When one thinks about music DVDs, the first thing that comes to mind may be concerts. There are also many documentaries about musical artists, and even a few about those who did not write, sing, or play, but who werepardon the pun - instrumental in creating and managing careers or venues, or those who produced and engineered signature and innovative recording techniques. But there are not many items about those who create instruments (the last one I recall seeing was "Masters of Resonance", which shows how Neal Pert's bog oak drum set was crafted.)
"Restrung" was a treat, especially for anyone interested in luthiers. It follows the life of Randall Wyn Fullmer, who left a very comfortable and stable life with twenty years at Disney to devote himself full-time to Wyn Guitars. The film touches on his childhood and animation career but shines in the day to day drama of small business, where mistakes can be career-ending but being in the right place at the right time can change eveything. As Wyn basses are hand-crafted from exotic hardwoods, the film is also intriguing for anyone interested in woodworking and machining. It ends with a resonant bass jam. Wyn players include James LoMenzo (White Lion, Megadeth), Larry Fulcher (Taj Mahal), Ben Jones (Robert Cray, B.B. King), Dammo Farmer (Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder), Bennie Edwards, Ethan Farmer, Maurice Fitzgerald, Erik Griggs, Tony Russell, and Eric Smith - some of whom not only play a bit on screen, but are also interviewed on camera.
It's not necessarily a punk flick, but Wyn's willingness to leave comfort behind to follow his dream, his DIY nature, grit in the face of adversity, and the sheer joy taken in everyone's idiosyncrasies and eccentricities leads me to recommend this to all audiences.
A Love Letter to OKC’s Music Scene
Let me hop up on my soapbox for a second because this is genuinely a crazy good time to be experiencing live music in Oklahoma City.
I’ve been involved in the local scene for about eight years now, and, in that time, I’ve watched it shift through a few different eras. The big players, tastemakers and staple events have evolved, but each phase has brought something special. We've seen incredible blogs, playlists, festivals and platforms spring up to highlight local artists. But the moment we're in right now feels especially electric.
Whether you've been in the scene for 20+ years or you're just dipping your toes in, there’s a palpable energy in the air. You can feel it in the crowds showing up to local gigs, in the consistent live music calendars (like the one in this zine), and in the many recurring shows and events that keep things moving. Local acts like Compost Adjacent are prime examples of the collaboration and creativity that define this scene. And honestly, our venues are killing it especially when it comes to all-ages shows.
When I first got into the scene at 18, it was tough finding shows that weren’t 21+ except for spots like 89th Street, Diamond Ballroom, and iconic spaces like The Blue Door and all-ages DIY venues like the Mothership Connection. But even then, there were wayyyyyyyyyy more shows in bars. Now, though, it feels like we’re in a golden age of accessibility. Just look at the venue list in UMAmi there are more all-ages venues than 21+ spots. Places like Bookish feel like they carry on the Mothership Connection spirit: businesses opening their doors to support local music in a genuine and ongoing way.
The addition of Resonant Head has also been a game-changer, not only for local acts but for touring artists, too. It’s proof that the strength of our local scene feeds directly into the quality of our touring scene. Take May 7, for example: Tigers Jaw at Resonant Head, plus Julien Baker and Torres at Tower Theatre. Two incredible shows, same night, two different venues. (Okay, maybe that’s just perfectly tailored to my listening taste but still!)
That's what this era of OKC music feels like: an abundance of great shows, vibrant community and venues that actively build each other up. It’s the kind of “best problem to have” moment where you’re choosing between multiple amazing gigs on the same night. I feel incredibly lucky to be here right now. I've seen scenes in other cities, and I can confidently say that Oklahoma City is something special. Go out and see a show. Soak it in. This is a moment worth remembering.
A manga about the zombie apocalypse if people turned into cats instead.
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy
Like “You’ve Got Mail” but Western with old magic and demigods.
apply here: + check
Message Board
your news & submissions
So, there is a whole history of songs that explicitly tell a story being a vehicle for passing down history, resisting oppression, etc. Think Woody Guthrie, C.W. McCall, folk songs like John Henry, and a bunch that I've heard but not learned the artists of. I adore this genre, but I have no idea how to find anything of this type that's been written in the last like 40 years. I'd love suggestions for more current resistance music of this style, or even a piece about it in UMAmi! -Xoje
Submit your ideas and suggestions for this prompt and other ideas via email (Oklahoma.UMA@gmail.com) to be included in next month’s zine!
kudos to Granny Anarchy for the pun!
Shameless Plug
GeekCon 2025 is taking over the Downtown OKC Library on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it’s your chance to enjoy all things geeky (for free!) Featuring everything from Star Wars to anime and comics, this all-ages event brings together folks from all sorts of fandoms. This year’s event brings a mix of panels, games, and hands-on fun, including Cardboardlandia (a collaborative cardboard build-a-thon), escape rooms, a Magic: The Gathering tournament, superhero storytime, improv comedy, Star Trek trivia, and a cosplay contest. Plus vendors, crafts and other goodies throughout the day.
AMA, Roadies Edition
What’s something whimsical you do just because?
Send random postcards to my friends (even the ones who live a few blocks from me). They're usually crammed with Sanrio stickers, Lilo & Stitch stickers and custom stamps I've carved :3 -la pêche punkette
Maybe it's become standard for me, but I opted to get rid of my clothes dryer a couple years ago. I hang ALL of my laundry on a line year round. It forces me to work with the weather and spend some time in the sun. Despite it being less convenient, laundry has become a chore I enjoy doing more. I also have a CD shelf in my living room that I see immediately when I enter my house. I collect little gifts I've found in nature and build it up throughout each season and keep them there. It becomes a beautiful display and reminder of all the nice things outside. -Primal Opossum
Have you met me? I don't do it on purpose, but I say hello to EVERYTHING. If you ' ve seen "Monster House," the little one riding a tricycle in the intro, lalala-ing and "hello, leaves?" IS ME. -Granny Anarchy
I enjoy creating random things – I made a t-shirt for a sibling with a cute lil Nosferatu that says “Vampire Popcorn” based on a passing phrase in conversation. Or making things centered around odd references like Romanian Hamsters, Bistromathics, the Fifth Avenue Anti-Stuffed Shirt & Flying Trapeze Club, Sammy & the Decapitated Head Horses, and The Creature From Estée Lauder. -Jackalope
