TulsaPeople October 2023

PREVENTING THE FLU BEGINS WITH YOU

Warren Clinic Drive-Thru Flu Vaccinations

Saint Francis and Warren Clinic are offering convenient drive-thru flu vaccinations with online appointment scheduling.

Flu shots are available to those age 9 and older. The cost is covered by most insurance plans. High-dose flu vaccine is available to those age 65 and older.

APPOINTMENTS ARE

REQUIRED.

For location information and to schedule your flu or vaccination, visit saintfrancis.com/flu

WARREN CLINIC TOWER

NORTHWEST PARKING LOT

6600 South Yale Avenue, Tulsa

DRIVE-THRU DATES:

SEPTEMBER 25 - NOVEMBER 22

FIRST OKLAHOMA BANK PRESENTS Leaders with Heart

Not only do Rodger and Judy Randle’s connections run deep they care deeply about the community and the larger world.

Rodger is a native Tulsan whose political career began at age 27 when he was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He later served in the Oklahoma Senate as President Pro Tempore and became mayor of Tulsa. He also was president of the University Center at Tulsa. Today, he is Director of the University of Oklahoma Center for Studies in Democracy and Culture and professor in the Department of Human Relations.

Judy worked many years as a reporter and editor in multiple sections at the Tulsa World, including as Book Editor. In 2003, she was inducted into the Tulsa City-County Library’s Hall of Fame in recognition for over 25 years of service on the Library Commission, including two terms as its chairwoman.

Both Rodger and Judy served in the Peace Corps in Brazil in the 1960s. Rodger worked for about a year on a community development project that focused on teaching people how to do things on their own, while Judy served two years as a visiting nurse.

“We learned about people and other cultures, and of the satisfaction it brings. We learned that through service we gave and received in equal amounts. The impact of the Peace Corps in our lives has continued to motivate us to this day,” the couple says.

Their Peace Corps experiences would bond them, but it was a chance encounter outside of Aaronson Auditorium at Central Library that brought the two together.

Their appreciation for other cultures is evident. Rodger has received numerous awards for his international activities. He has lectured abroad in multiple countries and currently serves as the Honorary British Consul for Oklahoma.

The Randles credit their families for showing them the importance and personal reward that comes from serving others. Judy grew up in a home with nine children, but her mother always made time for church, school and community activities.

“We both grew up in ‘Old Tulsa,’ a place that was special because of the closeness of

community and its unity. We want to see these traditional qualities strengthened in more parts of the city today,” the Randles say. “The most valuable thing to give is yourself. When you help your community, you are making your own world better.”

“Rodger and Judy are excellent role models who have devoted their lives to selfless service in a wide range of activities. Their friendship was one of the key reasons we chose to move to Tulsa. They have made an enormous positive difference in Tulsa and the world!” says Tom Bennett Jr., Executive Chairman of the Board.

“First Oklahoma Bank actually cares about its customers on a personal level,” the Randles say. “The bank carefully selects staff who take a genuine interest in people. They learn your name and they smile when they see you.”

37

TROUBLED WATERS

High levels of bacteria and a decreasing fish population found in Arkansas River.

BY KELLY BOSTIAN

40

THE NEW TULSA TONE

Get to know the next generation of local musicians.

BY TIM

LANDES

44 A VISIT WITH PATRICK GORDON

A painter of consistent habits, a man of contrasts and change.

BY CONNIE CRONLEY

49 URBAN PLAYGROUND

There’s so much to do and see downtown. Here are some of TulsaPeople editor favorites.  BY STAFF

70 CLASS ACT

7 named to Tulsa Hall of Fame.

BY BLAYKLEE FREED

SPECIAL SECTIONS

63 Faces of Downtown Profiles

72 Venue and Catering Guides

80 Care Card

7

CITY DESK

Hasty Bake is 75. Bluegrass brunch brings the crowds. Health care comes to Greenwood District. Sam Avey’s success.

79

LIFESTYLE

Men’s fashion.

Talking trees after the historic June storm. Luxury living in the Arts District. Pondering progress with Connie Cronley.

97

TABLE TALK

Pumpkin season commences. A beer for breast cancer awareness. 3 longtime downtown staples. The dish on Fixins.

COVER PHOTO BY GREG BOLLINGER

The sun rises over the Arkansas River near the area that will become Zink Lake.

O

No matter how big Tulsa gets, it doesn’t look like this will go out of style. And I love that.

Whether you’re at the co ee shop, grocery store or picking up food at your favorite local eatery, you’re likely to run into someone you know or have met before.

Try it this month. I dare you. I’ll even give you a cue. Turn to p. 49 and nd this month’s Downtown Guide — more than 40 ways to see, experience and embrace all that the urban community has to o er. Explore a new district. See a band. Eat somewhere di erent. See who you meet and run into.

While I’m on the subject, check out our other downtown-centric articles. ere’s the new Fixins restaurant in Greenwood (p. 98) as well as three longtime lunch spots you de nitely need to revisit (p. 102). Davenport Lofts residents are now making their home in the luxury condominiums. See inside one on p. 88. ere’s also a new health care option in Greenwood (p. 22), a tech expansion for Silhouette Sneakers and Art owner Venita Cooper (p. 20) and a re ection on Coliseum owner Sam Avey ’s legacy (p. 32).

Have you been wondering what proli c artist Patrick Gordon has been up to?

6 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2023

ne of my favorite things about this city is the casual friendliness that seems to be second nature to us. It seems like anywhere I go people say “Hi,” give a wave or smile and say “How’s it going?” Perhaps it’s ingrained in us as youth. Perhaps it’s a habit newcomers have adopted and embraced.He’s busier than ever, paining from his midtown manor and living the good life. Read Connie Cronley ’s pro le on him on p. 44.

For the past few months we couldn’t escape talk of the Arkansas River. Kelly Bostian dug into the testing records to uncover data on the river’s water quality in midtown Tulsa. Read the story beginning on p. 37 for what he found.

Features Editor Tim Landes really shined this month with a conversation and photoshoot with ve up-and-coming Tulsa musicians. ese men and women are creating what we call the new Tulsa tone. Meet them on p. 40 and learn more about what’s going on at the photoshoot site — Riverside Studio. I think it’s really exciting.

If you’re like me these rst nips of fall are energizing and inspiring. As a lifelong Tulsan I know we have plenty of hot days ahead before we o cially turn to autumn, but I’m embracing these gifts of days where I can walk to my car without breaking a sweat or take my trashcans to the curb and not need to hose myself with bug spray. Perhaps this breath of fresh air will lead you to your next outing about town where you can say ‘Hello’ to your fellow Tulsan. See you around.

And, thank you for reading. TP

Volume XXXVII, Number 12 ©2023. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher, including created advertising in a proofed or printed stage.

TulsaPeople Magazine is published monthly by 1603 South Boulder Avenue Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119-4407

P: 918-585-9924 F: 918-585-9926

PUBLISHER Jim Langdon

PRESIDENT Juley Roffers

VP COMMUNITY RELATIONS Susie Miller

EDITOR Anne Brockman

FEATURES EDITOR Tim Landes

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Blayklee Freed

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Tiffany Howard

EDITORIAL CONSULTING Missy Kruse, The Write Company

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Madeline Crawford

ART DIRECTOR Georgia Brooks

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ashley Guerrero

MANAGING PHOTOGRAPHER Michelle Pollard

VIDEOGRAPHER Greg Bollinger

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Andrea Canada

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Josh Kampf Rita Kirk

CONTROLLER Mary McKisick

RECEPTIONIST/MARKETING ASSISTANT Madison Walters INTERN Sevyn Bahntu

MEMBER

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Costumed cowboy

In 2022, Tulsa’s favorite muffler man, Buck Atom, donned a Dracula mask created by local artist Adam Carnes. What will Buck dress up as this year for Halloween?

“Buckwolf,” according to Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios owner Mary Beth Babcock. Her space cowboy will be

howling at the moon as a werewolf this spooky season. She says the mask and costume again will be created by Carnes and will be ready in time for the Meadow Gold District’s trick or treating extravaganza on Oct. 28. From noon-4 p.m. nearby businesses will pass out candy along with other fun activities. TP

Buck Atom as Dracula in 2022

COMPILED BY ANNE BROCKMAN

Safe keeping

Since its introduction in September 2022, H.O.P.E. Testing’s free public health vending machine has seen 1,284 registered users. Once a month, volunteers compile harm reduction kits and safer sex kits. A total of 11,612 kits have been distributed as of Aug. 22, according to H.O.P.E.

This has included:

143,820 syringes

2,984 Naloxone

1,500 Fentanyl test strips

1,545 first-aid kits

271 pregnancy tests

291 HIV self-tests

447 COVID-19 tests (courtesy of Tulsa Health Department)

Over the course of the year, SHOTS (a local syringe service program) has safely disposed of 196 pounds of sharp devices.

Art creates art

When Jaime Misenheimer (Choctaw) arrives at the TAC Gallery on Oct. 6 for the opening night of the Flower Moon Art Show, she’ll be reconnecting with the friends she made while working to build the film’s train station tracks and as a background actor on “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

“There was such a neat sense of friendship from everyone on set together while telling such an intense story,” says Misenheimer, who curated the exhibit. “The show to me is about giving everyone an opportunity to have an expression about that experience.”

Paintings by Misenheimer, along with work from 25 artists spanning mediums from photography and sculpture to beadwork, spoken word and drawings, are part of the month-long exhibit.

Misenheimer’s “Aurelius” and “Dusk Pawhuska” are part of the exhibit. The portrait of Aurelius Iron, a little boy dressed as an Osage child in the 1920s, is one of 50 portraits she has finished or is working on. All will be gifted to the subject, she says. “Dusk Pawhuska” is a study for a larger piece, but it depicts two stuntmen on horseback and shows the beauty and landscape of Osage County. “The natural world is so much an element of the story,” she says.

Photographer Cody Hammer’s set photos featuring the participating artists will be on display to provide gallery visitors insight into set life.

TAC Gallery is located at 9 E. Reconciliation Way. Visit tacgallery.org for hours and more information.

VOICES OF OKLAHOMA

The vending machine is available at the nonprofit’s clinic, 3354 E. 51st St. When H.O.P.E. opens the doors to its new facility next year, the vending machine will be available 24 hours a day, and organizers anticipate having to restock each business day.

Learn more at hopetesting.org.

AUDITION FOR TULSA SINGS! Online applications and video auditions for the 2024 Tulsa Sings! competition will be accepted until 5 p.m., Oct. 9.

Finalists participate in an April 6 performance with Signature Symphony at Tulsa Community College and work with New York City-based vocalist and concert performer Scott Coulter Learn more at signaturesymphony. org/tulsa-sings.

“And we were concerned until Mr. Scorsese says, ‘I’m going to make a movie the Osage will be proud of’ ... We only saw a portion of this movie (at a preview), so I can’t tell you what it looks like, but I can tell you that those portions of the movie portraying the Osage people — those that sat and saw that will tell you it’s very respectful, very accurate. You’ll not see an American movie more like it than this.”

“Voices of Oklahoma” is an oral history project founded by John Erling in 2009. Visit voicesofoklahoma.com.

“Dusk Pawhuska” by Jaime Misenheimer, inset, on set of “Killers of the Flower Moon”

— Geoffrey Standing Bear, principal chief of the Osage Nation

CHEROKEE ART MARKET

OCTOBER 14 –15, 2023

HARD ROCK HOTEL AND CASINO TULSA

SEQUOYAH CONVENTION CENTER

Experience authentic Native art at one of the largest Native American art shows in Oklahoma. New work by accomplished Native artists from across the country will be on display.

Discover and enjoy their exquisite work and add to your collection with beautiful jewelry, pottery, sculptures, paintings, textiles and much more.

“Ancestral Duplication: Battle for our Language” Troy Jackson cherokeeartmarket.com

OCTOBER

OCT. 1

MAPLE RIDGE HOME AND GARDEN TOUR

See five residences and outdoor spaces in one of Tulsa’s most historic neighborhoods. MAPLE RIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD, 2100 S. MADISON AVE. | MAPLERIDGENEIGHBORHOOD.COM

OCT. 3

PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE SERIES Featured speaker Danielle Feinberg has worked on 14 Pixar films and recently worked as visual effects supervisor for Pixar’s latest release, “Turning Red.” LORTON PERFORMANCE CENTER, 550 S. GARY PLACE | CALENDAR.UTULSA.EDU

VISIT TULSAPEOPLE.COM/ABOUTTOWN FOR MORE LOCAL EVENTS AND A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF WEEKLY MUSIC LISTINGS.

OCT. 14

MCNELLIE’S HARVEST BEER FESTIVAL Sip suds from more than 60 breweries at this annual festival, now in its 13th year.

ONEOK FIELD, 201 N. ELGIN AVE. BEERFESTS.COM/EVENTS/MCNELLIESHARVEST-BEER-FESTIVAL

OCT. 14-15

CHEROKEE ART MARKET Now in its 18th year, this weekend festival brings more than 150 artists representing tribes across the U.S. HARD ROCK HOTEL AND CASINO, 777 W. CHEROKEE ST., CATOOSA | CHEROKEEARTMARKET.COM

OCT. 19-22

OCT. 5

FOREIGNER Hear legendary rockers perform during the band’s farewell tour. THE COVE AT RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT, 8330 RIVERSIDE PARKWAY | RIVERSPIRITTULSA.COM

OCT. 6

FIRST FRIDAY Local creatives take over the Arts District with live music at Guthrie Green, show openings, happy hour specials and camaraderie. TULSA ARTS DISTRICT THETULSAARTSDISTRICT.ORG

OCT. 7

ART IN THE SQUARE Ninety artists showcase their works in the open-air shopping center. Plus live music and kids’ activities. UTICA SQUARE, 21ST STREET AND UTICA AVENUE | UTICASQUARE.COM

OCT. 14

SECOND SATURDAY TOUR Tulsa Foundation for Architecture hosts monthly tours, and October’s is of The Arts District and its many haunts. GUTHRIE GREEN, 111 E. RECONCILIATION WAY TULSAARCHITECTURE.ORG

OCT. 14

ARTS FESTIVAL Hit up the Kendall Whittier district for a festival celebrating all things creative. KENDALL WHITTIER MAIN STREET, ADMIRAL BOULEVARD AND LEWIS AVENUE. FACEBOOK.COM/VISITKENDALLWHITTIER

TULSA OKTOBERFEST

For 44 years, we’ve been toasting with a Prost! west of the Arkansas River at the region’s biggest Oktoberfest.

RIVER WEST FESTIVAL PARK, 2100 S. JACKSON AVE. | TULSAOKTOBERFEST.ORG

OCT. 21

CRAFT OF WRITING CONFERENCE In its seventh year, this event focuses on sharpening your writing skills with breakout sessions by experts. CENTER FOR POETS AND WRITERS AT OSU-TULSA, 700 N. GREENWOOD AVE. TULSA.OKSTATE.EDU/POETS-WRITERS

OCT. 21

TULSA GAME FESTIVAL Digital and board games are celebrated here, where 10 new games from Oklahoma developers will be available to play. CIRCLE CINEMA, 10 S. LEWIS AVE. CIRCLECINEMA.ORG

OCT. 28

MEDICINE HORSE ALBUM RELEASE The local band’s debut album drops Halloween weekend with a show, including supporting acts Within Chaos, Lud and Surus. WHITTIER BAR, 2405 E. ADMIRAL BLVD.

FACEBOOK.COM/MEDICINEHORSE918

OCT. 28

TULSA RUN An annual 2K, 5K and 15K tradition that winds its way through downtown and midtown Tulsa. STARTING LINE, 8 E. THIRD ST. TULSARUN.COM

COMPILED BY BLAYKLEE FREED

HALLOWEEN EVENTS

COMPILED BY BLAYKLEE FREED

THROUGH OCT. 28

HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL | 5:30-10 p.m Castle of Muskogee, 3400 W. Fern Mountain Road, Muskogee okcastle.com/halloween

OCT. 6

FIRST FRIDAY KARAOKE: HALLOWEEN

EDITION | 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Elote, 514 S. Boston Ave. elotetulsa.com/events

OCT. 20

PUMPKIN PAINTING | 3-5 p.m. Rose District, 418 Main St., Broken Arrow | autismoklahoma.org

OCT. 20-21

MENOTTI’S “THE MEDIUM” | 7:30 p.m Studio 308, 308 S. Lansing Ave. tulsaopera.com

OCT. 20-22, 28-30

HALLOWZOOEEN | 1-9 p.m. Tulsa Zoo, 6421 E. 36th St. N. tulsazoo.org

OCT. 21

BIBBIDI BOBBIDI BOO BASH | 5-8 p.m. Tulsa Botanic Garden, 3900 Tulsa Botanic Drive | facebook.com/ characterconnectiontulsa

BOOHAHA | 9 a.m.-NOON, 11 a.m. parade step off.

In Brookside along Peoria Avenue from 45th to 33rd streets. tulsaboohaha.com

COMMUNITY MOVIE NIGHT: “HOCUS

POCUS” | 6-10 p.m. Redbud Festival Park, 109 N. Main St., Owasso | allevents.in/org/ redbud-festival-park

MIDNIGHT DRAGS HALLOWEEN

BASH | 10 p.m.

Tulsa Raceway Park, 3101 N. Garnett Road | tulsaracewaypark.com

SPARKY’S SPOOKTACULAR TRUNK OR TREAT | 1:30-4 p.m. McClure Park, 7440 E. Seventh St. tulsaparks.org

TULSA FOUNDATION FOR ARCHITECTURE’S HAUNTING HALLOWEEN BASH | 7 p.m.-MIDNIGHT

The Gateway Building, 851 E. Admiral Blvd. | tulsaarchitecture.org

OCT. 25

DOG PLAY WEDNESDAY: HOWL-O-WEENIE | 5-7 p.m.

Gathering Place, PSO Reading Tree, 2650 S. John Williams Way gatheringplace.org

OCT. 25-31

HALLOWMARINE | 6:30-9 p.m. Oklahoma Aquarium, 300 Aquarium Drive, Jenks okaquarium.org

OCT. 27

FOWLER AUTOMOTIVE PRESENTS: “CLUE” | 7:30-9:10 p.m.

Philbrook Museum of Art, 2727 S. Rockford Road | philbrook.org

HALLOWEEN BINGO | 7-9 p.m.

Elote, 514 S. Boston Ave. elotetulsa.com/events

MONSTER MASH | 7-11 p.m.

Gathering Place QuikTrip Great Lawn, 2650 S. John Williams Way gatheringplace.org

OCT. 27-28

TULSA HALLOWEEN BAR CRAWL 4-10 p.m. Multiple locations | pubcrawls.com

OCT. 28

COX MOVIE NIGHT: “HOCUS POCUS” 5:30-9 p.m.

Gathering Place QuikTrip Great Lawn, 2650 S. John Williams Way gatheringplace.org

HERE COME THE MUMMIES | 7 p.m. Skyline Event Center at Osage Casino Hotel, 951 W. 36th St. N. osagecasino.com

OCT. 31

FALL FITNESS SERIES: HALLOWEEN EDITION | 6-7 p.m.

Gathering Place QuikTrip Great Lawn, 2650 S. John Williams Way gatheringplace.org

I’m a teacher at Holland Hall and an alumna.

What makes a Holland Hall teacher? Someone who is passionate, who is a master at their area of study and who cares deeply about forming relationships and learning about kids.”

