Best of OKC

CITIZEN SPOTLIGHT

Charla Collins

By Berlin Green

“I’m just a mom. Not a nonprofit or anything like that. I’m just a mom,” Charla Collins said.

Charla’s daughter Kylie lives with severe mental illness. After suffering a traumatic brain injury in her teens she eventually turned to drugs, and with little resources available to get her the long term mental health care she needs, she often disappears into the streets, going long periods without contact. During a particular instance in 2021, Charla went out to look for her.

“When I first went into the encampments, I was scared to death,” Collins said. “I just went tent to tent, knocking and asking, showing people pictures of my kid going, ‘Hey, have you seen this girl?’ During that time, I met a lot of people, and I just started connecting with them. It changed my mindset of how I look at people and my beliefs about the homeless. I started a page called See Me OKC with the whole purpose of giving back to the homeless community because, truly, they’re the reason I found my daughter.”

Since its inception little more than a year ago, See Me OKC has allowed Charla to help countless families find their loved ones. She spends her time networking with other homeless outreach groups and local mental health facilities and, by going out and searching for people on her own, sometimes placing herself into potentially dangerous situations to find them and get them help.

“I’ve lost count of how many families I’ve helped,” Collins said. “We have roughly 768 missing people in the state of Oklahoma right now. Media has led us astray, that there’s this team of people to descend from the sky and help you locate your missing loved one. There’s no one. It’s literally you and whatever support system you have built in place. So I provide a place where people can share about their missing loved one and I try to help them as best I can. I’ve done a few blogs and I’m able to help people with practical

guides, if you will.”

Her personal experiences with her daughter and the people she’s come in contact with have helped shape her understanding of the harsh realities of mental illness, drug addiction and homelessness, its effects on family members and the many struggles they face.

“Many people don’t realize how much mental illness there is in our unsheltered community. With some of the illnesses like Parkinson’s, dementia or some of these other debilitating brain disorders, people kind of have a picture. But when you say schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or even PTSD, they don’t have a picture of what this actually looks like and how it affects people and their families, or why they might have turned to the streets. Part of that is because there’s not enough beds in the facilities we do have. Even if you are lucky and you find a bed, providers are not keeping people long enough. They’re barely there long enough to call them stable and kick them back out to the streets or they just walk out. Then lies the other problem where families are told [to enroll them in] 12-steps and let them kind of hit bottom, or you’re enabling if you’re helping them. As a family member, you get a lot of mixed messages and trying to sort through that and figure out what’s best for your family and what you need to do. It can be really hard. When I’m not out being a social justice warrior, I am raising my two grandsons because my daughter is still far from stable. A lot of families look like this.”

Charla sees the limitations of the state’s mental healthcare system which often allows people to slip through the cracks. Short on both beds and facilities, many available services are optional

and those with more severe disorders often refuse care, remaining in the cycle of addiction and homelessness. Those who do want the services often find themselves facing many hurdles to get care.

“The sad reality is, on a regular basis, I’ll have someone that’ll tell me they’re suicidal. It just breaks my heart. Because in my mind, I’m running through all the options, like what am I going to tell them? I’ve called 988 for the homeless, I’ve called an ambulance, I’ve called 911 and I see the response we get and it’s often close to nothing. Griffin [Memorial Hospital] has a 15month waitlist. Like when my daughter was missing, and I would find her. Well what am I supposed to do with her? She was in psychosis, I couldn’t bring her home,” Collins said.

She hopes to see those responses change and more services become available. When she’s not focused on outreach of her own, Charla volunteers with the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Oklahoma (NAMI), where her work recently led to her being named a Volunteer of the Year. Despite the sometimes tragic nature of the work, she finds it very rewarding to help reconnect families and see people recover.

“It’s important to me to make a connection with these people,” Collins said. “I ask them to tell me their story, because I truly want to know. Once you can get past the stubbornness and get them to talk to you, you find a lot of unmet grief. A lot of people still hurt, from whoever died, whatever happened, and they’re really

stuck not knowing how to move on, like their compass is broken. then there’s the mental health side of it. There’s a small percentage that turned to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with it, but that’s not a majority. It’s so complex and there are so many different layers. It’s hard to attack. But then, really, we can’t attack until we have a solution.”

Charla hopes to see attitudes towards the homeless continue to change as more people become educated on the nuances of mental illness.

“A big part of my mission is helping people get the right information to help remove the stigma. One of the questions I always get is, ‘How do you know if someone’s homeless? You see those people on the off ramp and they’re begging for change. How do you know? We don’t want to enable because that’s bad, right? So how do we help people and not enable them?’ What I’ve learned is, no matter how nice their clothes are or not, how dirty or not, there can always be an explanation for any of it. So in good conscience, we just give. With no judgment, we meet the people where they’re at and let God sort it out. It’s not really something that we should have to worry about. So if you have to think too long at that light, just don’t do it. But if you want to truly make a difference in our community, just do it.”

Learn more about Charla and her mission at facebook.com/ seemeokc.

A SEARCH FOR HER DAUGHTER LED CHARLA COLLINS DOWN A PATH OF EVEN GREATER PURPOSE.

Charla Collins | Photo by Berlin Green

COMMENTARY

It’s the guns, stupid

AMERICA WILL BLAME ANYTHING FOR THE GUN PROBLEMS OF THE COUNTRY — EXCEPT THE GUNS THEMSELVES.

By Robin Meyers

In 1992, James Carville, a political strategist, coined the phrase, “It’s the economy, stupid.” Three decades later, we need a new slogan: “It’s the guns, stupid.” Not mental illness, which certainly deserves more attention and funding. Not our failures to recognize and help alienated, “invisible” young men before they snap. Not the tired argument that if guns were outlawed only outlaws would have guns. Not the absurd analogy between automobiles which can kill people and guns which can kill people — because hey, we don’t outlaw cars.

Pick your favorite reason given by cowardly politicians after the latest mass shooting, and none of them are as important as the fact that we have come to value guns and gun culture in America more than human life. We love to talk about how exceptional we are, about how we are Number One. But the painful truth is that our epidemic of gun violence, now the leading cause of death for our children, does not happen at this level in any other country. We are drowning in a sea of guns, and the trigger is the grim reaper. Rather than adopt sensible gun control measures like almost every other developed nation on earth, we have come to accept the unacceptable, and then after every shooting we go out and buy more guns.

There were recently seven mass shootings in seven days in this country (over 600 so far this year). Is that acceptable? People seem incapable of grasping the simple logic of Sarah Brady, whose husband was wounded in the assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan. She said, “If more guns would make America safer,” (which is the central premise of the NRA), “Then wouldn’t America already be the safest nation on Earth?”

We have now entered a time of deadly denial, of intractable insanity. As the number of guns in private hands has grown larger than the population itself, and gun deaths have risen in lockstep, we seem incapable of putting the blame where it belongs — on a product uniquely designed by humans to kill other humans in a land where violence is as American as apple pie. We are a gun-infatuated culture. We revere guns. They are pre-

cious to us. We fondle them. We show them off. We collect them and then don’t lock them up. Then we let the world know that if anyone comes to get our guns they will have to pry them from our cold dead fingers. But it’s the victims of gun violence (45,222 in 2020 alone), whose fingers are cold and dead.

So, we are indeed Number One when it comes to idolizing the most dangerous product sold in America. We do indeed covet the deadliest consumer device known to humankind, and every time we shoot and kill more of our neighbors, family members, children in school—or ourselves by suicide— we continue the march toward the oblivion of a society in which every citizen is equipped to be judge, jury, and executioner. Where road rage can end in murder. Where domestic arguments are solved with bullets. Where a sweet kid is doing her homework one minute and then becomes unrecognizable the next. Where military assault weapons, and the bullets that explode inside victims and shred them, are advertised to young men as accessories to real manhood—this after many of them have grown up playing point-of-view shooter games that can anesthetize some players to the reality of human suffering.

Everyone says that if the slaughter of children and teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary did not result in more gun control, then nothing ever would. After Uvalde, Texas, some politicians feared just enough for their reelection chances to pass a few modest measures, but states immediately sought to overturn them. In Oklahoma, it is easier to get an AR-15 than a Coors Light, and now a bill would make it legal for 18-year-olds to conceal carry. Think about it — someone whose brain is not fully formed — carrying a loaded, lethal weapon in his pocket.

Yet every time there is another shooting we hear the same tired

refrain: Guns don’t kill people, people kill people. But the truth is, people with guns kill people. Lots of people. Police officers are now outgunned, and their fear of being shot has caused some of them to shoot first and ask questions later. Meanwhile, we try to pretend that if we just worked harder at it, we could divinely intuit the identity of the next mass shooter. As if, somehow, with more resources, we could diagnose the inner turmoil of every individual before he acted out or identify which employee might get a pink slip and then grab a gun.

But we will never have such complete knowledge. So, when the NRA says that the only thing that can stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun, what does this mean? It assumes that we know who the good guys are and who the bad guys are to begin with. Since we don’t, and never will, then why don’t we do what every other civilized country has done to lower its gun violence: make it harder to get a gun in the first place, and impossible to own a military-style assault weapon — for which there is no conceivable civilian purpose, period.

If any other product in America was killing this many other Americans, Congress would hold an emergency session and people would demand an assault weapon’s ban and background checks for everyone who

wanted to own a gun. Instead of pretending that we can somehow prevent the next act of gun violence, why don’t we deprive more people who might turn violence of the means by which they are killing us? We carefully regulate all kinds of things that can harm us or others. Why not guns?

Perhaps instead of worshipping guns, we should begin to think of them as truly demonic, and our infatuation with them as idolatry. That would get the preacher fired.

The Rev. Dr. Robin Meyers is pastor of First Congregational Church UCC in Norman and retired senior minister of Mayflower Congregational UCC in Oklahoma City. He is currently Professor of Public Speaking, and Distinguished Professor of Social Justice Emeritus in the Philosophy Department at Oklahoma City University, and the author of eight books on religion and American culture, the most recent of which is, Saving God from Religion: A Minister’s Search for Faith in a Skeptical Age.

Visit robinmeyers.com

Robin Meyers | Photo by Berlin Green

Countdown to 2023

ARTS COUNCIL OKC LIGHTS THINGS UP — LITERALLY — FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE.

By Kendra Michal Johnson

Ringing in the second quartercentury of the annual event, fireworks will bring 2023 in with a blast at Arts Council OKC’s Opening Night New Year’s Eve event, alongside live performances, food trucks and a bustling crowd.

Organized by a team of two volunteer co-chairs each year, the planning process begins months in advance for the annual event.

Opening Night CoChair Kelly McConnell estimated that they each spend approximately 80 hours— working with their fellow co-chair, the Arts Council OKC staff and hundreds of volunteers—to put together the New Year’s Eve tradition.

This year, the event returns to Bicentennial Park, running from 7 p.m. to midnight on New Year’s Eve.

“It’s been at the Bricktown Ballpark because of some COVID reasons and, you know, everything had changed because of the pandemic,” Opening Night Co-Chair Richard Beam said. “So, this year we’re moving back to Bicentennial Park.”

Event performances will be hosted in surrounding buildings as well as on a finale stage in the park, with artists including Orquesta D’Calle, Bricktown Clowns, Opera On Tap, Edgar Cruz, Perpetual Motion, OKC Improv, Sarafina Byrd and Joe Coover.

“It’s taking place in four historic downtown locations, which is really cool,” McConnell said. “We’ve got the Civic Center Music Hall, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, the downtown library and then City Hall. And it’s just really neat for the general public to be able to be in these beautiful historic spaces downtown and enjoy really

quality, live talent.”

This year’s Opening Night festival builds on decades of OKC history, according to Arts Council OKC’s Executive Director Emeritus Peter Dolese.

“He explained to me that the first Opening Night took place on December 31, 1986—celebrating the 1987 New Year,” McConnell said.

“It began as a project (it was actually their Signature Project of the year) for the Leadership Oklahoma City class that year.”

From there, the event grew into today’s festival.

“Usually attendance is estimated in-between 30,000 and 50,000, depending on the year,” Beam said.

Numerous food trucks will participate, including Newman’s Firehouse BBQ, Snow S’more, Junction Coffee, Yum Pig, The Brown’s Kitchen, Lolli & Pop’s Funnel Cakes, Ohmygogi, Stacey and Seeds Slappin Soulfood, Soul City Tacos, Lucky Lucky Dumpling and Psycho Taco OKC.

“There are some activities for children and young families; there are activities for adults—anyone that wants to come out,” Beam said. “So if you’re not into staying up until midnight, don’t worry, there’ll be things to do at 7 [p.m.].”

The evening ends with a big hurrah as the ball rises in the park and the countdown to midnight begins, followed by fireworks to welcome in 2023.

Ticket wristbands are $8 in advance or $10 at the door and are available at any OKC Metro Dunkin’ Donuts or OnCue locations as well as online.

Visit artscouncilokc.com/opening-night

Fireworks and a glowing ball rising into the air will celebrate the New Year at Bicentennial Park. | Photo provided by Arts Council OKC.

The list of bowl games the Sooners have played in is lengthy. Among them are the Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Rose Bowl, Cotton Bowl and Fiesta Bowl. And now the … Cheez-It Bowl.

