Everybody counts by Oklahoma Gazette

OKC’S NUMBER

TREAT YOURSELF DURING THE $100K SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP GIVEAWAY. PLAY WITH YOUR WILD CARD FOR YOUR CHANCE AT GIFT CARDS, BONUS PLAY AND CASH EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT IN JANUARY.

5X ENTRIES MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS

COMING SOON:

DUSTIN LYNCH

FEB

RANDY ROGERS BAND - FEBRUARY 15 CANDLEBOX - FEBRUARY 21 COOP CONCERT SERIES: WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY - MARCH 13 JAY LENO - MARCH 27 PATTI LABELLE - APRIL 10 BOYZ II MEN - APRIL 17 FOREIGNER - APRIL 24 CLAY WALKER - MAY 1 COLLECTIVE SOUL - MAY 16 THE BELLAMY BROTHERS, GENE WATSON & MOE BANDY - MAY 23

WILLIAM SHATNER

FEB

14 405.322.6000 • WWW.RIVERWIND.COM I-35 AT HIGHWAY 9 WEST, NORMAN, OK GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY 1.800.522.4700

2 J A N U A R Y 2January 9, 2020 | O KGNP_9-25x12-25.indd AZET TE .COM UNI_19-CGR-212 combo 1

1/20/20 11:11 AM

INSIDE COVER P. 4 Oklahoma City’s Point in Time

Count provides important data for city officials and resource centers that help people of all ages experiencing homelessness in the city. Oklahoma Gazette and Big If True attended the count along with Curbside Chronicle and spoke to those affected as well as organizers about how the count works and the intricacies involved in experiencing homelessness. This story is the first in a series that will be published in Oklahoma Gazette and Curbside Chronicle and on Big If True’s website throughout the next six or seven months. By Miguel Rios for Oklahoma Gazette and Mollie Bryant for Big If True. Cover by Ingvard Ashby

NEWS 4

COVER Point in Time Count

save rate initiative

8 STATE Common Bonds animal 11 CHICKEN-FRIED NEWS

EAT & DRINK 12 FEATURE

meatloaf

14 FEATURE Play Cafe

15 FEATURE Panda Grill

16 GAZEDIBLES potatoes

ARTS & CULTURE 18 ART Tiny Little Fables: The

Enchanted at The Art Hall 19 THEATER The Cat in the Hat at Lyric Theatre

STREAMING ONLINE

PLAYITLOUDSHOW.COM

20 CALENDAR

JANUARY 24

Bret michaels

MUSIC 22 EVENT Wolf Parade at Tower Theatre

24 FEATURE Psychotic Reaction’s new

album

25 LIVE MUSIC

THE HIGH CULTURE 26 CANNABIS Buds and Brawls at

OKC Farmers Public Market

28 CANNABIS Paul Tay and his SQ807

challenge

32 CANNABIS The Toke Board 32 CANNABIS strain review

FUN 33 ASTROLOGY

COMING SOON

february 1

sugar ray FEBRUARY 22

joe diffie with special guest

34 PUZZLES sudoku | crossword

josh gracin

OKG Classifieds 35

GRANDBOXOFFICE.COM

I-40 EXIT 178 | SHAWNEE, OK | 405-964-7263 O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0

NEWS

COV E R

People count About 250 volunteers combed streets, shelters, libraries, meal sites and helped host a youth event for the city’s annual Point in Time Count of people experiencing homelessness. By Miguel Rios for Oklahoma Gazette and Mollie Bryant for Big If True

Editor’s note: This article is part of a collaborative project about homelessness in Oklahoma City by The Curbside Chronicle, Oklahoma Gazette and Big If True. This project is funded through a grant by Inasmuch Foundation and Ethics & Excellence in Journalism Foundation facilitated by the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University. For other content in this series, visit thecurbsidechronicle.org, okgazette.com and bigiftrue.org. When D’Metryus Lacopo, 24, got an apartment with his husband in December, it was a major triumph. Not only would they have a space to make their own, but also they were ending a struggle of sleeping on the streets, in parking garages and in their car. “As a married couple, it’s really hard to feel married when you’re not allowed to sleep in the same bed or give each other a kiss, and we weren’t allowed to do that at the shelter,” he said. “I’m also transgender, and it makes it really difficult for me to just exist in a space that I don’t know for a fact is completely safe, and while Sisu is really good about making sure that people who come in are respectful of people, you don’t always know exactly who you’re talking to. Everyone you’re interacting with, you’ve met in the last month or so. Feeling com-

fortable changing, taking a shower, even using the restroom is really difficult.” Sisu Youth Services is a local nonprofit focusing on providing services and assistance to youth experiencing homelessness. Lacopo said that when he was homeless, he felt there weren’t enough resources for LGBTQ+ youth. He’s currently a student at Rose State College, with the goal of becoming a social worker. “I was homeless throughout most of my first semester, but when I was in school, I didn’t feel homeless. I felt like a student,” Lacopo said. “It was a way to get away from the fact that you’re sleeping in a car. It was a way to get away from the fact that I didn’t know when I was going to be eating next.” In the past, Lacopo was counted as homeless during the annual survey, but he was a volunteer this year. He shared his story at an event connected to the city’s 2020 Point in Time Count, which took place all day Jan. 23. Before there was any sign of the sun, more than 80 volunteers arrived at Homeless Alliance’s day shelter to help with the count. By 4 a.m., 16 teams spread across the city to count and survey people of all ages sleeping on the streets. Other volunteers did the same across city shelters, libraries, churches and meal sites throughout

the day. In an effort to better count youth experiencing homelessness, almost 40 volunteers also hosted an event where young people could get services, food and incentives to take the survey. The count and survey results, which represent an estimate of the number of residents experiencing homelessness throughout the community, are submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to determine what funding cities will get to address homelessness. This is required at least every other year for cities that receive federal funding for homeless assistance programs. Last year’s survey identified about 1,300 people on the day of the count, including children, who were experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma City. About 1 in 5 were chronically homeless, a group that is most likely to use emergency rooms, be hospitalized and frequently interact with law enforcement. The count helps provide a snapshot of the scope of homelessness in Oklahoma City but isn’t an exclusive measuring tool. Numbers from the count only represent a portion of the actual homeless population, which is much higher. In fact, 11,278 people received homeless services in the city in 2018, according to the Homeless Management Information System.

Planning the count

Although it’s an estimate that can be affected by factors like the weather, the survey helps identify trends that might be affecting our homeless community. Jerod Shadid, homeless services program planner for the City of Oklahoma City, said they begin planning and preparing for the count about six months out. Officials start by reviewing a map that shows the location of various camps throughout the city. The map is broken into sections to determine the amount of teams needed in the morning. This year, Shadid said 250 volunteers Dennis Wren, a man who slept under a bridge the night before the count, said it’s a misconception that people without homes are criminals. | Photo Phillip Danner 4

J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

showed up throughout the day. For the morning shift, roughly 80 volunteers were split up into 16 teams. Teams going to more secluded locations also have a police officer on the team, but Shadid said they’ve never had any violent or threatening encounters since they started doing the count this way in 2012.

I was homeless throughout most of my first semester, but when I was in school, I didn’t feel homeless. I felt like a student. D’Metryus Lacopo “We work closely with all of our outreach providers to build out the teams,” Shadid said. “Every team we have, we put an outreach provider on. We try to put a VA provider on each team as well.” Before the Point in Time Count, officials also make sure the survey is easy and efficient. Volunteers attended a mandatory training session the day before the count. Beyond asking people experiencing homelessness what factors contributed to their situation and the length of time they have been homeless, the survey also asks about things like substance abuse, physical health, mental health and domestic violence. “Some questions ask for very personal information, so you want to make the question as non-threatening as possible,” Shadid said. Despite only being required to count people experiencing homelessness every other year, Shadid said they do it annually and go above and beyond to create better outcomes and strengthen their own data trends. “I’d like to think that we possibly have the most organized count, at least in the state,” he said. “If we have to do something just to get the bare information, we want

Officials say the 2020 Point in Time Count for people experiencing homelessness was the most organized it has ever been. | Photo Nathan Poppe / The Curbside Chronicle / provided

to put our time into something that’s going to be useful to us too. We go well beyond what we’re required to collect just to get the information that allows us to see where we’re having successes and where we need to focus more resources.”

Counting youth

Last year, 7 percent of those surveyed were homeless youth, who are 25 years old or younger and not accompanied by a parent or guardian. The study identified 85 homeless youth in all, but service providers said that figure represents just a fraction of the total group, which is notoriously undercounted. Over the years, service providers were frustrated by a pattern of finding homeless youth camps only to have them vanish on the day of the Point in Time Count. Youth avoid the survey out of fear that they’ll be arrested, returned to homes that might have been abusive, placed in foster care or other concerns. “They have a tendency to want to hide from service providers because they don’t have the same autonomy as an adult, so they are a little hesitant that they’re going to be returned to a situation they don’t want to be in, that they’re going to be turned in, and they’re also just more hesitant of service providers in general,” said Jamie Caves, Sisu executive director. An estimated 40 percent of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+, and many have faced rejection by their families. “Oftentimes, they’re scared of DHS,” Caves said. “They’re scared of being placed in another home that is not affirming, so that’s a concern.” This year, to address the historically low estimate, service providers experimented with a new event for youth without a home: a welcoming environment where youth could take the survey while also getting access to a number of vital resources. Sisu organized the event, and nine nonprofits and agencies provided services. The event provided youth with a warm meal, backpacks filled with food, cold-

weather necessities like hand warmers and an array of services, including HIV testing, therapy and assistance filling out housing applications with Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency. In addition to youth counted throughout the day, Caves said 40 youth participated in the event, which she expects to continue and potentially expand with a second location next year. Service providers like Pivot director of emergency services Lindsay Cates believe the event could be a route to building trust with youth experiencing homelessness. “My hope is that the more volunteers we have, the more our community starts to actually look at that issue, things could change,” Cates said. “A big thing is a living wage. ... We have a low cost of living in Oklahoma, but it’s really not because wages have not increased. We’re not setting up youth for success.” Despite Oklahoma’s low cost of living, minimum hourly wage in the state has remained $7.25 since 2008. According to data from Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, in 2019, it took a $14.92 hourly

wage to afford an average one-bedroom apartment in the city. This means a minimum-wage worker would have to work more than 80 hours a week to afford a one-bedroom apartment. Heather Johnson, Sisu’s board president, previously served as the homeless liaison for Mid-Del School District, where she was struck by the number of students struggling with homelessness. She said some of Sisu’s clients became homeless after aging out of the foster care system, and others escaped homes where they faced abuse and neglect.

“I very much believe the earlier we intervene, the better, and if we intervene now as youth, they will not be cyclically homeless, they will not be chronically homeless and they will not be in need of systems of care for the rest of their life,” Johnson said. Falisha Baxter, 24, grew up with chaos in foster care, moving constantly before she aged out of the system. She has been homeless for the past three years and camps in a wooded area with her boyfriend. At the event, she received clothes and hand warmers, which she said can be a lifesaver. “With resources like this, it helps a lot because … it literally makes people think that there’s still hope, that not everyone’s given up on us,” Baxter said. “There are still people who want to help and opportunities to turn our life around, and the most important thing: It gives us the opportunity to look forward for tomorrow.” Andru Dallaly, a program manager for homeless youth services at the Department of Mental Health, said the youth who attended were grateful to receive things like new clothes. But despite the event’s success, he was reminded that ultimately, there just aren’t enough resources to help the city’s homeless youth, especially when it comes to shelters.

“All the youth that we have here who are homeless, we don’t even have enough shelter beds to give to them, so we have no choice but to send them wherever they were last night, which could be bridges and camp sites and behind buildings,” Dallaly said. “I have to field these calls of people needing shelter in this age group, and I can’t place them anywhere and it breaks my heart.”

On the streets

Volunteers for the survey came from the nonprofit, private and public sectors and

said they wanted to help address homelessness and learn more about the issue. Oklahoma County commissioner Carrie Blumert was one of a few elected officials who participated in the morning count. “It was this weird dichotomy where when you’re out there and looking for people, you want to find people to talk to you, but in another sense, I wish that we wouldn’t have found anyone because that would mean that our area didn’t have anyone living outside,” she said. “My communications director came with me, and I think she was nervous at first. But when we finished up, she goes, ‘I want to do that again. I want to do that next year.’” Being her first time participating, Blumert said she felt a responsibility to get involved and meet people who are affected by her decisions that might not typically interact with her otherwise. She said she plans to volunteer for the count again and promote it, which she hopes will encourage more people to do the same. “One man that I interviewed had just gotten out of prison and was literally sleeping under a bridge. His name was Elvis, and he just stayed curled up in his sleeping bag and talked to us,” she said. “I think that every elected official should have to go through this because it really, really puts you in contact with people

More than 80 people volunteered during the morning count, which began at 4 a.m. | Photo Nathan Poppe / The Curbside Chronicle / provided

whose lives are affected by the decisions you make. I will probably never forget Elvis.” The 2020 count was the fourth time State Rep. Cyndi Munson volunteered for the morning shift. She said since the count happens a few weeks before the legislative session begins, it’s a “grounding practice” that fuels her to advocate for those who continued on page 6

O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0

NEWS continued from page 5

COV E R

don’t have access to many basic necessities. “I don’t think anyone who leaves this experience looks at the city the same,” she said. “You can’t look at anyone or our city the same because now you know, you’re more knowledgeable, you had firsthand experience having a conversation through those surveys. It should change our mindset to then ultimately advocate for better outcomes and keep those in power accountable to make sure we’re not just thinking of those who can call us and visit us but those who are just trying to survive and thrive in their everyday life. We have to be more concerned about the services they need.” Oklahoma Gazette tagged along with Team 2 led by Sonrisa Nowicki, a case manager at The Homeless Alliance. From 4 a.m. to roughly 7:30 a.m., the team visited several encampments and underpasses, counting and surveying almost 30 individuals while handing out bus passes and cold weather items. Throughout the morning, Team 2 encountered several people sleeping on the streets who, while taking the survey, said they were not homeless. Officials said that while people might not want to admit to being homeless or needing assistance, it’s typically a coping mechanism or due to mental health or substance abuse issues, pride or wanting to avoid the stigma associated with homelessness. “There’s a stigma on homelessness. There’s a stigma on, ‘I can’t take care of myself. I’m vulnerable,’” she said. “No one really wants to admit that. That’s why we tell people we just want to help you be self-sufficient. … We don’t want to force anybody to do anything. We want people to live their best lives.”

DEPRESSION Study Currently Enrolling

Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects millions of adults in the United States every year according to the American Psychological Association. The Lynn Institute of Oklahoma City is now enrolling patients ages 18 - 65 who are currently on an antidepressant that isn’t adequately controlling symptoms. Participants will receive study-related healthcare from medical professionals at no cost and may receive compensation for time and travel! Interested in more information?

3555 N.W. 58th St., Suite 800, Oklahoma City, OK 73112

www.lhsi.net 6

J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

Volunteers also surveyed people at city shelters, libraries, churches and meal sites throughout the day. Results from the count are expected around June. | Photo Nathan Poppe / The Curbside Chronicle / provided

Team 2 also encountered a pregnant woman who said she simply could not afford a home. Others told volunteers they did not have a home because of incarceration, aging out of foster care, mental health issues or a combination of other factors.

I don’t think anyone who leaves this experience looks at the city the same. Cyndi Munson Dennis Wren, a man who slept under a bridge the night before, told Gazette he had an accident that caused him to have major migraine headaches. He said living with others intensified those but once he was on his own, they subsided. “Police, they come through here and said as long as I keep it clean, there won’t be any problems,” he said. “You make it work for you.” He said everyone who sleeps under the same bridge knows and keeps one another accountable to make sure they don’t run into problems with the police.

Advertise with us and reach a hyper-local market.

“People think that most people out here on the streets are either criminals or steal or beg, and it’s not,” he said. “Most of these guys that are down here — I’ve been down here the longest — they’re really good people. Really good people.” Wren also expressed his gratitude to the person conducting the survey and said he was more than happy to contribute in any way that could help get at least

The count took place Jan. 23, with a total of 250 volunteers throughout the day and across the city. | Photo Phillip Danner

coordinated to address that subpopulation and specific issues they run into. Shadid said another benefit of the count is getting people from the public directly involved and meeting with people experiencing homelessness to better understand the issue.

More than 1,000,000 impressions each month! Contact: advertising@okgazette.com

3 WORKOUTS FOR THE WEEK

Busy week? Try this simple day-by-day workout plan. Do it in order, or mix and match days to better fit your schedule.

SQUATS*

TURN ‘N BURN WORKOUT Turn physical activity up a notch.

one person into housing. “When someone does come and talk, it makes you feel like somebody is thinking about you,” he said.

