Oklahoma Gazette 4-1-15

FREE EVERY WEDNESDAY | METRO OKC’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLY | APRIL 1, 2015

Mic stand Local comedians work together to prove that funny is funny, regardless of sex.

STORY BY

FOOD: BIRRIERIA DIAZ OFFERS AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FARE P.21 ARTS: GOOD EATS CREATOR ALTON BROWN BRINGS SHOW TO OKC P.34

G ARETT FISBECK

BEN FELDER P.36

2 | APRIL 1, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

CONTENTS 6

36

ON THE COVER For this year’s Spring City Guide, we’ve scoured OKC to find fun and interesting activities for the entire family so you can say goodbye to those winter doldrums.

Cover story: Women comedians in OKC are joining those in other cities to support each other in the maledominated comedy scene by making their voices heard at a monthly open mic night at Urban Roots in Deep Deuce. Story by Ben Felder. P.36

NEWS

44

22

LIFE

LIFE

4

City: OKC neighborhoods

24

Ready, Gazette, Go! Thank you!

36

Cover: women in comedy

6

Culture: street festivals

30

38

Sudoku / Crossword

8

News briefs

Culture: Myriad Botanical Gardens Travel: agriweddings

41

Fit Local

31

Culture: spiritual retreats

40

31

Active: Battle Park paintball, Yoga for Vets

32

Easter Services

43

34

Performing Arts: Alton Brown Live! The Edible Inevitable Tour, Creatures of the Night

Music: Darlingside, Miillie Mesh, Merle Haggard, event listings

46

Astrology

47

Classifieds

10 12

Chicken-Fried News Commentary, Letters

LIFE 14

OKG picks

19

Food & Drink: iced tea, Wine Forum of Oklahoma, Birrieria Diaz, Red River Beer Festival, patios, OKG eat: celebrations

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

CONGRATULATIONS STEPHANIE SCOTT MEANS You’re Gazette’s Weekly Winner!

To claim your tickets, call us at 528-6000 or come by our offices by 4/8/15.

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | APRIL 1, 2015 | 3

NEWS CITY

Moving in City neighborhoods work together to define themselves and bring communities together.

Editor’s note: This story begins a monthlong series that explores the neighborhoods in urban Oklahoma City. Pick up next week’s Oklahoma Gazette for more coverage.

Oklahoma City’s urban core has become a collection of unique neighborhoods at different points of redevelopment. Several are in the midst of a full renaissance, while others are just starting to shake off the blight and neglect of the past few decades.

“No two districts are the same,” Christina Chicoraske, Uptown 23rd program director, said during a recent Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce forum on the growth of local neighborhoods.

The Plaza District, Paseo Arts District, Midtown and downtown have each seen some of the biggest transformations in the past decade and have capitalized on their own distinct flavors, the popularity of which is a reversal from the homogenized development trends of the mid 20th century.

Many of the urban communities experiencing growth are returning to their former days as commercial and residential hubs, including Uptown 23rd, which started as a trolley stop nearly 100 years ago and became a popular retail center.

However, the growth of suburban sprawl, malls and highways led to the decline of pedestrian-centered districts like Uptown 23rd as suburban communities in every direction built to a uniform standard.

While suburban development continues to grow in the region, the demand for living in an urban neighborhood is also on the rise.

“You are seeing the movement of the young [residents] right now to get into the urban culture,” said Liz Stevens, a volunteer with Classen’s North Highland Park Neighborhood near 13th Street and Lincoln Boulevard. “We have seen this push to live in the suburbs in the past ... and there has been a real loss of the unique neighborhood. People are now wanting to be in a place where they can bike, where they can walk, eat local and know their neighbors.”

North Highland Park is one

4 | APRIL 1, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

of three communities — along with Classen-Ten-Penn and Culbertson East Highland — where the city is injecting funds for infrastructure through its Strong Neighborhoods Initiative (SNI). It is also a neighborhood that some urban planners see as one of the next up-and-coming places to live in OKC. “If you ask why [people are returning to the urban core], answers will vary, but at the center of it all, I believe, is civic pride and a longing to be part of OKC’s renaissance,” said Shannon Entz, the lead planner overseeing the SNI program.

While neighborhoods like the Plaza District and Uptown 23rd are utilizing private investment and grassroots organizations to spur growth, success can also ride on the city’s willingness to invest public funds.

“The collaboration between the public-private partnership is vital,” said Grant Soderberg of Square Deal Capital — Soderberg is also an investor in The Windsor Hills Station Shopping Center, the hub of the growing Windsor District in west OKC. “Simple investments in lighting, road improvements and other things from the city can make a huge difference in a neighborhood’s revival.”

Soderberg also said that part of the success of The Windsor District is that it continues to serve many of the lowand middle-class community residents who lived there before revitalization efforts began.

“There is a difference that needs to be made between low-income housing and problem housing,” said Soderberg, noting that many workingclass residents benefit from recent commercial growth.

Neighborhood redevelopment can sometimes take the form of gentrification, a process of increasing home values that also might drive out lower-income residents. Neighborhoods like the Plaza District and Midtown have seen escalating home prices and rents that might also present a barrier to some former community residents, but compared to the rest of the nation, gentrification has not been as big a factor in OKC’s growth.

Using U.S. Census data, online

MARK HA N COC K

BY BEN FELDER

above Liz Stevens, a volunteer with Classen’s North Highland Park Neighborhood. publication Governing studied changes in housing values, education levels and other economic and social indicators to determine which communities across the nation had seen a substantial increase. The study found that just 13 percent of OKC’s neighborhoods had experienced “gentrification.”

That rate was far lower than most other major cities, including Portland, Oregon; Minneapolis; and Washington D.C., which recorded rates over 50 percent. Cities more comparable to OKC in size, like Omaha, Nebraska; Nashville, Tennessee; and Fort Worth, Texas, had rates over 20 percent.

Governing’s OKC map shows that gentrification is highest downtown and in the Uptown 23rd District.

“Neighborhoods gentrifying since 2000 recorded population increases and became whiter, with the share of non-Hispanic white residents increasing an average of 4.3 percentage points,” wrote Governing’s Mike Maciag in an article about the report. “Meanwhile, lower-income neighborhoods that failed to gentrify experienced slight population losses and saw the concentration of minorities increase.”

However, while many of the city’s up-and-coming neighborhoods have seen increases in affluent and white residents, it doesn’t appear to mean

that there is a correlated removal of lower-income residents.

For example, elementary schools serving Plaza District and parts of Uptown 23rd (Gatewood Neighborhood and Edgemere Park) remain at least 75 percent non-white.

Many up-and-coming neighborhoods like North Highland Park remain focused on attracting residents with affordable housing.

“We also have many empty lots in our neighborhood,” Stevens said.

“People who want to come and build, especially when they don’t want to spend a fortune, are finding this to be a good place to come live.”

Oklahoma City’s urban renaissance has been driven by neighborhood redevelopment, which was spurred by a reinvestment by citizens to live in more connected communities that might have been lost during the era of suburban development.

“Coffee, wine and great conversations on front porches are back,” Entz said.

It appears that OKC’s urban neighborhoods are, too.

You’re invited to attend New Mexico Military Institute’s

Night with NMMI Wednesday, April 22nd at 6:30 p.m.

Hilton Garden Inn OKC North Quail Springs 3201 NW 137th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73134 OR

Thursday, April 23rd at 6:30 p.m.

Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill 135 NW 2nd St Lawton, OK 73501 Whether you have already applied for admission or are simply interested in more information, come find out how our college preparatory high school and junior college programs prepare students to succeed at the next level. Dinner will be provided.

Please RSVP by calling Sam Barnes at 575.624.8653 or email Sam at sbarnes@nmmi.edu.

UNI_15-RP-077_HD_Boxing_Gazette.indd 1

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | APRIL 1, 2015 | 5 3/26/15 11:44 AM

NEWS CULTURE

Party city Oklahomans love to get together, as evident by the large crowds at its outdoor festivals.

Close a mile of 23rd Street to vehicles for a few hours on a Sunday and 20,000 people show up. Wrangle a bunch of food trucks on a Friday night in Midtown and another 40,000 appear. Add in several other street festivals throughout the year and it’s clear that Oklahoma City is in love with getting together.

“There’s a big appetite; it’s something the city really wants,” said Brian Bergman, event manager of H&8th Night Market food truck festival, which saw crowds of 40,000 last year. “For so many years, for decades, Oklahoma City kind of rolled up its sidewalks after 5 o’clock.”

I think why [these events] work is because it’s not about 40,000 people, it’s not about food trucks, it’s not about live music.

— Brian Bergman

As the urban core continues to redevelop, there appears to be a craving to gather, whether at restaurants like The Pump Bar, which draws large crowds to its lawn games and outdoor tables, or festivals like Open Streets OKC. Oklahoma City is far from the

6 | APRIL 1, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

only city where the masses gather. But when H&8th boasts being the nation’s largest food truck festival, OKC earns some credit as a town that likes to party at a level not seen in every city across America.

But more than just a desire to enjoy tasty food and craft beer, many see the success of local street festivals as a sign that today’s society is looking to connect.

“I think that it’s ... a resurgence of community,” said Rep. Jason Dunnington, a House member from central OKC who appeared on an episode of Oklahoma Gazette’s Capital City podcast from H&8th last week.

“It’s a real desire for humans to connect with one another.”

A growing desire for community can be seen in the increased demand for houses with front porches — according to the National Association of Home Builders’ Home of the Future — and the millennial generation’s overwhelming desire to live in communities less reliant on cars, based on a report from Transportation America. It seems today’s society is hungry to gather, and the second annual Open Streets OKC event last month was another example of how a simple street closure brings large crowds.

“Our reception has been over and above our expectations,” said Jackie Shawnee with Oklahoma CityCounty Health Department, one of the event sponsors.

When the first Open Streets was being planned, a similar event in Minneapolis was looked at as an example with its crowd of 3,000, said Megan Carter, also with the health

P HOTOS BY GA RRET FI S BEC K

BY BEN FELDER

above Laura Massenat, Jason Dunnington and Ben Felder at H&8th Night Market recording an episode of the Capital City podcast. below H&8th Night Market in Oklahoma City. department. However, OKC’s own Open Streets topped 20,000 in 2014, and an even larger crowd came out to this year’s festival.

“This is really an event we would like to see happen biannually now,” said Shawnee, adding that a location is being sought south of the Oklahoma River.

Drawing thousands to a festival is not a new phenomenon in Oklahoma City, as the Festival of the Arts and Oklahoma State Fair are just some of the festivals that have been in existence for many years. But it’s the simplicity of events like H&8th or Live! on the Plaza that are unique. For two years in a row, Open Streets has

been held at the same time as a soldout Thunder game, proving it doesn’t take a multi-million-dollar event with global celebrities to draw a crowd in this town.

“I think why [these events] work is because it’s not about 40,000 people, it’s not about food trucks, it’s not about live music,” Bergman said amidst the crowd of H&8th last week. “I’ve gotten calls from food truck events in New York City asking us how we are beating them at their own game. What we are doing here is unique.”

In Oklahoma City, if you close the street, they will come — in large numbers.

UNI_15-CGW-24_Get_Wild_Promo_NP.indd 5

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | APRIL 1, 2015 | 7 3/26/15 11:13 AM

NEWS BRIEFS

BY BEN FELDER

City website Have an idea for ways the city can improve its website? City Hall wants to hear from you.

Oklahoma City plans to launch a new okc.gov website within the year and is currently seeking public input to help create the final site. An online survey can be found on the homepage of the current city website.

“We want to build an attractive, mobile-friendly site that gets residents to the information they need in as few clicks as possible,” Public Information Director Kristy Yager said. “This survey will allow us to find out how people are using okc.gov and what improvements they would like to make.”

Architecture Week

“I’m [not] likely to vote for any emergency, absent a threat to public health or public security. As I vote against these from here on out, [I want it known] I have nothing against these [projects].”

That was Ward 4 Councilman Pete White’s explanation last week about why he would no longer be voting to approve emergency status for new ordinances, which allows them to go into effect immediately. Councilman Ed Shadid also supported White’s reasoning and said he would also be taking a more critical eye toward emergency requests.

MARK HANCOCK

The American Institute of Architects Central Oklahoma Chapter will host the 14th annual Architectural Tour on April 11, one of several events taking place during Architecture Week next week.

The tour will include eight stops highlighting newly built or renovated homes and buildings in the region, including the Mayfair Apartments, OKSea and the 828 Residence in the growing SoSA (South of St. Anthony) neighborhood.

“The architectural and design scene here is definitely a lot better than it used to be,” said Ken Fitzsimmons, the architect with TASK Design, Inc. who worked on the 828 Residence in SoSA. “I think people are not as afraid to do something unique as they might have been in the past.”

In addition to the tour, Architecture Week will include a presentation from Preservation Oklahoma on the state’s most endangered historic places, an architectural photography competition and the AIA Central Oklahoma Honor Awards Program.

For more information about the events or to purchase tour tickets ($12 in advance/$15 at the door), visit aiacoc.org or call the AIA office at 948-7174.

Be sure to pick up a copy of next week’s Oklahoma Gazette for a feature story on the state of architecture in Oklahoma City.

8 | APRIL 1, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

Placemaking Conference Cities were designed to combat infectious disease in the 19th century, and they should continue to be a player in improving health today, said Karen Lee, a medical doctor and health policy advisor who was one of several speakers at last week’s Institute for Quality Communities’ Placemaking Conference.

When the leading cause of death in the 1800s was infectious disease, cities created an environment to fight back with improved sanitation and building codes, Lee said during the March 23 conference. Today, the biggest cause of death is chronic disease, and Lee added that cities should respond with active transportation models and other steps to increase an active lifestyle.

“Our environments don’t support those behavioral changes people want to make,” Lee said.

During her presentation, Lee also reported that in 1990, no state had an obesity rate over 15 percent. However, half of all states had a rate higher than 15 percent by 2000, and today, there is no state with a rate below 15 percent.

Charles Marohn, who is an engineer and author of StrongTowns.org, addressed the type of dual development taking place across American cities as outlying suburbs continue to sprawl with low-level projects while historic neighborhoods in the urban core, especially in places like Oklahoma City’s Midtown neighborhood, are experiencing slower growth that results in more established structures.

“This new taco joint has a two-lane drive-thru, a large parking lot and we got rid of the on-street parking. Everybody likes this, right?” Marohn said while showing a picture of a newly build fast food restaurant in a strip mall. “But we all know the trajectory of the taco joint, right? We all know that in 20 years, there will be a new taco joint a couple miles up the road; this one will be turned into a used car lot. Ten years after that, it will be boarded up and there will be drugs sold out of the back, and the city will be looking for a grant to have it torn down and redeveloped.”

Paying close attention to people-friendly developments that encourage interaction, walking and street-level retail not only leads to better economic success for a city, Marohn said; several other speakers at Monday’s conference in Norman reported that it can also improve obesity rates and quality of life.

“We need to have places to be fully human,” said Wilfred McClay, the Blankenship Chair at OU’s History of Liberty department. “Globalization makes it so easy to move people and products … that it sometimes seems that the world is becoming placeless.”

MARK HANCOCK

GA RRET FI S BEC K

Quotable

UNI_15-CGW-81_MOVE!.indd 2

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | APRIL 1, 2015 | 9 3/10/15 2:46 PM

CHiCKEN CKEN

FRiED NEWS

“Official” scam

Just in case anyone actually believed the “official-looking” email claiming to be from former University of Oklahoma and Dallas Cowboys football coach Barry Switzer: No, he’s not stranded in Kiev, Ukraine.

No, the college football national championship and Super Bowl winning coach wasn’t at a “very urgent” coaching camp. (Though we all agree that a cloakand-dagger wishbone offense sesh is totally plausible.)

And, no, he doesn’t need or want your money, because no, he wasn’t mugged of his “cash, credit cards and phone.”

And — possibly the biggest relief for all of us — he also doesn’t spell program as “programme.”

National media outlets recently reported on the phishing scam after Yahoo Sports columnist Dan Wetzel received the “Nigerian Prince”-like email and checked its veracity.

Switzer cleared up everything with a Tweet — sent from Norman

— using his trademark humor: “Back from the Ukraine! Vald and I were riding our horses through a village! One of villagers shouted ‘Go Big Red!’ We both turned and waved!”

They probably yelled, “Howdy!” at that villager, too.

Money pool

Former Oklahoma City mayor and Putnam City school board member Kirk Humphreys, who also is a member of the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents, is sort of in trouble for what many see as racist comments he made on a local political television show.

“When I went on the school board 30 … 25 years ago … a little over… we were probably the best school district in the state. We just happened to have the best gene pool,” Humphreys said on the March 8 episode of Flashpoint.

“But that gene pool keeps moving out. It’s moved to Edmond, it’s now moved to Deer Creek, and you know, they’ll keep running as long as they can buy green fields and

APRIL 19 THROUGH JUNE 14, 2015

gasoline for their car.”

OKC Public Schools Superintendent Rob Neu, former Oklahoma attorney general Mike Turpen, Humphreys and the show’s host, Kevin Ogle, were discussing problems in the OKC school district and the unique challenges its demographics pose when the comment was made.

In the time period that Humphreys was talking about, school desegregation and “white flight” sent wealthier OKC residents into less-diverse suburbs like Edmond, Norman and Deer Creek.

Blue Nation Review pointed out that OKC’s population was 79.2 percent white in 1990 and dropped to 62.7 percent in 2010.

However, Humphreys told NewsOK. com that people misunderstood him and he meant that “upwardly mobile and more affluent” families were the ones moving to the suburbs and that his comments weren’t race-related.

Smile!

Wal-Mart has a street-level reputation for attracting all manner of unusual customers, particularly in the overnight hours. But sometimes, things get so weird that even

NATIONAL WEATHER CENTER BIENNALE 2013 Best of Show Winner Elizabeth Patterson (Los Angeles, California) Pershing Square, Los Angeles Colored pencil and solvent on Bristol vellum 34.5 x 48.5 in The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo.

For information and accomodations on the basis of disability, please call (405) 325-3095.

10 | APRIL 01, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

the public and the police throw their windows open and yell, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!”

Yep, it’s more than a line from a movie. It’s a call to action.

