Vax N-8 Nation by Oklahoma Gazette

M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 1 | OKGA Z E T TE .COM

INSIDE COVER After more than a year living under the spectre of COVID-19, Oklahoma is cautiously optimistic about its return to normalcy. By Matt Dinger Cover by Jerry Bennett

NEWS 5 9 10

COVER The end?

Tulsa Race Mascacre Chicken-Fried News

EAT & DRINK 12 Coop/Sonic 14 Gazedibles

ARTS & CULTURE 16

Adult coloring page Heather Levy book release 20 Milk Crate Jam 22 Calendar 17

MUSIC 24

Live music

THE HIGH CULTURE 27 29

CannaCon after parties Strain review

FUN 30 31

Puzzles sudoku | crossword Astrology

COMING SOON

november 13

queensryche

GRANDBOXOFFICE.COM

I-40 EXIT 178 | SHAWNEE, OK | 405-964-7263

OKGA Z E T TE .COM | M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 1

We’re Back By Popular Demand. Every other week this summer. Back to weekly in September. Who says?? We do.

M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 1 | OKGA Z E T TE .COM COV E R S TORY

On May 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that fully vaccinated adults can resume indoor and outdoor activities without a mask or social distancing. After 15 months of closures, restrictions and mask mandates, Oklahoma City is already barreling towards what is hoped to be post-pandemic life. One of the first things to go was live music. Packed venues suddenly went dark. Most festivals, even those held outdoors, were canceled. A hectic schedule for the Tower Theatre in spring 2020 quickly became a blank slate. “We were so optimistic for 2020. It was going to be our third year and we’ve kind of broken out of that slump of getting our name out there,” Stephen Tyler, managing partner, said. The venue recently announced its first concert at full capacity for August, which also happens to be Tower Theatre’s fourth anniversary. Without various coronavirus relief measures, the Tower might never have reopened its doors. “Honestly, I can tell you, there’s still this little bit of fear that we aren’t going to pull through because these programs keep coming literally down to the wire,” he said. “The reality is not a secret and it’s not something that we’ve done wrong. We’ve tried really hard to manage our

expenses and keep our people, keep our core team so that we’re ready to hit this ramp up when it comes and now here we are. We’ve successfully kept our team and we feel really great about everything moving forward but we’re still waiting on Save Our Stages money. Ponyboy is waiting on restaurant relief funds money. We expended a lot of our own cash reserves … We still haven’t had enough funding from any of these things collectively to make up what we’ve lost.” But Tyler said he is optimistic and plans are continuing to move forward on Beer City, a 500-capacity all-ages venue expected to open later this year. In the meantime, Tower has managed to keep its movie screen going and used the pandemic to forge relationships with larger art house film distributors like A24 Films. “When [the studios] started wanting to come back, they wanted screenings and we opened a little earlier than the megaplexes, so I was suddenly talking to studios and booking films on a level that we hadn’t been able to get to yet… One studio that I’ve been able to kind of work on is A24, because we ran Lady Bird last Oscar season and did really well with that. We ran Minari so much. It was the first time I had a studio asking us for dates. I pretty much leveraged it at one point, like ‘Yeah, we’ve got a great market here. People are loving what

Tower Theatre first full-capacity concert post pandemic will be August 12 | Photo Phillip Danner

we’re doing with movies. We’re connected to the industry here in a big way, so we really have this ability to reach people in the film communities in Oklahoma City, so if you’ll give me the films, I will run them and we will sell tickets. A24 has a couple of hot ones coming out this summer,” Tyler said. Beyond Tower, Beer City and his other endeavors, he is excited for the future of Oklahoma City as a whole. “Don’t sleep on us. The next couple of years are gonna be wild, as long as we get through this, and get through it safely and actually put an end to it.”

For more information about www.towertheatreokc.com scan QR code with your smart phone.

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Retail and especially small, independent retailers also took a heavy hit, but while the pandemic may have thrown Good Girl Chocolate’s schedule off by a year (with a Suez Canal blockage on top to set it back another month and some change), but it hasn’t derailed Tabatha Carr’s vision. “It really started about 10-12 years ago when I went on a raw diet to lose weight. And, of course, being on a raw diet, you can’t eat meat or dairy products or things like that so I started making raw chocolate,” she said. “I started making chocolate from raw cacao and raw virgin coconut oil and raw agave. I needed something sweet to eat to satisfy my craving.” By the time she was 30, Carr was on three different blood pressure medications. But when she started having blood sugar and hormonal issues, that was the wake-up call. “I changed my relationship with food and I went back to school to study naturopathy and became a naturopathic doctor. And I decided, ‘Hey, you know what? I’m gonna bring my chocolate to market. I’m going to try it out on a few people. I presented it to QVC at the Texas Women’s Conference and the food buyer there loved it and that was kind of my confirmation that, hey, I have some great chocolate here. And I went on to be in the Grammy talent suite, so all of the performers and presenters at the Grammys, not last year, because la st yea r wa s COVID, but the year before last, received my chocolate. I was in select Oscar nominee gift bags. Gosh, we just won the Beyonce grant in November. So we’ve just kind of been plugging away and now we are getting ready to open the first black-owned permanent store in Penn Square Mall,” Carr said. What began as a mall kiosk before COVID-19 struck has evolved into a storefront in which all of Good Girl’s chocolate will be made on site. “A lot of chocolate companies, they buy their chocolate, or they buy cocoa powder to make the chocolate or they buy cocoa liquor, which is the liquid form, but our chocolate is like farm-totable. We actually grind the cocoa beans into the chocolate, which is a four-day process. So we’re bringing in equipment from Italy, and machines to actually make chocolate and then we’ll be molding the chocolate right there in the back of the store,” Carr said.

Good Girl Chocolate is GMO-free, gluten-free, dairy-free naturally sweetened, vegan and paleo-friendly. Flavors include brownie batter, caramel cake, chocolate fudge, coconut pecan Scotchie and 70% dark chocolate with more on the way. Carr did provide a hint about what she’s working on next: “It’s all about nuts, honey.” Good Girl Chocolate opens its shop on July 3. For more information about www.goodgirlchocolate.com, scan QR code with your smart phone.

Tabatha Carr, owner of Good Girl Chocolates | Photo Jared Kinley of Lightbox Studio

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Bars, clubs and restaurants not only took an enormous hit during the pandemic, but also had to contend with shifting guidelines, requirements and mandates about capacity and spacing while trying to keep staff safe and doors open for business. In the midst of all this, Jeff Rogers managed to not only launch a new taco concept, but turn it into a rapidly-expanding chain. At the beginning of the pandemic, Rogers Concepts employed about 200 people. During the worst period, jobs were slashed to about 30. Now, they employ about 350 people and expect that number to hit 500 before the end of the year. “We tried to keep as many people employed as we possibly could,” Rogers said. “The biggest thing was the fear for everyone. No one had any idea what was really going on, when it was going to end, what’s going to happen. Do we have jobs? Can we eat this week? Can we keep our light bill paid? Also, we were in the middle of opening three or four new projects at the same time and those get put on hold. It’s hard to open a business, and then you’ve been open for three days and you get shut down,” Rogers said. 8

Not only did business disappear but all of the businesses that benefit from the service industry ecosystem suffered from it as well. “It costs you $15,000 to $18,000 or $20,000 a week to operate and you’re doing 500 bucks a day in sales after you’ve exhausted almost all of your money to get this place open. The bars are the exact opposite because they’re already open. Bar people, those guys live shift-to-shift or week-to-week because they’re putting all their money back into the economy every week. They’re out partying and drinking and eating and watching movies and all that stuff. They make $300, they probably spent $200. So you have all these kids, all these places, and now they don’t have any money,” he said. In October, Rogers opened the first Yo! Pablo Tacos & Tequila, 6728 N Olie Ave. “You’re getting up every day and try to continue to grind and stay positive and do these things when you don’t know what’s going on. … And you exhaust so much money, and time and effort into creating some concept that you think is pretty cool. It’s got a cool little brand. The food’s good, the drinks are good. But here we are and so you’re

M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 1 | OKGA Z E T TE .COM COV E R S TORY

in a pandemic, you can’t go out, you can’t stay out past a certain time, you only have this many people in your place. No one’s making money because no one’s working, so you literally have to do everything in your power to be creative to drive traffic,” he said. And drive traffic he did. With a second location, 12305 N. Rockwell Ave., already open, the third and fourth are on their way and there are plans for more locations. Additionally, Rogers Concepts opened and was able to keep open a barbecue joint (The Pig & The Butcher), a Western-themed nightclub (Cowboy Ranch) and a bar (Friends of Friends). A Tex-Mex restaurant along the Bricktown Canal, Chico Blanco, is set to open soon and an upscale steakhouse shortly after that. “Whether you work at 7-Eleven or you have 7,000 employees, that shit was depressing. I know for me, there were some days where it’s like, you just don’t know and it’s hard to get through those days, man, but I feel like we all made it. Seeing the [Bricktown Family Fun Fair] this weekend, seeing all those people out there, seeing the crowds out at the clubs enjoying themselves, seeing the sports come back. The Dodgers are back to playing. The NBA finals are playing

with fans now. OU you football is gonna be at full capacity. Seeing all these things, man. I feel like we’re there. That’s the exciting part for me.” For more information about http://rchgokc.com, scan QR code with your smart phone.

