Best of OKC 2021

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INSIDE COVER

The results are in, votes are tallied and winners have been named. Here is your Best of OKC 2021 class, according to the readers of Oklahoma Gazette.

Cover by Berlin Green

NEWS Commentary: Garry Mize Citizen Spotlight: Dr. Boyd Shook 8 Black Sky Affair 9 The Toe Tag 5 7

EAT & DRINK 10

Winter beer reviews

12 Gazedibles

ARTS & CULTURE Oklahoma City Repertory Theater COVER Best of OKC 32 Holiday Gift Guide 14 15

MUSIC Grand National Soundcheck 37 Live music 35

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THE HIGH CULTURE Strain reviews 39 Cowboy Cup 30

FUN 42 43

Astrology Puzzles sudoku | crossword

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VOL. XLIII NO. 15 PUBLISHER Bryan Hallman | bhallman@okgazette.com

EDITOR Matt Dinger | mdinger@okgazette.com

season 7

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR Berlin Green | bgreen@okgazette.com DIGITAL MEDIA & PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Kendall Bleakley ADVERTISING advertising@okgazette.com 405-528-6000 DIRECTOR OF SALES Christy Duane | cduane@okgazette.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Saundra Godwin | sgodwin@okgazette.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Clyde Dorr | cdorr@okgazette.com CIRCULATION MANAGER Patrick Hanscom | phanscom@okgazette.com CONTRIBUTORS Sarah Atwood-Cotton Evan Jarvicks Garry Mize Adrienne Proctor Ryan Spencer

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D EC EM B ER 8 , 2 0 2 1 | O KGA Z E T TE .CO M NEWS

NEWS

A house divided THE POLITICAL CLIMATE IN THIS COUNTRY HAS GOTTEN SO TENSE THAT EVEN MEMBERS OF A STATE REPRESENTATIVE’S OWN PARTY TURNED ON HIM WHEN HE TOOK A STANCE AGAINST THE EXECUTION OF JULIUS JONES.

By Garry Mize (R-Guthrie)

The division in our country is so thick you can almost cut it with a knife.

Pick a topic right now and you wouldn’t have to try too hard to find someone that would disagree with you and most likely be willing to share a few choice words with you regarding your stance. Albeit this freedom to disagree is something that makes our country great, disagreement has become a catalyst to discord, dissension, and outright disdain for those we are supposed to be living with in community.

“The last thing the state should be doing is taking the life of someone who may be innocent.”

-Garry Mize, R-Guthrie We have seen this in our state in the last few months regarding the issue of capital punishment. Since being elected I have had many firsts, being sworn in, my first vote, committee meetings, etc. However, I never thought I would be describing these firsts because I shared an opinion regarding an upcoming execution that we had scheduled as a state. Those firsts include, the threat of physical violence, threats of causing damage or harm to my business, intimidation factors, etc. I even received phone calls and emails questioning my faith.

What I said was simply this: “The last thing the state should be doing is taking the life of someone who may be innocent. There is too much doubt here, especially given that Julius Jones’ codefendant has confessed to being the real murderer.

We can’t move forward with an execution under these circumstances in good conscience. I hope and pray Gov. Stitt accepts the recommendation of his Parole Board.”

Don’t misunderstand me. I am fine

with disagreement, but is this where we have come to in our society?

Because someone doesn’t think the same way I do or because they arrive at a different conclusion, we must wish ill for them and or hate them? These a ren’t at t ack s f rom across the aisle, but happen i ng w it h i n bot h parties on either side of it.

I’ve wrestled with this topic and my stance on the issue. It isn’t an easy topic, and as a matter of fact, I changed my stance on this very issue several years back because of a conversation that I had with someone that at this point I don’t care too much for. My point is this: I don’t believe it has to continue to be this Garry Mize (R-Guthrie), Photo provided divided. I believe there is common ground, but we must be willing to talk, and we have are important and should be handled to be willing to sit with someone with care, but I believe that those whose life may look very different activities have to be mutually excluthan ours. I’ve said before that govsive. I believe I can have a hard conerning is difficult and I have tried to versation with someone that I disoffer the best I can in this role with agree with while showing love and the mindset that we would all be concern. I know all that read this better off walking a mile in someone won’t share the same faith as me. But else’s shoes. I am speaking from exwhat is my faith worth if I can’t perience. I have done this, and I have display love and concern with those seen it done and, unquestionably, the I interact with? We can’t use the outcome is better. This may not lead excuse that these conversations are to a different result or stance on a difficult or emotional as reasons not particular issue, but I can’t help but to address this or any other issue for believe that we make better and more that matter. I would argue that it’s thoughtful decisions with this as our the difficult topics, if addressed and approach rather than what we have collaborated on to solve, that could read on a social media echo chamber lead to the most change and or reswhose platform cares about nothing toration that needs to happen in our more than a click. communities, state and country.

I am under no misconception that

My hope is that people will this is an easy topic or one devoid of read these words and that it will the emotional aspects of making deeither spur conversation or at least cisions. People have feelings and they generate internal monologue about

what people believe and why. I am asking that we be bold, be willing to challenge ourselves for the greater good. As stated in my first editorial for Oklahoma Gazette, this is my attempt to bridge the divide starting in our own communities. Leadership isn’t easy but it is necessary. Let us remember we all have a leadership role, most impor tantly in our own homes.

NEWS O KGA Z E T TE .CO M | D EC EM B ER 8 , 2 0 2 1

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CITIZEN SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Boyd Shook LONG AFTER HIS RETIREMENT DR. SHOOK PROVIDES MEDICAL CARE AT NO COST THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST.

By Berlin Green

You don’t often see an 88-year-old doctor still actively working in a clinical setting, but at Manos Juntas, you’ll find Dr. Boyd Shook serving hundreds of patients each week at no cost.

A Navy veteran and long-time physician, Shook has spent decades dedicating his medical skills and knowledge to those who need it most. The journey began in 1995 when his daughter needed help raising attendance at the Methodist church where she was preaching. Dr. Shook opened Manos Juntas inside the church to serve the community and help with any needed health care. The small no-cost clinic opened its doors with the mission to serve a diverse group of patients from all ethnic, economic and cultural backgrounds.

“We thought it’d be, you know, half a dozen patients each week,” Shook said, “But that didn’t turn out to be the exact estimate.”

In fact, the need for affordable, accessible health care in the community has only continued to grow.

“We’ve received 100 and more,” Shook said. “The maximum was 200 saw one Saturday. And we’re fortunate that we’ve had extremely high quality and large numbers of people helping us, people who want to work there. That’s why we’re able to see so

many patients. And we just see tons of patients in need of quality care.”

The original clinic relocated to another church after the building ’s structural issues rendered it unsafe, but in 2020 the COVID-19 pan- Dr. Boyd Shook, Photo by Berlin Green demic forced Shook to move the clinic to its own space at 1145 W. sider donating. We have a couple of I-240 Service Road. He is able to serve extremely generous donors that help more patients at the new location but significantly. And I’ve donated my now with the added burden of insalary from my work at OU. I have creased costs to keep the facility afloat. done so for 26 years.”

Manos Juntas is open throughout But it wasn’t just Oklahoma City the week and every Saturday, which residents that Shook was destined to is the clinic’s busiest day, Shook has help; his service would take him far 30 or 40 volunteers assisting him past the US border. with patients. Volunteers range from “My daughter tricked me in medical students and those interanother way,” Shook laughed. “She ested in working in the medical field, invited me to go with her on a mission to people who simply want to help. trip to Nicaragua. And I said, ‘No, The setting allows Shook to provide under any circumstances will I go’ guidance and hands-on experience and she said ‘Please? Finally, I gave to these emerging professionals and in and said ‘Okay, I’ll go.’ So I went, provide quality care to the clinic’s and now we’ve done about 50 mission patients. The funding for this small trips to Nicaragua over the years.” clinic comes entirely from partnerAs part of his efforts in Nicaragua, ships and generous donors, including Shook created a medical records daShook himself. tabase system and converted it to “We apply for grants all the time Spanish so that clinics could provide but don’t go to the community with better care while allowing him to help letters. We have the occasional while he was home in Oklahoma. dinner or event so people can conRecent unrest and instability in the small Central American country caused the mission trips to come to a halt, but Shook hopes to continue them in the future.

Shook hopes to see quality lowcost health care extended to all patients who need it far into the future at Manos Juntas.

“It’s not a vision, it’s a dream. I started working toward this end some time ago. I think it should be an OU Outreach Clinic that ’s low cost, maybe a $25 visit. But that’s not always how things work. A problem we have is that it’s hard becoming federally qualified at this time because you have to charge people a fee, and you have to try to collect it.

And they want you to be serious about it,” Shook said.

“There’s a statement I’ve heard many times, and I think it’s silly. ‘You

Manos Juntas waiting room., Photo by Berlin Green

don’t get good output unless you get some input. If you want good health care, you’ve got to pay the doctor something.’ I’ve been hearing that since I was a freshman at medical school. We’ve pretty much proven here that that’s not true. Our patients are really dedicated; they take care of themselves well. And there’s no charge at all. But if we could get the support and become an outreach clinic, I would not object if they charge a modest $20 to $25 per visit.

I don’t think that’s too bad. We do allow the patients to make donations — many of them donate $50. They feel like they belong here and I feel like they belong here also. It’s not as true anymore, but many of our patients have no papers, and we’ve never asked the question. We know by the way they behave that they’re afraid. [You see it] in their eyes. It’s less of an issue now, but every person deser ves quality health care.”

Shook has been practicing medicine for a long time, far past the age when most doctors hang up the stethoscope, and he doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.

“When I retired from OU, I’d been practicing for 65 years,” Shook said.

“I just really saw the need to keep working. So I’m retired officially, but just not ready to retire. I love it. To me, that ideal life is to be working where you enjoy your work. So I just keep doing it because I enjoy it and I will until I can’t.”

To learn more about Manos Juntas and how you can help support Dr. Boyd Shook’s dream far into the future, visit manosjuntas.org. [editor’s note: The writer’s husband, Dr. James Green, serves on the board of Manos Juntas.]

CITIZ EN SPOTLIGHT O KGA Z E T TE .CO M | D EC EM B ER 8 , 2 0 2 1

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ASTRONOMY

Black sky affair THE MOTHER OF ALL METEOR SHOWERS.

By Ryan Spencer

The Geminids — mother of all meteor showers. While other showers are caused by Earth’s orbital intersection with cometary paths, Geminids result from our planet’s passage through debris accompanied by asteroid 3200 Phaethon, an atypical body just over three miles in diameter named for the son of Greek sun god Helios.

“Phaethon does not produce a bright tail when it rounds the sun, as a comet would do. So it is a curious asteroidal object that ejects, or is attended by, many tiny particles that produce the meteor shower. No definitive explanation — yet, Oklahoma State University Associate Professor of Physics Emeritus Peter Shull said.

The Geminids may generate up to a staggering 140 shooting stars per hour at its peak on the night of Dec. 13 into the morning of Dec. 14. While that

number will be dampened this year by the brightness of the nearly full moon, many will still be visible away from city lights. Lengthened December nights plus the fact Geminids can be caught from roughly 6:30 p.m. until dawn should compensate somewhat for the drowning lunar glow. Also, this shower begins in earnest earlier than most about 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. on Dec. 13 as the radiant point of constellation Gemini rises well above the eastern horizon, making Geminids particularly kidfriendly. When Gemini is directly overhead around 2 a.m. on Dec. 14, meteor activity should be at its absolute peak.

The Geminids are also distinctive in that Phaethon’s attendant debris often produces meteors of vibrant color. In precisely the way fireworks give off their rainbow hues, the trace metals in Phaethon’s rocky detritus often flare colorfully when superheated by their high-speed (about 22 miles per second) collision with our atmosphere, spawning approximately one colorful shooting star to every two white ones. Ever witnessed the high school science class experiment in which an instructor uses a Bunsen burner to flame treated pieces of paper, producing lively colors? Same principle applies here, but on a scale magnitudes

Photo: Adobe Stock

more intense. Weather and moonlight permitting, expect to see some meteors burning yellow with a more modest smattering of blue, red, and green. The Geminids shower also has an increased chance to produce fireballs, or meteors of exceptional brightness.

Enjoying a meteor shower requires no special optical equipment, skill, or experience, but does take a certain amount of patience, so comfort is key.

Dress warmly and bring a blanket or cozy chair. My best viewings have resulted from lying on the ground, so I prefer an unfurled sleeping bag with a pillow. After about 15 minutes, your

eyes will begin to grow accustomed to the dark. Don’t be anxious about trying to look at any particular piece of the sky; allow yourself to relax and look straight up in an unfocused fashion.

When the streak happens, you’ll catch it out of the corner of your eye and your view will snap right toward it. It’s really quite thrilling to catch a shooting star this way--the breathtaking effect of a silent firework sent by the universe.

Get out there.

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D EC EM B ER 8 , 2 0 2 1 | O KGA Z E T TE .CO M A S TRONOM Y

THE TOE TAG

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By Sarah Atwood-Cotton

Did you know that types of algae can be used to help link victims (and suspects) to death scenes in and near bodies of water because of their unique groupings?

Forensic limnology is the study of freshwater ecology, in a legal setting.

More specifically, it is the study of diatoms. But what are diatoms and what do they have to do with death?

In brief, diatoms are photosynthetic, microscopic organisms that reside in lakes, oceans, swimming pools, ponds, rivers, reservoirs, and soil. They are best known for their silica frustules, or outer coatings. This unique glasshouse that surrounds the diatom allows them to be resistant to many things, and, even after the organism dies, the frustule can remain for centuries. The structure of their glasshouse is unique to their environment and species identification.

The pathologists at our office never talked about them, and during my tenure as a death investigator who worked many drownings, I had never encountered such a thing, but the science was originally developed in Europe in the 1960s. When a person dies, the forensic pathologist takes a sample of bone marrow, most commonly the femur, and dissolves it in acid.

If present, the silica shell of what once was a living diatom will remain and be viewable under a microscope. Pathologists then compare the species of diatom to the suspected drowning media (whether that was a bathtub, lake, river, etc) and if the

ons

species matched the postmortem diatoms, they would use that as a basis for diagnosing drownings. Researchers think that for diatoms to enter the bone marrow, they must first be breathed into the lungs antemortem (before death) then perforate the alveolar-capillary barrier and migrate into cardiopulmonary circulation which disperses blood to the rest of the body, including bone marrow. The ma rrow is somewhat hollow and least susceptible to crosscontamination during autopsy. If the body was dumped postmortem, researchers think the diatoms won’t make it into the bone marrow due to lack of active breathing.

Diatoms are very resistant to many things, including most acids, and already exist in our human tissues for potentially lengthy periods. This is not likely from your average tap water, but maybe from summer lake trips, so the presence

of diatoms in the marrow would make it difficult to diagnose drownings just by their presence. What diatoms can determine is whether a crime was committed in a specific water source based on the species. This method has also been used in cases of near-drownings. The sediment encrusted sneakers of the suspects were compared with that of the victim’s sneakers and a sample of water from a local pond where the incident occurred. Since all evidence items shared the exact same species of diatoms, this evidence was used in court to convict the suspects. The same method can be used by collecting samples from a drowning victim’s clothing or body, the suspect’s clothing, and the drowning medium itself, thus linking them to a common water source.

