmoore.com. SAT Cawfee Tawk, free coffee, breakfast and pep talks, 8 a.m. July 5. Halcyon Works, 405 NW 30th St., 405-601-3335, halcyon.

works. WED

Wine Down Wednesdays, featuring a different wine featured each month; stop by after work or bring a friend to share a bottle, 2 p.m. July 5. O Bar, 1200 N. Walker Ave., 405-600-6200, obarokc. com. WED

WEDNESDAY Photo Gazette / file

An Eye For An Eye, author Mark. C. Jackson signs the the first novel of The Tales of Zebadiah Creed series about a man out for revenge after his brother was killed during the summer of 1835, 6:30-8p.m. June 28. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 405-842-2900, fullcirclebooks.com. WED

Al’s Teen Lounge, offering an assortment of mini geek-out sessions on a variety of interests like favorite board or card games, drawing, movies, arts and crafts and more in a drama-free zone for teens who want to spend time enjoying their favorite activities with others, 5-7 p.m. July 5. Almonte Library, 2914 SW 59th St., 405-606-3575, metrolibrary.org. WED

Build A Better World, read for fun and earn badges all summer, log reading time and earn prizes, through July 31. Metropolitan Library System, 300 Park Ave., 405-231-8650, metrolibrary.org.

Art Works, summer arts fun for 8-12-year-olds with specialized programs in theater, dance, music, visual arts and Lego robotics, through July 15. First Christian Church of Oklahoma City, 3700 N. Walker Ave., 405-525-6551, fccokc.org.

Read for Adventure, OKC Zoo and Metropolitan Library Systems have partnered to publish the children’s book, Our Day at the Zoo to create a community Read for Adventure program enabling readers to check out the new book from any of the 19 Metro Library locations, through March 31, 2018. Metropolitan Library System, 300 Park Ave., 405231-8650, metrolibrary.org.

Western Explorers Summer Camp, campers have the opportunity to learn about photography, leather-making, gardening, weaving and beading, nature and more, while exploring the museum’s collections, exhibitions, gardens and trails, providing the foundation for creative self-expression, through July 28. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org.

FILM

The Bad Batch, (2016, Ana Lily Amirpour) a dystopian love story in a Texas wasteland set in a

Creative Drama: Theatre Magic for Wizards and Fairies, curriculum designed to offer students a full range of training and experience in all aspects of musical theater. Classes are tailored to the specific needs and abilities of each age group and build on skills and techniques learned in previous classes or with previous experience, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through June 30. Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, 1727 NW 16th St., 405-524-9310, thelmagaylordacademy.com. WED - FRI Super Summer Program, activities for children including self-defense training, science camp, moonwalks, Art Cart, Sugar Free AllStars, Mad Science, Extreme Animals, Minute to Win It, STEM Challenge, yoga and more, June 29 and July 4. King’s Gate Christian School, 11400 N. Portland Ave., 405-752-2111, kingsgateschool.com. TUE ,THU

BOOKS

Sing, (US, 2016, Christophe Lourdelet and Garth Jennings) in a city of humanoid animals, a hustling theater impresario’s attempt to save his theater with a singing competition becomes grander than he anticipates even as its finalists find that their lives will never be the same, 8-11 p.m. June 30. White Water Bay, 3908 W. Reno Ave., 405-943-9687, whitewaterbay. com. FRI

Summer Camp at the Orr Family Farm, offering educational fun with activities such as learning about proper animal care and agriculture, fishing in the ponds, playing challenging games and more, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. through June 30. The Orr Family Farm, 14400 S. Western Ave., 405-799-3276, orrfamilyfarm.com. WED - FRI

Wildlife Sculpture for kids Take advantage of one of Oklahoma City’s oldest and best-loved museums during the Saturdays for Kids: Wildlife Sculpture class 10 a.m.noon Saturday at National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St. Children learn to mold clay into a wildlife sculpture during the class in honor of the Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition & Sale. Designed for kids ages 4-12, the class is free for kids and accompanying adults while supplies last. Visit nationalcowboymuseum.org or call 405-478-2250 ext. 280. SATURDAY Photo National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum / provided

go to okgazette.com for full listings!

Backyard Bugs: An Oklahoma Insect Adventure, taking Oklahoma’s insects to a larger-than-life level with giant animatronic insects, interactive exhibits and live insect displays giving visitors a unique perspective of a bug’s world revealing the fascinating complexities of our six-legged neighbors, through August. Science Museum Oklahoma, 2020 Remington Place, 405-602-6664, sciencemuseumok.org.

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calendar in the Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up while their sister Masha travels the world as a movie star, through July 15. Carpenter Square Theatre, 806 W. Main St., 405-232-6500, carpentersquare.com.

c a l e n da r

continued from page 35 Ultimate Adventure Camps, giving kids a chance to try new adventures including ziplining, the SandRidge Sky Trail, high-speed slides, kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding and whitewater rafting, through Aug. 11. Boathouse District, 725 S. Lincoln Blvd., 405-552-4040, boathousedistrict.org.

ACTIVE International Mud Day, embrace your inner child making mud pies and mud masks and get close to the Earth. Bring a picnic or enjoy food from the lineup of food trucks, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. June 28. Myriad Botanical Gardens, Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, myriadgardens.com. WED

Summer Camp Contemporary, keeping kids creative with learning camps featuring visual arts, music, hip-hop, fiber, clay, performance, robotics and more, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. through Aug. 11. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 3000 General Pershing Blvd., 405-9510000, oklahomacontemporary.org.

