Territory OKC Spring 2016 Issue 6

L I F E S T Y L E & D I N I N G | A R T S & C U LT U R E | M A K E R S & M E R C H A N T S issue no. 6

designer’s market interior design showroom Now open to the public!

11900 N Santa Fe Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73114 (405) 749-0070 • designersmarket.biz

519 NW 23RD ST, STE 105, OKLAHOMA CITY 73103 | (405) 608-1923 | INTERIORGILT.COM |

A S C A N D I N AV I A N S T E A M & S A U N A S P A 131 Dean A McGee Ave. Ste. 105, Oklahoma City 73102 | (405) 605-0313 | udander.com | Mon–Sat: 9am-6pm, Sun: 12pm–4pm

TABLE OF CO FEATURE

12

GILDED A veil, a woman, the Wichita Mountains. White to black to white to grey. An OKC style coven heads to the Holy City to create a meditation on choice, beauty, and place.

photo by Brittany Phillips

DOWNTOWN

27

THE OKC 13 : A CALL, A CONTEXT Oklahoma City media rarely takes on issues surrounding race and gender.

Journalist Carmen Coffee contemplates the Daniel Holtzclaw case in her mini documentary The OKC 13, and provides historic context for the crimes and trial that link them to structural issues we should all consider. + Thanks for Coming to My Party, Sustainable Living, Strong Roots

MIDTOWN

41

photo by Rachel Apple

BRIAN WILL SEE YOU NOW A conversation with the H&8th Strategist about the future of Oklahoma City. + Storied Sieber, New Brews, Caffeine Crawl

6

COVER PHOTO Photo of Christy Hanewinkel in the Wichita Mountains by Brittany Phillips. Story continues on page 12.

NTENTS 49

SERENDIPITY, SILOS, AND COMBINATORY PLAY Exaptive data guru Dave King teaches the world a new way to connect. + The Tower Rises, Rum Runner to Minister, Doorway to Musical History

WESTERN AVE

photo by Trace Thomas

UPTOWN/PASEO

59

PEDAL TO THE METAL Walrus Audio combines art and technology to produce a distinctive line of musical equipment. + Heritage Rig, Waterford Redux

POINTS NORTH

69

BACKSIDE

80

art by Steven Paul Judd

BROADWAY KICKS An interview and update with one of Broadway’s bright young stars, Edmond native Eloise Kropp. + Hassle-Free Boating, Listen up, Nerds, The Elegant Surprise of Riesling, An Easy Assist for Pollinators in Crises

VICTORY OF CONSCIENCE (AND COMEDY) Kiowa/Choctaw artist Steven Paul Judd combines iconic Native American imagery with insightful and often funny social commentary.

7

photo by Brittany Phillips

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Spring has graced us with her presence early this year, and we’ve met her vibe of promise and growth with a refreshed logo! We love to think of you encountering our Wichita Mountain cover as you go about your life; we try to meet you where you live life in every sense of that idea.

Our feature stemmed from two inspirations. First, mad respect for the #stylecoven of driven creatives who staged this shoot for no other reason than their own artistic hunger. The piece begins on the cover and threads through the front of the book, including the photo on this page. Part art piece, part conceptual fashion story, part visual meditation, we adore that “Gilded” could only have been done in Oklahoma. Our sincere gratitude to the stylists who brought this piece to our pages.

We’ve been trying to take time for gratitude lately. We’re so thankful for all we’ve learned from our readers, advertisers and social media followers in the last year. You’ve taught us that two to three generations are interested in the kind of living we support at Territory—one focused on style, culture and creativity, development with an eye on historic preservation, and living with purpose and kindness towards one another and the planet.

We also have to give a shout out to JL Woodworx, who so kindly made our gorgeous upcycled wood distribution boxes. They’re all over the place, with more coming soon. (Check our website for the comprehensive list of distribution locations.)

It’s funny, folks often ask us what the demographic is for the magazine. That’s old media thinking. What we know from the magazine revolution that’s on fire across the country is that magazines are not about a demographic at all. They’re about a culture, which is comprised of many demographics.

The Territory tribe is diverse culturally, too. We’ve been unhappy with the fact that the magazine hasn’t more fully reflected that. We cherish OKC’s rich and diverse stories and histories, and are so heartened to have intelligent writers such as Carmen Coffee to bring us to the table for a frank discussion of race in the aftermath of the Daniel Holtzclaw conviction. Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.

A magazine readership and follower base is a tribe. The Territory tribe is curious, intelligent, and full of motivated explorers. We want to inspire that hunger and curiosity in you every day. (If you’re not following along on social media, give us a look.)

Your incredible support of our social media feeds has instructed us that the time is right to invest in our digital presence. Follow us on social media for news about our upcoming, content-rich website as well as some other excellent surprises we are prototyping right now! This year’s gonna be fly, y’all!

Veronica Pasfield, Editor editorial@territoryokc.com 9

SUBSCRIBE

photo by Brittany Phillips

CONTRIBUTORS

Want Territory delivered to you?

Our fashion/art feature was a passion project for an incredible coven of creative women.

Subscriptions are here! Because you asked, we’re offering subscriptions and single-issue purchase of Territory! The Spring Issue and a limited quantity of back issues are now available on our website.

JENNY WIRT Jenny Wirt is a fashion stylist who specializes in personal consultations and bridal styling. She cut her teeth styling editorial shoots and assisting high-fashion stylists in New York City and Amsterdam.

Go to territoryokc.com/subscription to order your subscription for $35 or any single back issue for $10 each. Postage and handling is included.

TERRITORY:OKC MAGAZINE

BRITTANY PHILLIPS The California native moved to Oklahoma five years ago.

She is a self taught photographer who’s been developing her passion since high school. Moving to OKC added a dimension of inspiration to her work.

Published by Territory Media, LLC 3017 N. Lee Ave., Ste. A, Oklahoma City, OK 73103 territoryokc.com Trey McNeill, Publisher trey@territoryokc.com

ROSE SWIFT Rose Swift is a creative covener who specializes in hair. She considers modern hair design to be an expression of individuality that fits the upkeep schedule of the queen bees ruling the world.

Veronica Pasfield, Editor editorial@territoryokc.com

Bayley Jackson, Art Director bayley.jackson@gmail.com Jen Deschamps, Makers Workshop Coordinator jen@territoryokc.com Greg Horton, Vicar of Editorial & Wine Columnist Emily Hopkins, Social Media Consultant Robb Lindsey, Spirits Columnist Megan Ford, intern Grant Waldvogel, intern Ann Nguyen, intern Casey Callahan, intern

photo by Ann Nguyen

Olivia Morris, Sales and Production Assistant olivia@territoryokc.com

GREG HORTON Greg Horton is a freelance writer and adjunct professor who loves bars so much he now lives with a bartender.

TRACE THOMAS Trace Thomas is an editorial, commercial, and travel photographer from Lubbock, Texas, who currently lives in Oklahoma City. Trace is a graduate from Texas Tech University with a masters degree in mass communications and a bachelors in public relations.

11

12

photographer: Brittany Phillips concept and styling: Jenny Wirt Styling hair stylist: Rose Swift, makeup artist: Hayley DeVilbiss floral design: Haleigh Kenney of XO Events & Design models: Christy Hanewinkel and Taylor Vance for complete styling credits see page 79

13

14

15

18

19

20

23

Custom Handcrafted Furniture Since 1998 1216 N. Western, Oklahoma City 73106 | (405) 702-0001 | vrlumber.com

DOWNTOWN The OKC 13: A Call, a Context | Thanks for Coming to My Party | Sustainable Living | Strong Roots

THE OKC 13: A CALL, A CONTEXT BROADCAST REPORTER CARMEN COFFEE ON HER DOCUMENTARY AND THE HISTORIC UNDERPINNINGS OF THE HOLTZCLAW CASE. essay by Carmen Coffee, photo by Jonathan Burkhart

police force is working every day to be the best, and to be intolerant of bad cops.

This project is a cinematic tool used to capture history in the making within Oklahoma and our nation. The piece combines open dialogue, performance, and visual art to explore the implications of race, gender, and policy in America during a time requiring a thorough examination of justice and accountability within law enforcement.

I am a woman of color, of the demographic preyed upon by Holtzclaw. As I reflect on the proceedings, I question the public discourse around this case and, as I see it, a criminal defense strategy rooted in societal stereotypes, sexism, classism and racial inequality that go back YET HOLTZCLAW’S SUCCESSFUL CONVICTION to Recy Taylor and beyond. The OKC DOES NOT ERASE SYSTEMIC INEQUITY WITHIN 13 provides a chance for the world to consider how Oklahoma City can be a LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND SOCIETY AT LARGE. blueprint for progress against places like Ferguson, Chicago, and New York City.

Still, many organizations and media outlets across the and acquired my moral compass, which largely dominates nation have correctly connected Holtzclaw’s crimes to how I, as a global citizen, view the world. It was shocklarger and long-standing norms. What is normal? How ing to learn of the Daniel Holtzclaw case. I’ve worked in are we represented, and how do we represent ourselves? broadcast television, both as a national producer and local There is a multi-generational conversation, and much journalist for the last seven years. I am passionate about academic scholarship, around the notion that some creating media that challenges current policies and gives in American culture view women of certain races as voice to social injustices. hyper-sexual and un-rapeable.

Last December, an all-white jury convicted Holtzclaw With The OKC 13, I hope to create change. For me, the of 18 of 36 counts of sexually assaulting lower-income first step is raising awareness. black women while on duty. In one sense, this is a case where many things went right: Holtzclaw was investigated, arrested, convicted by an all-white jury, and sentenced to A CONTEXT, A CALL 263 years in prison. Yet Holtzclaw’s successful conviction does not erase systemic inequity within law enforcement, and society at large.

This case gives me, and Oklahoma City, an opportuThe 1853 memoir Twelve Years a Slave, upon which the nity to pause and take a longer and broader look. I created film was based, and Rosa Parks’ demonstration of civil the documentary short, The OKC 13, to honor the 13 disobedience are only two of the better-known examples brave women who came forward and testified about their of how black women—and women in general—have been assaults. Like Recy Taylor, they endured offensive scrutiny, perceived and consequently treated. Much lesser known and faced an all-white jury not of their peers. I gathered is Rosa Parks’ long history of activism before she refused around one table OKC Police Chief Bill Citty, Nation to give up her seat on that Alabama bus—including her of Islam Minister Robert Muhammad, and Councilman work as a journalist for the NAACP covering the Recy John Pettis, Jr. (Ward 7) for a frank discussion about the Taylor case, tracking it to its bitter innocent verdict. This issues that the Holtzclaw case brought to light. The docuwas eleven years before the nation knew the name Martin mentary captured the conversation between leaders from Luther King, Jr. distinct sectors of our city for a rare public conversation Danielle L. McGuire’s book The Dark End of the Street across boundaries. recounts the history of how the civil rights movement “Our criminal justice system, we must face it. It is began, in part, as a protest against economic intimidation, broken,” said Councilman Pettis during his interview in sexual violence, and the terror of rape culture, which was the film. Pettis immediately added that Oklahoma City’s used against black women to derail the freedom movement.

In 1944, Recy Taylor, a twenty-three year old married sharecropper and mother of one left an evening church revival. On her walk home, she was kidnapped and raped by white men. She was a Black woman, and the trial of her assailants was argued before an all-white jury. In the courtroom, the defense was easily able to paint Recy as a woman of ill repute because of her low socio-economic status and the color of her skin.

The experience of Recy Taylor came to mind when I learned of the Daniel Holtzclaw case. As an Oklahoma native, this is the place where I learned my value system

continues on page 78 28

photos by Rachel Apple story by Veronica Pasfield

RACE DISCUSSED AND DISGUST

BOLEY. ELGIN. PRYOR CREEK. CEDAR VALLEY. WYANDOTTE. AND 591 OTHERS, EVENTUALLY. Dr. Kelly Roberts, a “social scientist, therapist, and fifth-generation Okie,” has joined forces with daughter Rachel Apple to visit each of Oklahoma’s 594 cities and photograph and record one meaningful conversation in each. Apple is one of Territory’s primary photographers, and she and her mom have embarked on what they anticipate to be a decade-long project, called Every Point on the Map. OKC’s own online news source, NonDoc.com, ran a three-part series

from Every Point back in February.

In it, Roberts posted passages from her oral histories with Oklahomans in which her subjects talked about race. Some of the interviewees are black, some are not. All shared very poignant experiences with Roberts and Apple, and NonDoc published excerpts from those oral histories in its series. Being able to hear a person’s story, in that person’s own voice, adds much impact.

Terry Alyward, editor of newspaper for Pryor Creek, does not appear

to be black. He recalled his mayor’s decision to support Martin Luther King Day. In Alyward’s telling of it, some of the mayor’s WWII veteran peers shunned the mayor after that.

The mayor explained: when he was a child, he saw a black platoon stepping off the train in Pryor. He could not understand why the soldiers were forced to eat at the back of the cafe.

In another “sound chapter,” as Roberts calls them, 18-year-old James Shay-Smith shares his experiences of moving from Boston to Elgin to be continues on page 78

30

THANKS FOR COMING TO MY PARTY Welcome to 42, that’s what we call the spaceship.

Thanks for coming to my party.

We would like for you to think of us as the next level.

We would like for you to think of us as midwives.

We would like for you to think of us.

We would like to say… thanks for coming to my party.

So glad you could make it. Can I get you something to drink?

A water, or perhaps a glass of prosecco?

How about a hot hors d’eorves?

Did I pronounce that correctly?

Bathroom is next to the fridge. Do you like how it smells in here?

I’ve been burning candles all day.