Directing resources

Shadid said this year’s count was the most organized it has ever been and went off without any significant hiccups. Everyone who signed up for the morning shift showed up or called ahead to cancel, and through the various morning teams, the count also reached more places than it ever had in the past. Results from the count help identify areas where more resources need to be directed. For example, when numbers go up for veterans or families experiencing homelessness, efforts are better

The count helps provide a snapshot of the scope of homelessness in OKC but isn’t an exclusive measuring tool and only represents a portion of the actual population. | Photo Nathan Poppe / The Curbside Chronicle / provided

“A lot of people see this, and they don’t understand it. And … it’s almost like they forget people experiencing homelessness are human,” Shadid said. “It’s nice to get people in contact with them, talking with them to remind them that you’re talking about people here with problems. And yes, it is difficult to handle, but imagine how difficult their lives are. It helps to just humanize the issue so people are not so reactionary about it and kind of understand it a little better.” The results of the count will be released around June.

3 sets of 10

CRUNCHES 3 sets of 20

LUNGES

3 sets of 10 on each side

REACH & TOUCH PLANK 5 sets, 20 sec. each

PARTNER WORKOUT

PARTNER CRUNCHES 5 sets, 20 sec. each

Find a buddy & move your body.

PARTNER TWIST*

TRASH CAN TOE TOUCHES

5 sets, 30 sec. each

3 sets of 30, twice a day

TIME-SAVING WORKOUT In a rush? No sweat.

SEATED FLUTTER KICKS* 3 sets of 30, twice a day

TRICEPS CHAIR DIPS

2 sets of 10, twice a day

Plan on moving for 30 minutes every day! For instructions on these activites and more visit

O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0

Christian & Sons Clocks

DECADE OF DECO SALE SALE SALE LARGE INVENTORY OF DECO CLOCKS!

PERMANENT MAKE UP $250 Eyebrows $250 Lip Line $250 Eyeliner $400 Full-Lips

JUVEDERM RADIESSE

BOTOX $11 Per Unit

Schelly’s Aesthetics Shoppes at Northpark, 12028 May Ave. 405-751-8930 Open Mon-Fri www.skincareokc.com Gift Certificates Available

S TAT E

2911 W. Wilshire | 405 810 5979

NEWS

$375 Microblading

Animal companions More than 20 organizations are working on a statewide initiative to increase Oklahoma’s animal shelter save rate significantly over the next five years. By Miguel Rios

Common Bonds is made up of about 25 organizations with the shared goal of increasing the state’s animal save rate to 90 percent. The group hosted a press conference last week to lay out the ways it plans to achieve its goal. “We’re all here today because of a problem, and that is the high euthanasia rate of cats and dogs in animal shelters,” said Kelly Burley, the group’s director. “The partners of this initiative have been working over the course of the last two years to really identify a common goal, and that common goal is to raise the live release rate of cats and dogs in animal shelters to 90 percent by 2025. … We’ve been deep into the research phase, deep into the planning phase, and today we’re here to announce that we are moving into the implementation phase of this initiative.” The initiative, originally known as Save Lives. Unite Oklahoma., has rebranded as Common Bonds as part of the implementation phase launch. The coalition also expanded the group to share resources and “reflect their joint commitment to the wellbeing of Oklahoma’s companion animals.” “The partners of Common Bonds felt really it was really important to develop a name that better reflected their passion for and commitment to companion animal wellbeing and to help them as they begin their collective work to raise the live release rate,” Burley said. “We’ve seen some improvement in the numbers … but these numbers also underscore that there’s a lot of work yet to do.” In 2018, nearly 93,000 animals entered 8

J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

the 128 shelters across Oklahoma, according to data from Best Friends Animal Society. Of those, nearly 1 in 4 die in shelters. Brent Toellner, Best Friends senior director of national programs, said a certain percentage of animals entering shelters will need to be euthanized due to injuries or sicknesses, but that the number should be less than about 10 percent.

As the city and the state is trying to become a better place for people, it’s important that we think about the animals. Jonathan Gary “As an organization, we recognize a 90 percent benchmark as statistical measure of success,” Toellner said. “In the state of Oklahoma, there are roughly 13,000 animals that are entering shelters that are healthy, treatable animals that could find a home if there was just more time and resources available before the shelter ran out of space before they had to prematurely end their lives. We really want to work with shelters and organizations and coalitions like Common Bonds to help solve that issue across the state of Oklahoma.” Common Bonds identified three key priorities to help realize its goal. One of the

Animal shelters across the state seek to become no-kill shelters by 2025. | Photo Miguel Rios

most important priorities is encouraging state shelters to report their data. “We have a working group of shelter managers and other animal wellbeing professionals who are currently working to build relationships with shelter operators across the state of Oklahoma,” Burley said. “The idea is to get more shelters reporting their data so we can improve our baseline numbers and better understand just exactly where Oklahoma is at in terms of the intake numbers and the live release numbers as well.” Another priority is promoting affordable and accessible spaying and neutering options. “This procedure is really one of the most important things you can do as a responsible pet owner to ensure the wellbeing of animals,” Burley said. “Access to these services is often a challenge, especially for low-income pet owners and, in a lot of cases, for people who live in rural areas and just don’t have access to these services. We’re in the process right now of really comprehensively identifying what services are available and where, and our goal will be to share that with the public later this year.” A final priority is generally increasing community engagement through a grassroots network of volunteers across the state. “We have a community leadership working group that is in the process of identifying potential volunteers, and we’re calling them community leadership partners, to really help us build relationships with city leaders, with shelter operators, with rescues and with the general public to really help drive

20 percent of the 93,000 animals entering shelters across the state come into the city’s facility. “I felt that it was crucial not only that we participate but that we play an active role in trying to change that [save rate], especially here in Oklahoma City,” Gary said. “It’s important to know that this is more than just about the animals. Where animals do well, people do well, and as the city and the state is trying to become a better place for people, it’s important that we think about the animals and how that reflects on how our people live.” Construction on the current Oklahoma City Animal Shelter facility started in 1995. A second phase was completed in 2001 with improvements in 2008 and 2015. However, the facility was designed with only 37 spaces for adoptions when the shelter averages 100-120 adoptable dogs. In June of last year, OKC Animal Welfare shelter took in more than 2,000 animals. Of those, 585 were adopted, more than 1,000 were transferred, roughly 200 were returned to owners and nearly 500 were euthanized. Part of the approved MAPS 4 slate includes $38 million to replace the current facility with shelter spanning up to 67,000 square feet, according to a presentation Gary made to the city. He said the money from MAPS would help remove barriers to humane outcomes and live release goals in Oklahoma City, which will in turn benefit other Common Bonds partners. “I really hope to be able to share our experience. I’ve been doing this for 20 years now, and over the last 10 years, I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to travel and meet people like Brent and travel the country and learn from the

WE’RE SOCIAL.

AND NEVER MISS A POST

@OKGAZETTE

February 15 The Cowboy 7:00 p.m. – Midnight Live DJ, food stations, cocktails & dancing Tickets on sale now at nationalcowboymuseum.org/factoryparty home the point that the wellbeing of our companion animals in our communities really does speak to the wellbeing of those overall communities,” Burley said. “As part of that effort, we’re going to be launching a series of roadshows or community visits across the state of Oklahoma in 2020 and 2021.” Jonathan Gary, animal welfare superintendent for OKC, is another Common Bonds partner. Gary, who was named Employee of the Year at last week’s city council meeting, said roughly

Jonathan Gary, animal welfare superintendent for OKC, said people do well when animals do well. | Photo Miguel Rios

best of the best,” Gary said. “I really hope that that’s what our facility can help do, is bring that experience and the knowledge and the research. We all had to learn somewhere, and I hope that our team can help do that here and in the rest of the state.” The coalition’s first informational community session is Feb. 11 in Enid. Visit commonbondsok.com.

1700 Northeast 63rd Street •Oklahoma City, OK 73111 (405) 478-2250 • Illustration created by NCWHM

O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0

Black History ad.indd 1.CO M 10 J A N U AMonth R Y 2 92020 , 2 0 2gazette 0 | O KG AZETTE

1/21/20 1:43 PM

chicken

friedNEWS

Taxpayer business

Business ownership while entering political office opens up all sorts of ethical concerns. Unfortunately, we live in a Donald Trump presidency; despite proclamations during his campaign, he did not put his business under the direction of a blind trust. He merely turned it over to his children while they also held positions in the White House. We’ve come a long way since Jimmy Carter outright sold his peanut farm before taking office and still have to endure a Senate investigation. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt rode Trump’s coattails as a businessmanturned-politician who never served in public office before being elected to the state’s highest office. Unlike Trump, Stitt did take proper ethical measures of turning Gateway Mortgage Group (now Gateway First Bank following a merger with Farmer’s Exchange Bank) to a family trust run by James Redman. Stitt remains the owner, but stepped away from management of the company, according to The Frontier. But he is facing scrutiny after the Quality Jobs Program Incentive Approval Committee, which features two members Stitt appointed, voted to approve tax dollars for Gateway First Bank. The incentive program targets companies with a payroll of more than $2.5 million, according to The Frontier, and the program is designed to create job growth. Gateway first entered the program in 2016 and has received more than $876,000 over that time — a little less than half of the $1.8 million it was eligible to receive, according to The Frontier. Charles Prater, one of the board members appointed by Stitt, told The Frontier that Stitt’s position played no role in renewing the incentive program for Gateway but also admitted that Gateway would create jobs without the incentive money. “But if the credit’s there, why wouldn’t they take advantage of it? That’s just good business,” Prater told The Frontier. It might be good business, but it’s ethically murky.

Vanity plates

It’s almost time for the legislative session, which can mean only one thing: unconstitutional and/or ridiculous bills that will waste lawmakers’ time and energy and distract from more

promote a political ideal or agenda no matter what party it represents.” In summary, this is a ridiculous, possibly illegal bill that even some of the very people it seeks to benefit don’t want. That probably means there’s a good sign the governor will end up signing it.

Not milk?

important matters. We’re sure you’ve already seen a few, like the one by a Republican senator to name a section of Route 66 President Donald J. Trump Highway or the one to make 2020 the “Year of the Bible.” Both happen to be by the same senator, who also wanted to make all state wildlife the property of “Almighty God” in last year’s session. If it wasn’t dreadfully obvious that this senator’s bills are just a desperate cry for attention, he-who-shall-not-benamed (because let’s face it; he wants his name in as many news outlets as possible) also filed a bill to put Trump’s campaign slogan on state license plates. The senator wants Trump’s precious attention so badly, he probably didn’t even realize the bill could violate federal campaign finance laws. The legislation would create “Make America Great Again” and “Keep America Great” plates, just in case you’re not sure where the country stands. Both of the phrases are trademarked slogans of Trump’s campaign. Tags would cost $35, and proceeds from the sales will benefit two state organizations that provide services for veterans, the Folds of Honor and Warrior of Freedom foundations. Still, if taxpayer dollars or resources are used to make the plates, the proposal would violate campaign finance laws. “These are political slogans,” Richard Briffault, a professor at Columbia Law School, told The Washington Post. “This has the look and feel of using state resources to support a political candidate, which seems improper … and possibly illegal.” However, Paula Ross with Oklahoma Tax Commission told the Post that rules against personalized plates that are discriminatory, threatening or overtly political don’t apply to decisions made by the state Legislature. Even if legal, the bill is a huge waste of time lawmakers could actually spend on practical, problem-solving legislation. They could even use their time to craft legislation that would directly benefit veterans without pandering to a certain political party. Not only that but Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Oklahoma has opposed the bill and is encouraging other veteran groups to do the same because “veterans, and their families, should not be utilized as leverage to

Oklahoma’s official state beverage and drink is milk — because of course it is — but House Bill 2994, authored by state Rep. Jim Grego (R-Wilburton), w ou ld ensure t h at Oklahomans aren’t officially slaking their thirst with just any old kind of milk. “Milk,” as defined by Grego’s bill, could legally only be “obtained by the complete milking of one or more healthy hooved mammals.” In other words, plantderived alternatives such as oat, soy and almond milk would have to be relabeled if the bill were to pass. While many news outlets, including national political news site The Hill, covered this blatant legislative attempt to curry favor with Big Teat, Janelle Stecklein’s story for CNHI deserves special credit for the headline “Lawmaker intolerant of lactose alternatives” and for noting that, “Grego would not answer a question about what human breast milk should

be called.” Muskogee Phoenix’s editorial board, meanwhile, argued that rather than authoring this “nutty piece of legislation,” Grego might better help dairy farmers by addressing climatechange-induced flooding and the trade disputes and tariffs that are currently slowing down export rates. In the unlikely event it passes, the law might change the wording on plant-based milk cartons and whatever godforsaken body-fluid Etsy knockoff people use to sell human breast milk, but milk from “cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats and yaks … deer, reindeer and moose … horses and

donkeys” could continue to be labeled as such. No word yet on how this law would affect Milk Duds, Milk of Magnesia and that part in Meet the Parents where Robert De Niro says, “I have nipples, Greg. Could you milk me?” but no amount of inconvenience is too great to avoid a future where we have to hear school children say, “Soy milk, rice milk, organic lemonade, ’round the corner gluten-free, fair-trade fudge is made.”

O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0

EAT & DRINK

100% SMOKEFREE

SUPPORTING SMOKEFREE BARS & CLUBS FIND MORE SMOKEFREE BARS NEAR YOU:

FREETHENIGHTOK.ORG

ART IN A NEW LIGHT

BUILDING OPENS MARCH 2020

F E AT U R E

5137 N. CLASSEN, OKLAHOMA CITY

Ode to meatloaf

Area chefs compete in a meatloaf challenge that sets the stage for a public event this spring. By Jacob Threadgill

Besides fruitcake, I can’t think of a more derided food item at the butt of jokes in popular culture than meatloaf, but I’m a fan of the savory loaf. Much how everyone used to hate Brussels sprouts because they’d only eaten them steamed, I think poor preparations have created generations of meatloaf haters. My wife refuses to eat another bite after being scared by bland, gray slabs of meatloaf as a kid, and I can’t convince her otherwise. When I first started cooking as an early teenager, meatloaf is the first thing I learned to cook, using my mother’s recipe that featured oats as a binder, saltine cracker topping and lots of Worcestershire sauce in the mixture.

I was inspired by my mother’s meatloaf. Ryan Parrott

Experience contemporary art and creativity in a new and unforgettable setting.

oklahomacontemporary.org Free admission NW 11th and Broadway, Oklahoma City

J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

The biggest problem I think a lot of people have with meatloaf is its consistency. It’s either overcooked and covered in ketchup to cover up its dryness or filled with too many ingredients — the kitchen sink method. Using different cuts of meat can rectify the first problem. Different levels of fat content add moisture to the final product. Even if you want to keep it all-beef, mix it up with 80/20, 73/27 and a leaner variety. My favorite recipe for meatloaf comes from Food Network’s Bobby Flay. It calls for equal parts beef, pork and veal. I understand if you have problems using veal, and it can be hard to find. I usually go with pork and 80/20 ground beef. Flay’s

recipe includes chopped zucchini and red and yellow peppers sautéed before being added to the mixture. Zucchini is a great addition because it complements the texture of the meat very well. The mixture also includes panko breadcrumbs, lot of grated Parmesan, balsamic vinegar and a spicy balsamicketchup glaze. Finding the right balance between finely chopping and dicing the vegetables into large squares is key. I like to discern different ingredients without them being so big that they’re not cooked evenly.

Meatloaf showdown

Imagine my joy when I was invited to attend a meatloaf challenge organized by Brigade 405 — an informal collection of local chefs — last week hosted at The Hamilton Supperette & Lounge, 12232 N. May Ave. (located on the backside of Shoppes at Northpark). Sixteen area chefs submitted three loaves (two for voting and a third for donation to Homeless Alliance) for a blind taste-testing voted on by their peers. The winner agreed to add the item to their menu for at least a month. Chef Ryan Parrott (Picasso Cafe, Frida Southwest and Oso on Paseo) took home bragging rights, $250 from Oklahoma Beef Council and a $200 gift card for Shoppes at Northpark. Parrott said his creation will be on the Picasso Cafe menu as a special for the month of March. It was truly astounding, standing more than 12 inches in height, and had lots of flavor. “I was inspired by my mother’s meatloaf,” Parrott said. “As much as most

Chef Ryan Parrott’s competition-winning meatloaf stood more than a foot tall. | Photo Jacob Threadgill

people hated their mother’s meatloaf, I actually looked forward to it. She would cook it and then, at the end, put thick slices of sharp cheddar on it to melt over the top. It was so good. I took this to another level by putting aged white cheddar into the mix. She also used cracker crumbs and canned vegetable soup for the meatloaf. I wanted to up the game as well, so I used demi-glace, roasted bell peppers, caramelized onions, roasted garlic and breadcrumbs. As for the sauce, I didn’t want to go traditional tomato route, so instead, I caramelized ciopillini onions, fresh jalapeños and applewood smoked bacon, then finished with whiskey, molasses and demi-glace.” Finishing second in the competition was Michael Paske of The Hamilton and Dave Egan of Cattlemen’s Steakhouse. I liked Paske’s version, but it was a little too uniform in texture for my taste. Egan’s submission was also a showstopper. He cooked the meatloaf in Bundt pans for a beautiful design. He also used a Hasty-Bake Grill, which is an Oklahoma staple, as the Tulsa-based product allows users to grill, smoke and bake all in one contraption. “Everyone likes the outside crust, and I wanted something with a maximum amount of crust, so I came up with the idea of using the Bundt pan,” Egan said. Egan used trimmings of rib-eye, tenderloin and top sirloin from Cattlemen’s and studded the beef with pieces of

Italian sausage for a nice surprise along with onions, carrots and celery. After the mixture cooked in the Bundt pans, he took it out, exposed it to smoke and finished with a hot and sweet Asian glaze for some extra zip. Cattlemen’s runs regular meatloaf as a Monday lunch special, and Egan said he was glad he didn’t win so he didn’t have to replace a customer favorite with something they might not like. He is proud of his creation and said he’d be happy to make it for a banquet on special request. Other participating chefs in the meatloaf challenge included Melissa Aust (Stella Modern Italian), Candace Gideo (Papa Dio’s), Coliman Uribe (Oak & Ore), Scott Snow (Pearl’s Restaurant Group), Bruce Rinehart (Rococo), Kevin Ward (St. Mark’s Chop Room), Clayton Farhook and Stephen Bradley (Nunu’s Mediterranean Cafe) Loretta Barrett Oden (formerly of Blue Corn Cafe), Matthew Johnson (The Jones Assembly), Joel Wingate (Sparrow Modern Italian), Jesse Farmer (The Hutch on Avondale), J Mays (The Hamilton) and Eric Cooper of Davis, Oklahoma. Be on the lookout for a public event at Parlor OKC food hall (11 NE Sixth St.) later this spring that will raise money for charity and have more chefs pitting their meatloaf recipes against each other.