Tulsa’s Black Wall Street Legacy Festiv al will be headlined by survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre for its centennial event. The Black Wall Street Legacy Festival begins with the centennial of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre May 28-30. This year’s event is headlined by the last known massacre survivors: 106-year-old Lessie Benningfield “Mother” Randle; 107-year-old Viola “Mother” Fletcher; and 100-year-old Hughes Van Ellis. “The series of community-led events will take place in Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District and center the hundreds who lost their lives during the atrocity, as well as the survivors and descendants who continue fighting for reparatory justice and accountability a century later. …Programming throughout the weekend will explore urgent issues, ranging from the needs of those still living with the everyday consequences of the massacre, to the erasure of essential history, to the state and future of Black Wall Street,” according to a news release.

There will be dozens of speakers and performers before the main event on May 30 from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the main stage on the OSU-Tulsa lawn, 700 N. Greenwood Ave. Livestreams of each event will be available on the Black Wall Street Times Facebook page, as well as the pages of NowThis and Color Of Change. The festival officially concludes with the Juneteenth celebration on June 19. A full festival schedule is available at www.blackwallstreetlegacyfest.com. Also to be released on May 28 is Fire In Little Africa, an album of original material written and recorded by a collective of Oklahoma hip hop artists to commemorate the centennial of the massacre. The 21-track collection will be released by Motown Records/Black Forum in partnership with Tulsa’s Bob Dylan Center and the Woody Guthrie Center. “Fire in Little Africa is a powerful and timely project that provides a platform and outlet for the incredibly talented and thriving music community of Tulsa,” Motown Records Chairman & CEO, Ethiopia Habtemariam, said in a news release. “Carrying the legacy of

Rubble of houses in African American neighborhood of Greenwood in Tulsa, after race riot.| Photo Shutterstock.com

the Black Wall Street community, Fire in Little Africa is a body of work filled with purpose and prolific storytelling.” For more information, scan QR code with your smart phone.

NEWS OKGA Z E T TE .COM | M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 1

chicken friedNEWS They were the shorts heard ‘round the world. Last month, a Colorado woman named Bailey Breedlove was walking through Frontier City with her daughter when the fashion police executed a traffic stop on her daughter for rolling down a hill wearing heelies. The cop then turned her attention to Breedlove’s shorts, which this noble public servant deemed too short, according to Breedlove and a statement released by Six Flags, who owns the park. The specifics of why Breedlove was ejected from the park are disputed but news of this particular “Oklahoma standard” attracted the attention of news outlets the world over, including that bastion of journalism and Bill O’Reilly’s alma mater, Inside Edition, and The Independent (UK) and yes, even the

Theme Park Tribune. Breedlove later modeled the shorts on TikTok, which are your standard warm weather fare and aren’t nearly as revealing as some of the views offered by Frontier City employees in illfitting uniforms. Besides, someone should really tell that woman that she should be minimizing contact with as many surfaces in that park as possible, just like those of us who live here. Another tip to Bailey Breedlove: If you go to sister park White Water Bay, there are always parts hanging out of all kinds of clothing. Maybe she’d feel more welcome there. But hey, on a positive note, at least local police aren’t just hassling black people trying to enjoy their sunny days anymore.

@okgazette 10

M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 1 | OKGA Z E T TE .COM CHI CK E N FR IE D

We need to talk about Kevin. Again. This month, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals unveiled a southeast Oklahoma City billboard that welcomes travelers to Oklahoma, “home of meathead Gov. Kevin Stitt.” Our faithful governor, never one to be the bigger man, took the bait and hosted a barbecue near its base, because as we all know, in post-morality Republicanism, owning the libs is the greatest virtue. While the incident was prompted by Stitt’s declaration of “meat all week” in March, Stitt could have used the opportunity to instead showcase Oklahoma’s wide plant-based agricultural endeavors, but of course that wouldn’t be enough red meat for its base. The Oklahoman reported that PETA president Ingrid Newkirk retorted that Stitt “must be in agony from all the bowing and scraping he has to do to keep his meat-industry backers happy,” which is unfair. He will grovel at the feet of anyone with money. However, the burning question on our mind here at Chicken Fried News is whether Stitt enjoyed his burger with a side of French fries. The bigguns.

Mmhmm. But it ’s not just the entrees that are being thrust into his food fight. “Chick-fil-A has a sauce shortage. And you want to know why? Because of Joe Biden’s radical liberal policies,” according to a Stitt re-election campaign press release. If you buy that, I’ve got a milk bull for sale. In fact, a press release this spring from Chick-fil-A itself provides an Occam’s Razor fresh off the whetstone. Posted March 18: “Big news for sauce enthusiasts – bottles of our signature Chick-fil-A and Polynesian Sauces will soon be available for purchase at retailers nationwide!” Can you guess which state was among the first to offer it by the pound?

CAMP

Open to ages 14-18 • 10 am – 4 pm daily

Session 1: June 14-18, 2021 Session 2: July 12-16, 2021 For more information, visit ocae.uco.edu, call 405-974-3754 or email ocae@uco.edu.

CHI CK E N FR IE D OKGA Z E T TE .COM | M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 1

With seltzer revenue reportedly reaching more than $4 billion in 2020, Sonic Corp. and COOP Ale Works have entered the arena, releasing their line. With its 5 percent alcohol by volume and single gram of sugar per can, this line will please the seltzer consumer and instill a little hometown pride. Comparably priced to other seltzer packs on the markets, the unique flavors should keep these hard to find on most shelves through the summer season.

PRIDE GUIDE SECTION

JUNE 9th & 23rd

ISSUES

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Classic Lemonade and Original Limeade Both of these are your standard citrus fare. The lemon and lime shine through, making each extra tart due to the lack of sugar in them. However, if forced to pick between the two, Sonic is known for its limeades and it’s the better one here, too.

Ocean Water Heavy on the coconut but light on the “blue,” this flavor seems to be the most sought. While it is a refreshing tropical seltzer, the lack of sugar in the recipe makes it miss the Ocean Water mark, but is still rather tasty.

Cherry Limeade This one is the best of the entire bunch. The cherry and lime are perfectly balanced with a tartness that matches the original soda fountain favorite. Bullseye.

Lemon Berry

Melon Medley

This one is the outlier and the dark horse flavor of the citrus sampler. The berry overtakes the citrus in this one, unlike the three other flavors in the pack. The aftermath on the palate is a little bizarre but that goes away after the first few sips.

With subtle flavors and subdued sourness and just a hint of sweetness, this one is the winner for being the easiest to drink quickly and in quantity.

Orange Pineapple

Mango Guava

Don’t expect this one to wallop your taste buds nearly as hard as you expect it might, instead going down easy and quickly.

Considerably tarter than the flavor pairing would indicate, both shine through while leaving lips puckered. This one gets more enjoyable as your mouth becomes accustomed to it.

E AT & DR INK OKGA Z E T TE .COM | M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 1

GAZEDIBLES

Crowds welcome If you’ve been waiting for postvaccine life to hit the Oklahoma City restaurant scene, you’ll notice some new options across the metro. These seven restaurants opened in the last year and deserve your attention. By Jacob Threadgill Photos Provided

Café De L’Asie

100 W. Main Street, Suite 105 Facebook.com/cafedelasie | 405-768-5537

Chef Vuong Nguyen’s concept in The Collective food hall took its first flight out of the restaurant incubator’s nest by meeting breakfast and lunch needs from its downtown location, formerly occupied by Café 7. The menu showcases his classical French training with international ingredients, like a crepe burrito or Asian-fusion versions of eggs Benedict. There are four types of steam buns as well as chicken lettuce wraps and the recent addition of a Korean bulgogi patty melt with kimchi and more.

Sunset Patio Bar 401 NW 10th Street sunsetpatiobar.com | 405-724-9445

Since popping up this spring, Sunset Patio Bar has proved to be not only one of the best indoor and outdoor hangs in Midtown, but also a welcome lunch, dinner and weekend brunch option. Pizzas and sliders highlight its savory offerings while its weekend brunch menu features more adventurous fare like chicken poppers with crispy lemon breading and chicken and waffle sliders.

Jimmy B’S Culinary + Krafted 1225 N. Broadway Ave. jimmybsculinarykrafted.com | 405-676-8250

This Automobile Alley addition from Hal Smith Restaurant Group is the answer for where to go when a group cannot agree on the same lunch or dinner cuisine. Expertly crafted sushi top the menu that features sandwiches (club, crispy chicken, burger, Fresh dip, tuna), four salads and entrees that range from seafood to chicken meatball with spaghetti, Korean beef tenderloin, and steak with hand-cut fries.

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

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4525 N. Cooper Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 524-1111 marketsourceonline.com

Szechuan Story

Neon Coffee Bar

The void in the Asian District created when Tsubaki Szechuan closed in 2019 has been filled as owners Peter and Mandy Liu opened at the end of 2020. The soup dumplings (on the menu as “little juice pork bun,” $5.95), wonton in chili oil ($5.95) and scallion pancake are the perfect appetizers for a meal ready to showcase mala, the spicy and numbing seasoning created the combination of the Sichuan peppercorn and chili pepper.

