Oklahoma Gazette 1-28-15

FREE EVERY WEDNESDAY METRO OKC’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLY VOL. XXXVII NO. 4 JANUARY 28, 2015

L E G I S L AT I V E P R E V I E W PAGES 4, 6, 8, 14

FOOD: VICEROY GRILLE INDULGES GUESTS WITH FINE FOOD, SERVICE P.20 ARTS: ARTIST MATT GOAD LAUNCHES MONKEY DO ON THURSDAY P.28

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1/23/15 2:12 PM

CONTENTS 23

6

ON THE COVER Oklahoma Gazette’s legislative preview examines our capitol’s dysfunctional partisanship, 10 bills you need to know about and the city’s hopes for this year’s session. We’ve talked to Sen. David Holt, former senator and OKC mayoral candidate Joe Dorman (who also is pictured on the cover in a hoodie) and more. P. 4, 6, 8, 14.

— Jennifer Chancellor, editor-in-chief

NEWS

40

26

LIFE

LIFE

4

Cover: political culture

16

OKG picks

6

Cover: 10 legislative issues

23

8

Cover: Oklahoma City agenda

Food & Drink: Viceroy Grille, food briefs, OKG eat: Capitol Hill

26

Youth: Oklahoma Youth Poet Laureate

9

Community: Impact Awards

10

Metro briefs

27

Community: Awesome Foundation

12

Chicken-Fried News

28

14

Commentary

Visual Arts: Monkey Do, Tony Trammell, Dialogue Institute

31

Performing Arts: Varekai, Pageant: A Musical Comedy Beauty Contest, Wonderland Asylum

14

Letters

33

Books: Soul of Society: A Focus on the Lives of Children and Youth

34

Sudoku / Crossword

36

Active: CrossFit

37

Music: Music Made Me: Taylor Vinson, Shovels & Rope, event listings, Kongos

41

Astrology

42

Classifieds

MISSION STATEMENT Oklahoma Gazette’s mission is to stimulate, examine and inform the public on local quality of life issues and social needs, to recognize community accomplishments, and to provide a forum for inspiration, participation and interaction across all media.

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NEWS COVER

Partisan culture

Term limits, media coverage and low voter turnout might all contribute to our state’s growing political dysfunction.

Joe Dorman

aim at the Guy Fawkes masks that were used as part of the Occupy movement, and hoodies, which became powerful symbols after the death of Trayvon Martin and as part of the Black Lives Matter movement,” Oklahoma Rev. Jesse Jackson (unrelated to the civil rights activist) told Religion News Service.

Media outlets run with these types of stories. However, our state also faces serious issues in this session. A projected $300 million budget shortfall, low academic performance, teacher shortages, poor health outcomes and dozens more challenges will require much of the Legislature’s attention.

The Legislature’s critics point to

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David Holt

the proclivity to hyper focus on trivial legislation as one example of how our lawmakers are headed in the wrong direction. Then again, maybe the problem is the media attention frivolous bills receive compared to ones dealing with more mundane — but more critical — matters. “[The media] used to be the referees and educators of the issues and breaking down the walls and spin,” wrote Daily Kos in a post on the media’s role in political dysfunction. “[Now] they fill their time with ginning up something called resentment politics to keep people coming back.”

In a highly competitive media

MARK H ANCOCK / FILE

Oklahoma State Capitol Building

MARK H ANCOCK

Joe Dorman “loved every minute” of his time in the Oklahoma Legislature, but he admits he will enjoy 2015 as he finds himself outside of public service for the first time in 20 years.

“I think I have an opportunity to reflect and rest,” said Dorman just a few months after terming out of his House role and losing his state governor run.

Dorman’s two decades of work inside Oklahoma’s political machine proved to him it’s more dysfunctional in recent years than ever before.

“Term limits have dumbed down the process,” Dorman said. “You do not see [as many] legislators that understand the job responsibilities and really what they should be doing as a legislator.”

That doesn’t mean Dorman is against restricting years of statehouse service. He credits the 24-hour media cycle and an explosion of campaign funding for heightening partisanship and aiding our Legislature’s transition into a “dysfunctional body.”

Examples of Oklahoma’s legislative dysfunction are sometimes best found early in the session. Hundreds of bills and joint House and Senate proposals are pitched by 149 lawmakers from across the political spectrum.

This year’s oddest legislation contender might be the “hoodie bill,” which, if passed, could immediately outlaw the use of hooded clothing to conceal one’s identity. However, it’s debatable whether Senate Bill 13 would specifically ban hooded sweatshirts. The bill’s author says it won’t. The legislation is one of several legislative proposals in recent years to earn national media scrutiny, including one push to ban fetuseating and another to allow students to form food into gunlike shapes.

“The new year brought a new Legislature in Oklahoma, and it’s wasting no time destroying what’s left of civil liberties in the deep-red state,” wrote Mark Joseph Stern of the proposed hoodie bill in a Jan. 12 Slate.com column.

Dorman said he believes Sen. Don Barrington filed the bill because protesters wore masks last year at the capitol, which made some lawmakers uncomfortable. Several area pastors protested the bill by wearing hoodies in their pulpits.

“The bill, as written, takes direct

GARRET F I S BEC K

BY BEN FELDER

landscape, stories on outlawing hoodies might be easier to attract readers and viewers with than reports on budgetary items and health standards.

An “Oklahoma hoodie bill” Google search found over 56,000 results. A search for “Oklahoma budget shortfall” yielded almost 3,000 results.

With its coverage of heavily partisan politics, the media also might exacerbate the public’s hunger for political showmanship. Last year, Pew Research Center reported that America is more partisan than ever before.

“The share of Americans who express consistently conservative or consistently liberal opinions has doubled over the past two decades, from 10 percent to 21 percent,” said Carroll Doherty, director of political research at Pew. “As a result, the amount of ideological overlap between the two parties has diminished.”

While lawmakers and media deserve blame for dysfunctional lawmaking, so do voters, and there are fewer than there used to be.

“Oklahomans are patriotic, but our voting record is undermining that reputation,” said Sen. David Holt, R-Oklahoma City, who has proposed a series of bills to help increase voter turnout. “Our plunging levels of civic participation are reaching crisis levels.”

Some of Holt’s bills would allow for mail voting, consolidating local races into fall and spring dates and providing online voter registration.

More than 70 percent of Oklahoma’s eligible voters participated in the 1992 presidential election. Twenty years later, turnout dropped to 52 percent. Onethird of eligible Oklahomans are not registered to vote.

Lawmaker turnover, a salacious media culture and low voter turnout combine to challenge our state’s political culture.

But for those who devote their lives to public service, there is hope for positive change.

“It’s a tough time right now, but I think there are ways for us to move forward,” Dorman said. “It’s grown more dysfunctional as time has gone by, and it’s not because of the political party changes. The duplication of the attitude that we see in Washington, D.C., is to blame, but I think more people are growing tired of that culture.

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NEWS COVER

Top 10

We look at important issues facing our city and state as the Oklahoma Legislature readies to convene.

BY BEN FELDER

M A RK HA N COC K / FI LE

Keeping tabs on everything during a legislative session is a difficult task, even for lawmakers at our state capitol.

However, with another session set to reconvene Monday, Oklahoma Gazette examined 10 issues that could be important in coming months.

Oil incentives

Last year, lawmakers made many drilling incentives permanent. As our state faces a projected $300 million shortfall, it is worth noting that oil and gas industry tax incentives last year topped $500 million, according to the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

“If this production were taxed at the standard 7 percent rate [rather than the set 1 percent rate], the state would collect an additional $379 million from horizontal wells and an additional $9.7 million from deep wells,” reported Oklahoma Policy Institute.

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Teacher raises

You won’t find many who believe our teachers don’t deserve a raise. But you won’t find agreement on how to do that or much confidence from state leaders that enough money will be available in the next budget to make it happen either.

Oklahoma’s Senate president has said he wants to see teacher salaries increase, and Gov. Mary Fallin has expressed support for paying teachers more.

But any talk about boosting teacher pay is followed with talk about an expected budget shortfall and limited funds.

Rep. Randy Grau, R-OKC, filed legislation (House Joint Resolution 1001) to restrict policy legislation creation to every other year. It also gained support from high-ranking state leaders. “[A] benefit of the change would be a reduction in the number of new laws passed,” Grau said. “Considering policy changes every other year will help ensure that legislators focus on what is most important to Oklahomans.”

Grau’s proposal would still include yearly budget votes.

Prison reform

Sean Wallace of Oklahoma Corrections Professionals believes our prison system needs to change.

After last year’s failed attempt to pass legislation to adjust time served requirements to ease overcrowding, Wallace said 2015 correctional reform will also be difficult.

“It takes one legislator to say, ‘This is a soft-on-crime bill’ or ‘You’re letting monsters out early,’ and everyone I talked to who said they supported it ... hits the no button,” he said about legislation that alters punishment or time served.

With state prison capacity over 119 percent and staffing levels under

PROVID ED

Session schedule change

BEN FELD ER / FILE

focusok.com/tax-loan

“It’s going to be a tough budget year,” Fallin told educators at a conference this month. “It is what it is.”

Starting teacher pay is $31,600 with the minimum in the Oklahoma City Public School District just a few thousand dollars higher. The average teacher salary in the state makes us the third-lowest in the nation and several thousand below averages in neighboring states like Texas and Colorado, which are regularly blamed for luring teachers away from Oklahoma.

Teachers helped draw attention to several education issues last year with a rally that brought 25,000 to the capitol. This year, Oklahoma ParentTeacher Association President Jeffery Corbett wants to double attendance at a planned March 30 rally.

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Hold the phone

M A RK HA N COC K / FI LE

Several bills aim to outlaw texting while driving, and others would ban the use of any handheld device to make phone calls while driving. Forty-four states have texting-while-driving bans, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

No marriage

LGBT protections

On the other side of the gay rights argument, Rep. Jason Dunnington, D-OKC, filed legislation to protect employees from sexuality-based discrimination, a protection not currently offered. Approximately 62,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender workers here are now vulnerable, according to a new report from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law’s Williams Institute. Now, seven Oklahoma cities have ordinances prohibiting discrimination in public sector employment, the report showed, but they do not include gender identity or private sector employment.

Charter schools

There are several proposed bills regarding charter schools.

One would give our state’s largest cities the chance to sponsor their own schools.

“Look at how the [OKC] mayor and council are constantly being told we need more John Rex schools,” Sen. David Holt, R-OKC, said about the new downtown charter school. “But the mayor’s and council’s hands are tied

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Guns, guns, guns

Several bills filed this session would expand gun rights, including legalizing the right to carry a handgun on school property (HB 1143, HB 1265), allowing gun license holders to carry inside the Oklahoma capitol (HB 1324) and allowing Oklahoma-based gun manufacturers to be free of federal regulation and oversight (SB 10). There are at least 32 bills that deal with expanding firearm rights.

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Same-sex marriage is now law here, and many legal experts believe the U.S. Supreme Court will make it a nationwide right sometime this year.

However, many state lawmakers continue to fight against it. Rep. Todd Russ, R-Cordell, makes another effort by proposing a bill to do away with all state-issued marriage licenses.

“There’s a lot of constituents and people across the state who are not through pushing back on the federal government for the slam-down they’ve given us with Supreme Court rulings,” he said, referring to same-sex marriage rulings across the country.

HERE’S A SMALL SAMPLE OF WHAT WE HAVE

because they are not a school district.”

Holt filed legislation (Senate Bill 68) that seeks to give our two largest cities — OKC and Tulsa — the ability to sponsor charter schools. While Holt said this does not represent a request from City Hall, he believes expanding opportunities for charter schools is good, especially in urban communities.

“I want to see more school options for parents,” he said.

While they are often created in urban centers, another proposed bill would expand availability of charter schools to rural and suburban areas.

Sen. Kyle Loveless, R-Mustang, filed Senate Bill 171, which would remove population minimums in counties where charter schools can be located.

M A RK HA N COC K / FI LE

60 percent, Speaker of the House Jeff Hickman said we must do something this year but acknowledged there are no additional funds to work with.

Indian center

Oklahoma spent $90 million on the still-unfinished American Indian Cultural Center and Museum in OKC, but some lawmakers want $40 million to complete it. There appears to be an agreement split between our House and Senate.

“I think we need to find a way to complete the project,” Sen. Patrick Anderson, R-Enid, told Community Newspaper Holdings Inc. this month.

“I think if the state wants to finish the project, we’ve got to make some tough choices to do so. We need to have an honest discussion of how we’re going to pay for that museum to be completed and what we aren’t going to pay for if we complete it.”

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NEWS COVER

City agenda Local leadership focuses on several state and federal issues, from transit funding to sales tax exemptions.

This year, Oklahoma City has dozens of policy interests it wants to advance at both state and federal levels, including funding the completion of a Native American museum, increasing transit funding and allowing the city to collect sales tax on Internet sales.

“The American Indian Cultural Center [and Museum] has got to be resolved,” said Jane Abraham, the City of Oklahoma City’s community and government affairs manager.

Since 2012, the unfinished museum has sat dormant as state lawmakers debate over where to find the additional $40 million needed to complete it.

Some legislators proposed letting the city complete the project, but the city’s position is that it’s the state’s responsibility, Abraham said, especially after its donation of the land for the museum and investments made along the river where it’s located.

“There were a lot of promises that the city has kept as part of that project, including putting water in the river, which has made that area around the [museum] attractive for development,” Abraham said. “The way that it is sitting out there now, it is costing the state money and it’s not generating any revenue.”

Another City Hall priority at the state capitol is to increase public transportation funding. Since 2006, annual state transit allocations have stalled at $5.75 million, while highway and bridge funding grew by $132 million.

“It’s important for us but also a real challenge when you look at the state budget situation they are facing,” Abraham said. “They used a lot of onetime money last year that they are going to have to try and figure out where to get it this year.”

At the federal level, one City Hall priority is enactment of the Main Street Fairness Act and Marketplace Equity legislation.

“Municipalities and states have taxes due to them from Internet sales, and we are unable to collect them, and Congress has the ability to close that loophole,” Mayor Mick Cornett said about the act during an appearance last week on Bloomberg TV. The city estimates it loses between $15 and $18 million in tax revenue from Internet sales, and it hopes the U.S. House will pass the act that

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PHOTOS BY M A RK HA N COC K / FI LE

BY BEN FELDER

Jane Abraham

Mick Cornett

David Greenwell

ISSUES TO WATCH STATE

Local control: The City of Oklahoma City promotes the ability of cities, especially the state’s two largest, to maintain local control over many issues. Last year, the state stripped our city’s ability to create a vacant property database and increase its minimum wage.

Sales tax monitoring: A continuing priority for the city is to monitor state efforts to create more sales tax exemptions. Ideas include removing sales tax on some items, such as groceries, which would cost the city $35 million in annual revenue.

Utility bill liens: OKC supports changes to a state statute so the city can collect overdue utility bills on property when it is sold. Many other states provide cities the opportunity to collect delinquent utility payments through liens.

FEDERAL Tinker: Tinker Air Force Base has been in OKC since 1941. It employs more than 27,000 people, making it a critical part of the local economy. With automatic spending cuts in place to the national defense program, city officials are reviewing those cuts and their impact on Tinker.

Air operations: Will Rogers World Airport and Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (an FAA Regional Office) employ more than 12,000 people. City leadership urged Congress to continue its support for both air transportation services and OKC FAA operations.

Tax-free bonds: City leaders support retention of tax-free municipal bonds, which saved the city nearly $9 million in 2012.

cleared the Senate.

OKC also hopes Congress enacts a long-term transportation-funding plan to send cities more money for public transit needs. OKC’s transit system reports 30 percent of its buses exceed use limits and need to be replaced.

In the same Bloomberg TV interview, Cornett expressed little confidence in the federal government’s ability to move on key issues like transportation and infrastructure funding.

“I think what mayors want right now is action out of Washington, and what I saw [in the State of the Union] was another partisan pep rally,” Cornett said.