WE’RE SOCIAL.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

AND NEVER MISS A POST

@OKGAZETTE

Meatloaf cooked in a Bundt pan by David Egan of Cattlemen’s Steakhouse | Photo Jacob Threadgill

The Lynn Institute is currently DEPRESSION enrolling participants for an Study Currently Enrolling

Alzheimer’s Study.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects millionsoffering of adults The Lynn Institute of Oklahoma City is currently a in the United everywith yearAlzheimer’s according to the American research study States for people Disease who... Psychological Association. • Fall between the ages of 55The - 80 Lynn years Institute of Oklahoma City isbeen now enrolling patients agesto18moderate - 65 whoAlzheimer’s are currently on • Have diagnosed with mild an antidepressant that isn’t adequately controlling symptoms. Disease Participants will receive study-related healthcare from medical • Have a caregiver or family member who will attend study visits, professionals at no cost and may receive compensation for report on daily activities and oversee the taking of medication time and travel! Interested in more information? Participants will receive all study related care and treatment at no cost and may compensated for time and or travel. Contact usbe TODAY at 405-447-8839 visit us online

lhsi.net/participant-information-form. For more information about participating in the study or to schedule your appointment for a memory screening, please call: 405-447-8839 3555 N.W. 58th St., Suite 800, Oklahoma City, OK 73112

www.lhsi.net O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0

F E AT U R E

EAT & DRINK

Learn and chill

Play Cafe allows kids to learn and have fun while parents relax with healthy food and even booze. By Jacob Threadgill

With a menu featuring items like avocado toast and grain bowls inside a modern and clean aesthetic, Play Cafe, 610 NW 23rd St., at first glance might be the next casual, comforting cafe to open in Uptown 23rd District. Owner Liz Howald’s favorite moments are when a child enters the family-focused cafe that features a huge play area, a quiet room and a backyard patio stocked with toys and books — but those items remain out of sight for the little ones. “Watching kids come in, they don’t see the toys at first,” Howald said. “They’ll wander in and think, ‘It’s just another place that my mom or dad are taking me.’ Then they round that corner and they see the toys and their faces are amazing to watch light up.” Howald has a background in education. She has done everything from teaching and curriculum development to teacher education. She’s taking those techniques and applying them to Play Cafe, which is modeled after similar concepts in larger cities in the U.S. and Europe. Not only does Play Cafe offer coffee, tea, beer, wine and cocktails centered

on a breakfast and lunch menu designed to offer healthy and tasty options that can be catered to dietary needs, it’s an immersive environment for kids to learn while they play. “The idea came from desperation,” Howald said. “I have two kids of my own, a 4-year-old and a 6 and a half-year-old. There are a lot of great family-focused, kid-friendly places here, but they’re so very focused on the kid’s experience, and I wanted something where the adults were as happy and excited to go as much as the kids.” Using the Montessori Model of Education as inspiration, the main play area is supervised by attendants that have passed an extensive background check and are trained to let kids gravitate toward certain toys and then help them engage in extension activities that are designed to have a learning element. There are no battery-operated toys, no large plastic items. Play Cafe works with local retailers like Basal Baby, Plenty Mercantile and Commonplace Books as well as big-box retailers like Target. “I like that [the Montessori approach recognizes] that children are capable of so much more than a lot of people give them credit for if you give them the space to try it, learn and fail,” Howald said. “They’re capable of more than what we allow them most of the time. It’s about [learning] life skills, but they feel like they’re playing as they learn to be independent individuals.” Play Cafe opened in early January, so Howald said it’s still getting its footing before unveiling ongoing workshops. It will work with local groups like LAFF Lab, Storyteller Theatre Company and Homegrown Learning Company to host regular music classes, story time and craft experiences. “We’re working on after-hours programing for parents too, like article club because who has time to read books when you have kids? There will be date top Play Cafe has a back patio with a rock pit instead of sand. inset Butternut squash toast at Play Cafe | Photo Emily Fletcher / provided

J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

night activities like wine and cheese pairings that will coincide with a kids activity so they don’t have to find a babysitter,” she said.

Food for thought

Howald said people are surprised to see Play Cafe’s menu doesn’t revolve around pizza and chicken fingers. She devised a menu based around some of her favorite items to make at home and worked with Chris Castro as a consultant to hone in on the flavors of the food and cocktail items. For breakfast, Play Cafe offers pastry from local suppliers along with both sweet steel-cut oatmeal (baked apples with brown sugar, cinnamon and a maple pecan oatmeal square crumble) as well as savory (turkey sausage, cheddar, kale, sliced avocado and an egg). It also has a series of toasts made with everything from regular white bread to vegan and gluten-free versions. Avocado toast also utilizes pancetta, lemony kale and egg topped with garlicchipotle dust. The butternut squash toast tops the mash with Boursin cheese, maple pecan crumble and mint. The brûléed banana toast uses almond butter, brûléed bananas and a maple-pecan square, and Howald said it has been one of the most popular items. Lunch is served until 2:30 p.m. The house vegetable soup has been popular during the early part of the year, but Howald’s favorite item is the grilled cheese with a three-cheese medley that includes Gruyère and goat cheese along with prosciutto, fig jam and basil. It offers health-conscious items like lemony kale salad and harvest grain salad along with a chicken club toast and a vegetable and hummus toast. Play Cafe has teas from neighboring Urban Teahouse along with coffee from Sincerely Coffee Roasters. Vanessa House Beer Co. and Coop Ale Works supply beer while wine and sparkling wine are available by the glass or the bottle. Cocktails include bloody marys and seasonal offerings like Cranberry

top Play Cafe’s kids’ area has a central area filled with toys in addition to a quiet room that can be rented for parties. inset Lemony kale salad at Play Cafe | Photo Emily Fletcher / provided

Cheery with cranberry simple syrup, lemon, vodka and egg white. Play Cafe remains open until 5:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and offers snack boards like a charcuterie board or a Cobb salad board, which is basically deconstructed salad. The space can be rented for after-hours birthday parties and private events. Children are certainly not required to enjoy Play Cafe’s selections. Howald said people are already getting in the habit of grabbing a salad on their way to work. “Families are primary focuses, but everyone likes and deserves great coffee and food. [We] want to be something casual, healthy and quick,” she said. Gardner Studios converted Play Cafe from a former pawnshop that sat vacant for years and outfitted it with a clean and modern design. The Imes group installed the kitchen that has an open workspace and plenty of white tile. “People worried about me using so much white in a restaurant, and I said, ‘The more we use, the cleaner we have to keep it,’” Howald said. Neutral colors, which she said are in contrast to the bright and bombarding aspect of many establishments geared toward kids, were an important part of the design. Howald wants parents to be able to turn their back to the play area and relax. “I’ve had moms hug me with tears in their eyes and say, ‘Thank you for bringing this to us,’” Howald said. “It’s been the most gratifying experience.” Visit playcafeokc.com.

F E AT U R E

Panda-style

The Juarez-Style Burger at Panda Grill tops an 8-ounce patty with an all-beef hot dog, ham and grilled jalapeños. | Photo Phillip Danner

Panda Grill draws fans with its fresh burgers, fries, customer-favorite chicken teriyaki and its own special bread. By Jacob Threadgill

Since opening in 2016, Panda Grill has generated a huge following thanks to its commitment to providing fresh food in large portions. It’s all because its founder Ignacio “Nacho” Castro has particular tastes, and it has developed a completely unique burger in a crowded market. “I’m picky with my food,” Castro admits. “I know by looking, and if it’s been reheated, I won’t eat it. If people are going to pay a good price, we’re going to give them good quality.” There is not a freezer or microwave on the premises at 1700 S. Morgan Road in western Oklahoma City, just south of Yukon city limits. Castro grew up watching his mother Norma making her own burger patties, and that tradition continues at Panda Grill, where 8-ounce (half-pound) patties are standard. “I love to eat burgers when we go out to eat, but you’d get little burgers and I’d ask, ‘Why is this burger so small?’” Castro said. “You’d get a little, bitty amount of fries in the basket. I told my brothers I was going to open a restaurant; we’re going to have big burgers and everything is going to be cooked to-order.” Every morning, staff cuts fries and washes potatoes and fries are dropped

Customerfavorite chicken teriyaki with jalapeños has remained at Panda Grill even as the menu shifted to a burger focus. | Photo Phillip Danner

in the fryer at the same time as the burgers that are added to the grill only after an order ticket comes in. Like the size of meals (a double cheeseburger weighs in at over a pound of meat and features four slices of cheese and six strips of bacon), Castro is particular on how Panda Grill prepares its onion burger, which is an Oklahoma staple. “A lot of places put the onions on the grill and [immediately] put the burger on top,” he said. “They’re not cooked all the way. We caramelize our onions and then put them on the burger.” Castro opened Panda Grill after a year and a half of looking for a new job. He and his wife sold their nail salon and put everything into the restaurant, despite

not having experience in the industry. “I didn’t even know how to turn on the grills when we got here and had to call my friend’s dad to help get set up,” he remembered.

All in a name

He originally thought about naming the restaurant after himself, something like Nacho’s Grill, but didn’t want people to think it offered chips and salsa. He opted for Panda Grill in honor of a trip he took to China in 2005 that included seeing pandas in person. Artist Angel Sanchez painted a mural of a panda holding a giant burger in the restaurant. “I love pandas, and my kids are Vietnamese and Mexican, so the other side of the family calls me ‘Panda,’ and that’s where the name stuck,” Castro said. “I’m a pretty big guy, so Panda it is.” Like the name implies, Panda Grill originally had a larger menu of Chineseinspired dishes like lo mein. There were only four basic burgers, but Castro quickly noticed that the burgers became a top-seller in addition to one other item: chicken teriyaki. It remains on the menu along with a spicier version with jalapeños. “We have customers to this day that have never tried a burger because

t hey always get chicken,” he said. “It’s a pound of chicken, and you go to other Asian restaurants and it might be a quarter of a pound [of chicken] and stuffed with vegetables. I don’t want people to pay for vegetables. I’m going to give them meat; that’s what they want.” The El Gran Bubba Special ($19.99) features a single bacon cheeseburger with fries and a full serving of chicken teriyaki all on one plate.

He searched local bakeries and found Daniel Vasquez, owner of Oaxaca Bakery at 1117 SW 59th St., with whom Castro worked to create special bread that is found only at Panda Grill and its food truck. Castro calls it Panda Bread, but it’s a hybrid between traditional soft hamburger bun and telera bread used for tortas. Vasquez said it took a few weeks to get the final product just right. He makes at least 20 dozen buns per week (sometimes much more) for Panda Grill. “I had to experiment, and we didn’t want a [soft] hamburger bun, and I didn’t want it too hard,” Vasquez said. “I’m impressed with [Castro]. A lot of people try to make something different, and they can’t do it. … It’s worked out very well for him.” The Panda Bread is substantial enough to hold up to to-go orders as well as huge amounts of toppings. The Juarez-Style Burger ($13.59) honors his parents’ home state in Mexico with a 4-ounce all-beef hot dog split and griddled, ham, jalapeños, avocado, lettuce, tomato and pickle. The Panda Burger ($13.75) is grilled onions, mushrooms and jalapeños with bacon and cheese topped with a signature Panda Sauce. While many burgers use a house sauce that is often a take on Thousand Island dressing, Castro opts for his take on tzatziki with cucumber and yogurt.

With its extra-large portions, Panda Grill is home to the Baby Max Burger challenge ($59.99), which requires 24 hours’ notice to have a special extra large bun made at Oaxaca Bakery. It’s six patties, six hot dogs, 24 pieces of bacon, six slices of ham, two avocados and vegetables with a large basket of fries. If anyone completes the challenge in 30 minutes, it’s free and they get a T-shirt, but no one has been able to finish it yet. “It feeds a family of six or seven, and they still get to-go boxes,” Castro said of the burger named after his son. Panda Grill does offer vegetarian options like tofu stir-fry and vegetarian tacos with squash, but they aren’t listed on the official menu. It often runs taco specials on Tuesday. Castro also runs a Panda Grill food truck routinely located in a CVS parking lot at the corner of SW 44th Street and Western Avenue, weather permitting. Nacho Castro is joined at the restaurant with his youngest brother Marco Castro, who jumped at the chance to join the restaurant venture. “It doesn’t feel like work even though I’m always here,” Marco Castro said. “We want to make it as welcoming as possible and make it feel like family.” Visit facebook.com/pandagrillokc.

Brothers Marco and Ignacio “Nacho” Castro at Panda Grill | Photo Phillip Danner

Panda Bread

When Castro first opened Panda Grill, he used a standard hamburger bun, but he began to hear feedback that it would become too soggy during to-go orders during a trip down the street, let alone for some customers coming from Norman and Lawton. O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0

GAZEDIBLES

EAT & DRINK

Tater time

February is designated Potato Lovers’ Month, and Feb. 2 is National Tater Tot day. Celebrate with seven unique interpretations of the humble potato. By Jacob Threadgill with provided and Gazette / file photos

Chick N Beer

Oso on Paseo

Anchor Down

The best dishes come with texture contrast. Chick N Beer’s signature kimchi fries has texture overload, as the crispy fries are topped with melted cheddar, bacon, kimchi, red and green onion and spicy ranch. It’s the perfect way to start a meal at this Uptown 23rd eatery, but don’t forget that you can substitute the regular fries with sweet potato waffle fries for a fun food adventure.

Even though tater tots are made with the leftovers of other potatoes, there’s no doubt the would-be also-rans are one of the best potato preparations. Oso offers a unique preparation that can be a meal, as the tots are topped with red chile butter, goat cheese, cheddar-jack cheese blend, bacon, avocado cream and a sunny-side-up egg for good measure.

If you’ve got a craving for tots, no restaurant offers more variety than Anchor Down. Chili cheese tots are topped with ghost pepper ranch, while the pizza tots feature marinara and Swiss cheese garnish with rosemary. The loaded baked potato tots utilize cheese sauce, bacon, green onions and sour cream while the Thoughtful Tots are topped with marinara, mozzarella, ranch, red bell peppers, onions and mushrooms.

715 NW 23rd St. chicknbeerokc.com | 405-604-6995

WATCH PARTY

603 NW 28th St. osopaseo.com | 405-309-8226

30 NE Second St. anchordownokc.com | 405-605-8070

Hot Ham & Swiss on Rye Served with jalapeno mustard and seasoned chips ALL DAY, EVERY DAY IN JANUARY

$7.99

FEB 2nd

@ 5:30pm Beer Specials

LUNCH ö DINNER ö DRINKS BRUNCH

SAT & SUN 10AM KITCHEN OPEN UNTIL

MIDNIGHT

THUR - FRI - SAT

HAPPY HOUR $2 DOMESTICS $6 OLD FASHIONS 4:30PM - 6PM

MON - FRI

7301 N MAY, OKC ö 405-242-6100

WWW.NEDSSTARLITELOUNGE.COM 16

J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

NOW SERVING RAMEN! GRANDRESORTOK.COM I-40 EXIT 178 I SHAWNEE, OK I 405-964-7263

Redrock Canyon Grill

9221 Lake Hefner Parkway redrockcanyongrill.com | 405-749-1995 The “red” in Redrock Canyon Grill might as well stand for the restaurant’s mashed red potatoes because the item is so good that it has built the majority of its house specialties around the side dish. You know the potatoes are good because the Hal Smith Restaurants concept can now be found in six locations (Norman and OKC locally) and has expanded to Kansas and Texas, as well.