Did you know that doughnut dough makes the perfect vehicle for a savory sandwich? Unlike the gimmicky sandwiches that pair the not-for-everyone sweet and savory with a glazed doughnut, this Plaza District coffee and cocktail bar ditches the glaze to showcase savory pillow-soft bread and provides an excellent place for five savory sandwiches. Neon serves all-day tastes with sweet doughnuts paired with fullservice coffee, highlighted by five blended drinks and with beer and wine offerings.

2800 N. Classen Blvd. Suite 108 szechuanstory.com | 405-604-4880

1742 NW 16th Street neoncoffeeco.com | 405-6060-8771

Charcoal Oven

The Blok

The once-iconic neon sign that attracted diners for years along Route 66 might be gone, but Charcoal Oven is operating from its new location with the same menu that pleased patrons for almost 60 years (the original location closed in 2016). The drive-thru service is gone, but classics like its version of the Oklahoma standard hickory sauce, the Chik-A-Doodle-Doo sandwich and Suzie Q fries will bring the nostalgia back.

Those hoping for a new vegan restaurant in Oklahoma City were rewarded as the former Anchor Down space converted to its plant-based menu in October 2020. The Blok retains its indulgent bar menu roots, but without as much guilt. Plantbased chicken wings, burgers and bacon are paired with vegan-friendly versions of mayonnaise on the BLT and cheese on the Italian nachos or melty vegan queso over waffle fries or tots. Feel good with the menu as you sip on a seasonal cocktail or local beer selection.

FLAME BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE

GRAND STAND SPORTS BAR & GRILL

3604 N. May Ave. Suite A | 405-842-8911

Facebook.com/Blokbarokc | 405-768-5140

5 PM - 10 PM | Wed - Sat

11 AM - 11 PM | Sun - Sat

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THE GRAND CAFE

6 AM - 1 PM | 7 Days a Week

Take-Out Only 5 PM - 9 PM | Wed - Sat

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9 AM - Midnight | 7 Days a Week

Boxed Meals Only 6 AM - 9 PM | Sun - Thurs 6 AM - 10 PM | Fri - Sat

GRANDRESORTOK.COM I-40 EXIT 178 I SHAWNEE, OK I 405-964-7263

GA Z E D IB LE S OKGA Z E T TE .COM | M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 1

OKG’S COLORING PAGE The only way Kevin Stitt will get any color in his life is with your help. Color away! Release some of that pandemic anxiety & stress. Snag a pic and tag us

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Heather Levy explores dark themes of love, redemption and pain with her debut novel, which is both lauded and feared. Heather Levy knew she was courting controversy with her debut novel, but the praise is likely more to sell copies. Here’s what her publisher, Polis Books, says about “Walking Through Needles:” “When Sam Mayfair was sixteen, her life was shattered by an abuser close to her. News of her abuser’s murder fifteen years later should have put an end to the torture she’s endured because of one decision plaguing her life. But with her stepbrother Eric as the prime suspect, Sam is flung back into the hell of her rural Oklahoma childhood. As Sam tries to help exonerate Eric while hiding certain truths of their past from investigators, details of the murder unravel. And Sam quickly learns some people, including herself, will do anything to keep their secrets buried deep.” And here’s what Publishers Weekly wrote about the book: “Clean prose is a plus, but readers should be prepared for masochism, incest, and sexual abuse of more than one minor. This won’t be to the taste of every mystery fan.” “Is it really incest though if it’s like a stepsibling?” Levy laughs. “I had a recent essay talking about chronic pain and kink and my experiences with it because it ties in with the book because the book is very much kind of a fuckedup coming-of-age story for a masochist.” “There are a lot of people putting trigger warnings and calling my book ‘dangerous.’ They probably don’t realize, those particular people, that there’s a huge community of kinky folks in the world and some of those people will relate to the story. Maybe not the other parts,” Levy said. Meanwhile, It made an L.A. Times reading list this month and is on CrimeReads’ most anticipated crime books of the summer. “There are some folks that they kind of forget what feminism is, and sexual freedom, and they kind of lump stuff

Photo David Bricquet

like masochism and all that into, ‘Oh, this is either self harm,’ or ‘You’re an abusive relationship’ and that kind of thing,” Levy said. “And I’ve seen my fair share of reviews kind of touting that. I don’t know how they got that from the book because then another person who I might have thought would not even like it at all and they were like, ‘I love this. I see what you were doing with this book.’ It’s basically a love story. A really messed-up love story, but it’s also like

somebody living their life and not giving a shit about what people think about their sexuality. At the same time, having somebody take advantage of them for that sexuality when they were at a young age, or a teen age. That’s a whole ‘nother thing, too.” Even though she knows she shouldn’t, Levy continues to read the comments. In fact, she soon plans always to carry a piece of feedback on “Walking Through Needles” with her.

“‘Solid if distressing.’ That sounds like the best tattoo ever.” The hardcover of “Walking Through Needles” will be available in bookstores June 29.

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continued from page 17 Photo David Bricquet

AN EXCERPT FROM WALKING THROUGH WALKING THROUGH NEEDLES LAUNCH EVENTS: June 25: Virtual event with Murder By The Book, a Houston bookstore. 7 p.m. This event will be streamed on the bookstore’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. June 26: 7:30 p.m., Literati Press, June 29: 7 p.m. Best of Books, 1313 East Danforth Road, in Edmond. Official launch in conversation with Levy’s Pitch Wars mentors Layne Fargo and Halley Sutton. This event will also be streamed through the bookstore’s Facebook page. July 19: 7 p.m. Magic City Books, 221 E. Archer St., in Tulsa. In-conversation with S. A. Cosby

NEEDLES

Sam waited until the new teller she was training balanced out her drawer before she went back to her office, shut the door and pulled the wrinkled invoice sheet from her purse. No matter how many times she read Eric’s note, it kicked the breath out of her. I’m sorry I wasn’t ready to talk before, but I’d like to see you. Please call me—Eric. When she saw him the day before, it was like watching a ghost floating her way. He was staring at a dark-headed toddler waiting in line with her father. Eric’s expression was so tender and sad Sam almost jumped over the teller wall to hug him, but that was the sixteenyear-old in her. The thirty-one-year-old woman told her to stop looking his way before he would inevitably notice her. But, Jesus, he looked the same. Any boy left in him had been shaved away, making the angles of his tan face sharper. The honey waves she had once run her fingers through were cropped closer to his head, but he was the same Eric—taller and filled out with more muscle, but the same. She had forced herself to help one of the tellers, sensing when Eric’s coffee-colored eyes found her. Her nerves marbled her skin with pink, sweat pearling on her skin, but she carried on working as if he really was a ghost. Her heart slowed some when she saw Eric run out of the bank, but it raced again when she later watched him in

M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 1 | OKGA Z E T TE .COM A R T S & CULTURE

her rearview mirror as he trailed her home. She couldn’t believe he followed her, and she thought about confronting him after she parked her car, but she had no idea what to say to him. She could ask him why he disappeared fifteen years ago, why he never once tried to contact her, but she knew whatever answers he gave wouldn’t be enough. As soon as she had stepped inside of her house, her little white Bichon Frise, Zeus, yipped at her feet. He stood alert and growled, and she cracked her window blinds enough to see Eric tuck a note into her mailbox and hurry back to his truck parked across the street. She knew he was scared to talk to her. When he left, she went and got the note. After she read it, she threw it away. A minute later, she dug it out of the trash and pressed it to her heart, unable to hold in her tears. And here she was the next day, still rereading the note, his phone number now memorized but she couldn’t bring herself to call him. It wouldn’t do anything but dig up memories. Bad memories—too many for one person. Good memories stirred in her too—of sneaking out to the barn in the middle of the summer nights, fresh hay cool against their skin, talking until the sun bled orange onto the surrounding fields. Sam traced a finger over the white scar on her right hand, her fate line severed by it. She thought of Eric’s left leg, the long scar marring his calf. She took out her cellphone and entered Eric’s number. Her finger hovered over the button to call him. Her phone vibrated in her hand and she nearly threw it down from the jolt of fear

it sent through her chest. She saw who was calling and suppressed a sigh. “Hey, Mama. I’m at work.” “I know. I just want to make sure you know about the storms that are gonna hit tonight.” Sam held in another sigh. “They’re not coming anywhere near Oklahoma City.” “But you know how storms can shift and with you living in that tiny house with no storm shelter, I just think it’d be best for you to come on down here where you can be safe.” Sam gave up and the sigh broke free. “Mama, I’m not driving out to Blanchard for the possibility of a storm that’s already northeast of here.” She left out the fact that her mom’s access to a storm shelter was through the assisted living complex where she now lived. Her mom told their extended family in Texas it was a condo, made it sound like a luxurious suite, and Sam never corrected her. She glanced down at the note in her hand and decided to change gears with her mom. “Eric Walker’s living in the city. He wants to meet up with me.” Rarely did Sam ever hear her mom cuss unless her lupus was hitting her joints hard, but she caught a whispered, “goddamn fool.” “What’s that, Mama?” “You heard me, girl. What on earth does he want?” Sam had an idea of what he wanted—forgiveness—something she wasn’t sure she could give him.