Although not a trusted source to diagnose death by drowning, diatoms prove to be a very underutilized and understudied tool in the forensic arena. Much more research needs to be done to increase their scientific rigor in court as they can be beneficial in cases of maritime crimes, assaults and homicides that occur in or near water. In many cases, These prehistoric organisms might be the link that brings justice to victims.

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TOE TAG O KGA Z E T TE .CO M | D EC EM B ER 8 , 2 0 2 1

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EAT & DRINK

Holiday cheers Delirium Noel Huyghe Brewery ABV: 5.3 percent

THIS WINTER’S SEASONALS OFFER A BREADTH AND DEPTH OF FLAVOR FOR EVERY PALATE.

A variation of the Delirium Tremens golden ale which long ago put Huyghe on the map, this is one of those I’ve passed by every holiday season and pledged to try it sooner than later and never follow through. That day has finally arrived. This strong Belgian ale is packed with flavor and also packs a punch at a flat 10 percent ABV. All the fruits, all the malts and all the spices.

Huyghe has reportedly been around for nearly three and a half centuries and unlike some imported beers, this one is actually brewed and bottled in Belgian. It also isn’t cheap, but it’s been quite a year, so if you’re a beer drinker, splurge with those few extra dollars and don’t pass this one by another year — it’s worth it.

By Matt Dinger

Though the recent T-shirt weather belies the fact that it’s December, we’re just weeks away from the official beginning of winter, which means it’s time to finish off the Märzen stragglers in the fridge and replace them with stouts, porters and other heavy, rich beers.

Most of these fall towards the stronger side since it’s time to bundle up at home and take the edge off between hectic holiday responsibilities. Here’s a cross-section of some recent favorites, from the local, national and international markets.

Center Stage Pilsner Renaissance Brewing Company ABV: 4.6 percent

Definitely not a traditional winter style, it isn’t often that Tulsa’s Renaissance Brewing Company releases a new beer for its flagship can lineup (four years since the last one), but the Center Stage Pilsner is a worthy addition to this season’s lineup. Brewed in collaboration with Cain’s Ballroom, this one is only available there and in Renaissance’s taproom for now (four-packs are already cold and waiting for you). A German malt brewed in the Italian style and with noble hops added and coming in at 4.6 percent ABV, this one is both accessible and suited for beer snobs as well. We know the rule about not wearing the shirt of the band you’re going to see, but how about the shirt of the brewery whose beer you’re drinking at the venue?

Distribution will be expanded in early 2022, Renaissance reports.

Fly Me Away IPA & Gran Sport Porter

Coop Ale Works Fly Me Away ABV: 7.6 percent, Gran Sport ABV: 6.0 percent These two winter seasonals from COOP Ale Works couldn’t be any more different. The Gran Sport Porter is another robust one, malty with strong chocolate and oat notes. Porters aren’t necessarily a sessionable beer, but at 6 percent ABV and without being overbearingly thick or sweet, they’re pretty crushable for a dark beer. On the flip side, the Fly Me Away is an extremely well-balanced hazy IPA. As fruity as it is hoppy, this one truly is “as hazy as the cabin of a 1960s jetliner,” as the can states. At 7.6 percent alcohol and 63 IBUs, this smooth drinker will definitely lift you if you don’t keep a watchful eye on your rate of ascent.

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Bourbon Barrel Aged Winter Warmer & Winter Warmer

Rahr & Sons Brewing Company Winter Warmer ABV: 8.0 percent, Barrel Aged Winter Warmer ABV: 11.0 percent This Texas beer slot was originally reserved for Shiner’s Christmas Cheer, but as a sucker for remixes, covers and alternate versions, Rahr & Sons sneaked back onto this list for a second season in a row. An English-style dark ale, the original comes in at 8.5 percent ABV, while the barrel-aged version clocks 11.5 percent ABV. That’s the most superficial variance between the two, with the former being heavy on the malty flavors and the latter being heavy on the bourbon barrel notes. Forced to pick between the two, the original wins out.

Festivus

Big Jamoke

Anthem Brewing ABV: 9.0 percent Billed as “a holiday ale for the rest of us,” this one tastes more like Christmas than a Seinfeld bit. Each sip brings different waves of flavor, with the holiday spices hitting the palate on the first sip (cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger being the most immediately evident), then giving way to a rich molasses taste with a vanilla twist. You’ll definitely be able to taste the bourbon-tinged alcohol content in this winter warmer, and at 9 percent ABV, a couple of these bad boys will have you primed for any and all feats of strength you choose to take on this Festivus season.

Marshall Brewing Company Robust Porter ABV: 6.8 percent Marshall calls this one a “robust porter” and they’re not lying. The flavor notes are wide and complex, with a smoky composition that brings forth hints of sweetness and the coffee taste inherent in so many of the stouts and porters.

Coming in at 6.8 percent ABV, this one is actually one of the lighter beers featured here as far as alcohol content but one of the heaviest on flavor. This seasonal from the Tulsa brewery is also available on tap at select locations (High Dive in Tulsa’s downtown Pearl District being where we tried it), which amplifies the flavors even more.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, “Big Jamoke” is the name of the brewmaster’s grandfather’s B-25 bomber that he flew during World War II and is featured on the can’s artwork.

Bell’s Christmas Ale & Special Double Cream Stout Bell’s Brewery ABV: 7.5 percent

Also returning to this list for a second time is Michigan’s Bell’s Brewery. Being a sucker for variety packs and a big fan of their Two Hearted Ale also contained within, the winter ale sampler is rounded out with bottles of Bright White, a Belgian-inspired wheat, and the Wild Spruce Chase, an IPA brewed with spruce tips. But the top prize of the sampler goes to their Scotch ale named, well, Christmas Ale. Malty and rich with 7.5 percent ABV, this one will taste even better if we ever get a fire-worthy night this Christmas season. On the other end of the spectrum is the Special Double Cream Stout (I feel like the person who names their beers gave up halfway through the job this season). While the name is simple, the taste is a complex medley of 10 different malts, which makes this 6.1 percent ABV stout an easy but satisfying brew.

E AT & DRINK O KGA Z E T TE .CO M | D EC EM B ER 8 , 2 0 2 1

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GAZEDIBLES

Late Night Kitchens GREAT EATS, AFTER DINNER HOURS. There are some days you just can’t make time for dinner until late in the day, and at that point who wants to cook? Here are seven kitchens that are open late so you can have a great meal, no matter how late it is.

By Berlin Green

Photos provided.

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Guyutes

Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails Social Capital 405-602-2302 • 605 NW 28th St. eatatscratch.com

405-270-7805 • 517 S. Hudson Ave. socialcapitalokc.com

Guyutes is an experience you don’t want to miss if you’re pursuing the streets of Uptown 23rd looking for a late-night bite. Enjoy rooftop seating with incredible murals and a great view of the district, or dine inside with retro decor, either way you’re in for a treat. Their unique menu boasts a variety of interesting cocktails and culinary delights and they offer several gluten-free and vegetarian options from 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. seven days a week.

Excellent service, beautiful presentation and an array of flavors await you with the made-from-scratch options at the aptly named Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails. From their charred okra salad to shrimp and grits or the Wagyu sliders, there’s something unique for everyone to try. Pair your meal with any one of their handcrafted cocktails for a delightful experience. Enjoy their delicious menu until 10:30 p.m. during the week and 11:30 p.m. on the weekends.

Making their mark as a craft beer destination, patrons can experience open air seating and a breathtaking view of downtown Oklahoma City at Social Capital. Enjoy an extensive selection of draft beer, wine and cocktails accompanied by an impressive menu that includes street tacos, salad, charcuterie and more. They are closed on Mondays, but you can make dinner selections until 10 p.m. or later Tuesday through Saturday (the kitchen closes an hour before the bar).

405-702-6960 • 730 NW 23rd St. guyutes.com

D EC EM B ER 8 , 2 0 2 1 | O KGA Z E T TE .CO M E AT & DRINK

James E. McNellie’s Pub Open Container 405-601-7468 • 1100 Classen Dr. mcnellies.com

918-895-5016 • 502 E. 3rd St. #39, Tulsa opencontainertulsa.com

The GOAT Bar & Kitchen

Nola’s Creole & Cocktails

McNellie’s is certainly known for a great selection of beer and they’ve got a diverse menu of classic pub favorites to choose from as well. From appetizers like pulled pork nachos to entrees like Cajun meatloaf or cottage pie, there is a dish for everyone to enjoy. Their kitchen stays open until 11 p.m. during the week, and until midnight on the weekends so there’s plenty of time to enjoy a late dinner.

This family and pet-friendly restaurant is created from upcycled shipping containers and offers a stunning view of downtown Tulsa as well as some incredible local art.

Enjoy the heated patio of the Tulsa Boxyard and a menu that boasts an array of tasty cocktails, brewed confections and of course delicious burgers, sammies and wings including vegetarian options. Stop in later if you like — their kitchen closes at 10 p.m. each day, but the bar stays open late.

Here you can enjoy internationally inspired dishes, creative cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere like no other in Tulsa. A newer restaurant in the Tulsa scene, The GOAT Bar & Kitchen bravely opened in 2020 during the height of the pandemic with a tasty and unique menu that includes a variety of salads, burgers, flatbreads, skewers and more all with a Mediterranean twist. The kitchen stays open until 10 p.m. on the weekdays, but serves until midnight on the weekends.

Fried alligator, beignets, fried green tomatoes, and sauces made from scratch. Get a taste of New Orleans in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Nola’s offers a vast menu of Creole and Cajun cuisine and a full-service bar serving craft cocktails, wine and beer in a New Orleans Prohibition era atmosphere.

Their kitchen stays open until 10:45 p.m every day so you can satisfy those Cajun cravings late.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Ever forward OKCREP PRESENTS THEIR SPRING REBOOT SEASON UNDER NEW ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP.

by Adrienne Proctor

Kerwin’s referring to the subtle, yet bold, name change for Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre. Going forward, the professional theatre, which is housed inside the Civic Center, will be known as the Oklahoma City Repertory Theater. The –er versus –re suffix for theatre lovers is long debated, often argued, and never resolved. It’s typically thought that a theater is a place that shows entertainment like movies and concerts, while the theatre is a place where patrons go to see art. Kerwin is a fresh face to the theatre community in Oklahoma City, and she’s shaking things up from the start.

Long called CityRep, the nickname retires along with founding artistic director Donald Jordan, who stepped down in June after a 30-plus year career in the arts in Oklahoma. In steps Kerwin, with new ideas and a new nickname (and spelling) for the theatre.

Kerwin leads a team of professional art makers, and comes to the theatre after serving as Associate Producer for New York City’s Public Theatre. At The Public, Kerwin associate produced the Under the Radar Festival and led the Devised Theater Working Group.

“OKCRep is emerging from a pandemic, as every arts organization is right now. We have a new staff, a new board, and we are looking toward the future,” Kerwin said.

OKCRep is kicking off 2022 with a Spring Reboot season, offering three new original works for returning and

new patrons.

“This is a sampling of work, and we’re hoping to show where we want to go as we move forward. We’re including local artists, as well as guest contributors. We’re having conversations and creating new experiences. All of our productions Piano Tales, Photo by Theo Cole and presentations will be a new adventure each time,” she said.

First up is An Evening with an members will really connect with this Immigrant. Running in January, An personal story. It explores what it means Evening with an Immigrant is written to be an Other, and reminds us that we and performed by Inua Ellams and tells are all neighbors and humans.” An his story of growing up in MuslimEvening with an Immigrant runs for two controlled Nigeria. Born to a Muslim nights only, Jan. 22 and 23, at Te Ata father and a Christian mother in what is Theater at Oklahoma Contemporary now considered to be Boko Haram terArts Center. ritory, Ellams left Nigeria for England Piano Tales runs March 31 through in 1996 at age 12. He moved to Ireland April 2nd. Presented by OKC Rep in for three years, and then returned to pa r t ner sh ip w it h Ok l a hom a London to work as a writer and graphic Contemporary, Piano Tales is written, designer. Littered with poems, stories, composed, and performed by James and anecdotes, An Evening with an Harrison Monaco and JJJJJerome Ellis.

Immigrant tells his ridiculous, fantastic, The audience chooses which tales will poignant story of escaping fundamentalbe told each performance and in what ist Islam, experiencing prejudice and order, by selecting objects from a trunk. friendship in Dublin, performing solo at Then JJJJJerome and James tell those the National Theatre, and drinking wine tales differently for each performance, with the Queen of England, all the while discovering a totally new show right without a country to belong to or place along with the audience. to call home.

“No performance will be the same.

“This show is really about navigating It changes every night.” Kerwin said. what it means to be in a country that “This will mean audience members using you don’t call home,” Kerwin said. their imaginations and providing some Ellams still faces that challenge, even audience participation. Piano Tales is today. Audience and community about human connections, about what it means to connect. Through the pandemic, we’ve all been finding ways to connect with each other. And even when we feel like it, we aren’t alone.”

The third show in the spring lineup is the most complex and unique one yet.

Running in May 2022, Of a Mind: Oklahoma City is an original devised theatre work for OKCRep. “This will be a guided audio experience, almost like a theatrical tour. We’ll have a live narrator and interview people around the city. It’s a walking tour, it’s immersive, and it’s really a celebration of Oklahoma City. We’re encouraging our patrons to think outside of the box with this new work,” Kerwin said.

Of a Mind: Oklahoma City captures

Of A Mind, Photo by Edward T. Morris 14

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the changing spirit of the city in a guided audio experience that is devised especially for Oklahoma City’s increasingly vibrant urban core. Guided by a live narrator and set to a score of local voices, sounds and music, patrons will gather as one of a larger group for this immersive outdoor experience.

Kerwin is one of only three femaleidentifying Artistic Directors in Oklahoma City. In a city that is full of live theatre, this means that female leadership in the arts is woefully underrepresented.

“I wish I weren’t one of the only female Artistic Directors here. I’m hopeful that it changes, and quickly, because I don’t think I’m unique. The tides are changing, and I love working with women and female artistic leaders.

Historically, leadership roles in the arts have gone to white men. This is a diverse city, and we want to provide more opportunities in our theatre for women and people of color. We are aiming to reflect that diversity in our programming,” she said.

American theatre is becoming decentralized. It’s not just in New York and Chicago anymore. With OKCRep and our new mission, my board is supportive.

Our executive roles are filled with wonderful people. We’re here to build a more equitable theatre, to provide a wonderful experience for our patrons, and to make the world a better place.”

For information about OKCRep’s upcoming Spring Reboot season, visit okcrep.org.

WINNER BEST OF OKC 2021

What a year!

While this year can’t be considered anything resembling normal, we are starting to see a restoration of the momentum that Oklahoma City saw as we moved into the pandemic. Lots of new faces and plenty of old friends round out this years list.

BEST OF OKC 2021 HALL OF FAME BEST PERFORMING ARTS GROUP

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma

BEST PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY

BEST STEAKHOUSE

BEST PLACE TO BUY LIQUOR

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

22 years

19 years

15 years

21 years

BC Clark

Cattlemen's Steakhouse

Byron's Liquor Warehouse Ted’s Cafe Escondido

7 years

BES T OF OKC OKGA ZE T TE.COM | D E C E M B E R 8 , 2 0 2 1

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Food & Drink BEST COCKTAIL (AND THE RESTAURANT/BAR THAT SERVES IT)

Lunchbox at Edna’s

BEST TACO

Big Truck Tacos 530 NW 23rd St.