Big O’s Pork & Dreams

285 S. Santa Fe Ave., Edmond porkanddreams.com | 405-657-2235 Owner Owen Wilson’s goals are as large as the overstuffed baked potatoes available at his restaurant, which builds on his time as a youth counselor to mentor kids with job opportunities. The Big O is a choice of brisket or pulled pork with butter, cheese, sour cream, baked beans and barbecue sauce. The Fatt Butt is the Big O with a choice of hot link or Polish sausage and two spare ribs.

The Mantel Wine Bar & Bistro

201 E. Sheridan Ave. themantelokc.com | 405-236-8040 Julia Child is one of the most influential chefs in U.S. history, popularizing French cooking stateside and giving home cooks confidence because of her background. Her gratin dauphinois recipe is timeless and is on the menu at The Mantel as “Julia Child’s potatoes.” The potatoes are baked with Gruyère cheese, cream, garlic and thyme until bubbly and crispy.

El Fogon de Edgar 7220 S. Western Ave. 405-602-6497

This Colombian eatery offers empanadas that are different from other South American varieties. The dough is thinner and receives a flavor and color boost from a little bit of saffron. Whether you get chicken or beef varieties, the star of the empanada is creamy potato that melts in your mouth. On the weekends, check out the ajiaco, a stew made with two types of potato and chicken.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM

Thank You Patrons for Your Support of 25 Years!

412 S Meridian 405.948.7373 4401 W Memorial Rd 405.286.2865

O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0

ARTS & CULTURE

ART

left: “Feu Follet of the Cicadas” right: “Rougarou and His Pet Stinger” by Nonney Oddlokken | Photos provided

Golden thread

The Art Hall’s Tiny Little Fables: The Enchanted features collages by Louisiana artist Nonney Oddlokken and works by OKC artists Nicole and Aztrid Moan. By Jeremy Martin

Helen Opper hadn’t seen anything like Nonney Oddlokken’s artwork. “I saw it very up close, in person in a gallery environment,” said Opper, curator of The Art Hall. “I was able to get so close to it. Its detail and its complexity just struck me because she essentially does paper collage, but she uses thread and glue. … It’s just so complex, and the overall imagery is so unique. In Oklahoma, we don’t really know anything about Mardi Gras or voodoo culture or Cajun culture or the bayou. We don’t really know anything about that, but … I could tell that it was very much ingrained in all of that kind of folklore, and it just intrigued me because it’s something that I know nothing about. And then the aesthetics of the

work is just extremely striking.” Opper hopes to recreate her experience in a Baton Rouge gallery for Oklahoma City art lovers with Tiny Little Fables: The Enchanted, on display Feb. 7-May 18 at The Art Hall, 519 NW 23rd St. The exhibition features Louisiana artist Oddlokken’s mixedmedia collages as well as ceramic works by Oklahoma City artist Nicole Moan and skirts and printed wall hangings by daughter Aztrid Moan. Oddlokken agreed that her handcrafted collages are best experienced in person. “I don’t think the photographs do it justice, honestly, and I’ve worked as a photographer for 15 years and God knows I’ve tried,” Oddlokken said. “You have to see it in person to see all the layers and levels and textures.” The works in her Tiny Little Fables series are inspired by Louisiana folklore, her childhood in New Orleans and her fascination with the rural swamps outside the city. “I was raised by a single mom and her sister, who was my godmother,” Oddlokken said. “She was agoraphobic and couldn’t leave the house, but what could have been a really catastrophic environment for childhood memories was a childhood of magical realism. I got birds that delivered Juicy Fruit gum on the windowsill. I got stories of a child that lives in a tree right outside of our window. Now, she wasn’t delusional. She was just trying to make the time pass. … My aunt never left the house except when there was bad weather or something she was concerned about; she would do a little voodoo ritual on the side of the house. … I thought it was “Healing” by Nicole Moan | Photo provided

J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

just us, but it turns out it was very common to do that in New Orleans.” The housing shortage caused by Hurricane Katrina required Oddlokken and her husband to move to the River Parishes about 20 miles outside of New Orleans, where she first began to appreciate the rural landscape. “I grew up in the city; I had asthma, so the minute I got into the country, I started wheezing,” Oddlokken said. “For me to just get to the store, I would literally have to drive through the swamps. … I started seeing alligators. I started seeing how the swamp changes from time to time. There’s a point of the year that just as far as you can see, it’s all yellow flowers, and other parts are all purple flowers, and all the critters. … This was all new to me and completely fascinating, and it’s so rich that I am just in love with it.” Oddlokken’s goal for her artwork is to “erase the parish lines” artificially separating New Orleans from its rural surroundings in an attempt to “retell the story of southern Louisiana.” The collages in Tiny Little Fables feature Louisiana indigenous flora and fauna such as spoonbills and pitcher plants and mythological figures such as the werewolf-esque rougarou (represented here as a fox, a more common animal to the area) hand-sewn with gold thread that serves as a connecting “lifeline.”

You have to see it in person to see all the layers and levels and textures. Nonney Oddlokken

Art stages

Nicole Moan’s work for the exhibition is inspired by fairy tales and The Lord of the Rings and includes ceramic corsets, fairy doors and a series titled “Hunting Down My Childhood” featuring hand-sculpted characters and emotions represented by animals mounted on hunting plaques. “The clay talks to me,” Nicole Moan said. “I can go in and have something in mind, but the clay has its own shape and medium, so you can’t force something it won’t allow you to. … It becomes whatever it needs to become.” She began making ceramic corsets about 20 years ago. “I used to make fabric corsets, and they never seemed to hold up, and I couldn’t put three-dimensional parts on them to give it depth,” Nicole Moan said. “I’ve always wanted artwork where you can actually touch instead of it having to sit on the wall and you can’t enjoy it. … The first ones were really, really hard and rigid, kind of barbariclooking. I went to school for engineering and automotive, so I understand how

to build my forms to create the corsets on, so I have all the way from extra small to XXL, and I’m working on XXXL. It takes a little while to engineer each one. … I like a good challenge.” The exhibition will also feature

“Passion” by Nicole Moan | Photo provided

Aztrid Moan’s printed wall hangings and “upcycled wedding skirts” painted, dyed and printed to match Nicole Moan’s corsets. Aztrid Moan, the third generation in a family of professional artists, had her first gallery show at the age of 12 and can’t remember a time when she wasn’t making art. She often collaborates with her mother. “She helps with a lot of my pieces, and we kind of go back and forth,” Aztrid Moan said. “We just bounce ideas off each other.” Opper said the exhibition — which showcases “artists at different stages of their lives and careers, working together” — is the “biggest project that The Art Hall has undertaken.” “This represents growth for us in terms of what we’re doing as a gallery and what we’re trying to do for the community,” Opper said. Oddlokken will give an artist talk 6-7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at Artspace at Untitled, 1 NE Third St. Tiny Little Fables’ opening will be celebrated with a family-friendly Mardi Gras-themed party 6-10 p.m. Feb. 7 at The Art Hall with music provided by DJ Ostara and a fashion show of Nicole Moan’s corsets. Admission is free. Call 405-231-5700 or visit arthallokc.com.

Tiny Little Fables: The Enchanted Feb. 7-May 18 The Art Hall 519 NW 23rd St. arthallokc.com Free

T H E AT E R

Hello kitty Lyric Theatre’s The Cat in the Hat brings Dr. Seuss’ subversive classic to the stage. By Jeremy Martin

When Theodor Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, introduced The Cat in the Hat in 1957, he might have committed a double homicide. “It may be hard for us to appreciate what a giddy shock The Cat in the Hat delivered to young readers accustomed to the dull, demure Dick and Jane series,” wrote Meghan Cox Gurdon in The Wall Street Journal. “Snarky, disruptive characters are as common as pigeons in children’s books today. … Seuss opened the gates by writing a primer that first-graders couldn’t resist, and he did it using a carefully straitened vocabulary of just 236 words. The book hit American childhood like a glitter bomb.” The Cat in the Hat, wrote Louis Menand in The New Yorker, “was a tour de force, and it killed Dick and Jane,” an act New York Times columnist Anna Quindlen called “a mercy killing of the highest order.” The Cat in the Hat, a play based on Seuss’ subversive children’s classic, runs through Feb. 9 at Lyric Theatre, 1727 NW 16th St. “Everyone born after 1957 pretty much grew up with it,” said associate director Matthew Sipress. But for anyone unfamiliar with the book Publishers Weekly named the ninth best-selling children’s book of all time in 2001, the story details the chaos the Cat (played by Josiah Brooks) and his cohorts Thing 1 (Katelyn Curtin) and Thing 2 (Kaleb Michael Bruza) introduce into the lives of an unnamed boy (Eli Bradley) and his sister Sally (Kalyn Glover) while their mother is out of the house, much to the consternation of their pet Fish (Lexi Windsor) who essentially serves as their de facto guardian. “Except for the Cat, everything else is represented with puppets,” Sipress

said. “The puppeteers are always seen, which I think is really terrific. It’s one of the reasons why I think it’s not just for your little pre-K to second-graders. I

think this completely bu mps it up to a b s o l u t e l y appropriate for fifthgrade maybe even sixthor seventh-grade kids who are interested in any kind of theater because the puppetry we’re doing is fairly sophisticated. It’s just a different level of theater that kids aren’t used to seeing.” The play uses the same sets, costumes and puppets as a production staged last year at Adventure Theatre in Washing ton, D.C., and directed by Adam Immerwhar. Reviewing the play for DC Metro Theater Arts, Jennifer George wrote the production “preserves what must be preserved” and “takes what’s best from Dr. Seuss’s book and adds a lot of child-pleasing action.” “Matthew Buttrey’s scenic design captures the line work in the original drawings, mimicked in the little squiggles of grass, the swoopy lines of doors and curtains, a table that wiggles and droops and even some delightfully wonky wall sconces,” George wrote. “When the title character arrives, the action gets frenetic, bringing to vivid life the chaos and destruction that the Cat’s crazy games — with the help of Things One and Two — are bound to create. There are ball games, Frisbee, jump rope, music and dancing, a suitable amount of audience participation, many moments presented in mock slow-mo, and even an amusing, long, drawn-out scene of bouncing when everything comes crashing down.” The play features a soundtrack of Henry Mancini compositions and pre-recorded narration by Lexi Windsor, Josiah Brooks and Eli Bradley star in The Cat in the Hat. | Photo K. Talley Photography / provided

Ari Shapiro from NPR’s All Things Considered. Sipress previously directed Lyric’s production of Curious George: The Golden Meatball, but his first experience helming a children’s play was not much help for The Cat in the Hat. “These two plays are completely different,” Sipress said. “Curious George was very much a traditional musical. ... [The Cat in the Hat] is essentially a puppet ballet. … The script is basically just the text from the Dr. Seuss book. … Nobody sings in this play. I think everyone speaks at one point or another, but it’s mostly the Cat who does the talking.” However, Sipress said his previous ex perience as a choreographer has been useful. “I have a dance

Josiah Brooks plays the title character in The Cat in the Hat | Photo K. Talley Photography / provided

background, so telling stories through movement was helpful in this because it’s all movement, but it was channeling it in a different way, because you’re not just moving your personal body; you’re moving this other apparatus and trying to give it as much life as you have,” Sipress said. John Sygar from the D.C. production taught the actors how to use the puppets effectively. As a director, Sipress said his job is helping the actors make the puppets “seem as human as humanly possible” and “making sure that the actor playing the Cat is talking to the kid puppets, not the kid actors.” “It was a challenge, and it was very exciting,” Sipress said. The play is for children, but Sipress said he has been directing the actors using the same techniques as he would for a play meant for adults.

“I think the less you talk down to children, the better it’s going to be because kids know when you’re talking down to them,” Sipress said. “I directed this show just like I would direct any other show. ... because I’m still directing adults. When you’re directing children in a play, you have to kind of think differently and explain things in a different way, but I’m just directing these adults to tell their story, and this story just happens to be for smaller humans. … Everything can be a little broader, but it still has to be sincere.”

Except for the Cat, everything else is represented with puppets. Matthew Sipress Seuss, who famously wrote “a person’s a person, no matter how small” in Horton Hears a Who, would likely agree. “Children want the same things we want,” Seuss once said. “To laugh, to be challenged, to be entertained and delighted.” Sipress said the last line of The Cat in the Hat challenges its audience. “If you really want to get crazy heady about it, it’s a morality play, because the last question of the thing is, ‘Would you tell your mother what happened here today?’ and there is no answer,” Sipress said. “We do take a moment in the play where the boy and the girl and the Fish get right up on the edge of the stage and ask the question to the kids, but in the end, you really don’t know, so I think it’s teaching kids a lesson in the end, I guess. It’s a ‘What would you do?’ kind of situation, and you can look at adult plays that ask that very same question.” In an extensive analysis for The New Yorker, Menand wrote that Seuss’s story prompts a different unanswered question. “What private demons or desires compelled this mother to leave two young children at home all day, with the front door unlocked, under the supervision of a fish?” Menand asked. In her tribute to Seuss, Quindlen praised the story’s psychological depth. “The Cat in the Hat is about all hell breaking loose with only a small fish to act as superego,” Quindlen wrote in The New York Times. “The Cat, of course, is pure id.” Tickets are $20-$25. Call 405-5249312 or visit lyrictheatreokc.com.

The Cat in the Hat Through Feb. 9 Lyric Theatre | 1727 NW 16th St. lyrictheatreokc.com | 405-524-9312 $20-$25

O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0

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

BOOKS Brunching with Books a book club meeting every other week, with reading selections chosen by group preference, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. Buttermilk Paseo, 605 NW 28th St., 405-605-6660, buttermilkokc.com. SAT Naomi Hughes book signing the author will autograph copies of sci-fi fantasy novels Refraction and Afterimage, noon-1:30 p.m. Feb. 1. Best of Books, 1313 E. Danforth Road, 405-340-9202, bestofbooksok.com. SAT Oklahoma Voices hear featured poets read from their works at this monthly event, 2 p.m. the first Sunday of every month. IAO Gallery, 706 W. Sheridan Ave., 405-232-6060, iaogallery.org. SUN Robin Meyers book signing the author, minister and activist will sign copies of his book Saving God From Religion, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 405-8422900, fullcirclebooks.com. THU Trivia Night win prizes and show off your book knowledge at this friendly competition, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30. Best of Books, 1313 E. Danforth Road, 405340-9202, bestofbooksok.com. THU

FILM Color Out of Space (2019, USA, Richard Stanley) Nicholas Cage stars in this adaptation of a classic sci-fi horror story by H.P. Lovecraft, through Jan. 30, Through Jan. 30. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave., 405-235-3456. FRI-THU Cunningham (2019, Germany, Alla Kovgan) a cinematic celebration of choreographer Merce Cunningham’s work, through Jan. 30. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave., 405-235-3456. FRI-THU

HAPPENINGS Afro Beats a dance party with soca, hip-hop, Caribbean, dancehall and other genres of music provided by DJ Sinz, 11 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays. Glass Lounge, 5929 N. May Ave., 405-835-8077, glasshouseokc.com. FRI Black History Read Out Loud Celebration community leaders will read excerpts about prominent black Oklahomans at this event also featuring light hors d’oeuvres and live music by Johann Kimbro & Friends, 12:30 p.m. Feb. 1. The Mansion OKC, 3101 NE 50th St. SAT

Cowgirls of Color students can see a presentation from the first all-female rodeo team to participate in the Bill Pickett International Rodeo, with introductory comments from City Councilwoman Nikki Nice, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 5. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. WED Devon Ice Rink ice stake in the Myriad Botanical Gardens and enjoy seasonal food and beverages., Mondays-Sundays. through Feb. 2. Devon Ice Rink, 100 N. Robinson Ave., 405-708-6499, downtownindecember.com/devon-ice-rink. FRI-SUN Downtown Recyclers Toastmasters practice your public speaking skills at this ongoing weekly meeting, noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays. Department of Environmental Quality, 707 N. Robinson Ave., 405702-0100, deq.state.ok.us. WED Gardening 101: Roots learn how to develop a healthy root system in your garden, 11 a.m. Feb. 1. Science Museum Oklahoma, 2020 Remington Place, 405-602-6664, sciencemuseumok.org. SAT Governor’s Club Toastmasters lose your fear of public speaking and gain leadership skills by practicing in a fun and low-stakes environment, noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays. Oklahoma Farm Bureau Building, 2501 N. Stiles Ave., 405-523-2300, okfarmbureau.org. WED History Speaks: Raymond Santana a member of the wrongfully convicted and later exonerated Central Park Five who now works with the Innocence Project and the New York City Justice League will talk about his experiences, 7 p.m. Feb. 3. Oklahoma Christian University, 2501 E. Memorial Road. MON Jackbox.tv Game Night play interactive party games with host Alex Sanchez, 8-10 p.m. Mondays. Oak & Ore, 1732 NW. 16th St., 405-606-2030, oakandore.com. MON Karaoke Night perform your favorite songs on a stage with a light display and professional sound system, 8 p.m. Dec. 25. Bison Witches Bar & Deli, 211 E Main St., 405-364-7555, bisonwitchesok.com. WED