Back at the state level, the city attempted to better connect with dozens of lawmakers who represent portions of the city. As many as 44 state senators and representatives have districts within OKC city limits, including several new legislators.

The city created a map showing Senate and House boundaries inside city limits and encouraged Oklahoma City Council members to reach out to those who are in their wards.

“It’s a very diverse group,” Ward 4 Councilman Pete White said about OKC legislators. “This year, we put together a special effort of talking to legislators. You do get this kind of feeling that when [the council] personally sends a note, makes a phone call or sends an email ... It’s a good deal for us.”

This year, a different lobbying firm represents the city. The council approved a contract with The Taylor Group last year.

“We are working very hard to try and develop relationships with the new legislators that are coming in because there are a lot of new faces,” Abraham said. “So much of the success at the capitol is personal relationships, and we are trying to develop it. With a lot of new members, they may not know a lot about how cities are run, and we want to help them understand.”

Abraham also stressed the City of Oklahoma City is a nonpartisan organization and that many of its issues are not associated with political party platforms.

“We work with whoever is interested in listening to us, and we work with both Democrats and Republicans,” she said.

NEWS COMMUNITY

M A RK HA N COC K

Tops A ULI awards event highlights OKC redevelopment projects.

BY KORY B. OSWALD

The Oklahoma District Council of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) recently honored a handful of renovation and redevelopment projects that benefit Oklahoma City at its inaugural Impact Awards.

The awards are an extension of ULI’s mission to promote and perpetuate land use, development and discussion both big and small.

The awards celebrated six categories of development that occurred across the metro area over the past two years.

One project from each category won a trophy for its efforts.

Awards also were given to two projects that occurred within the past five years.

The first award given was to Open Streets OKC for Best Public Initiative. Open Streets OKC is a government-sponsored project that enhances public engagement and allows strangers and friends alike to meet in a neighborly, exercise-friendly public space, said Leslie Batchelor and Michael Laird, who handed out the award.

H&8th Night Market, located at the intersection of Eighth Street and Hudson Avenue, won ULI’s Best Community Building Effort award.

The local festival steadily increased its attendance throughout 2014. It launched its season with around 2,500 visitors a month and more than tripled it to 8,500 by July.

The award for Best Small Scale Infill Development went to Hunter Wheat for his project The Bleu Garten, OKC’s first food truck park.

It’s is located in the heart of Midtown and features a bar, restrooms, seating, a fire pit and entertainment, along with a rotating assortment of food vendors that come and go on a daily basis.

The Best Large Scale Infill Development Award, given for a project ranging from 50,000

to 300,00 square feet, was taken home by The Edge at Midtown, 1325 N. Walker Ave. The Edge is a 470,000-square-foot, four- and fivestory, 252-unit apartment complex with OKC’s first rooftop dog park and outdoor community space. It also includes a tanning pool, fireplace and outdoor kitchen. The development will include street-level retail. It had an investment amount of $38 million.

430 Lofts, 2721 North Walker Ave., took home an award for Best Small Scale Redevelopment.

Formerly an office building built in 1955, the space was redeveloped by Fitzsimmons Architects and Midtown Renaissance to house 26 rental units.

The Best Large Scale Redevelopment Award went to the Packard/Guardian/Park Place building located in Midtown, which houses businesses, restaurants, apartments and community space.

Midtown Renaissance redeveloped the 84,600-square-foot building in 2014. It was built in 1925.

Distinguished merit awards went to 7 Degrees (Spencer Residence) and 1212 N. Walker for work done in the last five years.

Wesley Anderson hosted the awards ceremony. He navigated through technical difficulties with grace and hilarity in front of approximately 200 people. Blair Humphreys opened the event with a special thanks to its sponsors, which included St. Anthony Hospital and Lingo Construction. “[St. Anthony] is allowing us to take development issues, take development practices to a whole other level with the first annual ULI Awards,” Humphreys said.

The event was highlighted by video presentations for each category.

The videos illustrated nominee accomplishments before each winner was announced.

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Education deficit Oklahoma has the fourth highest student poverty rate in the nation.

BY BEN FELDER

Institute of Oklahoma’s luncheon last week. “Unfortunately, we are one of the worst performing states educationally in the United States of America.”

Low educational outcomes and poverty appear to be linked, Smith said.

“This is something that should involve all of us,” he said. “I don’t believe we understand how dire the straits really are, and I certainly don’t think we do a good job of helping [citizens] understand the data.”

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For the majority of Oklahoma children, paying attention in class competes with thoughts about their next meal, faded clothes or whether a parent will be at home after school.

That’s because the majority of Oklahoma children in public schools lack economic stability. In fact, the state’s 61 percent student poverty rate — based on students who qualify for free or reduced lunch — is the fourth highest in the nation.

“You think a kid who is hungry is really thinking about [increasing] that GPA so they can make it to college?” said Kent Smith, president of Langston University. “It doesn’t work that way.”

One of the biggest challenges to education in Oklahoma is the fact that most kids come from poor homes, and that’s not a problem easily addressed within the education establishment.

“Oklahoma doesn’t have an education problem; it has a poverty problem,” said Union Public Schools Superintendent Kirt Hartzler.

While Oklahoma has one of the highest student poverty rates, the national average is now at a point where more American students live in poverty than those who don’t, according to the Southern Education Foundation (SEF).

A recent SEF report shows 51 percent of American students live in poverty.

“Without improving the educational support that the nation provides its low-income students —

students with the largest needs and usually with the least support — the trends of the last decade will be prologue for a nation not at risk, but a nation in decline,” said SEF Vice President Steve Suitts in a statement about the report.

Poverty is a challenge for schools primarily because it means a great teacher and a great school might not be enough to help a student from a not-so-great economic or home environment.

In Oklahoma City Public Schools, 90 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced lunches. While the district offers some programs for all students — like free meals — the high poverty rate demonstrates a need for solutions that go beyond classrooms.

Oklahoma’s high rate can be easy to overlook when glancing at other state economic data. An unemployment rate below 5 percent, a payroll growth rate more than double the national average and a booming energy industry provide the state with the kind of statistics chambers love. But these numbers don’t tell the whole story, and the city and statewide student statistics show a generation in poverty.

“Most people will talk about how great our low unemployment rate is in Oklahoma, but what most people don’t talk about is how many people are underemployed,” said Smith, who discussed education in Oklahoma as the keynote speaker at Dialogue

Oklahoma City Public Schools plans to spend $27 million to equip 25 new school gymnasiums as safe rooms, but some Oklahoma City Council members expressed interest in removing the requirement.

“I bet we can fix that,” Ward 4 Councilman Pete White told school officials in a meeting last week about city a requirement that school construction projects include safe rooms.

White, who represented the city at a joint education task force meeting with the school district, and Ward 8 Councilman Pat Ryan said they considered lifting the mandate to free up money for other projects, such as expanding southside facilities to help alleviate overcrowding.

The school district is building new gyms at 46 schools with funds from the 2007 bond. Twenty-one gyms were completed before last year’s storm shelter ordinance was passed. With 25 gyms left to build, district officials said it would cost over $1 million extra per gym to meet the safe room mandate.

However, even if it got permission from the city, the district might not choose to change its plans.

“We’ve got to build safe rooms,” Superintendent Robert Neu said at last week’s meeting. “It’s not an option.”

Another district official also said making changes to planned gyms would be difficult because many schools expect to have safe rooms in their new gymnasiums.

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Bike station

Midtown’s Elemental Coffee Roasters is now home to a free bicycle repair station. “[This station] lets the commuters and the cyclists that use Elemental as a hub to not only work on their bikes, but if you forget your pump at home, you will be able to check the pressure in your tires and put air in your tires,” said Chad Hodges, team manager of DNA Racing.

The racing team donated the station and installed it last week.

The city also announced that bike repair stations in the Plaza District and Deep Deuce will be installed in coming months.

Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (OK-CADP) urges all citizens who care about exorbitant costs of the death penalty vs. life in prison, and who yearn for a society that supports justice and real crime prevention, to join OK-CADP in demanding that

MARK HANCOCK

OKLAHOMA HALT ALL EXECUTIONS NOW.

Say what?

“I think it’s important for them to see about what Martin Luther King Jr. means and what he did for us. To let them know if it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

Those were the words of Angela Billings, a teacher at the Playground Academy on NE 23rd St., as she brought her class out to the curb to watch a silent march last week on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. A few hundred marched their way to the Oklahoma capitol, honoring the work of the civil rights movement and the legacy of King, who was assassinated in 1968.

Come to vigils, write/call/email the governor, or contact us.

www.okcadp.org

Follow us on Facebook & Twitter P.O. Box 713, Oklahoma City, OK 73101

• 405-948-1646 •

Vigils are held outside the Governor’s Mansion: 820 NE 23rd at 5:15 p.m.

For scheduled state killings: Richard Eugene Glossip, January 29 John Marion Grant, February 19 Benjamin Robert Cole, Sr., March 5

Since 1973, 150 people have been exonerated & freed from death row 10 OF THESE IN OKLAHOMA 10 innocent Oklahomans have been freed after many years on death row in total isolation.

HOLD THIS DATE: April 4, 2015, 6:30 p.m. 24th Annual Dinner UCO Edmond Ballrooms A & B | Oregon Former Prison Superintendent | Frank Thompson Speaker

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CHiCKEN CKEN

FRiED NEWS

Smooth move

It’s happening. It’s really, really happening.

Sort of.

Oklahoma’s own James Inhofe, new chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, admitted climate change is real. Mom, check our forehead. Do we have a fever? It feels a bit ... warm in here.

Last Wednesday, the U.S. Senator requested to co-sponsor Whitehouse Amendment No. 29 to legislation S.1, which included this phrase: “climate change is real and is not a hoax.”

Holy shit, guys. Inhofe, a longtime climate change debunker, urged his Republican colleagues to vote for it, too.

And they did! It passed 98-1.

“The climate is changing, as it always has been changing and always will.

There’s archeological evidence of that, there’s biblical evidence of that, there’s historic evidence of that — it will always change,” Inhofe said. However, it doesn’t mean that he supports spending billions of dollars to help slow climate change.

He blocked language “that would have blamed human activity,” reported.

Pol it ic o nevermind Well nevermind.

“How arrogant is it for people to say that man can do something about changing the climate?” Inhofe asked.

Well played, Inhofe. Well played.

Sticky fingers

We’re a bunch of thieves.

It’s better that we just admit it now and commit ourselves to fixing the problem.

Hey, the Coupons Daily website says so, so it must be accurate. It quoted numbers from the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP).

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Oklahoma City ranks seventh worst city in the nation when it comes to the percentage of us who shoplift, just behind Washington, D.C., and ahead of Oakland, California.

Nationally, one in 11 people (27 million total) shoplift from retail department and other retail stores each year, NASP numbers show. OKC’s population is 605,034, and there were 20,287 cases of larceny in 2013.

Austin, Texas, topped the Coupons Daily list with a population of 859,180 and 32,948 reported larceny cases.

Seriously

Sen. James Lankford’s profile continues to rise following his appointment as co-chairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus.

In an interview with World Lankford Tulsa World, said the prayer caucus was a “nonpartisan gathering” but also said it would “address religious liberty issues around the country as they come up.”

Religious liberty issues have a way of becoming rather partisan issues.

“As two examples, he cited what he called efforts to restrict the right of military chaplains to pray according to their own consciences and the Hobby Lobby lawsuit, in which the government sought to require business owners to provide forms of birth control that they said violated their conscience,” Tulsa World reported.

Lankford is an outspoken critic of the Obama administration’s efforts to remove religion from policy decisions and what he views as a hostile stance toward people of faith.

Then again, the biggest reason for Lankford’s pick as co-chairman might be his deep baritone voice that can turn even staunchest atheists into believers.

#freecommunitycollege

Oklahomans often get underestimated.

We’ve been seen as uneducated, backwoods hillbillies for years and we really don’t like it or feel it’s fair.

But we at Oklahoma Gazette can admit when we bring it on ourselves — or when our government representatives bring it on us. Roll Call, a Washington, D.C. paper that has covered Capitol Hill

since 1955, collected initial reaction photos after President Obama’s State of the Union address. It shared 29 of them through a #SOTUin3Words project on its Instagram account, rollcalldc, and almost everyone did a wonderful, thoughtful job.

Only a couple people didn’t really get it and failed miserably: Pennsylvania Rep. Tom Marino and Oklahoma Rep. James Lankford.

Amid exclamations of “Working families rock!” “Elections have consequences,” “Hopeful, focused, meaningful,” and “Past my bedtime,” both Marino and Lankford’s bright orange placards with #SOTUin3Words at the top read, “More of the same.”

Um … we’re not trying to be mean, but that’s four words. It seems a lot of people could benefit from Obama’s plan to make community college free.

Barresi bandit

Former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Janet Barresi always said

she wanted to help Oklahomans become career-ready. In her final days on the job, Barresi approved a series of Department of Education hires to deliver on that promise.

“All told, her new hires total about $653,000 in base salary costs, and the salary increases that accompanied promotions, not counting one executive’s unknown bump in pay, total $62,000,” reported Tulsa World. “[In one day alone], five new employees with salaries totaling $290,500 were hired.”

This isn’t the first time Barresi drew criticism for hiring decisions since last year’s Republican primary defeat. “[She faced] calls for her immediate resignation in late September when she created a new position and hired the husband of her general counsel, Kim Richey, to fill it,” Tulsa

World reported. Barresi’s tenure as state superintendent ended officially last week.

Say it ain’t so

After more than 50 years of coaching, Oklahoma cornerback coach Bobby Jack Wright is leaving OU for the lush fields of retirement — or possibly administrative work in the OU athletic department. However, before leaving his position, the man aired a bit of info about everything from Bob Stoops’ coarse inability to navigate regional airports to how recruitment has changed over the years.

Stoops, Wright said to Tulsa World’s OU Sports Extra, was supposed to meet him in Houston once but got off the plane in Dallas, thinking he had arrived at his final destination. This might provide some insight into the Sooners’ performance at the Russell Athletic Bowl.

We at the Gazette are going to miss the gregarious ramblings of a man who wasn’t afraid to talk to the press. We wish you luck, Mr. Wright.

“(Deadly) Dance”

A fun evening on the town took a dark turn for an Oklahoma couple when an off-duty security officer tried to help break up a scuffle in downtown Tulsa.

The events happened on the night of one of Garth Brooks’ many homecoming concerts at the BOK Center.

Andrew Bryant, who works for the Veteran’s Affairs Department, was in the downtown throng when a fight broke out, NewsOn6.com reported. Police said Bryant witnessed Rodney Walker, 23, on top of a woman, punching her.

When Bryant identified himself and made an attempt to break up the fight, Walker pulled a gun. By that time, both men had guns drawn and Bryant fired at Walker, hitting him several times.

Walker later succumbed to his injuries at Saint Francis Hospital.

The fact that it happened in proximity to the Garth Brooks concert is a pure, unfortunate coincidence.

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COMMENTARY

Keep the government out of our closets

BY VERONICA LAIZURE

Sen. Don Barrington’s, R-Lawton, proposed hoodie ban amendment is troubling not because it is likely to pass or be accepted but because it has emerged at a violent and tense period in American history.

The current statute makes it unlawful to “wear a mask, hood or covering which conceals the identity of the wearer during the commission of a crime” and comes with a misdemeanor charge and a fine of up to $500 or imprisonment of up to a year.

Barrington’s amendment would make it similarly unlawful to conceal one’s identity in a public place by means of a “robe, mask or other disguise.”

Barrington says his intent is to make businesses and public places safer.

However, many believe his endeavor is a misguided use of legislative resources.

He correctly notes that many states make it illegal to conceal one’s identity while committing a crime. Years ago, such laws targeted the Ku Klux Klan.

Although Barrington’s bill does not mention hoodies, its overbroad language troubles civil rights activists because it invites “selective enforcement and over-policing of otherwise law-abiding people,” according to a statement from the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma. While the bill’s wording requires an intent to conceal one’s identity — suggesting that it targets only criminal behavior — we have seen that nefarious intent can be all too easily inferred by overaggressive law enforcement officers.

