April 2023

2023 is Off to an Incredible Start!!

Our office is humming with activity as we introduce new therapy options to our patients.

As a regional leader in hormone replacement therapy, we continue to be one of the only practices providing advanced HRT, laser therapies, low-energy compression wave therapy (for ED and many other pelvic floor conditions), peptide therapies, and regenerative therapies in the Oklahoma medical community.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to care for our community both as a physician and as a community advocate. We look forward to seeing you soon at Optimal Health!

Benjamin J. Barenberg, MD

Urogynecologist

IG: @doctorb_okc

Noel R. Williams, MD | Gynecologist

34

Spinning New Stars

The stage is set for an explosive, talented and communal music community in Oklahoma City. Six bands, groups and musicians are a small sample of the burgeoning and thriving scene.

42 The Cadence of Collaboration

A look inside OKC Philharmonic's firstever album release and fresh approach.

43 Museum & Gallery Guide

An extensive list of OKC's varied arts and culture facilities

Dining

Culture

from the personal collections of Drew Smith and Evan Musil. Guitar picks provided by Walrus Audio. Photo by Charlie Neuenschwander.

OWNER | PUBLISHER

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EDITOR IN CHIEF  Julie Partin julie.partin@405magazine.com

ART DIRECTOR Cadence Ramos cadence.ramos@405magazine.com

MANAGING EDITOR Evan Musil evan.musil@405magazine.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jake Durham, Kristen Grace, Bennett Hill, Evie Klopp Holzer, Greg Horton, Helen Jacob, Nicole Jocleen, Matt Kirouac, Lisa Lloyd, Linda Miller

CONTRIBUTING

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Check, Check — Hello, OKC!

IT IS FAIR TO SAY THAT WE WOULD NOT LIVE IN OKLAHOMA City if it weren’t for the music and arts scene.

At one point in my life, I spent as much on concerts as I did on rent — those were the days—and if I am being honest, live music is still one of my biggest splurges. I currently have tickets to four upcoming shows that I am eagerly anticipating. In fact, I’ve had one of the tickets since 2019 when the tour was postponed and then fi nally rescheduled for four years later.

The house lights dimming and the crowd collectively cheering is the greatest rush. Even while I was an L.A. resident, anytime I would visit family in Oklahoma City we would go to my insanely talented brother’s concerts (Josh Sallee - pg. 40) and the truth was formed in my mind: OKC is a fun place with lots of artistic culture, stuff to do and a darn great nightlife.

For this month’s cover feature we highlight six of OKC’s up-and-coming musicians and bands. The artists are from genres ranging from classical to country and are making national waves. It was an obvious choice who should take the reins on this story: Managing Editor Evan Musil’s biggest passion is music. This was his fi rst major cover story, and it was evident from the start that he was going to bring his knowledge and enthusiasm to each profi le. Through the spread you will also fi nd Q&As with a few of the 405’s established legacy artists about their favorite local bands and venues (pg. 34).

The cover/feature shoot was nothing short of a blast. We decided that we wanted colorful vinyl records and electric guitars, as well as modern musical tools. Evan has an extensive collection of albums, so he brought a few of his favorites. To source the rest, we asked our Director of Business Development, Drew Smith, who was a professional musician in a previous career . His exact response in a text back to me was: “Oh my. I have records, primo vintage stereos, vintage guitars etc. It would be my time to shine.” When the guys showed up with their items, we were given strict instructions on how and who could handle the precious cargo. We were also loaned a few gorgeous work-of-art pedals from Walrus Audio. Photographer Charlie Neuenschwander understood the assignment and made the magic happen.

Also in this issue, you will read about the OKC Philharmonic’s fi rst-ever album release (pg. 42) and fi nd plenty of visual and cultural enrichment through the Museum and Galleries Guide (pg. 43). We are welcoming in the fresh air of spring with an expanded nature and outdoorsy travel section (pg. 68), a breakdown of the best local dining patios (pg. 60) and a roundup of the many upcoming area arts festivals (pg. 78). Additionally, we are excited to introduce you to the local arts world’s biggest ally (pg. 20) and one of OKC’s buzziest visual artists (pg. 66).

As you read through this issue, I suggest you turn on your favorite record in the background, relax and give in to the vibes. Because music has a powerful effect on people — and that is something to celebrate.

Always,

Julie Partin EDITOR IN CHIEF

Sunny Side Up

The new Allied Arts president invokes optimism for the future of OKC artists. p. 20

Knits for a Bright Fit

Nostalgic sweaters and subtle steps toward spring

BY BENNETT HILL

CROCHET ALL THE WAY! KNITwear has been reinvented with a fashion-forward approach. From dresses and skirts to matching sets and bags, this trend is giving us nostalgia in the best way possible. Soft colors provide a light and airy feel that’s perfect for the mid-spring weather, and a subtle sweater is a perfect piece to take you from a warm day to a chilly night. Give the boots a break and step into a stylish and fun sandal that ensures your best foot is always forward.

1. Ippolita, Teeny Teardrop Earrings; BC Clark 2. Anine Bing, Lanie Dress; Edit & Co.

3. Rag & Bone, Peyton Sliced; Edit & Co. 4. Another Love, Sezanna Ru e Sleeve Sweater; Silver Accents

5. Jade Tribe, Crochet bag; rosegold 6. Cecelia NY, Marley Thong Sandal; Betsy King Shoes

Girl Scouts Juliette Low Leadership Society Luncheon

PHOTOS BY MACI TOMPKINS

The 19th annual Juliette Low Leadership Society Luncheon took place at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. This year’s luncheon, chaired by Kathy Frankenfield and Brooke Haneborg, focused on “Building Brighter Futures” for participants of the Girl Scout programming throughout western Oklahoma. The event has the support of more than 500 community leaders each year for the group’s mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.

Carol Sander, Jackie Hall, Jonnie Larson, Diane Riggert, Nancy Coats-Ashley, Patti Leeman

Top Row (L-R): Emily Barclay, Betsy Jett, Nancy Bradley; Front Row (L-R): Barbara Jett, Mason Jett

Debby Dudman, Anne Gray, Amy Maguire, Amy Gray, Jean McLaughlin

Trenda Plymale, Aleena Chaudry, Keona Petties, Morgan Sylvester, Allison Bailey, Micah Moore, Emma Allen

Brooke Haneborg, Polly Nichols, Gail Huneryager, Carol Troy, Kathy Frankenfield, Janienne Bella, CEO of Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma

Chocolate Decadence

PHOTOS BY KIMBERLY D

The 25th annual Chocolate Decadence fundraiser benefiting the Automobile Alley Association was held in the Leadership Square atrium. The event featured delectable sweet and savory chocolate culinary delights created by the best restaurants in Automobile Alley. There were also auction and raffle items and live music by Take Cover. Proceeds from the event will fund the community holiday event Lights On Broadway, featuring more than 600,000 lights.

Julie and Kyle Partin

Kenny Walker, President at Walker Companies and Christopher Salyer, Chairman of Salyer Enterprises

Nathan York and Matt Kirouac

Take Cover band performing

Jeremy and Hillary Henley

Flamingo TIKI booth

Zanita Johnson and Rodrick Brown

SATURDAY, APRIL 22ND, 2023

SATURDAY, APRIL 22ND, 2023

Tour 6 of Quail Creek's Finest Homes Tour 6 of Quail Creek's Finest Homes

Cynthia Decker, owner of Volvo and Mercedes OKC and Amber Shelton, owner of ImageNet Consulting

Travis Morelock, Jason Grife, Cher Golding, Kyle Golding, Tyler Sellers, Mary

Allied With Artists

Sunny Cearley’s new leadership role in supporting the creative community

BY KRISTEN GRACE | PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

MUCH OF THE ART IN SUNNY CEARLEY’S LIGHTfilled home was created by Oklahoma artists. “So much of it has been gathered from the Festival of the Arts over the years — I think we’ve almost run out of wall space now,” she said with a smile. For her entire life, art has been close to Cearley, who’s the new president and CEO of Allied Arts Oklahoma City.

“My dad was a compulsive purchaser of fine art, but also of things he found in flea markets,” she said. “It always felt like a prize when he came home with a new piece of art. Growing up surrounded by art shaped my values.”

After completing an undergraduate business degree at Baylor University and a graduate degree at North Texas University, the Graham, Texas, native only planned to work in Oklahoma for a few years. “I thought I would move back to Dallas where all my friends from high school and college lived,”

Cearley said. “But I could tell in less than six months that there was so much opportunity for me here. If you raise your hand and say that you want to help with something, they let you. I knew I could be a part of building something in this community that I might not be able to anywhere else.”

Since moving to Oklahoma in 2006, Cearley had held three jobs including her Allied Arts position. She started as the advertising and events coordinator at The Journal Record in 2005 before becoming its director of sales and community relations, and then she joined the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber in 2015. “I spent the next eight years learning about businesses and economic development, which made it a very natural next step to move to Allied Arts, which is a program created by the Chamber,” she said.

When Allied Arts launched its first fundraising campaign in 1971 to bolster arts and culture in the city’s growing economy, it raised a bit over $300,000. “Our goal this year is to raise $3.6 million for arts in Oklahoma,” Cearley said. “It comes in a number of different ways. We run workplace campaigns, CityCard donations, and we work with foundations who support the arts. We do a lot of grant writing, and corporate donations are key.”

Cearley has served with Allied Arts for eight months; her first day on the job was during ARTini, the organization's annual

Allied Arts president Sunny Cearley's home is decorated with Oklahoma art.

cocktail fundraiser. She plans to wait on creating a new strategic plan for the program until she has been there for a year. Cearley is passionate about learning the current needs of Oklahoma’s arts community during this time. “We exist to help them. What do they need? What new needs has the pandemic era created? Do they need support with professional development? We have world-class things happening here in Oklahoma — do they need more help getting the word out? How can we bring them greater connectivity to diverse populations?”

Allied Arts officially kick-started its 2023 campaign at Historic Capitol Hill’s Yale Theater in February, by which point it had already raised $1.68 million. What pushes Cearley through the campaign is her and the city’s passion to bridge the arts and the business communities.

“What’s really special about Oklahoma is the way that the corporate community supports the nonprofit community,” she said. “I was recently on a panel for the Greater Oklahoma Chamber about performing arts, and the last question was ‘What makes you decide to stay in Oklahoma City?’ I looked across that room and I couldn’t see a single face that wouldn’t take my call. As a person who asks for help for a living, I can’t imagine a better place to be.”

