FREE MONTHLY | METRO OKC’S INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1979 | JUNE 2025
deadCenter Film Festival hits a milestone year with 200 films, 25 world debuts, and one emotional sendoff.
By Daniel Bokemper
Pg. 25
P.
4
5
6
10
15
25
28
30
35
Once again, the Oklahoma City Thunder is in the NBA Finals when the city seems to be on the cusp of significant changes.
By Greg Horton
In Sam Anderson’s brilliant 2018 history of Oklahoma City, Boom Town, the New York-based writer offered some observations of OKC that at the time were very true, but 2012 — the year his assignment began — was the last year those things were true.
“In the larger economy of American attention, Oklahoma City’s main job has always been to be ignored,” he wrote. “Every five or 10 or 20 years, the world is forced to pay serious attention to Oklahoma because something terrible has happened there: a tornado or a bombing or an economic collapse.”
The Oklahoma City Thunder brought Anderson to town; he was covering the young upstarts for New York Times Magazine, but his fascination with the city, its people and history turned into the book. In 2012, the core of the Thunder — Durant, Harden and Westbrook — had the team in the NBA Finals, and I’m writing this the day after the 2025 Thunder lost Game 1 of the NBA Finals to the Indiana Pacers. The NBA Finals appearances serve as ideal bookends to look at Oklahoma City progress in that span of years, or as Mayor David Holt wrote in a recent editorial for The Indianapolis Star: “Team success in professional sports often serves as a metaphor for a city’s progress.”
Looking back at OKC’s progress via the MAPS initiatives, Holt describes OKC in 1993, the year voters narrowly approved the downtown revitalization plan known as MAPS 1.
“OKC was also a pretty large city, but after being hollowed out by urban renewal, an oil bust and a banking crisis, it felt more like a place where a lot of people just happened to live,” he wrote.
That initiative led to the construc-
tion of the Ford Center — now Paycom Center — that would host the NBA Finals in 2012.
Mayor Holt talked to Oklahoma Gazette the day of Game 1, and we asked him to reflect on the state of the city now with the Finals as a backdrop.
“We’re operating at a very high level right now,” he said, using an assessment that applies nicely to OKC and the Thunder. “Unemployment is the lowest in the country; the crime rate continues to fall; we’re getting ready to build the new arena, and we’re doing groundbreakings regularly on MAPS 4 projects like the Diversion Hub and Palomar, and we’ll have a ribbon cutting for the coliseum in the Fairgrounds in a couple weeks.”
Holt started his first term in 2018, and he said he came into office planning to develop MAPS 4, which voters passed in 2019.
“Serving in the Oklahoma Senate, I shepherded 72 bills into law,” he said, “and that takes patience and persistence. It’s a target-rich environment for learning which battles to fight, which to concede, the importance of timing and deep insights into human behavior. All these MAPS-related accomplishments are different versions of that story.”
The MAPS initiatives have been instrumental in OKC’s growth and progress since the 1990s, and as Holt notes, “We are really good at getting things done, but the stories are 10 to 15 years long. I worked on the Olympics deal for six years behind the scenes before anyone knew something was happening. The city has made what I like to call relentless, incremental progress for 30 years.”
The idea of relentless, incremental progress works well for the current Thunder team, too. After the Finals loss in 2012, the wheels didn’t come off immediately, but the end result was the slow decline of the team through player departures, beginning with Kevin Durant, and then James Harden and finally Russell Westbrook. They weren’t the only names. Serge Ibaka, Steven Adams, Thabo Sefolosha, Kendrick Perkins, Reggie Jackson,
even Coach Scott Brooks — all would leave eventually. That left Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti faced with a rebuilding process.
Daniel Bell is on-air talent for Tyler Media’s KRXO, 107.7 The Franchise. He’s also the best NBA analyst working in local radio in the metro. Bell, a Memphis native who grew up in OKC (PC West 2009 graduate) talks about the 2012 team as “top heavy” and recognizes that an NBA team was a very new thing to OKC during those first Finals.
“Where we are as a city now probably translates really well to where the Thunder are now,” Bell said. “This Thunder is more expansive, more together; they’re often compared to a college or AAU team, as a group of friends. No one talked about the 2012 team like that. I remember interviewing Sam Presti about this, and he talked about seeing the growth in the city, and he wanted the team’s growth to parallel that and for this team to be an historic team.”
The patience of the OKC fanbase is critical to Presti’s success in this rebuilding project.
“Presti talked about how much he appreciates the fanbase being gracious,” Bell said. “The patience of the fans has been a huge factor in this team’s success. Just look at other cities where the fanbase has been impatient, where they want it now, and you see coaching changes, players leaving, dissension. Honestly, I think the COVID year helped us get through it. The fans weren’t in the arena to see how bad the product really was, and they didn’t have to waste money on a team that wasn’t trying to win every game. Presti never faced any real pressure to run him out of town.”
MAPS has taught us, maybe conditioned us, to be patient. Our status as an overlooked city built in us a sense of humility and low expectations. Holt notes in his Indianapolis op-ed that downtown OKC had one hotel in 1993 — really one hotel anyone would stay in — and now we have close to 30. By 2012, we had more than 2000 hotel rooms in the urban core. It was also the year the Devon Tower opened.
Perhaps as a contrast, it’s worth noting it was the year Republicans took control of both houses of the Oklahoma Legislature and Mary Fallin was governor. From that point, the city’s wellbeing has been on a different trajectory than the state’s. In 2012,CNBC ranked Oklahoma 23rd nationally in public education. Now we are 49th according to The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s annual Kids Count report. We are engaged in a bizarre experiment to see how well a thriving city can fare in a state headed the opposite direction.
MAPS 4 passed almost midway between the two Finals, and it was markedly different than its predecessors. “Seventy percent of MAPS 4 is devoted to human and neighborhood needs,” Holt
said. “This is by design. We have managed to find a way to work on vital issues like civil rights and domestic violence, while also fostering economic growth that helps us help those who need it.”
Cafe 7 Downtown opened in 2012. It closed in 2020, not as a result of COVID, but the pandemic didn’t help. Jimmy “J” Mays is the co-founder and operating partner of Killer Squid Hospitality (Cafe 7, Dado’s Pizza, The Hamilton Supperette & Lounge), and he said they opened the downtown store because they had already been doing a substantial amount of catering in the urban core.
“It was the year of the first Finals, and the city was just different,” he said. “The windows were painted, people were excited, the streets were bustling. It was a great time to be downtown. Rent was a fraction of what it is now.”
Mays is looking to open a new restaurant this year, but like many operators, he’s concerned about inflation, the rising rents — rates around the prime spots in the city are going for $30-$60 per square foot — rising labor costs and volatile food prices. He’s optimistic though.
“Best way I can put it: We have overcome diversity many times in this city, and we’ll do it again,” he said.
Holt notes that we have to solve the public transit issues.
“We’re growing disproportionately to the rest of the country,” he said. “The only way to stop growing is to have a city no one wants to live in.”
Growth brings a set of problems that have to be solved; there is not growth without complex issues. That includes our favorite team.
“The new collective bargaining agreement makes it tough to keep a team like this together,” Bell said. “Tough decisions will have to be made, win or lose. We’ll likely not see this roster together again after this year, which means players the fans love — maybe Dort, maybe Wallace — won’t be here next year. But if we keep the core together, the big three, the team will be fine.”
The sporty metaphor does work here, it seems. Win or lose, there is work to do; change is inevitable, but we have the character, patience and persistence to overcome. We’d just like to start with an NBA title and good schools.
Shannon Rich is the CEO and president of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame at Gaylord-Pickens Museum in Oklahoma City. After working in the hospitality sector, Rich joined the state’s Hall of Fame in 2004, which for nearly 100 years has honored exceptional Oklahomans and hosted various educational events and scholarship programs.
Oklahoma Gazette: You were raised in Oklahoma, right?
Shannon Rich: Yeah, I’m a fifth-generation Oklahoman. My family was here before the Land Run, close to Springer, Oklahoma. I’m a graduate of Oklahoma City University, and I was in the hotel business before I took this job. I opened the Renaissance Hotel downtown. I opened the Courtyard downtown and helped reopen the old convention center when it was brand new 20 years ago, the one they’re about to tear down.
What brought you to the Hall of Fame? I had opened several hotels — that was my background — and I had initially thought I would run for political office. So when I took this job, I thought it’d be a great opportunity to build a statewide Rolodex, but I really did fall in love with our mission.
I’ve worked on the revenue side at a corporate hotel where we were driven by our shareholders and the profit and loss statement, which is awesome. But when you come here and you get to call students who get to go to college for the first time in their family, it’s also amazing. We’re creating a different narrative for Oklahoma here, and I really love that work.
Why is the Hall of Fame important?
When I grew up here and I graduated from high school in Yukon, most people who went to college weren’t coming back. Dallas, Chicago, D.C. — that’s kind of where all my friends went because there just weren’t certain opportunities here in the early 1990s. And now if you look around these walls (of the Hall of Fame), there are people of every walk of life.
Whether you’re from a rural environment or an urban environment, whether you’re Asian American, AfricanAmerican, Native American, there’s someone on these walls who’s done something amazing. So giving students, giving kids Oklahoma heroes so they can go off and, you know, go to college, find what your passion is, but come back to Oklahoma and make this your place to do your business, that’s kind of our hope.
What programs are you most proud of here?
I think creating organizations like the teen board have made me really proud. We have one of the first and one of the most active teen boards in the state, and it is truly a statewide teen board. Having teenagers talking about Oklahomans who’ve done great things is something that I thought was missing. This organi-
By Benjamin Thomas
zation has been around for 98 years, and so we own a demographic of older people because that’s mostly when people are inducted. But we were missing the op portunity to really connect with students and young families.
A lot of the Hall of Fame seems to be geared toward state pride.
I think most people leave here, whether they are from Oklahoma or not, with a different impression of the state. When U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut came to introduce Mike Turpen to the Hall of Fame, he sent me the kindest note after, and he said, ‘You know, I’ve never seen so much pride in a room.’
To think about kids thinking, ‘That guy on the wall looks like me,’ or ‘She’s from the same place I am,’ and then believing they can build their own business or they can go to college and become a doctor, those connections and representation matter.
Why did you ultimately decide to stay at the Hall of Fame?
Like I said, my intention was to be here from 2004 to 2007 and then run for office in 2008. But I got to make a phone call in 2006 that really changed a lot for us. We had a girl win a scholarship who, at the time, didn’t have a phone. So we called the school to tell her she had won the scholarship. They said they would work with her family, which had to go to the Save-A-Lot in Durant to take the call. In my mind, I pictured seven or eight people standing around a phone at a Save-A-Lot in Durant, and we got to tell her she will be the first person in her family to go to college.
I have delivered a lot of revenue, and I have made a lot of profit, and I’ve gotten some big bonus checks, and I’ve been very fortunate in my life. But I can’t tell you how much I cried that night because education is really an equalizer and the difference we were making in her life. I don’t think I had ever had a feeling like that.
In the time it takes to get your morning co ee, The KOSU Daily podcast delivers the local news you need to know.
Start your day with award-winning journalists who cut through the noise to bring you Oklahoma stories that impact your community, your family and your life.
Listen to The KOSU Daily on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or the NPR App.
Oklahoma’s Legislative session remained mostly calm with a final showdown that proved dramatic, breaking state records in vetoes and overwrites.
By Kimberly Walker
The Oklahoma Legislative session adjourned sine die on May 30. Gov. Kevin Stitt celebrated the win for policy priorities set out in his February State of the State address, including: quarter point tax cut (lower than the half point desired), the establishment of business courts, elimination of virtual school days and a ban on phones in schools.
While Stitt took the passive approach and let over 300 bills take effect without his signature, he vetoed a record 68 bills, including: requiring insurance companies to cover diagnostic mammograms, strengthening DUI and open records laws, requiring ethics training for state department heads and solving the backlog of missing indigenous people’s cases.
Stitt’s strong hand didn’t stop there. In one Facebook rant, Stitt urged constituents to take a closer look at their representatives’ stance in the chamber: “You gotta know how these people vote, and are these people voting for bigger government and to override the governor’s veto?”
“This isn’t leadership. It’s bullying,” Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond criticized Stitt’s threat in a post on X. “The vast majority of legislators are strong conservatives working to improve the lives of Oklahomans. These vetoes would diminish public safety, protect corruption and cronyism, prevent health insurance from covering breast screenings, empower drunk drivers and more.”
After learning of a resolution introduced to remove Allie Frieson from
office at the Oklahoma Mental Health Department, Stitt issued a statement shifting the blame of the department’s financial failure to the spouse of resolution co-author Senator Paul Rosino.
“Governor Stitt has crossed a line,” Pro Tem Paxton said in a media statement. “His recent attempt to smear the good name of Senator Rosino’s wife is not just petty — it’s disgraceful. Senator Rosino’s wife is a part-time administrative employee. Instead of attacking a public servant’s spouse, the governor should be addressing the real problem: his own failed appointee.”
The House and Senate overwrote 47 of his vetoes, requiring two-thirds majorities in both chambers, setting a new record of governor vetoes overturned in Oklahoma. The resolution to remove Stitt’s appointee, Allie Frieson, passed with an overwhelming majority in both the House and Senate.
Education
• HB1087 enables additional “step raises” on teacher pay for the 26th-40th years of service.
• HB1601 allows teachers to use up to six weeks of accrued sick leave to extend their six-week maternity leave.
• HB1727 allows veteran teachers (10+ years) to qualify for the OHLAP tuition scholarship, even in higher-income brackets.
• HB2263 prohibits drivers from holding or using a cell phone while driving through a school zone.
• SB840 establishes a new micro-cre-
dential program for teachers specializing in reading and dyslexia identification.
• SB758 reduces reliance on virtual school days to ensure students receive the benefit of in-person learning.
• SB139 requires public school districts to limit student cell phone use from “bell to bell” for the entire 20252026 school year.
• HB1389 mandates increased insurance coverage of breast cancer screenings.
• SB176 requires health benefit plans in Oklahoma to provide extended length of prescriptions for contraceptive drugs.
• HB2298 expands prescriptive authority for nurse practitioners.
• HB2584 expands prescriptive authority for physician assistants.
• SB804 requires long-term care facilities to create internal quality assurance committees and requires the commissioner of health to promote rules regarding minimum standards for medical care and medication administration.
• HB1137 removes the requirement that the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation work to obtain federal funding or apply for federal grants relating to the Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons.
• HB1178 creates a misdemeanor charge for individuals who are not disabled and falsely claim they have a service animal or use a service animal to gain treatment and benefits.
• HB1563 authorizes a defendant to issue a mandate to provide documents or evidence to a business or commercial entity for certain records. The bill also requires law enforcement agencies to turn over body camera, dashboard camera and sobriety test evidence to prosecuting authorities and defense council.
• HB2163 establishes a “Public Access Counselor Unit” in the Attorney General’s Office to assist members of
the public in accessing information via the Open Records Act.
• SB631 establishes a minimum sentence for discharging a firearm into a building or dwelling used for public or business purposes.
• SB1050 decreases the allowable time to file certain claims under the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act.
• SB1089 amends definitions related to the determination of mental health competency modifying procedures for proceedings for restoration of competency.
• HB2764 is a significant reduction in personal income taxes and modernization of Oklahoma’s tax code, aimed at strengthening the state’s economy.
• HB2781 is the Reindustrialize Oklahoma Act, which supports the construction of a new aluminum plant, revitalizing Oklahoma’s industrial base and creating thousands of new jobs.
• SB796 prohibits taxpayer-funded DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) programs at public colleges and universities.
• SB480, the “Behind the Meter” law, is designed to increase energy generation as the demand for electricity rises nationwide due to a growing number of large-scale manufacturing facilities, data centers and artificial intelligence processing centers.
• SB652 establishes five election days annually, scheduled in February, April, June, August and November, making election days less confusing to support voter turnout.
• HB2728, The REINS Act (Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act) in Oklahoma aims to increase legislative oversight of state agency rules, particularly those with significant fiscal impacts. It requires state agencies to seek approval from the Legislature before adopting major administrative rules and provides for independent review of agency economic impact statements.
