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FREE EVERY WEDNESDAY | METRO OKC’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLY | MARCH 25, 2015

Boredom inspires this Stillwater band’s cinematic scope.

FOOD: TASTY MEALS AT COWBOY’S OFFICIAL PROGRAM INSIDE

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ARTS: EXHIBIT ON THE HISTORY OF ALBUM DESIGN P.37

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BY GREG HORTON P.42

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CONTENTS 47

ON THE COVER “Genre?” said Jesse Tabish, frontman and songwriter of Other Lives. “That’s the question, isn’t it?” The band — formerly based in Stillwater — has completed work on Rituals, its third full-length project, scheduled to drop May 5. Tabish promises something very different. “Reconfiguration,” the album’s first single, dropped in February and is available on streaming services like Spotify. Cover story by Greg Horton. P.42

NEWS 4

Culture: film fest evolution

Tech: technology at SXSW

Education: undocumented scholarships

9 10 12

News briefs Chicken-Fried News Commentary, Letters

LIFE 14

OKG picks

MISSION STATEMENT Oklahoma Gazette’s mission is to stimulate, examine and inform the public on local quality of life issues and social needs, to recognize community accomplishments, and to provide a forum for inspiration, participation and interaction across all media.

LIFE

Food & Drink: Cowboy’s Fry Shack, Uptown Uncorked, food briefs, OKG eat: burritos

Easter Services

Ready, Gazette, Go! Program

Culture: World Creativity Forum

Culture: SUPER! BitCon

Visual Arts: Tanner Frady, Tailored Jackets: Second Fitting

Books: Michael Chabon

Performing Arts: Murder for Two

Active: Ready, Gazette, Go!; Dan Tigert

Sudoku / Crossword

Cover: Other Lives

Music: Music Moves Mountains, Found Footage, event listings

Film & Streaming: A Poem Is a Naked Person, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Astrology, Classifieds

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NEWS CULTURE One of the reasons we try to emulate [SXSW] is they are so cutting-edge.

Celebrating film deadCENTER organizers prepare for this summer’s festival with a trip to SXSW. BY BEN FELDER

OKG SXSW

Oklahoma’s deadCENTER Film Festival team considers the South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival in Austin to be one of the best for gaining inspiration to bring back home. “I think that Oklahoma City and Austin share a very similar sensibilities about music and about culture,” said Lance McDaniel, executive director of deadCENTER. “The reason we come to SXSW is because I think it’s the [film] festival that feels the most like deadCENTER in that the city of Austin really gets behind it and it creates this vibe where it is a celebration of film.” SXSW’s film portion attracts nearly 80,000 attendees, more than three times the size of deadCENTER. But despite the size difference, McDaniel said he believes the Austin and OKC film festivals share a more honest celebration of film. “A lot of the other bigger festivals have a harder time keeping it from becoming a commercial market for film,” said McDaniel, referring to festivals like Sundance. “SXSW manages to create an environment where, even though films still get sold [here], it’s a celebration of what is here.” McDaniel and his team were in Austin last week to view films they are considering for deadCENTER, along with paying attention to the new technology and procedures used in

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4 | MARCH 25, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

Austin to facilitate the festival. “I’m always looking to keep [deadCENTER] as up-to-date as we can within our resources,” said Alyx Picard, festival coordinator for deadCENTER. Tracking attendees and films is always a major part of coordinating a film festival, and Picard said SXSW uses an advanced radio-frequency identification (RFID) system that she would like to someday use in OKC. “[SXSW] has sensors above most of the doors of the venue, so their process includes three different ways of checking someone into a film,” Picard said, “whereas our festival currently has one, maybe two.” Badges are scanned at the door at both festivals, but SXSW uses sensors above the doors to provide another form of tracking. This allows festival organizers to not only monitor admittance but also collect data on who is watching what films, something advertisers are sometimes interested in, Picard said. deadCENTER began using personalized badges with scan codes a few years ago and last year provided the option of loading a personal photo for the badge prior to checking in. Picard said she would like to have multiple check-in procedures someday, which can come in handy if an iPad (used for scanning badges) stops working. “We just started tracking that [viewership] information last year,”

above People gather in line at last year’s deadCENTER Film Festival in Oklahoma City. below Sara McCombs, deadCENTER Film Festival shorts programmer, and Lance McDaniel, executive director, review films while at SXSW. Picard said. “That data helps with programming, and we can find out what people really want to see, what age groups are seeing what.” That data helps deadCENTER officials pick future films. So does watching films with a live audience at SXSW. “We are looking at a lot of stuff that has already applied to us, but we are going to see how they play to the audience and see them in person,” McDaniel said. Audience response will impact

decisions on what to show in OKC, McDaniel said, which was the case last year when the decision was made to show Take Me to the River on the outdoor screen. “I saw that film [at SXSW last year], and there were five standing ovations during the film,” McDaniel said. “People were going crazy for these performances [in the film], so I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s got magic.’” deadCENTER receives more than 1,000 submissions for 100 spots, but the team is also on the lookout this week for any films that should be added to the list. “I try not to look for anything in particular and just let it happen,” said Sara Thompson, deadCENTER’s short film programmer. “I really just try to come in with an open mind.” Some films sparked Thompson’s interest, but she considers how well they would play in Oklahoma City. SXSW and deadCENTER might have some similarities, but there are some differences when it comes to values and how “edgy” deadCENTER can go, Thompson said. Reaching the level of SXSW would be hard goal for any film festival, but the staff at deadCENTER look forward to continued growth and believe deadCENTER could someday become an event that showcases OKC on an international level, like SXSW. “One of the reasons we try to emulate [SXSW] is they are so cuttingedge,” Picard said. “South by is really fun and accessible. We have always been, first and foremost, a festival for the filmmakers, to celebrate what they are doing, and I think you see that in Austin.”

BEN FELD ER

GA ZETTE FI LE

— Alyx Picard

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Apps galore OKC looks to raise its profile at the SXSW tech scene. BY BEN FELDER

OKG SXSW

Inside the massive exhibition hall at the South by Southwest (SXSW) interactive festival in Austin, cities and countries from around the world promote their local tech scenes, hoping to attract creative talent and raise their global profiles. Among the booths for Germany and Austin, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce was present with its booth, Meet Oklahoma. “We are trying to show people that we have things to offer in all these different segments of film and music, but also technology,” said Josh O’Brien, director of entrepreneurial development for the chamber. In its effort to promote the city and state as a destination for entrepreneurs and young creatives, groups like the chamber deal with competing narratives. Economic growth and a modern skyline look good on a chamber pamphlet, while national news reports on racist chants by fraternity members and legislative attacks on the LGBT community can stunt progress. “We have Kevin Durant and the Thunder,” said Steven Newlon, president of OKC-based SYN3RGY Creative Group. “But we also have to deal with those stereotypes you hear about. We do have a perception battle.” Nowhere is the perception battle highlighted more than at SXSW, where startups, cities and companies all compete with each other to become the most cutting-edge in a world that continues to see some of its biggest economic growth in the new

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South By Southwest’s interactive festival brought together thousands of people from across the global technology industry. tech scene. However, while OKC can feel like an underdog compared to cities like Austin and San Francisco both in progressive culture and tech infrastructure, Newlon said his hometown offers some advantages for a technology and marketing firm like his. “I think Oklahoma City has an advantage in that the cost of living is pretty low, so our costs are low,” Newlon said. “We also have a very entrepreneurial spirit; we can get really creative here.” Newlon also said he believes being from middle America gives his company a better look at the average consumer most companies are trying to reach. “I find that a lot of Oklahomans typically travel more than people from big cities because people from big cities kind of live in a bubble,” Newlon said. “So they haven’t been to Oklahoma City or other places in the middle of the country. We know those other markets and our market better than they do.” There is something to be said about doing business outside the bubbles of the East and West coasts, said Craig Elbert, director of finance at Bonobos, an Iowa-based online men’s fashion company. “By being in middle America, we can make sure our day-to-day conversation and interactions don’t get too insular, like it might in the fashion hub of New York City,” Elbert

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said during a panel on technology in the Midwest at SXSW.

App growth

If SXSW is any indication, it’s a mobile app world and we are just living in it. “I was joking that you could walk up to anybody [at SXSW] and say, ‘I love your app,’ and they will say, ‘Thank you,’ and you don’t even have to know them,” said Sarah Kessler, an editor at Fast Company magazine. The statistics back that up as more people access the Internet on a mobile device than from a computer. “We’re now past the mobile tipping point as this report from comScore shows,” wrote Danyl Bosomworth in an article about a comScore report that showed app usage overtaking computers in early 2014. The interactive trade show at SXSW last week was filled with mobile app creators, including a group of students from the University of Michigan who want to connect users with relevant political information. “What we find is that most people don’t care about politics; they just care about one or two issues that affect them on a daily basis,” said Ritwik Biswas, Ballot app co-creator. “Instead of just getting you all bills that you don’t care about, we use tags

from the user to give them info on legislation that they are interested in.” Not only does the Ballot app curate stories, but it allows the user to comment directly to their legislator. “Whatever you do, your opinion will be voiced to your representative, like in an email,” Biswas said.

Earthy tech

SXSW also featured startups looking to bring tech to the farm. Kakaxi had a booth in Austin in the hopes of producing a device that relays important data from crops to a farmer and gives consumers a closer look that the origins of their food. “[This device has] sensors on the inside that measure temperature, humidity, day length, soil contents and other vitals [of a crop],” said Adam Smith, director of partnership at Kakaxi. The device also has a time-lapse camera that can record crop growth. “This is centered around showing the story from the farm to the table,” Smith added. “Oftentimes, when someone goes to the farmer’s market or the grocery store and grabs some food, there is a huge element of that food’s life cycle that is missing. We want to ultimately connect with consumers with their local farms and CSA programs.”

top Created by students at the University of Michigan, the Ballot mobile app connects users with political information. above Adam Smith right with Kakaxi talks with visitors at his SXSW booth about a device that gathers information from crops.

1 8 9 0 - 2 0 1 5 UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA w w w. u c o . e d u / 1 2 5 • ( 4 0 5 ) 9 7 4 - 2 0 0 0 OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | MARCH 25, 2015 | 7

PHOTOS BY MARK HA N COC K

NEWS EDUCATION

Future investment

DACA grants provide stability and opportunity for our city’s undocumented students. BY BEN FELDER

The temptation to go back to Mexico to be with her family was strong for Kenia Hernandez, a senior at Classen School of Advanced Studies (SAS) who was separated from her parents two years ago. “My mom told me you have more opportunities over here than over there in Mexico,” said Hernandez, whose parents were deported two years ago. “She told me to try my best. Maybe someday I could become a [U.S.] resident and just go visit Mexico freely.” Hernandez moved to the United States at age 6, and while she tries to stay focused on her studies, graduation day later this year presents her with a tough decision: stay in America without the proper documentation and risk deportation or leave the country she

8 | MARCH 25, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

college scholarships for students who did not qualify for state or federal assistance. Carolina Duenez, another senior at Classen SAS, was also awarded a $465 grant to pay for her DACA application. “The grant meant a lot to me,” Duenez said. “It made my life a bit easier. I had slacked off on my application at first because coming up with the money was hard. [But because of this grant,] I was able to send it in the next day and get approved within a week.” Founded by Akash Patel, Aspiring Americans has worked two years with not only undocumented students but high school counselors, teachers and principals to help them better understand and access resources for undocumented students. Signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2012, DACA allows undocumented students who entered the U.S. under age 16 to pursue education or military service without fear of deportation. It also means undocumented students can pursue a college education and apply for financial aid. Aspiring Americans grants cover the $380 DACA application fee, along with the $85 biometric fee. In two years, over 680,000 applications across the country were submitted to DACA. Eighty-six percent received approval, according to the Migration Policy Institute.

Controversial program

In 2012, Oklahoma Policy Institute estimated the state was home to nearly 140,000 immigrants and 9,180 undocumented minors who would be eligible for DACA. Oklahoma is in the top half of states with citizenship requests, ranking No. 22, according to the U.S. Department of Citizenship and Immigrant Services. But less than 1 percent of all DACA

requests originated in Oklahoma. However, state leaders have argued against DACA, and Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt joined dozens of other states in fighting Obama’s actions. “We believe that not only the state of Oklahoma but states across the country have, in fact, been injured as a result of the president’s action,” Pruitt said in a November 2014 interview with National Review. Patel does not have data on the Oklahoma City school district as a whole but said a survey last year at a local charter school found 25 percent of students were undocumented, offering an example that the need exists locally, especially in schools with high Hispanic populations. Undocumented students are not always Hispanic, Patel said, but half of the district’s student population is Latino, according to data from the Oklahoma City Public School District. “The grants may seem small, but they really are life-changing,” Patel said. “When a student has DACA, their entire concept of themselves completely changes. They don’t have to worry about living in the shadows.” Not only does DACA allow students to legally work and apply for college, it also opens up the opportunity to get a driver’s license. “Many of these students feel left out when all their friends can drive or get a car,” Patel said. “This allows some of these students to feel like normal kids.” With DACA, Hernandez can focus on continuing her education after high school rather than wondering if she will be forced to leave her home. “I want to get into college, maybe OCCC (Oklahoma City Community College), then transfer to the University of Oklahoma,” Hernandez said. “I think I want to major in criminology. I was really uncertain before, but now I can plan for my life.”

Kenia Hernandez on her front porch while on spring break from Northwest Classen High School. grew up in to be with her family. But because of a $465 grant for a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) application, Hernandez can apply for a work permit and obtain a driver’s license, providing her with some stability as she enters college. “This means I won’t have to fear being deported from my home,” Hernandez said. The grant was one of seven recently issued by Aspiring Americans Initiative, a local nonprofit that provides grants to help Oklahoma students file immigration applications. Aspiring Americans also recently presented two

Northwest Classen High School, where Kenia Hernandez attends as a senior.

NEWS BRIEFS BY BEN FELDER

Earth Month

M A RK HA N COC K

Following Kristen Vails’ departure this month, the Plaza District Association named Dustin Akers as its interim executive director. Akers has experience in urban planning, real estate and community development. He also serves on the advisory board for the Urban Land Institute Oklahoma District Council and is chairman of its Young Leaders Group. “Right now, my full focus is on working with our board of directors and committees to continue the high quality programming our visitors have come to expect, while our search begins for a new executive director,” Akers said when asked if he saw the position as a long-term fit. “As a board member and nearby resident, I have a vested interest in seeing the district thrive and will continue to be dedicated to the Plaza District’s success in whatever way that may be.” Akers said the district is at a “pivotal point” in its life cycle and leadership is exploring ways to find sustainable funding sources, along with implementing a parking study by the OU Institute for Quality Communities. “Success brings challenges, and we are focused on a couple of key initiatives over the next year,” he said, “including working with property and business owners on finding a sustainable source of funding for district operations.” Parking solutions, walkability and bikeability also are priorities. Kristen Wilson, Plaza District Association president, said Akers’ appointment will help the district remain steady during the search for a permanent director. “We believe Dustin is a great fit for this time of transition,” Wilson said.

Quotable “Oklahoma City’s pets are just as at risk as our most vulnerable residents when disaster strikes,” said Julie Bank, OKC’s animal welfare superintendent. “In order to serve our pets well during the time of a disaster, we are looking to link up with animal lovers across the metro who can help us and our animals when it is needed most.” The Animal Welfare Division needs volunteers who are able to help pets following disasters as part of its new Animal Disaster Brigade. Volunteers will help at temporary shelters.

Education rally An education rally will be 12:30 p.m. Monday on the south steps at the Oklahoma Capitol, and the Oklahoma PTA encourages parents, educators and school board members to attend in an effort to show support for teachers statewide and for a reduction in high-stakes testing. Speakers include Oklahoma State School Superintendent Joy Hofmeister and Oklahoma PTA President Jeffery Corbett.

GARETT FISB ECK

Oklahoma City will host a series of events next month in honor of Earth Day on April 22. A full list of Earth Month activities are listed on the city’s website, including tire, ammo, computer and pharmaceutical recycling on April 11, an open house of the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery on April 17, Earth Fest on April 18 at Martin Park Nature Center and Faerie Garden Workshop on April 25. Also, 10 a.m. every Saturday in April, there is a free nature story time for children ages 2 to 6 at Martin Park Nature Center, 5000 W. Memorial Road. Nature Story Time teaches children about the natural world through naturethemed books. Afterward, children can take part in a craft or outdoor activity related to that day’s reading. Visit okc.gov/sustain/earthmonth.html.

BEN FELD ER / FILE

M A RK HA N COC K

Interim director

By the numbers 3.5 percent. That’s the size of OKC’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, which is relatively small compared to comparably sized cities. A new Gallup Poll, conducted between June 2012 and December 2014, shows OKC had the eighth lowest percentage of self-identifying LGBT residents out of the nation’s 50 largest cities. At 3.5 percent of the OKC population, the LGBT community here is slightly larger than Birmingham, Alabama; Pittsburgh; and Houston, cities that were lower on the list. The national average is 3.6 percent, the study shows. “Eight of the 10 [cities] with the lowest percentages are in the South or Midwest, the two regions of the country where LGBT identification among adults tends to be lowest and where social stigma toward LGBT people can be relatively high,” wrote Frank Newport for Gallup. “Among the ranked [cities], Pittsburgh has the highest proportion of seniors in the population. Gallup research has shown that LGBT identity tends to be lower among seniors.” While the LGBT population in OKC is small, the city with the largest population, San Francisco, is not quite double at 6.2 percent. Portland, Oregon; Austin, Texas; New Orleans; and Seattle rounded out the top five. The Gallop Poll is the largest ongoing study of its kind, Gallup said.