Apparently this has been a thing for more than three decades, but the Kellogg Company brand took over sponsorship in 2018. For the less college football-literate, this news has led to quite a bit of sneering. Apparently, it’s also a tradition at the University of Oklahoma’s campuses in both

Norman and Tulsa to fill the arms of the seed sower statue with whatever item represents the bowl game the school will be playing in this year, and fortunately, that tradition was in fact carried on this year to hilarious effect.

And, as we hoped, there is a Cheez-It Bowl trophy and no shortage of photos of the bowl atop the prize filled with, you guessed it…

Hopefully, the players get a lifetime supply (or at least for the rest of their college careers), since the processed snack was one of the

Illustrations by Jerry Bennett

through hangovers and tough finals weeks.

Man, what a rough year for the Oklahoma Sooners, but its final moment really takes the … cheese.

“Governor Kevin Stitt issued Executive Order 2022-33 today banning TikTok for state government agencies, employees and contractors on government networks or government-issued devices, including state-issued cellphones, computers, or any other device capable of internet connectivity. This executive order is in response to ongoing national and cybersecurity threats created by TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, and dissemination of users [sic] information within the Chinese Communist

Party,” according to a state news release.

The city of Tulsa, run by rightwing lapdog P.T. Bynum, followed suit the following day. But Kevin is really just keeping up with his idols, with Texas Gov. Texas Abbott issuing a similar order the day before he did.

There are more than 135 million TikTok accounts in the United States since its 2016 release and issues with the app and its ability to have its data accessed by the Chinese government are nothing new, so why the sudden scrutiny?

headline-grabber than it is an actual policy decision,” State Representative Forrest Bennett (D-Oklahoma City) said.

Yeah, that sounds about right.

Celebration libations

HERE ARE A TRIO OF AFFORDABLE WINES THAT’LL ASSIST IN WASHING AWAY THE OLD YEAR AND USHERING IN THE NEW ONE.

Three Finger Jack — Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet sauvignon vintages can vary wildly in flavor and this one falls on the fruitier side. Named after the notorious Gold Rush-era California outlaw, which belies the sweetness of this wine, it pairs well with red meat, which is more of what you’d come to expect for a wine named after a train robber. Don’t let the squat bottle fool you — it contains the same amount of wine as the taller bottles.

Korbel — Brut

Perhaps the most universally-known champagne of all time, the budget-friendly Korbel Brut still tastes like New Year’s Eve today as it did when you first snuck those first sips when your parents’ backs were turned. Light yet crisp with subtle fruity undertones, this is a solid pick if your Christmas budget has been chipped away by inflation this year.

Substance — Cabernet Sauvignon

Intentionally designed by the Washington vintner to be the best value-priced bottle of cabernet, this one definitely succeeds in providing a robust and flavorful taste bouquet that provides a balance of rich earthy and floral notes. A little less fruit-forward than many wines produced in the Columbia Valley, instead, expect some flavors that are a little more reminiscent of your grandfather’s study.

National Chocolate Covered Anything Day is Dec. 16 and, according to the internet, this is actually a thing. So to celebrate this weird day and because it is the holiday season, here are seven places where you can find something divine and dripping in chocolate.

By Berlin Green Photos provided

405-286-4068 • 13230 Pawnee Dr. #114 ganacheokc.com

A great spot to find coffee and a savory lunch, this Europeanstyle cafe also offers an array of delicious desserts. From flavorful tarts and colorful macarons to artisanal pastries and custom cakes, Ganache Patisserie has mastered the arts of presentation and taste. You’ll find a plethora of incredible chocolate treats here, including seasonal bonbons, mendiants and mousses.

405-840-3047 • 7408 N May Ave. labaguettebistro.com

An OKC favorite for decades, La Baguette is known for its delectable desserts and classic French cuisine. Whether you choose a chocolate mousse cake, a German chocolate cake or any of the others, you’re sure to find a new favorite. The chocolate-covered strawberries make an especially tasty treat, combining the tart flavors of fresh strawberries with sweet, creamy milk chocolate.

405-310-3959 • 209 E Main St., Norman appletreechocolate.com

As the name suggests, you’re guaranteed to find a rich chocolate treat here. Apple Tree Chocolate specializes in handcrafted sweet treats that feature their made-from-scratch caramel and chocolate. Caramel apples are available in a variety of dipped chocolate combinations, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Chocolate-covered pretzels are always a hit and the chocolatedipped Oreos make for an extra sinful dessert.

Ganache Patisserie

La Baguette Bistro & Bakery Apple Tree Chocolate

405-601-4438 • 1307 S Agnew

This nostalgic shop in the historic Stockyards District has the look and feel of an old-fashioned candy and soda shop. Here you can satisfy your sweet tooth and rehash some childhood memories with a wide selection of candies, sodas and western-themed gifts, as well as an assortment of delicious homemade fudge available in every flavor imaginable.

405-314-0048 • 913 W Britton Rd. zerotolerancecoffee.com

This veteran-owned shop roasts and tempers coffee and cacao in the historic Britton District. The team has “zero tolerance” for shady practices, sourcing highquality products from independent suppliers. They have a transparent trade process to ensure farmers get a fair wage and their customers get ethical cups of joe and chocolate bars. Don’t pass up on the Foobars - craft chocolate wrapped around crispy, salty peanut butter.

405-235-7465 • 150 S E.K. Gaylord Blvd.

One of the most bright and creative bakery shops in the metro area, Pinkitzel offers a Marie Antoinette meets Willy Wonka vibe and has grown to include locations in Edmond, Norman and Tulsa. While they’re best known for gourmet cupcakes, one can also find a variety of delectable macarons, truffles and chocolate-dipped treats.

405-842-8903 • 922 NW 70th St. woodycandy.com

Since 1927, Woody Candy Company has been crafting fine confections made with the freshest ingredients. From toffees and brittles to fudge, pralines and specialty candies, Woody has a delightful assortment of chocolate treats everyone will enjoy. Their housemade turtles feature a cluster of large pecans and caramel dipped in chocolate for a treat perfect for enjoying and gifting.

stockyards-sarsaparilla.com

pinkitzel.com

Stockyards Sarsaparilla

Zero Tolerance Coffee and Chocolate

Pinkitzel Candy & Cupcakes Woody Candy Company

BEST LOCAL CRAFT BREWER

Stonecloud Brewing Co.

1012 NW First St., Suite 101

Angry Scotsman Brewing 704 W. Reno Ave.

Anthem Brewing 908 SW 4th St.

COOP Ale Works 4745 Council Heights Road

Prairie Artisan Ales 3 NE 8th St.

Skydance Brewing Company 1 NE 7th St., Suite A

BEST LOCAL TAP ROOM

Stonecloud Brewery Co.

1012 NW First St., Suite 101

Angry Scotsman Brewing 704 W. Reno Ave.

Prairie Artisan Ales 3 NE 8th St.

Skydance Brewing 1 NE 7th St., Suite A

Vanessa House Beer Co. 118 NW 8th St.

BEST COCKTAIL

Lunchbox, Edna’s

5137 Classen Circle

The Café Margarita, Ted’s Café Escondido several locations

Disco Nap, The Jones Assembly 901 W. Sheridan Ave.

Frozen Painkiller, Good Times 1234 N. Western Ave.

Wizard Juice, Zuma 1201 N. Western Ave.

BEST BREAKFAST

Café Kacao Latin Cuisine

3325 N. Classen Blvd.

Hatch Early Mood Food several locations

Jimmy’s Egg several locations

Neighborhood JA.M. several locations

Sunnyside Diner several locations

BEST BRUNCH

Neighborhood JA.M.

several locations

Cheever’s Cafe 2409 N. Hudson Ave.

Hatch Early Mood Food several locations

The Jones Assembly 901 W. Sheridan Ave.

Kitchen No. 325 324 N. Robinson Ave.

BEST LATE-NIGHT EATS

Beverly’s Pancake House

Good Times 1234 N. Western Ave.

Guyutes 730 NW 23rd St.

The Jones Assembly 901 W. Sheridan Ave.

The Pump Bar 2425 N. Walker Ave.

BEST BURGER The Garage Burgers & Beer

several locations

Little Mike’s Hamburgers 6724 Northwest Expressway

S&B’s Burger Joint several locations Spark 300 Oklahoma City Blvd.

Tucker’s Onion Burgers several locations

BEST TACO

Big

Truck Tacos

530 NW 23rd St.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop several locations

Hacienda Tacos several locations

Mexican Radio 1734 NW 16th St.

Ted’s Tacos and Cantina several locations

BEST SANDWICH SHOP

The Mule

1630 N. Blackwelder Ave

City Bites several locations ND Foods 2632 W. Britton Rd.

Neptune Sub Sandwiches 3301 N. Classen Blvd.

Someplace Else A Deli & Bakery 2310 N. Western Ave.

BEST BARBECUE

Clark Crew BBQ

3510 Northwest Expressway

Billy Sims Barbecue several locations

Earl’s Rib Palace several locations

Leo’s Barbecue 3631 N. Kelley Ave.

WAGYU Japanese BBQ 3000 W. Memorial Road, Suite 105

BEST PIZZA PLACE

Empire Slice House

several locations

The Hall’s Pizza Kitchen 1004 N. Hudson Ave., Suite 106

Hideaway Pizza several locations

Pizzeria Gusto 2415 N. Walker Ave.

The Wedge Pizzeria two locations

BEST STEAKHOUSE

Cattlemen’s Steakhouse

1309 S. Agnew Ave.

Jamil’s Steakhouse 4910 N. Lincoln Blvd.

Mahogany Prime Steakhouse several locations Ranch Steakhouse several locations Red PrimeSteak 504 N. Broadwayy Ave.

BEST SUSHI Sushi Neko

4318 N. Western Ave.

The Sushi Bar two locations

Tokyo Japanese Restaurant 7516 N. Western Ave.

Tokyo Moon two locations

Yuzo Sushi 808 N. Broadway Ave.

BEST SEAFOOD Pearl’s Oyster Bar

5641 N. Classen Blvd

Bourbon St. Café 100 E. California Ave.

The Drake Seafood & Oysterette 519 NW 23rd St., Suite 111

Off The Hook Seafood & More 125 W. Britton Road

Seafood Party several locations

BEST RESTAURANT OR BAKERY WITH VEGAN, VEGETARIAN, OR GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS

Picasso Cafe

3009 Paseo

The Loaded Bowl 1211 SW 2nd St.

Plant two locations

The Red Cup 3122 N. Classen Blvd.

Taj Cuisine of India 1500 NW 23rd St.

BEST DESSERT RESTAURANT, SHOP OR BAKERY

Pie Junkie

1711 NW 16th St.

Boom Town Creamery 605 NW 23rd St.

The Harvey Bakery & Kitchen 301 NW 13th St., Suite 100

La Baguette Bakery 7408 N. May Ave.

Whipped Bakery Cafe 3820 N. MacArthur Blvd.

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT Ted’s Café Escondido

several locations

Azteca Mexican Grill 4024 N May Ave.

Casa Perico Mexican Grille two locations

Chelino’s Mexican Restaurant several locations

San Marcos Mexican Restaurant several locations

BEST LATIN RESTAURANT Café Kacao Latin Cuisine

3325 N. Classen Blvd.

1492 New World Latin Cuisine two locations

Café Antigua 1903 N. Classen Blvd.

Feria Latina Restaurante 4907 NW 23rd St.

La Brasa International Cuisine 1310 NW 25th St.

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT Gabriella’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria

3601 S. Broadway, Suite 600

Flip’s Wine Bar & Trattoria 5801 N. Western Ave.

Patrono Italian Restaurant 305 N. Walker Ave.

Stella Modern Italian Cuisine 1201 N. Walker Ave.

Vito’s Restaurante 7628 N. May Ave.

BEST WESTERN EUROPEAN RESTAURANT, NOT ITALIAN La Baguette Bistro

7408 N. May Ave.

Fassler Hall 421 NW 10th St.

James E. McNellie’s Public House two locations

Royal Bavaria 3401 S. Sooner Road

Sean Cummings’ Irish Restaurant 7628 N. May Ave.

BEST MEDITERRANEAN

RESTAURANT

Basil Mediterranean Café

211 NW 23rd St.

Mediterranean Imports & Deli 5620 N. May Ave.

Nabati

7101 Northwest Expressway, Suite 300

ZamZam Mediterranean Grill & Hookah 3913 N. MacArthur Blvd

Zorba’s Mediterranean Cuisine 6014 N. May Ave.

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

Taj Cuisine of India

1500 NW 23rd St.

Baba G. Mediterranean Grill 4401 W. Memorial Road, Suite 103

Gopuram Taste of India 412 S. Meridian Ave.

Naan Cuisine of India 12215 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

Sheesh Mahal 4621 N. May Ave.

BEST EASTERN ASIAN RESTAURANT

Panang Thai Restaurant

several locations

Grand House Asian Bistro 2701 N. Classen Blvd.

Pho 54 two locations

Pho Lien Hoa 901 NW 23rd St

Thai House Restaurant 500 NW 23rd St.

BEST NEW RESTAURANT TO OPEN SINCE 8/1/21

The Harvey Bakery & Kitchen

301 NW 13th St., Suite 100

Eggceptional Cafe 6210 Northwest Expressway Ma Der Lao Kitchen 1634 N. Blackwelder Ave., Suite 102

Milo 6201 N. Western Ave.

Spark 300 Oklahoma City Blvd.

BEST FINE DINING RESTAURANT Mahogany Prime Steakhouse

several locations

Michael’s Grill 2824 W. Country Club Drive

Ranch Steakhouse two locations

Red PrimeSteak 504 N. Broadway Ave.

