Look At The Time

When both the big and little hands are on the four, the celebration of Oklahoma's fifth legal 4/20 is here.

4/21 - HEATHER LAND

4/22 - BIG BUBBLE RAVE

4/23 - MOLCHAT DOMA

4/26 - THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS

4/27 - YACHT ROCK REVUE

4/28 - EMO NITE

5/03 - THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS

5/05 - SHREK RAVE

5/09 - JOSEPH

5/11 - CHRIS CAGLE

5/12 - T3R ELEMENTO

5/13 - MY SO CALLED BAND

5/18 - LADY CAMDEN

5/19 - RYAN HAMILTON

5/20 - THE ELTON JOHNS

5/21 - THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SERIAL KILLERS

5/26 - WEIRDLESQUE

6/01 - RAY WYLIE HUBBARD

6/08 - TAB BENOIT

6/09 - TAYTAY PARTY

6/09 - THIN WHITE DUKES (DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE)

6/13 - BELA FLECK AND THE FLECKSTONES

@TOWERTHEATREOKC

TICKETS AT TOWERTHEATREOKC.COM

4/20 - Keathley and the Burning Bras

4/21 - Harpy Hour

4/22 - WTF Burlesque

5/02 - OKC-SPAN

5/12 - Harpy Hour

5/17 - Man or Astro-Man?

5/24 - Red Dirt Poetry Night 5/26 - QWeirdo Show

5/27 - Harpy Hour 6/06 - OKC-SPAn

DANCING AT PONYBOY!

LIVE Dj UPSTAIRS AT PONYBOY. ALWAYS FREE.

FRI & SAT NIGHTS | 21+

@BEERCITYOKC

OF FLORIDA GEORGIA LIN E

EDEN ROSE

2 PER PERSON PER BHO DABS

3 OZ OF SHAKE FOR $50 | $20 EXOTIC EIGHTHS

3 FOR $15 1 G BHO DABS | 5 G BHO DABS FOR $20

14 G FOR $55 BHO DABS | 28 G FOR $100 BHO DABS

2 FOR $25 HASH ROSE’S SOLVENTLESS MOONROCKS 1.75 G FOR $15 |

2 FOR $25 HASH WALKER | 2 FOR $30 MOONWALKER

2 LIVE RESIN CARTS FOR $30 | 2 CURED RESIN CARTS FOR $25

DAY PER STORE QUARTERMANIA CARTS EDIBLES FLOWER

BUY 3 GET 1 FOR A PENNY RAINBOW ROPES 125MG

3 LOCATIONS

OPEN: SUN - THURS 9AM - 12AM

FRI & SAT 9AM - 2AM

1333 N. SANTA FE AVE #104, EDMOND

OPEN: SUN - THURS 10AM - 10PM

FRI & SAT 10AM - 12AM

920 SW 104TH ST

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73139

OPEN: MON - SUN 10AM - 10PM

Putting in work

ONTHEEVEOFTHESTATE’SFIFTHLEGAL4/20,OKLAHOMA GAZETTECHECKSINWITHBLUECOLLARCRIMINALS,THE FIRSTCANNABISCOMPANYTHEHIGHCULTUREPROFILED.

By Matt Dinger

It’s the first week of April and muralist Jeks is applying the finishing touches on his latest in a series of photorealistic and iconic images to the exterior of 1015 NW 1st St.

This time, it’s Ben Franklin, more specifically a portion of the current hundred-dollar bill.

As much as Willy Wonka, Darth Vader, Albert Einstein and the others embody the ethos of Blue Collar Criminals, also sometimes known as B.C.C. Collective, so does the snapshot of the founding father on the currency.

After all, the brand’s new slogan is, “Nobody cares, work harder” and a T-shirt they just released reads: “That’s what the money’s for.”

Originally founded as a clothing brand, owner Delaney has doubled down on that element, renovating what was once the waiting room for the dispensary into a miniature fashion store. Having split his time between Oklahoma and Venice Beach for much of his adult life, the designs and phrases on the newest line of products reference the West Coast lifestyle.

“I have a really good artist that I work with in L.A. We’re in lockstep. We’re from the same era, have the same background, so some of the slogans and things that we come up with are maybe not the most known sayings, but they’re known within a certain group or class of people. People like that it’s not the same type of thing that you can get at the mall,” Delaney said.

Delaney also splits his attention evenly between the cannabis side of the brand and its fashion element, he said.

“They’re binary. I have to think about those at the same time because it’s all part of the same thing. So we’re always hunting new flavors that we like on top of thinking about the next design for a T-shirt or hoodie. I have to be thinking about both things all the time,” he said.

With its bold branding, B.C.C. has

long been criticized for its recreational approach to Oklahoma’s cannabis market, which is still strictly medical after State Question 820 was voted down last month.

“I think it didn’t pass because overall people in Oklahoma are just tired of anything cannabis-related. They were just naysaying anything that had to do with cannabis, especially people who don’t put much thought into it as a commu-

have brought in more people that don’t live in this state to consume and spend money on cannabis products and Oklahoma when they’re visiting for whatever reason. So I do think they kind of missed the check on that. I thought it was going to pass at first because I figured it just makes sense. We have such a liberal market now — it’s almost rec. In those last couple of weeks before the vote, it became apparent that maybe it wasn’t going to pass. I just have to be patient and wait for this whole thing to evolve and materialize,” he said.

The next stage of his vision is a Bricktown lounge and dispensary in a partnership with Noble Cannabis Co. The wheels for the project started turning before the vote, but its failure hasn’t ground them to a halt.

While other cannabis consumption lounges have opened, Delaney said none that he’s seen in this state take the concept in the direction they’re planning.

“We want to create something that’s a little bit of a hybrid between a lounge and a Peaky Blinders-era style bar and offer good drinks and good cups of coffee with a variety of entertainment. It has enough space to be an event space, as well as, for Fridays and Saturdays, an alternative to just going to the club,” he said.

“It’s all part of the same beast. It’s all a brand. I’m thinking about this in its entirety,” Delaney said.

nity or as a product. They’re aware that there’s a dispensary on every corner and they’re aware that every time they watch the news, there’s some negative connotation,” Delaney said.

On March 7, standing alone on a ballot in a special election called by Gov. Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma voters rejected SQ820 with nearly 62 percent voting against it. While approximately 35,000 fewer voters turned out to vote it down, nearly 300,000 fewer Oklahomans took to the polls to support it as they did to pass State Question 788 in 2018.

“As a business owner, I think it definitely would have been good for the community. It obviously would

“I went to Amsterdam a long time ago. Loved it. Thought it was super cool. Like alcohol and tobacco, there’s this evolution where it’s new, people like it, they’re consuming it, there’s some backlash, some laws are applied. It goes through this growing period, and then it settles and it becomes this legal taxed commodity. And then after that come places to consume in groups or clubs, social gatherings where it’s accepted, and we’re able to do this together. Like bars are for alcohol, being able to go and sit and consume cannabis products with friends and some refreshments just makes sense. It also seems to be what’s happening in other parts of the country,” Delaney said.

Being ahead of the curve has always been at the core of the Blue Collar Criminals mentality, including elements like testing before it was required and prepackaging cannabis flower as has become common practice in other markets and is being considered by the legislature. While the first five years have been largely about Delaney being patient and letting the market mature, his hands aren’t idle.

“This kumbaya thing that people say sometimes: ‘There’s room for all of us. We can all eat.’ No, we can’t. I don’t know why they say that. That’s not true in any other market. I feel like they just say that to try to have some sort of peace and love approach to it, but it’s not true. At the end of the day, you can be in this for the love of the plant and the community and helping sick patients and that’s fine. That’s good. But you can’t do any of that if you can’t stay in business, if you can’t turn a profit,” Delaney said.

“It’s still all gas pedal for us.”

The exterior of the Blue Collar Criminals Dispensary and shop is covered in murals by artist Jeks. | Photo by Berlin Green

The interior of the Blue Collar Criminals shop. | Photo by Berlin Green

Safety meetings

Four Twenty-Too

On a quiet and smoky Sunday afternoon, Eden Rose and Oklahoma Gazette got together at the Dirty Reggae Punx practice space. From there, the idea of doing ongoing (and free) lowkey shows for the community was born. The first, Halfway to 420, in mid-February was a blast, so we’ve decided to do it again with Four TwentyToo. No promises but no cover (except if you want to donate to the bands). Come by the corner of NW 28th St. and May Avenue at 6:30 p.m. on April 22, hang out and share whatever we have to offer (last time we had some pizza and beer). Feel free to bring your stash along if you have a patient license.

Chronic Palooza

Chronic Palooza returns to Crossroads Mall, 7000 Crossroads Blvd., this year with its sprawling, carnival atmosphere of cannabis celebration. Originally held at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds and held last year in El Reno, Crossroads has always seemed like its rightful location, with plenty of vendors, food, live music and food trucks to satisfy whatever desires your stoned brain conjures. This year, they’ll also have live wrestling and a slap fight competition. The event will be held April 22 and 23. A patient license isn’t required to attend, only to consume cannabis on site. Admission is $15 each day.

Devin the Dude at Beer City Music Hall

While celebrities lending their names and likenesses to cannabis

products certainly isn’t a new thing, Devin the Dude has been part of cannabis culture since the debut of his first album, The Dude, so it’s no surprise that there’s a strain — Lacville79 — named after one of his most popular songs. This Houston rapper has been living it longer than some of his audience has been alive and always puts on a great show, so catch him at Beer City Music Hall on April 22. Jabee, Wavy Baby and Doughboy Dev share the bill.