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | MARCH 25, 2015 | 9

CHiCKEN CKEN

FRiED NEWS

Meh OKC

When it comes to diversity, well, Oklahoma City, let’s just say we know you can do better. Not that we’re doing a terrible job. It’s just … you know. Meh. WalletHub recently ranked OKC No. 9 nationally for industry diversity, and that’s awesome. It said our city’s “most prominent industries” are educational services and healthcare and social assistance. Least prominent is the “information” industry. (Hey, was that a swipe at the press? No? Moving on.) However, worker-class diversity ranked No. 118, and occupational diversity for our city ranked even lower at No. 137. That’s not terrible, but it’s definitely average. Was your mother every happy with a C grade? No? Ours weren’t either. Our most prominent occupations are management

(We’re totally guessing that this means Oklahoma City is great at middle management!), business, science and arts. However, our least prominent jobs are production, transportation and “material moving operations,” WalletHub research showed. On to worker-class diversity: Our most prominent worker classes are private wage and salary workers. Least represented are unpaid family workers.

LGB-Thank you!

Those opposed to same-sex marriage continue to suffer a tough year. Following the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2014, a host of anti-LGBT bills have died in the Legislature. “We owe a debt of gratitude to the fair-minded legislators who refused to allow it — and several other hate-filled bills — to even

get a vote on the house floor,” Freedom Oklahoma Executive Director Troy Stevenson said about House Bill 1598 and several other proposed bills. It’s possible state lawmakers are just now realizing they have more important things to do than be the love police. Maybe even a few are coming around to the fact that same-sex couples deserve rights and fair treatment, a concept that has been a tough sell in Oklahoma for many years. Oklahoma’s conservative statehouse doesn’t appear likely to roll out the welcome mat for the LGBT community anytime soon, but, in this instance, we’ve decided that legislative apathy is a step forward. So here’s to the statehouse simply not caring! We are making progress.

Finish him!

Three Oklahoma City men started their own impromptu fight club in the county jail parking lot after a video game system transaction went awry, according to the Oklahoma County Sheriff ’s Department. The jail, at 201 N. Shartel Ave., is a

designated “safe place” for transactions, which led to a March 8 meeting among Jonathan Borboa, his roommate Kerry Hayes and buyer Brandon Walker. Walker previously purchased a PlayStation 3 from Borboa, but when it failed to function, they decided to meet at the jail to exchange it for a working unit, according to reports. Borboa brought along a TV, in order to prove the second PS3 was functional. But when there was a problem with the second PS3, the sheriff’s office said Walker kicked the television, which also kicked off a physical altercation among the three men. Walker allegedly sprayed both Borboa and Hayes in the face with pepper spray before deputies intervened. All three were arrested on complaints of assault and battery and destruction of property. There’s no word yet if any of the men used a hadouken or made it to the boss level.

Glass tornado

In a state situated in a stretch of land called Tornado Alley and renowned for its weather casting, isn’t it strange that we don’t have a weather-inspired structure,

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such as a building shaped like a tornado? Well, architecture firm Kinslow, Keith & Todd has done it. The real question is, Why Tulsa? A post on news.discovery. com reports that the firm proposed a tornado-shaped glass building for the downtown Tulsa area. It would include several outdoor terraces, a revolving restaurant, a weather research center, convention space and an Oklahoma weather museum. The post argues that the Tulsa location makes sense, citing National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office statistics that Tulsa has seen 75 twisters since 1904. Yet the same statistics also report Oklahoma City has seen 108 since 1950. Obviously OKC is way better at tornadoes! Huh. Upon further consideration, maybe it’s better this way. Surely a 300-foot-tall inverted glass structure

precariously situated in the real tornado capital of the world wouldn’t last long.

off a trampoline, flailed his legs around and bounced the basketball off the backboard to the performer’s waiting hands so he could dunk it. He decided that assist was just a warm-up and wowed the crowd with a flip off the trampoline before again handing off the ball. The video appeared on Sporting News, Bleacher Report and The Daily Mail and was even scheduled to appear on ESPN, KOCO.com reported. Despite his rise to Dunkin’ Deputy fame, Gransberg has remained grounded. He just hopes the video helps students raise more money and help more people in need. He does, however, have one request. “I want Ellen. I love Ellen. I think she’s great. She’s all about love. So, Ellen, if you’re listening, I’m available,” he told KOCO.com. Gransberg’s calling is to be a great cop, help other people make awesome slam dunks, do flips and talk to Ellen.

Mad skills

Driving the car

Is it true? Could it be? Has Gov. Mary Fallin finally grown to see the facility in the federal government and found the need to beg Obama’s forgiveness and bathe in the glory that is the light of big government, vis-à-vis the Affordable Care Act (ACA)? Probably not, but she sure knows when to bite the hand that feeds her and when not to. Fallin recently suggested that Congress offer “targeted, temporary relief for people to maintain their current [health] coverage while we work together on free-market, consumer-friendly solutions for the future,” in an op-ed column for the Tulsa World. Bless her good-natured, down-home heart. She might just be doing what

EA A

she feels is best, but maybe she will eventually realize that 16.4 million beating hearts can’t be wrong and just give in to the glory that is Obamacare.

Some people find their calling early in life and some accidentally discover it in strange ways. Oklahoma County Sheriff ’s Deputy Erik Gransberg recently gained a bit of celebrity after a video went viral. In it, he’s shown assisting a performer in a slam-dunk show at Edmond Memorial High School for Swine Week. Unless you have relatives or friends with children in Edmond, you probably have no idea what Swine Week is, and that’s perfectly understandable. It’s a yearly series of events in which students raise thousands of dollars for charity. Gransberg ran from the other end of the court, jumped

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COMMENTARY

P ROVI DE D

It’s time to eliminate racism BY ANN THOMPSON

Two recent out-of-state visitors remarked to me that Oklahoma is a friendly state. They were incredulous that they heard no horns blaring in downtown traffic and motorists respected their turn signals and allowed them to easily change lanes. Oklahomans do pride themselves on hospitality, but the news about the University of Oklahoma fraternity’s racist song should make us all question how welcoming we really are. I know better than to paint this negative situation with a broad brush; there are many good people living in this state who exemplify those “Oklahoma values” our politicians often refer to when embarrassing, disgraceful behavior makes national news. The “Oklahoma Standard” was real during the tragic 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. At that time, the national news portrayed us in the best light, and rightly so. Some people live those values

of tolerance and stand up when they see injustice. Even so, each one of us should examine our hidden biases. Everyone has them. We all fear the “other” person when we are ignorant of how the other lives. What is the solution to deep-seated racism? Certainly, education can play a role. As OU football player Eric Striker stated recently, he has seen white students’ minds totally changed by taking African-American courses. Opening our minds to learn about the other can create lasting change. The stakes are greater than just how the rest of the nation sees us; our bias negatively impacts lives, robs people of education and opportunity and prevents every person in our state from being a true citizen who enjoys a safe community and hopes of a good life. Our organization has sponsored

programs that highlight Oklahoma’s heritage and history, the history of its people. We must keep the legacy of the civil rights movement alive, but obviously, as a nation — as a state — we have not overcome blatant racism or quiet, hidden discrimination. It’s painfully ironic that the OU incident occurred at the exact moment the nation was commemorating the Selma-to-Montgomery march of 1965. At that event, President Obama stated that America is not yet finished, that it is in our power to remake this nation to more closely align with our highest ideals. This applies to our state. The campus outcry against the fraternity members shows us that this is not an isolated occurrence. It’s a microcosm of a larger problem, but there is a solution if we stop our complaisance and act together. My own experience reflects a

common theme of white privilege. I’m old enough to have attended segregated schools. When, as a teenager in Chicago, I was fortunate to hear Jesse Jackson preach during his Operation Breadbasket initiative, my white privilege was apparent to me. I cannot pretend to truly understand how the other lives, but my mind was opened to the concept that discrimination exists and it degrades our whole society. Michael Owens, executive director of the Ralph Ellison Foundation, was the featured speaker at Oklahoma City’s recent Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemoration. He echoed the sentiment of many when he stated, “I’m tired of waiting … of fighting the same battles that we fought decades ago.” We should all be tired of waiting for justice and equality, sick and tired. Ann Thompson is executive director of Oklahoma Humanities Council.

Opinions expressed on the commentary page, in letters to the editor and elsewhere in this newspaper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ownership or management.

LETTERS Oklahoma Gazette provides an open forum for the discussion of all points of view in its Letters to the Editor section. The Gazette reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity. Letters can be mailed, faxed, emailed to jchancellor@ okgazette.com or sent online at okgazette. com. Include a city of residence and contact number for verification. ‘Fat ass’

The reason I feel compelled to write about the SAE incident at OU is not about what was said by these young men or the actions taken by President Boren or the university. It’s about, for lack of a more artful phrase, ignorance. I’ve read several iterations of this argument, and I feel compelled to address it. “Saying ‘nigga’ does not make anyone a racist, or we’d have to conclude that 98 percent of African-Americans are racists. This is just stupid.” I’m not going to say who this quote came from, because I’ve heard nearly same argument many times. Stop. It’s ignorant and it’s wrong. Unless you are African-American, that word does not belong to you. They say it to take its power away

12 | MARCH 25, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

from you, the non-African-American. I know that most people may not understand this, but I’m going to break it down for you so that anybody who wants to understand can. When gay men call each other “bitch” or “queen,” they’re taking the hurtful power of those words away from straight people. Now, you may ask yourself, “How does Bruce know anything about this? He’s a middle-aged, straight, white male.” I know because I’m fat. I’m oversimplifying the issue, but it doesn’t change the fact that I use the same mechanisms to cope with the crap I hear and read about fat people. Just because I call myself “fat ass,” doesn’t give you the right to do the same, unless you also are a fat ass. So, go ahead and fat-shame me if you want; I don’t care. Call my gay friends “fag,” call my black friends “n----r.” But if you do, know that we all recognize that you are homophobic or racist. — Bruce Good Guthrie Parental accountability

Regarding article “School-to-prison pipeline?” (News, Ben Felder, March 4,

Oklahoma Gazette), I read your article with the utmost interest, but I believe you completely miss the point. Your article casts blame and responsibility upon the system, the superintendent, the schools and the teachers, which I believe is specious. While educational institutions are required to act in loco parentis, they are no substitute for parental guidance. I have a problem when parents or guardians of minor children do not instill in our youth respect for authority, a thirst for knowledge and sober living. If these things are not taught at home, how can any rational adult expect the learning institution to reverse

the process? So, Felder, place the blame squarely on the parents. That is where youth learn values that will carry them through the trials and tribulations of life. — Gerald E. Dwyer Edmond Corrections

• The story “Never forget,” (Life, Performing Arts, Christian Wilson, March 11, Gazette) incorrectly spelled a composer’s name. It’s Paul Schoenfield. • In “Alive and loud” (Life, Music, Christian Wilson, March 18, Gazette), misidentified Tamsin Wilson’s band is Wilsen.

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

BOOKS Stephanie Perkins Book Event, author of Anna and the French Kiss and internationally best-selling author will talk about her work, explain the writing and publishing process, answer questions and sign books, 6 p.m., Mar. 25. Northwest Library, 5600 NW 122nd St., 606-3580, metrolibrary.org. WED Todd Graves Book Signing, author of The Single Plane Golf Swing will sign his book, 2-4 p.m., Mar. 28. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 8422900, fullcirclebooks.com. SAT Jo Ann Kessel Book Signing, author of Piavinnia and Barney Kessel: A Jazz Legend will sign and discuss her books, 5:30 p.m., Mar. 31. Best of Books, 1313 E. Danforth Road, Edmond, 340-9202, bestofbooksedmond.com. TUE

FILM Citizen Kane, (US, 1941, dir. Orson Welles) tells the story of the rise of newspaper tycoon and political candidate, Charles Foster Kane and the meaning behind the last word he uttered before he died, “Rosebud,” 7:30 p.m., Mar. 26; 5:30 p.m., Mar. 27. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 236-3100, okcmoa.com. THU-FRI Classic Movie Series, Led Zeppelin comes to the big screen featuring concert footage giving fans a larger-than-life concert experience, 7:30 p.m., Mar. 30. Cinemark Tinseltown, 6001 N. Martin Luther King Ave., 424-0461, cinemark.com. MON Austin Powers, (US, 1997, dir. Jay Roach) a playboy and part-time secret agent comes back to reality after spending thirty years in a cryogenic state. Harkins Theatre, 150 E. Reno Ave., 231-4747, harkinstheatres.com. TUE

HAPPENINGS Brown Bag Lunch Speaker Series, this week’s topic is Not so Big Garden on a Budget; learn about simple design ideas, economical plants and up-cycling elements,noon-1 p.m., Mar. 26. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 445-7080, oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com/events. THU Oklahoma City Spring Remodel & Landscape Show 2015, home show bringing homeowners and building experts together; sharing of valuable knowledge and ideas, 2-7 p.m., Mar. 27; 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Mar. 28; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Mar. 29. Cox Convention Center, 1 Myriad Gardens, 602-8500, coxconventioncenter.com. FRI-SUN Super! BitCon 2015, Oklahoma’s biggest gaming expo with everything from retro to current generation video games, table-top games, along with panels and

P ROVI DED

/cityofyukonokgov

OKG picks are events

Brooklyn Castle The latest film in the Documentary Film Series at Oklahoma City University follows the story of an impoverished inner-city chess team with more national championships than any other junior high school in the country. As much as it details the team’s successes, the work closely tracks its losses, including budget cuts and extracurricular restrictions. The film starts 2 p.m. Sunday at Kerr McGee Auditorium in Meinders School of Business on the OCU campus, 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave. Admission is free. Visit okcu.edu or call 208-5472.

Sunday Territory: OKC Sunday Supper Series, Chris Castro and Prairie Wolf Spirits share craft cocktail techniques and serve Castro’s latest concoction and Kitchen No. 324’s culinary team offers delicious Spring dishes with beer pairings, 5:30 p.m., Mar. 29. Kitchen No. 324, 324 N. Robinson Ave., 763-5911, kitchen324.com. SUN

tournaments throughout the day, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Mar. 28-29. Oklahoma State Fairgrounds; Oklahoma Expo Hall, 3213 Wichita Walk. SAT-SUN Verdigris Flea Market, market bringing together a mix of unique and unusual vintage, antiques and locallycrafted items, Mar. 28-29. Verdigris, 415 NW Seventh St., 602-8986, verdigrisokc.net. SAT-SUN

YOUTH

Sun in Aries: Learn to Embrace Your Individuality, lecture based on the Western Astrological system giving insights on how to use each month to it’s fullest potential, 6-7 p.m., Mar. 30. School of Metaphysics, 908 NW 12th St., 228-0506, som.org. MON

Cinderella Confidential, two investigative reporters interview everyone from the fairy godmother to mice in the witness protection program to help the prince find the woman the shoe belongs to, 11:30 a.m., Mar. 26; 2 p.m., Mar. 28-29; 11:30 a.m., Mar. 31. Oklahoma Children’s Theatre, 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave., 606-7003, oklahomachildrenstheatre.org. THU/SAT-SUN/TUE

FOOD Taste of Yukon, food extravaganza featuring 20 local restaurants and the deliciousness they have to offer, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Mar. 26. Robertson Activity Center, 1200 Lakeshore Drive, Yukon. THU

April Fools, NOT!, explore how animals play tricks on the trainers and on one another; meet an animal prankster up close, craft your own prank and enjoy a snack, 2-3:30 p.m., Mar. 28. Oklahoma City Zoo, 2000 Remington Pl., 424-3344, okczoo.com. SAT

H&8th Night Market, family-and-pet-friendly street festival built around a lineup of the city’s top gourmet food trucks kicks off with live music from Beau Jennings & The Tigers, Massey, Porch Mice and Quil, 7 p.m., Mar. 27. H&8th Night Market, 900 N. Hudson Ave., h8thokc. com. FRI

Little Big Chefs, fun and easy cooking class for parents and kids; make yummy chocolate chips cookies, ages 5-8, 2-3 p.m., ages 9-12, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Mar. 28. Uptown Grocery Co., 1230 W. Covell Road, Edmond, 509-2700, uptowngroceryco.com. SUN

PROVIDED

Chefs’ Feast

14 | MARCH 25, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

Twenty-five of the metro’s best restaurants offer up their dishes to promote Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Food for Kids program. Alongside food from Big Truck Tacos, Back Door Barbecue and Cafe 501, the event also features a variety of wines and spirits included in the ticket price. The evening starts at 6 p.m. Thursday at National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St. Individual tickets are $120 and a table of 10 is $1,400. Visit chefsfeast.org or call 600-3174.

Thursday

P ROVI DE D

RETREET RETREET, a Dallas-based tree-planting organization, will plant 160 trees at 80 sites in Moore that were damaged by the May 20, 2013, tornado. Since January 2012, RETREET has planted 3,437 trees across the United States and Canada. The two-day planting event begins 11:30 a.m. Saturday in Veterans Memorial Park, 1900 SE Fourth St., in Moore. RETREET is now accepting donations and volunteer registration. Visit retreet.org.