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M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 1 | OKGA Z E T TE .COM A R T S & CULTURE

he t n s i mer! n a e F Su m B l l ’ th i s u o Y nd s S ta

Book, Music & Lyrics by JIM JACOBS and WARREN CASEY • Directed by MICHAEL BARON

JUNE 15-27

Live! Outdoors at the Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Pribil Football Stadium

Buy Tickets: (405) 524-9312 • LYRICTHEATREOKC.ORG

GREAT AMERICAN MUSICAL SPONSOR

Within days of being named the city with the best public art by readers, Plaza Walls hosted the fifth Milk Crate Jam. Celebrating the four elements of hip-hop (DJing, graffiti, rapping and breakdancing), the event brought hundreds through the alley where murals were being continuously painted throughout the day while local mainstays like Jabee, Sativa Prophets and Nymasis performed to a diverse, flowing throng of all ages, races and genders. Coming to Plaza Walls on Aug. 7 is the inaugural Sunny Dayz Mural Festival,

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which seeks “to empower, elevate and celebrate self identifying women and non binary artists and muralists through the creation and advocacy of public art.” Both events were created by the Oklahoma Mural Syndicate. For more information, scan QR code with your smart phone.

Featured Artists of Milk Crate Jam on Display @jamey_jaspyr_marler @sker_creative @fi000nna @ jashmcdeeze @por_vida_93 @jakebson @yeehawpizza @ imjustjperiod @letteraddiction @up.doggs @josescott13 @_the_germ_one_ @pappasconhuevos

A R T S & CULTUR E OKGA Z E T TE .COM | M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 1

April through September. Train rides last approximately 40 minutes. $5.00-$12.00, first Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sept. 4. Oklahoma Railway Museum, 3400 NE Grand Blvd., 4054248222, oklahomarailwaymuseum.org.

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

SAT, JUNE 4

Sherlock Holmes - The Exhibition The great Sherlock Holmes has summoned you – and his is an invitation not to be refused. In Sherlock Holmes – The Exhibition you will be transported into Sherlock Holmes’ London to solve a mystery in a world newly introduced to his groundbreaking methods. This interactive experience will delight audiences of all ages as it showcases areas of forensic science that enabled Sherlock Holmes to solve crimes, and brings to life the historic underpinnings of author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s rich and vibrant stories., Through Sept. 6. Science Museum Oklahoma, 2020 Remington Place, 405-6026664, sciencemuseumok.org/ sherlock-holmes. THROUGH

BOOKS Last Sunday Poetry Reading a poetry reading followed by an open mic, 2 p.m. last Sunday of every month. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 405-842-2900, fullcirclebooks.com. SUN, MAY 30

FILM LIQUID CINEMA Presents: SHREK RETOLD The Oklahoma Film Society presents - LIQUID CINEMA!, Join us, as we examine and discuss some of the wildest film animation out there! Do you enjoy shows like AEON FLUX, then this is the place for you!, Have we got a treat for you this month! For SHREK’S 20th Anniversary, we have something even better - SHREK RETOLD!, An absolutely mindblowing retelling of the classic film, scene-for-scene, by over 200 artists. This trip goes through live-action to animation to drawings and more! Your mind may NEVER be the same!, Seating in the lobby is limited, make sure you arrive early. FREE, Thu., May 27, 7-9:30 p.m. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave., 405-235-3456, rodeocinema.org/events/liquidcinemamay21. THU, MAY 27

HAPPENINGS 2021 NCAA Women’s College World Series The 2021 NCAA Women’s College World Series will be held at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium - OGE Energy Field in Oklahoma City, June 3-9, 2021., June 3-9. USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium, 2801 NE 50th St., 405-424-5266, ncaatickets.com/championship/ womens-college-world-series. THU-WED, JUNE 3-9 2021 Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship The Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Oklahoma City Dodgers will serve as the championship hosts for the 21st time at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark., Through May 30. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S. Mickey Mantle Drive, 405218-1000, milb.com/oklahoma-city/tickets/big-12. THROUGH MAY 30

Bloody Mary Bingo Looking for something to do after brunch and before the drag shows?? Come get a Bloody Mary starting at $5 and $15 Mimosa Pitcher, and play some bingo with us at Partners and win some amazing prizes! Hosted by Teabaggin’ Betsy, Sundays, 4 p.m. Partners, 2805 NW 36th St., 405942-2199, partners4club.com. SUNDAYS Close Encounters: Western Wildlife The animals of the American West are as iconic as the landscapes they inhabit. Among boulders, forests, rivers, and lakes, they burrow, forage, soar, hunt, and ultimately, inspire. They inspire conservationists to protect and preserve their habitats. They inspire traffic jams at Yellowstone and other national parks with their rock star celebrity; and they inspire artists as they have for centuries. $12.50 * Senior and Children discounts available, Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through July 11. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., (405) 478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org/exhibition/close-encounters-western-wildlife. THROUGH JULY 11

Coffee & Cars Coffee and Cars OKC is the largest monthly gathering of car enthusiasts across the state of Oklahoma! Head to Chisholm Creek on the first Saturday morning of each month to share your passion for automotives. The event will be held at the property just north of Pawnee Drive and Cabela Road. Everyone is welcome and there are no fees!, first Saturday of every month, 8 p.m. Chisholm Creek, 13230 Pawnee Dr., 405-728-2780, chisholmcreek. com. SAT, JUNE 5 Dino Safari Be in awe as you trek through the Zoo’s Pollinator Garden to discover life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that demonstrate movement and sounds like the prehistoric creatures. See them roaring and breathing right before your eyes! This new immersive experience connects guests to many of their favorite dinosaurs through 15 one-of-a-kind animatronic displays and 8 skeleton replicas. Learn how dinosaurs evolved over time and where they roamed as well as what the OKC Zoo is doing to fight extinction of Oklahoma’s beloved lizard, the horny toad, also known as the Texas horned lizard., Through Oct. 31. The Oklahoma City Zoo, 2000 Remington Place, 405-424-3344, okczoo.org/our-events#collection=1556. FRI-TUE

M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 1

SEPT. 6

Sip & Stroll This once a week evening experience invites up to 1200 guests ages 21 and up on an outdoor path to adventure through the OKC Zoo and the natural world of our animals! Guests will experience wildlife from around the world as well as featured drinks inspired by The Killing of Two LoversDavid desperately tries to keep his family of six to- Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Belize and more!, Thursdays. through gether during a separation from his wife. They both agree to see other people but David June 24. The Oklahoma City struggles to grapple with his wife’s new relationship. Rated: R, Run Time: 1 Hr 25 Mins. Zoo, 2000 Remington Place, Multiple show times, May 26-28. Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd St., 405-708-6937, tow405-424-3344, okczoo.org. ertheatreokc.com. WED-FRI, MAY 26 - 28 | Photo Provided THU, MAY 27 & JUNE 3

EYEwitness Tour - Susan Winchester Experience the Memorial & Museum through stories from those most affected by the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building. Tickets include a guided tour, special behind-the-scenes Archive tour and all-day Museum admission., Susan Winchester’s sister, Dr. Margaret (Peggy) Clark, was killed during the April 19, 1995, bombing. In 1998, Winchester was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives where she carried out legislation to support the Memorial and ensure the story of the bombing became part of Oklahoma’s high school curriculum. Winchester currently serves as a Memorial Trustee and is a past Chair of the Foundation. $25.00 per person, Fri., June 4, 8-9:30 a.m. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, 620 N. Harvey Ave., 405-235-3313, MemorialMuseum.com. FRI,

Stockyards City Made Im Oklahoma Market Discover one-of-a-kind, unique and locally made items in the historic Stockyards City district at Made in Oklahoma on Saturday, June 5. Visit with the vendors, shop their products and support local. See you there!, Sat., June 5, 11 a.m. Stockyards City, 1307 S. Agnew Ave., 405-235-7267, stockyardscity.org/#!event-list. SAT, JUNE 5 Tuesday Trivia at Parlor A chance to win food, drink & prizes every Tuesday., Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. through June 8. Parlor, 11 NE Sixth St., 405-2944740, parlorokc.com. TUE, JUNE 1 & 8

FOOD OSU-OKC Farmers Market at Scissortail Park Oklahoma City’s largest outdoor market features an all-made and grown-in Oklahoma producer-only marketplace providing access to more fresh products to serve the community. Located at the corner of Oklahoma City Boulevard and South Robinson Avenue, the Scissortail Park Farmers Market will be open, rain or shine, every Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. through October. Scissortail Park, 300 SW Seventh St., 405-445-7080, cissortailpark.org/osu-okcfarmers-market-at-scissortail-park. SATURDAYS Pranom Thai Street Food Pop-Up Hollywood actor/chef Dream Kasestatad of L.A.’s famed Pranom is currently on a cross-country pop-up Thai Street Food tour that makes a stop in Oklahoma City at Anthem Brewing on Friday, May 28. The kitchen opens at 4 p.m., and when the food’s gone, it’s gone. Anthem will have perfectly matched beers for the occasion. Anthem Brewing Company, 908 SW Fourth St., 405-604-0446, anthembrewing.com. FRI, MAY 8

Wines of the West Attendees will enjoy a variety of Oklahoma-produced wines while experiencing everything Stockyards City has to offer. Visitors will be able to sample different varieties and to purchase bottles of wine. While in Stockyards City, shop at the most unique boutiques and knowledgeable western merchants around!, Sat., June 5, 11 a.m. Stockyards City, 1307 S. Agnew Ave., 405-235-7267, stockyardscity.org. SAT, JUNE 5

