April 2017 (Vol. 31, No. 4)

YOUR ALFRESCO FIX AT OUR 43 FAVORITE SHADED TABLES, SCENIC SPOTS AND LIVELIEST BEER GARDENS CHILL OUT GET W H E R E T O D I N E | W H AT T O D O | W H E R E T O F I N D I T | W H E N I T ’ S H A P P E N I N G

918

APRIL 2017

BEAUTY IN BLOOM CELEBRATE FLOWER POWER

AT MUSKOGEE’S AZALEA FESTIVAL

DOWNTOWN SOUND BRADY DISTRICT’S MUSIC CORRIDOR

DIRTY DANCING JUNIPER LANNA THAI THE TROPICAL HELLO BABY SEA TURTLE ISLAND SENIOR PHOTO HOT SPOTS TULSA DRILLERS XTREME RACING AND ENTERTAINMENT

BREAK OUT YOUR SHADES, CATCH SOME BASEBALL, ENJOY NATURE’S BEAUTY AND GET OUTSIDE

PREVIEW918.COM J U S T V I S I T I N G ? L I V I N G LO C A L? W E ’ V E G OT YO U C OV E R E D.

SLOW-SMOKED UP TO

12 HOURS

S U O I R E S ECUE BARB BABY BACK

RIBS

OUR RIBS CAN BEAT UP YOUR RIBS Here at RibCrib, we abide by the barbecue lifestyle. We have an uncompromising passion for championship-quality barbecue and a commitment to the process it requires – that means no shortcuts, substitutes or skimping on ingredients. Our barbecue comes from premium cuts of meat that are slathered, seasoned and slow-smoked up to 12 hours.

Because great barbecue isn’t just food. It’s a way of life. And we keep it saucy!

/RIBCRIB

FROM THE MAYOR As mayor of Tulsa, it is my honor to welcome you to our great city. Whether you’re visiting, or have deep roots here, I invite you to take time to explore our beautiful city and discover all the things that set us apart from other cities.

I highly recommend Preview 918 as your go-to guide to navigate our incredible city. For more than 30 years, Preview has covered the 918, offering Tulsans and visitors alike the inside scoop to area restaurants and cafés, lodging, local attractions and events, world-class entertainment venues, tourist destinations and unique shopping venues that are bound to please and delight.

Our city is home to the world’s greatest collection of western art at the Gilcrease Museum as well as Italian Renaissance displays at the Philbrook Museum. It’s a treasure trove for lovers of architecture from mid-century modern housing to the downtown Art Deco District and our iconic BOK Center, designed by the internationally acclaimed architect César Pelli.

Tulsa’s unique entertainment and shopping districts provide enjoyable experiences for the entire family. From an art crawl in the Brady District, to a concert at the historic Cain’s Ballroom, to a trip to the Tulsa Zoo or a leisurely drive along Route 66 — there’s no end to what you can experience here.

Performing Arts Center attracts Broadway musicals, renowned musicians and excellent local theater productions, and is home to the Tulsa Ballet.

Sports spectators can look to the University of Tulsa or Oral Roberts University athletic programs, Tulsa Oiler hockey games, and Tulsa Roughnecks soccer. Or, time a visit to coincide with special events, such as Tulsa Tough bike racing, the Tulsa Run, the Route 66 Marathon and the NCAA basketball finals. The Tulsa area offers more than 80 miles of pedestrian and bicycle trails for a great way to see Tulsa.

Tulsa is also a city on the move. In the next few years, we will open the greatest city park in America at Tulsa’s River Parks, become the home to an Olympic sport, and build a lake in the center of the city to create new recreational opportunities for our entire region.

I’m pleased so many of you have made your home in Tulsa. If you’re visiting our city, please enjoy your stay here. I also want to invite you to come back often to experience opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. In the meantime, you can find out more about Tulsa by visiting www.‌CityOfTulsa.org.

For a night on the town, Tulsa serves up family entertainment at the Guthrie Green and Tulsa Drillers baseball at ONEOK Field. The Tulsa

G.T. Bynum Mayor of Tulsa

Preview is proudly displayed in the rooms, lobbies and/or front desks of over 100 hotels and motels in the Tulsa and surrounding Green Country communities. Copies are also available at hundreds of other locations including Oklahoma travel information centers, Tulsa International Airport visitor displays, Expo Square, office complexes, hospitals, Cancer Treatment Centers of America and in over 200 area restaurants. You can also find Preview at participating QuikTrip, Reasor’s, CVS Pharmacies, Panera Bread and Kmart locations as well as in Preview yellow boxes throughout the Tulsa area.

4 APRIL 2017

FOLLOW US! PREVIEW918

FOLLOW US!

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chris Greer chrisg@previewgreencountry.com MANAGING EDITOR/SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Michele Chiappetta michele@previewgreencountry.com CREATIVE DIRECTORS Jared Hood jared@previewgreencountry.com Beth Rose beth@previewgreencountry.com MANAGING PHOTOGRAPHER Marc Rains marc@previewgreencountry.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chris Greer, Michele Chiappetta, Ryann Gordon, Tiffany Duncan, Rob Harmon, Richard Linihan, Donna Leahey, Hannah Gordon, Rachel Wright, G.K. Hizer, TravelOK.com

FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER Stephen Hurt stephen@previewgreencountry.com

In over 100 area Hotels and Motels

FACEBOOK.COM/PREVIEW918

VOL. 31, NO. 4

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Marc Rains, Chelsi Fisher, Valerie Grant, Kelli Greer, Samuel Smith

Best regards,

For over 30 years, Preview magazine has been the best resource for discovering Tulsa, Green Country and locating the perfect place to eat, visit, shop and be entertained, whether you are here on business or just enjoying a few days away from the grind. Located in the heart of Oklahoma, Tulsa is a year-round destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, scenic views, hikes and adventure. The rich history of Tulsa and its surrounding areas is reflected in the diversity of its museums, landmarks, history, wildlife, attractions, fine dining and friendly locals. In Tulsa, situated on the Arkansas River at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, enjoy a performance or sporting event at the BOK Center, fish in one of the area’s many lakes, check out the sharks in the state’s only freestanding aquarium, explore any of the lush parks or break out the clubs and tackle any of the 16 public golf courses. Considered by many to be the cultural and arts center of Oklahoma, Tulsa offers full-time professional opera and ballet companies and one of the nation’s largest concentrations of art deco architecture. Regardless of your personal tastes or budget, Tulsa offers a down-home, yet cultured experience for all ages.

LIKE US!

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ROUTE DISTRIBUTION Rachel Blanchard, Cory Blanchard, Garrett Rinner SENIOR CONSULTANT Randy Dietzel PUBLISHERS Robert and Amy Rinner robert@previewgreencountry.com

Local advertising and business inquiries: 918-745-1190 Copyright 2017 by Preview. Preview is an affiliated publication produced by Fore Today Media Group.

All rights reserved. Preview is published 12 times a year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Preview ’s right to edit. While Preview makes every reasonable effort to provide accurate and errorless information, it can’t be responsible for the consequences of any erratum or inadvertence. Preview claims no credit for any images published in this issue unless otherwise noted. Images are copyright to their respective owners.

Preview 10026-A S. Mingo, Suite 322 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133 preview918.com info@previewgreencountry.com © Fore Today Publications LLC

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TC TABLE OF CONTENTS APRIL 2017 FEATURES

30

SONGS IN THE KEY OF UGH

34

SHOT SPOTS

38

GARDEN GROOVE

The karaoke scene built around Idol-esque crooners performing gleefully-inspired ‘80s power ballads, campy oldies and hip-hop songbooks isn’t always pitch perfect, but is rarely forgettable.

18 ON THE COVER

The Azalea Festival in Muskogee celebrates the blooming of azaleas, tulips, dogwoods and wisteria. Enjoy a drive along paved roadways that wind around the blooming flowers, walkways perfect for runners or birders, five ponds and lakes, a variety of picturesque ponds, a butterfly sanctuary and a tree arboretum. Enjoy the blooms at Honor Heights Park and then head into downtown Muskogee for events that take place throughout the city.

BEACHY KEEN

With three viewing levels and an underwater observation station, embark on a sensory experience watching 300-pound loggerhead sea turtles in the Oklahoma Aquarium’s newest interactive adventure.

20

ALL THE RIGHT MOVES

MODEL: Rachel Blanchard PHOTOGRAPHER: Marc Rains WARDROBE PROVIDED BY: Jules Boutique

Adapted by the movie’s original writer, Eleanor Bergstein, the nostalgiapowered Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage pushes the same emotional buttons as the Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze romantic classic.

DEPARTMENTS

22

$91.80 in 48 Challenge | 8 Music/Concerts | 10 Happenings | 12 Street Talk | 14 Downtown Locator | 47 Tulsa Locator | 48 Sound Check | 50 Health + Fitness | 54 Style + Shopping | 56 Sports Central | 58 Sports Schedule | 63 Eats + Treats | 64 Cocktail Confidential | 68 Masters of Flavor | 88 Get To Know | 90 Showtime | 92

6 APRIL 2017

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKOUTS

Bringing the best of Broadway and stage to Green Country, Celebrity Attractions’ upcoming schedule includes Hamilton, The Sound of Music and The Little Mermaid.

26

BALANCING ART AND SCIENCE

With over 20 films, the Architecture and Design Film Festival is designed to broaden the conversation of the creative process behind film, architecture and design for all walks of life.

28

BEAUTY IN BLOOM

Drawing record crowds, the Azalea Festival not only highlights the beauty of nature in spring but also plays host to a parade, a variety of food vendors, carriage rides through the blooms and more.

A rite of passage, senior photos are a huge milestone.

And if you don’t want to look back in 20 years at your portraits and cringe, finding a perfect location and setting is as important as how your hair looks.

56

THE EYES HAVE IT

58

SETTLING SCORES

When choosing sunglasses, consider proportion and balance to help flatter your face while protecting your peepers.

With one of the most talented squads in team history, the Drillers came up disappointingly short in 2016. But there is no place for panic as the 2017 season is shaping up nicely with the return of players from the Dodgers’ postseason roster.

42

Awaken your spirit of adventure, play a round of simulated golf, take Xbox gaming to another level, or blow off some steam in a racekart on steroids at Xtreme Racing and Entertainment.

50 54

64

PERFECTLY PACKABLE

Who doesn’t love a picnic? And while the eats and drinks should be simple and fuss-free to maximize your relaxation and fun, the fare doesn’t have to be boring.

THE DOWNTOWN SOUND

Looking for live music?

You can find a little of everything from hip-hop and rock to blues and punk with a walk down the Brady District’s music corridor.

HARNESSING HEALING POWERS?

Opinions vary on whether essential oils have specific health benefits or are merely wishful thinking in a bottle.

Regardless of which camp you fall into, one thing most can agree on is do your research.

OUTSIDE IS IN

80

TASTEFUL AMBIENCE

84

MASS APPEAL

88

CREATIVE CASCADE

90

FREEZE FRAMES

With things heating up outside, it’s time to start enjoying food and drinks on Green Country’s many patio spots. Enjoy this list of beautiful, hip and casual outside spots where you can people watch, catch a great view, visit with pals or spend time with that special someone.

Built around a farm-totable concept, Juniper, an intimate corner bistro specializing in American cuisine with classic French and European influences, provides the perfect atmosphere for toasting and tasting.

April showers mean May flowers, so there’s no better time to get to work perfecting that garden you’ve always dreamed of creating.

SPEED THRILLS

74

68

BEERLY BELOVED

With craft brewing becoming a national trend, we’re practically swimming in smallbatch suds here in the 918. Thanks to groups like Marshall, Prairie and others, our cups are running over with porters, IPAs and session ales.

With a menu filled with traditional options that are comforting, downright delicious, and anything but ordinary, Lanna Thai has created a well-deserved fervor that borders on local obsession.

The Tropical blends a beachy surf-and-turf menu alongside a variety of curry dishes, stir-fry, vegetarian and vegan options, carefully crafted by experienced Thai chefs skillfully utilizing a few “hidden magic” nuances.

Hello Baby Photography knows that life slows down for no one, and they intentionally stand in the gap to catch all of the lifechanging moments babies and children bring.

See our feature on page 80

918 $91.80 IN 48 CHALLENGE

STOP #2

$11.95

After our appetizer, we picked up Hannah and headed to Los Cabos for dinner. The place was packed and we could see that everyone there was having a great time together.

In only a few minutes it seemed, we were eating mahi mahi tacos, shrimp quesadillas and vegetable fajitas. There was so much delicious food we had to take some home. Everything was wonderful and more than we expected, with the manager even stopping by our table just to make sure everything was absolutely perfect.

She was so gracious. Ask for Bart to be your server.

He will make sure your service is right.

STOP #1

Makayla and I [Susan] headed out to start our adventure at Fuji Japanese Cuisine and Sushi Bar. Right away we were seated and served a large tray of colorful shrimp chips — served only for dinner — and ordered the 7 Spice Seared Ahi Tuna appetizer to share. It was absolutely amazing. We loved the atmosphere, the service and the food. Hopefully we will get the chance to have Richard as our server again too. We most certainly have added Fuji to our list of favorite places to eat.

SO PROVIDING AN ENVELOPE OF CASH AND TELLING PEOPLE TO SPEND IT IN 48 HOURS ISN’T EXACTLY A CHALLENGE, BUT IT MAKES THIS ASSIGNMENT SOUND A LOT MORE INTERESTING. The mission posed to Susan, Makayla and Hannah Wall was to spend $91.80 (we used the local area code for the amount) in two days. And if they could find fun and free activities … bonus.

The only catch was that they had to spend it at places, events or shops profiled in the March issue of Preview.

$4.50

STOP #3

The next afternoon we wanted to check out one of the fantastic diners here in Tulsa for sure. So when we saw that Brownie’s had homemade root beer, the decision was made. What a fun place (decked out in 1950s style) to stop in for all kinds of sandwiches and pies. The refillable root beer was the best we’ve ever tasted. They deserve a prize for their recipe.

STOP #4

$44.42

THINK YOU CAN BLOW OUR CASH IN INTERESTING WAYS?

We wanted to stop in and take a look at what Drysdales would have for us to buy to wrap up our day. It is an amazing store. The selection is definitely unbeatable.

We chose some Native American items and jewelry to purchase. We liked so many things; we could have spent hours there easily.

We enjoyed every minute.

$30.93

Like us on Facebook and drop a message with some of your ideas. We might just lace your pockets with green and turn you loose.

8 APRIL 2017

PREVIEW918.COM 9

MUSIC/CONCERTS

H HAPPENINGS APRIL

1 CASII STEPHENS 6 KRIS KRISTOFFERSON 6 CHRIS TOMLIN 6 CHRIS ROBINSON BROTHERHOOD 6-9 EASTER ISLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL 8 BADFISH 8 SCOTT ELLISON TRIO

Soul City (Tulsa)

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (Tulsa/Catoosa) BOK Center (Tulsa) Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa) Valley Park (Valley Park) Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa) Soul City (Tulsa)

12 STS9

Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa)

15 STEPHEN WHITE GROUP 15 AARON WATSON 18 NF 18 UMPHREY’S MCGEE 18 THE 1975

Soul City (Tulsa) Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa)

21 RED DIRT RANGERS 21 CHANCE ANDERSON BAND 21 HAYES CARLL

Soul City (Tulsa) IDL Ballroom (Tulsa) Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa)

Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa) Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa) Brady Theater (Tulsa)

24 JIMMY WEBB

4 PANIC! AT THE DISCO 7 LOCASH 7 DANG DJANGOS

River Spirit Casino Resort (Tulsa) Soul City (Tulsa)

9 COLONY HOUSE

Vanguard (Tulsa)

14 SONGS OF THE FALL 14 BATTLE OF THE BANDS 14 BILLY BOB THORNTON AND THE BOXMASTERS 17 DESIIGNER

20 SMOKEY ROBINSON 20 KANE BROWN

IDL Ballroom (Tulsa) Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa)

Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa) Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (Tulsa/Catoosa)

River Spirit Casino Resort (Tulsa)

29 DESI & CODY 30 ANDREW MCMAHON

10 APRIL 2017

River Spirit Casino Resort (Tulsa) Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa)

22 A PERFECT CIRCLE 22 THE CHOIR 22 GAITHER VOCAL BAND 22 SOUL CITY BACKYARD KICKOFF AND EARTH DAY BASH

27 EASTON CORBIN 28 KENNY ROGERS

Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa)

Soul City (Tulsa) Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa) Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (Tulsa/Catoosa)

Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa)

25 THE FLAMING LIPS 26 BLACK TOWN BLUES AND NORTH TULSA JAZZ

BOK Center (Tulsa)

Soul City (Tulsa)

BOK Center (Tulsa) Vanguard (Tulsa) Mabee Center (Tulsa) Soul City (Tulsa)

AI ALSO IN APRIL

15

JEFF FOXWORTHY BOK Center (Tulsa)

1

7-8 CHILLIN’ AND

GRILLIN’ BBQ FESTIVAL Platinum Air Airport (Sand Springs)

GREATER TUNA Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center BLACK GRACE Tulsa Performing Arts Center

1-2 WANENMACHER’S TULSA ARMS SHOW Expo Square (Tulsa)

6

GREEN COUNTRY SPRING FLING Expo Square (Tulsa)

SPRINGFEST GARDEN MARKET AND FESTIVAL Tulsa Garden Center (Tulsa)

4

5

6

11

PARTY IN THE PARK Honor Heights Park (Muskogee)

THERESA CAPUTO Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (Tulsa/Catoosa)

10-15 SYMPOSIUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN Northeastern State University (Tahlequah)

8-MAY 6 TRAIL OF TEARS ART SHOW

CHRIS ROCK River Spirit Casino Resort (Tulsa)

3

AZALEA POWWOW Muskogee Civic Center (Muskogee)

PALM SUNDAY

LIFE IN COLOR Cox Business Center (Tulsa)

2

TULSA ROOTS MUSIC BASH Guthrie Green (Tulsa)

SPRING MOUNTAIN MAN ENCAMPMENT Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve (Bartlesville)

AQUARIUM RUN Oklahoma Aquarium (Jenks)

1

LARRY THE CABLE GUY BOK Center (Tulsa)

Cherokee Heritage Center (Tahlequah)

7

8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

1-30 AZALEA FESTIVAL

Honor Heights Park (Muskogee)

1-2, 6-9 THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT

11-16 DIRTY DANCING

2

WINTER JAM BOK Center (Tulsa) HERMITAGE PIANO TRIO Tulsa Performing Arts Center

Tulsa Performing Arts Center

7-9 TULSA AUTO SHOW Expo Square (Tulsa)

7 8

ORANGEFEST Downtown Okmulgee

EXCHANGE CLUB CHILI & BBQ COOK-OFF Civic Center Plaza (Muskogee) INDIE TRUNK SHOW Expo Square (Tulsa) TSO CLASSICS: BRAHMS’ REQUIEM Tulsa Performing Arts Center THE COLOR RUN River West Festival Park (Tulsa)

12 APRIL 2017

GOOD FRIDAY

Tulsa Performing Arts Center

14

BOLLYWOOD AND BEYOND Tulsa Performing Arts Center

MICHAEL A. MCFAUL Tulsa Performing Arts Center

EARTH DAY

21

23

21-23 REVERB PLAY FESTIVAL Tulsa Performing Arts Center

SPRING HOME AND OUTDOOR LIVING EXPO Expo Square (Tulsa) THE LOST PAGES OF SLEEPING BEAUTY Tulsa Little Theatre (Tulsa)

18

29-JUNE 4 OKLAHOMA

30

RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Castle of Muskogee (Muskogee)

LYSANDER PIANO TRIO Tulsa Performing Arts Center

28-29 MORRIS TWISTER DAYS Downtown Morris

GREEN COUNTRY CLASSIC RANCH RODEO AND TRADE SHOW Expo Center (Claremore)

WORLD AT WAR PAINTBALL EVENT D-Day Adventure Park (Wyandotte)

HERE COMES THE FUNNY TOUR River Spirit Casino Resort (Tulsa)

20-23, 27-29 ANNIE GET YOUR GUN

CHE MALAMBO Tulsa Performing Arts Center EASTER

ALSO IN APRIL AI

PIPPIN Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center

Tulsa Performing Arts Center

27-29 WOOLY WEEKEND AT

18-23 BARE BONES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

SHEPHERD’S CROSS Shepherd’s Cross (Claremore)

Roxy Theater (Muskogee)

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 19-20 INDUSTRIAL

22

AND TOOL SHOW Expo Square (Tulsa)

21-30 THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB

Broken Arrow Community Playhouse (Broken Arrow)

The Coleman Theatre (Miami)

PIPPIN Bartlesville Community Center (Bartlesville)

ROUTE 66 INVITATIONAL REGATTA Rogers Point (Catoosa)

CHRIS BOTTI Tulsa Performing Arts Center

TULSA HEART WALK ONEOK Field (Tulsa)

MIDAMERICA CLASSIC COUGARS NATIONAL SHOW Expo Square (Tulsa)

TULSA GARDEN TOUR Tulsa Garden Center (Tulsa)

HERITAGE DAYS FESTIVAL Posey Park (Eufaula)

27-30 WEEKEND COMEDY

HERBAL AFFAIR AND FESTIVAL Triangle Park (Sand Springs)

29

THE 15TH ANNUAL ‘80S PROM Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa) ROUGHNECK ROLLER DERBY Ninowski Recreation Center (Broken Arrow) FLOWER POWER BIKE RIDE Three Forks Harbor (Fort Gibson) MURAL FEST 66 Downtown Miami

28-30 RED FERN FESTIVAL Downtown Tahlequah

28-30, MAY 4-7 AND THEN THEY CAME FOR ME Tulsa Performing Arts Center

29-30 GRAND LAKE

RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL 438415 E. Hwy 60 (Vinita)

PREVIEW918.COM 13

ST STREET TALK

Bruno Mars or Maroon 5.

