LETTUCE CELEBRATE WHERE TO DINE
W H AT TO D O
WE WEIGH IN ON THE LIGHTER SIDE OF LUNCH AND DINNER WITH THE 66 BEST PLACES TO FIND TOP-NOTCH SALADS
WHERE TO FIND IT
WHEN IT’S HAPPENING
APRIL 2020
HEARTS OF GLASS TULSA GLASSBLOWING SCHOOL IS PUTTING HOT AIR TO GOOD USE
THE BEACH BOYS ILIZA SHLESINGER JASON BOLAND GRACEE SHRIVER WAFFLE THAT EVER SOMETHING ANDY B’S OXLEY NATURE CENTER
DRAWING ATTENTION STEVE LIGGETT PROVIDES AN ARTISTIC FORUM FOR THE UNDERRECOGNIZED
Seasonal Splendor
BODY AND SOLE 11 TIPS TO HELP
AVOID RUNNINGRELATED INJURIES
RING IN SPRINGTIME WITH A TRIP TO MUSKOGEE FOR THE BEAUTIFUL AND EVENT‑PACKED AZALEA FESTIVAL
PREVIEW918.COM J U S T V I S I T I N G ? L I V I N G LO C A L? W E ’ V E G OT YO U C OV E R E D.
All the games you love, the flavors you crave and the music that made you are here. The stage is set for your next hit.
Know your limits. Gambling problem? Call 800.522.4700.
M FROM THE MAYOR As mayor of Tulsa, it is my honor to welcome you to our great city. Whether you’re visiting, or have deep roots here, I invite you to take time to explore our beautiful city and discover all the things that set us apart from other cities. I highly recommend Preview 918 as your go-to guide to navigate our incredible city. For more than 34 years, Preview has covered the 918, offering Tulsans and visitors alike the inside scoop to area restaurants and cafés, lodging, local attractions and events, world-class entertainment venues, tourist destinations, and unique shopping venues that are bound to please and delight. Our city is home to the world’s greatest collection of western art at the Gilcrease Museum, as well as Italian Renaissance displays at the Philbrook Museum. It’s a treasure trove for lovers of architecture, from mid-century modern housing, to the downtown Art Deco District, and our iconic BOK Center, designed by the internationally acclaimed architect César Pelli.
Tulsa Roughnecks soccer. Or time a visit to coincide with special events, such as Tulsa Tough bike racing, the Tulsa Run, the Route 66 Marathon, and the NCAA basketball tournament. The Tulsa area offers more than 80 miles of pedestrian and bicycle trails for a great way to see Tulsa. Tulsa is also a city on the move. In 2018, we opened the Gathering Place. The Gathering Place is a world class riverfront park designed to welcome all to a vibrant and inclusive public space that engages, educates, and excites.
MANAGING EDITOR | SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Michele Chiappetta michele@previewgreencountry.com CREATIVE TEAM Jared Hood jared@previewgreencountry.com
Placed in Area Hotels and Motels
Local advertising and business inquiries: 918-745-1190. To distribute Preview 918 at your place of business: 918‑745‑1190.
G.T. Bynum
FOLLOW US! PREVIEW918
MANAGING PHOTOGRAPHER Marc Rains CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chris Greer, Michele Chiappetta, Donna Leahey, Rob Harmon, G.K. Hizer, Gina Conroy, Lindsay Morris, John Tranchina, Jennifer Zehnder, Sarah Herrera, Ashton Greer, TravelOK.com
Beth Rose beth@previewgreencountry.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Marc Rains, Sarah Eliza Roberts, Sarah Herrera, Jennifer Zehnder, Valerie Wei‑Haas, Kelli Greer
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Elizabeth Wollmershauser
COPY EDITOR Andrea Neil
4 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
A regional magazine of national stature, Preview 918 has remained the most trusted and widely read lifestyle publication in the Tulsa and Green Country area for more than 30 years. While other magazines have come and gone, Preview 918 has not only remained but has achieved unprecedented prestige within our community. It has been, and will continue to be, the magazine the 918 area lives by.
We connect with over 200,000 readers each month covering dining, fitness, retail, services, entertainment, people, events, lifestyles, and the arts. Preview 918 is freely distributed to over 650 locations in the Tulsa and Green Country area including Reasor’s, over 100 hotels, Tulsa International Airport, casinos, retail shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars, medical offices, salons, gyms, and service providers. And many of those readers tell us that Preview 918 faithfully helps them identify their interests, wants, and needs.
Sports spectators can look to the University of Tulsa or Oral Roberts University athletic programs, Tulsa Oiler hockey games, and
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL, BRAND, AND STRATEGY Chris Greer chrisg@previewgreencountry.com
PREVIEW918.COM
Best regards, G.T. Bynum, Mayor of Tulsa
For a night on the town, Tulsa serves up family entertainment at the Guthrie Green and Tulsa Drillers baseball at ONEOK Field. The Tulsa Performing Arts Center attracts Broadway musicals, renowned musicians and excellent local theater productions, and is home to the Tulsa Ballet.
FACEBOOK.COM/PREVIEW918
VOL. 34, NO. 4
I’m pleased so many of you have made your home in Tulsa. If you’re visiting our city, please enjoy your stay here. I also want to invite you to come back often to experience opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. In the meantime, you can find out more about Tulsa by visiting cityoftulsa.org.
Tulsa’s unique entertainment and shopping districts provide enjoyable experiences for the entire family. From an art crawl in the Tulsa Arts District, to a concert at the historic Cain’s Ballroom, to a trip to the Tulsa Zoo or a leisurely drive along Route 66 — there’s no end to what you can experience here.
LIKE US!
PREV EW
FOLLOW US!
@PREVIEWTULSA FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER Stephen Hurt stephen@previewgreencountry.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Ann Murphy ann@previewgreencountry.com ROUTE DISTRIBUTION Rachel Blanchard, Cory Blanchard, Garrett Rinner SENIOR CONSULTANT Randy Dietzel PUBLISHERS Robert and Amy Rinner robert@previewgreencountry.com
Preview 918 is published 12 times a year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited.
READ US!
WWW.ISSUU.COM/PREVIEWMAGAZINETULSA While the information has been compiled carefully to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, all content is provided for general guidance only and is subject to change. The publisher can’t guarantee the accuracy of all information or be responsible for omissions or errors. Preview 918 claims no credit for any images published in this issue unless otherwise noted. Images are copyright to their respective owners. Health, small business, and financial advice provided in Preview 918 and preview918.com are for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with a qualified professional for health, small business, and financial advice. Preview 918, 10026-A S. Mingo, Suite 322, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133 Copyright 2020 by Preview 918. All rights reserved. Preview 918 is an affiliated publication produced by Fore Today Publications LLC.
T TABLE OF CONTENTS APRIL 2020
FEATURES 16
CONVERSATION STARTER: JASON BOLAND
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album, Pearl Snaps, Jason Boland and The Stragglers will play the record front to back along with favorites from their extensive catalog.
30
80 ON THE COVER
“REVOLTING” CHILDREN
A fierce and witty adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s book, Matilda the Musical offers subplots, dialogue, and lyrics that are denser and more nuanced than most tales of good versus evil.
32 WHAT A RELEAF
When’s the last time you got lost in the woods, in a good way? The expansive and secluded 800-acre Oxley Nature Center, with its miles of forged trails, provides an opportunity to reconnect with the world and its creatures.
20
CONVERSATION STARTER: ILIZA SHLESINGER
A winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Iliza Shlesinger’s ability to artfully articulate a contemporary female perspective has cemented her reputation on Netflix and in the stand-up spotlight.
22
CONVERSATION STARTER: THE BEACH BOYS
24
CONVERSATION STARTER: LUKAS NELSON
26
DREAM OF DESIRE
Summer never ends for The Beach Boys, who continue to keep the spirit of surf music alive for audiences filled with multiple generations of fans.
A fixture in the world of Americana music for years, Lukas Nelson has toured with Neil Young, recorded with Lady Gaga, and learned plenty of life lessons from his country legend father, Willie Nelson.
With talent, hard work, and a heavy dose of family and faith, The Voice’s Gracee Shriver is staying true to herself as she pursues country music success.
36 BLOOM BASH
With 40 acres of manicured gardens, including over 30,000 azaleas in 625 varieties, Honor Heights Park and Muskogee attract nearly 250,000 people for one of the area’s most popular events: the Azalea Festival.
38
54 ON THE RUN
Nothing gets in the way of a good run like pain. Unfortunately, running-related injuries are common in runners of all levels.
74 FLOWER POWER
HITTING THE MARK
80 A TASTE OF SPRING
DOUBLING DOWN
84 GARDEN OF EATING
Beyond the skilled axeperts playing characters and helping you ring the bell when you score that bullseye, Cinergy axe lanes feature other details that increase the likelihood that everyone in your throwing group will enjoy success.
46
The Tulsa Glassblowing School is helping build self-esteem in both youths and adults with its transformative programs that put hot air to good use.
BEYOND BOWLING
More than just a bowling center, Andy B’s entertainment venue features redemption games, laser tag, go-kart racing, escape rooms, delicious food and drinks, and plenty of amenities for its VIB to let loose and live it up.
42
52 HEARTS OF GLASS
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino rebrands its music venue with an expanded commitment to providing top-notch entertainment.
Muskogee’s Honor Heights Park has been regaling Oklahomans and out-of-state visitors alike with stunning natural beauty that comes alive in spring with bursting blooms of azaleas and other flowers. The display is so stellar that it’s commemorated with the annual Azalea Festival which, despite its name, is about so much more than flowers that you’ll want to make plans to get down to Muskogee throughout the month of April for one of the most entertaining set of experiences in Green Country.
Offering a highly personalized and creative experience, Ever Something focuses on creating a one-of-a-kind vision that showcases the enormously transformative power of floral and design.
April is a transitional season, not only for the weather but also for cooking. Gone are the cravings for warming stews and comforting casseroles; it’s all about bright, fresh flavors that make the most out of spring.
Whether you crave a classic Caesar, a not-so-classic Cobb, one with a Greek spin, or something with plenty of flair, we’ve found the 66 best leaf-packed beauties in the area that deserve your fork’s attention.
DEPARTMENTS 16 Conversation Starter
58 Sports Central
72 Beyond Tulsa
80 Eats + Treats
26 Sound Check
67 Sports Schedule
74 Style + Shopping
92 Get to Know
13 Happenings
49 Downtown Locator
68 Green Country Scene
76 Launch Pad
94 Shelf Life
15 Street Talk
50 Tulsa Locator
70 Restaurant + Bar Finder
78 Health + Fitness
96 Showtime
8 $91.80 in 48 Challenge 10 Music + Concerts +
Comedy
6 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
KEEP CALM AND CARRY OUT As the COVID-19 virus continues to affect our community, Preview 918 asks that you support our restaurants and the thousands of workers that they employ. While in-location dining is suspended, please consider ordering to-go, buying gift cards, and tipping heavily. Not only are small-business owners worried about the future of their establishments, but the servers, bartenders, cooks, and other employees are also worried about how they will pay their own bills. As you continue to take care of yourself, consider supporting Tulsa and Green Country dining. We’re all in this together.
PREViEW 918
WHERE TO DINE
W H AT TO D O
WHERE TO FIND IT
WHEN IT’S HAPPENING
The only catch was that she had to spend it at places, events or shops profiled in the March 2020 issue of Preview 918.
918 $91.80 IN 48 CHALLENGE The mission posed to Donelle Chapman was to spend $91.80 (we used the local area code for the amount) in two days. And if she could find fun and free activities … bonus.
PROVIDING AN ENVELOPE OF CASH AND TELLING PEOPLE TO SPEND IT IN 48 HOURS ISN’T EXACTLY A CHALLENGE, BUT IT MAKES THIS ASSIGNMENT MORE INTERESTING.
u Think yo our can blow cash in g interestin ways?
1 With First Friday Art Crawl festivities underway and beautiful weather, the Tulsa Arts District was our destination of choice to begin the challenge. We wandered through the artwork, shared thoughts on a variety of topics, took in some crowd watching, and spent quality time catching up after a busy week. I didn’t realize ahha has a studio where you can explore your creativity. The class and workshop schedules have so many exciting options. COST: $0
3 2 The only food that rivals steak for my son, Ryan, is chocolate cake. I earned some points by making sure we made our way to Glacier Bean to Bar. The cake was amazing, stacked tall, and full of dense cake with intense creamy chocolate icing. He thought he’d get away without sharing a bite since I opted for a glass of wine (which is served with a pairing of chocolates), but he was wrong. The craft of their gelato, baked goods, and of course the truffles is wonderful. COST: $15
Saturday morning, we made our way to SMOKE. Woodfire Grill on 15th Street for Ryan’s brunch pick. He spotted the chicken and waffles on the menu and was sold. He gave it rave reviews for taste and portion size. I had the smoked brisket burrito (he got even with me for the chocolate cake bite by sampling from my plate). The burrito was full of flavor, with fresh pico and tender chunks of brisket. The service was perfect.
The main event was going to see Stomp at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. We wandered the Blue Dome District a bit before heading into the show. We both love music, especially anything with a good rhythm, and I’ve wanted to see one of these performances for 20 years. What a perfect way to spend Saturday together. The performance did not disappoint, with great energy, lots of laughs, and excellent crowd participation. The creativity behind the music is inspiring. COST: $50
COST: $26.80 Thank you for giving us a reason to get out and explore the city. We got the opportunity to make some treasured memories before Ryan leaves for college this summer.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND DROP A MESSAGE WITH SOME OF YOUR IDEAS. WE MIGHT LACE YOUR POCKETS WITH GREEN AND TURN YOU LOOSE. 8 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
4
PREVIEW918.COM 9
H HAPPENINGS APRIL LIVE MUSIC VENUES 5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE BAR | RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT
8330 Riverside Parkway | Tulsa
BLACKBIRD ON PEARL
1336 E. 6th St. | Tulsa
BOK CENTER
200 S. Denver Ave. | Tulsa
CAIN’S BALLROOM
423 N. Main St. | Tulsa
CROW CREEK TAVERN
3534 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa
GUTHRIE GREEN
111 E. Reconciliation Way | Tulsa
HARD ROCK LIVE | HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO TULSA
777 W. Cherokee St. | Catoosa
IDL BALLROOM
230 E. 1st St. | Tulsa
INNER CIRCLE VODKA BAR 410 N. Main St. | Tulsa
JIMMY BUFFETT’S MARGARITAVILLE | RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT 8330 Riverside Pkwy. | Tulsa
MERCURY LOUNGE
1747 S. Boston Ave. | Tulsa
OKLAHOMA JAZZ HALL OF FAME 5 S. Boston Ave. | Tulsa
PARADISE COVE | RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT
MUSIC+CONCERTS+COMEDY
01
MODD ODDITIES Duet | Tulsa
LEVELS
The Vanguard | Tulsa
01-04 COLLIN MOULTON
02 04-05 Loony Bin | Tulsa
04
BLACK STONE CHERRY
Buffalo Run Casino & Resort | Miami
RUSSELL MALONE QUARTET Duet | Tulsa
WHISKEY MYERS
The Joint | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa | Catoosa
8330 Riverside Pkwy. | Tulsa
PEORIA SHOWPLACE | BUFFALO RUN CASINO & RESORT
MIRO QUARTET
Tulsa Performing Arts Center | Tulsa
NF
Tulsa Theater | Tulsa
MAGIC GIANT
1000 Buffalo Run Blvd. | Miami
The Vanguard | Tulsa
RABBIT HOLE
DDAT
116 S. Elgin Ave. | Tulsa
Duet | Tulsa
REDS
JOE CROOKSTON
325 E. 2nd St. | Tulsa
RIFFS | HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO TULSA
Woody Guthrie Center | Tulsa
777 W. Cherokee St. | Catoosa
SKYLINE EVENT CENTER | OSAGE CASINO HOTEL
951 W. 36th St. N. | Tulsa
SOUNDPONY
409 N. Main St. | Tulsa
SWAMPHOUSE
1529 E. 3rd St. | Tulsa
TCC VANTREASE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 10300 E. 81st St. | Tulsa
THE COLONY
2809 S. Harvard Ave. | Tulsa
THE FUR SHOP
ANNIE ELLICOTT Duet | Tulsa
03
RAMON AYALA
POSTPONED
520 E. 3rd St. | Tulsa
Paradise Cove | River Spirit Casino Resort | Tulsa
THE HUNT CLUB
DEAN DEMERRITT’S JAZZ TRIBE
224 N. Main St. | Tulsa
THE VANGUARD
222 N. Main St. | Tulsa
TRACK 5 | HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO TULSA
777 W. Cherokee St. | Catoosa
TULSA THEATER
105 W. Reconciliation Way | Tulsa
WOODY GUTHRIE CENTER
102 E. Reconciliation Way | Tulsa
10 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
10
Duet | Tulsa
03-04 TULSA SINGS! TCC VanTrease Performing Arts Center | Tulsa
05
BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY
The Joint | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa | Catoosa
07
SIGNATURE CHORALE CONCERT
TCC VanTrease Performing Arts Center | Tulsa
08-11 TRACY SMITH
Loony Bin | Tulsa
09
UNIVERSITY OF TULSA VOCAL ENSEMBLE Duet | Tulsa
Dates, events, and times are subject to change or cancellation.
10-11 OK ROOTS GLOBAL BASH 11 TULSA MUSIC AWARDS Guthrie Green | Tulsa
POSTPONED
Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa
SMOKEY ROBINSON
Skyline Event Center | Osage Casino Hotel | Tulsa
CHANDA GRAHAM Duet | Tulsa
PREVIEW918.COM 11
H HAPPENINGS APRIL
MUSIC+CONCERTS+COMEDY
15
18
24-25 GAITHER VOCAL BAND
BLOCH AND BRAHMS
Mabee Center | Tulsa
Tulsa Performing Arts Center | Tulsa
21 BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB
23 Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa
OSU JAZZ SEXTET GROUPLOVE
WHITNEY CUMMINGS
POSTPONED
Buffalo Run Casino & Resort | Miami
Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa
NATE BARGATZE
SUBHUMANS
Tulsa Theater | Tulsa
The Vanguard | Tulsa
16
KRIS KRISTOFFERSON AND THE STRANGERS
TCC AND ORU ORCHESTRA CONCERT
TCC VanTrease Performing Arts Center | Tulsa
HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN
Duet | Tulsa
Mabee Center | Tulsa
STURGILL SIMPSON BOK Center | Tulsa
POSTPONED
Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa
17
ROBERT EARL KEEN
PAT KELLEY QUARTET
Paradise Cove | River Spirit Casino Resort | Tulsa
Duet | Tulsa
19
25
WYNONNA & THE BIG NOISE
Skyline Event Center | Osage Casino Hotel | Tulsa
ILIZA SHLESINGER POSTPONED Tulsa Theater | Tulsa
ALICE WETTERLUND
26 Duet | Tulsa
UMPHREY’S MCGEE JASON BOLAND & THE STRAGGLERS POSTPONED Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa
Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa
THE HOT SARDINES
The Joint | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa | Catoosa
CODY CANADA AND THE DEPARTED Hatbox Field | Muskogee
DAVINA AND THE VAGABONDS Duet | Tulsa
12 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
20 TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION IDL Ballroom | Tulsa
24
JUNIOR BROWN
Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa
GRADY NICHOLS Duet | Tulsa
LENNY KRAVITZ
Hard Rock Live | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa | Catoosa
ELECTRIC SIX
The Vanguard | Tulsa
HAPPENINGS ALSO IN APRIL H EVERYWHERE
1
5
FOR KING AND COUNTRY Mabee Center | Tulsa
27
THE RUBBER CHICKEN FACTORY IMPROV COMEDY SHOW
PALM SUNDAY
TCC VanTrease Performing Arts Center | Tulsa
28
10
TCC JAZZ CONCERT
APRIL 1 A CONVERSATION WITH MARTHA STEWART POSTPONED
APRIL 1 CITY YEAR’S WOMEN LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON Cox Business Convention Center | Tulsa
APRIL 3 TRUE GIRL
Mabee Center | Tulsa
GOOD FRIDAY
29
APRIL 1-26 TULSA BOTANIC BLOOMS Tulsa Botanic Garden | Tulsa
LUKAS NELSON AND PROMISE OF THE REAL CANCELED
Duet | Tulsa
Paradise Cove | River Spirit Casino Resort | Tulsa
15
APRIL 1-30 AZALEA FESTIVAL
Honor Heights Park | Muskogee
APRIL 2 KIPP STAR SEARCH
APRIL 3-5 SPRING BIG OM YOGA RETREAT
Canyon Crossing | Sand Springs
Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa
TAX DAY
DEADLINE EXTENDED
APRIL 2-4 OMEGA PSI PHI NINTH DISTRICT
Cox Business Convention Center | Tulsa
21
APRIL 4 THE RITE. THE GIFT.
POSTPONED
Tulsa Performing Arts Center | Tulsa
HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY
22
APRIL 3 FIRST FRIDAY ART CRAWL Tulsa Arts District | Tulsa
TCC CHOIR, BAND, AND ORCHESTRA CONCERT
TCC VanTrease Performing Arts Center | Tulsa
TCC VanTrease Performing Arts Center | Tulsa
Claremore Expo Center | Claremore
MAJORIE TANNER
THE BEACH BOYS
APRIL 3-4 YOU’RE DOIN’ FINE, OKLAHOMA!
APRIL 3-5 HOME AND GARDEN SHOW
Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa
30
Cherokee Heritage Center | Tahlequah
Tulsa Performing Arts Center | Tulsa
TCC VanTrease Performing Arts Center | Tulsa
12
APRIL 3 TRAIL OF TEARS ART SHOW
OKLAHOMA DAY
APRIL 4 THE COLOR RUN
River West Festival Park | Tulsa
Dates, events, and times are subject to change or cancellation.
PREVIEW918.COM 13
APRIL 25 18TH ANNUAL ‘80S PROM
H HAPPENINGS ALSO IN APRIL
Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa
APRIL 17 STEVE FORBES
Tulsa Performing Arts Center | Tulsa
APRIL 4 ROUTE 66 COMIC CON
APRIL 17-18 MUSKOGEE CHILI & BBQ COOKOFF
Hatbox Field | Muskogee
POSTPONED
Rogers State University | Claremore
APRIL 8-13 SYMPOSIUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN
Northeastern State University | Tahlequah
APRIL 4 ROCK THE HOUSE
Cox Business Convention Center | Tulsa
APRIL 4 AQUARIUM RUN
Oklahoma Aquarium | Jenks
APRIL 17-18 SPRING MOUNTAIN MAN ENCAMPMENT APRIL 17-19 TULSA AUTO SHOW Expo Square | Tulsa
APRIL 9 GTAR CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
APRIL 4-30 ART UNDER THE OAKS
Five Civilized Tribes Museum | Muskogee
APRIL 5 AMERICAN SPIRIT CHEERLEADING Mabee Center | Tulsa
APRIL 10-11 SPRINGFEST
Tulsa Garden Center | Tulsa
APRIL 11 SMOKE & GUNS VII
POSTPONED
BOK Center | Tulsa
APRIL 11 JUNIOR BOTBALL CHALLENGE
APRIL 11 BARTLESVILLE EGG DROP Sooner Park | Bartlesville
APRIL 12 ENCHANTMENT! TRIBUTE TO MAESTROS POSTPONED
POSTPONED
APRIL 16-19 TAMORA
TCC VanTrease Performing Arts Center | Tulsa
APRIL 25 TULSA VEGFEST
Guthrie Green | Tulsa
APRIL 25 BY YOUR SIDE 5K AND FUN RUN
Mohawk Park | Tulsa
APRIL 25 PARTY IN THE PARK
Honor Heights Park | Muskogee
APRIL 25 TASTE OF CLAREMORE APRIL 23-25 PHILBROOK WINE EXPERIENCE
419 W. Will Roger Blvd. | Claremore
APRIL 25 HERB AND PLANT FESTIVAL Downtown Jenks
APRIL 25-26 OKLAHOMA GUN SHOW Expo Square | Tulsa
APRIL 24-25 OKLAHOMA BUCKSKIN BLOOMIN’ BLOWOUT SHOW Expo Square | Tulsa
APRIL 24-25 ATRC CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO RIDE FOR THE KIDS APRIL 25-26, MAY 1-3, 8-10 MATILDA THE MUSICAL
Tulsa Performing Arts Center | Tulsa
Tulsa Performing Arts Center | Tulsa
Tulsa Performing Arts Center | Tulsa
Shepherd’s Cross | Claremore
Three Forks Harbor | Fort Gibson
Osage County Fairgrounds | Pawhuska
APRIL 10-12, 16-19 JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
Bob Arrington Rodeo Arena | Okmulgee
APRIL 7-12 ANASTASIA
APRIL 23-25 WOOLLY WEEKEND
Tulsa Performing Arts Center | Tulsa
APRIL 11 BEGGS OPEN RODEO
Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa
Cox Business Convention Center | Tulsa
APRIL 23-26 THE REVOLUTIONISTS
Cox Business Convention Center | Tulsa
Expo Square | Tulsa
APRIL 7 REDBUD CELEBRATION LIP SYNC BATTLE
APRIL 19-21 SKILLS USA
Philbrook Museum of Art | Tulsa
Welltown Brewing | Tulsa
Expo Square | Tulsa
Guthrie Green | Tulsa
Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve | Bartlesville
APRIL 18 ALE ATHLETICS APRIL 4-5 WANENMACHER’S TULSA ARMS SHOW POSTPONED
APRIL 19 UNDERCROFT HONEYFEST
APRIL 25 FLOWER POWER BIKE RIDE
Tulsa Performing Arts Center | Tulsa
APRIL 18 TINKERFEST
ahha Tulsa | Tulsa
APRIL 18 PORT HARBOR DASH
Oklahoma Maritime Education Center | Catoosa
APRIL 18 EQUALITY GALA
Cox Business Convention Center | Tulsa
APRIL 18 EARTH DAY CELEBRATION Guthrie Green | Tulsa
APRIL 18-19 NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA AUTOCROSS Expo Square | Tulsa
APRIL 18-19 KENDALL WHITTIER ART FESTIVAL
Kendall Whittier District | Tulsa
APRIL 24-25 RED FERN FESTIVAL Downtown Tahlequah
APRIL 24-26 GREEN COUNTRY CLASSIC RANCH RODEO AND TRADE SHOW Claremore Expo Square | Claremore
APRIL 24-26 SPRING HOME & OUTDOOR LIVING EXPO Expo Square | Tulsa
APRIL 25 MAHLER THE SONG OF THE EARTH
TCC VanTrease Performing Arts Center | Tulsa
APRIL 25-26, MAY 1-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-25, 30-31 OKLAHOMA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL The Castle of Muskogee | Muskogee
APRIL 28 EMPTY BOWLS
Cox Business Convention Center | Tulsa
APRIL 30 JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA: NATIONAL YOUTH TRIP
Cox Business Convention Center | Tulsa
Dates, events, and times are subject to change or cancellation.