Recently, Wal-Mart Supercenter security cameras caught a dramatic scene and escape. Two men in hoodies dragged a woman down several store aisles as they attempted to steal her purse.

News9.com quotes witnesses who chronicled the violent exchange, which dumped over bra and panty displays as the woman retained a “death grip” on her handbag.

Local police confirmed the alleged attempted theft and showed security camera screen-grabs of the two young men, along with the Nissan Altima they fled in.

Dudes, there’s always a camera. Always.

They learned this lesson the hard way; an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old were recently booked into the Oklahoma County Jail and charged in the attack. News 9 reported that they also face charges for an alleged theft from a girl at another Wal-Mart.

The most important takeaways from the incident: Smile for the cameras (or better yet, crime doesn’t pay) and some Wal-Marts now offer carnival rides near

ART’s window on the impact of weather on the human experience.

PUBLIC OPENING: 3 P.M. SUNDAY, APRIL 19 NATIONAL WEATHER CENTER

THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

120 DAVID L BOREN BOULEVARD | NORMAN, OKLAHOMA

NWCBIENNALE.ORG

their sliding entry doors.

Critical research

Rep. Jim Bridenstine has paid nearly $64,000 for “confidential” work from a Tea Party consultant.

“House records show the Tulsa Republican’s office paid Dean Clancy nearly $44,000 from late August through the end of 2014 and called him ‘special projects manager,’” The Oklahoman reported last week. “Sheryl Kaufman, Bridenstine’s press aide, said Clancy was paid another $20,000 this year.”

Because the U.S. Congress is exempt from the Freedom of Information Act, Bridenstine can spend campaign funds on nearly anything he wants without having to account for it.

Bridenstine made headlines last year when a citizen at his town hall said President Obama should be executed and has become a favorite politician for those who still believe the president was born in Africa, that climate change is a hoax by Bill Nye and pressing two for English is the greatest injustice in American history.

We think it’s totally plausible that Bridenstine could be paying thousands of dollars to find evidence that Obama hates puppies, or that maybe Clancy is a clandestine tailor who specializes in designing and sewing Air Force jumpsuits (we prefer the word onesies, though).

Either way, our American way of life is obviously on the line and Bridenstine shouldn’t be pressured to deal with silly transparency requests that we’d otherwise expect other, run-of-the-mill lawmakers (like our state’s governor, for example) to oblige.

Black hole judge

Gov. Mary Fallin failed to win this year’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Oklahoma’s Black Hole Award after winning two years in a row. The “incumbent’s” winning streak ended abruptly when FOI Oklahoma announced that a judge bested her ability to stall access to public information.

The award instead went to Special Judge Howard Haralson for “turning his courtroom into a black hole during an important divorce case, that of Oklahoma

oil magnate Harold Hamm,” said a statement posted to FOI’s website.

Hamm split with his wife a few years ago, and Forbes claimed that his recent divorce settlement “could be the world’s most expensive at over $5 billion.” (A photo of the cashed check he wrote to his ex went viral.)

FOI Oklahoma, a “sunshine law” advocacy group that promotes openness in government, claims that the judge ignored the First Amendment when he blocked public and media access to all but three days of the 10-week trial. Two state Supreme Court justices said they believe Haralson failed to follow important protocols regarding the sealing of court records.

Diaper dandy

In a recent interview with Esquire. com, Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne took a dump ... of his diaper bag and showed it to the world.

Yes, the famously funky

OKC musician carries a diaper bag over his shoulder during his travels because the multiple pockets come in handy for his various needs.

“We travel so much that if you have to really get ready every time, you’d spend your whole week unpacking and then five minutes later packing again, so you just need one thing,” he said.

Coyne showed off the contents of his bag during the South by Southwest festival. The contents included a copy of Alice in Wonderland, a plastic baggie filled with medications and toiletries, pink headphones, sunglasses adorned with prescription pills, duct tape, safety pins and, of course, a Doctor Who pocket sound machine.

No word yet on whether he will be marketing his own line of diaper bags, but if he does, we suggest calling it The Coyne Purse.

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | APRIL 01, 2015 | 11

COMMENTARY

P ROVI DE D

Patients battle more than cancer

BY WADE CALLAHAN

The day I was diagnosed with cancer was a normal day. I had no symptoms when I visited the doctor for my annual checkup when they found my PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level had spiked since the previous year.

I’ve been a health nut all my life, and it was a shock when I learned I had prostate cancer.

After careful research and a handful of consultations with different doctors, I decided I wanted to be treated with proton therapy radiation.

Proton therapy is a more targeted radiation treatment that gets rid of cancerous tissue without additional damage to nearby healthy tissues and organs. Standard x-ray radiation is an option that would stop the cancer from growing but have far more

potential side effects over proton therapy.

Throughout my eight weeks of treatment, I didn’t suffer any side effects that impacted my lifestyle, and I didn’t have to change my level of physical activity at all.

The treatment was a great success for me. Following proton therapy, my PSA level plummeted, and it has stayed down these last three years.

I’m so thankful for my good health now.

I was lucky enough to have coverage from my treatment when I needed it, but insurance companies that have previously covered proton therapy are now requiring higher levels of clinical testing — more than what is required for coverage for any other

radiation treatment.

Although proton therapy was approved by the FDA in 1988, many Oklahoma cancer patients still face multiple rounds of coverage denials on top of fighting the clock to start the treatment needed for their survival and long-term health.

As an insurance agent who works with health care supplement plans, I understand all too well the changes occurring in the insurance industry.

However, I firmly believe the doctor’s recommendation should direct treatment, not an insurance company representative who has never examined me and doesn’t know my specific case.

House Bill 1515 unanimously passed through the Oklahoma House of Representatives and is now in

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

the hands of our Senate. The goal of this bill is to help Oklahoma cancer patients receive the radiation treatments necessary for their recovery and long-term health as recommended by their doctor.

I respectfully ask state lawmakers to listen to their constituents who pay ever-higher insurance premiums only to be denied care when cancer strikes.

Please join me in the battle against inadequate cancer treatment coverage and help make a positive change in the lives of many Oklahomans who deserve to focus on fighting their cancer, not their insurance company.

It is time to contact your state senators and ask them to give House Bill 1515 a fair hearing and vote in favor of the bill.

Wayne Callahan is a prostate cancer survivor from Oklahoma City.

LETTERS Oklahoma Gazette provides an open forum for the discussion of all points of view in its Letters to the Editor section.

The Gazette reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity. Letters can be mailed, faxed, emailed to jchancellor@ okgazette.com or sent online at okgazette. com. Include a city of residence and contact number for verification.

Free speech

Recently, late at night, the University of Oklahoma (OU) released a statement that conflated the SAE story with the Joe Mixon story and announced with a straight face that this was not a double standard. They took great pains to say that Mixon was kicked off the team for a year and also given community service.

There seems to be very little followup to that statement. Perhaps the Oklahoma press does not wish to hurt OU President David Boren’s feelings?

Well, I don’t care about his feelings.

I believe that statement was pure hogwash, and I think Coach Barry Switzer would agree. The university should not have conflated these incidents, as they are apples and oranges.

Mixon is a highly recruited student athlete who committed a crime. The Cleveland County court system dealt with that after the university gave him

12 | APRIL 1, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

the slap on the wrist. Mixon is back on the team. He continues to attend classes.

These two alleged frat-boy racists committed grossly intolerable, offensive free speech, which apparently Boren decided they were not entitled to speak, so he allegedly expelled them from campus. Where was their due process?

I do not agree with what they said, but I do agree that in the U.S., and especially at a state university, they have a right to say it.

Mixon was accused of committing a crime. He allegedly assailed a female student. The frat boys exercised free speech. Mixon is still attending classes; the frat boys were expelled.

No double standard here looks pretty damn equal to me.

— John W. Hilmes Oklahoma City All-American opportunities

This is in regard to the article “Future investment” (News, Education, March 25, Oklahoma Gazette) by Ben Felder.

Programs like DACA are important for our nation’s future.

Even as a Republican, I agree that the money spent on these programs is well worth the cost.

DACA and other programs like it are an investment. The money spent will not be money that the government

will never see back. These programs allow people who’ve grown up in the United States to get educations and legitimate jobs and, more importantly for the government, pay taxes.

While DACA looks nice from a humanitarian point of view, it is also great from a fiscal point of view. The student featured in the piece, Kenia Hernandez, and many others like her will now take legitimate jobs and pay their taxes, something that they would not have done if they had taken an “under the table” job that plagues the illegal immigrant community.

While I am not sure just how much the government spends in regard to DACA, it can’t be more per person than the amount of taxes they’ll pay to our government over their lifetime.

DACA, when broken down to its core, is just a two-year work permit and a blind eye to possible deportation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

It’s an extreme benefit for those who want to follow in the spirit of the program, and it does not allow those who would abuse the program to take advantage of it, as a felony or serious misdemeanor can mean expulsion from DACA protection.

These immigrants, who have lived here since they were 16 will be, or already are, as American as you or I. They deserve some chance to show they can be productive members of society, and if they can, that benefits all of us in the end.

— Christopher Hartman Edmond

Reason #11

Oscar's

Movie Line: (405) 703-3777

WarrenTheatres.com

Lounge

Just South of 4th Street on I-35 in Moore

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | APRIL 1, 2015 | 13

BI GSTOC KP HOTO.COM

OKG picks are events

recommended by Oklahoma Gazette editorial staff members.

For full calendar listings, go to okgazette.com.

BOOKS The Artist’s Way Creativity Workshop with James Nave’, poet, spoken work performer and creativity facilitator hosts a workshop of creating creative fuel by the environment around you, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Apr. 1-2. IAO Art Gallery, 706 W. Sheridan Ave., 232-6060, iaogallery. org. WED-THU Lecture and Book Signing with Jonathan Lopez, author of “Han van Meegeren: The Man Who Made Vermeers” will host a lecture and sign copies of his book, 6 p.m., Apr. 1. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 236-3100, okcmoa.com. WED Zack Rogow Event, a San Francisco-based poet, translator and playwright will read and sing some of his recent works, 7-8:30 p.m., Apr. 1. Mainsite Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main St., Norman, 360-1162, mainsite-art. com. WED Book Launch, release of author Barbara James Fretwell’s newest novel, “Cimarron Crucible”, 6:30 p.m., Apr. 2. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 842-2900, fullcirclebooks.com. THU

FILM Clean Shorts Film Festival, family friendly film festival for short films of all varieties and genres, 4-10 p.m., Apr. 3; 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Apr. 4. Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center, 4601 N. Choctaw Rd., Choctaw, 3909591, eoctech.org. FRI-SAT F for Fake, (FR, 1974, dir. Orson Welles) film documenting the lives of Elmyr de Hory and Clifford Irving, two infamous fakers; de Hory who forged Matisse and Picasso and Irving who fabricated the biography of Howard Hughes, 8 p.m., Apr. 3; 5:30 p.m., Apr. 4; 2 p.m., Apr. 5. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 236-3100, okcmoa.com. FRI-SUN Beyond the World of Interstellar, one-night presentation of behind the scenes of the criticallyacclaimed movie staring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway including red carpet interviews and other bonus footage, 7 p.m., Apr. 7. AMC Quail Springs Mall 24, 2501 W. Memorial Rd., 405-755-2406, amctheatres.com. TUE The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, (IT, 1966, dir. Sergio Leone) the search for stolen gold against a bounty hunter and a Mexican bandit, 7 p.m., Apr. 7. Harkins Theatre, 150 E. Reno Ave., 231-4747, harkinstheatres. com. TUE

Easter Egg Hunt Easter season is upon us, and while some good children have Christ on their hearts, many have eggs on their minds. Two public hunts, one for your little pups and one for your dogs, will be held Saturday at Myriad Botanical Gardens.

The children’s Easter Egg Hunt begins at 10 a.m. in the Children’s Garden for ages 4 and under and 10:30 a.m. for ages 5-10. The Doggie Easter Egg Hunt begins at 3 p.m. on the Great Lawn. Tickets are $5-$10 for kids and $10 for canines. Visit myriadgardens.com.

Saturday

HAPPENINGS Canines Against Cubicles, step away from your cubicle and enjoy lunch with adoptable dogs and puppies; food trucks, music, a photo booth, puppy petting area and the opportunity to take dogs on walks around the park, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Apr. 2. Bicentennial Park, 500 Couch Drive, 297-3882. THU

Messages from Spirit at SIG, psychic medium Shelly Wilson and Drew Cali will be using their psychic and medium abilities to respond to your questions and help with healing and insight, 7-10 p.m., Apr. 3. SIG, 131 Dean A McGee Ave., Suite 135, sigokc.org. FRI Doggie Easter Egg Hunt, eggs hunt with treats and stickers for your favorite furry friends, 3-4 p.m., Apr. 4.

Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 445-7080, oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com/events. SAT

First Friday Gallery Walk According to Google, warmer weather means an early start for golfers in Utah, active gators and plenty of potholes, but you probably aren’t concerned about any of those things because the Paseo Arts District’s First Friday Gallery Walk is back for another season! Featuring The SmallArt Show, which showcases small art for the beginning collector, the walk includes 75 artists and 20 galleries and runs 6-10 p.m. Friday along Paseo Street between NW 30th and NW 28th streets.

The event is free. Visit thepaseo.com.

PROVID ED

Friday

14 | APRIL 1, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

ANTI-AGING SERVICES

MICRODERMABRASION $30 First Treatment $200 Package of 5 MICRODERMABRASION ADD-ONS $10 Glycolic Peel $20 Jessner’s Peel

P ROVI DE D

NOW OFFERING

FACIALS

starting at $30 JUVEDERM • RADIESSE

BOTOX Always $10 Per Unit

Schelly’s Aesthetics

Schelly Hill, R.N.

Shoppes at Northpark, 12028 May Ave. 405-751-8930 Open Mon-Sat www.skincareokc.com Gift Certificates Available

THE ACADEMY OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

P R E S E N T E D BY

BLOW OKC Following last year’s epic wrestling event, Balthazar’s Ladies of Wrestling (BLOW) hosts this off-the-top-turnbuckle tribute to ’80s and ’90s pop icons, including Marty McFly. It starts 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at OKC Farmers Public Market, 311 S. Klein Ave. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Visit facebook.com/balthazarblow.

Wednesday, April 8

UCO@125 Distinguished Speakers Series, featuring a keynote from singer-songwriter, John Legend who is also a national spokesperson for Management Leadership for Tomorrow and serves on the boards for the Equality Project, Stand for Children, Teach For America and PopTech, 2 p.m., Apr. 7. University of Central Oklahoma, 100 N. University Drive, Edmond, 974-2000, uco.edu. TUE Linen Runway Show, Miss Oklahoma contestants and Miracle Children will strut their stuff down the runway wearing fanciful gowns created from various table linens by Brent Patterson of Marianne’s Rentals for Special Events; benefiting Children’s Hospital Foundation, 6 p.m., Apr. 7.

Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club, 7000 NW Grand Blvd., 848-5611, okcgcc.com. TUE Oklahoma’s Most Endangered Historic Places, event highlighting the need to protect Oklahoma’s historic treasures featuring a live auction and wine pull, 6:30-8 p.m., Apr. 7. Hart Building, 726 W. Sheridan Ave. TUE

FOOD Cork & Canvas, wine pairings, a signature cocktail, appetizers, live music, silent and live auctions and artwork created by students at Positive Tomorrows, Oklahoma’s only elementary school for homeless children, 6-9 p.m., Apr. 2.

Farmers Public Market, 311 S. Klein Ave., 2326506, okcfarmersmarket.com. THU

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

SPONSORED BY:

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.ACM-UCO.COM OR CALL 405-974-4700 OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | APRIL 1, 2015 | 15

P ROVI DE D

continued

DREAM OF OWNING A HOME?

Do you want to own your own home but you have no idea how to start the home buying process? Do you need down payment and closing cost assistance to complete your dream? CAA of OKC not only has Homebuyer Education Workshops, but also DOWNPAYMENT AND CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE for income-elibible families purchasing in areas of OKC! Call CAA of OKC at (405) 232-0199 x 3201 and let us show you how it is possible! We are certified HUD Housing Counseling Agency and we can walk you thru step by step.

This program is funded in part by the City of OKC and HUD, and is an Equal Housing Opportunity Agency.

Call: Community Action Agency 405.232.0199

Food Truck Wednesday As if you had nothing else to do with your lunch hour (trust us; you don’t), Dunlap Codding, 609 W. Sheridan Ave., on Film Row hosts a scrumptious hump day topper. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each Wednesday, visit a featured food truck, hear live music and gossip at tables set up outside its courtyard gates. Admission is free. Visit dcfilmrow.com.

Wednesdays, ongoing

Uptown Uncorked, food and beverage-tasting event featuring local restaurants and business and live music; proceeds benefit the beautification of 23rd street and support Uptown 23rd events and programming, 7-10 p.m., Apr. 2. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, 521-2491, okhistory. org/historycenter. THU Alton Brown Live! The Edible Inevitable Tour, star of Food Network’s “Good Eats” and host of “Iron Chef America” brings a night of comedy, food experimentation, live music and fun for all ages to enjoy, 8 p.m., Apr. 2. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., 297-2264, okcciviccenter.com. THU Eggs-tra! Eggs-tra! Read All About It!, discuss the health benefits of eggs and learn how to make a delicious spring frittata, 9-10:30 a.m., Apr. 3. Integris Southwest Medical Center, 4200 S. Western Ave., 9512277, integrisok.com. FRI The Dinner Detective, interactive murder mystery dinner show, 6:15-9:30 p.m., Apr. 4. Sheraton Hotel, 1 N. Broadway Ave., 235-2780, sheratonokc.com. SAT

YOUTH Cinderella Confidential, two investigative reporters interview everyone from the fairy godmother to mice in the witness protection program to help the prince find the woman the shoe belongs to, 11:30 a.m., Apr. 2 & 7; 2 p.m., Apr. 4. Oklahoma Children’s Theatre, 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave., 606-7003, oklahomachildrenstheatre.org. THU/SAT/TUE Easter Train, first train ride of the 2015 season with the Easter bunny, 9:15 & 11:15 A.M., 1:15 & 3:15 P.M., Apr. 4. Oklahoma Railway Museum, 3400 NE Grand Blvd., 424-8222, oklahomarailwaymuseum.org. SAT

16 | APRIL 1, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

Easter on the Prairie, egg hunt, pictures with Easter bunnies, face painting, lamb petting station, live performances, tours of emergency vehicles and a lot of fun, 9 a.m., Apr. 4. Kirkpatrick Family Farm, 1001 Garth Brooks Blvd., Yukon, 350-8937. SAT HOPabaloo, enjoy an Easter brunch at the Zoo with a visit from the Easter bunny, egg hunts, prizes and more, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Apr. 5. Oklahoma City Zoo, 2000 Remington Pl., 424-3344, okczoo.com. SUN

PERFORMING ARTS Dan Chopin, stand up comedy performance, 8 p.m., Apr. 1-2; 8 & 10:30 p.m., Apr. 3-4. Loony Bin Comedy Club, 8503 N. Rockwell Ave., 239-4242, loonybincomedy.com. WED-SAT Mr. and Mister, 1960’s gay drama of a school teacher and a rancher who fall in love and hide their feelings from everyone, including each other, 8 p.m., Apr. 3-4.