CHUCK Jack White and various group iterations of his. His raw sound has the respect of a rock purist fan base, and the riffs he weaves in provide earworms across multiple fan bases. Try going to a football game and not hearing “Seven Nation Army.” As an artist (even when producing for others), he tries to strip the sound to its best elements. It’s a timeless approach, and I think the result will be just as enjoyable in 20 years as it is now.

TOM

Adele or Beyoncé.

ABIGAIL

I’m hoping it’s Norah Jones.

JASON

The Black Keys. They’ve got a classic sound and are popular enough that future generations are likely to come across their records. Plus, I really don’t want our generation to be defined by Fetty Wap.

SARAH M.

Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, LinManuel Miranda. They’ve already proven to be more than one-hit wonders, versatile, and socially savvy. They’ve not only made their names known in the music world, but also actively participated in social change.

ADREAN Florence and the Machine.

Florence Welch has such a unique voice and is so immensely talented. Listening to how different each one of her albums sounds — from Lungs to Ceremonials to How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful — you really see her adaptability.

Colony House. They have a timeless sound and are very original. They are coming to Tulsa in April.

CHARITY

KENZI

Taylor Swift. Her pop songs will be on rotation for eternity.

They are the bubble-gummy Madonna-in-the-‘80s style songs that have soaked into the collective unconscious of an entire generation.

Twenty Øne Pilots. They will continue to write lyrics that are meaningful and they are true to themselves. People will always be able to relate to the lyrics. Plus, they don’t write stereotypical songs.

KRISTEE

ASHTON

Lady Gaga. Her music is very intricate and designed to be evocative.

J AC K

That’s a tough one. Right off the top of my head? I don’t know about standing the test of time, but Ryan Adams has been around for a while and just came out with a new album that I can’t seem to stop listening to.

SARAH G.

Bruno Mars. He’s the next generation Prince.

TERAH

Want to join the discussion?

WE’LL POST A QUESTION ON OUR FACEBOOK EACH MONTH. GIVE US AN ANSWER AND PHOTO, AND YOU MIGHT END UP IN OUR MAGAZINE. 14 APRIL 2017

JENKS PREVIEW918.COM 15

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With three viewing levels and an underwater observation station, embark on a sensory experience watching 300-pound loggerhead sea turtles in the Oklahoma Aquarium’s newest interactive adventure.

By Donna Leahey

18 APRIL 2017

Adventure awaits at Sea Turtle Island.

Grab the family and head to the Oklahoma Aquarium’s newest exhibit, which opened in March. The exhibit includes a 56,000 gallon tank surrounded by an oceanfront scene with colorful buildings, benches and palm trees that all come together to make it look like you’re on your way to the beach.

“Sea Turtle Island is the largest expansion to the Oklahoma Aquarium to date,” says Teri Bowers, chief operations officer and executive director of the Aquarium. “It features three viewing levels and an underwater observation station that children [and agile adults] can crawl into and see the sea turtles and fish.”

The denizens of Sea Turtle Island include reef sharks, a collection of Caribbean tropical fish, and, of course, a pair of 300-pound male loggerhead sea turtles.

“They [turtles] were rescued by the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center in 1994,” Bowers says. “They were born too late in the year to survive on their own and were eventually deemed unreleasable to the wild.”

The Oklahoma Aquarium was still in its formative years at that time, but did have a tank suitable for the young turtles. “We knew a sea turtle exhibit would work well in our longerterm development plans,” Bowers says. So the turtles moved to the Oklahoma Aquarium to await their new home. The loggerheads do not have official names yet, though Bowers believes that the aquarium will involve the public in naming them now that the turtles are living in the exhibit.

To keep the animals healthy and happy, the aquarium takes excellent care of their environment. “As with all of our exhibits and animals, we maintain the highest standards of water quality, species compatibility, enrichment

and a strict bedtime [lights out], so the turtles always get a good night’s sleep,” explains Bowers.

There are seven species of sea turtles “in the wild”, all of which live in temperate waters. Six of the seven, including loggerheads live in the coastal waters of the United States. Unfortunately, all seven are threatened or endangered.

“The greatest threat they face is man — habitat encroachment, by-catch fishing, ocean debris and other pollution. One of the largest negative impacts we have on the lives on sea turtles is overuse and waste of plastics,” she says. “Plastic bags look very much like jellyfish to sea turtles and can be extremely harmful when ingested. We can positively impact the lives of sea turtles by recycling and not wasting water.”

Turtles are important in the ecosystem because their powerful jaws crush shells such as clams, crabs, and conch. This helps speed up the rate of the shells disintegration and enriches the nutrients in the ocean floor ecosystems.

The exhibit is still new and establishing its routine, but Bowers expects that before too long, “the top level of the exhibit will be rentable for birthday parties and other gatherings. We will also schedule ‘turtle talks’ with our education staff and have scheduled dives as more of a routine is established.”

The Oklahoma Aquarium was already home to beautiful, exotic aquatic life in educational exhibits even before Sea Turtle Island came along, so once you’ve checked out the sea turtles, make sure to catch the other fantastic exhibits.

Amazing Invertebrates features unique and varied sea life such as sponges, barnacles and sea stars. Extreme Fishes includes a system of tunnels that allows children to crawl underneath the water to get a good look at some truly unusual adaptations. Aquatic Oklahoma and the Hayes Family Ozark Stream let you learn more about the life found in our Oklahoma waterways like an alligator snapping turtle, the alligator gar, sun fish, and even some mammals like river otters and beavers.

And don’t forget the Shark Adventure, a walkthrough tunnel where you can get a good look at the largest bull sharks in captivity as part of one of the most impressive shark collections to be found anywhere.

The Marvels and Mysteries exhibit is filled with strange and beautiful creatures like seahorses, jellyfish, piranhas, and an electric eel that lights up when hunting for food.

After exploring the aquarium, you can enjoy a nice snack at the Coral Reef Cafe and visit the Aquarium Gift Shop to find the perfect souvenir.

You can shop for plushies, T-shirts, books, art and more to help you remember your visit and maybe learn a little more as well.

LOCATOR OKLAHOMA AQUARIUM 300 Aquarium Drive | Jenks 918-296-3474 okaquarium.org

Monday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

(Last admission ticket is sold at 5 p.m.)

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

(Last admission ticket is sold at 8 p.m.)

Wednesday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

(Last admission ticket is sold at 5 p.m.)

PREVIEW918.COM 19

ADAPTED BY THE MOVIE’S ORIGINAL WRITER, ELEANOR BERGSTEIN, THE NOSTALGIA-POWERED DIRTY DANCING:

THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE PUSHES THE SAME EMOTIONAL BUTTONS AS THE JENNIFER GREY AND PATRICK SWAYZE ROMANTIC CLASSIC.

By Donna Leahey Photos by Matthew Murphy

20 APRIL 2017

No one puts Baby in a corner. No one stops Johnny Castle from dancing the last dance of the season. And few can resist the infectious energy of Dirty Dancing.

A coming-of-age story, a love story, a story filled with themes as topical today as they were when the classic movie was released in 1987, the spectacular stage production of Dirty Dancing embraces the story and expands on it with scenes and additional music. Set in the Catskills in 1963, with classic music, choreography, and sets that bring the stage to life, Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage played the West End for five years and toured Australia starting in 2004.

“It’s a tight rope to walk,” says associate director Kasey RT Graham, regarding the challenges of paying homage to an American cultural icon while still making it fresh and new. “So many moments from the movie are iconic that you don’t want to cut them out. What we’ve done is keep the most important moments and the big themes. We’ve found theatrical ways to make those moments work on the stage.”

Dirty Dancing was written by Eleanor Bergstein, based on her childhood and experiences. Like Frances Houseman, she is the daughter of a Jewish New York doctor and spent her summers vacationing in the Catskills. Like the story’s main character, she was nicknamed “Baby” and participated in dancing competitions. The character of Johnny Castle was based on a dance instructor she met in the Catskills while researching the story.

Bergstein struggled to get a studio to commit to her script, before she managed to find the newly formed Vestron Pictures, who gave the movie a budget less than half the average at the time. After filming was completed, there was doubt it would even be released as the film struggled to find sponsors willing to be associated with some of the themes. In the end, of course, Dirty Dancing was beloved by audiences, critically acclaimed, and won an Academy Award (Best Original Song), several Golden Globes, and a pair of Grammys.

In 2004, Bergstein adapted her script into a stage play, using the same songs as the film and adding in a few new scenes to expand on the story and the themes of the show.

“The story is the same,” Graham says. “It’s fleshed out a bit. It’s always been an important part of Eleanor’s life — turning her story into a stage property. It was important to her to use the theatricality of the theater to enact this story; to build on the memory rather than diminish it.

“The entire reason they’re at Kellermans, for instance, is to keep Baby from going to a civil rights march. That is explored. The themes and subplots in this story are unfortunately still topical. It’s a little different now, but some of these ideas are even more important.”

Audiences should expect to see the story they know and love and quote. “They’ll be able to experience the story on a deeper level.

They’ll enjoy the flow of the show. I hear that a lot, how quickly the show moves from moment to moment.”

The show includes all the songs you love and remember, like “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey! Baby,” “Do You Love Me” and the heart-stopping “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” There are a few new songs as well, since the success of the movie gave Bergstein the power to license a few more songs for the stage play.

“There’s a tip of the hat to the original dancers,” says Graham. “The choreography is expanded because on the stage, you see everything all at once, so lots of really fantastic, sexy dancers, lots of lifts and thrills and wild dancing.”

Graham is also enthusiastic about the lead actors. “They’re great together, they have great chemistry. Baby seldom leaves the stage except to change clothes, and she and Johnny work so well together to bring this story to life” The response to the stage production has been overwhelmingly positive. “The audience response is staggeringly insane,” says Graham.

“They leap to their feet, clapping and laughing. [It’s] like nothing I’ve worked on before. You really can’t believe it until you see it. And it’s not just the 20 year olds screaming; the screaming fans are from a demographic you don’t expect. Women in their 50s, 60s and older are cheering and yelling and on their feet.”

LOCATOR DIRTY DANCING: THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE Tulsa Performing Arts Center tulsapac.com April 11-13: 7:30 p.m.

April 14: 8 p.m.

April 15: 2 p.m., 8 p.m.

April 16: 2 p.m., 7 p.m.

PREVIEW918.COM 21

Opportunity Knockouts Bringing the best of Broadway and stage to Green Country, Celebrity Attractions’ upcoming schedule includes Hamilton, The Sound of Music and The Little Mermaid. — By Donna Leahey Celebrity Attractions is bringing the historical and history-making Broadway hit Hamilton — Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award winning hip-hop musical about America’s volatile “Ten-Dollar Founding Father” Alexander Hamilton — to Tulsa in 2019.

As exciting as that news is, you don’t have to wait until 2019 for quality entertainment on a Tulsa stage.

“We have an exciting spring lineup of national Broadway tours. I just know Tulsa audiences are going to love all of these shows,” says Celebrity Attractions vice president Kristin Dotson.

Each season, Celebrity Attractions tries to find shows for every type of theater lover. Disney’s The Little Mermaid and Finding Neverland will appeal to families. A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder is a great date night show. Theatregoers looking for a classic will love The Sound of Music, while An American in Paris will delight audiences who love amazing dancing. This season also includes The Bodyguard based on the 1992 movie starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston.

Putting together a great season of theater isn’t easy. “We start working on the season lineup a few years in advance,” says Dotson. “We do a lot of leg work before we start booking. We have to identify what tours will be on the road and of those, which will be well received in Tulsa. Then we have to see if schedules line up with dates we have for the Tulsa PAC [Performing Arts Center]. We work hard to make sure we can bring the best of Broadway at the best prices to Tulsa.”

Tulsa has a thriving arts and entertainment culture, recognized across the country for its musical talent and artistic spirit. Celebrity Attractions is an important contributor to those arts.

“Celebrity Attractions is proud to be part of the strong entertainment community in Tulsa,” she says. “The arts are a necessary component of a thriving community and play a big part in attracting people and businesses to the metro Tulsa area. Tulsa is a great Broadway town. We have one of the largest number of subscribers in the country and on average contribute over $40 million to the local economy.”

More than boosting the local economy, Celebrity Attractions loves to give back to the community. “We have had some great success bringing together our sponsors, the tours and local organizations to raise money.

This season we have donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma’s Food for Kids program, and the Greenwood Cultural Center,” Dotson says.

Like all theater lovers, though, Dotson is excited about Hamilton.

“The buzz and hype around this show is something we have yet to experience,” she says. “Hamilton is bringing Broadway to a whole new audience and we are thrilled to have a stop on the tour.”

If you are already planning how to get your hands on the hottest ticket of 2019, consider subscribing for the 2017-18 season. “Subscribers will have the first opportunity to lock in their seats for the Hamilton season and will have a chance to purchase additional tickets for family and friends before the general public.”

22 APRIL 2017

DIRTY DANCING: THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE April 11-16, 2017 A coming-of-age story, a love story, a story filled with themes as topical today as they were when the classic movie was released in 1987, the spectacular stage production of Dirty Dancing embraces the story and expands on it with scenes and additional music.

Set in the Catskills in 1963, with classic music, choreography, and sets, watch as Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.

SOMETHING ROTTEN! May 23-28, 2017 This joyous, fun celebration of Shakespeare’s England is funny, refreshingly creative, and clean.

The Bard himself is struggling with writer’s block while two aspiring playwrights, Nick and Nigel Bottom, visit Nostradamus to find out what the next big thing in theater will be. The answer? A musical. You won’t believe what they end up doing with their prophecy.

MATILDA: THE MUSICAL June 20-25, 2017 Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book, Matilda: The Musical is the story of an extraordinary girl who takes control of her life and her destiny through wit and determination. Matilda has charmed audiences from Broadway, to London’s West End, to Sydney, Australia.

DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID Aug. 29-Sept. 3, 2017 Under the sea, a young mermaid named Ariel longs to be part of the world above.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid is based on the animated classic, which was itself based on Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved story of the same name. Come fall in love with the magic for the first time or all over again with classics such as “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” “Part of Your World,” and more.

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PREVIEW918.COM 23

Tulsa's #1 Antique Mall Since 1996!

Over 200+ locations nationwide & Canada

Why Plaster Paint Co.?

You can transform a single piece of furniture to an entire kitchen / bath makeover! It is truly the easiest paint you will ever use.

Manufactured and distributed in Catoosa, Oklahoma! Available in over 48 colors including metallic!

501 S. Cherokee Street, Catoosa, Oklahoma www.theplasterpaintco.com 918.739.4755

24 APRIL 2017

I-44 Antique and Collectibles Mall has been Tulsa's #1 Antique Store since 1996.

Come and see what our more than 50 vendors have to offer in our 9,000 square feet of dealer space.

Celebrating

20 Years!

918.712.2222 | www.i44antiquemall.com Mon-Sat 10am-5pm • Sunday 12-5pm 5111 S. Peoria • Tulsa, Oklahoma

12 JULY 2016

THE BODYGUARD Sept. 26-Oct. 1, 2017 Based on the smash hit movie, The Bodyguard is the story of bodyguard Frank Farmer and his client, superstar diva Rachel Marron. This romantic thriller includes the music you remember Whitney Houston singing, including “Run to You,” “I Have Nothing,” “I’m Every Woman” and one of the biggest selling songs of all time “I Will Always Love You.” Grammy Award-nominee and R&B star Deborah Cox makes the lead role her own in this passionate and breathtaking production.

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER Jan. 23-28, 2018 Getting away with murder can be so much fun, and there’s no better proof than the knock ‘em dead hit show that’s earned raves and won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Musical. Monty Navarro sets out to inherit his family’s fortune by eliminating the eight relatives between him and the cash. Along the way, Monty must manage his mistress and his fiancé all while avoiding the police.

FINDING NEVERLAND March 6-11, 2018 The story of how Peter became Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys’ enchanting makebelieve adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers.

With a little bit of pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes this monumental leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland, where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC April 3-8, 2018 The tale of young Maria and the von Trapp family and their escape from Nazis in World War II is a Tony, Grammy, and Academy Award winning classic.

The movie, made over 50 years ago, is the most successful movie musical in history, filled with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classics like “My Favorite Things” and “Do-Re-Mi.” The Green Country hills will be alive with “The Sound of Music.”

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS June 19-24, 2018 An American in Paris is a story of finding love, happiness, and a new lease on life. The musical is set in the City of Lights, Paris, as it emerges from the shadows of World War II. As the weight of the Nazi occupation begins to lift, the city’s inhabitants come alive and rediscover life’s grandest possibilities. An American veteran and aspiring painter, Jerry, is still reeling from the war when he discovers the girl of his dreams — Lise, a captivating young dancer at the ballet.

HAMILTON TBD: 2018-2019 Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Pulitzer prize-winning transformation of Ron Chernow’s biography, Hamilton, focuses on founding father Alexander Hamilton, whose ambition drove him from the position of Caribbean outsider to American war hero and George Washington’s right-hand man. In the process, Hamilton powerfully shaped America and provided a template for what it means to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and realize the American Dream. This exploration of Hamilton’s political mastermind is being called “the most exciting and significant musical of the decade.”

PREVIEW918.COM 25

Gray Matters

With over 20 films, the Architecture and Design Film Festival is designed to broaden the conversation of the creative process behind film, architecture and design for all walks of life.

By Rob Harmon

BALANCING ART AND SCIENCE For lovers of all things creative, Tulsa’s first Architecture and Design Film Festival, hosted by the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture, may be the ticket. A captivating film festival solely dedicated to architecture and design for both the industry professional and the ordinary Joe? In Tulsa? The answer is a simple ‘yes.’

“The connections between architecture and film are many,” says Kyle Bergman, the festival’s director and founder. “On one level, making film or making architecture are very similar acts in a lot of ways. They’re both kind of a balance of art and science. They’re both storytelling. Clearly in film, but also in architecture or design, you’re telling a story by all the choices you make.”

But the film festival won’t just be for strict enthusiasts of architecture.

Over 20 different films by a wide variety of filmmakers appeal to a diverse audience.

“The idea of a film festival allows us to increase the dialogue, among professionals and non-professionals. The program of the festival is set up to be interesting to everybody,” says Bergman. “Anyone coming to the films can enjoy them because it has enough of the human story.”

In 2009, the original ADFF in New York City set out to broaden the conversation of the creative process behind the three topics of film, architecture, and design for all walks of life.

And Tulsa is the place to do it? Bergman firmly believes Tulsa is exactly the kind of place to explore those creative connections.

“I was so surprised and happy, when on my first visit to Tulsa in the fall, I saw the rich architecture. It’s impressive.

The core of Tulsa’s downtown is just full of spectacular buildings,” he says. “You’re really fortunate. It’s the perfect place to have this festival. We hope to make Tulsa an annual stop.”

Bergman was no doubt inspired by buildings such as the Boston Avenue Methodist Church, Trinity Episcopal Church, the Atlas Life Building, the Holy Family Cathedral, the Mayo buildings, Philcade Building and Philtower — all Tulsa treasures and an abbreviated list of buildings in Tulsa County on the National Register of Historic Places.

26 APRIL 2017

“We almost always get a 50-50 split [among professionals and non-professionals], when we do our post-festival surveys, so it’s really open to everyone interested in design. It can be a homeowner, a plumber, lawyer, a school teacher, anyone who has a curiosity in design and architecture,” he says.

If You Build It

Another location in Tulsa listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Circle Cinema Theater, will play host to the event.

“The Circle Cinema is a fantastic theater,” says Bergman. “George Kravis saw the festival in Chicago and really liked it, so he, Nancy Herman [ festival chair] and Clark Weins, from Circle Cinema, came out to New York and so we really started planning seriously. We’re really lucky to have the festival at such a really high quality cinema.”

Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall: Five Seasons with Piet Oudolf

Bergman sees the atmosphere of Circle Cinema as the perfect place to hang out between films and discuss the storytelling and creative energy of the films, their filmmakers and the subjects highlighted in the films.

“The difference between just going to a film and attending a film festival is that, between films, you have the opportunity to engage with each other in discussions, have a glass of beer, wine or coffee, and Circle is great for that.”

Twenty-plus films make up the festival and a wide range of them showcase a diversity of interest that the average person looking to be entertained and enriched in the creative process will really enjoy. For instance Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall documents world-renowned master gardener, Piet Oudolf. The most influential garden designer in a generation, Oudolf takes us through the process of designing what he believes to be his best work to date, the sensational new garden at Hauser & Wirth Somerset in Bruton, England. Filmgoers will witness the creative genius of someone who takes gardening and landscaping design to a whole new inspirational level of art.

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Another film that the festival’s director believes will really appeal to Tulsa youth interested in the creative process is If You Build It. Thirteen dedicated high school students, in one of the poorest school districts in North Carolina, complete a year-long building and design project that teaches them much more than just basic construction skills. Together, they learn the power of design thinking, as they re-invent, rejuvenate and phenomenally transform their small town and community. In the end, it’s their own self-worth and sense of what’s possible that is rebuilt.

In the A Day Without a Woman vein, a powerfully compelling film about Eileen Gray, called Gray Matters, explores the amazing life of one of the most extraordinary architects and designers in modern history. “She’s one of the most important early architects and product designers of the 20th century. She was a woman way ahead of her time, a pioneer, just an awesome person,” says Bergman.