A candle is just like a prayer my mom says, and I believe her because she says it to me.

What do you think of the art?

Come, look at this piece. It is a very large piece. It was very heavy to mount on the wall, because of its elaborate gold frame.

It’s called The Mirror of Eternity, and you’re looking into it.

It’s a real mirror, go ahead and look at yourself. You look great.

Thanks for coming to my party. Some believe that this is the actual mirror of eternity that St. Clare used to place her mind before. I like to think that it is. I like to think that she’s here with me, with us, in front of The Mirror of Eternity. Can you see her? I won’t tell if you won’t.

Did you meet my friends? This is a very interesting group of people, a real group of characters. I could tell you about each one of them, and I will. There are many different kinds here

tonight. I like all different kinds. You should meet everybody, but right now you’re mine, and I want to tell you a secret, but let’s go to the closet where we can be alone. Here we are. We’re alone now, in the dark.

Can I be real with you for a second? I followed a star. I pointed at it with my finger in the night sky and there it was, and I looked to it, and I put it in my heart, and I followed that star. I still follow that star, wherever it may lead. I shall always follow my beloved, my star, my milky way.

Follow @42okc @lineupokc

norman music fest Free to the Public Downtown Norman, April 21-23 CLOUD NOTHINGS | NIKKI LANE | SMALL BLACK GAZZO | NOBUNNY | OPEN MIKE EAGLE THE COATHANGERS | POWER TRIP | SAMANTHA CRAIN SKATING POLLY | BAYONNE | WOOZY | TALLOWS JACOB TOVAR AND THE SADDLE TRAMPS SHAWN JAMES & THE SHAPESHIFTERS TRAINDODGE | CRYSTAL VISION 32

normanmusicfestival.com

L-R: Lorec’s Kari Lopez, Vintage’s Chuck Twelves

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

by Greg Horton, top right and bottom left photos by Courtney Waugh, top left and bottom right photos by Chad Bennett

Restoration Hardware was founded in the late 1990s, a response to a cultural movement that Ralph Lauren gets credit for. Clearly, Restoration Hardware does not make pastel golf shirts with quite poppable collars, so the inspiration they drew from Ralph Lauren had to do with restoring materials, or at least making things that looked restored.

Chuck Twelves, the owner of Vintage Reclaimed Lumber, points to Lauren as the one who inspired him to get involved with reclaimed wood. “I started building furniture in 1998,” Twelves said. “At the time, I think Ralph Lauren was one of the very few using reclaimed wood. It was something different, and it inspired me to try that path; I found my niche.”

With National Geographic reporting that the square mileage of deforestation annually is equal to a country the size of Panama, reclaimed (or “upcycled”) furniture is as sensible as it is beautiful. (At this point, we’re tempted to insert a map with a fake Panama highlighted John Oliver style.) Truthfully, though, businesses tend to follow a trajectory based on cultural trends, not ideologies based on non-business factors. It so happens that this trend seems to be good for business and good for the environment.

Jamie Graham, wholesale manager for Lorec Ranch in Oklahoma City, said the company has always done some reclaimed woodwork, especially in their Mexico facility,

where old doors and other interesting pieces were used to make armoires, tables, etc.

“The trend has definitely accelerated,” she said. “I think it follows a nationwide trend toward organic, gardening, handmade, and locally produced, as well as the trend toward recycling and reusing instead of being wasteful.”

In line with Graham’s insight is another trend Twelves is seeing, that of people wanting to make their own furniture or use reclaimed wood in a room they are remodeling. He is used to selling reclaimed wood to people in the remodeling business, but the DIY trend is growing. His response has been simple: “I give them a few pointers and some design ideas,” he said. In the very near future, he will be offering DIY classes.

Much of the reclaimed wood comes from expected places like old barns, bowling alleys, and even storm-damaged trees. (Twelves has a saw that can handle a tree up to nine feet in diameter.) One of the major sources, though, is decommissioned railroad cars. The flooring in railroad cars used to be composed of a butcher-block selection of hard woods: maple, hickory, and oak. Twelves said the constant travels and traffic imbued them with a patina that is difficult to replicate, and they are very well preserved.

“They are the Legos of woodworking,” he said. “They are all 12" x 2 1/4" and they look great in countertops.” continues on page 79 33

photo courtesy of Oklahoma Songwriter’s Festival

A LOOK BEHIND THE LYRICS AT OKLAHOMA SONGWRITER’S FESTIVAL

by Olivia Morris

Songwriting is both mysterious and compulsory. As Leonard Cohen once stated, “If I knew where the good songs came from, I’d go there more often. It’s a mysterious condition. It’s much like the life of a Catholic nun. You’re married to a mystery.”

Ada native Zac Maloy would like to pull the mystery into the light a little more. He and a host of collaborators—ACM@UCO, NonDoc.com, the Oklahoma Film & Music Office, and fellow songwriters, among others—have launched the Oklahoma Songwriter’s Festival. (The urge to stick an exclamation point at the end of that sentence is strong.) ACM@UCO hosts this first-ever event April 28–30, and Territory is honored to serve as one of the media supporters of the event.

The festival uses a quote from Maloy as a sort of manifesto for the summit, which is so good it bears repeating: “I’ve written songs for Carrie, Blake, Tim McGraw and more. But the first song I wrote was in a basement in Ada, Oklahoma.” The structure of the festival underscores the encouraging nature of that statement. During the day, workshops and panel discussions help develop skills. In the evening, songwriters from Oklahoma, Nashville, and LA perform at ACM@UCO, The Blue Door, and VZD’s.

Maloy was in The Nixons, but once he started to have kids he decided he had to get off the road. He moved from Tulsa to Nashville to grow his capabilities and career.

There, Maloy found a tribe of songwriters passionate about their craft. “I needed to be in a music town,” Maloy said.

34

“I needed to be down the street from the managers, the publishers, so I could meet with them in person and say, ‘You gotta hear this song.’”

One day, Zac and sister Tava Maloy Sofsky, director of the state’s Oklahoma Film & Music Office, started scheming up ways to inspire Oklahoma musicians and songwriters to stay in the state or come back. Zac suggested a songwriter’s festival of the sort in LA and Florida’s Gulf Coast. The sibs hatched a dream to unite OKC with talent in and out of Oklahoma. Notable among the songwriters returning to the homeland to help with the festival: Broken Arrow’s JD McPherson and Jim Beavers. JD is no stranger to the OKC indie music scene. Beavers moved to Nashville 25 years ago and has written for the likes of Billy Currington, Faith Hill, and Luke Bryan.

After the daytime workshop sessions, the public is invited to evening performances inspired by Nashville’s Bluebird theater, where songwriters perform their own songs and talk a bit about the stories behind them.

Headliners read like a Grammy program: Marcus Hummon, lyricist of the Dixie Chick’s wild and free ballad Cowboy Take me Away and the emotionally charged Bless the Broken Road for Rascal Flatts; Chad Copelin, a producer, music engineer, and songwriter who has worked for the likes of Third Eye Blind and indie band Sufjan Stevens; and on it goes.

Full deets at oklahomasongwritersfestival.com.

deadCENTER OF ATTENTION

SCENE & BE SEEN OKC BALLET

story by Emily Hopkins The deadCENTER Film Festival has grown into a serious star on the constellation of festivals that stretch across our region. At some screenings, newcomers, out-of-towners and the hoi polloi outnumber everyday Okies, not a common occurrence here.

Held June 8–12, festival films screen at OKC Museum of Art, Harkins Bricktown theater, the Myriad Gardens Terrace Room, and the Myriads Gardens Great Lawn. For the seasoned and uninitiated alike, we gathered tips for doing deadCENTER well.

Plan the work, work the plan: It’s so easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of good stuff, but the deadCENTER website allows cinephiles to create personalized itineraries, be they focused on documentary shorts, or anime. To borrow from Shoshanna Shapiro, this itinerary shall act as your crack spirit guide.

Commit: Investing in a pass is the best bet for catching the entirety of the action, from screenings to panels to special events. Passes ($150 each) grant priority access to every happening, beginning with the opening party on the Museum of Art rooftop on Thursday, June 9.

Get real: All-Access Pass holders are granted priority, not reserved, seating. Late-arriving All Access pass holders can be denied a seat. If any of the films on your list feature a famous NBC/Netflix/HBO actor, then plan to arrive early—like Apple’s-releasing-a-new-iPhone early.

O Bricktown, Where Art Thou? Trust us on this one. If you’re at Harkins, and there is a gap between screenings, for the love of Pete do not drive home, but if you do, do not expect to find easy parking when you return. Yes, the restaurants near Harkins will be crazy—but excellent eats at Slaughter’s Hall, Urban Johnnie, and Native Roots market are just a short walk away in Deep Deuce.

Make time to get behind-the-scenes: Last year brought the likes of Anesthesia director Tim Blake Nelson, a native Oklahoman known for O Brother Where Art Thou? and Lincoln. Following the screening of Anesthesia, Nelson gladly opened the floor to questions—a rare treat for those outside the media or Hollywood.

Side with a preferred school of thought: If you’re committed to seeing the very best films, don’t let your posse (or lack thereof) dissuade from attending screenings that matter. At the end of the day, we’re all here for the love of inventive, indie film.

Follow deadCENTER social media for the most up-to-date info on films as they are announced at deadcenterfilm.org.

April 9 As we all ride the energy economy rollercoaster, let’s all try to remember how much it impacts our arts organizations.

The Ballet Ball, the primary fund-raising event supporting Oklahoma City Ballet, is a great opportunity to step out and to help the OKC ballet’s company, dance school, and community programs.

The black tie affair turns the Chevy Bricktown Events Center into Peter Pan’s Neverland. The corps de ballet stages a performance from Peter Pan, the spring production, and auctions and dinner round out the night.

Then at 9:30 pm, the doors open a little wider for Ballet Ball After Dark.

Young patrons join the party for a more modest ticket price ($50), and the band turns the party into a dance hall.

For tickets: okcballet.com/the-ballet-ball-2016 or events@okcballet.com (405) 843-9898.

April 15–17 Milk and cookies offered at a ballet matinee for the little ones? I wish I never grew up! Oklahoma City’s esteemed ballet preforms Peter Pan, choreographed by Nashville Ballet’s Artistic Director Paul Vasterling, to end an excellent 2016 season. Vasterling has made a name for himself in the ballet world for modernizing the dance cannon with more contemporary interpretations of classics such as Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, and Swan Lake.

As a Fulbright scholar, he also created a lasting relationship with the dance scene in Argentina, and developed a connection with the Nashville company upon his return.

The children’s classic by J. M. Barrie, Peter Pan will be staged with the cast intact, from motherly Wendy, to mischievous Tinker Bell, and nemesis Captain Hook. Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy Store will be providing milk and cookies during the Saturday and Sunday matinees. Tickets $22–$72. okcballet.com or (405) 297-2584.

35

STRONG ROOTS AS THINGS CHANGE IN THE FARMER’S MARKET DISTRICT, LOOKING BACK TO HOW IT BEGAN story by Andrea Koester, photos by Trace Thomas

Like the Oklahoma rain and wind, there has always been an unruly and unpredictable energy running through the Farmer’s Market District. The three-block section near the corner of S. Western and W. Reno avenues has been many things since its inception in 1928—as well as an abandoned space of nothing more than memories. Before developers set about transforming the district into a bustling hub once more, there’s something to be said for pausing to contemplate one of the most storied sites in the city core.

In the 1920s, over 200,000 farms populated the Oklahoma prairie, and rural farmers sold produce on the downtown city streets. It was a diverse bounty—corn, cotton, wheat, oats, potatoes, sweet potatoes, peanuts, alfalfa, wild hay, and more. They also produced and sold poultry, eggs, cheese, butter, and orchard produce. The president of the State Board of Agriculture wrote in 1907, “Agriculture is, and will be for years to come if not forever, the leading industry in our State.” It remained the state’s leading industry until the 1930s.

But the agrarian economy also created fertile ground for chaotic commerce. Farmers sold their goods right on the city streets. This disorganized scene soon became a problem, so local officials turned to John J. Harden for a solution. Harden, one of the city’s wealthiest builders of that time, was asked to build a public market where all the farmers could gather to sell their crops. In June of ’28, the beautiful adobe building on S. Klein opened its doors with an open-air market showcasing all that Oklahoma’s red dirt could produce and an upstairs event center.

The Market flourished and soon became a hot spot for concerts and walkathons, and even housed the state’s largest wood-floor skating rink. The market sold local produce, dairy, meats and flowers for almost 40 years. Similar businesses popped up nearby, creating a larger district.

Then, the modernization of post-WWII cities began to change the face of American cities, including OKC. In

the 1960s, large urban grocery stores quickly impacted the once-bustling market. After converting the facility into a grocery store, lack of business forced the owners to close.

In the early 1970s, the building was repurposed into an antique mall, eventually becoming the largest in the state.

This year brings further growth in this micro-community, including a food truck park called Delmar Gardens, a vegan restaurant and a retro bar. As every chef and serious localvore in town knows, excellent local food purveyor Urban Agrarian is open seven days a week, drawing in locally minded consumers daily. Anchor businesses like Urban Agrarian attract even more businesses—and help drive customers to tried-and-true places like Pam’s Plants during slow periods. In the last 18 months, Urban’s neighbor pool has increased with the arrival of (justifiably) cultish Powerhouse bar, Bikram Yoga and the Oklahoma Food Coop. The arrival of a 21c Museum Hotel and Jones Assembly bar, restaurant, and concert space on the western edge of Film Row also will help connect the dots from the city core to this still-sparse edge of town.