Holland Hall, Tulsa’s PreK-12th grade independent Episcopal school, offers a rigorous academic curriculum, but also more than 30 arts classes, state championship athletic teams and faculty members who have time to really know your child. Ask about a private tour and tuition assistance.

— Tyne Shillingford ’03 Upper School Fine Arts Department Chair

Covers REVISITED

WHERE IT ALL STARTED

FORMER TU PLAYER SOLIDIFIES HIS SECOND YEAR WITH THE DALLAS COWBOYS.

BY STEPHEN HUNT

In 2022, Tyler Smith started 19 games as a rookie o ensive lineman for the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, earning high marks at two positions. However, he knows his three seasons at the University of Tulsa (2019-2021) were what laid the groundwork for him to be a successful pro.

“It was very formative,” Smith says. “I had high expectations but was humble and ready to learn. I had a lot of good mentors like strength coach Erich Anthony and older guys like Chris Ivy (Jr.), Gerard Wheeler, Clayton Greathouse. It helped me mesh into the college atmosphere.”

A native of North Crowley, Texas, near Fort Worth, Smith is used to big-city life. So, when he rst arrived in Tulsa, it was an adjustment. However, he quickly embraced T-Town and TU. “I liked how small it was. I was able to grow closer to people in my circle,” he says. “ ere are only 3,000-4,000 kids there, so the friends you have are a lot closer. I really liked that.”

During his three years with the Golden Hurricane, Smith also found several favorite Tulsa restaurants like Wa e at, known for its chicken and wa es, and

Zaxby’s. He also developed an appreciation for Coney I-Lander, which has a popular location near TU on 11th Street.

Much like his early years at TU, he credits his veteran Dallas teammates for helping ease his transition to the NFL. “All those guys took me into the group. ey were patient when I made mistakes,” he says. “It was never like they blew up and said, ‘Forget this guy, he’ll never get it.’ ey were always patient. Every week was a di erent challenge, but I stepped up.”

No longer a rookie, Smith won’t have to bear the tradition of getting food for his fellow o ensive linemen for plane rides during road trips. “ is time around last year we went to LA for practice with the Chargers. We were commanded to buy 40 Popeye’s chicken sandwiches. en, we had to get chicken tenders for Tyron (Smith) because Tyron doesn’t like chicken sandwiches. We were expected to have this food hot by the time we get there. It was cool. It builds character, it’s a rite of passage (but) I de nitely won’t be as hard on future rookies about it.” TP

When featured on the cover of TulsaPeople in April 1996, Chuck Lamson had recently been named the general manager of the Tulsa Drillers. After 10 years of working as GM, Lamson became a majority owner of the Drillers and began serving Tulsa’s home team as president in 2006. Lamson led the charge to build ONEOK Field downtown, and after its opening in 2010, he sold his shares of the team and stepped down from his position. “I spent 30 years with the team in the office and as a player,” Lamson says. “At that point, building a ballpark was the last major goal to secure the future of the franchise in Tulsa.”

Even after selling the Drillers, Lamson actively participated in the minor league baseball scene through consulting. He assisted both buyers and sellers of minor league baseball teams with evaluations, operations and the purchasing process. Lamson also invested in the development of SpringDeck, a sales app designed for the audio-visual business. From 2017-2020, Lamson joined the staff at the University of Tulsa’s business college as executive in residence. While at TU, Lamson oversaw internships for marketing and management majors and taught two sports management classes each year.

Lamson began working in the nonprofit sector as CEO and president of Tulsa Botanic Garden in 2021. Even though the garden and the field are very different, Lamson points out some similarities between the two. “We still have to market the garden, we have to sell tickets, we sell sponsorships. There are a lot of skills I had from working at the Drillers that cross over,” he explains. When reflecting on his different careers over the past 27 years, Lamson simply says, “There is plenty to say grace over.” —

ABBY MEDICO

Former University of Tulsa athlete Tyler Smith is in his second season as an offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys.

ICON OF FLAVOR

MADE-IN-TULSA BARBECUE GRILLS REACH MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY.

BY KELLY BOSTIAN

Seventy- ve years after its founding, a Tulsa war hero’s dreams and lean, steely determination live on, both guratively and literally, in welded stainlesssteel backyard grills.

Hasty Bake Charcoal Grills, the Tulsaborn vision of Grant Hastings and one of relatively few enduring Tulsa manufacturing companies, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Marking the occasion, the company built 75 limited-edition Model 175 “co n tops,” so named for the lid’s resemblance to old wooden caskets.

e new collectibles join a passel of long-lived units collected by enthusiasts like American Airlines metal worker and Hasty Bake historian Jay Johnsen. A Hasty Bake grill owner since 1987, he’s refurbished dozens over the past 10 years, but none as unique as the 1962 Model 700 Original Outdoor Kitchen Grill — aka Angus — he just re-designed his back patio around.

It is the only remaining of the three produced, one of which saw “ e Price is Right” game show fame.

“It sold for $3,500 back then. at was about the price of a new car,” he says.

It has a Fiesta model grill — still in

production today — set into a wrought-iron and cast-aluminum mobile cart fabricated by Wiemann Metalcraft, another longtime Tulsa business. e wheeled unit has countertop space for cooking and serving, storage drawers, a spacious tabletop, ve matching chairs, a built-in mini refrigerator and electric outlets.

“It’s kind of my ultimate,” Johnsen says. “ is is my last one. I’m selling o most of the others.”

e Hasty Bake story is pure Tulsa, with a mix of World War II heroism and recovery, ingenuity, survival through lean times and adaptation for the future. e modern and most visible brand ambassadors are Burn Co. Barbecue in Jenks and renowned Oklahoma cowboy cook Kent Rollins, with millions of YouTube followers.

Hastings, an artillery o cer during World War II who served 533 days in combat from Africa to Europe, said he dreamed of barbecued ribs to lift his spirits. Upon his return home, he teamed up with friend Gus Baker to create a smoker grill. An initial $400 given to a local welder made the rst six grills in 1948, marking the birth of a new company and the covered-top grill that

forever changed backyard cooking.

Current owner Richard Alexander purchased the business in 1994, calling Hastings a “mentor and Tulsa icon.” Hastings died in 2009.

Today the company’s 60,000-square-foot headquarters at 1313 S. Lewis Ave. holds a product showroom up front, but in the back is a metal fabrication shop that not only builds grills and ships them worldwide but also does industrial precision metalwork that now outpaces the barbecue demands.

“We’re a 24-hour operation for the most part,” says Nick Parsons, marketing and operations vice president. e precision metalwork is a natural progression of engineering that always made the Hasty Bake special, he says.

Johnsen pointed to di erent models on his patio to reveal the simple secret behind the grill.

“It’s that old saying, ‘ e magic box. A Hasty makes it tasty,’” he says. “Right here,” pointing to a series of nger-sized holes located just below the cooking grate in an older model. “A Hasty has incredible convection, and that creates that great avor.” TP

Hasty Bake historian Jay Johnsen, above, sits on his patio that was built around his 1962 Model 700 Original Outdoor Kitchen Grill, complete with built-in table, custom chairs and more. Below, Nick Parsons with the 75th anniversary Model 175 inside Hasty Bake’s showroom.

TWICE AS NICE

MONTEREAU RETIREMENT COMMUNITY MARKS 20 YEARS.

BY ANNE BROCKMAN

For their rst holiday season at Montereau more than seven years ago, Gene and Ava Callahan sent a Christmas card to each person they had met since moving to the independent living community in April.

e couple ended up sending more than 250 cards.

And that’s just the way it is at Montereau, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month, according to Callahan and fellow resident Jeanne Jacobs. “Even if you don’t know them, you know them,” Jacobs says, whether that means a friendly greeting in

the hallway or chatting up a new friend at one of the community’s 400-plus events held each month both on- and o -campus.

Jacobs is no stranger to Montereau. Her parents lived there, and she became a resident in October 2021. Since moving in, she’s participated in countless activities, including writing her memoir thanks to a resident-led class and traveling to Morocco via a dinner/ movie night with Moroccan food and a screening of “Casablanca.”

Callahan says it’s the three Ps — people, place and peace — that he’s come to love about his home.

Founded in 1999 by the William K. Warren Foundation and opened in 2003, Montereau is committed to successful aging. “We’re doing that for a city, a region and a nation,” according to President and CEO Scott Nield, who joined the organization in 2022. Over the two decades, the community has garnered multiple local and national awards as it focuses on ve pillars: people development through superior service excellence, scal stability, exquisite culinary, integrated wellness and elite health care. Nield says those who live in a place like Montereau, located at 6800 S. Granite Ave., extend their life by an average of seven years as priority is put on residents’ social engagement, intellectual challenge, physical well-being, spiritual ful llment and emotional health.

“We have a responsibility as leaders in senior living to help people age successfully,” Chief Culinary O cer Tanner orp says. orp and his team serve 1,200 meals a day from Montereau’s ve dining establishments ranging from co eeshop fare to elevated dining at Rue 6800, which features plates like lobster and steak. And he knows his department plays a signi cant role in the community’s atmosphere.

“Food is a key contributor to social engagement. It’s what brings us all together,” he says. “Food is the universal language.”

Over the past 20 years Montereau, which sits on 100 acres with more than 60,000 square feet of community living space, has evolved to meet the growing and changing needs of the Tulsa region. Director of Marketing Jamie Townsend, who has worked at Montereau since before it was even built, has seen that in how decisions are made to move here — like more women of the household involved in the conversation and the implementation and use of technology to make decisions. Montereau functions as a small city on the hill with more than 1,000 people on-site each day — from the residents to the 423-member sta to visitors.

Nield says that Montereau was born to innovate and lead on many fronts. “We are relevant both for today’s residents and also for those Baby Boomers coming into our community younger and younger over the next 20 years.”

Speaking of the future, Callahan and his breakfast crew discussed what the next 20 years look like for Montereau. Along with advancements in health and wellness, he expects the way team members communicate with residents will change as technology advances as well as something as simple as the music that is played over the speakers during breakfast. TP

This month Montereau celebrates two decades since its opening at 6800 S. Granite Ave. Inset, Chief Culinary Officer Tanner Thorp, Director of Marketing Jamie Townsend, residents Gene Callahan and Jeanne Jacobs, and President and CEO Scott Nield.

Experience a traditional Bavarian market filled with local artisans and craftsman. While shopping enjoy delicious foods, Gluhwein (German Mulled wine), hot chocolate bar, pastries, cookies, and Christmas candies. Falling snow. Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Christmas carolers, Children’s Activities and Games, Giant Candy Land and so much more will make your holiday a little brighter! Buy your tickets today! Share this magical season with family and friends at the OKM Christkindl Market.

Re ections in art

SOLE BUSINESS

GREENWOOD TECH COMPANY SERVES THOSE LOOKING TO BUY AND SELL SNEAKERS.

BY SARA PLUMMER

Venita Cooper has been into sneakers since she was a kid. After walking into middle school in Lawton wearing a pair of Nike Air Swoopes 2, she turned heads and received compliments on her kicks.

“Sneakers have always been important to me. It’s a way to express myself,” she says.

Four years ago, Cooper left a career in education to open Silhouette Sneakers and Art at 10 N. Greenwood Ave. Now she is embarking on her next venture, Arbit, an app that uses AI to calculate current and future values of sneakers on the resell market and identify arbitrage opportunities.

Harvard Business School Online describes arbitrage as an investment strategy in which an investor simultaneously buys and sells an asset in di erent markets to take advantage of a price di erence and generate a pro t.

Cooper came up with idea for Arbit because of the challenges she was coming up against as a business owner.

“ ere was greater demand than supply. Nike releases a shoe, and the price is going to be the same everywhere. Sneaker resellers can sell at whatever price they like. It’s like the Wild West because of price uctuation and it was hard to keep up,” she says.

And Arbit is a solution. By aggregating supply and demand indicators like historical prices, Arbit delivers the intelligence that both buyers and sellers can use to make better decisions.

“Hopefully this can be a tool to help buyers get a shoe at a good price or at the very least feel good about the price they’re paying. Sellers can better identify sneakers pro table for a quick- ip or a buy-and-hold and at what price they should purchase the assets,” and ultimately level the playing eld a bit, Cooper says.

Arbit’s beta waitlist is currently open at getarbit.com, with the app expected to launch to the public in November. Cooper says Arbit has raised $1 million, including $500,000 from lead investor and Tulsa-based venture capital rm Atento Capital and $500,000 from Ohio-based Lightship Capital.

“Since 2021 only 71 Black women in the U.S. have raised $1 million-plus in capital funding. at number is now 72,” she says. “Less than 1% of venture capital funding goes to Black women. I feel a lot of responsibility to do something with it and pave the way for others, just as the entrepreneurs on Black Wall Street blazed a trail for me.”

With Silhouette Sneakers and Art and now Arbit, Cooper just wants to build something for the future.

“I want to build a billion-dollar tech company on Black Wall Street. I want kids who are juniors and seniors at Booker T. Washington right now to get a job at Arbit after they graduate college,” she says. “I’ve never had a desire for wealth, but I want to impact my community. I want to play a role in creating wealth for them.” TP

Kathy and Dean Zervas are avid art collectors and supporters of Woolaroc, the museum and wildlife preserve located outside Bartlesville.

The Zervases have attended and purchased works from numerous national art shows. “When we would go to venues, it was just a building,” Dean says. “Woolaroc is a unique venue because it was the ‘getaway place’ for Frank Phillips and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in addition to having a world-class art museum on a working 3,700-acre ranch.”

The couple decided to pitch the Woolaroc team an art show and sale with the Osage County attraction as its setting. “Woolaroc being in its remote location, so to speak, it’s sometimes overlooked as a gem in the art community,” he says. Since 2013, with the Zervases at the helm ever since, the event has contributed to raising the recognition and national profile of Woolaroc itself, with this show and sale being a reflection of the treasures the attraction holds, according to Dean.

What makes the biennial Woolaroc Retrospective Exhibit and Sale special is its retrospective angle. This year’s participating artists — William Alther, Thomas Blackshear II, Tom Browning, Scott Burdick, Glenn Dean, Jane DeDecker, Ralph Oberg, Dan Ostermiller, Roseta Santiago, Mian Situ and Daniel Sprick — will present five past works on loan from private collections, as well as five new works up for sale.

“The artists we’re hosting are among the best living contemporary southwest artists in the nation,” Dean says, adding that the collection of works demonstrates how the artist has evolved over their career.

Opening weekend is Oct. 14-15. Tickets and more details about the events can be found at woolaroc.org. The exhibition will remain up through Dec. 31.

ANNE BROCKMAN COOPER: GREG BOLLINGER; ROSETA SANTIAGO, “NAVAJO SON,” 2018, OIL, 20X16-INCH, COLLECTION OF DAVID MCELROY/COURTESY WOOLAROC MUSEUM AND WILDLIFE PRESERVE

“Navajo Son” by Roseta Santiago will be part of the artist retrospective during the upcoming Woolaroc Retrospective and Art Sale happening Oct. 14-Dec. 31.

This month Silhouette Sneakers and Art Owner Venita Cooper will launch her latest venture, Arbit — an app that serves the sneaker market — to the public.

PRESCRIPTION FOR GOOD HEALTH

JUNO BRINGS HEALTH CARE SERVICES TO HISTORIC GREENWOOD DISTRICT.

BY JULIE WENGER WATSON

Anew concept in health care has arrived in Tulsa’s Greenwood District. In July, Juno Medical, a national company providing communitybased, family-centered care with a focus on technology, accessibility and a ordability, opened at 21 N. Greenwood Ave. While quality health care is its core mission, the company, whose investors include tennis star Serena Williams’ venture capital rm, has an overarching goal of addressing health disparities and engaging with underserved populations.

Tulsa native Jabraan Pasha M.D. is Juno’s national vice president of health equity and the medical director of the Tulsa clinic. For Pasha, this new position is an opportunity to combine his medical background with his passion for equitable health care.

“When I came out of residency, I was very sharp clinically, but I didn’t have a sense of what shapes health. I didn’t have a sense of why certain communities were less healthy than others,” he says. “ e simple answer was always ‘access,’ but it’s so much more than that.”

During his years as a faculty member and physician at the University of Oklahoma’s School of Community Medicine, Pasha learned more about health equity, social determinants of health and bias in health care. ose topics became the focus of his teaching.

“An OU-led study showed there is a 14year life expectancy gap between north Tulsa and south Tulsa,” says Pasha of the 2004 study. “You hear that, and you’re shocked because this is the city where you were raised. You start to ask questions about what the factors are that lead to this outcome.”

From New York, Juno’s founder and CEO Akili Hinson was aware of Pasha’s work in Tulsa. He contacted Pasha when Juno began to plan opening a Tulsa location.

“He didn’t recruit me. He didn’t try to sell me on a role. He just told me Juno’s values and what the mission of Juno is and left it at that,” Pasha says. “ at actually meant a lot because the mission and the values speak for themselves.”

Although Pasha wasn’t looking for a new job at the time, the chance for a leadership role in Juno’s Greenwood development had great appeal for him as a Black physician who grew up in Tulsa.

“I couldn’t get away from how special an opportunity this was going to be for Greenwood. I remember thinking about the fact that there’s going to be this one shot to get this. If someone tries to bring health care to Greenwood for the rst time in 50 years, and it fails, there will be another 50 years, another 100 years, before someone else tries it,” Pasha says. “I knew I wanted to be a part of that because I knew I was going to give my heart to it.”

Pasha is quick to point out that Juno, which o ers women’s health care, pediatrics and adult primary care services, is for everyone.

“I’ve envisioned this moment that will happen soon when I walk into this clinic and look in the lobby and recognize someone who is a CEO of a big downtown company, sitting next to someone who may be on SoonerCare, and they will both know that they’re in the best place for health care,” he says. “I already feel like we’re the best place for health care because I know the quality of the team taking care of patients here, and I know the value in the mission.”

Visit juno.care for more information. TP

Dr. Jabraan Pasha, left, leads the health care team at Tulsa’s Juno Medical, a national company with clinics in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Brooklyn and Harlem in New York. Locations are based on where Juno can increase health equity and decrease barriers to care.

eworld’s a stage

KARAOKE KING

RICK BERRY HAS PRESENTED KARAOKE SHOWS ACROSS TULSA FOR DECADES.

STORIES BY JULIE WENGER WATSON

From its early roots in Japan, karaoke has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, a popular staple of bars and clubs. For most participants, belting out songs over an instrumental soundtrack is a fun, if slightly awkward, form of entertainment. For Tahlequah’s Rick Berry, it’s a way of life. A 38-year veteran of the karaoke business, Berry’s passion for the musical art helped him overcome the shyness of his youth and launched a life-long career.

Back in 1985, 19-year-old Berry was cooking at a bar in Arizona when he encountered his rst “KJ,” or karaoke jockey.

e two became friends, and Berry began helping him with his gigs around town, learning the trade along the way.

For Berry, a self-described shy, quiet kid, the hardest part of the job was learning to come out of his shell.

“I wasn’t good at making friends, but I just loved music, and I loved watching everybody have a good time,” he says. “It took me a while to get to the point where I could talk to people. Part of that is learning to laugh at yourself stumbling over words, not getting embarrassed or hurt when somebody laughs or pokes fun at you.”

Berry invested in a small sound system and continued to gig several nights a week until he and his then-girlfriend (now wife, Debbie Berry), made the decision to move to Oklahoma in 1995 to help take care of Berry’s ailing mother. Berry soon found himself back in the karaoke business, eventually expanding from his base in Tahlequah into the Tulsa market. Decades later, he’s still at it.