Sunny Cearley has been an OKCityCard holder with Allied Arts since 2010.

The Sounds of Wellness

BY HELEN JACOB

IN 2011, CONGRESSWOMAN GABRIelle "Gabby" Giffords was shot in the head while meeting with constituents outside a supermarket in Arizona. She survived but was diagnosed with aphasia — a loss of speaking ability due to damage to the language pathways in her brain’s left hemisphere. In the several months following the incident, Giffords relearned how to talk, thanks in part to music therapy.

At a rehabilitation hospital in Houston, music therapist Maegan Morrow was able to help Giffords train her brain using melody and rhythm to create new neural connections and use another pathway to speak again.

Speech is processed in the left side of the brain, but music is processed by a much wider range of brain structures. Many people with aphasia are able to sing song lyrics while having trouble speaking the same words. Children with speech delays and patients with Alzheimer’s disease have been known to sing even if they cannot speak.

Suzanne Heppel, a licensed professional music therapist at Integris Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Hospital in Oklahoma City, works with stroke patients who have lost the ability to communicate.

“When somebody loses that ability to speak (from a stroke, for example), we're going to pull over the music components to bridge that gap so they can initiate speech, imitate sounds or formu-

late words,” Heppel said.

Heppel will often start by singing a song and having the patient complete the lyric phrase with a word or an approximation of a word on cue. Single words lead to bigger words, and then to imitating phrases. “The more you can work on imitating and initiation (saying words on cue), then you'll start to see more spontaneous language pop up that's not cued,” she said.

This feat is only a sliver of what music therapy can do. It can work alongside physical therapy to help someone walk again; rhythmic cues can help improve a patient’s gait pattern so they can walk with more symmetry, better balance and better weight shift. It can also foster good habits of deep breathing to reduce anxiety.

According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy “is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions” that “can address a variety of health care and educational goals,” including managing stress, alleviating pain, enhancing memory, improving communication, promoting physical rehabilitation and more. Therapists use tools such as music improvisation, songwriting, lyric discussion, music and imagery and music performance to reach these goals.

The first academic program in Oklahoma City for music therapy came in the early ’80s. In

2016, House Bill 2820 was passed, which requires music therapists in Oklahoma to be licensed and regulated through the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. Now, there are more than 40 therapists licensed in the state. Music therapy can address mental health needs, developmental disabilities, aging-related conditions, substance use, physical disabilities and chronic pain, among other issues.

At the same time, music therapy is not just playing music to make somebody feel better. “I'm using the music as a tool to engage a physical response from that person,” Heppel said. “You can measure it; you can quantify it … I've been able to prove to (coworkers) that there's good benefits in it, and they love co-treating with me because they see how much it can bring to the table.”

Children, adolescents and adults of all ages can benefit from music therapy practices — and you don’t need a background in music or a decent singing voice to benefit from it.

“Everybody utilizes music in a therapeutic way, in some way, shape or form throughout their life,” Heppel said. “I think it's something that we take for granted, that we can have as a way of being creative and being expressive.”

When words fail, music therapy can help heal

THE NEXT GENERATION OF

We are a bundle of cells. 20 trillion different ones come together almost like puzzle pieces to make a adult human being. These cells form organs that create systems which integrate together to become the whole body. Medical science is moving rapidly towards cellular therapy or in other words treating the cell to improve organ or system function. Why not go to the root of damage in the body? It is all occurring at microscopic level, cellular down to molecular. At Optimal Health Associates it is our focus to get beyond reacting to symptoms and focus on the root cause of patient medical challenges. An evolution in approach is necessary as cell therapies have come to the fore. Whether altering oxidative damage, revitalizing blood vessels, restoring neurotransmitter production or new avenues to potentially slow aging a whole variety of options are now available to improve how people feel and perform. These revolutionary interventions range from Human Cellular Tissue Product (Umbilical Cord Tissue) derived Nano-particles, normal and high dose Ozone Therapy, Ultrasound Therapy for ED, to add back Natural Peptides, Procaine, NAD+ Administration, Mitochondrial Nutrition plus so much more. Call to begin your individualized cellular treatments and experience feeling you at your best.

The Highest Weight Loss with a balloon, No Surgery Required

Journey Clinic is proud to be one of the only weight loss clinics in the region offering patients the Spatz3 adjustable gastric balloon.

• FDA clinical trials show that the Spatz3 patients lost five times as much weight as those dieting alone.

• The Spatz3 balloon is inserted and removed during a 15-minute, non-invasive outpatient procedure with no incisions or hospitalization. It is a walk-in, walk-out weight loss procedure.

If you are ready to make a change towards a healthier you, visit JourneyClinic.com or call 405.515.2049 to request an appointment today!

Matthew D. McReynolds D.D.S

Lana Nelson, DO

Azure Adkins, MD

HOME

Cozy

Condo Living

The Austins pared down and packed up to a more modern, relaxing abode. p. 30

VENUE: TOWER THEATER

BALLOONS: BALLOON THERAPY OKC (@BALLOONTHERAPYOKC)

PHOTOS: BALLOON THERAPY OKC

Balloons on Beat

Blown-up beauties celebrate this local historic stage

BY BALLOON THERAPY OKC

WORKING WITH TOWER THEATRE was special to us because it's a historical element to OKC and overall a beautiful building. Tower was hosting a concert, and the staff gave us complete creative freedom to make this installation a showstopper. The Tower's neon glow was our muse for the color scheme — of course, you have to incorporate music accessories for the legendary concert hall. Once we nailed down the design, we fabricated more than 100 feet of garland and 40-plus mylar balloons. We had an idea of how the installation would play out, but the fun part about balloons is that the design process is flexible! We can arrange garlands to fit every event space uniquely. This install was one of the first we did in OKC upon opening last spring.

Simply Perfect

Paul and Jane Austin reduce space and update their lifestyle

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER

PHOTOS BY SARAH STRUNK

WHEN YOU SPEND MORE THAN TWO DECADES IN A 6,000-SQUAREfoot home, it’s easy to accumulate … and accumulate. Just ask Paul and Jane Austin, who spent many years curating a selection of decor, furniture and goods for their traditional Nichols Hills home. When the couple recently decided to move to a 3,000-square-foot Grandmark condo, they knew downsizing wouldn’t be a small feat.

“People asked me, ‘How are you able to decide what to bring?’” Jane Austin recalled. “Well, I didn't bring anything. I just said, ‘This is a completely different redo. I'm starting over.’”

After encouraging children and grandchildren to take items off their hands, the Austins called on their longtime interior designer and friend Keven Calonkey Carl for the “redo.” Not only did they trust her professionally, they also knew the process would be easier with someone who has known them personally for 48 years. The relationship began when Jane Austin purchased a trundle bed at Mister Robert Furniture in Norman, where Carl was working at the time (and of which Carl serves as president today). Carl was just out of college and eager to take on new clients. Jane Austin soon discovered they worked well together, with communication being key. She said she appreciates how Carl always takes her calls and listens to her ideas.

Hand-knotted rugs and original art throughout the Austins' condo complement each other and define one area from another.

TOP LEFT: Illuminated, floor-to-ceiling etageres add drama as they display the Austins' collection of treasured keepsakes.

TOP RIGHT: Open-concept dining and living areas easily accommodate large family gatherings.

ABOVE: Fifty frosted crystal petals delicately adorn the antique brass chandelier, making it the focal point of the kitchen.

“Listening is something that I've tried to do with all my clients,” Carl explained. “I need to find out what they want to get my direction of which way to go — because I won't be living here, and I want each home to be different. I don't duplicate the same [designs], and so listening is a big part of it.”

Throughout the years, Carl has assisted the Austins with many design projects, including their previous home of 22 years. That home was fashioned in an elegant French country style, which complements the house’s architecture with lots of tassels and fringe details. Grandmark has a modern edge, so Carl steered the Austins toward new and fresh interiors to match.

“We are traditional people, and we went from a very traditional house to a more — I hate to say ‘contemporary,’ but certainly a much more modern [home] than we had,” Paul Austin said, admitting he was initially suspicious of such a change. “[Now] I do like it. It has a completely different feel.”

The condo features large windows in the kitchen, dining and living areas, so furniture was arranged to maximize the natural light, with taller pieces placed on interior walls. The Austins

Vibrant yellow Thibaut drapes in the guest suite were customized to match the adjoining bathroom (right).

This Hickory pink chaise in the primary bedroom provides the perfect place to read and relax.

added a balcony to the layout, and they love having a personal outdoor space. Soft colors make the rooms feel inviting, while the Austins’ art collection adds color and character to the home.

“We have a neutral palette for the background, and the floors are not too dark,” Carl said, “and then to have original, colorful abstract artwork — to me, that helps bring the area to life.”

In addition to the light and airy interiors, the Austins say they are also enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle.

“I've had people ask me, ‘How do you like living in a condominium?’ and I said, ‘Honestly, both Jane and I love it,’” Paul Austin said. “I would say to folks who are in their later years, it's something to certainly consider — not only in terms of downsizing, but the elimination of having to take care of pools, yards, lights on the outside of the house, etc. It's really simplified our lives.”

The original Mister Robert Furniture trundle bed lives on, serving another Austin family home. Almost everything within the Grandmark condo is brand new, yet it already feels like a well-established home.

“It's so simple and bright and cheery,” Jane Austin said. “We love it.”

"Rue De Seine" wallpaper by Thibuat makes guest accommodations extra cheery, just as the Austins desired.

Imported from Italy, the dining table features a spectacular and durable porcelain tabletop, providing effortless entertaining.

A bold wallpaper and whimsical oil painting liven up the laundry room.

By Evan Musil & Julie Partin

THE MUSIC SCENE IN OKLAHOMA CITY is galvanizing, interconnected and buzzing with life. After the pandemic dealt heavy blows, local musicians sprang back with arresting new releases and absorbing live performances. Beer City Music Hall opened its doors, and Norman Music Festival made a rejuvenating return. Both lauded indie acts and international stars are making stops in the 405. Music is in the air, and it’s never sounded better.

To capture this exciting era, 405 Magazine spoke to six emerging acts across several genres to hear their artistic journeys and how the city fueled them. We’ve also asked four established local legends to share their favorites in the metro.

really

cal legends to share their favorites in the metro.

