UCO's The Vista, April 26, 2024

VISTA The

Buss, DEI, and Narcan bills await Lamb’s signature or veto

Both the Faculty Senate and the UCO Student Association (UCOSA) have faced challenges with communication from UCO administration with issues focusing on Gov. Kevin Stitt’s Executive Order 2023-31, accessibility to Narcan on campus and the controversial employment of interim assistant dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design Kato Buss.

In March, UCOSA unanimously voted in favor of legislation which calls upon Lamb and UCO to “make a public statement in support of diversity, equity and inclusion.”

With legislation being authored in both Faculty Senate and UCOSA in support of DEI, many in both organizations feel administration has not done enough to communicate with the university.

UCOSA’s DEI legislation was to be distributed to President Lamb, members of his cabinet, the President of Faculty Senate Alyssa Provencio and the President of Staff Senate Ellen Schmidt.

This legislation and two others authored by UCOSA were presented to President Lamb on Friday, April 12 during a monthly meeting with the entire UCOSA executive team. This team is made up of President Lauren Harmen, Vice President Sa’Veion Adams, Chair of Congress Izzi Barry, Vice Chair Cooper Autry and Secretary Ethan Noble.

During this meeting Lamb refused to comment on the legislation, according to the UCOSA executive team.

President Lamb has also been presented with legislation regarding DEI from Faculty Senate which he has 30 days to respond to. He was presented with the legislation on Tuesday, April 9.

Back in January, the President of Faculty Senate, Alyssa Provencio, released a president’s report highlighting why she feels DEI initiatives are important.

In the report she said, “DEI initiatives play a pivotal role in ensuring that all members of our academic community, regardless of their background, have the support and resources they need to thrive.”

When also discussing why DEI is important, Chair of Congress Izzi Barry said, “DEI initiatives are crucial to every facet of student life, in the sense that they are beneficial to all mem-

bers of our campus community.”

“Administration should reiterate support for DEI as these pillars may continue to be under fire from future legislative action, moreover security for faculty and answers for students regarding the implications of the EO,” said Barry.

While the Faculty Senate, Staff Senate and UCOSA have all been working closely on legislation regarding DEI, UCOSA has also passed legislation regarding the employment of interim assistant dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design Kato Buss.

Authored by Senator Ian Wehrenberg and co-authored by DEI Chair Rylan Bolt, the legislation seeks to recommend to, “indefinitely to ensure that no courses are being taught by Kato Buss due to safety concerns for students and for the University to reevaluate any attempt to promote or tenure Kato Buss.”

Buss is the interim dean of the

College of Fine Arts and Design at UCO, and in May of 2021 he faced allegations of sexual harassment from six students. This came after an international student claimed that UCO administrators failed to take action after she was sexually assaulted in March of 2020.

The case has since been dropped.

Both UCOSA and Faculty Senate have also passed legislation regarding Narcan accessibility on campus. UCOSA having passed theirs on Monday. When presented with the legislations regarding Narcan, DEI and Buss, President Lamb did not comment, nor did he lay out a plan with the executive team of UCOSA, according to Barry.

“President Lamb’s lack of comment on legislation not only by UCOSA, but also Faculty and Staff Senates is concerning because it demonstrates an unwillingness to engage in dialogue regarding key issues that impact our campus life,” said Barry.

“Whenever that legislation was passed, it was the voice of the students,” said Barry.

She would then go on to discuss how even a comment on how context to help UCOSA gain an understanding of what is going on in administration would have been appreciated.

“I think that that is more beneficial for us than not having a comment at all,” said Barry. This, combined with a lack of new information given to faculty and staff regarding Stitt’s EO, has left many feeling in the dark about what the future of UCO entails.

International Olympics unite ‘friendships across borders’ at UCO

Jiwoo Han Contributing Writer

Last Saturday, the UCO International Student Council hosted the ISC Olympics 2024, a celebration of sports and cultural exchange. The event, featuring sand volleyball and basketball, drew participants from nine countries: Bangladesh, Korea, Malaysia, India, Japan, Vietnam, Nepal, Africa, and Latin America.

Inspired by the spirit of the real Olympics, the ISC decided to establish this as an annual event, encouraging international integration and friendship.

cultures while trying out new sports.”

Kogai highlighted the thought process behind selecting basketball and volleyball.

“We chose these sports for their popularity and accessibility,” she said. “Our goal was to offer activities that everyone could enjoy, regardless of skill level.”

Planning the event spanned about two months, with an initial delay due to inclement weather. Challenges included ensuring all participants understood the rules and players were accommodated in both sports.

Despite these challenges, the

“It’s not just about sports; it’s about connecting with domestic students as well,” said Kiwami Kogai, a historian of ISC. “We want to give them a taste of our

event went smoothly.

“One of the most exciting moments was seeing everyone cheering on opponents and bonding over post-game Jimmy

John’s sandwiches,” said Kogai. She emphasized the event’s profound impact on encouraging connections among students from diverse backgrounds.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to foster friendships across borders,” she said.

Looking ahead, the ISC plans to enhance the event’s inclusiv-

ity by inviting more domestic students to participate.

Beyond organizing events like the Olympics, the ISC is dedicated to promoting cross-cultural understanding and inclusivity within the UCO community. Weekly meetings serve as vital platforms for discussion and collaboration.

Jake Ramsey Managing Editor

President Lamb has currently declined to comment on UCOSA’s legislation. (ETHAN BROWN/THE VISTA)

International students pose at the event. (JIWOO HAN/THE VISTA)

Students shoot hoops. (JIWOO HAN/THE VISTA)

Weekly Horoscope

ARIES

March 21-April 19

You are going through a period of transformation now. Friday brings a new heat to your words that can cause lasting impact; carefully consider the effect you’d like to have for best results!

Your song is “Where Did He Come From?” by Sunday.

TAURUS April 20-May 20

Welcome to Taurus season! Friday brings a light and warm energy that floats around you like sunlight. This melts into Saturday’s rare Jupiter aspect that promises a lucky day! Your song is “A Colorful Dream” by David Bendeth.

GEMINI

May 21-June 20

A whirlwind of energy is around you now. As you learn important life lessons spurred by the eclipse, this Mercury retrograde creates pressure to integrate what you’ve learned. Your song is “On & On” by Erykah Badu.