Puff & Paint

While the first fullfledged cannabis event at 3130 Event Center, 3130 N May Ave., has already passed (and you missed out) and the next one in an ongoing monthly series not yet announced, there’s an ongoing monthly smoke sesh and painting class taking place each month to tide you over. The next will be held May 5 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $50. A patient license is required to consume onsite.

The Blazed Ball

If you’re in Tulsa for this year’s weed season, drop into Sesh Lounge, 7737 E 42nd Place, on April 29 for The Blazed Ball. Tulsa’s cannabis events have always given OKC’s a run for their money, and this spiffed-up affair thrown by Blazed Burlesque will have live music as well as dancers. Formal attire is suggested, but pinkies out when passing the blunt isn’t required. Tickets are $30 for GA and $60 for VIP at the door.

A DJ plays for a crowd waiting for special guest Cheech Marin at 2022 High Guys event. | Photo by Berlin Green

You have many choices when it comes to testing your cannabis products. Since 2018, Oklahomans have trusted Scissortail Laboratory to test their products. As one of Oklahoma's oldest and most trusted testing labs, you can rest easy that we're here to help you produce clean, safe medication that patients can trust. While some labs are working to expand into other states, we're committed to improving the cannabis industry right here at home, in Oklahoma.

THE HIGH CULTURE STRAIN REVIEWS

Strain name: The Sauce

Grown by: So Fresh and So Green

Acquired from: Eden Rose (SW 104th St. and Western Avenue)

Date acquired: April 14

Physical traits: various shades of frosted green

Bouquet: herbal and gassy

Review: In full disclosure, Eden Rose has always been the home base dispensary. Even though traveling far and wide (within state lines) always yields fascinat ing results, there’s just something about the nearest spot where you grab convenience items. So, over the course of the last few months, I’ve become casually familiar with the strains So Fresh and So Green pump out and they just get better and better. After assuming control of the new southside location, owner Shaun Branch pulled this one from the vault for the grand opening, and though everything this grow produces is quality, it’s absurdly easy to get lost in this sauce. Tread carefully.

Strain name: Kryptochronic

Grown by: No Time

Acquired from: Burns Cannabis

Experience

Date acquired: April 13

Physical traits: purple and green with bright orange stigmas

Bouquet: sweet and earthy

Review: A million years ago (or seemingly so), No Time reached out about the possibility of sampling one of their strains in the early days of The High Culture. Their Peanut But ter Breath among others seared the name in my mind, so I went to Burns, which I’d heard quite a bit about via word of mouth. Garage doors fully open on a warm spring night, I got what I wanted in short order but stuck around an extra hour or so to talk shop with Zach (AKA Ducky from The Sesh). The word “experi ence” is hackneyed in dispensary parlance, but their branding lives up to it. Oh yeah. No Time is still fire and Tee H Sea’s Fatboy also lives up to the hype.

FIND MORE STRAIN REVIEWS AT OKGAZETTE.COM/THEHIGHCULTURE

Here’s a look at the subject lines and quotes from emails his office sent out this month:

April 4: Drummond issues formal opinion on State Board of Education rulemaking authority

“Whether I agree or disagree with any particular rule in question is irrelevant if the Board does not have the proper authority to issue those rules,” he said. “The Legislature is vested with policymaking authority. I will not allow any state agency, board or commission to usurp the Legislature’s rightful role, even if they have the best of intentions.”

April 6: Drummond releases Independent Counsel report, files motion to vacate conviction of death row inmate Glossip

“After thorough and serious deliberation, I have concluded that I cannot stand behind the murder conviction and death sentence of Richard Glossip,” he said. “This is not to say I believe he is innocent. However, it is critical that Oklahomans have absolute faith that the death penalty is administered fairly and with certainty. Considering everything I know about this case, I do not believe that justice is served by executing a man based on the testimony of a compromised witness.”

[Oklahoma Turnpike Authority] work-stoppage announcement

“I am aware of the Turnpike Authority’s announcement to stop all work on toll road construction and improvements. This is a concerning development that causes me to question the leadership and cash flow management of this critical agency. While it is unclear what the future holds for OTA, I am certain that the investigative audit I have ordered is needed now more than ever.”

April 13: Drummond issues opinion pointing to lack of oversight in state purchasing

“The [Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency] report on the State’s purchasing system is a solid examination of what unthinkably has been allowed to become a seriously flawed process,” he said. “It appears as though reforms are needed to ensure accountability and oversight of taxpayer funds. It is incredulous to think no one questioned what we now know was occurring within the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department or that an executive branch agency was exempted from an $18 million purchase, despite the law plainly limiting the exemption to purchases not exceeding $250,000.”

If you just read that copypasta, you could conclude that’s just us being lazy this week, but honestly, it’s been a gulp of spring water in a salty, polluted sea of state government. It’s deeply satisfying to see a government official apply reasoning or, you know, conservative American principles instead of the batshit flying out the cave the rest of his party inhabits.

Now, on the other side of the scale, he joined the fight to sue the federal government in regards to environmental standards and he dropped charges against Rep. Terry O’Donnell (R-Catoosa) even though he concedes that the legislator likely committed a crime…

“‘I think he violated the law, but I think because he was targeted, I am not going to tolerate the prosecution of a legislator who has the audacity to hold accountable the attorney general. That’s just wrong,”’ Drummond said. “‘He was targeted for what I believe is loosely a common practice at the Capitol. The letter (I wrote O’Donnell today) admonishes him and says that you did wrong, but it didn’t rise to the level of a felony, nor do I feel the need to prosecute,”’ Drummond told NonDoc .

Either way, it seems like the new attorney general is more interested in applying the law and taking his office seriously, something that this state hasn’t seen in more than a decade.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 26

THURSDAY APRIL 27

WEDNESDAY MAY 10 Gary Clark Jr.

THURSDAY MAY 18 Josh Abbo Band

TUESDAY JUNE 6 Shakey Graves

MONDAY JUNE 19 Sofi Tukker

WEDNESDAY JULY 12 Gogol Bordello

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 9 Orville Peck

Let’s peel back the curtain a moment and look at what new Attorney General Gentner Drummond has drummed up during his first season in office.

You’re tasting fine, Oklahoma!

Although Oklahoma’s statehood wasn’t until November of 1907, the state holiday celebrated April 22. While we may be the lowestranking state regarding some of the more important public matters, it’s hard to argue our beautiful state doesn’t have some of the most iconic and timeless comfort cuisines. Saddle up to pay homage to state classics from these Okieowned joints.

By Tatum Stewart

Cattlemen’s has been sizzling steak for the Oklahoma cowboy in all of us for over a century now. Located in the historic Stockyards City, this steakhouse will make you yell “yeehaw” the moment the mouth-watering sirloin hits your tongue. The preserved interior of Cattlemen’s ensures a true Okie experience no matter where you sit, with paintings of cows roaming pastures in their main dining room and a laid-back diner approach in their adjacent room.

Taking their namesake from the infamous Queen of Oklahoma outlaws, Belle Starr, Iron Star’s menu is packed full of Oklahoma flavors. Featuring a menu of artisan smoked meats, ranging from half-smoked chicken to brown sugar-cured brisket, none of which has a need for barbeque sauce. Iron Star also has some off the beaten path fare like bacon-wrapped quail breasts, a savory appetizer with jalapenos offset by a sweet apricot jam.

Despite Sun Cattle’s grand opening being a mere two months ago, they’re quickly making a name for themselves by bringing nostalgia to Film Row. The classic approach to the diner will make you feel like you’re in your grandparent’s burger shop. Sun Cattle doesn’t leave the nostalgia with the decor either. On their menu, you’ll find the infamous fried onion burger along with a theta burger smothered in the Okie famous Split-T theta sauce.

405-236-0416 • 1309 S. Agnew Ave. cattlemensrestaurant.com

405-768-3120 • 800 W Sheridan Ave. suncattle.com

Photos provided

405-768-3120 • 3700 N Shartel Ave. ironstarokc.com

Cattlemen’s Steakhouse Sun Cattle Co.

Iron Star Urban Barbecue

405-942-0852 • 4430 NW 10th St. chuckhouseok.com

Known comically as “the best chicken fry in the universe,” Chuck House has been slinging chicken fried chicken and steaks for Okies since 1978. This time capsule of a restaurant is hailed for its convenience of getting a fresh chicken fry through a drive-

405-232-0151 • 2227 Exchange Ave. mcclintocksaloon.com

When people think of a western saloon, they probably imagine a swinging door, horses out front and maybe some gambling. Although McClintock’s door isn’t swinging, the beautifully preserved saloon still doesn’t disappoint in bringing an old-timey Oklahoma experience to

405-900-6767 • 1734 NE 23rd St. eastsidepizzahouse.com

While pizza isn’t necessarily native to Oklahoma, Eastside Pizza House has swiftly become an Oklahoma classic. Eastside’s unique pizzas are named after influential and important Okies and places and takes pride in being a place the community can gather. The Clara Luper pie, named after the Civil Rights pioneer, is a black crust margherita-style pizza with alfredo sauce, tomato, spinach and sprinkled with goat cheese. Eastside makes giving back to the community delicious.

405-423-5419 • 605 NW 23rd St. boomtowncreamery.com

While we all know Braum’s to be the state’s official ice cream spot, Boom Town is giving the iconic dairy store a run for its money. Named after the famous oil boom of 1901, this creamery specializes in making silky smooth ice cream with off-the-wall flavors. The mom-and-pop shop houses “classic flavors” like chocolate tornado — a double dark chocolate cold treat — along with seasonal flavors that they rotate out and also vegan options.

McClintock Saloon & Chop House

Chuck House

Eastside Pizza House Boom Town Creamery

The Dragonfly Home is soliciting proposals for the following purchase of Program Vehicles.