• HB2729 is legislation to eliminate the “doctrine of Chevron deference,” a legal test that limited courts’ ability to interpret ambiguous administrative rules. The law ensures that unelected agencies do not have the final word in establishing law.
As the dust settles on the 2025 Oklahoma legislative session, the clash between the executive and legislative branches has left a lasting mark. While Gov. Stitt secured several cornerstone victories aligned with his agenda, lawmakers proved resolute in asserting their own vision for the state — one rooted in practical reforms, bipartisan priorities and an insistence on checks and balances. With record-setting veto overrides and bold policy shifts now in motion, the true impact of this session will unfold in the months ahead — in classrooms, courtrooms and communities across Oklahoma. Visit oklegislature.gov.
Five years into its tenure, Diversion Hub is making a difference lowering incarceration and recidivism rates in the OKC metro.
By Julie Porter Scott
You hear this phrase a lot: break the cycle. It has become part of the lexicon, a phrase we toss around loosely in relation to a great many things. In doing so, we’ve made it commonplace, and its meaning has become muddled. What does it really mean to break the cycle? How does that work, and who does the work?
Diversion Hub, near NW 10th Street and N. Robinson Avenue, is doing the work. Founded in 2020 by Sue Ann Arnall, the organization serves individuals and families impacted by the criminal justice system in Oklahoma, Cleveland and Canadian counties. At its temporary Midtown location, it offers wraparound services to help people exit the system and find pathways to stability.
Its mission statement is clear, if complex: connecting justice-involved individuals to life-stabilizing resources and services to help them become safe, stable and self-sufficient, thereby reducing their encounters with the criminal legal system.
That’s a mouthful, so it’s important to unpack what that really means.
One of the organization’s key objectives is to reduce recidivism within the criminal legal system and, in doing so, address the underlying issues that may have led to legal involvement in the first place. The how is as important as the what. A culture of compassion provides a judgment-free space to address these concerns in a productive and restorative way.
When clients arrive at Diversion Hub, they may be just out of the Oklahoma County Jail or recently released from an Oklahoma Department of Corrections facility. They may be facing serious charges, or they may be trying to avoid getting into trouble again.
from the criminal legal system.
• Case managers work with clients to create comprehensive case plans and access the services they need to succeed.
• Recovery navigators boost the success of Treatment Court participants through peer services and support.
• Employment navigators prepare clients to find and maintain meaningful work and build essential career skills.
The facility truly is a hub. By co-locating community partners on-site, barriers to accessing additional services are significantly lowered. Many partners have staff embedded on-site, and connection to services is often seamless, which makes a big difference when you don’t have transportation.
interests of any person or any civic advancement.
The Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) recently crunched the numbers: State Question 780, which reclassified simple drug possession and low-level property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors, averted 1,178,260 days served in incarceration in fiscal year 2022, saving Oklahoma taxpayers $19,912,594.
But perhaps the most important break in the cycle is the one from one generation to the next. A mother or father leaves custody and is lucky enough to land with Diversion Hub. They find housing, food security, employment or assistance. If the client does their part, a painful past can be left behind, allowing a parent to be present in their child’s life.
“Our neighbors in the community that are reintegrating from jail often have significant barriers that keep them from the fresh start they seek,” Diversion Hub executive director Meagan Taylor said. “That’s where we come in.”
Upon release, these individuals may not have any reliable support system. For some, reconnecting with their network may be tantamount to stepping back into the life that got them in trouble in the first place. Even if they do have close family or friends to turn to, that doesn’t mean those people have the resources, knowledge or wherewithal to help them maneuver the convoluted criminal justice system. Not knowing how to navigate the system is dangerous and, simultaneously, not an excuse.
Enter Diversion Hub.
From the time clients arrive, it’s as if Maslow himself were steering the ship. Needs are met in order of a hierarchy: first water and food, hygiene and clothing, SNAP benefits and figuring out housing. For the first time in what is perhaps a long time, everyone is friendly, approachable and nonjudgmental.
Many clients don’t even have an ID, which is obviously a crucial part of reentry into society. Diversion Hub has people, a plan and contacts to solve this and so many other issues. Suddenly the insurmountable is reduced to a manageable to-do list of individual tasks.
An intake assessment is performed, and that information is used to create a road map for the staff to help the client. Once the road map is ready, a wide array of programs and initiatives is put to work:
• Justice navigators help clients meet court requirements and disentangle
Beyond physical logistics, the approach to providing services and advocacy is just as important. Staff members work to build supportive relationships on a foundation of equity. Diversion Hub uses a voluntary model rather than a punitive one. It’s based on the belief that sustainable, long-term change is only possible through internal motivation. A strengths-based case management model empowers clients to address their individual needs and aspirations.
The results are nothing short of staggering. Diversion Hub’s 2024 Impact Report provides a wealth of information, but here are some statistics from their Justice Navigator Program:
• Clients served: 3,259
• Clients not arrested in Oklahoma County for any new charges before program closure: 97%
• Clients who appeared at all court dates and avoided a failure-to-appear warrant before program closure: 96%
• Pretrial clients who did not receive a prison or jail sentence while active: 97%
• Probation clients who were compliant with the program at closure: 89%
Even if you’re not necessarily concerned with the well-being of a recently released justiceinvolved individual, the inner workings of the criminal justice system or the endemic failure of carceral rehabilitation, you might care about your own personal safety and that of your loved ones.
It’s hard for many of us to imagine the helplessness and hopelessness someone can feel in the carceral system. When someone feels hopeless, the jump to “nothing to lose” is scarily fast. That mentality can lead to a lot of outcomes, and none of them are good.
From a fiscal standpoint, it simply costs taxpayers more to keep someone in a cycle of endless incarceration. It’s a major expense that is not in the best
That child will grow up and choose a path. Even a parent with a criminal and chaotic past can become a parent with an important purpose in the life of their child.
There’s another saying that’s been bandied about lately: When you know better, you do better. That’s the hope, at least. Thanks to unprecedented access to data and the ability to analyze it, the Diversion Hub team can do better. A people-first, trauma-informed, voluntary approach empowers clients to overcome struggle and break the cycle. Even intergenerational cycles can be broken by this approach.
Oklahoma City is lucky to have Diversion Hub. The city is safer and stronger because of this work. It turns out when you take the most maligned community, serve them as you would any vulnerable population, add a fiercely committed funder and pair that with a brilliant executive director leading an indefatigable team, you really can blaze a trail toward a better future for all of us.
Visit diversionhub.org.
and
The Heartland Flyer, Oklahoma’s only passenger train service, is chugging toward its final stop, thanks to budget cuts in Texas. While the train, which connects Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, averages just a couple hundred passengers a day, ending the route will be a blow for a city that has been trying to increase rail and public transportation.
“The state of Oklahoma cannot fund that operation of our own accord,” declared Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director Tim Gatz, possibly while eyeing another turnpike expansion.
Oklahoma ponies up just $4.5 million a year for the line, which, evidently, is all the state can afford to help get people off increasingly traffic filled Interstate 35.
Rail advocates are especially frustrated, as their dreams of expanding the service to Kansas or Tulsa may be derailed. It’s a shame the state can’t add trains to its transportation plan, which remains primarily focused on highway expansion. Most Oklahomans still celebrate the region’s relative ease of travel, but the days of worse traffic are coming. I-35 south of Oklahoma City is turning into a nightmare, and getting even a couple hundred people off the highway each day can make a difference.
Congress is eyeing over $880 billion in Medicaid budget cuts as part of President Trump’s grand budget and tax plan. Apparently, making America great again includes making rural hospitals poor again. The loss of these funds could be devastating for some rural hospitals in Oklahoma, where roughly 1 million Oklahomans rely on Medicaid (SoonerCare).
“For rural hospitals, a loss to Medicaid funding could result in an up to 15% reduction in revenue used to provide hope and healing for our most vulner able community members, resulting in worse health outcomes, delayed treatments and increased mortality rates,” wrote Jeremy Jones, chief ex ecutive officer of Arbuckle Memorial Hospital in Sulphur, in The Oklahoman
Rural Oklahoma has already taken a beating in recent decades, what with farm consolidation, declining manu facturing and school cuts already turning our countryside into a charm ingly rustic poverty simulator. A Med
icaid budget cut could further exacerbate the state’s rural decline, making them feel less like the Sooner State and more like the Sooner-orLater-We’re-Closing-Everything State.
State Supt. Ryan Walters has long championed more parental choice in Oklahoma schools. Well, he’s finally getting his wish! It turns out many parents are opting their children out of social studies lessons that would teach skepticism about the 2020 presidential election results.
Walters, who slyly snuck “conspiracy theory 101” into the state’s curriculum, has faced pushback from the state Department of Education board and even some legislators. But in true Oklahoma fashion, the Legislature decided not to act and the standards went into effect.
“We want parents to have opt-outs,” Walters said. “We want parents to be able to make those decisions. I think that’s a bad decision on their part.”
Walters’ tenure as state superintendent has done little to improve Oklahoma’s education. His culture war politics have focused mostly on putting Bibles in classrooms and other moves in hopes of getting a shoutout from President Trump. His policies have been divisive, but the new social studies standards have brought people together — Republicans and Democrats — in opposition. The real question now is whether Oklahomans will
opt out of Walters altogether in the 2026 election.
Housing hit
Democrats rarely manage to pass a bill these days, but
Oklahoma City
Democrat Sen. Julia Kirt nearly pulled off a miracle by secur ing bipartisan support for Senate Bill 128. This bill would’ve extended eviction wait times, giving renters a much-needed breather. Despite getting a thumbsup from the Oklahoma Legislature, a feat in itself, Gov. Kevin Stitt, presumably while reviewing his latest tax cut proposals, promptly vetoed it.
Kirt simply wanted to offer some relief to renters in a state that boasts some of the nation’s highest eviction rates. Meanwhile, helping those struggling with housing hasn’t exactly been a top priority for Stitt. He dismantled a state homelessness commit tee in 2023, perhaps deciding that the best way to solve homelessness was to stop talking about it. His recent veto of SB128, along with another bill, deliv ered a swift punch to housing stability advocates.
“We cannot overcome economic realities with good intentions,” Stitt declared from the comfort of the governor’s mansion.
The Social/Aurora mashup is changing as Aurora All Day Cafe makes its debut.
By Julie Porter Scott
You can’t talk about the current Aurora without a trip down memory lane. When Social Deck + Dining opened in late 2018 in the low-slung building formerly occupied by Chae, it was an immediate hit. Those were heady days in Oklahoma City’s restaurant scene, and Social made a name for itself as both a neighborhood joint and a destination. It managed to make an oddly configured indoor space work well, but the patio was the real star. The drinks flowed, the menu struck a chord and times were good.
Owners Jamie and Jordan Winteroth had a lot riding on that experiment. In order to start the restaurant, they sold their home in the nearby Cleveland neighborhood, put most of their belongings in storage and moved with their young son into an apartment. Industry veterans, the pair built a warm, welcoming restaurant and bar, which picked up steam all throughout 2019. It was hard to put a finger on what worked so well at Social, but the inclusive and nurturing culture the Winteroths built gave Social its shine.
In November 2019, the pair took their talents to 16th Street Plaza District, where they bought and reopened shuttered Aurora. The breakfast restaurant had opened to much fanfare in 2017 but had gone downhill before closing unexpectedly in June 2019. Under the Winteroths, Aurora added dinner service, capitalizing on the steady stream of people in the Plaza District day and night. Aurora was once again humming along, always busy and reliably delicious.
It’s not even necessary to get into what 2020 brought. The sad story of what a global pandemic did to small local restaurants has been told many times. With both concepts just hitting their stride in early 2020, it was an especially tough break for the couple. With both of their livelihoods tied up in the two concepts, they pivoted as best they could. Curbside takeout at Social was an especially bright spot during those dark days.
Social and Aurora both made it through the pandemic and the turbulent years that followed. In March 2023, the team welcomed Chef Jerrod Driskill to Social, and he reworked the menu. In July
2023, the Winteroths purchased Rev Mex from Rachel Cope’s 84 Hospitality. With its big backyard perfect for sipping mimosas and catching up with friends, Aurora was chugging right along. But Social still struggled, and in May 2024, it was converted to a full-service catering and events center. Diehard Social fans could still find some of their favorites on Aurora’s dinner menu or via specials.
Then, in July 2024, Aurora surprised fans by moving a block down the street into the space vacated by Mexican Radio in its move to Midtown. The iconic rainbow patio, long bar and bigger kitchen seemed too good to pass up, and musical chairs ensued. But the changes didn’t stop there. Now another change is afoot.
Aurora during brunch is a beautiful ballet. From morning to mid-afternoon, busy servers take excellent care of a constant stream of guests. Artisan coffee flows freely, as do the mimosas, Bloody Marys and espresso martinis. Guests never feel rushed to leave so the next person can have their table, instead choosing to linger over one more coffee. Unlike the previous location, there’s plenty of room inside, and what was lost in the wild-child freefor-all that was Aurora’s old backyard was gained tenfold in the iconic rainbow patio.
Dinner is a different story. Despite years of offering dinner service at Aurora, it has never really taken flight. Jamie has thought a lot about this and has arrived at an answer.
“I think we are just branded as a brunch restaurant in the community,” Jamie told me.
Rather than fight that perception, the team has decided to lean into it.
“We came up with the new All Day Cafe concept so we can cater to those that love breakfast for dinner and engage with the Plaza happy-hour crowd,” Jamie said. “We can also offer the most popular dinner favorites all day. I think it is going to be a win for everyone.”
The new daily happy hour 3-6 p.m. will be reminiscent of Social, with a $6 burger and frites, gravy and blue cheese chips, and more. The short rib risotto,
one of Social’s most popular dishes, will appear on the Blue Plate Specials menu, a cameo sure to delight the Social loyalists. Longtime customers will be pleasantly surprised by this new rollout.
The team at Aurora will continue the practices that have made it successful in the past: thoughtfully sourced proteins and support of local partners like Urban Teahouse, Wander Folk Spirits and Clark’s Coffee Club. The bread is from local favorite Twisted Tree Baking Company. All pastries will continue to be baked in-house, and Chef Driskill will remain at the helm of Aurora while also running the very busy catering and special events business at the old Social.
For Jamie, the newest menu is just the latest expression of the love her team has for its community, neighborhood and regulars.
“We just want you to love every bite without it being pretentious,” she said. Recently, on a rare date night, I got to see a bit of that. Tommy, the man behind Aurora’s outstanding cocktails, was our server. His easygoing demeanor was matched by his excitement to share helpful suggestions. From both the drinks and food menus, Tommy had us ordering things we would not normally try, and we were glad we listened. Our cocktails were on point, and our meal was excellent.
As much as we loved everything we had, it was melancholy to sit in an empty restaurant on a Friday night in the Plaza District. I worried for the team, wondering if the brunch business alone really could carry the restaurant. Add in catering and special events, and maybe it’s enough. But when I think back on all the changes the team has survived and what they overcame as the newish owners of not one but two small local restaurants during the pandemic, you just have to root for them.
By listening to their community, they are poised for success. They’re not stubbornly doubling down on a menu that’s not working; they’re adapting in real time, reworking their concept based on customer sentiment.
The new concept also fills a void in the city. All-day brunch in a luxurious space in one of the most vibrant districts in the city with artisan coffee and cocktails? It sounds like precisely the thing that is needed not just in Plaza, but in Oklahoma City at large. Add in a few staples like the chicken sandwich and the burger, an excellent happy hour and some fan favorites, and it’s easy to imagine a blockbuster.
“We believe the thoughtful intention behind our menu will be evident,” Jamie told me as I was leaving. “The staff at Aurora are truly a joy. They love one another, and they love Aurora.”
I’ll raise a mimosa to that.
Visit shinewithaurora.com.
deadCenter has partnered with local businesses across Oklahoma City to create Pass Perks. To unlock exclusive deals at participating locations, just present your physical pass. We rounded up all the food and drink pass perks; more deals are available by checking out deadcenterfilm.org.