LEO

July 23-August 22

This month, your reflections reveal information that changes your perspective. This week focuses attention on your home and family that will peak with the Full Moon next week. Your song is “Somewhere Tonight” by Beach House.

LIBR A

September 23-October 2 2

All these Aries placements bring focus to your seventh house; what can you balance and where can you stand up for yourself? Good energy is on the way. Focus on creating a home within yourself. Your song is “Underwater Boy” by Virna Lindt.

SAGITTARIUS

November 22-December 21

Because the next Full Moon falls into your twelfth house, it’s a good time to do dream work! Write a list of things to look forward to. If you don’t land on Venus, you will still land among the stars. Your song is “Morrow” by 070 Shake.

AQUARIUS

January 21-February 18

You have perspective shifts coming in your mind and career. The next few years will have a profound impact on your growth, and these chapters are starting now. Your song is “Ghost Town” by The Specials.

CANCER

June 21-July 22

Working for the knife, Cancer? You will soon have a respite. This Jupiter aspect on Saturday comes only once every 12 years, offering opportunities for bold change! Your song is “Cheltenham Cases” by Chapelier Fou. VIR GO August 23- September 22

The asteroid Juno goes direct in your sign, bringing resolutions and dispelling anxiety. The end of Mercury retrograde is almost upon us, and you are closing some big cycles now. It’s time to take some pride in your work; you’ve come a long way! Your song is “Listen Over The Ocean” by Violet Eves.

SCORPIO

October 23-November 21

Here’s a hint, Scorpio: we’re waxing up to a Full Moon in your sign! This is a chance to stand in your power and create the life you desire. Events on Friday and Saturday have the potential to kickstart your Full Moon adventures! Your song is “Ribs” by Tirzah.

CAPRICORN

December 21-January 20

Friends and family come into the spotlight now! You’re in a place of learning and integration. Your words have great weight now; be mindful of where you place your intention. Your song is “Lazy Calm” by the Cocteau Twins.

PISCES

February 19-March 20

ecurity and perspective resonate as themes in your life as we transition astrologically from Solar Eclipse to Full Moon. You have all you need right at your fingertips now. Make waves! Your song is “Higher Self” by Karmic.

This week, the Moon waxes. Congratulations, you are halfway through Mercury retrograde!

Media Master: Cultural targeting, fake

However, sometimes it impacts certain people more than others, and other countries more than others.

Nearly 3 billion people are voting in elections worldwide this year. Misinformation and disinformation are ranked as the #1 global risk over the next two years, according to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) 2024 Global Risk Report.

During election years, mis- and disinformation commonly target specific groups of people (Misinformation are false facts spread usually by accident or error of the publisher, whereas disinformation is the intentional and typically covert spread of false facts to influence public opinion). Political campaigns need as many votes as they can get to win, so candidates take advantage of those with less media literacy knowledge.

This year demonstrates that minority voters play a huge role in the election of U.S. leaders.

For example, political scientists predict there to be an uptick in targeted disinformation by presidential campaigns, specifically towards Latinos.

Votes from the Latino American population are highly sought after because there are over 60 million in the United States. Latinos make up about 20% of all people in the nation, or 15% of voters, according to statistics from the U.S. Census in

2020.

President Joe Biden credited his 2020 campaign win to Latino voters. “You’re the reason why, in large part, I beat Donald Trump. Let’s beat him again,” he said at a Mexican restaurant in Phoenix, commencing his new campaign named ‘Latinos con Biden-Harris.’ “I need you. I need you badly,” he said. In an interview with Univision on April 9, Biden said he is considering tightening border security via executive order. This push for Latino voters comes weeks after an Axios/Ipsos poll showed that Biden’s favorability among Latino voters dropped from 53% in December 2021 to 41% today. Additionally, a February poll conducted by CBS News found that Latino voters favoring Biden decreased from 65% in 2020 to 53% in 2024. People are fed up with the Biden administration as a result of wars, climbing inflation costs and high interest rates from expensive government spending. Both presidential candidates have been launching exaggerated

verbal attacks, full of logical fallacies, towards one another.

On the other hand, former President Trump will also need to get minority votes if he is to win. “Hispanics, very entrepreneurial people,” Trump said in a March interview. Despite strict border control policies, promises of deportation and even culturally-charged rhetoric, Trump’s favorability has increased from 24% to 32% among Latinos, according to the same Axios/Ipsos poll.

Neither candidates are favored by Latino Americans, but are historically more aligned with the Democratic Party.

Latino-targeted misinformation reaches further than the states though. In fact, there are six presidential elections in South America this year, including: Brazil, Chile, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico and Uruguay.

The Latino population is one example of a minority group that must constantly grapple with the truth as they are exploited by leaders. Strategic campaigns with fallacies

and attacks on their opposing party influence the emotional, especially those with no media literacy training. African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, whites, low-income families and all U.S. citizens are vulnerable to disinformation if uneducated.

Education empowers. Education fosters critical thinking. Media literacy knowledge is a valuable tool for all people and cultures to navigate their communities with confidence and high levels of understanding. Falsities and inequalities are combated by the media literate.

The WEF’s newly released 2024 Global Risk Report found that India has the highest risk for misinformation, as over 1.4 billion people head to elections later this week and throughout the Spring.

Finland ranks first as the country least susceptible to false information, according to a report conducted by the Open Society Institute in Bulgaria, which aims to defend the values of a free society. Following Finland with the best media literacy education in the world, are more countries in Scandinavia. Further East, countries with the worst media literacy knowledge are former Soviet and Yugoslav nations including: Georgia, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Bosnia.

The instantaneous nature of the internet makes it easy for mis- and disinformation to spread. Many Americans fear these forms of falsity and believe regulating speech in digital communication is the key to solving this problem. However, freedom of speech is actually rare in countries worldwide and the U.S.

AI usage is a new landscape for creators in ‘Late Night with The Devil’

Zak Royka Reporter

“Late Night with The Devil” is a 2023 independent horror film that debuted to much fanfare at South By Southwest on March 10, 2023. The film did not contain any AI generated artwork at the SXSW showing, but had a few interstitial images generated by AI in its theatrical release just over a year later on March 22, 2024. This use of AI in an independent film sparked controversy on the place AI takes in the filmmakers toolkit.