YOUTH Chuck Wagon Festival 2021 Join the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for this twoday, fun-filled family weekend showcasing chuck wagon and Native food samples, artisan demonstrations, live music and Western reenactors. Stop by socially-distanced craft stations and pick up takeand-make activities including bandanas for coloring, butter making with Ag in the Classroom, and more! Explore Liichokoshkomo’, the Museum’s premier outdoor education experience and playscape and learn about the diverse cultures of the West. Limited capacity. COVID-19 precautions will be in place. $15 per person, free for children 12 & under. Free for Museum members., Sat., May 29, 10 a.m. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org/ annual-chuck-wagon-festival. SAT, MAY 29

PERFORMING ARTS Art AfloatShowboat Concert Series Art Afloat is bringing local artists together to take over the Bricktown Canal every Thursday night, to be called the Art Afloat Showboat Concert Series., Thursdays. Bricktown Water Taxi, 111 S. Mickey Mantle Drive, bricktownwatertaxi.com. THURSDAYS

JUNE 4

OKC Dodgers Vs. Sugar Land Skeeters OKC Dodgers hit the field to take on the Sugar Land Skeeters!, June 3-8. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S. Mickey Mantle Drive, 405-218-1000, milb.com/ oklahoma-city/schedule/2021-06. THU-TUE, JUNE 3-8

OKC Energy FC Vs. Memphis 901 FC OKC Energy FC takes on Memphis 901 FC at Taft Stadium., Sat., May 29. Taft Stadium, 2501 N. May Ave., 405-235-5425, energyfc.com/2021schedule. SAT, MAY 29 Oklahoma Railway Museum Train Ride Come take a ride at the Oklahoma Railway Museum on our historic MKT mainline track. You will enjoy a train ride in our historic passenger coaches pulled by our vintage diesel locomotives. Train Rides are available for kids of all ages (0 to 99+) every 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month,

KGAZZEETTTE TE.CO .COMM AARRTTSS && CU CULT LTUURREE | OOKGA

Plant Sale of Crystal Bridge Conservatory Plants The American Shop for a small piece of Crystal Bridge Conservatory history and benefit Myriad Botanical Gardens on Saturday, May 29. The! plant sale will be held on the west side of the Conservatory. Members of the Gardens get fist pick from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The sale will then open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. This sale for those plants that will not be transferred to the new interior after its renovation. Hundreds of plants both large and small will be sold including tropicals suitable for houseplants like anthuriums, calatheas, philodendrons and clivias, as well as desert and succulent plants such as aloe, agaves, kalanchoe and cacti. Cuttings of dozens of species will also be available, so guests will have an opportunity to buy a literal piece of Oklahoma City history. Social Greenery will be on hand selling pots both large and small and providing guests the opportunity to pot their plants up onsite. Larger pots from Calvert’s Plant Interiors will also be available for purchase. Staff of the Gardens horticulture department will available to answer questions and provide growing tips.. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, calendar.oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com. SATURDAY, MAY 29 | Photo Provided

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Live from the Lawn: Jimmy ‘Duck’ Holmes with Mike Munson Live from the Lawn presented by American Fidelity at Scissortail Park is back for an incredible 2021 season bringing live music under the stars to the spacious Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn. Music fans are invited to bring out blankets, picnics, and camping chairs to delight in a great and varied lineup of music from local, regional, and national touring musicians. All shows are free and open to the public. Jimmy ‘Duck’ Holmess with Mike Muson will preform deep-roots folk blues. Scissortail Par, 300 SW 7th St., 405.696.6451, scissortailpark.org. FRIDAY, JUNE 4 | Photo Provided

Dope Poetry Night Dope Poetry Night at the Ice Event Center Bar and Grill is every Wednesday starting at 7:30 p.m. Sign-ups begin at 7 p.m., and the show begins at 8 p.m.. Only the first 25 poets., Come to experience a place where you can be you unapologetically, a place where your voice and presence matter, a place where you’re accepted and loved, where smiles, laughter, thoughts, and feelings are shared, and it’s all free. Just remember to wear a mask. Ice Event Center & Grill, 1148 NE 36th St., 405-208-4240, facebook. com/Ice-Event-Center-Grill-384104648334867. WEDNESDAYS

Oklahoma City Philharmonic (re) IMAGINE(d) 2020-21 Season: Classics German Dexterity and Panache, Sat., June 5. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., 405-8425387, okcphil.org. SAT, JUNE 5 Rebels & Royals Drag King Show hosted by former Mister USofA Damian Matrix-Gritte, this monthly show features local drag kings and special guests 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. first Saturday of every month. Frankie’s, 2807 NW 36th St., 405-602-2030, facebook. com/frankiesokc. SAT, JUNE 5

ACTIVE Botanical Balance The Gardens offer a space of beauty and tranquility to help relieve stress and quiet your mind. Classes are open to all levels, whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi., Tuesdays, Saturdays. through June 12. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, calendar. oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com/event/botanicalbalance-free-yoga-3/?instance_id=14983. TUESDAYS & SATURDAYS

VISUAL ARTS Ed Ruscha: OKLA You can now reserve your free timed ticket for Ed Ruscha: OKLA! This exhibition is a survey of works by one of America’s most important artists, looking at the ways in which work throughout Ruscha’s career was connected to his childhood in Oklahoma City, and his continued trips back there from Los Angeles. Featuring objects spanning the artist’s 60+ year career that explore his relationship to Oklahoma, Ed Ruscha: OKLA presents iconic pieces such as Twentysix Gasoline Stations and Chocolate Room alongside newer, lesserknown bodies of work, including two recent Drum Skins paintings. Free timed ticket required., Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Thursdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. through July 5. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-9510000, oklahomacontemporary.org/exhibitions/upcoming/ed-ruscha-okla. THROUGH JULY 5

Fieldworks: Beyond Measure Beyond Measure features works produced by Fieldworks project collaborators and OU faculty Todd Stewart and Robert Bailey. Fieldworks, an interdisciplinary residency, invites artists, scholars and students to artistically respond to the presence of humans in the American Southwest. Beyond Measure presents a selection from the Fieldworks project’s diverse archive of objects, photographs, texts, videos and more., Available slots can be reserved up to two-weeks in advance. Free timed ticket required., Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. through April 19, 2022. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-951-0000, oklahomacontemporary.org/exhibitions/current/fieldworks-beyond-measure. THROUGH APRIL 19, 2022

Fritz Scholder: Beyond Stereotypes After relocating to Santa Fe, New Mexico, for a teaching position, American artist Fritz Scholder (Luiseño) stated he saw one too many over-romanticized and generalized depictions of Indigenous people “looking at the sunset.” With his Indian series, started in 1967, Scholder sought to replace the tourist-approved narratives perpetuated by white artists with the realities he witnessed every day. By combining realism and spirituality with vivid colors and expressive brushstrokes, Scholder created radical new imagery of modern-day Indigenous life., Wednesdays-Sundays. through Nov. 7. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com/visit/events/scholder.

particular traveled to Italy throughout the nineteenth century to study not only the great masterpieces of ancient and Renaissance art, but also to sketch and paint the campagna, or countryside, basked in a beautiful glow., Wednesdays-Sundays. through Nov. 7. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405236-3100, okcmoa.com/visit/events/room-with-a-view. THROUGH NOV. 7

Women of the Banjo A special exhibit at the American Banjo Museum Women of the Banjo chronicles the contributions of women to the colorful past, vibrant present, and unlimited future of the banjo. From prominent contemporary performers such as Alison Brown and Rhiannon Giddens to pop icons Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton and many others, historic insights, instruments, stage attire, and a glimpse of ever-changing fashion trends all help in the telling of this important aspect of banjo history., June 2-May 31. American Banjo Museum, 9 E. Sheridan Ave., 405-6042793, americanbanjomuseum.com/current-exhibits/ special-exhibits. JUNE 2 - MAY 31, 2022

THROUGH NOV. 7

Paseo Arts District’s First Friday Gallery Walk Each First Friday of the month, the community is invited to stroll the historic Paseo Arts District. All of the Paseo galleries have reopened, some with abbreviated hours, and most will be open late for First Friday. Restaurants will be open for dining, patio seating and takeout. 6-9 p.m. first Friday of every month. Paseo Arts District, 3024 Paseo St., 405-525-2688, thepaseo.org. FRI, JUNE 4 Paseo Arts & Creativity Center June Exhibits The Paseo Arts and Creativity Center (PACC) is pleased to feature two exhibits in June - in Gallery One, Conflicted Harmonies with art by George Oswalt, Marylee Wright, and John Wolfe, and in Gallery Two, Living Impressions from the Past art by Jann Jeffrey. An opening reception will be held on Friday, June 4, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The PACC will limit capacity and require masks and social distancing.. Paseo Arts & Creativity Center, 3024 Paseo St., 405-525-2688, thepaseo.org. FRI, JUNE 4 - 26

A room with a View: Scenes of the Italian Countryside Artists from around the world have long been captured by the enduring appeal of the Italian countryside. Its sweeping vistas, at times sprinkled with ancient ruins, make for an enticing subject for artists in a variety of mediums. American artists in

Submissions must be For OKG received by Oklahoma live music Gazette no later than see page 24 noon on Wednesday seven days before the desired publication date. Late submissions will not be included in the listings.Submissions run as space allows, although we strive to make the listings as inclusive as possible. Fax your listings to 528-4600 or e-mail them to Listings@okgazette. com. Sorry, but phone submissions cannot be accepted.