Actors Casting & Talent Services, 30 N.E. 52nd St., 702-0400, actorscasting.com. FRI-SAT Oklahoma Festival Ballet, ballet performance including new choreography by Jock Soto along with classic works from Marius Petipa, 8 p.m., Apr. 3-4.

Reynolds Performing Arts Center, 560 Parrington Oval, 325-4101. FRI-SAT Nunsense A-Men, Sister Julia, Child of God, the cook for Little Sisters of Hoboken, a missionary order, accidentally killed some of the residents and has to come up with the funds for their burials, 8 p.m., Apr. 3-4. The Boom Dinner Theatre, 2218 NW 39th St., 6017200, theboomokc.com. FRI

ACTIVE OKC Outlaws Roller Derby vs OKCRD Lighting Broads, roller derby battle between two local teams supporting Camp Noggin and Special care along with carnival games for kids to enjoy, 7 p.m., Apr. 4. OK State Fairgrounds- Centennial Building, 3001 General Pershing Blvd. SAT Double Road Race, Double 15K (10K+5K), Double 8K (5K+3K) & Double 1.5M Kids under 13 race (1M+.5M), Stars & Stripes Park, 3701 S. Lake Hefner, 297-2756, okc.gov/parks. SAT 5th Annual House of Healing Easter Run, 5K, 10K, and 1 mile Easter run benefting House of Healing; family event with games, an egg hunt and moonwalk, 9-11 a.m., Apr. 4. The Cube, 7903 NW 30th St., Bethany, 789-3175, councilroad.org/cube. SAT

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

Color in Bloom, glass pieces inspired from the flowers and trees showing off their early blooms as well as hand-painted silk scarves by Quinquia Calhoun. Jann Jeffrey Gallery, 3018 Paseo St., 607-0406.

Glen Thomas, sculptures and paintings by Oklahoma artist, Glen Thomas who works in both two and three-dimensional media. 50 Penn Place Gallery, 1900 Northwest Expressway, Suite 113-R, 848-5567, 50pennplacegallery.com.

OKC Thunder vs. Houston Rockets, NBA basketball game, noon, Apr. 5. Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W. Reno Ave., 602-8700, chesapeakearena.com. SUN

Grow, earthy abstract pieces inspired by dreams, the artist’s experiences, and overlooked small beauties; organic forms in watercolor, charcoal, pastels, and acrylics by artist Amanda Johnson. Elemental Coffee Roasters, 815 N. Hudson Ave., 604-9766, elementalcoffeeroasters.com.

OKC Barons vs. San Antonio Rampage, The Oklahoma City Barons host the San Antonio Rampage, the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, 7 p.m., Apr. 7.

Cox Convention Center, 1 Myriad Gardens, 602-8500, coxconventioncenter.com. TUE

Husbands, Wives and Lovers, exhibit of artwork by Norman-based artist, Mary James Ketch in which she creates a series of paintings that question our current behavior and how it reflects our future. The Project Box, 3003 Paseo St., 609-3969, theprojectboxokc.com.

VISUAL ARTS

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

Oklahoma State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., 5213356, ok.gov.

#MyOklahoma, photographer Caroline Cohenour and friends present their view of Oklahoma using Instagram. In Your Eye Studio & Gallery, 3005-A Paseo St., 525-2161, inyoureyegallery.com.

April Featured Artists, “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” exhibit by Candice Anderson featuring her oil paintings and photography exhibit “One Image-Many Memories” by Linda Guenther.

Contemporary Art Gallery, 2928 Paseo St., 601-7474, contemporaryartgalleryokc.com.

Oklahoma Girl, photography exhibit by Moore-based photographer Josh Fisher. The Purple Loft Art Gallery, 514 NW 28th St., Suite 400, 412-7066.

The First Fifty Years of Oklahoma Art, showcases work from Oklahoma’s first artists, including Woodrow Wilson Big Bow, Woody Crumbo, Charles Banks Wilson, Nan Sheets and more. Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum, 1400 Classen Drive, 2354458, oklahomaheritage.com.

PROVIDE D

Black and White Retrospective of Oklahoma, photography works by Eric Bloemers of Oklahoma and the OKC metro area. BlackMint Collective, 800 W. Sheridan Ave., 219-5074, facebook.com/ blackmintcollective.

Marbling Workshop, learn several water-marbling techniques and make your own artwork to frame and take home, 1-3 p.m., Apr. 4. Skirvin Hilton Hotel, 1 Park Ave., 272-3040, skirvinhilton.com. SAT

75%

Gazette

of Oklahomans don’t smoke.

But secondhand smoke increases their risk for heart disease, cancers, asthma attacks, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

Are you okay with that?

Secondhand Smoke.

No one should have to breathe it.

Eggstravaganza If you’ve ever answered which came first, the chicken or the egg, your answers were wrong. Dinosaurs came first. Here to celebrate this littleknown fact is an Easter-related day of dinosaur-themed events at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. Including an egg hunt, outdoor activities, face painting and gallery admission, the day is a perfect way to remember the egg’s true roots. Events run 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 1 at the Museum of Natural History, For OKG 2401 Chautauqua Ave., in Norman. Admission is free.

Wednesday, April 1

Learn more at StopsWithMe.com.

music picks see page 43

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | APRIL 1, 2015 | 17

Go to

okgazette.com/GWW to enter to win a pair of tickets:

TYLER THE CREATOR Thursday, June 4 @ Diamond Ballroom

gazette’s wEEkLY winnER wiLL bE AnnOunCEd EACH wEEk in THE TAbLE Of COnTEnTs

Printed winners have 7 days to claim tickets

18 | APRIL 1, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

LIFE FOOD & DRINK

t’d off

P HOTOS BY M A RK HA N COC K

Chill out this spring with these stress-free tips for making perfect iced tea.

BY GREG ELWELL

Does anything taste more like spring than iced tea? It’s the perfect beverage for picnics, pairs well with fried chicken and anyone can make it — with varying degrees of success.

For a beverage that seems simple, iced tea can go wrong in several ways; it can be as flavorless as water, grainy with too much sugar or astringent from steeping for too long.

That’s why Kristy Jennings, owner of t, an urban teahouse, 7518 N. May Ave., agreed to step in and teach everyone the simple steps to a top-notch iced tea.

the tea leaves are scalded. Too cold and it won’t pull out enough flavor.

Most tea sellers will give you instructions on water temperature, but most black teas require 212-degree water for the best taste.

“Be sure to start the timer right when you pour in the water,” Jennings said. “Tea that steeps for too long will get so astringent that no amount of sugar can fix it.”

That bitter flavor comes from an overabundance of catechins — a natural antioxidant found in tea.

STEP 4.5: Sweeteners

This one is optional. Some sweeteners — including honey, agave syrup or stevia — need to be melted, which can be done with some of the hot tea water.

Once it’s liquefied, it can be added to the final brewed product.

To use sugar, Jennings recommends making simple syrup, stirring sugar into hot water until dissolved and then cooling off the mixture. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two months and can be added to iced tea after it’s already cold without any graininess.

STEP 1: Use good tea

“If you start with low-quality ingredients, you’re going to end up with a low-quality product,” she said. “That’s why the very most important part of great iced tea is using great tea.”

That means putting away the tea bags and using loose-leaf tea, Jennings said, since bagged tea is filled with pulverized tea dust.

Different tastes call for a variety of teas, but Jennings chose black currant tea, which includes dried black currants and whole leaf black tea from India.

STEP 5: Cool it (twice)

STEP 2: Filtered water

The ingredient list in iced tea is pretty short, so it’s no surprise that the right water also plays a big part. Jennings said filtering water removed impurities and minerals that can give the tea off flavors.

Bottled water isn’t necessary — home filtration systems do a good job of getting the water ready to boil.

STEP 3: The right ratio

We taste cold teas in less detail than hot, so iced tea requires more loose-leaf tea to make an impact.

“Each variety has its own ratio of tea to water, but a good rule of thumb is that iced tea uses one and a half times as much tea as hot,” she said. “A good

seller will give you precise brewing instructions for each kind of tea.”

STEP 4: Heat things up

The ratio isn’t the only measurement that matters. To get the best flavor out of tea, the water must be the right temperature for extraction. Too hot and

For a great taste and presentation, she ices her tea twice in quick succession.

First, she adds it to a martini shaker filled with ice and swishes it back and forth briefly to bring down the temperature.

“Hold that ice back — it doesn’t go into the final product,” she said.

Once the temperature is lowered, she pours it over whole ice in the glass, which doesn’t melt as quickly.

If you have more time, let the tea cool naturally before putting it in the refrigerator, which will eliminate the need for more ice — just make sure it doesn’t go into the fridge hot, lest it become a breeding ground for bacteria, Jennings said.

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | APRIL 1, 2015 | 19

Cork dorks

Wine Forum of Oklahoma brings together the public, OSU students and food-and-drink tastemakers for this daylong event in Stillwater.

BY GREG HORTON

Wine Forum of Oklahoma 9 a.m.-10 p.m. April 11 Oklahoma State University 301 Student Union, Stillwater wineforumofoklahoma.com $25-$125 Note: Event registration is on the second floor of the Student Union, where guests will receive event maps and schedules.

Next weekend’s Wine Forum of Oklahoma, a project of the students of the School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration at Oklahoma State University, highlights approximately three dozen wineries around the world.

This year’s event, with the theme Beyond Borders, offers the public educational seminars, wine tastings, live and silent auctions and opportunities to speak directly to the featured winemakers and professionals.

“We are highlighting the impact of Oklahoma in the hospitality industry outside the state,” said Steve Ruby, a spokesperson and faculty advisor. “Our students and patrons [will have] access to a world-renowned chef in Kurt Fleischfresser and a standard-bearer for Oregon wines in Bill Stoller.”

The forum is run by and for the students, Ruby said. The benefit is twofold: They gain practical experience in their chosen field of study and they work alongside and network with many of the biggest names in the hospitality industry.

“Our patrons, restaurants and wineries tell us that they love the forum,” Ruby said. “But, overwelmingly, they say they are here for the opportunity to engage with our students.”

Those students are in charge of nearly every aspect of the forum, and they are succeeding at tremendous levels, Ruby said.

The student committee grew by

20 | APRIL 1, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

100 percent between 2013 and 2015 and now includes 150 students.

Ruby also said that first-weekend ticket sales for this year’s event have already outpaced ticket sales totals for the entire first month of the 2013 forum.

In fact, growth has been so unexpectedly brisk this year that too many wineries and restaurants applied to participate, which made for a welcome but difficult challenge for students as they put together the event lineup.

After a day filled with educational seminars, meet-and-greets, tastings and a luncheon, at 7 p.m., sixteen chefs from across the state — Oklahoma City, Enid, Tulsa and Stillwater — and their restaurants participate in the Grand Tasting, said Lyn Putnam, marketing advisor for the event.

And the 12:15 p.m. luncheon is anything but a brown-bag affair.

“This year, for the first time, we will also feature four lunch options for attendees,” Putnam said, including fare selections by Fleischfresser and libations from Stoller Family Estate.

Thirteen educational seminar topics include everything from champagnes to chardonnays and even made-inOklahoma beers and wines.

A primary focus of the forums will be grape varietals, said Amie Hendrickson, seminar coordinator and certified sommelier.

“After varietal, the focus will be on winemaker and terroir (soil and place),” she said. “The seminars are geared toward consumers, but wine professionals will still be able to get something useful from the seminars, and everyone will have an opportunity to interact with owners and winemakers.”

For more information, visit wineforumofoklahoma.com or email wfok@okstate.edu.

P ROVI DE D

LIFE FOOD & DRINK

LIFE FOOD REVIEW

Birria good This Mexican fare won’t fix life mistakes, but these authentic, zesty meals might help you forget them for awhile.

BY GREG ELWELL

Thanks to some very shortsighted decisions from the U.S. government, the National Institutes of Health and human rights organizations around the world, my work breeding cattle with pigs inside them has officially stalled.

(Unofficially, look for some very uncomfortable cows out near Pauls Valley.)

Well, sorry if nature, religion and decency were offended, but I think America is ready to eat some beork.

(That’s beef plus pork. We just made up that word. You’re welcome.)

Until the day you can waltz into Whole Foods and ask to eat this hypothetical abomination before the lord, there is, happily, Birrieria Diaz, 6700 NW 39th St. I suggest you try the Tacos Diaz ($6.99). Inside your choice of flour or corn tortillas, you will find steak, ham and bacon in the same taco.

Not “steak, ham or bacon.” This isn’t amateur hour.

No, that’s a very important “and” — one that comes with melting mozzarella cheese, peppers, onions and tomatoes — that you should treat with equal parts respect and gnawing hunger.

Is there a chance you will die young if you eat this? Yes. But a better question is, Will your life even be worth living if you don’t eat it? Also yes.

These aren’t three magic tacos filled with solutions for the endless string of mistakes you call a life. But they are very tasty. You might be putting way too much pressure on tacos.

Located in Bethany, Birrieria Diaz is probably best known for its birria — a

Lamb birria

P HOTOS BY GA RETT FI S BEC K

George’s Happy Hog Bar-B-Q UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

712 Culbertson Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73105 (405) 525-8111 • M-Sat 11-7

Birrieria Diaz 6700 NW 39th St. | 603-1304 WHAT WORKS: Heavenly Tacos Diaz and spicy lamb birria.

WHAT NEEDS WORK: The huarache is kind of bland.

spicy mix of broth and meat — TIP: Skip the chicharrónes at the counter; and rightly so. Birria (small for they’re deep-fried bits of meat (as they $6, medium for $8, large for should be), but they’re crunchier than they appear. Consider yourself warned. $10) is a feast for the mouth and the eyes. It’s bright red with tender, braised beef or lamb, and it comes with so many any time of day), check out the huevos fixings on the side that your table will be rancheros or the spicy eggs ($7 each). covered in a rainbow of flavors.

Just be sure to ask for your eggs overYou should get the birria. You will easy, because over-medium eggs are get the birria. But you might also get going to keep cooking on the plate and some other stuff. nobody wants a cooked-through yolk.

That said, I was very taken with Nobody. the posole verde ($6.99), which did the A bit more subdued is the unthinkable — got me to eat hominy.

Enchiladas Mexicanas ($6.99), which As much as I love grits, hominy are filled with cheese and onions and has never held any appeal for me. It’s covered in red sauce. Add a little kick watery, the texture is weird and the with the homemade salsa or hot sauce, flavor is off. and give the fried potatoes on the side a Yet the posole at Birrieria Diaz shake of salt. has tons of hominy in it, and it was But you should get the Tacos Diaz. addictively delicious. It’s a pork They’re too good. And until I figure and hominy stew, which is filling out why all of my test animals keep and satisfying, but it has the mild becoming sentient, it’s probably the sweetness of avocado and the zing of best place to get steak, ham and bacon tomatillo sauce. all in one bite.

If you’re lucky enough to stop in for breakfast (or if you like breakfast

Huevos rancheros

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | APRIL 1, 2015 | 21

LIFE FOOD & DRINK

3-5 p.m. Saturday (VIP tasting) 5-8 p.m. Saturday (gen. ad. tasting) Great Plains Coliseum Expo Building Comanche County Fairgrounds 920 S. Sheridan Road, Lawton redrivercraftbeerfestival.com $10-55 Note: Tickets must be purchased online.

Revelers enjoy last year’s Red River Craft Beer Festival.

It’s crafty A beer festival showcases over 60 varieties of state and regional beers as it raises money for Armed Services YMCA in Lawton.

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

22 | APRIL 1, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

BY GREG HORTON

Last year, J.P. and Megan Richard, the father-daughter owners of Cache Road Liquor & Wine in Lawton, started Red River Craft Beer Festival to provide southwestern Oklahomans opportunities to sample the state’s best beers and some hard-to-find brews from outside the state.

“We have one of the largest beer selections in the state,” Megan Richard said, “primarily because we serve a great community of beer lovers, and it seemed all the festivals were in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, so we decided to start our own.”

Many of those fans also are activeduty military who are stationed at Fort Sill in Lawton. Proceeds from the event will benefit thousands of young soldiers and their families.

Bill Vaughan, executive director of Armed Services YMCA in Lawton, said all proceeds will benefit the overall mission of the Lawton Fort Sill branch.

“We served nearly 13,000 soldiers and their families in 2014,” Vaughan said. “The proceeds from the Red River festival help with a variety of services.”

Armed Services YMCA focuses on junior enlisted soldiers, typically those 18-24 years old. Many of them — up to 75 percent, according to Vaughan — are married with children when they join the military.

“They make enough to live on but not enough to have fun on, as a rule,” Vaughan said. “We provide services through partner organizations like the [First] Command Financial Advisors so that the soldiers and their families

have access to financial planning and budgeting to help.”

In addition to advisory assistance, proceeds help with direct care via morale, welfare and recreation programs; chaplaincy; and even food and clothing.

“When there is more month than money, we have a food bank and direct financial assistance to help with rent, utilities, bills and a whole host of other issues,” Vaughan said.

Richard explained that sponsors or donors met most of the festival’s costs so more money could go to help soldiers and their families.

Gold medal-winning Black Mesa Brewing Company, Anthem Brewing Company, COOP Ale Works, Elk Valley Brewing Co., Marshall Brewing Company, Mustang Brewing Company and Roughtail Brewing Co. will be at the fest.