Vast 333 W. Sheridan Ave., 49th Floor

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

The Pump Bar

2425 N. Walker Ave.

Good Times 1234 N. Western Ave.

The Jones Assembly 901 W. Sheridan Ave.

The Mill Neighborhood Bar 3600 NW 58th St.

Zuma 1201 N. Western Ave.

BEST NEW BAR TO OPEN SINCE 8/1/21 Flamingo Tiki

605 NW 28th St

Blue Note 2408 N. Robinson Ave.

Lunar Lounge 1114 Classen Drive

Paseo Daiquiri Lounge 3020 N. Walker Ave., Suite A

Rad Bar 1715 NW 16th St.

BEST PATIO DINING Barrios Fine Mexican Dishes

1000 N. Hudson Ave.

The Jones Assembly 901 W. Sheridan Ave.

Packard’s New American Kitchen 201 NW 10th St.

The Pump Bar 2425 N. Walker Ave.

Social Deck + Dining 1933 NW 23rd St.

BEST DINER Sunnyside Diner

several locations

Beverly’s Pancake House 3315 Northwest Expressway

Boomerang Diner several locations

Neighbor’s Café 5900 NW 38th St.

Scissortail Diner 5001 N. Portland Ave.

BEST RESTAURANT

Cheever’s Café

2409 N. Hudson Ave.

The Jones Assembly 901 W. Sheridan Ave.

Rococo 4308 N. Western Ave.

Taj Cuisine of India 1500 NW 23rd St.

Ted’s Café Escondido several locations

BEST CHEF Jeff Chanchaleune, Ma Der Lao Kitchen

1634 N. Blackwelder Ave., Suite 102

Andrew Black, The Guilded Acorn, Black Walnut & Grey Sweater

several locations

Bruce Rinehart, Rococo 4308 N. Western Ave.

Kurt Fleischfresser, Vast 333 W. Sheridan Ave., 49th Floor

Vuong Nguyen, Cafe de L’Asie 100 W. Main St., Suite 105

BEST PRE- OR POST- EVENT SPOT TO GRAB A DRINK

The Jones Assembly

901 W. Sheridan Ave.

Bar Arbolada 637 W. Main St.

Good Times 1234 N. Western Ave.

The Pump Bar 2425 N. Walker Ave.

The R&J Supper Club 320 NW 10th St.

BEST LGBTQ+ BAR OR CLUB The Boom

2218 NW 39th St.

Alibis 1200 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Angles 2117 NW 39th St.

Apothecary 39 2125 NW 39th St. Tramps 2209 NW 39th St.

BEST

Chick-fil-A several locations

Outback Steakhouse several locations Texas Roadhouse several locations

Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar 1845 Northwest Expressway

BEST CHARITY EVENT

Misfits Masquerade

Mutt Misfits Animal Rescue Society

ARTini

Allied Arts

Boots & Ball Gowns

Infant Crisis Services

Brave Ball

The CARE Center

Oklahoma Born & Brewed Oklahoma Hall of Fame

BEST FREE ENTERTAINMENT

Scissortail Park

300 SW 7th St.

Festival of the Arts, Arts Council Oklahoma City artscouncilokc.com

Lively Concert Series, The Jones Assembly 901 W. Sheridan Ave.

Plaza Walls, 16th Street Plaza District plazadistrict.org

Sunday Twilight Concert Series, Arts Council Oklahoma City artscouncilokc.com

BEST BAR/CLUB FOR LIVE MUSIC

The Jones Assembly

901 W. Sheridan Ave.

51st Street Speakeasy 1114 NW 51st St.

Blue Note 2408 N. Robinson Ave.

Ponyboy 423 NW 23rd St. Route 66 Pub 5800 NW 39th St.

BEST PLACE FOR KARAOKE

Cookie’s on Western

2304 N. Western Ave.

Bunker Club 433 NW 23rd St.

Henry Hudson’s Pub several locations

Kat’s Tavern 901 NW 64th St.

Route 66 Pub 5800 NW 39th St.

BEST CONCERT VENUE

Tower Theatre

425 NW 23rd St.

Paycom Center 100 W. Reno Ave.

The Criterion 500 E. Sheridan Ave.

The Jones Assembly 901 W. Sheridan Ave.

The Zoo Amphitheatre 2101 NE 50th St.

BEST PUBLIC ART Plaza Walls

16th Street Plaza District

Home by Carlos Barboza Homeland, NE 36th St. & Lincoln Ave.

Life in The Light by Denise Duong Film Row

Skydance Bridge

Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St.

Zuma Wall by Dusty Gilpin Zuma, 1201 N. Western Ave.

BEST PLACE TO BUY LOCAL ART

The Paseo Arts District

thepaseo.org

16th Street Plaza District plazadistrict.org

DNA Galleries 1709 NW 16th St.

Festival of the Arts, Arts Council Oklahoma City artscouncilokc.com

The Art Hall 519 NW 23rd St., Suite 107

BEST ART GALLERY Factory Obscura

25 NW 9th St.

DNA Galleries 1709 NW 16th St.

JRB Art at the Elms 2810 N. Walker Ave.

Little D Gallery 3003 Paseo West Elm

BEST MUSEUM Science Museum Oklahoma

2020 Remington Place

First Americans Museum 659 First Americans Blvd.

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

Oklahoma City Museum of Art 415 Couch Drive Oklahoma History Center 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive

BEST LOCAL DISTRICT 16th Street Plaza District

plazadistrict.org

Automobile Alley District automobilealley.org Midtown District midtownokc.com

The Paseo Arts District thepaseo.org Uptown 23rd District uptown23rd.com

BEST CASINO Riverwind Casino

1544 W. State Highway 9, Norman

Grand Casino Hotel & Resort 777 Grand Casino Blvd., Shawnee

Lucky Star Casino

several locations

Newcastle Casino 2457 Highway Service Road, Newcastle

Remington Park Racing & Casino 1 Remington Place

BEST PLACE TO VOLUNTEER

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

3355 S. Purdue Ave.

Homeless Alliance 1724 NW 4th St.

Infant Crisis Services 4224 N. Lincoln Blvd.

Mutt Misfits Animal Rescue Society

Oklahoma Humane Society 7500 N. Western Ave.

BEST NONPROFIT

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

3355 S. Purdue Ave.

The CARE Center 1405 Ashton Place

Homeless Alliance 1724 NW 4th St.

Infant Crisis Services 4224 N. Lincoln Blvd.

Oklahoma Hall of Fame 1400 Classen Drive

BEST SPA udånder

131 Dean A McGee Ave., Suite 105

Bella Strada Spa 3209 Northwest Expressway., Suite C

Eden Salon & Spa 12200 N. MacArthur Blvd.

Heavenly Hands Day Spa 205 S. Castlerock Circle Lane, Mustang

Renaissance Salon and Spa 10440 Broadway Extension

BEST YOGA STUDIO

405 Yoga 1004 N. Hudsons Ave.

Dragon Yoga 4516 N. Western Ave.

This Land Yoga 405 NW 30th St.

Soul Yoga 8028 N. May Ave.

YogaLAB 1745 NW 16th St.

BEST PILATES OR BARRE STUDIO

PLASTIC SURGEON Tim R. Love, MD, Loves Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics

BEST

Balance Yoga Barre

two locations

The Body Barre 10 S. Broadway

11101 Hefner Pointe Drive, Suite 104

Ivan Wayne, MD, W Facial Aesthetics 13904 Quailbrook Drive

Jeanette Padgett, MD 13901 McAuley Blvd., Suite 301

Juan A. Brou, MD, Premier Plastic Surgery 13128 N. MacArthur Blvd.

Justin Jones, MD, Jones Plastic Surgery 8106 N. May Ave., Suite J

BEST HOSPITAL* Integris Health

several locations

Mercy Hospital several locations

Oklahoma Heart Hospital several locations

OU Medical Center 700 NE 13th St.

SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital several locations

BEST MEDICAL SPA Radiance Medical Aesthetics of Oklahoma

3308 NW 135th St., Suite 100

Advanced Aesthetics 13100 N. Western Ave., Suite 201

PS Aesthetics Wellness + Skinbar 1225 E. 9th St.

Renew Wellness & Aesthetics 7118 N. Western Ave.

Skinlab Injectables two locations

Le Bloc Pilates 10461 N. May Ave.

The Pilates Edge 2927 W. Wilshire Blvd.

Pilates On Western 3712 N. Western Ave.

BEST HEALTH NUTRITION STORE Akin’s

2924 NW 63rd St.

GreenAcres Market 7301 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Suite D

Omega Health Foods 2427 N. Council Road

Smith’s P.R.O Nutrition two locations

BEST

BEST

BEST PET-FRIENDLY PATIO

The Pump Bar

2425 N. Walker Ave.

Angry Scotsman Brewing 704 W. Reno Ave.

Good Times 1234 N. Western Ave.

The Jones Assembly 901 W. Sheridan Ave.

Social Capital 517 S. Hudson Ave.

BEST NAUGHTY BUSINESS

Christie’s Toy Box

several locations

23rd Street Body Piercing 411 NW 23rd St.

Adèle Wolf Productions adelewolf.com

Adoralee 122 E. Main St., Norman Patricia’s several locations

BEST PLACE FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION

University of Central Oklahoma (UCO)

100 N. University Drive

Francis Tuttle Technology Center several locations

Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) 7777 S. May Ave.

Oklahoma City University (OKCU) 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave.

Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC) 900 N. Portland Ave.

BEST NEW

BEST GARDEN SHOP

TLC Garden Center

two locations

Brick’s Garden Exchange 4027 N. Classen Blvd.

Calvert’s Plants Interiors 5308 N. Classen Blvd.

Marcum’s Nursery several locations

The Plant Shoppe 835 W. Sheridan Ave., Suite 100

BEST PLACE TO FIND UNIQUE GIFTS

Craig’s Curious Emporium

1209 NW 23rd St.

Blue Seven 7518 N. May Ave.

DNA Galleries 1709 NW 16th St.

Out on a Limb Boutique 1751 NW 16th St.

Plenty Mercantile two locations

BEST TATTOO OR BODY PIERCING SHOP

23rd Street Body Piercing 411 NW 23rd St.

Atomic Lotus Tattoo 409 NW 23rd St.

No Regrets Tattoo 1712 NW 16th St.

Sacred Soul Collective 1900 Linwood Blvd., Suite 100 SB Body Arts 6241 Northwest Expressway

RETAIL

ESTABLISHMENT TO OPEN AFTER 8/1/21

Green Feather Books

300 W. Gray St., Suite 108, Norman

Hitch By Billie hitchbybillie.com

Mollycoddled Hash Slinger 12100 N. Rockwell Ave., Suite 7

Refinery 6900 N. Western Ave.

BEST LOCAL GROCER, DELI, OR SPECIALTY FOOD SHOP

Crest Foods

several locations

30th Street Market 407 NW 30th St.

Homeland several locations

Mediterranean Imports & Deli 5620 N. May Ave.

Uptown Grocery two locations

BEST LOCAL FLORIST

Curbside Flowers

522 N. Classen Blvd., Suite 100

A Date with Iris 4201 N. Western Ave.

Floral and Hardy 1324 N. Robinson Ave.

Kane Floral Design kanefloraldesign.com

Trochta’s Flowers and Garden Center 6700 Broadway Extension

BEST BOOKSTORE OR COMIC SHOP

Full Circle Bookstore

1900 Northwest Expressway

Commonplace Bookstore two locations

DZ Comics & Gaming 625 N. Moore Ave., Moore

Literati Press and Comics 3010 Paseo

New World Comics 6219 N. Meridian Ave.

BEST GROWER

Heartland Farms

Gas Farm OKC

Papa Jesus Farms Resonant Cultivation

Zenoa Cannabis

BEST PROCESSOR

Eden Rose Processing

High Solutions

Mammoth Processing

Stash House Sunday Extracts

BEST DISPENSARY

Mango Cannabis

several locations

Eden Rose Dispensary two locations

Likewise Cannabis several locations

Mosaic+ Dispensary 3703 N. Western Ave.

Nature’s Cure Dispensary several locations

BEST DISPENSARY FOR FLOWER

Eden Rose Dispensary

two locations

Faded Minds 342 S. Santa Fe Ave.

Good Meds Dispensary 118 Monroe Ave., Suite D, Piedmont

Mango Cannabis several locations

Sage Wellness 4200 N. Western Ave., Suite A

BEST DISPENSARY FOR EDIBLES

Mango Cannabis

several locations

Eden Rose Dispensary two locations

Likewise Cannabis several locations

OKC Dispensary 3706 NW 50th St.

Sage Wellness 4200 N. Western Ave., Suite A

BEST DISPENSARY FOR

BEST NEW DISPENSARY TO OPEN AFTER 8/1/21

Chasing Wolves Dispensary

9401 E. Reno Ave., Midwest City

Big Ass Buds Organic Dispensary 3145-B SE 44th St., Norman

Canna Club of Nichols Hills 6612 N. Western Ave.

Grass Supply 1460 N. Kelly Ave.

Rose Gold Dispensary & Vibe Lounge 1120 N. Eastern Ave., Suite 108, Moore

Drew’s Tobacco World 1514 SE 44th St., Suite D

Glass Bunker 1708 N. Gatewood Ave., Suite A

Goodies Heady 4401 NW 63rd St.