Beach Volleyball Camp, learn technique, form and strategy catered to specific skill level with full and half-day options available, through June 30. Boathouse District, 725 S. Lincoln Blvd., 405-552-4040, boathousedistrict. org. WED - FRI

Ugly Bugs!, Oklahoma Ugly Bug contest with an exhibition of larger-than-life photos of insects all captured by the contest’s 2016 winners, through Sept. 4. Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman, 405-3254712, samnoblemuseum.ou.edu.

Outdoor Beer & Yoga, join 405 YOGA OKC where yoga and beer unite. Bring your own yoga mat for no-pressure, all-levels, feel-good yoga, 10-10:55 a.m. Sunday. The Bleu Garten, 301 NW 10th St. , 405-879-3808, bleugarten.com. SUN

Comets, Asteroids & Meteors: Great Balls of Fire, the threat of a catastrophic impact from an asteroid or comet is a staple of popular culture, learn about asteroids, comets and meteorites and where come from, through Sept. 10. Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman, 405-325-4712, samnoblemuseum.ou.edu. Bodies Revealed, showcasing real human bodies preserved through a revolutionary process allowing visitors to see themselves in a fascinating way like never before, through October. Science Museum Oklahoma, 2020 Remington Place, 405602-6664, sciencemuseumok.org.

PERFORMING ARTS Bring It On: The Musical, bitingly relevant, sprinkled with sass and inspired by the hit film, the musical takes audiences on a high-flying journey filled with the complexities of friendship, jealousy, betrayal and forgiveness, through July 1.

Baseball, OKC Dodgers vs Iowa, July 4-6. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S. Mickey Mantle Drive, 405-218-1000, milb.com.

Red Brick Nights Summer Red Brick Nights have become a Guthrie favorite for community members and outsiders alike. This month’s street festival includes music from Levi Parham, Jacob Tovar (pictured), Wink Burcham and The Lunar Laugh. Food trucks and pop-up shops open at 5 p.m. and music begins 6 p.m. Saturday at the corner of Wentz and Oklahoma avenues in downtown Guthrie. A fireworks presentation begins at 10 p.m. Admission is free. Visit guthriechamber.com or call 405-282-1947. SATURDAY Photo Phil Clarkin Photography / provided

The Pollard Theatre, 120 W. Harrison Ave., Guthrie, 405-282-2800, thepollard.org. WED -SAT Million Dollar Quartet, the Broadway musical inspired by the one unforgettable night in which Sam Phillips brought together icons Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley in a smash hit based on the true story of the famed recording sessions, through July 1. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., 405-524-9312, lyrictheatreokc.com. WED -SAT

Community motorcycle ride with Rep. Mickey Dollens Put politics aside and meet with other civic-minded members of the community during Rep. Mickey Dollens’, D-Oklahoma City, community motorcycle ride and meet-up 6 p.m. Thursday starting at Stevie’s Cafe, 6072 S. Western Ave. Dollens will ride to Fort Thunder Harley-Davidson, 500 SW 11th St., in Moore, arriving at 6:30 p.m. to talk with other riders and anyone who wants to join in through 9 p.m. The free event includes live music from Evolution Underground. Food trucks Grumpy’s and Cornish Smokehouse will be on hand. Visit facebook.com/mickeydollensok or call 405-557-7371. Thursday Photo Oklahoma House of Representatives / provided

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Daniel Dugar, experience Dugar’s quick wit during the humorous observations on his personal life and current events, making him a fixture of the hip-hop comedy scene, June 28-July 1. Loony Bin Comedy Club, 8503 N. Rockwell Ave., 405-239-4242, loonybincomedy. com. WED -SAT Thursday Noon Tunes, bring your lunch to the downtown library atrium and enjoy ukelele musician Evan Jarvicks, noon-1 p.m. June 29. Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library, 300 Park Ave., 405-231-8650, metrolibrary.org. THU I Used To Love H.E.R., live hip-hop, poetry and spoken word performances by locals promoting culture, 6-11:30p.m. June 29. The Paramount Theatre, 11 N. Lee Ave., 405-637-9389, theparamountokc.com. THU SummerDance!, featuring Oklahoma Festival Ballet and Contemporary Dance Oklahoma with a champagne reception following each performance and the opportunity to meet the dancers and choreographers, 8-10 p.m. June 30-July 2. Reynolds Performing Arts Center, 560 Parrington Oval, Norman, 405-325-7370, ou.edu. FRI -SUN Sunday Twilight Concert Series, presented by the OKC Arts Council featuring live entertainment by The Allie Lauren Project, 7:30-9 p.m. July 2. Myriad Botanical Gardens, Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-270-4848, artscouncilokc.com. SUN Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, in a comedy of ill manners, Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia are living a quiet life

Bricktown Beach, a large, sand-filled outdoor park area with umbrellas, lounge chairs, sand volleyball equipment and outdoor games, through Aug. 31. Bricktown Beach, Sheridan Ave. and Two N. Mickey Mantle Ave., 405-235-3500, downtownokc.com.