Moore Chess Club play in tournaments and learn about the popular board game at this weekly event where all ages and skill levels are welcome, 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Moore Library, 225 S. Howard Ave. SUN Paint, Puff, and Poetry eligible medical marijuana patients can smoke or enjoy an edible and paint at this event hosted by comic Damon Detroit and featuring live poetry and music by Chief Tr3, 6 p.m. Jan. 31. Oblivion Art Bar, 5841 NW 10th St., facebook.com/oblivionartbar. FRI Pooches on the Patio bring your best friend to this dog-friendly happy hour with drink specials, appetizers and free pet treats, 4-7 p.m. Saturdays. Café 501 Classen Curve, 5825 NW Grand Blvd., 405844-1501, cafe501.com. SAT Renegade Poker compete in a 2-3 hour tournament with cash prizes, 3 p.m. Sundays. Bison

César Cuauhtémoc García Hernández Author, professor and lawyer César Cuauhtémoc García Hernández will sign copies of his book Migrating to Prison: America’s Obsession with Locking Up Immigrants, at this event cosponsored by American Constitution Society. Through empirical evidence and true stories, García Hernández traces the path of the “historically unprecedented scale of immigration imprisonment” and makes the case for a serious course correction. “This book takes a hard look at the U.S. immigration prison system’s origins, how it currently operates and why,” he writes in the introduction. “It helps explain why we now do what we do and it hints at how to unravel the vast immigration prison regime.” The event is 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday at Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway. Admission is free. Call 405-842-2900 or visit fullcirclebooks.com. TUESDAY Photo provided

Witches Bar & Deli, 211 E Main St., 405-364-7555, bisonwitchesok.com. SUN Trivia Night at Black Mesa Brewing test your knowledge at this weekly competition hosted by BanjoBug Trivia, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Black Mesa Brewing Company, 1354 W Sheridan Ave., 405-7781865, blackmesabrewing.com. TUE Trivia Night at Matty McMillen’s answer questions for a chance to win prizes at this weekly trivia night, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Matty McMillen’s Irish Pub, 2201 NW 150th St., 405-607-8822, mattymcmillens.com. TUE Unleash The Beast Professional Bull Riders top 35 competitors face off , Jan. 31-Feb. 1. Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W. Reno Ave., 405-602-8700, chesapeakearena.com. FRI-SAT

FOOD OKC Farmers Market a year round farmers market featuring fresh produce, honey, baked goods, meat, hand made goods and more, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. OKC Farmers Market, 311 S. Klein Ave., 4054860701, okcfarmersmarket.com. SAT Oklahoma County 4-H Annual Chili Cook Off cooks will compete for top honors at this homemade chili competition and fundraising event, 6 p.m. Jan. 30. Oklahoma County OSU Extension Center, 2500 NE 63rd St., 405-713-1125, okiemgs.okstate.edu. THU Taste of OKC sample foods from local restaurants and enjoy live music, drinks and auctions at this annual fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, 6:30-11 p.m. Feb. 1. Bricktown Events Center, 429 E California Ave., 405-236-4143, chevyeventscenter.com. SAT

YOUTH

Come From Away The New York Times called Irene Sankoff and David Hein’s Come From Away — based on the true story of 38 passenger planes grounded in a small Canadian town on 9/11 — “a big bearhug of a musical” that “mostly refrains from overegging what could have been a treacly, tear-salted pudding.” The Guardian meanwhile said the musical’s depiction of the generosity shown to the stranded passengers by the small community of Gander “reminds us of a truth that is easily forgotten and too often suppressed: that human beings are most often instinctively kind to those in trouble.” In increasingly troubled times, it’s a reminder we all need. OKC Broadway presents the musical Tuesday-Feb. 9 at Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theatre in Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave. Tickets are $27.16- $92.33. Call 405-594-8300 or visit okcbroadway.com. TUESDAY-FEB. 9 Photo provided 20

J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

Art Adventures children can enjoy story time and related activities, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., 405-325-3272, ou.edu/ fjjma. TUE Beginning Martial Arts Classes students ages 7 and older can learn martial arts from instructor Darrell Sarjeant at this weekly class, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursdays. Nappy Roots, 3705 Springlake Drive, 405-896-0203, facebook.com/pg/nappyrootsbooks. THU

Early Explorers toddlers and preschoolers can participate in fun scientific activities they can repeat later at home, 10-11 a.m. Thursdays. Science Museum Oklahoma, 2020 Remington Place, 405-602-6664, sciencemuseumok.org. THU Reading Wednesdays a weekly storytime with hands-on activities, goody bags and reading-themed photo ops, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080,

GO TO OKGAZETTE.COM FOR FULL LISTINGS!

myriadgardens.com. WED Sankofa Chess Club children 7 and older are invited to learn chess in this club meeting weekly, 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Nappy Roots, 3705 Springlake Drive, 405-896-0203, facebook.com/pg/ nappyrootsbooks. WED Storytime Science the museum invites children age 6 and younger to hear a story and participate in a related scientific activity, 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays. Science Museum Oklahoma, 2020 Remington Place, 405-602-6664, sciencemuseumok. org. TUE-SAT

PERFORMING ARTS The Choir of Man a touring musical performance featuring song and dance in a variety of styles, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1. OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater, 7777 S. May Ave., 405-682-7579, tickets. occc.edu. SAT Divine Comedy a weekly local showcase hosted by CJ Lance and Josh Lathe and featuring a variety of comedians from OKC and beyond, 9 p.m. Wednesdays. 51st Street Speakeasy, 1114 NW 51st St., 405-463-0470, 51stspeakeasy.com. WED Dope Poetry Night read your poems or just go to listen to others at this open mic hosted by J. Wiggins and Proverb, 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Ice Event Center & Grill, 1148 NE 36th St., 405-208-4240, iceeventcentergrill.eat24hour.com. WED From the Dramatic to the Sublime the Oklahoma City Philharmonic will perform Frédéric Chopin’s “Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, op 21” and two works commission to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, 8-10 p.m. Feb. 1. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., 405-297-2264, okcciviccenter.com. SAT Glory Denied Painted Sky Opera presents Tom Cipullo’s opera about Captain Jim Thompson, the longest-held American prisoner of war in history, and his attempt to return to life after his release, Jan. 31-Feb. 7. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., 405-297-2264, okcciviccenter.com. FRI Iron Horse Open Mic and Showcase perform music on stage at this show open to all experience levels, 7-10 p.m. Wednesdays. Iron Horse Bar & Grill, 9501 S. Shields Blvd., 405-735-1801. WED Kendell’s Open Mic play up to four songs at this weekly music open mic, 8-11 p.m. Tuesdays. Kendell’s, 110 S. May Ave., kendellsbar.com. TUE Lumpy’s Open Mic Night play a song of your own or just listen to the performers at this weekly show hosted by John Riley Willingham, 9 p.m. Wednesdays. Lumpy’s Sports Grill, 12325 N. May Ave., 405-286-3300, lumpyssportsgrill.com. WED

Colors of Clay an exhibition of clay pots, bowls, pitchers and jars created by Native American artists, Through May 10, 2021. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org. FRI-THU D.J. Lafon exhibition view paintings by the Oklahoma artist who died in 2011, Jan. 3-Feb. 29, Through Feb. 29. JRB Art at The Elms, 2810 N. Walker Ave., 405-528-6336, jrbartgallery.com. FRI-SAT

Huda Hashim exhibition view works created by the British-born Sudanese-American designer, contemporary artist and 3D architect, Jan. 30-Feb. 29, Jan. 30-Feb. 29. Artspace at Untitled, 1 NE Third St., 405-815-9995, 1ne3.org. THU-SAT Kids Take Over The Cowboy: Pinch Pots children can learn how to make clay pottery using a simple technique at this workshop taught by Caddo potter Chase Earles; followed by a screening of the claymation film Chicken Run, 10 a.m.-noon Feb. 1. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum. org. SAT Magic of the Land: Paintings an exhibition of works by Carol Beesley, Jim Keffer, and Karl Brenner, through Feb. 11, Through Feb. 11. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, myriadgardens.com. TUE

Lunar New Year According to the Chinese zodiac, 2020 is the year of the rat, which might not sound so hot, but before you grab a broom, consider: The rat is the first animal in the 12-year cycle, representing a new beginning and a fresh start. Celebrate the celestial rodent by watching tai chi and dance performances and enjoying children’s activities, a parade and live music by singersongwriter and Chinese TV personality Slater Rhea. The celebration, sponsored by Super Cao Nguyen grocery store, is 11a.m. -2 p.m. Saturday at Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave. Admission is free. Call 405-445-7080 or visit myriadgardens.org. SATURDAY Photo Doug Hoke / provided Monday Night Blues Jam Session bring your own instrument to this open-stage jam hosted by Wess McMichael, 7-9 p.m. Mondays. Othello’s Italian Restaurant, 434 Buchanan Ave., 405-701-4900, othellos.us. MON The Mystery of Love and Sex Bathsheba Doran’s dramatic comedy explores two relationships complicated by questions of sexuality and identity, through Feb. 1. Carpenter Square Theatre, 806 W. Main St., 405-232-6500, carpentersquare.com. FRI-SAT

National Theater Live: The Lehman Trilogy a production of Stefano Massini’s multigenerational look at Lehman Brothers’ role in the financial crisis, 2 p.m. Feb. 2. OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater, 7777 S. May Ave., 405-682-7579, tickets.occc.edu. SUN

9858, okcimprov.com. FRI-SAT Oklahoma City Pianists’ Club musicians from the club will perform in honor of the organization’s 100th anniversary, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4. UCO Jazz Lab, 100 E. 5th St., 405-974-2100. TUE Open Mic at The P share your musical talent or just come to listen at this weekly open mic, 7 p.m. Wednesdays. The Patriarch Craft Beer House & Lawn, 9 E. Edwards St., 405-285-6670, thepatriarchedmond.com. WED Paramount Open Mic show off your talents at this open mic hosted by musician Chris Morrison, 7 p.m. first Wednesday of every month. The Paramount Room, 701 W. Sheridan Ave., 405-887-3327, theparamountroom.com. WED

OKC Comedy Open Mic Night get some stage time or just go to listen and laugh at this open mic hosted by Travis Phillips, 7 p.m. Mondays. The Paramount Room, 701 W. Sheridan Ave., 405-8873327, theparamountroom.com. MON

Rebels & Royals Drag King Show hosted by former Mister USofA Damian Matrix-Gritte, this monthly show features local drag kings and special guests 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. first Saturday of every month. Frankie’s, 2807 NW 36th St., 405-602-2030, facebook.com/frankiesokc. SAT

OKC Improv performers create original scenes in the moment based on suggestions from the audience, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Oklahoma City Improv, 1757 NW 16th St., 405-456-

Red Dirt Open Mic a weekly open mic hosted by Red Dirt Poetry, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Sauced on Paseo, 2912 Paseo St., 405-521-9800, saucedonpaseo.com. WED

Rhyme in Reasons share your talent or just watch other artists perform at this weekly open mic, 7:30-10 p.m. Thursdays. Reasons Lounge, 1140 N. MacArthur Boulevard, 405-774-9991. THU

O. Gail Poole’s Sideshow an exhibition of surreal and unusual paintings by the eclectic Oklahoma artist, through May 10, Through May 10. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., 405-325-3272, ou.edu/fjjma. FRI-THU Re-New an exhibition of Tulsa artist Whitney Forsyth’s mandala-inspired ceramic work, through Feb. 29, Through Feb. 29. Artspace at Untitled, 1 NE Third St., 405-815-9995, 1ne3.org. THU-SAT Renegades: Bruce Goff and the American School of Architecture an exhibition celebrating non-traditional architecture inspired by Native American designs, everyday objects and natural landscapes, through April 5. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., 405-325-3272, ou.edu/fjjma. FRI-SUN

Sanctuary Karaoke Service don a choir robe and sing your favorite song, 9 p.m.-midnight Wednesdays and Thursdays. Sanctuary Barsilica, 814 W. Sheridan Ave., facebook.com/sanctuarybarokc.

Renewing the American Spirit: The Art of the Great Depression an exhibition of paintings, prints, photographs and more created in the 1930s, Through April 26. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com. SAT-SUN

Vicki Barbolak the standup comic featured on America’s Got Talent will perform on her Trailer Palooza tour, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1. Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California Ave., 405-594-0505, bricktowncomedy.com. SAT

A Thin Place view fantasy-inspired conceptual photography by Oklahoma artist Lauren Midgley, through Feb 29, Through Feb. 29. The Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave., 405-307-9320, pasnorman.org. FRI-SAT

WED-THU

VZD’s Open Mic Night a weekly music mic hosted by Joe Hopkins, 7 p.m. Wednesdays. VZD’s Restaurant & Bar, 4200 N. Western Ave., 405-6023006, vzds.com. WED Weekly Jams bring an instrument and play along with others at this open-invitation weekly jam session, 9:30 p.m.-midnight Tuesdays. Saints, 1715 NW 16th St., 405-602-6308, saintspubokc.com. TUE

ACTIVE Co-ed Open Adult Volleyball enjoy a game of friendly yet competitive volleyball while making new friends, 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Jackie Cooper Gymnasium, 1024 E. Main St., 405-350-8920, cityofyukon.gov. WED

Until We Organize: The Struggle for the Equal Rights Amendment an exhibition of photographs chronicling Oklahoma’s battle over the ERA, through Nov. 30, 2020, Through Nov. 30. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, 405-521-2491, okhistory.org. MON-THU Warhol and the West an exhibition exploring Andy Warhol’s artwork featuring icons and imagery from the American West, including his Cowboys and Indians print series, Jan. 31-May 10, Jan. 31-May 10. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum. org. FRI-THU

Monday Night Group Ride meet up for a weekly 25-30 minute bicycle ride at about 18 miles per hour through east Oklahoma City, 6 p.m. Mondays. The Bike Lab OKC, 2200 W. Hefner Road, 405-603-7655. MON Run the Alley a three-mile social run for athletes of all abilities ending with beers at The Yard, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays. OK Runner, 708 N Broadway Ave., 405-702-9291, myokrunner.com. THU Stars and Stripes Spin Jam a weekly meetup for jugglers, hula hoopers and unicyclers, 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Stars & Stripes Park, 3701 S. Lake Hefner Drive, 405-297-2756, okc.gov/parks. WED Twisted Coyote Brew Crew a weekly 3-mile group run for all ability levels with a beer tasting to follow; bring your own safety lights, 6 p.m. Mondays. Twisted Spike Brewing Co., 1 NW 10th St., 405-3013467, twistedspike.com. MON

deadCenter Glitter Ball Get ready for your close-up at deadCenter Film Festival’s annual winter formal fundraiser. Enjoy music, dancing and movie star glamor and celebrate 20 years of Oklahoma City’s largest film festival. The 2020 Vision Awards ceremony that evening honors Muskogee Bare Bones Film & Music Festival founder and director Sharon Ray; Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture director Abby Kurin; and deadCenter founders Jayson and Justan Floyd for their contributions to Oklahoma’s film scene. The ball is 8-11 p.m. Friday at Factory Obscura, 25 NW Ninth St. Tickets are $100-$500. Call 405-246-9233 or visit deadcenterfilm.org. FRIDAY Photo Kindt Events / provided

Yoga Tuesdays an all-levels class; bring your own water and yoga mat, 5:45 p.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405445-7080, myriadgardens.com. TUE Yoga with Art workout in an art-filled environment followed by a mimosa, 10:30 a.m. Saturdays. 21c Museum Hotel, 900 W. Main St., 405-982-6900, 21cmuseumhotels.com. SAT

VISUAL ARTS Articulation work on your art or craft project with other creators at this weekly meet-up; bring your own supplies and clean up after yourself, 6:30-10 p.m. Thursdays. Little D Gallery, 3003 Paseo, (720) 773-1064. THU

GO TO OKGAZETTE.COM FOR FULL LISTINGS!

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.