Jody and Burt McAnally bought Farmer’s Public Market from Harden’s grandson in 2002. “We were originally just looking for a space to host boxing matches,” said Jody, “but as soon as I set my eyes on it, I could envision so much more. It was such a beautiful space, I knew we needed to do something with it.”

The McAnallys bought the entire six-acre Farmer’s Public Market and started slowly renovating with the hopes of one day restoring it as a local food hub. In the last decade, the top floor has become a prime spot for weddings and social events. But for Judy, food is what really counts: “Our original vision is starting to shine through. Someday we hope that all the original stalls surrounding the building will be filled with artisan food shops, butchers, fish mongers and wine shops.” continues on page 77

36

Crazy love.

Your total pet care destination in Midtown!

231 NW 1Oth Oklahoma City

4O5.6O6.4477

MON-FRI 8A-6P | SAT 8A-NOON

We do the teeth. ( The smile’s on you )

MIDTOWN OFFICE

Next to Fassler Hall, above DustBowl

Dr. David Birdwell 421 NW 10TH, Ste. 201-E Oklahoma City, OK 73103

PLAZA DISTRICT SNAPSHOT

COMMUNITY RALLYING SPACE

PLAZA DISTRICT HOME TO A NEW CREATIVE COLLECTIVE

story and photo by Emily Hopkins

The Plaza District has long been known for a kumbaya vibe that accounts for much of its success. Now, down the alleyway between Dig It! Boutique and Lyric Theatre, lies a brand new source of inspiration. A newly minted portrait of Geronimo, spray painted by artist Steven Grounds in the vein of Aladdin Sane, graces the front wall of a little space with big things happening: Rally.

At Rally, the individual brands of Bison Shop, Brass Bird Photography, and Egg in a Glass converge to form a collective providing an authentic and supportive space for creative community gatherings, events and workshops.

Blakeley Hiner, Mariah Rockwell and Hannah Royce are the women behind the bold, heartfelt programming at Rally. The three formed a fast friendship last year at a

mixer for the popular Being Boss podcast, run by branding supermama Kathleen Shannon of Braid Creative. The boss lady gathering was geared toward such creative entrepreneurs, and the women of Rally quickly felt an affinity.

“Right off the bat, I knew these were people I could get along with,” Rockwell said. A special education teacher and photographer behind Brass Bird, Rockwell had long wanted her own studio space but was looking for partners to help ease the financial burden. Hiner and Royce were the only two people she approached— and they both immediately agreed.

“We each obviously have different trades, but we share the mission of showcasing people who love what they do,” Hiner said. She started with a closet full of for-sale vintage clothing and morphed that into the Bison Shop boutique component of the Rally space.

She continues to offer American-made pieces from makers she discovers largely through Instagram and Etsy, just as she did previously as an online retailer.

But now, she’s able to connect with her customers in person at the brick-andmortar space.

“I would say half, if not more, of people who come in ask if they can sit on the couch and just chill,” Hiner said. “It’s cool to have not just the transaction, but someone who wants to stay and hang out.”

Royce owns of Egg in a Glass, a social media consultancy that helps create authentic relationships between businesses and customers by cultivating a streamlined social media presence. Royce’s clear passion is helping continues on page 78

GORO RAMEN + IZAKAYA Brace yourselves Project Slurp fanatics; it’s looking like April for GORŌ RAMEN + IZAKAYA, a Japanese gastropub by Jake Chanchaleune, former chef and co-owner of Kaiteki Ramen rig, and Rachel Cope, owner at Empire Slice House. Chanchaleune paints the picture as “low ceilings, dim lights, an open kitchen with seats at the counter, and a warm, modern industrial vibe (with) cool art.”

Tokyo’s soul/street/bar food is found everywhere there, and Chanchaleune is especially pumped to bring back the last bowl of ramen he savored before leaving Tokyo: tsukemen, or dipping ramen, what he calls the King of ramen.

“The balance of the thickness of noodles and a fatty broth that will hold on for dear life coats the noodles so well that when you slurp them up, you get an almost perfect balance of noodles, broth and savory in one bite.”

Cope serves as mixmaster—look for Japanese spirits, sake, and sochu. 1634 N Blackwelder Ave. @gororamen THE FANTASTICKS April 6–24: The world’s longest running musical, The Fantasticks, a charming love story of a young man and the girl next door whose parents have literally built a wall to keep them apart. lyrictheatreokc.com/shows/the-fantasticks/ 39

OKLAHOMA’S ORIGINAL FOOD TRUCK PARK 301 NW 10TH ST - MIDTOWN OKC WWW.BLEUGARTEN.COM @BLEUGARTEN

MIDTOWN Brian Will See You Now | Storied Sieber | New Brews | Caffeine Crawl

BRIAN WILL SEE YOU NOW H&8TH STRATEGIST AND BIG THINKING BRANDER RUMINATES ON THE FUTURE OF THE CITY.

interview by Greg Horton, photo by Rachel Apple

The unifying idea for this conversation is front porches, an analogy tossed out by Brian Bergman while discussing the growth of Oklahoma City. Bergman knows a thing or two about this, or at least as much as anyone can. As a founder and manager of H&8th Night Market, Bergman worked tirelessly to showcase OKC’s food trucks, bands, and local retailers at the monthly event.

But the gargantuan draw of H&8th brought considerable challenges, too—one that helped along the porch metaphor that organized our conversation. We were talking about a cantankerous gentleman who lived on NW 9th near Hudson, a block from the throngs who flooded Hudson every four weeks. This gentleman used to invite people to instead sit on his front porch during H&8th as a mini protest, thereby inadvertently helping enlarge the crowd, if even in a “get off my lawn!” sort of way. Such is the nature of the growth of our city.

In a meandering conversation with Bergman, owner of Pulpit design and branding services, we did actually discuss H&8th. But rather than focus on that event, which has already garnered more than sufficient press, we asked him to talk about what’s next. Those who know Bergman can attest to his voracious curiosity and prolific ideating—traits that suit him well in his work with Pulpit.

Talking about what’s next, as Bergman rightly points out, is difficult, because “when you plan the next big thing, it’s probably not the next big thing.” Had the architects of H&8th sat down to plan what that 42

event would become, they would surely have screwed it up. As event publicist Tracey Zeeck quipped: “Hey, let’s sit down and plan something and have 40,000 people show up.” The event team laughed, because that’s not how you get tens of thousands of people to show up. You grow it.

H&8th evolved into a huge thing, but the size was always shaped by its relative smallness; you always saw people you knew when you walked up Hudson on those nights. The event looked massive from a distance, but up close, on the street, tucked into Ludivine or Elemental Coffee, or stage-side on NW 7th, our neighbors were visible, and the best part of H&8th was that you might see 50 people you like on one night. It was big, but it was small—like our city.

“We wanted H&8th to be the front porch of the city,” Bergman said. “It’s not behind the privacy fence. It’s a place where strangers walk by and they see you, and they see the conversation. It’s way more approachable, an introduction to what is possible in this area.”

For those of us who grew up on front porches, the metaphor makes perfect sense; it was a small porch in Bowlegs, Oklahoma, for me, but that porch was often host to neighbors or family who brought with them news and stories and laughter and shared sadness. Our lives unfolded on front porches—sometimes raveling and sometimes unraveling—but all of our lives were contained for an hour or two on those porches.

So, let’s begin with the metaphor….

When you speak about the “nexts” for Oklahoma City, you talk about micros, not macros. Are you saying our newly redeveloped neighborhoods—Plaza, Midtown, Film Row—will be those porches? The neighborhoods will serve as an introduction to the city, but it’s not just the neighborhoods. Right now, there are some really smart businesses springing up with specific targets. I had a conversation with the guys from Rye51 and Q Clothiers over in Classen Curve. We were discussing why highend fashion has never really hit OKC. In Dallas, there are places you can go that have both money and the right age demographic for fashion. You can go to those neighborhoods, those districts, and find 30-somethings with continues on page 47

STORIED SIEBER

WHAT AN OLD BUILDING CAN TEACH ABOUT MIDTOWN.

story by Greg Horton, photos by Trace Thomas

Old buildings are really a collection of stories. Sure, they’re held together by mortar or nails or red iron, but they develop their character from the stories. That’s the romantic part, the part we all like to talk about, the “remember when” moment. But there is another side to buildings, too.

They inform later generations of what a particular moment in history was really like, because when you’re in that moment, it’s really hard to see your assumptions about how the world works.

The Sieber is two buildings, one built in 1922 and one in 1928. The first—the small one on the north side—was a grocery store and butcher shop run by Robert and Nora Sieber. They opened the second as an apartment hotel, a designation that no longer exists. Some of the rooms were for overnight or short-term guests, and some were occupied by year-round tenants.

Marva Ellard, who purchased the property in a bankruptcy case in 1997, said that the original apartment hotel contained a set of rooms called “bachelors quarters.” Today, we would refer to these rooms as “efficiencies,” but that description fails to take into account the cultural moments to which such buildings testify.

“The bachelors quarters were a single living space with a small closet,” Ellard said.

Take note of what’s missing: a kitchen. When the Sieber was built, bachelors quarters did not include a kitchenette. Of course they didn’t; men didn’t cook. The assumptions implicit in the architecture are remarkable given the contemporary context. If you wanted to build sexism into the design of an apartment complex, this would be an excellent way to start.

The Sieber functioned as a hotel until the family sold it in 1971. For the next 26 years, it had a sketchy history, including a legitimate attempt to resurrect the building in the early 1980s. Oklahomans of a certain age will remember the Penn Square Bank failure in 1982. That collapse set off a string of repercussions that included criminal

investigations. It also ended the attempt to bring the Sieber back to life.

Ellard has lived in the Mesta Park/Heritage Hills area since 1981, so she drove by the building “a thousand times.” She always thought of the building as beautiful, if sad. While one disaster stopped the refurbishment, another helped make the renaissance possible.

The bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in 1995 led to changes in the complexion of Midtown beyond the obvious damage. Ellard said many buildings were torn down because owners did not have the ability to salvage the structures. The blight present in the area was exacerbated by the aftermath of the bombing, including the demolition of decades-old buildings. Relief money that had at first been earmarked only for demolition and clean-up was eventually released to be applied to economic development. It’s one thing to clean up the damage, another to rebuild and spur growth. Ellard benefited from the policy change, and the refurbishment was made easier still by the awarding of historic tax credits for redeveloping historic buildings.

By the time Ellard owned the Sieber, the damage to the building was profound. The newly renovated foyer belies the degree of vandalism and decay the facility endured.

“When we bought the building, the only part that we could salvage was the flooring,” Ellard said. “Everything else required extensive repair or replacement.”

The tile in the foyer is original, but everything else has been repaired or replaced, but as an homage to the original facility. Ellard’s team looked at historic photos to replicate the components, including the entry doors. The skylights were repaired, and all other pieces were replaced with elements meant to harken back to the original facility.

“When we had the grand opening, we invited the Sieber family to participate,” Ellard said. “I asked them if they thought the foyer looked like it did when they ran the hotel. They said, ‘Oh, no. It’s much nicer now!’

43

NEW BREWS story by Kris Kettner, photo by Ann Nguyen

Travis Richards, owner of Nothing’s Left Brewing Company out of Broken Arrow, is taking his passion for beer to the next level and will be bringing his first brews to market via contract brewing at OKC’s own Anthem Brewing Company. Kegs of his flagship beer, Galaxy Pale Ale, should be making appearances at Oklahoma bars and restaurants this spring.

Nothing’s Left is one of two new local breweries that we will see in 2016. They are part of the burgeoning trend in local brewing, and they have one simple goal to give us good things to drink.

Galaxy Pale Ale is a bright, floral ale with a light grain bill and is dry-hopped with, you guessed it, Galaxy hops.

Nothing’s Left will be playing with a variety of styles, including a fruity strawberry blonde beer that is sure to be a crowd pleaser and could definitely serve as a gateway into the world of Oklahoma craft beer.

Twisted Spike Brewery is the second of the new local breweries. A competitive home-brewer for 25 years who has brewed with the likes of COOP, Mustang, and Bricktown Brewery, Bruce Sanchez will launch a brewery of his own on 10th Street near Broadway. Twisted Spike will eventually house a taproom where Sanchez plans to rotate a plethora of his recipes through 12 taps, including his flagship brews (Ginger Peppercorn Saison, Belgian Quad, Belgian Blonde, and Russian Imperial Stout). He will also be pouring 3.2 offerings in the form of a Kölsch, Irish Red, and Milk Stout.

Also, beer nerds rejoice! Sanchez will be dedicating a portion of the brewery to sour beers, of which you really can’t have enough. Sanchez hopes to have his first sour ready within the first nine months, with his staple sour, a Cherry Grand Cru, by the brewery’s first anniversary.

Brewing in this location should start early summer, with the taproom to follow later in the year. Twisted Spike beers will come to market in kegs and 375ml bottles.

“Since I began brewing 25 years ago, the most rewarding aspect has been sharing my beers with old friends and

Brewer Bruce Sanchez at Oak & Ore

making new ones,” said Sanchez. “My beer makes me really happy. I hope Twisted Spike beers make others happy as well. I’m going to make a lot of new friends!”

There’s also a fun bar in the works, too. The Bunker Club is the next concept from Ian and Hailey McDermid, owners of The Pump Bar in Uptown, and it will be setting up shop right around the corner in the Tower Theater complex on 23rd St. Joey Powell, manager of The Bunker Club, describes it as a “post-war, Atomic-era dive bar with a touch of the Red Scare.” The bar will house nearly two dozen taps with a focus on local brews, plus a large selection of bottles and cans. The team is shooting to open the Bunker Club in the Spring, and we can’t wait to pull a stool up to their bar—which is going to be an airplane wing, by the way.