Every night of the week, you can nd Berry working his magic at establishments across Tulsa, encouraging patrons to channel their inner Adele or Aretha Franklin. If he doesn’t have your requested song, he’ll download it on the spot. He invests at least $5,000 in new music every year.

For Berry, karaoke, and the joy it brings people, is the antidote to the often messy, hard side of everyday life.

“Music touches everybody. It’s the one thing that brings people together, no matter who you are,” he says. “I always wanted to be a part of making the world a better place.”

Berry has standing gigs every night of the week in Tulsa. To see his schedule and for more information, visit facebook.com/ rickberrykaraoke. TP

The Will Rogers Stage Foundation is kicking off its 2023-2024 season with the “Classics of Lerner and Loewe,” an event that celebrates the musicals of lyricist Alan Jay Lerner and composer Frederick Loewe, the creative partnership behind perennial Broadway and film favorites like “My Fair Lady” and “Brigadoon.” The performance, which features a full orchestra and several musical theater and opera veterans, takes place at 2:30 p.m., on Oct. 29 in the auditorium of the historic Will Rogers High School, 3909 E. Fifth Place.

Rogers High alumnus Dick Risk created the Will Rogers Stage Foundation in May 2022 to support professional entertainment events for the public in the school’s auditorium and to support performing arts at the school.

Risk is no stranger to philanthropy and community service, having established the nonprofit Will Rogers High School Community Foundation in 2010. That organization has raised close to $2 million over the years to help support educational excellence at the school. Risk believes the new Stage Foundation and the related public performances are another opportunity to bolster his alma mater.

“It really has a dual purpose,” he says. “It can be a teaching opportunity. We’ve invited students to dress rehearsal, for example, or they can see how one of these productions is put together. It’s also this opportunity to keep Will Rogers visible to the community.”

According to Risk, the matinee productions have been very popular with alumni, who often make up the majority of the audience, but they’re also a way for the general public to enjoy an entertaining afternoon out.

“We’re happy for anybody to come see this. It’s a beautiful spot,” he says. “I call it a weapon-free, smoke-free and alcoholfree event with plenty of free parking.” More info at willrogersstage.com. TP

Karaoke host Rick Berry has been a constant of the Tulsa bar scene since 1998.

BERRY: GREG BOLLINGER; SPATAFORA AND KANEKLIDES: COURTESY

John Kaneklides and Susie Spatafora will perform for the upcoming Oct. 29 concert.

FUNKY COUNTRY BLUEGRASS

JOHNNY MULLENAX BAND PACKS MERCURY LOUNGE FOR SUNDAY BLUEGRASS BRUNCH.

STORY AND PHOTO BY TIM LANDES

It is 111 degrees outside, but that hasn’t stopped a capacity crowd from arriving at Mercury Lounge at noon on a Sunday for Johnny Mullenax Band to kick-o another weekly Bluegrass Brunch residency that began in January 2021.

Standing at the microphone playing his Fender Telecaster, Johnny Mullenax is at home on the stage surrounded by friends playing with him and watching him.

“It’s so awesome,” says Mullenax later about his regular Sunday gig. “I’m totally obsessed with it. I’ve played a lot of gigs. is is di erent. It’s something special to see parents bring their kids to the Mercury Lounge parking lot so they can experience the show together, and it might inspire that kid to become a musician, too.”

e 27-year-old Tulsa native has been playing guitar since age 5. It was around that time his mom, Janey, had him join her rock cover band on stage at a July 4 concert. By the time he was a teenager he was playing the Walnut Valley Festival and Flat-Picking Championship in Win eld, Kansas.

While in high school at Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences, Mullenax formed jazz band Fat Hand Band that had a standing

Friday night gig at Elmer’s BBQ for over a year. He also used a friend’s ID to sneak into a club to play in a hip-hop backing band for rappers.

“Team drink,” Mullenax yells into the microphone as he hoists his drink into the air between songs. A full house of patrons inside Merc follows his lead and then there is a collective gulp. en it’s back to the music he describes as “funky country bluegrass.”

Mullenax spent years playing with others and joining in on jam sessions before branching out with his own band two years ago. But that hasn’t stopped him from playing with others.

Later Sunday night, Mullenax will return to Mercury Lounge to play with Dane and the Soup in their weekly show. In recent weeks he has also joined Jacob Tovar for Honky Tonk Happy Hour at 6 p.m. on ursdays at Fassler Hall. Sometimes he lls in and other times he jumps on stage to play with friends. Overall, he plays about seven to eight gigs a week.

On Nov. 4 at Cain’s Ballroom, Johnny Mullenax Band will headline the 10th annual Horton Records Rock-N Folk-N Chili Cook-o , a bene t concert to support the

nonpro t record label. ey will be supported by Pilgrim, Carter Sampson, Helen Kelter Skelter, Cassie Latshaw and Manta Rays. Plus, there will be lots of chili to eat.

“It feels really good to be trusted to headline because it means people dig the music,” says Mullenax, who has played Cain’s numerous times, but never as the headliner. “All the people playing that night are my friends, so I know it’s going to be a great night of debauchery and chili.”

In May, Mullenax released the EP “ is Joint’s for You,” and he says he’s planning on a spring release for his debut album he’s been recording in bandmate Andrew Bair’s studio, Dead Format International.

Until then he’ll keep taking the Merc stage every Sunday at noon. He’ll play some songs and then he’ll pause for a team drink because “we’re all on the same team.” en he’ll get back to the music. TP

BLUEGRASS BRUNCH

Noon-3 p.m., Sundays

Mercury Lounge, 1747 S. Boston Ave. No cover.

Johnny Mullenax plays the Bluegrass Brunch every Sunday afternoon at Mercury Lounge.

A special fundraiser through the sale of quality donations from individuals, plus goods and services donated by local merchants, service providers, and restaurants.

• Quality donations from individuals and businesses

NEEDS:

• Cash donations for Trinity Bucks

• Patrons to attend the Friday evening event

• Shoppers to scoop-up bargains on Saturday

NOV. 3 & 4

At Trinity Episcopal Church 501 South Cincinnati in Downtown Tulsa

A full day of SALES on Saturday, November 4th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. is open to the public with food and drink for purchase, and a pet adoption event.

Also on Saturday, persons identified by local charity organizations will receive “Trinity Bucks” to shop. Trinity Bucks are cash donations that have been converted to vouchers so that those persons in greatest need may shop the FAIR.

Patron Party & Sale

Friday, November 3, 6-9 p.m.

$20 per person gives patrons first dibs on donated treasures, a 50/50 Raffle, and a Silent Auction of gift baskets!

Patrons will be treated to food and drink, and live music while shopping and socializing

BLACK GOLD

POP-UP EXHIBIT TELLS THE HISTORY OF TULSA’S OIL BOOM.

BY LAURA DENNIS

In 1901 oil was discovered in great abundance in Tulsa and its neighboring towns. By 1905, the city was deemed the Oil Capital of the World and would hold that title until the early 1970s.

“Many energy and supply companies trace their origins to early Oklahoma oil elds, even if those companies have since moved,” says Je rey Tannehaus, owner and founder of Tulsa Tours. Before exploring the tunnels or art deco architecture on tours, Tannehaus contextualizes why these structures exist and why the city grew quickly and opulently with Oklahoma’s oil boom.

e rich history of Tulsa is what inspired Tannehaus, a native of New York City where he was a licensed tour guide, to move here in 2016. “I recognized Tulsa’s untapped potential and wanted to be part of this city’s future,” he says. “We’ve come a long way, but we still have many more miles to go in creating the street vibrancy you would see in bigger cities.”

Tannehaus continually fascinates visitors and locals alike with stories of Tulsa’s oil history on his tours. e interest inspired him to create a free pop-up exhibit to share

with the public, which he says is open inde nitely.

Located in the permanent display cases on the rst oor of the Philcade Building at 511 S. Boston Ave., his tableau features vintage Tulsa travel ephemera sourced from various markets. Items such as postcards, brochures, pennants, a collection of gas station maps and mounted images sourced from Oil & Gas Journal issues grace the display. “ ere is no permanent oil and gas museum (in Tulsa),” he says. “Other cities, like Fort Worth and its stockyards, lean into their industrial heritage, but not Tulsa.”

Tannehaus hopes the exhibit will remind Tulsans of the cultural and economic contributions made by the oil and gas industry that we still enjoy to this day. If the montage is successful, he says a more permanent exhibit could follow.

is month will mark the 100th anniversary of the rst International Petroleum Exposition, which was once the largest tradeshow in the world. Tannehaus hopes to host a Q&A and open discussion alongside the exhibit soon.

For more information on this event and display, visit tulsa.tours. TP

Above, Kindra Swafford and their work “Quantum Yona,” below

FAMILY AFFAIR

Over 150 Indigenous artists will take part in the 18th annual Cherokee Art Market, Oct. 14-15, inside Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa. Among them is Cherokee Nation artist Kindra Swafford, of Tahlequah, who is participating for the fourth year.

“My favorite thing about CAM is that from the moment you walk in, to the moment you break down your booth, there is an incredible environment,” Swafford says. “We are all helping each other, checking in with others to see if they need anything. We cheer each other on in sales and with awards. You feel like a big family and you can hear the laughter echoing down the halls of the ballroom area.”

Swafford took part in a Q&A to discuss their work and more. Visit TulsaPeople.com for the complete interview.

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ART? My work consists of a variety of mediums, but I lean toward watercolor as my primary medium. I try to keep learning and pushing my art to new heights. I want to continuously change and grow — who doesn’t? I love creating fun compositions from my personal experiences or adventures in nature. My art is described as saturated subjects over-imposed to create a glitch. A glitch is made by duplicating the same image with overly saturated hues. It’s unique and jarring at first and I love it. You can find some of my watercolors to be 3-inches across and others that are almost 8-foot-tall. I am known for creating large watercolors. I also love doing pop art from shows, games and comics. — TIM LANDES

Tulsa Tours’ Jeffrey Tannehaus created a pop-up oil and gas exhibit in the Philcade lobby. He recently started giving tours about the oil and gas industry.

TANNEHAUS: GREG BOLLINGER; SWAFFORD AND ART: COURTESY DALTON PERSE (CHEROKEE)

THIS MONTH AT Circle Cinema

THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI AND NOSFERATU DOUBLE FEATURE

7 p.m., Oct. 4

See two classic silent horror films with a full-band score played live by The Invincible Czars! Tickets are available for the double or individual films at circlecinema.org.

BAD PRESS

Opens for daily screenings Oct. 6

SOCIAL SCULPTURE

IN-HOME ART EXPERIENCE COMES TO T-TOWN.

BY BLAYKLEE FREED

Tulsa artist Trueson Daugherty looks as though he just stepped out of a Jane Austen novel. An eggshell poet shirt encompasses his tall frame as he sits in a teal wingback chair, settling into a sublime scene — an anachronism of artistic expression.

“ e thing about old decorating is that they used lots of colors. In our mind, we think of desaturated gray tones, but that’s not historically accurate at all,” he says as he motions to the mustard wood-panel walls framed with raspberry trim. “It would look way more like this.”

Vibrant birds peer from a tall canvas above the mantel — a painting by artist Zia Daugherty, Trueson’s wife, who taught him how to paint. Both full-time artists, Trueson and Zia’s paintings appear around the room, including their 6-foot-by-4-foot collaboration “Prometheus” depicting local artist Karl Jones as the mythological character, nude and draped over rocks as a bald eagle eats his liver.

is space is the Parlor, two connected rooms home to Trueson, Zia and a free monthly gathering called “ e Salon” wherein local creatives are encouraged to unabashedly share their work. People are encouraged to sing, recite poetry or share whatever is on their mind so long as it contributes to the group. e couple swaps their collection (of both personal paintings and work by other local artists) with art by a featured Tulsan every other month at their home.

e idea for e Salon came, in part, from the Daughertys’ upbringing in the

Family Federation for World Peace and Unication, aka the Uni cation Church, which, Trueson notes, is “very commonly referred to as a cult. Both Zia and I were born into it.”

ey also were brought together by it; their parents arranged their marriage, something common in the UC.

“When I left religion, it was all bad. Everything (about religion) was bad. ere was nothing good,” he says. “I remember going back to a retreat camp thing with (the UC), they call them the Moonies ... My parents had been begging me to join them for a while.” ere were moments when he got triggered, “and there’s moments where I’m like, ‘Man, I really miss this.’”

e power and connectivity that happens when singing together and sharing testimonies were two big things he missed. “I want a space where we can express soulfully, we can express deep things. I want a place where people have a moment to share music.” at’s what e Salon is for — unfettered creativity with undivided attention. “I love when everybody pays attention to one person,” he says.

“It’s social sculpture,” Daugherty says. “ e idea is you have people and you use art to create something new. It’s an artistic practice (asking), ‘How can you use your artistic practice and create a social dynamic that creates something new that wasn’t there before?’”

Visit truesonart.com/the-salon for upcoming dates and more information. TP

When the Muscogee Nation suddenly begins censoring its free press, a reporter fights to expose her government’s corruption in a historic battle that will have ramifications for all of Indian Country. “Bad Press” is a timely and unprecedented story about the battle for freedom of the press and against state-censored media.

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: FRANKENSTEIN

7 p.m., Oct. 12

Originally recorded live from London in 2011 and directed by Danny Boyle, actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller swapped roles each night for a truly unique production. Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein’s bewildered creature is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker.

KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

Opens for daily screenings Oct. 20

See the most anticipated film of the year! Filmed in Oklahoma by director Martin Scorsese, the movie is based on the bestseller by David Grann and features an all-star cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone and Robert De Niro. When oil is discovered in 1920s Oklahoma under Osage Nation land, the Osage people are murdered one by one — until the FBI steps in to unravel the mystery.

REPO MAN

7:30 p.m., Oct. 26

The CINEDOOM series sponsored by Tulsa Artist Fellowship continues with the 1984 punk movie “Repo Man” on 35mm film with a special introduction from Blackhorse Lowe (CINEDOOM curator, award-winning filmmaker and Tulsa Artist Fellow). Slacker and punk rocker Otto (Emilio Estevez) lands a gig working for an eccentric repossession agent named Bud (Harry Dean Stanton).

Compiled by Circle Cinema’s Ryan Thomas. Visit circlecinema.org for pricing and more information.

Artist Trueson Daugherty hosts The Salon, an opportunity for local creatives to share their work, inside his midtown home.

BLESSINGS ABOUND

NEURODIVERSE ADULTS EMPOWERED IN LOCAL ORGANIZATION

BY BLAYKLEE FREED

It’s lunchtime at Blessings to Share C.A.R.E.S. Club, and members are preparing a chicken salad in the open-concept kitchen and community space at 6910 S. 101st E. Ave., Suite 210.

e goal of this lunch exercise is not only to nourish C.A.R.E.S. (Care, Advocate, Resource, Empower, Support) Club members, but it’s also a safe format in which participants can learn cooking skills, including how to adapt recipes to their liking. e C.A.R.E.S. Club is one of two programs provided by Blessings to Share Foundation. e other is the C.A.R.E.S.

Coaching program.

Local nonpro t Blessings to Share Foundation has empowered neurodiverse adults, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and Autism, since its founding in 2019 by Linda and Greg Arend, and their daughter Lacey. It was founded for Lacey, the C.A.R.E.S. Club Visionary, as a place where uniquely abled adults could nd community.

Preparing the salad was a part of one of the C.A.R.E.S. Classes, “Better an a Drive- rough,” wherein members learn safe practices in the kitchen, and recipes they

can make at home, helping members move forward in their journeys to independence, says Katarina Caldwell, Blessings to Share Foundation’s assistant program coordinator.

“Cooking is amazing because it gives you a chance to cook di erent foods,” member Maegan orton says.

Fellow member Madison Imboden agrees. “Normally for lunch I’ll make a little salad or a ham or turkey sandwich. But I’m learning to mix it up and try new things,” she says.

at’s a little harder for member Claire Caldwell, who is a self-described picky eater. “I enjoy the cooking classes, it just depends on what’s being cooked,” she says. “I’m not really the kind of person who feels comfortable trying a new recipe from scratch (not knowing) whether or not I’m going to like it or waste ingredients.” However, she was pleasantly surprised to nd she liked making pizza rolls, and the group format means no ingredients go to waste even if she doesn’t like a meal.

Other classes range from cooking, art, career development, Bible studies, practicing social skills, exercise, Spanish or American Sign Language and community service, Katarina Caldwell says. Most classes are taught by sta and volunteers, though knowledgeable members teach some classes as well. She notes the Bible studies are optional and members are not required to attend, nor are they ostracized if they don’t.

Coaches work with clients on an individual level and meet weekly, encouraging members meet their goals, which can be anything from getting a job to making a new friend. “ e coaching program also includes social nights once a week, as an opportunity for members to have fun and build community,” Katarina Caldwell says.

Beyond enrichment and development, members say the community they’ve fostered through Blessings to Share is, perhaps, the ultimate blessing. “We’re like a family here,” Imboden says. “I get excited to come see my brothers and sisters here each day and their work. We encourage each other, we laugh and have fun together … it’s a place where we can be vulnerable with each other and kind of o er support and encouragement when we need to and just have a good time together.”

Find more information on Blessings to Share, including two upcoming fundraiser events Oct. 4-5, at blessingstoshare.org. TP

Above, Claire Caldwell, Emily Newton, Maegan Thorton, Madison Imboden and Olivia Croley are members of Blessings to Share Foundation’s C.A.R.E.S. Club. Inset, Blessings to Share Foundation staffers include Katarina Caldwell, assistant program coordinator; Grace Vilchis, operations assistant; Lacey Arend, visionary and assistant program coordinator; and Director Mollie Mills.

SKIPPING SPOOKY

REPRESENTATIVE WRITING

AUTHOR’S COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES FOCUSES ON

BY ABBY MEDICO

Earlier this year, author Chelsea T. Hicks (Osage) received prestigious recognition from the National Book Foundation. Hicks was one of this year’s young, debut ction writers to receive the 5 Under 35 honor for her collection of short stories titled “A Calm and Normal Heart.” She had originally written the short stories as her thesis for her Master of Fine Arts degree from the Institute of American Indian Arts, and eventually published them as her rst book in 2021. “When I got that call I was just shocked,” recalls the 33-yearold Tulsan.

What truly made this honor special was the opportunity for Hicks to represent and honor her Osage ancestry. “A Calm and Normal Heart” is full of themes of Indigenous women, young Indigenous people in complex relationships and healing. Hicks explains that she needed to connect more to her own ancestry in order to create a book that would properly represent Osage people.

“I never really realized how much more I

needed to do until I went to IAIA,” she says. While learning about her culture, she incorporated words and phrases from the Osage language, which is considered to be a dormant language with very few uent speakers, into her writing. For Hicks, learning and utilizing Osage in her book was an act of reclamation. “It’s called rematriation,” she explains, “and it’s de ned as returning the sacred to the mother. You look at your ancestors and reclaim what was disinherited over time.”

e success of her rst book shows a promising career for Hicks. Aside from the two books she is currently working on — one a novel set in 1956 Bartlesville and Tulsa following an orphan of the Osage Reign of Terror murders as she goes through a series of marriages — Hicks is coordinating a multimedia artistic project that focuses on Native languages.

“A Calm and Normal Heart” is available on Amazon and the Barnes and Noble website. TP

As October begins, people are getting ready for Halloween night to celebrate all things spooky. Now there is a great book to add to the Halloween preparations, and it can be included through the rest of the fall holidays. Created by Samantha Ryan and Brittany Wardlow, “Henry Hates Halloween” is a book for children that are excited for the upcoming holidays.