FOR JASON SCOTT & THE HIGH HEAT, live music is unifying, electrifying and transcendent — a chance for people to get together, forget their troubles and let loose.

Performing at weddings and playing bar gigs is how many of the band members make a living. The pandemic’s arrival in March 2020 halted those jobs, not to mention the planned release of their adventurous, motley debut album, Castle Rock. Instead of sending the album into the unknown, the band held onto it. “It would have just disappeared,” said guitarist and lead singer Scott.

The band launched a Kickstarter campaign to finance road expenses and a promotional team, and they returned to the stage in April 2021. By the time they released Castle Rock in March 2022, Jason Scott & The High Heat developed a sharp, unrestrained and refreshing brand of Oklahoman country rock.

Like an offroad vehicle, Castle Rock bumps and jolts into different styles that make the journey thrilling, but it never gets lost. The opening jaunty blues rhythm of “In the Offing” speeds up and rattles into a loud, riveting dive bar showstopper. Beyond genre, the album deftly switches up tone and emotions. “Quittin' Time” decries the draining feeling of relentless labor with sly humor amid clanging hammers. The heart of the record lies in songs like “Cleveland County Line,” in which Scott longs for his true home in the namesake Oklahoma county.

Scott wrote much of Castle Rock’s songs as full-band detours from the acoustic country of his EP Living Rooms, and as he accumulated band members, the sound got amplified. “I think the eclectic musical tastes of the six of us rub off a little bit, where it’s never going to be just one (sound),” said bassist Ryan Magnani.

Guitarist, keyboardist and producer Taylor Johnson brought in new twists and tricks, such as the plate-smashing in “Quittin’ Time.” “He has a good way of putting something quirky, different and untraditional to each production on each song,” Magnani said. Johnson would introduce classic bands to Scott as a reference point, as Scott’s upbringing had restricted what he could listen to as a kid.

Scott grew up Pentecostal, singing at a young age in church. His parents divorced when he was 12 years old, and he moved to Castle Rock, Colorado, which he called “eye-opening.” When he moved back to Oklahoma, he became a pastor and met his wife. But after four years in the role and a “crisis of faith,” he decided to leave the church.

“A lot of my feel, and if I can say soul without sounding too cheesy, came from church — that exposure — and the rock-’n’-roll side,” Scott said. He

noted the similar spirit that both worship and live music conjure. “When people are united, in secular, Christian or whatever religious thing they’re doing, there’s a power to that. When you have that connection with the crowd, it’s very palpable.”

Invoking an lively, communal response from a crowd has been the goal for the band’s newest songs. September’s “If We Make It ’Til the Mornin’” is a raucous, riffheavy rager with anthemic lyrics about partying hard and leaving a mark. “We’ve got a pretty energetic live thing anyway, and these newer (songs) are definitely catering to that,” Scott said.

With fresh songs in the works, the band is more focused, tightening its show setlist to maximize momentum. Magnani stressed that the audience won’t feel engaged if the band looks “lifeless,” so they try to exude excitement. Some of it is the band jumping around, but it’s also Scott’s commanding stage presence.

“He’s definitely got an authority in his voice that’s kind of like a preacher on the mic,” keyboardist Garrison Brown said of Scott. “When it’s time to say something, you hear the voice. It’s there.” And the voice, and the rip-roaring band behind it, aren’t leaving the stage.

Sandi Patty

What local artists are on your playlist?

I love Justin Echols. He’s a former police officer who’s a fabulous local (and growing) singer and pianist.

What are your favorite local venues to play at or attend concerts?

i love when he plays at hefner grill.

From left: Ryan Magnani, Garrison Brown, Alberto Roubert, Jason Scott, Taylor Johnson, Gabriel Mor

MOST AWARDED FEMALE VOCALIST IN CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC HISTORY (5 GRAMMYS, 40 DOVE AWARDS)

IF JOSH FUDGE’S CLIMB TO BEDROOM POP stardom were a direct-to-video movie, someone must’ve pressed the fast-forward button.

After a pandemic-altered high school graduation, Fudge took a gap year to work full-time at a computer warehouse while chiseling away at his 2021 debut album, Fun Times. The slick, groovy and nostalgia-hued project resonated with a young generation that felt reflected in its intimate, sentimental look back at a world disrupted and lost.

“I put myself in that record in a pretty vulnerable way,” Fudge said. “That record is like the end of my childhood in the time of the pandemic.” Fun Times garnered millions of views on YouTube, which made Fudge pause to think over his path forward.

Fudge intended to attend the songwriting program at Belmont University in fall 2021, but increased attention from record labels made him reconsider.

An inquiring manager spoke candidly. “You’d be an idiot if you went to Belmont right now,” Fudge recalled the industry representative saying. “You’re going to take 16 hours of distraction every semester, and you’re going for something you already have. You just need to work.” With that advice and a gut feeling, Fudge signed a record deal and decided to pursue his music full time.

One colorful, whirlwind year later, he embarked on a nationwide tour, opening for pop rock bastions Bastille and The Head and the Heart, and released his sec-

ond album, Technicolor, which he called his “magnum opus.”

“I kind of lost my mind creating Technicolor,” Fudge said. “I put in an unbelievable amount of time into designing that record from a sonic standpoint.” Using his advance, he doubled down on his bedroom pop label by investing in a heap of new gear to build a home studio.

Fudge and his longtime friend, producer and keyboardist Logan Bruhn, tinkered with tantalizing new sounds, channeling emotions into euphoric synths, unabashed beats and dazzling vocal effects. “Fun Times feels like an old photograph, and Technicolor feels more like an HD poster,” he said.

The album strides into retro-futurism sonically and thematically; while electro-pop stunners like “Technicolor” and “What If We Fall In Love?” ecstatically embrace the possibilities of the present, other songs tread solemnly on past regrets. The juxtaposition is clear on “’98 Nissan,” where sputtering digital hi-hats and calm, cycling guitar meet Fudge ruminating on a lingering failed relationship. “Will I always feel this way?/Wonder if I'll see the day that we just go back,” he sings.

As Fudge recorded Technicolor, his family moved to Germany while he stayed behind in Oklahoma City. He reassessed personal relationships and his own identity as an artist.

“I was just going through so much change,” he said. “I was experiencing a dawn of a new day.”

Part of this dawn was bringing his homemade music to the stage for the first time, although Fudge didn’t find it a tough transition.

“I’ve been street performing in the Plaza District since I was 8,” he said. “It wasn’t alien to me.” All the members of his live band, including Bruhn and childhood campmate and guitarist Tyler Sexton, have played with Fudge for years.

When Fudge had the chance to perform at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, he was buzzing. “I know how to sling down on some instruments, and I just get to go out and have fun,” he said. But the show was also an emotional culmination of his artistic growth.

In addition to signing his name among those of musical legends on the walls of the amphitheater’s tunnel, he got to perform his first concert for his parents, who flew from Germany to attend. “I had a moment of, ‘Everyone I love is here,’” he said. “My whole management team was there, my bandmates were people I’ve known (for years) … it felt like it was written in the stars a little bit.” Or written for a music biopic — except instead of nearing the end, Fudge has only just pressed play.

BROADWAY SINGER ERYN LECROY knew she wanted to be a performer when she saw Beauty and the Beast from the nosebleeds at the Texas State Fair as a young kid. “I kept the binoculars the whole time,” she said. “I wouldn’t share them with anyone in my family because I was fascinated and mesmerized by what was happening on stage.”

Her family moved to New Jersey, where she took private vocal lessons during middle and high school and participated in operas and community theater. It was her desire to practice both arts that led her back to the South Central states.

When LeCroy asked a vocal teacher about where she could participate in operas, musicals and plays, the teacher recommended her alma mater: Oklahoma City University. There, LeCroy found many friendships, esteemed teachers and countless opportunities to perform what she loves — she found a second home in Oklahoma City.

“I could just tell the community at the university and the community in OKC were strong, growing and thriving,” she said. “I was interested in being part of that.” LeCroy even sang the national anthem at three Thunder games.

Jabee

HIP-HOP

What local artists are on your playlist?

Sarafina Byrd, LTZ, Wavy Baby, Thomas

Who?, Chris Savage, Ronnie Harris, Neeq

What are your favorite local venues to play at or attend concerts?

Beer City, Tower Theatre, Blue Note

Still, her dream beckoned her to New York. Following graduation, LeCroy joined a national tour of Jekyll & Hyde and realized her future was in musical theater. “After the first week of rehearsal, we had a day off, and I wasn’t ready for a day off because I was enjoying my time in the rehearsal rooms so much,” she said. She moved to the Big Apple with Broadway dreams, which she eventually attained.

In 2018, LeCroy landed a replacement role as Christine in The Phantom of the Opera — after a three-year audition process.“That was a dream of mine for a long time,” she said. She flourished in that dream until March 2020, when the pandemic abruptly ended it. “It was right before I went on to sing “Think of Me,” she recalled. “There was a stagehand standing next to me, and he said he got a notification on his phone. He said, ‘Eryn, Broadway’s shutting down today at 5 p.m.’”

Suddenly, LeCroy found herself with few avenues to share her passion. “This industry can be so hard, so challenging — I mean, you’re not guaranteed anything,” she said. “Faith has given me hope, in the midst of so much uncertainty, because I really be-

lieve God has called me to this … and I trust that he’s going to open the right doors for me when they’re supposed to be opened.”

After spending time with her family, LeCroy came back to Oklahoma City and sang in the choir at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, eventually deciding to stage a concert there. Four of her friends from New York traveled to perform three sold-out shows of Broadway tunes at the church, closing each concert with “Oklahoma!” from the musical of the same name. The troupe raised $36,000 for the church’s soup kitchen and El Sistema Oklahoma, an after-school music program.

Since then, LeCroy returned to the Broadway stage as Martha Jefferson in the 1776 revival, which closed in January. But she’s still drawn to Oklahoma — she continues holding concerts at St. Luke’s; she mentors a student from OCU each year and occasionally speaks at the school; and she sang “God Bless America” for the OKC Philharmonic’s Fourth of July concert with her powerful, operatic voice.

“Something that really excites me about Oklahoma City is all of the growth in the city,” LeCroy said. “I’m seeing growth in the arts; I’m seeing growth in the food scene — just all over the place.” As OKC blooms into a vibrant arts hub, LeCroy’s theatrical success represents the city’s expanding cultural footprint. Besides wanting to give back for what the city offered her, she just wants to continue being a part of the community.