The bill also would allow police to stop and question a person solely on the basis of his or her clothing, which

is an insufficient premise for a stop and a curtailment of Fourth Amendment freedoms. State civil rights groups also are concerned the bill, if passed, could undermine First Amendment rights. Clothing is not apolitical, and opponents of Barrington’s amendment fear this is a measure to criminalize articles of clothing that are associated with marginalized cultures, further demonizing them.

The amendment contains an exemption for coverings required by religious beliefs, safety or medical purposes or incidental to protection from weather. But in order to find out if these are true, law enforcement would have to question a person about his or her motive for wearing concealing garments. Is it reasonable that an officer stop a hijabi and question her about

Opinions expressed on the commentary page, in letters to the editor and elsewhere in this newspaper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ownership or management.

her religious requirements regarding her head coverings? Who gets to decide whether or not someone’s hooded coat is appropriately “incidental to the weather”?

If passed, this amendment puts a dangerous amount of power in the hands of law enforcement. And it comes at a time when our communities face police brutality and civil rights violations. In context with the racial tensions in cities across the globe, this amendment represents a threat to civil rights and an overextension of law enforcement authority.

For a state that wants to “downsize” government, Oklahoma legislators seem overeager to put the government into people’s closets.

Laizure is a 2014 graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Law and an attorney for Council on AmericanIslamic Relations (CAIR), Oklahoma.

LETTERS Oklahoma Gazette provides an open forum for the discussion of all points of view in its Letters to the Editor section.

The Gazette reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity. Letters can be mailed, faxed, emailed to jchancellor@ okgazette.com or sent online at okgazette. com. Include a city of residence and contact number for verification.

Word fight

Ben Felder’s article (News, “Cultural clash,” Jan. 14, Oklahoma Gazette) reports a forum held by Oklahoma City Public School District on the use of Native American mascots.

Felder said, “The forum began with a reading of the definition and origin of the term ‘redskin,’ which refers to the bloody scalps or bodies of dead Native Americans…”

No, it doesn’t. The term’s origin was extensively researched by Ives Goddard, senior linguist at the Smithsonian Institution’s Department of Anthropology at the National Museum of Natural History. Goddard believes the “redskins,” widely considered disparaging, was originally benign and had nothing to do with scalps or corpses, according to his paper I am a Red-Skin: The Adoption of a Native American Expression (1769-1826).

It was used by early settlers (and by

some Native Americans) to describe the appearance of Native Americans.

Felder refers to this “definition” as though it is fact. My concern is that the word’s unsubstantiated “history” has been repeated so often that it is in danger of becoming accepted as true.

— Carl Hall Edmond

Wet noodle

Shame on Brendan Hoover! Shame on Oklahoma Gazette! In the story (Life, Active, “Sweet southpaw,” Jan. 14, Gazette) about Clayton Kershaw winning the 2014 Warren Spahn Award, Hoover wrote, “Warren Spahn was a Hall of Famer and native Oklahoman …” The same day, The Oklahoman ran an article detailing how Spahn became a Hartshorne resident after retiring from major league baseball and that he grew up on the east coast.

Since the Gazette is OKC’s only alternate newspaper, Hoover’s lack of fact-checking places in question the columns and articles offered to its readers. Ten lashes with a wet noodle and a Journalism 101 class are in order for Hoover.

— Linda Verges Oklahoma City Women’s rights

Jan. 22 is the 42nd anniversary of the

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U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Roe v.

Wade, which legalized abortion. Chief Justice Warren E. Burger’s court ruled that “a Texas law making it a crime to assist a woman to get an abortion violates her due-process right.” The case began when Jane Roe et al sued Henry Wade, district attorney of Dallas County. Roe won. Regarding abortion, who can forget the photo in the May 1973 issue of Ms. Magazine? A 1964 photo showed Gerri Santoro, dead from a botched, illegal abortion and sprawled facedown, abandoned in a motel room. Her bloody, nude body became a powerful symbol of the pro-choice movement, of which I am a part and have been since I saw that photo.

Nevertheless, some members of our

state and national Congress — mainly Republicans — would outlaw abortion, thus taking us back to the Dark Ages.

— Wanda Jo Stapleton, Former State Representative Oklahoma City You forgot one

I have watched many of the movies in your article (Life, Film, “Not dead yet,” Phil Bacharach, Jan. 7, Gazette). I am surprised you did not have Like Father, Like Son. I watched it at Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) and loved it. It is a touching movie about two families, their sons and their in-laws.

After the film, everyone cheered.

— Gregory Rice Oklahoma City

Midwest City Library Choctaw Library Capitol Hill Library Downtown Library Ralph Ellison Library Village Library Northwest Library Belle Isle Library Almonte Library OUT-The Edwards paths GAZETTE AD.indd 1

Monday, Feb. 2 at 7p Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 6p Thursday, Feb. 5 at 4p Saturday, Feb. 7 at 2p Monday, Feb. 9 at 7p Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 6:30p Saturday, Feb. 14 at 10a Saturday, Feb. 14 at 2p Sunday, Feb. 15 at 2p

Southern Oaks Library Bethany Library Del City Library Warr Acres Library

Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 6:30p Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2p Monday, Feb. 23 at 6p Saturday, Feb. 28 at 2:30p

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Belly Dancing Saturdays • 8:30

P ROVI DE D

OKG picks are events

recommended by Oklahoma Gazette editorial staff members.

For full calendar listings, go to okgazette.com.

6014 N. May • 947-7788 www.zorbasokc.com

BOOKS Raye Nicole Johnson Book Signing, reading and signing of her book, Shoes, 7-9:30 p.m., Jan. 31. Coffee Commission, 309 S. Bryant Ave., Edmond, 285-8566, coffeecommissionedmond.com. SAT Distinguished Speakers Series, presentation by Bruce Katz on the future of the OKC metropolitan area; coauthor of The Metropolitan Revolution, 1-2 p.m., Jan. 28.

University of Central Oklahoma, 100 N. University Drive, Edmond, 974-2000, uco.edu. WED

FILM Legends from the Sky, (US, 2015, dir. Travis Holt Hamilton) A Native American Veteran is filled with guilt after surviving a disastrous military tour and is forced to search for his missing grandfather after his homeland is taken over by an unknown federal organization, Jan. 28-Feb. 4. Harkins Theatre, 150 E. Reno Ave., 231-4747, harkinstheatres.com. WED Match, (US, 2014, dir. Stephen Belber) A woman and her husband interview a Julliard professor for her dissertation on the history of dance but it turns out they are really there for other reasons, 8 p.m., Jan. 30; 5:30 p.m., Jan. 31; 2 p.m., Feb. 1. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 236-3100, okcmoa.com. FRI-SUN

The Posthuman Project

The Posthuman Project This film won deadCENTER Film Festival’s Best Oklahoma Film award last year, and now it’s getting its theatrical debut Friday at AMC Quail Springs Mall 24, 2501 W. Memorial Road. This award-winning Oklahoma-produced movie by director Kyle William Roberts and writer Sterling Gates follows Denny Burke on a superhero-style teen drama as he weighs whether or not to keep newfound powers. Visit amctheaters. com/quailsprings for showtimes and dates.

Friday

Academy Award Nominated Live Action Short Films, view the Academy Award nominated Best Short Films: Live Action before the Oscar is awarded on Feb. 22.

8 p.m., Jan. 31; 12:30 p.m., Feb. 1; 7:30 p.m., Feb. 4.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 2363100, okcmoa.com. SAT-SUN/WED

HAPPENINGS

Academy Award Nominated Animated Short Films, a chance to see the short films nominated for an Academy Award. 5:30 p.m., Jan. 30; 7:30 p.m., Feb. 3. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 236-3100, okcmoa. com. FRI/TUE

Forensic Osteology: Human Skulls, learn more about forensic osteology and examine museum quality replicas of human skulls from real crime scenes Museum of Osteology, 10301 S. Sunnylane Road, 814-0006, museumofosteology.org. WED

Brown Bag Lunch Speaker Series, Hunting for Orchid Treasure; learn about the Jewel Orchid and the depths people went in search of them, noon-1 p.m., Jan. 29.

Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, 301 W. Reno Ave., 297-3995, myriadgardens.com. THU George Washington: Life of a Father, staff from George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estates and Gardens will share stores and tales of Washington’s life and firsthand accounts of life a Mount Vernon, 7 p.m., Jan. 29. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, 521-2491, okhistory.org/historycenter. THU Gardening Boot Camp, presented by the Oklahoma County Master Gardeners Association; learn to start off the growing season right ranging from improving soil fertility, how to control pests, composting and more, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Jan. 31. Will Rogers Garden Center, 3400 NW 36th St. SAT

FOOD Cooking Demonstration with Chef Jeff, learn how to prepare Steak Au Poivre, Duchess Potatoes and Asparagus while enjoying an appetizer of Bruschetta; wine and beverages provided, 4:30-6 p.m., Jan. 29.

Touchmark Coffee Creek, 2801 Shortgrass Road, Edmond. THU

Artsy Fartsy Lohman’s Good Things

Norman Chocolate Festival

read

Art | Film | music | theAter in this issue

1 6 | J A N UA R Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 | O K L A H O M A G A Z E T T E

It’s not the kind of bottomless, buffet-style chocolate fountain you might find at a local discount steak eatery. It’s far more classy and edible. Firehouse Art Center’s 33rd Annual Chocolate Festival fundraiser is 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Marriott Conference Center & Hotel inside the National Center for Employee Development, 2801 E. State Highway 9, in Norman. Oklahoma chocolatiers and restaurants serve thousands of cocoa-inspired confections for adults and youth. Art activities are free, and festival tickets are $25-$40. Visit normanfirehouse.com or call 329-4523.

Saturday

PROVIDED

Toast to the Arts, wine tasting, appetizers and sweets paired with pieces from the museum’s permanent collection along with live music, 7-9 p.m., Jan. 30. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., Norman, 3253272, ou.edu/fjjma. FRI Weekly Farmers Market, shop goods from local produce, bakers and artisans, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m., Jan. 3.

Farmers Public Market, 311 S. Klein Ave., 232-6506, okcfarmersmarket.com. SAT Saturday Cooking Class, learn how to prepare a variety of delicious snacks and goodies for your party gatherings, 10-11 a.m., Jan. 31. Uptown Grocery Co., 1230 W. Covell Road, Edmond, 509-2700 , uptowngroceryco.com. SAT The Dinner Detective, interactive murder mystery dinner, 6:15-9:30 p.m., Jan. 31. Sheraton Hotel, 1 N Broadway Ave., 235-2780, thedinnerdetective.com. SAT

YOUTH Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body, exhibit based on the best-selling book by Sylvia Branzei; lets visitors see the good, bad, and ugly facts about the human body from runny noses to body odor and more. Science Museum Oklahoma, 2100 N.E. 52nd St., 602-6664, sciencemuseumok.org. WED-WED

Oklahoma City Community College presents

Mary Chapin Carpenter

with special guest Aoife O’Donovan

March 30, 7:00 P.M. P ROVI DE D

Tickets: $28–$52

OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater

Purchase online at tickets.occc.edu or call the box office at 405-682-7579.

Oklahoma City Community College • 7777 South May Avenue • www.occc.edu/pas

Dungeons and Dragons Game Day

ROMANCE IS IN THE AIR

Nothing says romance like a cozy retreat at an Oklahoma State Park.

Secluded cabins, crackling fires and misty mornings are just some of the alluring amenities available. Turn up the heat this February with 15% off a lodge or cabin stay and score romantic bonus points that will last until next Valentine’s Day. Visit TravelOK.com/SPDeals for more offers, and plan your retreat to remember.

This fantasy game is for teens only.

Southern Oaks Library hosts a free youth-friendly D&D game day 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at 6900 S. Walker Ave. Experts estimate that more than 30 million people play D&D, and more than $1 billion worth of related gaming gear has been sold since it launched 41 years ago. This round is lead by SoonerCon volunteers for players ages 12-21. Visit metrolibrary.org.

Saturday Healthy Snacks 4 Healthy Kids, hands-on healthy cooking demonstration to give parents and children creative ideas on how to prepare healthy snacks; make healthy food and learn kitchen skills, 10-11:30 a.m., Jan. 29. Variety Health Center, 500 SW 44th St., 632-6688. THU Celebration of Elephants Sleepover, an overnight snooze at the zoo with an evening hike, a visit from an elephant keeper, snacks, breakfast and fun, 7 p.m.-9 a.m., Jan. 30-31. Oklahoma City Zoo, 2000 Remington Pl., 424-3344, okczoo.com. FRI-SAT

ROMAN NOSE

BEAVERS BEND

ROBBERS CAVE

LAKE TENKILLER

Daddy Daughter Dance, a special dance for dads and daughters; music by Mr. Rock-n-Roll Ronnie Kay, light refreshments and photos, 3-4:30 p.m. and 5-6:30 p.m., ages 4-8; 7-8:30 p.m., ages 9-12.

Robertson Activity Center, 1200 Lakeshore Drive, Yukon, 350-7680, cityofyukonok.gov. SAT Yoga For Kids, a relaxing activity for kids to enjoy; help them develop inner strength, confidence, self-esteem and become healthier mentally and physically, 4-6 p.m., Jan 28. James L. Hall Jr. Center for Mind, Body and Spirit, 3366 Northwest Expressway, Suite 100, 713-9950, integrisok.com/mind-body-spirit. WED

PERFORMING ARTS Varekai by Cirque du Soleil, the adventure of Icarus begins deep within a forest at the summit of a volcano in a magical world called Varekai, 7:30 p.m., Jan. 28-30; 4 and 7:30 p.m., Jan. 31; 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., Feb. 1. Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W. Reno Ave., 602-8700, chesapeakearena. com. WED-SUN

ROMAN NOSE - ONE OF THE ORIGINAL 7 OKLAHOMA STATE PARKS

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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Kindness Carpenter Square Theatre presents Adam Rapp’s drama Kindness at its OKC premiere, which runs Thursday through Saturday at 800 W. Main St. Kindness tells the story of Maryanne and her teen son as they explore New York City. When the boy meets a mysterious cab driver, events take a turn toward the suspenseful.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $5-$20. Visit carpentersquare.com or call 232-6500.

Thursday-Saturday Wonderland Asylum, enter the sick and twisted minds of writers, Holli Would and Chase Vegas, as they reinvent the classic story of Alice in Wonderland, 7 p.m., Jan. 30. Oklahoma Contemporary, 3000 General Pershing Blvd., 951-0000, oklahomacontemporary .org. FRI PROVID ED

Everybody Loves Opal, three con artists meet a woman named Opal and plan to take advantage of her insurance but she reveals a big secret to her new “friends” and the tables turn, 8 p.m., Jan. 29-31; 2:30 p.m.,Feb. 1. Jewel Box Theatre, 3700 N. Walker Ave., 521-1786, jewelboxtheatre.org. THU-SUN

Always Patsy Cline, show based on the true story of Pasty Cline’s friendship with Houston housewife Louise Seger; a show of humor, sadness and reality, 8 p.m., Jan. 30-31. The Boom, 2218 NW 39th St., 6017200, theboomokc.com. FRI-SAT Dancing Pros: Live!, professional dancers from Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance?, and other dance championships compete for top prize as the audience votes for their favorite couple; multiple styles of dance from the Waltz and Tango to Swing and the Jitterbug, 7:30 p.m., Jan. 31. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., 297-2264, okcciviccenter.com. SAT

ACTIVE OKC Blue vs. Erie BayHawks, The Oklahoma City Thunder’s NBA D-League affiliate hosts the Erie BayHawks, the D-League affiliate of the Orlando Magic, 7 p.m., Jan. 29. Cox Convention Center, 1 Myriad Gardens, 602-8500, coxconventioncenter.com. THU

Christopher Titus Comedian and TV personality Christopher Titus brings his The Angry Pursuit of Happiness one-man comedy tour to the University of Central Oklahoma 8 p.m. Thursday at Mitchell Hall Theatre, 100 N. University Drive, in Edmond. Tickets are $25-$35 for this all-ages show.