LOCATOR

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN FILM FESTIVAL

Circle Cinema | 10 S. Lewis Ave. | Tulsa adfilmfest.com/site/films_tulsa2017 April 20-23

PREVIEW918.COM 27

GC GREEN COUNTRY SCENE

DRAWING RECORD CROWDS, THE AZALEA FESTIVAL NOT ONLY HIGHLIGHTS THE BEAUTY OF NATURE IN SPRING BUT ALSO PLAYS HOST TO A PARADE, A VARIETY OF FOOD VENDORS, CARRIAGE RIDES THROUGH THE BLOOMS AND MORE.

BY HANNAH GRAY GORDON

28 APRIL 2017

Ring in springtime with a trip to Muskogee for the diverse and event-packed Azalea Festival. Running for the entire month of April, the festival — held in and around Honor Heights Park — celebrates the warmer weather and blooming of local flora while boasting a combination of events you won’t want to miss. Daily and weekly events bring something to the table for everyone, including an art show, music concert, cookoff and wine tasting.

Established by the City of Muskogee in 1909, Honor Heights Park is a massive 132-acre jewel situated on a hill overlooking Muskogee.

Even beyond the Azalea Festival, there are many activities to choose from, including fishing in one of five ponds and lakes, playing on the playground or splash pad, visiting the gift shop, and walking or jogging on any of three trails. In the spring, azaleas, dogwood and wisteria, among others, bloom to create amazing art from nature.

This popular event draws a crowd of over 200,000 people every year.

Starting the first day of April, the familyfriendly Papilion Spring Bloom features a

GREEN COUNTRY SCENE GC with such great food, inflatables, pony rides and more.

with proceeds going to the Muskogee Public Library Children’s department.

Stop by the 10th annual Car and Truck Show held by the Cruizaders Car Club of Muskogee.

See beautiful older and newer cars on display and see who goes home with awards such as Best Engine, Best Interior, Long Distance and Best in Show. Goodie bags will be given to the first 100 showgoers in addition to door prizes by many merchants, and T-shirts will be available for sale. Part of the show proceeds will be donated to the First Baptist Church Community First Center.

Other events you won’t want to miss include the Quilting Under the Stars show, Azalea Festival Parade, and the start of the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival at the end of the month.

For those who love spirits, don’t forget to visit the Rotary Club of Muskogee’s Party in the Park, where participants can sample all manner of wines and beer for only $20 per person. Snacks and other food will also be available, so come hungry.

The Bare Bones International Film Festival is another event you won’t want to miss, with a variety of screenings from documentaries to music videos and animations. Known for its Indie Auteur award, the festival highlights movies made on a less than a $1 million budget and allows for highlighting amazing films and networking amongst professionals. variety of butterflies, over 5,000 tulips and other springtime flowers. Admission is free, and photo opportunities abound. Visitors can grab a bite to eat from a food truck or browse the gift shop for the perfect gift for a loved one.

The Five Civilized Tribes Museum hosts the Under the Oaks art show, an exhibition and competition with pieces from Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek and Seminole artists from all over the country. Art lovers can browse and purchase native art, as well as visit the Five Civilized Tribes Museum.

Have a taste for barbecue and chili? Swing by the Muskogee Exchange Club’s 33rd Annual Chili and BBQ Cook-off. Started in 1984, the cook-off is one of the biggest single-day events during the festival.

Visitors can purchase a taster kit and sample some of the amazing recipes offered for judging. Families will never be bored

On April 20, music lovers will swoon when the legendary Beach Boys and The Temptations take the stage at the Muskogee Civic Center. Surviving through decades where stars have risen and fallen, these groups have long maintained “beloved” status worldwide.

Join your fellow cyclists at Three Forks Harbor for the annual Flower Power Bike Ride, which winds through five possible routes with varying lengths from 5 to 100 miles. Attendance brings in as many as 500 cyclists and ends with a cookout and family friendly fun.

Children and adults will appreciate the chance to experience cars, trucks and service vehicles at the interactive Touch a Truck event on the last day of April. Visitors can touch as well as look at different vehicles such as fire trucks, cement trucks, police cars and more. Admission is only $2

LOCATOR AZALEA FESTIVAL Honor Heights Park | 641 Park Drive | Muskogee 918-682-2401 visitmuskogee.com/directory/azalea-festival April 1-30

PREVIEW918.COM 29

scene e e k o a u r The ka nd Idol-esq lyful rou b u i l t a o r m i n g g l e e d s , c a m py s perf power balla r e n o o cr ‘80s songbooks d e r i p p is ins hip-ho perfect, but d n a o l d i e s ay s p i t ch t t a b l e . e lw isn’t a rarely forg

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By M

30 APRIL 2017

YOU’LL HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE.

Ever seen “Carpool Karaoke?” This popular recurring segment on The Late Late Show with James Corden features the show’s host in a car with everyone from Metallica singing a Rihanna tune to Adele rapping to the stylings of Nicki Minaj. People love “Carpool Karaoke” because it reminds them of their own joys of singing loud along to the radio as they cruise to work, school and church. We’ve all done it, right?

But if you’ve ever thought about getting out of your car and in front of a mic, then it’s time to do some real karaoke. And as it turns out, Tulsa has a lot of options for you.

Lisa Taylor of Tulsa has been singing karaoke for three years and is loving it. “I go regularly with my daughter, enough that I know the regulars,” says Taylor. “I love the stage, I love to sing, and it gives me the opportunity to sing lots of different kinds of music.”

Cynthia Jesseen, owner of Tulsa Karaoke DJ Nights, a local business that provides karaoke and DJ services for local venues as well as private parties, weddings and other events, echoes the sentiment. In her experience since starting up her business in 2009, Tulsans love to let their inner Bieber and Gomez loose.

See our feature on page 20

“People love to sing,” says Jesseen. “It makes them feel good.

Karaoke has been popular in Tulsa for a long time.”

If you’ve never tried karaoke before, or even if you have, a lot of connoisseurs of the practice like some liquid courage before they step up to the mic. But it’s certainly not required. Some venues, like the Silver Skillet Family Diner, are family friendly.

And even bar hoppers may opt to stay light on the booze so they can be sure to sing in tune.

Picking the right song may also seem to be a challenge, but the pros have some suggestions to help you out.

“I have a page of favorites that are go-tos,” says Taylor. “I don’t like to try new ones without practicing at home, because I don’t want to be embarrassed. Since I don’t drink, I’m a little more uptight than most of my karaoke companions.” Some of Taylor’s favorites are “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5, “(I’m Not Gonna Write You A) Love Song” by Sara Bareilles, “Ain’t It Fun” by Paramore,

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“Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green, “Build Me Up Buttercup” by The Foundations, and “Where You Lead” by Carole King.

Jesseen suggests classics. “Classics always get a big applause from the crowd,” she says. Recent go-tos, she says, include “Valerie”

by Amy Winehouse, “Your Man” and “Long Black Train” by Josh Turner, “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, “At Last” by Etta James, “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra, “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars, “Colder Weather” by Zac Brown Band, and “Dirt Road Anthem” by Jason Aldean. The hottest new hits and Disney songs also make the list of frequently requested tracks.

If you’re worried about getting stage fright, rehearse and get comfortable with some songs ahead of time. “There are a lot of fun karaoke apps for your phone and tablets now,” says Jesseen. This makes it easy to practice at home or on the go.

Taylor has her own set of tips. “Go to YouTube and look up the karaoke versions of your favorite songs,” she says. “That way, you can check to see if it’s in your vocal range, if it has a section you forgot about (like the rap in the middle of TLC’s “Waterfalls”), or an embarrassingly long instrumental section that will leave you

looking stupid while you wait for it. And remember, most people will be either less skilled and/or a bit tipsy, so it’s a pretty easy crowd. Mid- to fast-tempo songs are better, but beware that songs always seem faster when you are nervous.”

For those who have no fear of getting onstage and are looking to beef up their karaoke game, Jesseen says to look for songs that make you feel something. “Sing what you are passionate about,” she says. “If it triggers your emotions, you will trigger our emotions.”

Above all, have fun and don’t stress about getting every note perfect.

“The karaoke community is like a tight family,” Jesseen says. “We love to sing, and we love others who love to sing, even if they aren’t that great. It’s not American Idol; it’s karaoke. Relax and have fun.”

LOCATOR TULSA KARAOKE NIGHTS Cynthia Jesseen 918-313-1245 info@tulsakaraokenights.com

Where to go for KARAOKE DUSTY DOG PUB

5107 S. Harvard | Tulsa Sunday nights

ELOTE CAFE

514 S. Boston Ave. | Tulsa Fridays: 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m.

FAT DADDY’S PUB AND GRILLE 8056 S. Memorial Dr. | Tulsa Wednesdays: 8 p.m.

MAGOO’S

5002 S. Memorial Dr. | Tulsa Wednesdays: 9 p.m.-Midnight

MIDLETON’S BAR AND GRILL 9711 E. 81st St. | Tulsa Wednesdays

MR. LUCKY’S PUB & GRILL

8240 E. 41st St. | Tulsa Tuesdays: 8 p.m.-Midnight Fridays and Saturdays: 9 p.m.-1:45 a.m.

Sundays: 8 p.m.-Midnight

ON THE ROCKS

3120 S. Yale Ave. | Tulsa Sunday nights

REMINGTON’S SPORTS BAR

1902 E. 71st St.. | Tulsa Fridays and Saturdays: 9 p.m.-Close

THE RUN

3141 E. Skelly Dr. | Tulsa Wednesdays: 8 p.m.-Midnight

SILVER SKILLET FAMILY DINER 8228 E. 61st St. | Tulsa Tuesdays: 6 p.m.

Times, dates and locations are subject to change.

32 APRIL 2017

Daily specials.

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918.835.8862 www.westerncountrydiner.com 1905 S. Sheridan Rd. Tulsa, OK 74112 18.259.8046 | 514 N. Elm Pl. Broken Arrow Mon-Sat 6am-9pm Sun 6am-3pm m Open seven days a week 11am-9pm

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Mon-Fri Breakfast 7am-9:30am Lunch 11am-2pm Sat-Sun Brunch 9am-2pm

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PREVIEW918.COM 33

A rite of passage, senior photos are a huge milestone.

And if you don’t want to look back in 20 years at your portraits and cringe, finding a perfect location and setting is as important as how your hair looks.

PHOTOS AND ARTICLE BY VALERIE GRANT

34 APRIL 2017

Have you been putting off your senior portraits? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It can be a daunting task to get that perfect photo — one that you’ll be comfortable sending out to the entire family, one that won’t make you cringe every time you look back on it.

As a photographer, one of the biggest decisions centers on the location. It makes a huge difference when you pick a spot

that reflects who you are and what you’re passionate about. From beautiful sprawling fields or an edgy alleyway to railroad tracks or leaning against the weathered wood of an old barn, a great location can provide that earthy texture that just can’t be recreated in a studio setting.

Need a little inspiration? Here’s a list of some of my favorite portrait spots around Tulsa.

The Classics

WOODWARD PARK

TULSA GARDEN CENTER

BRADY ARTS DISTRICT

2435 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa

2435 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa

Downtown Tulsa

If you’ve ever talked with a photographer about senior portrait spots in Tulsa, you’ve no doubt heard about Woodward Park. There’s a reason this classic spot is heavily utilized for all types of photo shoots — it’s one of Tulsa’s most beautiful public spaces.

Because of the vast amount of space, there is plenty of room for diversity in your photos. Take the time to explore the grounds and scout out a few different locations; you’d be surprised at the variety of scenes you can find.

Just around the corner from Woodward, you’ll find the Tulsa Garden Center which has a wonderful variety of hot spots to strike a pose, including one of my all-time favorites, the Greenhouse.

Their backyard area also includes the arboretum (tree garden), the popular rose gardens, and beautiful fountains and walkways all over the grounds.

One thing you’ll want to keep in mind if considering the Greenhouse is that the public hours are limited. (MondayFriday: 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; SaturdaySunday: 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.)

The Brady Arts District has become downtown Tulsa’s go-to district for shopping, galleries, museums, and dining, but it also hosts a ton of interesting spaces to take photos. Once there, you can explore Guthrie Green and its great greenery, walkways, and lightup fountains, or stroll through the surrounding eclectic alley ways, discover wall murals, or just utilize some of the great coffee shops such as Chimera, or Gypsy Coffee House, or Antoinette’s Bakery to snap a few portraits with your favorite drink or snack.

PREVIEW918.COM 35

Urban Style

FIFTH AND BOSTON

GRAFFITI MURALS

BROOKSIDE

If you’re looking for something that is downtown and iconic to the history of Tulsa, Fifth and Boston is the perfect spot.

There’s a certain feel to street photography.

It encompasses the tallest skyscrapers in the city, which makes for a great backdrop.

There are many buildings with beautiful Art Deco architecture that always make for unique portraits with great backdrop geometry and an iconic, epic feel.

If you’re wanting fun, bright, colorful and unique portraits, you might consider using some of Tulsa’s beautiful graffiti murals in your photos (shoutout to Clean Hands Army). You can find the wall art scattered throughout Tulsa, however, there is a huge concentrated area near Living Arts, East Village, and the Pearl District. Thanks to Habit Fest — an awesome mural festival — you can find about 20 of them on the walls at 860 Admiral Blvd.

The Brookside area — generally considered to be along Peoria from 31st to 51st — offers a variety of options for photos. But what makes it really a unique area is the white-washed walls of the Center One plaza around 35th Street.

This option allows you to have both the urban backdrops as well as simple, white, modern photographs that are very in style for portraits. Don’t miss the bamboo along the walls for a splash of green.

Make It Your Own

FIELDS

HOME/BACKYARD

SPORTS SETTING

You don’t have to search very far outside of Tulsa to find a beautiful open field that will make a great spot for simple and natural portraits. It’s important to keep the time of day in mind for any outdoor photo shoot, but especially when taking your photos in a field. The golden sunlight right before the sun sets is the perfect lighting for this type of photo.

One way to make your senior portraits comfortable and personalized is to take photos in your home or backyard. Because you are familiar with these spaces, you might feel more comfortable and not as rushed, which is really important to capture those genuine smiles.

One great way to really communicate the story of who you are at this time in your life is to take your photo on the courts, on the field, track — wherever your hobbies take place. This also allows you to be more creative with props or sports uniforms to tell a story, and get a really fun and action filled portrait.

LOCATOR VALERIE GRANT VISUALS 918-859-8574 valeriegrant.com

36 APRIL 2017

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April showers mean May flowers, so there’s no better time to get to work perfecting that garden you’ve always dreamed of creating.

By Ryann Gordon

38 APRIL 2017

Even though the winter was mild, we are still happy to welcome oklahoma’s spectrum of spring flowers: daisies, petunias, marigolds and all the native annuals; dianthus and poppy, but only the ones that love Midwestern soil; and blooming bulbs and wildflowers all grow freely in Oklahoma.

Whether you’re a gardener of flowers or prefer to grow more functional items like vegetables and herbs, you’re in the perfect place to cultivate a garden that will wow passersby all spring/summer. You aren’t too late either — April is an ideal time to start planting most annual flower seeds and summer flowering bulbs. According to many gardeners, by the middle of April most soil should be free from the scare of frost. However, don’t plant flowers that prefer warm soil, such as periwinkle,

petunia and elephant ears, until late April or early May. The list of tips and tricks to help you create the garden of your dreams is endless. You can also attend training from OSU’s Tulsa County Master Gardeners in a five-part series they are offering this month. From April 20 to May 18 (on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at the Tulsa County OSU Extension Office), you can take part in Urban Gardening Training for either $10 a class or $30 for all five classes.

You can also practice our tips on how to get your garden ready for summer.

Garden supremacy starts beneath the roots, in the soil. Make sure to test and add a nutrientrich compost mixture to the soil in your

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HOURS: M-Sat 11-9 www.jimsconeyisland.net Closed Sunday

GARDENING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS NO GREEN THUMB? NO PROBLEM.

TEST YOUR SOIL designated garden area, and also leave the right amount of space for each seed or plant.

Consult knowledgeable staff at the nursery before selecting which seeds to buy and plants to place together in your garden; you can find this help at gardening stores like Stringer Nursery, Southwood Landscape and Garden Center, Spring Creek Nursery, Nickel Creek Nursery and many more across Tulsa.

In order to decide which plants will work best for your city’s climate, you should know that Tulsa is located within planting zones 6-8, depending highly on the season.

For April, you’re going to want to seek out plants that grow in warmer soil conditions that also withstand a bit of cold (only for the earlier half of the month).

Start with some easy-to-grow annuals, like petunia, geranium, fabulous marigold and eye-catching periwinkle. Line the edges of your garden with deer-repellant snapdragon that makes for a lovely border and even lovelier barrier against pests. If you’re into butterflies, add black-eyed Susans and zinnia. There is also no sin to letting your garden become home to the wildflowers, like poppy, violet and indigo, or test your skill with the ever-so-tricky begonia. Fill in spots with colorful pansies, elegant primrose, showy gladiolus, edgy dianthus and dainty Shasta daisies.

Although many vegetables were planted in March, you’ve still got time to plant cucumber, corn, squash, sweet potato, okra, tomato, radishes, beans, pepper and melon, not to mention a number of other vegetables that will have a second planting time later this summer.

For most vegetables, the location of the garden and soil composition is the key to success. Place your veggie garden near water in a sunny location, with eight-plus hours of sun a day, and make mulch your friend.

Aside from vegetables, you can also grow herbs to use in dishes at home as well.

Chives and thyme grow perfect around this time in late spring, while basil and sage will do well in the summer after soil conditions have completely warmed up.

Summer is almost here, meaning there’s no better time to get outdoors and add some color to your life and home. Pick up a new, healthy hobby and create the garden of your dreams, whether it’s for the aesthetic appeal or for the home-grown deliciousness and esteem of having cultivated your own food.

Do research on some of your favorite Oklahoma plants, how to grow them and what to pair with them, and grow breathtaking blooms that may grace your garden for years to come.

To get a thorough reading of your soil’s pH and nutrient levels, send a sample to your local nursery or cooperative extension. There are also at-home testing kits available at places like Home Depot and garden centers. The results will tell you how acidic or alkaline your soil is, which affects how plants absorb nutrients. Since different plants thrive best in different pH levels, this test will help you decide what to plant or indicate how you should treat the soil.

KNOW YOUR REGION It may sound obvious, but not everything grows everywhere, so what you plant is determined by where you live. It’s the most important thing to start with because you’ll want to understand the limits and the possibilities.

START WITH “EASY” PLANTS Early success is inspiring. Vegetables don’t take as long to grow, so if you make a mistake you won’t have wasted months and months of your time.

Sunflowers are also a good option, since they grow quickly and tall, or try easy-to-grow ferns.

DOCUMENT It’s a great way to keep track of garden activity. You can also keep notes about the interesting plants you come across elsewhere, so you can make a reminder to include them in your garden next year.

CREATE A PLAN To avoid crowding, research your plants first so you know exactly how big they will get and how to space them out accordingly. It’s also important to know how high your plants will grow. Shorter and creeping ones should be planted toward the front and edges of the garden bed, with the taller plants in the back.

WATER CAREFULLY LETTUCE AND SALAD GREENS

CUCUMBERS

Lettuce grows quickly, is really easy to harvest (just snip the tops off the plants or pick leaves as needed), and takes up very little space. They can even grown in containers.

Cucumbers like sunlight and warm temperatures, as well as support for climbing.

Once you provide these simple basics and water them regularly, they grow almost like weeds.

Give a consistent and ample amount of water.

Make sure the water penetrates the soil as opposed to just putting a little bit on the surface.

Newer plants will need to be watered more frequently because their root systems aren’t completely developed.

TOMATOES

CARROTS

BE PATIENT

Possibly the most popular vegetable for any size garden, you can grow tomatoes in hanging baskets or in containers anywhere they’ll get lots of sun and have support for their stalks.

The only thing about carrots is they might not grow very large, especially if you have rocky soil.

Deep soil and well-drained soil is preferable.

They tolerate light shade too, although, like most plants prefer full sun.

Gardening is a process. It doesn’t just happen in one day — it takes time. Impatience can cause you to overwater or fuss too much with the plants.

Monitor regularly, but unless something looks wrong, let them be.

PREVIEW918.COM 41

By Rob Harmon

>>

Photos by Valerie Grant

Not exactly living life in the fast lane these days? Jason Wright — owner of Xtreme Racing and Entertainment in Broken Arrow — has just the antidote.

For heart-pounding fun and excitement, take a spin on one of the largest indoor asphalt tracks in the country, in one of Xtreme’s first-class, state-of-the-art electric race-karts. Up to 50 mph of pure adrenaline rushing through your veins as you speed around the track will make you look at life a little differently.

42 APRIL 2017

“People love the thrill of driving these racekarts,” Wright says. “The electric aspect of them gives you instant torque, so when you step on it, you’ve got full power. It is nothing like anything that’s ever been in Tulsa.

They’re not gas powered, so there are no fumes. With the Formula One style track, you get g-force and driving experiences that have never been around here before.”

In spite of the rush you can get from the experience, they still keep it safe.

A knowledgeable staff always provides safety instructions before you get in the kart. If they notice anyone is being reckless, they can remotely slow the driver down. Otherwise, with the proper nylon mask and required safety helmet, if you follow all the safety precautions and stay in control, you can get up to 50 mph.

With a pricing change, fulfilling your need for speed on a regular basis is more affordable than ever. Platinum

memberships cost $120 and include 10 races, a T-shirt, free shuffleboard and pool and waived fees for helmet rentals.