Proposals,bids,orresponseswillbeacceptedbyTheDragonflyHomenolaterthanMonday, May1st,2023,5:00PMCST.Everydocumentmustbeemailedasonesinglepdffile. Anyresponse,bid,orproposalreceivedaftertheabovedeadlineshallbeconsideredlate, andwillnotbeopenedorconsidered.Bidpricesmustbevalidfornolessthan ninety(90)daysfromthedateofthebid.

Alldocumentsshallbesubmittedtothefollowing:

PurchasingDepartment

EmailTitleline:-‘ProgramVehicles-RFP23-001’ denisse@thedragonflyhome.org

ThroughthisRequestforProposal(RFP),TheDragonflyHome(TDH)issolicitingproposalsforTwo(2) programvehicles.Yourfirmisinvitedtosubmitaproposalforthefollowingspecifications.

•SmallORCompactSUV

•Newcondition

•Four-door

•Automatictransmission

•5+seat

•Automaticemergencybraking

•Leatherorsimulatedleatherupholstery

•28combinedMPGfueleconomy*

•Blindspotwarning*

•All-wheeldrivesystem*

•Off-roadcapability*

•IIHSTopSafetyPick*

•Color-choiceofTDH

*preferred You

Day of dance

THE CALDERÓN DANCE FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR ITS SECOND YEAR.

By Kendra Michal Johnson

From noon to just before sunset on May 7, the Plaza District will light up with the vibrant colors, lively rhythms and joyous movement as the Calderón Dance Festival returns for its second year.

Created in the memory of local dance icon Shannon Calderón, the festival celebrates the diverse range of dance in the OKC area.

“It’s a vision that Shannon had for a free, accessible dance festival in Oklahoma City,” Calderón Dance Festival Co-Chair and Programming Committee Member Hui Cha Poos said. “And her studio was in the Plaza District so it was really important that it was close to home.”

Calderón owned Everything Goes Dance Studio in the Plaza District for approximately two decades and performed alongside talents including OKC Ballet, Edgar Cruz and the OKC Philharmonic.

Her prolific dance career was brought to an end in 2015.

“My aunt was diagnosed with a very aggressive reproductive cancer. And she—we found out in October and she was gone in May that same year, basically school year,” Calderón’s niece and Calderón Dance Festival Co-Chair Erika Vasquez said.

It was during some of Calderón’s last conversations with friends and family that the idea of Calderón Dance Festival was planted.

“I met with Shannon,” Poos said. “And I just I don’t know what led me to say it but I was like, ‘What have you not gotten to do? What do you feel like was left unfinished?’ And she said, without a doubt without skipping a beat, she said, ‘Dance festival. A free dance festival with every kind of dance you can think of, as big as you can imagine it.’”

Inclusivity was important to the vision for the festival that she shared with Poos.

“The biggest thing that she wanted to stress was that it is just as important to center every dance form equally, rather than just centering Eurocentric forms or forms that usually get the most attention,” Poos said.

The festival came to life for the first time in 2022.

“The biggest takeaway for me was every single person that had any involvement with dance who attended felt very special, felt very

ARTS & CULTURE

seen that day by a district and that had never happened in the way that it did,” Poos said.

Calderón Dance Festival programming committee Member and owner/artistic director of Everything Goes Dance Studio Kelsey Faulk Perez agreed.

“It brought people from all walks of life which was so incredible to see,” Perez said.

“We just felt so powerful that day, so heard, so validated, so we are doing good in this world and we’re doing good in Oklahoma,” Vasquez said.

She said the experience of watching the festival come together was healing for her family.

“My family was there and my cousins were there and Edgar

[Cruz] was there and my dance family was there and I just felt so loved,” Vasquez said. “And I just felt Sharon’s presence through everyone. And it was really a special day for us.”

Guitarists Edgar Cruz and the late Ruben Romero both had longtime working relationships with Calderón.

“Edgar and Ruben and Shannon had a very close relationship,” she said. “And they composed a piece called Firestorm. And this piece

Le (vogue), Lynna Tallchief (creative movement), CeCe Farha (ballet), Ballet Hispanico Too! (community social dance), Michelle Rambo (jazz funk), Tine Kambour (improvisation), Clips n’ Hips- Marti, Rickman & Kelly Forbes (salsa), Marie Casmir (African modern fusion) and REVOSO (flamenco).

has, it’s kind of gone viral in my little flamenco teaching in Oklahoma here. And I would say about maybe 200 plus students know the dance and the song now.”

The piece was performed at the first Calderón Dance Festival and will return at the end of Cruz’s set at this year’s event, with dancers joining in to perform the accompanying dance.

“People just know it [and] are going to jump in and be dancing on the stage and around the stage because I don’t think we’ll fit everyone this year,” Vasquez said.

The 2023 Calderón Dance Festival will include dance classes taught by Chris ‘Twix’ Shepard (hip hop), Brandi Kelley (jazz), Cassandra Van Houten (tap), Steve

Scheduled dance performances include Courtney Reeder (indigenous dance), Pilot Dance Company (modern dance from Texas), OKC Ballet (young adult company), Pentamode Company (improvisation dance), Clips n’ Hips (latin dance), Mystical Hips (belly dance), OKCPS & PCO Middle & High School Dance Programs, Iroko Dance Company (salsa), Paige Fischer and Company, Eterna Primavera (Guatemalan dance group), Hartel Dance Company (modern dance), RACE Dance Company, Treske-Memphis Jookin, Ballet Hispanico Too!, Freedom Dance (majorette dance), Michael J Garcia (popping), Meegan Hertensteiner Xochipilli (ballet folklorico), and a headliner performance by REVOSO (flamenco). Live music will be performed on the Art Moves stage, including event headliner Aranda. The festival is also slated to include a dance battle with cash prizes for first and second place, Plaza District Executive Director Rachael Leonhart said.

Calderón Dance Festival began in 2022, and celebrates the life and legacy of dancer Shannon Calderón. | Photo by Joel Parks, provided.

WORDS ARE CHEAP. PRINTING THEM ISN’T.

Offscreen

THE OKLAHOMA CITY PHILHARMONIC WILL PERFORM THE BLACK PANTHER SOUNDTRACK ALONGSIDE A FILM SCREENING THIS MONTH.

By Kendra Michal Johnson

Sound is hugely influential in how we interpret our surroundings and especially the moods and emotions that we attribute to visual images such as film.

Black Panther

On April 28 and 29, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic will perform the soundtrack of the Marvel Studio’s film Black Panther live alongside the film. Performances such as this one present unique challenges for the concerts’ conductor, in the form of aligning the live music’s timing to perfectly coincide with the images on the screen and the film’s pre-record-

going from the top to bottom.”

But the easiest way is the third method he described: an earpiece with a click track coordinated to the film on the screen that the audience will be watching.

The guest conductor for the Oklahoma City Philharmonic performance, Julian Pellicano, will have two rehearsals with the orchestra prior to performance.

Remembering Clara Luper

The OKC Philharmonic will perform also perform Joan Tower’s “Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman” and Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances

ed dialogue and sound effects.

“It’s that syncing of the sound with the film—that’s kind of the tricky part,” Oklahoma City Philharmonic Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate said. “And there are different types of ways of doing it.”

Mickelthwate described three different ways to match the music to the visual images, including a time he tackled matching the tempo to the movie by hand.

“I didn’t have any help,” he said.

Instead, he had to write into his sheet music the places where each visual image should occur in time with the music.

Option two is a visual tempo indicator.

“You have a screen in front of you,” Mickelthwate said. “And always a bar

from West Side Story” before concluding with Hannibal Lokumbe’s “Trials, Tears, Transcendence: The Journey of Clara Luper” on May 13.

The performance will be conducted by Alexander Mickelthwate and will feature guest soprano Karen Slack.

“There are several reasons why this is a really phenomenal concert,” new Executive Director Brent Hart said. “And one is that a couple of years ago we commissioned a composer named Hannibal Lokumbe to create a piece that helps memorialize and tell the story of Clara Luper.”

Born in 1923, Luper received her bachelor’s degree from Langston University and her master’s from the University of Oklahoma—“the first African-American admitted to the

Alexander Mickelthwate is the Oklahoma City Philharmonic’s musical director. | Photo provided.

graduate history program,” according to The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture from The Oklahoma Historical Society.

“Clara Luper is an Oklahoma City hero,” Hart said. “She fought for equality and civil rights in a peaceful yet transformative way. Her career as an educator, as an advocate and as a champion for civil rights is really a story that needs to be told and a life that needs to be celebrated.”

“Luper became the advisor for the Oklahoma City National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Youth Council in 1957,” according to The Oklahoma Historical Society, and the youth council held numerous sit-ins starting in 1957 and into the early 1960s.

The performance by the OKC Philharmonic aims to remember and honor Luper’s legacy of nonviolent civil rights protest.

“We commissioned the piece and we will be performing it with a lot of input from the community and Clara Luper’s daughter, Marilyn Hildreth,” Hart said. “It’s a way of having the Oklahoma City Philharmonic woven into and her story woven into the fabric of musical repertoire that’s available for generations to come.”

The piece “Trials, Tears, Transcendence: The Journey of Clara Luper,” was commissioned by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic to commemorate Lupers birth a century prior in May 1923.

“I think that’s very powerful and to have seen that entire process sort of come to fruition,” Hart said, “and to be able to hear it played on stage from just an idea to, to an incredible tribute is going to be a very meaningful and a moving experience.”

Film soundtrack concerts like this one help musical organizations such as OKC Phil reach new audiences.