14 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
STREET TALK ST
Thinking there would always be someone there to hold your hand and keep you steady as you walked this journey. –WENDY
The innocence of life. Kids live more in the moment. I work to do that now. It’s so natural when you are a kid. –JOY
Not paying bills.
–ANDREA
Not having to pay bills. You can have almost a carefree life knowing that you had parents to keep a roof over your head. I’m not saying that was always the case when I was a kid, but looking at most kids with great parents that have good jobs and careers, most kids have everything given to them. –WAYNE
We miss being wild and free. We miss the sense of wonderment and curiosity about the whole world. We miss running through the woods, building forts, and being fearless. We miss the endless opportunities of where life could take you as a kid. We miss the simplicity of life. Imagine a world where we all found that childlike joy, sense of wonderment, and didn’t stop chasing our dreams. It would be a much happier place. –SCOUT AND BEAR
The sense of wonder in the little things like the first time looking over the edge of the Grand Canyon. –ROBERT
Being able to live life without having to do things like paying bills. –MATT
I miss spinning in circles for hours, jumping off swings, and feeling the mud squish between my toes playing after a good rain. I guess I miss the feeling of being carefree and not having the weight of life on my shoulders. –AMY
I’m still a kid, but I miss being a little kid because I miss not having to go to school. –JAXON
I miss my family and cousins. I come from a large group with plenty of relatives. –TRINITY
Not having to purchase or stock the unlimited supply of freeze pops in the freezer. –RENEE
WANT TO JOIN THE DISCUSSION? We post a question on our Facebook each month. Give us an answer and photo, and you might end up in the magazine. You can also email your answer and photo to info@preview918.com. QUESTION FOR MAY 2020 ISSUE: What’s the best concert you’ve attended?
PREVIEW918.COM 15
CS CONVERSATION STARTER BY G.K. HIZER
jason boland
PHOTO BY CAMERON GOTT
16 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
CELEBRATING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR DEBUT ALBUM, PEARL SNAPS, JASON BOLAND AND THE STRAGGLERS WILL PLAY THE RECORD FRONT TO BACK ALONG WITH FAVORITES FROM THEIR EXTENSIVE CATALOG.
If you trace the Red Dirt music scene back to its roots, you’ll end up at The Farm in Stillwater with the likes of Bob Childers, Tom Skinner, Jimmy LaFave, and Red Dirt Rangers with their Midwestern, countrytinged songwriting. By the time Red Dirt was expanding with its second wave, however, the next generation was working out of Yellow House and bringing even more diverse influences to the tables. Yes, the core was built around folkinspired songwriting and lyrics, but the scene as a whole was gathering more rock and outlaw country into its sound as well. While there were numerous artists in that movement, two stood at the figurative epicenter of it: Cross Canadian Ragweed and Jason Boland. While Cross Canadian Ragweed represented the decidedly more rock side of the movement, Jason Boland and The Stragglers gave Red Dirt a more traditional Texas and outlaw country flair, drawing from the likes of Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard. Boland and his band have been at it, making music and touring tirelessly for over 20 years now, having formed in 1998 and immediately connecting with fans who saw glimpses of themselves in his earthy, everyman lyrics. The album that started it all, Pearl Snaps, was recorded quickly in Austin in 1999 and captured the band’s heart and energy. It rapidly became a fan favorite in Red Dirt circles. With the album recently reaching the two-decade mark, Boland is celebrating its success by revisiting the record for a 20th-anniversary tour that stops April 17 at Cain’s Ballroom. During that tour, Boland took time between stops to chat with Preview 918 about what made that album special, what keeps the band together, and more.
Q
Q As for our fans, we have no perspective on that album and how it relates to them, but I think the one thing that helped keep it relevant is that we never left that album out of our performances. We may not play all of it every night, but there have always been one or two songs included in our shows.
Q. A.
HOW HAVE THINGS CHANGED SINCE THEN?
I think the big shift was digital recording. We recorded that first album to tape, and it just had a warmth that goes with it. Then everything shifted to digital,
Q.
WHERE DO THE STRAGGLERS FIT WITHIN THE RED DIRT SCENE?
A.
I don’t think about that, but if anything, I’d say we’re maybe a little more country. A lot of the scene is based around country and basic songwriting, but we all go our own direction with it. We’re maybe a little more in the traditional country direction. As I said, we were a reaction against the pop-country trend, and it felt like we were almost at the point of someone’s got to do it, so it might as well be us.
Q.
WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCES YOUR WRITING AND STYLE?
A.
I think it comes down to who are your thinking influences? If you’re conscious of it, you can overthink things. Step one is to keep whatever infrastructure together that inspires you. I might be inspired by other tunes or humming something in my head. Step two, for me, is reading. I don’t read as much as I
should, but I feel like if words get jammed up in my head, I go read some John Steinbeck, and it frees things up. A lot of people find ways to say something different, and that’s what I look for.
Q.
WHAT’S THE SECRET TO KEEPING A BAND TOGETHER FOR 20 YEARS?
A.
It’s really about respect. You put a group of guys together in close proximity, with several different catalysts, and it’s a challenge. Just as people, though, I think we were always, as much as we could, respectful of each other. Were we perfect in that? Absolutely not, and least of all myself. But in the end, I think we all respected each other. Sometimes things happen — and sometimes music happens. Roger [Ray, guitar] retired after 16 years to spend more time with his family and take care of some personal issues. Brad [Rice, drummer] stepped down after 20 years. He just moved in a different direction, and it was time to move on to a different phase in his life. I respect that, and we’re all still
friends. Roger still plays with us on occasion when we’re in the same area.
Q.
WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES CAIN’S BALLROOM SUCH A UNIQUE VENUE?
A.
Well, first off, I think it’s that it has a longstanding history and tradition as someplace we can all gather and play off its energy. I think it’s a few different things, though. Its location, just off the highway, feels special, and people are drawn to its history. Mostly, though, I think it’s the collective energy there.
JASON BOLAND & THE STRAGGLERS Cain’s Ballroom 423 N. Main Street | Tulsa 918-584-2306 cainsballroom.com
R
Initially, I think it was a connection to the Red Dirt scene, which was contrary to the pop-country norm. For us, it was about reacting against pop trends. That was a very bare-bones album, recorded tape-to-tape, with a commonman vibe that I think some people connected with. And one crucial part was working with Lloyd Maines. I can’t overstate how important he was to that record, with how amazingly green we were. We were all music lovers and listeners and became somewhat proficient at our instruments. So, the next step was to do a record, but we’d never been in a studio and were so new to it. He did a fantastic job of getting the best out of us and making a good record.
TO
A.
I had a conversation with Shooter Jennings, and he said if it were him, he’d do it all analog, so we had him produce Dark & Dirty Mile [2013], and I think that’s maybe the closest we’ve gotten to the Pearl Snaps sound. We’ve done the last three albums old school, all analog.
CA
WHAT MAKES PEARL SNAPS SO SPECIAL TO THE FANS?
CONVERSATION STARTER CS
LO
Q.
and we’ve fought our way back, ever since. From then on, we started searching to get back to that sound.
April 17: 8:30 p.m. POSTPONED TO AUG. 21
PREVIEW918.COM 17
18 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
PREVIEW918.COM 19
BY DONNA LEAHEY
20 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
iliza shlesinger
CS CONVERSATION STARTER
Q
Last year, she released a limited-edition fragrance, Christmas Mouth, to honor the memory of her beloved dog, Blanche. The proceeds went to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, making Shlesinger not just a talented comedian, actress, writer, podcaster, and performer, but also a philanthropist with a soft spot for dogs.
Since 2013, she has put out five Netflix specials, including Elder Millennial, which dropped in 2018 and was recorded on United States Navy aircraft carrier, the USS Hornet. While on the streaming platform, you can also catch her in the Mark Walberg movie, Spenser Confidential, and a sketch comedy show.
I’m excited to come to Tulsa. I’ve never been to Tulsa, and remember I am from Texas. I may have been to Tulsa playing sports in high school, but being from Texas, you know, we’re sworn not to enter the state. But we played Oklahoma City last year, and to date, it was one of the best shows we’ve ever had. I’ve heard a lot of great things about Tulsa. I know you guys have an awesome food scene. Tulsa seems to be the hot city that people are talking about. I’m excited to come there and acquaint myself with an Oklahoma crowd. It’ll be great.
The “Forever Tour” features plenty of new jokes with a couple of nods to the old stuff. We’ve been touring this for a little while, and the crowds have just been tremendous. I’m so excited to come back to the area, and I’m bringing my new dog, Tian Fu, along.
Q.
IS THAT TIAN FU BARKING IN THE BACKGROUND?
A.
Yes. She’s a Chinese rescue dog. She’s already captured the hearts of millions on Instagram, and she will be in Oklahoma. She barks because she doesn’t understand yet that the world is not a cruel place.
Q.
TELL US ABOUT THE NETFLIX FILM SPENSER CONFIDENTIAL.
A.
Spenser Confidential is the movie I’m in with Mark Wahlberg. There was a television show in the ‘80s [starring Robert Urlich] and a series of books based on the character [Spenser: For Hire]. In this movie, Spenser gets out of jail, and nobody’s on his side. There’s a case exploding around him, and he won’t let it go. There’s a dirty cop and the mob. It’s about the people who go along with him, like his best friend and a particular exgirlfriend from Boston who loves him very much.
Q.
WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE INDEPENDENT FEATURE YOU WROTE?
A.
We picture-locked it recently, and we have a distribution deal. I don’t know what I’m allowed to say about it right now. You’re supposed to write about what you know, so, a couple of years ago, I wrote this script. After many general meetings, we found a producer and someone to
give us money to make it. It’s cool that as an artist, you can have a thought and put it to paper, and then other people buy into it. We made an actual movie. It’s not like an iPhone movie. I can’t tell you the name yet. I have a name I’m fighting hard for, but I think my producer will kill me if I tell you a name, and they change it. But I know the name I’m hoping for. Keep your fingers crossed.
Q.
YOU’VE GOT A SKETCH SHOW COMING OUT ON NETFLIX AS WELL, RIGHT?
A.
I do. It’s the Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show. It’ll be on Netflix. We got six episodes. It is super irreverent, funny, and weird. I wanted to make something that’s just fun. Of course, there are always social messages, but it’s not political at all. I’ve always loved sketch comedy. I’ve always loved weird sketches and unique, original characters. It’s about giving funny people a chance to be funny. We shot it in Brooklyn, and I think we made something awesome that people are going to love.
ILIZA SHLESINGER Tulsa Theater 105 W. Reconciliation Way | Tulsa 918-582-7239 tulsatheater.com
R
Her first comedy special, War Paint, was released on Netflix in 2013. In 2017, she released Girl Logic: The Genius and the Absurdity — a humorous collection of essays and observations on irrational behavior. In 2018, she hit the big screen with Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne in Instant Family.
A.
She’s protecting me from my assistant.
TO
Manhattan, New York-born, and Dallas, Texas-raised, Shlesinger was already an up-and-comer in the comedy scene in Los Angeles when she landed a spot in the 2008 season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. She sailed through the season to become the first and only woman (and the youngest) to win the reality competition show. She was twice sent to the elimination round, where she bested other comics joke-for-joke.
TELL US ALL ABOUT THE “FOREVER TOUR” THAT YOU’RE BRINGING TO TULSA?
CA
Iliza Shlesinger is a busy woman. She’s not just one of today’s leading comedians, she’s all over Netflix. She’s written a book [2017’s Girl Logic] and a screenplay. And if that wasn’t enough on her plate, she’s also got a podcast, a digital series, a limited-edition fragrance, and she’s on the road with all-new material.
Q.
CONVERSATION STARTER CS
LO
A WINNER OF NBC’S LAST COMIC STANDING, ILIZA SHLESINGER’S ABILITY TO ARTFULLY ARTICULATE A CONTEMPORARY FEMALE PERSPECTIVE HAS CEMENTED HER REPUTATION ON NETFLIX AND IN THE STAND-UP SPOTLIGHT.
April 25: 7 p.m. POSTPONED TO SEPT. 26
PREVIEW918.COM 21
SUMMER NEVER ENDS FOR THE BEACH BOYS, WHO CONTINUE TO KEEP THE SPIRIT OF SURF MUSIC ALIVE FOR AUDIENCES FILLED WITH MULTIPLE GENERATIONS OF FANS.
CS CONVERSATION STARTER
the beach boys MIKE LOVE
BY DONNA LEAHEY
Southern California, 1961. Surfing, cars, the sun, and tanned bodies on the beach. The SoCal lifestyle didn’t have its soundtrack yet, but five young men were about to invent the California Sound. Brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and their friend Al Jardine formed a band with meticulous four-part harmonies and songs that range from be-bop to doo-wop and eventually into unique experimental sounds. They called themselves The Beach Boys. And rock ‘n’ roll was never the same. The Beach Boys began churning out albums, sometimes as many as three a year. Surfin’ Safari spent 37 weeks on the Billboard chart, which was just the beginning of their recordbreaking career. In 1966, they released Pet Sounds, with the single “Good Vibrations,” establishing the band as being capable of far more than popular beach party tunes. Although they returned to the charts with “Kokomo” in 1988, they’ve enjoyed more success as a live act over the last few decades. The Beach Boys hold the Billboard record as the top-selling American band for albums and singles. No American band has more top 40 hits than The Beach Boys, with 36. Their 2003 offering, Sounds of Summer: The Very Best of the Beach Boys, holds tripleplatinum status. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inducted The Beach Boys into its ranks in 1988. They were awarded a rare Lifetime Achievement Grammy award for their contributions to American Music. Despite their success, the iconic band has endured its share of turmoil with feuds, lawsuits, injunctions, breakups, and drugs. While struggling with addiction, Dennis drowned in 1982, and Carl battled lung cancer for a year before passing away in 1998. Of the original members, Brian and Jardine are still listed as official members of the band, but Love owns the rights to tour under the name The Beach Boys. Love took time from The Beach Boys’ hectic schedule to chat with Preview 918 about touring for close to six decades.
22 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
Q CONVERSATION STARTER CS
Q.
THE MUSIC INDUSTRY HAS CHANGED SO MUCH SINCE “SURFIN’ SAFARI.” HAVE YOU EVOLVED AS WELL?
A.
I think The Beach Boys have become its own entity, irrespective of what trends are going on. We have our listeners and followers. Our fans have grown up with us, and their children and their grandchildren like The Beach Boys as well. We don’t think in terms of staying up with anything. One thing that has gotten a lot better over the years is the technical part of touring. The touring became such a huge business
WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR STYLE?
My cousin Brian and I loved The Everly Brothers. We would go to youth night on Wednesday nights and sing those songs that you sing at church. But walking home, we’d sing Everly Brothers songs, or we’d do doo-wop songs. Chuck Berry was also a big influence, with his style of rock ‘n’ roll, and even his style of songwriting. There was a group called The Four Freshmen that did this sophisticated four-part harmony. So, when we put that four-part harmony over the rock beat, it gave us a sound. So, I would say the harmonies are the biggest influence that got us to where we got to, musically speaking.
The environment where we were growing up in Southern California also played a part, whether it was the cars we loved, the girls we were attracted to, the schools we went to, or the things going on there.
Q.
THE BEACH BOYS WERE KNOWN FOR THAT CALIFORNIA SOUND, MAYBE EVEN CREATED IT. HOW DO
Q.
THE BEACH BOYS HELPED INFLUENCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUNK ROCK.
A.
Some people have said that my voice and the energy of songs like “Surfin’ Safari,” “409,” “Shut Down,” and “I Get Around” was kind of punkish. The Ramones, who were a major punk group, recorded “Surfin’ Safari” years ago. Last year we recorded “Rockaway Beach,” which is their song. The whole band loves doing it.
THE BEACH BOYS Paradise Cove | River Spirit Casino Resort 8330 Riverside Parkway | Tulsa 888-748-3731 riverspirittulsa.com
R
I do like to start the show with a retro vibe with the surfing songs.
Q. A.
TO
The Beach Boys are known for a lot of hit records. What we do at a concert is we like to do them all because we don’t want to disappoint anybody. So, we do “Surfin’ Safari,” “Surfin’ USA,” “California Girls,” “I Get Around,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “Little Deuce Coupe,” “Good Vibrations,” “Kokomo,” and “Help Me, Rhonda.” We do all the hits that you’d want to hear from The Beach Boys. Plus, we do a couple of recently recorded things. Off my album, 12 Sides of Summer, we do a version of George Harrison’s beautiful song, “Here Comes the Sun.” We love doing it in our show. We do songs from the Pet Sounds album like “God Only Knows,” “Sloop John B,” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.” We’ll do plenty of songs. We don’t like to disappoint anybody.
I don’t concern myself with what’s going on with music. I like certain current artists. Bruno Mars is a favorite of mine. He’s an outstanding performer, singer, and songwriter. In every generation, you have some huge artists like Hanson, which we’re doing a show with at some point.
A.
I’ve seen where certain people said The Beach Boys were an inspiration. But everybody has their style, and if we inspired somebody, great. But I think The Beach Boys have a sound of their own and a style of their own, and it’s hard to replicate. The harmonies are somewhat complex, and they’re moving. You know the chord progressions are moving along, and the parts are changing. So, it’s a challenge to do the songs accurately. Our intention, our obsession perhaps, is to replicate the songs as perfectly as possible.
CA
WHAT CAN YOUR FANS EXPECT FROM THIS CONCERT?
YOU SEE THAT CALIFORNIA SOUND EXPRESSED NOW?
LO
Q. A.
soon after we started that a lot of money was invested in sound systems and lights. So, the production has gotten a lot better than what we used to have when we did four sets in a ballroom or an armory that wasn’t designed for music. It’s a lot better experience for the audience.
April 30: 8 p.m. Must be 21 or older to attend
PREVIEW918.COM 23
CS CONVERSATION STARTER
BY G.K. HIZER PHOTO BY JOEY MARTINEZ
lukasnelson A FIXTURE IN THE WORLD OF AMERICANA MUSIC FOR YEARS, LUKAS NELSON HAS TOURED WITH NEIL YOUNG, RECORDED WITH LADY GAGA, AND LEARNED PLENTY OF LIFE LESSONS FROM HIS COUNTRY LEGEND FATHER, WILLIE NELSON.
It’s hard to describe Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real concisely. If you had to choose one word, it might well be chameleonesque: sonically, the band shifts between elements of rock, Texas country, Laurel Canyon ‘60s pop, rhythm and blues, and acid-washed blues. Not only has the group been touring on its own, but Lukas has toured with his iconic father, Willie Nelson, and the
24 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
group has served as the backing band for Neil Young on three albums and a multitude of live dates. Lukas served as a consultant for Bradley Cooper’s version of A Star is Born (2018), co-writing songs for the soundtrack, and the group appeared as the backing band for the film’s Jackson Maine. To say life has taken Lukas in a multitude of
directions is something of an understatement, but he takes it all in stride, centered by his band and love of music. Even amid the flurry of extracurricular activity, Promise of the Real not only managed to release the 13-track album, Turn Off the News (Build a Garden), last June and follow it with heavy touring. In March, the group released a companion album, Naked Garden.
Life never slows down for Lukas and his crew. Much like his father sang, “The life I love is making music with my friends,” and the road continues to call, as Promise of the Real follows a spring United States run with a European tour in June before returning for more stateside roadwork. Even so, Lukas found time to answer questions before the band arrives April 29 for a show at Cain’s Ballroom.
Q
CONVERSATION STARTER CS
Q.
hard work they put into it and the awards they’ve gotten for it.
WHAT WAS THE THOUGHT PROCESS IN RELEASING NAKED GARDEN SO SOON AFTER THE PREVIOUS RECORD?
It’s been the best of both worlds for me. I’ll sometimes play “Shallow” if I’ve got a girl with me who can hit those notes, but people like my music, and it’s been a real organic thing. We can change the set from show to show, and we can play a couple of those songs if we want to, but there’s not a lot of pressure to do that.
A.
I can see us being similar to The Band, not that I think we’re anywhere near as good as they were, but I can relate to that sort of trajectory. They had been a band before they played with [Bob] Dylan, and then it all changed for them. I think the Neil Young thread for us mirrors that a little bit. Everyone in the band is so talented. Anthony [LoGerfo,
Q.
THERE’S A LOT THAT COMES WITH BEING THE SON OF SOMEONE FAMOUS. HOW DID YOU HANDLE THAT AS YOU LAUNCHED YOUR CAREER?
A.
I think it’s a matter of looking at it with perspective. I grew up in a musical family, and I think I fell in love with music as much as he did. He’s my dad, and that’s part of it, though. I love being with family, being in and around music, and being out on the road. Our policy is you have to put the band’s
WAS WORKING ON A STAR IS BORN A BLESSING, CURSE, OR A LITTLE OF BOTH?
A.
When Kris Kristofferson did the last one [1976], it was great for him, but it put a lot of pressure on him to play those songs. It was actually kind of perfect, the way it worked out for me. I wasn’t starring in the film, so my audience isn’t asking me to sing those songs every night, even though I collaborated on eight songs, helped produce the songs, and arranged “Shallow.”
A.
Luckily, we’re all pretty mellow people, and we don’t push each other’s buttons. They’re my family, and they’re my brothers. I consider them the best band in the world, and they take care of me as much or more than I take care of them. I think the most important part of life is being surrounded by people you care about and being surrounded by music. So, I consider myself pretty lucky.
LUKAS NELSON & PROMISE OF THE REAL Cain’s Ballroom 423 N. Main Street | Tulsa 918-584-2306 cainsballroom.com
R
IN TERMS OF A MUSICAL GENRE, WHERE DO YOU SEE THE GROUP FITTING?
Q.
YOUR BAND IS KNOWN FOR TOURING HEAVILY. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THAT AND STILL GET ALONG IN SUCH CLOSE QUARTERS?
CA
Q.
name on the marquee. You can’t just put, “Willie Nelson’s son.” One time a promoter didn’t like that, and we had to get involved. I love what I do, and I’m just a speck in this vast universe. My dad just happens to be famous, so it is what it is.
I’m proud of it, and Bradley and Stefani [Lady Gaga], and all the
LO
We also wanted to show the rawer and honest sound of the band. I think people get used to hearing polished records and forget there are human beings behind them. When we’re recording live, I like the imperfections and not cleaning it up too much.
drums] has his own record, Corey [McCormick, bass] is working on one, and Logan [Metz, keyboards] has an album out. So, we all have our things going on, but everyone is loving and tolerant of each other. My motto is, “A rising tide lifts all ships.” I learned that from my dad and his band, and I try to carry on that tradition.
Q.
TO
A.
We had so much great material to work with. We went to the Village Studios [Los Angeles] right after the Shangri-La sessions [Malibu, California] and got something like 20 more songs. We had so much good stuff that we had to figure a way to get it out.
April 29: 8 p.m. CANCELED
PREVIEW918.COM 25
SC SOUND CHECK
With talent, hard work, and a heavy dose of family and faith, The Voice’s Gracee Shriver is staying true to herself as she pursues country music success. BY GINA CONROY PHOTOS BY SARAH ELIZA ROBERTS
With her deep, slightly raspy voice and a touch of vibrato, Gracee Shriver has been compared to Tanya Tucker and Dolly Parton. But this 17-year-old, who graced the stage as a contestant on The Voice’s 17th season in 2019, has a style all her own. Wearing her trademark silver sparkle turtleneck, leather shorts, and ankle boots, she sang at the blind auditions, igniting the hearts of the audience and judges, even before they turned around. Throughout the season, Gracee would not only capture the hearts of Oklahoma but the attention of the world. So how does a teenager from Owasso, Oklahoma, whose dream had always been to sing country music onstage, make it to the blind auditions and be a contender on The Voice? With
26 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
talent, hard work, and a heavy dose of family and faith. Ever since Gracee was little, she always had a flair for performing. Like many little girls, she would sing and dance, putting on shows for friends and family.
“She was coming into her style of singing, and she started performing in front of other people,” says Lacey, who enrolled her daughter in singing and guitar lessons to nurture her talent. “It just took off from there.”
Growing up, she loved listening to country music. Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, and Miranda Lambert were her biggest inspirations.
Gracee started writing songs in first grade and loved performing. By 11 years old, Gracee had a standing music gig Friday nights at Trails End BBQ in Owasso. That’s about the time her mom realized Gracee needed more professional training, so they headed to Nashville and started working with Brett Manning. In Nashville, Gracee met songwriters and began making connections.