After the 10 included races, additional races are $10 for adults and $5 for juniors.

But, if you’re just looking to try it out, single, double and triple race packages are available for $20, $18 and $15 per race. Be careful, though, because the thrill of the intense speed and competition will get you completely hooked!

If you’re not so sure about the speed track yet, don’t fret. Xtreme is not only about race-kart racing. Their facility is jam packed with all forms of entertainment.

For the golf enthusiast, use the same training system Jordan Spieth uses. The intense golf and sports simulator allows you hit a real golf ball and play a round of golf, from tee to green, on one of 70 famous and beautiful courses around the world. It’s been known to lower handicaps. The simulation also has

an outstanding sports simulation where you can throw a real football, kick a soccer ball, hit a baseball and more.

“It’s a high energy destination entertainment place,” Wright says. “We love having people who just come in and get their two or three races in and leave and we love the ones who come in and spend two or three hours here.

They’ll race and then enjoy all our other attractions, maybe even catch a game on the big screen.”

PREVIEW918.COM 43

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When Wright refers to the facility’s big screen, he’s talking about a massive 17-foot diagonal wall television. The gigantic screen is located inside a decked out VIP lounge, which can be reserved for parties and events. Relax on leather couches and watch college and pro football games or play Xbox games.

“We call it the Man Cave,” Wright says, laughing.

“We have two additional 55-inch TVs, so we end up with many games going at once. You can get a full sports immersion in that room. With the Xbox, it makes it a lot more fun because you can actually see the [life-size] guys you’re supposed to be shooting at.”

Another cool attraction is a shooting simulator devised by the national and Olympic shooting teams of Sweden. It’s a training system that provides instant feedback on how well you’re shooting.

Two Colt 45 revolver simulators allow you to test and refine your peacemaker skills. Hunting simulation programs are available for shooting bear, moose, wild boar and duck. A semi-automatic handgun simulation program is on its way.

“We’re after adrenaline-filled experiences for our customers. In virtually everything we do, we believe we provide that,” Wright says. “And we’re really excited to talk about the newest coming attraction, hopefully available on Memorial Day weekend. I can’t say too much now but it will be one of a kind in the region and one of only six or seven experiences like it in the entire world.”

Beyond the race-kart racing and simulation games, they also offer shuffleboard tables, air hockey and billiard tables.

Xtreme Racing & Entertainment is fully capable and prepared to host corporate meetings with a large conference room. They can also reserve space for bachelor or bachelorette parties, which start in the conference room but invariably migrate to the track.

LOCATOR XTREME RACING & ENTERTAINMENT 708 W. Kenosha St. | Broken Arrow 918-286-6655 xtremetulsa.com Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Sunday: Noon-8 p.m.

PREVIEW918.COM 45

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Boomtown Tees | 3D-14 Jules Boutique | 3C-22

Albert G’s Bar & Q | 3D-13 Atlas Grill | 3C-17 Caz’s Chowhouse | 2D-10 Chimi’s | 5A-2 Deco Deli | 3C-18 D’vina | 5A-33 Hey Mambo | 2D-9 Jason’s Deli | 5A-30 Juniper | 3D-1

Caz’s Pub | 2D-16 Club Majestic 2D-19

64

51

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DINING

BARS

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TH

SHOPPING

BOK Center | 2C-6 Tulsa Drillers | 3E-21 Tulsa Oilers | 2C-6 Tulsa Performing Arts | 3D-15 Tulsa Roughnecks | 3E-21

31

TH

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ENTERTAINMENT

PEORIA

11TH

1H

10

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OSU Medical Center

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Courthouse

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Central Library

YEN

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15

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Cox Business Center

N

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Jazz Hall of Fame

Performing Arts Center

ND

2

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13

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City Hall

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244

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16

Greenwood Cultural Center

GRE

Cain’s Ballroom

412

E

TULSA LOCATOR TL

DOWNTOWN TULSA

Mexicali | 2D-11 Mi Cocina | 5A-5 Papa Ganouj | 5C-8 PRHYME | 2D-12 Sisserou’s | 2D-20 Soul City | 5B-31 Smoke | 5A-32 Tavolo | 3C-3 Ti Amo | 2C-4

3

30

TH

2

51

5

32

33

CHERRY

4

5

LOOK FOR THE YELLOW BOX! 2nd & Detroit Brady & Boston 1st & Elgin (McNellies) 1st & Elgin (Comedy Parlor) Elgin (Joe Mommas) Brady & Bob Will Archer & Elgin

2nd & Elgin (Blue Dome Bldg.)

5th & Boston 5th & Main (Billy’s) 3rd & Boulder 3rd & Denver 6th & Boston

PREVIEW918.COM 47

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TULSA AND SURROUNDING AREAS

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40

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46TH N

Tulsa Botanic Garden

E

Crawford Park

75

OSU Tulsa

94

Turkey Mountain Park

St. Francis Hospital

41 14 15 61

59 58

60

82 70 1

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2

3

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48 44 46

64

101ST

10

111

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9

20

BIXBY 71

42

78 5

81ST

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Oklahoma Aquarium

79 54

67 77

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84

29

61ST

57 85

SHERIDAN

JENKS 76

23

49

57 25

A

17

13 65

GARNETT

Jones Airport

Oral Roberts Univ.

Mabee Ct.

64

62

32 30

51

43

MINGO

74

33

11

YALE

83

47

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34

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31ST 41ST

66 LaFortune 80 38 Park

169

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Hicks Park

56

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68

Whiteside Park

9321

65 44

91 51

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37

21

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5

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244

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Expo Square

29

92

Philbrook Museum of Art7

11TH 15

Tulsa State Fairgrounds

19

Woodward Park St. John Med. Ctr.

Chandler Park

12

5

MINGO

2

26

APAC

PINE

MEMORIAL

30

39 27 28

PINE

SHERIDAN

Univ. Of Tulsa

DOWNTOWN BOK Ctr.

SAND SPRINGS

169

YALE

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11

LEWIS

412

36TH N

Tulsa Air & Space Museum

26TH N / APACHE

UTICA PEORIA

51

GILCREASE EXPY

HARVARD

Gilcrease Museum

GILCREASE MUSEUM

66

Tulsa Zoo

36TH N MARTIN LUTHER KING

KWY ALE P TISD

MINGO

Lake Yahola

6

TULSA LOCATOR TL 96TH N

SHOPPING

7

Antique NV | 4A-76 Bedlam Sports | 5C-33 Boomer’s Audio | 5C-16 Drysdales | 5C-65, 6B-65 Edible Arrangements | 4C-7, 5A-7, 6G-7 I-44 Antique Mall | 4C-3 Ida Red | 4C-50 Lokal and Main | 4A-82 Mac’s Soccer Shack | 6B-13 Miss McGillicutty’s Antiques | 4A-54 The Pink Lily | 4A-79 The Plaster Paint Company | 8E-55 Tulsa Stained Glass | 5C-56

WASSO

Redbud Valley Nature Preserve

52

CHE 55

53 66

412

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BROKEN ARROW

18

209TH E.

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COUNTY LINE / 193RD E.

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161ST E.

145TH E. 129TH E.

40

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ASPEN

4 23

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LYNN LANE

MAIN ELM

129TH E.

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CATOOSA

DINING Albert G’s Bar & Q | 4C-91 Amazing Thai Cuisine | 7B-63 Baskin-Robbins | 5A-57, 5B-57 BGB Burgers | 4D-92, 6G-92 Bluestone Steak House and Seafood | 5A-10 Brownie’s Burgers | 4D-29, 5B-29 Cafe Olé | 4C-35 Cacy’s BBQ | 3A-14 Celebrity Restaurant | 5C-68 Mi Cocina | 4D-39 Claret Cafe | 6B-18 Molly’s Landing | 8E-52 Chimi’s | 5B-2, 4C-2, 4D-2 Mondo’s Ristorante El Chico | 6D-93 Italiano | 4C-94 Fat Daddy’s Pub and Napa Flats | 4A-25 Grille | 5B-64 Pizza Express | 5D-15, 4A-15 Flo’s Burger Diner | 8D-1 Polo Grill | 4D-19 Freeway Cafe |4D-5, 5D-5 Rib Crib | 4D-12 French Hen | 5B-17 Ricardo’s | 5C-31 Fuji | 5B-20 Rincón Mexican Grill & George’s Pub | 4A-61 Cantina | 5B-47 Goodcents Deli Fresh Rio Restaurant & Bar | 5D-21 Subs | 5A-9 Hatfield’s Hamburgers | 6D-24 RoseRock Cafe | 6C-43 Savoy Restaurant | 5B-11 Hooters | 5B-49 Shiloh’s | 7B-73 In The Raw | 4C-23, Sinbad Rotisserie Chicken 5B-23, 7B-23 & Healthy Mediterranean Incredible Pizza | 5B-46 Food | 7B-4 Jason’s Deli | 4D-30, 5B-30 Smoke | 4D-27 Jim’s Coney Island | 4D-26 Sponzs | 6B-48 La Roma | 5B-38 Ti Amo |5B-80 Lanna Thai | 5B-71 Tres Amigos Grill & Leena’s Mediterranean Cantina | 4B-74 Grill | 5B-45 The Tropical |5C-62 Los Cabos | 6G-40, Twin Peaks | 5B-85 4A-40, 7B-40 TWL Bistro | 5A-78 Mandarin Taste | 5B-51 Waterfront Grill | 4A-70 Maryn’s Taphouse and Western Country Diner | 5D-37 Raw Bar | 4A-58 Wine Loft | 5A-42

15th & Troost 15th & Quincy 15th & Trenton 18th & Boston 8

Wild Heart Marketplace & Cafe | 8E-53 Yutaka Grill & Sushi Buffet | 5C-32

ENTERTAINMENT Circle Cinema | 4D-28 Dave and Buster’s | 6B-44 Eton Square Cinema | 5B-22 Loony Bin Comedy Club | 5B-67 POSTOAK Lodge and Retreat | 2E-66 Village 8 Movies | 5B-77 Xtreme Racing and Entertainment | 7B-81

CASINO River Spirit Casino Resort | 4B-83

EVERYTHING ELSE Blue Cottage | 4A-59 Cookie Doodle | 4A-60 Indigo Spa & Salon | 4C-36 K & N Motorcycles and ATV Center | 2B-34 The Rustic Union | 3A-84 Shears | 4A-41

LOOK FOR THE YELLOW BOX! PREVIEW918.COM 49

SC SOUND CHECK Looking for live music? You can find a little of everything from hip-hop and rock to blues and punk with a walk down the Brady District’s music corridor.

By G.K. Hizer • Photos by Marc Rains

Ask around and you’ll find out that Tulsa has a heart for music. For decades, our city has been a hotbed of talent. Whether spawning ‘70s rock icons like J.J. Cale and Leon Russell, ‘80s soul/funk heroes The Gap Band, or ‘90s pop monarchs Hanson, Tulsa has a history embedded in music.

Even more impressive is the talent laid bare in our current local music scene. Artists like John Fullbright and John Moreland have gotten national attention in the past few years and guitarists Jesse Aycock and Paul Benjaman have toured with Hard Working Americans and Scissor Sisters, respectively, yet all of them remain active and plugged into the local music scene when home from touring.

Likewise, Tulsa has become a destination stop for touring artists as the BOK Center has risen to prominence and Cain’s Ballroom has continued to build on its history, consistently ranking in Pollstar’s top 25 in quarterly and annual ticket sales for “small venues” in the U.S. Even so, sometimes it can be hard to keep track of who’s playing or where to go when you need a live music fix. When the question arises, whether from locals or friends who are in from out of town, there’s one easy answer for those who are looking for some good live music. Tucked away in the heart of the Brady Arts District

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in downtown Tulsa, you can park and walk to find a little bit of everything within a few short blocks walk up and down Main Street.

Venture off a block to the west and you’ll find the Brady Theater; a block east and you’ll find Guthrie Green and Woody Guthrie Museum — both of which can help meet your music needs on the right evening.

Take a short walk on Main Street, however, and you’ve got a little of everything at your fingertips: touring artists, local musicians, live bands, DJ’s, pop, rock, blues, indie-rock, and even punk.

You’ve got some great restaurants in that walk as well, so you might as well make night of it with dinner at Sisserou’s, PRHYME, Caz’s Chowhouse, Mexicali, Brady Tavern or Hey Mambo. The recent opening of Prairie Brewpub at the corner of Main and Cameron has added another highlight to the neighborhood as well.

If you’re looking for your music fix, though, there’s more on Main Street than you probably realize at first glance. Sure, most people are already aware of Cain’s Ballroom, but they might overlook smaller clubs like The Yeti, Soundpony, Inner Circle, The Hunt Club, Vanguard, and even Zin, where live music can be found on a nightly basis.

If you’re ready for more, why not join us for a stroll down Main Street?

Cain’s Ballroom

SOUND CHECK SC

It only makes sense to start at the centerpiece of Tulsa’s music scene — and music history.

Located at the north end of Main Street, next to the I-244 overpass, most Tulsans will recognize the venue’s iconic lighted rooftop sign and front façade, surely one of Tulsa’s most memorable images.

What some people don’t realize is that the Ballroom was originally built in 1924 and is on the National Historic Registry. Commonly referred to as “the house that Bob built,” the Ballroom was home base for Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys from 1935-42. Here, Wills established his trademark “western swing,” playing weekly dances Thursday and Saturday evenings as well as broadcasting a daily program from the Ballroom stage every Monday-Friday.

Soundpony

Over the years, as Cain’s transitioned to being a concert hall, it has become a preferred venue of country acts and rock artists alike, having hosted icons such as Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, Robert Plant, Bob Dylan, and Elvis Costello. The Ballroom’s legend only grew as it featured shows early in the careers of The Police and Van Halen, as well as being one of only seven venues to host The Sex Pistols’ ill-fated 1978 US Tour, just before the band broke up.

Today, Cain’s Ballroom hosts country, EDM, rap, and rock acts, alike — often all in the same week. Of course, the biggest names are more likely to be playing at the BOK Center, but with a capacity of roughly 1,500, Cain’s Ballroom is the place to be if you’re looking to catch some of the hottest up-and-comers or your favorite mid-level artists.

The Yeti

417 N. Main Tulsa

One door south of the Cain’s is The Yeti, which actually occupies two storefronts in the attached building. Entry walks you into the bar area, with a staged music area through the doorways into the attached room to the south.

This is a great stop for a quick drink before or after a show at the Cain’s, and The Yeti will often coordinate late performances to complement headliners next door. Don’t consider this an offshoot, however, as The Yeti is a stronghold for Tulsa’s local indie-rock scene and a host to many great local punk-rock shows. It’s not uncommon

The Hunt Club

423 N. Main Tulsa

to catch artists as diverse as Fiawna Forté, Johnny Polygon, Penny Mob, and Brother Inferior on separate nights of the week. Primarily a rock venue, The Yeti is a champion of local independent bands as well as music fans looking for fresh music and cheap drinks.

Soundpony 409 N. Main Tulsa

Take a few steps further down the sidewalk and you’ll find Soundpony. It may not appear as much at first glance — narrow and long, with the bar on your left — but this is the stuff that classic neighborhood bars are made of. It’s simple and to the point, has friendly staff and good beer selection. It was ahead of the Brady District curve as one of the first clubs to settle in and find its identity before the neighborhood’s recent revitalization. This is the chosen hipster hangout, as well as the chosen pregame and post-show hot spot for concerts at Cain’s Ballroom, and arguably has the most instafamous women’s bathroom in Tulsa, if not all of Oklahoma.

More importantly to music fans, Soundpony has established itself as the local hotbed for independent artists with a DIY ethic. The room is small and there’s no stage, so bands set up in the front window, just inside the door for

shows that feel more like house parties or basement gigs. You’re so close you’ll feel like you’re part of the band — and you’ll literally feel the music. When there’s not a live band, you’ll often find one of Tulsa’s local DJ’s keeping the floor busy.

Inner Circle Vodka Bar 410 N. Main Tulsa

Located across the street from The Yeti and Soundpony, Inner Circle is Tulsa’s premier vodka bar. They’ve got a full bar that caters to whiskey and beer drinkers as well, but with a broad selection of vodkas, hand-crafted specialty drinks, and housemade infusions, you’d be crazy not to sample the house specialty.

Once the weather warms up, this is a downtown hot spot with a large, fenced in yard area and patio stage that hosts DJs, cover bands, and local original artists. If you’re looking for a party on the weekend, you’ll find it at Inner Circle and the music always adds to the fun.

The Hunt Club 224 N. Main Tulsa

Located on the southwest corner of Main and Cameron, The Hunt Club is another cornerstone of the neighborhood. Equipped with

PREVIEW918.COM 51

SC SOUND CHECK a small kitchen in the back, a friendly staff, and relaxed atmosphere, this is a great neighborhood hangout. It’s also a great place to enjoy a drink before shows at Cain’s, Vanguard, and Brady Theater, while keeping a stone’s throw from the pre-show chaos. It’s not uncommon to see member from touring bands that just played Cain’s stop in after shows, as well.

The Hunt Club has always been a huge supporter of local live music of all styles and hosts bands year-round. In the colder months, you’ll often find bands set up in the front windows and customers entering through the patio’s side door. Once it warms up, however, The Hunt Club has one of the best outdoor patio stages in Tulsa. With ample lighting, a strong sound system, and an upper level, this is a location that bands love to play and music fans can relax and enjoy.

The Vanguard 222 N. Main Tulsa

Blink and you might miss The Vanguard. Tucked away next door to The Hunt Club, its only telling sign is the awning and white “V” painted on the dual black doors. Inside, however, you’ve got a classically styled rock club with dark walls, a large bar in the back, open dance floor, and lifted stage.

The Vanguard also houses one of the best-sounding small venue PA systems in town.

Owner Simon Aleman’s original vision for the club was to make it a “listening room” type experience and the venue has hosted some amazing acoustic shows. With a capacity of roughly 450, it’s the perfect room for introducing up-and-

52 APRIL 2017

coming bands to Tulsa just before making the jump to Cain’s or for bands looking for a more intimate experience for the fans.

All genres are welcome here, as Vanguard has hosted hip-hop, rock, country, soul, and even an annual punk festival. Not limited solely to nationally touring acts, Vanguard regularly hosts regional cover bands like My So Called Band and Funk N Beers, as well as local band showcases and CD release parties. If you’re looking for the hottest up and coming acts and want to be ahead of the curve, you’ll keep your eye on The Vanguard.

Zin Urban Lounge 111 N. Main Tulsa

When looking for live music, most people don’t initially think of Zin, and that’s a shame. Initially launched as a wine bar, new owners TJ and Angie Green refocused last year as the bar relaunched as an urban lounge with a relaxed yet classy atmosphere, craft beers, and specialty drinks.

Located another block down from Vanguard and The Hunt Club, and tucked away in the bottom floor of the Fairfield Inn, next door to Laffa, Zin offers a getaway from the craziness of your day and a place to relax with friends.

Part of Zin’s new direction includes live music and the bar hosts live artists every weekend, providing music in a more intimate setting. Expect primarily singer-songwriter material here, but don’t be surprised to find jazz, soul, or blues on any given night.

Easter Island Festival

BY G.K. HIZER Spring has arrived, and with it, festival season is right around the corner. If you’re itching to get out for the weekend, love fresh tunes, and enjoy local music, Easter Island Music Festival can help kick things off right with three days of music, April 6-8.

Now in its eighth year, Easter Island has grown from a weekend of local music on a plot of private property in east Broken Arrow to a modest festival that provides a weekend of great music and relaxation in the more expansive Valley Park (previously a sports complex) roughly 30 minutes northeast of Tulsa.

Easter Island was originally founded by Nick Bernson, of Tulsa’s experimental jam-funk group, The Moai Broadcast, as an outlet for the group and its friends to play a more expansive weekend of music. It has grown into something more, however, providing a sense of community amongst local music fans, as well as a place to find exciting and creative new bands.

“We spend a lot of time picking bands, not to sell tickets, but to blow minds,” says Bernson. “Once someone comes to Easter Island for the first time, we’ve found they’ll usually return simply because they know the music will be great.”

With two stages — a tent stage and an indoor “clubhouse” stage — and scheduling that doesn’t overlap set times, this is a festival that creates a relaxed atmosphere for all in attendance.

Best of all, the music spans a variety of genres as this year’s event includes headliners like Turkuaz (funk/pop), Jon Wayne & the Pain (reggae), Greyhounds (soul/blues), and Mountain Sprout (jam band), as well as local favorites like Paul Benjaman Band, Henna Roso, and Moai Broadcast.

“This may not be the biggest festival, but it’s arguably the most intimate,” says Bernson. “Once you’ve attended once, you’ll want to return.”

LOCATOR EASTER ISLAND FESTIVAL

6802 OK 20 | Valley Park easterislandfestival.com April 6-8

R E S T A U R A N T

918.743.1800

3109 S Yale

www.CelebrityTulsa.com

501 S Cherokee Street, Catoosa, Oklahoma 918.739.4754 www.facebook.com/wildheartmarketplacecafe

A family owned & operated cafe with a vintage flair, Located right off Historic Route 66.

Serving Breakfast ~ Lunch ~ dinner Hours Tue - Fri 8am to 8pm Sat & Sun 8am to 2pm Chicken Alfredo

A Tulsa favorite for over 50 years!

• Steak • Lobster • Seafood • Chicken • Famous “World-Class” Caesar Salad made Tableside

Double Bacon Burger

Wild Heart Italian

Free Wi-Fi Internet Access!