“It feels like a second family to me,” LeCroy said. “Whenever I go back to Oklahoma City, I feel like I’m going home.”

ARTIST, COMMUNITY ACTIVIST AND EMMY WINNER

WHEN TWO GALAXIES COLLIDE in space, it’s less planetary destruction and more the seamless merging of two astronomical forces — like two flocks of birds becoming one. The rappers who make up Finite Galaxy, Sun Deep and Flo St8, were at different points in their musical journeys when they met. But their similar wavelengths have produced hefty, poetic bilingual rap blended with expansive sample-based beats that display a relentless quest for refinement and enlightenment.

Sun Deep didn’t even listen to hip-hop until 2018. Born in India and living in Oklahoma City since 2013, he was more interested in prog rock until his then-girlfriend, now-wife, took him to see The Roots. He was hooked. His first attempts at crafting beats were less than stellar, but he kept producing and sending instrumentals to rappers and other producers.

In late 2020, Flo St8 met Sun Deep during a weekly studio session with Oklahoman rapper Thomas Who?, where they realized they shared tastes in beats and aspirations in music. Flo St8 had been rapping for close to a decade; he sharpened his skills as part of a rap collective, where they all lived and recorded together. “It’s a really powerful thing when you’re around a lot of rappers because you pick up different things from different rappers that actually help you become better,” Flo St8 said.

He had just returned from a musical hiatus when Sun Deep pulled him back in. They both desired to dig into deeper ideas with their music, and the universe resonated with them both in terms of scope and significance.

For Flo St8, it represents the grand, uncontrollable and sometimes dangerous beauty that life is. Sun Deep partly attributes his love of space to his day job as a physicist, but he also finds connection in its utter vastness. “It can be very daunting to look at the universe and how big it is, and we’re just wanting to shrink it,” he said. “What’s truly your universe is the people around you.”

This idea inspired their name Finite Galaxy, which came from the title of the first track they created. It was one of Sun Deep’s first times rapping on a song; he decided to rap in Hindi as it felt more natural and spoke to his experience as a third culture kid having lived in both India and the United States.

He hopes his reflections on his past personal struggles help listeners with their own. “I want to shine a light on that dark place in my life and show people, ‘Hey, you’re not alone,’” he said.

Finite Galaxy deals in many shades of hip-hop to achieve the same emotional weight as its lyrics. Hard-hitting songs like “Awake” growl confidence with booming 808 bass and snapping drums. The group’s latest single, “You Are the One,” fuses a lulling plucked bassline and reverbed sitar into a lo-fi slow jam celebrating the celestial power of love.

As the two play more shows, they’ve found other ways to switch up their sound, like rapping with only a keyboard as accompaniment for a Sofar Sounds show in March. An NPR Tiny Desk submission had them bring out an eight-piece band, including strings, drums, French horn and harp. Finite Galaxy plans to add an Indian percussionist to the ensemble for its headlining set at Norman Music Festival.

“It makes you kind of humble that someone who raps in Hindi is given so much love in a place like Oklahoma,” Sun Deep said. “Even though nobody understands what I’m talking about most of the time, except when they check out my lyrics, they just knew the energy was good and we’re talking about some real stuff.”

As Finite Galaxy experiments with its sonic palette — their next songs will give the group’s own spin on lo-fi trap — their altruistic aims, and their philosophical way of attaining them, will keep their star system spinning.

Kyle Dillingham

What local artists are on your playlist?

Peter Markes is my favorite local artist and songwriter. Also been listening to Jeremy Rowe. Also have some Marcy Priest!

What are your favorite local venues to play at or attend concerts?

I’m really impressed by The Yale Theater. Also, another fabulous venue sometimes overlooked that I’ve had a chance to both perform in and attend concerts in is the OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater.

Flo St8 and Sun Deep

PHOTO BY CALEB HAWKINS

WORLD-RENOWNED FIDDLE SENSATION AND OKLAHOMA MUSICAL AMBASSADOR

NIA MONÉ ALWAYS FELT ALIGNED with Saturn, even before she knew it was her sign’s ruling planet. Beyond loving the celestial body’s beauty, she said she sometimes relates to its coldness, which is tied to Saturn’s goal-oriented, ambitious nature. Moné has ambitions, but instead of being distant, the singer radiates a positive energy that invites collaborators, friends, veterans and newcomers within Oklahoma City’s music scene.

Her 2022 debut EP, Dysphoria, dawned from a point in Moné’s life when she didn’t have solid support. “I was in a kind of toxic relationship at the time, unfortunately, and they didn’t want me doing music,” she said. Although she would occasionally post covers on Soundcloud, Moné put music on the back burner.

A serious car accident involving her and her partner — both were unharmed — provided clarity and an impetus for Moné to pursue her passion. “That was the universe telling me, ‘The path you’re on is not right,’” she said. She left the relationship and started writing songs about heartbreak and the forming and dissolving of connections, which became the basis of Dysphoria

The EP pulls together musing R&B, assured rap cadences and cosmic textures into a smooth, swirling galaxy of sound. The spellbinding “Saturn” depicts Moné falling out with her partner, her silky voice coupled to an intoxicating groove, sparkling electric piano and a riveting guest verse from Original Flow. “Late At Night” woozily swims through a nocturnal fog of doubt and allure, with Spunk Adam’s weaving saxophone echoing Moné’s floating, confessional vocals.

“I feel like there’s always a beautiful way to put something, even when you’re saying bad news,” she said. “I don’t ever want to talk about something I don’t actually feel. Keeping that genuineness and vulnerability in music is what draws people to it.”

Moné also keeps that authenticity by creating her own otherworldly visuals. She directed the hypnotic, moody music video for “Late At Night,” and she’s staged her own idea of a Saturnian landscape for her live shows, including giant pink roses she built from sturdy construction paper to honor her grandmother.

Although she’s self-reliant, Moné hasn’t been alone in her artistic journey. She went to every show she could when she started making music. “I’d get there early, while the artists are setting up, and ask them if they need any help,” she said. “It was a chance for me to get the artist’s insight and make my face known in a place I’m not familiar (with).”

Moné met many Oklahoma City music stalwarts this way, such as DezzGotSteeze, Stefani Heller and Original Flow, who booked Moné for her first show. She worked on the staff at Tow-

er Theatre, who then surprised her with the chance to be the first performer at Beer City Music Hall’s opening show. “That was probably the coolest thing I’ve ever gotten to do,” Moné said.

Moné appreciates the space the OKC music scene gave her, and she returns the favor to other emerging artists by organizing Nights of NeoSoul, a monthly showcase at Ponyboy. The concerts give newcomers a stage to perform, and Moné teaches them what to expect professionally when booking and playing a gig, such as accommodations and signing paperwork.

“It just seemed right to share what I’ve been able to experience with other people that I think are just as talented as I am, but they just didn’t have the connection to get there,” she said.

Considering the support she’s given and received, Moné has gravitated toward positivity, which has coincided with her writing upbeat dance music. “I was sick of being sad, yo!” she said. “I’m not hurt anymore; it’s time for us to get up and be happy and move around.” Moné’s set to headline this year’s Norman Music Festival, and she plans to hire dancers and turn the show into a party. With this new energy, expect more people to be pulled into Moné’s orbit.

Josh Sallee

What local artists are on your playlist?

Chelsea Days, Hugh Glass, Casper Sage

What are your favorite local venues to play at or attend concerts?

I love Beer City and Tower Theater. Speakeasy is one of the best places to catch a local show.

EMCEE, PRODUCER AND FOUNDER OF RECORD LABEL 88REC

STEPMOM INHABITS A HYPNAGOGIC and warily delusive world — a mirage of a childhood bedroom. Fuzzy TVs and string lights glimmer next to floral tablecloths and doll heads. The walls, lamps, nightstand, guitar, drums and the band members’ jumpsuits are shades of pink. For all the visual consistency of the band, Stepmom’s sound is invariably varied, splintering into sonic realms on each song with their own emotional centers.

For example, “Scary Stuff,” the opener to the band’s self-titled 2020 album, rumbles with uptempo fuzzy guitar and bouncy synth, then scatters into a slow-moving sea of bubbles backdropped with harp. Lead singer Lindsey Cox’s assured voice turns from mostly monotone to soaring, rendering the joys and troubles that come with finding love.

“I just love playing with contrasts in general,” Cox said. “I love when a song has a really, really intimate quiet part and then it just slams you in the face with a wall of fuzz. I like keeping people on their toes.”

Cox is the mind behind Stepmom; she’s the band’s lead singer, lead guitarist, main songwriter and manager. When her band The So Help Me’s broke up, Cox wanted to head her own project. “I was very dead-set on finding female performers and just having that representation in the music scene,” she said. Cox met keyboardist and violinist Danielle Szabo while performing together for a Factory Obscura immersive play. From there, the band gradually coalesced into its current lineup by adding bassist and cellist Cheyenne McCoy, then drummer Amie Cotter two years later.

recreating my preteen bedroom where a lot of the trauma in my childhood took place, and so I’m trying to recall that memory.”

Much of Stepmom’s songs contend with social issues, such as the harmful beauty standards imposed on women at a young age. The poisonous effects of patriarchy permeate the band’s lyrical imagery via spiders, vampires and carbon monoxide, but the pain is made more concrete through personal stories of frustration and resistance.

“Anytime you’re talking about something you’re going through individually, it ends up being something universal — because someone out there is also experiencing the same thing,” Cox said.

Stepmom’s latest single, “Nikki,” narrates a dystopian future marred by pervasive social media and an inescapable digital domain. The song explodes into a frantic, garage-rock fervor, traced with distorted vocal harmonies and brash drums that rebound and crash again.

“Weird pedal effects are always something I’m striving for,” Cox said. “Just trying to be different and always pushing myself to come up with a new sound.”

Keyboardist and violinist Szabo recently left the band to focus on other life goals, and Cox is taking the lineup change to switch up Stepmom’s sound to heavier garage rock. She’s also considering handing off a few managerial duties to a local company so she can focus on the creative side.

“Everything is against you to be creative,” Cox said. “It’s just a constant fight to reclaim my creative energy.” But she channels that feeling into a vibrant, mythical room with an open door.