Abe’s 617 W. Sheridan Ave. instagram.com/abescampsite 405-265-5733
Acai bowls are buy one, get one half off.
Aurora 1734 NW 16th St. shinewithaurora.com 405-609-8854
Get a free scone or drip coffee.
Bee Healthy Cafe
204 N. Robinson Ave., Suite 150 beehealthycafe.com
405-778-6281
Show your pass and get a free smoothie!
Charleston’s Restaurant
224 Johnny Bench Drive charlestons.com 405-778-8868
Get 10% off your purchase.
Fogo de Chão 13810 N. Pennsylvania Ave. fogodechao.com 405-753-0003
Get 10% off when you show your pass.
Jimmy B’s Culinary + Krafted 1225 N. Broadway Ave. jimmybsculinarykrafted.com
Get a free trout starter!
Ma Der Lao Kitchen 1634 N. Blackwelder Ave., Suite 102 maderlaokitchen.com
Get 15% off your purchase.
Mexican Radio 1215 N. Walker Ave. mexicanradiookc.com 405-900-5608
Get 20% off food purchases.
Not Your Average Joe
1227 N. Walker Ave., Suite 300 nyaj.coffee 405-265-5733
Buy one sandwich, get one half off.
The R&J Lounge and Supper Club
320 NW 10th St. rjsupperclub.com 405-602-5066
Get 10% off food purchases.
Rev Mex 916 NW Sixth St. revmexokc.com 405-606-7861
Get free chips and salsa!
Sailor & The Dock
617 W. Sheridan Ave. sailorandthedock.com
405-237-5984
Get 50% off your first drink.
Stella Nova All OKC locations stellanova.com 405-605-2563
Buy one lemonade, get one half off.
Beyond definition or classification, Jimmy B’s Culinary + Krafted provides an excellent experience.
By Julie Porter Scott
Jimmy B’s Culinary + Krafted 1225 N. Broadway Ave. jimmybsculinarykrafted.com | 405-676-8250
WHAT WORKS: The hospitality, happy hour and patio are top-tier.
WHAT NEEDS WORK: If you don’t order wisely, you can end up with a big bill, though not necessarily a full tummy.
TIP: Make a reservation. The restaurant and patio can fill up quickly.
I’ll preface this by saying I’ve enjoyed my meals at Jimmy B’s. Simultaneously, it has always struck me as a little odd. The menu is small but wide-ranging. Good luck deciding exactly what kind of cuisine this is. What do sushi, deviled eggs, trout dip, a French dip, shrimp Louie and Korean beef tenderloin have in common? No one knows. It’s as if someone took a bunch of excellent recipes, threw them in a fishbowl and had someone draw items at random. Yet somehow, it works. Maybe by picking one or two items from every cuisine from across the globe, you arrive at something approaching universal appeal.
The Automobile Alley location is close enough to the city center that it always makes sense for a post-work happy hour for downtown peeps but is also accessible for the entire urban core. Free parking is always available if you’re willing to look for it, and then you are steps from a streetcar stop. And although I’m sure there are other places to go before or after anything you’re getting into at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, I can’t ever think of any.
As the saying goes, “The patio makes the place.” Okay. I made that up. But it’s so often true. The patio is more relaxed than the stately interior, but with all the trappings Jimmy B’s offers.
I was there recently as first one and then another and then a whole gaggle of tween girls took their places at four- or six-tops with other tweens and the occasional chaperone. They were all in sparkly space-alien gear, and I was deeply confused until a friend pointed out that the Katy Perry concert was that evening. The patio was a perfect choice: The moms could enjoy a well-deserved glass of wine and a perfectly prepared sushi roll. Meanwhile, the excited trill of the girls didn’t ever rise beyond background noise as the steady thrum of traffic on Broadway lifted away their voices.
Jimmy’s is kind of a reverse mullet: party in the front, business in the back. A busy patio keeps some of the volume and energy outside, which helps the dining room maintain a sense of decorum.
When you’re looking for dim lighting, cozy booths and a more intimate experience, book a table inside. It’s great for a date night, but it’s equally good for a girls’ night or a work lunch. It’s not really big enough or trendy enough to be a see-and-be-seen spot, so it’s such a good fit when you want to focus on your dining partners.
Wherever you want to sit, make a reservation. I was seated just before the darling ranks of Katy Perry aliens descended. Had I been a few minutes later, the sparkly creatures would have taken the last few tables available. Jimmy B’s can be like that. If there is something going on anywhere downtown or in Midtown, suddenly there may not be any tables available inside or out.
When it comes to service, it’s a Hal Smith joint. Need we say more? As long as you can look past a server asking you, “Was everything perfect today?” you will enjoy legendary service and a fully topped drink. It’s worth smiling sweetly and reassuring them of their perfection to know you’ll never have to flag someone down for a second drink, a forgotten condiment or the check. I still always cringe when I hear that, mostly because I feel bad for the server who is required to recite it. What will it take for that tired, needy sentiment to be retired?
When it comes to the bar program, everything is, in fact, perfect. The Butterfly Effect ($15) is perhaps the most well-known drink on this bar
menu, and with good reason. Roku gin is mixed with sparkling peach sake, lemon, simple syrup and lavender foam. A little butterfly is added to the top of the drink — useful for keeping track of how many you’ve had; these go down a little too easily. Overall, this cocktail menu is full of surprising flavors and combinations, much like the food menu. Ube-by I Love Your Ways ($12) features Lunazul Blanco tequila, Cointreau, acidified ube pineapple, agave and butterfly pea tea. It is uniquely delicious and pairs well with most of the Asianinspired dishes.
With all those delicious cocktails flowing, you’d best order some food pronto. Good thing Jim’s ready with that small but wide-ranging menu.
I’ve eaten a lot of sushi in my life, so I was initially a little skeptical about having sushi there, but that was stupid. Sushi’s been around these parts long enough that lots of folks know how to do it well. The coconut shrimp roll is sneakily good, better than the sum of its parts, though paying $18 for it is a little galling. The Rainbow Roll is also great, and its $19 price point makes more sense, thanks to the generous amount of fresh fish. From the starter menu, the spicy tuna crispy rice is excellent, thanks in part to the unlikely combo that is remoulade and spicy ponzu — and a more palatable $14 price point.
steak (market price) made with an absolutely otherworldly chimichurri and hand-cut French fries. The steak is so rich and buttery, it absolutely melts in your mouth, but not before you get the insane flavor from the chimichurri. The hand-cut fries are also delicious, and I love to order a side of those no matter
Other favorites on this menu include the Thai steak and noodle salad ($25), made with a to-die-for marinated tenderloin, baby kale, fresh herbs, cabbage, tomato, carrot, avocado, mango and coconut tossed in a spicy Thai dressing. The crunch of the baby kale and cabbage, the gentle burn from the spice in the dressing, and that blessed tenderloin — thanks to premium ingredients and a generous portion, this feels like the other side of the coin from the aforementioned coconut roll value proposition.
However, if you happen to be dining on the corporate expense account, don’t pass go, don’t hem and haw. Just go directly to the American Wagyu flat-iron
what I’m having. By far, the most accessible way to show up to Jimmy’s is happy hour 3-5:30 p.m. and the last hour before close. A lot of places toss around “happy hour” without any real thought put into it, but HH really is the jam at Jimmy B’s. A few of my friends and I have taken to doing “wine and wings, but make it bougie” happy hours. The Gaijin wings are sweet and spicy chicken wings with pickled cucumber, togarashi and sesame seeds. Pair that with a discounted glass of vino or a classic cocktail, post up on the patio for a few hours and view the world through whatever crazy, rose-colored glasses led to this menu, with these drinks on this patio.
Visit jimmybsculinarykrafted.com.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick coffee, full brunch, pizza, tacos or schnitzel, you can fill your belly and refresh your spirits where everyone is welcome at the table at one of our favorite Oklahoma City area LGBTQ+ owned restaurants.
By Lauren Thomas-Martin with provided photos
Elemental Coffee
815 N. Hudson Ave. elementalcoffee.com 405-633-1703
Elemental Coffee first began roasting coffee in OKC in 2008, and its Midtown cafe started serving breakfast, lunch and pastries in 2011. Satisfy your brunch craving with chilaquiles: house-made corn tortilla chips cooked in red chili sauce, fried egg, sour cream, onions, queso fresco and cilantro. A vegan version is available upon request. Take home some of your favorite Elemental coffee beans from its shop or subscribe to its monthly coffee service and never be beanless again.
Rainbow Bistro
2215 NW 39th St., Suite 300 rainbowbistrookc.com 405-724-9187
Located on historic Route 66 in the 39th Street District, Rainbow Bistro follows in familial footsteps. Burl Beasley’s mom is Helga of Helga’s German Restaurant fame, voted Oklahoma Gazette ’s Best German Food in 1992. The bistro serves up Reubens, hot pretzels and burgers alongside its signature classic schnitzel served with red cabbage and your choice of Helga’s famous German potato salad or tots.
Burger Punk
3012 N. Walker Ave. 915 W. Britton Road burgerpunkokc.com 405-724-8017
Burger Punk offers more than three chords and the truth with outdoor seating, lunch specials and griddle cakes for brunch on the weekends. Whether you’re craving fried pickles, Buffalo chicken bites or a cheeseburger mac egg roll, Burger Punk has you covered. Noncarnivores aren’t left out either. Grab a Green Daze burger made with a Beyond Meat vegetarian patty to satisfy your burger yearning.
Big Truck Tacos
530 NW 23rd St. bigtrucktacos.com
405-525-8226
Big Truck Tacos has been serving up chef Kathryn Mathis’ interpretation of Mexican street food since 2009. Elevate your chippy-dippy Mexican meal with chips and ceviche or BTT’s Naughty Little Queso with chorizo and black beans, guac and pico. Flautas, quesadillas and burritos round out Big Truck’s already-robust taco menu. Try its 5th Amendment taco if you love surprises — just don’t ask what’s on it. BTT serves breakfast until 10:45 a.m. Monday-Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sundays.
& Coffee
2416 N. Robinson Ave. toastandcoffeeokc.com 405-778-6294
Nice try, Toast & Coffee! Your understated name doesn’t fool us. We see your sandwiches, paninis, quiche and wide array of pastries. Not just coffee, but cortado, hot apple cider, chai, matcha, flavored lemonades and Afro Pop sodas on the drink menu. Try cafe favorite toast with lox or smoked Atlantic salmon served with pickled cucumber and onion, fresh dill and cream cheese. Get your T&C on early; it closes at 3 p.m. on weekdays.
2415 N. Walker Ave. pizzeria-gusto.com 405-437-4992
Pizzeria Gusto imports many of it ingredients from Italy and uses a hand-built Stefano Ferrara pizza oven. Pizzas, sandwiches, pastas and ribs fill out the dinner menu. Personal-sized pizza, salad or pasta combos are available during lunch, and the brunch menu ranges from a pesto scramble to shrimp and polenta and, of course, includes brunch pizza with scrambled eggs, fontina cheese, tomatoes, bacon and basil.
Picasso Cafe
3009 Paseo picassosonpaseo.com 405-602-2002
Feed the artist in you at Picasso Cafe in the heart of the Paseo. Whether you’re in your “sharable plates” period or your tastes are leaning more “vegan renaissance,” Picasso’s extensive menu is here to please your palate. Picasso’s fish and chips is served with beer-battered cod, seasoned fries and caper remoulade. To satisfy late-night cravings, visit its sister bar, The Other Room, next door. The full Picasso Cafe menu is available at The Other Room, and appetizers are half-price all day every day.
• You must fill out at least 30 categories.
• Oklahoma Gazette must receive your ballot (one per envelope) by mail no later than Monday, June 23, 2025.
• The ballot may NOT be typewritten, photocopied or hand-delivered.
• There cannot be multiple people’s handwriting on the ballot.
• Make sure your selections are locally owned (unless otherwise noted) and your choices do NOT appear on the ballot more than three times.
• All contact information must be complete.
30. BEST PATIO DINING
31. BEST DINER 32. BEST RESTAURANT
33. BEST CHEF 34. BEST PRE-OR-POST EVENT SPOT
The 25th annual deadCenter Film Festival kicks off this Wednesday and runs through Sunday night, screening films at Harkins Theatres Bricktown 16, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Rodeo Stockyards, Rodeo Cinema Film Row, First Americans Museum and Oklahoma Contemporary Te Ata Theater and North Lawn.
the 1,700 films that were submitted to the festival. That total includes 26 feature films, 135 short films and 35 world premieres. From hilarious comedies and thoughtful dramas to intense documentaries and mindblowing shorts, deadCenter has films for every possible audience and taste.
All-Access passes can be purchased for $225 and include priority access to
all 200 films and parties throughout the weekend. Individual movie tickets are sold before each screening for $10.
Free events include the dC Continuum Panel Series in Oklahoma Contemporary’s Te Ata Theater featuring 11 exclusive, behind-the-scenes conversations with industry insiders; dC Awards Ceremony at Te Ata Theater 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday; and Outdoor Screening & OKCThunder
Films Premiere at Oklahoma Contemporary’s North Lawn 9 p.m.-10:45 p.m. Saturday.
Check out this issue of the Gazette for a full schedule and list of featured films. Movie trailers and additional information are available at deadcenterfilm.org.
•
A simple contract dispute spirals into a whirlwind of music, romance and violence for a young investigator as he fights his growing obsession with a group of artists on the brink of splintering.
Elvira, a Sámi teenager, fantasizes about her father being a movie star until her real dad unexpectedly enters her life in Norway. This family film features quirky dialogues and stars Nikolaj Coster-Waldau in a memorable supporting role.
When a zombie apocalypse breaks out in Brooklyn on the night of a warehouse party, an eclectic group of drag queens, club kids and frenemies must put aside their drama and use their unique skills to fight against the brain-thirsty, scrolling undead.
The circumstances behind a missing teenage girl spiral out of control after her traumatized father and a determined detective search for answers.
•
•
Contestants compete to the death in virtual reality battling dinosaurs after being forced into a game by authorities in a
When a new stepmom’s troubled 8-year-old girl befriends a boy who lives in the shadows, the family learns why things that live in the dark don’t want to be seen.
individual tickets
Individual (aka rush) tickets are only available 20 minutes before a screening, after VIP and deadCenter passholders are seated. Rush tickets, when available, are $10 each.
67
Touch Believe
Diving deep into the legacy of Counting Crows, this intimate
Life’s Ballet
World Premiere
• 5:15 p.m. Fri., June 13 @ Oklahoma City Museum of Art - Noble Theater
• 12:30 p.m. Sun., June 15 @ Harkins Theatres Bricktown 16 - Auditorium 11
Life’s Ballet captures the soul of Jo Rowan’s life’s work and in her story, celebrates the silent, enduring artistry of those who teach the world to dream.
Dream Touch Believe illuminates the inspiring story of blind, Indigenous sculptor Michael Naranjo, a man who succeeded in doing what he was told he couldn’t do.
• 5 p.m. Fri., June 13 @ Harkins Theatres Bricktown 16 - Auditorium 12
• 4 p.m. Sat., June 14 @ Harkins Theatres Bricktown 16 - Auditorium 15
Ku Stevens (17) is the solo runner at his high school with no coach. Living on the Yerington Paiute reservation in Northwest Nevada, he needs more to be seen by his dream school, the University of Oregon. As Ku trains, unreconciled emotions unearth the memory of his great-grandfather, Frank Quinn. At 8 years old, Frank ran 50 miles across the desert to escape an Indian boarding school. Frank’s story becomes interwoven with Ku’s journey to run a collegiate qualifying time.
UFOs at the Zoo: The Flaming Lips Live in Oklahoma City
Closing Night Flashback Screening
• 8 p.m. Sun., June 15 @ OAK OKC
This concert film by The Flaming Lips documents the band’s 2006 homecoming performance at Zoo Amphitheatre in Oklahoma City. The film features a massive UFO, costumes, props and other elements and goes beyond the musical performance, encompassing the entire day’s preparations, including fans in elaborate attire, the band’s preparations for the UFO landing and the reactions of the real animals at the zoo.
healing from the impact of boarding schools.