Chicken Fried Chicken or

Loaded Croissant

Dad’s BBQ

Le` Monte Cristo

Sausage Roll

Roast Beef & Horseradish

Molly’s Landing Open Since 1984

Steak & Seafood Only 3 1/2 miles from Hard Rock Casino on Highway 66 (Route 66)

918.266.7853

www.mollyslanding.com

PREVIEW918.COM 53

HF HEALTH + FITNESS

--- H A R N E S S I N G ---

Healing Powers?

OPINIONS VARY ON WHETHER ESSENTIAL OILS HAVE SPECIFIC HEALTH BENEFITS OR ARE MERELY WISHFUL THINKING IN A BOTTLE. REGARDLESS OF WHICH CAMP YOU FALL INTO, ONE THING MOST CAN AGREE ON IS DO YOUR RESEARCH.

By Ryann Gordon

Essential oils have become a hotly debated topic in the modern beauty scene. People rave about them and rely on them for everything from aromatherapy to facial cleansing. They’ve been known to alleviate pain from headaches and muscle soreness, and also symptoms of cancer, autism and ADHD. At the same time there is also plenty of info and research out there that is contradictory, and some opinions that go so far as to call the oils a scam.

So, how much can we actually trust essential oils? How far can we go with them? And, most importantly, are they actually making a change in the lives of believers?

Though humans have used botanical essences for thousands of years, essential oils as we know them today are extracted from plants by steam distillation or, in the case of citrus oils, mechanical expression.

Proponents not only use essential oils

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in body care, but also diffuse them through the air, pour them into bathwater, inhale their vapors and apply them to reflexology points on the bottoms of their feet. Some people even ingest them.

Cindy Hutchins Neuschwander is a passionate advocate of essential oils, and she believes that discovering them changed her life. After first coming across them at a fragrance home party three years ago, she’s been using them religiously ever since.

“Essential oils are really not oils at all,” she says. “They are the life blood of plants. In fact, if you get them on your clothing they don’t even leave a spot.”

And just like a miracle, they’ve proven their worth. Neuschwander has gotten her entire family involved and on the essential oil train, using them for everything from headaches and arthritis pain to toe fungus and acne. She also uses them for all her beauty needs.

“They support asthma; shorten the life of bruises; soothe our sore throats. We even completely rid our 4-year-old grandson of warts all over his little arms in a month,” she says.

Neuschwander raves about the proven success of her beloved oils. She uses them topically through diffusion and also orally, which she takes through drops or capsules.

“I totally love my essential oils,” she admits, “We are completely committed to the benefits of essential oils. I’m confident we can take care of most minor health concerns that come at our family with their help.”

CINDY HUTCHINS NEUSCHWANDER

And with passion like this, it’s hard to deny some believe that essential oils do provide a benefit. But, if your curiosity is now piqued, how do you get started? Simple: start with research. Here are some tips to help you out.

BREATH IN Utilize oils for aromatherapy. Invest in an air diffuser. Fill a small basin with water and plop in a few drops of your chosen essential oil, and a fan emits a scented mist. But for a true therapeutic effect, opt for a nebulizer, which shoots oil particles straight into the air sans water. Lavender and basil are known for their calming properties, while peppermint has been known to treat anxiety, and lemongrass relieves stress.

BE WEARY Don’t jump in all at once. Start with simple changes, like aromatherapy, and don’t ingest or put the oils directly on your skin.

Use bases to dilute oils when using in face wash or moisturizer and don’t use more than a couple of drops at a time. They smell great, yes, but they’re strong.

SCRUB Now, be easy. Don’t ever scrub your skin or scalp too hard, but do get a nice exfoliation in every once and awhile. Lavender is useful in enhancing blood circulation on the skin and scalp, while peppermint, clove, cinnamon, sage and eucalyptus have been historically used for dental health. Rose Hill oil is known for brightening the skin, being rich in vitamin C, and jasmine oil with coconut oil does work on stretch marks.

PREVENT Take into account the preventative work done by oils like lemongrass, which also acts as an insect repellant, and eucalyptus, for insect bite relief. Along with eucalyptus, orange and tea tree oil have been known to possess antibacterial/antiseptic properties and fight fungal infection better than many over-the-counter medicines.

BE PICKY While lavender and peppermint might both help to relieve anxiety, lavender works more for aromatherapy and respiratory problems, unlike peppermint, which would be more effective for digestion or an upset stomach.

TREAT Lemongrass has been used as a pain reliever for muscle pain, menstrual cramps, migraines, stomachaches and toothaches, which were also historically treated with clove. Eucalyptus, on the other hand, has been successful in treating congestion for years before allergy medicine was commercialized.

BE SKEPTICAL Check out the manufacturer’s philosophy and the retailer’s commitment to bringing you the highest-quality oil available.

There is no group that oversees the essential oil industry, and there is no seal of approval. Don’t believe everything you read on the package. Not everything manufacturers print is 100 percent true.

Do research on the different remedies you are seeking and be weary when shopping. Seek out the highest quality before you purchase anything. After all, this is going on or in your body in some way … so don’t be cheap.

All good things start with wholesome ingredients.

From organic field greens to 100% antibiotic-free chicken, our menu is bursting with fresh, nutrient-filled goodness.

No artificial trans fats, MSG or high-fructose corn syrup.

Only the best and the tastiest for you.

Eton Square Deli 8321 East 61st St S Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133

Lincoln Place Deli 1330 E 15th St Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120

PREVIEW918.COM 55

SS STYLE + SHOPPING

ROUND

THE

EYES HAVE IT

Round faces must be carefully diagnosed when assessing your perfect frame shape.

Many times, oversized or too-circular shaped sunglasses might accentuate the shape of your face. Aim for glasses that are simple and structured, like the wayfarer style popularized by Ray-Ban. Or embrace your inner Kardashian with flattop wayfarer/haymaker-style aviators that’ll transport you from Tulsa to LAX in no time.

Ask some mothers and they’ll tell you that no one looks good in those oversized, Mary Kate and Ashley hobo glasses. Moms’ views are usually traditional, yes, but let’s just say they’re sometimes a little outdated.

Today’s women like to take chances. Many are fine with expressing themselves without shame or uncertainty. And more often than not, they are certainly not above bending a few rules of fashion.

Who’s to say your Tom Fords are too flashy for Oklahoma?

The science of sunglasses comes down to one thing primarily — face shape. And despite how much you felt like Yeezy in your heavy, matteblack shades, they may have made you look like a pinhead. And let’s just say, the cat eyes would have looked better on someone whose jaw wasn’t chiseled similar to Hercules.

Consider today’s most popular eye-glass fashions (many of which were adopted from decades before ours) and choose a pair of fashion shades based on the quality of the glasses and how well they work with your face shape and size. Find the right pair, and you may end up passing them down to later generations one day.

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Add an angular balance to your face with square-shaped lenses that mimic the work of contoured makeup; just don’t go with anything too oversized that makes your head appear smaller than it is. Go for lighter-colored lenses with thin frames to stay true to the oversized look without turning into a fly in the meantime.

OVAL

If you fall in this category — good luck — because you’ve got the most styles to work with. Why is that unlucky? Because how are you going to choose just one pair when they all look so dang good on you?

Pull off trendy club master shapes with frames that reflect everything in their path; classic shapes like Tom Cruise’s sleek wayfarers or your grandpa’s oldschool yellow-tinted aviators; and modern styles that might accentuate the sun in your eyes … but man, they look good.

The only thing ovalface shapes should avoid is frames too far off from their facial features. For smaller features, stick to smaller lenses and avoid massive or thick frames that overpower your face. For larger features, stay away from those mini-John Lennon frames.

SQUARE

In order to balance out a sharp jawline, this type of face shape should seek out frames that are rounded or more circular in shape. Soften a strong, square jawline with dainty, curved glasses that complement your face in proportion. The larger your face is, the larger the circular frames.

Look for glasses that are either circular shaped or geometric, most likely with a hexagon or octagon rim, or rounded at the bottom like aviators, club masters, or some oversized cat eye shapes. One shape perfect for square jawlines is Illesteva’s Leonard design; these chunky, colored frames combined with a remodeled, oversized cat eye shape will do wonders for those more defined jawlines out there. Oversized, rounded frames that extend past the widest point of your face will create the illusion that your face is more rounded itself.

WHEN CHOOSING SUNGLASSES, CONSIDER PROPORTION AND BALANCE TO HELP FLATTER YOUR FACE WHILE PROTECTING YOUR PEEPERS. BY RYANN GORDON

STYLE + SHOPPING SS

LENS COLORS HEART The heart-shaped face is unique when pairing with sunglasses, because rather than opposing your natural facial structure, you’re going to want to accentuate it. Go for sunglass shapes that are similar to your face shape and wider at the top than the bottom; this will complement your face shape and accentuate your natural contour.

Different lens colors make your eyes react differently to varying light. Find out which colors work best for your favorite activities and conditions.

GREY

Reduces glare and shows true colors.

Ideal for everyday use, especially driving and outdoor activities.

BROWN

Styles that work best with heart-shaped faces are aviators and our beloved cat eye.

Luckily, cat eye glasses have returned from the past with a vengeance, coming in styles that range from heavy and dramatic to sleek and modern. Go for a lightcolored frame in yellow or rosey-pink alongside thin, metal frames for a look that sits delicately on your face.

The main thing you must steer clear of with heartshaped faces though, is choosing glasses that are oversized. Heavy frames and wide, black wayfarer styles will take away from your delicate features and you into bug-eye territory.

Improves contrast and contains a red element to enhance depth perception.

Perfect for golf, tennis, boating or any sport where you need to judge distance.

YELLOW

Enhances contrast, providing greater clarity in low-light conditions.

A great choice for skiing and mountain biking, but not so great for anything that requires accurate color perception.

GREEN

Transmits all colors evenly, so it’s close to natural eyesight. Good for general-purpose use and all outdoor activities.

PINK AND

RED

Enhances visual depth and reduces eyestrain.

Because they provide a contrast against blue or green backgrounds, they’re ideal for water sports.

PREVIEW918.COM 57

SC SPORTS CENTRAL

EDWI

PK EW SO

O

JOSH

With one of the most talented squads in team history, the Drillers came up disappointingly short in 2016. But there is no place for panic as the 2017 season is shaping up nicely with the return of players from the Dodgers’ postseason roster.

AN D LINIH R A H C

BY RI

58 APRIL 2017

SBOR

Z

The Tulsa Drillers contingent sat down at the Los Angeles Dodgers’ chaplain breakfast during the baseball winter meetings and had one chair left open. In walks a gentleman who could have sat anywhere he wanted in this room.

“It was none other than Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts,” says Drillers general manager Mike Melega. “He asked if he could sit there and we said, “of course.” And we immediately began peppering him with questions.”

They asked whom he was most excited about in the organization that they might see in Tulsa for the 2017 season.

“Without hesitation, he went into this long-winded description of a pitcher named Walker Buehler,” says Melega. “He said this kid is special; you’re going to love this kid.” The Dodgers selected Buehler with the 24th overall pick in the 2015 MLB draft out of Vanderbilt University. After undergoing Tommy John surgery, he made his professional debut in 2016 for the Arizona League Dodgers, striking out three and retiring all six batters faced.

SOPKO, SBORZ, RIOS (RICH CRIMI)

ANDR

S N RIO

It’s going to take someone special to erase the memory of the 2016 season, a season in which the Drillers had one of the best rosters in the history of the franchise and still didn’t make the Texas League playoffs. They had nine all stars (and should have had 10), yet didn’t win either half of the season to get into the postseason.

“I don’t know,” says Melega. “Cody Bellinger [ first base] should have made the all star team, but he was injured early and then had a slow start. He would have been 10. He’s going to be a star; hits massive home runs and is the Dodgers’ future first baseman.

Probably makes the big club out of spring training.

“Last year we started out so slow; had a couple of pitchers that just weren’t good. By the time the Dodgers could send us a couple of decent arms — Brock Stewart and Trevor Oaks — we were eight or nine games behind. They were so good and our closer Scott Griggs got so hot that we set a Drillers record for number of wins in a row [10].”

However, after reaching first place with a red-hot May, the Drillers hit a plateau and Springfield won eight of its last 10 games to finish a game and a half ahead of the Drillers.

“And Dean Palmer once hit a home run in batting practice with an aluminum bat onto the roof of that building, which back then was Bud’s grocery store,” says Melega. “That was an incredible team.”

As frustrating as it was for the Drillers last season, the Dodgers also somewhat underwhelmed with one of the most talented teams on paper. Last year, the Dodgers won between 91 and 94 games and took the NL West for the fourth straight season. And for the fourth straight year, they bowed out of the playoffs before the World Series.

Also keep in mind that the Dodgers haven’t won the NL pennant since 1988 and 24 of the other 29 MLB teams have won a pennant since the Dodgers last did.

“In fact 20 percent of that [Dodgers 2016] playoff roster were guys who had worn Drillers uniforms last year; five guys from our team made the National League playoffs with the big club,” says Melega.

Which makes it even more baffling why that club couldn’t make the Texas League playoffs. But also shines a ray of hope on this year’s club’s chances.

“We have four or five of those players coming back,” says Melega.

“I swear that was the best Drillers roster since the 1989 season when we were loaded,” says Melega. “I think we’re going to look back on that team as one of the most talented teams that the Drillers have had in their 40 years of existence, since the year Sammy Sosa was here with Juan González, Dean Palmer and Wilson Álvarez.”

ONEOK FIELD (NAEEM THOMAS)

For the uninitiated, Sosa went on to become the only player in Major League Baseball history to hit 60 home runs or more in three seasons.

González once hit a home run in Drillers Stadium (at 15th and Yale) that landed in what is now the Walgreens parking lot.

While it’s a little tough to know for sure which players will be in Tulsa this year due to the ever-changing rosters at the big-league and Triple-A levels, the Drillers are fairly confident infielder Edwin Rios will be back to start the season. Rios was selected as the Dodgers’ 2016 Minor League Player of the Year after batting a combined .301 with 27 home runs and 76 RBI between three different Dodgers minor league affiliates.

Pitching will be the make-or-break of this team and a large part of that may be carried on Buehler’s shoulders if he lands in Tulsa. The entire coaching staff is back with a year of seasoning under their belts, so that should be a plus as well. Also scheduled to return are Andrew Sopko and Joshua Sborz.

PREVIEW918.COM 59

SC SPORTS CENTRAL In just his second professional season last year, Sopko was chosen as both a mid-season and post-season all-star in the California League after going 11-2 with a 3.26 ERA with Rancho Cucamonga before being promoted to Tulsa. Sborz, a University of Virginia product, spent the majority of the 2016 season with Rancho Cucamonga where he was selected as the California League Pitcher of the Year after going 8-4 with a 2.66 ERA and opponents batting just .207 against him.

Scott Griggs once again will get some seasoning as the closer. He had an injury that may have led to his version of “Rick Ankiel disease.” Ankiel was a St. Louis Cardinals pitcher who was dominate, could not be hit in the Texas League and won 10 games at the MLB level until one day

he took the mound and for whatever reason could not pitch. He was throwing balls to the backstop from the mound and couldn’t fix it, eventually going back down to the minors to learn to be an outfielder.

The same thing happened to Griggs. He was shutting down everyone and then one night while playing Springfield, manager Ryan Garko called on him in the eighth and ninth with about a two or threerun lead. Griggs walked seven guys in a row, lost the game, and misplaced his mojo for the rest of the season. The Drillers and the Dodgers are hoping an offseason has cured those ills.

The chances are good that Alex Verdugo will be back since the Dodgers are so deep at the outfield position. They have seven competing for five spots on the major league roster. Verdugo hit a home run in the Dodgers’ first spring training game this year.

“We’ll have Tim Locastro at shortstop and Rios at third,” says Melega. “Another call up last year was outfielder Kyle Garlick from the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. He is a power guy as well. I’d put that outfield up against any in the minors.”

The promotional schedule includes postgame fireworks following every Friday night home game this season, along with six select Saturday home games. There will also be a Wednesday night fireworks display after the game July 5 to help celebrate Military Appreciation Night.

There will also be special back-to-back-to-back fireworks shows for Labor Day weekend (Sept. 1-3) to wrap up the regular season.

As has become a staple in minor league ballparks around the country, there will be several notable theme nights at ONEOK Field this season that fans will want to mark on their calendars.

Autism Awareness Night at the ballpark will get the theme nights started Saturday, April 29. The Drillers will be wearing special jerseys on the field that will be auctioned off during the game with all proceeds going toward the Autism Center of Tulsa.

R YA N

GARK

O

Later in the summer, the Drillers will wear pink jerseys on Saturday, June 24, to continue to help raise awareness for women in their fight against breast cancer. Those jerseys will also be auctioned off with the proceeds supporting the Oklahoma-based Project 31.

Tulsa Habitat for Humanity will be partnering with the Drillers for Star Wars Night Friday, Aug. 18.

The popular Faith and Family Night will be returning Friday, July 28.

Fans will enjoy a postgame firework show followed by a free concert featuring the nationally recognized band, Citizen Way.

“A bobblehead night is planned and we’re working on a Leon Russell tribute night. Jeff Francis will be back, probably the best pitcher in Drillers’ history. It’s going to be great.

60 APRIL 2017

GARKO (RICH CRIMI)

“We are home every weekend in June, so that should be special,” says Melega. “Ron Cey [ former Dodgers superstar and six time all-star] will be here for opening night April 13. On April 15 we are giving away batting-practice-style jerseys. We have a Mickey Mantle Night planned with his brothers in town. Another Oklahoma City Thunder Night is on the schedule. Their mascot will be here along with the dancing team. We’ll give away a dry T-shirt with their logo.

See our feature on page 58

PREVIEW918.COM 61

62 APRIL 2017

TULSA DRILLERS Home games are played at ONEOK Field (Tulsa) April 6 | @ Midland RockHounds | 7p April 7 | @ Midland RockHounds | 7p April 8 | @ Midland RockHounds | 7p April 9 | @ Frisco RoughRiders | 4:05p April 10 | @ Frisco RoughRiders | 7:05p April 11 | @ Frisco RoughRiders | 11:05a April 13 | vs Midland RockHounds | 7:05p April 14 | vs Midland RockHounds | 7:05p April 15 | vs Midland RockHounds | 7:05p April 17 | vs Frisco RoughRiders | 7:05p April 18 | vs Frisco RoughRiders | 7:05p April 19 | vs Frisco RoughRiders | 12:05p April 20 | @ NW Arkansas Naturals | 7:05p April 21 | @ NW Arkansas Naturals | 7:05p April 22 | @ NW Arkansas Naturals | 6:05p April 23 | @ NW Arkansas Naturals | 2:05p April 24 | vs Arkansas Travelers | 7:05p April 25 | vs Arkansas Travelers | 7:05p April 26 | vs Arkansas Travelers | 4:05p April 27 | vs Arkansas Travelers | 7:05p April 28 | vs NW Arkansas Naturals | 7:05p April 29 | vs NW Arkansas Naturals | 7:05p April 30 | vs NW Arkansas Naturals | 1:05p May 1 | vs NW Arkansas Naturals | 11:05a May 2 | @ Arkansas Travelers | 7:10p

May 3 | @ Arkansas Travelers | 11a May 4 | @ Arkansas Travelers | 7:10p May 5 | @ Arkansas Travelers | 7:10p May 6 | vs Springfield Cardinals | 7:05p May 7 | vs Springfield Cardinals | 1:05p May 8 | vs Springfield Cardinals | 11:05a May 9 | vs Springfield Cardinals | 7:05p May 11 | @ NW Arkansas Naturals | 7:05p May 12 | @ NW Arkansas Naturals | 7:15p May 13 | @ NW Arkansas Naturals | 6:05p May 14 | @ NW Arkansas Naturals | 2:05p May 15 | @ Springfield Cardinals | 6:30p May 16 | @ Springfield Cardinals | 6:30p May 17 | @ Springfield Cardinals | 11:10a May 18 | @ Springfield Cardinals | 7:10p May 19 | vs Arkansas Travelers | 7:05p May 20 | vs Arkansas Travelers | 7:05p May 21 | vs Arkansas Travelers | 1:05p May 22 | vs Arkansas Travelers | 11:05a May 23 | @ San Antonio Missions | 7:05p May 24 | @ San Antonio Missions | 11:05a May 25 | @ San Antonio Missions | 7:05p May 26 | @ Corpus Christi Hooks | 7:05p May 27 | @ Corpus Christi Hooks | 7:05p May 28 | @ Corpus Christi Hooks | 6:05p May 30 | vs San Antonio Missions | 7:05p May 31 | vs San Antonio Missions | 7:05p

June 1 | vs San Antonio Missions | 7:05p June 2 | vs Corpus Christi Hooks | 7:05p June 3 | vs Corpus Christi Hooks | 7:05p June 4 | vs Corpus Christi Hooks | 1:05p June 6 | @ Arkansas Travelers | 7:10p June 7 | @ Arkansas Travelers | 7:10p June 8 | @ Arkansas Travelers | 7:10p June 9 | @ Arkansas Travelers | 7:10p June 10 | vs Springfield Cardinals | 7:05p June 11 | vs Springfield Cardinals | 1:05p June 12 | vs Springfield Cardinals | 11:05a June 13 | vs Springfield Cardinals | 7:05p June 14 | vs NW Arkansas Naturals | 7:05p June 15 | vs NW Arkansas Naturals | 7:05p June 16 | vs NW Arkansas Naturals | 7:05p June 17 | vs NW Arkansas Naturals | 7:05p June 18 | @ Springfield Cardinals | 4:10p June 19 | @ Springfield Cardinals | 6:30p June 20 | @ Springfield Cardinals | 6:30p June 21 | @ Springfield Cardinals | 11:10a June 22 | vs NW Arkansas Naturals | 7:05p June 23 | vs NW Arkansas Naturals | 7:05p June 24 | vs NW Arkansas Naturals | 7:05p June 25 | vs NW Arkansas Naturals | 1:05p June 29 | @ Frisco RoughRiders | 7:05p June 30 | @ Frisco RoughRiders | 7:05p