For OKG live music

see page 25

O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0

EVENT

MUSIC

Wolf mentality Wolf Parade brings Thin Mind to Oklahoma City. By Jeremy Martin

“A POWERFULLY REALISTIC THRILLER” “SEARING, ...PROFOUNDLY TOUCHES THE HEART”

Glory Denied

“MEMORABLE BEYOND BELIEF”

TOM CIPULLO

THE STIRRING REAL LIFE STORY OF AMERICA’S LONGEST HELD POW

JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 2 & 7 / 2020 FREEDE LITTLE THEATRE

CIVIC CENTER MUSIC HALL - OKC

IVE RECE Y D N R A ODE ts! 10GLO C S I H USE T% off ticke 10

FOR TICKETS BOX OFFICE 405.594.8300 WWW.PAINTEDSKYOPERA.ORG

J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

True to its name, Wolf Parade is not standing still. “If your job is to output art and creative content, and if you’re not constantly re-interrogating your process and what you want to say, unless you’re just working in a straight marketing capacity, you have to evolve, otherwise there’s no point in doing it,” guitarist and vocalist Dan Boeckner said. Wolf Parade plays 8 p.m. Feb. 5 at Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd St. The band, which first formed in Montreal in 2003, released Thin Mind, its fifth full-length album, last week. “It’s definitely different from the last record we did,” Boeckner said. “We’re down to the original three-piece lineup. ... We’re back to the lineup that wrote [Apologies to the Queen Mary], and At Mount Zoomer, our first two records, and all the early demos and stuff — that being less of a capital R rock band format. The original idea of the band was really just simply a wall of synthesizers, drums and guitar.” Wolf Parade, Boeckner said, “has gone through at least four metamorphoses” beginning with its original and current lineup featuring Arlen Thompson on drums and Boeckner and keyboardist Spencer Krug sharing songwriting and frontman duties. The trio released a self-titled four-song EP in 2003 before adding Hadji Bakara as a second keyboardist for a second EP and the critically acclaimed 2005 fulllength debut Apologies to the Queen Mary produced by Modest Mouse’s Isaac Brock. “Throughout the album, the keyboard squeals and distorted guitars constantly cluster, dissolve and then reconfigure in new ways, engaging you with a harsh beauty while keeping you bracingly off-balance,” wrote Los

Angeles Times critic Richard Cromelin, describing the debut. Guitarist Dante DeCaro joined the band in 2005, and Wolf Parade released 2008 sophomore album At Mount Zoomer as a five-piece before Bakara left the band to pursue a career as an English professor. Following 2010’s Expo 86, the band went on hiatus until 2016. Cry Cry Cry released the following year featured the same four-piece lineup, but DeCaro left the band in 2019. Though Thin Mind was recorded by the same founding trio, Boeckner said Wolf Parade’s latest album sounds different from its first EP. “It feels like something new because we’ve all sort of evolved musically in our tastes and our playing, what we want to get across, but I think it’s a return to the original writing process, which is really fun,” Boeckner said. “It’s really quick with three people, especially with Spencer and I both being principal vocalists in the band. It’s really fast to just bounce ideas off of each other. … I think the band has gotten broader in its ability to convey musical ideas, to get a feeling across.” Performing live as a trio is a little more complicated, especially on older songs originally written for a larger band. “It just means that during the show neither of us really get to lay off or have a break,” Boeckner said. “Every moment is occupied by texture or picking up the slack on mid-range lowrange or melody stuff.”

Changing thoughts

Though the songwriting process is similar to Wolf Parade’s early days, the results are different. “Lyrically, definitely things have changed, but I think that’s because Spence and I are always writing about

Wolf Parade plays 8 p.m. Feb. 5 at Tower Theatre. | Photo Pamela Evelyn and Joseph Yarmush / provided

whatever is immediate to our lives,” Boeckner said. “This isn’t a band that writes short fictions or fantasy stuff. All of the lyric writing is immediate and influenced our environment and whatever’s going on, whether it’s politically or emotionally.” In 2016, Boeckner told Stereogum that he tended to write personal lyrics for Wolf Parade and political lyrics for his band Operators, but the songs he wrote for Thin Mind include both. “Those two worlds are kind of blending together,” Boeckner said. “There’s definitely some pretty on-the-nose political content coming from me, but generally speaking Operators is where I can

Thin Mind was released last week | Image provided

work out that stuff in this sort of trippedout synth pop format, and then Wolf Parade is more of the emotional interior of my life, I guess. If that doesn’t sound too pretentious, that’s pretty much it. Wolf Parade is more feelings-based.” Boeckner said his interest in politics predates his career in music, but touring the world with bands gave him a more insightful perspective about the world than he learned in school.

I think the band has gotten broader in its ability to convey musical ideas, to get a feeling across.

before the financial collapse, and once I started making friends with people in these post-communist spaces, these newly entered into the European Union spaces, I realized that almost everything I had been learning in university, ideologically speaking, was total bullshit. That was a huge catalyst for me to change my thoughts. I’ve always been pretty far left. I was involved in activism and sort of anarchist stuff when I was younger, but I kind of grew out of that. Just touring and meeting people was the best political education I think I could have possibly had, and I just continued on as I kept going back and going to new places. Touring China at the start of the 2010s repeatedly was eye-opening, too. Traveling and working with other artists from these places that I had preconceived ideas about really changed my mind about a lot of things.” Thin Mind’s “Forest Green” and “Under Glass,” Boeckner said, are “both about different terrible aspects of neo-liberalism” inspired by growing up in British Columbia, which Boeckner said is “sort of at the spear point of the worst fucking stupid neo-liberal social policies.” “Forest Green” describes “colonial days on stolen land,” where “life is so serene” but “cursed,” and “familial ghosts come and haunt me in my sleep.” “It feels like home, and I can’t stay long,” the song concludes. “I don’t want to stay.” Thin Mind’s opening track “Under Glass,” Boeckner said, is about “being extremely online.” “They said it’s the good life,” Boeckner sings. “You get the gold or you get the lead. / And if you stand up you get it / In the back of the head. … They always tell us we are free in our minds, but nobody knows what they want anymore.” Closer “Town Square” sounds more optimistic. “They said, ‘If we don’t die young / We get old and die’” it concludes. “I said, ‘All we are / Is reaching for the light.’” Land of Talk shares the bill. Tickets are $22-$32. Call 405-708-6937 or visit towertheatreokc.com.

WE’RE SOCIAL.

@OKGAZETTE

Meet the Maddox family. They have two boys, a daughter with cerebral palsy who is confined to a wheelchair and an infant they foster. It’s more than most of us could handle. But the Maddoxes don’t just receive help from United Way agencies, they find room in a stretched budget and they give to the United Way. Can you? GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.

United Way of Central Oklahoma

THER TIM G2A9 I- FEB 1 JAN

JERSYEY5 - 8

R FEBRUA

E! R MAN C

O Y PE R F S U N DA FEBRUARY 9 DOWN & W O L Y HUGG RIS PAUL CH T AGEMEN G N E L IA SPEC RIFFIN

NICK G12 - 15

’S DAYANCE E N I T N VALE IAL PERFORM FE B

FFIN & I R G K C NI OR E BEN MO QUIRED

SPEC

Dan Boeckner “Before I started Wolf Parade, I was doing university courses in political science and history, but then I dropped out because I basically couldn’t afford to be in university anymore,” Boeckner said. “I was working to put myself through school, and then I wanted to pursue a career in music, so one of those things had to drop off. “When I started touring Italy and Eastern Europe in the mid-2000s, right

PREPARE TO BE SURPRISED.

RE T IO N S E S E R VA

SPRING 2020

GRACE POTTER W/ DEVON GILFILLIAN

02.13.20

INDIGO GIRLS 02.26.20

ORVILLE PECK 03.13.20 AMERICA’S #1 PARTY + EVENT BAND

PARTY ON THE MOON

03.27.20

BLUES TRAVELER 04.16.20

Wolf Parade 8 p.m. Feb. 5 Tower Theatre 425 NW 23rd St. towertheatreokc.com | 405-708-6937 $22-$32

ULTON O M N I L C O L 19 - 22 FE B

8503 N. ROCKWELL 239-HAHA(4242)

WWW.LOONYBINCOMEDY.COM

ANDREW BIRD W/ ERIKA WENNERSTROM

04.29.20

TICKETS & INFORMATION AT

THEJONESASSEMBLY.COM 901 W. SHERIDAN, OKC

O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0

MUSIC F E AT U R E

Raw power

Four years after recording it, Psychotic Reaction finally released Messiahs of Voltage. By Jeremy Martin

Norman’s Psychotic Reaction recorded Messiahs of Voltage over two days in 2015, and more than four years later, the band was ready to release it. “It’s been a long time coming,” guitarist and vocalist Robert Layton III said of the album that was released online Jan. 21. “I finally had the time off from work and the mental capacity to do it.” Messiahs of Voltage — which Layton described as “high-energy, electric rock ’n’ roll freak-out kind of shit that just makes you want to lose your shit” — was recorded and mixed by Steve Boaz at Norman’s Breathing Rhythm Studio in August of 2015, but Lay ton said Psychotic Reaction “put it to the wayside” in favor of extensive touring. “For the longest time, we were just a reg iona l band,” Layton said. “We just played here in Oklahoma — Tulsa, Ok la homa City, Norman — Dallas every now and then, maybe Denver or Wichita, but we never ventured out. We did that for years and years, almost nine or 10 years just like that, like we didn’t tour heavily until 2016. We decided we have to tour anywhere from three to six months a year. That’s the only way we’re going to get signed, the only way we’re going to get on any kind of anything, be recognized, play any festivals, get a booking agent, a label, to play Europe. We have to tour. That’s what bands do.” Layton formed the band with guitarist and vocalist Nolan Dacus in 2006, but the two have been the only consistent members through several lineup changes. The three-piece iteration that recorded Messiahs of Voltage and included drummer Whitt Daniels is not the same as the band’s current five-piece lineup featuring bassist Kavan Barnett and drummer Rodrigo Serrano. Layton said Psychotic Reaction’s demanding work ethic has been a dealbreaker for past members. Psychotic Reaction’s current lineup features Robert Layton III, Rodrigo Serrano, Nolan Dacus and Kavan Barnett | Photo provided

J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

“We don’t want days off,” Layton said. “We sleep in our van. Everything we do is fully financed by us going out there working a shitty job. … It’s hard to find people that, for one, understand that and, two, will actually fucking do it.” Dacus said playing high-energy rock ’n’ roll night after night for months on the road can be tiring, but he loves it too much to stop or even slow down. “When I’ve had a real long day and have only slept like four hours and the

weren’t going all out as much as possible, but you were still going harder than anybody else at the show.’ ... Honestly, the secret for me is if I’m really not feeling it, I drink, like, three Red Bulls right before we go on stage. ... Then I start to feel like I’m moving at normal speed and everything else around me is moving at half speed. ... I just love to play. It’s my favorite thing to do. … Even if we’re playing a show on a Tuesday in some weird place like a small town or something and there’s nobody there, I’m so happy just that we could even get all the gear out and play a show.” Even the worst parts of touring are better than working his day job. “I like to volunteer to load all the stuff into the van and, like, Tetris it in there because when I’m not on tour, I have to do construction,” Dacus said. “Sometimes I do oil and natural gas construction. … It’s always kind of hard labor a lot of the time, and so when I’m on tour, I just volunteer to do that stuff because, honestly, loading gear is kind of like the worst part of being on tour other than that you get to sleep some weird places and stuff, but ... If that’s the hardest thing I had to do all day, then my day is going pretty good.”

“The head of Jerry Garcia”

Messiahs of Voltage was released online Jan. 21. | Image Kevin Saunders

four hours of sleep was in the front seat of our van or something, I’ll get on stage, and I’ll feel like I didn’t do that great of a job,” Dacus said. “Then when I get off the stage, and I talk to one of my other band members, I’ll be like, ‘Man, I didn’t feel like I was going as hard that time,’ and they’ll be like, ‘Yeah, you definitely

Songs from Messiahs of Voltage are still included in Psychotic Reaction’s concert setlists, but they might sound a little different now. “We still play a lot of the songs live,” Layton said. “The only difference is we have a bass player now, so it’s totally changed up a bit … but overall the attitude is the same. It’s still very aggressive. If anything, our live shows have just continuously gotten more and more aggressive, tighter, more raw.” “Born on the Killing Floor” draws inspiration from dystopian science fiction by Aldous Huxley and George Orwell, while “Gas Station Beer” is about

what Alcoholics Anonymous might call “problem drinking.” The album finishes with a cover of The Stooges’ “T.V. Eye” that concludes with the reel-to-reel tape running out in the studio. “There’s a lot of different subject matter, a lot of different ideas on the record,” Layton said. “Some of it is more serious. Some of it’s more just goof-off kind of shit.” “’Tussin” demands “the head of Jerry Garcia on a platter.” Dacus called it the “antithesis to taking acid and listening to The Grateful Dead.” Layton said the song is a darkly comedic twist on personal experiences. “It goes back to us being in our youth, drinking Robitussin, taking cough syrup because we couldn’t get high any other way, because we were bored, but it’s kind of funny because the song is written from the standpoint of a person who has just hit rock-bottom so they drink Robitussin,” Layton said. “We have these serious feelings, but at the same time, you can’t take yourself too seriously because then you become a joke indefinitely.” The band plans to release another album of more recent songs in the spring. “By the time we had [Messiahs of Voltage] done, we were already ready to record the next one,” Dacus said. “And then, by the time we got into the studio to record the next one, we recorded, like, 20 songs. ... It sucks being a band that constantly wants to put stuff out but then doesn’t have the funds or means to a lot of times, so we kind of have to pick and choose.” The upcoming album, titled Ocean of Darkness, features a heavier, metalinfluenced sound. Layton described Messiahs of Voltage as a punk record made by psychedelic fans. “The whole beginning idea of this band is to not be pigeonholed, not to be labeled,” Layton said. “Whenever we were just getting out of high school ... I felt like we had no generation, especially then, especially now. We had no great movement like grunge, like punk, like the hippie movement. Therefore it’s just like we’re a fuck-you to all that.” Psychotic Reaction plays 9 p.m. Feb. 17 at Blue Note Lounge, 2408 N. Robinson Ave., with Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol and KLAMZ. Messiahs of Voltage is available at psychoticreaction.bandcamp.com.

LIVE MUSIC

RICHARD MARX | January 30 ATMOSPHERE | February 1 WOLF PARADE | February 5 STEEP CANYON RANGERS | February 6 MAT KEARNEY | February 7 Chelsea Days Scheduled for release on Monday, “Notre Dame” will be the first song in a series of home demos recorded on cassette tape, leading up to a full album release this summer. Chelsea Days’ brand of laid-back folk rock seems built to sound great in both hi- and lo-fi, not to mention live. Well that’s not entirely true because we’re mentioning it right now. Go see Chelsea Days with Stepmom and Love Seats for a full night of locally sourced mellow indie goodness. The show is 10 p.m. Saturday at Drunken Fry, 1201 N. Western Ave. Admission is $5, and patrons must be at least 21 years old to attend. Visit facebook.com/drunkenfryokc. SATURDAY Photo Sajin Poos / provided

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

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 29 Amarillo Junction, JJ’s Alley Bricktown Pub. ACOUSTIC

Edgar Cruz/Uncle Zep, UCO Jazz Lab. JAZZ/COVER John Carlton & Kyle Reid, The Winston. SINGER/

Bleed The Sky/Arise In Chaos/Skinlab, 89th StreetOKC. METAL DJ Navi, Bar Cicchetti. ELECTRONIC/ DANCE

Elexa Dawson, The Deli. SINGER/SONGWRITER Hosty, Othello’s Italian Restaurant. SINGER/ Miss Brown to You, Full Circle Bookstore. ACOUSTIC

SINGER/SONGWRITER

Rose Gold/When The Clock Strikes, 89th StreetOKC. ROCK

THURSDAY, JAN. 30

MONDAY, FEB. 3

Hot House Band, Othello’s Italian Restaurant. JAZZ

Jason Hunt and Preston Ware, Sean Cumming’s Irish Restaurant. FOLK

Shelly Phelps & Dylan Nagode, Jazmo’z Bourbon St. Café. ACOUSTIC

FRIDAY, JAN. 31 Ali Harter/Melissa Hembree/Cassie Latshaw, Stockyards Central. SINGER/SONGWRITER BC & The Big Rig, Katt’s Cove. ROCK Burl/Endochrine Twins/Candy Fly, Opolis. ROCK Christy Hays/Piper & Carson/Rough & Tumble, The Blue Door. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

Electric Okie Test, The Deli. COVER

Adam Miller, Kendell’s. SINGER/SONGWRITER Country Clique, Friends Restaurant & Club. COUNTRY

Kyle Reid, Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

Toby Mac, Chesapeake Energy Arena. CHRISTIAN

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 5 Amarillo Junction, JJ’s Alley Bricktown Pub. ACOUSTIC

John Carlton & Kyle Reid, The Winston. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

Midas 13, Remington Park. COVER

Turbo Wizard/Merry Walkers/Gonzo LeBronzo, 51st Street Speakeasy. ROCK

SATURDAY, FEB. 1 Atmosphere/The Lioness/DJ Keezy, Tower Theatre. HIP-HOP

Black Out Bob, Oklahoma City Limits. COVER

PUP | March 2 TICKETS & INFO AT TOWERTHEATREOKC.COM @TOWERTHEATREOKC 405-70-TOWER | 425 NW 23rd Street | Oklahoma City

TUESDAY, FEB. 4

Life of the Party, Brewskey’s. COVER

Sensible Shoes, VZD’s Restaurant & Bar. ROCK

ROME & DUDDY | February 29

The Second After/Frenchie, Red Brick Bar. PUNK

Gost/Black Magnet/PittersplatteR, 89th StreetOKC. ELECTRONIC

Randy Coyne Jazz Cartel, Grand House. JAZZ

DWEEZIL ZAPPA | February 28

Matt Woods, The Deli. SINGER/SONGWRITER

Jessica Tate and the Flat 5ths, UCO Jazz Lab. JAZZ

Paul Oakenfold, OKC Farmers Market. ELECTRONIC

LOST DOG STREET BAND | February 20

Hosty, The Deli. ROCK Jessica Tate, Full Circle Bookstore. ACOUSTIC

S. Ready, The Forge. HIP-HOP

THE AUTHENTIC VOICES TOUR | February 15

SUNDAY, FEB. 2

Ryan Oldham/Ben Brock, JJ’s Alley Bricktown Pub.