Picher, Oklahoma: Catastrophe, Memory and Trauma, exploring the otherworldly ghost town revealing how memory can be dislocated and reframed through both chronic and acute instances of environmental trauma, through Sept. 10. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., Norman, 405-325-3272, ou.edu/ fjjma. Sole Expression: The Art of the Shoe, featuring the creations of 25 local, national and international shoe designers and artists; guests examine how the shoe has been interpreted in art throughout history and the science and engineering behind specific shoe designs, through December. Science Museum Oklahoma, 2020 Remington Place, 405-602-6664, sciencemuseumok.org. Spring show exhibit, enjoy the works of oil painter Phebe Kallstrom and handmade jewelry artist Whitney Ingram, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. through November. The Studio Gallery, 2642 W. Britton Road, 405752-2642, thestudiogallery.org. The Complete WPA Collection, the museum’s Works Progress Administration collection features a large proportion of rural American landscapes and depictions of labor, infrastructure and industrial development, through July 2. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-2363100, okcmoa.com. WED -SUN We the People: A Portrait of Early Oklahoma, enjoy a selection of Henry Wantland’s photography from his family’s arrival to Stillwater in 1891. Images documented over a twodecade span can be viewed during a temporary exhibition, through January. Will Rogers World Airport, 7100 Terminal Drive, 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org.

Learn-to-Swim Program, giving residents of all ages and financial situations the opportunity to learn to swim with proper technique and basic water safety at their own pace offered by King Marlin Swim Club, ongoing, Lighthouse Sports, Fitness and Health, 3333 W. Hefner Road, 405845-5672, marlinswimamerica.com.

VISUAL ARTS Art After 5, enjoy a late-night art gallery experience and live music on the roof terrace with the best views of downtown OKC and a relaxing atmosphere, 5-9 p.m. June 29. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. THU Body, curated to examine how the body has been used to address the themes of movement, fragmentation and mechanization, geometry and identity, through Dec. 30. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., Norman, 405-325-3272, ou.edu/fjjma. Cloth as Community: Hmong Textiles in America, experience works that illustrate the profound relevance of textiles as infrastructure in the Hmong culture, an art form that shifted as it adapted to fit new realities, featuring textiles, flower cloths and embroidered story clothes by those in the Hmong community, through Aug. 11. Edmond Historical Society & Museum, 431 S. Boulevard Ave., Edmond, 405-340-0078, edmondhistory.org. Exhibit C Ledger Art, four contemporary artists experienced in ledger art display their distinctive artwork. Discover a captivating scene showcasing the creations by Paul Hacker, George Levi, Dylan Cavin and Lauren Good Day Giago, through June 30. Exhibit C, 1 E. Sheridan Ave., 405-767-8900, exhibitcgallery.com. WED - FRI Leon Polk Smith: Back to Oklahoma, offering an introduction to the Oklahoma native who pioneered the Hard Edge painting movement, which favored abstract, clean-edged forms, flattened space, simple color schemes and economic compositions, through Sept. 3. Oklahoma State University Museum of Art, 720 S. Husband St., Stillwater, 405-744-6016, museum. okstate.edu. Lowell Ellsworth Smith: My Theology of Painting, featuring watercolor studies and Smith’s own words and observations, it introduces the man, his methods and his belief in the power and potential of creative energy, through July 9. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum. org. Nasty Women, joining a nationwide movement demonstrating solidarity among artists who identify with being a Nasty Woman in the face of threats to roll back women’s rights, individual rights and health care access for women, through July 30. Current Studio, 1218 N. Pennsylvania Ave., 405-673-1218, currentstudio.org. Outstanding Female Artist Reception, enjoy work by Oklahoma natives Gayla Hollis, Jasmine Jones and Jo Decker, 6:30-9:30 p.m. July 1. Studio 112 and a Half, 112 1/2 E. Main, Shawnee, 405-314-4702, studio112andahalf.com. SAT

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Silk Scarves Workshop Local textile artist Karen Rose hosts a class on handdyed silk scarves, specifically creating organic patterns with reverse dye effects. Scarves made in this fashion sometimes retail for $150 or more, so the event also offers great value considering registration is less than half that price. The workshop is 1-4 p.m. Saturday at [Artspace] at Untitled, 1 NE Third St. Registration is $65. Visit 1ne3.org or call 405-815-9995. SATURDAY Photo provided

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.

For okg live music

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O kg a z e t t e . c o m | j u n e 2 8 , 2 0 1 7

event

MUSIC

Book smarts

OKC jazz guitarist Maurice Johnson built his music career playing licks and sharing industry tricks. By Ben Luschen

It is not hyperbole to say Maurice Johnson wrote the book on music business management. In fact, he has written several. The Oklahoma City-based jazz guitarist and author released the third book in his three-part Breaking into the Music Business as a Local Indie Artist series on May 28. The series, which launched in 2016, shares tips and advice for navigating the business side of musicianship at a local level. Each book addresses three new topics. The series is a modernization of his earlier works on professional musicianship. His first book was published in 1985, and the popular Build and Manage Your Music Career was published in 1999. His written wisdom comes from experience. He founded the band After Five, which signed to New York’s Warlock Records in the early 1990s and released its Expressions album in ’92. After Five performed alongside greats like George Benson, George Howard, Norman Brown, Nancy Wilson and Al Green. Johnson still performs regularly. He can be seen 5-9 p.m. July 6 as part of the Rooftop Terrace music series at Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive. Johnson permeates all musicianship aspects in some way. He also created guitars for a while, co-founding D’Leco Guitar Company with James W. Dale in the late 1990s. It worked with the family of Oklahoma jazz great and guitar soloist Charlie Christian to build an official Christian guitar, which Johnson said has been featured in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. “I’ve been able to live some aspects of life that many of my peers haven’t,” he said. “It makes things interesting.”