Saturday-Sunday Concert for the Planet, kid’s concert celebrating Earth Day with a tribute to Mother Nature, 2 p.m., Mar. 29. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., 297-2264, okcciviccenter.com. SUN

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Art Adventures, young artists are invited to experience art through the book Katie and the Starry Night by James Mayhew, 10:30 a.m., Mar. 31. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., Norman, 325-3272, ou.edu/fjjma. TUE

PERFORMING ARTS Corpus Christi, a story that parallels the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus; Joshua, a young gay man leaves his home town in search of acceptance and gathers followers along the way who are bound to him by his message of love and tolerance, 8 p.m., Mar. 26-28; 2 p.m., Mar. 29. Civic Center Music Hall, CitySpace, 201 N. Walker Ave., 297-2264, okcciviccenter.com. THU-SUN Flowers For Algernon, production based off the novel by Daniel Keyes; Charlie undergoes an experimental surgery that was performed on a mouse named Algernon which increased his intelligence and then regresses, Charlie fights to keep his progress and not have the same result as Algernon, 8 p.m., Mar. 26-28; 2:30 p.m., Mar. 29. Jewel Box Theatre, 3700 N. Walker Ave., 521-1786, jewelboxtheatre.org. THU-SUN Music Moves Mountains Benefit Show, musicians such as North Meets South, Michael Willis, Chelsea Cope, Brauk Brashear, Ben Brock, Jade Castle, and The Indigos come together to raise money and awareness for Music Moves Mountains, a local non-profit organization offering music as means of therapy, recovery and community outreach, 8 p.m., Mar. 27. The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley Ave., 843-1573, bluedoorokc.com. FRI CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Oklahoma Gazette APRIL 10, 2015 3PM-2AM FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ACM@UCO Rocks Bricktown is now the ACM@UCO Metro Music Fest! Join us for a bigger, bolder music experience celebrating UCO’s 125th anniversary and our state’s musical legacy. The festival will feature a variety of established Oklahoman artists including John Fulbright, BRONCHO, and Horse Thief along with more than 60 ACM@ UCO student bands performing throughout Oklahoma City’s Bricktown District. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.ACM-UCO.COM OR CALL 405-974-4700 OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | MARCH 25, 2015 | 15

M A RK HA N COC K / FI L E

continued

ACM@UCO Open House The Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma (ACM@UCO) opens its doors for a free-to-the-public open house. Guests can watch student performances and get a behind-the-scenes look at the academyâ€™s recording studios. Guests also will receive complimentary tickets to the ACM@UCO Alive concert series. The free event is 3-6 p.m. Thursday at 25 S. Oklahoma Ave. Visit acm-uco.com or call 974-4711.

Thursday Mary Chapin Carpenter, acoustic performance by five-time Grammy award winning singer-songwriter, 7 p.m., Mar. 30. Oklahoma City Community College, 7777 S. May Ave., 682-1611, occc.edu. MON Presidential Inauguration Poet, Oklahoma City University will host Cuban-American poet Richard Blanco who was choosen to serve as the fifth inaugural poet of the United States, 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., Apr. 1. Oklahoma City University, 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave., 208-5000, okcu.edu. WED

ACTIVE Health Dash, 5k, 10K and 1 mile fun run/walk benefiting Clinic On The Move, a mobile clinic operated by Good Shepherd Ministries, 9 a.m., Mar. 28. HSC David L. Boren Student Union, 1106 N. Stonewall Ave., 271-3606, students.ouhsc.edu/StudentUnion.aspx. SAT

Ready, Gazette, Go!, community workout with the opportunity to participate in exercise classes such as yoga, kickboxing, zumba and many other aerobic activities and get health tips from health professionals. Cooking demonstrations and healthyoption food trucks will be on-hand to keep you fueled for your workouts, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Mar. 28 Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 445-7080, oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com/events. SAT OKC Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks, NBA basketball game, 7 p.m., Apr. 1. Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W. Reno Ave., 602-8700, chesapeakearena.com. WED

VISUAL ARTS Beginning Tatting, learn the fascinating and historic art of lacemaking through this hands-on class from instructor Irene Morgan of the Lacemakers Guild of Oklahoma, 1-4 p.m., Mar. 28. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, 521-2491, okhistory.org/ historycenter. SAT Cafe Society, visiting artist Sam Reveles will be speaking, 6:30 p.m., Mar. 26. Artspace at Untitled, 1 NE 3rd St., 815-9995, artspaceatuntitled.org.

PROVID ED

Oklahoma City Dodgers Spring ball is less than a month away, and in preparation for season, the Oklahoma City Dodgers announced March to Opening Day, a series of events leading up to Opening Day. Events include naming the new mascot, guest appearances and family activities. Visit okcdodgers.com or call 218-1000.

Wednesday, March 25-Tuesday

16 | MARCH 25, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

ARTini in Wonderland

P ROVI DED

For its spring fundraiser, Allied Arts hosts a night of drink, art and live entertainment. Martinis and appetizers from 10 metro restaurants, a silent auction of Oklahoma artists’ art, music by Replay, raffle packages and a photo booth are included. The event starts at 7 p.m. Friday at Oklahoma City Farmers Public Market, 311 S. Klein Ave. Tickets are $75. Visit alliedartini.com or call 278-8944. Read more on P. 31.

Chicanita on the Plains, new works by street and folk artist, Jeannette Herrera also known as BlueFaceKiller; she creates visual narratives using alla prima which marries her Peruvian heritage with street culture and personal experiences. Kasum Contemporary Fine Arts, 1706 NW 16th St., 604-6602, kasumcontemporary.com. TUE

Friday Oklahoma State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., 521-3356, ok.gov. March Into Spring, spring exhibit to get you ready for warmer months ahead showcasing colorful Spring inspired paintings by gallery artists. Contemporary Art Gallery, 2928 Paseo St., 601-7474, contemporaryartgalleryokc.com.

From My Family to Yours, Theresa Hurt brings together a unique offering of talent from her related family and her Pirates Alley family showcasing a stunning array of styles and talent from handmade journals to photography, abstract paintings, landscape works and more. In Your Eye Studio & Gallery, 3005-A Paseo St., 525-2161, inyoureyegallery.com.

Megan Gerety and Jessica Lutz, March featured artists; Megan Geretly creates mixed media pieces representing nature while photographer Jessica Lutz is drawn to the raw landscapes of Texas. JRB Art at The Elms, 2810 N. Walker Ave., 528-6336, jrbartgallery.com.

FOR/give, solo exhibition of Christie Hackler who uses enamel wall hangings and sculpture to focus on the beauty of letting go and setting free our pasts. The Project Box, 3003 Paseo St., 609-3969, theprojectboxokc.com.

Native American Art Exhibit, collection of artwork by several talented Native American artists representing the Caddo, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Pawnee, Seminole and Shawnee tribes. Remington Park, 1 Remington Place, 424-9000, remingtonpark.com.

Hunting Down My Childhood, Nicole Moan relives her childhood by creating 3-dimensional clay sculptures of the 2-dimensional characters that inhabited her youth. DNA Galleries, 1709 NW 16th St., 525-3499, dnagalleries.com.

Photography by Josh Fisher, a collection of contemporary photography. The Purple Loft Art Gallery, 514 NW 28th St., Suite 400, 412-7066.

In the Spotlight: The Art of Linda Kukuk, exhibit of award-winning Choctaw artist Linda Kukuk who specializes in detailed watercolor and scratchwork drawings on black clayboard. Red Earth Museum, 6 Santa Fe Plaza, 427-5228, redearth.org. Intuitive Nature, artwork by local provocative abstract artist Kevin Thomas, whose work is intuitive in nature and explores positive and negative space. Jann Jeffrey Gallery, 3018 Paseo St., 607-0406.

Strange Lands, exhibit featuring three international artists and 3 local Oklahoma artists; the collection seeks to reconcile humankind’s reach towards the heavens as well as its deep roots in Earth. SIG, 131 Dean A McGee Ave., Suite 135, sigokc.org. The New Deal and Its Impact on Oklahoma Art, look at the various New Deal art related programs, such as the Public Works of Art Project, the Works Project Administration/Federal Art Project, and the Section of Fine Arts, that were active in Oklahoma in the 1930s and early 1940s, 6-7 p.m., Mar. 26. Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum, 1400 Classen Drive, 2354458, oklahomaheritage.com. THU MARK HANCOCK / FILE

Magna Carta: Enduring Legacy, exhibit tells the story of the Magna Carta in honor of its 800th anniversary.

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Heritage Land Run Oklahoma Heritage Association’s Teen Board hosts 10K, 5K and one-mile runs through the Heritage Hills neighborhood. Proceeds from the USA Track & Fieldsanctioned event go toward funding the free field trips program of the association and Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum. Runs begin at 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum, 1400 Classen Drive. Registration is $20-$30 and can be completed at oklahomahof.com.

Saturday

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OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | MARCH 25, 2015 | 17

LIFE FOOD & DRINK

Ropin’ meals You don’t have to be a cowpuncher to enjoy the delectable favorites at Cowboy’s Fry Shack. In fact, it wouldn’t help at all because everything’s great already. BY GREG ELWELL

Keep walking, health nuts. Britton Road is an interesting stretch of asphalt. Past the fast food chains and the drive-thru cigarette shops, where sometimes the cars back up into the street, there are a few honest-to-goodness restaurants.

find a shack where they fry things — all the things. Cowboy’s Fry Shack, 1414 W. Britton Road, is, as the name implies, not much of a building. At one time, it might have been a Fotomat or, more likely, a shave ice stand. Now, it is filled with hot, bubbling oil and Cowboy’s Fry Shack baskets of food being lowered into said oil. 1414 W. Britton Road And it’s flavorsome. 879-3373 I don’t think anyone is WHAT WORKS: Tasty fried fish and pork chops. expecting gourmet cuisine, and that’s good, because WHAT NEEDS WORK: If you don’t call ahead, this is not that. It’s big you’re in for a wait. foam containers of fried TIP: On Fridays, the price of the fish basket food that you can do drops to $5. anything with. You can: West of May Avenue is The • Eat it. Ranch. East is ND Foods. Down on • Look at it. Pennsylvania Avenue, there’s Inaka • Smell it. Sushi & Bar. • Save it for later. And close to the model train store • All of the above. and Los Amigos Tire Shop, you will My suggestion is to eat it. Look

18 | MARCH 25, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

at it as you lift it to your mouth for eating. Possibly smell it as it gets closer to your face. If there’s too much — these are hefty portions — you can save some for later. The best of the bunch is the fried pork chop ($6 with a side of either fries or okra), which is a big, bone-in piece of pig that’s dipped in batter and fried up crisp. I love pork chops, but they are rarely done well, especially when welldone. Pork is a lean meat, and when it’s overcooked, it’s really hard to (chew and) swallow. But Cowboy’s version

Chicken wings with Buffalo sauce and okra.

PHOTOS BY MARK HANCOCK

Fried catfish with fries ready for the to-go box to be closed at Cowboy’s Fry Shack.

stays juicy and flavorful even cooked all the way through. It’s a knife-and-fork meal — use real silverware if you have it — or you can eat it like an animal with your hands. Who’s going to judge? Switching from batter to cornmeal, the fried catfish ($7 with a side) is a thin cut that gets a little crispy and chewy at the edges. And that’s not a complaint. Cowboy’s uses nice, white filets and a spice mix that is peppery and wonderful. I prefer mine sprayed down with a healthy dose of hot sauce, but your mileage might vary. The chicken wings ($6) come with a seasoning or sauce, and I am a firm believer that if you don’t get Buffalo sauce on them, you’re probably secretly trying to undermine America for invasion from some undersea kingdom, like Atlantis or Scubaville or The Merpeople’s Republic of Merchina. These aren’t drumettes; they’re wings. Like, the whole shebang. Pull them apart with your fins and stuff the meat behind your gills … aha! I knew you were a spy! Guards! Season this guy with cornmeal! The chicken strips ($6) are hit-ormiss. The first batch I had were a little dry and the breading didn’t get very crisp. The second time I tried them, the chicken was moist, though the breading still didn’t have much crunch. If you love chicken strips, these will do you just fine. Or feed them to the kids while you enjoy a pork chop. Pretty much everything is fried at Cowboy’s Fry Shack, which is why they chose the name, probably. And if you enjoy it when batter, seasoning and animals meet with hot oil, then you might think about choosing Cowboy’s for your next meal.

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | MARCH 25, 2015 | 19

April 2nd • MAUNDY THURSDAY 8:30 am Morning Prayer 5:30 pm Evening Prayer 7:00 pm Holy Communion 8:00 pm The Watch

April 3rd • GOOD FRIDAY

8:30 am Morning Prayer 12:00 pm Good Friday Liturgy with Homily 5:30 pm Children’s Stations of the Cross 7:00 pm A Meditation on the Passion of Christ

April 4th • The Great Vigil of Easter 5:30 pm Holy Communion

April 5th • EASTER DAY Holy Communion 7:30 am, 9:15 am & 11:00 am

All Souls’ Episcopal Church

6400 N. Pennsylvania NE Corner of N. Pennsylvania and 63rd St. Oklahoma City • 405-842-1461 www.allsoulsokc.com

The Catholic Parish of St. John the Baptist Holy Thursday April 2 • 7:00pm*

Good Friday Services April 3 • 3:00pm* • 7:00pm*

Holy Saturday Easter Vigil April 4 • 8:30pm Easter Mass Schedule Sunday, April 5 7:30am • 9:30am* • 11:30am* • 5:30pm *Nursery available.

9TH & BOULEVARD • EDMOND • WWW.STJOHN-CATHOLIC.ORG

Westminster

Presbyterian Church

Chapel Worship 8:30 AM Sanctuary Worship 10:30 AM Christian Education 9:30 AM

April 3rd, Good Friday Tenebrae Service at 7:30 PM in the Sanctuary April 5th, Easter Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 Sanctuary Worship No Christian Education (405) 524-2204 4400 N Shartel, Oklahoma City on KSBI Ch. 52 @ 10:30 am www.wpcokc.org 20 | MARCH 25, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

New Covenant Christian Church Disciples of Christ Palm Sunday, March 29th Brunch @ 9:30am, One service @ 10:45am Maundy Thursday, April 2nd 7:30pm: “A Maundy Thursday Experience” Good Friday, April 3rd You are invited to pray the Prayer Labyrinth on the East side of the church property Easter Sunday, April 5th 2 Worship services @ 8:30am & 10:45am Easter Egg Hunt @ 9:30am 12000 N. Rockwell Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73162 405-722-7445 • www.ncccokc.org

Christ the King Catholic Church 8005 Dorset Drive (1 block north of Wilshire halfway between Penn & May) www.ckokc.org

Palm Sunday

March 28th at 5 pm March 29th at 8 am, 10 am, 12:15 pm

Holy Thursday

Mass of the Lord’s Supper April 2nd at *7 pm

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament follows Mass until 12 Midnight

Good Friday

Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion

April 3rd at *3 pm & *7 pm

Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Mass April 4th at 8 pm

Easter Sunday Masses April 5th at 8 am, *10 am & *12:15 pm * nursery available by reservation

The Lord is Risen!

s U w o ll o F

EASTER WEEK SCHEDULE

The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! Thursday, April 2nd 6:00 pm MAUNDY THURSDAY

Friday, April 3rd 12:00 NOON GOOD FRIDAY

Liturgy begins with Agape Meal with procession into main Church for Solemn Eucharist

Holy Communion, Veneration of the Cross, Stations of the Cross

Saturday, April 4th 7:00 pm THE GREAT EASTER VIGIL - FESTIVAL EUCHARIST Easter Sunday April 5th 8:00 am FESTIVAL EUCHARIST RITE I 9:15 am EASTER BREAKFAST & EASTER EGG HUNT 10:30 am FESTIVAL EUCHARIST RITE II

5401 North Brookline Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-943-8548 • www.stjohnsokc.org

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SANDBBURGERS.COM 20 NW 9TH • 405-270-0516 || 5929 N MAY • 405-843-8777 14020 N MAY • 405-418-8477 7745 S WALKER (I-240 & Walker) • 405-631-0783 OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | MARCH 25, 2015 | 21

LIFE FOOD & DRINK

Toasting 23rd Uptown Uncorked celebrates more than great libations and edibles as the Uptown 23rd District continues to grow. BY GREG ELWELL

Uptown Uncorked 6-7 p.m. April 2 (VIP) 7-10 p.m. April 2 (general admission) Oklahoma History Center 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive uptown23rd.com/uptown-uncorked 522-5248 $40-$65

As cars and pickups whizzed by, Kathryn Mathis knew 23rd Street was where she needed to be. “I remember watching traffic and thinking we’d be crazy if we didn’t pick this place,” said Mathis, who, with Cally Johnson and Chris Lower, started Big Truck Tacos on 23rd Street in 2009. Kathryn Mathis

22 | MARCH 25, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

Six years later, 23rd Street is experiencing a renaissance, said Uptown 23rd Street Program Director Christina Chicoraske. The group continues its support of neighborhood-friendly development with its second Uptown Uncorked fundraiser April 2 at Oklahoma History Center. A food- and beverage-tasting event, Uptown Uncorked showcases the district’s restaurants and merchants while raising money to support beautification and programming. The night also includes live music, a silent auction and a raffle. Participating businesses at the event include Byron’s Liquor Warehouse, Back Door Barbecue, Big Truck Tacos, Cheever’s Cafe, Cuppies & Joe, Guernsey Park, Mutts Amazing Hot Dogs, Nourished Food Co., Pizza23, Pizzeria Gusto, Raising Cane’s, Thai House II and Tucker’s Onion Burgers. Matt Tilly, vice president of Gatewood Neighborhood Association, said in the three short years since he moved to the area, the change has been dramatic. “Cheever’s has been there for a while, but with all the new restaurants and now The Rise [shopping center] opening on 23rd, it’s been an amazing change,” he said. “I’m really excited about what [local real estate developer] Ben Sellers and his group are doing with the Tower Theatre to bring it back to life in the next year.” The spirit of renovation is mirrored in his neighborhood and others nearby, Tilly said. Dumpsters appear in driveways, and young families are

putting up identification signs through the district,” she said. “We’d also like to put in pedestrian amenities like trash cans and benches, which will create a cohesive look.” Much like Western Avenue, Uptown 23rd is looking at incorporating public art projects, Chicoraske said. Also on the docket: raising funds to put up Christmas lights and other seasonal decorations throughout the year.

In addition to funding events and programs, proceeds from this go to beautification efforts. — Christina Chicoraske

Mathis said the transformation has been breathtaking, not just from when Big Truck Tacos opened, but from her childhood. “Chris [Lower] remembers it from when it was the hip … place to be. As a kid from the panhandle, I remembered 23rd Street as the place you went to shop before Penn Square and Quail Springs Mall started pulling people away. Now it’s coming back. It’s become the place to be again,” she said. “We absolutely love 23rd Street — what it was and what it is and where it’s going in the future. It’s really exciting.”