But it wasn’t until she was 9 years old that her mom, Lacey, noticed her daughter had a gift.
“We always tried to encourage her because we knew she had a gift. We went to every Opry
“For as long as I can remember, every family gathering has been full of jam sessions,” Gracee says. It was her family’s love of music that influenced her when she was younger.
house, stage, and venue that would let a little girl come in and sing country music,” says Lacey. “Gracee always knew her family would be sitting through every show no matter how long it was, and we would be rooting her on. It’s easier to do something scary when you have a car full of people so excited to support you and help you if your guitar pops a string or you need help with everyday things that come up.” Gracee remembers the impact one particular music artist had on her during that time in Nashville. After getting through on a call-in show, she got to talk to and then meet April Kry. While Gracee got to meet a lot of amazing and talented people in Nashville who were making music for a living, Kry was the first person she met whose songs she had heard on the radio.
Gracee says going to Nashville opened her eyes as to how much talent there is in that city. “Everyone in their town considers themselves a guitarist or singer, but when they get to Nashville, they realize, ‘I’m not, because the guy who lives on the other side of the street is way better than me,’” she says. “We would laugh about it because it’s insane how much talent is in that town.” When Gracee was about 14 years old, things took a turn. Suddenly, people were calling her to sing, and they were willing to pay. Being able to write songs and perform onstage has been Gracee’s dream for as long as she can remember. “I’ve prayed ever since I was little, that I would be able to be a country music singer,” Gracee says. “God has graciously opened so many doors for me, and I can’t thank him enough.” One of the things she loves about music is that it has the power to touch people through its story. “Music brings people together. When I write a song, people are getting to hear a little bit about an experience that I’ve gone through,” Gracee says. “I love the feeling of someone being able to relate to my lyrics.” But Gracee’s journey to The Voice wasn’t always filled with open doors and praise. When she was 11 years old, she wanted her own YouTube channel. As a mother, Lacey wanted to protect her daughter from the ugly comments and haters. But after watching a Taylor Swift video that got 50,000 thumbs-down, Lacey realized helping her daughter navigate through rejection
slowly instead of completely shielding her from it, would benefit her daughter in the long run. “There were countless talent contests I didn’t get close to winning,” says Gracee. “Many people told me I wasn’t good enough to play on certain stages, and I got numerous comments on how my voice wasn’t their favorite. But I’ve learned that you can’t please everyone, and if you pray, God opens doors even if someone tries to close it.” “This industry is hard, so faith is a big part of emotional success,” says Lacey. “Some things are just too hard to take on yourself, so you just have to give them to God.” Gracee’s faith kept her knocking on doors until the one at The Voice opened. Although The Voice was a dream come true, the audition process was nerve-wracking and sometimes grueling. Because Gracee was a minor, Lacey was required to stay with her at all times. It took months of living in hotels for Gracee to make it through all the rounds to the blind audition. But they endured and reveled in it all. “When Gracee made it on the stage, I was so nervous and exhausted,” says Lacey. “Her goal was to get a chair turn. When she got on that stage, there were only two spots left.” Lacey never doubted her daughter. If God had taken her this far, he could take her all the way. “Although it was scary, I told myself that this is a once-in-alifetime opportunity, and I was going to make the most of it. When I stepped on the stage, my nerves kind of went away, and I
just really focused on the message of the song,” says Gracee. She sang “Rainbow” by Kacey Musgraves. “It’s a message about not giving up,” says Gracee. “Everyone goes through rough times when you feel like it can’t get better or you’re just down in the dumps. That song is about making sure you stay strong and continue because there’s always a rainbow ahead and goodness around the corner as long as you can just work through it.” In the middle of the song, when the last two coaches with a spot open (Kelly Clarkson and Gwen Stefani) both pressed their buttons and turned around, Gracee was relieved. “All of my hard work had paid off. It felt like a dream, and it still does,” says Gracee, who started on Team Kelly and ended on Team Blake. Although it was a tiring experience, even for Gracee’s mom, it was full of excitement. “I would go back to the hotel and lay down and say, ‘Did that just really happen? Did you just hang out with Taylor Swift? Did you just sing with Kelly Clarkson? Did Blake Shelton just say you belong on the radio?’ The list goes on and on,” says Lacey. “Then we would both laugh and sometimes jump up and down and scream. Definitely a senior year that should go down in the books.” Even though there were many highs on The Voice, Gracee still had to face disappointment, setbacks, and eliminations. “After the [Voice] shows, I would see grown adults looking at their social media, sitting in the hallway of the hotel crying
because they chose to read the ugly things that people sitting on their couch at home chose to post about them,” says Lacey. “I can honestly say Gracee never shed a tear about that.” That’s because she had learned to deal with rejection early on, and she found encouragement from her family, faith, and new friends. Instead of getting discouraged over the rejection, Gracee went to her mom. First, they prayed, then they listed all the good things that had already happened. “I always told her that when God is pouring out his blessing, the devil loves to try to come in and steal joy. So, focus on the 1,000 good comments and not the few bad ones,” says Lacey. “When you focus on the good, you forget about the bad.” Shelton even encouraged Gracee by telling her that on any given day, he could find a thousand comments on social media saying how he shouldn’t have ever made it. “He told her that everyone in the industry gets negative comments,” says Lacey. Even though Gracee didn’t win The Voice, she says her experience gave her opportunities that she couldn’t get any other way. “You go to Nashville, and you work super hard, but no one is going to hand you Kelly Clarkson’s number,” says Gracee. “Just having immediate contact with four coaches that already do this for a living and are already such big names, and getting coached by people [in the industry], not just a teacher, but who you want to be when you grow up, gave me that opportunity.”
PREVIEW918.COM 27
paradise never sounded
SC SOUND CHECK
So Good.
Ramón Ayala APR 3 Robert earl Keen APR 23 The Beach Boys APR 30 Tim Allen May 8 Nelly May 15 Sheryl Crow June 19 REO Speedwagon June 27 All performances subject to change.
Live Music 7 Nights a Week in 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar Fridays & Saturdays in Margaritaville! Visit margaritavilletulsa.com for a complete schedule.
81st & RIVERSIDE
•
888-748-3731
28 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
•
RIVERSPIRITTULSA.COM
Aside from the coaching and connections, The Voice gave Gracee exposure to build her platform. “You have 11 million people watching [The Voice] all over the world, and even though you have a lot of followers on Facebook, you will never reach 11 million people,” says Lacey. “There are so many talented people who can’t get their name out there because they don’t have an avenue to do that.” Since The Voice, Gracee has been busier than ever with gigs every weekend, including the halftime show at an Oklahoma City Thunder game and doing a show for Shelton and Clarkson in Vegas this summer. Gracee also released her first single a few months ago called “Meant to Be,” and her second single “Game Over” released in March. Although she plans on making music her full-time career, she believes backup plans are
essential. “I am planning to attend Belmont University in Nashville for college to get a degree in music business, but I will continue grinding until I make my dreams a reality.” Perhaps the most valuable lessons Gracee learned on The Voice is the one she will carry with her for the rest of her life. “There will always be those people who tell you that you won’t succeed, and you will always have people who are better than you, but that shouldn’t stop you,” says Gracee. “I’ve made it my goal to do what I love, stay true to myself, and not let negativity get in my way. I learned always to be myself. I always compared myself to others when it came to singing because I couldn’t hit the highest notes or do the most runs. After the show, I realized that we are all unique in our own way, and the only way I will make it in the music industry is if I am confident and stay true to myself.”
Free Wi-Fi Internet Access!
Molly’s Landing Open Since 1984
Steak & Seafood Only 3 1/2 miles from Hard Rock Casino on Highway 66 (Route 66)
918.266.7853
www.mollyslanding.com
PREVIEW918.COM 29
“Revolting” Children
Move over, Annie. Hit the road, Harry Potter. There’s a new girl in town: Matilda Wormwood. She’s not only sassy, sweet, and a straight-A student, but she’s fighting injustice with her extraordinary powers, and in the process, stealing the hearts of audiences young and old. “Matilda is a genius. She’s a child prodigy, but her parents don’t care about that at all. They think she is the worst thing that could ever happen to them,” says 10-year-old Sunshine Smith, one of the two Matildas cast in Theatre Tulsa’s production of Matilda the Musical. “Matilda is kind but stressed all the time. She loves to read, and when she reads, she feels like she can get away from her awful life and become part of a story with the characters.” “Matilda has superpowers and is very smart,” says Gigi Jenkins, 10, who also plays the lead role. “She knows right from wrong and stands up for other people.”
Sunshine Smith
A fierce and witty adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s book, Matilda the Musical offers subplots, dialogue, and lyrics that are denser and more nuanced than most tales of good versus evil. By Gina Conroy____ Photos by Josh New 30 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
Based on the children’s book by Roald Dahl, Matilda the Musical has been a hit with children and adults since it debuted. Theatre Tulsa artistic director Sara Phoenix is thrilled to bring this quirky and clever tale to life in Tulsa. “It’s such a fun and creative piece of theater,” says Phoenix, who saw it on Broadway years ago and knew immediately that she wanted to direct it. “The Royal Shakespeare Company originally produced it in London, so you know it’s got some substance and artistic merit. It has everything you want in a good story: lively characters, a tenacious little girl, witty dialogue, a fantastic musical score, and the heroines who ultimately overcome adversity and persevere.” Sometimes described as a mashup between Annie and Harry Potter, Matilda has some notable differences. A self-reliant, innovative prankster with magical powers, Matilda can hold her own. She’s the perfect heroine for a new generation.
Even though Matilda is dealing with her problems at home, she doesn’t want to tell anyone at school. “She doesn’t want to worry them, so she takes all of the stress into her mind and stuffs it away,” says Sunshine. Sometimes Matilda gets into mischief and is dramatic. “She wants to protect her friends and Miss Honey, her teacher, from Miss Trunchbull, the evil principal who locks kids into the Chokey [a tall narrow cupboard with broken glass and nails],” says Gigi. “She’s not scared to stand up to her [Miss Trunchbull.] She wants justice.” To describe the headmistress of Crunchem Hall as evil might be an understatement. With thick muscular shoulders and arms earned from her Olympic hammer-throwing championship days, she tortures the children in dramatic and vivid details. It’s no wonder Matilda wants to use her powers to rid the school of such wickedness. Despite the dark themes, Phoenix says Matilda is “a lovely, intricate story with so much heart.” Phoenix admits people might be surprised at the dark moments, true to Roald Dahl’s original work, but she assures us that it’s nothing too frightening. This show is filled with laughter,
sweet moments, and lots of magic, with some dazzling special effects. “There are giant swings choreographed in one song, and it just has a little bit of everything for both kids and adults,” says Phoenix. “And we have a surprise cameo appearance at the end of the show that is just so fun.” Funny, witty, and smart, Matilda is also poignant and rich in tone and themes. One of the themes Matilda explores is pulling yourself out of adversity and finding others you can lean on. “It’s a story about how she navigates school and life by reading as many books as she can and using her imagination to lift her out of the darkness,” says Phoenix. The decision to double-cast the role wasn’t a difficult one, and each girl will play five alternating performances. “We had a ton of young actresses audition for the role, and we found two who we just loved,” says Phoenix. “It’s a big part because Matilda is the show, and she carries most of it. She has a lot of dialogue, vocal lines, and choreography. That’s a lot to ask of a 9 or 10-year-old child.”
Double-casting not only allows the two leads to shine in the role, but it adds an element of fun and excitement for the other actors because each Matilda is a little different, so it mixes things up. “Both [girls] play the role a little differently, both equally wonderful,” says Phoenix. “It’s fun to see their different personalities and interpretations. And they are both great singers too.” Although the lead character is a child, Phoenix wouldn’t classify it as a children’s musical. “Kids will certainly love it, and the content is written for young people to enjoy. And of course, there are kids in the cast,” says Phoenix. “But ultimately, this musical speaks on another level to adults in a way that most kids won’t catch because their life experience is more limited.” Phoenix, who’s spent a large part of her career working with kids, says she doesn’t get to work with children as much as she used to. “For me, it’s really fun because I’m working with the best of the best kids,” says Phoenix. Out of 80 kids who auditioned, only 12 spots needed to be filled. “They have to be talented and capable of working on an adult level because this isn’t youth theater. This is the main stage, and it’s all about
putting on a quality show for our patrons.” You would think with a cast mostly of children that it would be an additional challenge, but not for Phoenix. “Any musical is a challenge,” she says. “I don’t find one with kids challenging, probably because I got my start teaching high school drama. In a lot of ways, kids can lighten it up.” Over the years working with kids, Phoenix has found they don’t have egos to negotiate and work around. “You can push them a bit farther, and they will go with you and often exceed your expectations. I love watching that happen,” she says. Both Gigi and Summer encourage children and adults to experience Theatre Tulsa’s performance of Matilda. “It is full of emotions. When the characters are sad, the audience can feel that, and they get sad too. When the characters are happy, the audience can also feel that. Or if the characters are worried, angry, or frustrated, the audience feels empathy for Matilda and her friends,” says Summer. “Plus, the cast is awesome. You could go any day and see a great Matilda, and overall it is a great show.”
Gigi Jenkins
MATILDA THE MUSICAL Tulsa Performing Arts Center 110 E. 2nd St. | Tulsa
LO CA TO R April 25: 8 p.m. April 26: 2 p.m. May 1: 8 p.m. May 2: 2 p.m., 8 p.m. May 3: 8 p.m. May 9: 2 p.m., 8 p.m. May 10: 2 p.m.
PREVIEW918.COM 31
Tulsans work hard. We stay busy with jobs, family, and causes important to us. We know how to have a good time, too. We entertain ourselves with food, theater, film, museums, and everything else. If there’s something that matters to us, we’ve got a serious plan to do it, in both work and play. But it can be stressful, all this fun and hard work we enjoy. So, we escape to social media and other technology, which many times brings on more stress, with
32 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
trolls, cyberbullies, and political arguments with strangers. We find ourselves desperately needing a digital detox.
the last time you took a hike through a thick grove of trees and listened or observed, connecting yourself to nature?
One thing we don’t do enough, studies say, falls somewhere between work and play. Call it education, introspection, or restoration. Call it what you will. Whichever way you describe it, it’s something most of us forget about. When’s the last time you got lost in the woods, in a good way? When’s
Tulsa’s Mary K. Oxley Nature Center, inside Mohawk Park, is a tremendous place to escape the work and fun we keep ourselves so busy with. The expansive and secluded 800-acre nature center, with its miles of forged trails, provides an opportunity to reconnect with the world and its
creatures. Busy beavers carve trees into pencils. Birds sing songs as they soar above. Deer, armadillo, and possum roam the preserve, living life in the natural way they do. The park is beautiful, peaceful, and calm, with none of the cares of the daily grind we’re used to. Just one step into Oxley is almost a complete battery charge for the soul. The guides in the park’s interpretive center, many of
When’s the last time you got lost in the woods, in a good way? The expansive and secluded 800-acre Oxley Nature Center, with its miles of forged trails, provides an opportunity to reconnect with the world and its creatures.
BY ROB HARMON // PHOTOS BY SARAH ELIZA ROBERTS
whom are experienced volunteers and seasoned naturalists, understand that we all haven’t exactly been in touch with the great outdoors and might need a little guidance. They’re the people to talk to first, before exploring the nature center on your own. With a wealth of knowledge and insight, these people know how to help make the experience at Oxley all the richer. Vinnie Robinson, a 16-year veteran naturalist at Oxley, loves
talking about all the activities available in the serene nature center. “The boardwalk across the marsh is a favorite for so many,” Robinson says. After the 2019 flood, the boardwalk that reaches across Blackbird Marsh needed attention but has now been fixed in areas affected. Taking a slow, deliberate walk along the 600-foot boardwalk is a real treat for anyone wanting to investigate the aquatic
wildlife of the marsh. The semiaquatic mink, the bushytailed raccoon, the burly bullfrogs, and various species and subspecies of turtles make their home here and can be seen or heard by anyone on the serious lookout. The full moon walk is another adventure the park’s naturalists enjoy taking visitors on. Small, guided groups can explore the acreage after dark, without the use of flashlights (even the ones
on our phones), learning to use senses other than sight. “Our eyes learn how to adjust in a short period,” says Robinson. “Every full moon, we’ll take you through the woods, across the prairie, and across the boardwalk. It’s really neat if it’s a cloudless night.” For those joining the full moon walk, a unique experience is bound to be had every time. The nocturnal creatures are
PREVIEW918.COM 33
Where Tulsa’s Aviation heritage takes Flight!
34 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
OXLEY NATURE CENTER
6700 Mohawk Blvd. | Tulsa 918-596-9054 oxleynaturecenter.org
R
Recent studies from the University of California-Berkeley show that spending time in nature can make us kinder, happier, and more creative. First of all, it sneakily reduces stress. Hiking through the woods for an hour provides exercise, stimulation, and stress-relief a treadmill can’t offer. Secondly, time spent in nature increases positivity and self-efficacy. Lastly, the study showed that the idea of “attention restoration” is relevant to our times in the great outdoors. While living in a world where technology is
TO
“Turkey Mountain, for example, has trails,” Robinson explains, “but they also have mountain bikers and trail runners. We don’t have that. It’s geared toward a stroll, where people can take in the woods and the wildlife. They’re finding out it does wonders to be out in nature.”
Visit the nature center’s website, and you’ll see how many other activities they have, including butterfly walks, weekend tours, birdwatching events, nature sketching groups, and much more. But don’t just visit them on the internet. That would defeat the purpose. Take a short drive to Mohawk Park, the city’s largest park north of the Tulsa International Airport. Follow the signs past the zoo to the northernmost area, and you’ll find the Oxley Nature Center, one of Green Country’s most beautiful nature preserves. Take time for a digital detox, and maybe consider asking how to become a volunteer. Of course, work and all your other responsibilities will be there when you get back, but you’ll be refreshed, rejuvenated, and more ready to work and play hard than before.
CA
For anyone who has never visited the nature center, Robinson says, the preserve is unlike the rest of Mohawk Park, where the majority of visitors are frequenting the zoo and picnic shelters.
everywhere, constantly tugging at us for attention, a short visit to nature helps us realign our brains, allowing us to “restore” our ability to handle the everyday bombardment of our techno world.
LO
in more abundance, including coyote packs, which can be heard yipping and crying as they communicate with each other in their established territories. The sound can be quite eerie, but don’t worry. Naturalists say they are typically further away and in fewer numbers than their howling portrays.
PREVIEW918.COM 35
Bloom Bash With 40 acres of manicured gardens, including over 30,000 azaleas in 625 varieties, Honor Heights Park and Muskogee attract nearly 250,000 people for one of the area’s most popular events: the Azalea Festival. By Michele Chiappetta
Muskogee’s Honor Heights Park has been regaling Oklahomans and out-of-state visitors alike with stunning natural beauty that comes alive in spring with bursting blooms of azaleas and other flowers. The display is so stellar that it’s commemorated with the annual Azalea Festival, which, despite its name, is about so much more than flowers that you’ll want to make plans to get down to Muskogee throughout April for one of the most entertaining sets of experiences in Green Country. With 40 acres of manicured gardens, including over 30,000 azaleas in 625 varieties, Honor Heights Park itself will receive around 50,000 to 60,000 visitors this April to see the flowers all abloom. It’s a stunning display of colors and shapes, a visual and physical connection to nature that will ground you and remind you to take a deep breath and smell the metaphorical roses. The origins of
36 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
One of the biggest event days is April 11, which kicks off at 8 a.m. with the Muskogee Run. Then, at 11 a.m., the 53rd Annual Azalea Festival Parade takes place in downtown Muskogee. “We’ll be celebrating springtime here in Muskogee,” says O’Neal, “with area bands and lots of fun.” This year’s parade theme is “Television Shows throughout the Decades.” Parade-goers can expect to see floats decked out in that nostalgic TV show theme, as well as antique cars, clowns, pageant queens, horseback riders, motorcyclists, and more. “The annual Cruizader Car and Truck Show takes place that day as well, as soon as the parade is over,” adds O’Neal. “There are numerous classic cars. Come and vote for your favorite.” Awards include Top 25, Best Engine, Best Interior, Original Classic, Best in Show Truck, Best in Show Car, Best
“Each year, we see teams from all across the country come to compete in all kinds of cooking competitions,” says O’Neal. “We average about 100 vendors, and people can go through and sample something from every booth. It’s $5 per person, free for ages 5 and under.” In addition to food tastings, visitors can enjoy the Beer Garden, live music performances, and Kids Zone. The cookoff raises funds to benefit children’s charities in Muskogee. Other events happening in April in conjunction with the Azalea Festival include the Flower Power Bike Ride (April 25), featuring 20-, 30-, 50-, 65-, and 100-mile routes with road support; the Party in the Park (April 25), which is a wine tasting event inside Honor Heights Park among the blooms; and the Touch a Truck Event (April 25, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) at Muskogee-Davis Regional Airport. “Children can climb on a fire truck, race cars, antique cars, forklifts, helicopters, and other vehicles,” says O’Neal. ”The event is put on by the Muskogee Public Library. Admission is just $2.” Even if you come down on a day in April other than April 11, April 17-18, or April 25, not to worry, says O’Neal. The park is open daily to visitors from dawn to dusk. Visit the fun Katy District shopping area or one of the area’s many museums. “Something is going on almost every day.”
AZALEA FESTIVAL
Honor Heights Park | Muskogee visitmuskogee.com
R
If you want to wander, there are trails to walk or jog, bird watching opportunities, picnic tables, and ponds for fishing. “Year-round, we have beautiful seasonal gardens,” says O’Neal. But during April, when the Azalea Festival happens, the city hosts a variety of events, both in the park and around the city, all of which make a visit to Muskogee well worth the drive.
“Holding the cookoff at Hatbox Field is a move that will make the cookoff bigger than it’s ever been,” says O’Neal. “The space makes it both cook team and visitor friendly.” The event begins April 17, with a kick-off concert by Cody Canada and The Departed in Hatbox Hangar 1. Then, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the cooking throwdown takes place.
TO
The city’s dedication to providing natural beauty for its citizens is evident as you walk or drive through Honor Heights Park, which features lovely, rolling grass lawns, and impressive gardens. Of course, you’ll want to view the azalea bushes and pose for a photo in front of them, a tradition that goes back to the first Azalea Festival in 1968. But don’t skip the elaborate tulip garden, which is also stellar and full of riotous color. Look for blooming dogwoods and wisteria as well.
If food is your thing, Muskogee has you covered this month as well. The weekend of April 17-18 gives rise to the 36th Annual Exchange Club of Muskogee Chili and BBQ Cookoff, which is being held this year at Hatbox Field, the city’s fairgrounds facility, which is conveniently located off Highway 69, close to Honor Heights Park.
CA
“Honor Heights Park is known as the gem of Muskogee,” says Justin O’Neal, tourism director of the Greater Muskogee Chamber of Commerce. “Our founders wanted to dedicate a plot of land where people would come from all over to experience nature. Unlike many other parks that used to be something else, this was made specifically to be a park. Muskogee is very park oriented. We have a top-notch park and recreation team.”
Home-built Hot Rod, Long Distance, and a special Kid’s Class Award.
For updated event information visit visitmuskogee.com.
LO
gorgeous gardens can be traced back to Muskogee’s founders, who bought the tract of land the park is on back in 1909.
April 1-30
PREVIEW918.COM 37
Beyond
Bowling More than just a bowling center, Andy B’s
entertainment venue features redemption games, laser tag, go-kart racing, escape rooms, delicious food and drinks, and plenty of amenities for its VIB to let loose and live it up. By Rob Harmon Photos by Sarah Eliza Roberts
38 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
For private, more intimate bowling, the facility’s VIB (Very Important Bowler) lanes are available by request. “We love having larger parties who want the added experience of the VIB lanes,” says Bristow. “Lounge seating and our video displays give it that party atmosphere, with private bar and jumbo screens for the added entertainment.” Of course, the video game arcade is still a huge favorite for visitors. The two-seater, full-experience Space Invaders is one of the busiest games in the arcade, as well as The Walking Dead Raw Thrills arcade game. Save the world from the undead, one kill at a time, in this one-of-a-kind experience. With an authentic crossbow controller, you can take your aim at zombies while rescuing innocent survivors.
The enormous area, entirely dedicated to team-play laser tag, comes with life-size obstacles, futuristic lighting, and special effects while the game is in session. A great team-building event, the laser tag sessions can accommodate up to 18 players, allowing team points to be tallied for office bragging rights and such. However, two of the most surprising elements of the Andy B’s experience are the newer food items and escape rooms. The smell of fresh food makes it pretty tough not to try an appetizer or two. A table full of food, after all, and top-shelf drinks are sort of what great memories are made of, right? They’ve established an extensive menu for their customers with that in mind. “One of the newest things to look for is our farmhouse burger,” says Bristow. “It comes with a fried egg, farm-fresh white cheddar cheese, bacon, avocado and, of course, the amazing meat. We’re converting some of the scratch menus from two of our newest stores to this location.” The classic adult beverages that go oh-sowell with the outstanding food, such as The Dude, a fancy White Russian, make the whole dining experience at Andy B’s surprisingly good for anyone who isn’t already familiar with it.
“It’s not your ordinary bowling alley menu,” he says. “Even our nachos aren’t your typical bowling alley chips and cheese nachos. Ours come fully loaded: fresh-grilled chicken, crispy tortilla chips, delicious white queso, diced tomato, onions, jalapenos, and sour cream. People love it.” Anyone looking for some of the most challenging escape rooms should look no further. Decoding puzzles, uncovering clues, unraveling riddles, all before time runs out, is what you can expect, says the general manager. Guests use out-ofthe-box thinking to get out of the box, so to speak, with teamwork, smarts, and sheer determination. All three rooms — Kidnapped, House of Dread, and Space Odyssey — spur on the mind and educate, while being super fun at the same time.