Finding music

He was born in Milwaukee. After his mom died, 4-year-old Johnson moved to El Reno in 1964 to live with his grandmother, where he remained with his siblings until the state determined she was too old to be their guardian. At age 7, he moved in with his aunt and her family. His childhood was mostly a quiet time. His aunt also was raising her own children, and though he was loved, he remembers often feeling like a guest or an outsider. Music and guitar were not yet part of 38

j u n e 2 8 , 2 0 1 7 | O kg a z e t t e . c o m

his life. Instead, he drew. Johnson had a sketchpad with him everywhere he went. His interest in guitar was finally piqued the day his uncle, a sanitation worker, brought home an old plastic toy guitar. It immediately grabbed his attention. Around the same time, Johnson’s older brother, whom he looked to as a father figure, returned from the Vietnam War with an electric guitar. Johnson thought it was one of the coolest things he had ever seen. The spark in his eyes must have been apparent to Johnson’s brother, who opened him up to the world of music. “He saw my interest and he actually nurtured it,” he said. “He bought me my first guitar, he paid for my first lesson and every time I’d go to visit him, he’d always take me to the music store and I’d buy an album or something.” Johnson continued his hobby through young adulthood. He worked as a roughneck in a Kingfisher oilfield and often visited jazz clubs throughout the Oklahoma City area. He eventually found a group of friends to informally jam with. One day, he was subbing as a guitarist for a band at a

Image provided

local jazz club when someone in the crowd noticed him and, after the show, asked if he had a band he could book for a later gig. “I lied and I said, ‘Yeah.’ I didn’t even live in Oklahoma City,” Johnson said. “We set it up, and I started immediately making some calls.” He formed Spur of the Moment, which was so named because its roster and instrumental lineup was everchanging. Over time, he shored up a consistent core and the act became After Five.

Written assistance

Fledgling artists have always seemed comfortable approaching him to ask for advice and guidance. The consistent questions were part of what drove him to writing books about the industry’s financial side. “A lot of local musicians would come to me and ask me about various aspects of the music business,” he said. “I was

intrigued by that. … There seemed to be a lot of questions on the minds of musicians, so I wanted to put something together.” Johnson’s first book, a monthly planner designed for artists with frequent booked gigs, was more of a tool than a textbook. Self-published in 1985, it was wildly popular at the local music store in which he sold it. He repurposed the concept in the mid-’90s for Mel Bay Publications and the planner was nationally released. Later in the ’90s, he published the how-to guide Build and Manage Your Music Career and developed the Windows-based musician and band management software Gigorama to help simplify band finances and payments. “Musicians don’t need to be accountants,” he said. “They need to be focused on their gigs.”

Modern marketplace

In some senses, the music industry is very different today than it was in Johnson’s time as an upcoming performer. In other ways, it hasn’t changed. Take the psychology of the business, for example. Musicians still must view gigs and venues as prospects and clients in businesslike manner. What has changed, obviously, is the submersion of music and band management within the internet and social media. “We don’t cater to a brick-and-mortar music store these days,” he said. “When

Maurice Johnson | Photo Rita Johnson / provided

we put out our music as independent artists, nine out of 10 times, we’re catering to a cell phone.” His primary advice to young musicians is to earn a college degree and a have reliable fallback plan in case things do not work out in the fickle music market. Johnson attended college but left before finishing his degree. Luckily, he was able to piece together a great music career. He largely credits his success to keeping a businesslike perspective in all his music-related endeavors. It was a state of mind Johnson developed organically through trial and error. There were not many well-known music business guides when he started out. He hopes his texts will help save artists like him some headaches. “I think music and business should always go together and a musician should think like a businessperson,” he said. “I wanted to make sure they had the tools and resources.” Visit mauricejohnson.com.

Maurice Johnson 5-9 p.m. July 6 Rooftop Terrace | Oklahoma City Museum of Art 415 Couch Drive okcmoa.com | 405-236-3100 $5

event

Space rock

Droids Attack lands at OKC’s Blue Note Lounge on Saturday. By Ben Luschen

It is hard to glance at the cover of Wisconsin-based stoner rock band Droids Attack’s latest album Sci-Fi or Die and not take notice. The art resembles a diamond-in-therough science-fiction dime novel cover depicting an ancient pyramid launching like a rocket into outer space. Inside illustrations further explore the album’s theme of ancient alien civilization, including a UFO airport and a doompredicting Mayan calendar hidden under the CD. “I like to think of an album as one cohesive piece of art,” said band guitarist and vocalist Brad Van. “One song will blend into the next one, and the themes will tie into each other.” Droids Attack’s spacey hard-rock and metal lands in Oklahoma City Saturday for a 9 p.m. gig with Stillwaterbased heavy rock trio Sweeper at Blue Note Lounge, 2408 N. Robinson Ave.

Gaming groove

Van founded three-piece Droids Attack in the late 1990s when he began jamming with drummer Tony Brungraber. At the time, Van opened the Madison, Wisconsin, classic arcade Aftershock Retrogames. The guitarist and classic gaming enthusiast resurrected old-school arcade thrills by featuring vintage machines he felt were superior to their modern counterparts. Brungraber shared his passion and often volunteered his house as storage space as Van collected dozens of game cabinets. Gamer and arcade influences are also intertwined with the band’s often lighthearted music. Droids Attack’s first album,

Droids Attack | Photo David Reiling / provided

2004’s All Your Chicks Are Belong to Us, is a nerdy nod to one of the first widespread internet memes. The band followed up with studio projects Fatal/ Error in 2007 and Must Destroy in 2010. Sci-Fi or Die arrived six years later. Van said personnel changes and a variety of personal issues had delayed the project’s completion, but fans were overjoyed when it was released. “That’s cool,” Van said of the response. “I’m glad people are [eager] to hear new stuff and that they like us enough to care.” That said, Droids Attack does not set arbitrary album release dates. “We don’t push it,” Van said. “We don’t like to pressure ourselves and say, ‘You’ve got to have a new album next year.’ It flows, and whatever works best for us is what we do.” Even so, fans probably won’t have to wait quite as long for Droids Attack’s fifth album, as most of the new material is written and recorded. Still, Van won’t cop to a projected release date. “I think we’re about ready to start putting the final touches on it, but there’s no telling when it’s going to come out,” he said. “It all just has to make sense with our personal schedules.” Visit droidsattack.bandcamp.com.