Recent SAG-AFTRA strikes have been focusing on AI since the debut of ChatGPT in late 2022, and this marks another case of generative AI usage in film which has prompted calls for a boycott from some social media users. This is not the first time generative AI has been used in high profile releases, with 2023

STAFF

seeing the use of AI in the intro to Marvel’s “Secret Invasion.”

The social media backlash towards the principal filmmaking duo Cameron and Colin Cairnes led them to respond, affirming that they stand by their decision to use AI in the interstitial scenes.

Images generated by AI sources such as Midjourney, DALL-E, Stable Diffusion, and others tend to have a difficult to define, dreamlike quality. As a whole, they are as cohesive as an image created by a human, but when scrutinized they show their true colors. Telltale signs of AI generated content include but are not limited to: incorrect numbers of fingers or toes, nonsensically laid out images with out of place elements, and malformed text with no meaning.

These are signs, but not conclusive proof of AI generated content. AI models are perfectly

capable of producing content that does not have any of the aforementioned flaws. In the evolving landscape of machine learning and artificial intelligence of 2024, it’s important to take rules of thumb like these with a grain of salt. The latest models are being actively tuned to overcome these issues and create even higher quality images with similar levels of effort.

As seen in the interstitial images in “Late Night with The Devil,” very little care was taken to create good looking scenes.

These frames are full of the previously discussed nonsense endemic with low-effort applications of artificial intelligence. This janky appearance makes the usage of AI relatively obvious, however as they are short scenes it may be missed by the untrained eye. As seen with 2022’s “Théâtre D’opéra Spatial,” generated by Jason Allen of Colorado, great looking AI generated images take effort and time, much to the chagrin of those trying to use it without understanding its limitations.

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and print ads. For information or questions, contact: 405-974-5549 or thevista.ads@gmail.com

“Late Night with The Devil” is one of the first films to use AI. (SCREENSHOT/TESS PETERS)

Biden speaks in this file photo. (ASSOCIATED PRESS/SUSAN WALSH)

Jared Bashaw Opinion Columnist

If you read the local news, you might have seen more stories in the past couple of months about silly little accidents and slip-ups by a certain industry that our state relies heavily on. Heck, even if you don’t read the news, if you just live in Oklahoma City or Edmond you’ve felt the effects of what I’m talking about. The other night I sat in a movie theater, and all of a sudden everyone in the room felt the tremors from the ground; the place shook a bit and filled with whispers from the audience. Turns out the increase in earthquakes is largely the result of a technique that oil extractors use to get oil out of the ground: Hydraulic Fracturing (fracking). Fracking and the injection of wastewater deep into the ground were responsible for the substantial 5.1 magnitude earthquake in February, as well as many others I’m sure you’ve felt since.

Earthquakes are just one symptom of the oil and gas industry’s operations in our state, just the past year we’ve seen many oil spills that affect the health of both the residents and the land. Off the top of my head, we had Energy Transfer’s 16-inch line hit during construction near 178th and Portland in OKC, an event that had oil spewing out of the ground for hours, making a black fountain 30 feet tall (picture below, courtesy of Oklahoma’s channel 4).

Then there’s the oil well that leaked in Edmond, March of last year. It polluted the air horribly with a bad smell and smog. It’s actually the same well that had a massive leak in September of 2015. Oh yeah, it also spilled into a private pond in 2012. That’s three times that the same oil well harmed the land and citizens of Edmond in case you were counting.

Finally, the big one from this year. The massive $7.4 Million oil spill that happened in Cushing. The spill leaked into Skull Creek, which feeds into a major source of water for Tulsa. The spill poured gallons and gallons of oil onto Tribal territory, damaging the Sac and Fox people’s land for decades to come. This is the quote from the Sac and Fox Nation’s statement on that spill:

“The oil discharged from the pipeline polluted Skull Creek and its shoreline, impacted soil, vegetation, surface water, and sediment on the creek bottom. Hundreds of trees, along with plants and shrubs, were destroyed or have been removed as part of response activities. The pipeline rupture has also impacted Sac and Fox cultural resources, including numerous oiled or dead fish and wildlife,” it read. They pointed to a pattern in a direct and serious way.

“The pipeline rupture and its aftermath point to the problem our tribe and others have encountered historically with the entities that hold rights of way on Indian lands,” the statement read. Not only is the oil and gas industry causing us minor annoyance and inconvenience with earthquakes and smog in the air, but it is tragically harming the land and health of a historically oppressed people. Add in the issue of climate change; the fact that this last march was the warmest march ever recorded, and it’s enough to drive me crazy. When I think about our state’s reliance on the oil industry, I repeatedly think of Executive Order 13990. This was an order signed by Biden in 2021, right after he took office, in which he argued against the development of a major U.S. oil pipeline.

“The significance of the proposed pipeline for our energy security and economy is limited, stressed that the United States must prioritize the development of a clean energy economy, which will in turn create good jobs. The analysis further concluded that approval

of the proposed pipeline would undermine U.S. climate leadership by undercutting the credibility and influence of the United States in urging other countries to take ambitious climate action,” the order read.

If we keep building our reliance on the oil and gas industry, then we contribute to climate change which results in extreme weather that will continue to ravage the nation and will only get worse with the more money we devote to oil developments. These extreme weather events will result in more harm to the economy than the oil does to benefit it. There are limited resources that can be devoted to developing energy for the nation. We can only give so much money towards providing energy, and an investment that goes to developing oil and gas is an investment that is being taken away from developing a more renewable source of energy. Oil companies can profit more immediately by devoting their money to fossil fuel energy, even when it hurts us more with its side effects. Energy infrastructure leaks oil and hurts us, and once it is installed it is relatively permanent. Pipelines, roads, drilling sites, and powerlines connected to the grid cannot just be abandoned or tore out when they are no longer useful, they are a massive land burden. By building this infrastructure, we commit to extracting countless tons of oil for years. A massive commitment to an industry that should be mostly gone in 2050.

The extraction of oil is harmful to the planet. Therefore, the position of the government should be to disincentivize investment in that industry, so that the markets will demand more renewable sources of energy. Then we can see innovation in renewable energy markets instead of outdated technology. Biden knows this, which is why he promised historic progress on climate change and said in his executive order that America needs to demonstrate “climate leadership”. However, Biden does not care about climate change, or the effect that the oil industry has on people like the Sac and Fox nation, or the citizens of Edmond. Despite his empty promise to care, and the stated goal to be a climate leader on the global scale, Biden has approved more oil and gas projects than Trump. This is not an endorsement of Trump, he is an open climate change denialist and a quack, all I am saying is that Biden is not our guy. Please consider your vote very carefully in this upcoming election, protect our environment and local ecosystems.