The children’s book follows Henry, a young ghost who does not care for Halloween. Rather than celebrating his spookiness on Halloween night, Henry wants to skip the whole day and go straight to his favorite holiday: Thanksgiving. “Halloween is just not his thing in any shape or form,” Ryan explains. “He loves to celebrate Thanksgiving. He loves the food, the crafts — everything about the holiday.”

Ryan and Wardlow were both involved in each aspect of the book. While Ryan is listed as the author, she emphasized the importance of collaborating with Wardlow each step of the way. “I feel like we both wrote and crafted the story,” she says. Their teamwork is demonstrated again when discussing the illustrations. Wardlow describes the artistic style that the two decided on as “adorable” with sheet ghosts and colorful, detailed scenes.

“Henry Hates Halloween” is the first collaboration between Wardlow and Ryan, but they are working together on an upcoming project — a book for adults stylized as a children’s book to teach the ABCs of reality TV. Originally released on Halloween 2022, “Henry Hates Halloween” is available online through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. TP

Brittany Wardlow and Samantha Ryan

INDIGENOUS YOUTH, WOMEN AND HEALING. STORIES

Chelsea T. Hicks is a Tulsa Artist Fellow who recently was named to the National Book Foundation’s 5 Under 35 for her collection of short stories. At 5 p.m., Oct. 8, Circle Cinema will screen “A Bridge Over the Ocean,” a French film focused on Osage and Occitan language, land and cultural representation, of which Hicks is featured.

SHOW MAN

BY MICHAEL OVERALL

Sam Avey, a longtime sports promoter who owned downtown’s iconic Coliseum, was attending a house-warming party for his daughter and son-in-law in late September 1952 when an employee tracked him down to tell him the news: e Coliseum — Tulsa’s favorite venue for hockey, rodeos, ice skating, wrestling and all sorts of other events — was on re.

By the time Avey raced to the scene, only 10 minutes from his daughter’s new house, the west section of the building’s roof had already collapsed.

“I’ve had too many happy memories in

that old ‘barn’ to watch it die,” Avey said. And he went home to watch the rest of the spectacle unfold on local television.

Ironically, the breaking news updates about the re kept interrupting Saturday night wrestling, the very sport that had made Avey rich and the Coliseum famous.

Growing up in King sher, about 50 miles northwest of Oklahoma City, Avey began playing bit roles in traveling vaudeville shows when he was just a teenager. And in his early 20s, he went on tour as a referee for professional wrestling matches, which eventually led to him becoming a business

manager for some of the wrestlers. Early clients included the famous Ed Lewis, known in the ring as the “Strangler.”

Avey moved to Tulsa in 1924 to organize wrestling events and bought the Coliseum in 1942, making it a regular stop for some of the most popular wrestlers of the era.

Designed by legendary Tulsa architect Leon Senter, the Coliseum stretched a full city block along Elgin Avenue between Fifth and Sixth streets, and many Tulsans considered it one of downtown’s most beautiful buildings. Senter adopted a whimsical style of architecture known as Saracenic, which originated in 19th-century India and featured extensive terra cotta tiles and columns decorated with geometric designs in soft pastels.

Inside, the main hall could seat 4,500 people for sporting events or as many as 8,000 for concerts, making it the largest “show palace” in the Southwest when it opened on New Year’s Day 1929.

Luckily, no events were happening when the wooden roof caught re during a lightning storm and 35 mph winds fanned the ames until the entire structure became engulfed.

e next day, more than 175,000 people drove past the smoldering rubble to say good-bye, a public display of grief that one newspaper reporter described at the time as “a veritable wake.” But Avey had already ruled out any possibility of rebuilding: Construction would cost at least $1.5 million, he said, while the Coliseum had been insured for only $300,000.

e site has been a parking lot ever since, while Avey is still remembered mostly for his association with the doomed landmark. During his lifetime, however, he was just as well known for philanthropy.

He was instrumental in raising money for the Babies Milk Fund, founded in 1936 after a group of Tulsa women from 18 organizations and churches combined forces to help feed infants during the Great Depression

Avey also organized Tulsa’s largest annual Christmas toy drive, lling the Coliseum with thousands of local children, who would enjoy an elaborate array of entertainment before leaving with sacks full of goodies. And in 1957, Avey succeeded oil tycoon W.G. Skelly as chairman of the Oklahoma Santa Claus Commission, which provided Christmas gifts for orphans and needy children statewide.

After the Coliseum re, Avey devoted more time to the Farmers and Merchants State Bank, where he was a director and senior vice president. He died Aug. 9, 1962, at age 67. TP

THOUGH HE ONLY OWNED THE COLISEUM FOR 7 YEARS, SAM AVEY LEFT AN INDELIBLE MARK IN DOWNTOWN HISTORY.

Above, all that remains after a fire destroys The Coliseum on Sept. 20, 1952. The venue was owned by Sam Avey, below left, seen here promoting the Babies Milk Fund of Tulsa. When it was built in 1928, the art deco building cost an estimated $1 million.

October Charitable Events

9

BAPS Annual Golf Tournament

Benefits Broken Arrow Public Schools Foundation. BAPSFOUNDATION ORG/GOLF-TOURNAMENT-2023

11 Stories of Hope

Benefits Hearts for Hearing. HEARTSFORHEARING ORG

12

Taste of Brookside

Benefits Youth Services of Tulsa. YST ORG/TASTE-OF-BROOKSIDE

Tatas, Tinis and Tennis

Benefits Oklahoma Project Woman. OKLAHOMAPROJECTWOMAN ORG

14

Kendall Whittier Arts Festival

Benefits Kendall Whittier Main Street. VISITKENDALLWHITTIER.COM

Pathways’ Fall Carnival

Benefits Pathways Adult Learning Center. PATHWAYSOK.ORG

Rock Paper Scissors

Benefits The Pencil Box. THEPENCILBOX ORG/RPS

14-15

Brush Creek Bazaar

Benefits Teen Challenge Oklahoma. BRUSHCREEKBAZAAR.COM

14-Dec. 31

Retrospective Exhibit and Sale

Benefits Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve. WOOLAROC ORG

21

Haunting Halloween Bash

Benefits Tulsa Foundation for Architecture. TULSAARCHITECTURE ORG

Noche de Gala

Benefits Tulsa Hispanic American Foundation. HAFTULSA ORG

23

Golf Tournament

Benefits Restore Hope Ministries. GOLF RESTOREHOPE ORG

Tee it Up for Tim

Benefits Oklahoma Parkinson’s Alliance. FACEBOOK.COM/OKLAHOMAPA

25

Trivia for a Cause

Benefits Pause4Paws. PAUSE4PAWSOK ORG

26

Boos and Booze

Benefits HBA Charitable Foundation. TULSAHBACF COM/EVENING-OF-GIVING

Fall Fest

Benefits Little Light House. LITTLELIGHTHOUSE ORG

27

Frightful Night: A Corks and Kegs Event

Benefits Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. CFF ORG

27-28

Green Country Balloon Festival

Benefits Gatesway Foundation. GATESWAY ORG

28

Autumn Fete

Benefits Innovations Family Wellness. GIVEBUTTER.COM/C/AUTUMNFETE

Fall Carnival

Benefits Tulsa Dream Center. TULSADREAMCENTER ORG

27-Nov. 5

Care Card

Benefits Family and Children’s Services. CARECARDOK COM

A Stately Affair

A Stately Affair celebrated Oklahoma State University’s presence in Tulsa on June 15 at the Cox Business Convention Center. Cherokee Nation received the Icon Award for its impact across Oklahoma and shared vision and partnership with OSU, and guests enjoyed a menu inspired by traditional Cherokee cuisine. Overall, the event raised $2 million for scholarships to benefit OSU Center for Health Sciences and OSU-Tulsa students.

1. Dr. Johnny Stephens, president of OSU Center for Health Sciences and interim president of OSU-Tulsa, with Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and OSU President Dr. Kayse Shrum

2. Over 350 guests attended the event.

3. Event co-chair Cheryl Clerico thanks event supporters on behalf of her husband, John.

4. The Cherokee National Youth Choir performed during the course of the evening.

5. Former OSU-Tulsa Trustee Brett Lessley and Dr. Jenny Lessley, former alumni board president of OSU Center for Health Sciences; Tina Patel and OSU-Tulsa Trustee Pete Patel; Tina Parkhill, OSU Alumni Association Board of Directors chair; and Steve Driskill.

Inspire: A Night of Entertainment

Just over 200 guests gathered June 3 at the Mike Fretz Event Center for a comedy show-themed evening in support of The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges. Dinner was provided by Chef Jeff Catering, and in addition to members of The Center entertaining the audience with standup comedy there was a live auction featuring an original painting by The Center member John Olivas. A total of $198,555 was raised to benefit The Center.

1. Emeka Nnaka and Windell Bruner, members of The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges, emceed the evening.

2. Dreu Crane, member of The Center, performs his first on-stage comedy routine.

3. Comedian Ryan Niemiller, who appeared on season 14 of America’s Got Talent in 2019, headlined the show.

4. Guests Craig and Melissa Turgeon and Michael and Anna Krupka

5. The Center member Denise Gudde enjoys a good laugh during the evening’s performances.

5 recognized with Small Business Awards

On Sept. 14, Tulsa Regional Chamber’s Small Business Connection recognized five local small business owners at its annual Tulsa Small Business Summit and Awards.

Angelene Wright, owner of Ida Red, was recognized as the Small Business Person of the Year. Wright worked at the store since 2008 and bought the gift shop in 2016, since expanding it to include three locations.

Known for its Tulsa-centric and Oklahomathemed goods — from apparel and stickers to mugs, treats, home accessories and more — Wright is committed to spreading joy with an experience in one of her shops.

“People are filled with pride putting a snowglobe on their desk or their mantel or a sticker on their car. And I believe that sort of hometown pride affects how you care for yourself, your community, your schools and each other,” she said as she accepted the award. “When you commit to putting a Tulsa sticker on your car, you’re saying I am proud that I’m from here. And that trickles down into our lives in so many surprising ways.”

Sam Littlefield is the second-generation leader

of Littlefield Agency, an advertising and branding firm, and the recipient of this year’s Family-Owned Business of the Year.

Manufacturer of the Year Extract Companies was formed in 2017 with offices now in multiple states. The oilfield technology company is led by President Matt Gipson

At Asemio, the Entrepreneurial Success award winner, CEO Aaron Bean leads a firm dedicated to providing software and technology infrastructure services to nonprofit clients, but also building a world where empathy, respect and integrity guide

all interactions.

Raise the Bar Investments was founded by Ray’Chel Wilson, a former educator who wanted to bridge the gap to financial education. Named Diverse Business Champion, Wilson’s vision is to eliminate the racial and gender wealth gaps and increase financial wellness among underrepresented individuals.

To learn more about Tulsa Regional Chamber’s Small Business Connection, its programming and annual awards, visit tulsachamber.com/smallbusiness. — ANNE BROCKMAN

2023 Small Business Award winners, from left, Aaron Bean, Sam Littlefield, Angelene Wright, Ray’Chel Wilson and Matt Gipson

Troubled waters

Sunset over the Arkansas River on Aug. 8 fell comfortably, an evening of relief after days of oppressive summer heat. e river owed at a rate locals consider “normal,” just enough current to create a tumbling churn in boulders below the new Zink Dam construction site.

To one with closed eyes and a concentrated ear, the river song was audible over the city’s din.

BY KELLY BOSTIAN PHOTOS BY TIM LANDES

ILLUSTRATIONS BY ASHLEY GUERRERO

Another kind of river-speak owed through the city. Polls closed on a vote to renew $814 million in Improve Our Tulsa bond funding, which included $5 million more to pour on top of the $48 million dam project, approved in a similar city booster package in 2016.

At the same time, dam critics gathered for a panel discussion at a downtown art gallery. Stubborn as river boulders, a handful of critics have picked away at the dam project from its inception. ey’ve raised concerns about water quality from urban runo , damage to sh populations, seepage of contaminated groundwater from the oil re nery that lines the west bank, legacy pollution in the soils and non-existent operational planning before construction, all to no avail.

But they keep the issues churning around the river, and, as giant boulders do, they seem to collect more rocks around them as the current ows and the project nears completion.

City o cials say Labor Day 2024 will see

Testing shows extremely high levels of bacteria and the fish population is decreasing in the Arkansas River as the City eyes Labor Day 2024 opening for Zink Dam.

The Arkansas River flows south toward the Zink Lake and Williams Crossing pedestrian bridge construction as seen on Sept. 7. Both projects are slated to open Labor Day 2024.

a grand opening for Zink Dam, the whitewater ume for kayaking on the east bank, and the arched Williams Crossing pedestrian bridge from Gathering Place over Zink Lake to River Parks Authority amenities to the west.

Mayor G.T. Bynum says he envisions excellent things for Tulsa, the lake and the dam, with a second dam now planned downstream at Jenks. But critics see a new structure that, at best, might be no worse than the ill-conceived dam built in 1983, now torn out and replaced. e planning for a second dam downstream?

“I hate it,” one of the art gallery panelists said to a round of applause.

BYNUM’S VISION

Public mention of the new Zink Dam often characterizes the project as a “legacy” for Bynum, but he says he makes no such claim and has little interest in chasing ephemeral labels.

at said, he emailed a response noting it is deeply personal:

“I cheered on the Channels proposal in 2006 because I saw the potential it could have. I took my infant son to his rst political rally — Hands Across the River — in 2007 when the ill-fated Our River Yes proposition was on the ballot. I rst

ran for the City Council in 2008 because I wanted to get water in the river. And I have been working on this now for 15 years. I chaired the task force that spent three years developing the plan for both this lake and the South Tulsa-Jenks Lake, which is in design right now. When the lake opens, I will have spent 16 years working on it. And it will have been worth it because it will be transformative for Tulsa.”

e mayor states he sees a project that ts with a trend of revitalization of the city, from Gathering Place to Gilcrease Museum and Route 66, as a natural t.

“ e river is our city’s de ning natural feature. It is why Tulsa exists where it exists.

e Muscogee Creek Nation settled here because of the river,” he wrote. “And for most of our history, it was a river that people could use — up until the construction of Keystone Dam in the mid-20th century when it became a sandy drainage ditch.”

e excitement around one annual event, Tulsa’s Great Raft Race, is evidence of the enthusiasm that could multiply.

“Tulsans want so badly to be able to use the river, but we need a reliable body of water for them to do it. And people have known the answer to that since the 1960s — a series of low-water dams. It took a long time, but we are nally moving forward on that vision,” he states.

CRITICAL VIEWS

As an avid y sherman and now conservation chair for the local Trout Unlimited chapter, Jake Miller o ers sage Arkansas River advice to the art gallery crowd.

“Pick an area that interests you and focus on that,” he says. “ ere are too many things, and each one can be pretty complicated.”

Passion-drowning environmental complexities and agency-speak overwhelm the uninitiated. Fish and wildlife populations are diverse, and each species faces individual challenges.

A century of oil industry operations creates groundwater seepage threats. Some worry about legacy pollution stored in riverside soils. e chemistry could be more straightforward.

Compared to other areas, this stretch of river shows no publicly listed water quality test results. Critics wonder why not and worry about future discoveries.

Keystone, Zink and multiple other dams put in since the 1950s have killed out some native sh. at is known. Along with the McClellan-Kerr Navigation System, this series of dams has fragmented the unobstructed ow of the river and led to the demise of the Arkansas River Shiner. e shovelnosed sturgeon exists “on a knife’s edge,” says Josh Johnston, a biologist with two decades of experience on the river and former regional sheries supervisor with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Other sh in danger include paddle sh, striped bass and sauger.

He recently changed careers, and with his experience, he has uno cially become a leading voice consulted by new groups like Tulsa River Guardians and the Arkansas River Rights Coalition.

Wildlife department surveys in 2017 and 2022 showed the stretch of the Arkansas River from Zink Dam downstream to Webber Falls as the river’s richest with 53 di erent sh species, Johnston says. Upstream of Zink Dam it hosts 17 less.

“ at’s a pretty signi cant di erence,” he says.

He says the new dam might be no worse than the last, but future operations — yet to be determined — could be critical for the shovelnosed sturgeon and harmful to others, like paddle sh, striped bass and

Mayor G.T. Bynum, left, looks on as Williams Cos. CEO Alan Armstrong, second from right, unveils the new name for the pedestrian bridge during an April 2022 ceremony. Williams Crossing is slated to open Labor Day 2024.

white bass. ey need long, owing stretches to reproduce. A dam can kill an entire year’s production or species if it does not lay eggs annually. Johnston says City o cials rarely consulted with the wildlife department about the river project, and no environmental impact statement or new research-driven permit process preceded it.

WATER QUALITY

Water tests obtained from the City of Tulsa through a TulsaPeople open records request show regular results with extremely high counts of the bacteria Escherichia coli in the Arkansas River. State and federal agencies use E. coli test values as potential health risk indicators.

e records of water tests taken monthly by the City of Tulsa Water and Sewer Department in the Arkansas River since 2012 at four sites — at 46th Street and Riverside Drive (south of what will be Zink Lake), the 71st Street Bridge, the U.S. Highway 64 Bridge in Bixby, and where Haikey Creek ows into the Arkansas on the north side riverbank at Indian Springs Sports Complex in Broken Arrow — showed occasional singledigit results, many in the range of a few hundred, and a several in the thousands.

State regulations require public notice of potential hazards for swimming, known as “primary contact,” when E. coli exceeds 126 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters or “126 cfu/100 mL.”

irty- ve results from twice-monthly tests, March 2022 to Aug. 8, 2023, taken at 46th and Riverside, the closest location to Zink Dam, averaged 158 cfu/100 mL. e lowest reading was 2.0, and the highest was 4,320.0 cfu/100 mL. (See all of the test results at Tulsapeople.com.)

ose draws taken only twice a month pale compared to the ve daily required to determine state-approved readings for public notices.

AND NOW, OPERATIONS

According to Paul Zachary, deputy director of City Engineering Services, before the dam, lake and kayak ume open next Labor Day, operations will be in place to inform the public about water quality conditions, quite likely with an online site or app. ree phases of construction are nearly complete. It started on the west bank, moved to the east bank, and then focused on the kayak ume. e remaining fourth will see water impounded for the lake next spring, and then city and county o cials, and chie y the River Parks Authority (a public trust authority), will focus on ne-tuning operations. Work on the west bank trail will continue, putting that voter-approved $5 million to work building public facilities like parking, bathrooms and possibly even public showers.

He says public demand, events requests and planning from as-yet-unidenti ed sectors — beyond kayakers and anglers — will drive

a developing operations plan for some time. Talks still are underway as to whether the kayak ume will be supervised.

Zachary says critics’ expectations of a detailed operations plan that might have preceded groundbreaking on the unique project were unrealistic. He says even the early visions of Gathering Place expected a sta of about 22, but it required several dozen.

Zachary says the City never billed the site as a place for families to swim.

“It’s always been about kayaks, canoes, shing and being near the river and enjoying it,” he says. “ ere isn’t a swimming beach.” ose activities are what water quality regulations label “secondary contact,” otherwise described as public use that considers contact with the water but scant odds of immersion or ingesting water. Some states, like Texas, multiply the limit for primary contact by a factor of ve for secondary contact warnings, but Oklahoma’s rules set no value.

e state only notes that any river rated for primary contact, including the Arkansas River at Tulsa, must be monitored for primary contact during the May through September recreation season.