What are your favorite local venues to play at or attend

The ability of Cox’s bandmates to play string instruments pushed Stepmom’s initial sound orchestral. Three-part harmonies also added an ethereal edge to the static-y soundscape, which is then reinforced by their surreal bedroom stage props.

what local artists are on your playlist?

“I almost feel like I started Stepmom to put out this visual world that has been in my brain,” Cox said. The haziness present in the band’s aesthetics and music stems from Cox’s perception of memories being imperfect and unstable. “In a way, that’s

like

From top left, clockwise: Danielle Szabo, Cheyenne McCoy, Amie Cotter, Lindsey Cox

The Cadence of Collaboration

OKCPHIL's first-ever album release

BY JULIE PARTIN

LIKE SO MANY BELOVED STAPLES IN THE 405, THE OKC PHILharmonic is experiencing a creative renaissance. Even though it was founded in 19 and has been producing classical music since that time, this month the OKCPHIL will release its fi rst-ever CD: Of Thee I Sing.

The album was released under Naxos, the premier record label for recorded classical music. This is the Naxos label’s fi fth in its ongoing series devoted to the music of Baltimore-based composer Jonathan Leshnoff, who collaborated with the OKC Philharmonic and its music director Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate. According to Mickelthwate, “the works by Leshnoff selected for this recording reflect our communal need for musical expressions of remembrance, memorialization and hopefulness. ‘Of Thee I Sing’ marks the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.”

The album’s release was delayed because of the pandemic, but it was fi nally recorded in 2022 and is being promoted by notable Oklahomans such as Governor Frank Keating and Kari Watkins, president and CEO of the OKC National Memorial and Museum.

Building upon the recent additions of new Executive Director Brent Hart and Marketing Director Mark Beutler, and the board and Maestro’s eagerness to reach an expanded audience, the OKCPHIL is riding a fresh wave of energy. The philharmonic has recently collaborated with percussionist Evelyn Glennie, notable rapper Jabee and Broadway legend Kristin Chenoweth.

Their combined efforts have helped tie together the deep traditions of classical music and historical happenings with the modern revitalization of the music scene and culture in Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma City Philharmonic

Alexander Mickelthwate and Noah Bendix-Balgley

Museum & Gallery Guide

FOR YEARS, THE METRO ART SCENE HAS BEEN A RISING STAR IN THE OKLAHOMA CITY LAND�

SCAPE, AND IT JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER. ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES, GET A PEEK AT THE CITY’S TOP

50 Penn Place Gallery, 1900 NW Expressway, OKC

Located in the mall of the same name, the 50 Penn Place Gallery is owned by 12 professional artists whose works are also on display in the gallery, including pieces by Bert Seabourn, Connie Seabourn, Tim Sullivan and others. In addition to the work of the owner-artists, the gallery features pieces from guest artists, and at regularly scheduled art openings, the creators are present to present and talk about their work.

ARTSPACE at Untitled, 1 NE 3rd St., OKC

Laura Warriner took a chance on the old warehouse district downtown before most people were even aware of its potential. Located in Deep Deuce, the focus at ARTSPACE is contemporary art, but the purpose is to create a community space with quality exhibitions, educational programs, performances, publications and dialogues with the community.

DNA Galleries, 1709 NW 16th St., OKC

It’s celebrating 15 years in the Plaza District this year, and in that time the artists behind the space have featured new, established and emerging artists, welcomed the community to openings, exhibits and conversations and provided a space for local artists to display and sell their work. Some of OKC’s most popular local artists have started at DNA.

Exhibit C Gallery, 1 E Sheridan Ave., OKC

This Chickasaw-owned space in Bricktown is both gallery and retail space for First American artwork and artisan works such as jewelry, pottery and clothing, all made by Native American artists. It also offers a brokerage service to assist in locating traditional Native American art among its wide range of creators.

Factory Obscura Mix-Tape, 25 NW 9th St., OKC

The immersive art experience in the popular NW 9th Street area just off Automobile Alley was built and is operated by local artists, for an experience modeled on New Mexico’s Meow Wolf. Its new project, Synesthesia, will be at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art in Norman through June 4.

First Americans Museum, 659 First Americans Blvd., OKC

This decades-in-the-making project collects myths, artifacts, personal reflections, art and tributes to the 39 Native American Nations who are part of the museum’s grand narrative. Exhibit halls for all ages are on the grounds, as well as outdoor features, an excellent restaurant and guided tours.

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., Norman

Located on the campus of the University of Oklahoma, this is one of the finest university art museums in the country. The permanent collection of more than 20,000 objects features Native American art (4,500 objects), French impressionism and art of the American Southwest.

Howell Gallery of Fine Art, 6432 N. Western Ave., OKC

Near Nichols Hills on N. Western Avenue, it has been featuring local, regional and nationally recognized artists since 1991. The gallery houses a broad cross-section of media, including painting, sculpture, glass, ceramics, etc.

JRB at The Elms, 28100 N. Walker Ave., OKC

The artistic hub of the Paseo Arts District is the creation of Joy Reed Belt, whose lifelong dedication to the Paseo has kept it one of the city’s most beloved hyper-local districts. The roster of artists includes established and emerging professionals, and the gallery always participates in First Friday Art Walk.

Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, 1900 W. MacArthur St., Shawnee

After St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee shuttered in 2017, Oklahoma Baptist University acquired the property and chose to keep the Mabee-Gerrer Museum open. Founded just over 100 years ago, the museum’s collections including artifacts from Egypt, Ancient Greece, Rome, East Asia, Oceania and Africa, as well visual arts from the Renaissance through the early 20th century.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Dr., OKC

Located in the heart of City Center, the OKCMOA is known primarily for its Dale Chihuly collection, including a stunning 55-foot sculpture that welcomes museum guests. In addition to Chihuly, the permanent collection includes works from the Colonial period to contemporary artists like Kehinde Wiley.

Oklahoma Hall of Fame/Gaylord-Pickens Museum, 1400 Classen Dr., OKC

The Gaylord-Pickens Museum is one program within the lovely, stately facility on NW 13th and Shartel. In keeping with the vision of the Hall of Fame, the museum introduces visitors to famous Oklahomans from politics to pop culture via interactive exhibits. The museum is designed to be educational and entertaining for all ages.

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, 620 N. Harvey Ave., OKC

Documenting the events and commemorating the victims, first responders, families and all those affected by the horrific Murrah Building Bombing of April 19, 1995, is the mission of this stunning museum and memorial. The interactive museum is a walkthrough of the details surrounding the heinous act, the heroic efforts to rescue survivors and the story of the city’s drive to rebuild in the wake of disaster.

Oklahoma Contemporary, 11 NW 11th St., OKC

Its new $30 million home on the north end of Automobile Alley is itself a work of art, catching the morning and evening sun on its metal exterior. Contemporary art is displayed inside and out, and the space is designed to be an interactive, educational community. Café Contemporary inside the center is a popular downtown eatery, with vegan, vegetarian and omnivore options.

Oklahoma History Museum, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., OKC

The official caretakers of Oklahoma’s past, including artifacts, interactive components, testimonies, narratives, arts, etc., the museum tells the story of Oklahoma and Oklahomans in a collection of galleries and exhibits. Areas covered include topics as diverse as Oklahomans in space, the African American experience, free enterprise in the state and the stories of our Indigenous peoples.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., OKC

The museum is often referred to as “The Cowboy Hall of Fame” among locals, and while it is a hall of fame for professional cowboys, it’s also home to stunning artwork by Frederic Remington and Charles Russell, as well as important collections of Native American art and artifacts. One current exhibit — Playing Cowboy — focuses on books, games, toys, television and movies that targeted kids with the allure of the Old West.

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman

Located on the campus of the University of Oklahoma, the Sam Noble has been entertaining and informing visitors since before statehood. The museum is divided into categories — dinosaurs are in the Hall of Ancient Life — to make planning easier. Permanent and traveling exhibits include collections related to arts, culture, indigenous peoples, energy and natural wonders.

Science Museum Oklahoma, 2020 Remington Pl., OKC

This 400,000-square-foot, interactive science museum is one of the largest of its kind, and it’s been a favorite field trip destination for generations of Oklahomans. The Science Floor is where most of the fun occurs, with its hundreds of interactive, educational displays, but there is more exploring to be done in additional galleries and the Kirkpatrick Planetarium.

Search Our

Heart

To understand the essence of our community, start at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. It tells of the attack on April 19, 1995, that killed 168 people and injured hundreds more. It also tells of what came next: a response so overwhelming in its generosity it was soon called the Oklahoma Standard.

Today, we’re a community grounded in hope and healing, strength and resiliency. We come together on this Sacred Ground to find Common Ground. And we open our arms to embrace and inspire other people and other communities.

And Find Our

William H. Johnson, Three Great Abolitionists: A. Lincoln, F. Douglass, J. Brown, ca. 1945, oil on paperboard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1983.95.51

Photo:

Market Forces

How a desolate space became the delicious 30th St. Market

BY GREG HORTON PHOTOS BY LEXI HOEBING

WHEN ANDREA KOESTER WALKED INTO what is now 30th St. Market, she had to use a lot of imagination. The building at 407 NW 30th St. in OKC, originally a warehouse of some kind, had been sitting vacant — with the exception of a rustic art studio — for decades, and the dilapidation was advanced.

“It was a blank space,” Koester said. “There was no heat or air conditioning and no running water, but (my husband) Josh wanted it because he loved the potential patio.”

The couple spent months planning during the COVID shutdown, and they talked through their concerns about operating a market.

“I’ve seen really good markets fail, so it’s not a sure thing,” Koester said. “We agreed that to have any chance of success, it needed a restaurant component.”

So on April 1, 2022, Koester and partners opened the market with a food counter, coffee service, wines by the glass, groceries from Oklahoma producers, an excellent wine list from local distributors and the patio that Koester’s husband Josh Gautreaux wanted, tucked into the space out front (south side of the building) to take advantage of the shelter from north and west winds.

“We knew all the pieces we wanted to have, and so what you see is pretty much what was in my head when we talked through the plan and walked the space,” Koester said. “The only real change is that we had to expand the retail wine selection because it sold much faster than I anticipated.”

Koester has a solid history in hospitality, including a stint as the catering manager for Big Truck Tacos. She also owns Holey Rollers and Red Rooster, which are in the Paseo Arts District alongside the market. During her brief stint at Urban Agrarian from 2015 to 2017, she formed relationships with food producers from all over Oklahoma, several of which are now in the cold case just to the left as you walk in the door.