Organizers expect 60-75 varieties to be available to the public, including a special pouring of Founders Brewing Co.’s Breakfast Stout, another of the world’s top-rated beers.

Tickets are available at three different levels, including a $10 designated driver ticket, which includes event entry and access to entertainment, food trucks and nonalcoholic beverages.

VIP tickets are $55 and include a tasting of Belgium’s Girardin Gueuze, one of the highest-rated suds in the world.

General admission ticketholders also will have access to Girardin if supplies are still available after the VIP event.

P ROVI DED

Red River Craft Beer Festival

LIFE FOOD & DRINK

Spring rites It’s springtime and the sitting is pretty as diners can finally enjoy some of the best patio dining anywhere.

Spring is here, but not for long.

Though it technically lasts through June 20, Oklahomans know that spring is a fickle mistress. One minute, everybody is wearing light sweaters and talking about jogging, and the next, it’s a flaming hellscape, where the nights never dip below 90 degrees and the state sport is sitting in a pool of unearned sweat.

Which is why the word people just won’t stop saying is “patio.”

“It’s definitely a draw for us,” said Cindy Watts, who owns Bedlam BarB-Q, 610 NE 50th St., with her husband Jeff Watts. “People come here for the patio, so they can eat while their kids run around.”

The massive patio in back expands the restaurant’s capacity by 100 seats, and Cindy said when the weather is nice, it pulls in families, birthday parties and even rehearsal dinners.

A frequent guest on the patio is Meleia Williamson, who said Bedlam’s patio is “comfy and familiar” like a wellloved living room.

“There is plenty of shaded seating to contest the Oklahoma sun and even an outdoor fireplace for when the evenings gets crisp,” she said.

Micah Andrews, owner of Oak & Ore, 1732 NW 16th St., said he uses the front patio area to entice new customers into the restaurant.

“After just a week, we’ve seen that area fill up quickly,” he said. “It drives interest.

People who walk by see people sitting out front with a beer or with food and they

GA RETT FI S BEC K

BY GREG ELWELL

A group of friends having a beer at The Bleu Garten.

Another thing is that we allow dogs, so customers can hang out and have a sangria and just relax.

—Devan Benton want to peek inside and see what’s going on. Some people don’t know we’re here, so it definitely drives business for us.”

To Devan Benton, manager of Iguana Mexican Grill, 9 NW Ninth St., the patio is where people go to wind down.

“We have some of the best margaritas

Jim’s

r

Dine

Jim’s Diner

Jim ’s D

iner

WEEKLY SPECIAL

and swirls around, so it’s not uncommon to see people sitting out there, sipping a few drinks,” he said. “Another thing is that we allow dogs, so customers can hang out and have a sangria and just relax.”

Expanded shopping opportunities in the area means sitting on the patio, people-watching or seeing friends walk by, he said. And no time is quite as hectic as Sunday mornings.

“It gets full extremely quickly, especially during brunch,” Benton said.

The Bleu Garten owner Hunter Wheat said that since the business is almost all patio, weather and planning are key.

“Generally, we see our highest volume on Saturdays and Sunday,” he said. “We

strive to have at least four food trucks at any given time, to make sure we can handle the traffic.”

Trucks are booked about three months in advance, and the variety keeps the large outdoor dining area plenty busy.

“We really get all walks of life,” Wheat said. “Families come in who don’t have a single drink, and we also get the opposite.”

Starting in May, The Bleu Garten, 301 NW 10th St, will start catering to a new clientele: canines. Using a malt-andbroth concoction, he’s planning doggie drinking contests. There will also be cult movie nights and a competition for OKC’s best food truck.

While some restaurants are pushing for people to use the patio space, the sheer number of customers is driving a change to the patio at Pepe Delgados, 786 Asp Ave., in Norman. Owner Emilio Salinas said that in the next month, he’s enclosing the patio area with walls to continue growing his interior.

“The restaurant keeps growing, and I need more dining space inside,” he said.

“When the weather is bad, those are months we can’t use that area.”

Cindy Watts said patio life doesn’t cease quite so quickly at Bedlam BarB-Q. A large, open fireplace keeps guests warm even as autumn descends.

For the time being, however, it is spring. So she is looking forward to more Saturday nights with bands playing under the open sky and 30-odd kids in the field next door, playing football in the grass.

SATISFY YOUR CRAVINGS

• breakfast • HAM, EGG & CHEESE MELT ON SOUR DOUGH WITH HASHBROWNS

$5.99

M O N D AY-S U N D AY 6 A M - 1 0 P M 7950 NW 39TH EXPWY • 405.495.5105

More than a meal it’s an experience.

6014 N. May • 947.7788 www.zorbasokc.com OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | APRIL 1, 2015 | 23

THIS IS HOW WE DO IT...

THANK YOU, THAT IS!

THANKS TO ALL WHO CAME, PLAYED, INFORMED, VOLUNTEERED, INSTRUCTED & SPONSORED TO HELP SHAPE UP OKC! THANKS TO OUR SPEAKERS & INSTRUCTORS! Dr. J Arden Blough, M.D. Dr. Andrew Broselow, M.D. OBGYN Bethany Cook, APRN Ashley Bates Robert Colston Lee Davis, Sr. Ashlea and Demetria

Megan Duffy Karel Ford Zac George Steve Le Deborah Malone Martha McQuaid Staci Patton Stephanie Patterson

April Sandefer Casey Smith Jeff Waldmuller Lindsey Waldrop Rob Wood CJ Yeagley

SWAG BAG WINNERS These health-minded okies won great prizes from Whole Foods Market, OKC Organics, Crave Smoothie and Oklahoma Gazette.

Joel Scott Jessie Duncan Courtney Shannon Jeff Waldmuller Patricia Churn

Amanda Meyer Paula Adams Jayme Butler Jacob Beebe Maggie Murdock

Grace Markes Jennifer Bradley Alyssa Loveless Mason Cornman

If you were unable to pick up your prize at the event last Saturday, please contact us at 528.6000.

24 | APRIL 1, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS Angie Anshutz Amber Auld Debra Coleman Amaya Factory Ayesha Factory Khalil Factory Michelle Hollingsworth

Colleen McMorris Wendell Newell Roth Nulph Jake Renfro Ellie Schultz LeAnn Tapp Michael White Rhetta White

Zakee King Gayla Kubecka Noel Leal Leslie Lewis

A SPECIAL THANKS to the Myriad Botanical Gardens, Conventions & More, OKC Thunder Girls and Josh DeLozier, D-Lo Mobile Music.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

THANKS AGAIN TO OUR SPONSORS

PRESENTED BY

SPONSORED BY

OU PHYSICIANS | OU MEDICINE | NATURAL AWAKENINGS PILATES NOOK | CRAVE SMOOTHIE | KIZE | BALANCE YOGA BARRE OKC BOATHOUSE FOUNDATION | GOLD’S GYM WELLPATH THERAPEUTIC BODYWORK THE LOADED BOWL | GREEN & GRILLED THE HEALTHY HIPPO | KATIEBUG’S SHAVED ICE OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | APRIL 1, 2015 | 25

Celebration day(s) Every day is “Something Day.” It’s National Realtors Day or the Official Hug Your Grandma Day or “Wednes” Day. So, for April Fools’, we’re fooling around with the tried-andtrue OKG eat format that you know and love and giving you a rundown of restaurants in which to celebrate some made-up holidays.

— by Greg Elwell, photos by Mark Hancock and Garett Fisbeck

26 | APRIL 1, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

Big Sky Bread Company 6606 N. Western Ave. bigskybreadokc.com | 879-0330

April 1: National Sourdough Bread Day Anyone who has eaten sourdough bread knows that it cannot be contained on just one day. But while we can enjoy this delectable treat every day, today is the day we truly honor The Mother, The Baker and The Holy Loaf. And if you’re lucky enough to go into Big Sky Bread, you might be able to get a fresh-baked sourdough loaf all to yourself.

P.B. Jams

Kitchen No. 324

5912 NW 38th St. howdoyoulikeyournuts.com | 789-0888

324 N. Robinson Ave. kitchen324.com | 763-5911

April 2: National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day On this day, we recognize the easiest and tastiest sandwich to make since my brother invented the “rolled slice of ham.” P.B. Jams has plenty of PB&Js to satisfy you. For true gluttonous delight, try the Donut Touch My Nuts sandwich, which combines peanut butter, jelly and bacon between two Krispy Kreme glazed donuts.

April 3: National Chocolate Mousse Day Originally started as National Chocolate Moose Day to honor our nation’s proud, brown, horned animals, chocolate fans led a revolt on Washington (where lots of moose live) and had it changed. The difference? Instead of a mandatory sniff of one of nature’s least pleasant creatures, we get to eat rich, smooth, creamy chocolate mousse by the punch bowl, as served at Kitchen No. 324.

Little King Pizza

Sophabella’s

Kernels & Kandies

Fassler Hall

11804 S. May Ave. littlekingpizzaokc.com | 378-7300

7628 N. May Ave. sophabellasrestaurant.com | 879-0100

7002 Northwest Expressway kernelsandkandies.com | 470-7446

421 NW 10th St. fasslerhall.com | 609-3300

April 4: National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day Cordon Bleu literally translates to “blue ribbon,” which is a fitting name for this prize-worthy chicken dish. Little King Pizza takes the classic supper club item and creates a pizza with a blend of chicken, Canadian bacon, onions, green peppers, tomatoes and ranch sauce, which translates to “Yes, I will have another slice.”

April 5: National Deep Dish Pizza Day Deep dish pizza answers the question, “What if I want pizza and a casserole?”

And National Deep Dish Pizza Day is a great day to ask Sophabella’s for the Uptown Pepperoni Deep Dish. It’s a pepperoni pizza stacked on top of another pepperoni pizza with pizza sauce on top.

It’s then baked. That’s deep, bro.

April 6: National Caramel Popcorn Day Corn! It’s in everything! Corn syrup in soda and corn ethanol in our gas tanks and a piece of corn stuck between your back teeth for days and not even floss will dislodge it. But on National Caramel Popcorn Day, you can get corn popped and tossed in fresh, house-made caramel by the folks at Kernels & Kandies — a sticky treat that is a joy to munch (especially with some pecans tossed in).

April 7: National Beer Day Newly imported to America, beer is a phenomenon that has become so popular with today’s wealthy elite that they’ve named April 7 National Beer Day. For a fine spot to sample this rare delicacy, Fassler Hall serves beer by the liter. Rub your elbows and hob your nobs with the swells and you might soon become an advocate for this novel fermented grain beverage.

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | APRIL 1, 2015 | 27

Fooled ya!

PHOTOS BY M A RK HA N COC K

Yep, it’s April Fools’ Day, and there’s no better way to celebrate it than by using some (or all) of these great ideas today (or any day). Laughter is the best medicine, especially during allergy season. Just don’t laugh so hard that you accidentally blast a snot rocket onto a stranger or, worse, your mom — because that’s disgusting. — By Gazette Staff

Steady Hand Creations STEADYHANDCREATIONS.COM 582-0088

Show the ultimate faux devotion by temporarily tattooing your significant other’s name across your chest (spelled wrong, of course). And, oh boy, get ready for the laughs that are sure to follow those horror-wracked sobs! Call a henna art studio for that temp tat.

We recommend Steady Hand Creations, which does henna, face and body painting and more. Its website also features a page so you can draw out your ideas in advance. Call or visit its website for an appointment.

Snap Me Crazy Photo Booths SNAPMECRAZY.COM 343-7468

Everyone loves making photo booth memories. May we suggest renting a photo booth, setting it up at a park or other public place and then photobombing every single person who enters? Talk about memories that’ll last a lifetime! With the help of friends, this is a totally affordable laugh riot. Just remember, stay in character, especially if you’re dressed as Sexy Sax Man. Snap Me Crazy booths come with social media uploading capabilities, too.

Party Galaxy MULTIPLE METRO LOCATIONS PARTYGALAXY.COM

Where’s Waldo? you ask.

Dude, he’s right here.

No, not behind you.

Look in the mirror. You’re Waldo! Party Galaxy says its Where’s Waldo costume is a year-round favorite. Pull over that goofy, striped sweater and puffball hat and make 28 | APRIL 1, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

yourself the center of a selfie scavenger hunt. Post the images to your Instagram and make your friends figure out where you are — even if you land in jail.

The Okay See 7 N. LEE AVE. THEOKAYSEE.COM 748-0718

Thunder superfans, this is your day!

Cherish and celebrate it in the most wonderfully obnoxious ways imaginable. And that, of course, means actually going to Wednesday’s home game against the Dallas Mavericks. Does anyone sell vuvuzelas? No? Well maybe they should. (We digress.) Don all your Thunder swag, including these great tees from The Okay See, with clever themes like “My Hero is a Zero” (Russssseeeelllllllll!), a KISS-themed Kevin Durant logo and Russy Stardust.

Game time is 7 p.m.

Mariachi Orgullo de América 7000 CROSSROADS BLVD, SUITE 1020 ENYE.COM ORGULLO@ENYE.COM 579-3693

Any time of year is the best time to hire a roving mariachi band, especially if it’s the exceptional Mariachi Orgullo de América. Hire the fellas to follow your boss around for the day. Voilà! Instant theme music. Your boss can’t — nay, won’t want to — escape this gallant act as it plays a blend of suspenseful, traditional, make-you-wanna-dance tunes replete with trumpets and guitars.

The Loony Bin

KC’s #1 Explore O age Shop Vint

essories Clothing • Accot her & s Record curious goods

8503 N. ROCKWELL AVE. LOONYBINCOMEDY.COM/ OKLAHOMACITY 239-4242

Go straight for the laugh — without any of the work — and still get all the credit. Grab your pals and head over to one of the city’s longest-running comedy venues this week to catch one of comedian Dan Chopin’s stand-up shows 8 p.m.

Wednesday-Saturday.

Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body SCIENCE MUSEUM OKLAHOMA 2100 NE 52ND ST.

in the Plaza 1759 NW 16th • Oklahoma City • 405-528-4585 Open Tues-Sat 12-7 • Like us on Facebook

THE SUN IS

S hining

SCIENCEMUSEUMOK.ORG/GROSSOLOGY 602-6664

During this membrane-filling spring season, explore the newest traveling exhibit at Science Museum Oklahoma. Remember that hangover that had you puking in your bathtub until 5 p.m. last Sunday? Well, this display also explains “the four communication processes that occur right before puking,” according to the museum’s website. The website also says it’s for ages 6-14, but barf, halitosis and acid indigestion are things every human should enjoy.

www.shopbowandarrow.com 617 N. Broadway Ave. • 601-0605 Hours: Mon-Fri 11-6 • Sat 11-4 OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | APRIL 1, 2015 | 29

M A R K HA N COC K/ FI L E

LIFE CULTURE

and four children. Members can visit Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory an unlimited number of times for free, and they also gain reciprocal admission to 270 other botanical gardens around the country.

Members can attend the Charlotte’s Web-themed Spring Festival in June and the Fall Festival, Pumpkinville, for free. The gardens offers membersonly parties and member discounts on classes and ice skate rentals.

The funds raised from memberships supports the gardens and allows it to offer many kinds of programming.

Blooming fun Spring brings many events to the Myriad Botanical Gardens.

BY ALISSA LINDSEY

Myriad Botanical Gardens has a springtime shower worth of upcoming programming opportunities slated for the season.

“The gardens, over the last four years, has really striven to fill itself with activities of all sorts – for kids, for adults, fitness activities, fun activities, educational stuff,” said Christine Eddington, director of marketing and communications at the gardens.

“Our goal is to be really programmed all the time.”

Easter extravaganza

This Easter weekend brings eggs, dogs and dinner to Myriad Gardens. Saturday morning, kids can hunt for Easter eggs and prizes, enjoy activities and visit with the Easter Bunny. Children ages 4 and under can get a head start on the egg action beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, and the more experienced hunters, ages 5 to 10, begin at 10:30 a.m.

Tinker Federal Credit Union is sponsoring the event and offering two lucky children a $200 SaveAbles Kids Club accounts.

Registration is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers, and spaces are limited.

Once the kids have had their fill of hunting, families can bring out

30 | APRIL 1, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

their pooches for the Doggie Easter Egg Hunt at 3 p.m. Our furry friends will use their finely tuned senses to find Easter eggs filled with treats and stickers and earn doggie prizes.

All dogs must be leashed and up-todate on their vaccinations. Only one dog per person is allowed. Registration costs $10 per dog. Because spaces are limited, registration is required by Wednesday, April 1.

After all the daytime events have ended, anyone 21 and over with a chic and breezy wardrobe is invited to a PreEaster Spring Dinner from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Chefs and gardeners Kamala Gamble and Barbara Mock will prepare a four-course dinner from local seasonal produce.

Gamble, an organic urban farmer at Guilford Gardens, will introduce each course to the guests and explain how the fresh foods were grown and how the chefs transformed them into each dish.

Food and wine will be served outdoors in the children’s garden, weather permitting.

For members of the gardens, registration costs $75 per person or $140 per couple, and for nonmembers, the prices are $80 per person and $150 per couple. This might be the perfect time to consider joining the 2,539 other members of the Myriad Botanical Gardens.

A family membership costs $65 per year and allows entrance for four adults

Plants galore

The weekend after Easter, the gardens will host its Spring Plant Sale. Attendees can browse through hundreds of locally sourced perennials, annuals, herbs and vegetables.

From hard-to-find plants for the connoisseur to indestructible plants for beginners, the sale will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 11 and 12 in the pavilion on the west side of the rolling green grounds.

Members will receive a $1 discount off every $10 they spend.

Dr. Ann Fleener, director of education at the gardens, will teach a class on gardening with worms. The kids will get to make a wormy craft and will learn about how to reduce their carbon footprints.

“The botanical education part of our mission is critical because people need plants. Earth without plants is earth without people. Plants also bring a lot of joy and color and aroma.

Plants are a wonderful part of the environment. We’re pro-plant here,” Eddington said.

When earthworms eat soil, they produce vermicast, which is an organic fertilizer saturated with nutrients. As the worms work, they even reduce the contaminants in the organic material.

The vermicomposting class will take place from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 18 in the children’s garden for children ages 5 to 10.

Registration costs $4 for members and $6 for nonmembers. Registration is requested by April 14.