For more reviews and information, follow Kettner's barrelsandmash.com or on social media @barrelsandmash.

TUESDAY MOVIE NIGHTS Cult films, food trucks, the stars, and the night sky. Bleu Garten Tuesday movie nights are where it’s at, yo. bleugarten.com CAFFEINE CRAWL MARCH 21ST Part party, part workshop, Caffeine Crawl educates on the art of artisan coffee, tea, and chocolate on a walking tour through the districts. KC’s The LAB hosts the crawls regionally. After party at Coffee Slingers with Black Mesa brews + Latte Art Throwdown. caffeinecrawl.com —Megan Ford 44

COCKTAILS | LUNCH | DINNER | BRUNCH | ROOFTOP PATIO 201 NW 10TH ST, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73103 PACKARDSOKC.COM

FASSLER HALL

DUST BOWL

Serving craft beers dating back to the 1600s | Open daily at 11am (405) 609-3302 | fasslerhall.com/okc |

Come to bowl, stay for drinks | M–F open at 4pm, Weekends at noon (405) 609-3302 | dustbowlokc.com |

Both located at 421 NW 10th Street, Oklahoma City 73103

continued from page 42

disposable income who can afford to live there and buy really nice clothes. In Oklahoma City, we don’t really have that district or neighborhood. As a result, we have to create meeting points within the city for those demographics.

The Plaza has been an amazing story about cooperation between developers, retailers, creatives, and the neighborhood. We take that for granted. Is that sort of who Oklahoma City is? I think it’s partly because of the size of city we were, and I think if we’re not careful, it will fall off. We’re getting big enough that if we are not careful, the attitude will shift from ‘what’s good for us?’ to ‘what’s good for me?’ I’m a hopeless idealist. I give myself to idealism; I’d rather be idealistic and bruised than jaded and an insufferable ass.

How do you balance the old-school folks who understand that culture, who have invested here for decades, with the new enthusiasm to make changes? We have to decide that we are going to continue to be idealistic and hopeful, and we’re going to continue to believe the ‘all rise together’ rhetoric. Right now we’re big enough that we don’t have to believe that anymore. If we stop believing it, it does change who we are, and for the worse. This is true in my company, too—I want to work with clients who are ethical, who are moral, and it’s not some religious, Bible Belt thing. My father passed an ethos down to me: people who make fast money, lose money fast. When we make a priority of taking care of people, of doing the right thing, in the long run, it works out best for us. Call it karma or whatever you want. I want to be able to sleep at night knowing I did the right thing. I’d also rather make money for 25 years instead of three.

How do you help people support local and recognize that national is not always good for us? I don’t think we win by boycotting; we win by voting with our money. If

you live in Norman, and you love the Diner, go twice as often. If you love it and it’s local, support it. Don’t take it for granted because one day the doors could close, and they might close because we all got so used to it being there.

Consider the ethics and priorities of how you spend.

That’s how you combat the ‘modernizing’ attitude. There will always be a subtext or something they’re not telling us, but if we spend our money at the places and with the people we value, there is nothing that anyone can do to take that away.

H&8th was the big front porch for a while. You’ve been quoted talking about how it was designed to get more people coming to Midtown. What are the lessons from that event? And can you dispel the rumors of why it ended? We were spending so much time managing it that it was taking away from our lives, family time, work. We didn’t make money from H&8th, but it was a second job— sometimes 100 hours a month. Besides, it did what it was supposed to do. The question now is what’s next.

We learned to spread the footprint. H&8th didn’t just bring people to eat at food trucks. It gave people a chance to explore their city. I have friends who discovered R&J because of H&8th. I heard from people at Picasso’s that H&8th gave them a pop, too. The event created these big circles moving outward in which people could explore their city, find new things, new things they now love. Also, we spread the footprint by expanding the event. It was just food trucks—four or five—at the first one. But over time, we said yes to tons of different things. One of the best things to come out of that was Short Order Poems.

Not that H&8th created that—(but) so many people got exposed to amazingly creative people, like Short Order Poems, because of H&8th. Saying yes to people made it possible for the folks who came to explore their city to find new things they love, and create conversations.

WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY

by Greg Horton The Midtown rooftops are open! The bizarrely early spring means it’s possible to get outside and enjoy an adult beverage on the patio at O Bar at The Ambassador and Packard’s New American Kitchen.

Jeff Cole, beverage director for The Ambassador, started Wine Down Wednesday, featuring a glass of wine for $5 and an entree for $10 or less. Cole works with Executive Chef Leo Novak of the Viceroy Grille to pair the wine and an entree. Enjoy Wine Down Wednesday al fresco overlooking the downtown skyline.

“We do two wine classes a week for our staff,” Cole said, “and one of those focuses on pairings. Based on my own personal wine journey, I thought our guests would also enjoy learning about pairing food and wine.”

The food is available from 5–10 pm, and Cole starts pouring wine at 2 pm. The by-the-glass feature is available until it runs out. Word to the wise: Cole said it was gone by 7 pm one night.

Packard’s New American Kitchen purchased all new furniture for its rooftop, including outdoor couches and chairs for lounging, an excellent accompaniment to drinking. The keg wines are sadly gone—kegerators don’t do well outside, it seems—but that means there is more room for wine and beer. General Manager Nick Schaeffer said the new list includes a dozen wines by the glass, as well as a dozen beers. Local brews from Anthem (IPA and Golden One) and COOP (F5) are on the menu all spring and summer.

47

UPTOWN/PASEO The Tower Rises | Rum Runner to Minister | Doorway to Musical History

SERENDIPITY, SILOS AND COMBINATORY PLAY EXAPTIVE DATA GURU DAVE KING TEACHES THE WORLD A NEW WAY TO CONNECT story by Veronica Pasfield, illustration by Aaron Cahill, @nghbrs

Serendipity is becoming an endangered species in our techdriven world. Uber realized it could use cellphones and GPS to create an app that takes the luck out of catching a cab. Tinder uses the same tools to drastically stack the deck in favor of hooking up. So many other platforms are overriding luck to bring us what we want and need.

Dave King, an MIT grad and founder and CEO of Exaptive, has dedicated himself to doing the same for innovation. “As a society, we believe that good ideas are these lightbulbs that go off in the minds of geniuses. I think because we like the mythology of that, we haven’t really worked all that hard to take technological tools and use them to take the serendipity out of aha! moments.

In 2011, King started a software platform company, which works with data and builds web applications. Three years later, his wife, Dr. Deonnie Moonie, graduated from Harvard and got a faculty position at the University of Oklahoma. King made the bold move of transferring Exaptive from Cambridge—a hub of elite universities and uber-brains—to OKC. After securing a round of funding, Exaptive’s 17-member team now helps NGOs, the Gates Foundation, and medical researchers solve meta problems.

Revenue is into “seven digits” and Exaptive projects profitability by next year.

King is no stranger to risk-taking and big thinking.

After King’s earlier start up didn’t go public during the recent financial crisis, he sold everything, scaled back to part time, and traveled the world to rock climb. Were it not for the lure of doing good with data, this newly minted Mesta Park guy might still be living in his VW camper van.

“We choose to work with NGOs, biotech, and things like that because we wanted (the company) to do some good in the world.”

So what is this notion, “exaptive.” Most people know Gutenberg invented the printing press. But most don’t know he went to a vineyard before he did so. He saw a wine press squishing grapes and thought, “What if I’m squishing ink instead of squishing grapes?” The early Gutenberg press is almost identical to a screw wine press.

But what if Gutenberg hadn’t gone to a vineyard?

Innovation is not some brand new idea that somebody has. It’s sort of a recombination of existing ideas, or “exaption.” At Exaptive (the company), we focus on ideas that come from data, and trying to derive insight from data.

The issue today is not about creating more data—we have so much—it’s about extracting the information that’s in the data. That’s the mission behind Exaptive; can we create a software technology and platform that will stack the odds in favor of people having good ideas?

Your platform helps connect innovators and researchers who are trying to solve similar problems, maybe not even within the same filed. You liken your work to creating connective tissue or building bridges between silos of specialization. We’ve designed a new network that’s all about finding out about the things you didn’t know you didn’t know. Cross-cultural sharing is a major source of innovation. There are so many techniques people are inventing every day in different domains. If somebody is developing a replacement for word cloud in the field of legal research, but you’re a medical researcher, you may not (know). It’s a bit like social media but via concepts and problems with similarities. It’s not about being social. We call this a cognitive network. It’s about facilitating thought.

EINSTEIN SAID THAT “COMBINATORY PLAY” SEEMS TO BE THE ESSENTIAL FEATURE OF PRODUCTIVE THOUGHT. IF YOU CAN LOWER THE BARRIERS IN ALLOWING PEOPLE TO PLAY...YOU CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT’S REALLY RICH FOR AHA MOMENTS. Give me an example of how this works. We were hired by an NGO to help them gather information for policies that will help reduce stunted growth in developing nations.

We tend to cluster them by continent—Asia, Africa, South America. But this data norm isn’t (determinative).

They gave us an amazing data set—500 metrics about every country on Earth. CO2 emissions. Amount of money spent on military. Education level of women. Then they asked us to use that data to come up with a clustering of countries based on the data.

One of our data scientists tackled his analytic model by converting his data sets into long strings like DNA sequences. Through the Exaptive network, he was connected to a geneticist who said, “Hate to break it to you, your data doesn’t look like DNA sequences. But it looks a lot like protein sequences. In fact, there’s a lot more algorithmic development around clustering proteins than there is in clustering DNA.” Einstein said that “combinatory play” seems to be the essential feature of productive thought. If you can lower the barriers in allowing people to play, and to form and test hypotheses, then you create an environment that’s continues on page 54

50

THE TOWER RISES story by Greg Horton, photos by Trace Thomas

When the Tower Theatre turned on the neon for the first time in five years in January, a crowd of people, apparently thinking it was 1937, showed up to watch the marquee light up. Neon came to the U.S. in 1923, fourteen years before the Tower opened, but the lighting of the marquee in 2016 was a signal and a symbol that the iconic building was close to opening, and that Uptown 23rd is, in the words of David Wanzer, a co-owner, “becoming a premiere entertainment and dining district.”

Two years ago, this stretch of 23rd Street was a grim, largely abandoned stretch, despite its location near some of the most vibrant residential districts in the city core. After some tough renovations of old buildings by developers such as Land Run and the Tower’s Pivot Project team, the blooming of the Tower complex this spring signals decisive critical mass for Uptown as a destination district.

The Tower has attracted some of the city’s most creative and risk-taking new businesses. Stephen Tyler is the owner and founder of Tyler Studio, a soon-to-be-opened space inside the Tower complex that will be home to Mostly Harmless Media, Tyler’s studio and leasable office space.

Mostly Harmless Media is the umbrella company for some of the city’s popular podcasts, including The Bubble, Intersections and the WAFTI Show. Having grown up in the metro, Tyler was familiar with the theater, and like most residents, fascinated with its story.

“It was this mythical, mysterious building,” he said. “It used to be something, but then it wasn’t, and it was dormant for so long. When the guys bought it, everyone was excited about what was going to be in there.”

A conversation with Tower co-owner Jonathan Dodson about the team’s search for tenants in the office portion of the complex started Tyler thinking about moving his business to the newly renovated space. As of the first week of March, he said he was about to file for the proper permits and begin the build-out with the goal of being open before the first concert in the theater downstairs.

The concerts in the main theater are being managed and booked by Levelland Productions, the parent company of Criterion and Wormy Dog. Scott Marsh, the COO of Levelland, said they are shooting for May to start staging concerts.

“We’re still building the green rooms and bar,” Marsh said, “and there are some repairs to the stage and floor that need to be done.”

Unfortunately, there will be no pipe organ, a fixture when the theater opened in ’37. Who doesn’t love a pipe organ concert? One can almost see Brian Bergman—one of our interviews this issue and badass on the Hammond B3—selling the place out for an Organs in Uptown concert, or something like that.

The food and drink concepts have been widely reported except for two that remain secret as of press time. The Savings and Loan Bar is scheduled to open in March, which should be the first of many openings in 2016, including The Bunker (an Atomic Age concept from Hailey and Ian McDermid of The Pump), the as-yet-unnamed anchor restaurant, and a very cool concept from a successful restaurant nearby.

What is it about the Tower Theatre that is attracting so much buzz and so many disparate types of businesses— and OKC Community Church? David Wanzer said it’s at least partly due to the building and partly to the Uptown 23rd District.

“I think people want to be part of the history of the Tower,” Wanzer said. “It’s a cool, iconic building, and they also get to be a part of the ongoing revitalization of Uptown 23rd.”

Based on the current timeline, every component of the theater will open in 2016, a remarkable turnaround for the soon-to-be 80-year-old building.

Follow the theater on social media @towertheatreokc.

51

Every Saturday & Sunday 10:00am - 3:00pm

NEW HOURS Open Monday - Friday at 4:30pm, Saturday & Sunday at 10:00am • 519 NW 23rd Street, Suite 111, OKC | 405.605.3399

DOORWAY TO MUSICAL HISTORY story by Emily Hopkins,photo by Trace Thomas

There are a handful of true institutions in the music industry, venues that have survived the test of time (or at least burned bright for a while). The Troubadour. The Bowery.

Here in Oklahoma City, tucked in the corner of NW 28th St. and McKinley Ave., we have The Blue Door.

Yes, it’s smaller than these more famous stages in bigger markets, but owner Greg Johnson’s curating of the acts who have populated the stage at The Blue Door ensures its significance on the regional music scene. This building, once on the verge of being condemned, has served as a place where singer-songwriters of all ages share a love of story put to verse for more than two decades. The likes of Jimmy Webb, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and Tom Skinner have come through, clearing a path for the likes of Samantha Crain, Beau Jennings and Sherree Chamberlain.