“Being able to see the movie on screen and hearing the music played live—it’s just a completely different experience,” Hart said. “And so it helps us provide that orchestral music sound to new audiences so that then they can, you know, potentially envision them coming back to see something that creates that same vibe, but maybe something that they’re not quite as familiar with.”

Hart started his new role on Mar. 13, but first became a part of OKC Phil through volunteering.

“I was volunteering for activities within the Phil and joined the young professionals board, called the associate board,” he said. “The associate board hosts fundraiser events and other special events for young professionals who purchase a small series of pops tickets.”

Over time, he became increasingly involved in the philharmonic’s leadership. During his time on the board of directors, he was part of several hiring processes including the initial search for his current position. After the search committee’s second meeting, Hart decided to step down from the committee in order to become a candidate for the position himself, he said.

“I’ve spent the bulk of my career in human resources with a focus on employee development,” he said, “That’s everything from learning programs to to development programs and coaching within corporations.”

His love for music, however, began young and it was that love that first led him to volunteer.

“It’s just a passion for the program and the music. I’ve been a concert-goer for most of my adult life, and even in my teen years, I’ve been a fan of all types of live performances from musicals to operas to symphonies,” he said.

Visit okcphil.org

Brent Hart served as a board member for the Oklahoma City Philharmonic before being appointed Executive Director, beginning in March 2023. | Photo provided.

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

BOOKS

Dana Wilkerson book release join 80s mystery author at her release party for her newest book, More Than Pen Pals, which is about a woman who fears being exposed as a fraud when meeting her childhood pen pal, who thinks she’s a boy, 6:30 p.m., Apr. 20. Commonplace Books, 1325 N. Walker Ave., Ste.138, 405-534-4540, commonplacebooksokc.com. THU, APR 20

Jennifer Lynn Barnes book signing young adult author will be autographing copies of her crime thriller series The Naturals, which tells the story of Cassie, a skilled reader of people, who joins a group of teens with unusual gifts to solve cold cases for the FBI, but danger looms when a new killer strikes, 6 p.m., May 2. Best of Books, 1313 E. Danforth Road, 405-340-9202, bestofbooksok.com. TUE, MAY 2

Poetry Reading Oklahoma author and poet, Dr. Howard Steinwill be autographing his latest poetry book in collaboration with Seth Allcor, Whiteboardings:Creating Collaborative Poetry in a Third Space. 6:30-7:30 p.m., April 28. Deer Clan Books, 3905 N. College Ave, 405-495-9005. FRI, APR 28

FILM

Bait (2019, United Kingdom, Mark Jenkin) Martin Ward, a cove fisherman displaced to the estate above the harbor, strives to restore his family’s traditional place and reconcile with his brother amidst rising tensions with tourists and locals, until a family tragedy alters everything, 8 p.m., Apr. 21. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa. com. FRI, APR 21

Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché (2018, USA, Pamela B. Green) a film about pioneer filmmaker Alice Guy-Blaché that is both a tribute and a detective story, tracing the circumstances by which this artist faded from memory and the path towards her reclamation, 8 p.m., Apr. 27. Film Row Cinema, 701 W. Sheridan Ave, 405-812-3275. THU, APR 27

Chicken House (2022, USA, Cate Jones) a subversive comedy in which three actresses from a small town find their lives turned upside down when they take in a mysterious new roommate from Los Angeles, 7 p.m., Apr. 22. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave., 405-2353456, rodeocinema.org. SAT, APR 22

The Doom Generation (1995, USA, France, Gregg Araki) Jordan White and Amy Blue, two troubled teens, pick up an adolescent drifter, Xavier Red, together, the threesome embarks on a sex-and-violence-filled journey through an America of psychos and quickie marts, 8 p.m., Apr. 21. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave.,

OKG PICKS

405-235-3456, rodeocinema.org. FRI, ARP 21

Evil Dead Rise (2023, USA, Lee Cronin) a twisted tale of two estranged sisters whose reunion is cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable, 11:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m., Apr. 21; 11:30 a.m. & 4 p.m., Apr. 22; 7:30 p.m., Apr. 23; 2 & 4:15 p.m., Apr. 24. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave., 405-235-3456, rodeocinema.org.

FRI-MON, APR 21-24

French Film Week Preview: Smoking Causes Coughing (2022, France, Quentin Dupieux) a group of vigilantes called the “tobacco forces” is falling apart and to rebuild team spirit, their leader suggests that they meet for a week-long retreat, before returning to save the world, 8 p.m., Apr. 28-29.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. FRI-SAT, APR 28-29

Infernal Affairs III (2003, Hong Kong, China, Andrew Lau, Alan Mak) set years after the events of the first two films, a cop-turned-triad member seeks redemption while a fellow officer delves into the past, leading to unexpected revelations and a tragic end, 7:30 p.m., Apr. 27. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. THU, APR 27

Smiley Face (2007, United States, Germany, Gregg Araki) after a young actress unknowingly eats her roommate’s marijuana cupcakes, her day becomes a series of misadventures, 7 p.m., Apr. 20. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave., 405-235-3456, rodeocinema.org.

THU, APR 20

Spirited Away: Live on Stage (2022, Japan, John Caird) a live-action remake of Studio Ghibli’s anime movie about a young girl arriving in a new neighborhood enters the world of spirits, and when her parents are turned into pigs she must go on a quest to rescue them, 4 p.m., Apr. 23; 7 p.m., Apr. 27. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave., 405-235-3456, rodeocinema.org. SUN & THU, APR 23 & 27

What the Hell Happened to Blood, Sweat, and Tears? (2023, USA, John Scheinfeld) a documentary of the rise and fall of the 70s iconic band, Blood, Sweat and Tears, incorporating their music, lost tour footage, and political drama., 1 p.m., Apr. 23. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave., 405-235-3456, rodeocinema.org.

SUN, APR 23

Wide Open Experimental Film Festival showcasing experimental films from various subgenres, including abstract animation, digital and chemical manipulation, visual lyricism, surreal narratives, and essay films, featuring 45 short films from over a dozen countries, each program exhibiting different films, inspired by Oklahoma’s vast landscape, presented by Oklahoma City University School of Film and Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 3-4:30 & 5-6:30 p.m., Apr. 22; 1-2:30 & 3-4:30 p.m., Apr. 23. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-208-5958, wideopeneff. com. SAT-SUN, APR 22-23

HAPPENINGS

2023 Remembrance Ceremony join in a commemoration ceremony of Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing with the read of the names and 168 seconds of silence, following the ceremony, bagpipers will lead the family members, survivors and first responders across the street to the Field of Empty Chairs, 8:30-10 a.m., April 19, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, 620 N. Harvey Ave., 405-235-3313, memorialmuseum.com/events. WED, APR 19

BRUCE-O-RAMA the Evil Dead star Bruce Campbell will host an interactive game show, followed by a screening of Evil Dead 2, Apr. 29. Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd St., 405-708-6937, towertheatreokc.com. SAT, APR 29

Earth Day Fest local partners and vendors will be set up on the Love’s Travel Stops Great Lawn, and Earth Day educational activities will take place on the stage all in conjunction with the Farmers Market at Scissortail Park, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Apr. 22. Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., 405-445-7080, scissortailpark.org. SAT, APR 22

Festival of the Arts a community celebration of the visual, performing and culinary arts, bringing a variety of talented artists together, a tradition since 1967, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Apr. 24-29; 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Apr. 30. Bicentennial Park, 500 Couch drive, 405-297-3882, artscouncilokc.com/festival-of-thearts. TUE-SUN, APR 24-30 Photo provided

Fourth Friday in West Village District an evening of live music, food, games, and local vendors to shop from, 6-8 p.m., fourth Friday. West Village District, 898 W. Sheridan Ave., 405-235-3500, westvillageokc.com.

FRI, APR 28

Iris Festival featuring a large display of floral designs using iris flowers, guests can also participate in contests and raffles as well as workshops to learn how to grow and arrange iris, 1-5 p.m., Apr. 29; 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Apr. 30. Will Rogers Garden Center, 3400 NW 36th St., 405943-0827, okc.gov. SAT-SUN, APR 29-30

Night Market at Scissortail Park shop from Oklahoma’s top local businesses and artisans, featuring home décor, gifts, specialty food, art, bath and body products, fashion, and plants, along with live stage performances and a variety of local food trucks, 5:30-10 p.m., Apr. 21. Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., 405-445-7080, scissortailpark.org. FRI, APR 21

Norman Music Festival a free, three-day, 50+ band event full of music, music, and more music, April 27-29. Downtown Norman, 122 E. Main St., 405-637-6225, normanmusicfestival.com. THU-SAT, APR 27-29

Starting a Cut Flower Garden participants will learn about the process of growing, caring and cutting flowers and how to maximize their life both inside and outside the home, 6-7 p.m., Apr. 27. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, myriadgardens.com. THU, APR 27

The 20th Annual 80s Prom enjoy a night of DJs and dancing along with a prom photo booth, flashback stage skits, costume contest and more, 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m., Apr. 29. Cain’s Ballroom, 423 North Main Street, Tulsa, 918-584-2306, cainsballroom. com. SAT, APR 29

Two Classes About Herbs: Medicinal Herbs & Herbal Balms a two-part event where participants will learn about the medicinal properties of common and culinary herbs and how to incorporate them into daily life along with learning how to combine herbs with beeswax and oils to create balms with specific beneficial qualities, participants can purchase materials to create their own custom balms, 10 a.m.-noon., Apr. 29. CommonWealth Urban Farms, 1016 NW 32nd Street, 405-795-2044, commonwealthurbanfarms. com/garden-school. SAT, APR 29