ANDY B’S
8711 S. Lewis Ave. | Tulsa 918-299-9494 bowlandybs.com
R
Appreciating the tight-knit bowling community in Green Country, Andy B’s aims to take care of its bowling fanatics. Meticulously attended-to lanes and a state-of-the-art scoring system allow bowlers to focus on the hunt for that next 300 score. Great prices and specials are available every day, with plenty of lanes available for anyone of any skill to get their game on. For those who want to see how they match up against the rest, seasonal league play is available, too.
While other indoor go-kart facilities in Green Country have come and gone, Andy B’s still provides some of the fastest, racecar-like experiences around.
TO
“We’ve been taking our guest services up a notch,” says Bristow. “The atmosphere is unique, to begin with. We’ve been here over 45 years in Tulsa County and with the Andy B’s name since 2008.”
CA
Whatever you choose to do at Andy B’s on your next visit, Ryland Bristow, the general manager, is confident that you’ll have a good time.
You can quickly lose track of time while making new memories with family and friends at any of the scores of games to choose from. Fast-paced and actionpacked excitement, like the Fast and the Furious Super Bikes game or the Grand Piano Keys game, will satisfy any adrenaline junky.
LO
If you haven’t visited Andy B’s recently, the entertainment facility has stepped up its game. With a mission to bring memorable times to everyone who visits the south Lewis Avenue venue, Andy B’s is still setting the standard in bowling, go-kart racing, laser tag, arcade games, and food. Recent upgrades to nearly every facet of the entertainment complex give it a fresh, clean look that is inviting and energetic and a whole lot of fun. In addition, unique and challenging escape rooms and new food menu items have been added to an already impressive repertoire.
Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
PREVIEW918.COM 39
A nice and comfortable christian enviroment for the children and parents.
4936 W. Kenosha St 8122 S Lewis Ste A Broken Arrow OK 74012 Tulsa, Ok 74137 (918)994-6888 (918)299-1220
Getting your child's hair cut can be scary, but I have put the fun in it for you and your child! 40 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
Where the locals have been going since 1975!
Daily ls Lunch Specia am 11 at Open Saturday Monday thru ay Closed Sund
918.622.2668
www.ricardostulsa.com 5629 E. 41st • Tulsa, OK PREVIEW918.COM 41
BEYOND THE SKILLED AXEPERTS PLAYING CHARACTERS AND HELPING YOU RING THE BELL WHEN YOU SCORE THAT BULLSEYE, CINERGY AXE LANES FEATURE OTHER DETAILS THAT INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD THAT EVERYONE IN YOUR THROWING GROUP WILL ENJOY SUCCESS. By Michele Chiappetta / Photos by Sarah Eliza Roberts
42 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
“We use a higher-quality wood, so your axe sticks more,” says Latus. No old, pitted, thin boards here. “We have new hatchets, which we’ll replace as needed and keep sharp. We’ll make sure you get the best value and experience we can offer. We want
There’s even a choice of axes to help guests find the best fit for their hand. “We have two size axes,” says Hoey. “One’s a little bit heavier in weight and guys tend to throw with it. The smaller one, women and children often throw with, because it’s lighter-weight and easier to throw.”
“I think it’s unique,” adds Latus. “It’s a great team-building exercise because it requires focus and determination. It’s very addictive. It’s been around for a little bit, but it’s catching on, and we want to be part of it.”
The ticket prices are very reasonable, at $12.99 per Of course, tossing axes around person on weekdays and $19.99 has to be done safely, and Cinergy per person on weekends, for has done its homework on this 75-minute lane rental. front. The axeperts will explain to all players how to handle Overall, guests can look forward their axes, how to throw, and to a great time, one that is how to stay safe. “We take safety memorable and keeps you seriously,” says Latus. “So, we put coming back for more. “Cinergy employees and guests through is one of the best at offering a safety training.” In addition, there wholly unique experience,” says are age requirements. Only adults Latus. “For our guests and us, it’s and children ages 11 and up will not just the time and money. It’s be allowed to play, and guests are the experience.” kept to five to six per lane. Proper axe etiquette is taught and encouraged at all times. In keeping with Cinergy’s overall service approach, the axe lanes will have personal servers available to take orders and bring guests food and drinks. “Our people make the experience. That’s what we aim for,” says Latus.
CINERGY
6808 S. Memorial Dr., Ste. 300 | Tulsa 918-894-6888 cinergy.com/locations/tulsa
R
The goal is a combination of fun and scoring because everyone wants to get on the board and stick their axe when they play this game. The more you score,
Beyond the skilled axeperts playing characters and helping you ring the bell when you score that bullseye, Cinergy axe lanes feature other details that increase the likelihood that everyone in your axe-throwing group will enjoy success— which is what it’s all about.
tournament type stuff, and fundraisers,” says Hoey.
TO
For starters, Cinergy’s axe lanes are designed to get you as highly involved as possible in the experience. “We like to do an immersive feeling,” explains Aaron Latus, general manager. “We want people to feel like they’re in the woods. Our axeperts play characters; they’re going to be looking like lumberjacks. Our people are very attentive, knowledgeable, and engaged. They’re acting out a role to make it more fun for guests.”
It’s a stringent process to become a Cinergy axepert, involving both mastery of the skills of throwing the axe and teaching others how to do the same, as well as providing top-notch customer service so that guests never feel like they’re fending for themselves. “I think it is about how you experience it with your axepert. It’s really about the attention you get, and at some places, you don’t get that,” says Hoey.
everybody to feel like they are good at this.”
CA
If you haven’t been to Cinergy yet or haven’t stopped in recently, you’ll want to get over there and check it out. The mix of video games, VR, high-definition rides, escape rooms, bowling, and movies all under one roof is appealing for kids and adults of all ages looking for something fun to do. The axe-throwing lanes, all 12 of them, are new and promise to up your axe game.
the happier Cinergy is going to be about it. “Our axeperts are going to be super engaged with the guests,” says Traci Hoey, director of marketing and sales. “Our axeperts are really good. We’re going to make it a fun and engaging experience.”
Axe throwing is also great for special events. “It’s great for team building, corporate events,
LO
There’s a new axe-throwing option in Tulsa where you can get as Paul Bunyan as you like. And not surprisingly, those axe-throwing lanes are located in one of T-Town’s glitziest entertainment centers — Cinergy.
Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-Midnight Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m.-2 a.m.
PREVIEW918.COM 43
POPS
Apr. 3–4, 2020
918-595-7777 SignatureSymphony.org
YOU’RE DOIN’ FINE, OKLAHOMA! Tulsa Sings Rodgers and Hammerstein Oklahoma! is the place to be for an evening of Rodgers and Hammerstein musical favorites performed by a group of Broadway’s top vocalists and the finalists of the Signature Symphony’s 3rd annual Tulsa Sings! competition.
44 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
PREVIEW918.COM 45
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino rebrands its music venue with an expanded commitment to providing top-notch entertainment. By Michele Chiappetta What’s in a name? If you’re as dedicated to bringing world-class entertainment to Tulsa as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is, then a name is just the starting point for delivering a premier experience for performers and guests alike. On April
46 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
26, the 45,000-square-foot music venue formerly known as The Joint reopens as Hard Rock Live — one of only seven such exclusive locations throughout the 262 Hard Rock properties around the world. “We’re doubling down on entertainment more than ever with the success that Hard Rock is having in Tulsa. We plan to provide only bigger and better,” says Martin Madewell, senior director of marketing for Hard Rock Tulsa. “There has been a lot of success with the Hard Rock Live venues delivering top-
notch entertainment across the country. We’re proud to bring Hard Rock Live to the Tulsa music scene. Being one of only seven Hard Rock Live locations in the world speaks volumes that Tulsa is on the map.” Because of the brand’s success and reputation, musicians are more than willing to book shows at Hard Rock Live locations. “Artists want to play here. They ask to play here because of how the staff treats them and the experience of the show. That speaks volumes,” says Madewell.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa 777 W. Cherokee St. | Catoosa 800-760-6700 hardrockcasinotulsa.com
R
The Hard Rock Live brand levels up what Hard Rock Tulsa can offer to the area, a logical branching out from The Joint’s previous substantial successes. The Joint hosted over 400 shows in its time, and
HARD ROCK LIVE
TO
Hard Rock Live’s commitment to providing stellar performance
“Guests are going to notice that we’ve continued to reinvest in the production quality of the venue. We’ve added one of the largest LED walls in the region. We have industry-leading lighting and audio/visual equipment. There’s an expectation that we’ll be at the forefront of production quality.”
many of the artists who have played there have been artists on their way up. Chris Stapleton played The Joint while he was still an unknown up-and-comer, says Madewell, as have artists like Blake Shelton and John Pardy. That knack for giving music lovers a chance to see rising stars is something Hard Rock Live plans to continue.
CA
“I think having Tony Bennett here speaks to the variety of the artists that we have. We’re hitting on all cylinders,” says Madewell. “You don’t get much more iconic than Tony Bennett in the music business. Being able to bring him here is an honor.”
experiences in a state-of-the-art, intimate venue will continue, of course. “The intimate concert experience and our exceptional staff have been the foundation of the venue’s success and will continue to be the heartbeat of our new chapter,” says Madewell.
LO
The first concert in the newly-minted Hard Rock Live venue will be performed by Grammy-winning rocker Lenny Kravitz, who was drawn to play here primarily due to the reputation of the Hard Rock Live experience. In addition, Tulsa area music lovers can expect other stellar artists to perform in the coming months, including a sold-out concert by Shinedown (May 8), Collective Soul (May 14), Martina McBride (June 25) and even legendary Tony Bennett (May 24).
PREVIEW918.COM 47
Whimsical art for over 20 years! 1326 E. 3rd St. Tulsa, OK 74120 Store Hours Monday - Friday 10-5 Saturday 10-3 info@gardendeva.com 918-592-3382 48 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
PREV EW Cain’s Ballroom
16
DY
LANSING
KENOSHA
75
5TH 6TH
ORT
IN
T
CIN
ROI
CIN
7TH
NAT I
33
MAI
8TH TH
PEORIA
N
8
TH
9
TH
7
11TH
1H
TCC
23
10
TH
11
12TH
TH
64
KA
NS
RI V
13TH
75
13TH
AS
14
R
15 2
ENTERTAINMENT
DINING
BOK Center | C2-6 Dust Bowl | D3-21 Tulsa Performing Arts | D3-15 Tulsa Drillers | 3E-15 FC Tulsa | 3E-15
Albert G’s Bar & Q | D3-13 Baxter’s Interurban Grill | B1-23 Caz’s Chowhouse | D2-10 Chimi’s | A5-2 Dilly Diner | D3-18 Dos Bandidos | E3-1 Dust Bowl | D3-21
BARS Caz’s Pub | D2-16 Club Majestic | D2-19 Dust Bowl | D3-21 Elgin Park | E3-34 Fassler Hall | D3-35 McNellie’s Pub | D3-36 Prairie Brewpub | E2-41
64
51
TH
E
1
14
4TH
NKF
ELG
35
TON
R
6
LDE
A
TH
Courthouse
39
3RD
12
75 AR
5
Central Library
NE
OSU Medical Center
TH
YEN
B
H
BOU
Cox Business Center
4T
CHE
Civic BOKCenter
RD
3
4
BOS
BOK Center
HRIE GUT N STO HOU
C
2
O
6
2ND
14
15
DET
ND
21
E BLUM18E D38O
Jazz Hall of Fame
Performing Arts Center
DEC
1
36
22
FRA
City Hall
ST
R
13
10
N
20
VER
OOD ELW
244
MAI
DEN
51
D
Brady Theater
244
ONEOK Field
CHE
Woody AR Guthrie Center
5
OOD ENW GRE
37
N ERO CAM Guthrie 1 Green DY BRA
OOD
11
BRA
64
19
Greenwood Cultural Center
34
ENW
412
GRE
41
E
TULSA LOCATOR TL
DOWNTOWN TULSA
30
TH
3
2 4
32
51
CHERRY 5
THE BOXYARD El Guapo’s | D3-22 Elgin Park | E3-34 Fassler Hall | D3-35 Jason’s Deli | A5-30 McNellie’s Pub | D3-36 Mexicali | D2-11 Prairie Brewpub | E2-41 Sisserou’s | D2-20
SMOKE. | A5-32 The Tavern | E2-37 Ti Amo | C2-4 Yokozuna | D3-38
Blue Sky Bank | D3-33 Sweet Boutique | D3-33
SHOPPING
EVERYTHING ELSE
Boomtown Tees | D3-14 Garden Deva | D5-37 Sweet Boutique | D3-33
The Bond | D4-39
PREVIEW918.COM 49
TL TULSA LOCATOR
G
TULSA AND SURROUNDING AREAS
PREV EW
SPERRY
40
7
86TH N
OWAS
76TH N
27 56TH N
F
75
Mohawk Park
46TH N MINGO
Lake Yahola
38 Tulsa Botanic Garden
36 N
49
16
4
64
48
TH
32 5
46
10 18
20
9
BIXBY
13
81ST
91ST
47
Between 131st & 141st
MEMORIAL
121ST
111
2
72
7
ST
42 70
61ST
71
43 101
51
6
129TH E.
Oklahoma Aquarium
129TH E.
40
65
55 23
15
44
GARNETT
36
30
MEMORIAL
3
Oral Roberts Univ. Mabee Ct.
59
26 2
14
SHERIDAN
1
97
64
12
MINGO
48
83
Between 111th & 121st
50 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
66
YALE
SAPULPA
2
LaFortune 80 Park
21 32
72
61 24
JENKS
41ST
St. Francis Hospital
41
A
31ST Hicks Park
56 44
169
31
HARVARD
Jones Airport
44
91Whiteside Park
LEWIS
B
Turkey Mountain Park
93 21ST
45
5
23
PEORIA
75
72
51
MIDTOWN 28
3
39
6
Expo Square
29
Philbrook Museum of Art7
RIVERSIDE
94
UNION
244
Woodward Park St. John Med. Ctr.
ARKANSAS RIVER
50
Tulsa State Fairgrounds
35
2 71
11TH
27
GARNETT
Of 1Univ. Tulsa
48 MINGO
30
Chandler Park
APACHE
PINE
MEMORIAL
SAND SPRINGS
169
PINE
SHERIDAN
DOWNTOWN BOK Ctr.
17 YALE
OSU Tulsa
75
LEWIS
D
Crawford Park
UTICA
412
11
26TH N / APACHE
PEORIA
51
36TH N
Tulsa Air & Space Museum
HARVARD
Gilcrease Museum
GILCREASE MUSEUM
E
GILCREASE EXPY
MARTIN LUTHER KING
KWY ALE P TISD
C
Tulsa Zoo
TH
TULSA LOCATOR TL 96TH N PRESENTED BY:
72
SSO
Bella’s House | B5-32, A5-32 Children’s Orchard | A5-18 Edible Arrangements | C4-7, A5-7 I-44 Antique Mall | C4-3 Landella | D5-45 Miss McGillicutty’s Antiques | A4-54 Secret Gardens | A6-47 Tulsa Stained Glass | C5-56 Ziegler Art & Frame | D4-17
52
CATOOSA 66 412
244
DINING Albert G’s Bar & Q | C4-91 Amazing Thai Cuisine | B7-63 Brownies Burgers | D4-29, Chimi’s | B5-2, C4-2, D4-2 Dave and Buster’s | B6-44 Dos Bandidos | A5-13 El Chico | D6-93 El Guapo’s | B4-15 Elmer’s BBQ | C4-39 Famous Steakhouse | A5-10 Fat Daddy’s Pub and Grille | B5-64 Flo’s Burger Diner | D4-1, D8-1 Fuji | B5-20 George’s Pub | A4-61 Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs | A5-9 Habaneros Mexican Grill| A7-21 In The Raw | C4-23, B5-23, B7-23 Incredible Pizza | B5-46 Jason’s Deli | D4-30, B5-30 Kitch | A4 -42 Los Cabos | G6-40, A4-40, B7-40 Los Mariachis | B5-26, A4-26 Manos Peruanas | B5-49 McAllister’s | B4-72, B5-72, B6-72, D5-72, G6-72 McNellie’s Pub | B5-16 Miami Nights Restaurant & Lounge | D5-5 Molly’s Landing | E8-52
COUNTY LINE / 193RD E. 209TH E.
BROKEN ARROW 26
19 1
53 177TH E.
161ST E.
1ST
Redbud Valley Nature Preserve
145TH E.
1ST
SHOPPING
40
72 ASPEN
23
11
63 COUNTY LINE
LYNN LANE
MAIN ELM
21
7
Mondo’s Ristorante Italiano | C4-94 Ricardos | C5-31 Rocking “R” Ranch House | B7-11 Saffron Mediterranean Cuisine | C4-28 SMOKE. | D4-27, G6-27 Steak Stuffers USA | C5-14 Ti Amo | B5-80 Waterfront Grill | A4-70 Yokozuna | A5-43 Yutaka Grill Sushi & Buffet | C5-12
ENTERTAINMENT Cinergy | B5-55 Dave and Buster’s | B6-44 Gathering Place | C3-71 Got Wood | A4-24 Incredible Pizza | B5-46 Tulsa Air and Space Museum | E5-38
CASINO River Spirit Casino Resort | B4-83 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa | D8-19
EVERYTHING ELSE Blue Cottage | A4-59 Carey Clinic | B5-36 Kuts 4 Kids | B4-48, B6-48 Shears | A4-41 Whiskers Men’s Grooming | D4-35
est. 20 13
8
PREVIEW918.COM 51
Hearts of Glass The Tulsa Glassblowing School is helping build self-esteem in
both youths and adults with its
transformative programs that put hot air to good use.
By Michele Chiappetta Photos by Sarah Eliza Roberts
You know that beautiful glass vase in your home that has held birthday, anniversary, or Valentine’s Day flowers? Or the decorative glass bowl that sits proudly as a centerpiece on the family dining table? Pieces like these aren’t just glass; they’re art, made through an ancient art form known as glassblowing, still practiced today even here in Tulsa at the Tulsa Glassblowing School. And through glass creations, TGS is helping transform lives in the Tulsa area in ways that you might not have realized glass or art could do. TGS initially started as a private artist’s studio in 2005. But it wasn’t long before it expanded its mission to make an impact in
52 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
the community through the art of working with glass. After seeing how glass art helped teenagers enrolled at Street School, which provides alternative education and therapeutic experiences to local at-risk youth, TGS became a 501(c)(3) not-forprofit arts organization in 2007. Their mission: to promote positive change in the lives of vulnerable youth and adults within the Tulsa community and to enrich Tulsa’s cultural experience through exposure to a variety of glass art disciplines.
“Hot glass art is unique in that it requires a team approach and mastery of certain life lessons such as effective communication, flexibility, and adaptability, as well as fostering camaraderie and a sense of belonging,” says Janet Duvall, executive director. Because it demands concentration, attention to detail, and creativity, the art of working with hot glass is something
that builds self-esteem in both youths and adults. It is therapeutic and even helps people learn about applied science, and math. Through its “Glass in the Class” program, explains Duvall, the glassblowing school partners with the Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance to “utilize glass art as a means of promoting retention of math and science principles in the classroom.” TGS works with Tulsa Public Schools, Union Public Schools, Sand Springs Public Schools, a variety of home school groups, and numerous rural school districts, all of which bring students to the studio for interactive experiences. The magic of watching artists work with molten glass, as well as getting a chance to craft something themselves with some guidance for glass-working pros, is something students never forget. They come out of the experience beaming from
and active military members who have served and are in good standing with the U.S. Dept. of Defense. The program is free of charge, supported by donations. “Since its initial session, TGS has served over 116 military service members in the Tulsa community. The impact VETri has on participants can best be defined as fostering a sense of hope and assisting in providing direction and focus in their lives,” says Duvall.
ear to ear, learning new things, seeing the value of math and science, and knowing they accomplished something they never knew they could do before. In addition to TGS’s continuing support of at-risk youth, and STEM learning, Duvall and her team have a partnership with Tulsa Community College, which is the only institution of higher education in Oklahoma to offer glassblowing classes. “Working with college students,” says Duvall, “it became apparent that the impact of glass art on one’s life was not predicated to youth. Over nine [adult] individuals who found a passion for glass art have gone on to pursue their undergraduate degrees in glass art or a related field.” To expand its support of adults in need, TGS began a new program for veterans in 2016. VETri is the second veterans-only glassblowing program in the entire nation. “It was initiated by one of our board members who had seen the Tacoma Hot Shop Heroes, which was affiliated with Joint Base Lewis-McChord,” says Duvall. The Tacoma program is specifically designed to help rehabilitate individuals with traumatic brain injuries and severe PTSD. But Tulsa Glassblowing School is broader in scope and open to any veterans
Tulsa community,” says Duvall. “A kilnfired glass program for women in recovery was piloted in February 2020, with an emphasis on fostering creativity while learning a craft which has the potential to supplement participants’ incomes.” Beyond its transformative programs, Tulsa Glassblowing School is open to the general public for classes, demonstrations, and other activities. The best way to know what’s happening is to visit the school’s website or Facebook page for details.
While both youths and veterans alike can feel a sense of nerves about working with the potent heat and nature of molten glass — which gets up to 2,100 degrees in the shaping process — they soon learn to be comfortable with the work they’re doing and the tools they’re using. Their pride and confidence grow as they create something beautiful. And of course, says Duvall, “An instructor is always within reach to assist and maximize success.” Many of the veterans who finish the VETri program go on to volunteer at the glassblowing school. A few have even landed paid positions there. Taylor Cox, a U.S. Army veteran, is one example of how VETri is transforming lives in the Tulsa area. “The Tulsa Glassblowing School has given my life back to me,” says Cox. “Before I found the studio, my days and nights were so dark. I was homeless, hopeless, and without purpose. I had given up on myself. Now, my days are filled with light. I have a home, my family back, and a job that I love. To top it off, I’m surrounded by some of the greatest people in the world. TGS has taught me to be committed to what’s best for my heart, even if that means sitting through the most painful stages of growth and change. To never give up on my dreams even when it hurts.” After being in the Tulsa Arts District for 12 years, TGS began to outgrow its space. Recently, the school moved to its new home in McClure Park. It occupies a repurposed recreation center, which had been closed down for around seven years. “The move provides an opportunity for TGS to expand its outreach within the
TULSA GLASSBLOWING SCHOOL 7440 E. 7th St. | Tulsa 918-582-4527 tulsaglassblowing.com
LO CA TO R
PREVIEW918.COM 53
Nothing gets in the way of a good run like pain. Unfortunately, running-related injuries are common in runners of all levels. BY LINDSAY MORRIS
Has the spring weather given you a wave of inspiration and motivation to get in shape? Maybe you’re using this as an opportunity to try a new form of exercise — running. Running seems to be something people either love or hate. Maybe you’ve hated running your whole life but are determined to try to like it because you know what a tremendous calorieburning form of exercise it is. Or perhaps you don’t mind running but just haven’t found the time or motivation to start a running program. If your goal is to run a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, or maybe even a marathon this year, keep reading. Running is one of the simplest and most effective forms of
54 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
cardiovascular exercise. It gets your heart working, and it engages multiple muscle groups. It’s a complete exercise. While the benefits of running are innumerable — cardiovascular health, mental clarity, and improved lung capacity, to name a few — there can be a risk for injuries, from mild to severe. For many runners, muscle strains, shin splints, and other overuse injuries might be the norm, but they can also be prevented. Most running injuries (see sidebar) are the result of overuse, or repetitively putting stress on a muscle or bone, rather than one traumatic wrong move. They can be exacerbated by many things, like a high volume of training or the wrong kind of sneakers.
But paying attention to your body and adding a few simple things to your training routine can help you avoid a lot of these overuse injuries — so that you can keep feeling good and strong as you run and train for your next race. Amanda Lynch, a physical therapist and athletic trainer at Tulsa Bone & Joint Associates who also regularly runs ultra-marathons, provides some tips to help you prevent running injuries.
EASE INTO EVERY RUN Always take time to warm up. Begin with a brisk walk or slow jog, then gradually pick up speed. Once your heart rate is up, and you’ve started to break a sweat, then you can go full force into your run. Also, be sure to cool down and stretch once you’re done.
AVOID TRAINING ERRORS BY DOING TOO MUCH TOO FAST AND TOO SOON “If you’re training for a specific event, follow a training plan and keep track of weekly mileage,” says Lynch. You may also want to consider joining a running group, which can encourage accountability. You’ll be more likely to stick with it. And you will also have some folks to eat breakfast with after your runs.
GIVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TIME Don’t expect to be able to run a half-marathon after training for a week. Lynch recommends that if you’re training for a 10K, you start training two to three months in advance. If you’re training for a half-marathon, give it at least four months of training. Any distance greater than that will need even more time.
INCREASE YOUR WEEKLY MILEAGE SLOWLY Avoid increasing your weekly mileage by more than 10%, especially when starting. You need to work your way up to the longer distances over time. You should also build your mileage before incorporating any speed work. “If you are looking to increase your pace to achieve a goal time, add speedwork once a week,” Lynch says. Balance training runs with low-impact core and hip-strengthening exercises. Try cross-training workouts like cycling or swimming. By continuing to strengthen your muscles and improve aerobic capacity, your running can still improve without your feet having to hit the pavement quite as often.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY You need to incorporate rest days into your weekly training. Don’t be afraid to take a day off to let your body rest. Also, when you are running, you need to make sure you aren’t going too fast. Training runs should be slow enough that you can hold a conversation.