Droids Attack with Sweeper 9 p.m. Saturday

VISIT AMERICANSPIRIT.COM OR CALL 1-800-435-5515 PROMO CODE 96726

Blue Note Lounge | 2408 N. Robinson Ave. facebook.com/bluenoteokc | 405-600-1166 $7

CIGARETTES Sci-Fi or Die | Image provided

*Plus applicable sales tax

Offer for one “1 for $3” Gift Certificate good for any Natural American Spirit cigarette product (excludes RYO pouches and 150g tins). Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer and website restricted to U.S. smokers 21 years of age and older. Limit one offer per person per 12 month period. Offer void in MA and where prohibited. Other restrictions may apply. Offer expires 12/31/17.

O kg a z e t t e . c o m | j u n e 2 8 , 2 0 1 7

Oklahoma Gazette 06-28-17.indd 1

6/13/17 3:28 PM

MUSIC

List your event in

Submissions must be received by Oklahoma

Gazette no later than noon on Wednesday seven days before the desired publication date. Late submissions will not be included in the listings. Submissions run as space allows, although we strive to make the listings as inclusive as possible.

Submit your listings online at okgazette.com or e-mail them to listings@okgazette.com. Sorry, but phone submissions cannot be accepted.

l r Specia Summeup em your syst ,

We will fire flow valve, check the back d s an adjust the head x. bo l ro nt co e set th

*Prices may vary depending on zones

DOC SPRINKLER

Chickasha • OK

IRRIGATION • INSTALLATION • REPAIR

Saturday, 7/1 The Wailers Legendary Reggae

Call to set up appt.

405.408.5181

Email:TommyKeith1964@hotmail.com “The Doctor is Making House Calls”

Friday, 7/7

Whiskey Myers w/Broken Witt Rebels

Friday, 7/14 Hinder w/Within Reason

Friday, 7/28 Color Me Badd w/Dollar 98

Fri, July 14

Wade boWen W/ read souThall band, bc & The big rig Sat, July 22

Saturday, 7/29 Kevin Fowler w/Allison Arms & Dollar 98

Saturday, 8/12 Journey’s Former Lead Vocalist Steve Augeri

asleep aT The Wheel & dale WaTson Sat, July 29

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Seat warmers

The Big News shares summer fun with Welcome to the Weird Kids Table.

The Big News facetiously mourns the death of rock ’n’ roll on its song “Stuck in ’96.” “Rock ’n’ roll killed itself in 1994 in the green house above the garage,” the lyrics say. “Nothing moved in to take its place. Now we’re stuck in ’96.” The Norman-based ska punk band certainly sounds something like a throwback to Reel Big Fish, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and other bands from ska’s third wave, but there is a sense of freshness to its new album Welcome to the Weird Kids Table, released in May. Perhaps it is the vaguely political and social themes some songs touch on or the lively lead vocals from guitarist Jacob Niceley that give the album fresh life. While the sax-flavored guitar jam aesthetic will be nostalgic for fans that have not revisited the jazz-reggae-punk fusion genre since the 1990s, there is no sense that the band is treading others’ water. In addition to Niceley, the band includes drummer Jon Michael Jackson, trombonist Daniel Lewis, bassist Logan Pierce and trumpeter Ryne Whitehead. Weird Kids Table opens with “I Don’t Care,” a relatable, carefree anthem that might best epitomize the project’s overall theme, which is to be one’s self and live free. The upbeat tune is, in fact, so infectious, with a chorus so catchy, that it would not be much of a stretch to envision it being used to sell insurance on a television commercial. Party single “Kingston Weekend” follows the intro track. The vibe is an ideal fit for the listener’s next Saturday barbecue turned late-night goof session with friends. A ripping guitar solo in the song’s second half gives special life to the jam. As energetically as the album opens, Weird Kids Table hits its stride near the

Image provided

By Ben Luschen

middle as it slows the tempo and lets the horn section shine. “Trambo” stands out for its comparative grit. A pulsing drum rhythm breaks into a steady, trumpet-driven groove. Niceley does something different with his vocal delivery in this song. There is a hint of weariness present as he ponders the inevitable crumbling of certain societal and social systems. “Trambo” is just one instance in which the band gives listeners some thought-worthy lyrical substance on the album. Likewise, “Houdini” shines on the album’s slower mid-section. Lyrics reminiscing on the value of old, departed friends should resonate for a wide range of listeners. Weird Kids Table concludes with “Trumpa Dump,” which is both political and introspective with a meaning that might take a few listens to truly divine. Niceley rails against capitalism and the economic system that keeps so many trapped in jobs or situations that they do not enjoy but must maintain just to get by. The song is effective and fits the album’s encompassing rogue theme. For a project with an overall fun and easy listen, it is good to close out on a song with some weight. It is hard to picture fans of ska and ska punk’s most recent golden era not enjoying Weird Kids Table. But this album should appeal to an even broader base. There are no weak links on this 30-minute tracklist. If it seems hard to find a comfortable seat at music’s summer buffet, The Big News is here to show you that it really can be more fun at the Kids Table. Catch The Big News live Sunday at Vices Bar and Venue, 1701 E. Highway 66, in El Reno. Visit thebignews.bandcamp.com.