Opinion: Maine passes paramilitary ban to block neo-Nazi plan What are the possible implications for college campuses in Oklahoma?

Xander Strickland Reporter

On January 3, 2024, a bill passed by just 1 vote in Maine prohibiting unauthorized paramilitary training. This bill was introduced in response to the activity of Christopher Polhaus, a vocal extremist, white supremacist, and neo-Nazi who intended to use social media platforms to assemble an allwhite extremist organization that identifies as a “blood tribe.” By 2023, Polhaus had recruited a number of extremists and began participating in anti-LGBTQ+ protests, where (often armed) they dressed in red and black colors with masks, swastikas and banners reading “There will be blood.” This group, composed primarily of ex-marines, has also been active against LGBTQ+ events including drag shows like the Kaleidoscope Youth Center/Land Grant Brewing Drag Brunch (held on April 29, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio) where they harangued participants and openly threatened violence, with some neo-Nazis even showing up with body armor and an AR15 in these otherwise peaceful and inclusive events.

The bill is functionally a ban which does not prevent groups like this self-proclaimed “blood tribe” from organizing to express their views in a peaceful manner. The bill expressly bans these groups from setting out to “knowingly interfere or intimi-

date another person in that person’s exercise of any right under the Constitution of the United states” with “a firearm, explosive or incendiary device, or dangerous weapon.” In this regard, the group’s 1st and 2nd amendment rights are still fully protected, and if the “blood tribe” or any other group were to organize demonstrations of their ideology in a peaceful manner, then they would not suffer the penalties of the ban (which include 5 years in prison, a $50,000 fine, or both). However, it just so happens that the ideology of this specific group can be summarily described as openly intolerant, hating, fascist, anti-intellectual, atheoretical, dictatorial, anti-Semitic, contemptuous hostility towards the rest of the world and its groups.

Under current First Amendment jurisdiction, hate speech in general can only be criminalized if it directly incites criminal activity. Therefore, prosecution of groups like neo-Nazis is only constitutional in instances where a crime is imminent.

Individuals who lawfully own a weapon and intend to teach other individuals how to use said weapon without the express intent of inciting criminal activity are not prosecuted by this bill.

Concerns over the ban possibly violating a law-abiding individual’s First and Second amendment rights are unwarranted. The ban is exclusively targeting instances of outright or

imminent civil disorder which are tantamount to premeditated domestic terrorism.

Oklahoma and its campuses, especially Rose State College and the University of Central Oklahoma, have already seen several instances of extremists roaming campus shouting racist and homophobic slurs and generally threatening students.

Individuals like Matthew Bourgault (who appeared on campus on March 11, 2024) can and have protested loudly and aggressively at UCO, harassing students and shouting homophobic slurs. These instances are similar to those involving the white supremacists representing the paramilitary group(s) in Maine and Ohio. If groups like these are or were allowed to bring weapons and combat gear to inclusive events in other states, what is stopping armed and

armored counter-protesters from appearing at such events hosted by/near campus and haranguing our students? What is stopping a similar organized paramilitary group from forming to train somewhere in Oklahoma (where no such express paramilitary ban has yet passed)? Will UCO students feel safe enough to attend these events should such a group become active in the state?

Statistically speaking, Maine is a swing state, with the Republican Party winning Maine in 11 out of the past 20 presidential elections, and Democrats and independents winning three times each in the gubernatorial elections (while the Republicans won 4 times). Despite the governorship being somewhat competitive, Republicans have not been able to hold both houses of the state legislature at the same time for more than two consecutive years since 1974. While Maine is just slightly more red-leaning than blue, Oklahoma has consistently voted red/Republican in presidential elections for over 50 years, with the last non-Republican presidential candidate electoral vote occurring in 1964. The state is decidedly red, which (when juxtaposed with the fact that the paramilitary ban bill only passed in Maine by 1 vote, with several Democrats breaking ranks to vote Republican and against the bill’s passage) indicates that if a bill were to be introduced for the state of Oklahoma, it may struggle to pass.

Uncle Sam yells to a figure marked ‘oil industry.’ (JARED BASHAW/THE VISTA)

Bourgault speaks on campus. (VICTOR LOPEZ/THE VISTA)

Student Ambassadors win big at Campus Leadership Awards

The Campus Leadership Awards were hosted April 11 by the Student Engagement Office, honoring numerous outstanding students, faculty members, and campus organizations. Embracing the spirit of the Olympics, this year’s theme, “Leadership Excellence: Lighting the Torch for a Brighter Tomorrow, One Leader at a Time,” celebrated the leadership and achievements of 2023-2024.

This year’s poll was competitive, with more submissions than the engagement office has received in recent years.

“On average, we typically have around 100 submissions, this year it doubled, having over 200 applicants. It made it extremely difficult,” said Cole Stanley, associate vice president for student affairs.

The committee dedicated weeks to carefully reviewing each application, ensuring thorough consideration of every submission.

While every award holds significance at UCO, there is one title every organization aims for: Organization of the Year, The Student Ambassadors clinched the victory for Large Category.

“The Student Ambassador organization has consistently aimed to represent UCO at its best,” said Nestor Bravo, president of Student Ambassadors. “It brings me immense joy to witness this organization, full of UCO’s leaders, finally receiving the recognition it deserves. De-

Kelly Clayton Contributing Writer

With Earth Day coming on April 22, the Oklahoma City Zoo is offering a way to contribute to the cause backed by a little incentive. Until the end of April, individuals are encouraged to bring in their old cell phones or small electronics to receive a free zoo general admission ticket as part of the Gorillas on the Line Cell Phone Challenge.

The goal of the program is to raise awareness about threats that gorillas face from mining coltan, a substance commonly found in cell phones and other electronic devices, as well as to empower conservation. Excavation of the mineral threatens the habitats of gorillas and other endangered species, and recycling these gadgets greatly reduces the need to disrupt or even devastate their environments.