This Oklahoma musical heritage is just what a trio of local documentarians are hoping to capture. Rusty Muns, Bill Hellams and Paul Thomas have been around the block a time or two and certainly know a good story when they see one. Muns has known Johnson since grade school and recognized the opportunity to record fascinating people and great music.

“It occurred to me that there was something really special happening at The Blue Door and it would be an interesting challenge to try to capture that,” producer/ director/editor Muns said. “We’re not doing this because anybody told us to. It’s truly a labor of love.”

The project centers around relationships: Greg’s relationship with the artists, the artists’ relationship with the audience, and everyone’s relationship with the storied venue. The poets and philosophers recorded for the project speak with the genuine warmth of someone talking about a loved one; Jimmy Webb even stated on record that he would choose a performance at The Blue Door over one at Madison Square Garden any day.

This won’t be your typical music documentary. Viewers won’t experience the tribulations of the industry, clashing egos and drug-addled mayhem. “It’s not supposed to be about the business,” Hellams, director of photography, said. “It’s about the music and the artists in a venue that’s truly unique in this country. It’s such a rare thing.”

Muns jokes that they don’t have all the footage—but what they have is a ton of footage. With over 30 hours of interviews featuring a couple dozen musicians, volunteers and other important faces, sifting through the trove of material to find the gems is going to take a while. Add on top of that, the efforts of sound designer and visual effects supervisor Paul Thomas, whose precision to detail combines “contemporary production styles with tried-andtrue methods” such as timelapse work, and you’re left with a monster of a project.

“It’s kind of like building a house—it takes more time, more money and results in more problems than you anticipated,” Muns said. The three filmmakers expect to launch a Kickstarter account to help soften the financial blow of such an expensive project. And for these three, whether that effort takes another year or another five years doesn’t matter nearly as much as the value of the final product.

“The main thing I care about is telling the story and delivering a piece of art that captures what goes on there and the people who make it happen,” Muns said. “What it means to the musicians, how it has evolved and how it stands out from so many other venues in the country.”

Experience the magic firsthand with a show at The Blue Door. Spring shows include a Joni Mitchell tribute March 19, Beau Jennings and Sherree Chamberlain March 25, and a fundraiser for the Woody Guthrie Festival April 29. Full schedule at bluedoorokc.com. You can see regular updates at BlueDoorDocumentary.com 53

RUM RUNNER TO MINISTER THE NATION’S FASCINATION WITH PREMIUM RUM ARRIVES. story by Greg Horton, photos by Trace Thomas

Jason Ewald at The Drake

For most rum drinkers, the name Edward Hamilton means nothing. When Provisions Fine Beverage Purveyors announced that Hamilton would be visiting the state in early March, many of the state’s best bartenders and restaurateurs showed up to see the self-anointed “Minister of Rum.” Hamilton was a chemical engineer for many years, but he got tired of helping make “shit to kill people.” He quit his job after his boss asked him to sit down and write out his goals, the first and only of which was “quit.” Having been an avid sailor most of his life, Hamilton bought a sailboat and headed to the Caribbean. While visiting the islands, he fell in love with rum, not the mass-produced, guy-with-his-knee-raised style of rum, though.

Kyle Fleischfresser, the beverage manager for Western Concepts (Tasting Room, The Coach House, etc.), has read Hamilton’s book “Complete Guide to Rum and his influential blog “The Ministry of Rum,” said that most rums on the market have been “Americanized.”

“They are nothing like the original recipe,” Fleischfresser said. “The rums that Hamilton imports are important because they represent the true style and way the inhabitants of the respective locations the rums come from like to drink.”

The rums produced all over the Caribbean vary from island to island, and in addition to being a real-as-life rum smuggler for a few years, Hamilton became an expert in rum productions and styles from those islands. His science background serves him well, as he has little patience for talk about “terroir” (the way a region affects taste and character) when it comes to rum.

“We could talk about terroir, or we could talk about how the process really works,” he said. “The molasses comes from Guyana. The only genuine differences are process or type of still used.”

The Tasting Room recently hosted a seminar at which Hamilton introduced participants to about a dozen of his rums, including a few in his signature line. Hamilton is

a strong proponent of rhum agricole, a style made from fermented sugarcane juice, popular in the West Indies. As part of the seminar, he taught participants how to make one of the most popular drinks in the Caribbean, the ti’ punch. This is not a typical tiki rum punch; it’s a strippeddown version that the islanders have been drinking as long as they’ve been making rum.

TI’ PUNCH wedge of lime peel with a tiny bit of pulp attached squeeze into glass splash of cane sugar syrup 1 to 1.5 oz of Neisson blanc rum ice Jason Ewald, beverage director of A Good Egg Dining Group, called the punch a “down and dirty caipirhina,” and that’s likely the best description. The lack of flavor-altering additions means that the rum must be high-quality, and the Neisson certainly delivers.

The signature line of rums also includes a 151 made in Guyana. Hamilton recommends not shooting or sipping this one. “The 151 is meant to be floated onto a cocktail,” he said. “It ups the aromatics, and the rum slowly works its way through the drink to add flavor.”

Premium rums come at premium prices. The quality is obvious, though, as bars all over the state started ordering the rums as soon as they were available, including The Drake, Ludivine, and O Bar, as well stores like Broadway Wine Merchants and Spirit Shop (Norman).

continued from page 50

really rich for aha moments. (Our scientist) ended up with statistically significant accuracy in clustering countries, which has potential implications for how people intervene around malnutrition.

It’s almost like Exaptive is asking for a shift in consciousness. I find myself thinking about lateral vs. linear thinking. There was a fascinating (study) out 54

of Northwestern University that looked at people who were trying to solve problems that require lateral insight.

Whenever we’re faced with a problem, the first part of the brain that activates is the pre-frontal cortex. That’s the ‘brute force’ part of our brain. It also inhibits a part of our brain that understands literary allusion, humor, etc. So if someone is not solving a problem, the harder they focus, they’re actually lower their odds of (success). Science is

Anna Johnston and Andrea Koester photographed at t, an urban teahouse in Uptown

DONUT EVANGELISTAS When it comes to donuts and pastries, we no longer have to choose between health and taste. Holey Rollers, the new “sensible sweets” bakery from Territory contributing writer Andrea Koester and vegan chef Anna Johnston, has crafted treats that satisfy “when you don’t want to risk a sugar coma,” promises Johnston.

Anna’s story never began with the intention of baking; she doesn’t even have much of a sweet tooth. Unlike cooking, baking was intimidating. With cooking, you can add more of an ingredient if it isn’t quite tasting right, but baking can be tricky; a mis-measured pour of flour or a dash of coriander instead of cinnamon can completely and irrevocably alter the taste and texture. Despite this, Holey Rollers masterfully blends savory with sweet and floral with citrus, and they have discovered a way to make a consistently delicious treat that customers can eat with far less guilt or concern.

“A lot of Oklahomans are eating more consciously and feel restricted in what they can eat,” Koester said. “We are happy to be able to provide donuts and other sweets that people can enjoy no matter their dietary needs.”

Healthy ingredients and decadent flavors are the trademarks of Holey Rollers. High quality ingredients are

story by Skyler Munday photos by Rachel Apple

sourced as locally as possible. Some donuts are gluten-free and every donut is vegan. Adventurous eaters can please their palates with flavors like Lavender Vanilla, S’mores, and Spicy Mexican Chocolate, while traditionalists can stick to vanilla or chocolate donuts with sprinkles. Apple Cider tends to be the favorite at most tastings.

Any night of the week, either one of them can be found baking, but that task usually falls to Anna. Glazing and delivery are a shared responsibility, and both contribute ideas and experiment with new twists on flavors. Donuts are delivered early in the morning to places like Leaf and Bean, Elemental, Fit Pig and Provision Kitchen.

This spring, Holey Rollers will debut their food truck— although it’s really more of a trailer. In a show of spirited Oklahoma “coopetition,” Jon Grupe, owner of the The Loaded Bowl food truck, is handling the custom buildout on the trailer. In addition to the donuts (and pastries... coming soon), the trailer will feature coffee from local roasters, including a menu of specialty lattes, made with milk substitutes.

To find Holey Rollers locations and daily flavors: Twitter @HoleyRollersOKC and Instagram @HoleyRollers.

filled with anecdotes about people who solve a problem when they go for a walk or get in the shower.

San Francisco. But I couldn’t be more proud of the team we’ve got here.

You must have been concerned about relocating Exaptive from Boston to OKC. I was initially petrified at the idea of moving. We had built the company in Boston, and had clients and a team there. There’s no doubt it’s harder to find talent here than it would be in Boston or

Speaking of play, I’ve got to ask you, what’s the best thing about living in a VW van? My bedroom got a lot smaller, but my living room got a lot, lot bigger. The world’s this amazingly big, interesting place. It was great just to be in it.

55

MARK NORWOOD, Director of Operations, Scott Cleaners

SETH LEWIS COO, Rockford Cocktail Den

“I love Scott Cleaners because it’s always a personal experience for me to get my dry cleaning. They provide dependable, quality service.” —Seth Lewis Eight locations serving the OKC metro scottcleanersinc.com | (405) 604-6666 |

Tues–Wed: 11 am–10 pm, Thur–Sat: 11 am–1 am, Sun: 11 am–9 pm 1933 NW 23rd Street, OKC | (405) 600-9040 |

Midtown: 801 N. Hudson Ave. | (405) 702-4333 Oklahoma City: 5800 N. Classen Blvd, Ste. 2 | (405) 463-3343 Edmond: 1189 E. 15th St., Ste. 124 | (405) 513-6393

barre3.com

WESTERN AVE Pedal to the Metal | Heritage Rig | Waterford Redux

a true sense of place and home

New Homes Available at 1161 & 1165 NW 57th Street | 1169 & 1171 NW 56th Street Meadowbrook Modern provides timeless, modern design within a quaint, neighborhood setting. Offering a unique, urban lifestyle conveniently located within walking distance to Classen Curve, Whole Foods, and Western Avenue.

We invite you to stop by an open house on Monday through Friday 1:00-3:00pm and most weekends.

Visit our website or call for more details

PEDAL TO THE METAL

story by Emily Hopkins, photos by Travis Warren

“Tell them we sell a million units a year,” jokes Colt Westbrook, president of OKC-based guitar pedal company, Walrus Audio.

Walrus Audio is a mere ant on the ground to some, but an intimidating presence to others. It’s situated in an unassuming, storage-unit-esque building south of Britton, with the roar of the Broadway Extension traffic audible just over the retaining wall. Its physical presence is just as hard to qualify as its position in the industry is to quantify. Are these guys big time acting like small time? Or are they just trying to climb up the ladder? What’s their deal?

That Walrus Audio will never tell is part of its edge. But with customers like Taylor Rice of Local Natives and Scott Shriner of Weezer, Walrus clearly created a brand to be reckoned with.

Founded in 2011, Walrus has roughly 20 pedals in its catalog, designed, crafted and distributed by a crew of 10. Midcentury modern furniture dots the office, and an easygoing aura permeates between bursts of guitar chords as the pedals are tested.

Behind Door No. 1 is Jason Stulce, resident engineer. This is clearly a room of discovery; one product is laid bare on a makeshift workbench, its vibrant shell removed to reveal cold, practical wires underneath. Another three shelves are strewn with pedals of all sizes, colors and denominations.

“We draw inspiration from older, vintage stuff but (we) modernize and tweak it in ways,” Stulce said. “It’s about coming up with a new creation that’s inspired by something old but that’s applicable to modern-day music.”

BRONCHO drummer Nathan Price designed the majority of the pedals’ outer accoutrements, with local artist Chris Castro contributing along the way. On this day, the Walrus offices are buzzing with the arrival of Julia, a new piece that adds vibrato that Walrus likens to the choral, ethereal pulse of the sea. The Julia’s not named after an ex-lover, but pays homage to an unidentified oceanic sound recorded in 1999, largely believed to be the result of a giant iceberg running aground off Antarctica— the perfect muse for a brand that’s a bit elusive itself.

Like the enticing YouTube branding video for The Julia, a shroud of mystery and conspiracy surrounds Walrus.

“We’re trying to tell a story through our pedals,” said Philip Hunsicker, operations manager.

Other Walrus pedals share juicy narratives. The Messner was one of the originals in this pattern of anecdotal tradition, honoring Reinhold Messner, the first man to climb Mount Everest sans supplemental oxygen. There’s continues on page 77 61

HERITAGE RIG

story by Andrea Koester, photos by Rachel Apple

When Andra Conger was a child, her father gave her a calf in lieu of an allowance. He explained that raising that calf would make her richer than any allowance he could give her. She took her job seriously, and won enough show competitions to pay for college. Growing up on a cattle farm and raising her own calf taught Andra hard work, patience and perseverance, qualities that would someday be extremely beneficial when running a food truck.

The Pitchfork Truck was born shortly after Andra found herself without a job. She taught theater in her hometown of Garber, Oklahoma, for years, but when the school district had to cut the budget, the arts were the first to go. Trying to decide what to do next was difficult, and she helped navigate that phase of her life by spending most of her time in the kitchen. She took her husband Jacob’s encouragement to cook professionally, the result of which was the inevitable, “Let’s open up a food truck!”

Food trucks are ubiquitous right now, and many people fall victim to the idea that running their own would be fun, but they lack experience with the kitchen or business side.

Worse, they often do not realize the hard work it takes to be successful. Andra and Jacob have all three covered.