Titus is a man who believes people need comedy to get rid of their desire to kill. That means it’s best for everyone if you go see this show. Visit christophertitus.com or call 974-3375.

Thursday

1 8 | J A N UA R Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 | O K L A H O M A G A Z E T T E

OKC Barons vs. Lake Erie Monsters, professional hockey game, 7 p.m., Jan. 30 & 31. Cox Convention Center, 1 Myriad Gardens, 602-8500, coxconventioncenter.com. FRI-SAT OSU Cowboys vs. OU Sooners, men’s college basketball, 7 p.m., Jan. 31. Gallagher-Iba Arena, W Hall of Fame Ave., Stillwater , (877) 227-6773, okstate. com. SAT OKC Thunder vs. Orlando Magic, NBA basketball game, 7 p.m., Feb. 2. Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W. Reno Ave., 602-8700, chesapeakearena.com. MON OU Sooners vs. Iowa State Cyclones, women’s college basketball, 10:30 a.m., Feb. 4. Lloyd Noble Center, 2900 S. Jenkins Ave., Norman, 325-4666, lloydnoblecenter.com. WED

VISUAL ARTS 2014 Monothon, exhibit featuring more than 100 monoprints produced by over 90 artists from Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. Artspace at Untitled, 1 N.E. Third St., 815-9995, artspaceatuntitled.org.

ArtNow Installation Preview, view nearly 200 works by 29 Oklahoma artists. Oklahoma Contemporary, 3000 General Pershing Blvd., 951-0000, oklahomacontemporary.org.

Character Studies, exhibit featuring paintings from artist Matt Atkinson in which he combines traditional oil paints with paints he makes from minerals and stone. The Summer Wine Art Gallery, 2928-B Paseo St., 831-3279, summerwinegallery.com.

Colby Bowers & Jamie Pettis, Bowers draws inspiration from the natural world and uses high vibrant contrast subjects while Pettis is inspired by her roots in Oklahoma and uses oils and acrylics. DNA Galleries, 1709 NW 16th St., 525-3499, dnagalleries. com.

Drama, Death, Dirge: Fredric Remington’s American West, dramatic portrayals of the American West inspired by the media and entertainment. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., Norman, 325-3272, ou.edu/fjjma.

Encaustic Monotypes, learn a variety of paints, papers, stencils and tools that go along with the mono-print process, 6-9 p.m., Jan. 29. Paseo School of Art, 3110-A N. Paseo St., 205-8990, paseoschoolofart. com. THU First Sunday at Brass Bell Studios, featuring GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS, artworks by Jennifer Loke, Natalie Griffin, Samantha Vigliaturo and Viking Ashley and music by Ali Harter, 5-9 p.m., Feb. 1. Brass Bell Studios, 2500 NW 33rd St., 361-3481, facebook.com/ brassbellstudios. SUN Fragments of Recognition, exhibit of artwork by Oklahoma artist Gayle Canada who specializes in printmaking and painting. Jann Jeffrey Gallery, 3018 Paseo St., 607-0406, jannjeffrey.com.

James Rosenquist: Illustrious Works on Paper, Illuminating Painting, internationally known American Pop artist; part of the New York Project series. Oklahoma State University Museum of Art, 720 S. Husband St., Stillwater, 744-6016, museum. okstate.edu.

Monkey Do: New Works by Matt Goad, exhibit showcasing work from the graphic designer and illustrator who also specializes in woodcut printing.

Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 4457080, oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com/events.

OKC125, 125 artists were given a disposable camera and 125 minutes to make photos of anything they wanted within the boundaries of downtown Oklahoma City. The Underground, 101 Park Ave., 235-3500, downtownokc.com.

People, Plants and Places, paintings and sculptures by artist John Wolfe; assemblages of found objects combined with terra cotta clay heads and hands.

The Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave., Norman, 307-9320, pasnorman.org.

Strange Lands, exhibit featuring three international artists and 3 local Oklahoma artists; the collection seeks to reconcile humankind’s reach towards the heavens as well as its deep roots in Earth. SIG, 131 Dean A McGee Ave., Suite 135, sigokc.org.

Terra, New York artist, Orly Gender’s work inspired by Oklahoma’s wide open spaces and red dirt. Campbell Park, NW 11th Street and Broadway Avenue.

The First Fifty Years of Oklahoma Art, showcases work from Oklahoma’s first artists, including Woodrow Wilson Big Bow, Woody Crumbo, Charles Banks Wilson, Nan Sheets and more. Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum, 1400 Classen Drive, 2354458, oklahomaheritage.com.

Unnatural Order, exhibit of drawings by Angela Piehl who addresses luxury, accumulation, and alienation from nature from a females perspective; combines elaborately decorative elements with images of organic forms. North Gallery, state Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., 521-2931, arts.ok.gov.

Wanderlust: Nomadic Interpretations of Contemporary Africa, a group art show highlighting the diversity of Africa through eyes in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Somaliland/Somalia and the United States of America. The Project Box, 3003 Paseo St., 609-3969, theprojectboxokc.com.

TANYA LOCKE / PROVIDE D

Letterpress, Post All Bills, exhibit featuring the designs of Amy Johnson’s letterpress illustrations,

typography and more. University of Central Oklahoma, 100 N. University Drive, Edmond, uco.edu. THU

OKC Outlaws Roller Derby It’s time to start kicking ass. Or watch it happen. The Outlaws open the 2015 season with a bout against Central Arkansas Roller Derby (CARD) 5 p.m.

Saturday at State Fair Park, 3001 General Pershing Blvd. Free parking is available.

Fill your face with a beer and snack while watching these tough women smash each other’s faces. These bouts can be tense and bruising, but they’re always fun. Visit facebook.com/ For OKG okcoutlawsrollerderby.

music picks

Saturday

see page 39

1 8 9 0 - 2 0 1 5 UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA w w w. u c o . e d u / 1 2 5 • ( 4 0 5 ) 9 7 4 - 2 0 0 0 O K L A H O M A G A Z E T T E | J A N UA R Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 | 1 9

LIFE FOOD & DRINK

Alaskan King Salmon Nugget Salad

PH OTOS BY GARETT FISBECK

Short rib sauerbraten

Beef bourguignon

Found treasure Viceroy Grille boasts intimate indulgences, from savory entrées to exceptional service.

BY GREG ELWELL

Viceroy Grille 1200 N. WALKER AVE. AMBASSADORHOTELCOLLECTION.COM/ OKLAHOMACITY 600-6200 WHAT WORKS: Short rib sauerbraten is exquisite, and lunch is a good value.

WHAT NEEDS WORK: The spicy BLT wasn’t spicy.

TIP: Get a reservation. The restaurant feeds the entire hotel.

One perk of Oklahoma City’s recent hotel revival is the introduction of that rarest of beasts: the worthwhile hotel restaurant.

Room service, however luxurious an idea, does not always mean that the price you pay will be matched by the quality of the food.

And sometimes, you pay a little extra just to eat at a fancy hotel,

2 0 | J A N UA R Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 | O K L A H O M A G A Z E T T E

whether or not you get to nap there.

Which is why I was so pleased when I sat down in the intimate and comfortably posh Viceroy Grille in the Ambassador Hotel, 1200 N. Walker Ave. O Bar upstairs — try the apple flip — has many fans, but the ground-floor Viceroy remains a bit of a mystery, which is a shame because this menu deserves exploration.

For those on a budget, lunch prices are quite reasonable. The best place to start, especially if you’ve got a table to feed, is the house potato chips ($6). Some consider chips a banal indulgence, but freshly fried potatoes are an entirely other edible. These are delicate and crisp, lightly salted and pair wonderfully with sour cream and onion dipping sauce.

The Alaskan King Salmon Nugget Salad ($16) is light, fresh and mildly sweet. The salad itself is dressed in a lemon vinaigrette with a great crunch.

The salmon pieces are each cooked perfectly — slightly rare and flaky — and glazed in maple bourbon sauce.

The roasted chicken pot pie ($13), with a unique and eye-catching appearance, is heavier and heartier.

Similar to chicken stew, it includes tender peas and carrots and is topped with a big, buttery biscuit.

The beef bourguignon ($17) is incredibly filling. These are fall-apart chunks of beef cooked in a lovely sauce with sautéed peppers and served over slightly chewy spaetzle (dumplings).

After a lunch like this, you’ll definitely need a room in which to crash.

As a sandwich, I was pleased with the pork schnitzel ($11), which came on a soft bun and with plenty of breaded, buttery crunch. My personal favorite is still the wiener schnitzel at Ingrid’s Kitchen, but this was a worthy competitor and quite satisfying.

The prices go up at dinner, but so do the portion sizes and the complexity of dishes. As a starter, I thought the pan-fried chicken livers ($12) tasted like home even though my mom never cooked chicken livers.

These rich, tender bites melt on the tongue.

The grilled Caesar salad ($8) won me over with the addition of white anchovies ($3). The baby romaine lettuce held a good charred flavor, and the anchovies, which scare away too many, were mild and fresh.

I used to think all French onion soups ($9) were the same, but I’ve come to appreciate chefs who think not only about taste but also how the guest eats the meal. A version with too much or too heavy a cheese is nearly impossible to eat without making a mess. Onions that aren’t cooked enough will slop out over a spoon and splash soup everywhere. The Viceroy’s version was the best of both worlds

— the soup itself was flavorful, and the onions were cooked to melting.

On top, there was enough cheese to flavor the soup and the bread but not so much I had to dig through it with a shovel.

And here I’d like to talk a bit about the role of the server because he was invaluable to me during dinner.

Whether it was suggesting a nice glass of wine on a budget or steering me toward a few of his favorite dishes, it was clear he took as much pride in the food coming out of the kitchen as the chef. A top-notch waiter can’t replace great food, but he can create an experience that also lets you enjoy the meal.

For instance, I likely would have skipped the short rib sauerbraten ($34), had he not suggested it. What came out of the kitchen was more than I could have hoped for. The giant, meaty short ribs required only a gentle nudge of my fork to come away from the bone.

After a lunch like this, you’ll definitely need a room in which to crash.

I am not one for sauerkraut, but if the Granny Smith apple and red cabbage kraut they served on this plate was the norm, I’d eat it on everything.

It had a big, beefy flavor, chewy spaetzle underneath and a texture that disintegrated on the tongue. The slightly sweet, slightly sour flavor of the cabbage accentuated each bite.

For fans of a hearty sauce, the roasted chicken alla Puttanesca ($26) is a treat. While everything was cooked well, the olive-heavy sauce was a bit more pungent than I prefer. And, frankly, it suffered by comparison to the short rib. And, like the short rib, this chicken comes on-the-bone, so keep that in mind, weirdos who refuse to eat meat off bones.

Desserts are made fresh daily, and it shows. The berry tiramisu was not overly sweet, but the texture was spoton — a bit of bite in the ladyfingers and a creamy texture throughout.

OKC has quickly become a place to visit, not just because your family is here but because there are so many things to do and see. And for those lucky travelers who bed down at the Ambassador, there’s a wonderful restaurant hidden downstairs. For the rest of us, it’s not so hidden anymore.

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2 2 | J A N UA R Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 | O K L A H O M A G A Z E T T E

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IN FEBRUARY GRANDAD’S IS FOR LOVERS. LOVERS OF BEER & MUSIC.

Ready, ’Brake!

The eco-friendly resort in Wagoner hires a chef with international experience.

P ROVI DE D

FOOD BRIEFS

Matthew Owen leads menu updates at The Canebrake.

BY DEVON GREEN

GreenAcres opens

The grand opening of a GreenAcres Market location at 7301 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Suite D, was Jan. 10. Family-owned GreenAcres out of Wichita, Kansas, bought the former Health Food Center in 2013. In the meantime, it got a serious makeover.

The market features natural and organic choices from national and regional vendors. In addition to a natural grocer, the store stocks vitamin supplements and holistic health remedies. It also hosts classes and health fairs.

The market also has a deli where you can get healthy alternatives to eat in or take away. Market management said it hopes to incorporate locally produced food in its stores soon.

For more information, visit greenacres.com or call 681-6060.

Owner Doungamol Deesomjit (Dee) works alongside a cook at Tana Thai.

Western Swing All-Stars (10:00) Ryan Dorman (8:00) • Buffalo Rogers Band (10:00) Don Middlebrook (Special 5:30 show!)

Patrick Winsett (9:00) Stockyard Playboys (10:00) SWEETHEART’S BALL featuring Storyville Scoundrels (9:00)

Sunday, February 15 Thursday, February 19 Friday, February 20 Saturday, February 21 Saturday, February 28

Budweiser® presents RED ELVISES! (9:00) Travis Linville (9:00) Chad Slagle’s Huckleberry Soul Choctaw Wildfire (10:00) Hosty Duo (10:00)

Dancing, pink champagne and fun contests for valentines!

And don’t forget Family Game Night every Thursday at 6:30 and Song Swap hosted by Buffalo Rogers every Monday! Also for lovers.

Lineup subject to a change of heart.

MARK H ANCOCK / FILE

The Canebrake is a different kind of destination resort and spa. Once a family ranch in Wagoner, the luxurious 250-acre venue focuses on local and environmentally friendly dining and living options.

Its menu features local-centric and seasonal world cuisine. The destination’s ECO-certified, awardwinning restaurant also has a new chef de cuisine, Matthew Owen, who brings an exciting perspective to guests’ dining experience.

A graduate of Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Owen worked in several locales, including Portland, Japan and Hawaii.

He comes to The Canebrake after a stint as executive chef at Yokozuna, an Asian-fusion restaurant in Tulsa.

It was Owen’s understanding of local flavors alongside his international training that made the choice to hire him an easy one, said Sam Bracken, owner and executive director of The Canebrake, in a media release. For more information or to make reservations, visit thecanebrake. com or call 918-485-1810.

Friday, February 6 Saturday, February 7 Wednesday, February 11 Thursday, February 12 Friday, February 13 Saturday, February 14

GreenAcres

PROVID ED

Happy birthday

Tana Thai Bistro is the little Thai restaurant that was kind enough to set up shop north of the Asian District for those in north OKC. This year, the restaurant celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Running a restaurant can be a fickle, difficult venture.

The modest northside restaurant features a straightforward and uncomplicated menu, and its pad thai is some of the best in the city. Next time you have a craving, get up to Tana Thai and wish it the happiest of birthdays while you eat your fill of noodles, stir-fry and spring rolls.

O K L A H O M A G A Z E T T E | J A N UA R Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 | 2 3

On the Hill As the legislative session convenes on Feb. 2, we highlight Capitol Hill district restaurants. Even legislators have to eat, and here’s where you might find some of them when they do.

Thai Garden

El Asadero

324 SW 25th St. grillonthehillokc.com 634-9866

3913 S. Western Ave.

2703 S. Western Ave.

635-1752

778-8924

Popular for its home cooking and friendly service, our readers voted Grill on the Hill one of Oklahoma Gazette’s Best of OKC restaurants in 2011. Its broad menu includes breakfast items such as burritos, omelets and, of course, bacon and eggs and lunch and dinner offerings including its popular Cajun chicken, burgers and sandwiches.

Thai Garden offers house specialties from pad thai to cashew fried rice and classic favorites such as spring rolls, orange chicken and pepper steak. For a delicious adventure, try its curry of the day. Each one we tried perfectly blends both heat and sweetness. Vegetarians can substitute tofu for any meat item on the menu.

Experience the warm colors and flavors of Mexico at this charming eatery that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Its menu features traditional dishes such as enchiladas and well-marinated, tender carne asada. Posole, a stew made with hominy, pork and chili peppers, is often eaten during special occasions. At Asadero, it’s served every weekend.

PHOTO PERMISSION — KIRK WEST

— by Devon Green, photos by Mark Hancock and Garett Fisbeck

Grill on the Hill

open acoustic jam night -- every friday. starts at 7pm bighead’s ultimate po’ boy challenge:

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A true taste of OKC A Destination for Foodies & Music Lovers

19201 S Meridian OKC 405-601-1951 check out our menu www.fivestargrille.com 2 4 | J A N UA R Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 | O K L A H O M A G A Z E T T E

M-F, 7aM-6:30pM • Sat, 9:30aM-4pM 2310 N WeSterN • 524-0887

Restaurant El Milagro

Coney Island 240 SW 25th St.