Wanderlust Pop Up Shops featuring over 80 local shops and vendors, The Big Friendly Beer Bus, food trucks, lawn games, spring festivities, and more, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Apr. 22. Wheeler Ferris Wheel, 1701 S. Western Ave., 405-655-8455, wheelerdistrict.com/ ferris-wheel. SAT, APR 22

Playing Cowboy an exhibition featuring Western-themed toys from the 1880s all the way to present time including toy cap guns, costumes, board games, a coin-operated mechanical horse and more, through May 7. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. FRI-SUN, THROUGH MAY 7 Photo provided

Eastside Fresh Market a weekly farmer’s market with vendors selling fresh produce, homemade desserts, plants and other unique products, 4-7 p.m., Tuesdays. Oklahoma County OSU Extension Center, 2500 NE 63rd St., 405-713-1125, facebook.com/ Eastsidefreshmarket. TUE, THROUGH OCT 24

Forensic Night learn about the methods doctors, anthropologists and law officers use to examine human skeletons to solve true crime cases, 6:308:30 p.m., Apr. 21. Skeletons: Museum of Osteology, 10301 S. Sunnylane Road, 405-814-0006, skeletonmuseum.com. FRI, APR 21

A Whale of a Sale an upscale rummage sale extravaganza by the Junior League of Oklahoma City, featuring shopping of quality goods, including designer handbags, jewelry, and new adult clothing with tags, as well as antiques, home décor, books, and holiday décor, and a variety of children’s clothing and toys, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Apr. 21-22; noon-4 p.m., Apr. 23. Quail Springs United Methodist, 14617 N. Penn. Ave., 405-755-9477, jloc.org/whale. FRI-SUN, APR 21-23

World of Smoke & Vape 4/20

Celebration celebrate with a day full of prizes and sales followed by an evening with free food and a live DJ, 5-7 p.m., Apr. 20. World of Smoke & Vape, 4516 N. Western Ave., Unit C, 405-768-5431, worldofsmokenvape.com. THU, APR 20

FOOD

Hot Yoga + Brunch at Flower Child join 405 Yoga for a hot yoga flow class on Flower Child’s heated balcony, followed by a packed brunch menu and drinks, participants must bring their own mat and are encouraged to dress in light clothing, 9-11 a.m., Apr. 22 Flower Child, 1144 NW 63rd St, 405-531-0813. SAT, APR 22

Indigenous Foodways accompany Chef Sonny Fields, a Pawnee Native American, as he emphasizes the significance of traditional foodways in indigenous cultures and showcases the preparation of a unique dish; conclude with a sample to complement your packed meal, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., May 2. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. TUE, MAY 2

Chef Tasting & Wine Pairing join Stock & Bond for a five-course tasting menu highlighting seasonal ingredients and elegant flavors all paired with a unique wine selection from the Van Duzer Vineyards, 6-9 p.m., Apr. 23. Stock & Bond, 138 Park Ave., 405-900-6850, stockandbond.com/event/wine-dinner. SUN, APR 23

Sunday Jazz Brunch enjoy a lavish brunch featuring classics like eggs benedict, lemon buttermilk pancakes and Italian favorites the wood-fired grill with live jazz music and signature cocktails, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Sundays. Tellers, 120 N. Robinson Ave, 405-900-6789, tellersokc. com/event. SUN, ONGOING

YOUTH

Earth Day Celebration Drop-In children will create wildflower seed-balls to plant in the garden at home while learning about responsible recycling in this Earth Day arts and crafts session, 2-3 p.m., Apr. 22. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, myriadgardens.com. SAT, APR 22

Junior Forensics preteens to teenagers will learn about the methods doctors, anthropologists and law officers use to examine human skeletons to determine age, sex, physical trauma and/or illness, 11 a.m. & 3 p.m., Apr. 22. Skeletons: Museum of Osteology, 10301 S. Sunnylane Road, 405-814-0006, skeletonmuseum.com. SAT, APR 22

Little Scientists: The Science of Bubbles kids will explore the science of bubbles while making a bunch of them in the process through stories, games, songs, crafts and museum exploration, 9:30-11 a.m., May 2. Sam Noble Museum, 2401 Chautauqua Ave., 405-325-7977, samnoblemuseum.ou.edu. TUE, MAY 2

OKC Parks and Recreation Daddy Daughter Dance with three different sessions, this You Are My Sunshine-themed dance features a DJ, photo booth, horse-drawn carriage rides and arts and crafts along with food and refreshments, 2:30-9 p.m., Apr. 22. Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., 405-445-7080, scissortailpark.org. SAT, APR 22

Supernatural teens will create collages inspired by the supernatural along with getting their palms read, meeting other teens and enjoying snacks, 6-8 p.m., Apr. 20. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-951-0000, oklahomacontemporary.org. THU, APR 20

PERFORMING ARTS

The Brothers Size in Louisiana bayou, Ogun Size works hard while younger brother Oshoosi, recently released from prison, is aimless; their story highlights freedom’s fragility and need for belonging, presented in partnership with OKC Rep, 7 p.m., Apr. 27; 8 p.m., Apr. 28-29; 2 p.m., Apr. 30. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts

Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-951-0000, okcontemp.org/ TheBrothersSize. THU-SUN, APR 27-30

Carlos Mencia a live stand up comedy performance, 8 p.m., Apr. 27. River Spirit Casino Resort, 8330 Riverside Parkway, Tulsa, 918-299-8518, riverspirittulsa.com.

THU, APR 27

Dust Bowl Dolls Burlesque the local burlesque troupe performs, 8 p.m., Apr. 28. Blue Note, 2408 N. Robinson Ave., 405-600-1166, thebluenotelounge.com.

FRI, APR 28

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert experience the magic of the wizarding world as a young wizard’s journey to Hogwarts and his battle against evil comes to life on the big screen as a live orchestra performs the iconic film’s music, 8 p.m., Apr. 21; 2 & 8 p.m., Apr. 22. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., 405-297-2264, okcciviccenter.com. FRI-SAT, APR 21-22

Heather Land a live stand-up comedy performance, April 21. Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd St., 405-7086937, towertheatreokc.com. FRI, APR 21

I Want To Go Home featuring eleven Ukrainian playwrights who are reflecting on their reality as war unfolds before them, after Russia’s invasion many people had no choice but to flee their homes with no knowledge of when they could go back -- or if there would be anything to go back to, 8-10 p.m., Apr. 29; 2-4 p.m., Apr. 30. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave., 405-235-3456, jewishtheatreok.org/ tickets.

SAT-SUN, APR 29-30

Marie Antoinette Director Melissa Rain Anderson leads David Adjmi’s contemporary tale on the famous French queen. 8-10 p.m., Apr. 21-22, 27-29; 3-5 p.m., Apr. 23, 30. Weitzenhoffer Theatre, 563 Elm Ave., 405325-4101, ou.edu/finearts/universitytheatre. FRI-SUN, APR 21-23, 27-30

OKCPhil: Marvel Studios’ Black Panther in Concert see the epic adventure like never before as OKCPhil performs exhilarating music while the story of a young king’s fight to save his kingdom unfolds on the big screen, 8 p.m., Apr. 28-29. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., 405-297-2264, okcciviccenter.com.

FRI-SAT, APR 28-29

Pageant The Musical a beauty pageant of six contestants, all men, who are competing in swimsuit, talent, grown and spokesmodel contests to be crowned Miss Glamouresse, each night will end differently as the judges are random members selected from the audience, 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from through Apr. 21. The Boom, 2218 NW 39th St., 405-601-7200, theboomokc.com. FRI-SAT, THROUGH APR 21

The Play That Goes Wrong a classic murder mystery is chock-full of mishaps and madcap mania, with an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that cannot play dead, and actors who trip over everything, even their lines, 7:30 p.m., Apr. 5-6, 12-13 & 19-20; 8 p.m., Apr. 7, 14 & 21; 2 & 8 p.m., Apr. 8, 15 & 22; 2 p.m., Apr. 9, 16 & 23. Lyric Theatre, 1727 NW 16th St., 405-524-9310, lyrictheatreokc.com. WED-SUN, APR 5-23

Stand Up Comedy Show live stand up comedy performance with five different comedians, hosted by Bruce Mahnken, 7 p.m., Apr. 21. Core4 Brewing, 7 N. Lee Ave, 405-620-4513.

FRI, APR 21

Sunday in the Park with George Stephen Soundheim’s musical about the art of making art, featuring a 24 member cast led by guest director and choreographer Joe Locarro, 8 p.m., Apr. 21-22; 3 p.m., Apr. 23. Oklahoma City University, 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave, 405-208-5000. FRI-SUN, APR 21-23

The Beverly Kill-Billies a themed dinner theatre murder mystery, Fri., April 21, 6:15-9 p.m. and Sat., April 29, 6:15-9 p.m. Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, 1309 S. Agnew Ave., 405-236-0416, whodunit.net. FRI, APR 21, 29

WTF?! Improv Burlesque Terra Rouge Burlesque presents a side splittingly seductive one-of-a-kind experience, featuring a panel of judges selected from the audience, 8 p.m., Apr. 22. Ponyboy, 423 NW 23rd St., 405-602-5985, ponyboyokc.com. SAT, APR 22

ACTIVE

2023 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon commemorating the anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, this annual running event features a full marathon, half marathon, 5K, 5-person relay kids marathon and a senior marathon, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Apr. 28; 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Apr. 29 and 6 a.m.-10 p.m., Apr. 30. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, 620 N. Harvey Ave., 405-235-3313, memorialmuseum.com/ events. FRI-SUN, ARP 28-30

Doga a one-hour dog friendly yoga session

hosted by Shane Cooley, 9-10 a.m., Sundays through Dec. Bar K, 901 SE 5th Street, 405-252-1993, barkdogbar.com. SUN, THROUGH DEC

Myriad in Motion Season Kickoff Event featuring instructors teaching different fitness classes in 15 minute intervals, including yoga, tai chi, Zumba and more, 10 a.m.-noon, Apr. 22. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, myriadgardens.com.