Ziggyz Cannabis Co several locations BEST

1708 N. Gatewood Ave., Suite B Capital Dank several locations

Flower Power Cannabis Co. 220 SE 19th St., Moore

Sage Wellness 4200 N. Western Ave., Suite A

The Peak several locations

Eras of burlesque

By Kendra Michal Johnson

Performances labeled burlesque or variety can bring to mind numerous things, especially in a journey through the eras.

From the sparkling clothes to the skill of each carefully placed move to the suspense as audiences’ witness feats never before seen in person, Adèle Wolf Productions’ 11th Annual New Year’s Eve Bash and Valentine’s Affair performances exceed expectations.

“My vision has always been based on the old-school burlesque and variety shows, where the definition of burlesque was very much open to like vaudeville performers — comedians, circus acts — like it was kind of all encompassing,” Wolf said.

With a little something spicy kept in the mix.

“A lot of shows, more modern shows, put more of an emphasis on the striptease. And while we definitely still include that and celebrate that as part of our show, it’s one element of it,” she said.

The historically-inspired approach that Wolf takes to burlesque, incorporating aspects of vaudeville and variety in her shows, meshes with this year’s theme for the New Years Eve Bash: “eras of entertainment.”

The event’s ticket page encourages attendees to come dressed in a costume inspired by their favorite era.

Scheduled for 10 p.m. Dec. 31, Wolf said the New Year’s Eve Bash is planned to include counting down to the New Year, although the very nature of a live performance may lead the show to run past midnight.

“I’ll be performing two acts,” Wolf said. “And one of them will be my giant champagne coup and that’s always something people get really excited about.”

In addition to the champagne tradition, Wolf has a surprise in store.

“I’ll be debuting a new aerial prop that’s unique and very rare to see worldwide,” she said.

The eras theme poses unique challenges for the performers.

“The best challenge has been to tailor the performances to a specific decade, were it costume or music choice,” performer and acrobat Noëmi Fallu said. “It has been very exciting to get to explore some musicality that is quite different from the usual requests.”

Fallu’s recent entertainment credits include performing in Cirque du Soleil’s MŪV and she’ll be performing two acts for the New Year’s Eve Bash.

ARTS & CULTURE

“The first act is Cyr Wheel. Think big wheel, metal wheel, in which I spin and twirl around the stage,” she said.

“The second one is corde lisse, a single vertical rope on which I showcase drops and flexibility.”

The New Year’s Eve performance is also schedule to include special guests Delilah Dubois and Lady Lola LeStrange, and Oklahoman performers Aalim Raqs, Deonna Marie, Lindzy Bigwhip, Oliver Noor, Raven Rose, and Shira Amar, as well as Adèle

Wolf herself.

Meanwhile, Adèle Wolf’s 11th Annual Valentine’s Affair is scheduled for Feb. 11 and is still in planning.

“Sometimes I think people may be hesitant to celebrate Valentine’s or go to Valentine’s-themed events, because they’re so centered on like, positive romantic love, you know?” Wolf said. “But we really try to do something for everybody to feel included whether you just went through a bad breakup or you’re in a super happy relationship or celebrating an anniversary.”

Deonna Marie is one of Adèle Wolf Productions’ resident artists and will be performing in both the New Year’s Eve Bash and the Valentines Affair.

“This year I’ll be performing a cover of “River” by Bishop Briggs at our New Year’s Eve show,” she said. “I don’t want to spoil the surprise but I plan on performing a classical/operatic selection for our Valentines show. Although I’ve performed several genres over the years I haven’t sang classically yet, I’m super excited.”

She first became a performer for Adèle Wolf Productions almost by accident.

“I was on tour with a friend in a show and she was scheduled to perform for one of Adèle’s productions,” Deonna Marie said. “She got sick and called and asked if I could fill in for her and I’ve been performing with AWP [Adèle Wolf Productions] ever since.”

She said one of her biggest challenges when preparing for these shows is selecting the songs she’ll perform, and spoke highly of her fellow performers.

“We are an eclectic group of artists that express themselves freely in some ways people have never experienced before,” she said. “I believe this is a new way to view art. An opportunity to expand your mind and for one to feel empowered in the beautiful skin you’re in. This production features an array of talents and acts performed by people of all styles, sizes, genres and ethnicities.”

Fellow Adèle Wolf Productions’ Resident Artist Oliver Noor also spoke highly of the other performers participating in these shows.

“You’re going to see things that you’ve never seen before and probably didn’t think was possible. That’s been my experience with the shows,” they said.

Noor first became involved with the shows as a stage hand and auditioned the first chance they had and are especially excited about a set dressing for the New Year’s Eve Bash.

“I’m very excited to show the things I’m building and crafting with my hands and this little story I want to tell,” Noor said. “I’ll give a hint: it’s about a metamorphosis. And that’s all I can say for right now.”

Performances will be held at The Auditorium at The Douglass, on Dec. 31 and Feb. 11 respectively.

Venue owner Melissa Monroe, who also put on Wolf’s Halloween show, spoke highly of her.

“It’s been a joy getting to know someone and getting to know a little bit about their performers and their acts and how they think so it’s just been a great time to grow together, I think, and I’ve just really appreciated that,” she said.

The events are open to those 18 and older.

Visit adelewolf.com

ADÈLE WOLF PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS THE 11TH ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH FOLLOWED BY HER VALENTINES AFFAIR NEXT YEAR.

Adèle Wolf Productions has been producing annual Valentines and New Years Eve burlesque and variety performances for over a decade in Oklahoma City. | Photo by Diana Bittle, provided.

(Above) Oliver Noor first became a part of the Adèle Wolf’s productions as a teenage stage hand, before landing their spot as a resident artist with Adèle Wolf Productions. (Right) Deonna Marie will return as a resident artist in both Adèle Wolf’s 11th Annual New Year’s Eve Bash Cast and her 11th Annual Valentine’s Affair. | Photos by Diana Bittle, provided.

ARTS & CULTURE

Press your luck

We’ve all heard it a thousand times by now: bookstores are dying, indie publishing is dead, and print media is a dusty relic of the distant past, all run out of the market by chain stores and online convenience.

And yet, OKC’s Literati Press is now twelve years into the game and going stronger than ever, with a continually expanding physical bookstore in the Paseo and a full slate of acclaimed Oklahoma comics and books published in-house and distributed nationwide.

Why has Literati been so successful in the face of such a fickle market? Three people all simultaneously point to owner and founder Charles Martin.

“If you look at any successful publisher out there there’s always going to be a lot of perseverance,” Martin said, “But there’s also a lot of them that have money, like they’ve got investors that understand that comics are a long game and just feel like this is something that needs to exist. And that’s something we’ve never had.”

Literati’s modest but persistent success, then, has been thanks to a deft combination of smart choices, keen eyes for talent and an occasional lucky breakthrough, all three of which came to a head with Natasha Alterici’s Heathen. Launched originally in 2015, the short-run, woman-focused, Viking fantasy comic series saw enough national – and later international – success to help turn Literati into a destination for upstart and local talents.

“Honestly, Natasha deserves a lot of credit because Heathen was such a big deal,” Martin said. “It was a massive release for us. I just realized

there was no way I could do it on my own, so I ended up facilitating its move to another publisher, just so that it could continue growing as fast as it was. But that’s the reason we have what we have now. After that happened, a lot of people came to the table.”

Martin was able to begin assembling the team that would help to carry Literati through the pandemic and into the present, people like veteran bookseller James McGough, creative consultant and illustrator Brandy Williams, and Echo, the person Martin describes as a “Swiss Army knife” for the operation.

Practically all of them are lifelong creatives themselves. Many of them are now co-owners. Each has brought an unique element and perspective, not just to the publishing side, but even to the bookstore itself, where they each have their own favorite sections and collections, ensuring a personally curated selection in whatever genre you’re perusing.

Most importantly, they’ve each helped to expand the scope for what a real writing and storytelling community in OKC can be through things like their annual (and currently running) “Comics is Art” show and contest, their weekly, open-door writers’ workshop, and of course their ever growing lineup of in-house titles.

“One of the things I’ve really enjoyed working with Literati,” said artist and writer Greg White, “is just the creative freedom to be able to

explore ideas.”

White and his best friend, writer Colin Ingersol, are the creative team behind Literati’s newest monthly book, the sci-fi action/ romantic comedy romp Aliengaged, the result of years of brainstorming and casual development finally made concrete by some positive pushing from Martin.

“We had kind of promised Charles some new comic that was happening, but it was very glacial,” White said. “So eventually he’s like ‘I’m giving you homework. Do five pages and a cover and enter into Comics as Art.’ It was just a bite-sized amount of work with a deadline, and once we actually got that process started, all excuses just started to evaporate. It was exactly the shot in the arm that we needed.”

Thanks to Martin’s expert encouragement, Aliengaged now takes its place alongside the impressive catalog of in-house, locally produced titles from Literati, like Nick Hermes’ The Black-Jack Demon, Steven Paul Judd and Tvli Jacob’s The Rez Detectives, and Glamorella’s Daughter and We Promised Utopia, both co-created by Martin himself.

“There are a lot of really good stories out there, but we still have to make sure that they fit our aesthetic,” Martin explains. “We do cerebral, progressive storytelling, a lot of it with a genre bent. That’s really our focus.”

A world away from the ambitious little publishing startup that Martin launched in 2010, Literati Press now has the means to print and assemble books and comics on site, and the connections and partnerships needed to distribute nationwide, putting Oklahoman writing and art

in hands all over the map.

That’s all thanks in part to readers and fans participating generously in the company’s crowdfunding campaigns like the current Kickstarters to help fund continuations of Glamorella’s Daughter and We Promised Utopia.

A signing for We Promised Utopia is scheduled for 10 a.m. Dec. 17, 3010 Paseo, to help facilitate its second season.

“These campaigns are really crucial for us,” Martin explains, “because they make what we do sustainable while also helping us have more direct contact with our readership.”

Indie bookstores across the country are, shockingly, on the rise again. Younger people are reading more and shopping locally. Comics are enjoying an unprecedented explosion of interest and respect.

And yet, none of that is likely to affect or change the principles or ideology that Literati Press was built on at all. The goal has always been to bolster a local community of artists, storytellers, and unique, vital voices, and that’s exactly what it will remain.

“I was a weird kid,” Martin said. “We’re all just weird kids from Oklahoma trying to create something that we would have loved to have had ourselves growing up.”

To donate to the We Promised Utopia second season Kickstarter, visit https://www.kickstarter.com/ projects/209756764/we-promisedutopia-second-season

INDIE PUBLISHER AND BRICK-AND-MORTAR BOOKSTORE LITERATI PRESS LEADS PUSH FOR OKLAHOMA WRITING WORLD FROM THE PASEO.

By Brett Fieldcamp

Literati Press. | Photo by Berlin Green

Literati Press. | Photo by Berlin Green

BOOKS

Kate Khavari book signing fiction author will be autographing her latest novel, A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons, the first in a series of mysteries, introducing readers to Saffron Everleigh, a newlyminted research assistant at the University College London, who must apply her knowledge of botany to identify a toxin that killed the wife of a professor and clear the suspicion of her mentor being the killer, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Dec. 14. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 405-842-2900, fullcirclebooks. com. WED, DEC 14

Kent Frates book signing Oklahoma City attorney and author will be autographing his latest book, A Dubious Collection, which compiles stories based on his experiences as a lawyer and state legislature featuring comic and tragic colorful characters, poems and illustrations by Patrick Riley, 10:30 a.m., Dec. 17. Best of Books, 1313 E. Danforth Road, 405-340-9202, bestofbooksok.com. SAT, DEC 17

Read the West Book Club discuss the book Chief Seattle and the Town That Took His Name, a historical account of Chief Seattle, a Native American war leader who became an advocate for peace and strove to create a successful hybrid racial community, 1-2:15 p.m., Dec. 18. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. SUN, DEC 18

Scarlett St. Clair book signing the International and USA Today bestselling author will autograph copies of Queen of Myth and Monsters, her next book in the Adrian X Isolde series, 5:30 p.m., Dec. 20. Best of Books, 1313 E. Danforth Road, 405-340-9202, bestofbooksok.com. TUE, DEC 20

FILM

The Son of the City Artist Showcase watch live as seven new artists present their debut performance with the live showcase band, Tony Foster Jr. and the Son of the City Band, 7 p.m., Dec. 14. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave., 405-235-3456. WED, DEC 14

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed (2022, USA, Laura Poitras) a documentary following the life of artist Nan Goldin, including her protests against the Sackler family whose company was greatly responsible for the opioid epidemic’s unfathomable death toll, 5:30 p.m., Dec. 16; 8 p.m., Dec. 17; 3 p.m., Dec. 18. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. FRI-SUN, DEC 16-18

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022, Ireland, UK, USA, Martin McDonagh) Two lifelong friends, Padraic and Colm, find themselves at an impasse when Colm abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them, 11:30 a.m., Dec. 15 & 19; 6:30 p.m., Dec. 15; 2:30 p.m. & 9 p.m., Dec. 16; 5 p.m., Dec. 18. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave., 405-235-3456. THU-MON, DEC15-18

Elf (2003, USA, Jon Favreau) raised as an oversized elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who doesn’t know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit, 8 p.m., Dec. 22. Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd St., 405-708-6937, towertheatreokc.com. THU, DEC 22