La Michoacana Meat Market

Woodbridge Restaurant

2534 S. Robinson Ave. 602-6826

232-8734

1125 SW 29th St.

facebook.com/WoodbridgeRestaurant

lamichoacanameatmarket.com

609-6166

El Milagro means “the miracle,” and you’ll feel you’ve stumbled on your own little secret miracle at this taqueria. The meat is tender and perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of spice.

You’ve been warned: The green and red salsas have a kick. Order a Jarritos soda to complement your meal. Please note that El Milagro accepts cash only.

Take your Valentine to Dinner at

This local fixture has served straightforward hotdogs, chili dogs and Frito pies to generations of Oklahomans. Its ambience is neighborly and relaxed. Since it opened on Capital Hill in 1971, its menu has changed little but never gets old. Finish with a piece of baklava; it’s some of the best in town.

3701 S. Western Ave.

635-8795

If you’re looking for Latin flavors, La Michoacana is your place. The regional markets and delis, with locations in Oklahoma and Texas, are bright with a helpful staff to navigate your search for international products, produce and deli items including fresh tacos, tortas and burritos. And the market sells premarinated meats for your family recipes.

Don’t forget to stop by the panadería (bakery) for tasty breads and sweets.

This restaurant does several things well, but its breakfast is exceptional. Dozens of menu selections — from fluffy pancakes to three-egg omelets — mean that you’ll always find what you’re craving. The coffee keeps coming, and you can get gravy on anything.

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O K L A H O M A G A Z E T T E | J A N UA R Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 | 2 5

•BOOK RELEASE PARTY•

LIFE YOUTH

Come and join us for the celebration of the release of Tiffany Rogalin’s exciting new book titled: “Judge Seth Code” TM©

The author herself will be present to meet, greet you and personally autograph your very own copy of “Judge Seth Code” which will be available for purchase individually or in a gift set.

Come by and enjoy the food and meet the author!

February 3 rd 2015 • 4 - 7PM 228 Robert S. Kerr • Suite 950

Wordless wordsmith A teenager is Oklahoma’s first Youth Poet Laureate.

BY ALISSA LINDSEY

Learn more at: www.judgesethcode.com

2 6 | J A N UA R Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 | O K L A H O M A G A Z E T T E

Seventeen-year-old Oklahoma City native Rhea Brown-Bright has been named the first Oklahoma Youth Poet Laureate.

Adult Oklahoma Poet Laureate Nathan Brown (no relation) presented Brown-Bright with the honor at the Oklahoma Youth Poet Laureate Commencement Ceremony in November. Several other applicants were chosen as finalists and were named Oklahoma Youth Poet Ambassadors.

“Honestly, it’s overwhelming.

There’s not words to describe how amazed [I am] I received such an honor,” Brown-Bright said.

Brown-Bright pulls inspiration for her craft from her everyday life, heritage, struggles and social justice issues. At the commencement ceremony, she read a poem called “Education Blues” about the educational issues that need to be fixed in Oklahoma and the dedicated people who are trying to make a difference.

Brown-Bright, a junior at Harding Fine Arts Academy, believes her teachers have contributed to her education and helped put her on a path to win this award.

“I think a lot of it is certain teachers who have constantly supported me through my journey of being a poet … My school has definitely lifted me up to a whole new level that I don’t think I could have achieved without them,” BrownBright said.

Her freshman English teacher, Anna Kinder, has had the greatest impact on Brown-Bright because Kinder encouraged her to write and perform at a Red Dirt Poetry night.

This is where Brown-Bright would find her first community of poets.

The Red Dirt Poetry group has supported and encouraged BrownBright, critiqued her work and pushed

Rhea Brown-Bright works in her notebook. her to become a better performer.

Brown-Bright is further inspired by some of her favorite poets, including N. Scott Momaday, former Oklahoma Poet Laureate Lauren Zuniga, Suzi Q. Smith, Jesse Parent, and Red Dirt poet Melissa May. As part of Brown-Bright’s award, she will receive a book deal with Penmanship Books in New York City.

She is working to choose her best work and write new poems for the book, which will include about 20 poems and should come out in October.

Brown-Bright will also travel on a public library tour to perform her poems alongside the other finalists.

“I’m hoping a lot of poets I haven’t met come out, and I hope that a lot of youth come out just to see that you don’t have to be older to succeed in the poetry scene. I think I’m most excited about getting to inspire other people like I was inspired,” BrownBright said.

After high school, she wants to earn her bachelor’s degree at a university like Stanford before attending seminary school to become a Unitarian Universalist minister.

Brown-Bright volunteers with Feed the Children and Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and tutors other students at Harding. She is a member of Speech & Debate, founder and president of the Gay Straight Alliance and a worship leader at Congruity, a Universalist Unitarian Youth Social Justice Conference.

Red Dirt Poetry meets at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at Sauced on Paseo, 2912 N. Paseo St. To learn more, visit facebook.com/ RedDirtPoetry.

M A RK HA N COC K

We’ll be celebrating with a lavish spread of tasty treats brought to you by some of our most talented local chefs.

LIFE COMMUNITY

M A RK HA N COC K

Spreading Awesome A new foundation gives away money to any person, group and business that it thinks helps make the metro more awesome.

BY GREG HORTON

Ten Oklahoma City entrepreneurs will give away $1,000 every month to recipients who have a business, plan or project to improve Oklahoma City.

Daniel Chae, owner of All About Cha in Nichols Hills, started the OKC Awesome Foundation. Chae was a “micro-trustee,” as members are called, of the Ann Arbor, Michigan, Awesome Foundation after graduating from the University of Michigan.

Chae said the only criteria for the OKC chapter are ideas that the group deems “awesome” and will benefit the community, not just the individual applying for the grant.

“The money can go to support a startup, an existing business or project or a charity like a 501(c)3,” Chae said. “It is seed money to be used for the community, even if that means the money is being used to upscale a current business.”

Like all of the micro-trustees in the metro chapter, Melissa Vincent has many years of experience working with startup businesses. Vincent is co-owner of 9Tribe, an Oklahoma Citybased firm that works with technology startups or businesses that need to implement technology in their models.

In addition to the money, Vincent said there are two other components that will benefit recipients.

“We don’t just see ourselves as a group that will be giving money,” Vincent said. “We intend to act as a pool of mentors for the projects we choose. Our expertise will be available to the recipients, as well as a crowdfunding platform that can get even more people involved.”

The crowd-funding platform will give recipients an even bigger pool of potential capital from investors.

“The projects will automatically be added to the platform, making it

possible for the whole community to get behind the idea,” Vincent said.

Michael Zserdin founded newAnthropy, the funding platform, and he, too, is a trustee. Chae has assembled a small group with networking connections that number in the thousands and expertise in technology, marketing, publishing, real estate, community development and many other fields. Chae recruited Vincent, Zserdin and others because of this expertise and because they shared a similar desire to help the community.

We intend to act as a pool of mentors for the projects we choose.

— Melissa Vincent

Another primary benefit of receiving money from the foundation is that it allows people with good ideas to skip some difficult barriers to entry that make finding funding difficult. Chae said many good ideas never get funding because two of the main routes are complex and cost-prohibitive.

“Two of the main sources of funding are charitable contributions to a 501(c)3 or other tax-deductible charity or via government grants, but that requires some ability to actually write the grants or even pay for a business plan,” he said.

While working with the homeless as part of county government in Michigan, Chae learned about the complex network of barriers firsthand.

Awesome Foundation trustees Lisa Mullen, Travis Stephens, Melissa Vincent, Julie Scott, Mickey Clagg, Mike Zserdin, Daniel Chae and Andrew Hwang. Not pictured: Veronica Pasfield and Michael Winger.

In any complex, bureaucratic system, simple rules or standards meant to ensure order or structure can create substantial barriers to those who want to provide services and those in need of the service. It is a lesson people in social service careers learn quickly, and that same complex network of barriers applies to all kinds of charities and small businesses.

When Chae saw how the Awesome Foundation could enable trustees to subvert those barriers, or at least avoid them, he joined the Ann Arbor Awesome Foundation. The lessons he learned there are now helping create direction for the OKC chapter, including the idea that an inability to qualify for traditional funding does not mean a person’s idea is a bad one. That is another reason Chae does not want to focus on a few narrow fields; he wants to be open to many different ideas.

Mickey Clagg, another member of the group, likes Chae’s approach.

“Daniel doesn’t want the group to limit itself in terms of what it considers worthwhile,” Clagg said. “We want to consider all kinds of ideas.”

Clagg has lived in Norman since 1978, and he grew up in Lindsey, so he has the deepest Oklahoma roots of the trustees. For most of his professional career as a real estate developer, he has worked in downtown and Midtown Oklahoma City. His work with Midtown Renaissance was instrumental in the redevelopment of an area of Oklahoma City that is now thriving.

Chae invited Clagg to join OKC Awesome after meeting through mutual friends. Clagg liked the concept and saw it as a way to continue to develop the city.

“There are many ways to look at philanthropy,” Clagg said. “You can do it in large or small ways and by various means, but I think this model is the best way to bring together people with very different backgrounds to focus on amplifying the impact of the money.”

Even those awarded the grant can benefit from the group’s expertise, Clagg said.

“There will be applicants who do not get the money, but they may need mentoring or input or an idea, and we can do that for them,” he said. “A thousand dollars can be significant or not depending on the circumstances, but the expertise of the trustees, as well as the collective network, creates additional ways to help.”

The foundation will meet over lunch once a month to review applications, and each member will bring a $100 bill. Chae said the money will be private funds, not company money. OKC Awesome Foundation will meet the first week of February, and the award will be given soon after. According to Chae, they have already received more than 100 applications for February.

The Ann Arbor Awesome Foundation is part of a global network that began in Boston in 2009. The group distributes cash monthly to an applicant chosen from submissions to the foundation’s website, awesomefoundation.org. Applicants choose their location and fill out a brief application that outlines their idea.

Chapters are autonomous and can focus on any criteria they choose, such as arts, business or health.

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LIFE VISUAL ARTS

Bright lines GA RE TT FI S BE C K

Local artist Matt Goad might soon be a household name.

BY DEVON GREEN

This year’s Keep It Local OK cards were designed by Matt Goad.

Monkey Do opening reception

Chances are you’ve seen Matt Goad’s work, even if you don’t realize it.

His whimsical, colorful style is distinctive. This year’s Keep It Local OK card features his art.

The card is exemplary of his work; the colors jump at you and the subject matter is one of Oklahoma’s beloved icons: the buffalo.

His varied portfolio includes album covers, public murals and private commissions. He was a member of Starlight Mints and designed most of their artwork, which illustrates Goad’s use of primary color and clean lines. In work like that, his design background is evident.

He’s called a modern abstractionist and a pop surrealist, but he’s not especially hung up on labels. He doesn’t care what you call it; he just wants you to see it.

Learning curve

Artist/designers like Charley Harper and Jim Flora are among his early influences.

Harper is best known for bright, linebased portraits of wildlife. Flora made eye-popping covers for jazz and classical albums full of misshapen but discernible human and animal shapes. Goad’s work is fully his own, but both artists’ influence shine through.

“I’m lucky, in a way. I really wasn’t very good at anything other than art,” he said. “It was bleak looking at art careers, but I’ve been fortunate to have things fall into place and have fun doing what I do.”

His original plan was to study at Oklahoma Christian University, and while they had a great design program, he didn’t necessarily get along with the institution.

“I had long hair, and they kicked me out of school on the first day of enrollment. One of the reasons I didn’t get into computers is that class was full by the time I got a haircut,” he said.

GARETT FI S BEC K

5-7 p.m. Thursday Myriad Botanical Gardens Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory 301 W. Reno Ave. myriadbotanicalgardens.com 445-7080 Free

Matt Goad, a local designer, artist and musician, will display work at an opening reception Thursday at Myriad Botanical Gardens.

I’m lucky, in a way.

I really wasn’t very good at anything other than art. It was bleak looking at art careers, but I’ve been fortunate to have things fall into place and have fun doing what I do.

— Matt Goad

drafting table, pencils and X-acto knives, tools that have been replaced by computers for most designers.

Goad got his degree in 1993 after spending two years at the University of Central Oklahoma, and he graduated with a respectable portfolio.

His first job after UCO was with Visual Imaging Marketing (now known as VI Marketing), a local design firm, where he continued to do things the conventional way.

He adapted to using computers, but he sees them as nothing more than another tool.

During his time at VI Marketing, he made photo-ready mock-ups with paper and tape. It’s also where he confirmed his affinity for advertising.

It was an event that shaped both his process and his work.

His first job was with a nowdefunct design firm in OKC. He got credit hours and pay, but it wasn’t even enough to cover the rent. He was, however, building a resume and getting valuable work experience.

The owner occasionally gave him freelance work like illustrating menus for local restaurants. He gradually figured out what he loved, and illustration topped the list.

Goad sometimes uses midcentury methods involving a Artw ork

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by M att G oad

“Advertising is something I have always loved, while a lot of it is annoying, like used car sales. But when it’s good, that’s what I love; that’s what I love to do,” he said.

Goad’s personality shows in his work. He is completely comfortable with his life and art. His work is fun and reflective of his mischievous nature.

It makes a statement, one that you often miss at first. However, the exact statement it makes is up to the observer.

Blast-off

After years of building his craft and career, Goad is busier than ever. He works full-time as the creative director at Funnel Design Group.

The Keep It Local OK cards expose his art to a different demographic.

“It’s really cool for the artist, to put your work in the hands of 25,000 people,” Goad said.

His goal is to get his art out to people who wouldn’t normally see it, so he was excited when the people at Keep It Local OK approached him.

“Truthfully, I love my life, but I would love it to be bigger, to be on an international level,” he said.

This year promises more exposure.

He’s even doing a series of debit cards for Communication Federal Credit Union, 4141 Northwest Expressway.

The design on the Keep It Local card is on coffee mugs available at Shop Good, 3 NW Ninth St., for $15.

The thing he is most looking forward to is his shiny science fictionthemed show. Monkey Do opens tomorrow with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. in Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory at Myriad Botanical Gardens. He will have new works on display as well as prints, T-shirts and whatever else he dreams up. What is certain is the show’s theme and timing are no accident. No matter what the future brings, Goad is ready for it.

worth rolling out for.

Tony Trammel

For over 30 years, this local postal worker painted science fiction art and knocked over a few of his idols in the process.

BY GREG HORTON

Local artist Tony Trammell met the late, great Ray Bradbury at a sci-fi convention. Fortunately, the circumstances of the meeting would not dictate his art career.

“I ran him over,” Trammell said.

“He was late to give a speech, and we turned a corner at the same time, going different directions. I knocked him all the way to the floor. I was so embarrassed.”

Meeting one of your idols is daunting for any artist, but to literally knock one over is the stuff of nervous daydreams. Trammell, now 63 years old, said Bradbury was kind and understanding.

“The sci-fi conventions were where I met my idols,” Trammell said. “The conventions opened doors for me professionally.”

Trammell is a postman, and his route in Oklahoma City takes him by the house of Dustin Oswald, owner of Bombs Away Art and fellow artist. Oswald also owns Planet Dorshak Gallery in the Paseo Arts District, and after meeting and speaking with Trammell, he agreed to feature his letter carrier’s work at Planet Dorshak.

In addition to the original art, which will be on display through the end of the month, the gallery collaborated with Trammell on prints of his work.

Those will be available even after the show closes and include the first in the series, a Godzilla painting. In the piece, Godzilla is towering over a burning city while characters drawn in almost comedic fashion watch from rooftops.

Godzilla is one of many so-called kaiju monsters, a subject of many Japanese films. For many people around the world, Godzilla and other monsters became pop art icons thanks to the kaiju films.

Charles Martin, an author and artist who works at Planet Dorshak and owns Literati Press,

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said Trammell’s work is devoid of cynicism.