“I always order extra because we end up pulling from the inventory to supplement the kitchen,” Koester said.

That kitchen functions smoothly with a staff of about 10. They use the ovens at Holey Rollers for now to bake fresh bread every day — one of the best parts of the sandwich program — but the new in-house kitchen with a full bakery should be open by late May this year.

That kitchen produces some of the city’s best food, from the remarkably good pastrami sandwich to a childhood favorite, a sausage and egg sandwich on a fresh English muffin with house-made jam, to the Italian on fresh ciabatta or the vegetarian-friendly Sweets and Beets. The breads are outrageously good: milk bread, sourdough, focaccia, ciabatta, etc., are all baked fresh, as are the cookies and sweets. The miso peanut butter cookie could win a cookie Super Bowl. Koester always keeps plenty of vegetarian, vegan and

gluten-free options on her menus, and though it’s not made in-house, there is one gluten-free bread for sandwiches.

Koester spent years as a wine rep, too, so her sense of what’s good, trending, current and even edgy is solid, and that means you’ll find a quirky, progressive wine selection. She even has a threebottle-a-month wine club with an educational component. One of the partners keeps a Celestial Cycles shop in the back of the market, so Koester has utilized as much of the space as creatively as possible to generate multiple revenue streams. It’s a very smart use of the renovated space, but you are, after all, primarily here for a sandwich and a cookie.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Koester has one of the most imaginative wine selections in the city.

ABOVE: Italian sandwich at 30th St.

LEFT: A selection of freshly baked bread is available daily at the market.

Confidence on a Bun

BY GREG HORTON

ALEX AGUILAR IS A NERD. HE HAPPILY OWNS THE playground and classroom insult, and his nerdy quest for information, learning, and understanding has driven his entry into the kitchen of VZD’s Restaurant and Bar at 4200 N. Western Ave., a space he didn’t feel qualified to occupy at fi rst.

“I still struggle with impostor syndrome,” Aguilar said. “I didn’t know how to do this, but I’ve always had a do-what-you-got-to-do mentality, so I’m making it work.”

The native of San Jose, California, moved to OKC with his family when he was 4 years old. He’d go on to play football at UCO after graduating from Putnam City North High School, and he talks about his mother as his main source of inspiration and what he calls “generational appreciation.”

“I was the youngest, so my mom had more time to be involved with me,” he said. “She left a job running one of Santiago’s busiest McDonald’s franchises to be the lunch lady at my elementary and middle school. She took an admin job at my high school. I’m ashamed to say that I was a little embarrassed at the lunch lady job, but Mom made it cool. After school, she’d cook for my friends again at our house, and then drive us to practice.”

When it came time to make a burger for VZD’s revamped menu, Aguilar thought about his mom and how the addition is a chance to talk about her and her influence.

“The song popped into my head from childhood: ‘Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun,’” he said. “I knew I was making a burger that was sort of based on the Big Mac.”

He also took inspiration from two of his other favorites: Smashburger and In-N-Out Burger. So take a Big Mac, a Double Double and a smash burger, and then nerd it up — that was the formula, and he’s a problem solver who would make an excellent engineer. Two beef patties, one smaller than the other so they cook properly when stacked, Kraft American cheese because it melts like a blanket of gooey deliciousness, fried onions, a sauce he created that he says Raising Cane’s would use if it opened a burger joint — heavy on Worcestershire and red wine vinegar — iceberg lettuce because it stacks right, and then a bun that is always brioche on the bottom because it holds up.

The planning was meticulous — and yes, nerdy — but the result is a burger so delicious that it’s become a phenomenon. As of February 2023, he’s preparing a head-to-head contest with multiple chefs whom he’s challenged to beat his burger. The prize is $1,000 of his own money. Aguilar’s impostor syndrome has given way to cash-on-the-table confidence.

Chef Alex Aguilar and his Alejandro burger.

VZD’s Alex Aguilar puts his money where his burger is

What’s in a Name

Cocktails and vibes at the Plaza District’s RadBar

BY GREG HORTON

PHOTO BY LEXI HOEBING

RADBAR OPENED AT 1715 NW 16TH ST. IN the Plaza District last year, occupying the space that formerly housed Saints. The most surprising thing about the move is how long it took for the Plaza to get a bar that is cocktail-forward; The Pritchard and Lua had tried a wine bar approach, and several of the other concepts in the district have bars, but none really leaned hard into the cocktail bar vibe. Enter Melissa Yohn, industry veteran with years of experience with the Holloway Group, A Good Egg and consulting.

Yohn and her business partner, local artist Kristopher Kanaly, decided to combine cocktails, music, art and food to create a community space that celebrates creativity in the arts and hospitality.

“At the core of everything we do is creativity,” Yohn said. “We strive to provide well-orchestrated and original cocktails and a traditional bar food menu with our own spin, using local producers, purveyors and brands that support what we are: creative.”

Heading up the creativity behind the bar is Brandon Malone, who in his capacity as bar manager works with Yohn to craft smart, delicious cocktails that utilize some of the best ingredients available in Oklahoma, from Maggie’s Farm Rum to locally produced WanderFolk Spirits, including its Garden Club and Prairie Wolf lines.

The Toasted Wizard is an excellent example of what Malone does in that it’s simple, smart and delicious, but the build isn’t necessarily something everyone else is doing. He takes Old Overholt rye whiskey, Prairie Wolf dark coffee liqueur, oat milk and honey syrup to create a riff on a revolver that drinks like a creamy espresso martini.

Anotha Shrubbery features Garden Club gin, Luxardo liqueur, lemon juice and a house-made blackberry shrub. Again, a simple, four-ingredient cocktail that succeeds because of excellent gin and the shrub: a syrup made with concentrated fruit flavors, aromatics and/or botanicals and vinegar. The balance Malone achieves is impressive in that

the interesting blend of ingredients doesn’t lead to flavor contests where one overwhelms the others — an easy thing to do when shrubs are involved.

RadBar is also following the trend toward more frozen drinks, even in winter, with a frozen spiked horchata. There are a few bars serving this delicious concoction now, and that’s another trend we’re very happy to support.

For Yohn and Kanaly, the goal at RadBar is to create a space where all the senses are engaged, as well as the intellect. Yohn said, “RadBar provides an immersive art experience with larger-than-life murals, eclectic wall decor and the lost toys of the ’80s and ’90s generation. We aim to provide our patrons with a memorable experience, whether just dining and drinking with us or occasionally enjoying live entertainment.”

The best way to dive into RadBar? Grab a cocktail and a house-made Hawt Pocket — Yohn’s cheeky name for the hand pies — at the bar (the Triple O.G. is a must). After you eat, head to the pinball room and just enjoy the vibe.

Radbar’s beverage program relies on premium spirits and house-made ingredients.

TheWood Garden

Patio Powerhouses

Where to eat outside in the 405

BY GREG HORTON

THE SUMMER IS NEARLY HERE, which means we’ve got a few weeks to enjoy patio weather before the sun begins its annual attempt to drive us inside and into the sweet respite of air conditioning. April and May are typically our best presummer patio months, just as October and November are the best postsummer months for al fresco dining and drinking. But since late spring weather is famously unpredictable, we’re throwing in a couple of covered patios, too.

30th St. Market, 407 NW 30th St., OKC

Its location adjacent to the Paseo makes it an ideal place to hang out during First Friday, but it’s always popping on nice days. You can get bottles or glasses of wine, local beers and wonderful food.

Chicken Shack, 18725 E Rte 66, Luther

The patio at the Luther chicken destination is so expansive it’s called the backyard. The food is excellent — there are gizzards! — and it has a large selection of beers as well as live music.

Frida Southwest, 500 Paseo, OKC

The bar program was nominated for a James Beard Award this year, and you might as well fi nd out why on its beautiful patio. The wine list is ridiculously good, but the cocktail program is the best restaurant bar program in the 405.

Kindred Spirits, 1726 NE 23rd St., OKC

The NEOKC hub has a patio with a footprint larger than the actual inside bar (like The Pump). It o ers live music, food trucks, great cocktails and easy ordering from Jabee’s Eastside Pizza House.

Ma Der Lao Kitchen, 1634 N. Blackwelder Ave., OKC

As much an urban alley as a patio, Ma Der’s beautiful

space — made more so by Juuri’s lovely mural work — also features the food of James Beard Award nominee Chef Je Chanchaleune, as well as the best cocktails you’ll fi nd in an Asian restaurant in the 405.

Pizzeria Gusto, 2415 N. Walker Ave., OKC

It’s genuinely hard to beat this candidate for best patio in the city. String lights, fl agstones, a privacy fence and top-notch service combined with Chef Kathryn Mathis’ outstanding food, a quirky wine list (Lambrusco and pizza are made for each other!) and solid cocktails make Gusto an easy yes.

Riserva Bar + Tapas, 1332 W. Memorial Rd., OKC

The newest concept from Je Dixon’s Provision Concepts features the stunning food of Chef-Partner James Fox, a James Beard nominee for his restaurant Vecina in Phoenix. The food is the real draw, but the patio has a lovely view and seats about 50 people at tables and a long snack bar. Bonus: It’s next door to the new Gordon Ramsay concept, so if you’re really lucky, you might get him to scream at you over the low wall that separates the patios.

The Icehouse Project, 109 W. Second St., Edmond Edmond’s newest patio o ers you easy access to American Solera. If you’ve not had Chase Healey’s beers,

you should know they’re the most sought-after in the state. You can choose Woodward Pizza or The Fried Taco for food, as well as Prelude Co ee Roasters for a quick pick-me-up.

The Jones Assembly, 901 W. Sheridan Ave., OKC

Once the operators pop the top o this space, it becomes one of OKC’s favorite patios. Two walk-up windows allow easy access to the bar, and this is a bit of a secret, but even when Resy shows it’s full, the patio is still fi rst-come, fi rst-served open seating.

The Pump, 2425 N. Walker Ave., OKC

You would be hard-pressed to fi nd a more eclectic crowd in the 405 than you’ll see at this Uptown 23rd watering hole, which has a limited food menu and plenty of drink options. The vibe is casual and friendly, avoiding the single-mingle atmosphere of too many bars.

Margherita pizza and Lambrusco on the patio at Gusto.