STRENGTH TRAINING IS ESSENTIAL Lynch recommends focusing on hip strength, particularly the glutes, as well as core strengthening. “These provide leg stability and promote proper running mechanics. Weak hips can sideline a runner and cause various injuries,” she says. Crosstraining — which can include swimming, cycling, or rowing — is also essential, especially if you are not able to run due to an injury. It’s important to do something to maintain your fitness levels and stay active.
CONSIDER A GAIT ANALYSIS If you experience pain while training, consult a physical therapist who specializes in working with runners. He or she can analyze your gait to correct any faulty mechanics. Lynch says that overstriding is a common error that new runners often make. “Simply shortening your
stride by even a small amount can decrease impact force and help prevent many injuries,” she says.
INVEST IN A QUALITY PAIR OF FOOTWEAR Instead of buying a pair of running shoes that are “pretty” or “cool,” visit a local running store to ensure you are in the right shoes for your foot type. You may need to increase your running shoe size by a half size of what your everyday shoes are. To help prevent injuries, you should change your shoes after 400 to 500 miles of running.
LEARN HOW TO HYDRATE AND EAT DURING WORKOUTS PROPERLY Especially as your workouts get longer and your mileage increases, you need to learn what works best for your body as far as drinks and nutrition go. “Drink water and electrolytes before, throughout, and after your run,” Lynch recommends. This is critical during hot and humid days, as well as the dry winter. A lot of people don’t take in enough calories, especially when you get to longer runs.
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU EAT AND DRINK BEFORE RUNS Keto diets are all the rage, but if you plan to do endurance running, you will need to include carbohydrates in your diet, Lynch says. Starting about 48 hours before race time, be particularly careful about what you eat or drink. Limit your alcohol to avoid dehydration.
HAVE FUN If you are training for your first big race, you must make it fun, or else you might not want to stick with it. Find people you enjoy running with, and get to know them while running. Consider rewarding yourself in small ways each time you reach a milestone — for example, an ice cream sundae or a massage when you reach 10 miles.
COMMON RUNNING INJURIES Many overuse injuries can be treated at home using the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. If pain persists or becomes chronic, it is important to see a doctor and discontinue running until you know what is causing the problem. Running while injured, even if the injury is mild, can compound damage and extend healing time.
TENDONITIS
Tendonitis is common among athletes and occurs when a tendon becomes inflamed or irritated because of overuse. Tendons are tissue that connects muscles to bones. Runners are most susceptible to Achilles tendonitis, in the Achilles tendon that attaches the calf bone to the heel, and patellar tendonitis, in the patella tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone.
PLANTAR FASCIITIS
When heel pain strikes the bottom of your foot, it most likely involves your plantar fascia, which can become inflamed with repetitive stress or overuse. However, this is one of the most preventable running pains. Keep your feet safe by wearing shoes with lots of support, stretching your feet, and getting plenty of rest to heal.
PULLED MUSCLES
With a pulled muscle, tendons and fibers are strained or torn. A minor injury will feel stiff upon movement, and a major one will be painful. For runners, calves and hamstrings are frequent targets. Pulled muscles are usually a result of overuse, inflexibility, or the lack of a warmup or cool-down. Yes, it sounds obvious, but the No. 1 way to avoid a pulled muscle in the first place is to stretch before and after your workout.
RUNNER’S KNEE
This type of knee pain can be misleading. The discomfort tends to show up gradually and feels minor at first. Your knees might feel completely fine during a run, and then worsen when you kneel, squat, sit cross-legged, or walk up or downstairs. It usually happens due to overuse, and it is typically caused by muscle imbalances, such as hamstring tightness and weak quadriceps or hips, which put additional pressure on the knee. Knee injuries can be minimized by staying light on your feet while running, and again, wearing the proper shoes. Reduce mileage, wear a knee brace, try knee tape to help treat the pain, and avoid downhill running, when possible.
STRESS FRACTURES
When you overtrain your muscles, they stop being able to absorb shock — and then any stress that hits your bones can lead to a crack or fracture. The best way to prevent stress fractures is to watch how much you’re training and listen to your body. This type of injury is relatively common for runners, particularly in their feet, legs, or pelvis. Be sure to cross-train with low-impact exercises like yoga or cycling. Maintain high levels of vitamin D and calcium in your diet to promote healthy bones, too.
SHIN SPLINTS
Shin splints happen when the muscles and tendons covering your shinbone are inflamed. This leads to dull or sharp pain in your shin area while walking or running. Prevention is involved, but some research has found shock-absorbing insoles for arch support to help a little bit, in addition to wearing the right running shoes and running on soft, nonhilly surfaces whenever possible. If you’re actively dealing with pain, then icing your shins and keeping them elevated can help. In general, practice “proper load modulation” for injury-free runs. Prioritize easier runs (versus going hard all the time), add rest days to routine, and skip runs when you don’t feel well.
PREVIEW918.COM 55
J JENKS
56 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
J JENKS
PREVIEW918.COM 57
SC SPORTS CENTRAL
FOR THE NET
SARA ARUNDELL
58 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
LORI AND SARA ARUNDELL HAVE BROKEN MANY BARRIERS AS MOTHER/DAUGHTER AND COACH/PLAYER OVER THE YEARS. THIS YEAR, SARA IS LOOKING TO BREAK ANOTHER AS SHE ATTEMPTS TO TAKE HER MOM’S SAPULPA HIGH SCHOOL CAREER-SCORING SOCCER RECORD.
school records for wins and goals (77) in a season. It was their second straight year topping 10 victories and reaching the Class 6A state playoffs, although they ended up falling to Broken Arrow both times in the first round.
by John Tranchina photos by Marc Rains
“Yes, it is a goal for me to hit,” Sara admits. “If it happens, it happens. I’m good with it either way.”
“Luckily, it’s not been bad,” Lori says. “I’ve pretty much been her main coach throughout her career, so she’s used to me. Once the game or practice is over, I’m mom. I don’t sit there and go, ‘You should have done this.’ I’m supportive. I don’t talk about soccer.”
The former Lori Morrow, who went on to play four years at the University of Tulsa, is happy to see her records fall to her daughter.
Sara confirms that Lori uses positive reinforcement to make her point as a coach without getting mad or shouting at her, as some coaches do.
“Hey, if anybody’s going to break your record, when your child does it, it’s pretty special,” Lori says. “That was fun. She broke that last year and rubbed it in my face, and I’m like, ‘Remember, you have to beat my record, though.’ And she’s like, ‘Oh, I’m going to beat it,’ and I’m like, ‘I hope you do; that would be great.’
“She knows how I am, and negative [comments] don’t make me better,” Sara says. “The positive things have made me better, and when she tells me what to do, she tells me what I’ve done wrong and what I can fix, instead of just yelling at me.”
She may be following in her mom’s footsteps and be in mom’s shadow. Still, Sara Arundell has, by just about all measures, surpassed her mother and coach Lori Arundell as a soccer player and is treading her own path in her senior season at Sapulpa High School. The last two years have seen the mother-daughter duo lead the Lady Chieftains to two of their all-time best soccer seasons, while Sara, a midfielder, broke Lori’s single-season Sapulpa goals record and is aiming for her career mark this season. With several supporting cast players having graduated last year, Sara may have a more difficult time helping Sapulpa pile up the wins this season. Still, she is embracing her new role as a senior leader. “I feel like when I step up and try my best, everyone else around me tries their best,” Sara says. “It just makes us better as a team when we all try our best and not give half-effort. It’s easy for me to give my best and show everybody else that it’s not that hard.” After a strong sophomore year in 2018 in which she scored seven goals and 14 assists, earning Tulsa World first-team All-World honors, Sara raised her level of play another notch last season. As a junior, she scored 20 goals and 11 assists, breaking Lori’s school record of 16 goals in a season from the early 1990s, and was again named to the All-World first team. She also helped the Lady Chieftains go 12-4, setting new
“I didn’t think I would ever do that, honestly,” Sara says of breaking her mom’s goal record. “I wasn’t expecting it; it was a good surprise.” Now her sights are set on Lori’s career standard of 44 goals. Sara started the 2020 season with 34, so she needs half of her output from last season to match it.
“I tell her all the time, ‘You’re a far better soccer player than I was, so you should break it.’ We didn’t play club soccer as they do now. It’s all year round. I played basketball. We didn’t focus on just one sport, and we didn’t have the opportunities that they do. So she’s better because she’s played a heck of a lot more and she loves it. She lives soccer and breathes it.”
“My mom has coached my club team. It’s been great for our family spending that much time together,” Sara says of their relationship. “And me being the best I can be at soccer, and looking up to her as a soccer player, makes me want to be better. It’s always been pretty smooth.” Still, Lori notes that she makes sure to turn off her “coach” role once they are off the field or out of the locker room.
In addition to having had Lori as her coach for so long, Sara has also dealt with having her mom as a teacher. Lori teaches algebra at Sapulpa, and that’s just one more barrier the two have broken together. “It’s just the same,” Sara says. “I’m just used to it, just like any other teacher.”
Lori tried to get Sara also to play basketball, but Sara did run track and played volleyball in middle school, “just to mix it up.”
And despite mom’s impressive legacy as a player, Sara reports she hasn’t felt any pressure to live up to those lofty standards, partly because Lori has always told her she’s better than she was.
“My mom wanted me to play basketball, but it was all soccer,” Sara says. “I love being part of a team, and I love working hard. I like running a lot, which is weird. I love being competitive.”
Like her mom, Sara will also be playing soccer in college, having committed to Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. Her academic path will also follow Lori’s footsteps.
Remarkably, there haven’t been any mom-coach complications for them, primarily because that’s just how it’s always been since Lori has coached Sara in club soccer since she was younger.
“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher just like my mom, and I feel like NSU is the best fit for me,” Sara says. “I like the coach [Chase Wooten], and my best friend is also going to NSU.”
PREVIEW918.COM 59
SC SPORTS CENTRAL
AIDEN ROBINSON
60 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
A HEARTBREAKING LOSS AT STATE LAST YEAR COMBINED WITH NEW STRATEGIES FOR WINNING BIG POINTS AND MAINTAINING EMOTION BALANCE HAS CASCIA HALL’S AIDEN ROBINSON POISED FOR ANOTHER RUN AT A TENNIS TRIUMPH. by John Tranchina photos by Marc Rains Aiden Robinson came oh-so-close last year as a freshman. Still, this time around, the Cascia Hall tennis player is focused on claiming a state championship, and his ability to remain calm during matches gives him a considerable advantage to pull it off. His young team finished a disappointing fourth at the Class 5A state championships last season, although they were just six points back of co-winners Bishop Kelley and OKC Heritage Hall. Robinson is also aiming to rectify that situation in 2020. “This year, I’m going to try to win it all,” he says. “Last year, I got second individually, and we got fourth as a team, but I think that was a little bit disappointing. We were young last year with three freshmen on the team. This year, we have a little more leadership with two seniors, a junior, sophomores, and I think a freshman might be on the team.” The Commandos have a great chance to do just that, with Robinson and fellow sophomore Hunter Henry, who placed fifth at state last year in No. 1-singles, back with an extra year of experience, among other key contributors. Playing in the No. 2-singles slot last year, the second-seeded Robinson won three matches to reach the state final, then waged an epic battle with No. 1 seed Cole Knutsen of Riverfield Country Day, but eventually fell 6-2, 6-4. “That was an incredible match,” says Cascia Hall tennis coach Kristin Liles. “I thought the quality of tennis they played was better than the No. 1-singles final on the adjacent court. Anybody who was there would tell
you the same. Aiden opened the match with three aces. Those guys battled. That is probably the best tennis I’ve seen boys play. “He wasn’t unhappy with the way he played even though he played great. And that’s great character. He had a very tough opponent, no question, and he didn’t disappoint in any way. He went out with a mission, and I think he did what he set out to do.” Robinson acknowledges it was a good contest, but it still showed him some things to work on. “It was a great match,” says Robinson, who trains with his private coach Tomas Stillman, with the Tucker Tennis Academy at RH91, a tennis and fitness club on 91st Street near Riverside Parkway. “I think I could have played differently. I played well, but I think winning the big points was what mattered and I didn’t win the big points later in that match. I think this year, I need to work on winning bigger points more.” He also notes that the state final defeat hasn’t stuck with him. He went about his business training for the current season, trying to continue making progress as a player. Part of his focus has been on improving his decision-making process under pressure. “I’m kind of over it,” he says of the loss last spring. “I’ve been training hard at RH91, and I’m looking forward to the new season. I’ve been working on moving forward [closer to the net] more and winning the bigger points. My coach [Stillman] is trying to help me learn different strategies that will help me do that.” One of Robinson’s best attributes on the court is his ability to maintain an even keel emotionally and not get too upset after a mistake, something he’s worked at over the years. “Your mental state is everything,” Robinson says. “The physical state has to be there, but the mind makes it all work. When I was younger, I would freak out a lot, and I’ve learned how to control my emotions. You have to move on and focus on the next point. Whenever I tried to tell myself, ‘Let’s play positive this match,’ I would have better results than I would before.” “He’s very steady emotionally on the court, he keeps it together,” Liles adds.
“That’s a good quality to have in a tennis player. Aiden is a great kid with excellent character. He is steady on the court; you can’t tell if he’s up or down. He walks out on the court, knowing he can win every match.” He’s been playing tennis since he was younger, initially as part of a fun, family activity. From there, it progressed into his passion. “My parents wanted me to play because they were starting to play, and it was going to be kind of a family thing,” Robinson says. “It was fun, and I just really got into it.” He does follow pro tennis, and the player he likes the most isn’t necessarily one of the best ones. But Félix Auger-Aliassime of Canada, who is 19 years old and ranked No. 19 in the world, is one of the most respected, as much for his behavior off the court as on it, and that again speaks to Robinson’s character. “He’s my favorite player,” Robinson said. “I like his attitude on the court and how he respects his opponents.” Robinson has also worked hard at maintaining high grades. He had a bit of a difficult time adjusting to the high school workload last year as a freshman, especially when he was juggling both basketball and tennis at the same time. But Robinson, who won the Cascia Hall Middle School Geography Bee in eighth grade, worked through the issues and is better off for the experience now. “I played JV basketball freshman year and baseball in middle school,” says Robinson, who is also involved with the student council and French Club at Cascia Hall. “I quit baseball and basketball to focus on tennis completely. [Managing all the schoolwork] is tough. I think freshman year helped me with my time management so that I can put that forward into this year.” Further illustrating his maturity level, Robinson recognizes that he doesn’t want to go all tennis all the time. So he keeps himself busy with other activities, such as hunting deer and quail, among other things. “I like to go hang out with friends, and go fishing,” Robinson says. “I like to keep a good balance, with family, friends, and tennis.”
PREVIEW918.COM 61
TA TULSA ARTS DISTRICT
62 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
TA TULSA ARTS DISTRICT
Live Music
Check Website for Dates!
PREVIEW918.COM 63
SC SPORTS CENTRAL
TULSA DRILLERS MANAGER SCOTT HENNESSEY IS LOOKING FORWARD NOT ONLY TO AN OPPORTUNITY TO WIN ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP BUT TO CONTINUE DEVELOPING PLAYERS WHO CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE DODGERS’ QUEST TO WIN A WORLD SERIES. by John Tranchina Amid an unprecedented run of success, having reached the Texas League Final in each of the past three seasons, the Tulsa Drillers are looking forward to what 2020 can bring once the season begins following the postponement caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.
64 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
Tulsa had endured a long dry stretch in which every other team in the Class AA Texas League had won a championship since their previous one in 1998, including several clubs who were no longer even in the TL. But Tulsa signed a new affiliation agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2015, and midway through the 2017 season, they brought in manager Scott Hennessey, and everything changed. Hennessey is happy to be back and is looking forward not only to another opportunity to win another championship to go with their title in 2018 but to continue developing players who can eventually contribute to the Dodgers’ quest to win a World Series, which is the ultimate goal. “January 1 hits and it’s like, ‘turn the page from last year,’” Hennessey says. “Good or bad, you move on, and your blood gets flowing. You go to spring training, and you got new guys and a new year. I’m looking forward to developing guys
as we do, with a winning atmosphere and a winning culture. Hopefully, we can have another Gavin Lux or a Dustin May, who no one thought that they would be in the big leagues last year. And that’s why we do this, to speed that process up and help our big league club win. “As long as I’m here, we’re going to try to win every game, but we’re going to do it the right way and develop guys, but I think it goes hand-in-hand. You can’t just flip on the light switch. You can develop all you want, but if you don’t know how to win, you’re not going to learn how to win in the big leagues. You have to learn to win down here, and you have to learn to be a professional, and we have to develop them. That’s why the Dodgers are the Dodgers. We’re creating a winning atmosphere, and we’re winning in the big leagues.” So far, over the past few years, that formula has worked well, as the Drillers have contributed several key
CODY THOMAS
SCOTT HENNESSEY
components to the Dodgers’ roster, and in turn, the big league club has enjoyed its postseason success. Los Angeles has won the National League West in each of the past seven years, reaching the World Series in both 2017, when they lost to the now-revealed-to-have-been-cheating Houston Astros in seven games, and in 2018, when they lost to the Boston Red Sox — both times with former Drillers helping. Hennessey believes there is a direct correlation.
three chances to win one game to clinch the title, but lost three close games in a row.
“Well, Gavin Lux has been in the playoffs a lot,” says Hennessey, rattling off a list of recent Drillers who have contributed in LA. “Will Smith has been in the playoffs a lot, and so has Tony Gonsolin, Matt Beaty, and Caleb Ferguson. As long as we can continue to have playoff games here, and in A ball and AAA, it helps these guys when they get to the playoffs and get to the World Series, and get us over the hump.”
“I take that it was a rewarding year, because of all the moving parts that we had,” Hennessey says. “The shock of that last inning, and being in the locker room with the guys, and how disappointed they were, that’s how you know you have buy-in because it meant a lot to everybody. We didn’t get it done; we fell one inning short. It was nobody’s fault, and you learn from that and move on. Hopefully, that doesn’t happen again.”
The last three years mark the first time in Drillers history (which dates back to 1977) that the club made the league final in three straight years and the first time a Tulsa baseball team did it since the old Oilers reached the TL championship three consecutive seasons from 1962-64, winning twice. They’ve never made it four in a row.
Unfortunately for Tulsa, two key 2019 Drillers who won’t be back this year are catcher Connor Wong and shortstop Jeter Downs. They were part of the package the Dodgers sent the Red Sox to acquire 2018 American League MVP Mookie Betts and former Cy Young Award-winning pitcher David Price.
That they only won the title once, in 2018, during this current stretch is unfortunate, because it very easily could be, and perhaps should be, three straight championships. In 2017, they won the first two games of the final series on the road against Midland and returned home with
Last year, they were up two games to one on Amarillo, lost Game 4 at home, and then had a 3-1 lead heading into the ninth inning of the decisive Game 5 before the bullpen collapsed, surrendering seven runs and losing 8-3. Still, despite the intensely disappointing ending, it’s hard to look at last year as anything but a success.
“It’s going to be hard to replace Connor Wong and Jeter Downs,” Hennessey says. “However, you get a Mookie Betts, who’s arguably one of the top two or three baseball players in the world, and you get a left-handed pitcher like David Price, who still has outstanding years left. You can’t keep everybody. And that’s part of why we do this. Those guys aren’t going to be replaceable, but like I tell these
guys, ‘Next man up.’ Who that’s going to be? We don’t know yet.” Hennessey did mention some players he thinks will probably at least start the season in Tulsa: third baseman Cristian Santana (who batted .301 and had 57 RBI in 102 games with the Drillers last year); outfielder Cody Thomas (23 home runs, 76 RBI in 130 games with Tulsa); outfielder Donovan Casey (who spent most of the year at Class A Rancho Cucamonga, but did play 25 games in Tulsa and batted .410 for the Drillers in the postseason); outfielder Jeren Kendall (who hit 19 HRs and 63 RBI for Rancho Cucamonga); starting pitcher Josiah Gray (who split last season between Rancho and Tulsa, going 3-2 with a 2.75 earned run average in eight starts for Tulsa); starter Leo Crawford (who also split the year between Rancho and Tulsa, going 2-0 with a 2.37 ERA in five Drillers starts); and starter Edwin Uceta (who went 7-2 with a 2.31 ERA in 14 Tulsa starts). How long all these guys will be here is unknown at this point, but Hennessey expects regular player movement throughout the season. “It’ll be a good year, and I think we’re getting good players. We’re doing a good job developing them,” he says. “And if they succeed, we’re not holding guys back anymore, whereas 20 years ago, you would go to A ball for a year, then you would go to AA for a year, spend the whole season, and why do that? If they’re ready, get them up to the big leagues and help the team win now. If they’re ready, we’re going to get them out of here. That’s a good thing.”
PREVIEW918.COM 65
66 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
SS SPORTS SCHEDULE
TULSA DRILLERS Home games are played at ONEOK Field (Tulsa, Okla.) April 9 | vs Frisco RoughRiders | 7p April 10 | vs Frisco RoughRiders | 7p April 11 | vs Frisco RoughRiders | 7p April 12 | vs Amarillo Sod Poodles | 4p April 13 | vs Amarillo Sod Poodles | Noon April 14 | vs Amarillo Sod Poodles | 7p April 16 | @ Frisco RoughRiders | 7:05p April 17 | @ Frisco RoughRiders | 7:05p April 18 | @ Frisco RoughRiders | 7:05p April 19 | @ Amarillo Sod Poodles | 5:05p April 20 | @ Amarillo Sod Poodles | 7:05p April 21 | @ Amarillo Sod Poodles | 7:05p April 22 | @ Amarillo Sod Poodles | 11:05a April 23 | vs Arkansas Travelers | 7p April 24 | vs Arkansas Travelers | 7p April 25 | vs Arkansas Travelers | 7p April 26 | vs Arkansas Travelers | 1p April 28 | vs Springfield Cardinals | 7p April 29 | vs Springfield Cardinals | 11a April 30 | vs Springfield Cardinals | 7p –––––––––––––––––– May 1 | @ Northwest Arkansas Naturals | 7:05p May 2 | @ Northwest Arkansas Naturals | 6:05p May 3 | @ Northwest Arkansas Naturals | 2:05p
FC TULSA Home matches are played at ONEOK Field (Tulsa, Okla.) April 4 | vs Phoenix Rising FC April 11 | @ Austin Bold FC April 18 | vs El Paso April 25 | @ Orange County SC –––––––––––––––––– May 2 | vs Portland Timbers 2 May 12 | @ OKC Energy FC May 16 | vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC May 23 | @ Reno 1868 FC May 30 | vs Tacoma Defiance –––––––––––––––––– June 6 | @ USL San Diego June 17 | vs Real Monarchs SLC June 27 | @ San Antonio FC –––––––––––––––––– July 8 | vs Orange County SC July 11 | vs USL San Diego July 18 | @ Rio Grande Valley FC Toros July 25 | vs Austin Bold FC –––––––––––––––––– Aug. 1 | @ Phoenix Rising FC Aug. 8 | vs Reno 1868 FC Aug. 15 | @ Las Vegas Lights Aug. 22 | vs San Antonio FC Aug. 26 | @ LA Galaxy II Aug. 29 | @ Portland Timbers 2 –––––––––––––––––– Sept. 5 | @ El Paso Sept. 12 | @ Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Sept. 18 | vs LA Galaxy II Sept. 26 | vs Sacramento Republic FC –––––––––––––––––– Oct. 3 | @ New Mexico United Oct. 10 | @ Tacoma Defiance Oct. 17 | vs OKC Energy FC
May 4 | @ Northwest Arkansas Naturals | 11:05a May 5 | vs Arkansas Travelers | 7p May 6 | vs Arkansas Travelers | 11a May 7 | vs Arkansas Travelers | 7p May 8 | vs Northwest Arkansas Naturals | 7p May 9 | vs Northwest Arkansas Naturals | 7p May 10 | vs Northwest Arkansas Naturals | 1p May 11 | @ Arkansas Travelers | 7:10p May 12 | @ Arkansas Travelers | 7:10p May 13 | @ Arkansas Travelers | 7:10p May 14 | @ Arkansas Travelers | 7:10p May 15 | @ Northwest Arkansas Naturals | 7:05p May 16 | @ Northwest Arkansas Naturals | 6:05p May 17 | @ Northwest Arkansas Naturals | 2:05p May 18 | vs Frisco RoughRiders | 7p May 19 | vs Frisco RoughRiders | 11a May 20 | vs Frisco RoughRiders | 7p May 21 | vs Frisco RoughRiders | 7p May 22 | vs Corpus Christi Hooks | 7p May 23 | vs Corpus Christi Hooks | 7p May 24 | vs Corpus Christi Hooks | 7p May 26 | @ Frisco RoughRiders | 7:05p May 27 | @ Frisco RoughRiders | 7:05p May 28 | @ Frisco RoughRiders | 7:05p May 29 | @ Corpus Christi Hooks | 7:05p May 30 | @ Corpus Christi Hooks | 7:05p May 31 | @ Corpus Christi Hooks | 2:05p
TULSA GATORS Home games are played at Broken Arrow Freshman Academy (Broken Arrow, Okla.) April 4 | vs Missouri Ravens April 18 | @ Tahlequah Vipers April 25 | vs Joplin Crusaders –––––––––––––––––– May 2 | vs Arkansas Hawks May 9 | @ Little Rock Patriots May 30 | @ Muskogee Monstars –––––––––––––––––– June 6 | vs Arkansas Raging Ducks
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER Home games are played at Chesapeake Energy Arena (Oklahoma City, Okla.) April 1 | vs Phoenix Suns | 7p April 4 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | 2:30p April 5 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | 8:30p April 7 | vs Brooklyn Nets | 7p April 10 | vs New York Knicks | 7p April 11 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | 7p April 13 | vs Utah Jazz | 7p April 15 | @ Dallas Mavericks | 6:30p
NOTE: In March, the Tulsa Drillers, FC Tulsa, and the NBA announced schedule disruptions following the COVID-19 outbreak. All games and matches displayed on this page are subject to change or cancellation.