TULSA ROUGHNECKS FC

TULSA OILERS

Home games are played at ONEOK Field (Tulsa) April 1 | vs. Rio Grande Valley FC Toros | 7p April 8 | vs Sacramento Republic FC | 7p April 19 | @ St. Louis FC | | TBA April 22 | @ Rio Grande Valley FC Toros | TBA May 5 | @ Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC | TBA May 11 | vs Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 | 7p May 13 | vs Orange County SC | 7p May 20 | @ Sacramento Republic FC | TBA May 24 | @ Reno 1868 FC | TBA May 27 | vs Portland Timbers 2 | 7:30p June 11 | @ Swope Park Rangers | TBA June 17 | @ San Antonio FC | TBA June 27 | vs Swope Park Rangers | 7:30p July 1 | vs Real Monarchs SLC | 7:30p July 8 | @ OKC Energy FC | TBA July 13 | @ LA Galaxy II | TBA July 22 | vs Phoenix Rising FC | 7:30p July 31 | @ Real Monarchs SLC | TBA Aug. 5 | vs Reno 1868 FC | 7:30p Aug. 10 | vs St. Louis FC | 7:30p Aug. 12 | vs OKC Energy FC | 7:30p Aug. 15 | @ Orange County SC | TBA Aug. 23 | @ St. Louis FC | TBA Aug. 30 | @ Seattle Sounders FC 2 | TBA Sept. 3 | @ Portland Timbers 2 | TBA Sept. 5 | @ Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 | TBA Sept. 17 | @ OKC Energy FC | TBA Sept. 23 | vs LA Galaxy II | 7p Sept. 30 | vs San Antonio FC 7p Oct. 4 | @ Phoenix Rising FC | TBA Oct. 7 | vs Seattle Sounders FC 2 | 7p Oct. 14 | vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC | 7p

Home games are played at BOK Center (Tulsa) April 1 | @ Allen Americans | 7:05p April 7 | vs Allen Americans | 7:05p April 4 | @ Wichita Thunder | 7:05p April 28 | vs Wichita Thunder | 7:05p

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER Home games are played at Chesapeake Energy Arena (Oklahoma City) April 2 | vs Charlotte Hornets | 2p April 9 | @ Denver Nuggets | 4p April 4 | vs Milwaukee Bucks | 7p April 11 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | 7p April 5 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | 7p April 12 | vs Denver Nuggets | 7p April 7 | @ Phoenix Suns | 9p

ROUGHNECK ROLLER DERBY Home bouts played at Ninowski Recreation Center (Broken Arrow) April 22 | @ OKC June 17 | vs Central Arkansas April 29 | vs Leflore County July 8 | @ Card (Little Rock, Ark.) May 27 | vs Confluence Crush July 22 | vs OKC June 10 | @ 580 (Lawton) Aug. 12 | vs South Central

ALL TIMES CENTRAL // GAME DATES/TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

PREVIEW918.COM 63

ET EATS + TREATS

CAPRESE SALAD SKEWERS

These little salad skewers are the best kind of snack; they look incredibly fancy but are nearly effortless to prepare.

Ingredients: C herry or grape tomatoes F resh basil M ozzarella balls B alsamic vinegar O live oil INSTRUCTIONS: Thread onto a toothpick and serve with a mini container of balsamic vinegar and olive oil (shake to avoid separation).

GOURMET PICNIC SANDWICH

Any sandwich will work on a picnic, but this one will make you and your picnic guests feel extra fancy.

Ingredients:

TS AND R A E E H T E L I AND WH TO MAXIMIZE YOU ?

C I N C I P A ’T LOVE LE AND FUSS-FREE E TO BE BORING. N S E O D O H W E S I M P FA R E D O E S N ’ T H AV B D L U O H S DRINKS ION AND FUN, THE

by TIFFANY DUNCAN | photos by CHELSI FISHER R E L A X AT With the advent of spring and warmer temps, we can finally come out of indoor hibernation. April is azalea month in Oklahoma, which means our state parks are beginning to burst with red and pink blooms.

What better way to welcome all that beauty than with a picnic? Fancy or casual, an outdoor picnic is the very best way to spend some time basking in the sunshine.

Here are a few snacks, tips, and hacks for throwing the most successful and Instaworthy picnic.

64 APRIL 2017

FRUIT SKEWERS

No directions required on this one. Just pick out your desired fruit, add cookie cutter shapes to up the cute factor, and skewer.

A ny charcuterie or cured meat (salami, prosciutto, etc.)

P esto sauce F resh basil S liced provolone F resh cracked black pepper G ood quality ciabatta bread INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Butter the outsides of ciabatta slices and toast on a panini press to crisp it up. Don’t grill sandwich contents or your sandwich will be soggy by the time you eat it.

2. Spread pesto on one slice. Add desired amount of meat and cheese, a few sprigs of basil, and fresh cracked black pepper.

3. Wrap in parchment and tie with twine bow if desired.

EATS + TREATS ET Picnic^ Hacks^

PERFECTLY BOILED EGGS

An improperly boiled egg can turn the yolk an unsightly brownish green, and though it’s still fine to eat, it just doesn’t look very nice. This easy method will give you perfectly boiled eggs every time, with yolks that are just ever so slightly underdone.

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. In a medium saucepan filled a little under ¾ full, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, gently lower desired amount of eggs into water with a slotted spoon (being very careful not to break them). Boil for nine minutes exactly (or 12-15 minutes if you want a fully cooked yolk).

2. While eggs are boiling, fill a bowl with water and ice. Once eggs are finished boiling, remove with a slotted spoon to the ice water until cool.

3. If desired, color a few of the eggs in festive Easter shades for extra pops of color.

FRESH SQUEEZED STRAWBERRY LEMONADE

Adapted from noshtastic.com Nothing complements a picnic meal quite like a cool and refreshing pitcher of homemade lemonade.

Ingredients: 7-8 lemons (1 ½ cups squeezed and to garnish) 1 ½ cups sugar

2 cups boiling water 4-5 cups cold water 2 sliced strawberries

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Pour sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice into a heatproof jug and add the boiling water. Stir until sugar has dissolved.

2. Add the four cups of cold water to dilute it (or more to taste).

3. Slice up and add lemon and strawberry slices. Refrigerate until needed.

NO-BAKE BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE JARS Adapted from brit.co

This recipe is a little bit involved, but it looks and tastes so good you won’t regret the effort.

Ingredients: (Makes 6 mason jars) 1 4 whole graham crackers 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 3 tbsp. brown sugar 2 ½ cups fresh blueberries (good quality) ½ cup fine granulated sugar T wo, 8 oz. packages cream cheese, room temp

¾ cup powdered sugar ¾ cup heavy cream 1 tbsp. cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp. cold water 1 tsp. vanilla extract J uice of half a lemon P inch of salt 2 tbsp. cold water L emon zest (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Place graham crackers in gallon-size zip-close bag and crush with rolling pin (leaving some small chunks). Mix in melted butter, brown sugar, and pinch of salt until thoroughly combined. Texture will be crumbly.

2. Place blueberries, lemon juice, and granulated sugar in a pan. Heat gently over medium heat until blueberries start to break down and the mixture is hot. Gently stir in the cornstarch mix, being careful not to mash the blueberries too much. Stir until mix has thickened (about 30 seconds).

Remove from heat to cool.

3. Place the cream cheese in a bowl and use a mixer to beat cream cheese until smooth.

Add vanilla and powdered sugar. Beat together until creamy.

4. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream until it just starts to thicken.

5. Spoon whipped cream into cream cheese mixture and gently stir to combine.

6. Spoon three heaping spoonfuls of graham cracker crumbs into the bottom of a mason jar and pack down with spoon. Spoon two heaping spoons of cream cheese mixture on top of crumbs and level it. Top with two spoonfuls of blueberry mixture, then add a little lemon zest if desired.

7. Repeat until all jars are filled, and refrigerate until needed.

Check the weather days in advance before planning a picnic. Nothing kills the enjoyment more than rain or excessive wind.

If the ground is wet, spread out a shower curtain liner and lay your blanket on top to keep it from getting soaked.

Freeze glass bottles of water or juice (nothing carbonated!) and pack them in your picnic bag to keep things cold during travel. Then as they melt in the sun, you’ll have something cool and icy to drink.

If you’re worried about bugs, put drinks in jars with lids and straws. Bananas and grapefruit also naturally repel insects.

Turn up the whimsy by packing one or two fun items (like balloons, patterned paper straws or a cute serving tray) to really turn your picnic into a special, memorable occasion.

BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO PICNIC AROUND GREEN COUNTRY WOODWARD PARK CENTENNIAL PARK OXLEY NATURE CENTER: Good place to spot deer!

RIVERSIDE: Pack your Frisbee golf discs.

HONOR HEIGHTS PARK in Muskogee: The Azalea Festival runs the entire month of April.

CHANDLER PARK: Especially if you like to hike or climb THE GUTHRIE GREEN

PREVIEW918.COM 65

Live Music

THE BRADY ARTS DISTRICT

Check Website for Dates!

Not Just an Ordinary Bar Located in the heart of the Brady Arts District of downtown Tulsa Caz's Pub 21 West Matthew Brady St. \ Tulsa, OK 74103

918.585.8587 www.cazspub.com

"Upscale, Down Home Cooking" The most unique Tulsa downtown restaurant!

Patio, Private/Holiday Parties, Caterings JOIN US FOR HAPPY HOUR! Mon-Fri: 2-7pm and Fri-Sat: 9-11pm Additional Brunch Menu - Sat and Sun: 10:30am-2pm

FOLLOW US

Monday – Thursday, 11am-9pm • Friday, 11am-11pm Saturday, 10:30am-11pm • Sunday, 10:30am-9pm

66 APRIL 2017

918-588-CHOW(2469) | www.cazschowhouse.com 18 West Matthew Brady St. | Tulsa, OK 74103

Serving Authentic Mexican Cuisine Since 1987

A Tulsa Tradition!

• Dine-in or carry out • Delivery service available • Daily & weekly specials • Full catering services • Banquet facilities

www.mexicalibordercafe.com 14 West Matthew Brady St. Tulsa, OK 74103

TULSA'S

PREMIERE DANCE CLUB

We have dance floors and multiple bars that offer a great time. The club features high end lighting and sound, a positive, safe and comfortable atmosphere and an outdoor patio.

Live Jazz on Wednesdays and Fridays!

"Best Brick Oven Pizza in Tulsa"

918.584.9494

124 N. Boston Ave.

ClubMajesticTulsa.com

Live DJ Entertainment!

114 N Boston | Tulsa, OK 74103

918.508.7000

PREVIEW918.COM 67

THE BRADY ARTS DISTRICT

918.582.3383

CC COCKTAIL CONFIDENTIAL

With craft brewing becoming a national trend, we’re practically swimming in small-batch suds here in the 918. Thanks to groups like Marshall, Prairie and others, our cups are running over with porters, IPAs and session ales.

By Rachel Wright 68 APRIL 2017

The Tulsa craft beer scene is booming, with breweries and taprooms popping up left and right, embraced with open arms by the beer lovers of Green Country. The love for craft brews was apparent in November, when Oklahomans voted to update laws to allow wine and fullstrength beer to be sold in grocery stores and convenience stores — laws that hadn’t been updated since the days of Prohibition, in some cases.

Okies have to wait until 2018 for the measure to go into effect, but “the times they are a-changin’,” as is evidenced by the brewmaster pioneers in our hometown.

We may be late to the game, but it’s not like Oklahoma brewers are starting at the bottom of the barrel.

Though smaller in size and limited in scope to some of the larger areas in the country, the 918 microbrewery boom here is less about being commercial and more about community with like-minded folks getting together to share a few pints.

Beer lovers from nearby “beer snob” states are now even coming to the Sooner State to take our delicious brews back home.

“I have a customer who comes into town and buys cases of Prairie to take home for himself and his friends in Colorado,” says Alex Rector, beer manager at Modern Spirits.

“That’s something I never would have imagined in my younger years, especially considering that Colorado is one of the most craft beer loving states in the country.”

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MODERN ELEGANCE

The Wine Loft Wine Bar is a new upscale nightlife venue serving a wide selection of wines, as well as beer, spirits and gourmet tapas.

918.970.4766 www.thewinelofttulsa.com 106th and S. Memorial (west side) Tues-Thurs 4pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-Midnight 70 APRIL 2017

COCKTAIL CONFIDENTIAL CC

Dead Armadillo 1004 E. 4th St. | Tulsa 918-232-8627 dabrewery.com Sunday-Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 4-9 p.m.

Friday-Saturday: 2-9 p.m.

Dead Armadillo Craft Brewing is another local favorite giving Colorado brewers a run for their money.

Prairie Artisan Ales 223 N. Main | Tulsa 918-936-4395 prairiepub.com Monday-Thursday: 4-11 p.m.

Friday: 11 a.m.-1 a.m.

Saturday: 11 a.m.-1 a.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Prairie Artisan Ales, arguably one of the region’s top contenders in “The name Dead Armadillo craft beer brewing, offers came about while Tony other local favorites [Dead Armadillo founder] and an out-of-towner or was helping his mom move two on tap, along with some things on her property a wide selection of their in Kansas,” Dead Armadillo own creations, from taproom manager Emily Belgian ales to imperial Nelson says. “He lifted up stouts, light crisp session a piece of wood and saw ales and IPAs, at their a dead armadillo and said brewpub in Tulsa.

‘What if we named the brewery Dead Armadillo?’

“Prairie Bomb! has always No one took him seriously, been one of the topbut he kept going back to selling beers in the shop,” that and it just stuck.”

Rector says. “I keep back stock on that. Any selfWeird name, maybe. respecting beer manager Excellent brews, for sure. in the area should do the same.”

“Their Amber knocks Fat Tire out of the water,” Rector Prairie Bomb! is a 13% says. According to Nelson, ABV (alcohol by volume) Rector’s right. “Amber is imperial stout with a our flagship beer; the No. 1 65 IBU (international requested and our biggest bittering unit). It’s aged seller,” Nelson says. on espresso beans, DA’s Amber Ale is 6.3% ABV chocolate, vanilla beans and ancho chile peppers. and 37 IBU, with a bold, crisp nose and subtle fruit Rector says another flavors which give a caramel Prairie favorite is sweetness and a dry, Phantasmagoria, their bitter finish. double IPA. It is 8% ABV and 70 IBU, low in “We have four year-round beers including Amber Ale, malt flavors and high in citrusy and piney hops.

Nine Band IPA, Breakaway In addition to packing APA and our Hanson a hoppy punch, Rector Brothers Beer Company says many appreciate the collaboration beer, the Inland Porter,” says Nelson. beer’s name.

Marshall Brewing

618 S. Wheeling Ave. | Tulsa

American Solera

918-292-8781

1801 S. 49th W. Ave. | Tulsa

marshallbrewing.com

918-949-4318

Sunday-Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 2-7 p.m.

Friday: Noon-7 p.m.

Saturday: Noon-4 p.m.

Marshall Brewing Company, Tulsa’s first production craft microbrewery, was founded by Eric Marshall, a fourth generation Tulsan with a degree in international business and German language from the University of Tulsa, and it began operations in 2008.

“Sundown Wheat is our top Marshall seller,” Rector sys. “They have some really good seasonals, like the Revival Red Ale. When they come out, they sell out pretty immediately.”

Sundown Wheat is an American wheat beer with Belgian inspiration. Light and slightly sweet with hints of hops, coriander and sweet orange peel, Sundown won’t knock you down, with an ABV of 4.7%.

Arrowhead Pale Ale is one of the favorite seasonal releases. It’s an American Pale Ale with a little more kick at 5.2% ABV and hints of citrus and floral hops, sweet malt and a hint of caramel malt.

americansolera.com Monday-Tuesday: Closed Wednesday-Thursday: 5-8 p.m.

Friday: 4-9 p.m.

Saturday: Noon-9 p.m.

Did you know one of Tulsa’s own was named Best New Brewery in the U.S. and second best in the world by RateBeer in 2016?

American Solera is quickly making its name in town.

At their taproom, they serve up a wide selection of their brewed-on-site beers.

Solera creates masterpieces ranging in ABV percentages from the 4% Terroir Study, an American pale ale, to the aptly named 15% ABV Man-Made Earthquake, a triple. They brew farmhouse ales, imperial IPAs and stouts, barleywine, bitters and most crafts in between.

Their 6% ABV Foeder Cerise, an American wild ale is among the most popular, closely followed

by Raspbarrel, another ale with raspberry hints.

For now, their beers are only available straight from the source at the taproom.

Renaissance Brewing

1147 S. Lewis Ave. | Tulsa 918-557-6022 renaissancebeer.com

Renaissance Brewing Company is a tad lesser known brewer available in most liquor stores and drinking establishments, but holds its own with favorites like the Indian Wheat, 4.8% ABV and 12 IBU. It’s a traditional Southern German Hefeweizen with peppery and floral notes that accompany its banana and clove flavor.

“I hear really good things about them, and I love their artwork,” Rector says. “I really liked the Indian Wheat.

It’s a solid, easy drinking beer. Lately it’s been flying off the shelves, along with Black Gold.”

Black Gold is Renaissance’s hybrid stout, which is often referred to as a chocolate stout because of the addition of chocolate roasted malt alongside heavy doses of black patent and roasted barley, aged in whiskey barrels with cherries, chocolate nibs and coffee. It’s 5% ABV and 27 IBU.

PREVIEW918.COM 71

BROOKSIDE

Serving Southwest Cuisine for 30 Years!

Best patio dining and margaritas in Tulsa! cafeolebrookside.com | 918.745.6699 3509 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa, OK Tuesday - Thursday, 11am-9pm | Friday, 11am-10pm | Saturday, 9am-10pm | Sunday, 9am-9pm 72 APRIL 2017

BROOKSIDE

sushi with a pulse! fresh sushi + incredible kitchen entrees + great happy hour + live music (on Brookside) + sunset views (on the hill) on the hill 918.524.0063 brookside 918.744.1300 broken arrow 918.893.6111 call 918.671.0606 for catering

Since 1969 the Aloisio family has served family recipes from Napoli and Abruzzi Italy. Come and enjoy our home cooking paired with fine wine and crafted beers.

Full service bar.

CALL FOR RESERVATIONS & CARRY OUT 918.561.6300 • 3410 S. Peoria Ave. PREVIEW918.COM 73

Outside isI n

WITH THINGS HEATING UP OUTSIDE, IT’S TIME TO START ENJOYING FOOD AND DRINKS ON GREEN COUNTRY’S MANY PATIO SPOTS. ENJOY THIS LIST OF BEAUTIFUL, HIP AND CASUAL OUTSIDE SPOTS WHERE YOU CAN PEOPLE WATCH, CATCH A GREAT VIEW, VISIT WITH PALS OR SPEND TIME WITH THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE.

BY MICHELE CHIAPPETTA AND ROB HARMON

Warm sun, spring breezes, fresh air… Ah, it’s the perfect time to be outside and enjoy the gorgeous spring weather. You’ve been cooped up to avoid the cold for too long, right? You’re ready to emerge from winter’s hibernation and reach out to friends and loved ones to get caught up on the latest news.

And what better way to do both

74 APRIL 2017

than to enjoy some snacks and drinks outside?

shops and bars that offer outdoor seating.

You can do that with ease, making a day of it by shopping, supporting local businesses and grabbing eats and drinks on one of the area’s many patios. Yes, Green Country has many restaurants, cafés, coffee

Some are casual and laid back, allowing you to put up your feet and have long talks with close pals. Others spots offer fantastic views of downtown Tulsa’s skyline, or opportunities to people watch in the busy Brookside, Cherry Street or Brady

Districts. Some are secluded, perfect for an intimate drink or dinner with your significant other. All are ideal for enjoying the spring and summer in style.

So, now that spring has fully sprung and warm, sunny, breezy weather is here to stay, make plans to visit our list of Green Country’s XX best patios.

Blue Rose Café Bravos Mexican Grill 1924 RIVERSIDE DR. | TULSA

Cafe Olé

Caz’s Chowhouse

3509 S. PEORIA AVE. | TULSA

1 8 E . M AT H E W B R A D Y S T . | TULSA

You can’t talk patios in the Tulsa area without mentioning the Blue Rose Café. This casual eatery is known for great burgers and cheese fries, and a large wooden deck off the back of the restaurant, giving visitors a view of the Arkansas River. It’s like hanging at the lake without having to drive that far. Kick back with your pals or your date, and enjoy local craft beers on tap, bottled imports and domestics, wine, or one of the Blue Rose’s custom cocktails.

Fans of outside seating say 8010 E. 106TH ST. | TULSA that Cafe Olé has one of the best patios in town. Their 4532 E. 51ST ST. | TULSA Delicious Mexican food delivered southwestern style patio boasts by excellent, attentive servers in comfortable tables, a fireplace to warm you on cold days, a classy, delightful atmosphere and clear shades that can be — that’s Bravos. Their menu is drawn down to protect from solid, with generous portions that you’ll linger over as you chat the rain and rolled up to bring in warm breezes on sunny with your family and friends. days. Patrons get a measure of Bravos is especially known privacy while still being near for making fresh guacamole happening Brookside. And Cafe tableside, which is a nice treat.