EO (2022, Poland, Italy, Jerzy Skolimowski) explore modern Europe through the eyes of a donkey as he encounters good and bad people as well as experiencing joy and pain, 8 p.m., Dec. 16; 5:30 p.m., Dec. 17; 12:30 p.m., Dec. 18. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. FRI-SUN, DEC 16-18

Holiday Film Series: Sing-A-Long Double Feature celebrate the holidays with two Christmas classic films, It’s A Wonderful Life and White Christmas, along with a sing-a-long led by Rodeo’s organist and Victorian dressed carolers, hosted by Santa, 2 p.m., Dec. 17. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave., 405-235-3456. SAT, DEC 17

Merry Little Christmas: Classic Holiday Films from the 1940s a week of timeless classics from the golden age of Hollywood Christmas films featuring It’s a Wonderful Life Miracle on 34th Street and Remember the Night, 2 p.m., Dec. 17 & 31; 12:30 p.m., Dec. 24. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405236-3100, okcmoa.com. SAT, DEC 17, 24 & 31

OKG PICKS

Holiday Film Series: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989, USA, Jeremiah S. Chechik) the Griswolds are prepping for a family Christmas celebration, but for Clark, his wife and their two kids nothing ever goes according to plan., 6 p.m., Dec. 21. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave., 405-235-3456. WED, DEC 21

prideCenter Presents: Make the Yuletide Gay! enjoy a free screening of Michael Showalter’s new movie Spoiler Alert starring Jim Parsons, early goers will be able to take pictures with Merry Elves and see a drag performance, 7 p.m., Dec. 23. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave., 405-235-3456. FRI, DEC 23

RRR (2022, India, S.S. Rajamouli) a fictional story set in the 1920s of two freedom fighters who help lead India’s fight for independence from the British Raj, 7 p.m., Dec.23. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. FRI, DEC 23

Holiday Film Series: Scrooged (1988, USA, Richard Donner) a selfish, cynical television executive is haunted by three spirits bearing lessons on Christmas Eve, 2 p.m., Dec. 24. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave., 405-235-3456. SAT, DEC 24

HAPPENINGS

Christmas in the Park drive-thru, walk or ride the Santa Express Train through an almost three mile light display featuring over five million lights and over 500 one-of-a-kind lighted displays, through Dec. 31. Yukon City Park, 2200 Holly Ave., 405-354-1895, cityofyukon. gov. SAT, THROUGH DEC 31

Cowboy Christmas Ball a family friendly event with dinner, traditional Western songs and dance featuring Michael Martin Murphey, 5-9 p.m., Dec. 16. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. FRI, DEC 16

DIY Skullarium Event learn to make a skull terrarium step-by-step with museum staff with a variety of moss, gravel, woodsy and crystal pieces, a real skull and a succulent, 10 a.m. & 4 p.m., Dec. 17.

Skeletons: Museum of Osteology, 10301 S. Sunnylane Road, 405-814-0006, skeletonmuseum.com. SAT, DEC 17

Downs Family Christmas Lights a synchronized light display with over 280,000 lights with two mega trees that are 70 feet tall, 20-foot long arches and more, through Jan. 1, 2023. Downs Family Home, 2900 72nd Ave. SE, downsfamilychristmas.com. THU-SUN, THROUGH JAN 1

Downtown in December celebrate the holiday season in Downtown OKC with an assortment of events and attractions from the annual Tree Lighting Festival to the Devon Ice Rink, holiday pop-up shops to snow tubing at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, Lights on Broadway and visits with Santa, through Jan. 29, 2023.

Downtown OKC, 211 N. Robinson Ave., 405-235-3500, downtownindecember.com. THU-SUN, THROUGH JAN 29

Dust Bowl Dolls Burlesque the local burlesque troupe performs, Tue., Dec. 20. Blue Note, 2408 N. Robinson Ave., 405-600-1166, thebluenotelounge.com. TUE, DEC 20

S. Rankin

Fourth Friday on Film Row an evening of live music, food, games, and local vendors to shop from, 6-10 p.m. The Paramount Building, 701 W. Sheridan Ave., westvillageokc.com. FRI, DEC 23

Holiday Lights stroll through the park’s paths to see light displays with a 40-foot holiday tree, a giant menorah and a light and music show at Union Station, 6-10 p.m., through Jan. 1. Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., 405-445-7080, scissortailpark.org. FRI-SUN, THROUGH JAN 1 Hoppin’ Holiday Party grab the family for photos with Santa and pick up a one-of-a-kind advent calendar featuring 12 different Oklahoma craft beers, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Dec. 16. Stonecloud Brewing Co., 1012 NW 1st St., stonecloudbrewing.com. FRI, DEC 16

Kilted Christmas Party grab a kilt and ugly sweater for a holiday party with live music by A Perfect Body and food from Eva’s Smoke House, 6 p.m., Dec. 17. Core4 Brewing, 7 N. Lee Ave., 405-620-4513. SAT, DEC 17

Luminance: Merry Marketplace browse through different vendors, partake in family fun, festive singing and stroll through the lighted Christmas displays, 4-8 p.m., Dec. 17. Mitch Park, 1501 W. Covell road, 405-3594630, edmondlights.com. SAT, DEC 17

Make Ready Market an outdoor monthly featuring locally-made clothing, jewelry, art, and pottery with live music and food trucks, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Dec. 17. Midtown OKC, NW 8th St., 405-235-3500, midtownokc.com. SAT, DEC 17

March of the Trees participants are invited to dress as a tree of their choosing and march through Automobile Alley to illuminate the night with activities and refreshments, including a hot chocolate bar, attendees can use our supplies and tools to make last-minute light and costume additions, 5:30 - 9 p.m., Dec. 17. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-951-0000, factoryobscura.com SAT, DEC 17

Red Earth Treefest features 16 Christmas trees decorated with handmade ornaments that showcase the different Native cultures of Oklahoma, through Dec. 30. BancFirst Tower, 100 N. Broadway Ave., redearth. org. MON-FRI, THROUGH DEC 30

Skee-Ball Tournament players of all skill levels are encouraged to participate in this tournament featuring a classic arcade game, prizes provided by Vanessa House, 7:30-10 p.m., Dec. 14. Up-Down OKC, 1629 NW 16th St., 405-673-7792, .UpDownArcadeBar.com/ Oklahoma-City. WED, DEC 14

‘Tis the Season at Scissortail Park explore the park all season long with holiday lights throughout including a 40-foot tree, a giant menorah and the Union Station Illumination synchronized music and light display, as well as the Cocoa Cottage, a holiday market on Dec. 3 filled with local business and artisans along with other various holiday festivities and activities, through Jan. 1, 2023. Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., 405-445-7080, scissortailpark.org. FRI-SUN, THROUGH JAN 1

Winter Solstice Celebration celebrate the solstice with reflection walks, modern dance performances, a sunset observation and other events, 3-6 p.m., Dec. 21. First Americans Museum, 659 First Americans Blvd., 405-594-2100. WED, DEC 21

FOOD

Breakfast with Santa enjoy a lavish holiday breakfast, Christmas carolers and photos with Santa, hosted by First National Center, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Dec 17-18. Tellers, 120 N. Robinson Ave., 405-900-6789, tellersokc. com/holidays. SAT-SUN, DEC 17-18

Christmas Prix Fixe make it a Merry Christmas with family and friends at the First National Center while partaking in a four-course Christmas Day Feast featuring holiday dishes such as roasted butternut squash soup, lobster ravioli, braised short ribs and decadent desserts, noon-10 p.m., Dec. 25. Tellers, 120 N. Robinson Ave., 405-900-6789, tellersokc. com/holidays. SUN, DEC 25

Cocoa Cottage a special holiday shop featuring coffee, hot cocoa and holiday treats for the season, 5-9 p.m., Dec. 14-16; 4-10 p.m., Dec. 17-Jan. 1. Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., 405-445-7080, scissortailpark. org. FRI-SUN, THROUGH JAN 1

Herbal Teas for Winter Immunity learn about specific herbs and their immune-boosting properties, tips and recipes, as well as make tea mixtures to take home and enjoy, 1-2 p.m., Dec. 17. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, myriadgardens.com. SAT, DEC 17

OKC Brew Tours jump on the bus and visit three local breweries within the OKC metro area with multiple tasters at each stop as well as take a behind the scenes tour and learn how beer is made, 6-9 p.m., Fridays and 2-5 p.m, Saturdays through Jan. 31. OKC Brew Tours, 701 W. Sheridan Ave., 405-822-0285, okcbrewtour.com.

FRI-SAT, THROUGH JAN 31

Veggie Dinner at Picasso Cafe a four to fivecourse menu, featuring a fresh and creative take on vegetarian-inspired fare with the option to have a wine pairing, third Tuesday of every month, 6:30 p.m., Dec. 20. Picasso Cafe, 3009 Paseo St., 405-602-2002, picassosonpaseo.com. TUE, DEC 20

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are events recommended by Oklahoma Gazette editorial staff members

Sahara Sea Monsters features fossilized specimens of several famous dinosaurs and reptiles from the ancient Sahara, including spinosaurus, mosasaurus and more, through Feb. 12, 2023. Sam Noble Museum, 2401 Chautauqua Ave., 405-325-4712, samnoblemuseum.ou.edu.

SAT-TUE, THROUGH FEB 12, 2023 Photo provided

Handel: Messiah the classic composition performed by Tactus Chamber Orchestra and Vocal Ensemble under the direction of Warren Puffer Jones, 4 p.m., Dec. 18. First Presbyterian Church, 1001

St., 405-525-6584, fpcokc.org. SUN, DEC 18 Photo Michael Anderson of Performing Arts Photography/provided

Scissortail Chanukah Festival celebrate the Festival of Lights with the lighting of the menorah by the Chabad Community Center, including a kosher fair food, exotic animals, live music, themed characters, carnival rides and more, 4:30 p.m., Dec. 18. Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., 405-445-7080, scissortailpark.org. SUN, DEC 18 Photo Shutterstock

continued from page 27

YOUTH

December Drop-Ins guests will have the opportunity to make a natural ornament, learn about winter plants and animals, play games, read a holiday book, and more, 10 a.m. - noon, Dec. 21-22. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, myriadgardens.com. WED-THU, DEC 21-22

Drop-In Art each Saturday will feature a different craft for children including holiday card creation, Shrinky Dink ornaments making, holiday picture frames and more, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturdays. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. SAT, DEC 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31

Gingerbread Houses decorate gingerbread houses while listening to holiday music while learning about the ginger root and the history of gingerbread, materials provided, 10 a.m. - noon, Dec. 17. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, myriadgardens.com. SAT, DEC 17

North Pole Adventure a one-of-a-kind interactive Christmas attraction featuring live-sized replicas of Santa’s Post Office, Elf University, Santa’s Workshop and more all filled with hands-on activities, through Dec. 24. North Pole Adventure, 2215 W. Interstate 240, 405626-8998, northpoleadventure.org. SAT, THROUGH DEC 24

Oklahoma City The Polar Express Train Ride enjoy a magical re-creation of the classic story with hot chocolate and a treat by dancing chefs, story time, a gift from Santa, caroling, activities and more, FridaysSundays. through Dec. 27. Oklahoma Railway Museum, 3400 NE Grand Blvd., 405-424-8222, okcthepolarexpressride.com. FRI-SUN, THROUGH DEC 27

Storytime with Miss Julie enjoy snacks, crafts and story time, 10:15-11:30 a.m., Saturdays, ongoing. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 405-8422900, fullcirclebooks.com. SAT, ONGOING

Winter Break Activities a drop by arts and crafts for children with a different themed activity each day, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Mondays-Saturdays, Dec. 19-31. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. MONSAT, DEC 19-31

PERFORMING ARTS

A Christmas Cabaret a concert of holiday musical favorites both secular and religious presented by Jewel Box Theatre and Disciples First Christian Church, 7:30 p.m., Dec 16-17; 2:30 p.m., Dec. 18. Jewel Box Theatre, 321 NW 36th St., 405-521-1786, jewelboxokc.com. FRI-SUN, DEC 16-18

3rd Act Theatre Company presents The Christmas Express a nostalgic theatrical greeting card is full of eccentric small-town characters wise-cracking their

way to finding the true wonder of Christmas, 8 p.m., Dec. 16-17; 2:30 p.m., Dec. 18. 3rd Act Theatre Company, 12040 N. May Ave., 405-593-8093, 3rdacttheatreco.com. FRI-SUN, DEC 16-18

Lyric’s A Christmas Carol the annual production of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic returns to Harn Homestead for an outdoor performance where patrons walk from scene to scene, Tuesdays-Sundays. through Dec. 23. Harn Homestead Museum, 1721 N. Lincoln Boulevard, 405-235-4058, lyrictheatreokc.com. WED-FRI, THROUGH DEC 23

Drunk Classics: A Very Merry Macbeth six actors are whisked back to medieval Scotland where they must contend with an alarming Yuletide prophecy of the hero Macbeth’s rise to power and tragic downfall, 8 p.m., Dec. 17. Roughtail Brewing Company, 320 W. Memorial Road, 3rdacttheatreco.com. SAT, DEC 17

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) instead of the traditional holiday Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Show, enjoy a performance of every Christmas story ever told, seasonal icons both new and old, traditions from around the world and, of course, every carol ever sung too, 7 p.m., Dec. 16, 17, 22, 23, 29, & 30. The Boom, 2218 NW 39th St., 405-601-7200, theboomokc.com. FRI-SAT, THROUGH DEC 30