5137 Classen Cir.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

Disco Nap, Jones Assembly

several metro locations

901 W Sheridan Ave.

Hacienda Tacos

Fineapple, Zuma

several metro locations

1201 N Western Ave

Mexican Radio

Paloma, Powerhouse

1734 NW 16th St.

1228 SW 2nd St.

The Fried Taco

Peach Bellini, Cookies on Western

308 NW 10th St.

2304 N Western Ave.

BEST BREAKFAST

Cafe Kacao Latin Cuisine

BEST SANDWICH SHOP

The Mule

1630 N Blackwelder Ave

3325 N Classen Blvd.

Lee’s Sandwiches

Jimmy’s Egg

3300 N Classen Blvd.

several metro locations

N D Foods

Neighborhood JAM

2632 W Britton Rd.

several metro locations

Neptune Submarine Sandwiches

Sunnyside Diner

3301 N Classen Blvd.

several metro locations

Someplace Else A Deli & Bakery

Syrup

2310 N Western Ave.

1501 NW 23rd St.

BEST BRUNCH

Cheever’s Cafe

WINNER BEST RESTAURANT WINNER BEST BRUNCH

Cheever’s

Originally the florist shop belonging to the first baby born in the newly-minted Oklahoma City, Cheever’s Cafe retained her married name when it opened for business at the turn of the century under new ownership. The flowers in the display case have been swapped for desserts and

BEST BARBECUE

Clark Crew BBQ 3510 Northwest Expy.

2409 N Hudson Ave.

Back Door Barbeque

Cafe Kacao Latin Cuisine

315 NW 23rd St.

3325 N Classen Blvd.

Earl’s Rib Palace

Neighborhood JAM

several metro locations

several metro locations

Iron Star Urban Barbeque

Pearl’s Oyster Bar

3700 N Shartel Ave.

5641 N Classen Blvd

Swadley’s Bar-B-Q

The Jones Assembly

several metro locations

901 W Sheridan Ave.

BEST LATE-NIGHT EATS

Empire Slice House wine bottles, but the flavor of the building has remained intact.

There isn’t a weak link on the menu, whether you drop by for brunch, lunch, dinner or a cocktail, so it’s unsurprising that Cheever’s is voted OKC’s best restaurant.

BEST PIZZA PLACE

Empire Slice House several metro locations

several metro locations

Hideaway Pizza

Beverly’s Pancake House

several metro locations

3315 Northwest Expy

Pizzeria Gusto

Guyutes

2415 N Walker Ave

730 NW 23rd St.

The Hall’s Pizza Kitchen

Ponyboy

1004 N Hudson Ave., suite 106

423 NW 23rd St.

The Wedge Pizzeria

Powerhouse

several metro locations

1228 SW 2nd St.

BEST BURGER

The Garage Burgers & Beer

BEST STEAKHOUSE

Cattlemen’s Steakhouse 1309 S Agnew Ave.

Boulevard Steakhouse

several metro locations

505 S Blvd, Edmond

Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler Express

Mahogany Prime Steakhouse

several metro locations

several metro locations

1012 NW First St., Suite 101

Nic’s Grill

Ranch Steakhouse

Anthem Brewing Company

Angry Scotsman Brewing

1201 N Pennsylvanie Ave.

several metro locations

908 SW 4th St

704 W Reno Ave.

S&B’s Burger Joint

Red PrimeSteak

COOP Ale Works

Prairie Artisan Ales

several metro locations

504 N Broadwayy Ave.

4745 Council Heights Road

3 NE 8th St.

Tucker’s Onion Burgers

Prairie Artisan Ales

Roughtail Brewing Co.

several metro locations

3 NE 8th St.

320 W Memorial Rd

Stonecloud Brewing Co.

Vanessa House Beer Company

1012 NW First St., Suite 101

118 NW Eighth St.

BEST LOCAL CRAFT BREWER

Bricktown Brewery several metro locations

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BEST LOCAL TAP ROOM

Stonecloud Brewing Co.

D E C E M B E R 8 , 2 0 2 1 | OKGA ZE T TE.COM BES T OF OKC

WINNER BEST LOCAL TAP ROOM

Stonecloud Brewing Co. No matter what style of beer you prefer, Stonecloud does it well (and often better than anyone else, according to Oklahoma Gazette readers). Its taproom on the first floor of the historic Sunshine Cleaners building is cozy and inviting with its lengthy bar and plentiful taps. The brewery has also recently opened to the public on the

BEST SUSHI

Sushi Neko Robata and Sushi Bar 4318 N Western Ave.

BEST RESTAURANT OR BAKERY WITH GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS

La Baguette Bakery & Cafe

weekends its Lager Lounge with eight taps. Even though it took first place in the best taproom category here, there’s also plenty of packaged beer and growlers. Their recent addition of both classic styles as well as runs of delicious experiments like their Jam Jam series give continuous reasons to drop by the taproom.

BEST LATIN RESTAURANT (NOT MEXICAN)

Cafe Kacao Latin Cuisine 3325 N Classen Blvd.

GoGo Sushi Express and Grill

7408 N May Ave.

1492 New World Latin Cuisine

several metro locations

Green Goodies

several metro locations

The Sushi Bar

5840 N Classen Blvd #5

Cafe Antigua

several metro locations

Holey Rollers

1903 N Classen Blvd.

Tokyo Japanese Restaurant

3010 Paseo #101

Cafe DO Brasil

7516 N Western Ave.

The Loaded Bowl

440 NW 11th St., #100

Yuzo Sushi Tapas

1211 SW 2nd St

La Brasa

808 N Broadway Ave.

Picasso Cafe

1310 NW 25th St.

3009 Paseo

BEST SEAFOOD

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Off The Hook Seafood And More

BEST DESSERT RESTAURANT, SHOP OR BAKERY

Hefner Grill

1711 NW 16th St

6305 Waterford Blvd., suite 100

9201 N Hefner Pkwy.

Ingrid’s Kitchen

Flip’s Wine Bar & Trattoria

Pearl’s Oyster Bar

3701 N Youngs Blvd.

5801 N Western Ave.

5641 N Classen Blvd.

La Baguette Bistro & Cafe

Patrono Italian Restaurant

Seafood Party

2100 W Main St, Norman

305 N Walker Ave.

3417 N Classen Blvd.

OKC Sweets

Vito’s Ristorante

Trapper’s Fishcamp & Grill

7306 N Western Ave.

7628 N May Ave.

4300 W Reno Ave.

Raspberries n’ Creme

125 W Britton Rd.

Pie Junkie

Gabriella’s Italian Grill 1226 NE 63rd St.

Bellini’s Ristorante & Grill

Ted’s Café Escondido

BEST WESTERN EUROPEAN RESTAURANT, NOT ITALIAN (DANISH, ENGLISH, FRENCH, GERMAN, IRISH, SCOTTISH, SPANISH, ETC.)

Picasso Cafe

Azteca Mexican Grill

7408 N May Ave.

3009 Paseo

4024 N May Ave.

Fassler Hall

Sala Thai

Chelino’s Mexican Restaurant

421 NW 10th St.

1614 NW 23rd St.

several metro locations

Ingrid’s Kitchen

Taj Cuisine of India

Poblano Grill

3701 N Youngs Blvd.

1500 NW 23rd St.

13593 N May Ave

Royal Bavaria

The Red Cup

San Marcos Mexican Restaurant

3401 S Sooner Rd.

3122 N Classen Blvd.

several metro locations

Sean Cummings’ Irish Pub

7606 N May Ave.

BEST RESTAURANT WITH VEGAN OR VEGETARIAN MENU OPTIONS

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

1211 SW 2nd St.

several metro locations

The Loaded Bowl

La Baguette Bistro

7628 N May Ave.

BES T OF OKC OKGA ZE T TE.COM | D E C E M B E R 8 , 2 0 2 1

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Best Pizza BEST NEW

Restaurant

THE UNDISPUTED BEST DETROIT STYLE AND NY STYLE PIZZA IN OKC!

27 EAST SHERIDAN AVENUE - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73104 405-724-9439 WWW.RENDEZVOUSPIZZA.COM #RENDEZ #RENDEZVOUSPIZZAOK 18

D E C E M B E R 8 , 2 0 2 1 | OKGA ZE T TE.COM BES T OF OKC

B E S T K ARAOK E IN OK L A HOM A MAKE YOUR DAY AS GOOD AS YOUR NIGHT

DAYTIME AT COOKIES HAPPY HOUR 12-7 HEATED PATIO 25 CENT DARTS CHESS + CHECKERS TABLES

23 04 N W E S T E R N , OKC OK 73106 WWW.C OOKIE SONWE S TE RN .C OM

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WINNER BEST NEW BAR TO OPEN AFTER 8/1/20

Kindred Spirits The perfect symbol of the burgeoning renaissance of northeast OKC, Kindred Spirits blew onto the bar scene this year with a cocktail menu that gives everyone a run for their money.

Even though it was voted best

new bar by Oklahoma Gazette readers this year, the food — crafted by Chaya Fletcher, formerly of Urban Roots, and whose vegetables are sourced from local Black-owned farms — are not to be slept on either.

1169 E 2nd St, Edmond

BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

Nunu’s Mediterranean Cafe 3131 W Memorial Rd.

Saffron Cuisine of India 3627 N Portland Ave Taj Cuisine of India 1500 NW 23rd St.

Basil Mediterranean Cafe 211 NW 23rd St. Cous Cous Cafe 6165 N May Ave. Mediterranean Imports & Deli

BEST EASTERN ASIAN RESTAURANT (CHINESE, JAPANESE, THAI, VIETNAMESE)

Pho Lien Hoa

5620 N May Ave.

901 NW 23rd St

Zorbas Mediterranean Restaurant Bar

Grand House Asian Bistro

6014 N May Ave.

2701 N Classen Blvd Sala Thai

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

Sheesh Mahal

1614 NW 23rd St. Thai House Restaurant

4621 N May Ave.

500 NW 23rd St.

Gopuram Taste of India

VII Asian Bistro

412 S Meridian Ave.

2900 N Classen Blvd, suite G

Mt Everest Cuisines

BES T OF OKC OKGA ZE T TE.COM | D E C E M B E R 8 , 2 0 2 1

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BEST DINER

Sunnyside Diner several metro locations Beverly’s Pancake House 3315 Northwest Expy Jimmy’s Egg several metro locations Metro Diner 3000 W Memorial Rd., suite 109 Sherri’s Diner 704 SW 59th St.

BEST RESTAURANT

Cheever’s Cafe 2409 N Hudson Ave.

Mahogany Prime Steakhouse several metro locations Redrock Canyon Grill several metro locations Swadley’s Bar-B-Q several metro locations The Jones Assembly 901 W Sheridan Ave.

BEST CHEF

Kevin Lee, The Jones Assembly 901 W Sheridan Ave.

Andrew Black, Black Walnut

WINNER BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR WINNER BEST PET FRIENDLY PATIO

100 NE 4th St Kurt Fleischfresser, Vast 333 W Sheridan Ave. Jeff Chanchaleune, Goro Ramen + Izakaya 3000 Paseo

The Pump Bar In a city known for its weather extremes by the season, day and sometimes even the hour, the success of a mostly-outdoor bar and restaurant was far from guaranteed, but Hailey and Ian McDermid have turned this former gas station into one of the most successful and popular spots for nearly a decade. With a large slate of revolving

Mani Raju - Taj Cuisine of India` 1500 NW 23rd St.

BEST PRE- OR POST- EVENT SPOT TO GRAB A DRINK

The Jones Assembly

taps, wide swath of canned and bottled selections as well as signature cocktails and a fabulous menu with extremely reasonable prices, it’s no wonder a diverse cross-section of the city calls The Pump its neighborhood bar.

901 W Sheridan Ave. Ponyboy 423 NW 23rd St. Social Capital 517 S Hudson Ave. The Mont

1300 Classen Blvd., Norman The Pump Bar 2425 N Walker Ave.

BEST LGBTQ+ BAR OR CLUB

The Boom

2218 NW 39th St. Frankie’s OKC 2807 NW 36th St. Hilo Club

BEST NEW RESTAURANT TO OPEN AFTER 8/1/20

Ted’s Tacos and Cantina 600 NW 23rd St., suite A

Paseo Grill

Lamp Post Lounge

1221 NW 50th St.

2909 Paseo

919 N Virginia Ave.

Partners

Vast

Solo’s Park and Pub

2805 NW 36th St.

333 W Sheridan Ave., 49th Floor

13310 Pawnee Dr

Tramps

Sunset Patio Bar

2209 NW 39th St.

Chicken Foot OKC 1316 W Memorial Rd., suite 100 Rendezvous Pizza

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

The Pump Bar

401 Northwest 10th St., suite A 1201 N Western Ave.

BEST NATIONAL OR REGIONAL RESTAURANT*

BEST PATIO DINING

several metro locations

Zuma

27 E Sheridan Ave.

2425 N Walker Ave

Sunset Patio Bar

51st Street Speakeasy

401 Northwest 10th St., suite A

1114 NW 51st St.

Venn Pizza on Britton

Cookie’s

915 W Britton Rd.

2304 N Western Ave.

9201 N Hefner Pkwy.

several metro locations

The Flea

FRIDA southwest

Chili’s Grill & Bar

733 NW 4th St.

500 Paseo

several metro locations

The Other Room

Solo’s Park and Pub

Panera Bread

3007 Paseo

13310 Pawnee Dr.

several metro locations

The Jones Assembly

Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar

901 W Sheridan Ave.

several metro locations

BEST FINE DINING RESTAURANT

Mahogany Prime Steakhouse several metro locations Cheever’s Cafe 2409 N Hudson Ave. Ludivine 320 NW 10th St.