“ is will be an urban area meets rural lake-type venue,” Zachary says. “ is isn’t going to be like going to the in nity pool at a city park. It’s a place where people will sit, hang out and enjoy being near the water where, for so many years, they haven’t been able to enjoy that connection with the river.” TP

JENKS

Just a few of the native species found in and along the Arkansas River as it flows through Tulsa: 1. Blanchard’s cricket frog 2. Diamondback water snake 3. Crawfish 4. Shovel-nosed sturgeon 5. Great white pelican

JACKSON GILLETT TYLER SEXTON

THE NEW TULSA TONE

LANDES

LEXI ONYANGO LOGAN BRUHN LINCKA ELIZONDO-SÁNCHEZ

LEXI ONYANGO

Band or performer name: Lexi Onyango (aka Lex)

Instruments: Guitar

Self-describes sound as: Melodramatic bedroom pop

Best site(s) for music/show info: Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube

Latest album/EP/single: EP “Limerence” will be released by year’s end

LINCKA ELIZONDOSÁNCHEZ

Band or performer name: LINCKA

Instruments: A little guitar, but I am singer through and through.

Self-describes sound as: Latinx indie experimental pop

Best site(s) for music/show info: @Linckamusic Instagram

Latest album/EP/single: “El PUTASIO EP” released on May 5

TYLER SEXTON

Band or performer name: The Links

Instruments: Vocals, guitar, drums, DJing, production

Self-describes sound as: I work on projects that range from dance music to Latin indie to indie pop/rock.

Best site(s) for music/show info: Instagram @tylersextontulsa and @itsthelinks

Latest album/EP/single: “Odell” and “Lightyears” by The Links

JACKSON GILLETT

Band or performer name: Manta Rays

Instruments: Lead singer, guitar player and songwriter for Manta Rays

Self-describes sound as: American soft rock to British rock/pop

Best site(s) for music/show info: mantaraysband.com

Latest album: “Vic”

LOGAN BRUHN

Band or performer name: THE LINKS

Instruments: Keys, bass, vocals, DJ

Self-describes sound as: I produce and perform for tons of different artists, so I’m always trying new sounds and genres. Right now, I’m making a lot of indie pop, indie grunge, dance music and some experimental electronic music.

Best site(s) for music/show info: Instagram @logan_bruhn

Latest album/EP/single: “Odell” and “Lightyears” by The Links

Tulsa has long been a music city. We’ve heard the comparisons to Austin and Nashville, but we’re known for our own sound. Traditionally, the Tulsa Sound is known for being a mix of blues, blues rock, country, rock ‘n’ roll and swamp pop. On any given night one can still hear songs being played that continue this tradition in venues across downtown and throughout the metropolitan area.

Today there’s a new generation of Tulsa musicians recording songs together and joining each other on stage. They are still learning about themselves and their musical styles. They’re learning from those who have been doing it for years, while creating their own sounds and inspiring the next wave of music that will carry its own tones.

“It’s hard to summarize this generation of Tulsa music as a whole nowadays, because you can really nd anything in Tulsa,” says Jackson Gillett of Manta Rays. “Anything from yacht rock to experimental noise music. If anything, this generation of Tulsa music is the sound of the future.”

Get to know Gillett and more of these young musicians, who are continuing our legacy as a music city.

First album or song you heard that made you know you wanted to be a musician?

LEXI: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye, and first album would be “Born to Die” by Lana Del Rey or “Pure Heroine” by Lorde

LINCKA: “El Chico del Apartamento 512” by Selena Quintanilla

TYLER: Well, if we’re going way back, the first album I ever owned as a kid was the “Top Gun” soundtrack. I remember hearing “Highway to the Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins and wanting to be Tom Cruise so bad. I also wanted to sing and perform like Steven Tyler from Aerosmith.

JACKSON: The first record that really made me realize I wanted to play music but mainly be a musician was “Who the F*** are Arctic Monkeys?” I was probably in fifth grade when my friends and I stumbled upon it, and I was immediately enthralled.

LOGAN: It might be the album “Straight, No Chaser” by Thelonious Monk. When I was 15, I heard that and fell way more in love with music than I already was.

When and where did you rst perform live? What memory stands out?

LEXI: I actually performed at a tiny coffee shop/ doughnut house in Kansas called the Donut Hole, I remember messing up in the middle of my song … twice because I was so nervous and the small crowd told me to just start over. I almost never did it again and I had my mother drive me hours away to perform for the first time because if it was bad I didn’t want anyone I knew to see.

LINCKA: I performed at my high school talent show on my guitar. It was a cute indie song for this boy I liked at the time. He was a baseball player. He came to my show just to watch me perform. To this day I don’t know if he knows it was about him.

TYLER: I think my first live performance was when I was 12 years old with my two-piece band at a grimy punk venue. We did instrumental covers of Nirvana songs, and I remember my Christian grandmother was there. She hated it.

JACKSON: In sixth grade I performed “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes, naturally. It was the Bixby Green Corn Festival talent show. I wore sunglasses the whole time. It was magical.

LOGAN: I grew up playing worship music in the church, probably starting at the age of 10 or 11. Almost all of my memories performing live were some sort of worship role ‘til I was 19.

What is the best thing about the Tulsa music scene?

LEXI: It is so inclusive and collaborative. I love how everyone here knows each other, works together and supports one another. I think we have a really special community here.

LINCKA: The culture. Venues strive to build a scene for music lovers. Regardless of who is performing you can always count on the crowds to respect the art more than anything.

TYLER: I think the best thing about the Tulsa scene is the loyalty and commitment from people who are genuinely invested in what’s happening. There are people who show up to every event, and that sort of love is so appreciated.

NEW LIFE AT RIVERSIDE STUDIO

The musicians recently met up at what is commonly called “Spotlight Theater” for the photo shoot just days after The Links hosted its first Drama Club dance party. The next one will be Oct. 27.

This is just one of many new events planned at the 95-year-old Riverside Studio, 1381 Riverside Drive, that was designed by Bruce Goff. On Oct. 20, Rosemary Daughtery will host Sip N’ Paint.

The building is best known for hosting “The Drunkard and the Olio” continuously for seven decades. The Nov. 11 performance doubles as a 70th birthday celebration.

Visit tulsaspotlighttheater.com for more information on the variety of upcoming events or if interested in hosting one at the iconic venue.

LEXI ONYANGO

JACKSON GILLETT

LINCKA ELIZONDO-SÁNCHEZ

LOGAN BRUHN

TYLER SEXTON

JACKSON: Truly the best thing about the Tulsa music scene is the community and people that continuously sell out multiple artist shows every weekend. It’s a pleasure to make music for the people of Tulsa and they are without a doubt the best part and life force of Tulsa music.

LOGAN: The vast diversity of the artists in the scene is great. It seems like artists in Tulsa are exposed to all sorts of genres, and are really open to collaborating and taking influence from different types of people in the community.

What is missing or most needs improvement in the music scene?

LEXI: I think we need more venues. Better venues with different size capacities.

LINCKA: I would say more artists coming together to collaborate. Tulsa’s scene is getting better about that but there is room for growth.

TYLER: I think the awareness of what’s happening artistically in Tulsa needs to expand and that just comes with time.

JACKSON: Getting musicians paid has been a recurring issue in the past that has started to get better. I would personally love to see more venues. I think that would give musicians better opportunities to make money and nourish the flourishing music scene we’re lucky to have here.

LOGAN: We have an overflow of artists with great ideas, but we don’t always have enough people showing up to their events. We need a bridge between the great performers in town and the people who want to find cool events to attend.

Favorite place to

LEXI: Mercury Lounge

play in Tulsa?

LINCKA: Mercury Lounge

TYLER: The Links has recently been doing a residency at Riverside Studio (aka Tulsa Spotlight Theater), and it has been one of our favorite venues.

JACKSON: I think I speak for my whole band when I say Mercury Lounge has become sort of our home field. Great sound, great people — definitely the heart of Tulsa music!

LOGAN: I love playing shows at Mercury Lounge. We also just started a DJ residency at Riverside Studio, and that building has a special magic to it.

LINCKA: Branjae

TYLER: Maye Thomas, hands down.

JACKSON: Caleb Campbell. Caleb was the lead singer of my favorite Tulsa band The Lukewarm and is still making amazing solo work. Caleb has been making music in Tulsa for so long and is one of the first people who inspired me and my band members to start trying to make a name for ourselves in the Tulsa scene at a young age.

LOGAN: There’s way too many artists to name that deserve more attention in town. Some that pop into my head right now are Ramsey Thornton, Dialtone and Combsy

What inspires you?

LEXI: Being alive. Experiences are important and I’ve learned that living in the moment and experiencing every aspect of life is so important. I love writing about certain times in my life like being a kid, being in love, my fears, etc.

LINCKA: The yearning to get out of survival mode and truly live.

TYLER: I think life in general inspires me. The art I create is just a reflection and interpretation of how life experiences make me feel.

JACKSON: People and relationships have always been what inspires me musically. I like to think every song I’ve written has been for someone I love.

LOGAN: I’m inspired by the subcultures of fashion and expression that form around music. It’s inspiring for me to find new genres I love, and learn about the fashion and cultural trends that have formed directly out of that music throughout history.

Who inspires you?

LEXI: My friends. I’m lucky to be surrounded with such incredible people who aren’t only my friends but my family. They all happen to be artists as well and we all encourage each other.

LINCKA: My brother Dario who is a beautiful human and a very talented immigration lawyer.

TYLER: The artistic community of people I am surrounded by. Without them I am nothing!

JACKSON: I’m extremely inspired and motivated by my fellow Tulsa artists. Giving up or stopping is simply not an option when there’s so many other people and artists lifting you up and counting on you to continue on with your craft.

dance, German electronic dance

music,

What is your secret pleasure listen?

LEXI: Abba

LINCKA: Anything by Kanye West. (Guilty pleasure as of recently.)

TYLER: Probably ’90s Shoegaze music (My Bloody Valentine, Lush, Cocteau Twins)

JACKSON: “She Drives Me Crazy” by Fine Young Cannibals

LOGAN: I love artsy wild music, but I will proudly say that some huge commercial artists truly have some of the best music out there. You can catch me knowing every word to most Ariana Grande or Dua Lipa songs.

You have to sing a cover to save the world. What is it?

LEXI: “Our House” by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

LINCKA: “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac or “Losing You” by Solange.

TYLER: Jeff Buckley’s version of “Lilac Wine”

LOGAN: Hmmm … right now I feel like I could probably sing a pretty cute cover of “Sofia” by Clairo

JACKSON: “Give Peace a Chance” by John Lennon.

Biggest goal in the coming years?

LEXI: To be a full-time artist in whatever way makes sense for me at the time. My biggest goal is to just be able to create music that means something to me and other people feel connected to. I love making music so much I would be content with having anything to do with the music industry in general. I’d love to be successful enough to play Red Rocks (in Colorado) or the Rose Bowl (in California).

LINCKA: To be financially successful in my music career to go on tour, sell records and continue to create music.

TYLER: The next step is to definitely be financially stable solely from music.

Who is

the most underappreciated musician in town?

LEXI: I would say Awesha Lacole. She definitely isn’t underappreciated at all, but I think she is such a light and so unbelievably talented and I believe in her so much.

JACKSON: I would love to travel with my band in the near future. Touring and playing our music for new people is one of my favorite things to do in the world.

TulsaPeople.com 43

A visit with Patrick Gordon

A painter of consistent habits, a man of contrasts and change.

BY CONNIE CRONLEY

PHOTOS BY MICHELLE POLLARD

Patrick Gordon in the garden of his Maple Ridge home that was previously owned by the late interior designer Charles Faudree. It houses the artist’s studio and gallery of works for sale.

“Iwas never called by my real name,” says Patrick Gordon As a child, he was Patty Boy or Samuel Isaiah, family nicknames. He has signed his paintings Pat Gordon, Patrick Gordon, P.S. Gordon and currently Patrick (p.s.) Gordon.

For years he hid the signature or didn’t sign his paintings at all. After his 65th birthday, he began signing them at the top — and in red. “I want people to know who did them.”

is month he turns 70. It’s a good time to ask the question: Who is the real Patrick Gordon?

“I change my name every 10 years,” he says, “because I’m never the same person.”

He is a man of change and contrast. Contradiction is an even better word.

Gordon has lived as a straight man and now lives as a gay man. He is a big man (6 feet, 1 inch tall and 190-plus pounds) who collects miniature objects. He paints small things on large canvases, “so people can see them as I see them the way I do.”

He’s best known for painting owers, yet famously painted a series of drag queens decades before drag queens were in the news. “I don’t call the paintings drag queens,” he says. “I call the series ‘Men in Evening Gowns.’”

He’s an artist who approaches painting as a business. “I don’t do this as a hobby. If I waited until the muse struck I’d be broke rst and then dead.”

He’s a garrulous, friendly man who delights in life, yet he is alone all day painting. Every day, seven days a week. “I’ve done that for 51 years.”

Scott Stulen, CEO and president of Philbrook Museum of Art, describes Gordon as “a Tulsa icon (whose) work sits on the walls of major museums (including Philbrook), galleries and homes across the country.” Gordon is serious about his profession and knows the value of his work, yet he doesn’t take himself too seriously.

“It ain’t rocket science,” he says. Looks like it from here.

THE STUDIO

“Show me your garden,” said English poet Alfred Austin, “and I shall tell you who you are.”

Step into Gordon’s garden — his studio home — and hang on to your hat. His twostory, 4,000-square-foot Maple Ridge home built by an oil man in Tulsa’s oil heyday, sports a stately and subdued gray exterior. Before Gordon, the late interior designer Charles Faudree owned the property.

Step through a small foyer, still papered with Faudree’s eye-popping yellow wallpaper, and — wham! — you’re bombarded by color and a profusion of “things.” e cavernous formal living room is his painter’s studio and the beating heart of the house, appropriate since painting is the beating heart of the man himself. Every wall is covered with paintings and every surface is covered with things. Did a Moroccan bazaar explode here? I wouldn’t be surprised to see a snake charmer in one corner.

Take a closer look and you’ll see that it’s not chaos, it’s artistically curated. Collections of tiny Ei el Towers, a bowl of sequined hearts, a shelf of birds’ nests, French furniture, ea market nds and, displayed as an art piece, the late artist Dana Gilpin’s front door painted purple and covered with silver Spanish milagros. Gordon could open his home to the public and charge admission, but this is for his own enjoyment and delight. “A sense of humor is important,” he says.

His paintings for sale are exhibited on the second oor of the galerie maison, house gallery. Most are owers or still lifes priced $25,000 or $30,000.

“ e best room of the house,” he says, is the backyard with a swimming pool designed to mimic the California-swank

Patrick Gordon paints in his home studio along with his dogs, Sister and Logan.

Beverly Hills Hotel guarded by two enormous green and yellow Chinese Fu dogs and hedged with landscaping straight out of a French chateau. Ken and Barbie could meet Marie Antoinette in this outdoor space. Friends call it Versailles on 21st Street.

THE PAINTER

Don’t expect to see Gordon wearing a classic artist’s smock like Vincent van Gogh or Paul Gauguin. Although he may be the city’s most celebrated living painter, when I visit, he’s wearing a big plaid shirt over a T-shirt and Bermuda shorts. He might have just come inside from deadheading roses, an apt description considering his association with owers. One of his largest sales, a 9-foot-by-13-foot painting of white orchids, sold for $90,000. Ironically, his only garden is a table of orchids.

Painting is a profession of solitude but Gordon is friendly and garrulous. His zodiac chart is Scorpio with Scorpio rising and a moon in Taurus. A double Scorpio? Oh my. Without identifying him, I consulted astrologist Pam Case to interpret. “Double whammy,” is one phrase she used, along with sexual, romantic and a taskmaster. at ts. Beware his soft, almost snuggly demeanor and twinkling eyes; underneath is a professional Mack truck in high gear.

His erce work ethic was instilled in him as a boy in his hometown of Claremore where he was the youngest of four sons of lawyer Jack Gordon Sr. and his artist wife, Jeanelle.

“What was he like as a child?” I asked his oldest brother, Jack Gordon Jr., a criminal defense attorney with the Tulsa County Public Defender’s O ce.

“Mother’s favorite and a pain in the ass,” he says with a laugh. “Absolutely charming, cute and funny. Until he was 4, he had long curly hair.”

Gordon sold his rst oil painting, a clown, when he was 12 for $60. At 15, he opened a gallery named Strawberry Fields on Main Street with a classmate. “I gave her all the money from the gallery sales so she could run away from home,” he says.

Beginning in junior high he also took classes from Oklahoma Military Academy (now Rogers State University) and earned enough college credit hours to enter the University of Oklahoma as a second semester sophomore.

OU wasn’t a good t for him. e art focus at the time was abstract painting and acrylics. Gordon was interested in still life and gurative painting. He was trained in oil painting but also wanted to do watercolor, “unheard of in the 1970s.” Watercolor is a challenging medium, “an unforgiving medium,” he says. “You have three seconds

to blend the colors.” He transferred to the University of Tulsa to study with Glenn Godsey, an award-winning watercolor painter, and stayed on as a graduate student. “(Godsey) was a quiet, mellow teacher. He calmed me down,” Gordon says. “ e rst time I’d ever been calm.”

“He was way better than the other students,” recalls Godsey, TU professor emeritus of art. “He’d learned quite a lot from his mother.” e celebrated artist Judy Chicago visited TU about this time. Her epic installation “ e Dinner Party” had sparked her interest in china painting, so Gordon took her to Claremore to meet his

mother who painted china.

When Gordon said he wanted to become a professional painter, Godsey gave him four pieces of advice: Treat it like a job (eight hours a day), keep developing the same subjects, don’t become a teacher and leave Tulsa. Gordon did all of that.

e 1970s and 1980s were tumultuous years for Gordon. In 1973, when he was 20, he married his high school sweetheart, Kathy “Kath” Beck , also an artist. at year he went to New York with a portfolio of watercolors and, oblivious to the audacity gave himself two weeks to nd a gallery.

Every day he walked from gallery to gal-

Gordon’s “Yellow Tulip” hangs in his living room next to “The Falconer.” Both paintings are part of his personal collection and not for sale.

lery saying, “I am Pat Gordon from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and I have some paintings to show you.’ On the 14th day, the oldest gallery in New York agreed to give him a show the following year.

In 1974 he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from TU and began graduate school, ending his art studies three credit hours short of a master’s degree.

In 1977, Philbrook Art Museum hosted a solo exhibit. In 1982 when he was 29, he and his wife divorced amiably and began co-parenting their daughter, Emily Gordon, by maintaining a full set of clothes and toys in both households. Emily is now a top cardiac anesthesiologist in Philadelphia, married with four children.

He was about 30 when he came out as a gay man. “How did that a ect your work?” I ask him. “Not at all,” he says. “It’s my life. What can I say?”

e 1980s brought a burst of professional recognition. He was included in a 1985 group exhibition of American Realism that opened in San Francisco and toured extensively. e Fischbach Gallery in New York, known for hosting solo exhibitions of leading art world gures such as Eva Hesse, Alex Katz and Gary Kuehn, featured Gordon’s rst solo show there in 1987.