“Tony captures what I really love about pop art: the appreciation of our cultural icons without the cynicism often tacked on in an effort to seem clever,” Martin said. “He heralds the beauty of the kaiju monster movies of Japan, re-imagining these creatures of destruction into noble beasts.”

Trammell admits to being a “closet sci-fi artist” early in his career.

He focused on landscapes because he believed people were not interested in sci-fi and fantasy art.

While some of Trammell’s work is certainly of the animated or cartoon variety, much of his painting borders on fantastic realism.

Dinosaurs and monsters are juxtaposed with modern cityscapes, not in a comic book style but more in a “this could be happening right now” kind of way.

Martin described Trammell’s approach as attempting to present the monsters in such a way that they are just as of this Earth as we are, despite their sizes.

“These are our modern-day dragons, just as symbolic and complex,” Martin said.

Trammell’s art career has covered more than three decades. He has three grown children and seven grandchildren. He also was a painter in the Air Force for a time, the kind who paints buildings, not canvases.

In his career, he has illustrated books, comics and magazines and has even created a few puzzles.

He estimates he has painted more than 300 pieces in his life, and he has sold many of those pieces. Trammell will sign any of his work that is purchased from Planet Dorshak.

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LIFE VISUAL ARTS

M A RK HA N COC K

Talking art The Dialogue Institute of Oklahoma City encourages students to be creative.

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Believe in the Miracle of Human Communication is the theme for this year’s student art contest sponsored

by Dialogue Institute of Oklahoma City. The contest, open to students from sixth through 12th grades, is an outreach of Dialogue Institute, which promotes mutual understanding and respect for others.

Ersin Demirci, executive director of Dialogue Institute, said the outreach and contest were meant to foster friendship, peace and intercultural understanding among students, teachers and parents.

Submissions are due by Friday and must be delivered to the institute either in person or by mail.

There are more than a thousand schools in Oklahoma. We are reaching out to as many as we can ...

— Ersin Demirci The institute was founded in 2002 as a direct result of 9/11. Orhan Osman, one of the founders, said that as a Muslim, he realized he and his friends would need to get out of their houses and meet their neighbors to foster friendship and understanding instead of fear. Part of their stated mission is to “create opportunities for direct communication and meaningful shared experiences.” This contest is meant to address both of those missions.

Students will be divided into two categories: middle school (sixth-eighth grade) and high school (ninth-12th grade). The criteria are originality, craftsmanship and interpretation of the theme. Demirci said he expects between 300 and 400 pieces.

“There are more than a thousand

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Ersin Demirci visits the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. schools in Oklahoma,” Demirci said.

“We are reaching out to as many as we can by talking to principals, art teachers, administrators and anyone else we can reach.”

Four other nonprofits are co-sponsoring the event with the Dialogue Institute: Respect Diversity Foundation, JustHope Foundation, Raindrop Foundation and Artdesk magazine. Demirci said each nonprofit will give its own awards in addition to the institute’s awards.

Artdesk, which is produced by the Kirkpatrick Foundation in conjunction with its publisher, wellknown artist Christian Keesee of Marfa Contemporary and Oklahoma Contemporary, will award free subscriptions to winning participants.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for mid-March. Demirci said a final date has not been chosen. Oklahoma City Museum of Art will host the ceremony, and as part of the evening’s events, the work of all the artists will be displayed in the museum. The winning entries will be retained by the Dialogue Institute, but all other participants will have their work returned.

Rather than allow all imaginable media, the contest rules call for drawing or painting, specifically pencil, charcoal, pastel, watercolor, acrylic and oil. A full list of the rules, including size and framing requirements, is available at artfordialogue.org. The site also has a set of questions that might help students focus their projects more closely to the contest’s theme.

Demirci said the institute is still actively soliciting submissions and sponsors. An application for students is available on the website artfordialogue.org.

LIFE PERFORMING ARTS

Bazaar adaptation World-famous magic-maker Cirque du Soleil brings another spectacle to Oklahoma City with a revitalized production of Varekai.

RI C K DI A M ON D

BY DEVON GREEN

Varekai 7:30 Wednesday-Friday, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday Chesapeake Energy Arena 100 W. Reno Ave. cirquedusoleil.com 1-855-755-7328 $35-$170

There is a long tradition of magic under the big top. Circus comes from 18th-century Middle English, roughly meaning “a traveling band of performers.”

Since they most often performed in the round, the name also comes from the Latin circus, or circle.

Since its creation in Montreal, Canada, in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has become known for creating unimaginable feats of human ability and spectacle.

The company has created more than 19 unique shows and appeared in more than 271 cities. The company often tours using its trademark blue-and-gold bigtop tent, blending high-tech effects with breathtaking talent. The circus also takes its shows into arenas. Oklahoma City audiences get a chance to witness Varekai Wednesday-Sunday at Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W. Reno Ave.

Updated imagination

Artistic Director Fabrice Lemire is no stranger to either side of the stage. He started his performing life as a dancer yet yearned for more from the stage.

“I really loved my career. I wanted to expand my horizons and work with studio choreographers, and I always loved to be challenged. I could not be just an instrument,” he said.

The chance to direct challenged him in ways that he could not imagine, and he has been thrilled with the ride.

When the time came for him to work on Varekai, he had some ideas about how to breathe new life into the show. At the time, it was 12 years old and was making the transition from a tent show to an arena show.

Lemire had previously made big changes to the popular Zaia stage production and knew he was up to the task with Varekai. He had several radical updates in mind and brought them all to the table when he was picked for the job.

The board was delighted and believed audiences would be too.

Varekai

Just go and get yourself carried away. Just take it as it comes at you and you will feel every emotion all the way through the climax and the end.

— Fabrice Lemire

“I found it to be the biggest success and the biggest gift the company could give me. I feel like the company knows my forte and they are using my talents correctly,” he said.

Most of the changes to the show came about when Lemire examined how the world had changed in the 12 years since the show’s creation.

“You just look at what’s available, what’s outside,” Lemire said. “This generation is the selfie generation, the social media generation. They’ve seen Avatar. You learn what you can about them and what appeals to them.”

Lemire has been in the business long enough to know that you cannot please everyone. He’s by no means cynical, but he takes criticism and praise in the same way.

“It doesn’t have to be right. There is no right way; it’s your interpretation of the piece,” he said.

New wings

Varekai takes cues from the story of Icarus, a bold young man who fashioned wings of feathers and wax and flew too close to the sun. The ancient Greek myth is a cautionary tale about exceeding your limitations. This is where the plot of Varekai diverges.

In the show, Icarus does not fall back to earth; he travels to a distant land where everything is foreign. He meets a cast of characters along the way who affect the way he adapts to his new surroundings.

If you ask Lemire, the theme of the show is adaptation, as the primary character has to learn how to live in this strange and unexpected place.

Lemire, who moved to Macau, China, to work on Zaia, knows all about acclimating to a new place, which is what drew him to the project. You have to learn a new language and culture, not to mention local taboos and niceties that go largely unexplained. It’s a situation in which you often have to feel your way with nothing but your instincts.

“This show resounds with me in a lot of ways, and also with the artists. It’s the story of adapting to a new community and a new experience. It’s an allegory of what we do every week but also what we do as humans,” he said.

Lemire is captivated by the magical aspects of the show no matter how many times he watches it. Creating an illusion that defies physics and expectation gets him every time.

“It’s something the human body cannot do, and I find it absolutely magical,” he said.

Whether or not you know the rules or how it’s done, the enchantment never fades. This is Varekai’s gift to the audience night after night — it transports them to another place where reality is not as it seems.

Lemire’s advice for those who have never been to a Cirque du Soleil performance is simple.

“Just go and get yourself carried away,” he said. “Just take it as it comes at you and you will feel every emotion all the way through the climax and the end.”

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P ROVI DED

LIFE PERFORMING ARTS

Strutters

Pageant presents an all-male cast in this hilarious spoof of the beauty competition circuit.

BY MARK BEUTLER

Pageant: A Musical Beauty Contest 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. FridaySaturday, 2 p.m. Sunday through Feb. 15.

Lyric Theatre 1727 NW 16th St. lyrictheatreokc.com 524-9312 $25-$54

Lyric Theatre opens its 2015 season with the hilarious and ever-popular Pageant: A Musical Beauty Contest. It runs through Feb. 15.

Take your preconceived ideas about Miss America and the beauty competition circuit, amplify them by 10 and promptly forget them.

Pageant’s beauty queens redefine talent, as all six contestants are played by men in makeup, high heels, gowns, wigs, props and swimsuits.

“Keeping that all together and coming across as women who do this all the time will be difficult,” said Ashley Wells, Lyric’s associate artistic director. “Navigating around the many levels of our set will be interesting. I will certainly be having fun in rehearsals, watching them figure it out.”

Pageant debuted off-Broadway in 1991. It first ran here in 2004 and then again in 2006.

“Because of its success … we are excited to produce this show in Lyric’s Plaza Theatre,” Wells said. “It is a

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Each night of Pageant is unique. perfect show for the space and also for our audiences. The content of the show is completely clean. We have male actors playing female roles, and that is as edgy as it gets.”

Each night, new pageant judges are picked from the audience, so each performance and winner is often different.

The cast includes regular Lyric performers Monte Riegel Wheeler, James Michael Avance, Tanner Lee Hanley, Ross McCorkell, Sheridan McMichael, Christopher Sieker and newcomer Shane Pruitt.

This year, actors are dressed in new production designs by longtime Lyric costumer Jeffrey Meek.

“Jeffrey’s costumes are always brilliant. He has captured each character brilliantly. He is having fun with each character and what the costume says about them,” Wells said. “‘Miss Great Plains’ favorite color is beige, and Jeffrey can do amazing things with beige.”

Michael Baron, Lyric’s artistic director, said Pageant will keep the audience laughing.

“These talented and hopeful ‘ladies’ want nothing more than to bring home the title and will stop at nothing to get it,” he said. “Watching the contestants find out who wins and who loses alongside the audience makes for a hilarious and charming evening of theater.”

LIFE PERFORMING ARTS

Asylum adventure P ROVI DE D

An Alice in Wonderland revamp takes its audience deeper down the rabbit hole.

BY ZACH JACOBS

Wonderland Asylum 7 p.m. Friday Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center 3000 General Pershing Blvd. enterlewd.com 951-0000 $25

Ever wonder what would happen if someone force-fed you the red pill that put you into the Matrix?

Local art stars Holli Would and Chase Vegas have brought such a scenario to deliciously twisted life with Wonderland Asylum, their live stage recreation of Lewis Carroll’s classic book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

“We came up with this idea and story and wrote it all down,” said Would. “Then we convinced these other freaks to do it.”

Alice (Would) winds up in a mental institution after killing her cat, Dinah. After a round of mandatory medication, Alice takes a trip in her mind through a psychedelic world of wonder and horror, guided by the White Rabbit (Vegas), a fellow patient.

The tale develops as the pair is subjected to old-fashioned remedies for mental illness, including straitjackets and electric shock therapy. Eventually, they encounter the asylum’s warden and her corrupt group of guards.

“Wonderland is all [Alice’s] hallucinations that unfold,” said

Would of the story. “She gets really high and sees acrobats, but shit gets real when she comes back down.”

Would’s experiences with live art theater took her up and down the California coast between San Francisco and San Diego over a three-year span. She said her ideas of envelope-pushing live theater in one of America’s most progressive cities were actually not as exciting or racy there as they are in Oklahoma.

“They already have more artistic freedom,” said Would of her fellow performers in San Francisco.

“Performances in California were tame compared to what my friends are doing here.”

She also said the climax scene —

Artistic rendering of Wonderland Asylum. where the “shit gets real” — would be even too racy for San Francisco’s progressive tastes.

Due to the burlesque performance laws in Oklahoma that Vegas said have been in place since the ’20s, he and Would have had to scale back the degree of exposure in their production.

The laws have not discouraged the pair from staying true to their production ideas.

The final performance is 7 p.m.

Friday at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 3000 General Pershing Blvd. For more information visit enterlewd.com.

LIFE BOOKS

Society’s soul GARE TT FISBE CK

An OCU professor speaks out for those who can’t speak for themselves.

BY DEVON GREEN

As part of her work, sociologist Nicole Warehime deals with some grim stuff.

Most of what lands on her desk are sad tales. Every case she reviews concerns a deceased child and the situation surrounding the death.

“My primary focus has always been children and youth, studying children who have died due to maltreatment, and I study children of the incarcerated,” she said.

Warehime had an ideal childhood.

She wonders aloud if that is why she does the work she does.

“I’ve always been curious what happens to the children who didn’t have that idyllic childhood. How do they overcome [it], and how can I help them?” she said. “I can remember even as young as eighth grade doing a community service project with the YWCA working

with kids whose parents had been victims of domestic violence, so it’s always been a passion of mine.”

When Loretta Bass, her previous professor and mentor at the University of Oklahoma, approached her about editing an upcoming edition of Sociological Studies of Children and Youth, she saw it as a departure from her everyday work.

Warehime’s book, Soul of Society: A Focus on the Lives of Children and Youth is the finished product.

“It took me awhile to really focus in on the theme of the book. Children of incarcerated parents is so specific and depressing. I wanted it to be a little broad,” she said.

The book is volume 18 in the series sponsored by the American Sociological Association. The series also features contributions from other disciplines.

Nicole Warehime focuses her studies on children, especially the children of incarcerated parents.

Warehime believes in fighting for children’s rights because they are unable to speak for themselves or navigate the complicated justice system. Her concern is that there aren’t enough advocates speaking out for them.

“There’s a lot of attention to the idea ‘I will protect and I will take care of my own children, but what you do to your own kids is your business.’ We need to have that conversation,” she said.

The book came out in September, and feedback has been positive.

“There is especially an appreciation of the international perspective and how children fit into their community,” Warehime said.

She is a board member of the

Oklahoma chapter of The Messages Project.

“This is a new area that helps bridge the daily application with the theoretical models that I do,” she said.

The program makes DVDs of incarcerated parents reading a bedtime story for their children. The children are then given the book and a copy of the video.

Messages is part of Redeeming the Family, a nonprofit that helps support children of incarcerated parents. To learn more about it and The Messages Project, visit redeemingthefamily.org.

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A N O D E C A S S L S D

A N O M I A

N A M E L Y

T E N D S B S F A O R R H O O Y O T O N E R A S I M E C A T E Z W O N I N E N A R E S O

F B I U R N O N I N S N E U N G S R O S E A U R T H I S E T E R R U W A N S E A C U N H P A D E D O T E D V E S D E R W A R A F S P T O

G R E

P A X R O M A N A

E L A T T E A S C K O L T E T S O M B A R N O

A L M T E A M W O R D O I M O B L A S A R Y C G E N D A O W A R P B R P U R E E O B U I L R N A M A C S I S H K A E Y L R M I T E M O R G V E N A L I T M A E R P S S Y S S

O P E N E R

F O A L

F U R Y

I N T H E O W B P R A R A I G E L S D T I D A S N I B A T A L I C A R A I N S D O A N F R S O D C A R E A M A N L

S C H U M A N N

H E Y I R K S

N O T S O

A W M A N

L E O N I A

L E M A N S

ACROSS 1 Aladdin antagonist 6 “___ God of hosts, hear my prayer” 11 Beam splitter 16 Face an ace 19 Historic time 20 People of Kenya 21 Powerball, for one 22 Uganda’s Amin 23 The makeup affected the appearance of all the cast of Casino, including ___ 25 Guilty ___ 26 Bit of evasive maneuvering 27 Singer Nina 28 “Think different,” e.g.

30 Mentored one 32 Op-___ 33 Court figs.

35 After the 1946 World Series, the dugout was filled with the Cardinals and their happy sounds, including ___ 37 Wash 39 Card a 72, maybe 40 Son of Isaac 43 Ice dam sites 46 Grade school subj.