Jane Austen’s Christmas Cracker adapted from the works of Jane Austen by Erin Woods, this interactive play encourages the audience to socialize and celebrate the holiday season with Austen and some of her cherished characters through dancing, singing, and sweet treat eating, 8 p.m., Dec. 15-17, 21-23; 2 p.m., Dec. 18. Oklahoma Shakespeare, 2920 Paseo St., 405-235-3700, oklahomashakespeare.org. THU-SUN, 15-18 & 21-23

A Magical Cirque Christmas an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by holiday music performed live, hosted by Lucy Darling, 7 p.m., Dec. 22-23. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., 405-297-2264, okcciviccenter.com. THU-FRI, DEC 22-23

Oklahoma City Ballet’s The Nutcracker an American holiday classic that tells the story of young Clara as she is taken on a magical journey by the Nutcracker Prince to The Land of Snow and The Land of Sweets after helping defeat the Mouse King and saving the Nutcracker army, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dec. 17; 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 18; 6 p.m. Dec. 15; 7 p.m., Dec. 16. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., 405-297-2264, okcciviccenter.com. SAT-SUN, DEC 15-18

Open Mic Night enjoy an evening of music, stories, poetry and comedy performances, Thursdays. Core4 Brewing, 7 N. Lee Ave., 405-620-4513. THU, ONGOING

The Sugar Plum Fairy with the holiday season approaching, the Sugar Plum Fairy is preparing for her famous dance in The Nutcracker ballet, but after a terrible costume mishap leaves her unable to perform, a

new star of the show must be found, 2 p.m., Dec. 17-18; 10:30 a.m., Dec. 14 & 16, Oklahoma Children’s Theatre, 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave., 405-208-6200, oklahomachildrenstheatre.org. MON, WED-SAT, DEC 14 & 16-18

Sunday Gospel Brunch a comedy performance over brunch hosted by Kitty Bob and Norma Jean as they mix a farcical church service with skits, sing-alongs, and drag, noon & 1:30 p.m. The Boom, 2218 NW 39th St., 405-601-7200, theboomokc.com. SUN, ONGOING

A Territorial Christmas Carol returns in this reimagining of Dickens’ classic tale, for an adaptation that takes place on the eve of the first Christmas in the capital of the Oklahoma Territory, 8 p.m., Dec. 15-17 & 22-23; 2 p.m., Dec. 17-18. The Pollard Theatre, 120 W. Harrison Ave., 405-282-2800, thepollard.org. THU-SUN, DEC 15-18 & 22-23

Wizard of Oz Dorothy and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her to her home and fulfill the others’ wishes, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 16-17; 2 p.m., Dec. 17-18. Sooner Theatre, 101 E. Main St., 405-321-9600, soonertheatre.com. FRI-SUN, DEC 16-18

ACTIVE

Devon Ice Rink enjoy outdoor ice skating with seasonal food and beverage offerings, through Jan. 29, 2023. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405445-7080, downtownindecember.com/devon-ice-rink. FRI-SUN, THROUGH JAN 29, 2023

Lifeshare Winterfest and Snow Tubing tube down snow slides in a controlled environment and explore a winter wonderland with special holiday lighting and décor, Dec. 10-11 and Dec. 17- Jan. 1. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S. Mickey Mantle Drive, 405-2181000, okcdodgers.com. FRI-SUN, DEC 10-11, DEC 17-JAN 1

Myriad in Motion: Tai Chi dress in your comfy clothes and flat shoes for an entry-level Tai Chi class led by Ling Miller, 4:30-5:30 p.m., every other Monday. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-4457080, myriadgardens.com. EVERY OTHER MON, ONGOING

Riversport Winter Glow participants will be able to enjoy Nordic adventures such as ice skating, curling, climbing walls, indoor skiing and more, all with a holiday theme, through Dec. 30. Riversport OKC, 800 Riversport Drive, 405-552-4040, riversportokc.org. MON-SUN, THROUGH DEC 30

Sunset Kayak Experience a sunset paddling excursion with a guided tour through the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge, 8-9 p.m., every other Wednesday. Lake Overholser Boathouse, 3115 E. Overholser Drive, 405-552-4040, riversportokc.org/lake-overholser. EVERY OTHER WED, ONGOING

Xtreme Fight Night 384 professional kickboxing and MMA matches, 8 p.m., Dec. 16. River Spirit Casino Resort, 8330 Riverside Parkway, Tulsa, 918-299-8518, riverspirittulsa.com. FRI, DEC 16

VISUAL ARTS

Adult Night at Mix-Tape an after-hours event that allows those 18 and over a night to explore this immersive experience, third Thursday of every month, 7-10 p.m. through Dec. 15. Factory Obscura, 25 NW 9th St., factoryobscura.fun. THU, THROUGH DEC 15

The Art Market: Locally Made, Gift Inspired Works an art show centered around gift giving items featuring eight artists that have created smaller works that can be purchased and taken home that day, in addition there will be snow globes made by over 30 local artists, through Jan. 8, 2023. DNA Galleries, 1709 NW 16th St., 405-525-3499, dnagalleries.com. THU-SUN, THROUGH JAN 8

Ceramics Sale this fundraising sale features handcrafted ceramics by nationally recognized and emerging Oklahoma artists including collections of functional cups, bowls and plates as well as funky tabletop sculptures that turn any holiday table into a work of art., 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Dec. 16-18; 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Dec. 15. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-951-0000, okcontemp.org/CeramicsSale. FRI-SAT, THROUGH DEC 18

Crossroads featuring works from printmaker Karen Sova and painters Cameron Choate and Weylin Neyra whose works express multidimensional moods, experiences and identities, through Dec. 31. Artspace at Untitled, 1 NE 3rd St., 405-815-9995, 1ne3.org. THU-SAT, THROUGH DEC 31

The Elevate at 21c a program that presents exhibitions for local artists in the community

which currently features works by Virginia Sitzes and a collaboration between Denise Duong and Gabriel Friedman, through Jan. 31, 2023. 21c Museum Hotel, 900 W. Main St., 405-982-6900, 21cmuseumhotels.com. THROUGH JAN 31

Exquisite Corpse Exhibition features work by 12 different artists who have carved three pieces of linoleum to create a corpse, each piece is then interchanged with the other artists to create a one of a kind collaborative piece, through Dec. 31. Artspace at Untitled, 1 NE 3rd St., 405-815-9995, 1ne3.org. SAT, THROUGH DEC 31

Highlights from the Rose Family Glass Collection this private curated collection showcases a broader look at the Studio Glass movement that began in the 1950s in America and continues to present date, through Jan. 15, 2023. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. THROUGH JAN 15, 2023

Holiday Wine-Down a paint and sip class lead by Wine & Palette with a starry night desert landscape theme, includes light hor d’oeuvres and cash bar, 6-9 p.m., Dec. 15. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. THU, DEC 15

stories with ancestral origins, collective histories, sports and more, ongoing. First Americans Museum, 659 First Americans Blvd., 405-594-2100. ONGOING

One Hundred Years of Revolution: French Art from 1850 to 1950 features works arranged in chronological order to show how the French artists changed from creating realistic depictions of the world to abstract compositions over a 100 year period, through Feb. 19, 2023. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. THROUGH FEB 19, 2023

outLAWman showcasing the often thin-line between the lawmen and the outlaws in the American west featuring transcripts from the Osage murder trails, Virgil Earp’s Smith & Weston revolver, a purse allegedly belonging to Bonnie Parker and other items, Nov. 19 through May 7, 2023. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. MON-SUN, NOV 19 THROUGH MAY 7, 2023

Perception and Technique in Abstract

Art features works covering two different techniques of abstract styles through various artists, through Jan. 15, 2023. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. THROUGH JAN 15, 2023

Robert Rauschenberg: Pressing News features work by Robert Rauschenberg from his Currents exhibition in which he collaged together headlines, photographs, advertisements, and articles from national newspapers, through Feb. 27, 2023. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., 405-325-3272, ou.edu/ fjjma. THROUGH FEB 27, 2023

Safari Lights a larger-than-life light display featuring wildlife themed light sculptures, animated displays, musical light show, interactive exhibits, photo ops, festive treats and more, through Jan. 1, 2023. The Oklahoma City Zoo, 2000 Remington Place, 405-424-3344, okczoo.com. SAT-SUN, THROUGH JAN 1

Selections from In Citizen’s Garb: Native Americans on the Southern Plains an exhibit displaying modern gelatin silver prints made from glass plate negatives of Indigenous people in the Lawton and Fort Sill area from 1889 to 1891, ongoing. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, 405-521-2491, okhistory.org. TUE-MON, ONGOING

(2022,

is torn asunder by “the Airborne Toxic Event”,

disastrous train accident that casts chemical waste over his town, 11:30 a.m., Dec. 14 & 16; 2:30 p.m., Dec. 15 & 19; 9 p.m., Dec. 15 & 17; 6:30 p.m., Dec. 16; 7:30 p.m., Dec. 18. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave., 405-235-3456.

WED-MON, DEC 14-19 Photo IMDB

Jose Dávila features sculptures in which the artist has balanced industrial materials in precarious ways off of fabricated construction, through May 2023.

Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-951-0000, oklahomacontemporary.org. THU-SAT, THROUGH MAY 2023

Leticia Galizzi/Jim Keffer/Stella Thomas an exhibition featuring works by three different artists, through Dec. 31. JRB Art at The Elms, 2810 N. Walker Ave., 405-528-6336, jrbartgallery.com. FRI-SAT, THROUGH DEC 31

Looking Through the Windows to the West expands on the permanent exhibit, Windows to the West, with Wilson Hurley’s never before seen prep materials such as test canvases, sketches, color studies and mathematical diagrams and formulas used to create the five large scale triptychs, through Feb. 19, 2023. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. FRI-TUE, THROUGH FEB 19, 2023

OKLA HOMMA the signature exhibition of the museum, features works of art, interactive media, and film from all 39 tribes in Oklahoma as of today depicting

Small Works XII an exhibit of 12 artists’ small works featuring paintings, photos, sculpting and other modes of art, through Dec. 17. The Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave., 405-307-9320, pasnorman.org. FRI-SAT, THROUGH DEC 17 Sombreros Texanas and Bosses of the Plains explore the evolution of the cowboy hat from the woven sombreros to today’s working cowboy hats and highly decorated hats of rodeo riders and entertainers featuring hats worn by John Wayne, Steve McQueen, Tom Selleck, Shirley Jauregui, Johnny Lee Wills and more, through Jan. 8, 2023. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. FRI-SUN, THROUGH JAN 8

Traditional Cowboy Arts Exhibition and Sale a showcase of saddle making, bit and spur making, silversmithing and rawhide braiding, Sept. 30-Jan. 2. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. FRI-SAT, THROUGH JAN 2

What is Home featuring 13 local artists on exhibit, handmade goods from pop-up artists and a tour of the building, noon-5 p.m., Saturdays. Victorian at SoSA, 614 NW 8th St. SAT, DEC 17, 24 & 31

You Have Died of Dysentery an exhibit showcasing Western-themed games, books and videos, such as The Oregon Trail and Red Dead Redemption, through May 7. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org.

SAT-TUE, THROUGH MAY 7

Visit okgazette.com/Events/AddEvent to submit your event or email 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 fourteen days before the desired publication date.

Submissions run as space allows,

SIRI

DIDN’T EAT THERE. BUT WE DID.

White Noise

USA, UK, Noah Baumbach) Jack Gladney, professor of Hitler studies at the College-on-the-Hill, husband to Babette and father to four children,

a

Machine learning

By Brett Fieldcamp

Nathan Wright worries about technology.

The social media plague corrupting our brains. The cold, impersonal algorithms dictating our daily lives. Even the recent pushes into AI-generated art.

But as a musical artist in the modernized world, you either figure out how to embrace it or you get crushed beneath the wheels.

“There’s a sort of catch-22 that is annoying to me, or at least interesting to me, which is that my songs revolve around a sort of paranoia about AI and the control of information and surveillance,” Wright said. “But on that front in its true form, I’m basically sitting here trying to think like the algorithm to try to figure out what it wants. I’m already sort of consensually in servitude to some inhuman thing that’s deciding whether my music gets heard or seen or not.”

For Wright, this is an ongoing battle, but one that he intends to continue wading into for the foreseeable future.

Every six weeks, he is dropping a new single in the form of an ongoing video series, carefully and cryptically constructing something that resembles a dystopian sci-fi narrative. The songs are each wildly different from one another, often featuring new collaborators or varied stylistic experiments, but the visual accompaniment is committed to a shadowy, high-contrast character, a stark neo-noir world of encroaching de-personalization.

“The songs that are coming up are musically completely different than the songs that existed before,” Wright said, “But the lyrical themes are all exactly the same, and I think I’m just going to maintain that and develop this sort of dystopian, fictional – but maybe not-so-fictional – world of characters and little narratives and stuff like that.”

True to the themes at play, the songs take their final shapes in the lead up to that six-week release

mark, with Wright entrenching himself in the final writing and production, like a mechanical assembly line churning out a final product with the next waiting close behind.

That kind of creative work ethic is nothing new for Wright. He’s spent years as a music teacher, orchestral writer, and co-leader of eclectic Tulsa-based Count Tutu alongside R&B/soul star Branjae, with whom he even explored some of these same tech-dystopia themes on 2021’s “Free Facts.”