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

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

A R T S & CU LT U R E O KGA Z E T TE .CO M | M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 1

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Flogistix LP (Oklahoma City, OK) seeks a Petroleum Engineering Analyst to analyze gas lift data to identify relationships derived from data analysis and serve as domain expert in petroleum equations. Required: Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering or rltd field + 6 mos. exp in petroleum eng applications. Exp must include: developing webpage mockups for petroleum eng applications; developing computer codes for eng data analysis; developing PDF parsing programming pckgs for data analysis; and processing realtime drilling data sets. Apply at www.flogistix.com/careers.

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LIVE MUSIC WEDNESDAY, MAY 26 RIFF RAFF , 89th Street.

THURSDAY, MAY 27 The Steel Woods with special guest Casper McWade, Diamond Ballroom. Reduced capacity, tables & chairs first come/first served Tanner Fields, The Jones Assembly. Singer/Songwriter The Emo Night Tour, 89th Street. DJ The You Gots 2 Go Show, 3 Cubed Restaurant & Bar.

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

Midas 13, JoJos Bar. Cover A Show of Gratitude: Presented by Red Dirt Relief Fund, Tower Theatre. Big Train/ Southern Sonic/ Cora and the Cake-Eaters, Blue Note.

FRIDAY, MAY 28

British Invasion Group - Belle Isle Debut, Belle Isle Restaurant & Club. COVER

Joe Buck Yourself, 89th Street.

SUNDAY, JUNE 6

The Killings/Counter Culture Prophet/ Social Insanity, Blue Note.

The Mastersons, Tower Theatre. Folk

SATURDAY, MAY 29

MONDAY, JUNE 7

Bethany 66 Festival, Downtown Bethany. Sherman Andrus, Army Brass Quintet, Edgar Cruz, John the Franklin, Kent Fauss.

Jason & Shawna of Ravens Three, Sean Cumming’s Irish Restaurant. Celtic pub and fiddle tunes

If It Bleeds It Dies/ Buried under Broadway, Blue Note.

TUESDAY, JUNE 8 Stephen Salewon, The Jones Assembly.

Tyler Lee Band, Montana Mining Club.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9

SUNDAY, MAY 30

Taylor Atkinson, The Jones Assembly.

Brent Beamer/ The Bottom of the Barrel/ Troy Alan, Blue Note.

MONDAY, MAY 31 Jason & Shawna of Ravens Three, Sean Cumming’s Irish Restaurant. Celtic pub and fiddle tunes

TUESDAY, JUNE 1 Derik Hultquist, The Jones Assembly.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2 Zac Copeland, The Jones Assembly.

FRIDAY, JUNE 4 Lil Duke, The Criterion. Rap Live from the Lawn: Jimmy ‘Duck’ Holmes with Mike Munson, Scissortail Park. Deeproots folk blues. BroClan/ Jarvix/ Grandpa Vern, Blue Note. Singer/Songwriter Jose Hernandez, The Jones Assembly.

SATURDAY, JUNE 5

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

GO TO OKGAZETTE.COM FOR FULL LISTINGS! 24

M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 1 | OKGA Z E T TE .COM MUS I C

IT’S NEVER STRANGE TO HEAR OKLAHOMA MUSIC ON KOSU. From The Oklahoma Music Minute every weekday to The Oklahoma Rock Show every Friday night to the latest and greatest independent artists played 24/7 on The Spy, local musicians of all genres find their voice, and your ears, right here.

Bartees Strange photo courtesy of NO EARBUDS!

MUS I C OKGA Z E T TE .COM | M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 1

M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 1 | OKGA Z E T TE .COM

Official Afterparty: Peridot Nights at Relax Park

Official Afterparty #1: Peridot Nights at Relax Park Relax Park, 5000 S. Western Ave. Suite B, is a cannabis-friendly live music venue with full bar, food truck court and coffee bar. Attendees must RSVP for this event, but get in free with a CannaCon ticket. Additionally, free shuttle service will be provided from the Oklahoma City Convention Center to Relax Park, which is just a few blocks west of Scissortail Park. Sean Majors will be DJing with special guests and VIPs of CannaCon in attendance. The Peridot Nights event will be held from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. on May 27, but an additional afterparty will also take place May 28. The sponsoring company, Peridot, is an e-commerce software company providing online ordering and website building tools for dispensaries.

Three Cubed Cookies Takeover Cookies, ElectraLeaf and ALTVM are taking over Three Cubed, 800 NW 4th Street, for the after-afterparty. It will also be the inaugural Smoking Saturdays event with DJ Cat Ouellette. P Wap and Drez will be performing. In addition to the cannabis lounge, food and a full service bar are available. The event, which runs from 8 p.m. to midnight on May 29, is free and will feature a dab bar by Oil Tycoon and Swerve, as well as a dab war. Swag bags will be given to the first 100 people through the door.

The fourth CannaCon South will be May 27 and 28 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center, 500 S. Robinson Ave. With hundreds of exhibitors and more than 20 speakers, the business-to-business convention is among the largest in the nation for cannabis operators. The night lights up with two official afterparties for additional networking and decompression. Tickets to CannaCon at the door range from $60 for a one-day expo pass up to $200 for access to both days of seminars and the exhibitor expo.

Official Afterparty

Gator Alley

Official Afterparty #2: Gator Alley

Dabstars will be hosting another official afterparty at Gator Alley, 1016 W. Main St., beginning at 7 p.m. on May 28. Gator Alley will offer food, “cannacocktails,” on-site vendors and performances by Tim-Me and others during the event. Gator Alley is adjacent to the PlantMed dispensary.

EliteLeaf rap battle EliteLeaf, 4000 S. Prospect Ave., will host an outdoor rap battle featuring more than a dozen performers judged by Infamous OG, Lopzyded and Dorsey, as well as a set from 420 Girls afterward. There will be a snow cone stand and barbecue on site at the outdoor event, while everything in the dispensary will be 20 percent off during the entirety of the event, which runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday. Additional performers are expected to be announced. HI GH CULTUR E OKGA Z E T TE .COM | M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 1

M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 1 | OKGA Z E T TE .COM

Open Saturday! For more information strain reviews scan QR code with your smart phone. Strain name: Grandpa Joe Grown by: Rockin T Cultivation Acquired from: Likewise Plaza Date acquired: May 20 THC/CBD percentages: 21.18 percent/.05 percent (per Pure Labs) Physical traits: Light and dark green with wiry orange stigmas Bouquet: Earthy and gassy Review: When I walked through the front door of Likewise Plaza, budtender Cody Jennings ran into the back room. He came back with what happened to be the strain I was hunting that afternoon, the Grandpa Joe from Rockin T. This strain was on the top of my list after hearing several friends highly recommend it over the past year. For good reason. This strain hit hard right between the eyes. It may be a little intense for some smokers at first, but it does settle pretty quickly into a strong but even high that lasts a reasonable amount of time. Looking forward to trying more from Rockin T, especially their Double Butter, which I hear is just as excellent.

CANNA COCO

Find us at Booth 321 $ 16 ( 50 L ) PER B A G 1101 N Meridian 405.415.9480 www.CultivateOKC.com

Strain name: Glazed Apricot Gelato Grown by: Resonant Cultivation Acquired from: Mosaic Date acquired: May 20 THC/CBD percentages: 22.3 percent/0 percent (per Cannabest Labs) Physical traits: Purple and dark green with wiry orange stigmas and frosted with trichomes Bouquet: Sweet and pungently sour Review: When I heard Resonant Cultivation had opened a shop around the corner from the office, it was perfect timing. I was coming to the end of my reserves and immediately began the license renewal process, dropping by the day my card hit my mailbox. Everything on the menu looks and smells stellar, but their Glazed Apricot Gelato is my favorite among five strains I sampled on the first round. The purple buds are gorgeous and it hits smoothly, the sweet-sour combination becoming more flavorful on the exhale. The high is strong and steady, which makes it versatile for daytime and night use. When you stop by, you have to at least get a whiff of the Black Cherry Pie and tell me it doesn’t smell exactly like a damn cherry pie. Honorable mentions in the same vein: Monkey Berries #3 and Sunset Runtz.