ALL TIMES CENTRAL // GAME DATES/TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
PREVIEW918.COM 67
GC GREEN COUNTRY SCENE
Finding Their Wings OKLAHOMA’S FIRST FOUR-YEAR, FULLY INCLUSIVE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WITH MILD TO MODERATE INTELLECTUAL OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES CONTINUES TO CHANGE LIVES. BY JENNIFER ZEHNDER
On her Facebook page, Alaine Octavia Lambert (Lainey Lou) shares photos of friends, family, fellowship, and fun. Under a Life Events subheading and beneath a blue circle with a white graduation cap, it notes, “Started school at Northeastern State University, Sept. 11, 2018.” The Muskogee sophomore is one of a handful of students enjoying educational opportunities and exploring future career paths in a program designed especially for those with Down syndrome, autism spectrum, and similar disabilities. In May 2018, NSU joined LeadLearnLive to create the RiverHawks Scholar
68 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
Program, the first of its kind in Oklahoma. A fully inclusive, fouryear, post-secondary certificate opportunity for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, the program’s goals are based on four pillars: academics, social skills, independent living, and career development. The ultimate goal is for the scholars to be able to live independently and be gainfully employed in something they enjoy after they complete the program. NSU alumnus Justin Chase of Coweta brings more than 25 years of education experience to his position as the
director of the RiverHawks Scholar Program (RHS). “Transition programs are a new concept in the United States,” Chase explains. “The successful outcomes these programs provide not only change the lives of the students but also their families and the state by adding diverse individuals who live and work in our communities. Upon completion of the four-year program, these students receive social, career, and academic skills that lead them to life success.” Each semester, RHS students take two traditional university classes in an area
GREEN COUNTRY SCENE GC
of interest, as well as one program class. Traditional classes can be taken with or without earning college credit. Students opting for noncredit still receive full course content and required classwork, but have a modified curriculum based on their abilities. Each scholar spends six hours a week with tutors. Students choosing for-credit classes must adhere to standard admissions guidelines and will not have modifications to the curriculum. Social skills are especially important and woven into every aspect of the program, just as they are an aspect of the college experience for any student. Mentors are particularly important. “The mentor program is part of the program we’re excited about,” Chase notes. “It partners our students with peer mentors and fitness mentors. “If you think about it, one of the scariest parts about going to college is not knowing anybody. Who are my friends? Who do I
hang out with? Who do I eat with? Our college mentors fill that important role.” Trained peer mentors are assigned to each student in the areas of socialization, navigating college life, and physical fitness. Scholars participate in the campus activities of their choice, along with required membership in an active club/organization of their choice. Fitness mentors help students create a fitness routine and stay engaged in physical fitness activities. The RiverHawks Scholar Program is a traditional college experience complete with residence life. Scholars make their college home in on-campus housing with student assistants who meet multiple times a day to assist with routines, including personal health, hygiene, and even life lessons such as financial literacy. Students are placed in time-limited job sampling and paid and unpaid internships throughout their four years, charting a path to meaningful employment in a career
of their choice. RiverHawks Scholars are expected to show satisfactory progress in all aspects of the program. Now in its second year, RHS program leaders have their sights set on increasing enrollment, as well as becoming certified as a Comprehensive Transition Program, a federal designation from the U.S. Department of Education — which would allow students to receive federal financial aid. In the meantime, a recent partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services allows eligible students up to $3,000 per semester for tuition, room, board, and paid internships. Students must be DRS clients with an individual plan for employment, 1824 years old, and enrolled in the NSU RiverHawks Scholar Program. The initial contract expires on June 30, 2020, and includes two one-year options to renew. For more information, call 918-444-3711 or visit nsuok.edu/RHScholar.
PREVIEW918.COM 69
RB RESTAURANT + BAR FINDER
We are tapped into what’s trending and delicious, giving you a first-hand look at where to go, what to eat, where the best cocktails are, and how to map out your culinary adventures in the 918. Whatever your mood, whatever you crave, the 918 has a restaurant or bar sure to satisfy. From local classics to chain favorites, a variety of options catering to every palate and pocketbook are available. For those on the move, search our website database with over 200 restaurants and bars in nearly 20 categories.
PREVIEW918.COM/DINE-DRINK
CATEGORIES AMERICAN ASIAN BAKERY BARBECUE BARS + PUBS BREAKFAST BRUNCH COFFEE
FEATURED LISTINGS ALBERT G’S BAR-B-Q
2748 S. Harvard Ave. | Tulsa 918-747-4799 SEE AD | PAGE 18
ALBERT G’S BAR-B-Q
421 E. 1st St. | Tulsa 918-728-3650 SEE AD | PAGE 18
GLOBAL
AMAZING THAI CUISINE 1232 E. Kenosha St. | Broken Arrow 918-258-8424 SEE AD | PAGE 91
BAXTER’S INTERURBAN GRILL
717 S. Houston Ave., Suite 100 | Tulsa 918-585-3134 SEE AD | PAGE 77
BROWNIES
2130 S. Harvard Ave. | Tulsa 918-744-0320 SEE AD | PAGE 41
MEXICAN PIZZA SEAFOOD SPECIALTY STEAK SWEETS 70 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
SEE AD | PAGE 18
DILLY DINER
402 E. 2nd St. | Tulsa 918-938-6382 SEE AD | PAGE 5
SEE AD | PAGE 45
FASSLER HALL
304 S. Elgin Ave. | Tulsa 918-576-7898 SEE AD | PAGE 5
FAT DADDY’S PUB AND GRILLE
8056 S. Memorial Dr. | Tulsa 918-872-6206
DOS BANDIDOS
13330 S. Memorial Dr. | Bixby 918-943-6787 109 N. Detroit Ave. | Tulsa 918-340-5533 SEE AD | PAGE 35
DUST BOWL
211 S. Elgin Ave. | Tulsa 918-430-3901 SEE AD | PAGE 5
EL CHICO
9825 E. 21st St. | Tulsa 918-663-7755 SEE AD | PAGE 91
FLO’S BURGER DINER 19322 E. Admiral Place | Catoosa 918-739-4858 2604 E. 11th St. | Tulsa 918-398-7102 SEE AD | PAGE 18
FUJI
8226 E. 71st St. | Tulsa 918-250-1821 SEE AD | PAGE 83
GEORGE’S PUB
108 N. 1st St. | Jenks 918-296-9711 SEE AD | PAGE 57
CAZ’S CHOWHOUSE
18 E. Reconciliation Way | Tulsa 918-588-2469 SEE AD | PAGE 62
EL GUAPO’S
332 E. 1st St. | Tulsa 918-382-RITA SEE AD | PAGE 5
21 E. Reconciliation Way | Tulsa 918-585-8587 SEE AD | PAGE 62
1304 E. 15th St. | Tulsa 918-587-4411 5320 S. Harvard Ave. | Tulsa 918-749-7755 6709 E. 81st St. | Tulsa 918-960-2723 SEE AD | PAGE 82
8222 E. 103rd St. | Tulsa 918-364-7827
ELGIN PARK
325 E. M.B. Brady St. | Tulsa 918-986-9910 SEE AD | PAGES 5, 67
CHIMI’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
GOODCENTS DELI FRESH SUBS
SEE AD | PAGE 91
CAZ’S PUB
ITALIAN MEDITERRANEAN
6812 S. 105th E. Ave. | Tulsa 918-449-3100
8922 S. Memorial Drive, Ste. C3 | Tulsa 918-459-7870
SEE AD | PAGE 41
DELI FINE DINING
DAVE & BUSTER’S
FAMOUS STEAKHOUSE
HABANEROS MEXICAN GRILL
4640 S. Elm Place | Broken Arrow 918-940-7272 SEE AD | PAGE 45
ELMER’S BBQ
4130 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa 918-742-6702 SEE AD | PAGE 41
RESTAURANT + BAR FINDER RB IN THE RAW
3321 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa 918-744-1300 6151 S. Sheridan Road | Tulsa 918-524-0063 216 S. Main St. | Broken Arrow 918-893-6111 SEE AD | PAGE 82
INCREDIBLE PIZZA
8314 E. 71st St. | Tulsa 539-302-2681 SEE AD | PAGE 3
MCALISTER’S DELI
4951 E. 21st St. | Tulsa 918-392-3373 8102-B S. Lewis Ave. | Tulsa 918-392-3354 8955 S. Memorial Drive | Tulsa 918-392-0770 720 N. Aspen | Broken Arrow 918-258-3354
RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT
8330 Riverside Parkway | Tulsa SEE AD | PAGES 28, 100
5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE BAR FIRESIDE GRILL
8321 E. 61st St. | Tulsa 918-252-9999 1330 E. 15th St. | Tulsa 918-599-7777 SEE AD | PAGE 35
SMOKE. WOODFIRE GRILL
1542 E. 15th St. | Tulsa 918-949-4440 201 S. Main | Owasso 918-401-4343 SEE AD | PAGE 83
JOHNNY ROCKETS
STEAK STUFFERS USA 7846 E. 51st. St. | Tulsa 918-743-7474
SEE AD | PAGE 83
JASON’S DELI
107 N. Boulder Ave. | Tulsa 918-576-6800 SEE AD | PAGE 63
8529 N. 129th E. Ave. | Owasso 918-376-9000 2330 SE Washington Blvd. | Bartlesville 918-333-6614
SISSEROU’S CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT
LANDSHARK BAR
SEE AD | PAGE 91
MCNELLIE’S PUB
409 E. 1st St. | Tulsa 918-382-7468 7031 S. Zurich Ave. | Tulsa 918-933-5250
SWEET BOUTIQUE MARGARITAVILLE 918-995-8080
The Boxyard | 502 E. 3rd St., #13 | Tulsa 918-900-2238 SEE AD | PAGE 77
SEE AD | PAGE 5
KITCH
377 E Main Street | Jenks 918-528-6766 SEE AD | PAGE 57
MEXICALI BORDER CAFÉ 14 W. Reconciliation Way | Tulsa 918-582-3383 SEE AD | PAGE 63
LOS CABOS
300 Riverwalk Terrace #100 | Jenks 918-298-2226 151 Bass Pro Drive | Broken Arrow 918-355-8877 9455 N. Owasso Expressway | Owasso 918-609-8671 SEE AD | PAGE 9
LOS MARIACHIS
2534 E. Kenosha St. | Broken Arrow 918-251-0370 11476 S. Union Ave. | Jenks 918-296-5352
MIAMI NIGHTS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
6510 E. 21st St. | Tulsa 918-835-4522
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE
918-995-8600
SCOREBOARD SPORTS BAR TIKI DINER
VISIONS BUFFET
MOLLY’S LANDING
MANOS PERUANAS
6703 E. 81st St., Ste. D | Tulsa 918-340-5379 SEE AD | PAGE 45
5629 E. 41st St. | Tulsa 918-622-2668 SEE AD | PAGE 41
6024 S. Sheridan Road | Tulsa 918-499-1919
SEE AD | PAGE 29
SEE AD | PAGE 9
ROCKING “R” RANCH HOUSE
7501 E. Kenosha St. | Broken Arrow 918-357-2719 SEE AD | PAGE 45
SEE AD | PAGE 57
RICARDOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT
TI AMO RISTORANTE ITALIANO
120 Aquarium Drive | Jenks 918-518-6300
SEE AD | PAGE 29
SEE AD | PAGE 82
SEE AD | PAGE 5
WATERFRONT GRILL
3700 N. Old Hwy 66 | Catoosa 918-266-7853
232 N. Main St. | Tulsa 918-936-4395
201 N. Main St. | Tulsa 918-949-9801
219 S. Cheyenne Ave. | Tulsa 918-592-5151
SEE AD | PAGE 18
PRAIRIE BREWPUB
THE TAVERN
SAFFRON MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE
3313 E. 32nd Place | Tulsa 539-525-0503 SEE AD | PAGE 29
YOKOZUNA
309 E. 2nd St. | Tulsa 918-508-7676 9146 S. Yale, Ste. 100 | Tulsa 918-508-7676 SEE AD | PAGE 5
YUTAKA GRILL AND SUSHI BUFFET
6560 E. 51st St. | Tulsa 918-921-3400 SEE AD | PAGE 29
PREVIEW918.COM 71
BT BEYOND TULSA Though the area suffered landmark flooding in May 2019, Muskogee is back on its feet and in the process of pushing forward, which is evident in the charming restaurants, shops, and activities that make the area a destination worth visiting.
Hist ric Resurgence Muskogee Brewing Company 1 21 S. 2ND ST. | MUSKOGEE
By Michele Chiappetta Photos by Rob Harmon There’s just something about Muskogee that winds its way into the imagination. It’s referred to in the movie Twister as the home of Helen Hunt’s alma mater. The character of Chandler on TV’s Friends says he loves Muskogee, though he thinks it’s a full four hours from Tulsa. (It’s only 40 minutes away.) And of course, it’s the star of the classic 1969 Merle Haggard tune, “Okie from Muskogee.” We’ve all heard of this city. But have you visited there lately? Muskogee offers a significant pull for day-trippers. Though the area suffered historic flooding in May 2019, Muskogee is back on its feet and in the process of pushing forward, which is evident in the charming restaurants, shops, and activities that make the area a destination worth visiting. The city is rich in museums, like the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, which highlights the art, history, and culture of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminole tribes. There’s also the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, which celebrates stars such as Wanda Jackson, Gene Autry, Toby Keith, Carrie Underwood, and many others. Muskogee also features some beautiful sights, including historic buildings like the Roxy Theater and magnificent landscaping at Honor Heights Park, which boasts 40 acres of manicured gardens with over 30,000 azaleas in 625 varieties. Every April, the park hosts its annual Azalea Festival (see page 36 for more on this). Spring is also an ideal time to wander the Katy Shopping District on Main Street, where delightful antiques, floral arrangements, and more are to be found. And make plans to visit one of the Castle of Muskogee’s many seasonal events, including the Renaissance Fair, which starts at the end of April. Complete your visit with a stop for a homebrewed drink. Choose delicious coffee at Erly Rush, tasty local beers at Muskogee Brewing Company, or wine made from locally-grown grapes at Pecan Creek Winery. All are fabulous, and all will beckon you to take a trip to Muskogee anytime you can.
72 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
Harmony House 2 08 S. 7TH ST. | MUSKOGEE
Erly Rush 7 04 N. YORK ST. | MUSKOGEE
Every small town worth its salt has an authentic coffee house where locals go to relax, have a warm cup of joe and enjoy each others company. Muskogee has Erly Rush, and it’s bona fide. This java shop has a fun and welcoming atmosphere. The coffee is tasty too. Try the coconut macchiato, the caramel brûlée, or any of their other amazing flavored coffees, hot or iced, and you’ll enjoy sipping every bit. For an extra kick to your day, ask for any of their coffees to be blended with an additional rich house espresso. These yummy concoctions are called rushiccinos. Whatever you do, you’ll be glad you included Erly Rush on your list of things to do in Muskogee.
Located in a gorgeous, century-old house in the heart of Muskogee’s downtown, this cute lunch and tea house has been treating visitors to delicious dishes for nearly 30 years. With a
tearoom on one side and a full-on bakery shop on the other, this busy kitchen produces some of Green Country’s best lunches and pastries. Choose from tasty meals like fresh burgers, sandwiches, salads, and soups. Regulars enjoy a different soup of the day with their meal, Monday through Saturday. The specials come with fresh homemade clover rolls as well as dessert. Whether you sample one of the incomparable peanut butter cookies or a sinfully moist, scrumptious cupcake, a trip to Muskogee without a stop here would be a mistake.
Craft beer is alive and well in Muskogee, thanks to Muskogee Brewing Company. Bill Parris, part-owner and the production manager of the brewery and taproom, is an excellent storyteller likely to share a yarn or two from behind the bar. Several delicious brews are on tap daily, starting at 11 a.m. every day except Sunday. Order a flight with your choice of four different kinds of beer in four-ounce glasses. You won’t be disappointed with the offerings. This brewery has developed some of the smoothest, richest-tasting brews around. Be sure to try the Old Vlad Putin, a delicious Russian Imperial Stout; and the Chocolate Chipotle Stout, a beer with chocolate tones up front and a touch of chipotle on the back end. Housed in an old firehouse that has been restored beautifully, the taproom is adjacent to its Station 1 kitchen so that you can order food along with your beer.
BEYOND TULSA BT is the perfect combination of chocolate and citrus. Try their Estate Reserved Chambourcin for an even more memorable elite wine experience. Bourbon-barrelaged to perfection, this is for the real wine lover in you.
Pecan Creek Winery
Tulsa's #1 Antique Mall Since 1996! I-44 Antique and Collectibles Mall has been Tulsa's #1 Antique Store since 1996. Come and see what our more than 50 vendors have to offer in our 9,000 square feet of dealer space.
Celebrating + Years!
8 510 W. FERN MOUNTAIN ROAD | MUSKOGEE
For award-winning, crème de la crème wine created right here in the Sooner State, look no further than Muskogee’s Pecan Creek Winery. Stop by the tasting room, and you’ll see why they’ve brought home so many prestigious awards. For starters, they grow their grapes. Considering Oklahoma’s weather, that’s impressive. With over 1,200 grape plants, such as Chambourcin, Vignoles and cabernet sauvignon, PCW harvests beautifully-flavored grapes, out of which they make some astoundingly rich, full-bodied and medium-bodied wines. The Purple Martin, for example, is a blend of Cabernet and Chambourcin, producing a multidimensional, yet balanced wine that goes well with the red meat we love so much around here. Or, if you prefer fruity, dessert wines, Peerless Pear
20
918.712.2222 | www.i44antiquemall.com Roxy Theater
Mon-Sat 10am-5pm • Sunday 12-5pm 5111 S. Peoria • Tulsa, Oklahoma
2 20 W. OKMULGEE AVE. | MUSKOGEE
This historic movie theater from the 1940s was closed for 30 years before being reopened in 2001 for movies and live performances. This multipurpose venue, still full of post-WW II charm, seats up to 300 people and is also currently being used as a showcase for local talent as well as professional touring acts. With a nostalgic feel that can’t be recreated by the latest mega-theater complexes, the Roxy is a nice spot to take in a bit of Americana that continues to dwindle as the years go by. Time your jaunt to Muskogee so you’ll be able to view an old film during classic movie night, like Grease or The Outlaw Josey Wales. Every April, the annual Barebones International Film and Music Festival is featured at the theater, bringing to Muskogee some unique films and music from around the world.
12 JULY 2016
PREVIEW918.COM 73
SS STYLE + SHOPPING
FL0WER POWER OFFERING A HIGHLY PERSONALIZED AND CREATIVE EXPERIENCE, EVER SOMETHING FOCUSES ON CREATING A ONE-OF-A-KIND VISION THAT SHOWCASES THE ENORMOUSLY TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF FLORAL AND DESIGN. BY MICHELE CHIAPPETTA & PHOTOS BY SARAH ELIZA ROBERTS Need an event designed or a wedding coordinated? Want an elegant arrangement of flowers to honor mom on Mother’s Day? Looking for stellar bouquets for your bridal party — flowers that look as lovely as what you’ll see in a design magazine? It’s time to turn to Tulsa’s Ever Something, a floral arrangement and event planning company that is as bright and memorable as a cascade of sweetheart roses. Ever Something’s co-owner Taylor Fowler first fell in love
74 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
with flower arranging in 2011, when she discovered a passion for recreating the beautiful images she saw in vintage gardening books and flower photographs. “I was just a DIY type of person,” she says. “I’ve always been pretty creative, and I’ve always enjoyed working with flowers, and I got into doing flowers by myself.” Fowler loved flower arrangements so much, she even dreamed about creating a floral business of some kind. But the company she now co-owns didn’t bloom into being
until she was approached by her soon-to-be business partner, Katie Carpenter (whose husband, Justin, owns Foolish Things Coffee Co.). As it turned out, Fowler and her husband decided to hold their wedding at Foolish Things, and fate was about to intervene. “My business partner, Katie, and I met because my husband and I got married at Foolish Things,” says Fowler. “I did all of my flowers and the design of my wedding. Katie noticed, and she approached me. It turned
out she had a background in event planning, so we teamed up. Now, she does all the wedding planning and coordination we do. And I handle all the floral arrangements.” That was seven years ago, and the ladies of Ever Something haven’t looked back. Business has been good, and they love the process of creating locallysourced, personally stamped event planning that is strikingly beautiful to see. “We mostly do events, weddings, and everything like that,” says Fowler. “We do have a flower shop too, but it’s only open by appointment. It’s a studio where we create flower arrangements for events.” For those considering Ever Something for event planning, all you need to do is browse the business’s online gallery or Instagram feed to see the beautiful designs and arrangements you’ll receive. The photographs are gorgeous and elegant, full of roses and decorative sprays, as you’d expect to see at a wedding. The team is creative, and they love it best when the bride and groom give them leeway to design a customized look personalized to the couple. “One thing we always tell our couples is to not necessarily decide all of the designs and flowers based on things they see from other weddings,” says Fowler.
STYLE + SHOPPING SS Ranch in Jenks, though they’ll work with you wherever you want to be. They get down to Oklahoma City for weddings often. They’ve even traveled to Asheville, North Carolina, to design and coordinate an event. For another big event in Claremore last year, a three-day event, Ever Something rented a large refrigerated truck to store and craft arrangements created with all locally grown flowers.
the personal events that people are celebrating,” Fowler says. Twice a year, for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, Ever Something creates specialized arrangements, usually a few designs which they create and then post on their website. People can choose one of these designs and place an order, and Ever Something will deliver it. Special orders at other times of the year are also possible; place your request through the website. For an unusual bit of fun, check out the cocktail and floral workshops Ever Something hosts once or twice monthly at Foolish Things Bar and Biscuit on Brookside. Spend the evening learning the craft of cocktails and the art of floral arranging. “We also do private workshops as well at our Kendall-Whittier location,” says Fowler. “We can host 30-35 people in our shop for parties and special events.”
“We’d rather they come to us and tell us about them and their personal style and what they like to do together as a couple. We use that as inspiration in the design of their wedding. Whether they love modern design or vintage or nature, all can play a role in creating the design of the flowers and the overall wedding in general. We like to find out more about them personally, so they don’t just go and choose what someone else has done. We encourage them to keep an open mind and let us do what we do best.”
EVER SOMETHING
2306 E. Admiral Blvd. | Tulsa 918-794-4492 eversomething.com
R
In addition to weddings, Ever Something also specializes in planning and arranging for intimate, personal gatherings, the events that make up the special moments of life. “We enjoy doing baby showers. We do a lot of bridal showers, anniversaries, the things that go beyond a wedding,
TO
Ever Something handles weddings and other events in the Tulsa area, usually at Spain
“It was pretty amazing to see what our community could pull together for this event,” she says.
CA
A signature element of Ever Something’s floral designs is that
they work as much as possible with seasonal and locally grown flowers. “We work with as many farms as we can in the surrounding areas,” says Fowler. “Stillwater, Claremore, Broken Arrow — we try to get as many flowers, especially in spring and summer, locally.”
LO
For flowers, Fowler recommends that brides start the planning at least four to six months in advance of the wedding. That’s the sweet spot. But if you come in needing something faster, they’ll do all they can to accommodate you. With a sizable team to help pull off events, Ever Something is as flexible as they come.
TAYLOR FOWLER
PREVIEW918.COM 75
LP LAUNCH PAD
Get TAPPING INTO COMMUNITY RESOURCES LIKE THE TULSA SMALL BUSINESS CONNECTION IS ESSENTIAL TO LEARNING HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS. — By Michele Chiappetta Sometimes, a business needs a little support. Small businesses, in particular, face several challenges simply because of their size. Their owners and employees often wear many hats, and it takes time and effort to find answers to questions they have. Tapping into great community resources is essential to learning how to grow your small business. Thankfully, Tulsa has many organizations that smallbusiness owners can turn to when they need help. One of them is the Tulsa Small Business
76 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
Connection, a program of the Tulsa Regional Chamber which supports small-business owners by providing the information and resources they need to succeed and grow. The Connection focuses on helping businesses with 50 or fewer employees. The Connection was founded at the Small Business Council in 1994 to help support small businesses. “As we have grown, we have continued to develop innovative programs to meet the needs of small-business owners,” says Colleen Almeida Smith, executive director. “Our
volunteers and advisory board members know what it means to own a small business, and they work to identify speakers and program opportunities that will help grow local businesses.” This is fitting, as Tulsa has received a lot of praise and attention recently for its small business-friendly environment. “It is a testament to the innovative and collaborative nature of the local business community,” says Smith.
and business people. “We offer a variety of programs and events for small-business owners and their employees — everything from quarterly lunch and learns, called Business Behind the Scenes, to our Women Business Leader events,” says Smith. “We have touched thousands of businesses throughout the years. Currently, the Connection represents more than 1,800 small business members of the Tulsa Regional Chamber, but our reach includes many nonmembers too.”
The Connection provides a lot of options for Tulsa’s entrepreneurs
The effects of such collaboration to grow small businesses is
The Connection also exists to provide leadership so that Tulsa continues to be even more open and accessible to the creation and growth of small businesses, which are a significant driver of the city’s economy. From roundtables and networking meetings to
Additional programming throughout the year includes Business Behind the Scenes educational forums, SCORE mentorships, legislative advocacy, and the Tulsa Small Business Summit and Small Business Awards. Many of the Connection’s events are open to businesses that are not members of the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce. “And our website has a host of resources that anyone can access,” says Smith.