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

WEDNESDAY, 6.28 DJ J20, Remington Park. DJ Helen Kelter Skelter, The Deli, Norman. ROCK

Light up the Sky/Youth in Revolt, 89th StreetOKC. ROCK

THURSDAY, 6.29 Bonnie Whitmore, The Blue Door. FOLK Christophe Murdock, Your Mom’s Place. COUNTRY David Ramirez, Tower Theatre. SINGER/

SONGWRITER

Jon Dee Graham and the Fighting Cocks, The Blue Door. SINGER/SONGWRITER Raina Cobb Music, Rockford Cocktail Den. SINGER/SONGWRITER

The American Indie, Red Brick Bar, Norman. INDIE

Mike Hosty Fresh off a headlining gig at Jazz in June, Mike Hosty brings his guitar talent to Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s Rooftop Terrace. The Norman mainstay is the latest performer in the museum’s popular Thursday night Art After 5 series, which extends museum hours and opens a rooftop bar. The event is 5-9 p.m. Thursday at 415 Couch Drive. Tickets are $5. Visit okcmoa.com or call 405-2363100. Thursday Photo provided

The Unlikely Blues Band, The Wedge Pizzeria, Deep Deuce. BLUES

FRIDAY, 6.30

Old Bulldog Band, UCO Jazz Lab, Edmond. ROCK Ry and Evangeline, Bedlam Bar-B-Q. FOLK

Aaron Newman, Belle Isle Restaurant & Brewery.

SINGER/SONGWRITER

The Wailers, Legends Pub House and Venue, Chickasha. REGGAE

Banana Seat, Louie’s Grill & Bar, Lake Hefner. COVER

Vibro Kings, Oklahoma City Limits. ROCK

Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears/ Stone Tide/The Trading Co., Diamond Ballroom. VARIOUS Brian Gorrell & Jazz Company, UCO Jazz Lab, Edmond. JAZZ Brittany Roe, Remington Park. COUNTRY Evan Burgess/Jami McNeill/Pete Moran/John Hicks, Malarkey’s Dueling Piano Bar. PIANO Heartbreak Rodeo, El Toro Chino Restaurant, Norman. ACOUSTIC John Carnuccio, Full Circle Bookstore. ACOUSTIC KwikSand, Hollywood Corners Station, Norman. VARIOUS

Limp Wizurdz/Colorblind/Alex Carter and more, Earth Rebirth, Norman. ROCK Matt Cowell, Noir Bistro & Bar. singer/ songwrite r McKee Brother Band, Bourbon St. Cafe. JAZZ Mipso, VZD’s Restaurant & Bar. FOLK Monikers/Special Thumbs, 51st Street Speakeasy. ROCK

Wino Browne, Newcastle Casino, Newcastle. ROCK

SUNDAY, 7.2 Brent Blount, Flint. JAZZ

Edgar Cruz, Park Avenue Grill. ACOUSTIC Radio Moscow/Psychotic Reaction/Petyr, 89th Street-OKC. BLUES

MONDAY, 7.3 Adam & Kizzie, VZD’s Restaurant & Bar. VARIOUS Bermuda/Armed for Apocalypse/Revisionist and more, 89th Street-OKC. ROCK Roxy Roca, Red Brick Bar, Norman. R&B Tony Foster Jr Band, VZD’s Restaurant & Bar. R&B Lucas Ross, Metropolitan Library System. BLUEGRASS

TUESDAY, 7.4 Ghostfeeder, The Root.

Otep/Faova/The Convalescence, Thunder Alley Grill and Sports Bar. ROCK Remedy, Mooney’s Pub and Grill, Norman. COUNTRY

Yung Pharaoh, Elite Studios. RAP

SATURDAY, 7.1 737, Lumpy’s Sports Grill. ROCK All About a Bubble, VZD’s Restaurant & Bar. POP Angie Rose Musik, The Venue OKC. INDIE

ELECTRONIC

Mike Bradley and the Bricktown Mafia, Eddie’s Bar & Grill, Edmond. BLUES Shaun Suttle, Red Piano Lounge, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO

WEDNESDAY, 7.5 Grant Wells, Red Piano Lounge, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO Kiel Grove, JJ’s Alley. FOLK Split Lip Rayfield, The Blue Door. BLUEGRASS

Chris Janson, Frontier City. COUNTRY DJ Philip, Riversport Adventure Park. DJ Garret Jacobson, Remington Park. BLUES Grant Stevens, Red Piano Lounge, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO Jaykode/Jayceeoh/Leah Culver and more, Lost Lakes Ampitheater. ELECTRONIC

Michael Kleid, Fuze Buffet & Bar. JAZZ Miss Brown To You, Full Circle Bookstore. JAZZ Nicole Lawson, CHK | Central Boathouse. R&B

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

go to okgazette.com for full listings!