Hard work is in their bloodline. Andra’s family has been farming the same land since the Land Run of 1893.

62

Her father still operates the wheat and cattle farm. The Pitchfork truck, a 1952 Ford F-6, is actually the first wheat truck the family owned. Hard work: check.

Business savvy? Jacob is the managing partner of Rose Briar Place, an all-inclusive wedding venue in north Oklahoma City. When he recognized that agritourism was becoming popular for weddings and other events, he came up with a plan.

“I realized that with a mobile kitchen, we could pull up to vineyards, farms, and other outdoor venues and still provide great food to the guests.”

Business savvy: check. But can they cook? Both Andra’s and Jacob’s grandmothers play a huge role in shaping their menu, which is based on Okie home cooking at its best.

Edith Dunn, Andra’s grandmother, taught her the way around a kitchen. “She was the definition of an Oklahoma pioneer woman,” Andra said. “We use a lot of her recipes, including the buttermilk biscuits.”

The biscuits are the base for most of their breakfast items. The Stanley—crispy chicken and a fluffy biscuit smothered in their signature Farmer’s gravy—makes you feel like Grandma is on the truck.

Jacob’s grandmother’s coconut creme pie might make you wish that she was your grandma. “A lot of the recipes

SCENE & BE SEEN

REDBUD CLASSIC APRIL 11–12 Coe London walked door-to-door in Nichols Hills in the height of a frigid winter to collect signatures to start the Redbud Classic. Three decades later, the event has raised more than $500k for non-profits. This year’s proceeds benefit Peppers Ranch, a place where foster children get education and nurturing. Events include 5k and 10k runs, a 5k wheelchair event, a two-mile walk and baby stroller derby, and a one-mile kid’s fun run.

(Shout out to street decorators on Larchmont & Trenton.) Cycling events and bike tours, too! More info at redbud.org —Megan Ford

we use on the truck have been around longer than Oklahoma was a state,” Jacob explains.

Even though they may get a lot of inspiration from their grandmothers, it’s also clear that this duo knows how to cook. Freshbaked goodies like brownies, raspberry pinwheels and unbelievably delicious cinnamon rolls are all homemade from scratch. Jacob’s perfected pepper jelly recipe is not only used on a menu favorite, The Westerner (a take on a BLT with whipped cream cheese and pepper jelly), but is also available for purchase in mason jars.

What makes this food truck operation even a bit more special is the relationship with Oklahoma’s own Blue & Gold Sausage Co. Pitchfork Truck has the exclusive commercial use of the sausage.

Started by an agricultural teacher looking for ways to raise money for his FFA chapter, the company has provided Oklahoma school groups and organizations with fundraising opportunities for over 40 years. The truck is always stocked with sausage, thick cut bacon and chicken tenders from Blue & Gold.

“We are proud to be serving such amazing products and honored to be in business with a company that’s purpose is to give back to their community,” Andra said.

Delicious grub: check!

HERITAGE HAM Easter and ham go together like bunnies and chocolate, so the ham must be memorable. At Christmas, a friend introduced us to Blackwell’s Honey Glazed Ham and we’ve been planning our Easter menu around it ever since. Juicy, flavorful, fragrant, and tinged with a smokey-sweet glaze—basically everything a ham should be. This heritage ham joins a fourth-generation Oklahoma meat company with Blackwell’s fifth-generation honey company, both based in Blanchard. The hickory-smoked, spiral-cut ham must be ordered in advance from meat man Duane Smith, and they are delivered free of charge. (405) 413-9352.

Twitter and Instagram @pitchforktruck + Pitchfork Kitchen and Bakery on Facebook.

63

Every Window, Every Wall, Love Your Space shutters • shades • custom drapery • hardware • wallpapers & fabrics 4416 N. Western Ave., Oklahoma City 73118 | ketchdesigncentre.com | (405) 525-7757 64

Follow us!

WATERFORD REDUX “Crowds hail repeal.” Those words feature prominently on a Prohibition-themed picture hanging beside a faintly lit wine case in Ember Modern American Tavern. The new restaurant is burrowed in the now radically transformed Renaissance Waterford Oklahoma City Hotel.

That also seemed to be the motto of TPG Hospitality, the real estate and management company that completed a $10 million renovation of the nine-story, 196-guestroom property on the south edge of Nichols Hills.

The transition of the historic Waterford Marriott into a Renaissance hotel resulted in striking advancements. “The hotel was in need of an overhaul,” said John Williams, general manager. “It was time for a fresh new

approach in the market. Renaissance is more a lifestyle and upscale brand than Marriott.”

One of the most dramatic aspects of massive overhaul is Ember Modern American Tavern, the Prohibition-era inspired restaurant connected to the lobby.

Williams helped trailblaze the Colcord’s upscale eatery, Flint, the renovated Skirvin Hilton and Devon Energy’s Vast. He scoped out veteran Kyle Lippe, previously of Rose Creek Golf and Country Club and Mahogany, to serve as Director of Beverage and Food for the Waterford.

Executive Chef Gayland Toriello’s homey menu sources much locally, and his hand with steak rivals the best in town. Lippe also takes artisan cocktails seriously.

“Making tonic water for cocktails, using egg whites and classic garnishes is the way it’s meant to be,” Lippe said, “just as it was back when people took pride in making drinks. If you’re going to say you’re a Prohibition-style bar, you better make really good Prohibition-style drinks.”

Lippe and the Waterford team are determined to create a fresh start. It’s a welcome addition to Belle Isle, an area heavy on executive traffic and surprisingly slim on places to convene and imbibe.

TERRITORY:MAKERS SERIES

photo by Emily Hughes

story by Jessica Valentine

Learn, play, and build community—what could be better? This is the impulse behind the Territory:Makers Series. We join adventuresome souls with passion people who teach us how to play with a whole lot more style and soul.

THE OKC CELLAR WINE & CHEESE PAIRING Thurs., March 24, 6 pm The city’s best wine and cheese experts have come together under a common goal: to blow our minds with some of the most unique and memorable wines and cheeses available in Oklahoma. The OKC Cellar, a private wine cellar near 78th and Robinson, hosts the event and designer Ashley Whiteside is going to style us up a room to remember.

The OKC Cellar is the latest venture by the Merritt family, purveyors of Prairie Wolf Spirits. They’ve invited the highly trained cheese professionals at Whole Foods Market and Premium Brands wine distributors to elevate our palates and our knowledge.

Heavy hors d’oeuvres served. 7801 N. Robinson Ave., suite D9, Oklahoma City.

MOTHER-DAUGHTER NIGHT Thurs., May 5th, 6 pm udånder Scandinavian Steam & Sauna Spa hosts a lovely retreat for mothers and their grown daughters the Thursday evening before Mother’s Day. Therapeutic botanical foot soaks in copper bowls, and the healing experience of sauna create a nurturing backdrop for other mother-daughter activities.

Together we learn about journaling, and use that as a springboard to share memories from this most special of relationships. Other peaceful and playful makers activities planned, and delicious lady treats round out the night. 131 Dean A. McGee, suite 105 (in the Carnegie Centre, on the corner of McGee & N. Robinson), Oklahoma City.

MAN NIGHT late May Manly drinks, smokes, and other manly pursuits commence at one of OKC’s hottest new craft cocktail bars. The location’s top-secret at press time. All we can say is that it’s swank. The tickets will be few, and stylish gentlemen will get a chance to taste and learn about the finest fashion, cocktails, and other delights.

Follow Territory social media for alerts and ticket release announcements! Instagram + Twitter @territoryokc, or Facebook at Territory OKC 65

10900 Hefner Pointe Dr. & 5101 N. Western Ave. (405) 848-2001 | www.fnbok.com

Commercial, Professional, & Executive Banking

FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Delivering all of the banking services you require, while remaining true to our community banking roots.

Whe

n i t co m e s t o a s m i l e , only white will do!

Mar y Casey-Kelly, DDS | Katherine Lawrence Johnson, DDS 5653 N. Classen Blvd., Oklahoma City 73118 | (405) 232-9721 | cjdentalstudio.com | Mon–Thurs: 8:30–5:00

POINTS NORTH Hassle-Free Boating | The Elegant Surprise of Riesling | An Easy Assist for Pollinators in Crisis

BROADWAY KICKS

EDMOND’S ELOISE KROPP FINDS HER PLACE ON THE BIG STAGE

interview by Dancers of New York, photos by James Jin, intro by Olivia Morris

Small town girl moves to the Big Apple and charms her golly-gee way into a starring role in a Broadway play— dimples and tap shoes flashing. How the mirror of life and art seems to play on and on. Eloise Kropp is that girl, on stage and in real life.

The Edmond native grew up with a background in dance, learning tap, jazz and ballet at studios such as Dance Unlimited. Then she discovered a love for musical

theater, and found an early break at OKC’s Lyric Theatre.

Her time on the Plaza District stage prepared young Eloise for her biggest role to date: a lead in last fall’s Broadway musical, Dames at Sea. Broadway’s Helen Hayes Theatre revived the beloved Broadway musical last October with Kropp playing the starring role of Ruby, an ingenue actress that arrives in New York during the 1930s, straight off the bus from Utah. The story follows Ruby as she beats out a spoiled star for the lead role in a Broadway musical. In the process, Ruby also lands the heart of a sailor.

Kropp and Ruby have quite a bit in common—a playful and quirky personality, small-town roots, and gobs of natural talent. Kropp studied musical theater at University of Oklahoma, and in her junior year landed roles in the New York productions of On the Town and Tuck Everlasting. She packed her bags in a New York minute and grabbed a flight, expecting to begin her career.

Once in Manhattan, the Tuck Everlasting production died and On the Town postponed a month...and then another month... and another. Kropp scurried to fill her calendar

with as many roles and auditions as she could—preparing for an indefinite waiting period. She won spots in productions at the prestigious Godspeed and Paper Mill Playhouse theaters.

Finally, Broadway picked up On the Town for a revival in 2014, which ran until September of last year. Kropp then went quickly into production for Dames at Sea, which enjoyed critical support from The New York Times and USA Today. The Times also featured Kropp in a video promoting the production last fall (it’s worth a Google search).

At the tender age of 23, Edmond’s own little dame has set sail on her Broadway career. With permission, Territory excerpted her interview with the buzz-worthy blog, Dancers of New York (dancersofny.com).

How did you get started in dance? I started dancing a little late. I was eight and I started tap. And then after that, I added jazz, and then lastly I added ballet. So it kind of went backwards— but I studied in Oklahoma at a studio called Dance Unlimited. My junior year of high school I found out that you could do musical theatre as a living. So I told my parents that I could make money doing what I loved and from there I decided to pursue it. I went to OU for two and a half years for musical theatre and then left my junior year, moved to New York, and have been here ever since.

When you first told your parents that you wanted to perform for a living, how did they respond? I think they thought I was a little bit crazy. They had no idea what this was; my sister wanted to become a ballet dancer, and I wanted to do musical theatre. So they were a little wary of it, but always 100% supportive. Even though, I am sure deep down they were just like, ‘Why can’t you just become a doctor?’ Now they love seeing shows.

Was there ever a point where you felt like couldn’t do it anymore? Yeah, there were multiple points, especially my first year. I was still doing really great things once I moved to the city—but it wasn’t Broadway and not what I expected to do, so I was like, ‘I am just going to quit and continues on page 79

70

HASSLE-FREE BOATING There is nothing as glorious as a cool, clear lake, especially in a place like Oklahoma. Boats optimize lake weekends like fireworks enhance the Fourth of July. Pontoons for lazy sunbathing. Ski boats for initiating littles into water sports sooner than they can ride a two-wheeler. Kayaks for morning Audubon explorations. Boats allow for the sweetest kind of memory-making.

Grant Humphreys easily conjures his favorite boat ritual for Lake Eufaula: “Right before the sun goes down and the stars come out, the water becomes so still and soft that it looks like glass. Usually (our) only company is a crane flying on the water’s edge. In that moment, there’s not a more peaceful place on earth.”

Still, boaters are the first to say that the definition of a boat is hole in the water into which you pour money. Enter the Carlton Landing Boat Club. Humphreys is founder of Carlton Landing, a genteel lakeside village designed by the masterminds behind Florida’s Seaside resort. The community quietly allows non-residents to join its Boat Club.

“A boat club simplifies your lake experience,” said Humphreys. “The typical hassles and expense of boat ownership will leave even the most avid boat-lover begging for mercy. Since forming the Boat Club, we were happy to sell our boats and become members.” mid April

story by Veronica Pasfield The Boat Club’s T-shaped dock juts into a lovely cove.

On one side, kayaks and canoes line the swimming platform. On the opposite wing, docks berth a small fleet of immaculate Cobalt ski boats, Harris FloteBote Pontoons, and a flotilla of inflated towables.

A flat fee for the season gets members access to fourhour reservation slots, and a boat that’s gassed and ready to go. Deckhands clean the craft at the end. An easy two-hour drive from Oklahoma City, the Carlton Landing docks were an absolute refuge during last summer’s ugly heat. This writer has spent every summer on Lake Michigan, but was so pleasantly surprised by the Boat Club’s clean, refreshing lagoon.

Humphreys explained that much of Lake Eufaula is fed by tributaries to the west. “Carlton Landing is uniquely situated near the headwaters of Longtown Creek, which instead feeds in from the San Bois Mountains to the southeast. With a different water source, the Longtown portion of Lake Eufaula boasts the best water quality and clarity.”

The Boat Club runs daily May 15–Sept. 15, and weekends thru Oct. 31. Boat Club members can also use the community pool. Memberships run $2,500–$7,000. carltonlanding.com/boat-club. (918) 452-2509.