SAT, ARP 22

Wheeler Crit cheer on Oklahoma’s top cyclists at this weekly race around the Wheeler District, 5-8 p.m., Tuesdays through the Fall. The Big Friendly Brewery & Taproom, 1737 Spoke St., 405-492-3785, thebigfriendly. com. TUE, ONGOING

Yoga in the Park bring a yoga mat and water bottle for an hour of spirit, mind and body alignment, 6-7 p.m., Fridays. Andrews Park, 201 W Daws St., 405-3665472. FRI, ONGOING

VISUAL ARTS

200 Years of Doctrine of Discovery: Johnson V. M’Intosh and the Indian Removal Act a pop-up exhibit that includes historic documents that informed the U. S. Supreme Court decision establishing the Doctrine of Discovery and the legal foundation for the Indian Removal Act, an introduction to federal Indian law and the history of the Peoria and Chickasaw Nations, through May 14. First Americans Museum, 659 First Americans Blvd., 405-594-2100. WED-SUN, THROUGH MAY 14

Art of the Northwest Coast features the artistic work of the northwest coast known throughout the world for its style and vibrant colors that tell stories,

OKG PICKS

p.m., Apr. 29. Mollie Spencer Farm, 1001 Garth Brooks Blvd., facebook.com/molliespencerfarm. SAT, ARP 29

Dystopian Hope featuring the work of three artists, Virginia Wagner, Sarah FitzSimons, and Kyle Larson, who strive to illustrate the ties between the artist’s view, the writer’s voice, and the filmmaker’s perspective in the current climate of political upheaval, unprecedented weather events, and deadly viruses, through May 5. Oklahoma City University, 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave, 405-208-5000. SUN-SAT, THROUGH MAY 5

Earth Day Block Printing class participants will learn the basics of relief printing including how to transfer a design, carve it out, and ink and print their own block, 1-4 p.m., Apr. 22. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, 405-521-2491, okhistory.org.

SAT, APR 22

Fugitive Speech features seven artworks by artists Emily M. Chase, Jerome Ellis and Anita Fields explore acts of personal testimony in the face of social, cultural and historical odds through distinct perspectives and approaches to media, including textiles, video, photography and ceramics, while considering the relationship between voice, memory and time, through April 30, 2023. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-951-0000, okcontemp.org. THU-MON, THROUGH APRIL 30

Green Vines Oklahoma City mural artist TANK and Eduardo Sarabia teamed up to decorate a building with Sarabia’s signature vine imagery, inspired by the floral motifs used to adorn houses in his childhood neighborhood in Los Angeles, through July 2024. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-9510000, oklahomacontemporary.org. FRI, THROUGH JULY 2024

Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-951-0000, oklahomacontemporary.org.

WED-SAT, APR 26-JUNE 10

Oklahoma Art Guild Small Works Show an annual small works show featuring works in a variety of mediums under 12” by Oklahoma artists., April 7-30. Paseo Gallery One, 2927 Paseo St., 405-524-4544, okartguild.com.

FRI-SUN, APR 7-30

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, THROUGH MAY 7

Plants & Punch Workshop participants can bring their own glass vessel or purchase one at the shop before the class begins, and they will receive a terrarium kit that includes plants, all necessary materials, and instructions on how to assemble everything while enjoying some adult punch, 5-7 p.m., Apr. 21. Plant People Shop, 1212 N. Hudson Ave., 405-698-8428, plantpeopleshop.com. FRI, APR 21

Raku Ceramics a workshop that will explore traditional Japanese Raku ceramics from religious and cultural practices to its later expression in American ceramics in the mid-1900s, 12:30-3 p.m., Apr. 23. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-951-0000, oklahomacontemporary.org. SUN, APR 23

ScavengART Hunt a free outdoor scavenger hunt in which participants will learn about different public art and sculptures around downtown OKC, hosted by OKCMOA Moderns, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Apr. 28. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. FRI, APR 28

Spring 2023 Group Exhibition features the work of five Oklahoma-based artists working in a variety of media: Courtney Glassey, Calli Heflin, Sylvie Mayer, Michael McDaniel, and Erick Perry. 8 a.m.-6 p.m., through April 23. The Art Hall, 519 NW 23rd St., 405-456-9504, arthallokc.com/spring-2023-group-exhibition. TUESUN, THROUGH APRIL 23

Steamroller Print Festival featuring large-scale relief blocks printed on muslin fabric by a five-ton steamroller, carved by local artists and students, alongside food trucks, local art vendors, hands-on printing activities, and more, all supporting Oklahoma artists and rooted in the rich history of printmaking, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Apr. 22. Artspace at Untitled, 1 NE Third St., 405-815-9995, 1ne3.org. SAT, APR 22

Central Oklahoma Independent Bookstore Crawl join seven independent bookstores in central Oklahoma in a bookstore crawl where visitors can pick up passport books to get stamped at each location, and for every three stamps, they can enter a raffle to win a bundle of goodies donated by the stores, Apr. 29-30. Best of Books, 1313 E Danforth Road, Deer Clan Books, 3905 N. College Ave., ExcitedBull Books & Collections (Pop-up Shop), Saturday: 210 James Garner Ave. & Sunday: 222 S. Porter Ave., Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, Green Feather Book Company, 300 W. Gray St., Ste. 108, Speeding Bullet Comics, 614 N. Porter Ave, Literati Press Comics & Novels, 3010 Paseo St., 405-882-7032, fb.me/e/2MbA3ZPqz. SAT-SUN, APR 29-30 Image provided

teach family history and express cultural views though prints, glass, totem poles and more, through May 1. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum. org. SAT-TUE, THROUGH MAY 1

ARTini: 20th Anniversary a cocktail competition and fundraiser for Allied Arts with live entertainment and food from local restaurants, 1920s attire encouraged, 7-11 p.m., Apr. 21. Oklahoma City Convention Center, 100 Mick Cornett Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73109, 405.278.8944, alliedartsokc.com. FRI, APR 21

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. & 3 p.m., Apr. 29. Skeletons: Museum of Osteology, 10301 S. Sunnylane Road, 405814-0006, skeletonmuseum.com. SAT, APR 29

Draw Live Animals an outdoor workshop where participants can draw several different farm animals in graphite and pastels sketches, noon-2

Journey of Light an exhibit featuring photography by Yousef Khanfar showcasing various pieces from his different collections such as Landscape, Portraits, Jerusalem, and more, through Apr. 29. JRB Art at The Elms, 2810 N. Walker Ave., 405-528-6336, jrbartgallery. com. FRI-SAT, THROUGH APR 29

Magic, Not Quite Realism an exhibit featuring the paintings of Bert Seabourn and Connie Seabourn that portray “real” people, nature, mythology and animals in a fantasy setting with supernatural elements, through May 6. The Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave., 405-307-9320, pasnorman.org. SUN-SAT, THROUGH MAY 6

Make a Ceramic Pouring Vessel participants will create a ceramic vessel that can hold and pour all types of liquid, 6:30-9 p.m., Apr. 27. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-951-0000, oklahomacontemporary.org. THU, APR 27

Multiple Voices a metal sculpture involving tempered glass and “shelves” etched with blurred text, inspired by the Oklahoma Contemporary building created by Eva Schlegel, April 26-June 10.

Thundor: The Art of Chase Dryden an exhibit showcasing photographs of Chase Dryden’s and other painter’s body painting works on Thunder fan Garrett Haviland, better known as Thundor, through April 28. Firehouse Art Center, 444 S. Flood Ave., 405-329-4523, normanfirehouse.com. FRI, THROUGH APR 28

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

Out on the range

THE CANADIAN SUPERGROUP THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS TAKES TOWER THEATRE’S STAGE ON APRIL 26.

By Berlin Green

Recorded during the pandemic, The New Pornographers released their ninth album, Continue as a Guest, last month. A.C. Newman took time just before hitting the road to chat with Oklahoma Gazette about the ninth album and the road ahead.

OKG: We get to enjoy the first week of your tour. Are you guys practicing heavily, or do you prefer to work it out on the road?

A.C.: We all have to do a lot of homework. We basically have about three days where we just do nothing but practice all day long — which is probably more than we need — but there’s a lot of stuff we do to get ready. Basically, we have to learn how to play our record. At the beginning of a Pornographers album cycle, it’s like we’re learning to do a New Pornographers cover band. The things that are easy to do in the studio, then all of a sudden you’re like, “Okay, how are we going to do this live?” We do a lot of back and forth and work it out. I’m looking forward to it. It’s always been the nature of our band, even though it’s become my career, it’s always been kind of part-time. Maybe in my mind it’s a full time job because I’m always kind of working writing, but as a functioning unit that’s touring a lot, we’ve never toured a massive amount. So I look forward to seeing them like, “Oh, I haven’t seen my friends in a while.” We’re not the band that can’t stand each other. We’re not the band that all travels in separate buses. We’re still friends.

OKG: I take it you guys have a lot of fun being in close quarters for long periods of time.

A.C.: I mean, not necessarily fun. Just being in close quarters with anybody can drive you to madness, but they’re people we like, so that helps a lot. But yeah, it is weird. That’s the strange thing

about going on tour, especially when you’re going on a bus tour, it’s like all of a sudden, you leave your house, and you live in this tiny submarine with, like, nine roommates. It’s like, “‘Oh I haven’t done this in a while.’” Everybody’s sharing one little fridge.