“I kind of took this as an opportunity to write the music that I usually don’t get to write, because it’s not ‘stagey’ or upbeat or realistic, and it’s not happy,” Wright

strings, pulling the project out of those paranoid, noir alleyways and creating something increasingly epic and romantic. Fitting, as the single’s video also showcases the project’s introduction of sweeping, cinematic animation for the first time, aided by animator and graphic designer Lane Goza.

The next installment, “Seed Phrases,” drops Dec. 15.

each other. The vibe was really cool at this last one. It’s inviteonly through my email list at yeoldetulsa.net and it’s called Ye Olde Tulsa Film Feature.”

So is this all just a way to create a sustained, long-term interest in the songs? Is this ‘every six weeks’ single-and-video release just a sly subversion of the usual EP drops and ad nauseam single promotions that define the modern music world of the internet?

“That wasn’t the intention, but that’s kind of what it ended up being,” he said. “I just didn’t want to do an album because I didn’t want to be restrained by making an album flow and do it all in the same vein. I really wanted it to be episodic, and for each episode to just add to the context of what’s going on.”

As with any episodic, evolving story, the question now is the same as the question of our technological advancement and our society itself:

Where is it all heading?

said. “This is really all of my Bjork, Elliott Smith, Portishead, 2000sera Radiohead influence all coming out now.”

“Naturally Forgotten Theater” is all deconstructed Trip-Hop. “No Wise Man” is some kind of dark, digitized chamber pop. “Witch Dreams” opens up the tonal palette with off-kilter acoustic plucking and swelling, symphonic

Creating such a filmic spectacle around the single releases is all part of the slowly unfolding experience.

“Every six weeks, I release my video to a live audience of locals in the form of a film festival,” Wright said. “I feature other local artists that have released material in that six-week period. It’s just there for all the artists and their fans to mix and hang out with

“I don’t really know,” Wright said carefully. “Every time I get an ending in mind, it ends up not being the end. So no, I don’t have a particular endpoint. I’m kind of curious to see where it ends up.”

All of Nathan Wright’s current singles and videos are available now on YouTube.

TULSA’S NATHAN WRIGHT IS BUILDING A BRAVE NEW WORLD AROUND HIS SONGS WITH DARK VIDEOS, CRYPTIC LYRICS AND A ROBOTICALLY EFFICIENT RELEASE SCHEDULE.

Nathan Wright. | Photo provided.

From “Witch Dreams” video (animation by Lane Goza) | Photo provided.

Stunna - Solid Gold

THE NEW BAND’S DEBUT RECORD IS A RED-HOT RIDE OF ROCK AND ROLL TESTOSTERONE THAT REINVIGORATES THE GENRE.

By Evan Jarvicks

Rock and roll is alive and well. One just needs to know where to find it — Ada, in this case. This oft-overlooked college town is a hidden treasure of original music, from metal to folk to hip-hop styles. It figures that one of its major wayward sons would strike gold with his new band, one forged in a smoky furnace of dynamic vocals, rambunctious drums, and tasty varieties of guitar tones.

Stunna is a lean, mean quartet fronted by resident singer-songwriter Justin Logan that gets down to the business of partying hard. While the pop hooks and funky swagger of Logan’s solo outings are certainly here, he steers them into a four-wheel drive vehicle for his rock star inclinations. This is a band built for dirt roads and highways alike.

Stunna’s debut album, Solid Gold, is front-loaded with range. Opener “American Dream” pushes along a chugging southern rock feel while dishing a bit of class commentary, ramping up until Logan’s vocals explode in a grizzled upper register with a refrain of, “I got your medicine.” Both this singing style and the theme of selfmedication are set up here to return throughout the album. Second track “meiwantubad” is a bad-boy number that leaves the south for a bit to set up a couple more recurring themes--partying and horniness. Third track “Love” cools off with an alt/indie flair while reflecting on volatile relations, questioning if the intensity is love, lust, or blind attraction to danger. This opening triple punch would suffice as a brilliant EP on its own.

There are over a half dozen more tracks, however, and while they tend to play within the bounds of this opening stretch, there remain major surprises that keep redefining the Stunna sound. “The Party,” for example, bursts over a quick-paced dixie-devil tempo with some of the album’s most unhinged lyrics. “Monsters” offers some of the LP’s

biggest dynamic shifts within a single track. It jumps from haunting, jittery percussion and low vocals in its prechorus to a balls-to-the-wall stomp over the central refrain. That refrain slam dunks a lyrical lay-up of “What do you feed your sexy monsters?” by answering, loudly, “I’m feeding it gold.”

“Monsters” is another horny anthem for bad girls in hoop earrings that like to shake their ample cabooses, and while it is more artfully delivered than, say, a Buckcherry song, it is still notable that so much of Solid Gold is about, well, the infamous trio of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll. There isn’t a ballad to be found here, which is probably for the best, but make no mistake that Stunna is not capable of getting introspective. “Solid Gold,” “Tyrant,” and “Finer Things” all wear shades of a self-aware ego burdened by past baggage, and these are good songs. It is clear, however, that the band is more interested in enjoying its adrenalinefueled highs than decrypting them. Its rowdier cuts are the most memorable.

Stunna’s official website draws sensible comparisons to other rock bands like Queens of the Stone Age and Kings of Leon. The latter is a particularly adept choice not so much for its musical style but more for the tonal similarities in Logan’s voice. “Love” is basically the best Kings of Leon song in years despite being a Stunna original. Ultimately, though, this group is doing something all its own. For instance, it is hard to imagine any act with the gall to slip a musical wink to EDM in a rock jam the way Stunna does in the climax of “Monsters” (seriously, this track is insane).

Logan and company are no strangers to the city — OKC’s Blue Note hosted Solid Gold’s album release show — but the band’s Ada roots may still have some unacquainted music fans overlooking this band. That is their loss. For anyone to think that rock and roll is dead suggests that they have simply not been listening outside of the box. Don’t be that person. Give Stunna a spin.

Album art for Stunna by Solid Gold. | Photo provided.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14

Jazz Night, Bradford House. JAZZ

Sunset Patio Bar Karaoke Night, Sunset Patio. KARAOKE

Kendrick McKinney Trio, 51st Street Speakeasy. JAZZ

Trett Charles, River Spirit Casino Resort, Tulsa. COUNTRY

The Wednesday Band, The Deli. COUNTRY

THURSDAY, DEC. 15

Adam Aguilar and The Steve Pruitt Jazz Band, VZD’s Restaurant & Bar. JAZZ

The Killings/Sweet Nothin/ Psychotic Reaction/ Psychic Baths, Blue Note. ROCK

Country Music Group Therapy/Biscuits & Groovy, The Deli. COUNTRY

Drake Milligan, Diamond Ballroom. COUNTRY

Dust Bowl Lanes & Lounge Karaoke Night, Dust Bowl. KARAOKE

Ian Moore, The Blue Door. SINGER/SONGWRITER

Jake’s Jingle Jam feat. Drake Milligan, Diamond Ballroom. COUNTRY

Joel Forlenza, Othello’s Italian Restaurant, Norman. INSTRUMENTALISTS

Music at Miracle: Oklahannah, Ponyboy. INSTRUMENTALIST

Shelly Phelps and The Storm, Bourbon Street Bar. BLUES

Short & Broke/The BlueRays/JL Jones, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES

Tunic/Nuldeath/Tick Suck/Typhoid, The Sanctuary. PUNK

FRIDAY, DEC. 16

B-Sides, Core4 Brewing. COVER

Bartees Strange/Pom Pom Squad/ They Hate Change, Beer City Music Hall. ALTERNATIVE Blue Morrison w/ Coat & Stalling, Ponyboy. INDIE

Velvet J’s / Sick Ride / CFR, Blue Note. ROCK

Brent Giddens, River Spirit Casino Resort, Tulsa. COUNTRY

Chris Hyde, River Spirit Casino Resort, Tulsa.. COVER

Jessica Tate, The Deli, Norman. INSTRUMENTALISTS

Joel Forlenza, Othello’s Italian Restaurant, Norman. INSTRUMENTALISTS

Kyle Nix & The 38s/RC & The Ambers/Jack Barksdale, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. COUNTRY

Levi Parham, Grand Casino Hotel & Resort, Shawnee. SINGER/SONGWRITER

Machine Head, Diamond Ballroom. HEAVY METAL

McKee Brother Jazz Band, Bourbon Street Bar. JAZZ

Music at Miracle: Oklahannah, Ponyboy. INSTRUMENTALIST

Plain Speak/Speak, Memory/Foxburrows, 51st Street Speakeasy. FOLK

Read Southall Band, Tower Theatre. ROCK Shortt Dogg, Remington Park. COVER

The Tequila Songbirds Christmas Show, The Blue Door. COUNTRY

SATURDAY, DEC. 17

Anything But Christmas, Beer City Music Hall. DANCE PARTY

Bad/Genes, VZD’s Restaurant & Bar. COVER

Blake Turner, River Spirit Casino Resort, Tulsa. COUNTRY

The Bottom of the Barrel, Hollywood Corners. AMERICANA

Dance Party with Carte Blanche, Ponyboy. DANCE PARTY

Insider: A Tribute to Tom Petty, Diamond Ballroom. TRIBUTE

Jack Barksdale, The Blue Door. FOLK

Joel Forlenza, Othello’s Italian Restaurant, Norman. INSTRUMENTALISTS

Josh Turner, The Criterion. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

McKee Brother Jazz Band, Bourbon Street Bar. JAZZ

MidWave/Tadpole/Gonzo LeBronzo, 51st Street Speakeasy. POP

My So Called Band, The Vanguard, Tulsa. COVER Oklahoma Opry Christmas Show, Rodeo Opry. COUNTRY

Patrick Winslett, Grand Casino Hotel & Resort, Shawnee. ROCK

Read Southall Band, Tower Theatre. ROCK

Zodiac, River Spirit Casino Resort, Tulsa. DANCE

SUNDAY, DEC. 18

Ace Stiles and The Trees/Hollo/The Giant Killers, The Vanguard, Tulsa. SINGER/SONGWRITER

Depot Concerts: Miss Brown to You Holiday Show!, The Depot, Norman. VARIOUS Hosty, The Del, Normani. ELECTRIC Jazz Night!, Blue Note. JAZZ

Jessica Tate, Frankie’s. INSTRUMENTALIST No Whiners Aloud, Mojo’s Blues Club.BLUES

Red Dirt Rangers Kids Christmas Show, The Blue Door. COUNTRY

Tin Can Gramophone/Hosty, The Deli, Norman. FOLK

MONDAY, DEC. 19

The Aints/Bailey Gilbert & Friends, The Deli, Norman. AMERICANA

TUESDAY, DEC. 20

Bruce Benson & Studio B, 51st Street Speakeasy. BLUES

Caleb McGee, The Deli, Norman. BLUES Edgar Cruz and the Brave Amigos, UCO Jazz Lab. ACOUSTIC

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 21

Jazz Night, Bradford House. JAZZ

Sunset Patio Bar Karaoke Night, Sunset Patio. KARAOKE

Kendrick McKinney Trio, 51st Street Speakeasy. JAZZ

Trett Charles, River Spirit Casino Resort, Tulsa. COUNTRY

The Wednesday Band, The Deli, Norman. COUNTRY

THURSDAY, DEC. 22

Brother Rabbit/Lonely Jack/Matt Magerkurth, The Vanguard, Tulsa. ALTERNATIVE

The Brothers Moore/The Bison/Kilgore’s Garage Band/Fire Lane/Christine Jude & The Gentlemen Callers, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa.

ALTERNATIVE

Country Music Group Therapy/Biscuits & Groovy, The Deli, Norman. COUNTRY

Dust Bowl Lanes & Lounge Karaoke Night, Dust Bowl. KARAOKE

Gift Raps: Kid Lennon/Chris Savage/Shyheim Nwadiei/CT Johnsong, Ponyboy. RAP

Joel Forlenza, Othello’s Italian Restaurant, Norman.

INSTRUMENTALISTS

Music at Miracle: PB & Jazz, Ponyboy. JAZZ

Shelly Phelps and The Storm, Bourbon Street Bar. BLUES

Short & Broke/The BlueRays/JL Jones, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES

Bellevue, Belle Isle Restaurant & Brewing Company. ROCK

Seth Lee Jones, Blue Note. BLUES

Corey Kent/Cameron Sacky Band/Johnny Woods, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. SINGER/SONGWRITER

Joel Forlenza, Othello’s Italian Restaurant, Norman.

INSTRUMENTALISTS

Kenny Pitts, Grand Casino Hotel & Resort, Shawnee. COUNTRY

Krafty Kuts/DJP/DJ Love/Kirspe/Warchild, Beer City Music Hall. DJ

McKee Brother Jazz Band, Bourbon Street Bar. JAZZ

Not So Silent Night with Bump, Ponyboy. DANCE PARTY

Trett Charles, River Spirit Casino Resort, Tulsa. COUNTRY

Typhoid/Otis VCR/Sabertooth, The Sanctuary. PUNK

Workweek/Ivy Mike, The Deli, Norman. ROCK

SATURDAY, DEC. 24

Carter Sampson, Grand Casino Hotel & Resort, Shawnee. COUNTRY

D’Elegantz, River Spirit Casino Resort, Tulsa. FUNK

Jake & The Idols, River Spirit Casino Resort, Tulsa. ROCK

Joel Forlenza, Othello’s Italian Restaurant.