“I’ve worked with gorillas for many years and care about their future,” said senior primate animal caretaker, Stephanie Smith.

“I cannot imagine a world without these amazing animals so I’m proud to champion the Zoo’s Gorillas on the Line campaign to help raise awareness and funds for gorilla conservation.”

Gorillas on the Line is part of a nationwide campaign, and has been met with positive response.

”We continue to hear from guests how excited they are to participate in this program and contribute to conservation action just by donating a cell phone,” said Smith, who coordinates the program, which is now in its sixth year at the Oklahoma City Zoo. “The support for this year’s cam-

spite being undervalued on campus, the Student Ambassador program contributes significantly to UCO’s freshman recruitment. We wholeheartedly commit ourselves. Whether it’s a tour for one person or 600, you can rely on the student ambassadors to be present and ready to go.”

For the small category, the Iota Omicron chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Additionally, every year as tradition, faculty selects two “Top Central Bronchos” for their commitment, legacy, and lasting impact on UCO. Unlike other awards, this isn’t an award to apply for. This year’s honorees are Augustus Cook and Tori Hoffman. They will receive a customized and additional stole at graduation. To all who applied, congratulations and continue to be campus leaders, proudly bleeding bronze and blue!

Other winners included:

Commitment to Civic Engagement - Emma Valgora

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion - Lexi Zimmerman

Commitment to Member Engagement - Leaders of Tomorrow

Broncho Spirit - Abby Boyer

Outstanding Freshman: Mabrey Been, Meleah Meyer, Jenessa Thompson, Cale Woolf, Ashan Sakif

Outstanding Sophomore: Lillie

Taylor, Allie Dunn, Kinesey Sherman, Cooper Autry, Reda Errahmluni

Outstanding Junior: Katie Plunkett, James Brison, Johnathon Mosley, Jentri Jordan, Jackson Lehew

Outstanding Senior: Augustus Cook, Makayla Freeman, Mackenzie Goings, Tori Hoffman, Lauren Harman, Claire Jordan, Riley Hall, Ivy Barton, Nestor Bravo, Belen Alconz, Izzi Barry.

the community

has really stepped up.”

While they’re glad to accept used cell phones

Gorillas

Line promotion for a free admission ticket ends April 30. A list

smart phones, tablets, smart watches, GPS, MP3 players, e-readers, digital

cameras, handheld gaming systems, headphones, and all accessories. Laptops are not included.

The free admission tickets do not have to be used the same day the donations are made. They are good through the end of 2024. No prior arrangements must be made before dropping off your devices; you can just bring them to the guest relations office on your way in. Donated items will be accepted in any condition.

In February, Smith spoke at UCO about Gorillas on the Line to members of the Wildlife Society as part of the club’s Sustainability Series. “I found the group’s interest in and support for the program’s mission to be inspiring,” she said. “Not to mention their donation of devices at the speaking event. It really showed their commitment to answer the call for gorillas!”

paign is off to an incredible start and

and electronic devices for recycling year-round, the

on the

of items accepted by the zoo includes: cell phones,

Western lowland gorillas Mikella and Azinza hang out at the OKC Zoo. (JENNIFER D’AGOSTINO/OKC ZOO)

Perla Tovar Contributing Writer

George the gorilla carries a stick in his mouth (JENNIFER D’AGOSTINO/OKC ZOO)

Campus leaders accept awards. (UCO OFFICIAL/PROVIDED)

Student ambassadors accept their awards with excitement (UCO OFFICIAL/PROVIDED)

BRONCHO SCOREBOARD

SOFTBALL

April 13

Game 1

Northeastern State - 0 #8 UCO - 7

Game 2

Northeastern State - 1 #8 UCO - 10

After gaining a tidal wave of momentum the day before, the Bronchos took it out on the Riverhawks on senior day, dominating both matchups with ease and moving to 37-7 and a conference best 17-1 in league play.

BASEBALL

April 12

Rogers State - 0 #18 UCO - 11

April 13

Rogers State - 14 #18 - UCO - 7

April 14

Rogers State - 2 #18 UCO - 8

The weekend series against the Hillcats was a microcosm of the Bronchos’ season: inconsistent. Despite their hot-and-cold nature, the team still sits at a very healthy 32-10 on the season and still pose a major threat once the conference tournament arrives.

ROWING

April 13

#1 UCO:

Varsity 4+: 8:07.48 (1st)

Varsity 8+: 6:59.67 (1st)

At the Knecht Cup Regatta, the UCO rowing team showed out, winning both Varsity competitions and solidifying their place atop the Division II standings. The team has one more event before the postseason begins in late May.

Thunder

April 9

Sacramento Kings105 OKC Thunder - 112

April 10

San Antonio Spurs89 OKC Thunder - 127

April 12

Milwaukee Bucks - 107 OKC Thunder - 125

April 14

Dallas Mavericks - 85 OKC Thunder - 135

After dominantly sweeping their last four games of the year, the Oklahoma City Thunder have secured their place as the number one seed in the Western Conference playoffs. They finished the regular season 57-25 just two years after finishing under 30 wins in back-to-back seasons.

UConn Huskies go all the way in men’s March Madness

Nicholas

Borghini Contributing Writer

As the UConn Huskies men’s basketball team plowed through the NCAA Tournament, winning their second straight championship while defeating their opponents by at least 13 points each game, 63 other teams also left their mark on March Madness history.

The first round of the tournament, starting March 21, gave birth to a shooting legend when Oakland guard Jack Gohlke came off the bench to score 10 3-pointers. Gohlke’s 30-point game led the 14-seed Oakland Golden Grizzlies to a narrow 80-76 victory against the three-seed Kentucky Wildcats.

After the game, the sixth-year Division II transfer was dubbed “the accountant” on social media, and landed NIL deals with TurboTax and Buffalo Wild Wings, among others. “I’m not going to be an NBA lottery pick and I’m OK with that.” said Gohlke in the post-game press conference, “I kind of locked in and worked as hard as I possibly can so I could be happy with it and know that I put in the effort that was worth it.”