Summer tours

Toward the end of summer, gardensgoers can look forward to educational docent and self-guided walking tours of the grounds, which were made possible by a $35,000 grant from Oklahoma City Community Foundation and its Parks & Public Space Initiative.

“Those tours will do two things,” Eddington said. “They will speak to our horticultural mission and also to a component of our mission which is about fitness. On our walking tour maps, we’ll have the distances covered in that walking tour so people can incorporate that into their weekly fitness plan.”

In the midst of all of these activities, Myriad Gardens plans to replace 48 Norway Maple trees with sunscald on the Great Lawn and the grounds.

Sunscald happens to young trees with thin skin. When they absorb the heat of the sun during the day, their cells expand, but when night falls, the cells contract. Over time, this causes the cells to explode, which halts the growth on that side of the tree.

It is possible that the garden’s trees were damaged years ago in the nursery before they came to the gardens.

Luckily, sunscald is not communicable to other trees, so they can be mulched or used as decorative elements around the gardens.

The damaged trees will be replaced with “Green Vase” Zelkovas, known for their vaselike shape, and other varieties of trees will be added as well.

During the rebirth of the trees in July and August, Sonic Summer Movie Nights will return to the gardens on Wednesday nights.

Learn about programming opportunities at Myriad Botanical Gardens, myriadgardens.org.

Earth without plants is earth without people.

— Christine Eddington

Boots and bells Destination weddings take on a new meaning thanks to Oklahoma agritourism.

It could be a visit to a local winery or a tour of a nearby farm, but agritourism is on the rise in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) has recently seen a great increase in people wanting to experience what goes on outside major cities.

“Agritourism is defined as inviting the public onto a working farm or ranch to purchase products, learn, have fun, participate in farm activities or just relax,” according to the ODAFF. There are wineries to tour, “you pick ’em” farms, corn mazes and yearround attractions where you can choose your own adventure. One of the fastest growing attractions is destination weddings — and we’re not talking about

the faraway getaway type. Instead of sandy beaches, imagine waving fields of wheat or bright-red barns in the Oklahoma countryside.

Jamie Cummings is the coordinator for ODAFF’s Agritourism Program. She helps connect Oklahoma producers who would like their farms and ranches to become tourist destinations. Lately, she has been working with producers who want to host weddings.

“We were just getting so many questions about ‘Where can I have a rustic wedding?’ and then we have clients that were opening up. We decided to do a survey to see how many were actually doing weddings because of that,” Cummings said.

The result of those informal surveys led to the first wedding workshop for those who wanted their destination to

P ROVI DED

BY GAZETTE STAFF

Agritourism and destination weddings are on the rise in Oklahoma. become part of the wedding industry. It took place last fall, and the response was almost overwhelming. What impressed Cummings the most was the cooperation between the producers. Those who had been doing weddings for a while were more than willing to share their knowledge with those just getting started.

Two major factors — finances and a renewed love of all things local — play a role in the popularity of destination weddings in Oklahoma, Cummings said.

You can search oklahomaagritourism.com

with different criteria in mind, including region of the state and who provides what services.

“For the first time, last spring, we did our first wedding show as a program.

Obviously, being a state program, we don’t promote any particular venue; we direct people to the [website] icon (it’s a ring) and then show them the wealth of choices they have,” she said.

Whatever your dream wedding consists of, there is probably a rustic locale to host it. Depending on how much work you want to do or how much you want done for you, many of the locations offer full-service packages or à la carte options.

Many partner with other providers to take the guesswork out of every detail.

And if you would rather make a weekend out of it, that’s a choice, too.

“There are definitely some destinations that can accommodate a whole weekend of activities for the couple or the whole wedding party,” Cummings said.

To find out more about what Oklahoma has to offer in the way of destinations for weddings or simply a daylong getaway, visit oklahomaagritourism.com. You might find that the perfect destination is right around the corner.

Spiritual side

BY ANGELA BOTZER

When the going gets tough, sometimes the tough need to get away from it all, regroup emotionally and spiritually.

Personal retreats are good for forcing oneself to slow down the pace of life, reflect and perhaps solve or deal with some issues in life.

Getting away from it all might include a bit of driving. Many retreats are some distance from the OKC metro area. Occasionally, all one needs is peace and quiet in a natural setting.

Osage Forest of Peace, 141 Monastery Road, in Sand Springs offers private and directed retreats in a beautiful woodland setting just outside of Tulsa starting at $65 a day. Retreat attendees are advised and guided daily by a nondenominational spiritual director who focuses on the place of spirituality in their lives. With Hindu-Christian roots, this retreat center welcomes people

from all aspects of spirituality.

If a silent retreat is what you prefer, you can meditate in your own private cabin or while on long walks in the woods. Reading, journal writing (bring a journal and plain paper for sketching), meditation and reflection are all part of a relaxing time to help you remember who you truly are and where you are going on your spiritual path.

Attendees can be alone or can join the retreat community for daily contemplative practice. Communal areas include the lending library and the dining hall, where both vegetarian and nonvegetarian meals are served familystyle. For more information, visit its website at forestofpeace.org.

Operating as a working farm, Turtle Rock Farm, 5900 County Road 90, in Red Rock offers the perfect pastoral getaway with a focus on environmental sustainability.

“It’s a nice way for people who want

The chapel at Osage Forest of Peace in Sand Springs.

to get out of the city get back to nature,” said Director Ann Denney. “Our hermitage straw bale retreats contain a small kitchen, bedroom (sleeps two) and bathroom with composting toilet.”

At $30 a day with linens provided, retreat attendees only need to bring their own food. You can make an elegant gourmet meal or something simple like Native-American-based Three Sisters Stew (beans, squash, pumpkin, peppers, corn, tomatoes, seasonings) that would fill your hermitage cabin with inviting aromas.

Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the lovely surroundings. There are alpacas, chickens, goats, natural prairie and even a labyrinth perfect for meditation.

If you would like spiritual guidance, trained spiritual director Pat Hoerth is on hand.

“We meet people where they are and accompany them on their spiritual

PROVID ED

These retreats in the greater Oklahoma City metro area offer respite for those seeking quiet time and peaceful reflection.

journey. We want people to connect with the natural world,” she said.

Learn more about Turtle Rock Farm at turtlerockfarmretreat.com.

While known mostly as a conference and small event center, Post Oak Lodge & Retreat, 5323 W. 31st St. North, in Tulsa welcomes individual guests seeking quiet and reflection. Rooms are $124 per night with access to a microwave oven and small refrigerator in the common area. Bring meals requiring minimal preparation.

Woodland trails abound with lovely natural scenery in which to pause and reflect. Manager Sarah Landsaw said to be sure to bring fishing equipment, as the lodge features catch-and-release fishing. Watch beautiful sunsets on the water, an ideal place for painting and drawing.

Visit postoaklodge.com for more information.

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | APRIL 1, 2015 | 31

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

April 3rd • GOOD FRIDAY

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

April 4th • The Great Vigil of Easter

New Covenant Christian Church Disciples of Christ Palm Sunday, March 29th Brunch @ 9:30am, One service @ 10:45am Maundy Thursday, April 2nd 7:30pm: “A Maundy Thursday Experience”

April 5th • EASTER DAY

Good Friday, April 3rd You are invited to pray the Prayer Labyrinth on the East side of the church property

All Souls’ Episcopal Church

Easter Sunday, April 5th 2 Worship services @ 8:30am & 10:45am Easter Egg Hunt @ 9:30am

5:30 pm Holy Communion

Holy Communion 7:30 am, 9:15 am & 11:00 am

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

12000 N. Rockwell Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73162 405-722-7445 • www.ncccokc.org

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

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

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

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

The Lord is Risen!

The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

EASTER WEEK SCHEDULE Thursday, April 2nd 6:00 pm MAUNDY THURSDAY

Friday, April 3rd 12:00 NOON GOOD FRIDAY

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

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

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

5401 North Brookline Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-943-8548 • www.stjohnsokc.org 32 | APRIL 1, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

Westminster

Presbyterian Church

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

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

Christ the King Catholic Church

opin DanAPCRhIL 1-4 KE Y KRISTRIILN 8-11

8005 Dorset Drive (1 block north of Wilshire halfway between Penn & May) www.ckokc.org

Palm Sunday

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

Holy Thursday

AP

rtoENnT o m g e gr CIAL ENGAGE2M5 S PE

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament follows Mass until 12 Midnight

APRIL

Good Friday

Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion

April 3rd at *3 pm & *7 pm

Holy Saturday

Are you not currently enrolled in college classes?

Do you have internet access?

Can you travel to Edmond?

ESTROET DAVIADPRTIL 15-18

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

Are you between the ages of 18-30?

22-

If the answer to all these questions is “Yes,” please consider going to the web address below to participate in a research study being conducted at the University of Central Oklahoma that examines how religiosity impacts different psychological factors Participants can earn $20 in iTunes or Barnes & Noble gift cards for approximately 1 hour of their time.

th e r tim g2a9i - MAY 2

Visit bit.ly/1CcKKky or scan this: to learn more about the study and begin participation!

APRIL

Easter Vigil Mass April 4th at 8 pm

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

This study has been approved by the University of Central Oklahoma’s Institutional Review Board (#13153). Please contact Dr. Caleb Lack at clack@uco. edu or 405-974-5456 with any questions.

* nursery available by reservation

*iTunes and Barnes & Noble are not sponsors of this study

curious minds discover new possibilities

Kali Cook | Apache, Oklahoma | Sociology Oklahoma’s Public Liberal Arts College Nationally Recognized for Affordability and Quality Rigorous and Distinctive Interdisciplinary Core Curriculum

university of science and arts of oklahoma | college for the curious mind

1727 W. Alabama Chickasha, OK 73018

USAO.edu (405) 574.1357

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | APRIL 1, 2015 | 33

LIFE PERFORMING ARTS

Dinner TV Alton Brown brings his flair for food entertainment to the live stage.

BY CHRISTIAN WILSON

VALID ON DINNERS UP TO ONLY. DISCOUNT TAKEN OFF EQUAL OR LESSER PURCHASE. LIMIT 2 COUPONS PER PERSON. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS. EXPIRES 4/8/15.

11AM-9PM | MON-SAT • 11AM-4PM | SUN

NW 50TH & MERIDIAN OKLAHOMASTATIONBBQ.COM 947.7277

Alton Brown Live! The Edible Inevitable Tour 8 p.m. Thursday Civic Center Music Hall 201 N. Walker Ave. okcciviccenter.com 297-2264 $43-$150

Alton Brown is an entertainer. Don’t get him wrong.

Known for his television shows Good Eats, Iron Chef America and Cutthroat Kitchen, Brown’s personality and style, crafted around the idea of self-reliance in food as in life, have made his work a staple of food-related programming.

But his start didn’t come from food. He is, first and foremost, a filmmaker. Early on, he functioned as a cinematographer for several music videos, including “The One I Love”

by R.E.M. It was only after realizing he wanted to apply film to food that he attended culinary school.

This variety of experience has gone a long way in helping his work thrive, and now he’s adding another element to his kitchen.

Alton Brown Live! a two-hour hodgepodge of comedy, culinary experiments, multimedia lecture, antics and music, comes to Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., on Thursday. The event is for nearly all ages, 5-100, Brown said, and is built for family entertainment in the same way Good Eats was crafted for smart family consumption.

The show features plenty of quirks and opportunities for audience participation. A social media effort, ABRoadEats, is running on Facebook and Twitter and offers fans a chance to direct Brown to their favorite local eateries.

Oklahoma Gazette spoke with Brown about his tour, his concept of self-reliance and his favorite stops so far.

Regarding the television trend of edutainment (education + entertainment), I’d say you are to food what Neil deGrasse Tyson is to cosmology. Comment?

Well first and foremost, don’t misunderstand; I was a cinematographer and then a commercial director. I’m an entertainer and filmmaker; it’s just

34 | APRIL 01, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

Is that what makes your work so appealing?

I don’t know that what I specifically do has a pervasive appeal.

I think food as a subject has a very strong appeal because I think that it’s universal. I often say food is the switchboard of culture. We’re all plugged into it and it gives us identity, becomes a huge communication point, particularly now, in social media.

I think that keeps us constantly interested in food and food issues.

PROVIDED

$1199

Alton Brown

that I like my form of entertainment to involve the discovery of educational things. After entertainment, I want to be useful. I went to culinary school specifically because I wanted to make sure [my work] was about food. I want to write recipes that are successful.

I want to teach people how to make their food better. We live in an age where it’s difficult to control your physical surroundings but knowing how the eggs cook can actually make better eggs.

Good Eats and Cutthroat Kitchen seem to focus on knowing the roots of a process and cultivating selfreliance. Is that important to you?

It’s interesting that you connect those two. Self-reliance is gigantic to me. The reason I like Cutthroat Kitchen is it’s basically about people betting on their own self-reliance.

Not many people get that. But that’s exactly what it is. I often say I learn as much watching people on Cutthroat Kitchen than I ever did on Good Eats. You’re watching people who are experts in something figure out and work their way through problems, which I find very satisfying.

Speaking of being plugged in, your live show invites the audience to participate. Any good helpers so far?

Almost all of my favorite moments [with the show] involve volunteers.

I pick two during the night to come up and help me with some very large, very unusual culinary demonstrations, and some nights, you get the absolute best people. They’re funny and playful; they kind of take over the show. The last time I had that happen was in Butte, Montana, and one of my volunteers was so hilarious, I practically fell on the floor and laughed for half an hour. She was so great. People think they’re plants because they’re so good, but they’re not. We just pick regular folks. It’s pretty wonderful.

For anyone traveling the open road, what are some of your favorite spots so far that have trickled through ABRoadEats?

We find stuff in every city that we like. I’m not going to say I like every single restaurant but the ABRoadEats program has generated [good spots].

Every bite I eat on the road comes from those places, which my waistline shows, I might add, but I apparently like it very much. Sometimes you discover places you would never find, not in a hundred years. And those are usually the ones I like the best: Fong’s Pizza in Des Moines, Iowa; Espresso to Go Go in Wichita, Kansas; Fish Shack in Pompano Beach, Florida — all places that are far enough off the beaten track I wouldn’t have tracked them down otherwise.

LIFE PERFORMING ARTS

Homecoming cards P ROVI DE D

Big-city comedians prove there’s no story without their roots.

BY CHRISTIAN WILSON

Creatures of the Night 9:30 p.m. Friday Othello’s 434 Buchanan Ave., Norman othellos.us 701-4900 $3 suggested donation

Ryan Croft doesn’t want to be douchey.

And the idea he wants to apply to an upcoming road trip comedy tour might be overused. In the end, he doesn’t care.

“The term gets thrown around a lot, and usually, it’s full of shit,” he said.

“Whatever. We are definitely low-budget DIY.” Croft, an Oklahoman turned Chicagoan, and three other windy city comedians are loading up his ’05 Saturn Ion with family-sized jars of peanut butter and jelly, bread and clothes and hitting the long, winding road for a comedy tour that passes through Othello’s in Norman on Friday.

“The name of the tour is Creatures of the Night,” Croft said. “Because why the hell not.”

The quartet includes Croft and fellow Oklahoman Jacob Lowrey, with the addition of Kansas City and Chicago natives Colby Cusick and Corey Craig.

The group hits several Midwest stops, including Lawrence, Kansas; Springfield, Missouri; and Norman.

For Croft and Lowrey, who left the Oklahoma comedy scene nearly a year

ago, this is a homecoming.

“I’m pretty excited to come back home and do comedy for some old friends,” Lowrey said. “It’s also been a while since I’ve woken up shirtless and hung over on my parent’s couch, so that will also be a real treat.”

The two grew up on opposite ends of the metro, Croft in Edmond and Oklahoma City and Lowrey in Norman, but because of the tightly knit community here, they were bound to cross.

“We’ve known each other for years and only recently realized it,” Croft said. “We became comedy buddies at Othello’s, and he finally stalked me all the way to Illinois, where I caved in to being the much-needed older brother figure in his life.”

Lowrey sees it the same way.

“We vaguely knew each other in Norman,” he said. “Now, we look and sound a lot alike, so people mistake him for my ex-con brother.”

Lowrey’s start in comedy was fluid and nonchalant. He just started going to open mics and performing. It wasn’t such an easy process for Croft.

“I would watch these local comedians — James Nghiem, Ryan Drake — and you should include them so they know I name-dropped them,” Croft said. “I’d watch these longer sets I had never seen someone in my peer group do, and it was genius. But I had no idea how to write a comedy set.”

Schooled in journalism at the University of Central Oklahoma, Croft was familiar with narratives.

Ryan Croft, an Oklahoma native, is returning home on a comedy tour.

He had written sketches and done improv. Whether fiction, nonfiction or half fiction, sharing information that interested him was what he did. But his personal breakthrough, the moment he realized he could write a comedy set with ease, didn’t come in any familiar form. It came in the form of a eulogy.

A close friend had committed suicide, and Croft wanted to give him the proper send-off.

“He was a really good friend, but I was trying to write, and all I could think about were jokes that he would like,” Croft said.

When the eulogy was finished, Croft was wary; he didn’t think it was quite the right feel. He read it to another friend, who encouraged him. Croft decided that what he had on his hands was a comedy sketch. It was a bit macabre, he said, but it was a comedy routine nonetheless.

“I [performed] it a few times and realized more than being about breaking into comedy, [the jokes] were really cathartic,” Croft said. “But after I had broken the code, I was like, this is how you write. I just have to write from what I’m thinking and work that into something that’s going to make people laugh. That’s why my comedy stayed personal.”

Croft’s material centers around stories of the sad-sack variety, he said. He likes building his narratives, roping in a few one-liners and characters but leaving the

bulk of his impact to the story, which usually involves him getting hurt in some way.

He isn’t sure if it’s a curse, but there’s plenty of that material. Whether it’s getting hit by a car at the age of 7, falling through a roof or the time a cleated soccer player fractured his sternum, he has innumerable tales of pain to recount.

“Storytelling is great if you can figure out how to do it effectively,” Lowrey said.

“That’s definitely where he’s headed.”

While both comedians continue to refine their material, they acknowledged they’re playing to very different scenes.

Obviously, Chicago is bigger, offering seven or eight open mics a night compared to OKC’s two or three, they said, but the variety of communities is what sticks out.