•
15 @ Oklahoma City Museum of Art - Noble Theater
Deep in the Choctaw Nation of rural Oklahoma rages a fight to preserve the Kiamichi River, reckoning with a cycle of land loss for the Indigenous diaspora and the community at large.
She Cried That Day
• 2 p.m. Sat., June 14 @ First Americans Museum Five Moons Theater
• 1 p.m. Sun., June 15 @ Harkins Theatres Bricktown 16 - Auditorium 12
Directed by Jesse Short Bull and David France and produced by Bird Runningwater. Leonard Peltier, one of the surviving leaders of the American Indian Movement, has been in prison for 50 years following a contentious conviction. A new generation of Native activists is committed to winning his freedom before he dies.
She Cried That Day is the story of a sister’s love and the spirit, strength and will of Indigenous women refusing to let their loved ones remain invisible in the eyes of the justice system. Susan
Broke while fighting a sickness she can’t beat, Susan stands up for people just like her while plotting ways to escape her misery.
•
•
•
•
After losing his college best friend, Otto, to a car crash, Damien goes through life learning that grief is not linear.
•
•
•
Experience
Thurs., June 12 @ Rodeo Cinema: Stockyards
• 3:30 p.m. Sun., June 15 @ Harkins Theatres Bricktown 16 - Auditorium 11
•
When a devastating accident happens, two sisters grieving the loss of their mother are forced to consider what their relationship means to one another and decide whether to hold on or let go.
A pleasant date between a man of Cherokee heritage and a Caucasian woman goes downhill when the woman flagrantly fixates on the very bane of Cherokee peoples’ existence: the Cherokee Grandmother syndrome.
The Thrilling Adventure of Amos Waters follows 10-year-old Amos as he tries to understand his alcoholic father by embarking on a quest that leads him through unexpected encounters and discoveries, ultimately confronting the reality of his
Sunday , June 15
Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds: Family: An Oral History Project
• 9 p.m. Sat., June 14 @
As he prepares for his first major retrospective at Oklahoma Contemporary in 2025, Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds (Cheyenne, Arapaho) reflects on the themes and ideas behind Family (2022), a varied print edition rooted in memory, history and cultural visibility.
Filmed by Sunrise Tippeconnie (Comanche, Navajo) and shaped through a conversation with artist and former student Kiona Wooton Millirons, Family: An Oral History captures an intimate exchange between mentor and mentee. Together, they explore the personal, political and Tribal narratives that inform each impression in the edition, offering insight into the layered meanings at the heart of Heap of Birds’s practice. The film was commissioned and created in partnership with Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center and Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds, made possible through a grant from Oklahoma Humanities. Sat, Jun 14th, 7:30 PM
7:30 p.m. Sat., June 14 Oklahoma Contemporary Te Ata Theater
Following the ceremony, dC will host a celebration on the terrace for passholders, with outdoor screenings beginning at 9 p.m. The lawn will be open to the public. Everyone is welcome to stay and enjoy the show!
After 53 years serving Oklahoma City’s entertainment, sports and event needs, the downtown building once known as Myriad Convention Center is being removed to make room for the new Paycom Center. As the walls come down, a half century of memories remain intact.
OKCThunder Films explores how the Myriad became a centerpiece of OKC’s transition into the 21st century and played an inspiring role in the face of tragedy.
With its 25th anniversary just around the corner, Oklahoma City’s deadCenter Film Festival has never felt so alive.
By Daniel Bokemper
A lot can change in 25 years. But deadCenter Film Festival’s commitment to bringing incredible films and the people who make them to Oklahoma City won’t.
Since 2000, deadCenter has grown from a single-venue event to an evergrowing weekend packed full of cinematic experiences. This year’s fest is literally bigger than ever, as it showcases over 200 independent short and feature films. Coincidentally, deadCenter will host the world premiere for 25 of them.
This year’s film festival is undeniably special. Though in some ways, it’s bittersweet, too. For Cacky Poarch, 2025’s festival marks her final rodeo as deadCenter’s executive director.
“I’ve cared very deeply about this festival and organization,” Poarch said. “Twenty-five years is just hard to believe. I was just looking at pictures from what seemed like yesterday. But those were taken 10, 15 and even 20 years ago. It’s like watching your kids grow up. It just happens.”
Festival fostering
It’s been a long road for Poarch, who has served deadCenter in some capacity from almost the beginning.
While she’s had the opportunity to work on award-winning documentaries like Faces of the 47th: The Art of Activism and the electrifying concert film, UFOs at the Zoo: The Flaming Lips Live, few contributions compare to elevating deadCenter to the status it claims today. However, her involvement started through a conversation with Melissa Scaramucci, one of Poarch’s closest friends and a similarly accomplished filmmaker.
“I attended the first year and thought it was a great idea,” Poarch said. “In 2002, Melissa and I toured with her film Making Arrangements at other festivals, and she had the idea of taking deadCen-
ter downtown, which is what we did in year three.”
The move was orchestrated by Poarch, Scaramucci, Brian Hearn, Geoffrey L. Smith and deadCenter cofounder Justan Floyd. The “Fab 5,” as Poarch called them, hosted screenings in converted spaces, complete with back-alley parties and some of the heartland’s most dedicated filmgoers.
“Melissa’s energy really got me involved,” Poarch said. “It was always crazy, but we would just make things work. We had that ‘let’s do this’ energy. I mean, we’ve seen festivals take off in other cities, so why not here?”
Ultimately, Poarch and her team’s efforts did more than just make deadCenter “work.” It thrived.
The film festival continued to grow, attracting even more filmmakers while building its own legacy. In a relatively short span, deadCenter became a standout event among thousands of other fests across the nation. And while deadCenter’s current form feels like a far cry from its grassroots origin, its long-term success was always on Poarch’s mind.
“We always had dreams of what it could be,” she said. “We dreamt of it being an Oscar-qualifying festival, that distributors would come and films would be sold here. And all of those things happened.”
Okie forward
deadCenter demands year-round effort from the committee that operates it. Even just getting local filmmakers to participate wasn’t always the given that it feels like today.
“Back in the day, we had to beg people to submit projects,” Poarch said. “That’s completely changed since I came back four years ago. It’s wildly different how much our film industry has grown.”
“Grown” may be a bit of understatement, given how Oklahoma has exploded with film production. Some of the most prominent movies filmed here include Lee Isaac Chung’s Minari and Twisters , Erica Tremblay’s Fancy Dance and, of course, Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon
While it may have been considered a creative wasteland by those who underestimate it, the last few years alone have helped Oklahoma emerge as an oasis ripe for producing powerful cinema. deadCenter has played a crucial part in cultivating that.
“People understand filmmaking better and recognize it as a real career path for a large portion of
Oklahomans,” Poarch said. “There’s something for everyone. Yes, there’s writers and directors and actors, but there’s also catering, electrical, construction and transportation. It’s the perfect industry for our state.”
In fact, deadCenter has persisted through the bulk of Oklahoma City’s biggest developments. Poarch recalled bringing in out-of-state filmmakers in 2005 and 2006 only to shock them with almost nonexistent city life and a terrifying tornado siren at noon.
In a lot of ways, this was ideal for the burgeoning festival. Case in point: shutting down Broadway for a conversation between Spike Jonze and BMX legend Mat Hoffman on 2010’s The Birth of Big Air
Nowadays, downtown is almost unrecognizable between Myriad Botanical Gardens, Scissortail Park, frequent concerts and the constant buzz of pedestrians. While deadCenter might not block major streets anymore, its presence is nonetheless felt in mid-June. And that presence has paid off in a huge way.
“The fact that we have film studios in the state was hard to imagine back then,” Poarch said. “Stuff like that wasn’t happening 25 or even 20 years ago. I’m proud deadCenter has been a part of that growth.”
deadCenter difference
The film festival has paralleled much of Oklahoma City’s growth, sure, but it has also helped propel it. As its familiar logo implies, deadCenter has a put a massive eye on Oklahoma. And the filmmaking world at large has taken notice.
“deadCenter was started as a platform for Oklahoman filmmakers,” Poarch said. “And as we’ve grown, the submissions have gotten so much better. Now we have to turn down a large amount of people who, despite that, are still making really amazing films. I love the stories being told here.”
As the films at deadCenter gained more traction and acclaim, more people — and press — followed suit. But one thing the festival hasn’t shaken amid its momentous growth is the compassionate heart that makes it so special not just for attendees, but visiting filmmakers.
“Hospitality has remained something that’s very important to this festival,” Poarch said. “We maintain
respect for filmmakers. Because I’ve been one at other festivals and have never received the kind of warm welcome and clear communication we offer here. It makes us different.”
For fans and artists alike, that Okie hospitality translates into something truly special. Throw local and national coverage into the mix, and deadCenter can quickly become a launchpad for someone with a big dream and a camera and crew to shoot it.
“There’s nothing like getting your film in front of an Oklahoman crowd,” Poarch said. “Between the continued press, podcasts and the viral moments we create every year … all of that amplifies your presence in the film world.”
When we celebrate filmmakers, the audience reaps the rewards. deadCenter gives attendees the rare opportunities to engage those who create what they see on-screen. This includes an abundance of insightful panels outside the screenings themselves, but also through conversations that happen right after the credits roll, when most of our impressions are freshly percolating.
“It’s amazing for audiences to see something for the first time with a producer, director and the rest of the crew,” Poarch said. “And it’s incredibly special at deadCenter.”
What makes a film festival isn’t just movies. It’s people who really define it.
Started by Lance McDaniel, deadCenter’s former executive director and one of its formative figures, the Icon Awards recognize Oklahomans who’ve made a profound impact on the heartland’s entertainment industry.
“It’s brought important Oklahomans back here and has really helped us grow,” Poarch said. “This year, we’re honoring five for 25. We include people who’ve succeeded in film and television, but also community icons who’ve made our state a better place.”
Previous award winners include Sterlin Harjo, Bradley Beesley, Gary Busey, Alfre Woodard and Tim Blake Nelson. This year’s class includes: David Holt: As Oklahoma City’s mayor, Holt’s enthusiasm for the arts has directly led to the state’s continued
but all of them have proven to make Oklahoma a better, more creative place.
growth in TV and film. In turn, Holt has helped facilitate significant economic gains for the city, which further the state as an ideal place for filmmakers.
Wayne Coyne: Founder of the state’s legendary rock band The Flaming Lips, Coyne’s no stranger to deadCenter. In 2008, he premiered his directorial debut, Christmas on Mars, at deadCenter to a full, rain-drenched crowd inside a packed circus tent.
Amy Scott: The director of insightful documentaries like Hal and Sheryl , Scott’s work has appeared on major television networks such as HBO and Showtime. Her latest doc, Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately?, screens at this year’s deadCenter.
Adam Hampton: A jack of all cinematic trades, Hampton’s writing, directing and acting have propelled his award-winning career. He appears in three films in this year’s festival: Reverence, Salt of the Earth and The Jurassic Games: Extinction
Hayley McFarland: This Edmond native is the youngest Icon recognized in this year’s class. But don’t let her age fool you; McFarland has already built a legacy for herself through appearances on ER, 24, Lie to Me, Sons of Anarchy and more. Every deadCenter Icon has a story,
Last dance
Many have made deadCenter what it is today. From the volunteers and committee members to the attendees and filmmakers, all breathe life into the festival. And in return, deadCenter enriches us.
The festival isn’t just something to enjoy; it’s something to be genuinely proud of. Between Oklahoma’s troubling statistics and the periodic national embarrassment, it can be easy to forget what makes the state one of a kind. deadCenter alone doesn’t completely erase our blemishes, of course, but it is an annual reminder that what we offer is truly special.
“When filmmakers visit us, they’re always surprised by how amazing of a place Oklahoma City is,” Poarch said.
“That’s always consistent. And I think investing in organizations like deadCenter is a great way to change the narrative. That ripple effect is profound in terms of economic development.”
To Poarch, deadCenter exemplifies what it means to connect people with one another and expose them to ideas that support their experience. The films make for a great catalyst, but the interactions they spark are what allow the fest to resonate with us.
“deadCenter brings people together to watch movies and have thoughtful
conversations,” Poarch said. “We have a vibrant community that has real discussions about different topics and ideas. That’s incredibly meaningful and something our festival does very well.”
After the credits roll for the last time on Sunday, Poarch will wrap up preparing the new executive director, who will be publicly announced in July. In the meantime, she’s excited for how the house she helped build will continue to evolve.
“There’s unlimited potential,” Poarch said. “I feel overwhelmingly grateful for everyone who shows up and works so hard on it. There are so many journeys that have started at deadCenter. I’m glad I got be a part of them.”
deadCenter Film Festival runs June 11-15. Passes are available online at deadcenterfilm.org for $225. Tickets for individual screenings are available 20 minutes before each film for $10 each while supplies last. You can also learn how to volunteer and financially support the festival on its website. Visit deadcenterfilm.org.
deadCenter Film Festival June 11-15
multiple locations
deadcenterfilm.org | 405-246-9233
Free-$225
By Phil Bacharach
As always, deadCenter Film Festival offers an embarrassment of cinematic riches. These are a few notables that look particularly interesting:
8 p.m. Friday, June 13
Oklahoma City Museum of Art – Noble Theater 415 Couch Drive
7 p.m. Sunday, June 15
Harkins Theatres Bricktown 16 – Auditorium 15
150 E. Reno Ave.
In the waning hours of the Biden Administration, a long-sought presidential pardon finally came for Native activist Leonard Peltier, who had been serving two life sentences for the 1975 fatal shooting of two FBI agents. That controversial conviction and Peltier’s tenacious fight for freedom — he always maintained his innocence — are detailed in Free Leonard Peltier, a riveting documentary by directors David France and Jesse Short Bull. Peltier and two others were charged with the slayings, which emerged from a standoff in South Dakota between members of the American Indian Movement and federal authorities. Peltier’s presumed accomplices were later exonerated.
8 p.m. Thursday, June 12
Rodeo Cinema at Film Row
701 W. Sheridan Ave.
8 p.m. Saturday, June 14
Harkins Theatres Bricktown 16 – Auditorium 12
150 E. Reno Ave.
My Father’s Daughter is a coming-of-age tale focusing on a young Sámi girl whose life is upended when her biological father unexpectedly enters her life. Up until then, Elvira (Sarah Olaussen Eira) had mollified herself with daydreams that her dad was a movie star who happened to donate sperm at a Danish fertility clinic. Featuring quirky characters, beautiful Norwegian vistas and a nifty supporting role by Game of Thrones ’ Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, this import from
writer-director Egil Pedersen promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
5:30 p.m. Friday, June 13
Harkins Theatres Bricktown 16 – Auditorium 13
150 E. Reno Ave.
12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14
Rodeo Cinema at Film Row
701 W. Sheridan Ave.
deadCENTER veteran Chad McClarnon returns to the festival with his feature debut, the thoroughly creepy thriller The Other People . Rachel (Lyndie Greenwood) meets and marries William (Bryce Johnson), a recent widower, and together they try creating a stable home life for William’s troubled 8-year-old daughter, Abby (Valentina Lucido). But stability isn’t easy in a town plagued by sudden deaths and missing persons — much less when Abby befriends a mysterious boy who resides in the darkened corners of their house.
8 p.m. Thursday, June 12
Harkins Theatres Bricktown 16 – Auditorium 10
150 E. Reno Ave.
7 p.m. Sunday, June 15
Harkins Theatres Bricktown 16 – Auditorium 10
150 E. Reno Ave.
They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, an adage that, as the comichorror Queens of the Dead makes clear, also applies to apples of the zombie variety. At least that’s if the tree was George A. Romero, the late filmmaker whose Night of the Living Dead and sequels made flesh-eating zombies part of the national consciousness. The apple in this tortured metaphor is daughter Tina Romero, here making her directorial feature debut. This time around, the undead invade a New York City queer club. The ensemble cast includes Jacquel Spivey, Nina West, Katy O’Brian, Tomás Matos and Margaret Cho. Visit deadcenterfilm.org.
deadCenter Film Festival’s PRIDE programming illuminates lived experiences and fosters mutual understanding.