O kg a z e t t e . c o m | j u n e 2 8 , 2 0 1 7

puzzles New York Times Magazine Crossword Puzzle Silent Treatment By Sam Trabucco | Edited by Will Shortz | 0625 1 Chimp relatives 7 Free spot, for short 10 Mouth pieces 14 Pac-12 team 18 Asian plumlike fruit 19 Rihanna’s 2016 ____ World Tour 21 Puma alternative 22 QB Tony 23 Reversals of reversals in sentences? 25 Ribald 26 Making the honor roll, e.g. 27 Org. involved in an annual open house 28 Directional suffix 29 Shell containers 31 Railroad name starting in 1832 32 Golf ball’s path 33 Result of waves hitting rocks 35 “Don’t worry about me!” 37 With 73-Across, a symbol of Massachusetts 38 Laundry unit 40 Small egg 41 Donates shelter to some beavers? 44 Bedding in a horse’s stall 46 Name that’s Hebrew for “my God” 47 Relative of “POW!” 48 Crop-damaging rodent 49 “Don’t give up!” 51 New pony 53 One following the dotted lines? 57 Soup, black bread and, for the wealthy, meat? 62 Neutrogena dandruff shampoo 66 John or James 67 “What nerve!” 68 ____ Raton, Fla. 69 Gear for a hike 70 Part of E = mc2 73 See 37-Across 74 Not quite leaders of the pack 75 Social Security fig. 76 Based on theoretical deduction 78 Like concrete that’s shaped in advance 80 Road-sign silhouette 81 Kings and queens bringing their steeds to a halt? 84 Nelson who wrote The Man With the Golden Arm 86 James who wrote A Death in the Family

87 Freddy once hailed as “the next Pelé” 88 Husband to Emilia in Othello 90 Golfer Ernie 92 Tiny bit 94 Popeye creator E. C. ____ 98 “Excuse me, but my partner’s and my kids go first!” 102 ____, Escher, Bach (Pulitzer- winning book) 104 Tackle-box item 105 When repeated, “All right, that’s enough!” 106 Up (for), paradoxically 107 Better than normal 110 Gchat notes, e.g. 111 Medical professional on TV 113 Part of a classic diner sign 115 “Listen up, Luis!” 116 WSJ competitor 117 Fantasy game role 118 Icelandic saga 119 Feast consisting entirely of Hawaiian foodstuffs? 122 Flight destination? 123 “Enough!” 124 Word with pink or cow 125 Illinois college town 126 James of R&B 127 Ring ____ 128 Sot’s woe 129 Like elves’ ears

DOWN 1 Cronies 2 Plant disease whose two words differ by only one letter 3 Amphibious auto 4 Essence of an idea 5 Powerful winds 6 Lead-in to phonic 7 Greek god depicted on the cover of The Wind in the Willows 8 Onetime rap moniker 9 Clothe 10 Tomb raider ____ Croft 11 “The Terrible” czar 12 When repeated, plea to a stage magician 13 Powers to decide 14 Goad 15 “Ugh, that hits close to home!”

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Account EXECUTIVES Stephanie Van Horn Saundra Rinearson Godwin Christy Duane Elizabeth Riddle

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57 Frothing at the mouth 58 Lyric poem 59 Who has ever won a debate over the internet? 60 Start of the Marines’ motto 61 Honoring grandly 63 Did so-so at school 64 Digital currency 65 Hangs in there 71 Singer India.____ 72 One of 56 in 1776 74 Some Mardi Gras wear 76 S. Amer. land 77 Inlets 79 Genetic material 82 “Oh, boohoo!” 83 Gettysburg general 85 Head of an estate 88 “Hmm … it’s escaping me”

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89 “If all else fails …” 91 Exam for future attys. 93 Warehouse 95 Native of Conakry 96 Little raider 97 Athlete’s time off 98 Single shot awarded for being fouled while scoring, in basketball lingo 99 Straight 100 Had because of 101 Start of a Spanish count 102 Clear one’s head? 103 Confines due to injury 108 Qualifying words 109 Facsimile, for short 112 It follows epsilon 114 Fuzzes 120 Photo ____ 121 Stat for Lou Gehrig or Manny Ramirez

O M A N

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H I T M E H A R R O D S S T A R M A P

O M E R N A L E E R M S S H E F R O S C I A O S A N D T O R K S I G R O M L E U S P O E N O R S S I E A L I E U I T S R O S B I N T E I A G E A N S O L C O T T L A N E

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Assistant EDITOR Brittany Pickering Staff reporters Greg Elwell Laura Eastes Ben Luschen editorial interns Megan Prather. Rachel Schaub Contributors Angela Evans, George Lang Lea Terry Photographer Garett Fisbeck Photography intern Cara Johnson

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A T R A

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EDITOR-in-chief Jennifer Palmer Chancellor jchancellor@okgazette.com

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New York Times Crossword Puzzle answers Puzzle No. 0618, which appeared in the June 21 issue.

G O B I

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16 “Shoot over your response” 17 Very serious 20 Part of las Filipinas 24 Scoundrel 30 Popular rapper with a feline- sounding name 34 Bacteria-battling drug 36 Intoxicating Polynesian drink 39 Cloud’s purpose 42 Hurt 43 No. 1 Presley hit 45 Court orders 47 “Ugh!” 50 Big fashion inits. 52 Follows, as advice 54 One might represent a representative 55 Sleazeball 56 ____ culpa

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P h o n e (4 0 5 ) 5 2 8 - 6 0 0 0 | E - m a i l a dv e r t i s i n g @ o kg a z e t t e . c o m

free will astrology Homework: Name your greatest unnecessary taboo and how you would violate it if doing so didn't hurt anyone. Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com. ARIES (March 21-April 19) This is a perfect moment to create a new tradition, Aries. You intuitively know how to turn one of your recent breakthroughs into a good habit that will provide continuity and stability for a long time to come. You can make a permanent upgrade in your life by capitalizing on an accidental discovery you made during a spontaneous episode. It's time, in other words, to convert the temporary assistance you received into a long-term asset; to use a stroke of luck to foster a lasting pleasure.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Physicist Freeman