“Oklahoma has a great, tight-knit community, but it’s one tight-knit community,” Croft said. “In Chicago, if you don’t like the people you’re hanging out with, you can go to a different show down the street and you’ve got a whole new tight-knit community.”

While they’re happy figuring out the scene, Croft and Lowrey are also impressed by Oklahoma comedy’s growth.

“I’m psyched what dudes like Zach Smith, Ryan Drake, James Nghiem and others are doing for the OKC scene,” Lowrey said. “It’s cool that they’re all so dedicated to building their [city]. Hats off for sure.”

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | APRIL 01, 2015 | 35

COVER PERFORMING ARTS

Hitting hard Yes, women are funny, too. From military experience to monthly visits, female perspectives are key to sustaining a thriving local comedy community.

BY BEN FELDER

Monthly flow

The imbalance in male-dominated club lineups isn’t exclusive to Oklahoma City, but last year, Kristy Boone got involved to help make a difference locally.

She co-founded the monthly openmic nights at Urban Roots, 322 NE Second St. “I realized that the venues in town seemed to be more focused on a more raw type of comedy, and in general, there were far more male comics than female comics,” Boone said. “I thought, ‘What if we had a platform where female comics could come together, bring their friends and practice their craft?’ It just kind of grew from there.”

The nights also offer a supportive outlet for funnywomen, which is important in developing a thriving artistic community.

“You kind of need a safe space to try it out when you are just starting,” said Melissa McGinnis, who performs at the monthly events. “It’s important for the atmosphere to be growth-promoting and allow you to move forward on your work.”

That type of growth isn’t confined to female-only venues, McGinnis emphasized, but it helps to have women around who understand the process.

Besides, the open-mic night welcomes men in the audience, and a few men have even taken the stage.

“I know that I get laughs from men and women,” McGinnis said. “But I have a different perspective that can, at first, be difficult to convey. You need a safe space to try out new things and this [event] offers that.”

Man’s world

Victoria Bautista

36 | APRIL 01, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

Longtime local comedy venue The Looney Bin features national and local comics, most of which are men, weekly. However, that’s changing, too.

Next week, California-based comedian Kristin Key performs five sets over four nights April 8-11.

“The only time I think about the lack of women [comedians] is when I’m asked about it,” Key said. “When I perform, there is obviously a woman on stage.”

Key said she focuses on her jokes, not on others’ perceptions or gender limitations.

PHOTOS BY G ARETT FISBECK

With a mic in her fist, Karli Wahkahquah talks about the oddity of having different types of tampons, including those marketed as either “regular” or “sport.”

“I want the same amount of protection whether I’m sitting on my couch or running a marathon,” Wahkahquah said during her recent stand-up comedy set at Urban Roots.

“Is [the sport tampon] soaked in electrolytes? Am I sacrificing my workouts by not wearing these sport tampons?” she asked.

The joke landed with the largely female crowd, and even the men in the audience laughed.

Attend any stand-up performance or open-mic set around town and it’s likely to feature a stage filled with dudes telling jokes about male experiences.

However, the second Wednesday of each month at Urban Roots in Deep Deuce, female comedians — each at different points in their careers — come together to inspire each other and hone their craft.

“I wouldn’t say that I specifically try to gear all of my material toward women, but I do have a different perspective than men,” Wahkahquah said. “Comedy is telling stories about your life. Men and women have different perspectives, so they have different stories.”

Comedian Kristy Boone helped start a monthly comedy night to showcase female talent across the metro.

I think, for some reason, guys think everybody laughs at a dick joke and only women laugh at a vagina joke.

— Kristin Key

“As long as you’re funny and you work hard, I feel like you can get in [this business],” Key said. “If you’re not funny, you can find all sorts of excuses and reasons why you didn’t make it.”

While Key doesn’t view her sex as a challenge, she realizes her gender can be stereotyped in the comedy world.

“I do think funny females go further than funny males, and maybe that’s because when people see a funny female, they say, ‘Wow! I didn’t see that coming!’” Key said. “I think, for some reason, guys think everybody laughs at a dick joke and only women laugh at a vagina joke. But both men and women can talk about their experience in a way

that both men and women find funny.”

Boone said the monthly open-mic nights are proof women are as funny as men.

“It’s not about making women funnier, because we have a lot of funny ladies [in town],” Boone said. “There is talent here.”

New era

As in most other industries, female comedians sometimes face a “glass ceiling” culture. But the comedy sector appears more accepting today due to the dozens of women who kicked down barriers and won laughter and fans while doing it.

Nationally, modern funnywomen Tina Fey and Amy Schumer have earned large followings by breaking free from some of the stereotype jokes women might often feel they need to use in order to get a laugh.

However, even women who tackle similar subject material — sex, weight gain and alcohol — as men on stage can be looked at more critically by peers and fans.

“Are female comedians too raunchy?

No, they are not,” wrote Kailee Kivett in a 2015 column for Valdosta State University’s The Spectator in Georgia about the standards that women comics are held to, including criticism of being too raunchy when covering the same material as men. “[But] women are beginning to shed the traditionally demure demeanor they once had and are letting the world hear what they really think.”

During a March forum at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, famous for her roles on Seinfeld and HBO’s Veep, said she relied on her

Karli Wahkahquah often uses her military experiences as fodder for her stand-up comedy sets.

Melissa McGinnis says it’s critical to offer women a “safe space” in which to hone their craft. talent — not the perceived barrier between men and women — when building her career.

Louis-Dreyfus also said women can sometimes be their own toughest critics, especially in regard to comedy and acting.

“The best advice I can offer is give yourself a break,” Louis-Dreyfus said.

Comedy is telling stories about your life, and men and women have different perspectives, so they have different stories.

— Karli Wahkahquah

Standing up

Stand-up comedy is an especially challenging form of comedy, said Andrew McAlester, a local comedian who cohosts the monthly women’s comedy showcases at Urban Roots.

“It’s kind of this smoky, dark spot, and it’s you against the world,” McAlester said. “I think too often, you hear comedy that has the traditional female stereotypes in it, like a nagging wife. But when you come out [here], you see that these women comics are three-dimensional and they are telling stories about their life that really hit home.”

Even before delving into comedy, Wahkahquah learned to make her way in male-dominated realms. She serves in the military, and her material often reflects her experiences.

“Some of the funniest things I have seen in my life have come while I’m in some type of military status,”

Wahkahquah said. “I think being in the military has a huge advantage because you have a different viewpoint that not many people in the United States have. Being able to tell unique stories is important in comedy.”

Wahkahquah said her military experience enables her to create a level of toughness that helps in the comedy scene.

Key agreed and said that her best advice for any comic is to “toughen up.”

“You have to immerse yourself in it and grow a thicker skin; basically, man up,” Key said. “You can always find excuses as to why the game’s not played fairly, but you just have to focus on being good at your craft.”

From television to local clubs, there are examples of women making names for themselves in an industry that is still full of men.

Many of the women who perform at Urban Roots also do shows at other venues, but the camaraderie they experience when working together is especially important because it fosters courage and determination.

“Women comics who are trying to get out there might not be as apt to go to some of the bigger places during open mic nights [due to insecurity or inexperience],” Wahkahquah said. “I think some of the smaller shows, like the one at Urban Roots, is a great way to get your foot in the door and build your confidence, because that’s a big part of it.”

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | APRIL 01, 2015 | 37

SUDOKU/CROSSWORD SUDOKU PUZZLE MEDIUM

WWW.S UDOKU-P UZZLES .N ET

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

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS Puzzle No. 0322, which appeared in the March 25 issue.

P H I S

R I N K

I M A R I

N O F U N

V A N I S H

E V E N L Y

I N F A S M

O S L O

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

P O T T E D T E N N E R C H E S N E Y

E C T N O R L I E N E E F E L C N I O P G D O P E J U R L I A S E C A P T T A I E N S I D E C Y P E A S L

A Q A B A

F A I R U S E

R U N S A T

S S T N E R Y T A T I A N E R S P E I N T C A R I A N T R N I E E P

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

I O N I A N S

E Y E E X A M C O I N L D L O S T O N V E C N K E E G D

G R O T T O E S

A V E B I T U G H

S E A W A A R G G O R D O D E T R O R O E D R I O N

A S T A G E

T E S T E D

A L A M O

L Y S O L

W I N O

E N G R

We invite you to attend Seminole’s 7th Annual Made in Oklahoma Festival Date: Sat, April 4th at 10am - 5pm | Place: Seminole’s Downtown Main Street

Some of the activities include: Wine-tasting • OBI Blood Drive • 5K Fun Run - 382-0731 • Poker Run 382-5690 Inflatables for Children • All different kinds of food vendors Oklahoma grown and produced products & businesses Seminole’s Made In Oklahoma Festival and Business Expo will be open from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. We will feature entertainment all day and over 80 vendor booths; including but not limited to handmade jewelry, soaps, candles, and furniture.

38 | APRIL 1, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

ACROSS 1 Seat at a hoedown 6 Brouhaha 10 ____ it up 13 Cliff Huxtable or Ward Cleaver 18 Like some muscles and baby food 19 Parks staying put 20 One for war?

21 Like the veal in osso buco 22 They can knock out lightweights 24 Sleep (with) 26 Pope during the rule of Emperor Constantine IV 27 Ghetto blaster?

28 Virgil epic 29 Slapped on, as paint 30 Jazz band instrument 31 Quality that’s a bit unsettling 34 Whitesmith’s medium 35 Watched some online videos 36 Like sweat and some moccasins 38 With 91-Across, super-antsy … or like 24 Across answers in this puzzle?

40 Mole hunter 41 Retired runway model 42 “Right you ____!”

44 Open to debate 45 2007 film featuring Raphael, Leonardo, Donatello and Michelangelo 46 Country singer Tucker 49 Slow 50 Final Four org.

52 “I must remember this for later …”

55 Ring 57 Dinner that was prepared hours ago, say 61 Opposite of totally 63 Drill (into) 64 Prove useful 65 Nice thing about purchases in Delaware and Oregon 66 Plays a ukulele 67 Moose or mouse 69 One getting hammered 70 Part of two state names 72 Authority over sheriffs in England

73 75 77 78 79 80 81 83 85 86 87 90 91 94 97 98 99 101 103 104 106 107 109 111 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120

Down Under marsupial Grp. that meets in Albany Perv, e.g.

It’s not so bad Flimsy Secretly adds to emails “Tearin’ Up My Heart” group Feats of Keats Sitcom alien Something e-cigarettes lack Seem Coffee container See 38-Across Two notes from a tuba Cupful before sleep, maybe Bungler Popular dessert in Georgia It’s at one end of a rainbow Model add-ons Spiff up Boston skyscraper, with “the” Driver’s license, but not a credit card, e.g.

Chart for weighing options Food processor?

Strips bare Madeira Mrs. “You must ____” (order to an earthling) Brave Stopping point Water source Richard of Shall We Dance?

Old-fashioned fraternity activity

DOWN 1 Targets of some cryosurgery 2 Facilities overseen by the C.D.C. 3 Adds 4 Playroom block 5 Swirled 6 Turkey Day follower: Abbr.

7 Hi-fi sound?

8 With suspicion 9 Lavender or lilac 10 Lights up 11 Flu symptom 12 Wasn’t joking 13 Tromped (on) 14 Morrison who sang “Brown Eyed

1

2

3

4

5

6

18

VOL. XXXVII NO. 13

Oklahoma Gazette is circulated at its designated distribution points free of charge to readers for their individual use and by mail to subscribers.

The cash value of this copy is $1.

Persons taking copies of the Oklahoma Gazette from its distribution points for any reason other than their or others’ individual use for reading purposes are subject to prosecution.

Please address all unsolicited news items (non-returnable) to the editor.

First-class mail subscriptions are $119 for one year, and most issues at this rate will arrive 1-2 days after publication.

9

10

27 31 36

46 53

55

61

50

56

70

71

75

81

85 92

87

93

94

99

104

82

86

98

109

78

80

91

69 74

77

84

103

68

73

79

97

64

67 72

90

58

63

76

83

51

57

66

105

110

95

100 107 112

115

116

117

118

119

120

35 37 39 43 45 47 48 49 50 51

52 53 54 56 57 58 59 60 62 63 67 68 71 73 74 76 77 80 82 83 84

102

108

114

Girl” Subside ____ rifle It’s a first Entity Rag on Pull (in) Aussie “Mornin’!”

Nina who sang “I Put a Spell on You” Kind of joke When brunch might be served “Whew!”

Pure bliss Pinch “It’s sad but true …”

Eagles or Ravens Capitol insiders Bellini opera Without a hitch

89

101

106 111

88

96

113

15 16 17 21 23 25 32 33

60

45

62

65

59

40

49

54

17

35

44

48

16

29

39

43

15

25

34

38

47

14

21

33

37 42

13

28

32

41

12

24

26 30

11

20

23

Stumped? Call 1-900-285-5656 to get the answers to any three clues by phone ($1.20 a minute). The answers to the New York Times Magazine Crossword Puzzle that appeared in the March 25 issue of Oklahoma Gazette are shown at left.

Oklahoma Gazette

8

19

22

52

7

“Grand” mountain Source of eggs Some risqué communiqués Many pages are written in it Campus dining area Captain America portrayer Chris Duck Dynasty network Source of bile Steamed Luxuriate Apple Store display There might be one on a car Capital that’s the seat of Lewis and Clark County Amuse Music-licensing grp.

“God’s Son” rapper Lot of junk Show of respect Cutting class?

Sketch Get all decked out

85 86 88 89 91 92 93 95 96 97 100 102 104 105 108 110 112

0329

NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE CROSSWORD PUZZLE UPSIDES By Jeremy Newton / Edited by Will Shortz

Selfish, as an attitude Credit (to) Travel as a group, in a way Liberals Saturday morning fare, informally “That’s close enough!”

Peke or Pom Many Manets Get together Encountered More epic Book before bedtime, maybe One seeking money for a meter?

Vial liquids Martin’s wife on the 1990s sitcom Martin “What’ll ____?”

Closely monitor

CORPORATE

ADVERTISING

EDITORIAL

PHOTOGRAPHERS

CREATIVE

www.okgazette.com

PUBLISHER Bill Bleakley

ADVERTISING AND MARKETING DIRECTOR Christy Duane

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jennifer Palmer Chancellor

Mark Hancock, Chief

ART DIRECTOR Christopher Street

Order mounted or ready-toframe prints of Oklahoma Gazette covers, articles and photos at okgazette.yourheadline.com

publisher@okgazette.com

VP, CORPORATE AFFAIRS Linda Meoli lmeoli@okgazette.com

MARKETING MANAGER Kelsey Lowe klowe@okgazette.com

DIGITAL OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Jesse Snyder

cduane@okgazette.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE / ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Leah Roberts lroberts@okgazette.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Stephanie Van Horn

svanhorn@okgazette.com

Saundra Rinearson Godwin

jsnyder@okgazette.com

sgodwin@okgazette.com

RECEPTIONIST/CALENDAR Arden Biard, Coordinator

eriddle@okgazette.com

listings@okgazette.com

ACCOUNTING/HR MANAGER Marian Harrison mharrison@okgazette.com

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Sue Auld sauld@okgazette.com

Elizabeth Riddle Amber Parker

aparker@okgazette.com

Sarah Brigance

jchancellor@okgazette.com

GENERAL ASSIGNMENT EDITOR Kory Oswald koswald@okgazette.com

STAFF WRITERS Ben Felder

bfelder@okgazette.com

Christian Wilson

cwilson@okgazette.com

Greg Elwell

gelwell@okgazette.com

COPY EDITOR Brittany Pickering

bpickering@okgazette.com

mhancock@okgazette.com

Garett Fisbeck

cstreet@okgazette.com

CIRCULATION

mcoakley@okgazette.com

gfisbeck@okgazette.com

CIRCULATION MANAGER Chad Bleakley cbleakley@okgazette.com

ASSISTANT CIRCULATION MANAGER Duke Fleischer

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Mandy Coakley

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Paul Mays pmays@okgazette.com

Ashley Parks

aparks@okgazette.com

Ayesha Younus

ayounus@okgazette.com

PRINT TRAFFIC COORDINATOR/ MARKETING ASSISTANT Shawna Deeds

STREET/MAILING ADDRESS 3701 N Shartel Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73118-7102

GENERAL PHONE (405) 528-6000

GENERAL FAX

(405) 528-4600 Copyright © 2015 Tierra Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

sstine@okgazette.com

sbrigance@okgazette.com

SPONSORSHIP ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Cody Pepper

cpepper@okgazette.com OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | APRIL 1, 2015 | 39

Paintball players at Battle Park

Refined mayhem The metro’s newest paintball facility, Battle Park, adds a touch of sophistication to the extreme sport.

BY BRENDAN HOOVER

During the late 2000s, paintball was a fairly popular pastime. Nearly 5.5 million people nationwide played at least once in 2007, according to a report from the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, making paintball one of the most popular extreme sports in America.

By 2013, participation had fallen to 3.5 million and domestic sales of paintball equipment had dropped from an estimated $240 million to $139 million, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.

Paintball manufacturing facilities and parks were closing across the country. Many analysts blamed the Great Recession, and golf saw a similar decline in participation.

Dustin Hester — a veteran paintball player himself — blamed something else. The Oklahoma City resident said that industry leaders moved to make paintball more and more extreme, designing markers that fired up to 20 paintballs per second and marketing the sport to experienced thrill-seekers, mostly male.

That shift in attitude influenced Hester and his wife, Leslie, to fulfill their dream of opening their own paintball park.

The dream is now a reality, and the metro’s newest paintball facility, Battle Park, 14805 W. Industrial Road, is open for business in Guthrie, catering to new players and the parents who accompany those players by adding a touch of refinement to the playing experience, equipment and amenities.

“There’s been a shift in the paintball industry. It’s more familyfriendly,” Dustin said. “We chose our business model based on that.”

Battle Park features 18 acres

40 | APRIL 1, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

of playing fields, including three different maps. The fan-favorite Town map gives players a taste of urban warfare with 16 storefronts encircling a town square. Surrounding woods give players the option to flank their opponents. The Auto map features a service garage and sales office, complete with cars and tires to hide behind. The Cemetery map boasts gravestones, statuary and a mausoleum for players to navigate.