By Daniel Bokemper
Oklahoma is for everyone. And so is its largest film festival.
For 25 years, deadCenter has exposed attendees to thousands of organic, touching stories that the average filmgoer may rarely — if ever — encounter. These movies often have the power to shape us, widen our lens and meaningfully consider the people who surround us.
But finding content that captures an audience’s attention and appropriately represents a demographic isn’t without hurdles, especially when it comes to the depth and vibrancy of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. For Laron Chapman, deadCenter’s head of PRIDE programming, the challenge is one he’s passionate to return to year after year.
In 2018, Chapman’s film You People was named deadCenter’s Best Oklahoma Feature. This came just two years after he attended his first deadCenter, which ultimately gave him the confidence to bring his character-driven script to life.
“It once felt so daunting and unattainable,” Chapman said, “but when I left the festival, I felt inspired. And after winning for You People, which I was completely taken aback by, I started volunteering and programming in an unofficial capacity in 2021.”
Chapman officially joined deadCenter’s committee as a PRIDE programmer in 2022. His immediate impact on the festival’s offerings saw him eventually named head of PRIDE programming in 2024. He’s the first person to hold the position.
While deadCenter wasn’t devoid of queer representation before Chapman started as programmer, no one was dedicated to curating this cinema, either. Being gay and a prominent, supportive voice in Oklahoma’s film community made Chapman ideal for filtering and identifying festival submissions that came from a sincere and thoughtful place.
“Everything happens the way it’s supposed to at the time it’s supposed to happen,” Chapman said. “I’ve created a local presence in the state and am open and candid about the experiences I had. I wasn’t hiding my identity. I was proud.”
Putting a spotlight on films that reflected his experience was important, but Chapman found it just as vital to amplify the voices of those with a similar background.
“I had to be front and center of the conversation because visibility and representation are important,” he said. “I didn’t want to be a filmmaker who was a closeted queer person making movies that were broadly appealing to people. I
want to be known for what I stand up for and the people I stand for.”
Deliberate depth
Chapman knows that his perspective doesn’t necessarily reflect the 2SLGBTQ+ community as a whole. What his position does alleviate, however, is the unintentional biases that can emerge in curation, even when festival programmers have the best intentions.
“We’re not a monolith; there are so many demographics within the community,” Chapman said. “People don’t always acknowledge the hierarchy of the community, in that the gay, white male is the most represented. As you get a little darker in skin tone and less clear about gender, however, you realize those people don’t have as much of a platform. So the challenge isn’t about picking a movie because it has representation. It also has to be a good representation of its subject.”
It isn’t about hyper-fixating on trends or emulating something that’s in vogue for Chapman. Effective PRIDE programming is diving beyond designations and showcasing films that aren’t just queer, but undeniably human.
“Every person has their own unique, lived experience no matter what you identify yourself as,” Chapman said. “I
search for content that makes those stories relatable.”
To Chapman, the impact of his contributions to deadCenter are bigger than just watching movies. He hopes the festival continues to shine brightly as a safe place to present, discuss and, ultimately, celebrate queer film.
“There’s a lot of hesitancy from people who have never been to Oklahoma, and a lot of anxiety comes with that,” Chapman said. “It’s sobering, but I also love telling people that we have a vibrant, buzzing culture here, even in one of the bloodiest, reddest of states.”
In coordination with Oklahoma Pride Alliance, Chapman and the rest of deadCenter’s committee strives to ensure the festival remains a safe, inclusive, supportive place for everyone who attends and participates in it.
“It’s important for everyone to sit in a dark room with strangers and see their lives reflected on-screen,” Chapman said. “That’s the power of art. If you see a movie with two queer leads, that doesn’t mean you can’t see it. And we’re better knowing and engaging with those kinds of films because it makes us better at engaging life.”
The 25th annual deadCenter film festival is June 11-15. For PRIDE-specific films, filter deadCenter’s virtual schedule for films and blocks with the tags “2SLGBTQ+ Subject Matter” and “2SLGBTQ+ Filmmaker.”
Visit deadcenterfilm.org.
Finish out Pride Month at a wide variety of events — some family-friendly, some not so much.
By Jeremy Martin
By the time you read this, Pride will have been going strong in OKC for nigh on a fortnight and in the metro for more than a month thanks to Norman Pride in May. But whether you’re just getting started or getting your second (or third) wind, there are still plenty of loud and proud events scheduled for this month. It’s also worth noting that some of the events listed below occur regularly throughout the year, so there’s no need to ever put those rainbow tutus back in the closet.
Basically guaranteed to be OKC’s largest Pride event in terms of attendance, square footage and decibel level, Pridefest closes out the month in style Friday, June 27Sunday, June 29 at Scissortail Park, 300 SW Seventh St. See works by queer artists on display in the Community Zone 4-10 p.m. Friday, read our interview with headliner David Archuleta in this issue’s Music section and don’t miss the parade beginning 11 a.m. Sunday. Visit okpridealliance. org/pridefest for more information.
Automobile Alley’s immersive art space Factory Obscura, 25 NW Ninth St., hosts events for all age ranges this month. Pride on 9th 7-10 p.m. Saturday, June 21, is a free event featuring an artist market with more than two dozen vendors and outdoor performances by Pluto Rouge and 3li3lielieli. Youth Pride Night 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, includes a friendship bracelet-making station and a lip-sync showcase. (Performers should sign up by June 18 to guarantee a spot.) This event is free with an RSVP and meant for teens, so solo adults will not be allowed entry, but children of all ages are welcome with accompanying adults as needed. But don’t get jealous: The 18-plus crowd will get the chance to make bracelets and
lip-sync into Factory’s bedazzled hairbrush the following night at Mix-Tape
After Hours: Pride Party! 7-9 p.m. Thursday, June 26. This event will cost you $22-$24 if you aren’t a Mix-Tape member. Visit factoryobscura.com.
On Friday, June 13, First Friday in the Plaza District, 1745 NW 16th St., becomes, in the words of its promotional materials, “one of the fiercest block parties of the year” in “celebration of love, diversity and unapologetic self-expression.” Enjoy drag performances, live music, an artist vendor market and more at this free, familyfriendly event. Visit plazadistrict.org.
Join local nonprofit Herland Sister Resources at Church of the Open Arms, 3131 N. Pennsylvania Ave., for a potluck meal and live musical performances starting 5 p.m. Saturday, June 21. Visit herlandokc.org.
See works created by LGBTQ+ artists on display at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library, 300 Park Ave., throughout the month of June, and create your own zine at the Who Am I?
A Zine for Me! workshop 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, June 30, at Patience S. Latting Northwest Library, 5600 NW 122nd St. Teens can meet up with other LGBTQ+ youth and allies at this month’s Pink Pony Club social club 2-3 p.m. Saturday, June 15, also at Northwest Library. If you’d rather work from home, you can pick up a Pride-themed chapbook full of creative writing exercises from the Warr Acres Library, 5901 NW 63rd St., through Wednesday, June 18. Visit metrolibrary.org to register for events.
An exhibition of artworks about coming out, Out in Oklahoma celebrates its opening 7-9 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at Mycelium Gallery, 2816 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Tickets are pay-what-you-will with a minimum of $10. $5 from each ticket will go to the gallery, and the rest will be donated to Sisu Youth Services, a self-described “low-barrier, identityaffirming emergency overnight shelter and drop-in resource hub for unhoused and at-risk youth.” Following the opening, artworks will be on display at the gallery through July 13. Visit myceliumgallery.com and sisuyouth.org.
As the motto “If you don’t have a home, you do at Frankie’s!” suggests, “OKC’s top Lesbian Dive Bar,” 3200 N. May Ave., is hosting prideful events year round, but drop in this month for Open Talent Night beginning 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 17 to see drag kings, queens and nonbinary royalty werking out new routines (or arrive by 8:30 p.m. for a chance to sign up yourself). For something a bit more polished and planned, check out Oh! So Y’all Wanted An Asian Host? with Yakisoba Zay Brooks Michaels 10 p.m. Saturday, June 14 (Get there early for karaoke, also hosted by Yakisoba, starting at 7 p.m.) and It’s Poppin’
with Paprika Cherry 10 p.m. Saturday, June 28. Shows are free, but bring dollars for the dancers. Visit facebook.com/ frankiesokc for more information.
It’s
Comic and drag queen Olivia Lycan hosts this monthly show, which features a rotating cast of performers 2 p.m. Sunday, June 22 at Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California Ave. Check out the special brunch offerings on the menu because you literally have to — the standard comedy club two-item minimum applies in addition to the $10-$15 tickets, which often sell out. Visit bricktowncomedy. com for more information.
The Boom!
One of OKC’s biggest sources for drag shows since it opened in 2009, The Boom!, 2218 NW 39th St., doesn’t disappoint this month with Y2GAAAAY Pride Anthems Brunch at noon Saturday, June 14 ($12); the weekly Sunday Gospel Brunch at noon on June 15, 22 and 29 ($10); and Drag-sic Park, a dragged-out parody of everyone’s favorite film featuring gender-swapping dinosaurs running Friday, June 27-Saturday, Aug. 2 ($30), because drag, much like life, uh, finds a way. Visit facebook.com/theboomokc.
Despite fundraising challenges, Juneteenth on the East returns with headliner Big K.R.I.T.
By Jeremy Martin
Issued by President Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation freed people enslaved in the Confederate States — on paper at least. In reality, news of emancipation only traveled as fast as Union troops could carry it, meaning people in Galveston, Texas, weren’t informed until June 19, 1865.
Black communities have been celebrating this occasion ever since, but Juneteenth was not recognized as a federal holiday until 2021.
Juneteenth on the East, now in its fifth year, is scheduled Thursday, June 19 to Saturday, June 21. Free festivities include a Black Creativity Panel and Fashion Showcase featuring designer April Walker 4-9 p.m. Thursday, June 19 at Innovation Hall, 316 NE Ninth St.; a 5K run through the 23rd Street East community neighborhoods 7 p.m. Friday, June 20; and a per-
formance by Mississippi hip-hop artist Big K.R.I.T.
Community organizer Jabee Williams said the biggest challenge producing this year’s event has been securing sponsorship funding.
“A lot of the sponsors that have sponsored in the past haven’t,” Williams said. “I think a lot of people and groups are seeing that, especially when you’re dealing with events like Juneteenth that are about celebrating diversity and inclusion and anything about Black history. … Some of the organizations and businesses that were giving money to community events like this aren’t doing it anymore. … Those things were important to groups before. They aren’t that important to them right now.”
According to Forbes, many corporations, including IBM, Victoria’s Secret,
Paramount, Bank of America, Pepsi, Google, McDonald’s, Walmart and Target have altered hiring practices, changed language in their annual reports or renamed departments and programs in response to the Trump administration’s push to end diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) efforts in government agencies and private businesses.
Having fewer sponsors limits the scope of the Juneteenth celebration, which depends on donations for funding.
“It’s hard to adapt whenever our event is completely free to the community,” Williams said. “The biggest thing is just trying to scale back on some of the things that we used to do. We used to bring two headliners. We’re only bringing the one this year.”
But funding challenges won’t stop the party. Williams said Juneteenth on the East drew an esti mated 15,000 visitors last year and hopes to attract at least as many this year.
“It just makes us want to go even harder,” Williams said. “We’re gonna continue to do it and to partner with those who want to partner with us and continue to put on a
not just for black people, but for all Americans.”
In his posthumously published novel, Juneteenth, Oklahoma City-born author Ralph Ellison wrote, “Nothing ever stops; it divides and multiplies, and I guess sometimes it gets ground down superfine, but it doesn’t just blow away.”
Visit withloveokc.org.
Juneteenth on the East Thursday, June 19-Saturday, June 21 NE 23rd St. between N. Hood Street and N. Kelham Avenue withloveokc.org/juneteenth Free
Discovering Ansel Adams, a new exhibition at Oklahoma City Museum of Art, reveals the early career of one of America’s most renowned photographers.
By Julie Porter Scott
Born in San Francisco in 1902, pioneering photographer and environmentalist Ansel Adams remains one of the most important artists of our time. The groundbreaking exhibition Discovering Ansel Adams, at Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, through Sept. 28, uses photographic prints from his early visits to the American Southwest, his passion for mountaineering and his time spent capturing America’s national parks to trace the photographer’s early career as an American artist.
Organized by the Center for Creative Photography’s Ansel Adams Archive, the exhibition includes over 100 photographs that feature some of his most celebrated works while also revealing often-over-
contrast, tonal shapes and deep shadows. His relationship with and documentation of Yosemite is a central feature of Adams’ oeuvre, though he also created iconic images of other national parks, including Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
Monolith was also the first fully visualized photograph of his career; in his mind, he fully formed the image he intended to capture before taking the photograph. Chalk it up to scarcity: When reminiscing about that fateful “click” (he disliked the word “shot”), he revealed that he was down to his last plate and his last filter, so he composed the image fully in his mind before capturing the ephemeral moment.
When Ansel Adams was coming of age, photography was not yet considered a fine art medium. For several years, Adams considered becoming a concert pianist. In a 1979 interview on CBS Sunday Morning with Ed Bradley, he recounted an experience from when he was trying to decide whether to pursue piano or photography. Someone told him, “Don’t give up music — the camera cannot express the human soul.” Adams replied, “Well, the camera might not, but maybe the photographer could try.”
looked keys to understanding the artist. From small prints made during his teenage years to mural-size prints of his most famous nature photographs, the collection spans his entire career. Rare, original archival documents shed light on the experiences that shaped him. These documents include unpublished manuscripts and book drafts, correspondence, snapshots, personal possessions and working materials.
Examples of publications he created explore the ways he made his photographs available to broad audiences throughout his lifetime. Portraits of Adams by other noted photographers, paired with letters and manuscripts in his own words, provide an intimate look at the person behind the camera.
Focused sections on his skills as a mountaineer, his experience with the Sierra Club in its formative years, his investment in the art of bookmaking and his commercial endeavors in his beloved Yosemite National Park allow visitors to see Adams as they have never seen him before.
One cannot separate the artist and his art from his passions and pursuits. In 1927, while hiking in Yosemite National Park with friends, Adams took one of his most famous photos: Monolith: The Face of Half Dome. The photograph is indicative of Adams’ signature style: dramatic compositions featuring stark
Ansel Adams’ legacy as a photographer and environmentalist is matched only by his legacy as an advocate for the art form. He spent his life promoting photography as a fine art and played a key role in the establishment of the first museum department of photography at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. He was among the founders of the Center for Creative Photography, a research facility and archival repository containing the full archives of over 60 of the most famous American photographers. The center houses all of Adams’ negatives known to exist at the time of his death.
Discovering Ansel Adams is organized by the Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona, with the support of The Museum Box, and is curated by Ansel Adams scholar and Center for Creative Photography Chief Curator Dr. Rebecca Senf.
The exhibition runs through Sept. 28 at Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Visit okcmoa.com.