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BEST NEW BAR TO OPEN AFTER 8/1/20

Kindred Spirits 1726 NE 23rd St., suite C

D E C E M B E R 8 , 2 0 2 1 | OKGA ZE T TE.COM BES T OF OKC

Hefner Grill

The Mont 1300 Classen Blvd., Norman

Chick-fil-A

Charleston’s Restaurant

BES T OF OKC OKGA ZE T TE.COM | D E C E M B E R 8 , 2 0 2 1

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Arts, Culture & Entertainment BEST LOCAL COVER BAND

My So Called Band Banana Seat Blink 405 The Blues Brothers OKC

BEST PERFORMING ARTS GROUP (EX: THEATER COMPANY, DANCE COMPANY, ORCHESTRAL GROUP)

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma

BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY, TEAM OR SHOW

Joey and Heather, 98.9 KYIS

BEST LOCAL ANNUAL EVENT OR FESTIVAL

Paseo Arts Festival Asian Night Market Festival

Jim Traber & Al Eschback, WWLS

Festival of the Arts

Wise Guys

1727 NW 16th St.

Rick & Brad, KATT

Plaza District Festival

Carpenter Square Theatre

Ronnie Kaye, KOMA

ZooBrew

BEST LOCAL ORIGINAL BAND OR SINGER (EX: SINGER/SONGWRITER, RAPPER, HIP-HOP GROUP)

806 W Main St.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU

Oklahoma City Ballet

BEST VISUAL ARTIST

BEST CHARITY EVENT

6800 N Classen Blvd.

Oklahoma City Philharmonic

Denise Duong

Boots & Ballgowns, Infant Crisis Services

Graham Colton

424 Colcord Dr., suite B

David Bricquet

Glitterball, deadCenter Film

Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road

Terre Rouge Burlesque

Kris Kanaly

Oklahoma Born & Brewed, Oklahoma Hall of

Mike Hosty

Maria Anderson Art

Fame

Theresa Hurt

Red Tie Night

The Santa Market

Jabee

Scott Miles

WINNER BEST PUBLIC ART / MURAL

Plaza Walls Multiple artists

OKC this year voted the best city in the country for public art by USA Today and that laurel rests solely on the efforts of Kris Kanaly and Dylan Bradstreet, whose vision has given voice to dozens and dozens of local artists. The revolving art project hidden from direct street view has created a new type of public square where a cross-section of the city’s popu-

22

D E C E M B E R 8 , 2 0 2 1 | OKGA ZE T TE.COM BES T OF OKC

lace can congregate to enjoy live music, breakdancing and congregating together while a revolving slate of artists create new, temporary murals. The success of Plaza Walls has given rise to a number of other mural festivals put on by the Oklahoma Mural Syndicate across the state.

(405) 444-4444

BEST FREE ENTERTAINMENT

Scissortail Park Bricktown Myriad Botanical Gardens

7 S. MICKEY MANTLE DRIVE, SECOND FLOOR OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73104 WWW.PARRISHDEVAUGHN.COM

Norman Music Festival Paseo Arts Festival

BEST BAR/CLUB FOR LIVE MUSIC

The Jones Assembly 901 W Sheridan Ave. 51st Street Speakeasy 1114 NW 51st St. Blue Note Lounge 2408 N Robinson Ave. Frankie’s OKC 2807 NW 36th St. Ponyboy 423 NW 23rd St.

CHINA BEFORE COMMUNISM

BEST PLACE FOR KARAOKE

Cookie’s

2304 N Western Ave. 40 WEST 501 N Mustang Rd., Yukon Kat’s Tavern 901 NW 64th St. Phoenix Rising 2120 NW 39th St. Ponyboy 423 NW 23rd St.

BEST CONCERT VENUE

Tower Theatre 425 NW 23rd St. Paycom Center 100 W Reno Ave. The Criterion 500 E Sheridan Ave. The Jones Assembly 901 W Sheridan Ave. The Zoo Amphitheatre 2101 NE 50th St.

BEST PUBLIC ART, NOT A MURAL (GIVE INTERSECTION AND ARTIST)

Oklahoma Land Run Monument by Paul Moore Bricktown

Birds Watching OKC Thunder Dance Party by Joe Slack NW Classen Between 7th and 9th Streets Headlines by Joe Slack I-35 Edmond Flamenco by Jonathan Hills

S

HEN YUN’S u unique nique artistic vision expands theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional, deeply moving journey. Featuring one of the world’s most ancient and richest dance systems—classical Chinese dance—along with dynamic animated backdrops and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom.

Shen Yun Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization based in New York. Its mission is to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture. Traditional Chinese culture—with its deep spiritual roots and profoundly optimistic worldview—was displaced by communism in China. While Shen Yun cannot perform in China today, it is sharing this precious heritage with the world.

The Paseo Arts District OKConnected by Matt Goad Will Rogers World Airport

Feb 12, 2022

Civic Center Music Hall

ShenYun.com/OKC 877-663-7469 BES T OF OKC OKGA ZE T TE.COM | D E C E M B E R 8 , 2 0 2 1

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We have all of your HOLIDAY PARTY options covered!

Shop today for all your holiday party attire and gifts!

Finalist BEST CLOTHING BOUTIQUE BEST OF OKC 2021

BEST PUBLIC MURAL (GIVE INTERSECTION AND ARTIST)

Plaza Walls (multiple artists)

BEST PLACE TO BUY LOCAL ART

The Paseo Arts District 3024 Paseo

Carpe Artem Gallery

Plaza District

1104 NW 30th St.

Life in The Light by Denise Duong

DNA Galleries

Film Row

1709 NW 16th St.

Woodstock Mural by Roadrunner Murals

Howell Gallery

(Grant & Kaylyn Stacey)

6432 N Western Ave.

Flower Power Cannabis Co.

North Gallery & Studio

Murals by Dusty Gilpin

12100 N May Ave, suite L

Zuma With Love Project (multiple artists) The Market at EastPoint

www.shop.lushfashionlounge.com 14101 N May Ave #114 Oklahoma City, OK 73134

Mon-Sat 10:00am-7:00pm Open Sundays 12pm-5pm Follow Us:

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE PASEO NOMINATIONS! PASEO DISTRICT

BEST LOCAL DISTRICT WINNER BEST OF OKC BEST PLACE TO BUY LOCAL ART .......................

2021

PASEO ARTS FESTIVAL

WINNER

BEST LOCAL ANNUAL EVENT OR FESTIVAL BEST FREE ENTERTAINMENT .......................

BEST OF OKC 2021

FLORA BODEGA

BEST LOCAL GROCER, DELI or SPECIALTY FOOD SHOP .......................

JRB ART AT THE ELMS FLAMENCO,

BEST PUBLIC ART/MURAL .......................

THERESA HURT

BEST PATIO DINING .......................

PASEO GRILL BEST Fine Dining .......................

PICASSO CAFE

HOLEY ROLLERS

CARPE ARTEM GALLERY

BEST VISUAL ARTIST .......................

FRIDA SOUTHWEST

best restaurant with vegan or Vegetarian menu items .......................

PASEO ARTS DISTRICT

DENISE DUONG

.BEST . . . CHEF ...................

BEST RESTAURANT or Bakery with WITH Gluten-free options

BEST ART GALLERY .......................

BEST ART GALLERY BEST PLACE TO BUY LOCAL ART .......................

JEFF CHANCHALEUNE GORO RAMEN

BEST RESTAURANT or Bakery with WITH Gluten-free options .......................

WINNER

THE OTHER ROOM BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

BEST OF OKC 2021

BEST VISUAL ARTIST

VISIT PASEO! THEPASEO.ORG 24

D E C E M B E R 8 , 2 0 2 1 | OKGA ZE T TE.COM BES T OF OKC

WINNER BEST ORIGINAL BAND OR SINGER

Jabee To call Jabee Williams the “best original band or singer” is kind of like referring to the Mississippi River as a creek. Rapper, activist, community organizer, entrepreneur and all around great guy, Jabee embodies the best of what OKC has to offer. But rather than take this space to gush about him

further, we’ll instead plug his Gift Raps! charity event Dec. 16 at Ponyboy, where he, Thomas Who?, Nymasis and a number of others will be performing live.

Entry is free with a donation of toys, socks, gloves and nonperishable food.

Scan Me or Text (405) 655-8269

NOW OPEN

by appointment Only

WINNER BEST CONCERT VENUE

Tower Theatre For years, it was uncertain whether the Tower Theatre in Uptown 23rd would ever return to its former glory, but once Stephen Tyler and Chad Whitehead took over the venue, the only direction has consistently been up. Whether improving the quality of live music, bringing movies to the big screen or hosting public or private gath-

erings, Tower Theatre has imbued the 85-year-old theatre with new life, in addition to opening its adjacent smaller stage upstairs at Ponyboy. With Beer City Music Hall opening in early spring and major show announcements for the Tower ahead, OKC is leaping ahead by bounds due in no small part to the efforts at Tower.

BEST ART GALLERY

BEST MUSEUM

415 Couch Dr.

620 N Harvey Ave.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

21c Museum Hotel

Choctaw Cultural Center

900 W Main St.

1919 Hina Hanta Way, Calera

Carpe Artem Gallery

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

1104 NW 30th St.

1700 NE 63rd St.

DNA Galleries

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

1709 NW 16th St.

415 Couch Dr.

JRB Art at The Elms

Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center

2810 N Walker Ave.

11 NW 11th St.

the New Coffee Table Photobook by local photographer JAred Kinley that has been over a year in the making.

Now Available. Email for your copy.

jaredwkinley@gmail.com BES T OF OKC OKGA ZE T TE.COM | D E C E M B E R 8 , 2 0 2 1

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WINNER BEST PLACE FOR LIVE MUSIC WINNER BEST PRE OR POST EVENT SPOT TO GRAB A DRINK

The Jones Assembly While The Jones Assembly is certainly the spot to see amazing live shows many nights a month, the former Fred Jones Manufacturing Co. that was repurposed in 2017 also offers an impressive food and drink menu. With performers

ranging from Willie Nelson to Vince Staples to Dr. Dog and Lord Huron with everything in between, the 20,000 square-foot building has become a jewel of OKC’s burgeoning downtown renaissance.

BEST LOCAL DISTRICT

Paseo Arts District Asian District Midtown Plaza District Uptown 23rd

BEST CASINO

Riverwind Casino 1544 OK-9, Norman

Choctaw Casino & Resort-Durant 4216 US-69, Durant Grand Casino 777 Grand Casino Blvd, Shawnee Newcastle Casino 2457 Highway, 62 N Service Rd., Newcastle Remington Park 1 Remington Pl.

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D E C E M B E R 8 , 2 0 2 1 | OKGA ZE T TE.COM BES T OF OKC

SELECT DAYS BETWEEN NOV. 20 - JAN. 2 Visit SixFlags.com/FrontierCity and use promo code OKG21 for free parking with a One-Day Ticket purchase

Goods & Services BEST PLACE TO BUY LIQUOR

Byron’s Liquor Warehouse

BEST CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

The Market at Northpark 12202 N May Ave

2322 N Broadway Ave.

Blue Seven

Freeman Liquor Mart

7518 N May Ave.

4401 N Western Ave.

Lush Fashion Lounge

George’s Liquors

14101 N May Ave., suite 114

1020 W Main St

Mode

Moore Liquor

1227 N Walker Ave.

914 SW 4th St., Moore

The Black Scintilla

Sean’s Wine & Spirits

1112 N Walker Ave., suite 104

6969 Northwest Expy.

BEST PET-FRIENDLY PATIO

The Pump Bar

BEST VAPOR SHOP

OKC Vapes

2425 N Walker Ave

several metro locations

Bleu Garten

Kure CBD & Vape

301 NW 10th St.

several metro locations

Good Times

Liquid Vapor Lounge

1234 N Western Ave.

6608 N May Ave.

Powerhouse

Thunder Vapor

1228 SW 2nd St.

7000 NW 122nd St., suite B

Solo’s Park and Pub

Vapor Plus OK

13310 Pawnee Dr.

several metro locations

BEST CREDIT UNION OR BANK*

Tinker Federal Credit Union

Adele Wolf Productions Patricia’s several metro locations

several metro locations

Red Dog Saloon

Chase

6417 NW 10th St

several metro locations

Terre Rouge Burlesque

Focus Federal Credit Union

several metro locations

BEST PLACE FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION

BEST PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY

BC Clark Jewelers

University of Oklahoma (OU) Francis Tuttle Technology Center

Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC)

several metro locations

Oklahoma State Univeristy-Stillwater (OSU)

CJ’s Jewelers

University of Central Oklahoma (UCO)

8200 S Western Ave.

JewelSmiths

BEST NEW RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT TO OPEN AFTER 8/1/20

6517 N May Ave., suite A

Curbside Flowers

Curbside Flowers

Mitchener-Farrand Fine Jewelry

From the seeds of flower bouquets sold in conjunction with the Curbside Chronicle magazine bloomed this brick-and-mortar enterprise, dedicated to employing those experiencing homelessness who are ready to return to work. The shop at 522 N. Classen Blvd. Suite 100 currently employs more than ten people. Started with a seed grant from the

Bad Granny’s Bazaar

Oklahoma City Community Foundation, each vendor is trained by OSU-OKC, who then make all of the floral arrangements themselves. While preorders have ended this holiday season, they also offer three tiers of wreaths ranging from $25 to $108.

several metro locations

BancFirst

several metro locations

WINNER BEST NEW RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT TO OPEN AFTER 8/1/2O

Christie’s Toy Box

several metro locations

MidFirst Bank

WINNER BEST LOCAL FLORIST

BEST NAUGHTY BUSINESS

2844 W Wilshire Blvd

522 N Classen Blvd., suite 100

Naifeh Fine Jewelry

Forma, Optics and Art

6471 Avondale Dr.

1100 N Broadway Dr., suite 110 Oak City Vintage

BEST THRIFT, VINTAGE OR CONSIGNMENT SHOP

1112 N Walker Ave., suite 102 Wrap it up Gifts 903 W Sheridan Ave., suite 4

1759 NW 16th St

Decades Revisited, a Vintage Mall 3639 NW 39th St. Best Thrift 104 S MacArthur Blvd.

Dig It Boutique 1739 NW 16th St. Mockingbird Manor Antiques 4417 N Western Ave.

BES T OF OKC OKGA ZE T TE.COM | D E C E M B E R 8 , 2 0 2 1

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Life & Wellness

BEST LOCAL GROCER, DELI, OR SPECIALTY FOOD SHOP

Crest Foods

several metro locations Flora Bodega 3020 N Walker Ave. Homeland several metro locations Mediterranean Imports & Deli 5620 N May Ave Super Cao Nguyen 2668 N Military Ave.

BEST LOCAL SHOP TO SPRUCE UP YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

TLC Garden Centers several metro locations Brick’s Garden Exchange 4027 N Classen Blvd.

Calvert’s Plant Interiors 5308 N Classen Blvd Marcum’s Nursery several metro locations The Greenhouse Inc. 1708 24th Ave SW, Norman

BEST LOCAL FLORIST

Curbside Flowers

522 N Classen Blvd., suite 100 A Date With Iris 4201 N Western Ave.

WINNER BEST LOCAL PARK FOR MEET-UPS

Capitol Hill Florist and Gifts several metro locations

Scissortail Park

Tony Foss Flowers 7610 N May Ave. Trochta’s Flowers and Garden Center 6700 Broadway Ext.

BEST GARDEN SHOP

TLC Garden Centers

What can we tell you about the 40-acre park in the heart of downtown OKC that you don’t already know? From its walking trails to its farmers market as well as being the scene of festivals and live music, there’s something for everyone at the park whether

several metro locations Brick’s Garden Exchange 4027 N Classen Blvd.

Calverts Plant Interiors 5308 N Classen Blvd.

Marcum’s Nursery several metro locations The Greenhouse Inc.

that’s a stroll, a trip to the skating rink or enjoying food and beverages at one of the several spots ringing it. The Skydance Bridge will soon connect the northern portion of the park to the 30-acre southern section that is slated to open by late next summer.

1708 24th Ave SW, Norman

BEST PLACE TO FIND UNIQUE GIFTS

The Market at Northpark 12202 N May Ave. Blue Seven

BEST PLACE TO VOLUNTEER

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

BEST PLASTIC SURGEON

Tim R. Love, M.D.

11101 Hefner Pointe Dr., suite 104

BEST MEDICAL SPA (BOTOX, FILLER ETC.)