SILENT AUCTION ITEMS INCLUDE » An acoustic guitar signed by One Direction » Jim Beam electric guitar » Jack Daniel’s guitar » Bacardi mini fridge » Pabst Blue Ribbon bike » Pabst Blue Ribbon cooler scooter

» Cîroc golf bag » smoker cabinet » Sobieski pit barrel grill » small gas grill » coolers » Twisted Tea cornhole set

Mutts Amazing Hot Dogs

PHOTOS BY MARK HANCOCK

Big Truck Tacos

moving in and renovating old homes and keeping the blood of the area pumping. “I don’t know if it was people living here who drove demand for restaurants and retail or if having something to do here drives people to live here,” Tilly said. “However it started, it’s snowballing in a really positive way.” Chicoraske agreed. In fact, Heritage Hills Historical Preservation Inc. is the presenting sponsor for the Uptown Uncorked fundraiser. “We fully believe that with redevelopment in the district, our empty buildings filled, new buildings going up, it makes the neighborhoods safer,” she said. “We want it to be more walkable as well. I have a dream of seeing people eating at Tucker’s and walking across the street to The Rise for shopping.” Tilly said one reason Uptown 23rd seems poised for further success is its close working relationship with neighborhoods. Rather than fight with residents around them, the district has taken proactive steps to gain input and acceptance. “They have representatives from every neighborhood that borders the district on their board,” he said. “Anytime they have studies that affect the long-term future of 23rd Street, the board invites people from the neighborhoods to take part and discuss. It’s a reciprocal thing. The neighborhoods want it to do well and vice versa.” Chicoraske said that’s part of what Uptown Uncorked will do — make improvements that benefit everyone. “In addition to funding events and programs, proceeds from this go to beautification efforts, like upkeep on the medians, which we maintain, and

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JOIN IN THE MOST FUNFITTABULOUS INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR!

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ALL AGES AND FITNESS LEVELS WELCOME

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READY, GAZETTE, GO!

o you have bikini dreams with a sweatsuit body? Oklahoma Gazette, The Broadway Clinic and Optima Weight & Wellness Centers are here to help prepare you for summer. Ready, Gazette, Go! is a free fitness festival on Saturday, March 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. held on the west side of Myriad Botanical Gardens. The festival focuses on three main components of a healthy lifestyle: physical activity, health and wellness information and nutrition. Offering over 30 activities that attendees can sample, Ready, Gazette, Go! will have exercise professionals on site. Local health leaders like Scott Sabolich, YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, Pilates Nook and Balance Yoga Barre will provide instruction for a variety of

physical exercise. Whether you need help to kick-start your fitness routine or you’re just looking for something new to mix up your current schedule, you can experience fitness styles ranging from core fitness to Zumba, Pilates to kickboxing. The OKC Boathouse Foundation will coach a rowing challenge, and OU Physicians will lead a movement-filled lesson on kids fitness. Festival attendees are encouraged to come prepared to stretch, sweat, bend and move. In other words, throw on your favorite yoga or running pants, a t-shirt and tennis shoes; bring the whole family; and be ready to experience new and fun ways to enhance your healthy lifestyle. Don’t miss OKC Thunder Girls, who will be out early to cheer you on! Health sessions will take

PROUD SPONSOR OF READY GAZETTE GO

Rebuilding Lives One Person At A Time

www.scottsabolich.com 24 | MARCH 25, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

place all afternoon on the water garden stage. Medical professionals from The Broadway Clinic and Optima Weight & Wellness Centers will be speaking on health issues such as hormone replacement, healthy weight loss and disease prevention. A variety of health specialists will be represented around the event, with tips and tools to help you look and feel younger and more energetic. New muscles sore? Work out those kinks with a massage from any of the massage therapists on hand. Every athlete knows that you have to properly fuel the

machine. This brings nutrition to the forefront. Healthy food truck options like The Loaded Bowl, Healthy Hippo and Green & Grilled will be available, serving up food to keep you at your peak fitness game! Sample fare from Crave Smoothie, KIZE bars and Whole Foods Market of Oklahoma City, which will be doing live cooking demonstrations on how to prepare nutritious and delicious meals, offering tips and tricks that take little time but make a big difference. “Healthy cooking is not about dieting and what you can’t have— it’s emphasizing what you should have! Find out

FIT TIP

CRAVE SMOOTHIE: DON’T SKIP BREAKFAST Studies show that eating a proper breakfast is one of the most positive things you can do if you are trying to lose weight. Breakfast skippers tend to gain weight. A balanced breakfast includes fresh fruit or fruit juice, low-fat milk or yogurt, a high-fiber breakfast cereal, whole wheat toast and a boiled egg.

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what’s in season and the source from which your food came. Getting into the kitchen and really knowing your food will impact your body, mind, and overall health. Know that Whole Foods Market of Oklahoma City is here to help you on your journey as you pursue a lifestyle of healthy eating.” said JaLillian Cook, Whole Foods Market’s healthy eating specialist. For more information on the festival, visit okgazette. com/readygazettego. Are you ready?

Myriad Botanical Gardens

Advanced Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Intravenous Therapies Paul D. Rothwell, MD Candace Sturlin, PAC Meredith Mogan, PAC Tonya Cameron, RN, CMT Director of IV Services, Aesthetics Specialist

405.470.8200 Gilbert Medical Center

www.wellnessok.com 7530 NW 23rd, Bethany, OK

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | MARCH 25, 2015 | 25

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EVENT SCHEDULE The Broadway Clinic Health, Weight & Wellness Zone

Discussions schedule of speakers 11:40a-11:50a Testosterone for Men led by Dr. J. Arden Blough, M.D. 12:40p-12:50p Women’s Health and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement led by Dr. Andrew Broselow, M.D., OBGYN 1:40p-1:50p Weight Loss & Thyroid led by Dr. J. Arden Blough, M.D. 2:40p-2:50p Menopause and You led by Bethany Cook, APRN 3:40p-3:50p Hormones Benefits led by Bethany Cook, APRN

Optima Weight & Wellness Fitness Zone 11a – 11:30a Kickboxing Conditioning – Zac George, Fitness GPS Martial Arts 12p – 12:30p Bootcamp - Casey Smith, YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City

YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City Fitness Zone 11a – 11:30a Zumba – Lindsey Waldrop, YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City 12p – 12:30p Piloxing – Staci Patton, YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City 1p – 1:30p Yoga - Karel Ford, YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City 2p – 2:30p Kids Fit Class – April Sandefer, OU Physicians 3p – 3:30p Super Fun and Flow Vinyasa - CJ Yeagley, KIZE Guy

Scott Sabolich Fitness Zone 1 11a – 11:30a Proper Stretching for Athletes and Couch Potatoes – Kimberly Gherlarducci, Brixton Chiropractic 12p – 12:30p General Core Fitness – Jeff Waldmuller, Scott Sabolich

1p – 2p OKC Thunder Girls

1p – 1:30p General Fitness – Jeff Waldmuller, Scott Sabolich

2p – 2:30p Zumba – Ashlea and Demetria, Gold’s Gym

2p – 2:30p General Core Fitness – Jeff Waldmuller, Scott Sabolich

3p – 3:30p Bootcamp – Lee Davis Sr, OKC Parks and Recreation

3p – 3:30p Yoga – Martha McQuaid, Spirit House Yoga

26 | MARCH 25, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

Scott Sabolich Fitness Zone 2 11a – 11:30a Pilates on the Reformer Stephanie Patterson, Pilates Nook 12p – 12:30p Pilates on the Exo Chair Deborah Malone, Pilates Nook 1p – 1:30p Pilates on the Reformer Stephanie Patterson, Pilates Nook 2p – 2:30p Pilates on the Exo Chair Deborah Malone, Pilates Nook 3p – 3:30p Pilates on the Reformer Stephanie Patterson, Pilates Nook

7-Eleven Fitness Zone 1 11a – 11:30a Stationary Rowing Challenge Megan Duffy, OKC Boathouse Foundation 12p – 12:30p Stationary Rowing Challenge Megan Duffy, OKC Boathouse Foundation 1p – 1:30p Stationary Rowing Challenge Megan Duffy, OKC Boathouse Foundation 2p – 2:30p Stationary Rowing Challenge Megan Duffy, OKC Boathouse Foundation 3p – 3:30p Stationary Rowing Challenge Megan Duffy, OKC Boathouse Foundation

7-Eleven Fitness Zone 2 11a – 11:30a High Intensity with the Heartthrob – Rob Wood, KIZE Guy 12p – 12:30p Yoga - Ashley Bates, Balance Yoga Barre 1p – 1:30p Tabata - Casey Smith, YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City 2p – 2:30p Zumba – Steve Le, Encore Dance 3p – 3:30p Muay Thai Martial Arts – Robert Colston, Tru Warriors

Whole Foods Market Nutrition Zone (Complimentary Samples)

11:30p, 1:30p and 3:30p Whole Foods Market OKC Cooking Demonstrations led by Healthy Eating Specialist JaLillian Cook All Day Crave Smoothies will have free smoothie samples

Food Truck Vendors

*menu and pricing at event The Loaded Bowl Green and Grilled The Healthy Hippo Katiebug’s Shaved Ice and Hot Chocolate

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W Sheridan Ave

FITNESS MAP

7-Eleven Fitness Zone 1

Myriad Botanical Gardens Saturday, March 28, 2015

7-Eleven Fitness Zone 2

OKL AHOMA GAZET TE CHECK-IN SPONSOR LOUNGE FITNESS ZONES NUTRITION ZONE FOOD TRUCKS Portable Restroom

The Broadway Clinic Health, Weight & Wellness Zone

Whole Foods Market Nutrition Zone

Optima Weight & Wellness Fitness Zone YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City Fitness Zone

Scott Sabolich Fitness Zone 1 Scott Sabolich Fitness Zone 2

RACE STARTS HERE

W Reno Ave OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | MARCH 25, 2015 | 27

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FIT TIPS

SCOTT SABOLICH: EATING HABITS

If you are looking to change your eating habits for the better, consider a whole foods, plantbased diet. The Mayo Clinic has proven that a plant-based diet can reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes and might also reverse the effects of this deadly disease.

BALANCE YOGA BARRE: YOGA Yoga tones and strengthens your body uniformly, unlike some fitness training regimens that can lead to overdevelopment of a particular muscle group. Yoga improves your balance, strength and overall flexibility.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET OF OKLAHOMA CITY: EAT Eat a colorful variety of plants to ensure you’re getting the best nutrients for your body.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET OF OKLAHOMA CITY: SNACK TIP Replace butter popcorn with air-popped popcorn sprinkled with nutritional yeast instead of salt for a high-fiber, nutrient-dense treat!

WHOLE FOODS MARKET OF OKLAHOMA CITY: SNACK TIP Keep a bowl of prewashed fruit and veggies in your fridge at eye level. If you can see it, you’re more likely to eat it.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET OF OKLAHOMA CITY: SNACK TIP One day a week, batch cook beans, grains and your

snacks to set your week up for success. Learn more about batch cooking by attending one of our free bulk basic’s class every Thursday from 11-1 in our bulk department in January and February.

OKC BOATHOUSE: ROW You don’t need strong arms to row! Indoor rowing is a great workout for your legs and core.

YMCA OF GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY: EXERCISE EXCUSE “I don’t have time to exercise.” A one-hour workout is only 4 percent of your day — plan ahead and make mandatory me time

YMCA OF GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY: HYDRATE 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Use an app to stay ahead of dehydration. Check this out: Waterlogged (available on iTunes).

YMCA OF GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY: STAND You might want to stand up for this! Sitting is the new smoking. Sitting is linked to chronic illness! If you sit all day, try standing up and walking down the hall or doing 25 jumping jacks or 20 squats every hour.

YMCA OF GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY: WALK Do you have a car? Stop using it unnecessarily. Even if you are sprawled out in the ’burbs, save money and drop pounds by choosing to walk,

run or bike to your local haunts. If you work in downtown OKC, check out spokiesokc.com

OU MEDICAL: NUTRITION TIP Live by the 80/20 rule! Eat well 80 percent of the time, and have fun the other 20 percent. Not allowing yourself to indulge every once in a while leads to binging. Just know when you want to let loose, and plan for it.

BROADWAY CLINIC: TIP Weigh in the morning! Weigh early to get an accurate reading. Lose up to 30 pounds in the first month with hCG, a lasting approach to a healthier and slimmer body.

BROADWAY CLINIC: TIP Learn the difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones. Synthetic hormones are chemically manufactured and are more likely to have adverse side effects. Bioidentical are natural, plant-based hormones that match your body’s hormones. The Broadway Clinic uses bioidentical for safe and natural hormone replacement.

OPTIMA HEALTH & WELLNESS: TIP Drink a glass of water before each meal. This makes you less hungry so you can control your portions. For proven weight loss, the supervised programs at Optima Weight & Wellness bring people to their goal weight safely and effectively.

OPTIMA HEALTH & WELLNESS: TIP Tip: Exercise and diet might not be enough to feel real energy. Hormone deficiency is often the

root cause of low energy. BHRT gives back that vitality, focus, mental acuity, lean muscle mass and libido.

BRIXTON CHIROPRACTIC: PILLOWS Properly position your pillows to avoid hurting your neck or spine. If laying on your back, put a pillow under your knees. If laying on your side, put a pillow between your knees. Everyone should get a cervical pillow to avoid pain when waking up.

PILATES NOOK: EXHALE It’s easy to get caught in a perpetual inhale in the hectic day-to-day. So take a moment, put a hand on your chest and take as long an exhale as possible. Make sure your chest actually falls down away from your chin when you exhale. It’s a great first step to reducing stress and easing neck and shoulder discomfort. For more help with your functional health needs, please visit us at pilatesnook.com.

PILATES NOOK: RESTING POSE Most of us are already spending an inordinate amount of time in a chair position at work and in our cars, so when you’re watching TV or eating at home, don’t put your body in that same old position. Be a kid again and sit on the floor with your legs out in front of you or sit “crisscross applesauce” to get a stretch while you’re resting. If this proves difficult, just stick a few pillows under your hips to ease into the position. For more help with your functional health needs, please visit us at pilatesnook.com

7304 N. COMANCHE AVE. OKLAHOMA CITY 6401 N. INTERSTATE DR. STE 148 • NORMAN www.BrixtonChiro.com 405.728.4851 SERVICES WE OFFER

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Rehabilitation • Weight Loss

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Visit our website for a complete listing of Parks & Rec services and programs

WWW.OKC.GOV/PARKS

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | MARCH 25, 2015 | 29

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30 | MARCH 25, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

FOOD BRIEFS BY GREG ELWELL

M A RK HA N COC K

P ROVI DE D

Colorful pours from last year’s ARTini event.

Shh!

Drink me! Local restaurants are hoping to get the crowds smiling like the Cheshire Cat at ARTini in Wonderland from 7 to 11 p.m. this Friday. The annual ARTini event will be held at OKC Farmers Public Market. In addition to showcasing more than 75 pieces of local art, the event features food and martini combos from nine local restaurants. This year’s participating restaurants are The Barrel, Bolero Spanish Grill and Tapas Bar, Flint, In the Raw Sushi, James E. McNellie’s Public House, Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse, Museum Cafe, Park Avenue Grill and Picasso Cafe. “All of the participating restaurants gets to create their own space, as well as come up with an original martini and appetizer inspired by the theme,” said Kristen Bromley, Allied Arts marketing director. “Everyone at the party will be able to vote on a People’s Choice martini, and we have a panel of local celebrities who give awards to the best food, best interpretation of theme and more.” Bromley said the decor will be whimsical but definitely more Tim Burton than Disney. Tickets for the Alice in Wonderland-themed Allied Arts fundraiser are $75 and must be purchased in advance. Learn more and find tickets at alliedartini.com or call Allied Arts at 278-8944.

Oklahoma City will soon welcome a new strip club to the stage as Whispers Gentlemen’s Club readies for a spring opening. Like a gyrating phoenix from the ashes, Whispers (pictured) is built on the site of the city’s first strip club, Albee’s Valley of the Dolls, which burned down in 2012. Owner Elsie Edwards said she has heard wonderful — and colorful — stories about Valley of the Dolls over the years but Whispers, 1808 SE 59th St., is a different kind of club. “The club is a new and modern place for adult entertainment,” she said. “It’s going to be more upscale. Everything is new.” Edwards was the owner of Red Light Nights, which closed in February after legal battles over zoning. The new business is smaller than Red Light Nights, and Edwards said it will provide a more elegant environment. It will open shortly after it is granted a liquor license.

VALID ON DINNERS UP TO $1199 ONLY. DISCOUNT TAKEN OFF EQUAL OR LESSER PURCHASE. LIMIT 2 COUPONS PER PERSON. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS. EXPIRES 4/1/15.

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NW 50TH & MERIDIAN OKLAHOMASTATIONBBQ.COM 947.7277

The competition for pizza dollars on Memorial Road heats up as Infernos Pizza Wood Fired Oven & Spirits joins the fray. With Hideaway Pizza and Revolve Pizza Kitchen already vying for the higher-end market and Pizza Hut, Stars & Stripes Pizza and Papa Murphy’s Take ’N’ Bake Pizza occupying the budget position, Infernos jumps into an already-crowded field with the announcement of its planned April 20 opening. “There’s a place for everybody, but we’ve got a great pizza,” said owner Cary Hamer. “Once people try our product, they’ll be hooked.” Infernos fills the space previously used by Bikini’s Sports Bar & Grill, 2747 W. Memorial Road, where Hamer previously worked on rebranding. “When the owners pulled the plug, I decided it was time to dive into the pizza concept,” he said. “It’s a beautiful building with a great location.” Hamer said Infernos uses dough made fresh every day, a pizza sauce with a little spice to it and a scorpion pepper sausage they make in-house. Though heat is inherent in the name, the menu isn’t just for chili heads. The bar will offer 20 different styles of margaritas flavored with sake, champagne, wine, sodas and more. Infernos’ first location is in New Braunfels, Texas. Learn more at infernospizzeria.com.