HI GH CULTUR E OKGA Z E T TE .COM | M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 1

PUZZLES 1

NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE MOTHER’S DAY CONCERT

By Brad Wiegmann | Puzzles Edited by Will Shortz | 0523

ACROSS

1 Computer file, informally 4 Wound up on top? 8 Feels it the next day, say 13 Things served in prison 18 Shout at a Greek wedding 19 Country singer McKenna 20 ‘‘Whoa, settle down’’ 21 More than half of humanity 23 ____ state 24 Mom’s comment to her child during prenatal bonding? [Frank Sinatra, 1954] 27 Hot state 28 Bishop’s hat 29 They’re used mostly on corners 30 What Mom is obligated to do as her due date approaches? [The Beatles, 1969] 36 ‘‘____ the deal .?.?. ’’ 37 Yes, in Yokohama 38 Bran material 39 Part of a drivetrain 40 The Renaissance, for one 42 Team ____ (late-night host’s following) 43 Cancer fighter, for short 44 Henley Royal ____ (annual July event) 49 Mom’s reaction to her first mild contractions? [John Cougar, 1982] 54 Midwife’s advice to Mom in the delivery room? [Salt-N-Pepa, 1987] 55 Cause of wear and tear 56 Wanna-bees, e.g.? 57 ____ of Maine (toothpaste) 61 Sport whose participants call ‘‘Pull!’’ 62 Pet sound 63 Tennis star with the highest career winning percentage in singles matches (89.97%) 64 Stress test? 65 ‘‘Whoa boy, settle down’’ 66 Mom’s remark as contractions grow stronger? [The Ramones, 1978] 70 Org. that delivers 73 Unenthusiastic 74 Went sniggling 75 Vaporize, say 78 Empire 80 Roughly 81 Be crazy about 82 Sappho’s ‘‘____ to Aphrodite’’ 83 Mom’s reaction as delivery draws closer? [Usher, 2012]

85 Child’s response to Mom’s actions? [Diana Ross, 1980] 88 Briskly 90 Actress in eight Bond films 92 Like sea horses that give birth 93 Beast with a humped shoulder 94 Utah ski resort 95 Cable news anchor Cabrera 98 Prey for a formicivorous creature 99 Simple life? 103 Nurse’s remark after Mom delivers the first twin? [Britney Spears, 1998] 108 Spanish archipelago, with ‘‘the’’ 110 Touches 111 Witty saying 112 Doctor’s comment after Mom delivers the second twin? [The Who, 1965] 117 Director DuVernay 118 Quiet 119 Settle down, say 120 Pacific crop 121 Something you might gloss over 122 Mother’s Day delivery 123 Apologetic remark during a breakup 124 Hang it up 125 Consult

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33 Struck out 34 Poorly 35 Toothpaste option 41 Solicit sales (for) 42 Fishing bait 43 Keeps the beat with one’s foot 45 ‘‘Who ____ you?’’ 46 Woman’s name meaning ‘‘goddess’’ 47 Relations 48 J.D. holder: Abbr. 50 What a shaken soda bottle will do when uncapped 51 Capital of Fiji 52 Not dismissive of 53 Earn 57 Quaint contraction 58 Rule for trick-or-treaters 59 Improvised 60 Wind down? 64 Janet Yellen’s former post,

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EDITOR Matt Dinger CREATIVE DIRECTOR Phillip Danner ACCOUNTING/HR MANAGER Monique Dodd

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PUBLISHER Bryan Hallman

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1 Kind of column 2 Venue for trill seekers? 3 TV reporter’s entourage 4 Like snails’ trails 5 Beginning that leads to a sum? 6 Singer with the 1968 hit ‘‘Think,’’ familiarly 7 Nibble 8 ‘‘Oh, no!’’ 9 X 10 Drink with the flavors Poppin’ Lemonade and Grabbin’ Grape 11 Wyoming’s National ____ Refuge 12 Spill clumsily 13 ‘‘Bye!’’ 14 Food-delivery route? 15 Piece of equipment for a biathlete 16 Oscar ____ 17 Bad thing to do in class 22 Figure (out) 25 Aesthete’s interest 26 Complete 31 Hilarious sort 32 U.S. city whose name is composed of two state abbreviations

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DIGITAL MEDIA & PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Kendall Bleakley

ADVERTISING advertising@ okgazette.com 405-528-6000 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Saundra Godwin Christy Duane John Simms CONTRIBUTORS Jacob Threadgill Jerry Bennett

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with ‘‘the’’ 66 Site of offshore banks? 67 Life, briefly 68 Garr of ‘‘Tootsie’’ 69 Setting for a scene in the Sistine Chapel 70 Major part of the night sky? 71 It’s broken off 72 Olympic athlete category 75 Lions and tigers and bears 76 Raw footage? 77 Davidson of ‘‘S.N.L.’’ 79 Stick in the refrigerator? 84 Sun follower? 85 Loving 86 Last name in shoes 87 Exam for some aspiring C.E.O.s 89 Go down the ____ 90 Little bit 91 Ron who played Tarzan 95 Boundaries

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Part of a Milky Way bar Joint: Prefix Book that’s the source of the line ‘‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’’ Host of HBO’s ‘‘Real Time’’ Año starter Competes on a British cooking show ‘‘Same here’’ Lead-in to trumpet or drum Legally foreclose Tour de France stage The 13th or 15th Mobster’s undoing Places to take breaks, for short? Inoculation location Cleaning solution

Stumped? Call 1-900-285-5656 to get the answers to any three clues by phone ($1.20 a minute).

SUDOKU EASY | N°11536 Fill in the grid so that every row, column and 3-by-3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9. www.printmysudoku.com Grid n°11536 easy

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY - WEEK OF MAY 27 Homework: What image or symbol represents the fulfillment of your noble desires? FreeWillAstrology.com ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Open your mouth only if what you are going to say is more beautiful than silence,” declares an Arab proverb. That’s a high standard to aspire to. Even at our very best, when we’re soaring with articulate vitality, it’s hard to be more beautiful than silence for more than, say, 50 percent of the time. But here’s a nice surprise: You could exceed that benchmark during the next three weeks. You’re primed to be extra expressive and interesting. When you speak, you could be more beautiful than silence as much as 80 percent of the time.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Here’s the definition of an emotional support animal: “a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefit to a person with a mental or psychiatric disability.” I don’t mean to be flippant, but I think every one of us has at least one mental or psychiatric disability that would benefit from the company of an emotional support animal. If you were ever going to acquire such an ally, the coming weeks would be prime time to do so. I encourage you to also seek out other kinds of help and guidance and stimulation that you’d benefit from having. It’s the resource-gathering phase of your cycle. (PS: Cesar Chavez said: “You are never strong enough that you don’t need help.”)

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

A blogger named Valentine Cassius reports, “A tiny old woman came into the deli where I work and ordered a ‘wonderful turkey sandwich.’ When asked what she wanted on the sandwich other than turkey, she said ‘all of your most wonderful toppings.’” Here’s my response to that: The tiny old woman’s approach usually isn’t very effective. It’s almost always preferable to be very specific in knowing what you want and asking for it. But given the current astrological omens, I’ll make an exception for you in the next three weeks. I think you should be like the tiny old woman: Ask life, fate, people, spirits, and gods to bring you all of their most wonderful toppings.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

“I am tired of trying to hold things together that cannot be held,” testifies Cancerian novelist Erin Morgenstern. “Tired of trying to control what cannot be controlled.” Here’s good news for her and all Cancerians. You have cosmic permission to surrender—to no longer try to hold things together that can’t be held or try to control what can’t be controlled. Maybe in a few weeks you will have gained so much relaxed new wisdom that you’ll be inspired to make fresh attempts at holding together and controlling. But that’s not for you to worry and wonder about right now. Your assignment is to nurture your psychological and spiritual health by letting go.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Philosopher Georges Bataille wrote, “The lesson of Wuthering Heights, of Greek tragedy and, ultimately, of all religions, is that there is an instinctive tendency towards divine intoxication which the rational world of calculation cannot bear. This tendency is the opposite of Good. Good is based on common interest, which entails consideration of the future.” I’m going to dissent from Bataille’s view. I agree that we all have an instinctive longing for divine intoxication, but I believe that the rational world needs us to periodically fulfill our longing for divine intoxication. In fact, the rational world grows stale and begins to decay without these interludes. So the truth is that divine intoxication is crucial for the common good. I’m telling you this, Leo, because I think the coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to claim a healthy dose of divine intoxication.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Virgo actor Ingrid Bergman (1915–1982) won the most prestigious awards possible for her work in films, TV, and theater: Oscars, Emmys, and a Tony. She was intelligent, talented, and beautiful. Life was a challenge when she was growing up, though. She testified, “I was the shyest human ever invented, but I had a lion inside me that wouldn’t shut up.” If you have a sleeping lion inside you, Virgo, I expect it to wake up soon. And if your inner lion is already wide awake and you have a decent relationship with it, I suspect it may soon begin to come into its fuller glory.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Libran author Antonio Tabucchi described the frame of mind I recommend for you in the coming days. I hope you’ll be eager to embrace his far-reaching empathy. Like him, I trust you will expand your capacity to regard the whole world as your home. Here’s Tabucchi’s declaration: “Like a blazing comet, I’ve traversed infinite nights, interstellar spaces of the imagination, voluptuousness and fear. I’ve been a man, a woman, an old person, a little girl, I’ve been the crowds on the grand boulevards of the capital cities of the West, I’ve been the serene Buddha of the East. I’ve been the sun and the moon.”