Olé serves an award-winning But if you’re wanting to spend margarita, perfect for sipping on some time outdoors, visit their south Memorial location for the a summer evening. lovely patio seating and enjoy their tacos and margaritas during happy hour, which is 3-6 p.m. daily.

Chimi’s

D’Vina

1304 E. 15TH ST. | TULSA 6709 E. 81ST ST. | TULSA 5 3 2 0 S . H A R VA R D A V E . | T U L S A

1350 E. 15TH ST. | TULSA

A Tulsa tradition since 1983, Chimi’s serves fresh Mexican dishes and drinks with a smile.

Their Cherry Street location boasts a homemade tortilla maker that is fun to observe through the floor-to-ceiling, glass-viewing window. Enjoy those fresh tortillas on the patio, which is set on a second-floor balcony, allowing for more privacy than you’d get at street level plus a terrific view of the downtown Tulsa skyline. Their house margarita on the rocks is a smooth, delicious way to wind down after a long week.

With a menu that features international flavors and recipes, a visit to D’Vina is an adventure.

Sample tasty dishes like chicken tikka masala, herbed Israeli couscous, smoked salmon, New York clam chowder, escolar (tuna) sashimi and more. On a warm Sunday, enjoy brunch on their woody, peaceful patio.

Order the pork and fried egg sandwich or the chicken and waffle sliders, and be sure to test out their signature bloody mary, made fresh with locally grown tomatoes and candied pork belly.

Doc’s Wine E/ Food 3509 S. PEORIA AVE. | TULSA New Orleans-style Doc’s Wine & Food’s outdoor patio is a Brookside favorite for people watching and good food. Enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner while sipping Doc’s handcrafted sangria, mimosas or Cajun bloody marys under the patio table umbrellas. Enjoy oysters and eggs, the fried oyster po’boy or an old standby, shrimp cocktail. Try their tasty chicken and waffles, housemade waffles with arugula and Cajun spiced tenders, or their unique shrimp and grits with creole barbecue sauce.

Taste bud pleasing comfort food, a good beer, and a good seat in the busy Brady District, Caz’s Chowhouse is a favorite among many downtown Tulsans.

Customer favorites include the Cuban sandwich that is packed with meat, the huge crispy chicken fried chicken and gravy, a tasty pot roast, and the juicy portabella mushroom burger.

But really, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. And the patio seating along the street is perfect for people watching during a First Friday Art Crawl.

East Village Bohemian Pizzeria 818 E. 3RD ST. | TULSA The boho patio of East Village Bohemian Pizzeria lets just the right amount of sunshine in, and the great servers keep the tasty pizzas coming. Patio lovers enjoy the Neopolitan style wood-fired pizzas, served hot for lunch or dinner. Try the Queen Margherita, drizzled in herb garlic oil or the way-cheesy Quattro Formaggi and you’ll thank us. Also for a good time in the shade, any one of their Italian sandwiches will be sure to please.

PREVIEW918.COM 75

Come HaveYour Taste Buds JUMPIN with FLAVOR

Breakfast, Jazz, Deli and Catering

“

FEATURING:

”

Barbara Anne’s Chicken & Waffles

Inside Mathis Brothers Furniture / 6611 S 101st E Ave / Tulsa, OK 74133

918-461-7750

Mon-Friday 8:30AM-5:00PM Saturday 9:00AM-5:00PM

76 APRIL 2017

Sunday Brunch 10:00AM-5:00PM Breakfast served until 1:00PM

Let a Chef cook

Fassler Hall

Hey Mambo In the Raw

304 S. ELGIN AVE. | TULSA

1 1 4 N . B O S TO N A V E . | T U L S A

Fassler Hall has a huge biergarten patio with a very nice view of Tulsa’s skyline. Live music and tons of beer on tap make it one of downtown’s most lively patio scenes. Known for their duck fat fries served with Gouda cheese, their amazing variety of German sausages and brunch menu items, Fassler Hall is a party waiting to happen.

Located a few yards away from the busy corner of Boston and Brady, Hey Mambo lets you eat in a happening part of town while still enjoying a bit of distance from the mad crowds when you eat outside at their street seating. While you’re chilling there, order one of their pizzas, all of which have a superbly light but satisfying crust. And hint, hint: their coconut prawn appetizer is worth every penny.

Los Cabos 3 0 0 R I V E R WA L K T E R R A C E # 1 0 0 | JENKS 151 BASS PRO DR. | BROKEN ARROW 9 4 5 5 N . O WA S S O E X P Y . | O WA S S O All three locations of this fabulous Mexican grill are close to water, making the Los Cabos patio atmospheres like a mini-vacay.

Enjoy beautiful open air and some of the freshest enchiladas, tacos and chimis in town. Get your drink on and start the evening off right with their award-winning margaritas. You’ll leave with a completely satisfied stomach, wishing you could go back. Sounds like a trip to Mexico if you ask us.

3321 S. PEORIA AVE. | TULSA 6151 S. SHERIDAN ROAD | TULSA 216 S. MAIN ST. | BROKEN ARROW

Inner Circle Vodka Bar 410 N. MAIN ST. | TULSA

In the Raw is a hip, active hot spot for people who love sushi and also love seeing and being seen.

If you’re not into raw fish, then opt for their steak — an 8-ounce pepper filet served with wasabi mashed potatoes and asparagus with portabella demi glaze. They offer great deals Mondays through Thursdays. And their patio on the hill at Sheridan gives a stunning view of the Tulsa skyline in the distance, making it perfect for a special date night.

Karaoke, trivia night, live music and a lineup of beer, gin, scotch, whiskey, rum and tequila make this bar great. Not to mention the vodka. Inner Circle specializes in seasonal, flavored vodkas; the spring menu includes strawberry-rhubarb, pepper, peanut, melon and ten other flavors. Their infused drinks take those vodkas and get creative. We suggest the Cosmo Kramer — cranberryorange vodka, cranberry juice and triple sec while listening to music on the patio.

Mexicali

Napa Flats

Ol’Vine

1 4 W . M AT H E W B R A D Y S T . | TULSA

9912 RIVERSIDE PKWY. | TULSA

3523 S. PEORIA AVE. | TULSA

Napa’s luxurious patio comes with umbrella covered tables and one of the best restaurant views of the Arkansas River in town. It’s the outstanding food, however, from an exclusively wood-fired kitchen that brings people back again and again. The menu is a uniquely combined Italian-Californian fusion. Gourmet pizza and pasta, along with hand-cut in-house Angus steaks, make your patio dining experience exquisite. For dessert, try a trio of several gelatos to choose from, or the delicious banana crumble.

Newly opened Ol’Vine, located where Sonoma once was, brings back two of Brookside’s favorite patios. The restaurant’s front, street side patio or the secluded rear patio are both outstanding dining options for either Sunday brunch or for a dinner at sundown. A business lunch at Ol’Vine would also be an excellent choice too. Panseared crab cakes, wood-grilled meatballs or wine mushroom gnocchi are a few wonderful dishes to have out on the patio.

Also enjoy a glass of wine from the smart collection available.

Mexicali is the Brady District’s go-to Mexican dining patio experience. With a history older than many of our readers, they’ve figured out a thing or two about food that pleases. The authentic border town restaurant atmosphere is unbeatable. Then there’s the food. Sizzling fajitas of beef, pork, chicken or shrimp Acapulco will hit the spot.

Lastly, a covered patio provides an outdoor experience with protection from the elements.

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Also Check Out ANDOLINI’S 1552 E. 15TH ST. TULSA

R Bar E/ Grill Rusty Crane

Soul City

3421 S. PEORIA AVE. | TULSA

1 0 9 N . D ET R O I T A V E . | T U L S A

1621 E. 11TH ST. | TULSA

If you’ve walked down Brookside day or night, you’ve probably noticed the R Bar’s deck-style patio full and bubbling over with people.

Their weekend brunch is one reason why. From fresh doughnut holes and sourdough cinnamon rolls to poutine fries and smoked ham and eggs, it’s hard to go wrong. Plus, they have an impressive collection of domestic and international beers on top and bottled for happy hour and game nights, which you can enjoy on their 60-inch plasma HD televisions.

Drink and dine in style while catching the sights of downtown Tulsa at the Rusty Crane. This spot has a unique patio in that it has a great topfloor view of ONEOK field, so close you could kick a soccer ball into it, or perhaps toss a baseball there. Kick back and enjoy their signature menu item, the Yumlata — a chicken, black bean and cheese dish served in a large sun-dried basil-tomato tortilla, topped in Alfredo sauce.

This music-oriented gastropub on Route 66 is a mustvisit when you’re ready to go someplace other than downtown, Brookside or Bixby.

Their menu includes stylish comfort dishes like the BLTA (bacon, lettuce, tomato and avocado), jalapeño pork rice bowl, cheesy mac, and a triple layered grilled cheese. They offer live music Fridays and Saturdays. And their outside seating is fenced in and illuminated with wired lights in the evenings for a fun patio feel.

BGB 1730 UTICA SQUARE TULSA CLASSIC CIGARS 1 1 8 N . B O S TO N A V E .

TULSA THE COFFEE HOUSE O N C H E R RY S T R E ET 1502 E. 15TH ST. TULSA DALESANDRO’S 1 7 4 2 S . B O S TO N A V E . T U L S A D I L LY D I N E R 402 E. 2ND ST. TULSA EL GUAPO’S CANTINA 332 E. 1ST ST. TULSA 8 1 6 1 S . H A R VA R D AVE. TULSA THE HUNT CLUB 224 N. MAIN ST. TULSA ISLAND JOE’S BAR & G R I L L AT S H A N G R I - L A MARINA 31000 S. HWY. 125 MONKEY ISLAND L A V I L L A R E S TA U R A N T 2727 S. ROCKFORD ROAD TULSA L A F FA 111 N. MAIN ST. TULSA

Waterfront Grill Wild Fork

The Wine Loft

120 AQUARIUM DR. | JENKS

1820 UTICA SQUARE | TULSA

The name says it all. Waterfront Grill’s expansive patio almost guarantees you’ll find a seat with a view of the river every visit. And they can always guarantee an unmatched dining experience. Whether it’s a Sunday brunch or an evening out on the town, you’ll enjoy the freshest, best quality meal they can offer. Sushi, steak or omelet, you won’t be disappointed. Try their awardwinning Cucumber Martini or a signature glass of wine and enjoy fresh Oklahoma breezes while you dine.

When you’re shopping at Utica and you want a delicious meal served in a gorgeous outside setting, The Wild Fork is ideal.

In addition to gourmet dishes, The Wild Fork boasts a rotating gallery of regionally crafted art and a full service bar. It’ll be hard to choose what to order.

Snow crab and corn cakes, fettuccine with tomatoes and arugula, red cornmeal crusted chicken — all of it and more are made by a superb kitchen staff and pair nicely with their select wines.

7890 E. 106TH PLACE | TULSA The Wine Loft provides gorgeous martinis, scores of wine-by-the-glass options and a cozy couch-seating patio in which to drink them. But if you’re more than thirsty, the Loft’s gourmet tapas menu is spectacular. Baked Brie, ahi tuna, or Thai calamari, to name a few, will also please the palate. Or try the pan-seared wagyu beef sliders, served with flavorfully smoked blue cheese, a sweet onion jam, roma tomatoes, mixed greens on a toasted brioche bun.

LEENA’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 6746 S. MEMORIAL DR. TULSA LUCKY’S ON THE GREEN 1 1 1 E . M AT H E W B R A D Y S T . T U L S A MCNELLIE’S SOUTH CITY 7031 S. ZURICH AVE. TULSA MI COCINA 1342 E. 15TH ST. TULSA QUEENIES PLUS 1834 UTICA SQUARE TULSA R O O S E V E LT ’ S 1551 E. 15TH ST. TULSA RUSSO’S 8 9 4 1 S . YA L E A V E .

TULSA TA Z I K I ’ S 1551 E. 15TH ST. TULSA TUCCI’S 1344 E. 15TH ST. TULSA T H E VA U LT 6 2 0 S . C I N C I N N AT I A V E . T U L S A

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wines AND patio bar BOUTIQUE

steaks AND fresh fish HAND-CUT

WOOD-FIRED

pizza

918.948.6505

9912 SOUTH RIVERSIDE DR. | TULSA, OK 74137

www.napaflats.com

YOUR HEADQUARTERS TO WATCH ONLY AT THE 81ST LOCATION!

$3 Import Beers!

YOUR HEADQUARTERS TO WATCH3 locations to serve you!

ONLY AT THE 81ST LOCATION!

$3 Import Beers!

1304 East 15th 918.587.4411 5320 South Harvard 918.749.7755 6809 East 81st 918.960.2723

www.chimismexican.com PREVIEW918.COM 79

80 APRIL 2017

BUILT AR OU ND A FARM-TO -TAB LE CO NC EPT, JU NI PER, AN I NT I MAT E CO RNER BI ST RO S P ECI ALI ZI NG IN AMERI CAN CUI S I NE WI T H C LASS IC FR E NCH AND EU ROP EAN INFLUEN CES, P ROV I DES T H E PER FECT ATMOS P H E RE FOR TOAST I NG AND TAST I NG.

There are good restaurants, and then there are exceptional restaurants, the places you might choose to celebrate a special anniversary or that long-awaited promotion. When lifting a glass to life’s big moments, everything from the atmosphere to the food should complement the occasion, and Juniper in the Blue Dome District stands out as one of Tulsa’s top dining venues for toasting and tasting.

Group in Tulsa. Other JTR Group restaurants include PRHYME: Downtown Steakhouse, Tavolo Restaurant and Italian Coffee Shop, and 624 Kitchen and Catering. Though these four restaurant concepts have completely different menus and atmospheres, each one enjoys its own successful following because of Thompson’s

dinner for President Bill Clinton. Currently, Thompson spends much of his time at Juniper, where he works closely with his hand-selected head kitchen chefs to taste and critique both new dishes and classic favorites.

“Juniper is my baby,” says Thompson. “My dad and I did

Juniper is an intimate corner bistro specializing in American cuisine with classic French and European influences. The cozy interior is accented with exposed red brick and charming farmhouse flair — very much the perfect setting to savor a special meal with friends or linger over drinks with a date.

But with $8 lunch specials and an easy comfortable vibe, Juniper makes for a great workweek eatery as well.

With a team of vetted culinary chefs, two in-house sommeliers, and an oft-rotating menu featuring only what is freshest and in season, all plates and libations at Juniper are crafted from an expert depth of knowledge. Justin Thompson, owner and concept designer of Juniper also heads the JTR

commitment to quality and decades of experience in the restaurant business.

Working in and around the kitchen since he was 16, Thompson has occupied positions ranging from sous chef at Polo Grill to being the featured chef for a fundraiser

everything from framing and building it to salvaging the brick you see on the inside. At Juniper, we are a farm-to-table concept, sourcing as much local as we can to keep the money right here in Tulsa. Our seasonal menu changes three to four times a year, and our specialty features change weekly — which

all equals out to about 500 new dishes a year, and between 2,000 and 3,000 since opening in 2011.”

Many of Juniper’s uniquely delicious dishes cannot be found anywhere else in Tulsa, and though the menu changes often, a few dishes are so popular they remain available year-round. One of these is the Maple Port Arugula Salad: a bed of arugula topped with candied pecans, apples, maple port vinaigrette, and blue cheese ice cream. Yes, you read that right — blue cheese ice cream.

This not-too-sweet infusion of blue cheese and ice cream base melts decadently into the salad, intensifying as it warms and acting as a second dressing.

Another menu staple is the smoked buttermilk sweet carrot soup. “The story behind the sweet carrot soup is kind of funny,” says Thompson. “I made that recipe up while still working at The Brasserie. I took it to my boss at the time to see if we could add it to the menu, and he said, ‘Well it tastes good, but I don’t think anyone’s going to want to buy carrot soup.’ I put it on the menu as soon as we opened Juniper and it has been our No. 1 seller ever since.”

PREVIEW918.COM 81

Grilled Chef ’s KC Strip

Fried Chicken Sandwich

Grilled Romaine

Seared Duck Breast

Sweet Carrot Soup

Maple Port Arugula

Other popular menu items at Juniper include brown butter trout, honey bourbon glazed salmon, and fried Brussels sprouts prepared with local beer vinegar, cranberry, and lardon ( flavorful pork fat). The grilled chef ’s KC strip is also a best-seller, served with a bourbon chamomile sweet potato, charred Broccolini, veal jus, and pickled shallots.

From sauces to sides, every single aspect of Juniper’s menu is crafted with intentionality, creativity, and integrity.

The weekly changing chef ’s specials often have a theme, like Rt. 66 or something else engaging fun, and tasty. Many of the herbs used to prepare the dishes are grown right behind Juniper in their alleyway garden, and many other ingredients and products are also sourced locally: Juniper’s cheese and dairy products come from Lomah Dairy out of Wyandotte, Okla.; the fish and seafood are acquired through

82 APRIL 2017

Bodean’s, another longtime Tulsa business; and the coffee Juniper serves is from Topeca Coffee Roasters.

When it comes to wines and cocktails, Juniper’s drink menu shines just as bright as the cuisine. T.C. LeRoy, JTR Group’s beverage director is a certified sommelier and works with Juniper to continue to develop their sizable wine list, design new cocktails, and perfect classic cocktail recipes.

“We do a lot of liquor infusions,” says Thompson. “We don’t really tend to buy a lot of flavored vodkas because we like to create our own by using a base liquor and whatever fruit products we add to it to impart flavor.”

These infusions currently include a Serrano and citrus vodka and blueberry vodka, a roasted pecan aged rum, apple cinnamon bourbon, a cucumber dill gin, and grilled rosemary tequila.

Juniper’s house infusions may be ordered to enhance guests’ favorite mixers or in one of Juniper’s signature drinks, like the Blue Dome. The Blue Dome is made with blueberry vodka, elderflower liqueur, lime, and mint. Another delicious (and frankly adorable) drink unique to Juniper is their Autumn in Manhattan, which is made with their apple cinnamon bourbon, sweet vermouth, and baked apple bitters. Like Juniper’s food menu, the lists of infusions, cocktails, and wines are always changing to keep tastes varied and interesting,

and the taps include a rotating selection of local beers as well.

“We have a great menu. From food to drinks, it’s all very approachable, not only for special occasions and date nights but also for just a random Monday or Tuesday as well,” encourages Thompson.

If you’ve never been to Juniper, grab a friend, a date, or forget everyone else and just treat yourself to one of the best dining experiences in Tulsa (did we mention that blue cheese ice cream?!).

LOCATOR JUNIPER

324 E. 3rd St. | Tulsa 918-794-1090 junipertulsa.com Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 4-10 p.m.

Saturday: 4-10 p.m.

RACING // LEADERBOARDS // SIMULATORS & GAMES // GROUPS & PARTIES // CORPORATE EVENTS

See our feature on page 42

708 W. KENOSHA, BROKEN ARROW, OK // 918.286.6655 // XTREMETULSA.COM SUNDAY – THURSDAY: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM // FRIDAY – SATURDAY: 11:00 AM - MIDNIGHT

Pla Song Kruang

By Michele Chiappetta

84 APRIL 2017

Photos by Marc Rains

Fans of Asian cuisine who’ve lived in Tulsa for any length of time are bound to be familiar with Lanna Thai. It’s one of the most authentically Thai restaurants you’re likely to find anywhere in Oklahoma, and the reason for that is simple: the Karnchanakphan family that owns it (along with its sister restaurant, The Tropical) hails from Thailand.

Immigrating to the U.S. so that the husband could attend the University of Tulsa, Nongnat and Teerakun Karnchanakphan realized that while they loved Tulsa, they were also homesick for a literal taste of their native land. And so the restaurant, Lanna Thai, was born in 1998.

“My parents started Lanna Thai because they missed Thai cooking so much,” says Tana, their son, who is now part owner alongside his parents. “They wanted to bring all these wonderful Thai dishes to Tulsa.”

In addition to the family’s Thai roots, there is another powerful reason for the authentic flavors found on their menu. Lanna Thai’s original chef was also Thai by birth, and she brought with her many family recipes. Those recipes, adapted for restaurant style cooking, are still in use in Lanna Thai’s kitchen.

Over the years, the restaurant has gained a large and loyal following. This explains a couple of unique aspects of the menu.

First, it is long — longer than you might find at most restaurants — because there are so many regulars who beg for the Karnchanakphan family not to ever remove their beloved favorites. “Our menu is large, which is a blessing and also a curse,” laughs Tana.

“But it’s fun. We have some customers who come in and order the same thing every time.”

Those long-standing loyal customers also explain a second quirk of the menu — the dishes are all numbered, but they’re not listed in numerical order.

Diners can order by the dish’s name, which is a great convenience for newer customers who want to skim a menu organized by type of dish. But some customers who have been coming to Lanna Thai for years have the number of their favorite dish memorized.

“We can’t really change the numbers because a lot of people know our dishes by the number rather than the name,” says Tana. “They’ll come in with the number they want.” And since the Karnchanakphan family approach is to make the customer feel at home, they aim to please down to the smallest of details, like keeping numbers on a menu that has grown significantly since the restaurant first opened.

One of those best-loved numbered dishes is the No. 24 — also known as lanna khao pad — Thai fried rice with a choice of meat, green peas, carrots, yellow onions and tomatoes, topped with a fried egg and scallions, and served with fresh cucumbers, lime and clear soup. “We’re famous for it,” says Tana.