Richard Marx, Tower Theatre. SINGER/SONGWRITER

THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS | February 11

SONGWRITER

Randall King, Diamond Ballroom. COUNTRY

MY SO CALLED BAND | February 8

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

GO TO OKGAZETTE.COM FOR FULL LISTINGS!

2.5 JEREMY PINNELL with JOHN CALVIN ABNEY 2.6 CHRIS JONES & THE FLYCATCHERS 2.9 DILLA DAY with DJ D.L., Ronnie Harris & DJ Reaper 2.13 BROTHER MOSES 2.14 MOCHATEA PODCAST LIVE - VALENTINE’S DAY 2.17 MOTHERFOLK 2.18 STAR PARKS 2.19 An evevning with DRIVIN N CRYIN 2.29 SAINTSENECA 3.2 JACK BROADBENT 3.11 DEAD HORSES

WWW.PONYBOYOKC.COM @ponyboyokc #StayGoldOKC O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0

CANNABIS

THE HIGH CULTURE

Higher competition

After the success of a cannabis industry boxing card in December, Oklahoma City’s boxing royalty kick things up a notch. By Matt Dinger

When Chase O’Grady was watching alongside hundreds during the cannabis kickboxing matches inside a tent in a front yard in Newcastle in December, he knew the concept was ready to be taken to the next level. On Feb. 8, the first Buds and Brawls event will take place at OKC Farmers Public Market, 311 S. Klein Ave. The debut event is being dubbed the “Winter Showdown.” “The Canna-Grudge [Showdown] was a good jump-off point for us. We realized that there was something to it. I went there as more of an audience member and a viewer,” organizer Chase O’Grady said. “Literally, the minute that I stepped foot into that tent, the whole thing changed. It was about three hours of complete entertainment that was edge-of-your-seat. It was gritty. It was fun. And the best part is that you got to consume cannabis. So I went to the two main people who were involved in that, Pam [Brown] and David [Cummings], and said, ‘Hey, I think you guys have an amazing idea here, and I want to be involved. How can I be involved?’” They approached the owner of OKC Farmers Public Market, who O’Grady said happens to be not only a boxing fan but a cannabis enthusiast and grower. “It’s a beautiful venue,” he said. “Actually a little cool bit of history about it: The first three events at the Farmers Market were actually boxing events, so it’s really cool that this is kind of a real26

J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

deal boxing place. The first time that it’s at a place like the Farmers Market, such a public place, and bringing this cannabis here. It’s going to be almost a historical event, seeing it out in the open like this and seeing it so at the forefront.” The balcony will be open to medical cannabis license-holders. In addition to opening some of the upper windows, O’Grady said there will be several fans pushing the smoke toward them as well as carbon filters to help absorb some of the smoke and odor. The balcony will also host a dab tent, and multiple smoking and vaporizing utensils will be provided for patients to try. “So anyone who wants to try an e-nail, a Puffco, a Volcano. We’ll have a G Pen. Some of these more high-end glass pieces and some of these fun kind of devices to smoke, we’re going to have a dab tent that will make it available for people to try their own concentrates out of these devices,” O’Grady said. “It’s BYOC 100 percent. There won’t be any sale of cannabis. I have told my vendors if they want to sell CBD or any apparel or anything, that’s completely up to them, but there won’t be any THC being sold. I think we’ve done everything that we can to mind our Ps and Qs to make sure that we are playing by the rules and being as legitimate as we can. The last thing that we want to do is try to do anything that is in the gray or illegal.” The balcony is limited to a capacity

The first Buds and Brawls event will be held in February | Image by Phillip Danner

of 105 people at a time, which will be enforced by security. Alcohol will also be available for purchase.

Serious contenders

“I’ve done over 100 fight promotions. I was in Puerto Rico until the hurricane. Coming back, I didn’t have an audience anymore. I know how to promote, but promote to who?” organizer David “Thunder Dave” Cummings said. “With that being said, the cannabis community for the most part really opened their arms to me and kind of let me spearhead this thing. … We have 12 fights. We have a local gym owner fighting for a title against a real good fighter out of Texas. That fight’s going to be amazing. I’ve got fighters driving in from Nevada, Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas for this one. The level of fighters we have really stepped up.”

The first three events at the Farmers Market were actually boxing events, so it’s really cool that this is kind of a real-deal boxing place. Chase O’Grady In keeping with the last cannabis boxing matches, there will be some head-to-head matches for budtenders or businesses challenging each other, but Cummings said the caliber of fights and fighters is also going to be more advanced than the last event. “We have guy from Straiin fighting. We’ve got a guy representing Fire Leaf, which is pretty cool. 405 Buds has a couple of their budtenders fighting, I think, a budtender and a security guard. We have guys coming that are not the cannabis industry that are just high-

level fighters so the crowd gets some really good fights too, not just two guys that want to go out there and punch each other out. So we’re gonna have a pretty good blend of those, but as far as last time, we’re not gonna have two 60-yearolds out there like we did last time, for example. … It was cute. I’m glad we did it, but this time, we’re just kind of kicking it up a notch,” he said. “Even the guys that are in the cannabis industry that are fighting have been training. I don’t think any of them are just sitting home, roasting bowls and hoping it comes out OK. And some of the dispensaries are sponsoring guys that are current athletes to represent them. But what they’re doing is they’re getting to know these guys, and they’re helping them with food and helping them with equipment and stuff like that, so it’s not just like, ‘Pick a guy for me.’ They’re actually involved in what these guys are doing, which I think that’s pretty awesome. That’s truly putting the communities together.” Unlike the last event, the judges for this event will be experienced professionals. The only “celebrity” judge will be Tyler Box of Climb Collective and Overman Legal Group. Moving forward, they will likely break the card down into two teams, one led by Cummings and the other led by former lightweight boxing champion of the world Sean O’Grady. “I’ve been donating some of my time, personally, and Sean’s donating some of his time, and what we’re gonna do in the future ones — we haven’t started on this one because of the timeline — there’ll be Team Sean against Team Thunder,” Cummings said. “So I’ll actually have one side of the card that I’m responsible for, and they’re welcome to come to all of my classes and seminars. The other side of the card he’ll be responsible for. So when we get this next show, that concept’s gonna be really amazing.” Chase O’Grady and Cummings said they anticipate Buds and Brawls becoming a seasonal event as well, with showdowns in the spring, summer and fall moving forward. “We’ve never had this much support, so with that being said, I see this being something that we do three or four times a year,” Cummings said. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $50 for ringside seats and $150 for VIP.

Buds and Brawls 7:00 pm Feb. 8 Farmers Public Market 311 S. Klein Ave okcfarmersmarket.com | 405-232-6506 $25-150

THE HIGH CULTURE

$70 MMJ DR. REC’S $70

FALITNERANL I S T- B E S T O F O K C AT I V E M E D I C I N E P R A C T I T I O N E R

Natural Choice Urgent Care

$70 MMJ Rec’s $70 Call for appointments 405.608.6820

MON-FRI 9AM-6PM SAT 8AM-3PM

Randy Whitekiller, DO 5929 N. May Ave, Suite 500 Oklahoma City SUMMIT BUILDING

TWISTED TUESDAY 5 Prerolls for $25

THIRSTY THURSDAY Buy One / Get 1 Half Off

BLACK GOLD 1200mg SYRUP

FREEDOM FRIDAYS PICK YOUR DEAL!

100

OUT THE DOOR PRICE *

ounce

Quality Flower! * While Supplies Last

Consistent Affordable Quality Products

Medical Marijuana Dispensary Family Owned & Operated

405.429.7570 | 1221 SW 59th ST, OKC MON-SAT 10AM-9PM SUN 12PM-6PM

@canna_south

CANNABIS

CANNASOUTH.NET

Tay’s tale A challenge was filed to the State Question 807 initiative ballot petition on the last day by Paul Tay, an activist and political candidate with a rather colorful past. By Matt Dinger

On the final day of the challenge period for proposed State Question 807, a handwritten petition was filed with the court clerk for the Oklahoma Supreme Court. The challenge was authored by Paul Tay, who also is the author of proposed State Question 808. It was filed Jan. 17 and names Ryan Kiesel and Michelle Tilley, the proponents of SQ807. The challenge is written by hand, as Tay is currently incarcerated in the Tulsa County jail. “Petitioner/protestant Paul Tay invokes Article I, Section I of the Oklahoma Constitution, establishing the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, U.S. Supreme Court decisions, and all other administrative rules as established by federal agencies to be the Supreme Laws of the land. Article one, section One Oklahoma Constitution refers to the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which states primarily that no State Articles of Constitution, statutes or court rulings may usurp the supremacy of federal law. State Question 807, Petition Number 423 would do just that, usurping the supremacy of the Controlled Substances Act and IRS Rule 280E,” the challenge states. Tay writes that the Controlled 28

J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

Paul Tay, currently jailed in Tulsa County, filed a challenge to State Question 807. | Image by Phillip Danner

Substances Act prohibits the cultivation, processing, possession and consumption of cannabis, while IRS Rule 280E prohibits banks from conducting business with cannabis business entities. “State Question 807 would create a state-sponsored agency specifically to engage in criminal felony RICO money laundering by excise sales taxing cannabis purchases, and creating a trust fund to funnel excise sales tax receipts to other agencies and private non-profit entities,” Tay wrote. Tay then invokes all of the previous to “humbly beseech the Oklahoma Supreme Court to declare State Question 807, Petition Number 423, unconstitutional, void, to be stricken from consideration in all of its forms by the people of Oklahoma,” the challenge states. It is signed Jan. 13 and lists Tay’s address as the Tulsa County jail. Along with the challenge, Tay also filed a handwritten entry of appearance in the Oklahoma Supreme Court as well as a pauper’s affidavit. In the affidavit, Tay states that he is incarcerated and continued on page 30

BEST DISPENSARY

TURN OVER A NEW LEAF NEVER MISS 10% OFF A FIRE LEAF COUPONS

YOUR PURCHASE

MUST BRING IN COUPON EXPIRES 2/29 NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS RECEIVE

20% OFF NO COUPON NEEDED

$3 PREROLLS

DEAL TEXT “FL DEALS” TO 1-833-923-2998

EVERYDAY

FIRE LEAF LOCATIONS

EXTENDED HOURS NOW OPEN 10AM-12AM FRI-SAT FIRE LEAF S. OKC 7876 S.WESTERN OPEN NOW 9AM-12AM SUN-THURS 9AM-2AM FRI-SAT

1327 S. BROADWAY, EDMOND 2810 SW 104TH ST, OKC 8017 W. RENO, OKC 9606 N MAY AVE, THE VILLAGE 2501 SW 15TH STREET, OKC 7876 S WESTERN AVE, OKC 751 CANADIAN TRAILS DR, STE 120, NORMAN

COMING SOON!

FIRE LEAF GUTHRIE

2223 E. OKLAHOMA AVE GUTHRIE 73044 O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0

THE HIGH CULTURE continued from page 28

CANNABIS

unable to pay the $200 filing fee with the court for the challenge, nor was he able to properly serve Kiesel and Tilley, the secretary of state and the attorney general. He also writes that he was denied access to the law library needed to submit a properly typed and cited copy of his challenge and entry of appearance. “I hope and pray this affidavit, entry of appearance and brief of protest reaches the court and that the court accepts the protest, serve notice to respondents, Secretary of State and Attorney General as required by law,” the affidavit states. While each of the handwritten versions is stamped by the Supreme Court Clerk, no date has been set with the court to hear the petition. Tilley, who is a signed proponent of SQ807, is also its campaign manager. She said she was aware that the challenge had been filed but that she and Kiesel had not been served. Tay filed SQ808, another ballot initiative petition aimed at legalizing cannabis for adult use, or recreational purposes, in response to SQ807. SQ808 was filed the same day as SQ807 and was not challenged in court, though the status of the petition-gathering drive for the measure is unknown, as Tay filed it on his own behalf and not as part of any orga nized ca nnabis activ ism organization. Tay appeared at a roundtable session in Oklahoma City on Jan. 3 to read his petition to a group gathered there. He also hinted at his challenge for SQ807 at the event, referring to it as his “cannabis nuclear option.” And he alluded to his upcoming trial, which was set to start the following week.

Varied past

On July 23, Tay was charged in Tulsa County District Court with one misdemeanor count of out r ag i ng publ ic decency. On July 3, Tay held a sign that said “suck my dick 4 a dollar” in Tulsa County, according to court records. Tay was also wearing a helmet with a sex toy attached while holding the sign, according to a KOTV news report. After a trial on Jan. 8, the jury convicted Tay and chose 9 months in jail along with a $500 fine as a sentence, court records show. The incident is just the latest in a string of events for which Tay has become infamous. A perennial candidate for office, Tay has run several times for both mayor and city council in Tulsa. In perhaps his most well-known stunt, Tay rushed onto the stage of a televised debate between mayoral 30

J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

candidates Dewey Bartlett and G.T. Bynum in June 2016. As the moderator was preparing to turn over the floor for closing remarks to the candidates, Tay walked onto the live debate on Rogers State University TV wearing his signature cowboy hat. “Hi. My name is Paul Tay, and I’m also running for mayor,” he said before television crew came on stage. He refused to leave at first, screaming that he also deserved his time and that he felt he had been unfairly blocked from participating in debates and he was “tired of it.” He was then shepherded from the stage. The video, which is still available on YouTube, has been viewed more than 222,000 times.

Tay also filed a handwritten entry of appearance in the Oklahoma Supreme Court as well as a pauper’s affidavit. Last April, Tulsa City councillor Tara Joy McKee was granted a protective order against Tay. On a Facebook thread involving both McKee and Tay, he wrote several threatening messages. One read in part, “If you don’t do EXACTLY what I tell you to do, I WILL do EVERYTHING I can in 2020 to make you work to death for your fucking job, get it? One more thing, I vote, so I have the RIGHT to harass you or any other elected officials I like, whenever I like. You signed up for it, right? You are sooooooo AROGANT to think you are above voter harassment.” Another message threatened physical violence against McKee, who was pregnant at the time. “Disappoint me, and I will cause electoral problems and stress for you. If you go back to look at Council decisions, I ALWAYS get my way, eventually. How would you like to spend some quality time with your baby in NICU? #GlovesOff.” Court records show that Tay, who remains in Tulsa County jail with an appeal bond set at $50,000, has also been charged with several counts this fall, including violation of a protective order, possession of a stolen vehicle and grand larceny. Records show that Tay’s next court date is March 20 on his appeal for outraging public decency.

A jury chose nine months in jail as a sentence for outraging public decency in Tulsa County. | Image Bigstock.com

cannabis

friendly

STEECE

SC A R FA C E JOSE MONTELONGO

MMJ PATIENTS CAN CONSUME CANNABIS ON THE BALCONY

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 8TH | OKLAHOMA CITY FARMERS PUBLIC MARKET | 311 S KLEIN AVE OKC DOORS OPEN AT 6PM | GET TICKETS AT: BUDSANDBRAWLS.COM

O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0

TOKE BOARD

THC PATIENTS Applications Received:

259,147

DISPENSARIES

Applications Approved:

GROWERS

246,718

Applications Approved:

2,242

Applications Approved:

5,443

CONSUMERS Natural person or entity in whose name a cannabis license would be issued

DISPENSARIES

Allows the entity to purchase medical cannabis from a processer licensee or grower licensee and sell medical cannabis only to qualified patients, or their parents or legal guardian(s) if applicable, and caregivers

GROWERS

allows the entity togrow, harvest, and package medical cannabis for the purpose of selling medical cannabis to a dispensary, processor, or researcher

FLOWER REVIEW

Cannabis effects vary wildly from patient to patient based on a multitude of factors, including THC tolerance, brain chemistry and personal taste. This review is based on the subjective experience of one patient. Strain name: Gelato #33 Grown by: GrOKC Acquired from: Great Barrier Reefer Medical Dispensary Date acquired: Jan. 21 THC/CBD percentages: 21.61 percent/.06 percent (per Scissortail Laboratories) Physical traits: tight, light green nugs with small stigmas and a bit of purple densely frosted with trichomes

they were rather well balanced between a head and body high that increased as time wore on. Those effects lingered for an exceptionally long time, to the point where it took me a minute to realize I was still high long after I would have expected the effects to have dissipated. I tried a large number of GrOKC strains from its latest crop, and while other strains like Banana Punch, Papaya Cake, Wedding Crasher and Sundae Driver were also excellent, its Gelato #33 made it my favorite.