“Suddenly I was getting a lot of attention in New York,” he says, “because they hadn’t seen many (large scale) watercolors like I made.” He and the celebrated Carolyn Brady, whom he describes as “the queen of watercolor,” were rarities in the art eld, both know for realistic watercolor paintings

of owers and tabletop tableaux. Ironically, she was also from Oklahoma, born in Chickasha, 15 years before Gordon. “She was a wonderful friend. I’d never known anyone like her.”

Simultaneously and without any connection, they were creating similar work – “a tempus time,” Gordon calls it. “I saw her painting of a white wicker sofa upholstered in dark, patterned fabric and (was jolted to) realize that I owned the same white, wicker

sofa and my dining room was papered in that same fabric.”

In 2002, at age 49, he moved to New York and lived there — “a wonderful time” — for almost 10 years. Although professionally successful and painting in both oil and watercolor, he saw property prices soar and found it hard to make friends there after the age of 50. He came home to Tulsa 11 years ago to a community that welcomed him.

“People are always wonderful to me in this town,” he says.

LET’S TALK MONEY

“I’ve always loved his sense of duty to his work,” says M. Teresa Valero, professor emerita and retired director of TU’s School of Art, Design and Art History. “He tells emerging artists/students to consider it a job; they need to produce and to be paid for it.”

Back in his studio, I say to Gordon, “Let’s talk money.”

“Let’s!” he says gleefully. “ ere’s nothing emotional about it. It depends on the size of the painting or if it’s a threequarter or full-length portrait.”

His eyes light up when I tell him about a Wall Street Journal article reporting a surge of interest in commissioned painted portraits — of family or self — with prices ranging from $30,000 to $90,000. In this age of photographed sel es, what’s the appeal? “A portrait is far more emotional than a photograph,” he explains, and more

“The best room of the house” is what Gordon calls his backyard swimming pool area.

Gordon’s “Fried Green Tomatoes” hangs in Philbrook. The gift shop sells a poster of it.

permanent. As an acclaimed portraitist, it’s no wonder Gordon admires portrait painters omas Gainsborough , Joshua Reynolds , and most of all, the famous society portrait painter John Singer Sargent , “the greatest manipulator of paint who ever lived. I’ve tried to model myself after him.”

Philbrook’s Stulen says beyond Gordon’s “stunning portraits” he’s known for his “witty social commentaries” and “signature oral works” like his “Fried Green Tomatoes” Gordon painted in 1993 that hangs in the gallery entrance to the right of the main entrance.

Why so many paintings of owers? “I like painting owers,” Gordon says simply. His orist grandmother, Billie Stallings, was an inspiration. Visiting her ower shops was such a profound experience, he recaptures it by seeing his friend Toni Garner at Toni’s Flowers and Gifts. “ e cold of the freezer, the scent — it’s like I’m 3 years old again.”

THE SERIAL PAINTINGS

In addition to commissioned works and standalone pieces, Gordon says he is a serial painter. e “Men in Evening Gowns” series of large oil portraits depicts intense men wearing beautiful dresses. It’s performance art, he says, not drag queen caricatures. e largest painting in this series is 60 inches by 80 inches.

“I like big paintings. ey’re confrontive,” he says.

Donald Trump’s election hit dedicated Democrat Gordon “like a two-by-four,” he says. “It bothered me so much I had to paint something about this.” One painting depicts Trump as Nero draining the swamp by setting the White House a re.

He hasn’t o ered them for sale, “but 50 years from now these will be the paintings you wish you owned.”

e COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown was such a profound experience for most people — “Not for me because I was already working at home” — he painted a COVID Series, portraits of people wearing masks.

He listens to the television while he paints, but while working on a collection of Leon Russell paintings for Teresa Knox ’s Church Studio, he listened to the late Tulsa musician’s songs every day for a year. What surprised him was the depth of Russell’s religiosity and lyrics “as descriptive as a painting.”

Inspired by Russell’s life and music, Gordon painted the eight oils on canvas that became what Church Studio calls “Mural of Space and Time,” which a muralist then copied to external walls near the historic Church Studio at ird Street and Trenton Avenue. e murals were unveiled

in the fall of 2020; the originals are inside. Reproductions are available individually or as a set at Church Studio.

GETTING PERSONAL

“We didn’t get sick in my family,” he says. “We rubbed on Vicks and took an aspirin.” He is conscientious about his health but wears his health issues lightly. Gordon is diabetic (“14,000 shots over 40 years”) and delighted with his new insulin pump; had a heart attack six months ago and now goes to the gym three days a week; is enthusiastic about how vividly he sees colors after his recent cataract surgery; and is matter-offact about his HIV diagnosis years ago. “It happened,” he says.

He serves on the boards of Philbrook and Tulsa CARES, which he and Faudree

helped found in 1991 to care for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. ey founded it, he says, because “I had seen 24 friends die of AIDS.”

Currently he has no partner. “I am in a single state of mind.” His closest companions are two Norwich terriers, Logan and Sister, so short and stout they look like lunch boxes.

Except for a brief stint teaching at Philbrook when he was young, painting is the only job he’s ever had. He has no hobbies. “I’ve never done anything else, I’ve never wanted to do anything else. I get to paint what I want. I am the luckiest man you ever knew. My life is ful lled.

“ e only thing I want is a greenhouse. More owers! And a house on the ocean.” e reveal: e name on his birth certificate is Patrick Scott Gordon. TP

“Mrs. Lennox” is one of Gordon’s “Men in Evening Gowns” paintings. This one hangs in his dining room and is a part of his personal collection that is not for sale.

URBAN PLAY GROUND

There’s so much to do and see downtown.

Here are some TulsaPeople editor favorites.

BY STAFF

SAVE THE DATE

Explore the world of art deco architecture, learn about the city’s colorful past and walk in the steps of history in one of several tours put on by the nonprofit Tulsa Foundation for Architecture. Each month TFA hosts its SECOND SATURDAY TOUR highlighting different aspects and angles of the city center. TULSAARCHITECTURE.ORG

From Nov. 18-Feb. 1, BEYOND VANGOGH: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE treats visitors to over 300 of the master’s artworks through 30,000 square feet of space at OKPOP Museum. VANGOGHTULSA.COM

Murder, intrigue and puzzling mysteries surround participants in this downtown escape room, NOVEL MYSTERIES, located at 816 E. Sixth St. Participants choose from three different escape room scenarios in hopes to solve the mystery before time runs out. NOVELMYSTERIES.COM

The NBA preseason makes its way to Tulsa as the OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER take on the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 19 at BOK Center. BOKCENTER.COM

During JOHNNY CASH: THE OFFICIAL CONCERT EXPERIENCE, a live band and singers accompany archival footage of the “Man in Black.” Concertgoers will get to hear some of his biggest hits, like “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Ring of Fire” and “I Walk the Line” on Nov. 12 at Cox Business Convention Center. COXCENTERTULSA.COM

TULSA OILERS hockey opens the 2023-2024 home season on Oct. 28-29 with a series against the Cincinnati Cyclones. Head to the BOK Center for some icy action all season long. TULSAOILERS.COM

Everyone loves a parade — and downtown will host two this season. First, on Nov. 10, the VETERANS DAY PARADE continues a longstanding tradition of recognizing our neighbors for their service to America. On Dec. 9, the TULSA CHRISTMAS PARADE boasts balloons, marching bands and floats welcoming the holiday season … all capped off with the arrival of Santa Claus. TULSAVETERANSDAYPARADE.COM; TULSACHRISTMASPARADE.ORG

There are countless opportunities to learn something new downtown. If you’re interested in history, be sure to visit GREENWOOD RISING. A music lover’s dream can be found at either the BOB DYLAN CENTER or WOODY GUTHRIE CENTER. Art aficionados can tour one of the many GALLERIES scattered in different districts. HIGHER EDUCATION can be found at Tulsa Community College’s metro campus or at Oklahoma State University’s Tulsa campus in Greenwood.

FIRST FRIDAY has become a staple of the downtown scene. Throughout the Arts District, peruse open galleries, shop vendors and markets, listen to live music and watch special performances. On Oct. 6, be sure to catch Ballet on the Green as members of Tulsa Ballet perform exciting and innovative dance works starting at 7:30 p.m. Also be sure to check out the new, free Downtown Shuttle that operates from 6-10 p.m. each First Friday through Nov. 3. THETULSAARTSDISTRICT.ORG

FUN

Have some fun this fall with these upcoming events and long-standing traditions.

Second Saturday Tour

LOVE FOR DOWNTOWN DINING

TulsaSound stretch cap, $33.99, from the Tulsa Drillers team store; 918 T-shirt, $25, from Boomtown Tees; coasters, $9.99 each, from Ida Red; notepad, $6.50, Tulsa necklace, $45, from Made; coffee cup, $12.95, “Route 66: The Mother Road,” $28.99, and “The Outsiders,” $12.95, from Magic City Books.

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP

5 places to fulfill your shopping wish list within the IDL.

FOOD

BEST BITES

Breakfast, lunch and dinner: Downtown is the spot no matter the time of day. Here are 6 restaurants we can’t get enough of.

DAY + NIGHT DINER Dilly Diner

402 E. SECOND ST., DILLYDINER.COM

A Tulsa classic with breakfast all day and latenight dining, Dilly Diner has you covered with both sweet and savory. Try staff favorite, The Meg — fried egg, tomato, lettuce, bacon and cheddar on a croissant.

SOUTH AMERICAN GOURMET Que Gusto

105 N. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BLVD., QUEGUSTOTULSA.COM

The offerings from Que Gusto are handmade, organic, grass-fed and delicious. A great lunch spot if you are on the go, pack up the slow roast pork sandwich, a side of Yucca fries and a dulce de leche cookie.

VIETNAMESE CUISINE

Kai: Vietnamese Cuisine

201 W. FIFTH ST., FACEBOOK.COM/KAITULSA

Known for years for its take on Vietnamese classics, Kai keeps it coming with fresh flavors and great service. Don’t miss out on its Bao — perfectly steamed buns filled with your choice of meat.

LOCALLY SOURCED Lowood

817 E. THIRD ST., LOWOODTULSA.COM

With beautiful bites and sights, Lowood is a noteworthy spot for date nights or special occasions. The menu is ever-changing and always atop many “best” lists.

EUROPEAN CULINARY TRADITION

Basque

114 N. BOSTON AVE., BASQUETULSA.COM

Basque is a culinary destination for those seeking impeccable dishes in an atmosphere that almost feels like you’re in a big city. From snacks to small plates to entrees — sharing is a must.

STONE-FIRE PIZZERIA Copaneazi’s Pizzeria

522 S. BOSTON AVE., SUITE 104; COPANEAZIS.COM

With a laid-back atmosphere and Neapolitan-style pizza, dining options include omnivore, vegan, vegetarian and allergen-friendly offerings, cooked up in a stone-fire oven.

MUSIC

LISTEN UP!

Downtown is a live music supernova with everything from arena shows to intimate performances.

BOK Center

National touring acts.

200 S. DENVER AVE., BOKCENTER.COM

Cain’s Ballroom

Legendary dance hall turned iconic music venue.

423 N. MAIN ST., CAINSBALLROOM.COM

Fassler Hall

German-inspired beer hall with live, local music.

304 S. ELGIN AVE., FASSLERHALL.COM

Fur Shop

Bar and music venue.

520 E. THIRD ST., FACEBOOK.COM/THEFURSHOPTULSA

The Hunt Club

Varied acts, from rock to acoustic.

224 N. MAIN ST., THEHUNTCLUBTULSA.COM

LowDown

Local and international jazz acts, plus comedy, folk and Americana.

108 N. DETROIT AVE., LEVEL B, LOWDOWNTULSA.COM

Rabbit Hole

A chef-driven food menu matches live music entertainment.

116 S. ELGIN AVE., FACEBOOK.COM/RABBITHOLETULSA

St. Vitus

Electronic music and dance venue.

112 S. ELGIN AVE., SUITE B; STVITUSTULSA.COM

Shady Keys Dueling Piano Bar

A dueling piano bar with a speakeasy theme.

314 E. THIRD ST., SHADYKEYS.COM

Soundpony

Bicycle-themed, experimental music bar.

409 N. MAIN ST., THESOUNDPONY.COM

Tulsa Performing Arts Center

The city’s music hall hosts a variety of performing arts events year-round. 110 E. SECOND ST., TULSAPAC.COM

Tulsa Theater

Art deco theater built in 1914 that hosts big-name entertainers.

105 W. RECONCILIATION WAY, TULSATHEATER.COM

The Vanguard

Range of alternative acts from punk to folk, rock and Americana.

222 N. MAIN ST., THEVANGUARDTULSA.COM

Woody Guthrie Center

High-caliber acts with a folk bent.

102 E. RECONCILIATION WAY, WOODYGUTHRIECENTER.ORG TP

SHOWS WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS FALL:

BOK CENTER

Oct. 26 — Chris Stapleton

Nov. 4 — Aerosmith

CAIN’S BALLROOM

Oct. 13 — Owl City

Nov. 1-2 — Ian Munsick

TULSA

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Nov. 7 — Straight No Chaser

Nov. 11 — Tulsa Symphony: Honor, America

TULSA THEATER

Oct. 21 — Celebrating David Bowie

Nov. 1 — Tech N9ne and Hollywood Undead

THE VANGUARD

Oct. 27 — Nightmare on Main Street featuring Nuns and more

Nov. 5 — Luna Luna

Zach Bryan performs at BOK Center on Aug. 12.

MISSION

To champion a prosperous, vibrant, and inclusive Downtown Tulsa.

VISION

Downtown Tulsa: Our center of commerce, culture, and community

In 2021, Downtown Tulsa business owners, property owners, and civic leaders finalized the strategic plan that called for the creation of a standalone not-for-profit management organization to implement needed services and planning efforts for our 1.5-square-mile Downtown district. The final vision established in that plan represents the idea that Downtown Tulsa is everyone’s neighborhood—that it’s our region’s backyard and the center of commerce, culture, and community.

Over the past two years since the incorporation of Downtown Tulsa Partnership, our Board and Staff have been working toward this vision by creating and implementing services and programs that support five strategic goals:

1 Ensure Downtown is consistently clean, safe, and appealing

2 Foster a prosperous Downtown through investments and resources that seek to benefit all Tulsans

3 Activate Downtown through programs and experiences that engage Tulsa’s diverse community

4 Enhance physical connections throughout Downtown and to adjacent neighborhoods

5 Champion Downtown locally and throughout the region as everyone’s neighborhood

CLEAN & SAFE OPERATIONS

Last year, 14 diligent members of our Downtown Ambassador Team worked in the public ream each day—a collective 27,000 hours in FY22–23—to enhance the appearance and safety of Downtown Tulsa streets, sidewalks, and public spaces, and provide helpful information to Downtown visitors, residents, and workers.

Our Ambassadors:

PROVIDED NEARLY

9,807 welfare checks resulting in hundreds of referrals to Housing Solutions’ outreach team and other service providers for people experiencing homelessness

PLANNING & VITALITY

DTP’s Planning & Vitality work centers on the notion that quality physical spaces create great places and leads the organizational efforts in urban planning, public realm improvement, economic development, and revitalization. P&V initiatives in FY22–23 included:

COTU Conceptual Feasibility Study

Led the Center of the Universe Plaza and Bridge redesign process, including community engagement

MAINTAINED PLANTED

968 street lights

PLANTED

830 flats of flowers in planters and beds

REMOVED

230+ TONS of trash from Downtown sidewalks, streets, and alleyways—equivalent to the weight of more than 10.5 Golden Drillers x 10.5!

Holiday Pop-Up Shop Pilot

Generated $27,000 in revenue for 11 local entrepreneurs testing their brick and mortar concepts

Inaugural State of Downtown

Developed a data-rich report with key indicators of economic strength, available at DowntownTulsa.com/Dashboard

Denver Avenue Streetscaping

Awarded federal funding to support the design process and construction planning to advance walkable, safe, and connected transportation solutions along Denver Avenue within the Arena District

MARKETING & EXPERIENCE

DTP’s place enhacement strategy centers on serving Downtown business owners, residents, workers, and visitors by creating experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. M&E also supports Downtown businesses on a weekly basis through the In the Loop newsletter and DTP social media channels, as well as through outreach in collaboration with other Downtown Tulsa partners. M&E initiatives in FY22–23 included:

DowntownTulsa.com

Launched new site with a comprehensive business directory, Downtown event calendar, and more

Namastreet Downtown Yoga

Gathered more than 100 people to celebrate International Yoga Day and the Summer Solstice with yoga and meditation on Boston Avenue

Invest in Downtown Tulsa, Support Downtown Tulsa Partnership

As Downtown continues to grow, so do our initiatives and programs to make Downtown the compelling urban neighborhood in which to live, work, entertain, and invest. Play an active role in shaping the future of Downtown Tulsa by becoming a member of the Downtown Tulsa Partnership.

Your membership:

Supports our mission to champion a prosperous, vibrant, and inclusive DowntownTulsa

Increases our capacity to enhance Downtown programs, events, and experiences, including expanded Clean & Safe programs and business support services

Provides you new opportunities to engage with Downtown businesses and stakeholders.

Thank you to our initial corporate and civic members for supporting DTP’s mission and vision:

Amtra Capital Partners McNellie’s Group

BAM Properties Promise Hotels

BOK Financial PSO

Cyntergy

GH2 Architects

Downtown Days of Wonder

Installed holiday lights and décor, and launched DowntownDaysofWonder.com as a resource for Winter holiday events and activities in Downtown

Topeca Coffee

TulsaPeople Magazine TulsaPeople Magazine

For more information or to become a member, visit DowntownTulsa.com/Membership.

To learn about upcoming DTP initiatives, read our full FY22-23 Annual Report at DowntownTulsa.com/AnnualReport.

OCTOBER 1

Beautiful

THEATRE TULSA

OCTOBER 1

Aladdin

CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS

OCTOBER 4

Brown Bag It: Francisco Treviño

TPAC PRESENTS

OCTOBER 6

Bill Browder

TULSA TOWN HALL

OCTOBER 6–14

The Great American Trailer Park

Christmas Musical

AMERICAN THEATRE COMPANY

OCTOBER 7

Masquerade: Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9

TULSA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

OCTOBER 14–15

WindSync

CHAMBER MUSIC TULSA

OCTOBER 20–29

Reflections

WORLD STAGE THEATRE CO

NOVEMBER 2–5

Don Quixote

TULSA BALLET

NOVEMBER 7

Straight No Chaser

TPAC PRESENTS

NOVEMBER 8–12

The Concert Truck

TPAC PRESENTS

NOVEMBER 10

Brian Greene

TULSA TOWN HALL

NOVEMBER 11

Honor, Americana: Price’s Symphony No. 1

TULSA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

NOVEMBER 15–16

Imagination Series: Janet’s Planet

TPAC PRESENTS

NOVEMBER 17–19

Mean Girls High School Edition

THEATRE TULSA

NOVEMBER 18

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán

ATIP CORP / SUPERMERCADOS MORELOS

NOVEMBER 18–19

Castalian String Quartet

CHAMBER MUSIC TULSA

NOVEMBER 21–26

Beetlejuice

CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS

DECEMBER 1

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

TULSA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

DECEMBER 6

Brown Bag It: Tulsa Festival Ringers

TPAC PRESENTS

DECEMBER 8–23

A Christmas Carol

AMERICAN THEATRE COMPANY

DECEMBER 9–23

The Nutcracker

TULSA BALLET

FACES OF Downtown 2023

TulsaPeople is proud to present the inaugural Faces of Downtown , a special sponsored editorial section telling the stories behind a variety of locally owned businesses who help make downtown Tulsa thrive. We hope you find this presentation informative and useful.