That same day the 11-seed North Carolina State Wolfpack, who unexpectedly earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament after winning the ACC Tournament, defeated the sixth-seeded Texas Tech Red Raiders 80-67. North Carolina State and Oakland would meet in the round of 32, trading the lead all game. The Wolfpack pulled away with the 79-73 win as Jack Gohlke’s 3-point shooting percentage fell from 50% to 35.3%. Forward DJ Burns Jr. led North Carolina State with 24 points and 11 rebounds. The Wolfpack would go on to defeat the Marquette Golden Eagles and the

Duke Blue Devils in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. North Carolina State’s pair of DJs dictated the offense when DJ Burns Jr. and DJ Horne combined to score 49 against the Blue Devils, leading them to a 76-64 win.

North Carolina State would meet its match in the Final Four when they faced off against the Purdue Boilermakers and their 7-foot-4-inch tall center Zach Edey. With the Wolfpack double-teaming Edey, the Boilermakers were able to utilize their open shooters, ending North Carolina State’s championship push.

“To end it with this magical run that I went on with me and my teammates, and to have an ACC Championship,” said Horne after the Wolfpack’s 50-63 loss, “you know, we didn’t get the big one, but it’s definitely a big accomplishment.”

After becoming only the second team in history to lose in the Round of 64 as a 1 seed in last year’s NCAA Tournament, Purdue had made it to their first-ever championship game.

On April 8, Purdue faced the domi-

nant UConn Huskies in a battle for the NCAA title. Purdue managed to stay within 6 points of the lead as the first half of the game came to a close, but the Huskies held the line in the second half and finished with a 75-60 victory over the Boilermakers.

UConn’s defensive strategy sealed Purdue’s fate, giving up 37 points to Edey, but holding the rest of the Boilermakers to 23 points, allowing Purdue to attempt only seven three-pointers and make just one of those.

“We didn’t want to give up 3’s. We didn’t care if Edey took 25, 28 shots to get 35 points. The gameplan was no Smith, no Loyer, no Gillis, no Jones.” said UConn head coach Dan Hurley, “Keep that collective to under 20 points as a group and they had no chance to win no matter what Edey did.”

On average the Huskies won each game of the 2024 NCAA Tournament by 23.3 points. After their second-straight March Madness victory Hurley said “What can you say? We won. By a lot again.”

Baldwin feels like UCO golf is ‘invincible’ going into MIAA tourney

The UCO golf team is on fire headed into this week’s MIAA Conference Tournament, and star player Bennett Baldwin is leading the way with confidence.

Broncho golf is currently on one of its hottest streaks in program history. The team has won three tournaments in a row. Over the previous five seasons combined, UCO won three tournaments combined.

Dating all the way back to October of 2023, the team has placed second place or better in all seven tournaments, paving the way to being the favorites going into the conference tournament this week.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Baldwin said. “We finished second place four tournaments in a row. I mean, it’s a good finish, but it kind of stings a little. You’re so close and you can’t pull it off. So

now that we’re in a little rhythm, I think we have so much confidence going forward. It’s like we’re invincible. It’s pretty cool.”

Invincible is not an unwarranted feeling for Baldwin. In their latest team victory last week at the Showdown at Shangri-La, he not only led the way for the team, but also led the whole field. The junior captured his second career individual title, shooting a three round career-best 202 and leading second place by three strokes.

The success has not been just his doing. In the two tournaments prior, it was junior Jordan Wilson leading the way for the Bronchos, finishing in second place individually at both the Skip Wagnon and Oak Tree Invitationals. Kyle Hickey, Dylan Henderson, and Nick Canales have each also had

a hand in the victories as each of them have regularly placed in the top 20 at events this season.

The format for the conference tournament will be a welcomed challenge for the team. Different from other three-round tournaments that take place over two days—two rounds on day one, and one round on day two—the MIAA tournament will be three days long with one round each day.

“Normally Monday is 36 holes and every team is exhausted, going to bed early to play the last round on day two,” said Baldwin. “Only playing 18 will give us a lot of rest, bit it’s the same for every team. We just have to stay patient and just take it one shot at a time.”

UCO will be looking to capture its fourth ever MIAA championship, and its first since winning

back-to-back tournaments in 2016 and 2017. The field is comprised of 10 teams, including defending champions Rogers State. The 54-hole tournament will take place this week at Shoal Creek in Kansas City, Missouri, teeing off round one Monday morning and wrapping up round three on Wednesday.

Broncho softball dominates Top 10 matchup with Rogers State

The No. 8 UCO softball team hosted No. 4 Rogers State for a double-header Friday and put the rest of the country on notice.

The Bronchos came into this game 33-7 and 26-1 in their last 27 games. On the other side, the Hillcats came in with an even better 34-6. On paper, this is the best matchup the MIAA had to offer, but game one leaned heavily in UCO’s favor.

In the first inning, after RSU failed to score, Central exploded for four runs, all courtesy of a Jacee Minter RBI single, a walk, a sacrifice fly, and a Hillcat error all with the bases loaded. Rogers State would answer with a run in the second, but that was immediately matched by Terin Ritz with a solo shot in the bottom of the

frame. The Bronchos would add three more runs in the sixth, but only a one-run Hillcat answer made the final score 8-2 in an emphatic team win in the day’s opener. Game two featured much more drama. Rogers State jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, enacting some revenge for the first game let down. Scoring would stagnate until the fourth, when Central would answer with two runs of their own, courtesy of a Minter RBI and McKenna Johnson moving her the rest of the way home with an RBI single. RSU would move right back in front with two more runs in the top of the fifth. In the sixth, Tatum Long would pinch hit an RBI single to make the score 4-3 Rogers State going into the final frame.

After the Hillcats failed to extend their lead in the top of the seventh, the door was left open for a Broncho

comeback. Emily Deramus started the rally with a single, then advanced to second on an error. Ritz would follow with a walk, and Minter would load the bases with a single. Johnson then came to the plate and stare down four pitches for a walk to tie the ball game. Then, the final inning collapse by the Hillcats would culminate in a wild pitch and a walk off home stealing by Jacee Minter to take game two, 5-4.

With the pair of victories, the Bronchos move to 35-7, 15-1 in conference play, and take the number one spot in the MIAA. Central has eight games left in the regular season before hosting the MIAA tournament, but before that, the team ends the year at Pittsburg State, the number two team in the conference. The Bronchos are not in the clear yet, but it goes without saying that the conference is paying attention.