LISTEN UP, NERDS

The Thursday Night Throwdown Latte Art Competition is calling all coffee nerds to unite in April at Evoke Café in Edmond. The newly minted Barista Guild of OKC is giving local baristas a chance to show their skills, build a coffee community, and take home the golden milk-pitcher trophy.

The guild wants to create synergy between the community and those behind the counter.

Paul Zimmerman, guild founder,

by Megan Ford

sees distinct coffeeshops uniting under a common ethos: “providing dope coffee and being kind and welcoming to customers.”

The April pourdown draws competitors from all over Oklahoma, as well as Texas and Kansas. “A few years ago this is only something you would have expected to see in places like Seattle or Portland,” Zimmerman said, “It is a testament to Oklahoma City’s coffee scene.”

photo by Atria Creative 71

wine column

THE ELEGANT SURPRISE OF RIESLING

by Greg Horton

the finest Riesling in the world. They have been producing Daring to write about Riesling requires a couple promises the wines since 1802, after all, so they should be great at it. up front. We are not discussing the sugary-sweet Rieslings Like the Eroica, Poet’s Leap is semi-dry to dry, and it also made famous by blue bottles or polka dots. Riesling, done features the best fruit Washington has to offer. right, pairs better than Cabernet Sauvignon with steak— The Scribe Winery in Sonoma is so proud of the dryness that’s for the red-wine-only drinkers, that mysterious of their signature Riesling that they print “0.0 g R.S.” on group who can’t imagine white wines are actually good. the label. The wines arrived in Oklahoma in 2015, and Most Riesling in local wine shops and liquor stores is while the entire line is excellent, their Riesling is special in the super cheap stuff from Germany. You will notice the a way that’s hard to describe. Fans of the style look for the rows of green and blue bottles with indecipherable labels. driest version possible, The primary purchaser and it’s impossible to get of these introductory drier than zero grams Rieslings are active of RS, but that is only a duty or former miliThe wines arrived in Oklahoma in description of style, and tary personnel or their 2015, and while the entire line is has nothing to do with spouses who did a stint the amazing balance of in Germany, Riesling’s excellent, their Riesling is special in a fruit and acid in this home country. If you way that’s hard to describe. beautiful Riesling. like sweet wine, look no Also relatively new further than those green to Oklahoma is another and blue bottles.

California winery, While Germany is Claiborne & Churchill from Edna Valley. Given that the home of the greatest Rieslings in the world—that’s not they’ve only been around since 1983, their mastery of even up for debate, honestly—the western U.S. has started white wines is unbelievable. (They even made the bold producing some outstanding Riesling, too, and the really move of aging Pinot Gris in oak, and it’s beautiful.) The good stuff is dry. (Dry and sweet are on the same continDry Riesling is bursting with acidity, and the very low RS uum, but at opposite ends.) delivers on the promise of dry. Again, these are winemakNow, for a caveat: good Riesling is not cheap, not like ers who shoot for balance, and they definitely succeed. the sweet stuff designed for American palates. In fact, a Finally, Seth Cripe, proprietor and winemaker of Lola high quality, domestic Riesling will typically cost over Wines in California, came to Oklahoma City for the $20—a shocking number when compared to brands like first time in February to introduce the state to his line of Relax or Polka Dot. excellent whites and Pinot Noirs. We quibbled a bit about The truth is, though, that Riesling is simply one of what constituted balance—he was right; it’s subjective to a the best grapes in the world for making wine. Made to degree—but he does exercise restraint (moderation) in his be paired with food, quality Riesling will have two very wines. Moderation or restraint requires not shooting for important characteristics: low residual sugar (RS) and heavily extracted fruit bombs, while allowing the region moderate to high acid. The RS is the sugar left in the wine to speak for itself in the wine. The goal is a balance of acid, after fermentation is stopped. As a general rule, the more fruit and structure, and Lola’s Dry Riesling is outstanding.

RS, the sweeter the wine.

Seth would say I like that style best because it’s my preferTwo wineries in the Pacific Northwest decided to ence, but I like it best because these Rieslings are combine the best of Germany and the U.S. by inviting remarkable wines.

German winemakers to make Riesling using juice from As with most quality wines in the state, the best choices Washington. The first was Eroica, a collaborative effort for wine shop are Broadway Wine Merchants, Edmond between Château Ste. Michelle and Dr. Loosen (a name Wine Shop, Spirit Shop in Norman, Coffee Creek in common on German Riesling). The result is a complex, Edmond, and Freeman’s Liquor Mart. Also, your favorite semi-dry Riesling that showcases Washington’s amazing wine shop can order anything available in the state and fruit (perhaps the best in the world dollar for dollar right usually have it in the store within 24 hours. now) and the benefits of moderation in winemaking.

In the same vein is Poet’s Leap from Long Shadows Greg Horton is Territory’s wine columnist and Vicar of winery in Walla Walla, Washington. The winemaker is Editorial. Yes, that is actually his title.

Armin Diel, and his family is synonymous with some of 72

1415 NE 63rd St, Oklahoma City 73111 | (405) 478-1529 | colesgarden.net | Tuesday–Saturday 10am–6pm |

IN PRAISE OF SIMPLE EXCELLENCE

story by Greg Horton, photo by Trace Thomas

EDMOND’S SIGNATURE GRILL DOING THE BASICS SO RIGHT When looking for the moral of or point to a story, it’s common to dig around to find a pithy quote that sums up the overall ethos. Conversely, it’s also common to dig into a writer’s past and offer a wise saying in this format: My grandpa used to say “Don’t hitch a goat to the back wheel of the wagon, son.” Grandpa likely knew more about Old Charter Scotch than goats, but you get the point.

Sometimes, and this is preferable, the point of the story is obvious because of something that is said or something that happens. That’s what happened when we talked to Clay Falkner, executive chef and owner of Signature Grill in Edmond. It was not necessarily serendipity; sometimes, someone knows who he is and what she is good at with such certainty the point flows from their honesty.

“There is no one in my pocket,” Falkner said. He doesn’t mean that he’s bribed an official; he means that no one has his hand in Falkner’s pocket.

Falkner’s story is pretty well known: cooking young, moved to Colorado, moved back, Deep Fork Group, New World Cuisine becomes available, Signature Grill opens, he and his wife run it as a team—he has back of house, she has front. She’s social, him not so much. No mysteries on the menu, just solid technique executed with precision, over and over again.

Doing the basics right is underrated. Doing the basics with precision, and delivering delicious food every time, even more so. But that comes later. The part of the story that most people don’t know is that Falkner and wife Jessica have done this without surrendering financial control to a restaurant group or to a too-involved investor. That allows the couple to do business exactly as they prefer, and what they prefer seems counterintuitive to a city in the midst of an historically unique explosion of development.

Here’s the question to which I always wanted an answer: Why are you in Edmond? Not just Edmond—so far north you’re almost in Kansas.

Falkner has several answers to the question, but they all come down to a couple simple truths. He likes to live near where he works; he likes Edmond; he likes Signature Grill. “I love being able to get here in four minutes,” he said.

And then there’s the other, larger truth.

“I have no desire to be in the urban core,” Falkner said. “I don’t think downtown can support the restaurants that are going in everywhere.

Where the hell are they going to find chefs for these places?

Are all of them going to have creative chefs?”

That’s actually not the larger truth. This is. “I’d love to have newer, maybe bigger, but in Edmond, and with very little time to see my kids as it is, what would expansion cost me? And what would it cost in terms of keeping people out of my pocket?”

74

You find your skillset, you discover your limitations, you make a life. Because no one gets everything. Falkner has found his niche, nestled into a plaza in north Edmond, with less than 50 seats available for dinner—and it’s dinner only. As for cooking, he’s found his niche there, too.

Doing the basics, but not just throwing a pork chop on a plate—his example—means getting the fundamentals right and then using what a chef has at his disposal to build on the natural goodness of the ingredients. Good food is not as easy to create as it seems, and chefs who make good food with simple-to-understand ingredients should get more credit than they do.

Producing a menu that everyone can understand without hiding flaws behind sauces or seasoning and doing it right every time is vastly underrated.

“There is nothing wrong with a sauce,” Falkner said, “but it’s supposed to complement the dish not overwhelm it, such that someone tastes it together and says ‘that’s what it’s supposed to taste like!’”

Take the duck breast entrée on Signature Grill’s menu as an example. The pan-seared duck breast is served with a pomegranate-cherry port wine reduction. Duck is meant to go with cherries; it just is, and the French really get this.

Falkner’s training was in Italian and French technique, so of course he knows ducks and cherries are synergistic genius. The sauce works with and expands the flavors; it

does not hide inferior or degraded ingredients. Knowing how much is enough is one of the chef ’s most important tasks. Falkner nails it every time.

“The menu has been fine-tuned,” he said. “I think about how to make items better, not what to replace them with.”

Replacing items on Signature’s menu is nearly impossible, because every time he tried in the past, a regular guest complained. “That was my favorite! I hate you!” Falkner

AN EASY ASSIST FOR POLLINATORS IN CRISIS story by Jessica Valentine, photo courtesy of Myriad Botanical Gardens

Last year, the Washington Post reported that Oklahoma has the highest decline in honey bees due to Colony Collapse Disorder in the country. Oklahoma lost 60 percent of its hives last year, which leads to troubling questions about the demise of the natural habitat.

Calling 2016 “the year of the pollinator,” Myriad Gardens Director of Education Ann Fleener said her organization is working with the OKC Urban Ag Coalition and other groups to vigorously address the problem. Myriad and its collaborators have begun to create programs that cultivate and nurture the recovery of pollinators such as monarch butterflies and honey bees, the latter of which are declining at alarming rates. “It’s about saving the pollinators,” Fleener said. “One of the things we want to do at Myriad is create programs that relate to pollinators, and the prairie garden is a perfect place for that.”

Fleener realized she was onto something after Myriad Gardens installed its first prairie garden last spring. In a very short time, monarch butterflies filled the air above the eco-friendly, indigenous plants, giving Fleener and her colleagues some hope.

In early March, Myriad Botanical Gardens’ annual Garden School taught how to create natural, unique and

low-maintenance spaces composed of indigenous plants that create ideal habitats for pollinators. Indigenous plantings also remove the need for harmful chemicals that destroy the environment and the pollinators. According to Fleener, such gardens are equipped to endure the state’s volatile weather and use the least amount of resources, since they are ideally suited for what’s around them.

Fleener says it’s actually really simple to contribute to a healthy ecosystem with the theory of “pollinator pockets”: “If every homeowner in Oklahoma City were to plant a tiny container of plants in their backyard that are pollinator attracting, then the pollinators would have a ‘highway’ while they’re migrating.”

What to plant? Black-Eyed Susans, Purple Coneflowers and Indian Blankets (the state’s wildflower) are a great place to start. Myriad also teaches deeply informative community classes on “the New American Prairie Garden.”

There is no reasonable argument against saving pollinators or cultivating indigenous gardens. Perhaps even more important is the concept of respecting an ecosystem that took millennia to become perfected.

laughs as he talks about the genuine anger displayed by some guests, chagrined over the loss of their favorite item.

So now he tweaks.

“When I was at Deep Fork, my creative spot was just making specials for four hours a day,” he said. “I don’t have that kind of time anymore. I can’t even open the door a few minutes early when people get here before 5:00 because we’re always doing something.”

The menu is very diverse; it includes duck, beef, scallops, sea bass, fresh fish, pork and chicken. No daily specials means he gets to focus all his skill on the menu. That kind of focus also helps with the inevitable tweaks.

“I was trying to figure out how to make the stuffed chicken better,” he said. “We used to use bacon, and I just thought it would be better with prosciutto, so we tried it, and it is better!”

Pick up the menu and everything is approachable.

That’s a bigger deal than people in the business realize.

It’s possible to work with a vocabulary and be so familiar with it that we forget people outside our context don’t understand it. The scallops at Signature are pan seared and served with grilled mushrooms, white wine, lemon and butter. Simple. Delicious. Approachable.

Some seasonal variation occurs with salads, soups and sides, but the basic menu rarely changes. That, too, can be very comforting for diners, and not just because they aren’t losing favorite dishes, but because they aren’t having to learn a whole new set of terms every three months.

The bad news is that Signature Grill is not moving downtown. Falkner likes where he is, likes his menu, likes his niche, and Edmond—which gets very little love from we urbanites—gets to keep what is clearly one of the best restaurants in the state. Yet another reason to hate Edmond, in the best way possible.

For info: oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com/events

1317 E Danforth Rd Edmond. (405) 330-4548 75

From Classic Chic to High-Fashion Men’s/Women’s | Haircut | Color | Balayage | Bridal | Specialty Styling 14101 N. May Avenue, Suite 110 | Oklahoma City (405) 302-6499 | www.trichologysalon.net Monday 10am to 5 pm | Tuesday 9am to 6pm | Wednesday, Thursday 9am to 8 pm | Friday 9am to 7pm | Saturday 8am to 4pm

15001 N. May Avenue | Oklahoma City (405) 286-2600 | www.hairartsinstitute.com Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 to 5:30 STudeNT ServiCeS:

Basic License | Crossover Licensing | Advanced Training ClieNT ServiCeS:

MeN’S: Haircut | Straight razor Shave | Beard Trims

WOMeN’S: Haircut | Color | Highlights | Blow dry

Pedal to the Metal continued from page 61

also the Janus, offering a dual personality of tremolo and fuzz, and the Iron Horse, a powerful revelation harkening to the good ole days of rowdy distortion.

“We like to strike a balance between the quality of the build and the beauty of the look,” said Walrus Audio President Colt Westbrook. “Ultimately, we want to act as a breath of fresh air in the gear industry.”