Many golfers relax in luxurious clubhouses after their round, so why not paintball players? Battle

A paintball player at Battle Park

P HOTOS P ROVI DE D

LIFE ACTIVE

Park features a 1,500-square-foot clubhouse with a lounge and party area where parents and players can watch television, use complimentary Wi-Fi or grab a snack from the concession stand.

Indoor restrooms and a gravel parking lot and drive are other touches that set Battle Park apart, Leslie said.

“Before I met my husband, I’d never played paintball,” she said.

“I’ve been amazed at how much fun it is and how different it is from what I expected.”

Players can rent equipment at Battle Park, which offers three packages based on age and experience, including a low-impact setup for younger players that uses smaller, .50-caliber paintballs that fly slower and impact at one-third the velocity of standard, .68-caliber paintballs. Anti-fog thermal goggles and chest armor are also available.

If you put a rubber band around your wrist and then pop it, that’s about what it feels like to get hit by a paintball.

MY RESOLUTION: VIST US ONLINE TO SCHEDULE YOUR FIRST FREE CLASS

EDMOND

NORMAN

DOWNTOWN

1333 N. Santa Fe 1284 N. Interstate Dr. 911 N. Broadway www.balanceyogabarre.com

“I will make it to the gym” lose weight & get in shape at Conan’s Kickboxing, boxing, jujitsu & mma.

Call Today and ask for BONUS $99 OFF SPECIAL

310 E. MAIN ST., NORMAN • 405.366.1204

Oklahoma Sport

Fencing

24 NW 144 Circle, Edmond

755-4195 New members save 25% with this ad.

— Dustin Hester

“If you put a rubber band around your wrist and then pop it, that’s about what it feels like to get hit by a paintball,” Dustin Hester said. “If you’re worried about that, the low-impact is about one-third of that.”

The couple chose to locate in west Guthrie because of its close proximity to northwest Oklahoma City and Edmond, and they didn’t want to open too close to competitors in Piedmont, Choctaw and east Guthrie, Dustin said.

“We’re already seeing a bigger market share than we anticipated, so either we’re capturing more of the market or we’re growing the pie,” Dustin said.

For more information, call 433-2223 or visit battleparkok. com.

W.A.R.

WOMEN AGAINST RAPE FREE SELF DEFENSE SEMINAR Tru Warriors Academy 16516 N Penn, Edmond, OK 73013 Sat., April 18 @ 1:00 p.m.

Limited Space Available Call to Re serve Your Spot Reserve Your Place Today!!!

405-749-3587 edmondmartialarts.com • facebook.com/truwarriorsacademy

ZERO INITIATION FEE with this ad!

Stop Call oErither by ation Loc

911 N Broadway, OKC 6900 N May Ave 405-604-3614 405-418-4496 www.fourstarfitnessOKC.com OKL AHOMA GAZ ETTE | APRIL 1 , 2015 | 41

SPECIAL JUMBO RATE CDS The Tragedy of Othello: The Moor of Venice One Night Only! Thursday | 7:30 p.m.

1.26

1.76

21 40 % % MOS. APY MOS. APY $75,000 minimum deposit

Confidential Report One Night Only! Friday | 5:30 p.m.

DOWNTOWN

101 North Walker 813-5500

F for Fake

For movie descriptions and ticket sales visit

OKCMOA.COM

SOUTH

Review Our Website for Additional RATES AND TERMS

The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) assumes dividends are compounded quarterly and will remain on deposit until maturity. A withdrawal of dividends may reduce earnings. Fees may reduce earnings. The annual percentage yield, the annual percentage yield earned, and the dividend rate shall be rounded to the nearest one-hundredth of one percentage point (.01%) and expressed to two decimal places. For account disclosures, the dividend rate may be expressed to more than two decimal places. New deposits only.

Other rules apply. Dividend rules apply.

UNITED MECU STATES 10-31-14 Jumbo CD.indd

1

AIR FORCE ACADEMY BAND THE FALCONAIRES performing at

UCO Jazz Lab

100 E 5th St. Edmond, OK April 17th, 2015 7:30 p.m

Yukon Fine Arts Center 850 Yukon Ave. April 18th, 2015 7:00 p.m

Visit the Yukon For FREE tickets call the Parks & Rec Department or Community Center 2200 S. Holly Ave (405) 350-8937

Oklahoma Gazette 42 | APRIL 1, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

NORTH

8812 South Walker 3561 W. Memorial 813-5550 813-5564

INSURED UP TO $500,000

featuring Elmyr de Hory whose work can be seen in Intent to Deceive: Fakes and Forgeries in the Art World

Friday | 8 p.m. • Saturday | 5:30 p.m.

Sunday | 2 p.m.

A local yoga studio helps veterans deal with PTSD through nontraditional practices.

BY ANYA ALVAREZ

mecuokc.org

Touch of Evil One Night Only!

Saturday | 8 p.m.

Everything zen

11/18/14 1:15 PM

Since May 2009, Sara Alavi has used her yoga studio, Yoga Home of Therapeutics, to bring healing into the lives of everyday citizens. Now, she uses yoga to help treat veterans with PTSD through a pilot program at the Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital. The program has had such a positive response that the VA decided to extend the Yoga for Vets program through the end of 2015.

Beyond the setup of the room, Alavi said the VA pays for the travel of the vets to ride to classes and purchased specialized thicker mats for all the vets participating, which helps with modified poses.

“Obviously, many veterans have injuries and joint issues that I need to be sensitive to when teaching. The fact that the VA was so excited to have me come in and teach yoga was also very encouraging. This is certainly more unconventional than other forms or traditional therapy, but I strongly believe that yoga is powerful in its healing benefits,” Alavi said.

Alavi experienced the benefits of yoga for herself when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1996.

After going fully blind in her left eye, Alavi sought alternative measures to treat her symptoms, and with no medication, she has managed the symptoms of MS. She attributes this greatly to her devotion to practicing yoga. She became passionate about her relationship with yoga and decided to become certified to teach it in 1999.

The veterans program is designed around meditation, breathing techniques, self-affirmations and poses that are beginner-friendly. It is not set up to make a participant sweat but rather to ease into being present in the moment and finding a way to release emotional weight that person might carry round. In different poses, Alavi

above Sara Alavi leads a yoga class at Yoga Home of Therapeutics encourages her students to say, “I am strong,” “I am powerful” or “Nothing will get in my way.”

Alavi chose untraditional yoga mantras, using phrases that vets might feel more comfortable saying out loud.

“Regardless of what they’re saying though, the fact that they choose to participate in yoga is a huge step on their quest to find personal healing,” she said.

Alavi is teaching at no charge, and after the initial eight-week program is complete at the VA, she also will offer the same program at her studio.

Alavi views her program as not only a service to veterans but a service to society.

“These vets have made a lot of sacrifices, and the lasting side effects of PTSD can be quite traumatic. If we are able to help provide them some healing, it can help assimilate them back into society more easily,” she said.

A study conducted by Yale University found that a majority of homeless Iraq and Afghanistan vets have PTSD. Another study by the Center for Military Health Policy Research states that vets with untreated PTSD are at a higher risk of attempting suicide and have a higher rate of unhealthy behavior like smoking, overeating and practicing unsafe sex. Those who experience these conditions tend to miss work more and report being less productive, according to the report.

Alavi believes that yoga can have positive effects on anyone who chooses to practice. Through her belief in yoga, she has created a program that is helping many vets ease into the moment and find their Zen. For more information on the studio and classes offered visit, yogaokc.net.

GA RE TT FI S BE C K

LIFE ACTIVE

LIFE MUSIC

Folk darlings P ROVI DE D

Boston-based Darlingside whistled in for a show at The Depot.

BY CHRISTIAN WILSON

Darlingside 8 p.m. Tuesday The Depot 200 S. Jones Ave., Norman pasnorman.org 307-9320 $15

The members of Bostonbased Darlingside are a tight and quirky group.

Their website describes this in detail.

Take, for instance, violinist Auyon Mukharji, “a feeble child” propelled into classical studies by his parents who sensed “a lack of athleticism and physical prowess,” or guitarist Don Mitchell, who is known for his “humility, partially webbed toes and ironic disposition.”

You get a sense of deep comfort in

what the four friends do. It’s a comfort formed throughout school at Williams College in Massachusetts and later in a shared apartment. “We lived in that house together and got pretty close, as you might imagine,” Mukharji said. “All four of us write. We all sing and mix. As far as presenting a visual image, we are four guys around one mic.”

Darlingside is just the kind of outfit The Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave., in Norman is bringing in as part of its new Whistle Stop Series.

Sparked by the idea of early railroad whistle signals, which would tell passing engines to stop for waiting customers at the station, the series draws touring artists looking for a venue that can offer impromptu stops.

Darlingside’s tour is its first since

weathering Boston’s heavy winter in the recording studio. Its album, due out in September, signals a change for the band.

“Our first few years, we were more of an indie rock outfit, five-piece with a drummer,” Mukharji said. “This album is our indie folk incarnation.”

With the drop of their drummer, the five became four and took on a form reliant on vocals and strings — what they do best. Though similar in that they all play strings, the members’ musical training is diverse.

Mitchell, who in addition to guitar plays banjo, was a boy alto in Chorus Angelicus. Mukharji’s a classically trained violinist but studied mandolin in Ireland, Brazil and Turkey. The group cellist, Harris Paseltiner, also dabbles in everything from organ to erhu and

Darlingside plays The Depot in Norman. pennywhistle. Bassist David Senft thought singing was mandatory in college and spent a couple years as a street performer.

The group is shameless in its inspirations, including the exceedingly relevant Punch Brothers and The National, as well as electronica and Taylor Swift pop hooks.

“We can take some of the things we hear, the pop stuff for instance, and translate that to our instruments,” Mukharji said. “We throw a lot of stuff against the wall. It’s a lot of fun to mash these things up.”

A free music preview of select tracks can be found at the band’s website darlingside.com.

Fresh Juice

MARK HANCOCK

With a new EP on the way, a young OKC MC is squeezing her way into the scene.

BY JAMES BENJAMIN

In a world of subgenres and specifications, local rapper Miillie Mesh is trying to remain as diverse as her own variety of tastes.

“I don’t really have a set lane; I’m really trying to master all of it because I want to be worldly,” Mesh said. “I want to be for every mass, every part of the country, every part of the world.”

Armed with a charismatic stage presence and a surprisingly tough flow for her stature, 23-year-old Mesh, whose proper name is Camille Tomlin, is trying to tackle every hip-hop song, from more mainstream-sounding tracks to “grungy” underground tunes.

The range of Mesh’s material comes from her own cross section of musical influences, which is perhaps indicative of many millennial rappers.

Mesh, originally from California, was introduced to hip-hop through early 2000s teenage rapper Lil’ Bow Wow. “He was young at the time. He was kind of a heartthrob,” she said. “He was rapping and he was young, so I decided I wanted to be a young rapper.”

Mesh began writing poetry when she was 13. She started writing raps a few years later and got on the mic for the first time at 18.

As she progressed through her own hip-hop journey, she also began to dive into the music of heavier New York-based acts like Mobb Deep, Foxxy Brown, Missy Elliot, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas and Jay Z. Mesh, whose music currently can be found at soundcloud.com/miilliemesh, hopes to release a jungle-themed album

Miillie Mesh is working on an EP she plans to release in June. in June or July. The Jungle Juice EP will push a message celebrating women of color all over the world. Mesh said she means no offense to white women, but minority women are among the most overlooked populations on the planet.

“I don’t think we get enough credit that we deserve or camera time,” she said. “It’s like we need approval sometimes.”

As a black woman, Mesh said she thinks her own genre sometimes segments MCs who do not fit a certain physical description into their own box.

“It’s so black-male-dominated, so you have to really prove yourself when you’re being a female MC or a white MC,” she said.

Still, Mesh said she does not mind whatever label anyone places on her as long as they recognize and respect her creatively. Being a female MC often means more attention, which she doesn’t shy away from.

“I want to do something like [Missy Elliot] did,” she said. “I want to make videos more creative, more thought-out rather than just the flashy cars, clothes, money and cliché shit. I want to bring back real visual art.”

Women should never have to feel like they are out of their element, Mesh said. She advised young girls to stay true to themselves and not be afraid of standing out in a man’s world, especially in hip-hop.

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | | APRIL 01, 2015 | 43

P ROVI DE D

LIFE MUSIC

Merle Haggard

SHINE on

Thursday night’s Merle Haggard concert in Shawnee helps fund a local aid program and will honor Haggard and rockabilly icon Wanda Jackson.

BY WILLIAM SAVAGE III

Merle Haggard SHINE Benefit Concert with special guest Wanda Jackson 8 p.m. Thursday Grand Casino Hotel & Resort Grand Event Center 777 Grand Casino Boulevard, Shawnee grandresortok.com shineok.org 964-7777 $65-$500 Note: Guests must be at least 21 years old.

If you’re tired of these dirty old sidewalks and you want to see country music legend Merle Haggard in concert this week, you’re going to have to do it for a good cause.

Haggard performs back-to-back shows Thursday and Friday at Grand Casino Hotel & Resort.

The Thursday show was a late addition to the Kennedy Center honoree’s schedule and will benefit the local nonprofit organization Start Helping Impacted Neighborhoods Everywhere (SHINE), organizers said.

“Merle has a personal connection to this,” said Oklahoma County District 2 Commissioner Brian Maughan, who founded SHINE in 2010 to help both student and adult nonviolent offenders through education programs, volunteerism and community service.

“In his youth, you know, he got in trouble. We’ve shown how programs like this can help guide people into a more positive direction with their life.”

SHINE turns 5 years old this month, and it has come a long way from its inception as an Oklahoma County jail diversion program for nonviolent offenders.

Students for SHINE program members receive their certificates and graduation cords for completing a minimum of 100 community volunteer hours, often helping with neighborhood beautification efforts, property cleanup or specific projects for other nonprofits.

44 | APRIL 01, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

Maughan said 76 metro students completed the 100-hour requirement last year; and one student even completed 676 volunteer hours.

“Every person who buys a ticket sponsors 65 kids,” Maughan said.

Maughan will present both Haggard and mutual friend Wanda Jackson with the organization’s first SHINE Legend awards. The two 77-year-old musicians certainly embody the term “legend.”

Jackson, also known as the First Lady of Rockabilly or the Queen of Rock, is a Maud native and Oklahoma City resident who first rose to prominence in the 1950s for her no-nonsense performing style that blended elements of both country and rockabilly. She shared early tour bills with icons including Elvis Presley, Roy Clark, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison. She’s often credited as being one of the first women to perform and record rock ’n’ roll music. In 2009, she became the first female Oklahoma musician inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She’s also an inductee into both the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and Oklahoma Hall of Fame.

She headlined last year’s SHINE Awards Benefit in Oklahoma City, which also raised money to support the Students for SHINE program.

Haggard, who turns 78 the Monday after kicking the footlights out at these two shows, is a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee. Like Jackson, he is also a member of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, having been born in California to the parents of Great-Depressiontransplanted Oklahomans. He also, of course, is famous for his hit song “Okie From Muskogee.”

SHINE has been replicated in other American cities, like Houston, as well as by the national government of Rwanda, Maughan said.

Tickets start at $65 via the casino’s site for the 8 p.m. Thursday show.

Friday’s concert is sold out.

Justin Fox, Riverwind Casino, Norman. COUNTRY

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

Mother Duck, Bourbon Street Bar. VARIOUS

Casey & Minna, Saints. VARIOUS

My So Called Band, Opolis, Norman. COVER

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

Overdrive, Remington Park. COVER

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

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

THURSDAY, APR. 2 Black Pussy/Mothership/Cobrajab, Blue Note Lounge.

ROCK Brent Saulsbury/Will Galbraith/Wayne Duncan, Friends Restaurant & Club. ROCK Downlink & Dieselboy, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. VARIOUS Drive, Baker St. Pub & Grill. ROCK Mothercoat/Earth Made of Glass/Speak, Memory, Twisted Root Gallery. VARIOUS Samantha Crain/Bowlsey, The Deli, Norman. VARIOUS The Central Jazz Jam, UCO Jazz Lab, Edmond. JAZZ

FRIDAY, APR. 3 Aaron Watson/Kyle Park/Bo Philips Band, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. COUNTRY Ariana Grande, Chesapeake Energy Arena. POP Beau Jennings/Elms/Aaron Pierce, Blue Note Lounge.

ROCK Blake Lankford, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill.

COUNTRY BUHU, Red Brick Bar, Norman. POP Caleb Fellenstein, Oak Tree Golf & Country Club, Edmond.

ACOUSTIC

P ROVI DE D

LIVE MUSIC WEDNESDAY, APR. 1

Karen Khoury, Legend’s Restaurant, Norman. PIANO Max Ridgway Trio, Full Circle Bookstore. JAZZ Meanstreak, Belle Isle Restaurant & Brewery. COVER

Roy Lee Scott & The Flying Cowboys, Sliders. COUNTRY Shortt Dogg, UCO Jazz Lab, Edmond. BLUES Stealing Saturn, Oklahoma City Limits. COVER Stephen Schultz/Lee Rooker, Lottinvilles Restaurant, Edmond. JAZZ Sworn In/The Plot In You/I Declare War/Gift Giver, The Conservatory. ROCK Tedeschi Trucks Band/Willie Watson, Brady Theater, Tulsa. ROCK The Clique, Friends Restaurant & Club. VARIOUS Wild Heart, Twolane’s Pass. COUNTRY Willow Way/Jarvix, The Paramount OKC. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

Ariana Grande

SATURDAY, APR. 4 Amarillo Junction, Riverwind Casino, Norman. COUNTRY

Ariana Grande Friday

Bloodgeon/Center of Disease/Malicyde, The Conservatory. ROCK Bryce Dicus, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill. COUNTRY BUHU/Feel Spectres/Gum, Blue Note Lounge. VARIOUS

OKG

music

A talented singer veiled in an overly conditioned mask of sexual feline appeal, Ariana Grande brings her breakout North American tour to Oklahoma City. The Honeymoon Tour follows success on the charts and Video Music Awards (VMAs). The show starts 7:30 p.m. Friday at Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W. Reno Ave. Tickets are $26.50-$66.50. Visit chesapeakearena.com.

pick

Caleb McGee and The Underdogs, The Deli, Norman.