Discovering Ansel Adams through Sept. 28
Oklahoma City Museum of Art 415 Couch Drive okcmoa.com
Free-$19.95
Upcoming events
Drop-In Art: Ansel Adams-Inspired Charcoal and Pastel Drawings 11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 21
Public Exhibition Tour of Discovering Ansel Adams 2-3 p.m. June 29
Mid-Summer Reading Kickoff at Capitol Hill Library join at the Capitol Hill Library for a vibrant mid-summer reading kickoff event. Experience a special performance by the Heartland Orchestra followed by a hands-on opportunity to explore their instruments. Enjoy refreshing treats, exciting activities, and a chance to connect with your community. Free, Sat. June 28, 2-4 p.m. Capitol Hill Library, 327 SW 27th Street, 405-6346308, metrolibrary.org/event/mid-summer-kickoffparty-500562. JUNE 28
FANFEST: PURPLE RAIN bringing the electrifying energy of the 1980s back to the big screen with a special presentation of the cult classic Purple Rain, starring the one and only His Royal Purpleness. But this isn’t just a movie screening… it’s a full-on celebration of Prince’s unforgettable music, legacy, and flair. Every guest will receive an exclusive collectible souvenir glass — a perfect keepsake for Prince fans and film lovers alike. $11.95, Tue. June 24, 6-9, 6:45-9:45 & 7:30-10:30 p.m. Flix Brewhouse Oklahoma City, 8590 Broadway Ext, 405-766-5900, flixbrewhouse.com/ events/40799-fanfest-purple-rain/. JUNE 24
Jay & Silent Bob’s Aural Sects Tour don’t miss Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes live in OKC. Tue. June 17, 6:30 p.m. Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd St. (405) 7086937, towertheatreokc.com. JUNE 17
Put A Cork In It! Comedy Showcase featuring top stand-up talent, great wine, and a fantastic atmosphere. Seating is limited — grab your tickets now and don’t miss the laughs! $15 adv/$20 online, June 13 and June 27, 7-8:30 p.m. Put A Cork In It Winery, 115 E. California Ave. 405-605-6656, facebook.com/share/1ARsuSLMRf/ ?mibextid=wwXIfr. JUNE 13 AND 27
Storytelling through Comedy and Song focusing on comedy writing through storytelling, sampling comedic storytelling through different genres. This course explores songwriting through storytelling, connecting your story to your creative process and ultimately turning it into a song. presented by comedian/actor John Fannell. $30, June 21, 2-5 p.m. Literati Press Comics & Novels, 3010 Paseo St. 405-882-7032, literatipressok. com/workshops/p/comedyandsong. JUNE 21
The Big Bamboo Comedy Show Enjoy free TIOS pizza, drink specials all night, a free comedy show put on by the Bamboo Room just for you! The Bamboo Room & Nick Campbell Comedy is once again bringing comedy to the Mid-Del area! Hang out and get your giggles free, June 28, 9:30-11 p.m. The Bamboo Room, 800 s air depot, (405) 732-2523, facebook.com/share/15vW5SkZue/?mibextid =wwXIfr. JUNE 28
Making You Happy for Happy Hour log off work to enjoy these awesome specials to unwind, relax, and become HAPPY!!! varies, Thursdays-Sundays, 4-6 p.m. Twenty6 Lounge, 9622 N. May ave, 4056878739, twenty6lounge.net. THU-SUN
Sunday Jazz Brunch take in a lavish Brunch every Sunday at Tellers featuring brunch classics like Eggs Benedict, Lemon Buttermilk Pancakes and Italian favorites from our wood-fired grill. Enjoy live jazz music in the Great Hall while sipping on a curated menu of sparkling and signature brunch cocktails. Sundays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tellers, 120 N. Robinson Ave, 4059006789, tellersokc.com/event/jazz-brunch/. SUN
Taco Tuesday’s at El Coyote enjoy the most festive day of the week — Taco Tuesday! With $2 off delicious tacos and $5 margaritas, cervezas, and sangrias. Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. El Coyote Bar & Cantina, 925 W. Britton Rd. 405-849-5218, elcoyoteokc.com/. TUE
Thursday Date Nights make date night a breeze with complimentary bubbly & chocolate covered strawberries every Thursday night! 0, Thursdays, 12-9 p.m. Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails, 132 W. Main St. 405801-2900, eatatscratch.com/reservations. THU
4th Annual Critical Incident Peer Support Fundraiser enjoy this family-friendly event packed with fun! Treat yourself at our Silent Auction, featuring incredible items and local favorites, bounce houses, and of course cheer on your team in the Cornhole Tournament, which includes the chance at winning a cash prize! There’s something for everyone all while raising money for the Heartland Education Critical Incident Peer Support Team, which provides mental health resources for first responders across Oklahoma. FREE, Wed. June 18, 6-10 p.m. Oklahoma City Convention Center, 100 Mick Cornett Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73109, 405-876-7090, heartlandmedicaldirection.org/hei-wellness. JUNE 18
YWCA OKC’s 22nd Annual Purple Sash Gala come dressed in fun cocktail attire (black tie optional) and enjoy a delicious plated meal, a high energy fashion show, and both live and silent auctions. Leave the night knowing you helped raise money for victims of domestic violence so they receive emergency shelter, advocacy and much more. All our services are provided free of cost to victims, and would not be possible without your generous support. $300.00, Sat. June 14, 6-9 p.m. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St. 405-9513333, ywcaokc.org/events/purple-sash/. JUNE 14
Camp Flix escape into adventure with Camp Flix with $5 movie tickets, themed activities and photo ops before each showing. The all-ages camp-inspired movie series runs weekly throughout June and July. To sweeten the fun, indulge in a limited-time s’mores cookie, made just for Camp Flix. Plus, Flix Jr. Tuesday showings are designed with lower lights, softer sound, and an open-door policy for all moviegoers, and $5 kids meals. $5.00, Mondays-Thursdays. through July 31. Flix Brewhouse Oklahoma City, 8590 Broadway Ext, (405) 766-5900, flixbrewhouse.com/flix-picks/. MON-THU Scissortail Park Discovery Camp through engaging eco-lessons, creating habitats for native species, and many exclusive park activities – these explorers, will get a tangible experience as conservationists! Each day is packed with exciting adventures. Through creative craft projects, campers will gain hands-on experience in conservation while having a blast! With only 25 available spots for this camp, this is a summer adventure you don’t want to miss! from $250 per child, Mon. June 16, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Tue. June 17,
Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St. (405) 445-7080, scissortailpark.org/discoverycamp/. MON-FRI
Summer Thursday enjoy FREE admission and summertime activities every Thursday in June and July. Each Thursday is themed around a different Oklahoma Hall of Fame Member featuring fun crafts, games, and art activities. Story time is held every hour on the half hour 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Summer Thursday Themes include: ranching, art, baseball, music, astronomy, and so much more! Free. Oklahoma Hall of Fame GaylordPickens Museum, 1400 Classen Drive, (405) 235-4458, facebook.com/share/15GX7Hnktr/. THU
Beautiful: The Carol King Musical experience the inspiring true story that created the soundtrack of a generation! Beautiful traces music hit-maker Carole King’s journey from teenage songwriter to charttopping solo artist. This Tony® and Grammy® Winning phenomenon is filled with pop gold made famous by Aretha Franklin, Little Eva, Neil Sedaka, James Taylor, The Supremes, Carole King and more. Tuesdays-Sundays, 2 & 7:30 p.m. through July 12. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave. 405-297-2264, lyrictheatreokc. com/shows/beautiful/. TUE-SUN through JULY 12 DRAG-SIC PARK A parody of Jurassic Park follow the story of a flamboyant billionaire who creates a groundbreaking theme park featuring prehistoric drag dinosaurs. However, it soon turns into a glittery disaster when the drag dinosaurs, led by a fierce T-Rex diva, break out of their enclosures during a dramatic lip-sync. As the park descends into fabulous chaos, a group of intrepid visitors, must navigate the bedazzled wilderness to restore order. $30, Fridays, Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. through Aug. 2. The Boom, 2218 NW 39th St. 405-601-7200, facebook.com/TheBoomOKC/. FRI-SAT through AUG 2
It’s Poppin’ With Paprika Cherry join for a night of sweet and spicy fun, featuring drag shows, drinks, and laughter. Never a cover! Just be sure to tip the bar staff and performers! June 28, 10 p.m.-midnight. Frankie’s, 3200 N May Ave, 405-602-2030, instagram. com/qweenpaprika/. JUNE 28
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat enjoy one of the most beloved musicals of all time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as it returns to Lyric’s season for the first time in 15 years! This colorful retelling of the story of Joseph and his unique ability to interpret dreams is a humorous retelling of the Biblical story, his 11 brothers, his father Jacob, and the coat of many colors. Follow Joseph’s journey from bondage to becoming Pharaoh’s righthand man to his ultimate reunion with his family. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 2 & 7 p.m. through June 22. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave. 405-297-2264, lyrictheatreokc.com/shows/joseph-the-amazing-technicolor-dreamcoat/. TUE-SAT through JUNE 22
Oklahoma Shakespeare presents the Merry Wives of Windsor take in the stage outdoors in the beautiful Shakespeare Gardens, Paseo, directed by Oklahoma Shakespeare Artistic Associate, Kris Kuss, and starring Oklahoma Shakespeare Associate Artistic Director, Lance Marsh, as the inimitable Sir John Falstaff, the production is sure to please! Thursday, June 5, 7:30pm, Friday, June 6, 8pm, Saturday, June 7, 8pm, Sunday, June 8, 2pm, Thursday, June 12, 7:30pm, Friday, June 13,
through
Pride on 9th Celebrate Pride on one of OKC’s most colorful streets! Factory Obscura and its Ninth Street neighbors invite you for Pride-themed dancing, art, music and more! All are welcome. Events include a Pride Artist Market featuring more than 25 local artist vendors (7-10 p.m.), and Ninth Street turns into a dance club with outdoor performances by Pluto Rouge (7-7:45 p.m.) and DJ 3li3lielieli (8-10 p.m.). The Mix-Tape immersive art experience and temporary PARTY! experience will be open until 10 p.m. Pride on 9th is 7-10 p.m. June 21 at Factory Obscura, 25 NW Ninth Street. The event is free and open to all ages. Visit factoryobscura.com. JUNE 21 Photo provided
13, 7-10 p.m. through Dec. 31. Bookish: Used Books and Art, 1005 NW 36th St, 4059927570, facebook. com/events/1841949556642261/1841949589975591/ ?active_tab=about. JUNE 13
Seussical, Jr. dive into the whimsical world of Seussical Jr. where Dr. Seuss’s beloved characters leap off the page! Follow Horton the Elephant as he embarks on a heartwarming journey to protect a tiny world on a speck of dust. Bursting with catchy songs, colorful costumes, and an energetic young cast, this playful musical adventure celebrates imagination, friendship, and bravery. Saturday, June 21 at 2 PM and Sunday, June 22 at 2 PM, Burg Theatre, Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center $12 General Admission, June 21-22, 2-3 p.m. Oklahoma Children’s Theatre, 2505 N. Blackwelder Ave. 405-208-6200, oklahomachildrenstheatre.org/shows/seussical-jr/. JUNE 21 and 22
The Barker: A Cabaret step into a fierce and unapologetic cabaret experience in Oklahoma’s vibrant West Village, just minutes from downtown! Feel the heat rise as a cozy evening unfolds with tantalizing burlesque performances, jaw-dropping sideshow acts, and mesmerizing circus feats, igniting the night with excitement and warmth. Online tickets start $25, June 20, 7:30 p.m. through June 20. Sailor and The Dock, 617 W Sheridan Ave, 405-816-4250, springproductions.net. JUNE 20
Dementia Caregiver Support Group get the support you need from a group of peers who understand the challenges you are facing led by professional Health Services caregivers. Respite care is available with advanced notice. RSVP at least two days before each event. FREE, July 7, 6-7 p.m. through Dec. 1. Touchmark at Coffee Creek, 2801 Shortgrass Rd, 405-340-1975, touchmark.com/ senior-living/ok/edmond/coffee-creek/. JULY 7
Internal Kung Fu (Tai Chi, Xing Yi, Ba Gua) Class learn taiijiquan (tai chi), xingyiquan, and baguazhang in an inclusive, judgment-free environment! Improve your balance and coordination, develop strength and flexibility, and de-stress with mindful movement. E-mail OKCneijia@gmail.com for more info. $15, Sundays- 10 a.m. - noon. Dolese Disc Golf Course, 5105 NW 50th St. 3477350083, meetup. com/oklahoma-city-internal-kung-fu-group/events/ bdwpctyfcfbjc/. SUN
Yoga at The OKC Farmers Market because health and your local farmers market go hand and hand! Yoga with Libb happens during market hours every other Saturday! We are so excited about this collab! Four different session perfect ranging from beginner to the master yogi! $15, Starts at 9am. OKC Farmers Public Market, 311 South Klein Avenue, 405.232.6506, okcfarmersmarket.com. SAT
Discovering Ansel Adams featuring over 100 photographs that share Adams’s most celebrated works while revealing aspects of his development that are fre-
Oklahoma City’s LGBTQIA2S+ affirming youth homeless shelter. Lead Curation and Organizing by Moth! Join for a night where artists are encouraged to submit works centered around the theme of coming out and being out, especially how that experience is colored by living in the political climate of the state of Oklahoma. There will be music, and snacks and non alcoholic craft beverages for sale at our bar Lucid Libations. Donation minimum of $10, Sat. June 14, 7-9 p.m. Mycelium Gallery, 2816 N. Pennsylvania Ave. 4055196027, myceliumgallery. com/event-details-registration/out-in-oklahoma.