TULSA SMALL BUSINESS CONNECTION 1 W. 3rd St. | Tulsa 918-560-0294 tulsasbc.com
R
“We also offer Lean In Together lunches, a series of three lunches in which women can expand their networks and discuss issues in a supportive environment. We currently have about two dozen women participating in that program. This year, the committee is expanding its efforts to include DEI [diversity, equity, and inclusion] initiatives to help support under-represented business leaders.”
“Workforce remains one of the greatest needs that small businesses face,” says Smith. “From hiring to training to retaining employees, a skilled workforce is critical to the success of businesses in the region. It is always interesting creating and refining programs to help with some of these challenges. Last year, TYPROS [Tulsa’s Young Professionals] and the Connection jointly launched Business University: Inspired Leadership Development [BUILD] to help small-business owners equip some of their best employees with new skills and understanding that would allow them to take on additional responsibilities. This year, we streamlined the program and are offering it again.”
TO
“The Connection created a Women Business Leader committee a few years ago to address the needs of women in the workplace,” says Smith. “Many women were struggling to have their voices and ideas heard. Our events have brought in speakers such as Marilyn Ihloff of Ihloff Salons and Day Spas, Lynn Flinn of the Rowland Group, and Rena Cook from Vocal Authority to tell their stories, to offer advice and to help women identify their strengths.
An example Smith points to is the creation of a program that helps connect small businesses with great employees — which is another area where business owners can benefit from guidance and training.
CA
Another popular offering of the Connection are the Women Business Leaders events, a highly popular segment of the Connection’s offerings.
programming and more, the Connection is seeking to meet those needs.
LO
immense. Like any good brain trust or networking group, being able to tap into what others know is invaluable — especially when it comes to creating more opportunities for people of all groups. The Connection hosts monthly CEO Roundtables, which in effect provide a personal board of directors for owners and CEOs who want to discuss issues and successes with other business leaders who can help advise and support them.
PREVIEW918.COM 77
HF HEALTH + FITNESS
Rise and Shine
THE BEST TIME TO WORK OUT IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE WHENEVER IT WORKS FOR YOU. BUT KEEP IN MIND THAT THERE ARE BENEFITS TO STARTING YOUR DAY WITH A SWEAT SESSION, RATHER THAN ENDING IT WITH ONE. BY ASHTON GREER FEWER DISTRACTIONS
When it comes to exercise, the best time of day to get in a workout is whenever you can do it consistently. Everyone is different. The “right” time depends on factors like your preference, lifestyle, and body. And while there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, morning workouts do have some benefits. Getting your recommended 30 minutes of exercise each day can be stressful for many who continuously battle with the snooze button. Between juggling family priorities, working, and possibly school, you can always find an excuse to skip the gym. However, making it a habit to exercise right after you get up in the morning might be the ultimate solution to keep yourself motivated. We know that it’s tempting to sleep as long as possible instead of getting up to hit the gym before the day gets away from you. But if you can make it a habit to get your daily exercise in before you get to the office, you’ll feel more accomplished and confident, and you’ll enjoy many health benefits. With a few small changes, anyone can make morning exercise a habit — even if you’re not a morning person.
78 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
Morning workouts typically mean you’re less prone to distractions. When you first wake up, you haven’t started tackling the day’s to-do list. You’re also less likely to get phone calls, text messages, and emails. With fewer distractions, you’re more likely to follow through with your workout.
START SMALL You might be tempted to be ambitious with your morning workouts. But if you’re not in the habit of exercising in the morning (or exercising at all), waking up to run 6 miles or lift for an hour can feel overwhelming. Instead, start small. For example, if you’re just getting started with morning exercise, maybe you start by getting up and doing a walking
workout a few days a week. Then, once you’ve established that habit, you can increase your pace to a jog. Habits take time to form. With morning exercise, if you try to do too much too fast, you can burn yourself out.
BETTER FOCUS DURING THE DAY AND INCREASED ALERTNESS Regular exercise is excellent for boosting energy and reducing fatigue. When you work out, oxygen and nutrients travel to your heart and lungs. This improves your cardiovascular system, endurance, and overall stamina. By exercising early, you may feel more energized throughout the day. Plus, you’re guaranteed to feel happier knowing that you started your day by doing something
HEALTH + FITNESS HF amazing for yourself and your health.
APPETITE CONTROL When you work out in the morning, you are less likely to have the urge to consume a greasy or sugar-filled breakfast. You feel so good about yourself after your workout that you wouldn’t want to ruin the start of your day by eating unhealthily after you gave your body a good workout.
IMPROVED SLEEP Exercise in general is known to promote better sleeping habits. However, exercising in the evening can make it harder to fall asleep at night (as it boosts your endorphins). One study found that participants who exercised at 7 a.m. experienced deeper, longer sleep than those who exercised in the afternoon or evening. Morning workouts are the best way to reap all of the sleep benefits of exercise.
BOOST IN METABOLISM Ever heard of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, aka EPOC? Well, it’s a fitness term meaning that when you work out, you receive a boost in metabolism that allows your body to burn more calories after your workout. Yes, this happens even once you get to work or school and sit at your desk doing work. So, take advantage of EPOC in the morning hours so you continue to burn calories throughout the rest of your day.
BLOOD PRESSURELOWERING ABILITIES While you would think that it would not make a difference whether your workout is in the morning or evening when it comes
to lowering blood pressure, think again. Morning workouts make a greater difference. According to a study that compared 30-minute workout sessions that occurred at different times of the day (7 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m.), the 7 a.m. workout caused the most significant reduction in blood pressure. Not only did the early morning workout cause a 10% decrease, but it caused a continuous decline throughout the rest of the individual’s day.
IMPROVED WEIGHT LOSS Morning exercise is not superior to evening exercise when it comes to weight loss. Losing weight comes down to burning more calories than you consume. However, there are two reasons why morning exercise might be beneficial for you if you’re trying to lose weight. If you find yourself getting cravings that lead to overeating after working out, morning workouts might curb your appetite and help you make better food choices throughout the day. It’s also a fact that when you train on an empty stomach, a more significant ratio of energy that you use comes from your fat stores. So, if two workouts burned the same amount of calories, the one that was done on an empty stomach might trigger faster weight loss.
BEAT THE HEAT The most extreme temperatures of the day in Oklahoma usually occur between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. So, if you love to take advantage of the summer and workout outside, do it before 10 a.m. Otherwise, you could suffer from severe heat exhaustion and possibly heat stroke. We exercise to keep ourselves healthy, not suffer from lifethreatening occurrences.
PREVIEW918.COM 79
ET EATS + TREATS
tase of sprin
APRIL IS A TRANSITIONAL SEASON, NOT ONLY FOR THE WEATHER BUT ALSO FOR COOKING. GONE ARE THE CRAVINGS FOR WARMING STEWS AND COMFORTING CASSEROLES; IT'S ALL ABOUT BRIGHT, FRESH FLAVORS THAT MAKE THE MOST OUT OF SPRING. What better way is there to salute this spring season than with the freshest of ingredients and the tastiest of recipes? It’s prime time to pick the perfect produce. The world is thawing, the land is blooming, and we want your springtime signature dishes to be as delicious as they are beautiful. Any spring-specific recipe should contain all the colors of the rainbow and every flavor to match. So, find your favorite fruits, snag a variety of vegetables, and consider which flavors you want to savor, because these dishes can cater to any palate. We’ve got your protein, we’ve got your fruits and veggies, and we’ve got your tangy cocktail, but most importantly, we’ve got you in mind.
by SARAH HERRERA photos by SARAH HERRERA
80 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
Take a break from spring cleaning and start preparing for spring eating.
EATS + TREATS ET SALMON SUSHI BOWL There’s nothing fishy about this bowl of perfection. Try it with the sauce or take it without — no matter what, these flavors are phenomenal. INGREDIENTS: 1 cup rice (white or basmati) 1 salmon, sectioned into desired
serving sizes ½ avocado, sliced 1∕3 cup cucumber, diced ¼ cup green onion, sliced 1∕3 cup radishes, sliced ¼ cup carrots, sliced ¼ cup almonds, sliced Sesame seeds for garnish Soy sauce, optional Pickled ginger, optional
DIRECTIONS:
1. Cook rice according to instructions on the package. 2. While rice is cooking, heat stove to medium heat and toss on small amounts of salmon. Cook to the desired level (or don’t cook at all). 3. Once the rice has set, put into individual serving bowls and top with vegetables, almonds, salmon, and sesame seeds. 4. Add soy sauce and ginger if desired, and serve.
SPICY SRIRACHA EDAMAME Whether you’re a lover of classic edamame or merely a fan of anything spicy, this small treat can be made just the way you like it. INGREDIENTS: 16-ounce bag of frozen edamame (in
the shell) ½ tsp. sesame oil 1 Tbsp. Sriracha sauce ½ tsp salt 1 Tbsp. black sesame seeds DIRECTIONS:
1. Cook the frozen edamame according to the package instructions. 2. Drain and place in a large mixing bowl. 3. Toss the edamame with the sesame oil and Sriracha sauce. 4. Add in the salt and sesame seeds, and serve.
TANGERINE GINGER SAKE SANGRIA Cheers to fresh cocktails that taste and look like springtime. This fruity libation is sweet, tangy, and utterly delightful. INGREDIENTS: 1 bottle of Nigori sake 1 cup of sugar 1 cup of water ½ cup fresh ginger, chopped 3 tangerines or mandarin oranges ⅓ cup fresh mint (more, for garnish)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Bring 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. 2. Add ½ cup of fresh, chopped ginger. Remove from heat, and let steep 30 minutes. 3. Pour syrup through a fine sieve into a heat resistant container; discard ginger. Chill in the refrigerator. 4. Thinly slice three tangerines and add them to the pitcher. 5. Add ⅓ cup of fresh, chopped mint leaves to a glass with sake to cover and mull them. 6. Add the mulled mint and the remaining sake to the pitcher. 7. Add the chilled ginger syrup to the pitcher and mix well. Add in mint leaves, if desired. 8. For each glass, sugar coat the rim. Pour about ¼ cup of granulated sugar into a shallow plate. Wipe the rim of the glass with a tangerine slice and then twist the wet rimmed glass in the sugar.
PREVIEW918.COM 81
82 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
PREVIEW918.COM 83
Whether you crave a classic Caesar, a not-so-classic Cobb, one with a Greek spin, or something with plenty of flair, we've found the 66 best leaf-packed beauties in the area that deserve your fork's attention.
BY MICHELE CHIAPPETTA AND ROB HARMON
eating
garden of
84 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
What fuels Green Country’s love affair with the salad? Yes, it can be a healthy option, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. When the salad is done right, it can be an entire, filling meal that tastes delicious and draws you back again and again for more. What other food gives such pleasure to the eyes and the stomach? Lively colors, shades of red, green, yellow, and purple, explode on the plate. It’s like the eyes get a taste before the salad ever even comes in contact with your mouth. Salads can be simple and no-nonsense — like romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing. They can be decadent treats — blending fresh strawberries, spinach, feta cheese, and candied walnuts. You can throw in just about everything with a chef ’s style salad that mixes ham, cheese, and more to give you the pleasure of a sandwich without the dreaded carbheavy bread you may be avoiding on your keto diet. There are plenty of specialties for those with discerning foodie tastes. Rare ahi tuna laid artfully atop greens will have you drooling if you’ll give it a chance. That savory Caribbean style beet salad will make you fall in love with foods you only thought you didn’t like. And there’s always a good salad bar which, when done right, offers so many options that you can fill your stomach to overflowing without ever ordering anything else. Tulsa and the surrounding areas know a thing or two about tasty salads. So many restaurants in Green Country don’t just throw salad on the menu; they celebrate it. Check out these excellent salad options among our outstanding restaurants.
Celebrity Restaurant 3109 S. YALE AVE. TULSA
Green Country is rich in restaurant tradition, and Celebrity Restaurant is right up there at the top. Without question, the restaurant’s meticulous approach to fine dining has set itself apart for over 50 years now. Of course, the salads they serve are of a caliber you would expect from one of Tulsa’s most loved establishments. After having one of Celebrity’s spectacular appetizers, a house, wedge, or table-side Caesar salad will only elevate the experience. Enjoy every exciting bite of its fresh mixed greens with aromatic onions and classic tomatoes, along with the housemade dressing.
Chimi's 1304 E. 15TH ST. TULSA 5320 S. HARVARD AVE. TULSA 6709 E. 81ST ST. TULSA
Regulars already know what to expect from this legendary Mexican restaurant — quality food, excellent service, and a memory-making atmosphere. Their delicious salads, made fresh with the finest ingredients, please the palate. Try Chimi’s avocado salad, an enormous bowl filled with tasty mixed greens, red onions, bacon, and rich, sweet tomatoes, topped with an entire avocado perfectly sliced. Or, if you’re interested in a salad that is a whole surefire meal, enjoy the restaurant’s Southwest chicken salad. Caramelized walnuts, combined with diced grilled chicken and fresh tomatoes, tortilla strips, olives, and chives — it’s so tasty, you may never order anything else.
Famous Steakhouse 8922 S. MEMORIAL DR., STE. C3 TULSA
If you’re looking to be treated like a celebrity, make this restaurant your next destination. Mouth-watering steak, chicken, lamb, and pasta are waiting for you. But their salads are just as famous and enchanting as the rest of the menu. Choose from among the fattoush, Greek, house, panache, or tabouli salads. Whichever you decide, expect fresh greens and tasty veggies. Add chicken, shrimp, or salmon to any of the already exceptional salads, and you’re guaranteed to be pleasantly surprised by the sensational taste. You’ll be asking for more before the rest of the fantastic meal arrives.
In the Raw 3321 S. PEORIA AVE. TULSA
6151 S. SHERIDAN ROAD TULSA
216 S. MAIN ST. BROKEN ARROW
This brilliant restaurant is famously known for its fantastic sushi, but one of the most surprisingly good salads anywhere in Tulsa is found right here. Every scrumptious bite of the ITR salad is a festival of flavor inside your mouth. Perfectly roasted chicken, crispy noodles and wontons, fresh lettuce, scallions, toasted almonds, and a yummy ginger vinaigrette dressing all make for a special salad you will not soon forget. Order a full or half salad before enjoying some of the best sushi you’ll find anywhere in this part of the world.
PREVIEW918.COM 85
McAlister's Deli
Laffa
4951 E. 21ST ST. TULSA
111 N. MAIN ST. TULSA
Also Check Out Amelia's Wood Fired Cuisine 122 N. BOSTON AVE. | TULSA
Biga
4329 S. PEORIA AVE. | TULSA
Bin 35 Bistro
3509 S. PEORIA AVE. | TULSA
Bird & Bottle
3324-A E. 31ST ST. | TULSA
Bluestone Steak House & Seafood
10032 S. SHERIDAN ROAD, STE. J | TULSA
Boston Deli Grill & Market 6231 E. 61ST ST. | TULSA
Bread and Butter Kitchen + Bakery 3837 E. 51ST ST. | TULSA
Brook Restaurant and Bar 3401 S. PEORIA AVE. | TULSA 7727 E. 91ST ST. | TULSA
Charleston's Restaurant 251 E. HILLSIDE DR. | BROKEN ARROW 3726 S. PEORIA AVE. | TULSA 6839 S. YALE AVE. | TULSA
Crushed Red on Cherry Street 1529 E. 15TH ST. | TULSA
Doc's Wine & Food
3509 S. PEORIA AVE. | TULSA
El Guapo's Cantina 332 E. 1ST ST. | TULSA
Elote
514 S. BOSTON AVE. | TULSA
Fleming's Steakhouse
Jason's Deli 1330 E. 15TH ST. TULSA 832 E. 61ST ST. TULSA
No matter which of the Jason’s Deli locations you visit, you are sure to indulge yourself with a salad experience unmatched anywhere else. Seriously, have you seen the salad bar? It’s fresh, delicious and so convenient. Practically an entire meal awaits you there. Fill up on hummus, boiled eggs, and other high-protein items, thrown into an already fantastic salad. Or order from the menu, because there are many gorgeous salads you can snag, like the taco salad or the yummy Caesar salad. The Mesa, with bits of roasted corn and freshly sliced avocado, is mouth-watering.
Hammett House
409 E. 1ST ST. TULSA
1616 W. WILL ROGERS BLVD. | CLAREMORE
Ike's Chili
Incredible Pizza 8314 E. 71ST ST. | TULSA
JINYA Ramen Bar 416 E. 2ND ST. | TULSA
Juniper
324 E. 3RD ST. | TULSA
Keo Asian Cuisine
3524 S. PEORIA AVE. | TULSA 8921 S. YALE AVE. | TULSA
Kilkenny's Irish Pub Kirin
Kitch
377 E. MAIN ST. | JENKS
Lanna Thai
7227 S. MEMORIAL DRIVE | TULSA
Lone Wolf Banh Mi 3136 E. 11TH ST. | TULSA 203 E. ARCHER ST. | TULSA
86 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
8955 S. MEMORIAL DR., STE. B TULSA 720 N. ASPEN BROKEN ARROW 8529 N. 129TH E. AVE. OWASSO 2330 SE WASHINGTON BLVD. BARTLESVILLE
There are so many tasty items on this deli’s menu, it’s hard to know what to pick. Narrow down your choices to salad only, and you still have an abundance to choose from. Any option will be pleasing to the taste buds. Try the harvest chicken salad with fresh pulled chicken, cranberries, pecans, and garden salad veggies. You’ll undoubtedly be convinced it’s more a meal than an appetizer. Enjoy the Savannah chopped salad with dried cranberries, Gorgonzola, honey roasted almonds, tomatoes and cucumbers, perfectly combined with tender chicken bits, and you’ll be delighted.
7031 S. ZURICH AVE. TULSA
Maybe you don’t think of salads when you hear the name McNellie’s. Fair enough. This place is known for its amazing beer, spectacular atmosphere, and stellar service. But the food here is every bit as good as any four-star restaurant. The succulent salads at McNellie’s are no exception. Pick the jalapeno salad, which contains fresh spinach, delicious jalapeno cornbread, grape tomatoes, roasted walnuts, and diced pepper jack, drenched in an oregano vinaigrette. It is a uniquely flavorful experience for any salad lover. Order the kale and Brussel sprout salad with dried cherries, red onion, walnuts, cured egg, and their citrus cider vinaigrette. It won’t be one you’ll soon forget.
1503 E. 11TH ST. | TULSA
8041 S. MINGO ROAD | TULSA
chance to people watch. Laffa’s salads are full of top-shelf ingredients. Roasted Berber tomatoes, yummy feta cheese, marinated cauliflower, and so many other veggies are ready to be devoured. Explore the Israeli culinary culture through salads or other vegetarian dishes, all with rich flavor.
8102-B S. LEWIS AVE. TULSA
McNellie's Pub
1976 UTICA SQUARE | TULSA
1413 E. 15TH ST. | TULSA
Tulsa folks have enjoyed Mediterranean style food at Laffa Medi-Eastern Restaurant and Bar for a long time now. Enjoy either their inside dining lounge, which is upbeat and comfortable, yet super-stylish, or grab a seat outside on the patio after ordering from the walk-up window. It’s a Tulsa Arts District gem for those who want a healthy choice, and a
Mondo's Ristorante Italian 3410 S. PEORIA AVE. TULSA
This family-owned favorite of Tulsans for generations has something for every Italian food lover. This includes salads, of course. Matching the restaurant’s atmosphere and service, these green, leafy menu items are refined and delicious. The grilled or blackened salmon salad is to die for. You’ll savor every bite of the perfectly cooked Alaskan salmon atop a bed of mixed greens, topped with juicy tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, fresh mozzarella, black olives, Tuscan peppers, red onions, and croutons. Come ready to eat, because we know you won’t be able to stop at the salad. It’s all too tasty.
The Tavern 201 N. MAIN ST. TULSA
Sisserou's Caribbean Restaurant 107 N. BOULDER AVE. TULSA
Downtown’s Tulsa Arts District hosts an oasis of Caribbean flavor and fun called Sisserou’s. For many, it’s the kind of restaurant you put on the calendar because it’s too good to miss out on. Primarily influenced by tropical island cooking, with jerk seasoning, curry, coconut, and all sorts of seafood, any item you pick from the menu will explode in your mouth with colorful flavor the second it leaves the fork. The salads blend more traditional ingredients with a Caribbean twist to make them pop. The beet salad is a revelation, and the jerk chicken salad is sure to make your experience an enjoyable one.
The dark wood paneling inside the chic, charming, cozy atmosphere of the Tavern makes any meal you decide on hit the spot. Indeed, anything on the drink and food menus will be a notch or two above any expectation a first-time visitor may have. With a kitchen that aims to please and is among one of the best in town, it is no surprise that the salads here are exceptional. Choose the kale salad. It is wonderfully delicious and the perfect healthy choice. Enjoy the appealing Cobb salad with housemade dill vinaigrette, egg, tomato, and feta cheese, and you may not want to order anything else here again.
SMOKE. Woodfire Grill is indeed a place to visit if you’re looking to treat yourself for dinner, with imaginative menu items interspersed with familiar classics. Both the Owasso and Cherry Street locations are hard to beat if you’re looking for a well-prepared, delicious salad. The grilled romaine is a regular’s favorite and never disappoints. Made with shaved manchego cheese and flavorful croutons on a bed of romaine greens, with one of the tastiest Caesar vinaigrettes you’ve ever enjoyed poured over it — it’s simply delightful.
MAD Eats
201 S. MAIN ST. | OWASSO
Mahogany Prime Steakhouse 4840 E. 61ST ST. | TULSA
Main Street Tavern 1325 E. 15TH ST. | TULSA
Manos Peruanas Michael V's
Nola's Creole and Cocktails 1334 E. 15TH ST. | TULSA
Ol'Vine Fresh Grill 3523 S. PEORIA AVE. | TULSA
219 S. CHEYENNE AVE. TULSA
201 S. MAIN, STE. 100 OWASSO
Lowood
817 E. 3RD ST. | TULSA
8222 E. 103RD ST. | TULSA
6024 S. SHERIDAN ROAD, #A TULSA
1542 E. 15TH ST. TULSA
Los Cabos
300 RIVERWALK TERRACE, #100 | JENKS 151 BASS PRO DRIVE | BROKEN ARROW 9455 N. OWASSO EXPRESSWAY | OWASSO
6703 E. 81ST ST., STE. D | TULSA
Ti Amo Ristorante Italiano
SMOKE. Woodfire Grill
Also Check Out
At both the downtown and south Tulsa locations, you can expect the same authentic Italian fare that honestly very few other restaurants in Green Country can offer. The salads Ti Amo places in front of you will undoubtedly be both pleasing to the eye, as well as the palate. The burrata beet salad is both exceptionally colorful and delicious. For a delightful salad combination, try the spinach salad with juicy strawberries and candied pecans. Add chicken, shrimp, salmon or ahi tuna for a lovely addition of protein.
Waterfront Grill 120 AQUARIUM DRIVE JENKS
There isn’t anything that Waterfront attempts halfway. If you’ve forgone the salad option before on other visits, don’t miss it this time. Order the Newport Beach for a refreshing approach. The rotisserie chicken, mixed with Applewood bacon, eggs, almond, walnut, and dried cranberries, is sure to be an adventure you’ll enjoy, making most other salad experiences seem run-of-the-mill. The seared ahi tuna salad is a gorgeous blend of field greens, red onions, avocado, and fresh mango, and is likely to become your favorite choice in the future.