47 Whimpers 51 She said that when it comes to ’60s teen idols, all you need to know is one thing: ___ 54 Doll house?

56 One might be made over a beer 57 Dawn goddess 58 Allen’s successor on late-night TV 60 2008 Obama catchword 61 Break up, as concrete 62 Opa-___, Fla. 64 Early Mexican 66 Headed up 67 The bartender poured beers for all the action movie stars, including ___ 71 I.M. sent to a construction site?

73 Co-founder of the Black Panthers 74 Star Trek crew member 75 Bedouin 78 ___ Lee, singer with the 2011 #1 album Mission Bell

80 “And giving ___, up the chimney he rose” 81 French bloom 82 Complete 83 SAT needs 85 The members of the Metropolitan Opera were hit with a host of problems, including ___ 88 Cause for an insurer’s denial, maybe 89 It’s east of S.A. 91 Schwarzenegger, informally 92 “Enough, I get it!”

93 Prior listings?

97 C. S. Lewis’s lion 99 At Thanksgiving the Indians were impressed with the Pilgrims and their earth-toned platters, especially ___ 104 Quarry, e.g.

105 Hundred Acre Wood denizen 108 Backdrop for many Bond films 109 More recent 111 Wows 113 Market initials in a red oval 114 Justice Kagan 116 While trading barbs during the filming of M*A*S*H, no one was able to match ___ 118 Game of logic 119 With full force 120 Form a secret union?

121 Battier of the N.B.A. 122 Cookie-selling org.

123 Showed some disapproval 124 Like a neutron star 125 Radioer’s “T” DOWN 1 Eisenberg of The Social Network 2 Ladybug’s prey 3 Gets a head?

4 “-phobia” start 5 Title woman in a Beach Boys hit 6 Meditation sounds 7 Back muscles, briefly 8 “___ Mio” 9 Went long 10 Painters Rivera and Velázquez 11 Expects 12 Children’s author Asquith

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18 Al Kaline, for his entire career 24 Best at an inspection, say 29 Pale 31 Do some farmwork 34 World leader in 1979 headlines 36 Record 37 What toasters often hold 38 Work night for Santa 40 Pulls back 41 It’s found in cakes 42 Scrapes 44 Put up 45 Cig

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Stumped? Call 1-900-285-5656 to get the answers to any three clues by phone ($1.20 a minute). The answers to the New York Times Magazine Crossword Puzzle that appeared in the January 21 issue of Oklahoma Gazette are shown at left.

Oklahoma Gazette

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Half of half-and-half Run easily Ran Cheerleaders’ practice Generally Original name of Motown Records Hershiser who once pitched 59 consecutive scoreless innings High-minded sort?

Old orchard spray Is biased City in Los Lobos?

Steers, as a ship Osso buco need Hindu deity Idea ___ John’s Part of FEMA: Abbr.

Woody offshoot?

News station Like sports games and musical works

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0118

NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE CROSSWORD PUZZLE PERSONAL STATEMENTS By Peter A. Collins / Edited by Will Shortz

Bit of cosmetic surgery Really bothered Dutch treaty city Cell component, for short Have trouble with sass? ___ moment Marshy region Source of the quote in 6-Across Run out of gear?

Like nobles “Finally!”

Hosting, informally Some meditation teachers Cousin of a camel Nicked Long-legged fisher Martin’s partner of old TV Gasket variety Bone: Prefix Gym count Workplace welfare org.

Never, in Neuss Tick (off)

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O K L A H O M A G A Z E T T E | J A N UA R Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 | 3 5

LIFE ACTIVE

M A RK HA N COC K

Fit to bear Maybe its the on-site trainers and coaches or the results the patrons see; either way, CrossFit’s popularity continues to increase.

BY RJ YOUNG

Kevin Schuetz sits, knees bent, back against the wall. He’s talking with his hands, explaining how, in just four years, his attitude about CrossFit changed.

There’s a class going on to the left of him. Athletes in gym clothes are taking instruction from coach Brice Collier. That’s what Koda CrossFit calls its clients — athletes.

There are no mirrors in the gym.

It’s no place for preening.

But it is by no means what most people think of as a traditional gym.

It’s a place built for finding joy in progression.

“I’m not so worried about trying to beat the person next to me,” Schuetz said. “I’m trying to beat the person I was a month ago or a year ago or three years ago.”

It wasn’t until he ran across the CrossFit Games on TV that he started to think that perhaps training the CrossFit way would be fun, even healthy. So he tried a class.

“I loved it right away,” he said.

Participants warm up at CrossFit 405, 1501 N. Broadway Ave.

Confidence

Many folks just want to challenge themselves like Schuetz. Others want to lose weight. Still others want to gain weight. CrossFit training allows for individual scaling and periodization, which are not new concepts.

But there are no treadmills at CrossFit gyms. There’s lots of grunting.

There’s no air conditioning in many CrossFit gyms, and there aren’t any of the latest exercise machines, which can put some people off. So can the rates.

“Our, rates, yeah they’re not $10 a month, but they’re not $100 an hour either,” said CrossFit 405 owner Aaron O’Neil, referencing what some personal trainers are paid. “Having expertise in your training staff not

Schuetz is one of the owners of Koda CrossFit Norman, 1337 N. Lindsey St., one of more than 10,000 CrossFit affiliates around the world. (There’s also an Oklahoma City location at 228 NW Broadway Ave.) If traditional gyms are classic rock, CrossFit is Seattle grunge, and it’s popular. According to Google, “CrossFit” is searched more than “Gold’s Gym,” “Life Time Fitness,” “24 Hour Fitness” and “Planet Fitness.”

The interest U.S. servicemen and women showed in CrossFit prompted a special report by the U.S. Army to find out if it was worthwhile for soldiers.

“In this study, after only six weeks of training using the CrossFit

3 6 | J A N UA R Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 | O K L A H O M A G A Z E T T E

program, on average, the athletes increased their level of physical fitness by 20 percent,” the study concluded.

“Moreover, the athletes in this study experienced relatively equal increases across all of the four assessments, each of which required a different type of conditioning and skill set.”

The Army found that CrossFit is good training for the kind of soldier it wants. The training techniques and concepts best prepared soldiers for a wide array of challenges.

CrossFit workouts leave athletes taxed, sweating and constantly catching their breath. Certified coaches lead Koda CrossFit Norman classes so they can keep an eye on participants and prevent injury.

This attention to health and progress also is why Schuetz owns a gym and coaches.

“We try to instill confidence, and I think that’s a good thing,” he said.

Obstacles

only to teach you what you’re doing but make sure you’re doing it right, giving you motivation, answering your questions — all those things are built into that monthly price.”

It doesn’t take much to open a CrossFit gym, though. You don’t necessarily need a fitness background or degree in exercise science or physical education.

If you’ve got the money, the space and a CrossFit Level 1 certified trainer, you’re in business. The course takes two days to complete and costs $1,000. Each gym is an entity unto itself, and each has its own philosophy within in the overall concept of CrossFit.

Certified trainers It’s one thing for the owner of a company to believe the rates are fair in relation to the product, but it’s quite another for client to think that. Zack Hedrick is a multimedia journalist for KTEN News in Ardmore and an avid CrossFit athlete.

Hedrick, 24, had done some of the nontraditional strength and conditioning movements CrossFit has become famous for in high school while working out with his baseball team.

He saw the benefits of performing exercises like burpees, kettlebell swings and all-out sprints.

He still trains at a local CrossFitstyle gym today because he likes being able to compete with himself. Not knowing what the day’s workout is until he steps in the gym excites him.

In that way, it’s a lot like life; you never know what’s coming your way.

“You go at it full bore with all you can,” Hedrick said, “and you kind of figure out what you’re made of.”

Music Made Me: Taylor Vinson

BY LOUIS FOWLER

Taylor Vinson is a musical jack-of-alltrades, often pulling double ax-slinging duty in local bands Community Pools and Fuckheads.

Community Pools has been a popular, raucous punk scene staple since 2012. In September, the band released the Clownshoes EP on its Bandcamp page to local acclaim, and there is more to come. Vinson said Pools will soon release a split 7-inch record with Tulsa’s Creepozoidz.

And Fuckheads recently recorded a demo.

“I could talk about music all day,” Vinson said. “Picking five albums wasn’t incredibly hard, but I could’ve thought of another five pretty easily.”

Hear Community Pools at communitypools.bandcamp.com.

Various Artists Short Music for Short People Being born in 1990, I missed a lot of things.

Some of those (like the band Jawbreaker), were cool, and it sucks that I missed them. Then there’s stuff like Coal Chamber or 56k Internet connection speed where it’s totally fine by me that I missed out. I didn’t miss out on compilations. This particular comp has every training-wheels punk band that you could ever think of, including Blink 182 (fart noise), but it also has Spazz, Dillinger Four and

Taylor Vinson

the Dwarves. If you don’t find five songs you like on here, then you’re not trying. All 101 of them are 30 seconds or less. The idea that a song didn’t have to be 3:30 minutes blew my prepubescent mind.

Fugazi Repeater I think everyone who gets into punk or hardcore at some point gets into Minor Threat.

Hopefully.

I also think most of the people who find out how awesome Minor Threat’s discography is will immediately see that Ian [MacKaye] went on to be in Fugazi and listen to it in some capacity. Then, upon finding out it’s not going three million miles an hour, they will at least temporarily be let down and leave that band alone for a minute. No? Okay; maybe just me. I did that, and it was dumb. As pretentious as this probably sounds, the older I get, the more I like Fugazi. It made a record I don’t care for nearly as much, but as a musician, you really can’t help but wonder how the planets aligned and dudes from Rites of Spring and Minor Threat would end up in a band together that would get as big as they did by doing whatever they wanted. One of the best rhythm sections ever. Anyway, this entire release is solid from front to back without a single filler track. The riff to “Blueprint” is perfect.

Off With Their Heads Hospitals When I was younger, I liked a lot of really bad hardcore metal, the worst stuff you can think of. That stuck around for a few years, which I now can almost entirely pin to being a straight-edge kid in the suburbs who is just starting to realize that music that doesn’t sound like NOFX exists on Earth. These were dark times filled with awful breakdowns and even worse band names. I heard this EP from one of my best friends. Then, following the family tree of related bands, I eventually found out about one of my favorite bands ever: Rivethead (with whom they share multiple members).

This record is as angry of a pop-punk record as I can think of.

Weezer Pinkerton There was probably four months straight in college where this was the only record I listened to while tediously working on computer programming. Both of the Weezer records with Matt Sharp are pretty high on my list of albums, but Pinkerton is so dark and, guitarwise,

way more interesting to me with the arrangements. Rivers Cuomo truly knocks the ball out of the park with the call-and-answer melodies with the vocals and guitars. I think most of this album came from a place of that guy being really sad and jaded and addicted to painkillers. You know, uplifting stuff.

Dillinger Four Situationist Comedy If asked my favorite band with a gun in my roommate’s face, without a second of hesitation, my answer would be Dillinger Four, a punk band from Minnesota. Most of the time, when people use the term “pop-punk,” Green Day comes to people’s minds, which is fine, but Dillinger Four leans more toward the punk side of the term. It has not put out a bad record; every single one is a gem, and while the consensus is that Midwestern Songs of the Americas is its best output, this one was always my favorite. The album closes out with “New Punk Fashions for the Spring Formal,” which has one of my favorite moments of any song ever during the bridge. The vocal harmonies all come in on a giant “Whoa!” and the bass line behind it is perfect. This is my favorite LP that I own.

O K L A H O M A G A Z E T T E | J A N UA R Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 | 3 7

P R OVI DE D

LIFE MUSIC

LIFE MUSIC

SUN, FEB. 1 MON, FEB. 2 KATE VOEGELE W/LEROY SANCHEZ THURS, FEB. 5

THE CADILLAC THREE

SAT, FEB. 14

Match

JOSH ABBOTT BAND

WED, FEB. 18 DAVID COOK FRI, MAR. 6 ELVIS COSTELLO (SOLO) SUN, MAR. 29 STURGILL SIMPSON SUN, APR. 5 THE WAR ON DRUGS FRI, APR. 24 SHAKEY GRAVES

Fri., 8 p.m. | Sat., 5:30 p.m. | Sun., 3 p.m.

The honeymooners Husband-and-wife duo Shovels & Rope digs deep into the roots of American rock with latest tour and album.

BY JOSHUA BOYDSTON

Ida | Best Cinematography, Best Foreign Language Film Thurs., 7:30 p.m.

2014 Animated Shorts | Oscar Tune-Up Fri., 5:30 p.m.

2014 Live Action Shorts | Oscar Tune-Up Sat., 8 p.m. | Sun., 12:30 p.m.

TULSA, OK ★ 423 NORTH MAIN ST. TICKETS: cainsballroom.com or 877.4.FLY.TIX

3 8 | J A N UA R Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 | O K L A H O M A G A Z E T T E

Visit okcmoa.com for the full Oscar Tune-Up schedule.

Shovels & Rope with Caroline Rose 7 p.m. Thursday ACM@UCO Performance Lab 329 E. Sheridan Ave. acm.uco.edu 974-4700 $20

Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent really, really enjoy being together.

A “so cute and perfect you want to gag” couple, the South Carolina lovebirds enjoyed separate singersongwriter careers when they married.

But just as two lives became one, so too did two careers, and Shovels & Rope was born.

“We’d both made solo records about the same time, and we were trying to tour in support of them,” Trent said. “Cary would sideman for me. Then she’d have a gig at the same place the following weekend and I’d sideman for her. It was kind of stupid that we couldn’t just throw all the songs into one thing.”

Early on, the husband-and-wife pair was content to leave things messy.

“We set out with a goal to compartmentalize, but tour became life, and life was on the road more than at home,” Hearst said. “It all became just one thing.”

Their spotlight came in 2012, on the heels of sophomore album O’ Be Joyful — a modern alt-country classic — but instead of deflecting any scrutiny, they controlled it with The Ballad of Shovels and Rope. The rock documentary, directed by friend Jace Freeman, intimately spells out Hearst and Trent’s dedication to their craft and to each other.

“We were pretty shy about it. It’s an honest, loving portrayal. There’s no scandal, no blood and gore. But when your real life is projected on a screen, it

is a little scary,” Hearst said. “Twenty years from now, though, we’ll be able to show our kids that Mom and Dad were pretty cool at one time.”

Last year brought the band’s latest, Swimmin’ Time, an aquatic-themed album that searches for answers to questions about God, life and love. It also flirts with new instrumentation and song structures, expanding the vocabulary brought into the band’s jangly folk rock smash single “Birmingham” to include elements of Americana, traditional folk, punk, country and rock ’n’ roll.

“There might have been pressure for some artists to do something or please people; to replicate something specific your last album did,” Trent said of the new record. “For us, it was just a new thing. We went for it all the way, and I feel really good about it.”

Hearst credits the duo’s evolution to embracing the indie rock tendencies Trent experienced in his days fronting another South Carolinian outfit, The Films.

“It makes the songs even more compelling than if I was just left to my own devices,” she said.

Shovels & Rope performs Thursday at the ACM@UCO Performance Lab. The stop is part of a tour punctuated with a Valentine’s Day gig at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, and the band jump-started 2015 with a Late Show With David Letterman appearance. In August, the pair also scored a top 20 Billboard 200 chart debut with Swimmin’ Time. It appears their honeymoon won’t end anytime soon either.

“It was pretty friggin’ awesome to open up a Rolling Stone and see our name on the Billboard chart in the back,” Hearst said. “You don’t have to be Rihanna or Justin Timberlake to get your name on that chart anymore.”

LES LI E RYA N M C KE L L A R / P ROVI DE D

KONGOS

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28 Aaron Newman Band, Baker St. Pub & Grill. FOLK Casey & Minna, Saints. VARIOUS Grant Wells, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO Railroad Earth/Shook Twins, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa.

ROCK The Brass Beats, Will Rogers Lobby Cafe & Bar. VARIOUS The Friends No BS Jam, Friends Restaurant & Club.