JUNE 14
Wednesday Mid-Week Farmers Market at Scissortail Park at Hill Pavilion & Promenade in Scissortail Park’s Lower Park, south of I-40 and Skydance Bridge. Free parking is available along South Robinson, South Harvey, and SW 15th Street. 6-9 p.m. through Sept. 24. Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St. (405) 445-7080, scissortailpark.org/events/ wednesday-mid-week-farmers-market-2025-season/ ?occurrence=2025-05-07. WED through SEP Braum’s Affair of the Heart browse more than 200 booths filled with handmade goods, boutique clothing, gourmet foods, and one-of-a-kind items from artists, makers, and small businesses. Tickets are good for all three days. $10, kids 12 and under get in free, June 13, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, 3220 Great Plains Walk, 904-594-1253, okcsummeraoth.com. JUNE 13 and 14
Cocktail Cruises join the adult Cocktail Cruise every Friday & Saturday through August. Please consider this is an adult environment cruise. Departs from Regatta Landing at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm. Advance ticket purchase is advised. $20 adults and $15 seniors and children 17 and under, June 13, 6:30 & 8:30 p.m. Oklahoma River Cruises Regatta Park Landing, 701 S. Lincoln Blvd. 405-702-7755, embarkok.com/ferry/ specialty-cruises. FRI-SAT through AUG
June 14, 9 a.m.-noon. OKC City Hall, 200 N. Walker, NoKings.org. JUNE 14
OKC Public Farmers Market Saturdays enjoy fresh produce, meats, honey, baked goods, and handmade items in a landmark space that’s supported Oklahoma farmers and makers since 1928. A year-round tradition with deep roots and vibrant community spirit. OKC Farmers Public Market, 311 South Klein Avenue, 405.232.6506, okcfarmersmarket.com/ farmers-market/. SAT
Saturday Farmers Market at Scissortail Park featuring homegrown, handmade, and locally made products from Oklahoma vendors. Free parking is available around the park and in the northwest lot. No market on April 26 for the OKC Memorial Marathon!, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. through Oct. 25. Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St. (405) 445-7080, scissortailpark.org/ events/saturday-farmers-market-2025-season/?occu rrence=2025-04-05. SAT
The Saturday Scene spend your Saturday mornings on the OKCMOA Roof Terrace, a scenic spot to vibe and take in the sights and sounds of downtown Oklahoma City. Enjoy locally sourced pastries and refreshing drinks available for purchase—the perfect prelude to a day of film and fine art. Access to the Roof Terrace is included with a film ticket purchase or gallery admission. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, (405) 236-3100, okcmoa.com/ the-saturday-scene/. SAT
Second OHOF Saturday Happening on the second Saturday of each month, Second OHOF Saturday celebrates an inspiring Oklahoma Hall of Fame Member through hands-on crafts and full access to the museum — all at no cost. Come explore Oklahoma’s rich history and remarkable people! Free, second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Nov. 9. Oklahoma Hall of Fame Gaylord-Pickens Museum, 1400 Classen Drive, 405 235 4458, oklahomahof. com/program/second-ohof-saturdays. JUNE 14
quently overlooked. Together with original archival materials from the Center of Creative Photography’s Ansel Adams Archive, these photographs demonstrate how Adams transformed from a fourteen-year-old tourist with a camera into a renowned photographer between 1916 and the 1940s. Tuesdays-Sundays. through Sept. 28. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, (405) 236-3100, okcmoa.com/visit/events/discoveringansel-adams/. TUE-SUN through SEP 28
Out of the Studio: New Works by Anthony Dyke and Susan Morrison-Dyke at 1515 Lincoln Gallery a two-person exhibition from artists Anthony Dyke and Susan Morrison-Dyke featuring new works created in Boston at their Fenway and South End studios. Free, Tuesdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.6 p.m. through July 19. 1515 Lincoln Gallery, 1515 N. Lincoln Blvd. 405-593-1063, 1515lg.com/exhibitions/ out-of-the-studio. TUE-SAT through JULY 19
A Colorful Dream at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art step into a world of vibrant imagination with an interactive exhibition by contemporary fine art photographer Adrien Broom. This family-friendly experience follows a young girl’s journey through a series of monochromatic fantasy worlds, each meticulously crafted to explore the emotions and symbolism of the full spectrum of the rainbow. Broom’s large-scale photographs, created without digital manipulation, capture the magic of these handmade sets, bringing fairy-tale-like landscapes to life. Free with general admission - Adults, $12; kids (17 & under), free, Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 1-5 p.m. through Aug. 10. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave. 405-325-3272, fjjma. ou.edu. THU-SAT through AUG 10
The Masks We Wear Group Art Exhibition a group art show exhibition that features masks created or decorated by local artisans and crafters. Opening Reception will be June 21st and will feature our own house DJ Exmaxhina. There will be a food vendor and beverages and snacks for purchase from our own alcohol free bar, Lucid Libations. $10, Sat. June 21, 7-9 p.m. Mycelium Gallery, 2816 N. Pennsylvania Ave. 4055196027, myceliumgallery.com/event-detailsregistration/the-masks-we-wear-group-art-exhibition. JUNE 21 through JULY 13
Mix-Tape After Hours: PRIDE PARTY! featuring a lip sync showcase hosted by Yakisoba Zay Brooks Micheals. Performers will be able to use a bedazzled hairbrush microphone provided by Factory Obscura! A Friendship Bracelet making station will be provided by PARTY, a temporary installation by Krista Jo Mustain (@ printpartyprintparty) and Emily Madden (@ threadyorknot). $25, Thu. June 26, 7-9 p.m. Factory Obscura, 25 NW 9th St. factoryobscura.com/ events/2025/after-hours-june25. JUNE 26
Paseo Arts District’s First Friday Gallery
Walk peruse art from over 80 artists with 25 participating businesses for a night of special themed exhibits, refreshments and a variety of entertainment opportunities, 6-9 p.m. July 4, Paseo Arts District, 3024 Paseo St. 405-525-2688, thepaseo.org. JULY 4
Out in Oklahoma Art Show enjoy a Group Art Show Fundraiser for Sisu Youth,
Night Market at Scissortail Park drawing thousands each spring and fall for local shopping, live entertainment, and amazing food trucks. Stroll the Promenade and explore Oklahoma’s best small shops, artisans, and entrepreneurs offering jewelry, décor, fashion, candles, plants, and more — all with great vibes and great finds!, June 13, 5:30-10 p.m. Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St. (405) 445-7080, scissortailpark.org/wp-admin/post. php?post=33812&action=edit. JUNE 13
PRIDE! on The Plaza gear up for one of the fiercest block parties of the year. It’s back, back, back again! This celebration of love, diversity, and unapologetic self-expression is the place to be. Witness captivating drag performance and dance along with your loved ones! Slather on that glitter, bust out the rainbows, and spread queer joy with us!, June 13, 6-10 p.m. Plaza District, 1618 N. Gatewood Ave. (405) 426-7812, plazadistrict.org/event-calendar. JUNE 13
Sip and Stroll the OKC Zoo guests 21+ to enjoy drinks, bites, animal encounters, and a digital scavenger hunt across seven wildlife-inspired zones — complete it for a chance to win a cool prize! $20 ZOOFriends, $25, June 13, 6-10 p.m. Oklahoma City Zoo, 2000 Remington Place, 405-424-3344, okczoo. org/sipandstroll. JUNE 13
Wheeler District Farmers Market just south of downtown OKC, this family-friendly market features fresh produce, baked goods, pantry staples, and handmade items from local Oklahoma vendors. On the fourth Friday of each month, enjoy our expanded Night Market with extra vendors, entertainment, and community fun. Note: There will be no market on July 4th. Sponsored by: Weokie Federal Credit Union, Chicago Title, Modern Environment, Pink’s Window Services, Central Bank Mortgage, Scott Group, Wheeler Realty, Corbin and Kayla Jackson, and Curbside Apparel! Free, 6-9 p.m. Wheeler District, 1801 Wheeler St, (405) 609-2994, wheelerdistrict.com/. FRI through OCT 24
Chandler Ice Cream Festival enjoy endless scoops of free Hiland ice cream, free inflatable carnival rides, live music and local vendors. There will also be a homemade ice cream competition at noon. Free, June 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tilghman Park, 920 Park Road, 405-258-0673, chandlerareachamberok.com/events/ ice-cream-festival/. JUNE 14
Hillwilly’s Father’s Day BBQ a two-day cookout in Midtown OKC. We’ll have BBQ on the grill, drink specials made for day-drinkin’, live music all day, yard games, and giveaways. Whether you’re celebrating your dad, bein’ the dad, or just want a fun weekend—we’ve got you. Bring your dad. Bring your friends. Bring your appetite. Let’s make it a weekend to remember. Located in Midtown Oklahoma City. June 14, 10:30-2 a.m. Hillwilly’s, 401 NW 10th St B, (405) 493-9610, https://www.facebook.com/ events/1210811943758236. JUNE 14 and 15
NO KINGS OKC Protest March & Rally Indivisible OKC and 50501 OK are leading Oklahomans to join the nationwide NO KINGS movement in a protest march at City Hall Park. Expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since President Trump returned to office, this massive nationwide protest rejects authoritarianism, billionairefirst politics and the militarization of our democracy.
Toompalli’ (Summer) Festival Enjoy a day of family-friendly summer fun! Immerse yourself in Chickasaw culture, cuisine, art and more on Saturday, June 14. Free, June 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Chickasaw Cultural Center, 867 Cooper Memorial Dr. 580-6227130, chickasawculturalcenter.com/experience/2025/ events/toompalli-festival/. JUNE 14
Father’s Day River Cruise bring dad on a fun river cruise. Enjoy delicious snacks, unique scenery, and a cash bar on board. Boarding time is 1:15 pm and departure time is 1:30pm. $30.00, June 15, 1:30-3 p.m. Oklahoma River Cruises Regatta Park Landing, 701 S. Lincoln Blvd. 405-702-7755, embarkok.com/ ferry/specialty-cruises. JUNE 15
Heroes in the Heartland Conference attend Oklahoma’s premier first responder training & networking conference. This event was established in honor of our fallen brother in blue. The mission has grown to provide high-impact education and support for first responders across all disciplines—law enforcement, EMS, fire, dispatch, and more. $150, June 19, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Oklahoma City Convention Center, 100 Mick Cornett Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73109, 405876-7090, heroesconference.org/. JUNE 19
Soonercon 33 more than Oklahoma’s premier pop culture convention, it’s the ultimate fan experience with hundreds of hours of activities, including:, Interactive panels and workshops, art show, costume contests with over $3000 in cash prizes, massive game room, kids programming, unique vendors, live performances, after-dark 18+ events, and much more! Join us for a weekend with special guests: Star Trek Voyager’s Garrett Wang and Ethan Phillips, Star Wars author Michael A Stackpole, RuPaul’s Drag Race star Jaremi Carey, anime and video game voice actors Emi Lo, Allegra Clark, Jād Saxton and Brian Mathis, Fantasy $39-$150, June 20, 4 & 11 a.m. Embassy Suites Conference Center, 2501 Conference Drive, 405-364-8040, soonercon.com/. JUNE 20-23
Submissions must be received by Oklahoma Gazette no later than noon the first Wednesday of the month. Late submissions will not be included in the listings. Submissions run as space allows, although we strive to make the listings as inclusive as possible. Fax your listings to 528-4600 or e-mail them to listings@okgazette.com. Sorry, but phone submissions cannot be accepted.
For OG live music see page 37
David Archuleta headlines the Oklahoma Pridefest music lineup following the release of single “Can I Call You.”
By Jeremy Martin
Last year, David Archuleta returned to the American Idol stage to perform “Hell Together,” a song inspired by his mother’s response to his coming out as queer.
“You said, ‘If I have to live without you, I don’t wanna live forever,’” Archuleta sings. “‘If paradise is pressure, we’ll go to hell together.’”
Archuleta, who finished second on American Idol in 2008, is scheduled to headline Oklahoma Pridefest at Scissortail Park, 300 SW Seventh St. Jo James, Outlawz and Isis Payne are also scheduled to perform. Visit okpridealliance.org/pridefest for more information.
Since releasing 2020’s introspective Therapy Sessions, Archuleta has publicly come out as queer and stepped away from the Mormon church. Singles “Hell Together,” a cover of George Michael’s “Freedom” and most recently the flirty “Can I Call You” and “Crème Brûlée” followed. After his performance at Pridefest, he will be performing at Utah Pride Festival, his first visit to the festival in his former hometown, Salt Lake City.
We talked to Archuleta about his most recent music and what Pride means to him.
Lonely” to “Crème Brûlée” and “Can I Call You,” which seem like lighter romantic love songs, especially following 2020’s Therapy Sessions. Does this mirror the trajectory of your own life?
Yeah, I would say so. The first couple songs are about accepting yourself and moving into this next chapter of just accepting who you are and understanding who you are better. And now it’s just kind of like, “OK, I’m here, embracing this, and it’s time to have fun.”
Therapy Sessions was a little heavier because I think it was me not knowing what I was going through, or at least maybe part of me knew what I was going through. A lot of the mental crisis seems to have been just coming to terms with my sexuality and trying to resist it, thinking the worst of that part of me, which caused a lot of inner turmoil. … But if I accept that part of me, it will take away a lot of the anxiety, the depression and the self-loathing.
As someone who’s coming to this in your 30s, has going to Pride celebrations helped you process that?
What I like about the Pride events is sometimes that’s the one thing that people have
they have, other than a couple of their friends that they have at school who happen to be queer. … I came out when I was in Tennessee, and there just weren’t very many people who were out and comfortable with themselves. ... People were like ‘We’re OK with you coming out, but just don’t put it in our faces.’
What does that mean? Because for me, I’m just gonna start dating guys. And basically, they’re like, ‘We’re okay with that, but just don’t show it around my kids.’ You’re acknowledging that I’m queer, but you don’t want to see any side of that from me. So basically, if I want to have a boyfriend and hold his hand or something, you don’t want to see that. I’m trying to learn. I grew up feeling like that was an offensive thing, too, so now I’m trying to learn how to be okay with that. But I’m around a bunch of people who want me to learn. ... I’ve been in an environment where people are very much out there with their boyfriends, and they’re holding hands, and girls who are lesbians, too, they’re holding hands, and people don’t make a fuss. They don’t make a big deal, and it’s not a big deal. It’s not hurting anybody. ... They’ve been around enough queer people to know that. It doesn’t actually bother anybody once people understand it.
Sometimes in more conservative communities where they’ve been taught to fear the queer community, they think suddenly they’re gonna, like, put on the most boldest, loudest makeup and walk down the street and wave their hands, screaming at people. You know?
It’s what they expect. Or they think that because you’re gay, you’re gonna be having sex in public on the sidewalk in front of a school or something. I think they’re expecting the most extreme things to happen because they’re told that the gay community is extreme.
And usually, because everyone in their city is hiding, is too afraid to come out, they only see extreme examples of it given by anti-LGBT propaganda on their news channels or on their social media feed.
They usually cherry-pick the most extreme examples of the more extravagant sides of the queer community, which, in the end, too, I don’t really see anything that’s too bad about it. I can see what’s overwhelming, though, because sometimes I go, ‘That’s pretty loud and pretty big,’ and I come from a
community that’s more conservative and keeps to themselves. You know?
This is probably relatable to many people here in Oklahoma City. What would you say to anyone going through some of the same things? I would say just because someone’s been told something about you, that doesn’t mean it’s true. That’s what I had to learn about myself, because I was like, ‘I know who I am. I know the kind of life I’ve lived and all the bad things that they say that gay people do.’ And I was like, ‘I’m afraid. I don’t want to be a bad person. So I don’t want to be gay because I don’t want to be bad.’ Even when I came out, I was like, ‘I’m going to prove to myself that I’m still, from what I was taught, a good person.’ And because they’re like, ‘Well, gay people do this and this and this and this and this,’ and then say, ‘Well, just don’t put it in my face,’ ... I was like, ‘OK. I won’t put it in your face. I’ll keep it to myself.’ And then just because people knew I was gay, they’re like, ‘Well, you’re still that.’
And I’m like, ‘OK. So it isn’t really about what I’m doing. You just don’t understand what it is, what it means to be gay or queer, and that’s not on me anymore because I’ve done all my best to respect you, not be in your way, not do anything that might you might take the wrong way.”
But I’ve realized just because you know that about me, you will take anything I do the wrong way because that’s your own prejudice, and that’s not on me. And so I would say people will think a lot of things and say a lot of things about why the queer community is bad, and they are usually wrong. Almost always they are wrong because they were just taught anti-LGBT extreme propaganda, essentially, and that does not make you a bad person. It’s not on you. And there’s nothing wrong with you being queer. Visit davidarchuleta.com.
David Archuleta at Oklahoma Pridefest
7 p.m. Friday, June 27
Scissortail Park
300 SW Seventh St.
okpridealliance.org/pridefest Free
By Jeremy Martin
Sing along if you know this one, or even
Mama Pearl’s Sing-Along Drag Show returns to Mycelium Gallery, 2816 N. Pennsylvania Ave., 7 p.m. Sunday June 15 for a Special Edition Pride Show.
“We’re gonna change the format up a little bit,” said Alice Pearl MacArthur, aka Mama Pearl. “Rather than the traditional drag format of the host vamping and telling silly jokes and then the artist singing, each artist is going to have a 10-minute slot to tell their Pride story and then each performer’s going to sing songs that relate to their story somehow.”
The “traditional” format for MacArthur’s show already offers something a little different for drag fans. Instead of lip-syncing and dancing to music, performers sing the songs themselves, sometimes with a karaoke-style backing track, sometimes with live instrumentation. Usually, the songs are popular covers, but sometimes they’re traditional folk songs or originals. In any case, the lyrics are projected on a screen at the front of the room so everyone can join in.
“When you create a sing-along environment, you are, in a way, inviting the audience up on stage with you,” MacArthur said. “You’re allowing them to not just observe the show, but to participate. In that way, it’s very reminiscent of how a lot of us grew up in church
where the songs would be familiar and repetitive, and there was an expectation that the congregation would function as the chorus. And I really like that energy. It’s probably the main thing I miss from church.
“Singing uses a part of our brain that we normally hold in reserve, keep hidden, and allows us to reach a level of intellectual comfort with other people we normally wouldn’t have. Singing together opens the door for more intimate conversations.”
Mycelium Gallery co-owner Alana Vee Anderson, who initially suggested a sing-along show to MacArthur after seeing her perform on Prescription Drag, another regular show at the gallery, agreed and added that the drag element brings a different kind of energy to the show that encourages audience members to open up even more.
“I think it makes it more fun,” Anderson said, “because drag is playful anyway and something that helps people push their boundaries, too.”
The June Pride show is targeted toward an all-ages audience.
“Drag as a performance art is more universal than just being adult entertainment,” MacArthur said.
Performers will drop the burlesque elements and bawdy jokes more appropriate for the show’s typical 18-plus audience in favor of sharing their personal coming-out stories, but
tense,” MacArthur said. “I cannot pretend to not be trans. I didn’t come out till I was 30. I have this jawline; it’s not going anywhere. And sometimes I’m really floored. I’ve played at a couple of Episcopalian churches in town, and they love me and accept me for who I am. They use the right pronouns … and I love that. But I’ve also definitely played at some places where, after I play a song or two, they ask me to get off the stage because they don’t want to have that conversation.”
MacArthur said more traditional drag spaces have not always been accepting either.
“I was told very strongly no by a large portion of the drag community up on 39th Street,” MacArthur said. “They told me to go do burlesque because I wanted to actually be a binary femme, and for them, the whole gender as a performance thing is very central to what drag is.”
Mama Pearl’s Sing-Along shows fit somewhere between the folk and drag spaces, but MacArthur said the gap is easier to bridge than people might expect.