Radiance Medical Aesthetics Of Oklahoma

7518 N May Ave.

3355 S Purdue Ave.

Ivan Wayne, MD W Facial Aesthetics

Craig’s Curious Emporium

Homeless Alliance

13904 Quailbrook Dr

3308 NW 135th St., suite 100

1209 NW 23rd St.

1724 NW 4th St.

Derek Shadid

Bella Luce Med Spa

Moore Liquor

Mutt Misfits Animal Rescue Society

13820 Wireless Way

3209 Northwest Expy., suite C

914 SW 4th St., Moore

Oklahoma Humane Society

Dr. Anureet K. Bajaj, MD

H-MD Medical Spa

Plenty Mercantile

7500 N Western Ave.

8106 N May Ave., suite B

5101 W Memorial Rd.

several metro locations

Sisu Youth Services

Jones Plastic Surgery

Mariposa Aesthetics & Laser Center

3131 N Pennsylvania Ave.

8106 N May Ave., suite J

4214 N Classen Blvd.

Atomic Lotus Tattoo

BEST NONPROFIT

BEST HOSPITAL*

Black Magic Tattoo

1724 NW 4th St.

29 NE 9th St.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of

4300 W Memorial Rd.

Keepsake Tattoo

Oklahoma City

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center

12200 N MacArthur Blvd

2519 NW 23rd St., suite 110

1232 N Classen Blvd

3300 Northwest Expy.

Lenox Skincare

Mystical Illusions

Infant Crisis Services

Norman Regional Moore

6424 N Sante Fe Ave., suite B

4417 NW 23rd St.

4224 N Lincoln Blvd

700 S. Telephone Rd.

Purity Day Spa

No Regrets Tattoo

Oklahoma Hall of Fame

Oklahoma Heart Hospital

1601 N Blackwelder Ave.

1712 NW 16th St.

1400 Classen Dr.

several metro locations

Three Graces Day Spa

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

OU Medical

1025 NW 70th St

3355 S Purdue Ave.

700 NE 13th St.

udånder

BEST TATTOO SHOP 409 NW 23rd St.

RefineU MedSpa OKC

Homeless Alliance

Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City

13301 N Meridian Ave., suite 300A

BEST SPA (NO INJECTIONS USED)

Eden Salon & Spa

131 Dean A McGee Ave., suite 105

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D E C E M B E R 8 , 2 0 2 1 | OKGA ZE T TE.COM BES T OF OKC

BEST YOGA, PILATES OR BARRE STUDIO

barre3

5800 N Classen Blvd., suite 2 405 YOGA 1004 N Hudsons Ave. Dragon Yoga 4516 N Western Ave. Pilates On Western 3712 N Western Ave. This Land Yoga 405 NW 30th St.

BEST HEALTH NUTRITION STORE

AKiN’S Natural Foods 2924 NW 63rd St.

Dodson’s Health Food & Vitamins 1305 36th Ave NW, Norman GreenAcres Market Oklahoma City 7301 S Pennsylvania Ave., suite D Mustang Social Energy + Nutrition 1036 E HWY 152, suite 124, Mustang Triad Fitness+Supplements+Nutrition 14201 N May Ave., suite 203

BEST PLACE TO GET FIT*

YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City several metro locations Anytime Fitness several metro locations EMPOWERHOUSE Gym

14201 N Santa Fe Ave., suite 110 Life Time Fitness 2563 W Memorial Rd. VASA Fitness several metro locations

BEST HOTEL*

The Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City

Stuff Her Stocking

One Park Ave.

21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City 900 W Main St. Bradford House 1235 NW 38th St. Colcord Hotel 15 N Robinson Ave. Omni Oklahoma City Hotel 100 Oklahoma City Blvd.

BEST LOCAL PARK FOR MEET-UPS

Scissortail Park 300 SW 7th St. Douglas Park 47th & Lee Pearle Mesta Park 1900 N Shartel Myriad Botanical Gardens 301 W Reno Ave. Will Rogers Park 3400 NW 36th St.

BEST PUBLIC BATHROOM*

OnCue

several metro locations

at

City Bites several metro locations Scissortail Park 300 SW 7th St. The Jones Assembly 901 W Sheridan Ave. The Pump Bar 2425 N Walker Ave.

LINGERIE • ADULT TOYS • BDSM & FETISH ITEMS • LOTIONS • NOVELTY GIFTS & CARDS @PATRICIASSTORES 615 E. MEMORIAL, OKC • 405-755-8600 2333 E 71ST ST, TULSA • 918-499-1661 7925 E 41ST ST, TULSA • 918-627-4884

@PATRICIASGIFTSHOP 8009 W. RENO, OKC • 405-792-2020 5634 W SKELLY DR, TULSA • 918-446-6336 11344 E 11TH ST, TULSA • 918-438-4224 BES T OF OKC OKGA ZE T TE.COM | D E C E M B E R 8 , 2 0 2 1

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Finalist BEST OF OKC 2021

Cannabis

WINNER BEST DISPENSARY

Get Bak’d Best Public Place to Consume Cannabis Products Best Pet-Friendly Patio

1234 N Western Ave | 30

@goodtimesok

D E C E M B E R 8 , 2 0 2 1 | OKGA ZE T TE.COM BES T OF OKC

Having expanded from their original space, Get Bak’d still funnels all of their efforts into a lone location near Interstate 35 in Edmond. The dispensary is balanced between edibles, concentrates and carts and their flower selection is still top notch (they still regularly stock XJ-13,

one of the first strains sought out and reviewed in Oklahoma Gazette’s The High Culture section in 2019. All of the flower strains available on shelf are also available in pre-rolls, which is a convenient service that makes Get Bak’d an ideal one-stop shop.

Great Barrier Reefer

BEST DISPENSARY

Get Bak’d-Medical Marijuana Dispensary Edmond 516 S Coltrane Rd, Edmond 405 Releaf Dispensary 4001 N Pennsylvania Ave Great Barrier Reefer Medical Dispensary 3820 N Rockwell Ave., suite c

WINNER BEST DISPENSARY FOR CONCENTRATES WINNER BEST DISPENSARY FOR EDIBLES WINNER BEST DISPENSARY FOR FLOWER

Project Releaf 1218 N Pennsylvania Ave. Sage Wellness 4200 N Western Ave., suite A

BEST DISPENSARY FOR FLOWER

Great Barrier Reefer Medical Dispensary

If the name doesn’t make you chuckle, then Australian David Walker’s accent and jokes (both in person and through their social media) definitely will. But he and co-owner Kaleb Gibson treat the products they select as no laughing matter and test everything themselves before placing them

3820 N Rockwell Ave., suite c Cannabox Cannabis Company 916 SW 4 St, Moore

Get Bak’d-Medical Marijuana Dispensary Edmond 516 S Coltrane Rd, Edmond Project Releaf 1218 N Pennsylvania Ave Sage Wellness

on their shelves. Long known by flower connoisseurs as a spot to get some of the best crops available in the city, it’s no surprise that this Gold Coast-themed business took the gold for their selections of concentrates and edibles as well.

BEST DISPENSARY FOR EDIBLES

Great Barrier Reefer Medical Dispensary 3820 N Rockwell Ave., suite c Cannabox Cannabis Company 916 SW 4 St, Moore

Get Bak’d-Medical Marijuana Dispensary Edmond 516 S Coltrane Rd, Edmond Peak several metro locations Sage Wellness 4200 N Western Ave., suite A

BEST DISPENSARY FOR CONCENTRATES

Great Barrier Reefer Medical Dispensary

Strain Review

4200 N Western Ave., suite A

Strain name: Black Cherry Slurpee Grown by: Verdancy Acquired from: Great Barrier Reefer Date acquired: Nov. 24 Physical traits: purple, green and orange Bouquet: sweet and sour Review: This is definitely some of the most gorgeous flower on

the market, with its perfect balance of deep purple, bright green and fiery orange stigmas, which is only fitting as the definition of this grow’s name means “of the bright green color of lush grass.”

Additionally, the sharp sweet notes are met with equal force by a strong sourness that comes from its Cherry Pie lineage. The effects are slow to come on, but when they do, they don’t stop, which can lead to moments like looking for your phone that you’re holding in your hand. Gibson recommended both this one and The Chrome from Verdancy, which makes it easy to see why GBR comes highly recommended for strain recommendations.

3820 N Rockwell Ave., suite c Classen Kush House

Flower Power Cannabis Co

5012 N Meridian Ave.

Nature’s Key edibles

1217 N Classen Blvd

220 SE 19th St, Moore

Uncle Samz

Oh hi, CBD Sparkling Seltzers

Electraleaf Medical Cannabis Dispensary

Golden Bloom Cannabis Co

11005 N Pennsylvania Ave.

several metro locations

16401 NE 23rd St, Choctaw

Get Bak’d-Medical Marijuana Dispensary

Mosaic+

Edmond

3703 N Western Ave

516 S Coltrane Rd, Edmond Sage Wellness 4200 N Western Ave., suite A

BEST NEW DISPENSARY TO OPEN AFTER 8/1/20

OKC Dispensary

BEST HEAD SHOP (NON-DISPENSARY)

BEST HEALTH AND BEAUTY CANNABIS-INFUSED PRODUCT

Pain Stick, 788 Collection

BEST PUBLIC PLACE TO CONSUME CANNABIS PRODUCTS

Good Times

1234 N Western Ave.

Pain Cream, Bison & Rose

ButterstuPHD Lounge

Bubble Bath Bomb, Bison & Rose

L.A. Finest Street Cuisine

Eye dentify, Can Tek Labs

5708 Northwest Expy

several metro locations

Pain Balm, Mr. Mack’s

Zoo Ampitheatre

Green Gorilla Smoke & Vape Shop

2101 NE 50th St.

7220 N May Ave.

BEST EDIBLE PRODUCT LINE

Relax Park

ZIGGYZ

3706 NW 50th St.

Mrs. Coolz

2wisted edibles

Cookies Dispensary

7808 S Western Ave.

1 luv edibles

4041 Northwest Expy

The Indigo Attic

Mammoth chews

BES T OF OKC OKGA ZE T TE.COM | D E C E M B E R 8 , 2 0 2 1

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E VERY THING IS FINE CC HOODIE Nestled in the heart of the Paseo Arts District lies a whole planet of radical fine art, archival prints and apparel perfect for keeping the entire family cozy and optimistic.

Located at 3003 Paseo, Planet Dorshak has been consistently pumping out top-notch work.

Price: $55 tax included Perfect For: Everyone

Planet Dorshak HAN D PAINTED G L ASS BOT TLE

BY DIANE COLLINS Picasso Hand Painted Glass Bottle Price: $40 and up Perfect for: art lovers

The Paseo Arts and Creativity Center 3024 Paseo thepaseo.org 405-525-2688

FRONTIER CIT Y SE ASON PASS Get unlimited visits for the rest of 2021 and all of 2022, including this year’s Holiday in the Park celebration!

Price: $49.99 Perfect for: Families, thrill seekers, teens, and young adults

Frontier City 11501 N I- 35 Service Rd sixflags.com/frontiercity | 405-478-2140

MALU BU FLIPPER For the best in premium quality blades, visit Sharp Things OKC. Hundreds of unique items for the sharplover on your list.

Price: $-$$$$

Sharp Things OKC 6610 N May Ave., OKC sharpthingsokc.com | 405-418-4996

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D EC EM B ER 8 , 2 0 2 1 | O KGA Z E T TE .CO M

@planetdorshak planetdorshak.com

LUSH OKIE APPAREL Lush boutique in Oklahoma City is known for a large selection of Okie apparel, Oklahoma sweatshirts and more!

Perfect gifts for game day, girls night out, holiday and loungewear, Lush Fashion Lounge has something for everyone on your list.

Price: $-$$ Perfect for: Fashionistas

Lush Fashion Lounge 14101 N May Ave shop.lushfashionlounge.com | 405-936-0680

RIVERSPORT SE ASON M EM B ERSHIPS Season memberships give you worldclass outdoor adventures including whitewater rafting, kayaking, tubing, surfing, skiing/snowboarding, climbing, adventure course, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, high speed slides and – new – ice skating, curling and Nordic climbing!

Price: 50% off! Starting at $99.99 Perfect for: Adventure seekers, outdoor enthusiasts and families

RIVERSPORT 800 RIVERSPORT Drive riversportokc.org | 405-552-4040

THE WOMANIZER

Knock her socks off with this stocking stuffer.

Perfect for: Lovers

Patricia’s 2 OKC Locations - 615 E Memorial & 8009 W Reno facebook.com/ PatriciasInOKCEnid 405-755-8600

OKG PICKS are events recommended

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

FILM Free Film Screening: Burnt by the Sun Join us for a free screening of Nikita Mikhalov’s 1994 feature film Burnt by the Sun. 135 min. In Russian with English Subtitles. This event is free and open to the public! Set over one long day in 1936, Colonel Sergei Kotov is with his younger wife Maroussia enjoying a summer idyll at their country house. Enter Dimitri, his wife’s long-ago lover who had disappeared without explanation. As Dimitri inserts himself in the happy scene, it becomes clear that he is a member of Stalin’s secret police force and has arrived with an agenda. Free!, Sun., Dec. 12, 2-5 p.m. OCU Norick Art Center, 1608 NW 26th Street, (405) 208-5707, okcu.edu/film-literature/home. SUN, DEC 12 Free Holiday Film Screening - Finding Carlos DCCCA/SUPA is hosting free movie screening for the film Finding Carlos on Saturday December 11th from 1:30-3:30PM at Rodeo Cinema (stockyard location). Finding Carlos is a holiday hip hop movie that is a locally made in OKC and is inspired by the classic story ballet “The Nutcracker”. The film focuses on substance use prevention through the eyes of a teenager trying to adapt to life challenges.

We will also be discussing and distributing substance abuse prevention resources at the event. If you would like to view the film trailer you can preview it here: https://findingcarlosmovie.com/finding-carlos-featurefilm. Free, Sat., Dec. 11, 1:30 p.m. Rodeo Cinema, 2221 Exchange Ave., 405-548-5051. SAT, DEC 11

HAPPENINGS Devon Ice Rink The Devon Ice Rink returns for its 10th season in the Myriad Botanical Gardens in 2021! Get ready for another great winter of outdoor ice skating at Downtown in December’s premier attraction. Skate across 5,500 square feet of real ice and indulge in seasonal food and beverage offerings. Experience the magical, park-like atmosphere surrounded by the glittering lights of the Devon Ice Rink., Through Jan. 30, 2022.

Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405445-7080, downtownindecember.com/devon-ice-rink.