That’s where Creative Director Travis Warren comes in. This is a man who makes full-length trailers for audio equipment, who photographs these pedals with the precision and care of a maestro directing his symphony. And now, with a new Walrus YouTube series called “Songs at the Shop,” that attention to detail is being expanded into the realm of live music.

“It’s a way to lift up the music community, and people feed off that,” Warren said. “I think it’s really important to showcase the musicians and their art, and in this way we can stream it out to an unlimited audience.”

In Songs at the Shop, Walrus prides itself on featuring “artists that other artists respect,” bands with music that “sounds like hard work.” The series kicked off in September with Horse Thief and their track “Mountain Town,” lead guitarist Alex Coleman rocking the Voyager Overdrive pedal, among others. The boys of Sports starred in Episode 2, and Lord Huron brought an Uber full of instruments from Norman for Episode 3.

Episode 7 will be bigger and better than ever, featuring Mutemath in a special session at Hanson’s 3CG Studios in Tulsa that’s sure to put Songs at the Shop and the Walrus brand squarely on the map.

“That’s why we started it, so we can place emphasis on what really matters,” Westbrook said. “It may not be gear related, but it’s endgame related in terms of live music, and it’s the thing that keeps us the most sane. It’s all part of the journey toward inspiration.”

Strong Roots continued from page 36

Urban Agrarian owner Matthew Burch helped bridge the timeless model of the farm stand with today’s language of farm-to-table cooking and dining when he opened in 2012. In a sense, his “on-trend” idea tied in beautifully with the way humans have always survived; on locally grown and seasonal goods. Urban Agrarian’s mission was based on creating a network of relationships with rural Oklahoma farmers to deliver their goods to urban shoppers. Burch, the McAnallys, and attorney Bud Scott have collaborated to rebuild the area.

“We’re trying to use this area for its intended purposes,” Burch reminds. “The location and the infrastructure are still relevant today.”

Judy McAnally agrees. She sees a strong momentum on the rise to get back to Oklahoma’s agricultural roots: “Oklahomans are beginning to look nostalgically back on what they lost; they are done with the current food model and are reaching for something new.”

Something new—or is it old? Nonetheless, the predictions for growth in Oklahoma City’s Farmer’s Market District are calling for rain and bumper crops.

77

to serve and build up the local community. Royce poured herself into the inaugural Confidence Con, a women’s conference in early March that featured interactive workshops, community panels and a keynote address by Danielle Mercurio entitled “Self-Love, The Cosmos & The Art of True Confidence.”

For the women of Rally, that greater power is obvious in their collective identity. They’re creating a safe place for dreamers while still learning the ropes of their own creative endeavors, in a consciously chosen location.

“The Plaza embodies everything that is the living organism that we like to call community,” Royce said. “We all three understand that we have the power to choose supporting others over competing with others, which is so much more fun.”

“Can I put on record that she’s a freaking rockstar?” Rockwell

photo by Mariah Rockwell of Brass Bird Photography

Community Rallying Space continued from page 39

FOR THE WOMEN OF RALLY, THAT GREATER POWER IS OBVIOUS IN THEIR COLLECTIVE IDENTITY.

interjected, gushing on Royce’s brainchild, Confidence Con. “She’s had this vision and she just went for it. It’s incredible to watch, very inspiring and definitely something we needed around here.”

Royce countered: “It’s all about building yourself up and believing in a strength greater than your own to get you through your day. There’s room for you, whatever your goal or dream is.”

Brass Bird Photography and Egg in a Glass consulting take the Rally space Monday through Wednesday by appointment only, and Bison Shop opens its doors Thursday through Sunday.

Follow Rally on social media for info on upcoming calligraphy, terrarium and photography workshops this spring.

1745 F4 16th St. (down a short alley). rallyokc.com.

The OKC 13 continued from page 28

Women ignited the mobilization of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and were the pillars of the Civil Rights movement. However, the names of principals Endesa Ida Maw Holland, Betty Jean Owens, Ella Ree Jones, and Gertrude Perkins have somehow slipped history’s memory.

This complex web of representation and characterization by mainstream culture too often discredits women, even church-going women like Recy Taylor. Such a heritage impoverishes us all. Most of Daniel Holtzclaw’s victims had warrants or prior criminal charges against them.

Did he imagine he could not be caught—or if accused, that his victims would be quickly ignored—because of such social constructs?

The OKC 13 serves as a time capsule; to record the events, outlooks, and policies that significantly impact our community. Given the present state of race relations in our nation, this project is motivated by a belief that it is of the utmost importance to empower all of our communities, especially those that are traditionally underserved, such as minority groups and women. If proper education, resources and information are made available to these sectors, we can avoid watching these groups fall victim to injustice. It is disturbing and stunning to realize that such social ills, if not properly addressed, will continue to occur.

Currently, dismissing issues such as women’s equity, rights, and race relations ultimately destroys our future. It leaves today’s citizens, especially young people, vulnerable to repeating a tragic past.

78

It is my greatest hope that The OKC 13 serves as artistic activism in order to promote equity, correct societal ills, and initiate the healing process. How will we choose to move forward?

To learn more and stay up-to-date with The OKC 13 documentary project, see our YouTube trailer, follow me on Instagram and Twitter @carmen_coffee, and check out our website theokc13.com.

Race Discussed and Disgust continued from page 30

with his father, who is in the military. The black teenager shares his feelings of being racially profiled and shunned in a way that he was not in Boston. Or hear about the deep friendship across color lines of Duffy Martin and Grady Briggs in Cedar Valley.

The NonDoc-Every Point collaboration was such a sincere and genuine exploration, it’s worth a listen. Race is contemplated so infrequently in the media in Oklahoma City. In the wake of the Daniel Holtzclaw case, this series offers an intimate and human contemplation of what race looks like in everyday life in Oklahoma.

Search NonDoc.com for the series by Every Point on the Map. And find more entries from the project on Roberts’ Red Dirt Chronicles blog, reddirtchronicles.com. Nestled within the Chronicles is the Every Point on the Map project.

Sustainable Living continued from page 33

Cargo flooring—wood taken from shipping containers is also popular—but after cargo, boxcars and old structures, the definition of reclaimed gets a little sketchy.

William Graeber, the owner of Rust & Rot in Edmond, said he cautions customers against “reclaimed” products like storm-damaged lumber from homes and pallets from retail stores.

“You don’t always know what you’re getting with this stuff,” Graeber said. “Pallets are loaded with chemicals, and two-by-fours are coated with chemicals, too. These products were never meant to be unexposed in homes, and they definitely were not meant to be tabletops where your family eats.”

Still, like custom furniture makers everywhere, Graeber has responded to the demand for reclaimed furniture. He is careful about where he gets his, and he even has praise for the way Twelves does business.

“Vintage Reclaimed Lumber knows what they’re doing,” he said. “They get their stuff from old barns locally, boxcars, cargo, and other old structures. I try to source as much locally as I can, too.”

The trend shows no signs of slowing. In fact, Twelves now has a new facility on Exchange Avenue near the Power and Light District. The building faces Urban Farmhouse, yet another company that specializes in custom-made furniture using reclaimed wood. In fact, Cultivar, the new Mexican restaurant on Broadway scheduled to open about the time this issue comes out, has an entire wall built from reclaimed wood. And it’s beautiful. As long as creative people can “upcycle” old woods in ways both beautiful and practical, it’s a trend that is easy to support.

Broadway Kicks continued from page 70

become a baker.’ Because I love baking. [I thought] ‘I am just going to open a bakery, get a dog, and be done with it.’

But it really takes two solid years in New York before people start recognizing, realizing who you are and (beginning to) trust you—from a choreographer’s or director’s standpoint. (It occurred to me) if I moved to New York but I leave before it’s been two years, I am going to be really upset with myself, so I made sure that I stayed at least two years. It’s now been two years.

What’s your favorite part about living in New York City? The people—I have met the most amazing people here and I don’t think that I would get that experience anywhere else. However, I don’t particularly love the city itself, because I love nature—grass, trees, outdoors—and I love being outside, away from the city. Aside from my

career, the people I have met here are the main reason I’m still here.

So what do you see yourself doing in the future? You know, it’s so funny. I have no idea. It’s so weird. I want to be doing this, because I love it. But at the same time, I don’t know about 10 years from now. I am not sure if I’ll still be in the business. Maybe I’ll be an assistant choreographer to someone, or doing something on the other side of the table, or maybe start a family—I feel like there are so many options. If you asked me my freshman year in college, I would have told you I want to be a Broadway star, but now I have no idea. New York can just take you anywhere. And this business can take you anywhere. I don’t want to say anything and have these preconceived ideas and then, you know, see them not happen and be upset. I enjoy the freedom of it all.

The fact that you’re able to have that freedom is awesome. You have something going on right now, so you don’t have to worry about what to do. A little bit.

There’s always that uncertainty. As a performer, it’s not really our job to worry about (things we can’t control), so we just have to show up and give a great performance every night and think, “Cool,” whether there are two people in the audience or 2,000 people.

Guilded continued from page 23

WARDROBE CREDITS White gown, Christy, cover and table of contents Lace gown and gold lace sash: courtesy of Meg Guess Couture, Peineta hair comb: vintage courtesy of Willow & Whale, Jewelry: vintage and stylist’s own, Slip dress and leather booties: model’s own Black gown with gold lace back, Christy, page 17 Golden blossom gown: Theia, Gold lace trimmed veil: courtesy of Meg Guess Couture, Black lace veil: vintage, Black leather boots: model’s own Black lace gown, Taylor, page 18–19 Noir daffodil gown: Vera Wang, Emerald chandelier earrings: Erikson Beamon, Phoenix stirrup booties, bracelets and rings: stylist’s own Gold lace gown, Taylor, page 15, page 21, page 23 Falling roses gown: Marchesa Notte, Gold lace trimmed veil: courtesy of Meg Guess Couture, Bangle bracelet and rings: stylist’s own, Leather booties: model’s own

TERRITORY PHOTO CREDITS Creative talent blesses OKC big time. Most of our ads were produced specifically for Territory. Many helped with these original ads. The following photographers took our ad photos. For more info or bios of our writing contributors, please visit our website territoryokc.com.

Designer’s Market: Trace Thomas, styling by Ashley Whiteside. Interior Gilt: Courtney Waugh, model Jessi Chapman, clothing from On a Whim. udånder: Emily Hughes. Naifeh Fine Jewelers: Josh Welch, styling by Linda Trippe, make-up by Chelsey Ann Artistry, hair by Ali Earnheart, model Ariana of Brink Models. Carlton Landing: Provided. Vintage Reclaimed Lumber: Courtney Waugh. Silo: Provided. OKC MOA: Provided. Downtown OKC: Provided. Midtown Vets: Provided.

Orthodontic Arts: Provided. Bleu Garten: Provided. Packards: Courtney Waugh. Fassler & Dust Bowl: Trace Thomas. Innov8tive: Provided. Scott Cleaners: Trace Thomas. Chae: Trace Thomas. Meadowbrook Modern: Provided. Barre3: Trace Thomas, stylist Jenny Wirt. Ketch Design Centre: Trace Thomas. FNB: Trace Thomas.

CJ Dental: Courtney Waugh. Cole’s Garden: Courtney Waugh. Trichology Salon: Provided. American Energy Fitness Center: Provided.

79

VICTORY OF CONSCIENCE (AND COMEDY) story by Veronica Pasfield, profile photo by Bo Apitz Steven Paul Judd sounded a little disoriented.

The Norman-based artist had spent the day at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. This prolific Native artist is no stranger to major museums. So what’s up?

“Oh man, it was the weirdest thing,” Judd said, and then chuckled. “I just saw one of the old photos I used in a PhotoShop mash-up. I mean, the actual photo. It was just…weird.”

Judd specializes in resituating iconic Indian and pop-cultural images for maximum impact.

A warrior with a Run-DMC-style jambox on his shoulder underneath a surveillance camera. A snapshot of the Statue of Liberty, with brown fingers at the bottom of the frame holding up a paper dress in front of her toga—Lady Liberty reimagined as a Plains powwow dancer.

“Everyone has their own way,” Judd explained.

“I don’t want to yell at someone or belittle someone. I want to make them laugh, and then when they laugh they go, ‘Haha…wait, what??”

Judd infiltrates that disrupted consciousness’ ‘memorably, and he’s not beyond a pointed critique. Rebel Music, MTV’s cultural documentary series, called Judd’s artwork a “victory of conscience.” One example: The Gap released a T-shirt emblazoned with MANIFEST DESTINY. The ideology was used to justify atrocities against tribes during expansionism into Indian lands in the West.

Judd replicated the tee, and added an actual photo of the mass grave at the Wounded Knee massacre. Startling, yes, but also factually correct in deed and theme.

Judd has a place among a new wave of young Indian artists claiming representation and pop-cultural forms on their own terms: EDM’s A Tribe Called Red, comedy troupe the 1491s (Sterlin Harjo, I see you), and Smoke Signals filmmaker Chris Eyre. Eyre produced Judd’s latest film, Ronnie BoDean, starring Wes Studi as “Worst. Babysitter. Ever.” Think an Indian Uncle Buck and you’re kinda there. BoDean just won “Best Short” at San Francisco’s American Indian Film Festival.

Native artist, filmmaker, and writer Steven Paul Judd. His tipi graffiti can be found in the alley behind District House in the Plaza.

80

Ronnie BoDean screens April 7–9 at the Native Crossroads Film Festival at the Sam Noble Museum of Norman. Follow the film on Facebook, and Judd’s visual art on Instagram @stevenpauljudd and YouTube.