GARRET FISBECK

Pizza party

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | MARCH 25, 2015 | 31

“The burrito is God’s most perfect fruit.” — a guy who doesn’t understand fruit

Burritos might not grow on trees, but they should, and if science has any say, they soon will. Until that day comes, when you want a pile of food wrapped in a big tortilla so you can eat it with one hand, here are a few places you can go to get that beautiful burrito fix. — By Greg Elwell, photos by Mark Hancock and Shannon Cornman

Burrito Bandido

La Oaxaqueña Bakery

Picasso Cafe

Mobile food truck twitter.com/bandido_burrito 760-9216

741 SW 29th St. 635-0442

3009 Paseo St. picassosonpaseo.com 602-2002

Like a thief in the night, Burrito Bandido might just steal your affections away from big burrito outlets like Chipotle Mexican Grill and Qdoba Mexican Grill with their massive onepound burritos. One draw of the truck is a Venezuelan cooking style that creates mouth-wateringly tender meats, including brisket and pulled pork. Slather on its queso blanco for a truly decadent treat, and be sure to try some of the fiery red sauce, too.

How do you like your carne? Pretty asada? That’s a great choice, especially at La Oaxaqueña, which definitely grills (asada) up some tasty meat (carne). Dig into your burrito and enjoy the surroundings — not only is there some gorgeous, intricate art on the walls, but the entire place smells like a bakery. That is because it is a bakery. Which is a good reminder to save some room for a fresh churro (buttery cinnamon bread stick of glory).

It’s not hard to find someone who is utterly smitten with the brunch at Picasso Cafe, probably because they smote some delicious food with their holy mouths. The breakfast burrito — filled with bacon, chorizo, eggs, potatoes, vegan chili and much more — is a masterpiece. Psst. Over here. You know about Picasso’s secret menu? The chef recommends you order the breakfast Biscuit Deburrito with pulled pork and cheddar cream sauce.

ALL GIRL BANDS. LADY ARM WRESTLING. JUST FIVE BUCKS. JOIN US SATURDAY NIGHT FOR THE ROCK ‘N ROLL CAMP FOR GIRLS FUNDRAISER, FEATURING FIVE ALL GIRL BANDS, A LADY ARM WRESTLING CONTEST & BIG PRIZES, ALL TO HELP GIRLS 8-17 LEARN TO ROCK THIS SUMMER. SEE Y’ALL AT GRANDAD’S AT 7:00PM! 317 NW 23rd Street

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SATISFY YOUR CRAVINGS

RESTAURANT WEEKLY SPECIAL

Gyro Special Gyro Fries & a Drink

$6.99 BOWLING LOUNGE

7700 NW. 23rd St. Bethany, OK

Made-from-scratch local fare, full-service bar and server-attended lanes! On the Canal in Lower Bricktown. 405.702.8880 > www.bowlredpin.com 32 | MARCH 25, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

405.787.4414

MON - SAT 11-8:30

More than a meal it’s an experience. 6014 N. May • 947.7788 www.zorbasokc.com

Smokin’ Okies

Couscous Cafe

Taqueria Rafitas

Tacos don Nacho

food truck thesmokinokies.com 615-6830

6165 N. May Ave. couscouscafeokc.com 286-1533

1222 NW 12 St. 408-2858

3721 S. Council Road 745-2550

Not to get too PG-13, especially in a fine, upstanding periodical like the Gazette, but have you considered sucking down an SOB? Wait! That acronym stands for Smokin’ Okies Burrito, and it’s a barbecue burrito filled with pulled pork, BBQ sauce and coleslaw wrapped up in a 10-inch flour tortilla and grilled to perfection. Sorry about the language, though.

Did you know that a burrito can be anything you dream it to be? Well, that’s not true. A burrito can’t be a dog or a peace treaty you’ve brokered between Luxembourg and the Foo Fighters. But it can be filled with nonMexican, non-meat foods. Take, for instance, the falafel burrito. It’s a double dose of chickpeas with tender fried falafels and hummus, as well as brown rice, Moroccan salad and tahini sauce all snugly wrapped in a wheat tortilla.

Everybody is “going green” these days, which apparently is something to do with preserving our fragile world and not about the chile verde burrito. And that’s too bad, because this planet is done for. There’s no saving it. But this chile verde burrito is so good, you’ll begin working with your fellow man to invent new methods of space travel so humanity can find a new home and we can start raising pigs and peppers to make more of this delicious concoction.

Anyone who has been caught out in the rain with a pile of tortillas knows how sad a wet burrito is, but leave it to the geniuses at Tacos don Nacho to make a wet burrito that’s delicious. This burrito replaces cold rainwater with chile sauce, which is a much better match with the tender chunks of chicken on the inside of its massive tortilla. One suggestion: Get there early for lunch, because this place is very popular with everyone within a 5-mile radius.

Coming soon to a bighead’s near you! Cajun style Crawfish boil with sausage, Corn and potatoes. yummy!

closed sunday

cajun SpecialtieS GUMBO BURGERS GATOR FRIED CATFISH FRIED SHRIMP

PASTA PO’ BOYS RED BEANS N RICE ETOUFFEE CRAWFISH FONDUE JAMBALAYA

CLAM CHOWDER FRIED OYSTERS FISH TACOS FRIED ICE CREAM SALADS

Call in orders available for pickup.

617 SOUTH BROADWAY • EDMOND • 405-340-1925 OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | MARCH 25, 2015 | 33

M A R K HA N COC K

LIFE CULTURE

Creative enterprise The world’s best innovators and creative entrepreneurs meet here for Tuesday event. BY CHRISTIAN WILSON

8:30 a.m. Tuesday Civic Center Music Hall 21 N. Walker Ave. stateofcreativity.com 232-5570 $350-$400

For the first year since 2010, Oklahoma City and Creative Oklahoma host the Creativity World Forum. The event brings international entrepreneurs and innovators together to present on the need of evolving societies and businesses to ideate creative solutions to local and global issues. This year’s event features an array of presentations and interactive opportunities and operates under the theme All Our Futures. “It’s the idea that we’re all connected in this global society and how we’re all facing common issues,” said Susan McCalmont, president of Creative Oklahoma. “Every idea counts and everybody was born with creative capacity.” The Creativity World Forum is the annual forum event of the Districts of Creativity Network, a collection of 13 of the most creative and innovative regions around the world. This year’s event will involve speakers and attendees with a variety of different backgrounds and WORLD CREATIVITY FORUM

MONDAY Meet-ups 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

occupations from 23 states in the U.S. and 10 countries. “I think the misunderstanding is that creativity just applies to a few people who might be artists or who have that as their day-to-day job,” McCalmont said. “At the end of the day, it’s solely about problem-solving; how do you bring these creative capacities to bear on solving problems you’re facing every day and the bigger societal issues as well?” For the event, Creative Oklahoma brought on OKC artist Chad Mount as a creative adviser. His task is to oversee the spacial design and flow and create a unique atrium atmosphere for attendees. In collaboration with the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma (ACM@UCO), Mount is projection-mapping and lighting the architectural elements of the atrium. “Especially since presenters from Disney and Lego will be there, there are so many components dealing with kids and education,” Mount said. “As an artist, I wanted to play to the sense of imagination and innovation that comes from the mind of a child. What we want to do is — through light and color and through custom video footage — create a sense of wonder, mostly upwards.” The day’s events are organized into several presentation sessions and will also involve a period for workshops Livable Communities IAO Gallery 706 W. Sheridan Ave. Education UCO Downtown at Carnegie Center 131 Dean A. McGee Ave.

Topics Hunger Dunlap Codding conference room 609 W. Sheridan Ave.

Mental Health UCO Downtown at Carnegie Center 131 Dean A. McGee Ave. (basement)

Energy MetroTech Career Tech Chase Tower 100 N. Broadway Ave. (third floor)

Water MetroTech Career Tech Chase Tower 100 N. Broadway Ave. (third floor)

Violence Studio 404 704 W. Sheridan Ave.

34 | MARCH 25, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

above Susan McCalmont, president of Creative Oklahoma. right Ken Robinson will be a presenter at this year’s World Creativity Forum. and in-depth speaker conversations, allowing attendees to engage the ideas presented. Session I will set the stage for the rest of the day, with Sir Ken Robinson, a successful TED presenter and creative personality, and Suzy Amis Cameron, founder of MUSE School, leading talks and discussions around building creative capacity. Session II includes four keynote presentations and a panel discussion on psychology, business and education that emphasizes the cultivation of creativity. Session III explores the roles of imagination, creativity and innovation in the evolving workforce of today. Deborah Wince-Smith, president and CEO of Council on Competitiveness, will open the presentations with a look at the transitioning world order of technological innovation and need to build a “Creation Nation.” After Session III, there will be workshops and suite conversations held at Civic Center Music Hall and Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Topics of discussion range from utilizing failure

TUESDAY Session I 8:30 a.m. Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theater Civic Center Music Hall 201 N. Walker Ave. Session II 10 a.m. Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theater Civic Center Music Hall 201 N. Walker Ave. Session III 1:15 p.m. Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theater

PR OV ID ED

World Creativity Forum

in creative enterprise to Rwandan economic development. Session IV focuses on the tangible impact of creativity and innovation, highlighting how ideation catalyzes community regeneration such as the redevelopment of the Oklahoma River. The closing session offers a discussion of international creative solutions by global initiative leaders. As a build-up to the forum, seven public meet-up discussions will be held at various locations in the metro. Focusing on topics of education, energy, water, mental health, hunger, violence and livable communities in Oklahoma, the meet-ups offer an avenue for public input. The most compelling meeting ideas will be discussed by industry leaders during the forum. Join the ongoing discussion on social media with the hashtag #YourIdeasMatter. There will also be an outdoor festival on the Civic Center plaza lawn, which features musician performances, food trucks and a virtual simulator. Civic Center Music Hall 201 N. Walker Ave. Workshops and Conversations 2:55 p.m. Various Locations Session IV 4 p.m. Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theater Civic Center Music Hall 201 N. Walker Ave. Creativity Salon and After-Party 6:30-9:30 p.m. [Artspace] at Untitled 1 NE 3rd St. $25

Feeling SUPER!

P ROVI DED

LIFE CULTURE

A gaming convention for every kind of geek comes to the Oklahoma State Fair grounds. BY CHRISTIAN WILSON

SUPER! BitCon 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Oklahoma Expo Hall Oklahoma State Fair Park 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd. superbitcon.com $5-$10

BC Phillips grew up in a middleclass family on hand-me-down game consoles. His gaming patron was an older cousin who, with every new Madden game and every new console, would pass down the recently outdated ones. Eventually, Phillips moved up to a PlayStation. Then he got bit by the retro game-collecting bug. One wife, one Craigslist ad and six years later, Phillips brought the biggest names in Oklahoma tabletop, modern gaming and retro collecting to Oklahoma City for SUPER! BitCon. Following its inaugural event last year, which attracted hundreds of attendees, Phillips plans for an even larger turnout this year. Held in a 40,000-square-foot space in the Oklahoma Expo Hall at the state fairgrounds, BitCon features gaming and pop-culture personalities such as Smooth McGroove, an arcade and pinball floor, tabletop gaming such as Catan, 23 artists and 118 vendors. The idea came about when Phillips moved back to Oklahoma from Arkansas. He and his wife had agreed that their social circles should include more than just work friends. They reached out to the gaming community, started a retro gaming group and sent out a Craigslist ad about getting people together. People responded. They started meeting at Dave & Buster’s, and it took off. Phillips was surprised by the quick success.

An attendee dressed as Ash from the movie Army of Darkness last year. “One thing led to another after putting out [the ad], and here we are with a big collecting group and convention and all the stuff we never asked for,” he said. Over time, he came to know some of the other acts in town. There was Oklahoma Game Developers, Tulsa Game Masters, Nathan Perry and The Hammerfist Clan. They were at the ready when Phillips’ call came. “I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a circle of friends with the same interests that are willing to volunteer their time to do a giant convention downtown,” Phillips said. “I’m really proud of the gaming community in Oklahoma for not only being so well networked but for working together so well.” This year’s event includes a series of guest panels and presentations by collectors and developers The Game Chasers, AlphaOmegaSin and Matt Harmon of Bonozo Games and celebrities Patrick Scott Patterson, ProJared and Smooth McGroove. The expo also includes a free cosplay contest on Saturday with categories for youth under age 13, adult amateur and adult advanced, with staff deciding costumers’ placements. Prizes will be given out for the top three costumes. Oklahoma Tabletop Gamers Society will provide an expanded tabletop and card gaming area. Staff on hand will be available for tutorials for new players. Several tournaments will also be offered, including a DCI-sanctioned Magic: The Gathering tournament Saturday, several modern gaming tournaments orchestrated by HXC Gaming Events and two retro competitions.

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | MARCH 25, 2015 | 35

P HOTOS BY M A R K HA N COC K

LIFE VISUAL ARTS

Cartoon cutouts Local artist Tanner Frady animates the Oklahoma City art scene. BY LOUIS FOWLER

When local artist Tanner Frady sees a duck get hit in the face with a frying pan or a rabbit drop an anvil on a lisping hunter, he sees art. And thanks to his unique take on the animated style of cartoons and cartoon characters, so are many more art-lovers in the metro. Even though Frady said he has always been drawn to all kinds of art and has made it his own for as long as he can remember, it has actually only been within the past two years that he took that scary leap to full-time artist, quitting both school and a screenprinting job in the process. Luckily, his highly stylized work quickly set him apart from the pack and he has kept a steady stream of both commissioned work and sign painting going ever since. Classic characters like Secret Squirrel and the Smurfs and Frady’s own original cartoon creations line walls, murals and storefront windows. Even though it’s the medium that he has become most popular around town for, to him, it’s just another example of the many different art forms he bounces back and forth between every day. “There is a certain genuineness that comes with classic cartoons,” Frady said. “The humor of old cartoons was aimed at an adult audience, I feel like. To think that every frame of old cartoons was drawn by hand is almost hard to believe nowadays. Just like any art form done by hand, that is a huge interest point for me. Classic cartoons

have a bouncy, wiggly, slippery, goofy quality that I’m drawn to.” But far be it from him to merely copy another’s style or work; Frady believes he puts his artistic imprint on the characters by adding his own humor into their faces or movements or changing the proportions to make them shorter, skinnier or fatter. Emphasizing each character’s look with bold outlines, he also turns these works into “cutout paintings,” something that he said “eliminates the background for people to hang whatever they might want for their background,” just like old-school animators once did. In addition to his cartoon work, Frady has garnered notice for work like traditional tattoo flash and working on custom signage for tattoo shops and other local businesses. He believes that signage and lettering is an unrecognized art by people who aren’t familiar with it. “I am a sign painter, which includes painting lettering and imagery on different surfaces, so I do see it as an art form,” Frady stated. “It is a brush with paint applied to a surface. A lot of people may overlook the art of sign painting because they are probably more familiar with digital or vinyl signs. I say that, but I have been busier with painting signs lately than anything else, so I feel like it is catching on and coming back around as people are enjoying it more.” Frady has also been busy with his various mural painting projects located

Artwork by Tanner Frady

36 | MARCH 25, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

Tanner Frady with his artwork.

There is a certain genuineness that comes with classic cartoons. — Tanner Frady

throughout Oklahoma. He has teamed up with other noted artists like Bob Palmer and Rick Sinnet to craft works of art in Moore, Okeene, Anadarko, Norman, Mustang and Oklahoma City. When he’s commissioned to do his own murals, however, he tends to lean toward a street-graffiti style. Painting kids’ rooms is his favorite type of commissioned work. It’s this constant stream of commissions that led Frady, along with his partner, local tattoo artist Ashley Smith, to found Brass Bell Studios in 2011. With a mission to “provide a space for artists and art seekers in a more laid-back, lowbrow setting,” it has become one of the most talked-about places to showcase art in the OKC area. “Brass Bell Studios features local artists and is open to anyone wanting

to participate in group shows that happen semiannually,” Frady said. “We also host a local Drink and Draw program every second Thursday of the month from 8 to 11 p.m. where anyone is welcome to come and casually hang out, draw, doodle and communicate and network with other artists.” While currently working on such diverse projects as traditional tattoo flash and preparing to paint a 30-foot mural for the Kiddie Park in Bartlesville, Smith and Frady set a separate goal for the year: to open up their own sign shop where “people can come in and see samples of [their] work and talk to [them] face to face about signs.” “I consider myself pretty well involved in the art scene, both publicly with signs and murals and also in the galleries,” Frady said. “I find it hard to say no to any kind of opportunity to submit artwork to projects or gallery shows. I would like to continue doing what I’m doing now, painting signs, murals, running a gallery with my girlfriend, doing more art shows. Any support for local art and artists is good. Art brings color and variety to our city. Those colors and variety bring people into our city.”

LIFE VISUAL ARTS

Vinyl veneration P ROVI DE D

An exhibit at Oklahoma City Community College illustrates the evolution of album artwork. BY ADAM HOLT

1-5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday Inasmuch Gallery Visual and Performing Arts Center 7777 S. May Ave. occc.edu/cp/currentgallery 682-7576 Free

In the age of digital downloads, it is easy to forget that releasing an album is a long, laborious artistic exercise for musicians. The songwriting and recording process is something a select few are able to partake in, and the album itself is an endangered artistic endeavor in its own right. But Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) hosts an exhibit of album artwork at OCCC’s Visual and Performing Arts Center through Friday.