OKG: What’s your favorite thing about being on the road?

A.C.: The shows are the reason you do it. It’s the two hours out of the 24 hours that are the reason you’re there. I always tell people touring is a strange thing because there’s hardly any in between. It’s either fun or it’s kind of a drag. In your life, sometimes you’re just cruising along at a medium tempo. You’re not having the best time but you just kind of in your day to day routine. But being on the road, it’s fun or it’s like, “Oh God, I don’t want to be here anymore.” At some point you’re like, “I don’t want to live in a bunk inside the submarine, but then you realize, no, this is fun.”

OKG: How long do you guys spend on your recording process?

A.C.: It’s always been a long process, but it’s not a 9-to-5 thing. Sometimes we’re just working, going through our lives and kind of working on music kind of part time. Like some somebody compared it once to working on an old car. You know, like somebody who has an old Mustang they just tinker on the weekends. And then a year or two later it’s like, my car is finished, it’s something like that. I envy the people who can just knock stuff out incredibly quickly, but I’m not one of them. I think there is some rock music that has just very simple immediacy. I don’t think Jack White toiled for six months on the record— I think he knocked it out pretty quickly. And you know, I wish I could be that person. But again, I’m not.

The New Pornographers. | Photo by Ebru Yildiz, provided

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

WEDNESDAY, APR. 19

Amarillo Junction, JJ’s Alley Bricktown Pub.

ROCK

Big Richard, The Blue Door. POP

Elizabeth Speegle, The Jones Assembly. JAZZ

Lucero/The Shackletons, Beer City Music Hall.

ALTERNATIVE

Trett Charles, River Spirit Casino Resort, Tulsa.

COUNTRY

The Wednesday Band, The Deli. COUNTRY

THURSDAY, APR. 20

49 Winchester, Beer City Music Hall. COUNTRY

Clayton Fike, The Jones Assembly. INDIE

Cody Canada & The Departed, Oklahoma Ranch. COUNTRY

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

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

Keathley and the Burning Bras, Ponyboy.

INDIE

Music Over Midtown, O Bar. VARIOUS

Shelly Phelps and The Storm, Bourbon Street Bar. BLUES

The Shiners, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES

Thursday Night Live Concert Series, American Solera Edmond. VARIOUS ARTISTS

The Venomous Pinks/The Killings/ Sedona Crystal Bitch, Blue Note. PUNK

The Wood Brothers, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. COUNTRY

FRIDAY, APR. 21

Arkansauce, Beer City Music Hall. AMERICANA

Cooper Alan, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. COUNTRY

Darius Rucker/Tyler Booth, River Spirit Casino Resort, Tulsa. SINGER/SONGWRITER

DJ Shaheed Ali, Fassler Hall. DJ

Edgar Cruz/Uncle Zep, UCO Jazz Lab. ACOUSTIC

Harpy Hour with Oklahannah, Ponyboy.

INSTRUMENTALIST

The Holy Ghost Tabernacle Choir/Tar Creek/Otis VCR/Field Dressed, The Sanctuary. METAL

Hypnagogue/Bird Drugs/Shameless Friend, Opolis. EXPERIMENTAL

Jesse Allen Band, Hollywood Corners. COUNTRY

Jessica Tate, The Deli. INSTRUMENTAL

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

McKee Brother Jazz Band, Bourbon Street Bar.

JAZZ

Mojo’s Blues Revue, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES

Randall King/Palmer Anthony/Joey Greer, Tumbleweed Dancehall & Concert Venue, Stillwater. COUNTRY

Randy Cassimus, Full Circle Bookstore.

ACOUSTIC

Robert Williams/Terry Ware/Gregg

Standridge/TZ Wright, The Blue Door. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

Scott Ryan & the Devilish Folk, Stonecloud Brewing Co. ALTERNATIVE Smells Like Nirvana, The Vanguard, Tulsa. TRIBUTE

Sports/Stalling, Resonant Head. INDIE POP

Stan Carrier, Angry Scotsman Brewing. ACOUSTIC

Stephen Salewon, The Jones Assembly. SINGER/SONGWRITER

Tejon Street Corner Thieves/Caught Stealing, Blue Note. FOLK

Touch of Sax, The Lounge at Johnnie’s. JAZZ

SATURDAY, APR. 22

1999 The Legacy of Prince, Diamond Ballroom. TRIBUTE

Bedlam Live Local Bands, Bedlam Bar-B-Q. VARIOUS

Big Bubble Rave, Tower Theatre. DANCE Blue Morrison/Rat Fink/Speak, Memory, 51st Street Speakeasy. ROCK

BLY, VZD’s Restaurant & Bar. POP

Brady Stetson Band, Hollywood Corners. ROCK Breland, Paycom Center. HIP-HOP

Dance Party, Ponyboy. DANCE

Devin The Dude/Jabee/Wavy Baby/

Doughboy Dev, Beer City Music Hall.HIP-HOP

Icon For Hire/Hooked Like Helen, 89th Street—OKC. ROCK

Jessica Tate, UCO Jazz Lab. JAZZ

K.C. Clifford, The Blue Door. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

Live Jazz!, Hefner Grill. JAZZ

Luna Luna/Mad Honey, Resonant Head. POP

McKee Brother Jazz Band, Bourbon Street Bar. JAZZ

Merry Walkers/Freak Juice, Blue Note. ROCK

Mojo’s Blues Revue, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES

My So Called Band, The Vanguard, Tulsa. COVER

Owen Pickard/Tammy Lee/Sophia Massad/

Jake Simpson/The Bottom of the Barrel, Rodeo Opry. COUNTRY

Walker Hayes, Paycom Center. COUNTRY

Waxie Dargles, Angry Scotsman Brewing. CELTIC

SUNDAY, APR. 23

The Arcadian Wild, Ponyboy. INDIE FOLK

Molchat Doma, Tower Theatre. PUNK No Whiners Aloud, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES

Tin Can Gramophone/Hosty, The Deli. FOLK

Women of Woodyfest, The Blue Door. COUNTRY

MONDAY, APR. 24

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

Shinedown/Three Days Grace/From Ashes to New, BOK Center, Tulsa. ROCK

TUESDAY, APR. 25

August Burns Red, Diamond Ballroom. METAL

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

Caleb McGee, The Deli. BLUES

DJ Tangerine, Fassler Hall. DJ

G4 Guitar Student Concert, Tower Theatre. COVER

The Goddam Gallows/IV and the Strange Band, The Vanguard, Tulsa. ROCK

Just Chels, The Jones Assembly. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

WEDNESDAY, APR. 26

Amarillo Junction, JJ’s Alley Bricktown Pub. ROCK

Blues Traveler, The Jones Assembly. BLUES

Edgar Cruz and Friends, Broke Brewing Company. ACOUSTIC

Sunset Patio Bar Karaoke Night, Sunset Patio. KARAOKE

Moe., Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. ROCK

Social Cinema, The Vanguard, Tulsa. ALTERNATIVE

Steaksauce Mustache/Koningsor/The Motion Mosaic, 89th Street—OKC. METAL

Trett Charles, River Spirit Casino Resort, Tulsa. COUNTRY

Tyler Lee Band, Hollywood Corners. ROCK

The Wednesday Band, The Deli. COUNTRY Winterforever/Cicadia/Terrible Thieves, The Sanctuary. ALTERNATIVE

THURSDAY, APR. 27

Demon Hunter, Diamond Ballroom. METAL Jabee/Sarafina Byrd Band/Wavy Baby/APOC, Blue Note. HIP-HOP

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

Music Over Midtown, O Bar. VARIOUS

Shelly Phelps and The Storm, Bourbon Street Bar. BLUES

Shinyribs, Beer City Music Hall. SWAMPY-FUNK

Snail Mail, The Jones Assembly. ALTERNATIVE

The Shiners, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES

Emo Nite, Tower Theatre. DANCE

Eureka Strings/Bottom of the Barrel, Beer City Music Hall. FOLK

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

Kennedy Fine, Full Circle Bookstore. SINGER/SONGWRITER

Kopps, The Vanguard, Tulsa. ALTERNATIVE

Mojo’s Blues Revue, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES

The Old Friends Acoustic Tour Starring Ben Rector, The Tulsa Theater, Tulsa. ACOUSTIC Spring Fling featuring Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road, UCO Jazz Lab. COUNTRY Tanner Fields, The Jones Assembly. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

Touch of Sax, The Lounge at Johnnie’s. JAZZ

SATURDAY, APR. 29

Bedlam Live Local Bands, Bedlam Bar-B-Q. VARIOUS

Catherine Fuller, Full Circle Bookstore. ACOUSTIC

Cheap Trick, First Council Casino, Newkirk. ROCK

The Experience: Original Flow/The Waves/ The Confused/W3sst and M’F Band/Emani, Blue Note. HIP-HOP Foreigner, Grand Casino Hotel & Resort, Shawnee. ROCK

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

Kenny Pitts, Skydance Brewing Co. ACOUSTIC Kumarion/Smoakland, The Vanguard, Tulsa. ELECTRONIC

Lisa Morales, The Blue Door. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

Live Jazz!, Hefner Grill. JAZZ

McKee Brother Jazz Band, Bourbon Street Bar. JAZZ

Mojo’s Blues Revue, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES

The Red Clay Strays, Beer City Music Hall. ROCK Speakeasy 90s-00s Nostalgia Dance Party, 51st Street Speakeasy. DANCE

Virgins/Primitive Rage/Since My Beloved/ Turfburner/Bashed In/Caustic, The Sanctuary. PUNK

SUNDAY, APR. 30

Blackberry Smoke, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. ROCK Gojira/Mastodon, The Zoo Amphitheatre. METAL

The Kid LAROI, Paycom Center. RAP Lannds/Bronte, Resonant Head. POP

Live Jazz!, Hefner Grill. JAZZ

Nathan Kress, Core4 Brewing. INDIE ROCK No Whiners Aloud, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES Tin Can Gramophone/Hosty, The Deli. FOLK

MONDAY, MAY. 1

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

Damien Jurado, The Vanguard, Tulsa. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

Escape From The Zoo/Doom Scroll, 89th Street—OKC. ALTERNATIVE

TUESDAY, MAY. 2

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

Caleb McGee, The Deli. BLUES

Flagman, The Vanguard, Tulsa. METAL Shakey Graves, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. AMERICANA

The Aquadolls an indie rock band from California known for their upbeat and catchy tunes mixed with surf punk and garage rock elements with lyrics that explore youth culture and personal empowerment. Check out this trio of ladies 7 p.m., April 30 at Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW 2nd St, 405-896-8716, beercitymusichall.com. SUN, APR 30

Thursday Night Live Concert Series, American Solera Edmond. VARIOUS ARTISTS

Ward Davis, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. COUNTRY Yacht Rock Revue, Tower Theatre. COVER

FRIDAY, APR. 28

Chad Todd Band, Hollywood Corners. COUNTRY

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. GO TO OKGAZETTE.COM FOR FULL LISTINGS!