Dyson told Wired magazine how crucial it is to learn from failures. As an example, he described the invention of the bicycle. "There were thousands of weird models built and tried before they found the one that really worked," he said. "You could never design a bicycle theoretically. Even now, it's difficult to understand why a bicycle works. But just by trial and error, we found out how to do it, and the error was essential." I hope you will keep that in mind, Taurus. It's the Success-Through-Failure Phase of your astrological cycle.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) According to my

analysis of the astrological omens, you should lease a chauffeured stretch limousine with nine TVs and a hot tub inside. You'd also be smart to accessorize your smooth ride with a $5,000-bottle of Château Le Pin Pomerol Red Bordeaux wine and servings of the Golden Opulence Sundae, which features a topping of 24-karat edible gold and sprinkles of Amedei Porcelana, the most expensive chocolate in the world. If none of that is possible, do the next best thing, which is to mastermind a long-term plan to bring more money into your life. From an astrological perspective, wealth-building activities will be favored in the coming weeks.

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Jobs.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) When Leos rise above

their habit selves and seize the authority to be rigorously authentic, I refer to them as Sun Queens or Sun Kings. When you Cancerians do the same -triumph over your conditioning and become masters of your own destiny -- I call you Moon Queens or Moon Kings. In the coming weeks, I suspect that many of you will make big strides towards earning this title. Why? Because you're on the verge of claiming more of the "soft power," the potent sensitivity, that enables you to feel at home no matter what you're doing or where you are on this planet.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) You may not realize it, but

you now have a remarkable power to perform magic tricks. I'm not talking about Houdini-style hocuspocus. I'm referring to practical wizardry that will enable you to make relatively efficient transformations in your daily life. Here are some of the possibilities: wiggling out of a tight spot without offending anyone; conjuring up a new opportunity for yourself out of thin air; doing well on a test even though you don't feel prepared for it; converting a seemingly tough twist of fate into a fertile date with destiny. How else would you like to use your magic?

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Feminist pioneer and

author Gloria Steinem said, "Writing is the only thing that, when I do it, I don't feel I should be doing something else." Is there such an activity for you, Virgo? If not, now is a favorable time to identify what it is. And if there is indeed such a passionate pursuit, you should do it as much as possible in the coming weeks. You're primed for a breakthrough in your relationship with this life-giving joy. To evolve to the next phase of its power to inspire you, it needs as much of your love and intelligence as you can spare.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) One of the 21st century's most entertaining archaeological events was the discovery of King Richard III's bones. The English monarch died in 1485, but his burial site had long been a mystery. It wasn't an archaeologist who tracked down his remains, but a screenwriter named Philippa

cLASSIFIEDS

music

Langley. She did extensive historical research, narrowing down the possibilities to a car park in Leicester. As she wandered around there, she got a psychic impression at one point that she was walking directly over Richard's grave. Her feeling later turned out to be right. I suspect your near future will have resemblances to her adventure. You'll have success in a mode that's not your official area of expertise. Sharp analytical thinking will lead you to the brink, and a less rational twist of intelligence will take you the rest of the way.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) The tides of destiny are

no longer just whispering their message for you. They are shouting. And what they are shouting is that your brave quest must begin soon. There can be no further excuses for postponement. What's that you say? You don't have the luxury of embarking on a brave quest? You're too bogged down in the thousand and one details of managing the day-to-day hubbub? Well, in case you need reminding, the tides of destiny are not in the habit of making things convenient. And if you don't cooperate willingly, they will ultimately compel you to do so. But now here's the really good news, Scorpio: The tides of destiny will make available at least one burst of assistance that you can't imagine right now.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) In my dream, I

used the non-itchy wool of the queen's special Merino sheep to weave an enchanted blanket for you. I wanted this blanket to be a good luck charm you could use in your crusade to achieve deeper levels of romantic intimacy. In its tapestry I spun scenes depicting the most love-filled events from your past. It was beautiful and perfect. But after I finished it, I had second thoughts about giving it to you. Wasn't it a mistake to make it so flawless? Shouldn't it also embody the messier aspects of togetherness? To turn it into a better symbol and therefore a more dynamic talisman, I spilled wine on one corner of it and unraveled some threads in another corner. Now here's my interpretation of my dream: You're ready to regard messiness as an essential ingredient in your quest for deeper intimacy.

ClareMONt apartMeNtS

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Your word of power

is "supplication" -- the act of asking earnestly and humbly for what you want. When practiced correctly, "supplication" is indeed a sign of potency, not of weakness. It means you are totally united with your desire, feel no guilt or shyness about it, and intend to express it with liberated abandon. Supplication makes you supple, poised to be flexible as you do what's necessary to get the blessing you yearn for. Being a supplicant also makes you smarter, because it helps you realize that you can't get what you want on the strength of your willful ego alone. You need grace, luck, and help from sources beyond your control.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) In the coming weeks,

your relationships with painkillers will be extra sweet and intense. Please note that I'm not talking about ibuprofen or acetaminophen or aspirin. My reference to painkillers is metaphorical. What I'm predicting is that you will have a knack for finding experiences that reduce your suffering. You'll have a sixth sense about where to go to get the most meaningful kinds of healing and relief. Your intuition will guide you to initiate acts of atonement and forgiveness, which will in turn ameliorate your wounds.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Don't wait around passively as you fantasize about becoming the "Chosen One" of some person or group or institution. Be your own Chosen One. And don't wander around aimlessly, biding your time in the hope of eventually being awarded some prize or boon by a prestigious source. Give yourself a prize or boon. Here's one further piece of advice, Pisces: Don't postpone your practical and proactive intentions until the mythical "perfect moment" arrives. Create your own perfect moment. 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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