Oren Restaurant
3509 S. PEORIA AVE. | TULSA
Polo Grill
2038 UTICA SQUARE | TULSA
Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co. 313 E. 2ND ST. | TULSA
Prairie Brewpub 223 N. MAIN ST. | TULSA
PRHYME: Downtown Steakhouse 111 N. MAIN ST. | TULSA
Redrock Canyon Grill 9916 RIVERSIDE PARKWAY | TULSA
Ridge Grill
9999 S. MINGO, STE. G | TULSA
Rocking "R" Ranch House
7501 E. KENOSHA ST. | BROKEN ARROW
Ruby Tuesday
7806 E. SKELLY DRIVE | TULSA
Ruth's Chris Steak House 8330 RIVERSIDE PARKWAY | TULSA
Salata
6030 S. YALE AVE. | TULSA 1617 E. 15TH ST. | TULSA
Shiloh's
2604 N. ASPEN AVE. | BROKEN ARROW
Stonehorse Cafe
1748 UTICA SQUARE | TULSA
Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe 1551 E. 15TH ST. | TULSA 4929 E. 71ST ST. | TULSA
The Chalkboard Restaurant 1324 S. MAIN ST. | TULSA
Tropical Restaurant & Bar 8125 E. 49TH ST. | TULSA
Wild Fork
1820 UTICA SQUARE | TULSA
Yokozuna
309 E. 2ND ST. | TULSA 9146 S. YALE, STE. 100 | TULSA
PREVIEW918.COM 87
COO KIE BU TTE RW AFF LE
88 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
IN THE HANDS OF WAFFLE THAT’S ROY TILLIS, THE KNOCKOUT COMBINATION OF PERFECTLY-SEASONED FRIED CHICKEN ATOP WARM, BUTTERY WAFFLES AND HOUSEMADE SYRUP IS ENOUGH TO SATISFY ANY SWEET AND SALTY CRAVING. By Donna Leahey Photos by Sarah Eliza Roberts
There’s a stretch of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard that was named for one of Oklahoma’s favorite sons, James “Quick” Tillis, a heavyweight fighter who went the distance — a full 12 rounds — against Mike Tyson in 1986, ultimately breaking Tyson’s 19 knockout streak. This was at a time when no one was making it past two rounds against Tyson. That same stretch of road is home to Waffle That, owned and run by Quick’s nephew, Roy Tillis. In addition to his surname, Roy also shares his uncle’s drive to win. He’s been operating the Waffle That food truck for two years, showing up to deliver sweet and savory treats around Guthrie Green, various big events, and local businesses for lunches. If you’ve been missing the Waffle That truck, it’ll be on the road again when the weather warms up. In the meantime, Tillis brought his waffle
LOADED FRIES
expertise to a brick and mortar location in November 2019. For many, waffles are a favorite meal. They are crispy, airy, and versatile enough to complement any breakfast. The combination is perfect alongside eggs and bacon, or even smothered in rich, creamy gravy. Waffles are a sweet way to start your day or end it. Do you prefer yours dripping with creamy butter and syrup? Or topped with fresh ice cream and fruit? Or maybe you like yours with hot and crispy fried chicken. Whatever your favorite way to waffle, Tillis has you covered. Don’t be fooled by Waffle That’s unassuming building. Inside, the red and black tables are distinct and give the place a vibrant, warm energy. “Red is exciting,” says Tillis. “It makes you
CHICKEN IN A CONE
feel better.” Note the pictures on the walls, one of a street sign showing the intersection of Quick Tillis Way and Frankford Place. The other, a photo of Quick Tillis himself in the ring with Mike Tyson. Quick is a big man, and he looks strong going up against Iron Mike. Like his uncle, Tillis believes in putting in the work. “Doing it the hard way is the best way,” he says. “I’ve been cooking my whole life. Even before the food truck, I worked on the recipes for one and a half years. I also make my syrup.” Tillis is quiet and soft-spoken and lets his recipes speak for him. And boy, do they have things to say. The chicken and waffles are Waffle That’s top seller. This signature dish is served with three enormous chicken tenders, fried to rich, dark, crispy
PREVIEW918.COM 89
CHICKEN AND WAFFLE
LOADED BREAKFAST WAFFLE
90 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
R
If you need more sweet to your waffle than can be provided by syrup, you should take a look at the dessert waffles. These desserts are as beautiful as they are delicious, topped with fruits stacked intricately atop a sweet and fluffy waffle, creamy vanilla ice cream, and sweet toppings. The cinnamon roll waffle is a tempting treat, as is the cookie butter waffle, drizzled with creamy sweet cookie butter.
WAFFLE THAT
2115 M.L.K. Jr Blvd. | Tulsa 918-932-8081
TO
Another unique take on waffles and chicken is the chicken and waffle bites. Waffle That chops up chicken tenders and dips them in waffle batter. They’re deep-fried to crispy perfection and sprinkled with powder sugar. These sweet and crispy bites give you the best of chicken and waffles in one easy, delightful bite.
If you want a heartier breakfast, the loaded breakfast waffle comes with scrambled eggs and your choice of bacon or sausage. If you want it heartier, get it covered in rich, creamy gravy. Talk about sticking to your ribs.
If you’re looking for catering, Waffle That would love to help. They can come out in the food truck or do regular catering for your event. Give them a call if you want to treat your guests to something extra special for your next party or event.
CA
The chicken in a waffle cone is another excellent option for getting your hands on that fantastic chicken. Waffle That’s amazing chicken is chopped, served in a waffle cone, and then drizzled with your choice of sweet or savory sauces.
The loaded fries are a different take on Tillis’s everything-is-a-waffle commitment. A tray is covered generously with wafflecut fries and chicken, then topped with ranch dressing, Buffalo sauce, and Waffle That’s syrup. It’s a first-round KO.
LO
perfection. The tenders are crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with a wonderfully seasoned flavor. The waffle itself is golden and hearty, with a lovely browned exterior and just a hint of sweetness inside. Pour Tillis’s syrup over the whole thing for a sweet, savory, creamy flavor explosion.
Monday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday: Closed Wednesday-Thursday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
PREVIEW918.COM 91
GK GETTING TO KNOW
STEVE LIGGETT
Offering anything from mixed media presentations and live performances to static paintings and writings created in response to other artworks, Steve Liggett and his studio is focused on providing a forum for underrecognized artists. Next time you’re downtown visiting the First Street Flea Market or window shopping at The Boxyard, take a walk over to Kenosha Avenue. There, you’ll find a small, unassuming white building that houses a unique art studio that is all about showcasing those in the community who need space and room to be seen and heard.
by MICHELE CHIAPPETTA photos by SARAH ELIZA ROBERTS 92 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
Liggett Studio, which has been around for about 15 years now, is headed by artist Steve Liggett, who has been an arts advocate and artist in the Tulsa community for over 40 years. He has taught art at Holland Hall Preparatory School and Riverfield Country Day School, served as a resident artist for the Tulsa Park and Recreation Department, and headed Living
of Community in her 90s, and whose expressionistic works have been exhibited in Oklahoma and other states for over 60 years. Another exhibit featured photography from New York City’s 42nd Street by Roy Lee.
Currently on display through the beginning of May is the work of David Cardamone, whose show The Deaf Bruce Lee consists of paintings, films, music, and martial arts, highlighting the need for social justice and equal rights for deaf people. In addition to his visual artwork, the artist will give a live electronic music performance. Cardamone is another Tulsa artist, which is a fit for Liggett Studio’s vision to host Tulsa area creators.
LIGGETT STUDIO
314 S. Kenosha Ave. | Tulsa 918-694-5719 liggettstudio.com
R
That approach leads to an exciting array of exhibits that Tulsa art lovers can enjoy when visiting Liggett Studio. You might see anything from mixed media presentations and live performances to static paintings and writings created in response to other artworks. One recent show featured artist Nylajo Harvey, a respected Tulsa artist who is
In addition to showing art, Liggett makes art, too. His preferred medium is pottery. “I always made art. Now that I’m retired, I’m really focused on it.” He is currently collaborating with P.S. (“Pat”) Gordon, who is a painter from Claremore. “This collaboration with Pat is perfect because I’ve always loved forms, and he’s a painter. So, I’m throwing the forms, and he’s painting them.” Their exhibit will be on display in December.
TO
“When I retired in 2017 from Living Arts, I started programming this place [the studio]. A lot of what I do is, oddly enough — it started that way, anyway — showing artists’ work after they’ve died. It was natural to give memorial shows to artists who have passed on, or artists who at one time were hot, and they want another show before they pass on.”
At times, the exhibits can push the boundaries of politics, social issues, sexuality, and more — which is pretty much what you’d expect from any space that exhibits art. “Tulsa is pretty broad-minded,” says Liggett. Exhibits change monthly, with a variety of styles and approaches, so there’s always something appealing to check out. The studio also has plans to host a Bob Dylan tribute concert, as well as the Tulsa International Animation Festival later this year.
CA
These days, Liggett is concentrating on art exhibits that embody the concept of community. “I’m more interested in building community and having a distinct look at who is out there making work. I’m pretty much focused on trying to seek out those people who are not getting shown but deserve to be shown,” he says.
There’s also a papermaking shop in Liggett Studio, which allows people to make their paper. “I do a handmade paper workshop in the fall and spring. Paper is an amazing medium that is not often explored in this area of the country. There’s just so much you can do with it,” he says.
LO
Arts of Tulsa, before opening Liggett Studio in 2005, just a couple doors down from where Living Arts was initially located before moving over to Reconciliation Way.
Another goal for the studio is to serve as many artists as possible in the community. “I try to keep it as a level playing field for artists on the street who want a place to show. If they don’t have a place and they need a place, I try to make room,” says Liggett. Sometimes, that means bringing in individual artists; sometimes, it means exhibitions by groups such as Black Moon Collective. Other times, Liggett matches two artists whose works complement each other in intriguing ways for a dual exhibit.
Liggett also periodically hosts art workshops through the studio. Right now, the focus is on papermaking and raku (a form of pottery), which are both art forms he is passionate about. “I teach clay classes out of Liggett Pottery [in Tulsa’s Heights District]. I’m doing a spring and fall raku class where we build the pieces in my pottery, and we fire them once, and then we go out to Craig County to raku fire them. Raku is a Japanese process of taking hot pots out of the kiln and letting them cool quickly, and the glazes crackle. The American form of raku is that you put them into combustible things, that then cause smoke to go into those cracks. It’s great fun.”
PREVIEW918.COM 93
SL SHELF LIFE
NONFICTION/MEMOIR
LITERARY / CONTEMPORARY
MYSTERY, THRILLER AND SUSPENSE
ROMANCE/WOMEN’S FICTION
APRIL 7
APRIL 21
APRIL 7
APRIL 28
ME & PATSY KICKIN’ UP DUST
AFTERLIFE
GIRL GONE VIRAL
Loretta Lynn and the late Patsy Cline are legends — country icons and sisters of the heart. Full of laughter and tears, this eye-opening, heartwarming memoir paints a picture of two stubborn, spirited country gals who’d be damned if they’d let men or convention tell them how to be. Set in the heady streets of the 1960s, this nostalgia ride shows how Nashville blossomed into the city of music it is today.
Antonia Vega has had the rug pulled out from under her. She has retired from the college where she taught English when her beloved husband, Sam, suddenly dies. And then more jolts: her big-hearted but unstable sister disappears, and Antonia returns home one evening to find a pregnant, undocumented teenager on her doorstep. Antonia has always sought direction in the literature she loves — lines from her favorite authors play in her head like a soundtrack — but now she finds that the world demands more of her than words.
One minute, Katrina King is enjoying an innocent conversation with a random guy at a coffee shop. The next, a stranger has live-tweeted the entire encounter with a romantic meet-cute spin, and #CafeBae has the world swooning. With the internet on the hunt for the identity of #CuteCafeGirl, bodyguard Jas Singh offers Katrina his family’s farm as a refuge. Being alone with her unrequited crush feels like a recipe for hopeless longing, and Katrina is resigned to being just friends with Jas — until they share a single, electrifying kiss.
BY LORETTA LYNN
ALSO LOOK FOR:
BY JULIA ALVAREZ
ALSO LOOK FOR:
WARHOL BY BLAKE GOPNIK
TOGETHER BY VIVEK MURTHY
APRIL 21
APRIL 28
To this day, mention the name “Andy Warhol” to almost anyone, and you’ll hear about his famous images of soup cans and Marilyn Monroe. But though pop art became synonymous with Warhol’s name and dominated the public’s perception of him, his life and work are infinitely more complex and multi-faceted than that.
Despite all the progress we have made in how we talk about mental health, we are still ashamed of feeling lonely. The good news is that with an awareness of the causes of our loneliness comes creative solutions to help ourselves and those we love to create more connected lives.
94 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
BY ALISHA RAI
THE ABSTAINER BY IAN MCGUIRE
Stephen Doyle, an Irish American veteran of the Civil War, arrives in Manchester from New York with a thirst for blood. He has joined the Fenians, a secret society intent on ending British rule in Ireland by any means necessary. Head constable James O’Connor has fled grief and drink in Dublin for a sober start in Manchester. His job is to discover and thwart the Fenians’ plans whatever they might be. ALSO LOOK FOR:
ALSO LOOK FOR:
SOMETHING SHE’S NOT TELLING US BY DARCY BELL SIN EATER THE MOMENT OF BY MEGAN CAMPISI TENDERNESS BY MADELEINE APRIL 7 L’ENGLE For the crime of
stealing bread, 14-year-old May must become a Sin Eater — a shunned woman, brutally marked, whose fate is to hear the final confessions of the dying, eat ritual foods symbolizing their sins as a funeral rite, and thereby shoulder their transgressions to grant their souls access to heaven.
APRIL 21
This powerful collection of short stories traces an emotional arc inspired by L’Engle’s early life and career, from her lonely childhood in New York to her life as a mother in small-town Connecticut. From realism to sciencefiction to fantasy, there is something for everyone in this magical collection.
APRIL 7
YOU AND ME THE HAPPY EVER AND US AFTER PLAYLIST BY ALISON HAMMER BY ABBY JIMENEZ APRIL 7
Advertising exec Alexis finds her life turned upside down when her partner, Tommy, receives a terminal cancer diagnosis. She puts her career on hold to spend one last summer together with Tommy at the beach even though it means putting her family within striking distance of Tommy’s ex, an actress her daughter, CeCe, idolizes.
APRIL 14
Two years after losing her fiancé, Sloan Monroe still can’t seem to get her life back on track. With her new pet, Tucker, by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself. Then, Tucker’s owner reaches out. He’s a musician on tour in Australia, and he wants Tucker back. As their flirty texts turn into long calls, Sloan can’t deny a connection.
PRETTY THINGS BY JANELLE BROWN APRIL 21
When Nina’s career Charlotte has dream crashes, she everything in turns to stealing life, including from rich kids in her sweet, smart L.A. alongside 5-year-old daughter, her wily Irish Daisy. When Daisy boyfriend, Lachlan. is kidnapped, But when her mom Charlotte is gets sick, Nina convinced she’s puts everything been taken by on the line to her brother’s help her, even if it girlfriend, Ruth. means running her Meanwhile, Ruth most audacious, knows Charlotte dangerous scam has a deeply-buried yet. secret. A surprise outing with Daisy could be the key to finding out.
SHELF LIFE SL
SCIENCE FICTION, FANTASY AND HORROR
SELF-HELP AND INSPIRATIONAL
YOUNG ADULT AND MIDDLE GRADE
APRIL 7
APRIL 21
CHILDREN
APRIL 7
APRIL 7
HOW TO SOLVE A PROBLEM BY ASHIMA SHIRAISHI
YOU LET ME IN
BY CAMILLA BRUCE
Cassandra Tipp is dead. Or is she? After all, the notorious recluse and eccentric bestselling novelist has left behind nobody — just her massive fortune, and one final manuscript. Then again, there are enough bodies in her past: her husband Tommy Tipp, whose mysterious disembowelment has never been solved, and a few years later, the shocking murder-suicide of her father and brother. What happened out there in the woods? And who has Cassie been protecting all along? ALSO LOOK FOR:
JOY AT WORK: ORGANIZING YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE BY MARIE KONDO AND SCOTT SONENSHEIN
The workplace is a magnet for clutter, disorganized papers, endless emails, and unnecessary tasks. These modern-day hazards can drain the joy from work, limit our chances of career progress, and undermine our well-being. There is another way. Using the world-renowned KonMari Method and cutting-edge research, you can overcome the challenges of workplace mess, eliminate clutter, and enjoy the productivity, success, and happiness that come with a tidy desk and mind.
GOODBYE FROM NOWHERE BY SARA ZARR
Kyle Baker thought his family was happy. That’s why, when Kyle learns his mother has been having an affair, and his father has been living with the secret, his reality is altered. He quits baseball, ghosts his girlfriend, and generally checks out of life. As Kyle watches the effects of his parents’ choices ripple out over friends, family, and strangers, and he feels the walls of his relationships closing in, he has to decide what his obligations are to everyone he cares for — including himself.
To a rock climber, a boulder is called a “problem,” and you solve it by climbing to the top. There are twists and turns, falls and scrapes, and obstacles that seem insurmountable until you learn to see the possibilities within them. Ashima Shiraishi draws on her experience as a world-class climber in this story that challenges readers to tackle the problems in their own lives and rise to greater heights than they would have ever thought possible. ALSO LOOK FOR:
ALSO LOOK FOR:
ALSO LOOK FOR:
APRIL 7
THE LAST EMPEROX THE GLASS MAGICIAN BY JOHN SCALZI BY CAROLINE APRIL 14 Emperox Grayland STEVERMER
II has finally wrested control of her empire from those who oppose her and who deny the reality of this collapse. But “control” is a tricky thing, and the forces opposing her rule will make a final, desperate push to topple her from her throne and power by any means necessary.
APRIL 7
Thalia Cutler is a stage magician who dazzles audiences with an act that takes your breath away — until one night when a trick goes awry. In surviving, she discovers that she can shapeshift, and has the potential to take her place among the rich and powerful.
THE MULTIHYPHEN LIFE BY EMMA GANNON APRIL 14
We can all channel our entrepreneurial spirit to live more fulfilled and financially healthy lives. Technology allows us to work wherever, whenever, and enables us to design our own working lives.
TWINKLE, TWINKLE, ROBOT BEEP BY JEFFREY BURTON
BIGFOOT BABY! BY ELIAS BARKS
BUY NOTHING, GET EVERYTHING BY LIESL CLARK AND REBECCA ROCKEFELLER APRIL 14
Inspired by the ancient practice of gift economies, where neighbors share and pool resources, The Buy Nothing, Get Everything Plan introduces an environmentally conscious sevenstep guide that teaches us how to buy less, give more, and live generously.
THE WOLF OF CAPE FEN BY JULIANA BRANDT
THE LUCKY ONES BY LIZ LAWSON APRIL 7
May is a survivor. APRIL 7 But she doesn’t The first Frost has feel like one. She touched Cape Fen, feels angry, lost, and that means and alone after the Baron Dire has school shooting returned to haunt that killed her the town, striking twin brother. Zach magical bargains lost his old life and demanding when his mother unjust payment in decided to defend return. The Serling the shooter. When sisters know better Zach meets May, than to bargain, they have a chance lest they find to figure out that themselves hunted surviving could be by the Baron’s an option after all. companion, the Wolf.
Follow an adorable young sasquatch on a day-long adventure in a warm and vibrant magical-realist Pacific Northwest forest realm. Meet and interact with a forest full of non-threatening creatures, including tree fairies, forest gnomes, bats, bears, and owls.
APRIL 28
Twinkle, twinkle, robot beep. Out of bed, no time to sleep. Blast off to bedtime with this robotic twist on the popular nursery rhyme, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star!” Because even robots need to power down and recharge.
Release dates are subject to change.
PREVIEW918.COM 95
LOCATOR
S SHOWTIME
ADMIRAL TWIN DRIVE-IN 7355 E. Easton St. Tulsa | 918.878.8099 AMC SOUTHROADS 20 4923 E. 41st St. Tulsa | 888.AMC.4FUN
OPENS
APRIL 3
B&B CLAREMORE 8 1407 W. Country Club Claremore | 918.342.2422 B&B CINEMA 8 1245 New Sapulpa Road Sapulpa | 918.227.7469 CINEMARK BROKEN ARROW 1801 E. Hillside Drive Broken Arrow | 918.355.0427 CINERGY 6808 S. Memorial Dr., Ste. 300 | Tulsa 918.894.6888 CINEMARK TULSA 10802 E. 71st S. | Tulsa 800.FAN.DANG (#1128)
PETER RABBIT 2: THE RUNAWAY
PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN
APRIL 3
THE LOVEBIRDS APRIL 3
On the very brink of breaking up, a couple gets unintentionally embroiled in a bizarre (and hilarious) murder mystery. As they get closer to clearing their names and solving the case, they need to figure out how they, and their relationship, can survive the night. CAST: KUMALL NANJIANI, ISSA RAE, ANNA CAMP RATING: R
CAST: DOMHNALL GLEESON, ROSE BYRNE, JAMES CORDEN RATING: PG
CHARM CITY KINGS APRIL 10
Fourteen-yearold Mouse desperately wants to join the Midnight Clique, an infamous group of Baltimore dirt-bike riders who rule the summertime streets. CAST: JAHI DI’ALLO, MEEK MILL, WILL CATLETT RATING: R
OPENS
APRIL 17 THE NEW MUTANTS APRIL 3
Five young mutants, just discovering their abilities while held in a secret facility against their will, fight to escape their past sins and save themselves. CAST: MAISIE WILLIAMS, ANYA TAYLOR-JOY, CHARLIE HEATON RATING: NR
96 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
APRIL 17
While Thomas McGregor and Bea are on their honeymoon, Peter Rabbit runs away from home. There, he befriends a rabbit who is an old friend of Peter’s father. He then finds himself drawn into another life that he never even knew about.
TROLLS WORLD TOUR APRIL 17
After the events of the first film, Poppy and Branch discover that they are but one of six different Troll tribes scattered over six different lands, each devoted to a different form of music: pop, funk, classical, techno, country and rock. Their world is about to get a lot bigger, and a whole lot louder, as a member of hard-rock royalty, Queen Barb, aided by her father King Thrash, wants to destroy all other kinds of music to let rock reign supreme. CAST: ANNA KENDRICK, JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, JAMES CORDEN RATING: PG
Everyone said Cassie was a promising young woman until a mysterious event abruptly derailed her future. But nothing in Cassie’s life is what it appears to be: she’s wickedly smart, tantalizingly cunning, and she is living a secret double life by night. Now, an unexpected encounter is about to give Cassie a chance to right the wrongs of the past. CAST: CAREY MULLIGAN, BO BURNHAM, ALISON BRIE RATING: NR
OPENS
APRIL 17
CIRCLE CINEMA 10 S. Lewis Ave. Tulsa | 918.592.3456 ETON SQUARE 6 CINEMA 8421 E. 61st St. Tulsa | 918.286.2618 AMC CLASSIC OWASSO 12601 E. 86th St. N. Owasso | 918.376.9191 STARWORLD 20 10301 S Memorial Drive Tulsa | 918.369.7475 WARREN BROKEN ARROW 18 1700 W. Aspen Creek Drive Broken Arrow | 918.893.9798
SHOWTIME S JUMP SHOT: THE KENNY SAILORS STORY APRIL 2
Experience the inspiring true story of Kenny Sailors, the inventor of the modern-day jump shot in the global sport of basketball. The event will include a 15-minute pre-show with Stephen Curry, director Jake Hamilton, and others describing the innovations within basketball since Kenny’s first jump shot.
NEVER RARELY SOMETIMES ALWAYS
OPENS
APRIL 24 OPENS APRIL 3
Faced with an unintended pregnancy and a lack of local support, Autumn and her cousin, Skylar, embark across state lines to New York City on a fraught journey of friendship, bravery, and compassion.
SAINT MAUD
OPENS APRIL 3
This psychological thriller follows a pious nurse who becomes dangerously obsessed with saving the soul of her dying patient.
OPENS
APRIL 17 THE WOMAN WHO LOVES GIRAFFES
APRIL 10
A profile of giraffe researcher Anne Dagg, who in 1956 became one of the first people to ever observe and report on animal behavior.
THE CLIMB
OPENS APRIL 17
Kyle and Mike are best friends who share a close bond until Mike sleeps with Kyle’s fiancée. The Climb is about a tumultuous but enduring relationship between two men across many years of laughter, heartbreak and rage.
THE TRUTH
OPENS APRIL 17
A stormy reunion between scriptwriter Lumir with her famous mother and actress, Fabienne, against the backdrop of Fabienne’s autobiographic book and her latest role in a Sci-Fi picture as a mother who never grows old.
LEGEND (1985)
APRIL 17-18
A young man (Tom Cruise) must stop the Lord of Darkness (Tim Curry) from destroying daylight and marrying the woman he loves.
BLESSED IS THE MATCH (2008) APRIL 19 The story of Hannah Senesh, a Hungarian poet who was captured by the Nazis while trying to rescue Jews in WW II.
MONDAY IS
FREE POPCORN DAY *Circle Cinema members only
CIRCLE CINEMA
10 S. Lewis Ave. | Tulsa SHOWTIMES: 918-592-3456
TICKETS: circlecinema.com
Check the Circle Cinema website for times, costs, additional events, and more details. Release dates, showings, and ratings are subject to change.
APRIL 24
Successful author Veronica Henley finds herself trapped in a nightmarish reality and must find a way to break free of the horrors at hand.
APRIL 17
Miranda Wells is a hard-working young widow struggling to raise three children on her own. A powerful storm brings a devastating challenge and a mysterious handyman, Bray Johnson, into her life. Bray’s presence and his belief in the power of positive thinking re-ignites the family’s spirit, but he carries a secret, which could change everything. CAST: KATIE HOLMES, JOSH LUCAS, JERRY O’CONNELL RATING: PG
SPECIAL
ANTEBELLUM
THE SECRET: DARE TO DREAM
SERGIO
APRIL 17
A sweeping drama set in the chaotic aftermath of the United States invasion of Iraq, where the life of top U.N. diplomat Sergio Vieira de Mello hangs in the balance during the most treacherous mission of his career.
CAST: JANELLE MONAE, ERIC LANGE, JENA MALONE RATING: NR
ANTLERS APRIL 17
A small-town Oregon teacher and her sheriff brother become entwined with a young student in her school who is harboring a dangerous secret with frightening consequences. CAST: KERI RUSSELL, JESSE PLEMONS, JEREMY T. THOMAS RATING: R
THE VICTIMS’ GAME APRIL 30
After discovering his estranged daughter’s link to mysterious murders, a forensic detective with Asperger’s syndrome risks everything to solve the case. CAST: JOSEPH CHANG, TIFFANY HSU, RUBY LIN RATING: NR
OPENS
APRIL 30
CAST: WAGNER MOURA, ANA DE ARMAS, GARRET DILLAHUNT RATING: NR RELEASE DATES AND RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
LO CA TO
NR = A RATING WAS NOT AVAILABLE AS OF MARCH 20, 2020
R
PREVIEW918.COM 97
98 PREVIEW 918 APRIL 2020
See our feature on page 42
Welcome to Paradise
reserve your stay in paradise today Endless gaming excitement
Two casinos under one roof– River Spirit® & Margaritaville®
Fine-dining excellence
The only Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Oklahoma ®
Beautiful river views Luxurious resort hotel
Awesome live music
5 o’Clock Somewhere® Bar, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville®, Paradise Cove Theater
Caribbean-style pool Soak up some sun
8330 RIVERSIDE PARK WAY TULSA , OK 74137 888-748-3731 • RIVERSPIRIT TULSA .COM
PROUD RECIPIENT OF