Jewelry Studio Chartreuse Chandelier Studio

Chartreuse Chandelier Studio is a haven of exquisite jewelry where every piece tells a unique story. Founded by the visionary Paula Palmieri Beck and featuring an array of artists, our studio is a testament to the beauty of collaboration and the power of art to change lives.

Beck’s journey to the heart of Africa led to an encounter with the Datoga Tribe, a group of skilled blacksmiths whose creativity and recycling craftsmanship left an indelible mark. Beck was inpspired to create something meaningful to give back to the Tanzanian people. Enter “Minundo Mizouri,” a Swahili phrase that translates to “delightful designs.” Through Minundo Mizouri, Chartreuse Chandelier Studio proudly showcases the artistry of the Datoga Tribe, offering their handcrafted designs to the world.

Every purchase from Minundo Mizouri at Chartreuse Chandelier Studio is a contribution to the betterment of the lives and education of the Datoga Tribe and their families. We believe that every opportunity bestowed upon us is a chance to make the world a better place.

CHARTREUSE CHANDELIER STUDIO

110 West 7th, Lower Level | 918-691-9157 | chartreusechandelier.com

Eyecare Downtown Tulsa Eyecare

Dr. Julie Holmes is excited to welcome Dr. Andrea Briggs to the optometry practice of Downtown Tulsa Eyecare. Briggs received her bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State University and her Doctorate in Optometry from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Based in downtown for the past 13 years, Downtown Tulsa Eyecare provides comprehensive eye exams as well as advanced testing for glaucoma and macular degeneration, treatment for eye infections, pre- and post-operative care and fitting specialty contact lenses. Patients interested in eyewear and sunglasses can find a continuously updated stock of the latest styles at Downtown Tulsa Eyecare. Both doctors and the entire staff strive to maintain the highest standards in eyecare with personalized service and the latest technology. The team takes pride in knowing its patients will receive the best care and are proud to ensure a personalized eyecare experience.

Paula Palmieri Beck

Dr. Andrea Briggs and Dr. Julie Holmes

Davenport Lofts

The owners of Davenport Lofts started with the belief that urban living and luxury living can co-exist in downtown Tulsa…in the middle of the vibrant Tulsa Arts District. The result is the opportunity for high-end home ownership in a beautiful urban setting at 405 North Main in Tulsa.

“Ours are the first luxury condos available for purchase in the Arts District,” said Davenport Lofts’ partner Jeff Weaver. “Our unique development has been thoughtfully designed and carefully engineered to set a new standard in urban living.”

Weaver noted Davenport Lofts is appealing to Tulsans who want the investment of home ownership without the hassles of property maintenance. “We offer a place for people who love being downtown, but want their home to be a luxurious, peaceful retreat. One for Tulsans who appreciate thoughtful design, innovative technology and the freedom of a “lock and leave” lifestyle”.

Davenport Lofts offers:

• Luxury living.

• Artfully designed interiors.

• Groundbreaking technology.

• Unparalleled amenities.

• Security and convenience.

• Breathtaking panoramic views.

All in all, Davenport Lofts offers home ownership designed to elevate every aspect of life. They create a new standard in urban living.

The available residences range from 1,600 to 3,200 SF on floors 4-7 to three soaring penthouses previously unavailable on the 9th floor at approximately 3,600 SF. Each condominium is meticulously designed with the ultimate in finishes, appliances and amenities. The residences also include two indoor dedicated parking spaces and owners enjoy luxurious

Luxury Downtown Living

Downtown view from Davenport Lofts

amenities such as 6,500 SF on the 10th floor which includes a private club room and event space, as well as outdoor kitchens and landscaped recreation space, all with the most amazing views of the skyline and the beautiful rolling hills!

“Our passion for Davenport Lofts is incredibly personal, because we are not only real estate partners but also residents,” said Jeff Weaver about his new real estate partners Blue Sky Bank and John and Leigh Reaves. We are delivering the only high-end urban living product in downtown Tulsa.” “This is the special place where we ourselves will spend the next—best—years of our lives. From the beginning, we’ve been building the home of our dreams”.

Urban living and luxury living co-exist at Davenport Lofts…in downtown Tulsa near Cain’s Ballroom and the OK Pop Museum and close to the Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie Centers.

Model residences, many interior designs, and the owners’ rooftop club—“TEN”—were designed by leading Tulsa interior designer Chad Renfro of Chad Renfro Design.

Davenport Lofts exterior rendering

Panoramic living area view

Terrace rendering

Insurance Company INSURICA Tulsa

INSURICA Tulsa has evolved from its beginnings as the Joe West Agency in 1919. Over the past 104 years, the agency has grown through acquisitions and organic growth.

Now with over 50 employees, the insurance company has outgrown its existing space in downtown Tulsa and found a new home at the Boulder Towers with over 17,500 square feet of downtown office space at 1437 South Boulder Avenue.

“We provide risk management services to all of our customers, and we do this first by understanding their individual businesses,” said Joseph Sanchez, the company’s Tulsa president. “Once we understand a business, we then access markets that offer competitive and comprehensive insurance programs— along with claims and loss control services—that best relate to the business. Our goal is to uncover solutions that lead to improved insurance coverage and dollar savings for our clients”.

Quality Collision & Repair Jim Blankenship

We take pride in repairing cars and trucks properly, whether doing major body and finish work, repairing hail damage, or making small scratches and dings disappear.

For over 47 years, it has been our privilege to help customers easily navigate through the auto claim and repair process. We invite and appreciate every opportunity to serve you.

JIM BLANKENSHIP

1216 S. Detroit | 918-587-4356 | jimblankenship@gmail.com

Tulsa’s Community Music School has been serving students for more than 21 years — all of that in downtown Tulsa.

The nonprofit arts organization offers private lessons for piano, multiple stringed instruments, flute and vocal performance are offered, as well as group lessons in piano, music theory, composition and music production.

The bART serves more than 600 students each year through afterschool programming in Tulsa and Union public schools.

The downtown site’s recording studio is available to young musicians who need professional recording services for auditions. THE

INSURICA Tulsa Branch Leader Joe Sanchez, left, with Dawn Reside, Carol Annas, Sylvia Hyde, Susan Groden and Steve Batchelor in a soon-to-be-completed section of INSURICA’s new office space on the sixth floor of Boulder Towers.

Architectural Firm

Beck Design

Where Collaboration Drives Innovation

In the bustling heart of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and the vibrant streets of Manhattan, you'll find the creative powerhouse known as Beck Design. This architectural firm is not just about designing buildings; it's about forging artistic collaborations that redefine urban landscapes. With a deep-rooted passion for the arts and a commitment to creativity, Beck Design is a beacon of innovation in the world of architecture.

The Heart of Beck Design: At Beck Design, the best phrase that encapsulates our ethos is "collaboration driving innovation." We believe that great architecture doesn't happen in isolation; it emerges from the dynamic interplay of ideas and talents. With our offices strategically located in the heart of Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Manhattan, we are firmly rooted in diverse cultural contexts that inspire our work.

A Symphony of Creativity: With a cohesive and collaborative culture at the core of our firm, the Beck Team has a longstanding relationship with the Tulsa Performing Arts Center (PAC). This relationship was forged through our selection for the thrilling renovation and transformation of the PAC's iconic building. Our commitment to preserving and enhancing cultural landmarks is a testament to our reverence for the arts and our ability to breathe new life into architectural gems.

Diversity in Design: At Beck Design, we believe that every project should be a reflection of our clients' unique identities and aspirations. Our portfolio is a rich tapestry of diverse projects that mirror the diversity of our clients. Whether it's crafting a cutting-edge urban skyscraper or restoring a historic landmark, our

designs tell a story, and that story is uniquely yours.

The Beck "Family": Our philosophy extends beyond the realm of architecture. We pride ourselves on forming lasting relationships with our clients. When you work with Beck Design, as we have with the CEO of Tulsa PAC Mark Frie and staff, you become part of the Beck "family." Our 40+ year partnerships have given birth to over 1500 successful projects, each a testament to the trust and collaboration that define our practice.

The People Behind Our Success: At the heart of our achievements is our remarkable team. Beck Design boasts a diverse and experienced group of individuals who thrive on working together, fostering creativity, and celebrating accomplishments. Beyond the boardroom, our team enjoys playfully collaborating on ideas that push the boundaries of architectural innovation.

Beck Design is not just an architectural firm; it's a community of creative minds, a sanctuary for artistic expression, and a place where collaboration fuels innovation. Join us on a journey to reshape the world's urban landscapes, one inspired design at a time.

The Beck and Tulsa PAC teams gathered to toast the planning of the renovation of the PAC. Pictured above left to right: Anthony Meave, Wes Rutledge, Lisa Kelly, Don Beck, April Crissinger, Dylan Waldeck, Paula Beck, Karla White, Olivia McIntosh, Donny Carreno, Sai Duran, Andrea Arrieta

Tulsa Performing Arts CFO Jen Alden, CEO Mark Frie and VP of Development Sara Phoenix

Computer Services and Support Jackson Technical

At Jackson Technical, computer consultation services are the core of a business designed with the objective of supporting the success of clients, whatever their industry.

“Our staff has years of experience with up-to-date skills in the latest technologies,” says Tim Jackson, founder and president. “We offer complete computer systems management and maintenance with a proactive approach to prevent problems before they occur.”

Jackson is most proud of the team he’s assembled. “I try to find highly skilled experts who have the technical skills required for the career, but don’t have the arrogance or condescending demeaner that is often associated with I.T. specialists,” he says. “I’m looking for that helper mentality.”

Jackson Technical combines information technology service with strong client relationships to create a sought-after customer experience.

“We listen to needs, then we recommend, plan and implement,” says Jackson. “Our team of experts can provide a company of any size with computer and communications solutions.”

Barbecue RibCrib

Ayear ago, RibCrib opened its Williams Center location, bringing many of its classic barbecue items along with new favorites.

“We’re focused on offering fast, filling, delicious lunches to downtown Tulsa workers,” General Manager Joel Evans says. Along with its hickory-smoked meat options, diners can choose from wraps, sandwiches, spuds and salads.

The RibCrib app makes ordering ahead easy, Evans says, adding, “once they arrive, they can grab their lunch from the to-go cubby, choose a seat in the food court and chow down. How convenient is that?”

The downtown location is open 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

RIBCRIB

1 Williams Center | 918-328-0864 | ribcrib.com

The 24-year-old company moved into a new facility in December 2017, a threestory, 19,500-square-foot building in downtown Tulsa. The building’s open and inviting industrial-style look was created by the McIntosh Group and constructed by Thompson Construction.

“We have stressful jobs that often require after-hours work, so we do like to have fun when time permits!” says Jackson.

108 |Contemporary is a nonprofit fine craft organization in the heart of the Tulsa Arts District offering free gallery space with ever-changing exhibitions, a shop filled with handmade goods from Oklahoma artists and educational programming for all ages.

“Being a part of the Tulsa Arts District connects 108 to the cultural vibrancy of the community,” Executive Director Jen Boyd Martin says. “108 is at the heart of the monthly First Friday Art Crawl, a unique and stimulating event made accessible by the walkability of the area and many free attractions.”

Support for 108|Contemporary can be made through purchases, donation, advocacy and membership.

Hailey Watkins, Joel Evans, Shelby Mersch, Leo Gonzalez

The Jackson Technical Building at 611 S. Elgin; Inset: William Montgomery, Sam Cluck, Brandon Turley, Jason Cox, and Noah Hill

Jen Boyd Martin

Commercial Lending Arvest Bank

When Arvest Bank began operations more than 60 years ago, the founders set out to build a bank that was focused on the customer. That philosophy continues today. For 32 years, Arvest has served downtown Tulsa with one mission: helping people find financial solutions for life.

Arvest is one of the largest privately owned banks in the U.S. with more than $27 billion in assets. Instead of operating as one large regional bank, Arvest has 14 separate community-focused banks, each with its own management team and local board. This model allows it to offer a community-oriented, customer-focused banking experience for its customers. Tulsa is Arvest’s largest market with more than $3 billion in assets.

The bank provides numerous services across many financial spectrums. Its Operational Working Capital Lines of Credit provide capital to fund ongoing and seasonal working capital requirements. Term Loans provide funds for capital expenditures and investments such as equipment, oil and gas production, owner-occupied real estate, investment real estate and business

Menswear Davidson’s on Boston

Offering contemporary brands like Emanuel Berg shirts, Magnanni, Ballin pants and many others, Davidson’s is a shopping experience for men seeking the ultimate in today’s fashion.

John Davidson opened the retail location in August 2022 in the SoBo District. Shoppers often find Davidson there with his chocolate Labrador, Max, the shop’s official mascot and cheering section.

“The clothes bring people in,” Davidson says. “People come back for the insights and the service they receive.”

Davidson’s specializes in providing modern fabrics with impeccable fit. “We bring in clothes cut to fit today’s man, made from high-quality knits and wovens,” he says. “You’ll love the way you look and feel once we’ve got you properly fitted out.”

acquisition financing. Arvest is an approved and experienced Small Business Administration lender offering 504 and 7A loans.

Arvest also offers business customers equipment finance solutions, as well as treasury management, international lines of credit, purchasing cards and credit cards. Arvest and its banking officers are committed to community involvement and development as more than 55 personnel serve on local nonprofit boards.

From left to right: Jacob Lopez, Matt Condry, Derrick Crenshaw, Jack Carney, Kurt Kazmierski, Mike Jones, Andrew Marshall, Daniel Stinnett, Andrew Coffey *Not pictured: Blake Barrett, Ash Etwardo

ARVEST BANK 502 S Main St. | arvest.com

Class act

7 selected as inductees to Tulsa Hall of Fame.

BY BLAYKLEE FREED

Tulsa Hall of Fame recognizes regional visionaries known for weaving the fabric of our city with threads of philanthropy, public service, community resource management and much more. is year, seven trailblazing Tulsans will be inducted in the 37th annual Tulsa Hall of Fame ceremony on Oct. 2 at Southern Hills Country Club, an event beneting the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum. TulsaPeople got a chance to meet the inductees ahead of the celebration.

Oct. 2 – 37th annual Tulsa Hall of Fame

Southern Hills Country Club, 2636 E. 61st St. | Advanced tickets required.

tulsahistory.org/events/tulsa-hall-of-fame

John Graves, Sarah Graves, Teresa Knox, Alison Anthony, Yolanda Charney and Sanjay Meshri, inset, comprise the 37th class of inductees to the Tulsa Hall of Fame. Also inducted is the late Harold Charney.

Alison Anthony

Anthony, president and CEO of Tulsa Area United Way, kicked o a career focused on community and connectivity at age 16 working as a Camp Fire counselor in Enid, Oklahoma. As she gained education and experience in human relations, communications, community relations and academic services, Anthony honed her skills and landed at Tulsa Area United Way after a successful career at Williams.

“When I saw that the mission is ‘uniting people and resources to improve lives and strengthen communities,’ I (was) like, that’s what I do. at’s who I am,” she says.

With more than 40 years of experience bringing people together, Anthony sees that interconnectivity as a superpower. “In Tulsa, we have learned that we get work done through relationships and working together, nding ways to collaborate across generations, interests, passions,” she says. “Can I be a connector in chief? Can I help connect people to get work done?” she asks.

And with TAUW, that’s exactly the work she does. For local movers and shakers like Anthony and her fellow inductees, the work is never done. “We don’t just stop because we’ve made progress.”

Yolanda and Harold Charney

Yolanda and Harold moved to Owasso in 1956 where they raised three children and enjoyed 60 years of marriage until Harold’s death in 2016. Harold’s robust law career included work with Tulsa County Legal Aid, serving clients from varied backgrounds. at experience set Harold on a career path of providing underserved populations with pro-bono services. He also helped incorporate churches that came to him for his services pro-bono.

Both children of immigrants to the U.S., the Charneys have long been invested in their community. In addition to her 20 years as director of communications for the Jewish Federation of Tulsa, Yolanda cofounded the Martin Luther King Society Inc., Say No To Hate Coalition, Hispanic American Foundation and Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, among her many other projects and board seats.

Equitable education has been a passion for the Charneys. Harold was a board member for 36 years and its inaugural president for Tulsa County Vo-Tech, now known as Tulsa Technology Center. Yolanda, original convener for the Tulsa Public Schools Hispanic Education Task Force has served on various education committees and is happy to see the seeds she planted continue to grow. One thing

that makes her happy? “Just the fact that the Hispanic American Foundation is still raising funds for scholarships and helping kids,” she says.

Yolanda and Harold have been invested in the arts as well. Harold served as president of the Oklahoma Professional eatre Foundation and spoke annually at the Tulsa City-County Library’s “Harold Charney Poetry Festival for Children.”

Sarah and John Graves

Sarah and John were married in 1981 at Harwelden Mansion and have made it a tradition to return with champagne and wedding photos and talk about memories from previous years. eir celebration of love includes all that partnership has brought them, including their involved careers bolstering community services.

Sarah has been involved with Family and Children’s Services since 1978 as a client, volunteer, sta member and a board member for eight years. e FCS Sarah and John Graves Center at 23rd Street and Harvard Avenue is named in their honor.

After two years as a Tulsa Police Department patrol o cer, John pivoted to oil and gas and hit a pocket of ingenuity. He was granted seven U.S. patents in the ’80s and ’90s. He and Sarah built a valve company from the ground up, and today Cyclonic Valve Co.’s plant in Broken Arrow manufactures and distributes thousands of high-pressure control valves to oil and gas companies throughout the country and internationally.

In 2017, the couple founded Shining Honor Project, which connects adults with developmental challenges to employment opportunities that honor deceased veterans by cleaning headstones. John says he was inspired to launch the organization in part by the sacri ces people drafted to war had to make — an experience he escaped. “My (draft) number was 365, so there was no way — I mean, Richard Nixon would have been drafted before I would have been with No. 365,” John says. “ is is our way for us to help pay back or recognize the sacri ces that all those people — my age, and above and behind — who did serve.”

Teresa Knox

Knox launched her rst business after working as a dental assistant for seven years. She launched Oklahoma Technical College nearly 30 years ago and is founder and former CEO of Community Care College and Clary Sage College.

ousands of graduates have lled

critical occupations and workforce needs, contributing billions to Oklahoma’s economy, she says, and her role with Community Care College is one that stands out among her dynamic history. “For nearly three decades, we’ve had an opportunity to change thousands of lives by a ording an education that not only ful lls a critical role in Oklahoma’s workforce but makes an impactful di erence in the lives of the graduates and the family members they care for,” she says.

In addition to education and career readiness, and her ownership of Harwelden Mansion, Knox has been instrumental in bolstering Tulsa’s art scene with the renovation of Church Studio. “I never thought of my home city as a tourist destination, but I’m so blown away by the numbers,” she says. “I love how visitors are interested in what we have to o er while learning about our fascinating past.”

She has goals to formalize the area around Church Studio as an o cial district, now dubbed Studio Row.

Sanjay Meshri

Meshri has made his mark in the business and philanthropy sectors, in part, by leading the business his father, Dayal, founded in 1987 — Advance Research Chemicals Inc. e specialty uorine chemicals manufacturer with four manufacturing sites in Catoosa synthesizes over 300 custom compounds for markets such as pharmaceuticals, energy, automotive markets, coatings, research applications and more. Sanjay led the company for 29 years before his 2021 retirement.