Bouquet: citrus and gassy Review: GrOKC made a point of acquiring and fostering premium genetics for all of its crops as well as experimenting with various growing mediums to craft its crops, and it shows. While Cookies Fam lays claim to the original genetics, GrOKC acquired its genetics from the Jungle Boys run (the first of its genetics that I have tried). The reputation is well warranted, as the potency of this strain was apparent from taking the first small hit. While the effects were intense,

J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

Gelato #33 | Photo Phillip Danner

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Homework: Avoid the Tragic Magic Triad: taking things too personally, too literally, and too seriously. FreeWillAstrology.com ARIES (March 21-April 19)

My favorite ancient Greek philosopher was the rascal Diogenes. As a joke, he carried around a lantern during the daytime, proclaiming, “I am just looking for an honest man.” When Alexander the Great, the most powerful man in the world, came to meet Diogenes while he was relaxing outside and asked him if he needed any favors done, he replied, “Yeah, stop blocking my sunlight.” As for Plato, Diogenes complained that the famous philosopher talked too damn much and misinterpreted the teachings of Socrates. I encourage you to borrow some of Diogenes’ attitude in the coming weeks. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, it’ll be healing for you to experiment with being brassy, saucy, and sassy. Emphasize what makes you most unique, independent, and self-expressive.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Taurus author Anthony Trollope (1815–1882) published his first novel at age 30. During the next 37 years, he completed 48 additional novels and 18 works of nonfiction. Critics liked his work well enough, but were suspicious of his prodigious productivity. When they discovered that one of Trollope’s motivations for writing was to make money, they disapproved. Then they found out that Trollope kept a watch nearby as he worked, determined to generate 250 words every 15 minutes. The critics hated that even worse. Creative artists are supposed to court inspiration, not adhere to a schedule—at least according to the critics. But I approve of and recommend Trollopelike behavior for you in the coming weeks, Taurus. Cosmic forces will be on your side if you do.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

In accordance with the astrological indicators, I invite you to rise and soar and glide during the coming weeks. I encourage you to expand and enlarge and amplify. Don’t wait around hoping to be asked to explore and experiment and improvise—just do those things. It’s high time for you to enjoy stirring quests and research projects and missions dedicated to discovery. Be a fun-loving pioneer. Sample the joys of being a maverick and outlier.

The Medicine MAN

CANCER (June 21-July 22) I love living in the material world. Its crazy-making demands and exhilarating rewards are endlessly entertaining. Despite having been born as a fantasy-prone, overly sensitive Cancerian, I’ve become fairly earthy and well-grounded. I have a good job, a nice house, a smart wife, and an interesting daughter. On the other hand, I also love living in the soul’s realm. I have remembered and recorded an average of three dreams per night for many years. Although I don’t take drugs, I cultivate alternate states of consciousness through meditation, prayer, and ritual. I’ve long been a student of depth psychology, which has trained me to be as focused on my soul as my ego. In accordance with current astrological omens, my fellow Cancerian, I urge you to hang out more than usual in the soul’s realm during the coming weeks.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Can I talk you into being more tender and open-hearted toward the people who care for you? I don’t mean to imply that you are currently too hard and closed. But all of us can benefit from enhancing our receptivity, and the coming weeks will be prime time for you Leos to do just that. I think you’ll find it easier than usual to deepen your listening skills and intensify your sensitivity. You’ll have an acute intuitive grasp of the fact that you can earn yourself huge blessings by expressing love and compassion in very practical ways.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

All of us are in service to someone or something—to certain people or ideas or situations. We provide them with help or energy or mirroring or love. We are dutiful in attending to their needs and wants. For some of us, our service feels like a burden. It’s grating or humbling or inconvenient, or all of the above. For others of us, being of service is fulfilling, even joyful. We find a rich sense of purpose in our devotion to a higher cause or deeper calling beyond our selfish concerns. Among the 12 signs of the zodiac, you Virgos are more likely than most to carry out the latter kind of service. I bring these thoughts to your attention because the coming weeks will be an excellent time to re-evaluate, reconfigure, and reinvigorate your own service.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Author David Markson imagined what it would be like to write a novel that lacked conflicts or confrontations— in other words, a novel unlike any ever created. Libran author Ursula Le Guin also fantasized about stories with plots that weren’t driven by strife and struggle. Since many of us are addicted to entertainment that depends on discord to be interesting, we might find it hard to believe Markson’s and Le Guin’s dream would ever happen. But I’m pleased to inform you, Libra, that your life in the coming weeks may be exactly like that: a fascinating adventure with few hassles and wrangles.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

According to Scorpio painter Georgia O’Keeffe, success is irrelevant. The most crucial life-long effort that anyone can be devoted to is “making your unknown known.” Did she mean making your unknown known to yourself? Or making your unknown known to other people? Or both? According to my analysis of the astrological omens, the coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to do both. So I hope you will tease out your best and biggest mysteries from their hiding places. Give them expression.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

You Sagittarians have a talent for burning bridges that really do need to be burned. Your intuition often guides you to assess when the time is ripe to withdraw from connections that no longer benefit you. On the other hand, you sometimes burn bridges prematurely. You decide that they are in such disrepair that they’re of no use to you, even though it might serve your ultimate interests to fix them. I offer these thoughts as a preface for my advice: 1. Refurbish rather than burn a certain bridge you’re a bit disenchanted with. 2. Build at least one new bridge that will be valuable in the future.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

did to arrive at his conclusion, he wrote, “Take pity on me, for I have repeated these calculations seventy times.” In the big picture of our understanding of the universe, of course, his discovery was felicitous. It’s not a problem that the orbits are elliptical, merely the truth. In the coming weeks, Capricorn, I foresee you engaging in a process that’s metaphorically comparable to Kepler’s. Hard work will yield useful, if unexpected results.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Please don’t imitate or repeat yourself in the coming weeks. Refrain from relying on formulas that have worked for you before. Resolve to either ignore or rebel against your past as you dream up fresh gambits and adventures. Treat your whole life like an improvisatory game that has just one purpose: to attract and stir up useful novelty. If you do these things, Aquarius, I can practically guarantee that you will win the game.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Poet Robert Bly believes that each of us has a special genius, and the key to understanding and fully activating that genius is in our core wound. In other words, the part of us that got hurt the worst is potentially the generative source of the best gifts we have to give. Do you know where that is in yourself: the wound that could be the source of your blessing? Now is a great time to investigate this tantalizing mystery.

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.

The shape of the planets’ orbits around the sun is elliptical, not circular. Capricorn astronomer Johannes Kepler (1571–1630) was the first person to figure this out. He didn’t like it. He really wanted the orbits to be circular. That would have been more satisfying to his aesthetic and spiritual sensibilities. Explaining the arduous labor he

Millennium Grown Presents

VETERAN 10% DISCOUNT DAILY

MONDAY make it thru the week all 1/2 oz products get $30 discount try out tuesday 10% discount when you purchase something new that you’ve never tried hump day wednesday 20% discount on 1/8 or more throwback thursday 15% discount on 2 grams or more friday chill with us Discuss the benefits of medical THC and CBD oils with our in-house team. Buy two THC and CBD oils get third 1/2 off

suggestions saturdays Tell us our best product, items we carry, let us know how we’re doing or offer suggestions on things to change/improve. Suggestions get a gram 1/2 off

Super sundays donut & coffee free with your purchase of $30+ Veterans: free coffee or donut with your purchase of $15+

Prerolls 2/$10 3:30-6:30pm daily 405-225-1323

5917 S. Sunnylane Road - OKC

themedicinemanok@yahoo.com

March 22 -24 @ Cox Convention Center oklahomacannabisexpo.com for tickets/info | 844-420-EXPO

O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0

PUZZLES NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE CROSSWORD PUZZLE BIOTECHNOLOGY | 0202 By Victor Barocas Puzzles edited by Will Shortz ACROSS

1 Homeowner’s action, for short 5 Things blockers block 8 1979 film inspired by Janis Joplin’s life 15 Indistinct shape 19 Receptionist on “The Office” 20 Be bothered by 22 Island nation west of Fiji 23 Possible consequence of default, in brief 24 Wildflower with spiky, purplish blooms 25 Secure 26 Ruling family of Edward I 27 Finished 28 Adam’s ____ (water) 29 Hole in one’s head 31 Humpty Dumpty, e.g. 32 “Dallas” family name 33 The Anne of “Anne of the Thousand Days” 35 Feverish 36 Put back on 38 Insinuating 39 — 40 James who won an Emmy two years in a row for the same role on different shows 42 — 45 Ignorant person, in slang 47 Security-system array 49 Total 51 Angered by 53 Ancient monuments 54 Gaston ____, “The Phantom of the Opera” novelist 55 Latte choice, informally 58 The “she” in the lyric “She would merengue and do the cha-cha” 59 W.W. I French biplane 60 Capital of Albania 61 Like much of Iowa 63 1980 Olympic hockey champs 66 Up 68 Shark fighters 70 “Believe ____ not!” 71 Biological manipulation suggested four times by this puzzle 74 First African-American Davis Cup player 75 Beethoven’s birthplace 76 Comprehension 77 Tender spot? 78 Like the sun god Inti 79 Some liturgical vestments 81 ____ de Triomphe 83 It’s down in the dumps 86 First National Leaguer to hit 500 home runs 87 Fall color providers 88 Some instant coffees 90 Cheyenne Mountain org. 92 Stays out of 93 Closes in a thin membrane 95 Disappointing response to an application 98 Remarkable ability of a starfish 99 Use a rototiller on, say 101 Lack of variation 103 “ER” actress Laura 105 Turn out 106 Service with more than 1.5 billion users 107 Home of the Latino Walk of Fame, informally 108 Composer of the “London”

8 21

76 79

81 88

93 99

109

111

101

117

121

122

125

126

112

symphonies 111 Big e-cigarette brand 113 Anti-athlete’s foot brand 115 Good for leaving handprints in 116 State without reservations 117 — 119 Provider of child support? 120 — 121 Polynesian carving 122 Dreamer 123 Half in advance? 124 Unique individual 125 Starting point 126 Broadway’s “____ Todd” 127 “Hamilton” Tony nominee Phillipa ____ 128 Loch ____, site of Urquhart Castle

96 103

EDITORIAL

ADVERTISING

OPERATIONS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Brittany Pickering bpickering@okgazette.com

advertising@okgazette.com 405-528-6000

OPERATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER Kelsey Lowe

STAFF REPORTERS Jacob Threadgill Jeremy Martin Miguel Rios Matt Dinger

102

MARKETING ASSISTANT Kendall Bleakley ACCOUNTING/ HR MANAGER Marian Harrison

CREATIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR Phillip Danner

CONTRIBUTOR Mollie Bryant

ILLUSTRATOR/ GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ingvard Ashby

104

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Mindi Stucks

114

115

119

120

123

124 127

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Saundra Godwin Christy Duane Dustin Testerman

CALENDAR COORDINATOR Jeremy Martin

107

12 Ingredient in some health-food supplements 13 Not occurring naturally 14 Romanian-born writer once in the French Academy 15 Cook on the outside 16 Tribe of Moses and Aaron 17 Available to the public 18 Wimbledon champ, 1976-80 21 First takes 29 Gag item floating in Halloween punch 30 Brother on “Frasier” 32 Breadwinner 34 Ancient Dead Sea land 37 Woozy 39 — 40 Rooms with views 41 Forecast DOWN 42 — 1 Goes through physical therapy 43 Phrase of agreement 2 Anon 44 Subject for Kinsey 3 Beethoven’s only opera 46 Olden Tokyo 4 As a rule 48 Flower part 5 City that ancient Greeks called 50 Roman emperor before Hadrian Philadelphia 52 “Nyah, nyah!” e.g. 6 Christian with a big house 55 Nursery sight 7 Winter vehicle 56 Insurance for the crash-prone 8 Mike and Carol Brady, e.g. 57 Big story 9 Berry receiving much attention in 60 Start of a countdown the 2000s 62 Composer Schoenberg 10 Bambi’s aunt 64 Repair material 11 Bit of ancient script 65 Skeptically

J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

113 118

90 94

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

106

116

SKULLDUGGERY LANE By Ingvard Ashby

78 83

PUBLISHER Peter J. Brzycki

100

110

105

Oklahoma Gazette is circulated at its designated distribution points free of charge to readers for their individual use and by mail to subscribers. The cash value of this copy is $1. Persons taking copies of the Oklahoma Gazette from its distribution points for any reason other than their or others’ individual use for reading purposes are subject to prosecution.

First-class mail subscriptions are $119 for one year, and most issues at this rate will arrive 1-2 days after publication.

VOL. XLII NO. 05

Please address all unsolicited news items (non-returnable) to the editor.

59 63

108

128

67 Apostle called “the Zealot” 69 Launched 71 Didn’t know but said something anyway 72 Midlength records, for short 73 Full of spirit 78 From Shiraz or Tabriz 80 Country star Womack 82 Greenbacks 84 1990s-2000s compact car 85 Smelter’s supply 87 Locale for un capitaine 88 It doesn’t need land to land 89 Sometimes-white animal 91 Rackets 94 Smiles smugly 96 Twist together 97 X’s 100 Chafe 102 QB protection squads 104 Companions of Dionysus 105 John Wilkes Booth’s actor brother 106 Wikipedia’s logo 107 Refrain from nursery singing 108 “In time we ____ that which we often fear”: Shak. 109 Devoted 110 Make into a couple 112 Magazine with the motto “Cure ignorance” 114 Staff note 117 — 118 First name in spy literature 120 —

Order mounted or ready-to-frame prints of Oklahoma Gazette covers, articles and photos at okgazette.yourheadline.com 3701 N. Shartel Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73118-7102 PHONE (405) 528-6000 FAX (405) 528-4600 www.okgazette.com

SUDOKU HARD | N° 33326

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

NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Puzzle No.0126, which appeared in the January 22 issue. M O A N A

A N N U L

Z E S T S

P S A T

A Q U A

P U G S

C H A I

T U L I P B U L B

A S A H I

V O C A B

O L L I E

D A W S O N

A S C T E R I E G R A N E M O A E R I R R E D L I N G E R S U S A L H F A S L I N G F L O R C A D O O S A U K N R L E T M R

H A N G S A L E A I R S A R T O I S

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

H E I N I E

M E N A C E S

O L E

S A N W A W I L

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

S U R E L Y N O T N E H I D E B R I S

E C O L I

A L A M O

S A R A N

G O O D G R I E F

B I T E

Y E O W

E L L A

D O D O

C O T T A

T O W E L

S P O D E

CLASSIFIEDS

MUSIC

ETC. PHYLLIS NUNOO-WILLIAMS, MSW, LCSW LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST

LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS

Sr. Software Developer/ Okla City, OK. Design, dvlp, deploy, test, maint s/ware Use Java/J2EE, GWT, XML, Oracle, PL/SQL, Struts, Spring framework, Hibernate, Tapestry, Eclipse. Write code, Oracle stored proc, triggers, queries, etc. BS + exp. Mail resumes to HR Dept, Vitech Systems Group, 401 Park Ave So, NY, NY 10016.

NEWSLETTER

RECEIVE 4 PRIVATE PRACTICE NEWSLETTERS FOR $20 Subjects Include: Advice Columns, Articles, Recommended Reading, Top Ten’s (i.e., Top Ten Ways to Meet Your Potential Mate) Mail Name (printed), Mailing Address, Cash, Check, or Money Order to P.O. Box 50406, Midwest City, OK 73140 Office (405) 741-1591

öö

CLASSIFIEDS

ESTATE SALE!

öö

E VERY THIN G M US T G O !!

HOMES

Mid- Century Furniture, Art, Books, Vintage & Pin-Up Dresses, Athletic Equipment, Oddities & Curiosities,

☞ THE LIS T GOES ON...

DAVE’S APPLIANCE REPAIR All makes washers, dryers, ranges, dishwashers, refrigerators, disposals.

24 years experience

314-3191

$25 service calls

JAN 31 & FEB 1-2 3921 NW 18t h St., O KC CASH AND CRED IT CARDS ARE W E LCOME!

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CLEANING

405.862.0358

405.313.4898

RIOJAS CLEANING SERVICES READING 134,070 GAZETTE HOME BUYERS

JUST SAW THIS AD!

Herbology is an inviting family of hometown cannabis dispensaries where passionate Herbologists connect customers to the most trusted and effective cannabis products for their lifestyle. We offer a curated selection of high-quality products, personalized service, and a warm, welcoming vibe that invites people to stay longer and return. In addition to selling trusted products, we host a wide range of wellness and educational events to help our customers live a safe, healthy lifestyle. We’re always looking for new talent to join our team and to move our growing industry forward.

CLASSIFIEDS

NOW HIRING

JOBS

OKLAHOMA CITY METROPOLITAN AREA, BRICKTOWN, BROKEN ARROW CALL 528-6000 FOR ADVERTISING INFO

NOW HIRING ALL POSITIONS Full-time & Part-time Flexible Scheduling Come in and apply today!

APPLY ONLINE AT:

www.myherbology.com/oklahoma/careers

4300 W. Reno Ave.

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

Submit your listings online at okgazette.com or email them to listings@okgazette.com. Sorry, but phone submissions cannot be accepted. O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 0

Lining the birdcages of Oklahomans on the wrong side of history since 1979.