Tailored Jackets: Second Fitting reveals the artistry and evolution of vinyl record jackets and compact disc covers over the eight-decade stretch between 1923 and 2003. The 59-piece collection, on loan from an Oklahoma City private collector, is a more detailed follow-up to the Tailored Jackets exhibition last October. Like the prior exhibit, the vast majority of the jackets are signed by the albums’ musical artists. The framed jackets and covers produce a multicolored streak across the lighted and angled walls of Inasmuch Gallery at OCCC. The private collector’s love of minimalism also works its way into the exhibit. Other than a few outliers, all vinyl jackets are displayed in identical 15 3/4-by-15 3/4-inch frames. All mattes are limited to three colors complementing those found in the

jacket, and music from the displayed albums fills the atmosphere of the gallery. The oldest pieces in the exhibit are not album jackets but objects that lead to their creation. “Down Hearted Blues / Gulf Coast Blues,” a 1923 single by American blues singer Bessie Smith, is first among the frames along the gallery’s wall. The piece is composed of a small booklet of sheet music for the single, with Smith’s photograph gracing the cover. Two vinyl records of the single flank the booklet, one to each side. “Research shows that covers of sheet music were an influence on album jackets,” said Scott Tigert, cultural programs assistant at OCCC. The next frame contains a promotional poster for blues singer Ma Rainey’s 1924 single “Dream Blues,” with the record protruding from a slot

in the upper left-hand corner. “This is believed to be the first example of an artist’s portrait on the label of a record,” Tigert said. The label is a circular sticker in the center of the record. Printed on this label is a blue-and-white portrait of Rainey. These examples led to the stylized album jackets and covers we see to this day. Columbia Record’s first art director Alex Steinweiss is credited with creating the first modern jackets in 1938. The collection runs the gamut of rock music history from Big Brother & the Holding Company’s 1968 release Cheap Thrills, designed by underground cartoonist Robert Crumb, to Talking Head’s Stop Making Sense, featuring leader sing and guitarist David Byrne wearing the big suit, and Pearl Jam’s booklike Vitalogy CD packaging.

LIFE BOOKS

Alternate worlds An award-winning author visits Oklahoma to support The National Endowment for the Arts and the Pioneer Library System. BY GREG HORTON

Michael Chabon 10 a.m. Thursday Geiger Center Oklahoma Baptist University 500 West University St., Shawnee 275-2850 Free and open to the public 7 p.m. Thursday Sam Noble Museum of Natural History 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman 325-4712 Free Register for both at pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon speaks at two public events in Oklahoma Thursday. Chabon — he likes to say it rhymes with radon — is here in support of The Big Read, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts. He will sign books and answer audience questions at both events. Chabon won the Pulitzer Prize in 2001 for his novel The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay. He is also the recipient of the Hugo Award and

Michael Chabon

Nebula Award in 2008 for his novel The Yiddish Policeman’s Union, an alternative history that tells of a world in which European Jews were settled in Alaska during WWII. Each year, The Big Read assigns a book to be read as part of its ongoing efforts to return reading to the center of American life. This year, the book is Ursula K. LeGuin’s A Wizard of Earthsea, an influential fantasy novel. LeGuin, now 85, pioneered the fantasy genre and is one of the first successful female novelists in it, but Chabon told Gazette that she transcends the genre. “She is a truly fine writer, and like many genre fiction writers, she doesn’t get as much recognition outside the genre as she deserves,” Chabon said. “She doesn’t just write genre fiction; she is writing literature.” Like many writers who have worked in the realms of fantasy, sci-fi and alternate history, Chabon grew up reading Edgar Rice Burroughs, a writer he called the “inventor of the planetary

romance genre.” Burroughs was a British writer best known for his Tarzan series, but fans were also enamored with his books about Mars, Venus, the moon and Pellucidar (earth’s hollow core). “Burroughs created the main trope in the genre,” Chabon said, “that of the rugged adventurer who conquered alien worlds by sword, might and superior intellect. LeGuin’s Earthsea offers a critique of this trope, and she’s actually doing it as early as her first novel, Rocannon’s World.” LeGuin’s father, Alfred L. Kroeber, was a pioneering anthropologist, one of the greatest of the 20th century, and his daughter would adopt not only his pioneering spirit but his love of anthropology, ethnology and linguistics to create richly imagined worlds. Rather than the savages of Burroughs’ style of conquistador fantasy, LeGuin’s characters are complex and three-dimensional, with complicated mythologies and backstories. “Her father’s influence is there in her

writing,” Chabon said. “She brings the perspective to bear when she describes the composition of alien atmospheres or wonders what a planet with two stars would be like from the perspective of science. She examines worlds from scientific and anthropological perspectives.” Being an award-winning female writer was important, too. In our postNarnian, post-Harry Potter world, it is hard to imagine the genres of fantasy and magic as being hostile to women, but the overtly sexualized art and sexist storylines of most of the 20th century made it difficult for women to enter as fans or writers. Chabon will make public appearances in Shawnee and Norman on Thursday. He will also attend at a private reception to benefit Pioneer Library System and PLS Foundation on Wednesday, March 25. Tickets are $100 for the private reception. For information, call 8014511. OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | MARCH 25, 2015 | 37

ULF AND ERSE N / PROVID ED

Tailored Jackets: Second Fitting

Killing comedy This uproarious musical uses minimal casting and a piano to capture audiences across the nation. BY CHRISTIAN WILSON

Murder for Two 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25-April 12 Plaza Theatre 1725 NW 16th St. lyrictheatreokc.com 524-9312 $25-$50

Writing duo Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair met in a 2008 Broadcast Music, Inc. writing workshop. Since then, they’ve met with nothing but success. With Kinosian handling music compositions and Blair handling lyrics, their collaboration Murder for Two placed them front-and-center. A story of the wildly entertaining and humorous circumstances surrounding one detective, all of his suspects and a piano, the production premiered in 2011 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater and nabbed the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best New Musical Work. The writers participated in a joint email Q&A with Oklahoma Gazette about their production’s success and its visit to Lyric on the Plaza. Your play is very quirky. Where did the inspiration come from? We were inspired by a huge variety of sources, but at its core, the idea came from this question: “What would happen if the Marx Brothers performed an Agatha Christie play?” We’re really big fans of the absurdist comedy of the Marx Brothers, and especially the way they were able to get so much humor out of a couple of guys running around a piano or a harp. And of course, so much is owed to Agatha Christie for writing the rulebook on closed-room murder mysteries. Other inspirations include [film and Broadway songwriter] Frank Loesser and The Simpsons. Why is it so appealing? We always said that, first and foremost, Murder for Two needs to be a comedy. We started writing the show during the height of the

38 | MARCH 25, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

recession a few years ago (one of the reasons we decided to make it an experiment in minimalism), and we had just read an article about how there weren’t enough shows that were just pure fun. We thought folks needed a good laugh. ... We were right. What about Lyric Theatre makes it a good place for the work? Well, first of all, it’s in Oklahoma, which everyone knows is full of singing cowboys and dancing farmers (an allusion to Oklahoma!). I imagine they’d like nothing more than a good, old-fashioned musical comedy, right? We’re thrilled and honored to be a part of Lyric’s history and its mission to produce professional theater. What has most impressed you about the public reception of the work? A lot of theater today has become about spectacle, and I think we’ve both been incredibly impressed with how audiences all over the country (young and old) have been totally willing to go on this ride with very few props, costumes or fancy effects. This is theatricality at its purest. The show forces audiences to engage with their imaginations; two actors need to give the impression of a room full of people all sitting there at the same time. We’ve been thrilled with how quickly audiences latch onto the concept. How does the piano factor into it? The piano serves as the theatrical centerpiece. Not only does one actor play 13 roles, but both actors provide accompaniment for themselves (and each other) on the grand piano. The playing adds a fun, extra layer of competition for the two performers; it adds to the frantic pace of the evening, and of course, it gives them both a chance to show off.

JI M COX / P ROVI DE D

LIFE PERFORMING ARTS

LIFE ACTIVE BI GSTOC KP HOTO.COM

It’s Go! time A free fitness festival aims to help get metro residents on track. BY CHRISTIAN WILSON

Ready, Gazette, Go! 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Myriad Botanical Gardens 301 W. Reno Ave. okgazette.com/readygazettego 528-6000 Free

Despite the terrible allergies that come with the spring season, the outside world is beginning to look a whole lot more welcoming. That Oklahoma sunshine is out, the wind is sweeping across the plains and more than a few metro residents are about to realize that their hot lake bods are better described as not lake bods. Oklahoma Gazette, Broadway Clinic and Optima Weight & Wellness Center are here to help with that. Ready, Gazette, Go!, a free health and food festival at Myriad Botanical

Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., offers Oklahoma City metro residents and visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of exercises, foods and physical therapies from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. “The health initiative is important for this city,” said Christy Duane, Gazette marketing director. “The obesity rate is high throughout Oklahoma. We want to expose metro Oklahomans to a variety of fitness, nutrition and health options in an accessible and fun way so they can live healthier lives.” The festival features an assortment of trainer-led fitness and nutrition demonstrations that will take place in seven health zones sponsored by 7-Eleven, YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, Scott Sabolich, The Broadway Clinic and Optima Weight & Wellness.

Open-air classes on Saturday include everything from yoga (pictured) to rowing. These zones will offer 30-minute fitness demonstrations at the start of every hour 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that attendees can participate in. Demonstrations include kickboxing, Zumba, yoga, stretching, core fitness, Pilates, stationary rowing, cross training, dance fitness and even the martial art Muay Thai. Short health discussions led by OKC doctors will be held at the :40 mark of each hour. Topics include weight loss, hormone replacement and menopause. Whole Foods Market of Oklahoma City will host cooking demonstrations led by healthy eating specialist JaLillian Cook, who will also share free samples of her creations. In between demonstrations and health talks, participants can peruse 13 vendor tents located around the garden

grounds and partake in eats from food trucks such as Green & Grilled and The Healthy Hippo. Other attractions include the OKC Thunder Girls, who will encourage attendees during demonstrations, and D-Lo Mobile Music, which will DJ the event. Obesity currently impacts nearly 1 in 3 Oklahomans according to a 2013 report, The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America, from Trust for America’s Health. Of those, 17.4 percent are 10-17 year-olds, 23.8 percent are 18-25 year-olds and 33.5 percent are 26-44 year-olds. That means 1.25 million Oklahomans are obese. To learn more, visit okgazette.com/ readygazettego.

Keep fighting BY BRENDAN HOOVER

Drawing on the fighting spirit of a 10-year-old boy who battled cancer, local pro triathlete Dan Tigert competes this season to benefit the Go Mitch Go Foundation, an Oklahoma-based nonprofit that raises funds for blood cancer research. Tigert’s goal is to raise $35,000 for the foundation and to qualify for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Austria on Aug. 30. “It’s definitely a motivation when you look up for a second and see very specifically the families that you’re helping get through their roughest times,” Tigert said. “It makes it easy.” Founded in 2009, Go Mitch Go honors the memory of Mitchell Graham Whitaker, who died of acute lymphocytic leukemia in 2007. A natural athlete who played baseball, Mitchell’s last words, “Keep fighting,” have become an integral part of the foundation’s philosophy. With

PROVID ED

Local pro triathlete Dan Tigert dedicates his 2015 season to the Go Mitch Go Foundation, which raises money for blood cancer research and supports endurance athletes. Dan Tigert

chapters in both Oklahoma City and Austin, Texas, Go Mitch Go has raised $900,000 for cancer research since 2007. The foundation supports athletes who train for endurance sports events, everything from 5K races to Ironman competitions. The athletes, in turn, raise funds that benefit organizations such as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and The David H. Koch Center for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT. Tigert is one of the few pro triathletes in Oklahoma. Born in 1987, he turned to the swim-bike-run sport in high school in Edmond after getting injured while playing football and wrestling. “They put me in a pool to strengthen my rotator cuffs,” he said. “I never went back. I joined the swim team instead. I just kind of fell in love with the sport.” For over a decade, Tigert has competed and coached in triathlons. As an amateur, he was the 2007 national

runner-up at the Olympic distance (about one-quarter the length of a full, 140-mile triathlon). He turned pro in 2008 and, in 2013, finished in the top 10 in every race he entered. He is also certified as a Level 1 USA Triathlon coach. Being a pro triathlete often means having a day job or logging long hours to secure sponsorships. Tigert has worked as a bicycle shop mechanic, a makeup artist for Calvin Klein and in graphic design, studying at the University of Central Oklahoma. At the same time, the sport of triathlon has gained popularity in central Oklahoma, thanks in part to the Redman Triathlon, which was selected to host the International Triathlon Union’s 2016 Long Distance World Championship. To meet demand for triathlon expertise, in 2013, Tigert — along with girlfriend and former student Emmy

Hufnagel — founded Terra Tri, a multisport training company that provides coaching for youth, age-group and elite triathletes. “Dan is very passionate about everything he does,” Hufnagel said. “That’s totally reflected in the way he races, the way he trains and the way he lives.” This year, Terra Tri was chosen as the official provider of Oklahoma City triathlon training for Go Mitch Go. In July, the Go Mitch Go team will compete in the Tinman Triathlon Hawaii. Tigert also will compete in the Accenture Ironman 70.3 California Oceanside on March 28 before heading to Galveston, Texas, on April 26 for the Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas. For more information, visit terratri. com or gomitchgo.com.

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | MARCH 25, 2015 | 39

SUDOKU/CROSSWORD SUDOKU PUZZLE MEDIUM Fill in the grid so that every row, column and 3-by-3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9.

We invite you to attend Seminole’s 7th Annual Made in Oklahoma Festival Date: Saturday, April 4th from 10am - 5pm Place: Seminole’s Downtown Main Street Some of the activities include: Wine-tasting • OBI Blood Drive • 5K Fun Run - 382-0731 Poker Run - 382-5690 • Inflatables for Children All different kinds of food vendors

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Seminole Chamber of Commerce, (405) 382-3640 or you can find the application on our website at HYPERLINK www.seminoleokchamber.org

Sponsored by:

Wash Away Winter!

FREE Undercarriage Wash with ANY Car Wash Purchased Protect your car’s paint and metal – let Red Carpet wash away winter’s destructive salt, sand and road grime in those hard-to-reach spots underneath your vehicle! 208 S. Air Depot • 737-8807 6405 N. May • 840-4477 5100 N. Penn • 840-4446 7224 W. Hefner • 773-7222 www.redcarpetokc.com 40 | MARCH 25, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

WWW.S UDOKU-P UZZLES .N ET

Spend Saturday April 4, 2015 on Main Street in Seminole enjoying items made, produced, and sold in Oklahoma. Seminole’s Made In Oklahoma Festival and Business Expo will be open from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. We will feature live entertainment all day and over 80 vendor booths; including but not limited to handmade jewelry, soaps, candles, and furniture. There will be numerous food vendors, so you will be able to listen to music, shop, and eat all day long. We will have Inflatables for the kids to play on and adult beverages at the other end of Main St. for the adults to sample and enjoy. The poker & fun run is open to anyone, if interested; call or 382-0731. Please plan on bringing the whole family out for some quality time and see what all Seminole has to offer. Don’t forget to purchase your commemorative Made In Oklahoma shirt!

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS Puzzle No. 0315, which appeared in the March 18 issue.

A C T P L Y R O E S C U D E A R O S L O N E L S S T Y C H E C K S

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

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C O M I N G O S T I L C A S I H O E T D A

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A R I E D H A A D B E S L T H E I R L S L A E A S R U S T O R O C E A T E I R S R E C A R D O S W

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U P T O R O S E E D A Y S

ACROSS 1 Opportunity 9 So-called Baghdad by the Bay 15 “____ at the office” 20 Mayor’s title 21 Mr. Darcy’s creator 22 Circle 23 “You can never moor a boat here”? 24 Provide sufficient coverage from risk? 26 Fashion portmanteau 27 Gets close to 29 “Have some!” 30 Feature of Hawaii’s Molokini Crater 32 Some miracle-drug pushers 35 Bothers 39 Atheistic Cuban leader? 43 Like Columbus 44 Low 45 Legendary weeper 46 Desk chairs? 48 Most common key of Chopin’s piano pieces 51 Tour grp. 52 Side in the Peloponnesian War 53 Hit hard 54 Unsalvageable 56 Valentine and others: Abbr. 57 Pvt. Pyle’s outfit 59 Get on 60 Quechuan “hello”? 64 ____-Caps 65 Moved a shell 67 Removing a Band-Aid too early? 70 2:1, e.g., in the Bible 73 On 74 Covering first, second and third base? 78 “Hello, Hadrian!” 79 Tear down, in Tottenham 81 A year in Brazil 82 Aristocratic 83 Certain tide 85 Green deli stock 87 With 115-Down, 1983 Lionel Richie hit 90 Subjects of some modern school bans 91 Add to the Video Clip Hall of Fame?

93 Is forbidden to, quaintly 95 Genre for Panic! at the Disco 96 Drink that might cause brain freeze 97 Diet? 101 Jack-in-the-box part 102 Lucy star, in tabloids 103 Bygone Chevrolet 104 Madonna’s “Into the Groove,” originally 106 “Do ____!” 108 Cameron who directed Jerry Maguire 112 Diapers? 117 Popular website whose name is a hint to this puzzle’s theme 119 Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, e.g. 120 How to make money “the oldfashioned way” 121 Disrespectful, in a way 122 ____ Mountains 123 Heavy-lidded 124 Visitor to a fertility clinic DOWN 1 ??? 2 Place for curlers 3 Home for King Harald 4 Shepherd formerly of The View 5 Stinko 6 Big picture: Abbr. 7 50-50 chance 8 It can be sappy 9 Parodist’s principle 10 Charges 11 There’s one every year for Person of the Year: Abbr. 12 Political analyst Rothenberg 13 Roll by a cashier 14 Long, unbroken take, in film lingo 15 Certain ancient Greeks 16 Small caves 17 ____ Dhabi 18 Bookie’s charge 19 Ordinal ending 25 Something you might get two 20s for? 28 Mideast’s Gulf of ____ 31 Morn’s counterpart

VOL. XXXVII NO. 12

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33 Bloods’ rivals 34 Coastal region of Hawaii 36 What the Spanish Armada fought 37 Shakespeare’s world? 38 Proven 39 Japanese porcelain 40 A drag 41 ____ acid (vitamin B9) 42 Interlocking piece 43 Became peeved 47 Oil-rich land ruled by a sultan 49 Writer Nin 50 Pair of fins 52 Bits of music 55 Atty. gen.’s employer 56 Word with get or smart 58 Some ski-resort rentals 61 Throb 62 City about 100 miles

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Stumped? Call 1-900-285-5656 to get the answers to any three clues by phone ($1.20 a minute). The answers to the New York Times Magazine Crossword Puzzle that appeared in the March 18 issue of Oklahoma Gazette are shown at left.