The pad thai is both a fan favorite and a national award-winning dish. Here’s how the story goes: A study was done around the nation for best Thai restaurants in the U.S., sponsored by the Thai government, and Lanna Thai made the top 50 best Thai restaurants list through an interesting moment of serendipity.

“It’s a unique story how they [the study team] ended up in Tulsa,” Tana explains. “They originally were only going to major cities, and I believe their flight got detoured or they got delayed in Tulsa somehow.”

The team saw that Tulsa had a Thai restaurant and decided to try it out. “They loved it,” says Tana, “and we actually ended up on their list, which is pretty cool.” The award certificate is hanging on the wall in the restaurant’s entrance area.

Other popular dishes include the panang — a spicy curry dish served with choice of meat or tofu with sweet basil, red and green bell peppers and coconut milk topped with kaffir lime leaves; the boat noodles — rice noodles, stewed beef, bean sprouts, crispy wontons, scallions and cilantro served in broth; the crispy fried wontons; the spring and summer rolls; and the rahd na talay — scallops, shrimp and salmon fillet with mixed vegetables in soybean gravy, served over stir-fried noodles with black soy sauce.

Most of the menu items are highly customizable, allowing diners and the kitchen staff to get creative.

“You can have the same five ingredients but the way

With a menu filled with traditional options that are comforting, downright delicious, and anything but ordinary, Lanna Thai has created a well-deserved fervor that borders on local obsession.

PREVIEW918.COM 85

Wonton

you compile it, the way you heat it, the way you stack it changes the flavor and the outcome,” Tana says.

“That’s what’s unique.”

Lanna Thai also offers a full bar that serves mixed drinks, wine and a variety of beers. Tana recommends a popular Thai beer called Chang, which pairs well with anything on the menu and is very much what you’d drink if you were visiting Thailand.

Shrimp Fried Rice

Even the décor connects the customers both to exotic Thailand and to the familiar history of Tulsa. The Thai decorations come mostly from the Karnchanakphan family home or from trips they have made to Asia, including the antique Thai wagon displayed at the front of the restaurant.

Other decorations, though, such as the Italianthemed murals on the walls, are leftovers from an old restaurant that used to reside in the building before Tana’s parents acquired it. Tana says his parents wanted to maintain that connection to the building’s history, so they left the beautiful wall art alone.

Panang Seafood

That spirit of connection, heritage and family is something that makes the whole team at Lanna Thai special, as Tana points out. “The saying goes, and I used to hear my dad say this a lot: At the end of the day, we all eat out of the same rice pot. Everyone understands that this is not only where they work, but it’s also kind of their second home. When customers come in, we want them to feel like they’re coming into our house to enjoy the food that we make in our own kitchen.”

LOCATOR LANNA THAI Summer Rolls

7227 S. Memorial | Tulsa 918-249-5262 lannathaitulsa.com Monday: Closed Tuesday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-10 p.m.

Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-11 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-10 p.m.

Yum Yum

86 APRIL 2017

MF MASTERS OF FLAVOR

Chicken Red Curry

Creative The Tropical blends a beachy surf-and-turf menu alongside a variety of curry dishes, stir‑fry, vegetarian and vegan options, carefully crafted by experienced Thai chefs skillfully utilizing a few “hidden magic” nuances.

By Michele Chiappetta • Photos by Marc Rains TANA KARNCHANAKPHAN

88 APRIL 2017

Trout Pad Ped

Nauh Num Tok

You’ve heard the expression “hidden gem” a million times, but if it is ever true of anything, then it is true of a charming, beautifully designed, superbly executed restaurant known as The Tropical. Open since 2011, The Tropical delivers the cuisine of Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, with a smile and an impressive taste that will leave you hungering to return again and again. And it’s unique in more ways than one.

One of the more unusual aspects of The Tropical is simply its location — situated just off the main drag of Memorial Avenue, you could easily miss it as you drive by, unless you know exactly where it is. When asked if that’s a challenge, Tana Karnchanakphan, who owns the restaurant alongside his parents, smiles.

“Usually how we do things in my family and how we’ve been successful is that we’ve always relied on word-of-mouth,” he says. “We’ve always had the mantra that if we bring a great experience and bring great food to the table, people will come. And we’ve been blessed enough that people have found us hidden away in this little nook.”

And it’s true. No matter what time you swing

by The Tropical for a drink or a meal, you’re sure to watch a steady stream of people enter and leave. It’s no wonder why, either. The stellar food and dining experience make this cozy spot excellent when you want Asian food done right.

The building resembles a well kept home that you might find in one of Tulsa’s older

Tropical Mojito

residential neighborhoods. Once you step inside, however, it’s another world — with richly colored wood, clean and modern seating, and stunning southeast Asian wood bas-reliefs.

“People are really shocked when they come in and get to see what we’ve done and added to the place,” Karnchanakphan says. “We literally are a diamond in the rough. When you go there, you don’t really have any expectations. And then when you go inside, you’re wowed and hopefully our food does the same.”

The repeat customers prove that the food does, indeed, wow fans of Asian food. The Tropical blends a beachy surf-and-turf menu alongside a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, carefully crafted by experienced Thai chefs. Alongside pad Thai and other traditional dishes, diners can also enjoy fresh grilled seafood such as butterfly rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon, jumbo sea scallops, Chilean sea bass and lobster tail served with your choice of sauce, toppings and sides. There are also curry dishes, stir-fry options, and even a certified Angus New York strip, served with Thai flavorings.

These delicious dishes are very much like chemistry concoctions — the kitchen staff brings the flavor by stirring the food just the right amount of times, adding the sauces in at just the right moment and just the right temperature. The science of it is almost impossible to recreate at home. “There’s some hidden magic back there [in the kitchen],” Karnchanakphan says.

The Tropical’s previous head chef retired not too long ago, replaced by a kitchen veteran that Karnchanakphan and his parents have worked with for many years. “The new head chef, Nantana, has been working with us since we

Thai Tofu

Lettuce Wrap

opened up the original Lanna Thai [in 1998], so it speaks to how everything works in our company. It’s very hand-me-down knowledge and everyone’s trained by everyone else, and everyone is together,” he says.

Another unique aspect of The Tropical is the emphasis on vegetarian options.

“A lot of the dishes can be made or can be ordered as a vegan or a vegetarian option,” says Karnchanakphan. “Our signature appetizer item is the Tropical lettuce wrap, which is super popular.” It’s a mix of crispy rice with fresh herbs (scallions, red onions, cilantro, carrots and fresh mint), glass noodles, peanuts, and a twist of lime.

“Everyone orders it when they come in,” Karnchanakphan adds. “Not many people realize it’s actually vegan. It’s always a surprise when they’re made aware of it. They say, ‘I didn’t know that vegan food could taste so good.’”

That delicious flavor is augmented by fresh ingredients, including herbs and vegetables grown in The Tropical’s garden, which is yet another unique aspect to the restaurant, and which visitors can see and enjoy as they walk from the parking lot to the front entrance. “We always try to plant stuff in our garden, just so that we can add a level of fresh flavor, whether it’s basil, lemongrass, and other common Thai herbs,” Karnchanakphan says.

All in all, it adds up to an amazing experience worth a cruise down Memorial to find.

LOCATOR THE TROPICAL

8125 E. 49th St. | Tulsa 918-895-6433 tropicaltulsa.com Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-10 p.m.

Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-11 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-10 p.m.

PREVIEW918.COM 89

GK GETTING TO KNOW

by Tiffany Duncan

HELLO BABY PHOTOGRAPHY KNOWS THAT LIFE SLOWS DOWN FOR NO ONE, AND THEY INTENTIONALLY STAND IN THE GAP TO CATCH ALL OF THE LIFECHANGING MOMENTS BABIES AND CHILDREN BRING. the last second before becoming a parent, and the first second after. When you hear your baby cry for the first time, it’s clear there’s suddenly been a seismic shift in the universe, one from which you will never be the same. And if you aren’t ready, those two seconds are done and over with, lost forever to the haphazardness of memory.

The average human life span is 79 years, which rounds out to just about 42 million minutes. That may sound like a lot, but the big moments — the ones that forever divide your life into “before” and “after”— are all over in just a few seconds.

Incredibly, these split-second events like a first kiss, tossing a graduation cap high in the air, a surprise proposal, and saying ‘I do’ altogether take up less than five minutes of one’s entire life.

Luckily, however, a shutter click is instantaneous and has the power to freeze time.

But in many ways, one particular moment stands out as more defining than all the rest:

Hello Baby Photography knows that life slows down for no one, and they intentionally stand

90 APRIL 2017

in the gap to catch all of the life-changing moments babies and children bring. Two passionate mothers themselves, Kelli Greer and Lacie Hudgins began Hello Baby after meeting many years ago as individual newborn photographers.

Both Greer and Hudgins each have four children. They know from personal experience how quickly tiny hands and feet turn into big ones, and how much regret can come from missing precious milestones.

With Hello Baby, Greer and Hudgins have made it possible for parents to document

GETTING TO KNOW GK

every step — from maternity to actual birth, and newborn, toddler and beyond.

“We are both moms and know just how fast children grow up,” says Greer. “It seems like you give birth one day and the next they are teenagers. So we understand how important it is to preserve the early year memories with photos. Whether it’s within a few days of life for a newborn session, or when they get to smash their first birthday cake, or when they grow into little toddlers running around — they’re all special moments we love capturing for parents and families.”

Each session done in Hello Baby’s Owasso studio is completely unique and personal, unlike a canned corporate portrait experience. Greer and Hudgins conduct their business with warmth and welcome, cherishing the privilege of getting to share in the joy of the families they photograph. As a result, many of their photography sessions create long-lasting relationships with many of the families.

“We really do feel blessed to do what we do every day. We get to watch so many babies grow from newborns to toddlers who eventually learn to call us by our names, learning my name as ‘Kaka’ and Lacie as ‘Lala.’ We become good friends with some clients. It’s almost like we are family in some regards,” Greer says.

If you need to plan a portrait session for your little one(s), Hello Baby provides a completely comprehensive approach, taking the pressure off families as much as they can. If parents have a certain style in mind or specific theme they’d like for the shoot, Hello Baby can usually make it happen. But if parents don’t know or feel overwhelmed, there’s no need to worry; Greer and Hudgins

provide everything from outfits and props to banners and bunting. Literally the only thing you will need to bring is your baby or toddler.

we were going to do — we were just too passionate about it not to. It’s such an honor to be part of something so incredible as a new life being born!”

“I think parents like the idea of not having to worry about shopping the night before for outfits and bows. We have it all. It makes it much less stressful for them,” explains Greer.

Booking a live birth session can be tricky, because sometimes little ones decide to make their big debut at inconvenient times.

But for Greer and Hudgins that’s just part of it, and they’ve flown out of bed countless times at 3 a.m. to get to the hospital and capture it all.

She and Hudgins keep a constant rotation going of all things adorable to style your baby’s photo shoot. Whole prop walls are hung with tiny baby clothing like tutus and rompers, knitted caps and outfits, bloomers, and wraps for newborns. Other props include items like child-size antique furniture and prams, colorful chairs, buckets, crates, banners, and patterned backgrounds.

For first birthday smash cake sessions, they provide the custom cake and setup.

Throughout the year, Hello Baby does various themed mini-shoots both in-studio and outdoors. Everything from the big holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, to back to school, mommy-and-me sessions, and family photos at rustic locations.

“We document everything, from the first time a mother sees her new baby to things she’d never be able to see, like family in the waiting room,” says Greer. “And it doesn’t matter how long it takes. Sometimes we are in the hospital for up to 48 hours, but it’s all just part of it and we love every single second. We edit the footage and set it to music in a live video format. This way, families will always have that special day memorialized on film.”

KELLI GREER LACIE HUDGINS

They also offer lifestyle sessions where Hello Baby will come to your home if you prefer something a little more personal.

But there’s one style of photo shoot that is quickly rising in demand: live labor and delivery sessions.

“Sometimes we get to capture little ones as they come into this world,” says Greer.

“It’s such a precious moment that goes by so quickly, and with all that goes on at that time, you either miss or forget half of it. We knew when we started the business that photographing live births was something

LOCATOR

HELLO BABY

8555 N. 117th E. Ave. | Owasso 918-376-4445 hellobabyphotos.com

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S SHOWTIME APRIL 7

LOCATOR ADMIRAL TWIN DRIVE-IN 7355 E. Easton Tulsa | 918.392.9959 AMC SOUTHROADS 20 4923 E. 41st St. Tulsa | 888.AMC.4FUN B&B CLAREMORE 8 1407 W. Country Club Claremore | 918.342.2422 B&B CINEMA 8 1245 New Sapulpa Road Sapulpa | 918.227.7469 CINEMARK BROKEN ARROW 1801 E. Hillside Drive Broken Arrow | 918.355.0427 CINEMARK SAND SPRINGS 1112 E. Charles Page Blvd.

Sand Springs 800.FAN.DANG (#1407) CINEMARK TULSA 10802 E. 71st S. Tulsa | 800.FAN.DANG (#1128) CIRCLE CINEMA 10 S. Lewis Ave. Tulsa | 918.592.3456 DICKINSON STARWORLD 20 10301 S. Memorial Drive Tulsa | 918.369.7469 ETON SQUARE 6 CINEMA 8421 E. 61st St. Tulsa | 918.286.2618 REGAL PROMENADE PALACE 4107 S. Yale Tulsa | 800.326.3264 STARPLEX CINEMAS OWASSO 12 12601 E. 86th St. N. Owasso | 918.376.9191 STARWORLD 20 10301 S Memorial Dr Tulsa | 918.369.7475 SUPER SAVER CINEMA 5970 E. 31st St. Tulsa | 918.551.7002

SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE

Smurfette attempts to find her purpose in the village. When she encounters a creature similar to her in the Forbidden Forest who drops a mysterious map, she sets off with her friends Brainy, Clumsy, and Hefty to find the Lost Village before the evil wizard, Gargamel, does.

Cast: Demi Lovato, Mandy Patinkin, Rainn Wilson Rating: PG

COLOSSAL

After losing her job and boyfriend in New York, Gloria moves back to her hometown only to discover how strangely connected she is to an enormous Kaiju attacking Seoul, South Korea.

Cast: Anne Hathaway, Dan Stevens, Jason Sudeikis Rating: R

GOING IN STYLE

Desperate to pay the bills and come through for their loved ones, three lifelong pals risk it all by embarking on a daring bid to knock off the very bank that absconded with their money.

Cast: Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Alan Arkin Rating: PG-13

GIFTED

Frank, a single man raising his child prodigy niece, Mary, is drawn into a custody battle with his mother.

Cast: Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan Rating: PG-13

AFTERMATH

THE CASE FOR CHRIST

Based on the true story of an awardwinning investigative journalist (and avowed atheist) who applies his well-honed journalistic and legal skills to disprove the newfound Christian faith of his wife with unexpected, life-altering results.

Cast: Mike Vogel, Erika Christensen, Faye Dunaway Rating: PG

THE ASSIGNMENT

Dr. Rachel Kay is a rogue doctor with a weird vision for a better world after losing her brother to a contract killer Frank Kitchen.

In an experiment to assess how much physical identity matters, Kay performs a sex-change operation on Kitchen.

Cast: Michelle Rodriguez, Sigourney Weaver, Tony Shalhoub Rating: R

Roman is a man who lost his wife and child in a plane crash. The tragedy happened while air traffic controller Jake Bonanos was on duty. Roman blames the air traffic controller, can’t let it go, and is demanding answers in person Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Scoot McNairy, Maggie Grace Rating: R

VILLAGE 8 MOVIES 6808 S. Memorial Tulsa | 918.286.1900 WARREN THEATRE 1700 W. Aspen Creek Drive Broken Arrow | 918.893.9798

8421 E. 61St St. Suite V, Tulsa

Movie Line: 918.286.2618

Office: 918.286.0689

ALL NEW RELEASE MOVIES AT DISCOUNT PRICES. ALL DAY, EVERY DAY! ALL SHOWINGS BEFORE 6PM AT $4 AND $7 AFTER 6PM TUESDAYS AT $4 ALL DAY $4 FOR SENIORS AND KIDS UNDER 12

RELEASE DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

92 APRIL 2017

LOWEST CONCESSION PRICES IN TULSA! $4 KID’S MEAL (DRINK, POPCORN AND CANDY) $6.50 COMBO (SMALL DRINK, POPCORN AND CANDY) $8 COMBO (2 SMALL DRINKS, MEDIUM POPCORN) $10 COMBO (2 MEDIUM DRINKS, LARGE POPCORN)

SHOWTIME S APRIL 14 THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS

With Dom and Letty on their honeymoon, Brian and Mia having retired from the game, and the rest of the crew exonerated, the team has found a semblance of a normal life. But when a mysterious woman seduces Dom into a world of crime he cannot seem to escape, it causes him to betray those closest to him.

Cast: Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham Rating: PG-13

FREE FIRE

THE LOST CITY OF Z

Based on author David Grann’s novel, The Lost City of Z tells the true story of British explorer Percy Fawcett, who journeys into the Amazon at the dawn of the 20th century and discovers evidence of a previously unknown, advanced civilization that may have once inhabited the region. Despite being ridiculed by the scientific establishment who regard indigenous populations as “savages,” the determined Fawcett returns time and again to his beloved jungle in an attempt to prove his case, culminating in his mysterious disappearance in 1925.

Cast: Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson, Sienna Miller Rating: PG-13

THE PROMISE

SPARK

Spark, a teenage monkey and his friends, Chunk and Vix, are on a mission to regain Planet Bana, a kingdom overtaken by the evil overlord Zhong.

Cast: Jace Norman, Jessica Biel, Patrick Stewart Rating: PG

APRIL 21 UNFORGETTABLE

A newly divorced and mentally unstable woman loses her temper and decides to pursue retaliation on the family of her ex-husband David, including his new wife.

Cast: Katherine Heigl, Rosario Dawson, Geoff Stults Rating: R

APRIL 13

When a gang of criminals meets in a warehouse in order to purchase arms, a disagreement turns into a full-on shootout between the two parties making the transaction.

Cast: Brie Larson, Sharlto Copley, Armie Hammer Rating: R

Set during the last days of the Ottoman Empire, The Promise follows a love triangle between Michael, a brilliant medical student, the beautiful and sophisticated Ana, and Chris, a renowned American journalist based in Paris.

Cast: Christian Bale, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Oscar Isaac Rating: PG-13

APRIL 28 THE CIRCLE

A young tech worker takes a job at a powerful Internet corporation, quickly rises up the company’s ranks, and soon finds herself in a perilous situation concerning privacy, surveillance and freedom. She comes to learn that her decisions and actions will determine the future of humanity.

Cast: Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, John Boyega Rating: NR

Chasing the Light Riggs, a down on his luck screenwriter, struggles to finish a script. But failed suicide attempts, unstable friends, drug deals and memories of his exgirlfriend interfere. Q&A with writer-director Blackhorse Lowe following screening.

APRIL 2 Shanghai Ghetto (2002) Narrated by Academy Award winner Martin Landau, this powerful documentary features interviews of survivors and historians, rare letters, stock footage, still photos and footage shot in modern Shanghai where most of the Jewish ghetto remains unchanged.

APRIL 4 1984 After the Atomic War, the world is divided into three states. London is a city in Oceania, ruled by a party that has total control over all its citizens. Winston Smith is one of the bureaucrats, rewriting history in one of the departments. One day he commits the crime of falling in love with Julia. They try to escape Big Brother’s listening and viewing devices, but, of course, nobody can really escape.

Cast: John Hurt, Richard Burton, Suzanna Hamilton APRIL 6 Twelfth Night A ship is wrecked on the rocks. Viola is washed ashore but her twin brother Sebastian is lost. Determined to survive on her own, she steps out to explore a new land. So begins a whirlwind of mistaken identity and unrequited love.

APRIL 7-13 The Void A multi-volume anthology series featuring some of the best award-winning short films from the horror, suspense, thriller, sci-fi and fantasy genres.

APRIL 20 Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead Against the backdrop of Hamlet, two hapless minor characters, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, take center stage. As the pair stumble their way in and out of the action of Shakespeare’s iconic drama, they become increasingly out of their depth as their version of the story unfolds.

Streamed live from the Old Vic in London.

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Joshua McGuire, David Haig APRIL 20-23 Architecture and Design Film Festival Features more than 20 films produced by engaging filmmakers from around the world, panel discussions, special guests, filmmaker Q&As, social gatherings and more.

APRIL 21-22 Fright Night For young Charley Brewster, nothing could be better than an old horror movie late at night. Two men move in next door, and for Charley with his horror movie experience, there can be no doubt that their strange behavior is explained by the fact that they are a vampire and his undead day guardian.

Cast: Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale, Roddy McDowall Rating: R APRIL 25

APRIL 8

Pete Seeger: The Power of Song The film, which focuses on the life and music of the folk singer Pete Seeger and won an Emmy Award, was directed by Jim Brown, who also directed The Weavers: Wasn’t That a Time! (1982). The film includes interviews with Arlo Guthrie, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Tom Paxton, and numerous Seeger family members. Brown will participate in a Q&A following the screening.

Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925) A Jewish prince seeks to find his family and take revenge against his childhood friend who had him wrongly imprisoned.

Cast: Ramon Novarro, Francis X. Bushman

APRIL 28-MAY 4 Deconstructing Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band Composer, musician, and Beatles expert Scott Freiman looks at Sgt. Pepper’s from multiple angles, exploring the history behind the music.

Your Name Two strangers find themselves linked in a bizarre way. When a connection forms, will distance be the only thing to keep them apart?

Check Circle Cinema website for times, costs, additional events and more details.

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