Photo by Jenna Houchin / provided

WEEK OF APRIL 20

Homework: Make a guess about when you will fulfill your number one goal. Newsletter. FreeWillAstrology.com

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

In English, the phrase “growing pains” refers to stresses that emerge during times of rapid ripening or vigorous development. Although they might feel uncomfortable, they are often signs that the ongoing transformations are invigorating. Any project that doesn’t have at least some growing pains may lack ambition. If we hope to transcend our previous limits and become a more complete expression of our destiny, we must stretch ourselves in ways that inconvenience our old selves. I’m expecting growing pains to be one of your key motifs in the coming weeks, dear Aries. It’s important that you don’t try to repress the discomfort. On the other hand, it’s also crucial not to obsess over them. Keep a clear vision of what these sacrifices will make possible for you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Satirical Taurus author Karl Kraus defined “sentimental irony” as “a dog that bays at the moon while pissing on graves.” Please avoid that decadent emotion in the coming weeks, Taurus. You will also be wise to reject any other useless or counterproductive feelings that rise up within you or hurtle toward you from other people, like “clever cruelty” or “noble self-pity” or “sweet revenge.” In fact, I hope you will be rigorous about what moods you feed and what influences you allow into your sphere. You have a right and a duty to be highly discerning about shaping both your inner and outer environments. Renewal time is imminent.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

In his poem “October Fullness,” Pablo Neruda says, “Our own wounds heal with weeping, / Our own wounds heal with singing.” I agree. I believe that weeping and singing are two effective ways to recover from emotional pain and distress. The more weeping and singing we do, the better. I especially recommend these therapeutic actions to you now, Gemini. You are in a phase when you can

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

accomplish far more curative and restorative transformations than usual.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

After careful analysis of the astrological omens and a deep-diving meditation, I have concluded that the coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to indulge in an unprecedented binge of convivial revelry and pleasure. My advice is to engage in as much feasting and carousing as you can without completely ignoring your responsibilities. I know this may sound extreme, but I am inviting you to have more fun than you have ever had—even more fun than you imagine you deserve. (You do deserve it, though.) I hope you will break all your previous records for frequency and intensity of laughter.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

In 1886, Vincent van Gogh bought a pair of worn-out shoes at a Paris flea market. When he got home, he realized they didn’t fit. Rather than discard them, he made them the centerpiece of one of his paintings. Eventually, they became famous. In 2009, a renowned gallery in Cologne, Germany, built an entire exhibit around the scruffy brown leather shoes. In the course of their celebrated career, six major philosophers and art historians have written about them as if they were potent symbols worthy of profound consideration. I propose that we regard their history as an inspirational metaphor for you in the coming weeks. What humble influence might be ready for evocative consideration and inspirational use?

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Gliding away from the routine for rendezvous with fun riddles? I approve! Delivering your gorgeous self into the vicinity of a possibly righteous temptation? OK. But go slowly, please. Size up the situation with your gut intuition and long-range vision as well as your itchy fervor. In general, I am pleased with your willingness to slip outside your comfortable enclaves and play freely in the frontier zones. It makes me happy to see you experimenting with AHA and WHAT-IF and MAYBE BABY. I hope you summon the chutzpah to find and reveal veiled parts of your authentic self.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

The German word Sehnsucht refers to when we have a profound, poignant yearning for something, but we quite don’t know what that something is. I suspect you may soon be in the grip of your personal Sehnsucht. But I also believe you are close to identifying an experience that will quench the seemingly impossible longing. You will either discover a novel source of deep gratification, or you will be able to transform an existing gratification to accommodate your Sehnsucht. Sounds like spectacular fun to me. Clear some space in your schedule to welcome it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Most of us have at some time in the past been mean and cruel to people we loved. We acted unconsciously or unintentionally, perhaps, but the bottom line is that we caused pain. The coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to atone for any such hurts you have dispensed. I encourage you to be creative as you offer healing and correction for any mistakes you’ve made with important allies. I’m not necessarily suggesting you try to resume your bond with ex-lovers and former friends. The goal is to purge your iffy karma and graduate from the past. Perform whatever magic you have at your disposal to transform suffering with love.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

The blues singer-songwriter B. B. King wasn’t always known by that name. He was born Riley B. King. In his twenties, when he began working at a Memphis radio station, he acquired the nickname “Beales Street Blues Boy.” Later, that was shortened to “Blues Boy,” and eventually to “B. B.” In the spirit of B. B. King’s evolution and in accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to identify areas of your life with cumbersome or unnecessary complexities that might benefit from simplification.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Proboscis monkeys live in Borneo and nowhere else on earth. Their diet consists largely of fruits and leaves from trees that grow only on Borneo and nowhere else. I propose we make them your anti-role model in the coming months. In my astrological opinion, you need

to diversify your sources of nourishment, both the literal and metaphorical varieties. You will also be wise to draw influences from a wide variety of humans and experiences. I further suggest that you expand your financial life so you have multiple sources of income and diversified investments.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

It’s challenging to track down the sources of quotes on the Internet. Today, for instance, I found these words attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Plato: “I enjoy the simple things in life, like recklessly spending my cash and being a disappointment to my family.” That can’t be right. I’m sure Plato didn’t actually say such things. Elsewhere, I came upon a review of George Orwell’s book *Animal Farm* that was supposedly penned by pop star Taylor Swift: “Not a very good instructional guide on farming. Would NOT recommend to first-time farmers.” Again, I’m sure that wasn’t written by Swift. I bring this up, Aquarius, because one of your crucial tasks these days is to be dogged and discerning as you track down the true origins of things. Not just Internet quotes, but everything else, as well—including rumors, theories, and evidence. Go to the source, the roots, the foundations.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

In accordance with astrological omens, I’m turning over this horoscope to Piscean teacher Esther Hicks. Here are affirmations she advises you to embody: “I’m going to be happy. I’m going to skip and dance. I will be glad. I will smile a lot. I will be easy. I will count my blessings. I will look for reasons to feel good. I will dig up positive things from the past. I will look for positive things where I am right now. I will look for positive things in the future. It is my natural state to be a happy person. It’s natural for me to love and laugh. I am a happy person!”

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.

Heat and Frost Insulators Apprenticeship

The Heat and Frost Insulators

Joint Apprenticeship Committee is seeking applicants, male and female, for apprenticeship training in the commercial and industrial insulation trade. The JAC anticipates selecting up to 10 or more apprentices this year.

Note: Apprentices receive training in commercial insulation, industrial and process plant insulation, refrigeration and low temperature insulation and prefabrication of fittings, head covers and related work.

Applications may be picked up at the Heat & Frost Insulators Local #94 union office, 716 SE 79th St, OKC, OK, Mon –Fri 9:00am-4:00pm, on May 1st– May 12th, 2023 and must be returned no later than May 31st, 2023. Applicants will be selected based on highest qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex or national origin. The Contractors party to the Heat & Frost Insulators Workers’ JAC Agreement are Equal Opportunity Employers. Please call 405-632-6767 for additional information.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Age of 18 years or over

• High School Graduate or GED (High School transcript required and proof of GED, if applicable)

• U.S. Citizen or legal resident alien (Documentation required)

• A Valid Driver’s License

• Physical exam & drug test will be required prior to indenturement

NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE | ARTISTIC DIFFERENCES

By Jeremy Newton and Tracy Gray | Puzzles

Edited by Will Shortz | 0409

Jeremy Newton, of Austin, Texas, is an engineering manager for a mobile-games company. Tracy Gray, of Hunt Valley, Md., owns and operates a lawn-and-landscaping business with her husband. They initially connected via Facebook. They shared the work of making this puzzle throughout, even in the end splitting the duty of writing the clues Ñ one of them the Acrosses and the other the Downs. —W.S.

124 Apt word spelled by the new letters that alter this puzzle’s seven works

DOWN

1 “Yippee!”

2 Touch up, as text

3 Bottom of the Thames?

4 Cowlick concealer

5 Rocky Mountain state: Abbr.

6 Flag carrier in the Mediterranean

9 Crop up 10 Enjoy more than one’s fair share

11 Focusing issue, in brief

SUDOKU MEDIUM | N° 9889

Fill in the grid so that every row, column and 3-by-3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9. www.printmysudoku.com

NEW

YORK TIMES

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Puzzle No. 0326 which appeared in the April 5 issue.

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