Oklahoma Gazette

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Country singer Kenny Grandeur “Mazel ____!” Bottom sirloin cut of beef Made out One who takes the bull by the horns Plant part Turns a different shade, say Alternatively Sleipnir’s master, in myth Drunk’s favorite radio station? App creator, perhaps: Abbr. Uncertainties ’60s war zone Back the other way See 87-Across Uptown dir. in N.Y.C. –: Abbr.

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cpepper@okgazette.com OKL AHOMA GAZ ETTE | MARCH 25, 2015 | 41

Other music

Other Lives

EMILY ULMER / PROVI DED

COVER: MUSIC

Jesse Tabish and his bandmates prepare to take on the world with their new album that is hard to define yet easy to love.

If talking about music were easy, all conversations would begin and end with Adam Sandler’s wedding singer as the template: “I just want to warn you. When I wrote this song, I was listening to The Cure a lot.” The scene points out in humorously profane fashion the derivative nature of so much music to which we are subjected as fans. How do you talk about a band or song that doesn’t sound like something else? Somewhere between the too-easy criticisms of Nickelback’s awful stripper anthems and the hype surrounding the “next big thing” known only to fans who pride themselves on obscurantism lies a way to talk about music that does not always lead to simple analogies like, “Band x reminds me of band y.” This is not to say the task is easy; we tend to think in analogies, so it is a natural reflex to reach for the comparison.

42 | MARCH 25, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

Genre? That’s the question, isn’t it? — Jesse Tabish

Defying categorization

Other Lives defies the tendency to reach for a simple analogy. The band — formerly based in Stillwater — has completed work on Rituals, its third full-length project, scheduled to drop May 5, and Jesse Tabish, frontman and songwriter, promises something very different from Tamer Animals. “The sound of Rituals still retains the cinematic qualities that people associate with the band,” Tabish said, “but if you’re expecting Tamer Animals, you will be disappointed.” Tamer Animals, the band’s second studio project released in 2011, was followed by a tour opening for Radiohead in 2012, which garnered international attention for Tabish and

his bandmates, Jonathon Mooney and Josh Onstott. Radiohead’s Thom Yorke released a remix of the title track, so it would be easy to label the band as postRadiohead, as has happened to dozens of bands whose sounds were difficult to categorize: Muse, Keane, early Coldplay and many others. But Tabish said the project’s inspiration was located firmly in Oklahoma. “It was definitely about Oklahoma,” Tabish said. “When you grow up in a place, you are not really aware of it as a distinct place, but when you are older and step back, you see how the place — the landscape, the location, all of it — contributes to your work as an artist. I was living and writing in and about Oklahoma.” Rituals emerged from the band’s transition to the West Coast. Recorded in Portland and Los Angeles, Rituals is — according to Tabish — grounded “in the ordinary practices of humans.” “Just as I couldn’t duplicate Tamer Animals because the writing happened

PROVIDED

BY GREG HORTON

Rituals, the third album from Other Lives, is scheduled for a May release. when I was in Oklahoma, I couldn’t duplicate Rituals either,” Tabish said. “The change and spontaneity we were experiencing during the move to the West Coast provided the material for the songwriting. The songs were themselves rituals, and we were focused on very domestic things, but at the same time, we focused on a higher way of thinking about them, a way to make the small things big and meaningful.”

“Genre?” Tabish said. “That’s the question, isn’t it? It’s hard for anyone to define what they do, I think. We’ve been called lots of things, like New Wave Orchestra, experimental, traditional. There are clearly classical leanings, too, but really, we just love a good tune.” If there is a philosophy behind the songwriting, Tabish describes it as “writing music for a certain time.” In that sense, time also means place because he is serious about writing that reflects the context in which the band finds itself. Stillwater was that first context. The university town is a musical anomaly, it seems. A town that exists almost exclusively for the purpose of supporting a state university an hour from a major city becomes fertile ground for some of the state’s most interesting bands. How does that happen? How does Stillwater produce Other Lives, Deerpeople, Colourmusic and, yes, if you like mainstream rock, Taddy Porter? Jordan Bayhylle, Deerpeople’s drummer, is a Stillwater native, and his musical memory includes the years when Other Lives was called Kunek, a name under which it only released one project. Half of Deerpeople is from Texas, and the other half is from Oklahoma. They joined forces in Stillwater. “I think that boredom is one of the motivating factors toward creativity in Stillwater,” Bayhylle said. “The town is geared toward college life, and if you don’t like sports or don’t participate in college life, there is little to do.”

Iconic institutions

Both Bayhylle and Tabish credit Mike’s College Bar with helping shape the Stillwater scene. From 1998 to 2007, it was the only venue in town where bands that eschewed country, even good country, could play. Kunek played Mike’s College Bar, and Tabish remembers it as a place where bands developed their craft while collecting a following of sorts. “I didn’t particularly like the Stillwater music scene,” he said. “I was listening to Radiohead, Sigur Rós, metal

— Jordan Bayhylle

Perkins, who died of AIDS in 1992, and his mother died in the plane that hit the North Tower on 9/11. His story is both complicated and tragic, but he has remained a unique artistic talent, fusing classical, country, acoustic and other influences. He is, in a word, complex. It is fitting that Tabish takes him as an icon.

Making love Unique is one of those words we apply far

Elvis Perkins

band ready for the reality of what it takes to make it as an independent band: touring. Over the past several years, Other Lives has toured with Bon Iver, The Rosebuds, Delta Spirit, Bat for Lashes and many other bands in addition to Radiohead. But ask Tabish who had the most profound impact on him, and the answer is a bit of a surprise. “Early on in the Other Lives phase, we toured with Elvis Perkins,” Tabish said. “He was such a natural on stage, and at the same time, he was genuine and kind, a great performer with great artistic skill.” Perkins is the son of actor Anthony

too often when trying to describe what we can’t quite find the words for. It might be that we simply do not possess a technical vocabulary of the sort that would contain the words we need or that we are dealing with a truly one-of-a-kind phenomenon. Elvis Perkins is certainly the latter, and his commitment to writing smart, complex songs is another way that Tabish has followed after his icon, even admitting that he hopes to rise “to that level of artistic performer.” The effortlessness with which Perkins commands the stage comes from a sense of identity and place, a selfsatisfaction with a craft that Tabish tries to emulate as he crafts songs. “First and foremost, I want to sleep easy at night,” Tabish said. “That comes from knowing that I am doing something — making music — for the world and for myself. The goal is that it comes from a love of what I am doing so making music emerges from a form of love.” That love also translates to a kindness, the same type that Perkins showed the young Other Lives, and Tabish said the band has been lucky with its touring partners. “There is more kindness than you would think in an industry that is very competitive,” he said. “Most every band we toured with, we have become pals

Deerpeople DOU G SCH WARZ PH OTOGRAPH Y / PROVID ED

Time and place

I think that boredom is one of the motivating factors toward creativity in Stillwater.

and other things that we didn’t hear in Stillwater. Mike’s was the only place to play, and it was a place to meet likeminded people.” Tabish said one advantage to being in a college town is that young people are discovering the kind of music they like and the eagerness of youth is easily transferred to helping get the word out. “You get new blood every four years, too,” he said. In other words, youth can help change or create a music scene. “Playing live at Mike’s was important in our development,” he said. “Not only did we have a bit of that youthful eagerness, we were able to explore and even fuck up a little. It helped us discover what we were made of.” Practice at Mike’s also got the

AARON FARL EY / PROVIDED

“Reconfiguration,” the first single from Rituals, was released in February and is available on streaming services like Spotify. The song clearly marks a different sound for the band, if that can be qualified with the reality that it still sounds like Other Lives. The layers of sound based on diverse instrumentation are still there, as is the atmospheric feel to the band’s music. Although it’s too small to call it orchestral, the composition certainly lends itself to orchestral arrangements. Again, it defies categorization, which seems to be the band’s signature.

with. I think that’s partly because the music-playing field has been somewhat leveled; there is still competition but also a lot of support and encouragement.” Part of the leveling, according to Tabish, comes from the proliferation of technology that makes it possible for anyone to produce quality music — produce in the technical sense, that is. “Pro Tools, cameras and video technology make it possible for many people to become artists who would have been locked out before these technologies,” Tabish said. “Music used to be something that the common person had no ability to make, and I’m a common man, so I think the technology and the resultant leveling are wonderful.” As the band prepares for its European tour in advance of the Rituals release, Tabish reflected on touring and said he still likes the small venues. “We have played Thai restaurants, Mexican restaurants, even a crêperie on the West Coast,” he said. “We like the little towns and little venues; they make it possible to feel like a local band still because they have that personable, local vibe.” The band’s trajectory likely means there will be fewer and fewer Thai restaurants in its future, and the songwriting on the new project is directed toward the realities of change and moving on. “The challenge for Rituals was to write in such a way that we resisted the temptation to come back home — metaphorically — to return to the peacefulness of home,” he said. “The songwriting reflects not the peacefulness but the change.” Thematically, that is certainly appropriate. The band no longer has a presence in Stillwater, the town that formed them, and only one of Tabish’s family members, an uncle, remains in Oklahoma. The studio it once shared with Colourmusic is no longer its workplace, and Tabish describes the transition as sad, but it is likely inevitable given the group’s growing profile in the music world. The European tour starts in April. Other Lives will be gone for a month, and then the band returns to the U.S. for a national tour. The good news is that this band that once called Stillwater home will return to its home state on June 13, when it plays at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa (cainsballroom.com). The new project will have been out for a month by then, and we will know exactly how the move, the change and the transition have affected Other Lives as songwriters and musicians, even if we still won’t be able to say exactly what kind of music it is — except maybe good tunes.

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | MARCH 25, 2015 | 43

LIFE MUSIC

Chelsey Cope

OKLA HOM A GA ZETTE / FI L E

Medicinal music Amazing things can happen when professionals treat patients with song; just ask Julie Frost.

P ROVI DED

BY CHRISTIAN WILSON

Music Moves Mountains 7 p.m. Friday The Blue Door 2805 N. McKinley Ave. musicmovesmountains.org bluedoorokc.com 524-0738 $20 suggested donation

Julie Frost worked in the music industry for almost 20 years. Music therapy was always in her periphery, but she didn’t see much of a need to focus on it. However, after her son was diagnosed with a handful of disorders along the autism spectrum, she gave music therapy her full attention. Then she hit a wall. Even though therapists could become nationally certified, because Oklahoma didn’t certify at the state level or regulate the practice, insurance companies wouldn’t cover it as they would medications. This led to a shortage of practicing therapists. “I looked more into it and thought it was ridiculous there weren’t any resources in the state because music can help kids and adults with things like developmental disabilities or Alzheimer’s on so many levels,” Frost said. She contacted the appointed state advocate for music therapy and discovered that a bill outlining its regulation was recently killed in the state senate. Politicians didn’t understand what it was and didn’t think it would bring money into the state. What music therapy needed was promotion. In 2012, Frost launched Music Moves Mountains to help families like hers find and afford the alternative music, mental and motor skill therapies they need. Her son, an avid fan of The Who, wanted Pete Townshend’s music

44 | MARCH 25, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

2805 N. McKinley Ave. The all-ages event lineup includes local musicians Chelsey Cope, North Meets South, Jade Castle, The Indigos and others. “I’ve known Greg (Johnson, owner of The Blue Door) for a while, and he’s extremely supportive of what we do,” Frost said. “He is very serious about the music; it isn’t just some bar where everyone is drinking and talking. The venue is very hands-on, very intimate.” All proceeds from Friday’s show will go to support Frost’s nonprofit. Donations will be accepted at the door.

Whole-body therapy

Jade Castle

involved. Frost reached out, and the organization found its first celebrity contributor. Despite the promise of that big first step and support from the UK and the West Coast, there was little encouragement from within Oklahoma. That’s just the state of things, Frost explained. The Midwest isn’t as progressive or accepting of music therapy as Europe or the coasts.

Music builds back the humanity into treating a person. — Julie Frost

Note by encouraging note, she’s helping change that. On Friday, Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma (ACM@UCO) students will host a benefit concert for the organization at The Blue Door,

Music therapy is defined by the American Music Therapy Association as “the clinical and evidencebased use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals ... by a credentialed professional.” It’s music for nonmusical goals, Frost clarified. Music Moves Mountains offers a variety of programs, workshops and outreach performances to this effect, including community music workshops and sensory-friendly concerts for those with disabilities or special needs. Instrument donations afford low-income or at-risk individuals musical access, too. The organization holds songwriting workshops for youth, veterans and people with depression and addiction issues. Sponsored musicians perform at hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and hospices. “You’re not only going into the physical aspects of your body [by playing and listening] but the mental and emotional aspects; treating the whole body,” Frost said. These offerings assist in speech, memory and motor coordination in stroke patients and people with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. They

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also seek to improve outlook and instill positivity in people getting treatment for physical or substance abuse, depression and trauma. In addition, Frost said that music-based treatments improve communication, focus and behavioral function for those with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and other developmental challenges. Frost said this kind of therapy has been around seemingly forever but came to prominence during World Wars I and II when live music was played in hospitals for returning soldiers. “It was originally just to help morale, but they saw how it brought people together and helped recovery,” she said.

Seeing light

One of the more recent and notable people to find success with music therapy was Gabrielle Giffords, former House representative from Arizona. After she was critically injured by a gunshot wound, Giffords lost her speech and memory and worked with a team in Houston to recover. When her therapists pointed to a light, Giffords responded “chicken.” The parts of the brain associated with speech and memory were injured, Frost explained. They brought in a music therapist who asked Giffords to sing “This Little Light of Mine,” because she said that she remembered the song from childhood. Slowly, Giffords was rehabilitated. “You can retrain your brain,” Frost said. “You can bypass that area of speech memory and go through the musical memory. This [therapy] is a natural resource we should take advantage of. Music builds back the humanity into treating a person.”

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | MARCH 25, 2015 | 45

P ROVI DE D

LIFE MUSIC

Found Footage

Found following Local rockers drop a new album while melting faces at The Blue Note Lounge. BY KORY B. OSWALD

Found Footage album release with Cherry Death, Tonne and Gentle Ghost 9 p.m. Saturday The Blue Note Lounge 2408 N. Robinson Ave. thebluenotelounge.com 600-1166 $7

You can tell As Far As Far, the new album by OKC rockers Found Footage, is going to be a treat before you even get it on the turntable. What looks from the outside to be a colorless pulp of low-fi punk rock slides out from the sleeve a vibrant, marble green record. From there, Found Footage continues to surprise, and that was the intention of the fourpiece rock band from Norman. “With the visual elements, we want to be like an art-rock band,” bassist Austin Tackett said. “But when you put the needle on the record, we want to surprise you [in a way] that it is actually accessible.” The album, with few blemishes, is indeed accessible. Vocals delivered from the gut are garnished with mathrock sensibilities that come together to weave a highbrow rock ’n’ roll album that retains its raw punk rock aesthetic and recording quality. As Far As Far is a polished product. The band started as a four-piece but shuffled members around and temporarily played as a three-piece before finding Robbie Harris Jr. to fit in as the second guitarist. Now, the four-piece — all friends in the same social circle (three of them were formerly in The Purple Church) — have a finished album and a few new goals in mind. “We’re definitely trying to be a little more abrasive [than other bands],” Tackett said. “We’ve been … not for lack of trying … dwindling in obscurity, and maybe we’re on a crest right now. In a lot of ways, we feel like we’re a band without a home.”

46 | MARCH 25, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

Found Footage plans to change that with a Saturday album release show at The Blue Note Lounge. It will introduce itself to the uninitiated and bring together other bands that might feel a bit alienated in a local scene that sharply focuses on singer-songwriters and pop, Tackett said. Not that you won’t find pop elements on As Far As Far — you will, but they’re buried under six feet of dirt-driven guitars and a heavy rhythm section. The guitars play together nicely but also play well off of one another to allow side A of the album to breathe and flow. Some might wonder why the band identifies itself with dirge-rock, but that’s where the side B opener, “This Train Sucks,” comes in. It gets heavier with each listen. The opening riff makes the soul of any rock connoisseur stand erect with a demand for attention that doesn’t let go. The band kicks it up with “Lovers Down” as it delves back into choppy rhythms. Guitars wade through it all with sure footing. Vocals meld with guitar riffs as the song solidifies to become surprisingly reminiscent of post-hardcore act Drive Like Jehu. In this Adderall-driven world, one problem with the album is that the songs are a bit too long. With most songs registering around the 4-minute mark, the riffs are rife with rock but the band grinds them into the ground. The album doesn’t offer enough spontaneity to keep the raw guitar work — the colliding opposites of clean tone and distortion — from growing stale. This doesn’t dampen the band’s potential, as the songs and the recording are excellent. Focusing songs and trimming fat — talents that comes with practice — will make Found Footage an even tighter band.