INSTRUMENTALISTS

Kierston White & Bryon White, Blue Note. SINGER/SONGWRITER

McKee Brother Jazz Band, Bourbon Street Bar. JAZZ

‘Twas the Bump Before Christmas, Ponyboy. DANCE PARTY

SUNDAY, DEC. 25

Hosty, The Deli. ELECTRIC

No Whiners Aloud, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES

Tin Can Gramophone/Hosty, The Deli, Norman. FOLK

MONDAY, DEC. 26

The Aints/Bailey Gilbert & Friends, The Deli, Norman. AMERICANA

TUESDAY, DEC. 27

Bruce Benson & Studio B, 51st Street Speakeasy. BLUES

Caleb McGee, The Deli, Norman. BLUES

p.m., Dec. 18 at Ponyboy, 423 NW 23rd St., 405-896-2037, ponyboyokc.com. SUN, DEC 18 Photo provided

Sedona Crystal Bitch/Manic Hotel/Emma Goldman Sachs/The Echo Wire, Blue Note. ROCK

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. Visit okgazette.com to submit your lisitngs or email listings@okgazette.com. Sorry, but phone submissions cannot be accepted.

These are events recommended by Oklahoma Gazette editorial staff members.

Liam Kazar began working on his first solo album, Due North, after the dissolvement of his 2009 hip-hop band Kids These Days. Kazar music has been described as timeless joyful rock with a mix between indie rock and country twang. Check him out, 8

THE HIGH CULTURE STRAIN REVIEWS

Strain name: Punch Breath

Grown by: The Holy Goat

Acquired from: Evergreen Cannabis Co.

Date acquired: Dec. 1

Physical traits: frosted light green

Bouquet: earthy and sweet

Review: Evergreen Canna bis Co. offers an impressive selection of flower from growers across the state. Their presentation includes a focus on education, with each strain clearly labeled with its testing results and purported benefits. Unfa miliar with The Holy Goat, I decided to give the Punch Breath a try primarily cause I’m a sucker for fun names. This cross between Mendo Breath and Purple Punch indeed packs a punch, in both flavor and feel. Bright and frosty, this flower breaks

down into a fluffy, aromatic bowl before producing a flavorful smoke. Per the name, the effects come on quite strong, resulting in a heady, full-body high that’s relaxing but not anxiety inducing. This flower is the perfect for conjuring up deep thoughts on

Strain name: Watermelon ZooZoos

Grown by: Smokey Okie’s

Acquired from: Classen Apothecare

Date acquired: Dec. 5

Physical traits: frosted light green

Bouquet: floral and sweet

Review: When you step into the Classen Apothecare, you might think you’ve mistakenly stopped into a greenhouse. In true apoth ecary style, the small shop is filled with tropical plants, offer ing a relaxing atmosphere on top of a curated selection of quality products. Another Mendo Breath cross, this time with DoSiDos, came quickly recommended and understandably so. These buds look like they were rolled in sugar and are just as sweet to smoke that produces a relax ing, euphoric full-body high. You might not be super productive with this one but it will definitely

help you unwind and get a good night’s sleep. Smokey Okies has a passion for growing and genetics, conducting pheno hunts year-round to keep their library ever evolving. With strains like

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF DECEMBER 1

Homework: Make a prediction about the best thing that will happen in your life during 2023. Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Aries painter Vincent van Gogh was renowned for translating his sublime and unruly passions into colors and shapes on canvas. It was a demanding task. He careened between torment and ecstasy. “I put my heart and soul into my work,” he said, “and I have lost my mind in the process.” That’s sad! But I have good news for you, Aries. In the coming months, you will have the potential to reach unprecedented new depths of zest as you put your heart and soul into your work and play. And hallelujah, you won’t lose your mind in the process! In fact, I suspect you will become more mentally healthy than you’ve been in a long time.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

“The soul is silent,” writes Taurus poet Louise Glück. “If it speaks at all, it speaks in dreams.” I don’t agree with her in general, and I especially don’t agree with her in regard to your life in the coming weeks. I believe your soul will be singing, telling jokes, whispering in the dark, and flinging out unexpected observations. Your soul will be extra alive and alert and awake, tempting you to dance in the grocery store and fling out random praise and fantasize about having your own podcast. Don’t underestimate how vivacious your soul might be, Taurus. Give it permission to be as fun and funny as it yearns to be.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

The coming weeks will be an excellent time to expand your understanding about the nature of stress. Here are three study aids: 1. High stress levels are not healthy for your mind and body, but low to moderate stress can be good for you. 2. Low to moderate stress is even better for you if it involves dilemmas that you can ultimately solve. 3. There is a thing called “eustress,” which means beneficial stress. It arises from a challenge that evokes your vigor, resilience, and willpower. As you deal with it, you feel hopeful and hardy. It’s meaningful and interesting.

I bring these ideas to your attention, dear Gemini, because you are primed to enjoy a rousing upgrade in your relationship with stress.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

Long before he launched his illustrious career, Cancerian inventor Buckminster was accepted to enroll at Harvard University. Studying at such a prestigious educational institution was a high honor and set him up for a bright future. Alas, he was expelled for partying too hard. Soon he was working at odd jobs. His fortunes dwindled, and he grew depressed. But at age 32, he had a pivotal mystical experience. He seemed to be immersed in a globe of white light hovering above the ground. A disembodied voice spoke, telling him he “belonged to the universe” and that he would fulfill his life purpose if he applied himself to serving “the highest advantage of others.” How would you like a Buckminster Fuller-style intervention, Cancerian? It’s available if you want it and ask for it.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Leo-born Judith Love Cohen was an electrical engineer who worked on NASA’s Apollo Space Program. She was also the mother of the famous actor Jack Black. When she was nine months pregnant with Jack, on the day she went into labor, she performed a heroic service. On their way to the moon, the three astronauts aboard the Apollo 13 spacecraft had encountered a major systems failure. In the midst of her birth process, Judith Love Cohen carried out advanced troubleshooting that helped save their lives and bring their vehicle safely back to Earth. I don’t expect you to achieve such a monumental feat in the coming days, Leo. But I suspect you will be extra intrepid and even epic in your efforts. And your ability to magically multitask will be at a peak.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

When you’re at the height of your powers, you provide the people in your life with high-quality help and support. And I believe you could perform this role even stronger in 2023. Here are some of the best benefits you can offer: 1. Assist your allies in extracting bright ideas from confusing mishmashes. 2. Help them cull fertile seeds from decaying dross. 3. As they wander through messy

abysses, aid them in finding where the redemption is. 4. Cheer on their successes with wit and charm.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

A blogger named Daydreamydyke explains the art of bestowing soulful gifts. Don’t give people you care for generic consumer goods, she tells us. Instead, say to them, “I picked up this cool rock I found on the ground that reminded me of you,” or “I bought you this necklace for 50 cents at a yard sale because I thought you’d like it,” or “I’ve had this odd little treasure since childhood, but I feel like it could be of use to you or give you comfort, so I want you to have it.” That’s the spirit I hope you will adopt during the holiday season, Libra—as well as for all of 2023, which will be the year you could become a virtuoso gift-giver.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

In 1957, engineers Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes invented three-dimensional plastic wallpaper. No one bought the stuff, though. A few years later, they rebranded it as Bubble Wrap and marketed it as material to protect packages during shipment. Success! Its new use has been popular ever since. I suspect you are in a phase comparable to the time between when their plastic wallpaper flopped and before they dreamed up Bubble Wrap. Have faith in the possibility of there being a Second Act, Scorpio. Be alert for new applications of possibilities that didn’t quite make a splash the first time around.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

I applaud your expansive curiosity. I admire your yearning to learn more and more about our mysterious world as you add to your understanding of how the game of life works. Your greed for interesting experiences is good greed! It is one of your most beautiful qualities. But now and then, there come times when you need to scale down your quest for fresh, raw truths and work on integrating what you have already absorbed. The coming weeks will be one of those times.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Better than most, you have a rich potential to attune yourself to the cyclical patterns of life. It’s your birthright to become skilled at discerning natural rhythms at work in the human comedy. Even more fortunately, Capricorn, you can be deeply comforted by this awareness. Educated by it. Motivated by it. I hope that in 2023, you will develop your capacity to the next level. The cosmic flow will be on your side as you strive to feel the cosmic flow—and place yourself in closer and closer alignment with it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Anne, a character in a book by L. M. Montgomery, says she prefers the word “dusk” over “twilight” because it sounds so “velvety and shadowy.” She continues, “In daylight, I belong to the world . . . in the night to sleep and eternity. But in the dusk, I’m free from both and belong only to myself.” According to my astrological assessment, you Aquarians will go through a dusk-like phase in the coming weeks: a time when you will belong solely to yourself and any other creature you choose to join you in your velvety, shadowy emancipation.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

My Piscean friend Venus told me, “We Pisceans feel everything very intensely, but alas, we do not possess the survival skills of a Scorpio or the enough-is-enough, self-protective mechanism of the Cancerians. We are the water sign most susceptible to being engulfed and flooded and overwhelmed.” I think Venus is somewhat correct in her assessment. But I also believe you Fishes have a potent asset that you may not fully appreciate or call on enough. Your ability to tune into the very deepest levels of emotion potentially provides you with access to a divine power source beyond your personality. If you allow it to give you all of its gifts, it will keep you shielded and safe and supported.

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 1-877873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700.

By

Device dusted off to watch old home movies, maybe

Flat-topped French hat

Ante alternative

Musician Brian

Public court proceeding

Many a bad Yelp review 41 Luxuriate (in) 42 They’re not sciences 43 ____ Cannon, creator of the “Pitch Perfect” film series

44 Fish sticks? 48 Strength of character 50 “Me!” 52 Compliment to a French chef 54 Crackerjack 56 Slack-jawed 59 Automotive successor of the Bel Air 60 Proudly embody, informally 61 What you’re on when you’re making progress 64 Product sold on a rack, informally 65 “Them’s fightin’ words!” 67 Set one’s sights 68 Welcome-center handouts 70 Free of flaws, as a reputation 72 DiFranco of folk 73 Sewer in American history 74 Hamlet’s cousin 75 Music-genre prefix 76 Ideal engine sound 79 Duel personalities? 81 Like some memes 83 Major concern for a meteorologist 85 The Bruins, on scoreboards 88 Contents of a household box 89 Pasta whose name means “barley” in Italian 90 Startled scream 91 Weight 92 Goes from one thing to another 94 Purchase option for a dedicated fan 96 Like dumbbells 97 Like Roma tomatoes 98 Something that may be sold by the yard 99 The Nature Conservancy and World Wildlife Fund, e.g., in brief 100 Hate, hate, hate 101 Certain juicing need 104 Residential construction project 106 Deep shot, in hoops 107 Weird 108 Brother of Logan Roy on “Succession” 109 Has a meal

PUZZLES

110 Urban grid: Abbr. 111 Tennis champ ____ Osaka 112 Figs. first issued in 1936 113 Summer on the Riviera

DOWN 1 Subscription platform for online-content creators 2 “That is my intention” 3 Where the ilium and ischium are 4 Inhabitant of Ireland or Scotland 5 Holiday helper 6 Sign that you can’t go back now?

Philosophical pillar 8 ____ Arbor, Mich.

Deep inhalation to get high 10 Ordered delivery, perhaps 11 Hive mind of “Star Trek: TNG,” with “the” 12 National Dog Show org. 13 ____ someone’s yum (criticized a person’s tastes, slangily) 14 Discovery astronaut Ochoa 15 With it 16 Shake a little 19 Amtrak booking 21 Worker with wax 22 “Oof, what a day!” 23 Run-D.M.C.’s “You Be ____” 26 Longtime co-host of the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 30 Good Texas hold ‘em hand 31 Auto-loan figs. 32 Bit of roofing in Spanishstyle architecture 34 Biden and Harris, notably, in brief 36 Underwire undergarments 38 Muffin makeup, maybe 39 Over-emoter 41 Trade, informally 43 Star N.F.L. wide-receiver Allen 45 First family from Illinois 46 Exercise in a swimming

pool 47 Grabs 48 “____ Life” (1981 Rick James single) 49 Tool for cutting wood along the grain 51 Scandalized 52 Pro who gets many return customers? 53 Bad makeup artist 54 Spot for a band 55 High ways 56 Early stop at a casino, maybe 57 Univ. senior’s hurdle 58 Funding 62 “____ but a scratch”: oft-quoted Monty Python line 63 Con artist 66 Chattering plastic teeth, for one 69 Rapper ____ Def 71 Group with lodges 72 Part of E.T.A.: Abbr. 76 100% 77 Allow for more highdensity housing and mixed-use development, in urban-planning lingo 78 Company shake-up, for short 80 Symbol of sturdiness 82 Pallid 83 Problem for a pitcher 84 They have their ups and downs 85 & 86 Very upset .?.?. like the answers to five of this puzzle’s clues? 87 Grand mounts 88 They go around at museums 91 Coffin carrier 92 Drops down?

93 In no way hidden 94 It has only one-sixth of the mass of Earth’s moon 95 Goobers 96 Pentagon inits. 98 Cousin of turquoise 100 Part of the eye that focuses light onto the retina 102 Momma’s boy 103 Big name in outdoor gear 105 Jones of CNN

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WE FINANCE CANNABIS