University of Connecticut celebrates its March Madness victory. (BRYNN ANDERSON/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looks for an opening against Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy. (KYLE PHILLIPS/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Bennett Baldwin (CENTRAL SPORTS/PROVIDED)

Queer Art Show celebrates ‘Queer Earth’ with art on campus

Sam Royka Editor-in-Chief

The Women’s and BGLTQ+ Research Center in Thatcher Hall is home each year to the Queer Art Show, one of their biggest events. The show, held April 10, included both local queer art vendors and an open mic. This year’s theme was “Queer Earth.”

Oklahoma City and Edmond based artist Parker Tidwell sells earrings online, and he was one of the people selling their art at the show. Art is sold to raise money for the Center as well as to give artists exposure for their businesses.

“The queer art show was such a great time,” Tidwell said. “The environment was inviting and everyone there was so kind. It was an event built on community and you could tell the whole time. I would highly recommend anyone and everyone should attend any of the queer events put on by The Center or

out in the community.” Tidwell characterizes his art as “handmade jewelry with character” and sells it on his instagram @creationspst as well as events across the state.

“The majority of my art is jewelry, mainly earrings, but I also sell some prints, and I’m always looking to expand,” he said. “I originally started making earrings for myself and others, but I started selling them about a year ago.”

Tidwell said it is important for artists to keep growing their go-to processes. “I really just enjoy making stuff that I like and that lets me express myself and what I can do. I try to push myself to make jewelry that is out of my comfort zone because I know there is someone who will love it,” Tidwell said.

In years past, creations on display have included sculpture and paintings depicting the human form in bright colors. Open mic

contributions have included poetry readings, guitarists with original songs, and even an entire band. The dates for the next Queer Art Show will be announced in February 2025 following the Valentine’s Day fashion show. The Center emphasizes that all are welcome at its events, or to come hang out and do homework.

Millions view total solar eclipse: Next U.S. appearances come in 2033, 2044

Sam Kozlowski Digital Editor

The sun and moon briefly embraced on April 8, and millions saw it.

Temperatures dropped nearly 10 degrees as excitement filled the air on campus and all across the United States. About 44 million people were in the path of totality. Another 600 million people around the world saw at least a partial eclipse.

It was the first total solar eclipse over the U.S. since August 21, 2017, with both the 2017 and 2024 eclipses forming an ‘X’ over the states.

Nine years later, the North Pole will be dimmed on March 30, 2033, during the next total solar eclipse. Only Russia and parts of northwestern Alaska will be able to see it. Totality will be visible in Nome and Utqiaġvik, Alaska.

Over 20 years from now, August 22, 2044’s total solar eclipse will reach most of the western U.S., but totality is only predicted to shadow three states, including: Montana, North Dakota and perhaps the very northwest corner of South Dakota. It will be August 23 when most of the world will see the eclipse. Canada and Greenland are also going to experience total darkness, as the path of totality heads South into North America.

American cities where the 2044 eclipse is visible: Dickinson and Williston, North Dakota and Great Falls, Montana.

When looking at the sun, always wear proper viewing equipment with ISO-approved solar filters.

Our sun is 400 times larger than the moon, while also being 400 times farther away. So, the moon can perfectly cover the sun and vice versa. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon conceals the entirety of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur all over Earth about twice a year, according to the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service.

A total lunar eclipse, on the other hand, occurs when the moon passes through Earth’s shadow because the sun is on the opposite side of Earth. A total lunar eclipse will dim the moon or turn it into a red, orange color.

Vinyl fans listen up: Record Store Day opens at 3 Dachshunds

seek the most are Queen’s Greatest Hits, Tom Petty’s Greatest Hits, and Led Zeppelin. Ware said he often sees children around eight to

Fans of listening to music on vinyl should be aware of the upcoming 2024 Record Store Day taking place on Saturday, April 20. Record Store Day was founded in 2007 as a way to highlight independent record stores and uplift businesses that may be overlooked because of corporations. 3 Dachshunds Records in Edmond has been a participant in Record Store Day every year of the store’s nearly decade-long existence.

Jack and Betty Ware opened 3 Dachshunds Records on 2nd St. in November 2014, named after their three pet dachshunds. Jack Ware has been a lover of vinyl since purchasing his first record at the age of 11. In the last ten years of running his own record store, though, he’s seen an uptick in vinyl popularity.

“Our number one best selling new vinyl in the last two or three years has been Rumors by Fleetwood Mac,” Ware said, noting that the other vinyl records that customers

ten years old come into the store looking for an AC/DC record.

People of all ages, though, come into the store. Several people get a record player for Christmas and come in asking Ware about vinyl. He’s happy to offer suggestions to those who ask.

“If, like, they buy a new Rihanna album, I always make it a point of telling them that we also have another soul and rhythm and blues show and where in the store it’s at.” Ware also advises customers of upcoming releases. If anyone comes into the store looking for an album they don’t have, that’s not a problem for Ware. 3 Dachshunds can order the vinyl record and it will usually be at the store within three to four days.

Record Store Day brings a number of new and sometimes limited pressings to music lovers everywhere. 3 Dachshunds ordered over 500 different records, totalling around $30,000 worth of merchandise. Ware says he is most excited about the Thin Lizzy and The Gorillaz records.

3 Dachshunds will open at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, though they cannot begin selling Record Store Day Merchandise until 9 a.m. Free donuts will be available to Record Store Day customers. 3 Dachshunds Records is located at 2508 West Edmond Road.

This photo of the 2024 solar eclipse was taken on the UCO campus. (TROY ISBELL/ THE VISTA)

(TESS PETERS/THE VISTA)

Katie Claire (@katiecrafties on instagram) at the Queer Art Show. (TAYLOR HORNER/THE VISTA)

Deanna Wong’s (@dwadlings on instagram) rainbow pottery at the Queer Art Show. (TAYLOR HORNER/THE VISTA)

Sierra Leigh (@shattered_glass.co on instagram) at the Queer Art Show. (TAYLOR HORNER/THE VISTA)

Sarah McHenry sang and played a gentle at her display table during the Queer Art Show. Her table featured an array of handmade earrings and bead work. (TAYLOR HORNER/THE VISTA)

Vampire Weekend excels with reflective new album

Indie rock darlings Vampire Weekend’s fifth studio album “Only God Was Above Us” delivers ethereal beats and plenty of meat to chew. Ever since their 2013 release, “Modern Vampires of the City,” Vampire Weekend has been rolling through an extensive experimental period on ambient exploration, belying much of their more digestible early work.