“The folk scene, raised and bathed in workers’ rights and civil rights, has a lot in common with the LGBTQ-plus scene,” MacArthur said. “I think there’s a lot of overlap and shared goals that isn’t immediately apparent, and so I like muddying the waters a little bit. Ultimately, that has been my goal ... to show people that the distances between us are far shorter than they think they are.”
Visit myceliumgallery.com.
WEDNESDAYS
Live Blues Music, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES
Amarillo Junction, JJ’s Alley Bricktown Pub. ROCK
Jazz Jam, 51st Street Speakeasy. JAZZ
Jazz Night at the Bradford, Bradford House. JAZZ
Vintage Vinyl Wednesdays, El Coyote Bar & Cantina. DJ
Kendrick McKinney Trio, 51st Street Speakeasy. JAZZ
THURSDAYS
Live Blues Music, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES Music Over Midtown, O Bar. VARIOUS Open Mic Night, Core4 Brewing. OPEN MIC
FRIDAYS
Live Blues Music, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES
Live Jazz!, Hefner Grill. JAZZ
McKee Brother Jazz Band, Bourbon Street Bar. JAZZ
Mojo’s Blues Revue, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES
SATURDAYS
Live Blues Music, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES
Bedlam Live Local Bands, Bedlam Bar-B-Q. VARIOUS
Joel Forlenza, Othello’s Italian Restaurant. INSTRAMENTAL
Live Jazz!, Hefner Grill. JAZZ
McKee Brother Jazz Band, Bourbon Street Bar. JAZZ
Mojo’s Blues Revue, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES
SUNDAYS
Live Blues Music, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES
Live Jazz!, Hefner Grill. JAZZ
No Whiners Aloud, Mojo’s Blues Club. ROCK
Hösty, The Deli. AMERICANA
Jazz Night at the Blue Note, Blue Note. JAZZ
MONDAYS
Live Blues Music, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES
TUESDAYS
Live Blues Music, Mojo’s Blues Club. BLUES
WEDNESDAY, JUN. 11
Edgar Cruz and Friends, Broke Brewing Company. ACOUSTIC
FRIDAY, JUN. 13
Jambi & Nine-ish Nails, Beer City Music Hall. TRIBUTE
Live in the Lounge: Madi Bates, Legally Brewed. INDIE Moriah Bailey Tour Homecoming w/ Sky Hemenway & Sarah Reid, Factory Obscura. FOLK
Paula Poundstone, Tower Theatre. COMEDY
SATURDAY, JUN. 14
Blisspop Presents - SOS: The Recession Pop Party, Beer City Music Hall. POP
The Tulsa Playboys, The Old Church. SWING Karaoke Night!, Legally Brewed. KARAOKE
My So Called Band, Tower Theatre. COVER
SUNDAY, JUN. 15
Dance Gavin Dance, Criterion. ROCK
Flobots, Beer City Music Hall. HIP-HOP
MONDAY, JUN. 16
Punch Brothers, Tower Theatre. POP
Summer Breeze Except for the random days when a wrathful god seems to be dispensing storm-based-justice on our state for any number of justifiable reasons, summer evenings are an ideal time for outdoor music, and The Depot’s Summer Breeze series offers free Sunday night concerts in Norman’s Lions Park, weather permitting. Check The Depot’s Instagram (instagram.com/normandepot) before packing your picnic, but this year’s scheduled lineup includes Hösty on June 15, John Fullbright (pictured above) on June 29, Handmade Moments on July 13, Jazz Night with Kendrik McKinney Trio & Friends on July 27, Jahruba & the Jahmystics on Aug. 10, and Kierston White’s Homegrown local showcase on Aug. 25. The show starts 7:30 p.m. June 15 and 29, July 13 and 27, and Aug. 10 and 25 at Lions Park, 1800 Northcliff Ave., in Norman. Admission is free. Visit normandepot.org/summer-breeze.
SUNDAYS JUNE 15 & 29, JULY 13 & 27, AND AUG. 10 & 25 Photo by Jackson Augustus
TUESDAY, JUN. 17
Futurebirds, Beer City Music Hall. ROCK
WEDNESDAY, JUN. 18
Neighborhood Noise, Hubbly Bubbly Hookah & Café. HIP-HOP
Static-X - Machines VS Monsters Tour 2025, Criterion. METAL
THURSDAY, JUN. 19
Asleep at the Wheel, Tower Theatre. COUNTRY
Jazz In June 2025, Andrews Park. JAZZ
Rachel & Griffin - Live Music on the Patio, El Coyote Bar & Cantina. AMERICANA
FRIDAY, JUN. 20
Grapevine Groove, Beer City Music Hall. COVER
Jazz In June 2025, Andrews Park. JAZZ
Live in the Lounge: Amber Violet, Legally Brewed. SINGER/SONGWRITER
Straight Tequila Night: ‘90s Country Tribute, Tower Theatre. TRIBUTE
SATURDAY, JUN. 21
Straight Tequila Night: ’90s Country Tribute, Tower Theatre. TRIBUTE
Jazz In June 2025, Andrews Park. JAZZ
The Wilder Blue, Beer City Music Hall. COUNTRY
WEDNESDAY, JUN. 25
Edgar Cruz and Friends, Broke Brewing Company. ACOUSTIC
Modest Mouse, Criterion. ROCK
THURSDAY, JUN. 26
Ashes & Arrows, Tower Theatre. COUNTRY Silverada, Beer City Music Hall. COUNTRY
FRIDAY, JUN. 27
Aranda & A.D.A.M. Music Project, 89th Street—OKC. ROCK
Gasolina Party, Beer City Music Hall. LATIN
Live in the Lounge: Derrick Porter, Legally Brewed. SINGER/SONGWRITER
The Muscadine Bloodline, The Jones Assembly. COUNTRY
Tripping Daisy - I Am An Elastic Firecracker, Beer City Music Hall. ROCK
SATURDAY, JUN. 28
Five Iron Frenzy, Beer City Music Hall. ROCK Perpetual Motion Dance presents “All We Have Is Now”, Tower Theatre. DANCE
SUNDAY, JUN. 29
The Broken Hearts, Tower Theatre. TRIBUTE
TUESDAY, JUL. 1
Outlaw Music Festival 2025, Lucky Star Amphitheater. COUNTRY
SATURDAY, JUL. 5
Kyle Dillingham & Peter Markes plus from Ireland, Emer McCaffrey, UCO Jazz Lab. AMERICANA
MONDAY, JUL. 7
Incubus, The Zoo Amphitheatre. ROCK
By Sam Brody
Puzzles Edited by Will Shortz
90 Chill
91 P od or husk, botanically
92 A rmy N.C.O.
104 H awaiian song of farewell 105 M eas. roughly equivalent to 10 billion 12-Downs 106 B it of equipment for a vault
Surveillance org.
N umber after zwei
C arbon copy
Weakness
Confident bearing
Lee
Cut down
H ot things, briefly
Adjust
1 U nlikely fliers, in a saying 2 First name in stunts 3 O bstacle course element 4 ‘ ‘Is that all you have to tell me?’’
5 B ig Apple media inits.
6 P ark known as a ‘‘permanent world’s fair’’
7 Take things easy
8 Ostentatious
9 ___ sauce (condiment also called nitsume)
10 N onspeaking character in ‘‘Frozen’’
11 Aid-de-camp?
12 Piece of work?
13 E xcluding
14 B akery treat
15 ‘In case my message isn’t landing . . .’’
16 It might begin with a false alarm
17 Fortuneteller
18 E arly automaker
24 Egyptian fertility goddess
25 M uffler material, maybe
26 Comfort
32 Fantasy role-playing game, for short
34 Endures
36 Way out of town, perhaps
37 Author’s assistant
38 Loss of the ability to read
39 Is so inclined
40 N arrow the gap with, competitively
48 Regional divisions in Russia
50 It may be dropped for effect
52 Lose progress, in a way
53 M embers of a priestly caste of ancient Persia
56 G erman town
57 Rudely revel in victory, say
59 J apanese honorific
63 Two-version marketing experiments
66 Rio maker
67 P uzzlemaker Rubik
68 Fiddler’s skill
70 Wyoming’s Cheyenne Frontier Days, e.g.
79 O ft-skipped podcast parts
80 Fling
81 Accessory in a Jane Fonda workout video
82 H e’s a head of the pack
84 French upper house
85 Faultless
86 Faux gardener, so to speak
89 B utter substitute
93 P opular food fish or its genus name
95 Fundamental building block of DNA
97 G reen often found in mixed greens
100 Revealer of ‘‘the man behind the curtain’’
108 Trillion:
Slobbery cartoon pet
A rizona’s third-largest city
E arly education option, for short
D esirable formation for ducks
aclarklittle@okgazette.com
CONTRIBUTORS
EDITORIAL
REPORTERS Phil Bacharach Daniel Bokemper Greg Horton Benjamin Thomas Lauren Thomas-Martin
MARKETING
MARKETING COORDINATOR Lauren Thomas-Martin
CREATIVE
ILLUSTRATORS Nick Hermes Steve Hill ACROSS 1 Warm shade of brown
71 W hat you will
94 Word after game or floor
96 Sweden joined it in 2024
98 Consumed 99 R AGES
103 P eddled things
41 B ranching diagram
42 Ceremony
43 S ome collared shirts
46 Figures in some storied abductions, for short
72 B rand with cup
sizes from ‘‘minis’’ to ‘‘world’s largest’’
75 Rock’s Ocasek
78 Small songbird
101 Center of mass?
102 Site with a ‘‘Clothing, Shoes & Accessories’’ section
103 Fairy tale villain
106 Clears of snow, say
107 Conventions: Abbr.
Homework: What mediocre satisfaction could you give up to make room for a more robust satisfaction? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your definition of home is due for revamping, deepening, and expansion. Your sense of where you truly belong is ripe to be adjusted and perhaps even revolutionized. A half-conscious desire you have not previously been ready to fully acknowledge is ready for you to explore. Can you handle these subtly shocking opportunities? Do you have any glimmerings about how to open yourself to the revelations that life would love to offer you about your roots, your foundations, and your prime resources? Here are your words of power: *source* and *soul*.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Do you have any frustrations about how you express yourself or create close connections? Are there problems in your ability to be heard and appreciated? Do you wish you could be more persuasive and influential? If so, your luck is changing. In the coming months, you will have extraordinary powers to innovate, expand, and deepen the ways you communicate. Even if you are already fairly pleased with the flow of information and energy between you and those you care for, surprising upgrades could be in the works. To launch this new phase of fostering links, affinities, and collaborations, devise fun experiments that encourage you to reach out and be reached.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I’ve always had the impression that honeybees are restless wanderers, randomly hopping from flower to flower as they gradually accumulate nectar. But I recently discovered that they only meander until they find a single good fount of nourishment, whereupon they sup deeply and make a beeline back to the hive. I am advocating their approach to you in the coming weeks. Engage in exploratory missions, but don’t dawdle, and don’t sip small amounts from many different sites. Instead, be intent on finding a single source that provides the quality and quantity you want, then fulfill your quest and head back to your sanctuary.
POSITION: OFFICIAL SNACK TASTER & VIBES COORDINATOR
Paid in hugs, laughs, and no actual money. Flexible hours and mandatory pajama Fridays.
How to Apply: Send your resume, top 5 snacks, and your best joke.
*Sorry, this is not a real job posting.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Let’s talk about innovation. I suspect it will be your specialty in the coming weeks and months. One form that innovation takes is the generation of a new idea, approach, or product. Another kind of innovation comes through updating something that already exists. A third may emerge from finding new relationships between two or more older ways of doing things—creative recombinations that redefine the nature of the blended elements. All these styles of innovation are now ripe for you to employ.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Leo psychotherapist Carl Jung was halfway through his life of 85 years when he experienced the ultimate midlife crisis. Besieged by feelings of failure and psychological disarray, he began to see visions and hear voices in his head. Determined to capitalize on the chaotic but fertile opportunity, he undertook an intense period of self-examination and self-healing. He wrote in journals that were eventually published as *The Red Book: Liber Novus*. He emerged healthy and whole from this trying time, far wiser about his nature and his mission in life. I invite you to initiate your own period of renewal in the coming months, Leo. Consider writing your personal *Red Book: Liber Novus*.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In the coming weeks, you will have chances to glide deeper than you have previously dared to go into experiences, relationships, and opportunities that are meaningful to you. How much bold curiosity will you summon as you penetrate further than ever before into the heart of the gorgeous mysteries? How wild and unpredictable will you be as you explore territory that has been off-limits? Your words of power: *probe, dive down, decipher*.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): When traditional Japanese swordsmiths crafted a blade, they wrapped hard outer layers around a softer inner core. This strategy gave their handiwork a sharp cutting edge while also imbuing it with flexibility
(555) SQU-EEZE
and a resistance to breakage. I recommend a similar approach for you, Libra. Create balance, yes, but do so through integration rather than compromise. Like the artisans of old, don’t choose between hardness and flexibility, but find ways to incorporate both. Call on your natural sense of harmony to blend opposites that complement each other.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio journalist Martha Gelhorn (1908–1998) was an excellent war correspondent. During her six decades on the job, she reported on many of the world’s major conflicts. But she initially had a problem when trying to get into France to report on D-Day, June 6, 1945. Her application for press credentials was denied, along with all those of other women journalists. Surprise! Through subterfuge and daring, Gelhorn stowed away on a hospital ship and reached France in time to report on the climactic events. I counsel you to also use extraordinary measures to achieve your goals, Scorpio. Innovative circumspection and ethical trickery are allowed. Breaking the rules may be necessary and warranted.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): My spirit guides enjoy reminding me that breakthrough insights and innovations may initially emerge not as complete solutions, but as partial answers to questions that need further exploration. I don’t always like it, but I listen anyway, when they tell me that progress typically comes through incremental steps. The Sagittarian part of my nature wants total victory and comprehensive results NOW. It would rather not wait for the slow, gradual approach to unfold its gifts. So I empathize if you are a bit frustrated by the piecemeal process you are nursing. But I’m here to say that your patience will be well rewarded.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Sometimes I’ve got to pause and relax my focused striving, because that’s the only way my unconscious mind can work its magic.” My Capricorn friend Alicia says that about her creative process as a novelist. The solution to a knotty challenge may not come from redoubling her
PLUMBING CHECKS: I’ll stare into your bathtub drain until the problem fixes itself.
ELECTRICAL WORK: If it has wires, I’ll swat it until it’s “fixed” (or at least slightly unplugged).
PEST CONTROL: Bugs? Gone. Laser pointer dot? Still working on it.
efforts but instead from making a strategic retreat into silence and emptiness. I invite you to consider a similar approach, Capricorn. Experiment with the hypothesis that significant breakthroughs will arrive when you aren’t actively seeking them. Trust in the fertile void of not-knowing. Allow life’s meandering serendipity to reveal unexpected benefits.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Are you interested in graduating to the next level of love and intimacy? If so, the coming weeks will be a favorable time to intensify your efforts. Life will be on your side if you dare to get smarter about how to make your relationships work better than they ever have. To inspire your imagination and incite you to venture into the frontiers of togetherness, I offer you a vivacious quote from author Anais Nin. Say it to your favorite soul friend or simply use it as a motivational prayer. Nin wrote, “You are the fever in my blood, the tide that carries me to undiscovered shores. You are my alchemist, transmuting my fears into wild, gold-spun passion. With you, my body is a poem. You are the labyrinth where I lose and find myself, the unwritten book of ecstasies that only you can read.”
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): What deep longing of yours is both fascinating and frustrating? To describe it further: It keeps pushing you to new frontiers yet always eludes complete satisfaction. It teaches you valuable life lessons but sometimes spoofs you and confuses you. Here’s the good news about this deep longing, Pisces: You now have the power to tap into its nourishing fuel in unprecedented ways. It is ready to give you riches it has never before provided. Here’s the “bad” news: You will have to raise your levels of self-knowledge to claim all of its blessings. (And of course, that’s not really bad!)
Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes /daily text message horoscopes. The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700.