VARIOUS Tiny Moving Parts/Trade School/Limp Wizurds/Ultra City, The Conservatory. ROCK Pro Jam at Friends, Friends Restaurant & Club. COVER

P ROVI DE D

LIVE MUSIC

Dust Bowl Refugees, Jazmo’z Bourbon St. Cafe. VARIOUS Dustbowl Gypsies, Leadership Square. COUNTRY Eagle Claw/Love Cobra, Opolis, Norman. ROCK Evangeline Vournazos, The Paramount OKC. SINGER/ SONGWRITER Gentry, Kendell’s Bar. VARIOUS Hi-Def Howlers, Belle Isle Restaurant & Brewery. ROCK Jim the Elephant, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill.

ROCK Karen Khoury, Legend’s Restaurant, Norman. PIANO Life of the Party, Oklahoma City Limits. COVER Lisa Speegle Band, Othello’s Italian Restaurant, Norman.

VARIOUS Randy Rogers Band, Riverwind Casino, Norman.

COUNTRY Roy Lee Scott & The Flying Cowboys, Sliders. COUNTRY Scott Lowber, Cee Gee’s Club, Edmond. ROCK

THURSDAY, JAN. 29

Shinyribs, Wormy Dog Saloon. COUNTRY Tanner Miller/Tyrannosaurus Chicken, Grandad’s Bar. VARIOUS

Adam Lopez & His Rhythm Review, Grandad’s Bar. ROCK

The Clique, Friends Restaurant & Club. VARIOUS

David Morris, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO

Travis Linville/Bungalouski, The Deli, Norman. VARIOUS

Eli Young Band, Tumbleweed Dancehall, Stillwater.

COUNTRY Grizzly Mojo, 51st Street Speakeasy. ROCK Issei Aoyama Quartet, O Bar. VARIOUS Loretta Lynn, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Catoosa.

COUNTRY

OKG

SATURDAY, JAN. 31

music

pick

2AM, Tapwerks Ale House & Cafe. ROCK

Quint, Coffee Commission, Edmond. ACOUSTIC

80z Enuff, Remington Park. COVER

Reese Wilson/Michael Summers, Kendell’s Bar. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

Aaron Newman, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill. FOLK

Samantha Crain, The Deli, Norman. FOLK Shovels and Rope, ACM@UCO Performance Lab. COUNTRY Voodoo, Baker St. Pub & Grill. ROCK

Ali Harter, Urban Wineworks. SINGER/SONGWRITER Ardent Spirits, Othello’s Italian Restaurant, Norman.

JAZZ Bandelier/Welcome Little Stranger, Prairie Gothic, Guthrie. FOLK Big G, UCO Jazz Lab, Edmond. BLUES

FRIDAY, JAN. 30

Miss Brown to You

A Night at the Opera Saturday

Mary Reynolds and Louise Goldberg, also known as Miss Brown to You, join Anne Roberts for a fundraiser to help Norman musician Patty Martin with a liver transplant. Martin and Reynolds are longtime friends and colleagues who performed together in the popular SandManBand in the late ’70s and early ’80s. A Night at the Opera, 7:30 p.m. Saturday at West Wind Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 1309 W. Boyd St., in Norman, includes pop, folk, jazz, opera, Broadway and other genres with a variety of instruments. Suggested donation at the door is $10. Call 204-4884.

Kate Voegele/Leroy Sanchez, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. POP

Colourmusic/Gum/Oil Boom, Blue Note Lounge. ROCK

Pioneers of Red Dirt, ACM@UCO Performance Lab. VARIOUS

Cover Me Badd, Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse. COVER

Rick Jawnsun, Jazmo’z Bourbon St. Cafe. COUNTRY

POWER TRIP/Sabertooth/Upright, The Conservatory.

ROCK Terell Stafford, UCO Jazz Lab, Edmond. JAZZ

Crooks, Grady’s 66 Pub, Yukon. COUNTRY

Roy Lee Scott & The Flying Cowboys, Sliders. COUNTRY

Avenue, Tapwerks Ale House & Cafe. COVER

Don and Melodee Johnson, Twelve Oaks, Edmond. JAZZ

Stealing Saturn, Oklahoma City Limits. VARIOUS

Bed People/Black Canyon/Trash Pops, Blue Note Lounge. VARIOUS

Grant Stevens, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO

The Belonging, The Paramount OKC. POP

Howard Brady, Full Circle Bookstore. COUNTRY

Urban Addiction, Russell’s, Tower Hotel. COVER

Bo Phillips, Grady’s 66 Pub, Yukon. COUNTRY Boogie Fever, Remington Park. COVER

Jeff Plankenhorn/Michael O’Connor, The Blue Door.

SINGER/SONGWRITER

Brian Gorrell & Jazz Company, UCO Jazz Lab, Edmond.

JAZZ

Jim the Elephant, Baker St. Pub & Grill. ROCK

Cover Me Badd, Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse. COVER DJ Fresh, Russell’s, Tower Hotel. VARIOUS Drive, Baker St. Pub & Grill. ROCK

Pawnshop Kings Concert, IAO Art Gallery. ROCK

SUNDAY, FEB. 1

Kyle Park, Wormy Dog Saloon. COUNTRY Mitch Casen, Friends Restaurant & Club. COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4

Askanse/LavaLuxe/CJ Boyd, Dope Chapel, Norman.

VARIOUS

Patrick Winsett and the Foolish Pride/Tom Marshall, Grandad’s Bar. COUNTRY

Blackwitch Pudding/We The Undead/Swamp Yeti/ Cobra Jab, The Conservatory. ROCK

PEARL, Belle Isle Restaurant & Brewery. ROCK

Abysmal Dawn, Downtown Lounge, Tulsa. ROCK

Brian Belanus Jazz Duo, Othello’s Italian Restaurant, Norman. JAZZ PROVIDED

Christian Pearson/Gary Johnson, Skirvin Hilton Hotel.

PIANO

TUESDAY, FEB. 3

Casey & Minna, Saints. VARIOUS Derek Harris Band, Baker St. Pub & Grill. VARIOUS

Edgar Cruz, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. ACOUSTIC

Pro Jam at Friends, Friends Restaurant & Club. COVER

Karen Khoury, Legend’s Restaurant, Norman. PIANO KONGOS/Sir Sly/Colony House, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa.

ROCK Scott Lowber, Friends Restaurant & Club. COVER

MONDAY, FEB. 2 Jack White, McCasland Field House, Norman, Monday

Jack White, McCasland Field House, Norman. ROCK

Submissions must be received by Oklahoma Gazette no later than noon on Wednesday seven days before the desired publication date. Late submissions will not be included in the listings.

Submissions run as space allows, although we strive to make the listings as inclusive as possible.

Fax your listings to 528-4600 or e-mail them to listings@okgazette.com. Sorry, but phone submissions cannot be accepted.

O K L A H O M A G A Z E T T E | J A N UA R Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 | 3 9

Provident sons A band of brothers builds Kongos’ fame with its steady beat of road shows and worldly influences.

BY JOSHUA BOYDSTON

Kongos with Sir Sly and Colony House 7 p.m. Sunday Cain’s Ballroom 423 N. Main St., Tulsa cainsballroom.com (918) 584-2306 $20-$300

FIRE LAKE ARENA IN SHAWNEE OK GET TICKETS AT

WWW.CPNBOXOFFICE.COM

OR CALL 405.273.1637

4 0 | J A N UA R Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 | O K L A H O M A G A Z E T T E

Arizona alt-rock band Kongos’ genre-bending single “Come With Me Now” is a universal success by every measure: It’s sitting pretty with nearly 50 million YouTube and Spotify plays. It’s funny because not too long ago, the quartet performed that song — and others like it from its hit record Lunatic — for meager, indifferent crowds in small clubs.

“We were playing venues to 20 people. Four were there to see us, and two of them were our parents,” bassist Dylan Kongos said. “A year and a half later, we’re playing to 10,000 people at Red Rocks [Park and Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado]. It’s one of those ‘Pinch me, holy shit’ moments.”

The band’s rocketing popularity is a shock, Kongos said. But it’s a well-deserved one.

Dylan and his brothers Daniel, Jesse and Johnny worked for this success for most of their lifetimes.

A self-titled debut dropped in 2007 and was followed up in 2012 with Lunatic, which also was self-released in the U.S. in 2013.

Though a chart-topper in their homeland of South Africa, Kongos remained undiscovered here even after its 2013 U.S. release. Near the end of 2013, Epic Records (Modest Mouse, Judas Priest) discovered the band. Epic inked the sibling foursome to a deal based on the potency of tunes “Come With Me Now” and “I’m Only Joking,” and Lunatic earned its major-label album

release in 2014.

“We were giving up on it,” Dylan said. “We had moved on to starting to record another [album] when all of a sudden, it took off in a way we could have never expected.”

To do it as brothers is rewarding.

To do it with respect to your father’s legacy is even more special. Family patriarch John Kongos is a singersongwriter known for his 1971 Top 10 glam rock hit “He’s Gonna Step On You Again.” John’s career carried his brood across the globe, including London and an extended stay in Johannesburg.

“South Africa is our second home. We go back at least once a year,” Dylan said. “There’s a special place in our heart for that world, and sharing that with people who might not have any idea of what Africa really is can be a special experience.”

There’s a higher purpose behind the band’s worldly take on music. (Reggae, kwaito, surf rock and chamber pop each make appearances.) Kongos’ unique blend exposes global sounds and cultures to many American youth who otherwise might not encounter them.

But more than that, it is a good time. And playing to energized crowds — as the brothers will at Sunday’s concert at Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N. Main St., in Tulsa — helps them hone in on the best ways to maximize everyone’s fun.

Lunatic’s unexpectedly lengthy shelf life also means the band developed nearly two albums’ worth of unrecorded material, Dylan said.

Those songs are performed at live shows, and every gig shapes what the anticipated follow-up (the band plans to record this year) will become.

“You play those songs live and see what works and what doesn’t,” Dylan said.

JON ATHA N M A RLOW / P ROVI DE D

LIFE MUSIC

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Homework: What’s the most important thing you’ve never done? Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Do you have an entourage or posse that helps you work magic you can’t conjure up alone? Is there a group of co-conspirators that prods you to be brave and farseeing? If not, try to whip one up. And if you do have an inspirational crew, brainstorm about some new adventures for all of you to embark on. Scheme and dream about the smart risks and educational thrills you could attempt together.

According to my reading of the astrological omens, you especially need the sparkle and rumble that a feisty band of allies can incite.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) The cosmos seems to be granting you a license to be brazenly ambitious. I’m not sure how long this boost will last, so I suggest you capitalize on it while it’s surging. What achievement have you always felt insufficiently prepared or powerful to accomplish?

What person or club or game have you considered to be out of your league? What issue have you feared was beyond your understanding? Rethink your assumptions. At least one of those “impossibilities” may be more possible than usual.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) When I attended the University of California at Santa Cruz, my smartest friend was Gemini writer Clare Cavanagh. She headed off to Harvard for her graduate studies, and later became a pre-eminent translator of Polish poetry. Her work has been so skillful that Nobel Prize-winning Polish poet Czselaw Milosz selected her as his authorized biographer. Interviewing Milosz was a tough job, Clare told blogger Cynthia Haven. He was demanding. He insisted that she come up with “questions no one’s asked me yet.” And she did just that, of course. Formulating evocative questions is a Gemini specialty. I invite you to exercise that talent to the hilt in the coming week. It’s prime time for you to celebrate a Curiosity Festival.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) “Somewhere someone is traveling furiously toward

you,” writes poet John Ashbery, “at incredible speed, traveling day and night, through blizzards and desert heat, across torrents, through narrow passes. But will he know where to find you, recognize you when he sees you, give you the thing he has for you?” This passage might not be literally true, Cancerian. There may be no special person who is headed your way from a great distance, driven by a rapt intention to offer you a blessing. But I think Ashbery’s scenario is accurate in a metaphorical way. Life is in fact working overtime to bring you gifts and help. Make sure you cooperate!

Heighten your receptivity. Have a nice long talk with yourself, explaining why you deserve such beneficence.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) In 1768, Britain’s Royal Society commissioned navigator James Cook to lead a long naval voyage west to Tahiti, where he and his team were supposed to study the planet Venus as it made a rare transit across the face of the sun. But it turned out that task was a prelude. Once the transit was done, Cook opened the sealed orders he had been given before leaving England. They revealed a second, bigger assignment, kept secret until then: to reconnoiter the rumored continent that lay west of Tahiti. In the coming months, he became the first European to visit the east coast of Australia. I foresee a comparable progression for you, Leo. The task you’ve been working on lately has been a prelude. Soon you’ll receive your “sealed orders” for the next leg of your journey.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) According to computer security company Symantec, you’re not in major danger of contracting an online virus from a porn website. The risk is much greater when you visit religious websites. Why? They’re often built by inexperienced programmers, and as a result are more susceptible to hackers’ attacks. In the coming weeks, Virgo, there may be a similar principle at work in your life. I suspect you’re more likely to be undermined by nice, polite people than raw, rowdy folks. I’m not advising you to avoid the do-gooders and sweet faces. Just be careful that their naivete doesn’t cause problems. And in the meantime, check out what the raw, rowdy folks are up to.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Life has a big, tough assignment for you. Let’s hope you’re up for the challenge. There’s not much wiggle room, I’m afraid. Here it is: You must agree to experience more joy and pleasure. The quest for delight and enchantment has to rise to the top of your priority list. To be mildly entertained isn’t enough. To be satisfied with lukewarm arousal is forbidden. It’s your sacred duty to overflow with sweet fulfillment and interesting bliss. Find ways to make it happen!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) You may have never sampled the southeast Asian fruit called durian. It’s controversial. Some people regard it as the “king of fruits,” and describe its taste as sweet and delicious. Naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace said it was like “a rich custard highly flavored with almonds.” But other people find the durian unlikable, comparing its aroma to turpentine or decaying onions. TV chef Anthony Bourdain asserts that its “indescribable” taste is “something you will either love or despise.” I foresee the possibility that your imminent future will have metaphorical resemblances to the durian, Scorpio.

My advice? Don’t take things personally.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Talking will be your art form in the coming week.

It’ll be healing and catalytic. You could set personal records for most engaging phone conversations, emails, text messages, and face-to-face dialogs. The sheer intensity of your self-expression could intimidate some people, excite others, and generate shifts in your social life. Here are a few tips to ensure the best results. First, listen as passionately as you speak.

Second, make it your intention to communicate, not just unload your thoughts. Tailor your messages for your specific audience. Third, reflect on the sometimes surprising revelations that emerge from you. They’ll give you new insights into yourself.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Let’s say you want to buy an 18-karat gold ring. To get that much gold, miners had to excavate and move six tons of rock. Then they doused the rock with

poisonous cyanide, a chemical that’s necessary to extract the good stuff. In the process, they created toxic waste. Is the gold ring worth that much trouble?

While you ponder that, let me ask you a different question. What if I told you that over the course of the next five months, you could do what’s necessary to obtain a metaphorical version of a gold ring? And although you would have to process the equivalent of six tons of raw material to get it, you wouldn’t have to use poison or make a mess. Would you do it?

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) In 1899, the King of the African nation of Swaziland died while dancing. His only son, Sobhuza, was soon crowned as his successor, despite being just four months old. It took a while for the new King to carry out his duties with aplomb, and he needed major guidance from his grandmother and uncle. Eventually he showed great aptitude for the job, though, and ruled until his death at age 83. I’m getting a Sobhuzatype vibe as I meditate on you, Aquarius. New power may come to you before you’re fully ready to wield it.

But I have confidence you will grow into it, especially if you’re not shy about seeking help.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) In the 1951 animated movie version of Alice in Wonderland, Alice says to herself, “I give myself very good advice, but I very seldom follow it.” I hope you won’t be like her, Pisces. It’s an excellent time for you to heed your own good advice. In fact, I suspect that doing so will be crucial to your ability to make smart decisions and solve a knotty problem. This is one of those turning points when you really have to practice what you preach. You’ve got to walk your talk.

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes /daily text message horoscopes.

The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700.

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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin or an intention to make any such preference, limitation, preference or discrimination.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of this law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings in . our newspaper are available on an equal housing opportunity basis

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