This album is characterized by its off-kilter use of percussion, ranging from noticeably out of place polyrhythms to downright weird production choices. Every track has this squishy out-offocus energy that clicks along like a playing card in a bicycle wheel, building up an atmosphere of chaotic wonder. The opener “Ice Cream Piano” brings to mind an era of analog song demos and massive overdrive, with everything from the horns to the backing vocals going through some sort of fuzzification, with strange pacing reminiscent of a Silversun Pickups track.

“Classical” fits together perfectly with the premise of “Campus” off their debut album, repeating this infectious melody riff that seems almost like a musical fidget a pianist would hammer out while their thoughts drift. The lyrical content of this track layers with every word, making it nearly impossible to decipher on the first listen with allusions to the nature of both history and humanity.

Easily the most radio friendly piece on the

album, “Capricorn” is a catastrophically sad song about the minor tragedy of being born toward the end of the year. From how well this song ropes together examples of the anguish this brings, it’s lost how minor this tragedy really is.

“Connect” has the bouncy, tasty synthetic ambiance of a lucid sunset; with reverberating vocals intertwining with ephemeral lyrics, an oddly punchy double bass, electrifying static haze, and a wandering piano. “Connect” is easily enjoyed; it serves as an auditory feast, a true limit test for all the best sounds modern recording has to offer. Audiophiles should keep their ears peeled for this one.

“Prep-School Gangsters” stays the course for instrumentation, but lets the guitar take center stage with a powerful reverberating clean tone, reminiscent of Bob Dylan, The Cure, and The Killers all at the same time. The lyrics call for a common human understanding through the lens of bullies who fail to see the common denominator of humanity between people.

This album keeps pace with the previously established strangeness Vampire Weekend has shown, with psychedelic influences coming to a head on some of the later tracks. “The Surfer” is so full of a groovy energy pointed towards an accessible exploration of the edges of the human experience. It’s haunting, with dozens of off-putting sound effects placed within. Bold experimentation like this usually sacrifices enjoyment of casual listening, but shockingly every moment of the song registers as comfortable music.

Everything about “Gen-X Cops” hurts, and I’d venture to say it’s intended to. The song opens with a harsh melody ever so slightly balanced toward the left channel, followed up immediately by some of the bleakest imagery of the album with the uneasy lyrics “Blacken the sky and sharpen the axe, forever cursed to live unrelaxed.” This song clears the barrier for discomfort, falling within The Velvet Underground and Frank Zappa in the outermost orbit of what could be played in a cubicle without coworkers raising their eyebrows.

“Mary Boone” serves as an art pop letter to famed New York City art collector and gallery owner, famous for featuring dozens of independent artists over the years (and her subsequent conviction for tax evasion). The whole song plays as a fever dream, rolling between euphoric choral passages and restrained lo-fi refrains, with occasional interjections of piano arpeggios for flavor.

“Pravda” is a song about frustration and nostalgia, with dozens of references to New York City and Russian culture and an oppressive hope for an escape from both. With creative wordplay such as “a tie shop called ‘Tiecoon’” and exasperation at the untold audience (“When I come home, I won’t come home to you”), it feels like a cry for help, a hope-to-be deus ex machina-ed away from a life fully entrenched in two mingling cultures.

“Hope,” the closing song on this trippy album, is strangely defeatist. It preaches acceptance of a bad situation rather than a meaningless hope for change without action, with the constant chant of “I hope you let it go” echoing through the dreary imagery of failure.

Edmond Farmers Market gets ready for warm weather

Kilian Parsons Contributing Writer

As the temperature rises and the last signs of winter disappear, so does the Winter Farmers Market in Edmond, Oklahoma.

On March 16, the Edmond Winter Farmers Market closed up shop after its annual fivemonth reign, but it is not closed for good. Instead, the local Farmer’s Market is having an outdoor remodel, converting from the winter market to the summer.

The new Farmers Market will have its grand opening on April

20, and will continue through Nov. 2 when it reverts indoors in preparation for cold winter temperatures.

“Though I didn’t attend the Winter Market, I would go with some friends and spend time in some nice weather and the outdoors,” said Edmond resident Millie Rhodes.

Attendees can explore the new market at 26 W. First Street in downtown Edmond 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 20, and every Saturday after.

Visitors can expect a wide variety of local products for sale, such as arts and crafts, baked goods, fresh produce, and more

— some of which cannot be found in winter markets. Edmond locals and Farmer’s market enthusiasts alike are expressing excitement for the Summer Market’s April 20 opening.

“I really enjoyed last year’s market but it will be more fun to attend the summer version since I can finally enjoy walking around in the weather,” said Kelee Ellis, a Winter Market attendee.

Future visitors can email the Farmers Market Coordinator at Emil.Harmon@edmondok.gov or call (405) 216-7634.

LISTEN UP FOR LIVE SHOWS

APRIL

Chase Petra, April 16, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com

Electric Pony, April 17, Ponyboy, 423 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Dirty Loops, April 17, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, dcfconcerts. com

Sierra Ferrell, April 18, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com

Alestorm, April 18, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, dcfconcerts. com

K. Trevor Wilson, April 18-20, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com

Cowtippers, April 19, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com

The Castellows, April 19, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Ryan Bingham, April 19, Riverwind Casino, 1544 Highway 9, riverwind.com

JM Stevens, April 19, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc. com

Holly Beth, April 20, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

World Peace Death Ray, April 20, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com

Dexter and the Moonrocks, April 20, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Kip Moore, April 20, Riverwind Casino, 1544 Highway 9, riverwind. com

Royel Otis performs April 21 at Resonant Head. (OURNESS RECORDS/PROVIDED)

Rickey Smiley, April 20, Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com

Royel Otis, April 21, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com Beach Weather, April 21, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Adam Ant and the English Beat, April 23, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Zak Royka Reporter

Chris Baio, Ezra Koenig and Chris Tomson are Vampire Weekend. (COLUMBIA RECORDS/PROVIDED)

Vampire Weekend, “Only God Was Above Us.” (COLUMBIA RECORDS/PROVIDED)

Edmond Farmers Market is located at 26 W. First Street in downtown Edmond. (CITY OF EDMOND/PROVIDED)