Granger Smith/Earl Dibbles Jr./Jeff Allen, Wormy Dog Saloon. COUNTRY

Cover Me Badd, Baker St. Pub & Grill. COVER

Jake Moffatt, Grady’s 66 Pub, Yukon. COUNTRY

Edgar Cruz/Jeff Nokes and Freinds, Avanti Bar & Grill. ACOUSTIC

Jeff Rogers, Full Circle Bookstore. COUNTRY

Helen Kelter Skelter/Sun & Stone, Blue Note Lounge. ROCK Hosty Duo/Robert Banta, Grandad’s Bar. ROCK

Grant Wells, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO

Joesf Glaude/Guitars Gone Wild, The Paramount OKC. JAZZ

Issei Aoyama Duo, Will Rogers Lobby Cafe & Bar. VARIOUS

Lip Service, Oklahoma City Limits. COVER

Maurice Johnson, R&J Lounge and Supper Club. JAZZ Scott Lowber/Will Galbraith/Ed VanBuskirk, Friends Restaurant & Club. COVER Tap Band, Oklahoma City Museum of Art. R&B

THURSDAY, MAR. 26 Aaron Turner, Wormy Dog Saloon. COUNTRY Brent Saulsbury/Will Galbraith/Wayne Duncan, Friends Restaurant & Club. ROCK Cherokee Maidens, Grandad’s Bar. COUNTRY

Randy Cassimus, Bricktown Brewery. ACOUSTIC Replay, Farmers Public Market. COVER Roy Lee Scott & The Flying Cowboys, Sliders. COUNTRY Stat Band, Remington Park. R&B Stephen Schultz & Brian Belanus, Lottinvilles Restaurant, Edmond. VARIOUS The Clique, Friends Restaurant & Club. VARIOUS Tragikly White, Baker St. Pub & Grill. COVER

Violent Affair/The Dirty Mugs, The Conservatory. ROCK Wade Bowen/Tyler and the Tribe, Wormy Dog Saloon. COUNTRY

Gum/Beach Language, 51st Street Speakeasy. VARIOUS

Wild Heart, Larry’s Unique Club. COUNTRY

Hosty Duo, Grandad’s Bar. ROCK Jack Bass/AB The Thief/Travis Traps, OKC Farmers Public Market. VARIOUS Samantha Crain/Del Barber, The Blue Door. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

Rhapsody in Bluegrass Friday

SATURDAY, MAR. 28

OKG

music

36 Inches, Belle Isle Restaurant & Brewery. ROCK

Blind Date, Oklahoma City Limits. COVER

Stars, Baker St. Pub & Grill. VARIOUS

Carter Sampson, Grandad’s Bar. SINGER/SONGWRITER

Storyville Scoundrels, O Bar. ROCK

Don and Melodee Johnson, Twelve Oaks, Edmond. JAZZ

Fusing Appalachian bluegrass, Irish fiddling and classical themes, The Annie Moses Band explores the musical scenes of America in this concert experience. The father-and-sibling group, an accomplished musical ensemble, has played Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry. The concert is 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center at East Central University, 920 E. Main St., in Ada. Tickets are $10-$25. Visit tickets.ecok.edu or call 580-559-5751.

pick

Big G, Bourbon Street Bar. JAZZ

Sofia Talvik, Red Brick Bar. FOLK

FRIDAY, MAR. 27

Annie Moses

Tyler Russell, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill. COUNTRY

David Morris, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO

Heavy Glow, Blue Note Lounge. VARIOUS

P ROVI DE D

LIVE MUSIC WEDNESDAY, MAR. 25

Found Footage/Dream Bend/Tonne/Gentle Ghost, Blue Note Lounge. ROCK Fred Hill, The Paramount OKC. ACOUSTIC

Southern Rift, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill. COUNTRY

Avenue, Tapwerks Ale House & Cafe. COVER

Granger Smith/Earl Dibbles Jr., Wormy Dog Saloon. COUNTRY

Stat Band, Russell’s, Tower Hotel. R&B

Big G, UCO Jazz Lab, Edmond. BLUES

Grant Stevens, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO

Brittney Roe, Remington Park. COUNTRY

Howard Brady, Full Circle Bookstore. VARIOUS

Stephen Schultz & Brian Belanus, Lottinvilles Restaurant. VARIOUS

Christian Pearson, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO

Jahruba & The Jahmystics, Second Wind Coffee House, Norman. REGGAE

DJ SIX, Russell’s, Tower Hotel. VARIOUS Gentry, Kendell’s Bar. VARIOUS

Chris Hicks, Leadership Square. JAZZ LUCKY/Shaun Suttle, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. COVER

The Weathermen, Tapwerks Ale House & Cafe. VARIOUS

WEDNESDAY, APR. 1

RPM, Remington Park. VARIOUS

Tragikly White, Baker St. Pub & Grill. COVER

Bad Religion/OFF, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. ROCK

Shadowman Blues, UCO Jazz Lab, Edmond. BLUES

Wild Heart, Larry’s Unique Club. COUNTRY

Casey & Minna, Saints. VARIOUS

SUNDAY, MAR. 29

Edgar Cruz/Jeff Nokes and Freinds, Avanti Bar & Grill. ACOUSTIC

The Clique, Friends Restaurant & Club. VARIOUS

Roy Lee Scott & The Flying Cowboys, Sliders. COUNTRY

Cherokee Maidens Grandad’s Bar Thursday

Edgar Cruz, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. ACOUSTIC Lisa Reagan Love, Kirkpatrick Auditorium. SINGER/ SONGWRITER Mike Hosty One Man Band, The Deli, Norman. ROCK

Derek Harris Band, Baker St. Pub & Grill. VARIOUS

Incite, Downtown Lounge, Tulsa. ROCK Maurice Johnson, R&J Lounge and Supper Club. JAZZ Scott Lowber/Will Galbraith/Ed VanBuskirk, Friends Restaurant & Club. COVER

Scott Lowber/Will Galbraith/Rick Toops, Friends Restaurant & Club. COVER Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines, The Depot, Norman SINGER/SONGWRITER

MONDAY, MAR. 30 Rick Toops, Friends Restaurant & Club. ROCK Wayne Cantwell, The Underground. FOLK PROVIDED

Dirt Poets/Silver, Belle Isle Restaurant & Brewery. ROCK

Stolas/The Grand Gimmick, The Conservatory. ROCK

TUESDAY, MAR. 31

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

OKL AHOMA GA Z ET TE | MARCH 25 , 2015 | 47

LIFE FILM

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Into daylight A documentary filmed more than 40 years ago finally gets a film premiere as its star, Leon Russell, visits the South by Southwest festival. BY BEN FELDER

OKG SXSW

The grainy camera footage shows a young Leon Russell taking the stage in front of a lively crowd. It’s the early 1970s, and the Oklahoma rocker is starting to make a name for himself as a free-spirited performer who plays with abandon. Russell’s hands dance over his piano, and the crowd is transfixed. More than 40 years after its creation, this footage from the documentary A Poem Is a Naked Person has finally been released to the public. It offers a piece of nostalgia and an intimate look at Oklahoma music history. The film, originally directed by Les Blank, premiered recently at the South By Southwest film festival in Austin. Blank died in 2013 with this film sitting on a shelf, but his son, Harrod Blank, picked up the torch and brought it to life. “That’s a question that we don’t need to worry about,” Harrod said when asked why it took so long to be released. “Let’s just celebrate what it is and keep moving.” There have been rumors of a falling-out between Russell and Les that prevented the film from official release, and, following the SXSW premier, Harrod was not eager to share more details on the delay. But any animosity Russell, 72, had for the film that might have prevented its release seemed to be gone, as he was present for last week’s premier and delighted the crowd following a second showing with a lengthy Q&A. “I was at my grandmother’s house one day and she had this record player by her bed, and I never thought of her as being musical,” Russell said, recalling things from his childhood in Oklahoma. He was born in Lawton in 1942 and is often credited with constructing The Tulsa Sound in the 1950s and

COVER AGE

Leon Russell attends his March 17 documentary premiere at SXSW. ’60s, which blended elements of rockabilly, soul, bluegrass, folk, country, blues and rock ’n’ roll. “I saw this record on the player that went like this: ‘Is there blood up on your hands? Do you daily take his holy name in vain? By the things you do, you can crucify him too, and an evil life will never cleanse the stain,’” he said. Russell said that type of gospel music shaped his musical ear. His music often features a coalescence of gospel and bluegrass, earning him the distinction as “a rock and roll Renaissance man” from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, into which he was inducted in 2011. A Poem Is a Naked Person (a title attributed to a Bob Dylan quote) follows Russell for two years as he tours, records music at his home in Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees in northeastern Oklahoma and performs with other prominent musicians. There are long stretches of performances by Russell, along with conversations that often take a philosophical tone. “The experience of making this film was like dropping into a whole other world,” said Maureen Gosling, its sound designer during its filming from 1972 to 1974. “[Russell] would bring these bands in to use his studio, and he would bring in Freddie King, The O’Neal Twins, Phoebe Snow — all these people would be there, and we would get to be in these sessions.” After its SXSW premiere, the film’s promotion team said it hopes to release it nationwide this summer, with plans for an Oklahoma showing. “He was very expressive and didn’t hold anything back,” Gosling said about Russell. “I loved how he was always baring his soul.”

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Orson Welles & Identity: Celebrating the Director at 100!

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Any show can be binge-watched, but few are as delightfully weird and addictive as the new Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, which Netflix plopped gingerly into its streaming service this month. House of Cards and Orange Is The New Black also descend in full-season form from the benevolent Netflix overlords, and that’s great for people with the time and concentration to spare for 13-ish hours of intricate plotting. As a half-hour sitcom, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is a bit less intimidating. Not only is the time commitment more manageable at 7 1/2 hours, but there are fewer worries about big plot twists being ruined — largely because there are none. Sure, a few guest stars make cameos along the way, but it won’t ruin any of the fun knowing that Nick Kroll and Dean Norris show up. The show revolves around Kimmy Schmidt, played by the effervescent Ellie Kemper (best known from her turn as Erin on The Office). One of four women rescued from a doomsday cult after 15 years in an underground bunker, she decides not to return to Indiana with the others. Instead, she stays in New York City, where her notoriety won’t define her. Of course, that’s easier said than done. Slowly but surely, her friends and acquaintances learn the truth about her past. But before that, her experiences (and lack of experiences) shape her life. Kemper plays Kimmy with unrestrained glee. The fish-outof-water story is exaggerated, as her displacement from society for more than a decade means that smartphones and automatic sinks are still new to her, but the sometimes

dangerous and confusing New York City is a joy to someone who spent years underground. The often-unwilling guide through her new life is roommate Titus Andromedon (Tituss Burgess), who finds a measure of inspiration from Kimmy’s unbreakable spirit. Still, this show comes from the 30 Rock pedigree, so reality often intrudes and tramples some of the conventional sitcom plots. Jane Krakowski plays Kimmy’s boss, Jacqueline Voorhees, in a manner reminiscent of her role as Jenna Maroney on 30 Rock — she’s vapid, self-centered and generally bad at being a human being. It’s enjoyable seeing this character again, especially bouncing off a different type than Liz Lemon. Jacqueline and Kimmy have a new dynamic. Liz knew how ridiculous Jenna was. It takes Kimmy a while to see just how dysfunctional Jacqueline and the rest of the Voorhees family are. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt gets better as it gets weirder. The themes stay grounded, but as the plots make wildly divergent turns, the show gets funnier. There’s high re-watchability potential for each episode, as the writers have packed each scene with gags it might take a few viewings to catch. Credit the amazing cast for its nuanced work in jokes that might otherwise be too broad to land. Thankfully, we won’t have to say, “Troll the respawn, Jeremy!” to the show for too long. Netflix knows it has a winner and has already put in an order for a second 13-episode season. In the meantime, get to watching. You’ll want to know why everybody is rhyming pinot noir with midsize car.

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | MARCH 25, 2015 | 49

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Homework: If you could be any other sign besides the one you actually are, what would it be, and why? Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com. ARIES (March 21-April 19) The term “jumped the shark” often refers to a TV show that was once great but gradually grew stale, and then resorted to implausible plot twists in a desperate attempt to revive its creative verve. I’m a little worried that you may do the equivalent of jumping the shark in your own sphere. APRIL FOOL! I lied. I’m not at all worried that you’ll jump the shark. It’s true that you did go through a stagnant, meandering phase there for a short time. But you responded by getting fierce and fertile rather than stuck and contrived. Am I right? And now you’re on the verge of breaking out in a surge of just-the-right-kind-of-craziness.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) If you happen to be singing lead vocals in an Ozzy Osbourne cover band, and someone in the audience throws what you think is a toy rubber animal up on stage, DO NOT rambunctiously bite its head off to entertain everyone. It most likely won’t be a toy, but rather an actual critter. APRIL FOOL! In fact, it’s not likely you’ll be fronting an Ozzy Osbourne cover band any time soon. But I hope you will avoid having to learn a lesson similar to the one that Ozzy did during a show back in 1982, when he bit into a real bat -- a small flying mammal with webbed wings -- thinking it was a toy. Don’t make a mistake like that. What you think is fake or pretend may turn out to be authentic. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) In the spring of 1754, Benjamin Franklin visited friends in Maryland. While out riding horses, they spied a small tornado whirling through a meadow. Although Franklin had written about this weather phenomenon, he had never seen it. With boyish curiosity, he sped toward it. At one point, he caught up to it and lashed it with his whip to see if it would dissipate. This is the kind of adventure I advise you to seek out, Gemini. APRIL FOOL! I half-lied. I don’t really believe you should endanger your safety by engaging in stunts like chasing tornadoes. But I do think that now is a favorable time to seek out daring

exploits that quench your urge to learn.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Novelist L. Frank Baum created the make-believe realm known as Oz. Lewis Carroll conjured up Wonderland and C. S. Lewis invented Narnia. Now you are primed to dream up your own fantasy land and live there full-time, forever protected from the confusion and malaise of the profane world. Have fun in your imaginary utopia, Cancerian! APRIL FOOL! I half-lied. It’s true that now would be a good time to give extra attention to cultivating vivid visions of your perfect life. But I wouldn’t recommend that you live there full-time. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) “The national anthem of Hell must be the old Frank Sinatra song ‘I Did It My Way,’” declares Richard Wagner, author of the book Christianity for Dummies. “Selfish pride is Hell’s most common trait,” he adds. “Hell’s inhabitants have a sense of satisfaction that they can at least say ‘they’ve been true to themselves.’” Heed this warning, Leo. Tame your lust for self-expression. APRIL FOOL! I was making a little joke. The truth is not as simplistic as I implied. I actually think it’s important for you to be able to declare “I did it my way” and “I’ve been true to myself.” But for best results, do it in ways that aren’t selfish, insensitive, or arrogant. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) No matter what gender you are, it’s an excellent time to get a gig as a stripper. Your instinct for removing your clothes in entertaining ways is at a peak. Even if you have never been trained in the art, I bet you’ll have an instinctive knack. APRIL FOOL! I lied. I don’t really think you should be a stripper. But I do recommend you experiment with a more metaphorical version of that art. For instance, you could expose hidden agendas that are causing distortions and confusion. You could peel away the layers of deception and propaganda that hide the naked facts and the beautiful truth. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Give yourself obsessively to your most intimate relationships. Don’t bother cleaning your house.

Call in sick to your job. Ignore all your nagging little errands. Now is a time for one task only: paying maximum attention to those you care about most. Heal any rifts between you. Work harder to give them what they need. Listen to them with more empathy than ever before. APRIL FOOL! I went a bit overboard there. It’s true that you’re in a phase when big rewards can come from cultivating and enhancing togetherness. But if you want to serve your best relationships, you must also take very good care of yourself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) It’s after midnight. You’re half-wasted, cruising around town looking for wicked fun. You stumble upon a warehouse laboratory where zombie bankers and military scientists are creating genetically engineered monsters from the DNA of scorpions, Venus flytraps, and Monsanto executives. You try to get everyone in a party mood, but all they want to do is extract your DNA and add it to the monster. APRIL FOOL! Everything I just said was a lie. I doubt you’ll encounter any scenario that extreme. But you are at risk for falling into weird situations that could compromise your mental hygiene. To minimize that possibility, make sure that the wicked fun you pursue is healthy, sane wicked fun. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) If you were a ladybug beetle, you might be ready and eager to have sex for nine hours straight. If you were a pig, you’d be capable of enjoying 30-minute orgasms. If you were a dolphin, you’d seek out erotic encounters not just with other dolphins of both genders, but also with turtles, seals, and sharks. Since you are merely human, however, your urges will probably be milder and more containable. APRIL FOOL! In truth, Sagittarius, I’m not so sure your urges will be milder and more containable. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) “The past is not only another country where they do things differently,” says writer Theodore Dalrymple, “but also where one was oneself a different person.” With this as your theme, Capricorn, I invite you to spend a lot of time visiting the Old You in the Old

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PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Annie Edson Taylor needed money. She was 63 years old, and didn’t have any savings. She came up with a plan: to be the first person to tuck herself inside a barrel and ride over Niagara Falls. (This was back in 1901.) She reasoned that her stunt would make her wealthy as she toured the country speaking about it. I recommend that you consider out-of-the-box ideas like hers, Pisces. It’s an excellent time to get extra creative in your approach to raising revenue. APRIL FOOL! I half-lied. It’s true that now is a favorable time to be imaginative about your financial life. But don’t try outlandish escapades like hers.

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Some Aquarian readers have been complaining. They want me to use more celebrity references in my horoscopes. They demand fewer metaphors drawn from literature, art, and science, and more metaphors rooted in gossipy events reported on by tabloids. “Tell me how Kanye West’s recent travails relate to my personal destiny,” wrote one Aquarius. So here’s a sop to you kvetchers: The current planetary omens say it’s in your interest to be more like Taylor Swift and less like Miley Cyrus. Be peppy, shimmery, and breezy, not earthy, salty, and raucous. APRIL FOOL! In truth, I wouldn’t write about celebrities’ antics if you paid me. Besides, for the time being, Miley Cyrus is a better role model for you than Taylor Swift.

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World. Immerse yourself in that person and that place. Get lost there. And don’t come back until you’ve relived at least a thousand memories. APRIL FOOL! I was exaggerating. While it is a good time to get reacquainted with the old days and old ways, I don’t recommend that you get utterly consumed by the past.

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