THROUGH JAN 30

Holiday Trivia and Treats Happy Hour Looking for something new on a Saturday night? Grab some friends and head to the Myriad Gardens for this after hours event! Get in the holiday spirit with drinks, holiday-inspired trivia, and holiday cookie decorating! Prizes for the trivia winners! $12/member, $15/ nonmember, Sat., Dec. 11, 5-7 p.m. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, myriadgardens.com. SAT, DEC 11 Lights On Broadway Cruise down historic Automobile Alley for the district’s holiday open house and experience its stunning light display during the 6th Annual Lights On Broadway event! On the last two Saturdays of November and first two Saturdays of December, attendees can enjoy family-friendly programming along the sidewalks such as live music, balloon art, performance photos with Snow Globe Santa and much more each Saturday from 4pm-7pm., Sat., Dec. 11. Automobile Alley, 1015 N. Broadway Ave., 405-488-2555, downtownindecember.com/lights-onbroadway. SAT, DEC 11 LIVE! on the Plaza Join the Plaza District every second Friday for an art walk featuring artists, live music, shopping and more, 6-10 p.m. second Friday of every month. Plaza District, 1618 N. Gatewood Ave., 405-426-7812, plazadistrict.org. FRI, DEC 10 A Magical Cirque Christmas The world’s greatest entertainers unite for a spell-binding and incredible holiday production – A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS! Experience the magic of Christmas with dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live at the Civic Center Music Hall on December 22 at 7:30pm.

Get into the spirit of the season with this merry treat that’s perfect for the entire family., Wed., Dec. 22. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., 405-297-2264, okcbroadway.com/cirquechristmas. WED, DEC 22 PAMBE Ghana Global Market PAMBE Ghana’s seasonal fair trade Global Market returns this year in a new location. Shoppers of all ages will discover unique gifts, from the useful & handy to the creative & fun. All merchandise are fair trade items, from almost every continent, made by artisans who are paid a

living wage for their work. Profits from the sales provide crucial funding for PAMBE Ghana’s elementary school in rural northern Ghana. The Global Market will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 noon until 6:00 pm. PAMBE Ghana is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the Guidestar Gold Seal of Transparency. Free, Tuesdays-Saturdays, 12-6 p.m. through Dec. 24. PAMBE Ghana Global Market, 2420 N. Robinson, 405/210-5214, pambeghana.org. THROUGH DEC 24 Pixel Holiday Looking for a holiday gift? Stretch out your creative muscles by making Open World-inspired holiday keychains and ornaments for you and your loved ones. See how many pixels it takes to make your favorite characters! This free event for ages 4+ is organized by the Oklahoma Contemporary Teen Arts Council (OCTAC), which aims to cultivate creative expression and artistic collaboration in Oklahoma high school students., Drop in — tickets not required Free, Thu., Dec. 9, 6-7:30 p.m. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-951-0000, oklahomacontemporary. org/learn/youth/teens/pixel-holiday. THU, DEC 9 Roughtail Comedy Night Bringing you a great home grown comedy show alongside some great homegrown brews! This month check out Los Angeles comedian, Julio Gonzalez, and local comedian Maverick McWilliams, third Saturday of every month, 8-10 p.m. Roughtail Brewing Company, 320 W Memorial Rd, 914-432-2662, eventbrite.com/e/dec-comedy-nightat-roughtail-brewery-co-tickets-209111286487 . SAT, DEC 18

Santa Claus Lane Grab your Santa Claus Lane map and make your way through a winter wonderland at Myriad Botanical Gardens. Visit Santa for FREE on the Children’s Garden Porch. Next, travel along Santa Claus Lane to the Crystal Bridge to warm up at the Holiday mART. Shop for original local art while being serenaded by the sounds of live Christmas piano music while the kids keep busy writing Santa letters and taking pictures in Santa’s sleigh. Then head north to Santa’s Workshop at the Park House where your little elves can make crafts and fuel up at the hot chocolate and sweets. Free, Saturdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. through Dec. 11. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com.

LifeShare WinterFest & Snow Tubing The LifeShare WinterFest at

Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark will be returning in 2021! Riding down the gigantic snow tubing slope is a thrill you won’t want to miss. From snow tubing to holiday movies on the video board, plus sparkling holiday lighting and décor, this will be a holiday highlight that your family will remember for years to come! There’s something for the whole family, so bring everyone along for a ride in the snow, hot chocolate and a snack, and a festive holiday atmosphere. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S. Mickey Mantle Drive, 405-218-1000, milb. com/oklahoma-city/community/winterfest. THROUGH JAN 2 Photo provided/Cody Roper|Oklahoma City Dodgers

SAT, DEC 11

Sensory Paws Bring your fur babies for photos with Santa in the Children’s Garden! Dogs must be friendly and leashed at all times. $5 member/ $10 nonmember, Sat., Dec. 11, 10-11 a.m. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, calendar.oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com/event/santa-pawns. SAT, DEC 11 SMO21: Home for the Holidays Kids table or adults table? The holiday season is here again, and it wouldn’t be a family gathering without that age-old question. At SMO21: Home for the Holidays, a seat at the kid table gives you permission to play with your food, participate in gravy boat regattas and more. Is the adult table more your speed? Enjoy chainsaw ice sculpting, learn emergency bottle-opening techniques and more. Feeling crafty? Create your own ugly sweater. No matter what table you prefer, you’ll be talking about this holiday gathering for the rest of the year., Fri., Dec. 10. Science Museum Oklahoma, 2020 Remington Place, 405-6026664, sciencemuseumok.org. FRI, DEC 10

YOUTH Second Saturday: Season of Light Brighten up your holiday season with art experiences at Oklahoma Contemporary! Join us for the December Second Saturday to:, CREATE your own colorful lantern to light up your home., PLAY and explore light projections and color mixing in the Light Studio. Light Studio activities will be led by local projection artist BC Summers., WATCH a captivating performance by storyteller and cellist Erin Yeaman. Yeaman will combine her talents as a storyteller and musician to inspire visitors of all ages to follow their inner light., LEARN more about our current exhibition, Open World by joining one of the interactive tours. Free, Sat., Dec. 11, 12-4 p.m.

Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-951-0000, oklahomacontemporary.org/learn/ youth/second-saturday. SAT, DEC 11 Sensory Santa This Santa event is tailored to families with sensory needs. Join us in the Children’s Garden for a Santa picture and a hands-on craft. There will be a small crowd and no loud music. Free, Sat., Dec. 11, 9-10 a.m. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, myriadgardens.com. SAT, DEC 11

PERFORMING ARTS 3rd Act Theatre Company Presents Drunk Classics: The Nutcracker! 3rd

OKC Ballet’s The Nutcracker All will be merry and bright as Oklahoma City’s

favorite holiday production, The Nutcracker, fills the Civic Center in a warm glow this December. Tchaikovsky’s familiar score and Artistic Director Robert Mills’ delightful staging come together as Clara and the Nutcracker Prince journey to adventurous places beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. An Oklahoma City favorite now in its 50th year, this joyous production awaits you and yours this holiday season., Sat., Dec. 11, Sun., Dec. 12, Fri., Dec. 17, Sat., Dec. 18 and Sun., Dec. 19. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., 405-297-2264, okcballet.org/performance/the-nutcracker. MULTIPLE DATES Photo provided/JanaCarson Act Theatre Company is back with the Drunk Classics fundraiser tour!, This winter we are reviving the classic tale of The Nutcracker with improv and adult beverages for a night of hilarity you won’t soon forget!

The improv is driven by your donations as rules are imposed on the actors (and one tipsy one!) while performing!, Join 3rd Act at Angry Scotsman Brewing on December 10th and at Anthem Brewing Company on December 11th, for this Nut-Tastic Holiday Special!

Angry Scotsman Brewing, 704 W. Reno Ave., 405593-8093, facebook.com/events/408126847679311.

Anthem Brewing Company, 908 SW Fourth St., 405593-8093, facebook.com/events/272222904924703 FRI, DEC 10 & SAT, DEC 11

Bah Humbug As Ebenezer Scrooge leaves his office on the eve of Christmas, the creatures that inhabit it scurry out and play out their own redemption! Bob Cratchant an overworked worker ant, Tutu the flutter-

ing Moth, Laticia the overacting spider, Operina the singing squirrel and Marvin the seafaring mouse all join together to teach Mr. Scrounge the true meaning of friendship and family. $9 Child Ticket & $11 Adult Ticket, Sat., Dec. 18, 2-3 p.m. Oklahoma Children’s Theatre, NW 25th & Blackwelder Ave, 405-208-6200, oklahomachildrenstheatre.org. SAT, DEC 18 Factory Obscura’s March of the Trees with Oklahoma Contemporary On the longest night of the year, Factory Obscura invites you to let go of the past and set intentions for the future at the Annual March of the Trees Winter Solstice Celebration. This year’s event is an exciting new partnership with Oklahoma Contemporary to bring you even more FREE Winter Solstice Fun!, Participants are invited to light up the night and dress as trees — holiday trees, butterfly trees, forest trees, trees of life, any tree you choose. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. at Oklahoma Contemporary’s

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Studio School with activities and refreshments. Free.

Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-951-0000, oklahomacontemporary.org/learn/ public-programs/upcoming-programs. SAT, DEC 18 Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Music and Lyrics

by Irving Berlin, Based Upon the Paramount Pictures Film Written For the Screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank, Book by David Ives and Paul Blake, Based on the beloved holiday film with a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting musical worthy of becoming your family’s holiday treat! $15-$35, Fri., Dec. 10, 7:3010 p.m., Sat., Dec. 11, 2-4:30 & 7:30-10 p.m., Sun., Dec. 12, 7-9:30 p.m., Fri., Dec. 17, 7:30-10 p.m., Sat., Dec. 18, 2-4:30 & 7:30-10 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 19, 2-4:30 p.m.

Sooner Theatre, 101 E. Main St., 405-321-9600, soonertheatre.org/tickets&event. MULTIPLE DATES It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play In its exciting third year at the Pollard Theatre, Frank Capra’s classic film will come to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast opening on November 26th., This familyfriendly play encourages patrons to participate as the live-studio audience, experiencing the intricate and enthralling operations of a radio studio nestled in downtown Manhattan, New York, on a snowy Christmas Eve in 1946. An ensemble cast portrays radio personalities retelling the redemptive story of George Bailey one fateful night., Fri., Dec. 10, Sat., Dec. 11, Sun., Dec. 12, Thu., Dec. 16, Fri., Dec. 17, Sat., Dec. 18 and Sun., Dec. 19. The Pollard Theatre, 120 W. Harrison Ave., 405-2822800, thepollard.org. MULTIPLE DATES Lyric Theatre’s A Christmas Carol The historic Harn Homestead once again will be reimagined as the Victorian Era setting for Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, magical spirits, and a host of unforgettable characters. Patrons will follow Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of transformation and redemption, as they are guided from scene to scene at the homestead., Tuesdays-Sundays. through Dec. 23.

Harn Homestead Museum, 1721 N. Lincoln Boulevard, 405-235-4058, lyrictheatreokc.org. MULTIPLE DATES

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D EC EM B ER 8 , 2 0 2 1 | O KGA Z E T TE .CO M MUSIC

OU University Theatre and School of Dance present Contemporary Dance Oklahoma OU University Theatre and School of Dance present “Contemporary Dance Oklahoma.”, Enjoy the exciting and dynamic dance artistry by guest choreographers Gus Solomons Jr., Sidra Bell, Tommie Waheed Evans, and

by School of Dance faculty Leslie Kraus and Roxanne Lyst., Tickets on sale Nov. 15. Elsie C. Brackett Theatre, 563 Elm Ave., Norman, OK 73019. Theatre.ou.edu 12-40, Thu., Dec. 9, 8 p.m., Fri., Dec. 10, 8 p.m. and Sat., Dec. 11, 3 p.m. Elsie C. Brackett Theatre, 563 Elm Ave., 405-325-4101, ou.edu/finearts/universitytheatre.

MULTIPLE DATES

Picasso at the Lapin Agile by Steve Martin Winner of the Outer Critics Circle Award and Best OffBroadway Play in 1996, this absurdist comedy places Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso in a Parisian bar in 1904, just before the scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the painter set the art world afire with cubism. Martin plays fast and loose with fact, fame, and fortune as these two geniuses muse and argue. The bar fills up with delightful characters, and the final surprise patron is a charismatic dark-haired visitor in blue suede shoes who time warps in from the 1950s. Steve Martin’s humor at its finest! $5-$30, Thu., Dec. 9, 7:30-9:15 p.m., Fri., Dec. 10, 8-9:45 p.m., Sat., Dec. 11, 8-9:45 p.m., Sun., Dec. 12, 2-3:45 p.m., Thu., Dec. 16, 7:30-9:15 p.m., Fri., Dec. 17, 8-9:45 p.m. and Sat., Dec. 18, 8-9:45 p.m. Carpenter Square Theatre, 1009 W. Reno, 405-232-6500, carpenteresquare.com. MULTIPLE DATES Red Dirt Poetry Cash Slam If you’ve never heard of a poetry slam, all you need to know is that it’s a crazy, fast paced, original poetry contest and in this one the winner gets a 50$ cash prize! There will also be an open mic!, Each slam contestant will need 2 three-minute (or less) poems. Contestants must be registered & orientated by 7:45PM the night of the slam and be present to draw their number at 8:00PM. Registration and orientation can be done in advance, just hit up the Red Dirt DMs (@RedDirtPoetry) or shoot us an email: RedDirtPoetry@gmail.com Free, Wed., Dec. 22, 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Ponyboy, 423 NW 23rd St., 4053142789, ponyboyokc.com. WED, DEC 22 The Spark Holiday Variety Show Join us for this holiday spirit-lifter for the entire family. Featuring the holiday stylings of Chanda Graham, The City Cabaret and introducing the Jaminalz! These artists will have you smiling and celebrating the holiday all evening long. Thu., Dec. 16, 7 p.m. The Auditorium at the Douglass, 600 N. High, 405-652-9541, facebook.com/thesparkconcertseries.

THU, DEC 16

A Tuna Christmas The residents of Tuna, Texas return for the holidays in this hilarious 2nd installment of the “Tuna” series., Brian C. Stockton and Morgan

Brown reprise their roles from July’s “Greater Tuna,” as well as portray the many other residents of our little Texas town. $10 - $25, Thu., Dec. 9, 8-10 p.m., Fri., Dec. 10, 8-10 p.m., Sat., Dec. 11, 8-10 p.m., Sun., Dec. 12, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Thu., Dec. 16, 8-10 p.m., Fri., Dec. 17, 8-10 p.m., Sat., Dec. 18, 8-10 p.m., Sun., Dec. 19, 2:30-4:30 p.m. and Wed., Dec. 22, 8-10 p.m. Jewel Box Theatre, 321 NW 36th St., 405-521-1786, jewelboxokc. com. MULTIPLE DATES Yuletide Cookies and Carols Join the PC West Performing Arts Department for a night of holiday entertainment including our Concert and Jazz Bands, Show and Concert Choirs, Theater Department, and more. Enjoy homemade cookies and cocoa during the Christmas Carol sing-a-long at 6pm, and our main stage performance of ‘Closed for the Holidays’ beginning at 7pm., A $5 donation per person (maximum $20 donation per family) is suggested. Concessions will be available for purchase. $5 per person (Suggested), Tue., Dec. 14, 6-9 p.m. Putnam City West High School, 8500 NW 23rd Street, (405) 787-1140, pcwtheatre.org/yuletide. TUE, DEC 14

ACTIVE Yoga Tuesdays an all-levels class; bring your own water and yoga mat, 5:45 p.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays.

Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-4457080, myriadgardens.com. TUESDAYS

VISUAL ARTS Abstract Pencil Sketches and Paintings: New Works by Sharon Burchett You are invited to the upcoming exhibition, Abstract Pencil Sketches and Paintings: New Works by Sharon Burchett that will be in the Library Gallery at MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main Street, Norman, OK 73069, from December 10, 2021 through January 14, 2022. The exhibition will include Burchett’s newly finished commission piece, Blue Marble Philosophy (featured here) before it goes to the new owners in Illinois, along with several new paintings and drawings. The gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm, and admission is open to the public and without charge. Image: Blue Marble Philosophy free, Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through Jan. 14. MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main St., 405-360-1162, mainsitecontemporaryart.com.

THROUGH JAN 14

Abstract Remix Oklahoma Contemporary is bringing murals indoors with Abstract Remix, an exhibition of the work of homegrown Abstract Expressionists who use the large-scale format of muralism as a medium for their giant concepts., Mondays, WednesdaysSundays. through Jan. 24. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-951-0000, oklahomacontemporary.org. THROUGH JAN 24 Art of the Heartland - Oklahoma Photography Gallery The Art of the Heartland - an Oklahoma Photography Gallery Show is now live in-person at Social Deck + Dining through the end of the year and is also available to view online in the curated art section of nicolelowry.art., This collection features stunning Oklahoma landscapes by OKC photographer Jason Pierce, Grand Life Photography., Stop by Social Deck + Dining for a cocktail, sharable bites, brunch, or dinner and to browse this captivating sequence of the beauty of Oklahoma. free, Through Dec. 31, noon. Social Deck + Dining, 1933 NW 23rd St., 4054305779, nicolelowry. art. THROUGH DEC 31 A Life in Looking: The Creighton Gilbert Collection Through themes of religion, architecture, allegory, portraiture, and humor, A Life in Looking: The Creighton Gilbert Collection explores a collection built on seven decades of expertise by this impressive scholar, educator, and connoisseur., first Tuesday-Sunday of every month. through Dec. 31. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., 405-325-3272, ou.edu/fjjma/exhibitions1/CreightonGilbert. THROUGH DEC 31 Second Friday Art Walk 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk is a free celebration of arts & creativity held monthly starting at 6 p.m. in the Walker Arts District of Downtown Norman. Downtown Norman, 122 E. Main St., 405-637-6225, downtownnorman.com. FRI, DEC 10

Visit okgazette.com/Events/AddEvent to submit your event.

Submissions must be received by Oklahoma Gazette no later than noon on Wednesday seven days before the desired publication date.

For OKG Submissions run as space live music allows, although we strive see page 37 to make the listings as inclusive as possible.

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MUSIC

Driven to direct RONNIE JOHNSON AKA GRAND NATIONAL HERALDS A NEW ALBUM WITH A POST-SCORSESE SHORT FILM DEBUT.

By Evan Jarvicks

To the layperson, the title 328i may sound like something out of abstract science fiction, but its reference is anything but dystopian or futuristic.

Instead, this time machine runs the other way. In both the literal and figurative sense, the 328i is a vehicle for nostalgia — it is a model of BMW that Ronnie Johnson drove in high school.

Known by his hip-hop moniker, Grand National, Johnson has impressively grown from burgeoning local rapper to Oklahoma City renaissance man in a relatively short amount of time. Since 2015’s debut LP, Grand Prix, he has upped his game with every release, cresting most recently with his fourth album, 2020’s excellent Stacc-A-Dolla. That release heralded a full-throttle foray into street fashion and lookbook photography with Cash Only, his clothing brand.

Now, Ronnie Johnson is raising the bar again by adding film director to his resume.

328i is a twofold multimedia project that is part music album and part short film. It is the artist’s most forwardthinking release strategy to date, yet it goes back in time to his teenage years when such an accomplishment was still a dream away. For an artist whose most popular music video is “Day Ones,” appreciating his roots is not an unexplored idea, but on 328i, he takes it to another level.

The music, credited to Grand National, is slated for worldwide release on Dec. 14. The short film, credited to Ronnie Johnson, will screen for one night only at Rodeo Cinema at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 16.

“The album came first,” said Johnson.

“From being inspired by the moments shared with friends in high school while driving my 328i...When you’re in high school, it’s usually one homie with a car, and you needed rides everywhere.”

Similarly, on the new LP, Grand National is in the driver’s seat. Some tracks hear him riding solo, while others carry prominent passengers like Ayilla, Parris Chariz, and The Vampire Youth. Moods range from feel-good jams (“What You Want”) to serious ruminations (“BLK STR Pt 2”), but the

tracklist never strays from its confident, relaxed style.

Peppered throughout the tracklist are sound bites from deleted scenes from the 1995 film drama New Jersey Drive.

The samples are a natural fit, but their cinematic angle boasts more than thematic relevance to the 328i concept.

They also hint at Ronnie Johnson’s movie fandom and filmmaking trajectory that has mirrored his conception and rise in music as Grand National.

Since the beginnings of Devoted Media Group, the production company that helped make the new 328i short film possible, Johnson has been involved with local filmmaking. Around the time his hip-hop career started to pick up, he also began to make appearances in front of the camera in the group’s early web series episodes. It was this crew that gave him the boost to pursue serious work in film, and by 2021, industry networking landed him in the company of one of his favorite directors of all time.

When Martin Scorsese’s upcoming feature film Killers of the Flower Moon hits theaters, Ronnie Johnson will appear in the credits.

“A gaffer by the name of Ian Kincaid had reached out in early March asking me to be a part of his lighting crew, and the rest was history,” Johnson said.

The film, which wrapped principal photography in October, will be a historical drama based on David Grann’s bestselling nonfiction book Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI. Production took place in Oklahoma’s Osage Nation, drawing from film and cultural resources within the state.

“I learned how a professional film is made — not only from lighting, but shooting and production as well,” Johnson said. “I learned a lot from [Scorsese] and the director of photography...I was very fortunate to gain the information I did while being on set.”

When it came time to tackle a directorial project of his own in that production’s wake, Johnson’s industry connections continued to pay off.

Ronnie Johnson, Photo provided.

Featuring a who’s who of local video artists like Sharp and T. Mayes fulfilling various roles in the crew and with a script co-written by Devoted Media co-founder Nicole Jocleen, 328i is a community effort.

Fittingly, this echoes the short’s inspiration. The interdependent camaraderie that Johnson symbolizes in his film through commutes with friends can just as well represent the production. 328i is the vehicle, and everyone involved is sharing the ride.

“It was fun,” Johnson said. “We shot three days from sundown to sun up, and no one complained. I’m forever grateful for that.”

Without spoiling too much, the plot of 328i centers around a rapper and a ghostwriter who make a perfect pair.

Set against a background of Oklahoma City night drives and conversations with high school friends, the story unfolds to reveal external forces which threaten to pull the two apart. The ending is a clever stroke of inspiration.

While the characters are wholly fictional, Ronnie Johnson is present in the film through his directorial eye and Grand National soundtrack. His fashion photography skill set translates into some memorable shots, and his needle drops transform scenes into

moments. He also slips in homages, such as the Quentin Tarantino poster that introduces a character and the bit of dialogue that proves to be an Easter egg to those who have paid good attention to the music album.

“I always knew I would find a way to make a film,” Johnson said. “I’m a movie person, and that’s always stuck with me growing up.”

Now, after journeying parallel paths as Ronnie Johnson and Grand National, the two are meeting at a pivotal time within both careers. Each serves to elevate the work of the other, adding up to more than the sum of its parts.

In a way, it is like cinema itself, which unites sound and picture to create an art form distinct from either.

Pursuing a dream can be a gamble, but there are methods to better one’s odds. Openmindedness is the first step.

“Don’t be afraid of those ideas in your head,” Johnson said, and his cinematic idols seem to agree. To quote Quentin Tarantino, “The good ideas will survive.”

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SOUNDCHECK

Endocrine Twins K.OS / ctrl NEVER MIND THAT ENDOCRINE TWINS SOUND LIKE NOTHING OUT OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA. THE DUO BARELY SOUNDS LIKE ANYTHING OF THIS WORLD.

by Evan Jarvicks

Packed with a unique blend of niche electronic subgenres, the experimental band tops sequenced beats with alien guitars, eccentric synthesizers, and piles of effects. On the occasion that the songs do include lyrics, the words are performed with such disembodied character and are so heavily manipulated that the English language doesn’t even register at times. In person, the members always conceal their faces with hoods and wigs and whatever other odd bits they can track down.

On the group’s debut studio project, which follows a string of wildly varied singles from the past few years, there blooms an essence of identity from within the band’s anonymity. Endocrine Twins splits its new material into two four-track EPs, titled K.OS (“chaos”) and ctrl (“control”). The twin releases complement each other, with the former’s aggressive, unhinged creativity offset by the latter’s steadier atmospherics. Both are incredibly weird.

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D EC EM B ER 8 , 2 0 2 1 | O KGA Z E T TE .CO M MUSIC

On K.OS, the tempos are fast, and the flavors are full of punch. Here, 8-bit influences crash into hardcore metal (“IET”), and sludgy, dubstep-influenced industrial sounds glitch into dystopia (“Stop Making Music”). On ctrl, the grooves are more danceable while retaining the duo’s experimentation.

Sirens and growls echo into the void (“Graveyard”), and moods slip from offkilter rock to angsty techno to subdued house in the span of a literal minute (“Ivory Tower”).

Within the creative indulgences that bubble and burst from the double EP, there are strains of commentary on art and life that inform what Endocrine Twins is. Lyrics grapple with power, restriction, and existentialism, all of which fuel the music’s defiance to the status quo. Endocrine Twins is a purveyor of mystery, and whether it serves to excite or disturb is a reflection on not them, but you.

ham & Horseshoe Road, UCO Jazz Lab. HOLIDAY

These are events recommended

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

Satsang, Ponyboy. ACOUSTIC

THURSDAY, DEC. 16 Acoustic Open Mic, Core4 Brewing.

Ian Moore, Tower Theatre.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8

Gift Raps (7th Annual), Ponyboy.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Paycom Center.

Khruangbin, The Criterion.

THURSDAY, DEC. 9

The Sprak Holiday Concert Series, The Auditorium at The Douglass.

Acoustic Open Mic, Core4 Brewing.

FRIDAY, DEC. 17

Asleep at the Wheel, Tower Theatre.

FRIDAY, DEC. 10 Adam Aguilar, Omni Oklahoma City Hotel.

The Blues Brothers OKC at Revolutions, HeyDay. Cody Canada & The Departed, Diamond Ballroom. COUNTRY With special guest Kody West The Flannels, 40 West.

Kaitlin Butts with The Flycatchers, Tower Theatre.

Randy Rogers Band, Cain’s Ballroom. COUNTRY Special guest William Beckmann Sisteria with Merry Walkers, Ponyboy.

SATURDAY, DEC. 11 JD McPherson “Socks”, Cain’s Ballroom.

HOLIDAY With special guest Joel Paterson Sounds of the Season, First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City. HOLIDAY

Giovannie and The Hired Guns, Tower Theatre.

Flatland Cavalry, Cain’s Ballroom. With Jake Worthington Lindsey Buckingham, The Criterion.

Old Crow Medicine Show with guest Molly Tuttle, First Council Casino.

Outline in Color, 89th Street.

SATURDAY, DEC. 18 Cody Canada & The Departed + Red Dirt Rangers, Cain’s Ballroom. 21st Red Dirt Christmas Kolby Cooper, The Criterion.

Rodeo Opry Christmas Show, Stockyards Central. HOLIDAY

SUNDAY, DEC. 19 Hosty, The Deli. Electric Nardowick, The Criterion.

The Odyssey with Pabu, Ponyboy.

Thom Bullitt, 89th Street..

SUNDAY, DEC. 12 Hosty, The Deli. ELECTRIC

MONDAY, DEC. 13 Dan Whitaker, Lost Highway.

TUESDAY, DEC. 14 Aaron Lee Tasjan with Kevin Kinney, Ponyboy.

Allman Family Revival, Diamond Ballroom.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 15 Jingle Bell Jam featuring Kyle Dilling-

Live music 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.

Visit okgazette.com to submit online or e-mail to listings@okgazette.com.

Sorry, but phone submissions cannot be accepted.

ArtAfloatOKC Showboat Concert Series: Caroling Cruises Join

holiday carolers live on a boat for an ArtAfloatOKC Showboat Caroling Cruises performance presented by Heartland. Meet us at Put a Cork In It Winery for warm beverages then hop aboard the newly-muralized Bricktown Water Taxis to listen to holiday songs sung by local carolers. Bricktown Water Taxi, 111 S. Mickey Mantle Drive, 405-652-9541 abricktownwatertaxi. com. THURSDAYS Photo provided

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37

www.romantix.com come visit us.

S C A N F O R L O C AT I O N

Lingerie • Sex Toys • Fetish • Pride Gear • Hosiery Visit us In-Store or Online at: www.romantix.com

38

D EC EM B ER 8 , 2 0 2 1 | O KGA Z E T TE .CO M HIGH CULTURE

4001 n. pennsylvania ave. oklahoma city, ok. 73112

S C A N F O R LO C AT I O N

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Cowboy hat trick THE THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM FOR STILLWATER’S COWBOY CUP, WHICH MINTED ITS LATEST ROUND OF OKLAHOMA CANNABIS CHAMPIONS THIS MONTH.

By Matt Dinger

The people have spoken and the Cowboy Cup has been crowned Oklahoma’s cannabis competition.

In true Sooner State fashion, winners earn bolo ties, spurs and belt buckles after throwing their hats in the ring against other local industry participants at the Tumbleweed Dance Hall in Stillwater.

There were some familiar faces from other competitions, like ALTVM taking first place in the indoor flower category with their Slapz strain and Pharmicated — who took the first Cowboy Cup buckle for indoor flower when they were operating as Purple Tangie — taking both first and second place in the sungrown flower category.

Sign and merch booths at Cowboy Cup, Photo Berlin Green

While several companies took two of the three awards in their respective categories, only newcomer Golden Trends swept one entirely with their CO2 cartridges.

Attendance totals have not yet been finalized, but Lewis estimates at least 8,000 people attended the event across two days.

“Everybody was just beside themselves at how well the event went and how beneficial it was for their business,” Lewis said.

More than 520 products were entered into the competition, including nearly 200 indoor flower contestants, he said.

While complaints about other cannabis competitions being pay-to-play are rampant, after attending the first year’s event, I asked if I could be a judge for the indoor flower category.

Be careful what you wish for. A total of 82 entries were given to my half of the judges, who had about six weeks to complete their portion of the competition. If it sounds like a lot of work, it was. Averaging about four strains a day, each was identified only by a three-letter prefix and a threedigit numeral.

The horse I backed, IND-098, made it to the final ten, which consisted of both

groups of judges conspiring in a smokefilled room to narrow down the top three in a lightning round of judging one November afternoon over barbecue and baked goods.

For the curious, that strain was Killer Cupcake from F5 Farms.

Despite the popularity of this year’s event, Lewis said he plans on limiting himself to one major event a year.

“We may try to do something in the summer just for fun, but really, we just want to do one thing really, really good,” he said.

Complete list of winners on next page

WHAT TO SMOKE? We have some suggestions.

Find strain reviews & more at okgazette.com.