Artist Zonly Looman imparts his own creative identity through murals, live painting and more. p. 66

Running and Remembrance

The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon returns, expands for 2023

BY JAKE DURHAM

OKLAHOMA CITY NATIONAL MEMORIAL’S ANNUAL marathon, the Run to Remember, has been a communal source of healing since 2001. The tragedy of April 19, 1995, and the devastating effects of violence still resonate more than 20 years later; the marathon aims to preserve and share the story as its relevance grows for a younger generation. All proceeds from the marathon fund the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, which does not receive local, state or federal support.

During the final weekend in April, participants and spectators from all over the world come together in memory of those who lost their lives, those who survived and others whose lives were forever changed by the 1995 bombing. What started as a group of 5,000 runners and walkers in its first year has grown to over 25,000 participants.

“We have runners from 49 states and six different countries,” said Kari Watkins, race director, president and CEO of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. “People are coming from around the world to run and to remember. This is a race with a mission that’s different from many other races.”

Participants can compete in a full or half marathon, a 5K or a five-person relay. The full marathon serves as an official Boston Marathon qualifying event. Participants in the kids marathon log 25 miles in the weeks preceding the race and then complete the final 1.2 miles on race day.

Each race starts with 168 seconds of silence in memory of the victims. Race participants also pass by 168 banners along the course, each bearing the name of those killed in the bombing.

In their efforts to include everyone in its celebration of life, the marathon organizers are introducing a senior marathon for 2023. “We’ve looked at this race for a couple of years, and the idea came from one of our trustees, Chris Fleming,” Watkins said. “The course is already set, and he felt like it was another area where we could reach people who couldn’t do a full or half marathon.”

The Senior Marathon was patterned after the kids marathon. “You run a mile or two a week, depending on when you start,” Watkins said. “So, you’re doing 25 miles ahead of race weekend. It gives you a chance to get out and walk or exercise at the senior center, a track, your church or your neighborhood. Then on the Saturday morning of race weekend, you walk or run the last 1.2 miles.” All races finish at Scissortail Park.

In the past, about 3,500 to 5,000 parents and kids participated in the kids marathon. As it’s the senior marathon’s fi rst year, staff anticipate that about 1,000 will participate. “Almost 500 have signed up, and they’re already training all over the metro area,” Watkins said. “Senior centers are doing exercise classes. The YMCA is doing classes. Mercy is also doing some. It really is about getting seniors engaged. Most of these people likely lived here at the time. They know about the bombing; they know the story. But it’s about giving them a chance to participate.”

For more information about the OKC Memorial Marathon, the museum, event schedules or how you can participate, visit okcmarathon.com.

Zonly Looman constantly tries to create, from sculptures to tattoos and murals to live painting.

Buffalo Blessing

Zonly Looman’s drive for creative expression

BY NICOLE JOCLEEN PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

ZONLY LOOMAN IS AN ARTIST LIVING AN iconic vision. Beginning at 7 years old painting landscapes with his Bob Ross kit, he has transformed into a sought-after artist specializing in murals, sculptures and live performance painting.

The buffalo, also known as the bison, is synonymous with Looman — similar to Andy Warhol and the Campbell’s soup can and Jean-Michel Basquiat’s crown. The former collegiate baseball player was heavily influenced artistically by his Kumeyaay and Chumash heritage and a book passed down by his grandfather.

Operating out of his own gallery, Studio Z, in downtown Edmond, Looman gives full-out focus to his craft while also giving back to the community through donating his work and time.

Whether he’s tattooing or painting, Looman is walking in true artist fashion by doing it his way.

Who introduced you to Bob Ross’ work?

My mom bought me the whole Bob Ross kit; I had the traditional Bob Ross paintbrushes and the paint and all that stuff. Probably did about six or seven paintings, and my parents actually ended up taking my brushes away from me because I would get so upset. But it’s because I had the vision in my head, but I didn’t have the skills to be able to put it on the canvas yet.

You started painting at 7 years old, but then you stopped and didn’t start again until 21. Why?

I didn’t think I could be good at it, you know? So I always drew; I was very comfortable with Sharpies, colored pencils, oil pastels — loved all that, just didn’t touch water and paintbrush, you know? It took one of my good friends, Big Mike — he was one of my mentors in the beginning when I started tattooing — he told me, “Bro, you have to start painting. You start painting, your skills will go right through the roof.”

What were you painting initially?

I can tell you the first painting that I did that got me back into it: it was a painting that I titled “Green Tear,” and I still have it today. It was a portrait of an Indian chief, and it had a pink background. It was a green Indian, and he was split down the middle so there was only a half portrait of the face. And on the eyeball, there was like a little bit of a waterdrop that made it look like he was crying.

Did you continue painting the same type of subject?

There was this one book on Native Americans, and it was passed down from my grandpa. I painted so many things out of that book; that was my whole entire first subject matter.

So, the buffalo — how did they come about in your work?

Buffalo was given to me — I feel like it was just like placed in my lap or placed on the canvas for me. I got hired for a live painting in 2015. It took me two and a half hours to paint the buffalo, and it sold at auction for $2,400 before I even finished it. We got two more gigs from that, and then we got another two gigs, and they all wanted me to paint buffalo. And so it was just word of mouth.

As we’re speaking, it’s February. How many paintings have you done?

Thirty paintings so far, and we’re 38 days into the year. I’m trying to create as much as I can — as many sculptures, as many paintings, as many times that I’m able to tattoo — and pass that on. And, you know, I’m trying to build that legacy and build that body of art because when I’m gone, that’s still gonna be there, man. That’s what’s gonna live on, and the message is with it.

Buffalo are recurring subjects of Zonly Looman’s work.

Sweeping, Stunning Smokies

This famous mountain range has dense forest, cozy cabins and vivid action

BY MATT KIROUAC

HOME TO SOME OF THE MIGHTIEST MOUNTAINS IN the nation, oldest rivers on Earth and most staggeringly scenic drives on the road, the Great Smoky Mountains that straddle the Tennessee-North Carolina state line are a bucket list destination of pure Americana, natural beauty and family-friendly fun. Not only does this Appalachian wonderland boast the most visited national park in the United States, flush with hiking trails and sweeping vistas, it’s got charming cities such as Asheville and Pigeon Forge along with cozy boutique lodges, campgrounds, farm-fresh restaurants and more breweries per capita than almost anywhere else in the country. Oh, and there’s also a little place called Dollywood. When you hear the call of the wild (and the theme parks), here’s where to go in and around the Great Smokies.

Where to Stay

As small gateway cities to major attractions, there’s no shortage of lodging options in communities like Asheville on the North Carolina side and Pigeon Forge in Tennessee. From budget-friendly chains and home rentals to cabins, cottages, campgrounds and everything in between, rest assured there’s something for every type of traveler.

In Pigeon Forge, a picturesque mountain town with a frontier-era vibe and country twang, Black Fox Lodge is the best of both worlds — a boutique-style Hilton property that marries rustic-chic charms (think faux taxidermy, a wood-paneled bar and a crackling lobby fireplace) with contemporary amenities and a sprawling outdoor pool with a water fountain, slide and nearby fire pit. Outfitted with rooms and suites in varying sizes and affordable rates, it’s an apt go-to for families en route to nearby Dollywood.

For a break from the hustle and bustle, Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro is a comfy oasis tucked away in the quieter town of Townsend, just west of Pigeon Forge. Nestled on the edge of the Smokies in an area nicknamed the “peaceful side” of the popular park, the homey property features

As an urban campground, Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins is a solid spot for natural landscapes and comfy amenities.

The Great Smoky Mountains are abundant with green scenery and entertainment.

38 acres to spread out, rove and relax amid nature, along with 26 adorable cottages, log cabins, wooded lofts and villas nestled among the trees. Spread spaciously across the forested property, abodes contain hot tubs, fireplaces, full-service kitchens and porches. Walking trails weave their way to a beer garden, general store and the Appalachian Bistro, which offers locally sourced fare such as charcuterie, smoked trout cakes, lamb ribs and rainbow trout.

On the North Carolina side, Asheville abounds with hotels, rentals and inns, but one riverside newcomer seamlessly blends rusticity with modernity. Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins is a boutique campground offering a sort of glamping vibe with 16 twee A-frame cabins, while still being close to urban luxuries. Across the street from the French Broad River Greenway, among the oldest rivers on the planet, its accommodations feature distinctive amenities like hammocks, record players and vintage records, and the on-site Canteen lounge is a quasi-general store and cafe stocked with sandwiches, snacks, drinks and outdoor gear.

Where to Eat

Considering its unique geography in a region that combines Southern comfort with Appalachian cookery and Carolina-style barbecue, along with an abundance of local farms and fertile terrain, the Smokies have loads of dining options with culinary gems worth the trek alone.

A newer restaurant in Sevierville, a few miles up the winding road from Pigeon Forge, The Appalachian has quickly cemented itself as a seminal dining destination. As its name suggests, the intimate, hearth-fired restaurant is all about local sourcing and Appalachian heritage, courtesy of Tennessee-bred chef David Rule. Rigorously seasonal, the menu changes often with items such as honey-swathed chicken skins, butterbean hummus, fried oyster mushrooms with smoked tomato aioli and wood-grilled elk loin flecked with West Virginia sea salt.

For authentic barbecue and Southern meat-and-three platters, you can’t out-comfort the soulful portions at Tennessee institution Puckett’s Grocery. After originating as a small grocery store in Leiper’s Fork, the homegrown brand has evolved into a handful of statewide outposts—including one in Pigeon Forge—slinging pimento cheese bites, smoked meatloaf, Southern fried chicken and cherrywood-smoked pulled pork.

Asheville, meanwhile, is a mecca for foodies and beer-swillers alike. Recently heralded as the No. 1 food city in the country by Yelp, the mountain town teems with chef-driven passion projects and a legion of legendary breweries. Snag a seat at Vivian, a European-style bistro serving roasted rutabaga with Cognac cream, crab dip and smoked oysters in a cozy room. More recently, the city welcomed its first full-fledged Filipinx restaurant, Neng Jr.’s, an intimate 17-seater where the bill of fare includes grilled snapper with Chinese pumpkin and smoked Filipino spaghetti.

Come thirsty, too, because Asheville’s brewery scene is banging. Of the myriad breweries and beer bars scattered all over town, standouts include sour-focused ales in the garage-like Wicked Weed Funkatorium, the city’s first sake brewery at auto shopturned-bar Ben’s Tune Up and a variety of esoteric IPAs, stouts and doppelbocks at the funky South Slope locale of Burial Beer Co.