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Author James Frey writes, “I used to think I was tough, but then I realized I wasn’t. I was fragile and I wore thick armor. And I hurt people so they couldn’t hurt me. And I thought that was what being tough was, but it isn’t.” I agree with Frey. The behavior he describes has nothing to do with being tough. So what does? That’s important for you to think about, because the coming weeks will be an excellent time to be tough in the best senses of the word. Here are my definitions: Being tough means never letting people disrespect you or abuse you, even as you cultivate empathy for how wounded everyone is. Being tough means loving yourself with such unconditional grace that you never act unkind out of a neurotic need to over-defend yourself. Being tough means being a compassionate truth-teller.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Fragile intensity or intense fragility? Ferocious gentleness or gentle ferocity? Vulnerable strength or strong vulnerability? I suspect these will be some of the paradoxical themes with which you’ll be delicately wrestling in the coming days. Other possibilities: sensitive audacity or audacious sensitivity; fluidic fire or fiery fluidity; crazy wisdom or wise craziness; penetrating softness or soft penetration; shaky poise or poised shakiness. My advice is to regard rich complexities like these as blessings, not confusions or inconveniences.

adaptation. They use humans’ abandoned cigarette butts to build their nests. Somehow they discovered that nicotine is an insectide that dispels pests like fleas, lice, and mites. Given your current astrological aspects, I’m guessing you could make metaphorically comparable adjustments in your own life. Are there ways you could use scraps and discards to your benefit?

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

A blogger named Raven testifies, “My heart is a toddler throwing a tantrum in a store and my brain is the parent who continues to shop.” I’m pleased to inform you, Aquarius, that your heart will NOT act like that toddler in the coming weeks. In fact, I believe your heart will be like a sage elder with growing wisdom in the arts intimacy and tenderness. In my vision of your life, your heart will guide you better than maybe it ever has. Now here’s a message to your brain: Listen to your heart!

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

The Voyager 1 space probe, launched by NASA in 1977, is now more than 14 billion miles from Earth. In contrast, the farthest humans have ever penetrated into the ground is 7.62 miles. It’s the Kola Superdeep Borehole in northwest Russia. Metaphorically speaking, these facts provide an evocative metaphor for the following truth: Most humans feel more confident and expansive about exploring the outer world than their inner realms. But I hope that in the coming weeks you will buck that trend, as you break all previous records for curious and luxurious exploration into your deepest psychic depths.

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

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Birds that live in cities have come up with an ingenious

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY - WEEK OF JUNE 3 Homework: Testify about how you redeemed the dark side. FreeWillAstrology.com ARIES (March 21-April 19)

“There is ecstasy in paying attention,” writes Aries author Anne Lamott. That’s always true for everyone, but it’s extra true for you Aries people. And it will be extra ultra especially true for you during the next 20 days. I hope you will dedicate yourself to celebrating and upgrading your perceptual abilities. I hope you will resolve to see and register everything just as it is in the present moment, fresh and unprecedented, not as it was in the past or will be in the future. For best results, banish all preconceptions that might interfere with your ability to notice what’s raw and real. If you practice these high arts with exhilarating diligence, you will be rewarded with influxes of ecstasy.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Your guiding wisdom comes from Taurus author Annie Dillard. She writes, “I think it would be well, and proper, and obedient, and pure, to grasp your one necessity and not let it go, to dangle from it limp wherever it takes you.” I suspect that Dillard’s approach will enable you to maintain a righteous rhythm and make all the right moves during the coming weeks. If you agree with me, your crucial first step will be to identify the nature of your “one necessity.” Not two necessities. Just the single most important.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

“All I want to be is normally insane,” said actor Marlon Brando. Yikes! I have a different perspective. I would never want to be normally insane because that state often tends to be sullen and desperate and miserable. My preferred goal is to be quite abnormally insane: exuberantly, robustly, creatively free of the toxic adjustments that our society tells us are necessary. I want to be cheerfully insane in the sense of not being tyrannized by conventional wisdom. I want to be proactively insane in the sense of obeying my souls’ impulses rather than conforming to people’s expectations. I bring this to your attention, Gemini, because I believe the coming weeks will be a fruitful time for you to be my kind of insane.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

“It’s one thing to make a mistake, it’s another to become wedded to it,” advised author Irena Karafilly. Let’s make that one of your key truths in the coming weeks. Now is a good time to offer yourself forgiveness and to move on from any wrong turns you’ve made. Here’s a second key truth, courtesy of composer Igor Stravinsky: “I have learned throughout my life as a composer chiefly through my mistakes and pursuits of false assumptions, not by my exposure to founts of wisdom and knowledge.” Third key truth, from Sufi teacher Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan: “Don’t be concerned about being disloyal to your pain by being joyous.”

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

According to my analysis of the astrological omens, the number of perfect moments you will experience during the next two weeks could break all your previous records. And what do I mean by “perfect moments”? 1. Times when life brings you interesting events or feelings or thoughts that are novel and unique. 2. Pivotal points when you sense yourself undergoing a fundamental shift in attitude or a new way of understanding the world. 3. Leaping out of your own mind and into the mind of an animal or other person so as to have a pure vision of what their experience is like. 4. An absolute appreciation for yourself just the way you are right now.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

“There is strong shadow where there is much light,” wrote Virgo author Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749– 1832). That’s a good metaphor for you these days. Since I suspect you are currently shining as brightly as you possibly can, I will urge you to become acutely aware of the shadows you cast. In other words, try to catch glimpses of the unripe and unformed parts of your nature, which may be more easily seen than usual. Now, while you’re relatively strong and vibrant, investigate what aspects of your inner world might need improvement, care, and healing.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

According to physicists, it’s impossible for a human being to suck water up through a straw that’s more than 34

feet long. So please don’t even try to do that, either now or ever. If, however, you have a good reason to attempt to suck water up a 33-foot straw, now would be an excellent time to do so. Your physical strength should be at a peak, as is your capacity for succeeding at amazing, herculean tasks. How else might you direct your splendid abilities? What other ambitious feats could you pull off?

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Author James Frey writes, “I used to think I was tough, Scorpio poet Ezra Pound had character flaws that bother me. But he also had a quality I admire: generosity in helping his friends and colleagues. Among the writers whose work he championed and promoted with gusto were 20th-century literary icons James Joyce, T. S. Eliot, Marianne Moore, Hilda Doolittle, William Butler Yeats, Ernest Hemingway, William Carlos Williams, and Robert Frost. Pound edited their work, arranged to get them published in periodicals and anthologies, connected them with patrons and editors, and even gave them money and clothes. In accordance with astrological omens, I encourage you to be like Ezra Pound in the coming weeks. Make an extra effort to support and boost your allies. Assist them in doing what they do well. To do so will be in your own best interest!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Poet Tess Gallagher praises those times “when desire has strengthened our bodies.” I want you to have an abundance of those moments during the coming weeks. And I expect that cultivating them will be an excellent healing strategy. So here’s my advice: Do whatever’s necessary to summon and celebrate the strong longings that will strengthen your body. Tease them into bountiful presence. Treasure them and pay reverence to them and wield them with gleeful passion.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

“To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else,” observed poet Emil Dickinson. That’s the truth! Given how demanding it is to adjust to the nonstop challenges, distractions, and opportunities of the daily rhythm, I’m impressed that any of us ever get any work done. According to my astrological analysis, you

Capricorns are now experiencing a big outbreak of this phenomenon. It’s probably even harder than usual to get work done, simply because life keeps bringing you interesting surprises that require your ingenuity and resourcefulness. The good news is that these surges of ingenuity and resourcefulness will serve you very well when the hubbub settles down a bit and you get back to doing more work.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Aquarius-born August Strindberg (1849–1912) was a masterful and influential playwright. He also liked to dabble in painting and photography. His approach in those two fields was different from the polish he cultivated in his writing. “I am an amateur and I intend to stay that way,” he testified about his approach in the visual arts. “I reject all forms of professional cleverness or virtuosity.” Just for now, Aquarius, I recommend you experiment with the latter attitude in your own field. Your skill and earnestness will benefit from doses of playful innocence, even calculated naiveté.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Which of the astrological signs feels the deepest feelings? I say it’s you Pisceans. You’re connoisseurs of deep feelings, as well as specialists in mysterious, multisplendored, brushes-with-infinity feelings. And right now, you’re in the Deepest Feelings Phase of your personal cycle. I won’t be surprised if you feel a bit overwhelmed with the richness of it all. But that’s mostly a good thing that you should be grateful for—a privilege and a superpower! Now here’s advice from deep-feeling author Pearl Buck: “You cannot make yourself feel something you do not feel, but you can make yourself do right in spite of your feelings.”

O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | M AY 2 6 , 2 0 2 0

Come visit the newest permanent exhibit,

Launch to Landing: Oklahomans and Space See Oklahoma’s contributions to the history of aviation and space exploration! The exhibit features the Skylab 4 Apollo Command Module (CM-118). The Space Station that was the longest mission flown by any Apollo command module, it flew for a total of 84 days in space.

Launch to Landing will feature a number of personal items utilized by astronauts, including flight suits, Oklahoma flags flown in space, a NASA Mission Control console, space shuttle heat shield tiles and lunar samples, also known as “moon rocks” and more!

This permanent exhibit was made possible by the generous support of

E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation, M.D. Jirous and Barbara Jirous Foundation, Inasmuch Foundation, Records-Johnston Family Foundation Inc., Bob Ford, James C. and Teresa K. Day Foundation, Friends of the Oklahoma History Center, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institute,Washington, D.C. Cosmosphere, Hutchinson, Kansas, Thomas P. Stafford Air and Space Museum, Weatherford, Oklahoma Mill More, Cameron Eagle, Ink Ranch

For more information call 405.522.0765 or visit okhistory.org 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73105