HIGH CULTURE O KGA Z E T TE .CO M | D EC EM B ER 8 , 2 0 2 1

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D EC EM B ER 8 , 2 0 2 1 | O KGA Z E T TE .CO M HIGH CULTURE

And the winners are...

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CURED RESIN CART

Bud Bark

Strawberry Raspberry Fruit Crisps

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2nd: Pharmers Daughter Edibles

2nd: Escalated Greens

2nd: Noble Nectar

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Churro Cake Jar

Caramel Coma Corn

Tropaya BHO/SHO Powdered Donut

Rude Boy

3rd: Intent Distribution

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PB&J Blonde Duos

Crispy’s Iced Out Oreo Bar

Dog Walker Dipped and Rolled Variety Pack

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Golden Trends

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EZ Dose It Nano Caps

1000mg Cottonmouth Spray Mint

Vixen -Hash Rosin Stix

Golden Hawaiian Cart

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SOLID BHO

ICE WATER HASH

Lemon Berry Holy Water

Xengay Medicated Rollon

Macaloupe

Mai Thai Mints

JKJ Processing

Xen Xracts

Xen Xtracts

Cicada x Phresh Harvest

2nd: Infamous OG

2nd: Pharmacated

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2nd: Cicada x Juble Exotics

Grape Pie 200 mg Infused Infamous OG Drink

Cannidex

Liberty Haze

DK Smash

3rd: Pharmacated

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Kalvara THC Infused Cocktail

Pink Passion Bath Salts

Blueberry Kush

Guava Juice

HARD / SOFT CANDIES

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LIVE RESIN CART

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Strawnana

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Dandy Lion Edibles

Progressive Grow Labs

Origin Extracts x Stability Cannabis

Cicada Labs x Snaxland Ice Cream Cake

2nd: Wana

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Trop Cookies

2nd: Progressive Grow Labs

Peach Bellini

Mimosa

2nd: Origin Extracts x Stability Cannabis

Temple Ball

3rd: Kosmik Brands

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Orangeade

3rd: Tribe Collective

Peanut Butter Jelly Blasters

Tropicana Cookies

3rd: Apothecary Extracts

Amnesia Haze

Tropicana Sunrise Ambrosia Pod

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1000mg Black Hole Gummies

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Kosmik Brands

ALTVM

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2nd: Flav

2nd: Cicada x Leaf Logic

Rainbow Belts

Cattall Solventless Infused Pre-Roll

Papaya Punch

2nd: Scissortail Solventless & Top Notch Herbal

3rd: JKJ Processing

3rd: Icy Melts Solventless x Carter Creek

2nd: War Party Extracts

Care

Dragon Paw PB Wafers

Cannabis

Strawberry Jedi E-Blunts

Papaya

Vixen -Hash Rosin Stix

3rd: Noble Nectar

3rd: Cicada x ALTVM

Slurricane

Lylac Diesel

SUNGROWN LIGHT ASSIST

High Prairie Farms Orange Cheese

2nd: High Top Harvest 33 Degrees 3rd: High Prairie Farms Headband Cookie

SUNGROWN

Pharmicated

Lemon Meringue Cake 2nd: Pharmicated Wedding Cake 3rd: Pott County Boys Terple 17

INDOOR FLOWER

ALTVM Slapz

2nd: Drip Cultivation Superboof 3rd: Liberty Haze Heavenly Haze

The first place belt buckle, second place spur and third place bolo awared to Golden Trends after sweeping the C02 cart category., Photo Berlin Green

HIGH CULTURE O KGA Z E T TE .CO M | D EC EM B ER 8 , 2 0 2 1

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY WEEK OF DECEMBER 9

weeks, you may have comparable abilities to trick, fool, beguile, and enchant. I hope you will use your superpowers exclusively to carry out good deeds and attract inviting possibilities.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Many sportswriters regard Michael Jordan as the greatest basketball player ever. He was the Most Valuable Player five times and had a higher scoring average than anyone else who has ever played. And yet he confesses, “I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life.” He says the keys to his success are his familiarity with bungles and his determination to keep going despite his bungles. I invite you to meditate on Jordan’s example in the coming days.

Homework: Homework Send your predictions for the new year—both for yourself and the world. https://Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology

Aries filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky (1932–1986) was experimental and innovative and influential. His imagery was often dreamlike, and his themes were metaphysical. He felt that the most crucial aspect of his creative process was his faith. If he could genuinely believe in the work he was doing, he was sure he’d succeed at even the most improbable projects. But that was a challenge for him. “There is nothing more difficult to achieve than a passionate, sincere, quiet faith,” he said.

In accordance with your astrological omens during the next 12 months, Aries, I suggest you draw inspiration from his approach. Cultivating a passionate, sincere, quiet faith will be more attainable than it has ever been.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware,” said philosopher Martin Buber.

How true! I would add that the traveler is wise to prepare for the challenges and opportunities of those secret destinations . . . and be alert for them if they appear . . . and treat them with welcome and respect, not resistance and avoidance. When travelers follow those protocols, they are far more likely to be delightfully surprised than disappointingly surprised. Everything I just said will apply to you in the coming weeks, Taurus.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

Gemini sleight-of-hand artist Apollo Robinson may be the best and most famous pickpocket in the world.

Fortunately, he uses his skill for entertainment purposes only. He doesn’t steal strangers’ money and valuables from their pockets and purses and jackets. On one occasion, while in the company of former US President Jimmy Carter, he pilfered multiple items from a secret service agent assigned to protect Carter. He gave the items back, of course. It was an amusing and humbling lesson that inspired many law-enforcement officials to seek him out as a consultant. I suspect that in the coming

Not Warcraft.” The story lovingly mocked nerds and the culture of online gaming. Soon after sending his handiwork to executive producers, Libran co-creator Trey Parker decided it was a terrible show that would wreck his career. He begged for it to be withheld from broadcast. But the producers ignored his pleas. That turned out to be a lucky break. The episode ultimately won an Emmy Award and became popular with fans. I foresee the possibility of comparable events in your life, Libra. Don’t be too sure you know which of your efforts will work best.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

In his poem “Song of Poplars,” Leo author Aldous Huxley speaks to a stand of poplar trees. He asks them if they are an “agony of undefined desires.” Now I will pose the same question to you, Leo. Are you an agony of undefined desires?

Or are you a treasury of well-defined desires? I hope it’s the latter. But if it’s not, the coming weeks will be an excellent time to fix the problem. Learning to be precise about the nature of your longings is your growing edge, your frontier.

Find out more about what you want, please.

Nobel Prize-winning Scorpio author André Gide (1869– 1951) had an unusual relationship with his wife Madeline Rondeaux. Although married for 43 years, they never had sex. As long as she was alive, he never mentioned her in his extensive writings. But after she died, he wrote a book about their complex relationship. Here’s the best thing he ever said about her: “I believe it was through her that I drew the need for truthfulness and sincerity.”

I’d love for you to be lit up by an influence like Madeline Rondeaux, Scorpio. I’d be excited for you to cultivate a bond with a person who will inspire your longing to be disarmingly candid and refreshingly genuine. If there are no such characters in your life, go looking for them.

If there are, deepen your connection.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Black is your lucky color for the foreseeable future. I invite you to delve further than ever before into its mysteries and meanings and powers. I encourage you to celebrate blackness and honor blackness and nurture blackness in every way you can imagine. For inspiration, meditate on how, in art, black is the presence of all colors.

In printing, black is a color needed to produce other colors. In mythology, blackness is the primal source of all life and possibility. In psychology, blackness symbolizes the rich unconscious core from which all vitality emerges.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

In the first season of the animated TV series South Park, its two creators produced an episode called “Make Love,

A fashion company called Tibi sells a silver mini dress that features thousands of sequins. It’s also available in gold. I wonder if the designers were inspired by poet Mark Doty’s line: “No such thing, the queen said, as too many sequins.” In my astrological estimation, the coming weeks will be a fun time to make this one of your mottoes.

You will have a poetic license to be flashy, shiny, bold, swanky, glittery, splashy, sparkling, and extravagant. If expressing such themes in the way you dress isn’t appealing, embody more metaphorical versions.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

“I have pasts inside me I did not bury properly,” writes Nigerian poet Ijeoma Umebinyuo. Isn’t that true for each of us? Don’t we all carry around painful memories as if

they were still fresh and current? With a little work, we could depotentize at least some of them and consign them to a final resting place where they wouldn’t nag and sting us anymore. The good news, Capricorn, is that the coming weeks will be an excellent time to do just that: bury any pasts that you have not properly buried before now.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

In February 1967, the Beatles recorded their album *Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band* in London. A man claiming to be Jesus Christ convinced Paul McCartney to let him weasel his way into the studio. McCartney later said that he was pretty sure it wasn’t the real Jesus.

But if by some remote chance it was, he said, he didn’t want to make a big mistake. I bring this to your attention, Aquarius, because I suspect that comparable events may be brewing in your vicinity. My advice: Don’t assume you already know who your teachers and helpers are.

Here’s the relevant verse from the Bible: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

According to Professor of Classics Anne Carson, ancient Greek author Homer “suggested we stand in time with our backs to the future, face to the past.” And why would we do that? To “search for the meaning of the present— scanning history and myth for a precedent.” I bring this to your attention, Pisces, because I think you should avoid such an approach in the coming months. In my view, the next chapter of your life story will be so new, so unpredicted, that it will have no antecedents, no precursory roots that might illuminate its plot and meaning. Your future is unprecedented.

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes /daily text message horoscopes.

The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700.

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D EC EM B ER 8 , 2 0 2 1 | O KGA Z E T TE .CO M

PUZZLES NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE | SCREEN SHARING

By Adam Wagner | Puzzles Edited by Will Shortz | 1205 1

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Lets extra light in, in a way Get on the stick?

Music-genre prefix Arm of the Dept. of Homeland Security Deforestation, for example Not home Pool tester Line through two poles Salma Hayek: 1996, 2002 Bop on the head Driven, say ‘‘____ Flux’’ (onetime sci-fi series) Yellow belly?

Pair in gossip Dev Patel: 2008, 2016

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36 Jerkwad 39 What remains, with ‘‘the’’ 40 Quail : bevy :: ____ : parliament 41 Liechtensteiner’s currency 42 Amount of tips earned by

a street performer, maybe 45 Equipment used to play

the oldest organized

sport in North America 47 Choose 50 Brad Pitt: 2001, 1995 54 Accompanier of smoke 56 Texter’s ‘‘I think ... ’’ 57 Catherine of ‘‘Schitt’s Creek’’ 58 Outstanding finds 59 Broadband inits.

61 ‘‘You mean I’m wrong?!’’

64 Utilize a company policy

for new parents, say 66 When tripled, playful

onomatopoeia for

shooting laser beams 67 ‘‘Here, have a taste’’ 68 Owen Wilson: 2005, 2006 71 Baseless rumors 74 The lowest número primo 75 Pickup line?

79 It’s at the beginning of

this clue 80 Noted fashion monogram 81 Equal 82 ‘‘Sunrise’’ singer Jones 83 Focus of some smartphone updates 84 Before, in poetry

86 Joaquin Phoenix: 2014, 2013 89 Problems with

phonograph records 92 Contents of college blue books 94 Early online forum that

popularized terms like

‘‘FAQ’’ and ‘‘spam’’ 95 Put on again 97 Some dolls sold in a

Universal Studios gift shop 98 When ‘‘Alexander Hamilton’’

is sung in ‘‘Hamilton’’ 101 Mathematician Lovelace 102 Al Pacino and Robert De

Niro: 1974, 1995 (twice!)

108 Brother of 99-Down 109 Ramirez of ‘‘Grey’s Anatomy’’ 110 Historic trade ally of the

Monacan people 111 Dark yellow shade 115 -elect 116 Modern tech feature

for watching two

programs on one screen

... or an alternative title

for this puzzle 120 Bug-eyed 121 High-value deposit 122 Shore soarer 123 Absolutely devoured 124 Takes from 125 TV’s ‘‘____ Lasso’’ 126 Name on a toy truck 127 Places for rubs and scrubs

grandmaster in U.S.

history (14 years 11 months) 16 Flowerhorn cichlids and

vampire tetras, for example 17 Worker who wants to strike?

18 ‘‘Go on, shoot’’ 24 Sister brand of Saucony

and Stride Rite 25 Small valleys 32 Cybersquatters make

fake ones 33 What 2 is vis-à-vis 1 34 ‘‘Hmm .?.?. ’’ 35 Badger 36 Barrels of fun 37 Satirist ____ Baron Cohen 38 Entree served with a knife 43 Price jockeying of

competing airlines 44 Not paying attention 45 Walgreens competitor 46 ____ Khan of Khan

Academy fame 48 Prefix with present 49 Goes to hell 51 ‘‘Golly gee!’’

52 Stock ticker symbol for a

longtime clothing brand 53 Corrects in text 55 Brought on 60 River of old song 62 ‘‘Clever ____ are never

punished’’: Voltaire 63 [swoon] 65 Meat Loaf’s ‘‘Rocky

Horror’’ role 66 Surfaces, e.g.

DOWN 67 Start of many a limerick 1 Expert 69 Massive adversary 2 Song title shared by hit 70 Whom you might ask,

singles for Ja Rule and

‘‘Where will I be in 10

Flo Rida years?’’

3 In the ____ 71 Forensic pros, in brief 4 High points 72 Words of eventual 5 Kind of force created by understanding

the moon 73 ‘‘’Fraid not’’ 6 Ending with ‘‘brown.’’ or 76 Supermodel Shayk ‘‘auburn.’’

77 Went up against 7 What tahini is made from 78 Sorority letter 8 Tush 80 Shortest answer from a 9 Thanks (to)

Magic 8 Ball 10 Actress Gadot 81 Measures of acidity 11 Olive ____ 85 Modern joust venue, 12 In any way informally 13 Sleazeballs 87 Org. with a noted bell 14 Kind of muscle 88 Van Gogh’s ‘‘La ____ 15 Chess’s ____ Caruana, Étoilée’’

onetime youngest 90 Walking sticks?

91 Packed-house inits.

93 Went after 96 Expensive Super Bowl purchase 98 Shower times 99 Brother of 108-Across 100 Timorous 102 Member of a Turkic group 103 Onetime streaming

platform of the 2010s 104 Took a bow?

105 Submissions to a casting director 106 Like wool sweaters, often 107 Teensy bits 112 Thick component of

orange juice 113 Broca’s ____, segment of

the brain linked to speech 114 Snoring symbols in Surrey 117 [That smells terrible!]

118 Regret 119 ____ sense

Stumped? Call 1-900-285-5656 to get the answers to any three clues by phone ($1.20 a minute).

SUDOKU HARD | N° 10158 Fill in the grid so that every row, column and 3-by-3 box Grid n°10158 contains thehard numbers 1 through 9. www.printmysudoku.com

7 8 9

3

3 1

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3 1

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NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS Puzzle No. 1121, which appeared in the November 24 issue.

5 8

4

2 7

A C T B I G

T A H I T I

O N E P I N

M A L E S

M O N T D A H R I E A V R M E I N E L T R A D R A W W E S E M U S L O R E T R E X C U S S E D

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

C O M E A S V A P E S H O P S G A M Y

T C E L L D I N A C E O S N O T I N

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

T H E S U N A I R B U S B A N D

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

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