Theme park Dollywood is a hub of family entertainment with over 50 rides and attractions.

The Appalachian Bistro at Dancing Bear Lodge in Townsend serves lamb ribs and smoked trout cakes.

Black Fox Lodge in Pigeon Forge combines country charm with modern amenities.

Where to Play

From panoramic hikes to adrenaline-pumping thrills and toe-tapping entertainment, the Smoky Mountain region boasts all manner of adventure and excitement for all ages.

In Pigeon Forge, the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster lets guests zoom down tree-lined trails like an all-natural roller coaster, while Outdoor Gravity Park features a unique activity called Zorbing. Fearless visitors can burrow into 11-foot infl atable balls and roll down 1,000-foot hills. For more thrills, The Island is an indie amusement park outfitted with casual eateries, shops and family fun such as an arcade, laser tag, bumper cars, roller coasters and a ropes course.

Of course, you can’t talk thrills in the Smokies without a stint at the one and only Dollywood. The most famed theme park in Tennessee, this pastoral paradise has 50-plus rides and attractions that run the gamut from cutesy carousels to nerve-tingling coasters, plus a water park, frontier-style shows, fi reworks and Dolly-approved country music concerts.

The main attraction in the Smoky Mountains, though, is its namesake national park. With nearly 14 million annual visitors, making it one of the most visited national parks in the country, people flock from all over the world to this free-to-enter marvel for its near-mythical beauty, valleys billowing with smoke-like fog, misty waterfalls and iconic scenic byways weaving through dense forests and along mountain crests. Hiking, horseback riding, biking and fi shing are popular pastimes, especially on trails like Chimney Tops, an arduous 1,400-foot ascent for worthwhile vistas of this epochal Appalachian range.

The Great Smoky Mountain National is one of the most visited National Parks in the United States.

The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster shuttles riders past scenic forest.

Lightning Rod at Dollywood reaches a speed of 73 mph.

State Explorer: Arkansas

An Outdoorsman’s Dream

Trek next door to The Natural State

BY JULIE PARTIN

OUR EASTERN NEIGHBOR HAS ALWAYS BEEN A FAVORite road trip destination for Oklahoma City travelers. Arkansas is full of rich natural wonders, resorts and distinctive cities. It is home to both the Ozark and Ouachita mountain ranges, with plenty of scenic landscapes and adventurous activities. With 52 state parks and seven national parks, a visit to “The Natural State” is an outdoorsman’s dream.

Those preferring a modern experience may want to visit Arkansas’ largest cities of Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Springdale and Jonesboro. Or they may desire to wander the charming and quaint towns of Eureka Springs, Bentonville and Hot Springs — best known for its collection of bathhouses built in the 1800s over a natural hot spring. In all three cities, visitors can enjoy a stroll among historical buildings to take in the beautiful architecture. Enjoy this travel section dedicated to Arkansas, where there is something for everyone!

Springdale

Springdale has a bustling downtown and is the place to catch a ride on the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad in a restored passenger car. This scenic train travels among the foothills of the Ozark Boston Mountains, passing over high trestles and through tunnels. The downtown is full of attractions, shops and eateries, and is bike-friendly. The Ozark Highlands Nature Center is a 61-acre complex with an outdoor archery range, walking and biking trails and many education exhibits. Visitors may also want to check out the Jones Center, a recreation center featuring Northwest Arkansas’ only indoor ice-skating rink, two indoor swimming pools, gymnasium, fitness center and a food court.

ABOVE: Bikers on the Razorback Greenway in Springdale

RIGHT: A mural in Springdale

Top Attorneys

JUNE

2023

Whether it’s advice on local food or legal fees, our readers look to us to help them make educated decisions in the metro. 405 Magazine readers are the ideal audience for wanting to learn about what to expect from an attorney. Position yourself or your practice as a thought leader and expert in your field!

Boomer and Bust

Behind the sign of a bygone icon in Norman’s Campus Corner

BY LINDA MILLER

EVEN ON THE BUSY STREETS NEAR OU’S CAMPUS, usually packed with people and cars, the iconic Boomer sign is impossible to miss. It’s a reminder to many — and an introduction to others — of what the building once was.

In 1947, the Boomer Theater was built at 765 Asp Ave. in Campus Corner, already a hub for OU students in Norman. Designed by movie theater architect Jack Corgan, a native of Hugo, Oklahoma, and 1935 graduate of OSU, the Boomer had 875 seats in its auditorium and an additional 35 seats in a room on the second floor for special showings or other gatherings. A mural above the theater doors depicted “the traditional Oklahoma Sooners,” according to a 1947 story in Boxo ce Magazine.

Owned and operated by Griffith Theatres of Oklahoma City at the time, the Boomer played up university colors with a white stucco exterior and red marquee and sign. The architecture featured an interesting facade, with what was described as an “angled set-back” extending almost to the top.

In the foyer, the walls above the doors were covered with washable cloth in a peach, blue and white stripe. Because the foyer and exterior were so striking, the auditorium was intentionally kept more subtle for a relaxing feel.

What many may not know is that this was the second movie theater in Norman named Boomer. The fi rst was across the street and originally opened as the Campus Theatre in the 1920s with a single screen and 357

seats. The name was later changed to Boomer, but it eventually closed, and the space was used for retail and commercial purposes.

For more than two decades, the second Boomer Theater had a successful run as a movie house. That run ended in the early 1970s as multi-screen theaters and shopping centers opened in town. The Boomer sat dark and quiet until June 3, 1977, when local concert promoter Howard Pollack gave the historic space new life as a music hall with a grand opening performance by country and folk singer Jerry Jeff Walker.

More than 100 concerts followed from 1977 to 1980, including performances from David Allen Coe, Leon Russell, Talking Heads, Asleep at the Wheel, Iggy Pop and Pat Benatar.

Rezoning and beer license issues — along with a lack of support from several Campus Corner merchants concerned about vandalism, drugs and littering — forced the Boomer’s fi rst closure in November 1977. In a fall 2019 issue of the Crimson Quarterly, Pollack said the Campus Corner Association and City of Norman “did everything they could to shut us down.”

The Boomer reopened in March 1978 under new management but soon closed. A few months later in October and with different management, the doors opened again. Humble Pie gave the venue’s last live concert Dec. 6, 1980. Operations had become too costly.

Vernon L. Gowdy, a photographer and co-owner of JAM Magazine, which for a time had its headquarters at the Boomer, shares some of the movie theater and music hall triumphs and challenges in his book History of the Boomer Theater. Along with Gowdy’s photographs of musicians, the book showcases a schedule of all the concerts and a few of Matt Foley’s award-winning concert posters.

In 1985, the Boomer space was renovated and eventually became the corporate office for Harold’s Stores until 2008. A Chipotle restaurant opened there in 2009 and is still in operation. The movies and music may be gone from the Boomer, but the still-standing iconic sign shows that its artistic spirit never disappeared.

The Boomer Theater in Norman was built in the 1940s as a movie theater and later became a music hall before finally closing in 1980.

Celebrations of Creations

Show out for the arts at these hallmark Oklahoma festivals

BY JAKE DURHAM

OKLAHOMA CITY’S LOVE FOR THE

arts rivals that of larger cities such as Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles. Arts in the 405 are a kaleidoscope of cultural diversity that brings together a community of enthusiasts, amateurs, hobbyists, professionals and creators in a multitude of media. April through June is fi lled with opportunities for Oklahomans to celebrate and support creative endeavors.

Paseo Arts Festival

The Paseo Arts District is home to visual artists working in glass, sculpting, jewelry-making, painting, ceramics and photography. Each year, more than 60,000 people attend the Paseo Arts Festival to revel in and shop the works of about 100 internationally renowned artists. Festival proceeds fund various year-round art activities and events in the district.

The Paseo Arts Festival is also known for its more than 50 live entertainers and musicians performing on two stages. In addition, 20 food and drink vendors will serve savory and sweet festival delicacies. This year, the festival runs from May 27 to 29.

Norman Art Walk

This free event organized by the Norman Arts Council honors arts and creativity every month in downtown’s Walker Arts District. More than 30 galleries, stores, studios, restaurants, bars, offices and more welcome thousands of visitors each month. The next Norman Art Walks will take place April 14 and May 12.

Downtown Edmond Arts Festival

Every year, the Downtown Edmond Arts Festival plays host to over 140 artists who display and sell their paintings, sculptures, jewelry, pottery and other handmade items. Embrace the artistic ambiance, festival food, children’s activities and live music. The event is free to attend May 5 through 7.

The Paseo Arts Festival is packed with live performances.

Balloon artists, face painters and 20 food and drink vendors are available at the Paseo Arts Festival.

The Paseo Arts Festival draws rows of vendors from all over the country to sell their creations.

20th Annual ARTini

ARTini touts itself as “OKC’s largest martini-tasting event.” This must-experience soiree stirs together live entertainment, delicious cuisine and an exclusive art auction that raises funds to help Allied Arts support creativity in the city. This year’s theme is the Roaring ’20s, to mark the 20th anniversary of ARTini. The fundraiser will be held April 21 from 7 to 11 p.m.

An Affair of the Heart

One of Oklahoma’s most prominent art, craft and boutique shows, the three-day shopping festival offers unique handmade goods, including gourmet meals, purses, furniture, jewelry and clothing. For guests, it is an opportunity to shop for one-of-a-kind items all in one location. The next show will be June 9 to 11.

Festival of the Arts

One of Oklahoma’s oldest and largest communal celebrations of the visual and performing arts, Arts Council Oklahoma City’s fl agship festival has been bringing a range of outstanding artists together in downtown OKC.

This year, around 144 artists from across the U.S. will show paintings, jewelry, photographs, mixed media and other exquisite works at the spring tradition. Many live and musical performances will also take place across several stages.

Regular visitors to the festival may be aware that one of its best features is the food. Spend the day viewing cooking demonstrations and sampling treats from restaurants and vendors. This year’s spring festival will run April 25 to 30 in Bicentennial Park.

2022’s Festival of the Arts offered crafts for children such as pottery glazing.

Beyond the over 144 artists featured, fantastic food is a fixture at the Festival of the Arts.

Festival of the Arts is one of Oklahoma’s largest arts celebrations.

JAY VANBEBBER, @JVANBEBBER

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