ROCK Carson McHone Band, Grandad’s Bar. SINGER/ SONGWRITER Clare Costello, Lottinvilles Restaurant, Edmond. BLUES Don and Melodee Johnson, Twelve Oaks, Edmond. JAZZ

Pearl, Belle Isle Restaurant & Brewery. ROCK

Edgar Cruz, Colcord Hotel. ACOUSTIC

Ratatat/Despot, Brady Theater, Tulsa. ROCK

Jay Statham Band, Grady’s 66 Pub, Yukon. COUNTRY

Red Dirt Rangers, The Blue Door. COUNTRY

Karen Khoury, Legend’s Restaurant, Norman. PIANO

Replay, Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse. COVER

Lower 40, Wormy Dog Saloon. COUNTRY

Roy Lee Scott & The Flying Cowboys, Sliders. COUNTRY

Cashmere Cat/Darku J/Burke, ACM@UCO Performance Lab. VARIOUS

Mary Catherine Reynolds and Louise Goldberg, Full Circle Bookstore. JAZZ

Sidewalk Chalk, Urban Roots. VARIOUS

DJ R&R, Russell’s, Tower Hotel. VARIOUS

Nikko McFadden, Music Room OKC All Age Venue.

HIP-HOP

Smilin’ Vic, UCO Jazz Lab, Edmond. BLUES

Fred Hill/Grassland Caravan, Grandad’s Bar. VARIOUS Gentry, Kendell’s Bar. VARIOUS JB and the Moonshine Band, Wormy Dog Saloon.

COUNTRY

Paseo Street Walkers/[Peach], Twisted Root Gallery.

ROCK

Caleb McGee, The Deli, Norman. ROCK Darlingside, The Depot, Norman. FOLK Lions Lions/Everyone Dies in Utah/Trophy Wives, The Conservatory. ROCK

Street Kings, Oklahoma City Limits. VARIOUS

WEDNESDAY, APR. 8

The Broke Brothers, Tapwerks Ale House & Cafe. REGGAE

Aaron Newman Band, Colcord Hotel. FOLK

Stars, Russell’s, Tower Hotel. VARIOUS

Overdrive, Remington Park. COVER

TUESDAY, APR. 7

SUNDAY, APR. 5

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

ACOUSTIC Maurice Johnson, R&J Lounge and Supper Club. JAZZ

Brent Blount, Colcord Hotel. JAZZ

Scott Lowber/Will Galbraith/Ed VanBuskirk, Friends Restaurant & Club. COVER

Karen Khoury, Legend’s Restaurant, Norman. PIANO

Tech N9ne/Chris Webby/Krizz, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa.

HIP-HOP

Mike Hosty, The Deli, Norman. ROCK Scott Lowber/Will Galbraith/Rick Toops, Friends Restaurant & Club. COVER

Travis Linville, The Deli, Norman. SINGER/SONGWRITER

The War On Drugs/Hop Along, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa.

ROCK

MONDAY, APR. 6 Alan Orebaugh and Friends/The Handsome Devils, The Deli, Norman. ROCK Dr. Dog/mewithoutYou, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. ROCK PROVIDED

Black Pussy Blue Note Lounge Thursday

Rick Toops, Friends Restaurant & Club. ROCK

Submissions must be received by Oklahoma Gazette no later than noon on Wednesday seven days before the desired publication date. Late submissions will not be included in the listings.

Submissions run as space allows, although we strive to make the listings as inclusive as possible.

Fax your listings to 528-4600 or e-mail them to listings@okgazette.com. Sorry, but phone submissions cannot be accepted.

OKLAHOMA GAZETTE | | APRIL 01, 2015 | 45

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Homework: Before bed on the next five nights, remember everything that happened during the day.

Do it with compassion and objectivity. Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) “Choconiverous” is an English slang word that’s defined as having the tendency, when eating a chocolate Easter Bunny, to bite the head off first.

I recommend that you adopt this direct approach in everything you do in the coming weeks. Don’t get bogged down with preliminaries. Don’t get sidetracked by minor details, trivial distractions, or peripheral concerns. It’s your duty to swoop straight into the center of the action. Be clear about what you want and unapologetic about getting it.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) The American snack cake known as a Twinkie contains 68 percent air. Among its 37 other mostly worthless ingredients are sugar, water, cornstarch, the emulsifier polysorbate 60, the filler sodium stearoyl lactylate, and food coloring. You can’t get a lot of nutritious value by eating it. Now let’s consider the fruit known as the watermelon. It’s 91 percent water and six percent sugar. And yet it also contains a good amount of Vitamin C, lycopene, and antioxidants, all of which are healthy for you. So if you are going to eat a whole lot of nothing, watermelon is a far better nothing than a Twinkie. Let that serve as an apt metaphor for you in the coming week.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) You may be as close as you have ever gotten to finding the long-lost Holy Grail -- or Captain Kidd’s pirate treasure, for that matter, or Marie Antoinette’s jewels, or Tinkerbell’s magical fairy dust, or the smokinggun evidence that Shakespeare’s plays were written

by Francis Bacon. At the very least, I suspect you are ever-so-near to your personal equivalent of those precious goods. Is there anything you can do to increase your chances of actually getting it? Here’s one tip: Visualize in detail how acquiring the prize would inspire you to become even more generous and magnanimous than you already are.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) People are paying attention to you in new ways. That’s what you wanted, right? You’ve been emanating subliminal signals that convey messages like “Gaze into my eternal eyes” and “Bask in the cozy glow of my crafty empathy.” So now what? Here’s one possibility: Go to the next level. Show the evenmore-interesting beauty that you’re hiding below the surface. You may not think you’re ready to offer the gifts you have been “saving for later.” But you always think that. I dare you to reveal more of your deep secret power.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Marketing experts say consumers need persistent prodding before they will open their minds to possibilities that are outside their entrenched habits.

The average person has to be exposed to a new product at least eight times before it fully registers on his or her awareness. Remember this rule of thumb as you seek attention and support for your brainstorms.

Make use of the art of repetition. Not just any old boring, tedious kind of repetition, though. You’ve got to be as sincere and fresh about presenting your goodies the eighth time as you were the first.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Some people believe unquestioningly in the truth and power of astrology. They imagine it’s an exact science that can unfailingly discern character and predict the future. Other people believe all astrology is nonsense.

They think that everyone who uses it is deluded or stupid. I say that both of these groups are wrong.

Both have a simplistic, uninformed perspective. The more correct view is that some astrology is nonsense and some is a potent psychological tool. Some of it’s based on superstition and some is rooted in a robust mythopoetic understanding of archetypes. I encourage you to employ a similar appreciation for paradox as you evaluate a certain influence that is currently making a big splash in your life. In one sense, this influence is like snake oil, and you should be skeptical about it. But in another sense it’s good medicine that can truly heal.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) In Cole Porter’s song “I Get a Kick Out of You,” he testifies that he gets no kick from champagne. In fact, “Mere alcohol doesn’t thrill me at all,” he sings. The same is true about cocaine. “I’m sure that if I took even one sniff that would bore me terrifically, too,” Porter declares. With this as your nudge, Scorpio, and in accordance with the astrological omens, I encourage you to identify the titillations that no longer provide you with the pleasurable jolt they once did. Acknowledge the joys that have grown stale and the adventures whose rewards have waned. It’s time for you to go in search of a new array of provocative fun and games.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) According to the Biblical stories, Peter was Christ’s closest disciple, but acted like a traitor when trouble came. After Christ was arrested, in the hours before the trial, Peter denied knowing his cherished teacher three different times. His fear trumped his love, leading him to violate his sacred commitment. Is there anything remotely comparable to that scenario developing in your own sphere, Virgo? If you recognize any tendencies in yourself to shrink from your devotion or violate your highest principles, I urge you to root them out. Be brave. Stay strong and true in your duty to a person or place or cause that you love.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) The English writer William Wordsworth (1770-1830) wrote hundreds of poems. Among his most famous was “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” which is also known as “Daffodils.” The poem sprung from him after a walk he took with his sister around Lake Ullswater in the English Lake District. There they were delighted to find a long, thick belt of daffodils growing close to the water. In his poem, Wordsworth praises the “ten thousand” flowers that were “Continuous as the stars that shine / And twinkle on the milky way.” If you are ever going to have your own version of a daffodil explosion that inspires a burst of creativity, Sagittarius, it will come in the coming weeks.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Your subconscious desires and your conscious desires seem to be at odds. What you say you want is not in

precise alignment with what your deep self wants.

That’s why I’m worried that “Don’t! Stop!” might be close to morphing into “Don’t stop!” -- or vice versa. It’s all pretty confusing. Who’s in charge here?

Your false self or your true self? Your wounded, conditioned, habit-bound personality or your wise, eternal, ever-growing soul? I’d say it’s a good time to retreat into your sanctuary and get back in touch with your primal purpose.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Sometimes you’re cool, but other times you’re hot.

You veer from acting aloof and distracted to being friendly and attentive. You careen from bouts of laziness to bursts of disciplined efficiency. It seems that you’re always either building bridges or burning them, and on occasion you are building and burning them at the same time. In short, Aquarius, you are a master of vacillation and a slippery lover of the inbetween. When you’re not completely off-target and out of touch, you’ve got a knack for wild-guessing the future and seeing through the false appearances that everyone else regards as the gospel truth. I, for one, am thoroughly entertained!

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) How can you ripen the initiatives you have set in motion in recent weeks? Of the good new trends you have launched, which can you now install as permanent enhancements in your daily rhythm?

Is there anything you might do to cash in on the quantum leaps that have occurred, maybe even figure out a way to make money from them? It’s time for you to shift from being lyrically dreamy to fiercely practical. You’re ready to convert lucky breaks into enduring opportunities.

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.

voted best bar in norman

NOW HIRING NORMAN + NEW LOCATION apply online at pubwnorman.com

SERVERS & HOSTESSES

C

M

Y

K

R

G

B

HEX#

PANTONE

85

40

91

39

30

86

50

#1e5633

357c

Apply in person 2p-4p Tues-Sat 3241 West Memorial Rd

Tattoo Shop is now reviewing portfolios and taking applications for full time piercer and tattooer must be highly skilled and professional. We are a privately owned shop with an excellent reputation and atmosphere.

Call (405) 565-4690

Research Volunteers Needed Researchers at OU Health Sciences Center need healthy volunteers ages 18 to 30 who have a parent with or without a history of an alcohol or drug problem. Qualified participants will be compensated for their time.

Call (405) 456-4303 to learn more about the study and to see if you qualify.

The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution

Classen Curve

Now Hiring

SERVERS Apply in person • Mon-Thurs. 2-4pm 5641 N. Classen 46 | APRIL 1, 2015 | OKLAHOMA GAZETTE

Gotta’ BAND?

Need a place to rehearse?

DOWNTOWN MUSIC BOX | 405-232-2099 DOWNTOWNMUSICBOX.COM

P H O N E (4 0 5 ) 5 2 8 - 6 0 0 0 | E - M A I L : A D V E R T I S I N G @ T I E R R A M E D I A G R O U P. C O M

We Relax Massage

THIS IS A MODEL

7864 S. WESTERN @ I-240

I-40 & Meridian Open 7 days

Lic. 03439

405.605.0858

1019 S Meridian Ave Oklahoma City

(ACROSS FROM HAMPTON INN)

HANDYWOMAN

405.632.8989

Roofing - new & repairs Paint - interior/exterior and remodeling 722-7004

Lic. OCC 04591 • THIS IS A MODEL

405.748.6888

546 E. Memorial, Okla. City This is a model

Lic. OCC-04587

Hoggard

l Sprinfirge upSyopuresycstia , em

Matt Hoggard, Owner

HOGGARDCONSTRUCTION@GMAIL.COM

We will flow valve, check the back s and adjust the head x. bo l ro nt co set the

80

$

405-795-7003

Quiet 2 BED/1 BATH CONDO $800-$850

*Prices may vary depending on zones

all appliances + W/D • no pets • non smoking

DOC SPRINKLER

405.615.2002 • all elect • 6101 N Brookline

Petra’s Massage

IRRIGATION • INSTALLATION • REPAIR

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing

Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin or an intention to make any such preference, limitation, preference or discrimination.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of this law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings in our newspaper are available on an equal housing opportunity basis.

* LIC. 05460

Construction & Repairs • KITCHEN/BATH RENOVATIONS • EXTERIOR MAKEOVERS/LANDSCAPING • HOME REPAIRS

Lic. 110-000-142500

(at Broadway Ext.)

Call to set up appt.

405.408.5181

Email:TommyKeith1964@hotmail.com “The Doctor is Making House Calls”

60 MIN $35

OCC 13233

NW 63RD • 205.4876

Royal Treatment MASSAGE

Java s Dave’

clean, luxurious location

DOWNTOWN STORAGE

NEW CLIENT SPECIAL SAVE $10!

totally enclosed • 24-hr access climate controlled

2 NE 9th, OKC

Sugar Chinese

290.7552

MASSAGE & SPA

NECK • BACK • BODY

Leather Lady Furniture Repair

FREE TABLE SHOWER

We re-dye, remove ink, fix cuts, scratches and re-stitch!

Repairs made on site.

2751 NW Expressway, Ste. 4 • OKC

810-0309

919-8059

Lic. OCC-11417

Certified Therapeutic

OCC-09708

New Me

Free Class - Basic Yoga 10:30am Every Sunday 4/12/15-6/28/15 bring your own mat Anti-aging facials • Massage Therapy Call for Appt. 213-7745 5959 NW Expressway Ste E

Peony

Day Spa

Check for daily specials

5005 N. Rockwell • 405.603.5300 Lic. 100895

This is a model

1565 SW 44th 405.681.2626 OPPOSITE OFFICE DEPOT

Advertise in Gazette’s Certified Therapeutic

405.528.6000

MON-SAT 10A-9P | SUN CLOSED EDMONDOKMASSAGE.COM

428 W. 15TH ST., EDMOND | 340-0400 classifieds

Health OPIATE ADDICTION TREATMENT Now Accepting New Patients!

• Suboxone/Subutex Detox & Maintenance Treatment • Methadone to Suboxone Switch • Counseling for all Drug Addictions HELP IS A PHONE CALL AWAY

405-525-2222

OKL AHOMA GA Z ET TE | APRIL 1 , 2015 | 47

BMW USA

bmwusa.com

WE MAKE EVERY DAY LESS EVERYDAY.

Since every BMW is an Ultimate Driving Machine, it makes every day that much more special. And, as part of BMW Ultimate ServiceÂŽ, when you purchase a new BMW, it covers maintenance costs for 4 years or 50,000 miles*. This can save you up to $2,000 in maintenance costs compared to other luxury vehicles.

NO-COST MAINTENANCE

Jackie Cooper Imports, LLC.

Up to 4 YRS / 50K MILES1

Jackie Cooper Imports, LLC . 14145 North Broadway Ext . Edmond, OK 73103-4120 . 866-597-5676

www.cooperbmw.com

*For model year 2015 or later vehicles sold or leased by an authorized BMW center on or after July 1, 2014, BMW Maintenance Program coverage is not transferable to subsequent purchasers, owners, or leasees. Please see bmwusa.com/UltimateService or ask your authorized BMW center for details. Š2014 BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.

2015 320i Sedan

$

2015 328i xDrive Gran Turismo

309

*

Lease for 36 months.

$

419

*

2015 528i Sedan

Lease for 39 months.

$

499

*

Lease for 36 months.

*Lease financing available on 2015 BMW 320i Sedan vehicles, only at participating BMW centers on leases assigned to BMW Financial Services NA, LLC/Financial Services Vehicle Trust through March 31, 2015. Monthly Lease payments of $309.00 for 36 months based on MSRP of $35,300.00.

*Lease financing available on 2015 BMW 328i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles, only at participating BMW centers on leases assigned to BMW Financial Services NA, LLC/Financial Services Vehicle Trust through March 31, 2015. Monthly Lease payments of $419.00 for 39 months based on MSRP of $46,300.00.

* Lease financing available on 2015 BMW 528i Sedan vehicles, only at participating BMW centers on leases assigned to BMW Financial Services NA, LLC/Financial Services Vehicle Trust through March 31, 2015. Monthly Lease payments of $499.00 for 36 months based on MSRP of $52,700.00.

2015 740Li

2015 X5 xDrive35i

2015 Z4 sDrive28i

$

839

*

Lease for 24 months.

$

659

*

Lease for 36 months.

$

429

*

Lease for 36 months.

*Lease financing available on 2015 BMW 740Li vehicles, only at participating BMW centers on leases assigned to BMW Financial Services NA, LLC/Financial Services Vehicle Trust through March 31, 2015. Monthly Lease payments of $839.00 for 24 months based on MSRP of $82,950.00.

*Lease financing available on 2015 BMW X5 xDrive35i vehicles, only at participating BMW centers on leases assigned to BMW Financial Services NA, LLC/Financial Services Vehicle Trust through March 31, 2015. Monthly Lease payments of $659.00 for 36 months based on MSRP of $62,150.00.

*Lease financing available on 2015 BMW Z4 sDrive28i vehicles, only at participating BMW centers on leases assigned to BMW Financial Services NA, LLC/Financial Services Vehicle Trust through March 31, 2015. Monthly Lease payments of $429.00 for 36 months based on MSRP of $52,200.00.

2015 640i Coupe

2015 X1 sDrive28i

2015 X3 xDrive28i

$

839

*

Lease for 36 months.

*Lease financing available on 2015 BMW 640i Coupe vehicles, only at participating BMW centers on leases assigned to BMW Financial Services NA, LLC/Financial Services Vehicle Trust through March 31, 2015. Monthly Lease payments of $839.00 for 36 months based on MSRP of $81,850.00.

* March Prices are subject to change

$

299

*

Lease for 36 months.

*Lease financing available on 2015 BMW X1 sDrive28i vehicles, only at participating BMW centers on leases assigned to BMW Financial Services NA, LLC/Financial Services Vehicle Trust through March 31, 2015. Monthly Lease payments of $299.00 for 36 months based on MSRP of $35,550.00.

$

479

*

Lease for 36 months.

*Lease financing available on 2015 BMW X3 xDrive28i vehicles, only at participating BMW centers on leases assigned to BMW Financial Services NA, LLC/Financial Services Vehicle Trust through March 31, 2015. Monthly Lease payments of $479.00 for 36 months based on MSRP of $44,400.00.