In addition to his business, Sanjay has held various positions on local boards like Tulsa Community Foundation, Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice, Saint Francis Health System and many more organizations. at community work is what stands out to him most over his career, he says, speci cally “being on past boards such as Saint Francis and working with others like the late Michael Johnson on OCCJ, anti-bullying laws, Tulsa Community Foundation, anything to support Tulsa and the community — and recently working with friends to try and get another major golf championship for our community to impact the local economy.”

Sanjay recently began an Executive Education professional development program through Harvard University. What’s next? “Working with a committee to help grow our community around values, morals and helping make a major economic impact by attracting organizations to have divisions here and their signature events in our town,” he says. TP

Cranberry crostini with whipped feta

Snaps for apps

When asked to bring an appetizer to a holiday party this year, we’ve got you covered.

It’s got to be something that looks and tastes delicious but is also fairly simple to make. This may be the most wonderful time of the year — but for many, it’s also the most chaotic.

So here are a few apps that pair perfectly with wine or holiday drinks and will have people asking for the recipe.

NATALIE MIKLES

CRANBERRY CROSTINI WITH WHIPPED FETA

6 ounces feta, crumbled

3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1/4 cup olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup orange juice

2 tablespoons honey

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

1 baguette

2 tablespoons toasted and chopped pistachios

Place feta and cream cheese in a food processor. Pulse until combined. Add olive oil, salt and pepper, processing until smooth. Set aside.

In a small saucepan, whisk together orange juice and honey over medium heat. Add cranberries and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes. Let cool.

Slice baguette into half-inch thick slices. Brush with olive oil, place on baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees for 6-8 minutes.

To assemble, spread each slice of bread with whipped feta. Use a slotted spoon to place a bit of cranberry mixture on each piece of crostini. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios.

NOTE: For a party, spread the feta on each slice of crostini, and keep the cranberry sauce on the side with a slotted spoon so that the bread doesn’t become soggy.

FIG AND HERB BAKED BRIE

1 (8-ounce) brie wheel

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup fig jam

Remove packaging around cheese and place cheese in a small baking dish. Score the top of the cheese (do not cut all the way to the bottom) with a sharp knife, making five horizontal cuts and five vertical cuts.

In a small bowl combine olive oil with thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper and fig jam. Spread this mixture on top of the brie.

Bake 15-20 minutes. Serve with crackers.

TOASTED BUTTERED PECANS

1 pound pecans

1/2 stick butter, melted

Sea salt, to taste

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place pecans in a large bowl, and pour melted butter over them, tossing until coated.

Place pecans in a single layer on two large baking sheets so that they will bake evenly. Sprinkle sea salt over pecans. Bake about 15 minutes or until dark brown. Be careful not to burn! The pecans will begin to crisp up once they come to room temperature.

NOTE: This recipe is super simple but is a hit at parties. You can add fresh chopped herbs or other seasonings as you like. TP

Fig and herb baked brie

Toasted buttered pecans

modern & luxurious www.glasschapelwest.com

NOW BOOKING HOLIDAY PARTIES OF ALL SIZES. COME CELEBRATE!

Unique and historic event venue only 3 miles from downtown Tulsa. 3924 Charles Page Blvd. • 918.810.6765 Station13tulsa.com

On-site seating for parties of up to 80 people. Off-site catering for large or small groups. Gift cards available! Check our website in late November for our annual holiday gift card promotion.

CELEBRATE

LIFE’S WILD MOMENTS AT THE ZOO

Three locations in the Tulsa Metro Area: Jenks • Broken Arrow • Owasso

Venue & Catering Guides

ANDY’S BOWL SOCIAL TULSA

8711 S. Lewis Ave. (918) 299-9494

bowlandybs.com

Event rental contact: Ryland Bristow

Capacity: 600

THE CAMPBELL HOTEL & EVENT CENTERS

2636 East 11th Street

(918) 744-5500

EventsAtCampbell.com

Event rental contact: Diane Morrison

Capacity: 225

GAST EVENT CENTER

1429 Terrace Dr. (918) 744-6997

gasteventcenter.com

Event rental contact: Sara Gonzales

Capacity: up to 200

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO TULSA

777 West Cherokee Street Catoosa, OK 74015 (918) 384-5946

hardrockcasinotulsa.com/amenities/meeting-and-events

Event rental contact: meetingsthatrock@hardrockcasinotulsa.com

Capacity: 900

MARGARITAVILLE TULSA

8330 Riverside Parkway, Suite A (918) 995-8080

margaritavilletulsa.com

Event rental contact: kristalw@margaritaville.com

Capacity: 30-800

MEADOW LAKE RANCH

3450 South 137th West Avenue, Sand Springs

(918) 494-6000 • meadowlakeranch.com

Event rental contact: Susie Warren, manager@meadowlakeranch.com

Capacity: Up to 200. Indoor & Outdoor Venues.

STATION 13

3924 Charles Page Boulevard

(918) 810.6765

station13tulsa.com

Event rental contact: Jackie Potter, info@station13tulsa.com

Capacity: 500 Indoor/Outdoor

THE BLACK BARN AT SPAIN RANCH

732 East 116th Street, Jenks (918) 691-3040

spainranch.com

Event rental contact: Cecily Tawney

Capacity: 100

COX BUSINESS CONVENTION CENTER

100 Civic Center (918) 894-4260

coxcentertulsa.com

Event rental contact: Kathy Tinker, CMP

GLASS CHAPEL WEST

Modern & luxurious 12361 S 49th W Ave, Sapulpa, OK 74066

glasschapelwest.com • (918) 346-9094

Event rental contact: glasschapelwest.com

Capacity: 200

LIVING ARTS OF TULSA

307 East Reconciliation Way (918) 585-1234

livingarts.org

Event rental contact: Gallery Manager, info@livingarts.org

Capacity: 260

MARRIOTT SOUTHERN HILLS

1902 E. 71st. St. (918) 523-3561

marriott.com/tulsa

Event rental contact: sales@tmsh.net

Capacity: 8-1,500

ONEOK FIELD - HOME OF THE TULSA DRILLERS

201 North Elgin Avenue (918) 744-5998

tulsadrillers.com

Event rental contact: events@tulsadrillers.com

Capacity: 10 – 8,000+

TULSA ZOO

6421 East 36th Street North (918) 669-6605

tulsazoo.org

Event rental contact: Nicolas Stolusky, Amy Watson

Capacity: 160 indoor; 4,000 outdoor

AMELIA’S WOOD FIRED CUISINE

122 N. Boston Ave. (918) 728-2435

amelias.us

Contact: Amelia Eesley, (918) 728-2435

Catering Capacity: 26 private dining room

Additional Information: Off site catering is available. Our private dining room seats 26 guests. Catering and dinner menus available at amelias.us.

JUSTIN THOMPSON CATERING

1115 S. Lewis Ave., Suite A (918) 779-6333

TulsaCatering.com

Catering Capacity: We can cater any sized party!

Additional Information: Featuring elevated cuisine and beverages inspired by concepts within the Justin Thompson Restaurant Group.

MAZZIO’S

37 Tulsa Area Locations

1-800-629-9467

mazzios.com

Catering Capacity: 5 to 5,000

Additional information: Catering prices starting at $6.00 per person.

PITA PLACE

MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

Book our mobile food truck or visit our restaurant, 8315 E. 111th St. S. STE A

Catering Contacts: Fred and Pary Zakerion, (918) 394-9383

Capacity: Unlimited

Additional Information: Elevate your celebrations with flavorful Mediterranean cuisine, visit www.pita-place.com for all our catering offerings.

RESTAURANT BASQUE

114 N. Boston Ave. (918) 442-2996

basquetulsa.com

Contact: Amelia Eesley, (918) 442-2996

Catering Capacity: 45 Full Buy-Out

Additional Information: Off-site catering is available. Full Buy-Outs for up to 45 guests and Private Dining room coming this fall. Catering and dinner menus available at basquetulsa.com.

LOS CABOS MEXICAN GRILL AND CANTINA

3 Tulsa Metro Locations

Catering Contacts: Matt Peel, (918) 949-7299

Julio Delacruz, (918) 549-5339

loscabosok.com

Catering Capacity: Unlimited

Additional Information: Let us cater your next event and bring the party to you with award-winning Mexican food for any occasion.

OLIVETO

8922 S. Memorial Drive (918) 994-7000

olivetobistro.com

Catering Capacity: 10-1,000

Additional information: Unchain yourself from the ordinary. A unique variety of fresh appetizers, salads, and pastas that are sure to make your next event special.

WATERFRONT GRILL JENKS

120 Aquarium Drive, Jenks

Catering Contacts: Matt Peel, (918) 949-7299

Julio Delacruz, (918) 549-5339

waterfrontgrilljenks.com

Catering Capacity: Unlimited

Additional Information: Our delicious menu choices are perfect for any occasion and can be fully catered or dropped off at your event.

Care package

Each year local retailers participate in the Care Card campaign supporting Family and Children’s Services. Here are three new participants to shop with Oct. 27-Nov. 5.

Downtown pups rejoice! Nora Jane’s Pet Supply, 502 E. Third St., Unit 4, is the place to find treats, collars and accessories for your four-legged friend. Have an anxious dog? A lick mat ($16) can enrich with a calming treat. Spruce up your pet this season with a matching collar ($24) and bandana ($16).

Dillon/Rose is a jewelry design studio at 1229 Charles Page Blvd., Unit 1. Shop bridal and engagement jewelry or discuss a custom piece. Ready-to-wear items, like this sterling silver men’s mountain band ($775) and sterling silver spinel and diamond flow ring ($1,675), are available in the shop.

Shoppers to the Pearl District’s LivyLu and LivGoods store, 1316 E. Sixth St., can find casual apparel favorites like collegiate tees and sweatshirts, Oklahoma- and Tulsa-themed goodies, as well as Rolling Stones and other music-inspired wares. The “Take me back to Tulsa” hat ($28) is a bestseller. Cozy up this fall with a Rolling Stones sweatshirt ($72). TP

SEE P. 80 FOR MORE ABOUT CARE CARD AND PARTICIPATING RETAILERS.

20% OFF AT 200 PARTICIPATING MERCHANTS

10% OFF FOOD, ART, ANTIQUES AND FURNITURE

Bixby

Twisted Soul Sisters

13160 S. Memorial Drive, Bixby

Broken Arrow

1907

115 E. Fort Worth St., Broken Arrow

Johnson Floor and Home Carpet One

6551 S. Garnett Road, Broken Arrow

Moody’s Jewelry

2013 W. Kenosha Ave., Broken Arrow

Papa John’s Pizza

904 N. Elm Place, Broken Arrow

6323 S. Elm Place, Broken Arrow

Southern Agriculture

1034 E. Lansing St., Broken Arrow

1746 S. Elm Place, Broken Arrow

Wild Ivy

122 S. Main St., Broken Arrow

Brookside/Peoria Avenue

Black Optical 3524 S. Peoria Ave., Suite D

Freya: Nordic Kitchen 3410 S. Peoria Ave., Suite 200

The Haley Boutique 3515 S. Peoria Ave.

Ida Red General Store 3336 S. Peoria Ave.

Jara Herron Salon and Medical Spa

3410 S. Peoria Ave., Suite 300

Joie de Vie Interiors

4224 S. Peoria Ave., Suite 2

Lambrusco’z Deli 1344 E. 41st St.

Mecca Coffee Co.

1330 E. 41st St.

Pure Barre Midtown 3807 S. Peoria Ave., Suite M

Ribbons on Peoria 3525 S. Peoria Ave.

RK ALL DAY 3636 S. Peoria Ave.

Slate Organic Airbrush Tanning * 3732 S. Peoria Ave.

Stash Apparel and Gifts 3636 S. Peoria Ave.

Total Pilates 3749 S. Peoria Ave.

Cherry Street/ 15th Street Area

Ascent 1309 E. 15th St.

Duvall Atelier 2204 E. 15th St.

Emerge Medical and Well Spa Midtown 1713A S. Peoria Ave.

Hobbs Salon and Med Spa 1354 E. 15th St.

Luminate Clinic 1723 E. 15th St., Suite 100

Luxe Nail Bar 1302 E. 15th St.

MAC Collection Boutique + 1325 E. 15th St.

Magnolia Soap Tulsa 1325 E. 15th St., Suite 102

Modern Cottage 1325 E. 15th St., Suite 104

Pinkeasy Sips and Sweets 1340 E. 15th St.

Pinkitzel Cupcakes and Candy 1345 E. 15th St.

Spexton Fine Jewelry

1609 E. 15th St.

Claremore

The District on Main 406 W. Will Rogers Blvd., Claremore

Papa John’s Pizza

502 S. Lynn Riggs Blvd., Claremore

Downtown Area

Dillon/Rose * 1229 Charles Page Blvd., Unit 1

Dilly Diner

402 E. Second St.

Elgin Park

325 E. Reconciliation Way

Ida Red General Store 208 N. Main St., 208A

Ihloff Salon and Day Spa 100 E. Second St.

Isla’s Kitchen * 404 E. Archer St.

James E. McNellie’s Public House 409 E. First St.

Juniper Restaurant 324 E. Third St. Made 219 E. Archer St. Magpie 415 E. 12th St., Suite B

Nora Jane’s Pet Supply * 502 E. Third St., Unit 4

Prhyme 111 N. Main St.

Red Light Chicken 332 E. First St.

ROSA* 302 S. Cheyenne Ave.

East Tulsa

Papa John’s Pizza 10829 E. 31st St.

Visions tile and stone inc. 6801 E. 14th St.

Greenwood District Rose Tax Solutions 107 N. Greenwood Ave.

Harvard Corridor

Ann Arthur Outerwear * 3023 S. Harvard Ave., Suite J

Beshara’s Menswear 3539 S. Harvard Ave.

Dog Dish 2803 S. Harvard Ave.

Empire Optical 3220 E. 21st St.

The Inviting Place 3215 E. 21st St.

Kiddlestix Toy Store 3815 S. Harvard Ave.

Moody’s Jewelry 1137 S. Harvard Ave.

Papa John’s Pizza 2802 E. 11th St. 5111 S. Harvard Ave.

Pierpont’s Bath and Kitchen 1914 S. Harvard Ave.

Southern Agriculture 2610 S. Harvard Ave.

Ted and Debbie’s Flower and Garden 3901 S. Harvard Ave.

The Top Drawer 3303 E. 32nd Place

100% of the $60 Care Card donation benefits Family and Children’s Services.

Purchase cards only at carecardok.com. #carecardok

Tulsa Antiques 4305 E. 31st St.

Jenks

Spain Ranch 732 E. 116th St., Jenks

Kendall Whittier Clear.* 2207 E. Sixth St.

T.A. Lorton 555 S. Zunis Ave.

Umber 1640 E. Third St., Suite B

Ziegler Art and Frame 6 N. Lewis Ave.

Lewis Corridor/ The Plaza Moody’s Jewelry 7015 S. Lewis Ave.

Saint Amon Baking Co. 8156 S. Lewis Ave., Suite E

Mother Road Market Area The Gadget Co. 1207 S. Lewis Ave.

Hilo de Amor * 1124 S. Lewis Ave.

Mythic City 1102 S. Lewis Ave., Suite E

Willamina 1207 S. Lewis Ave., Suite 100

North Tulsa Habit Boutique 1717 N. Peoria Ave., Suite 12

Online/Phone Airco Service aircoservice.com

Ashley Hewitt Photography 918-638-0099

Nielsen’s Gifts nielsensgifts.com

Peace, Love and Cookies peaceloveandcookiestulsa.com

Timeless Standards

Luxury Drivers

918-260-3670

Tulsa Animal Rehab and Wellness * 918-928-2464

Owasso

Johnson Floor and Home Carpet One

9000 N. Garnett Road, Owasso

Papa John’s Pizza

12402 E. 86th St. N., Owasso

Southern Agriculture 9255 N. Owasso Expressway, Owasso

Surceé Gifts and Home 9455 N. Owasso Expressway, Suite CB, Owasso

Wilder Brothers

201 S. Main St., Suite 160, Owasso

Pearl District

Family and Children’s Services

Thrift Store

724 S. Utica Ave.

Garden Deva Sculpture Co.

1326 E. Third St.

Jenkins and Co.

1335 E. 11th St., Suite E

LivyLu * 1316 E. Sixth St.

Promenade Mall/ 41st Street Area

The Chizel 3310 S. Yale Ave.

Johnson Floor and Home Carpet One 3940 S. Sheridan Road

Perini Eyecare

4002 S. Yale Ave., Suite B

Renaissance on Memorial

Ihloff Salon and Day Spa

8343 S. Memorial Drive

Peek a Boo Baby 8283 S. Memorial Drive

Riverside Area Emerge Medical and Well Spa RiverSpirit Casino 8330 Riverside Parkway

J. Cole Shoes 9930 Riverside Parkway

Sapulpa

Amber Marie and Co. Route 66

Sapulpa Gift Store 116 E. Dewey Ave., Sapulpa

Big Chief’s Donuts and More * 1329 S. Main St., Unit E, Sapulpa

Papa John’s Pizza 12174 S. Waco Ave., Sapulpa

Sheridan Corridor/ The Farm Black Sheep Boutique 5219 S. Sheridan Road

Moody’s Jewelry 5045 S. Sheridan Road

Pink Creek Boutique * 5229 S. Sheridan Road

The Silver Needle 6068 S. Sheridan Road

The Uniform Shoppe Inc. 6044 S. Sheridan Road

Shops at Seville Canterbury Lane Gifts 10021 S. Yale Ave., Suite 107

Glacier Chocolate 10051 S. Yale Ave., Suite 103

Nelson’s Clothier 10051 S. Yale Ave., Suite 105

SoBo Area

Cohlmia’s 1502 S. Cincinnati Place

Davidson’s on Boston 1701 S. Boston Ave.

The Velvet Willow 1645 S. Cheyenne Ave., Suite B

South Tulsa Emerge Integrative Medicine Clinic 9122 S. Sheridan Road

Emerge Medical and Well Spa

South Tulsa 9130 S. Sheridan Road

Expressly Gifts 10032 S. Sheridan Road, Suite H2A

Learning Express Toys

7891 E. 108th St. S., Suite X-8

Luxe Furniture and Design 10545 S. Memorial Drive, Suite A

Marcum Mercantile

6305 E. 120th Court, Unit E

Papa John’s Pizza 8010 E. 106th St., Suite 105

Perini Eyecare 7104 S. Sheridan Road, Suite 4

Reading Glasses To Go 7123 S. Yale Ave.

Southern Agriculture 6501 E. 71st St.

Twenty Twenty Eyecare 7408 S. Yale Ave.

Vincent Anthony Jewelers 10038 S. Sheridan Road

South Yale Village

Amber Marie and Co. 4932 E. 91st St., Suite 106

Tulsa Hills Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa 7323 S. Olympia Ave.

Johnson Floor and Home Carpet One

7841 S. Olympia Ave.

Southern Agriculture 7836 S. Olympia Ave.

Utica Square Area

Amber Marie and Co. 1876 Utica Square

Big River Footwear 2030 Utica Square

Cariloha

1760 Utica Square Coach 1846 Utica Square

The Dolphin Fine Linens 1960 Utica Square

Ediblend Superfood Cafe 2050 Utica Square

Gearhead Outfi tters 1948 Utica Square

Glacier Chocolate 1902 Utica Square

Hicks Brunson Eyewear 2020 Utica Square

Ihloff Salon and Day Spa 1876 Utica Square

Kendra Scott 1842 Utica Square

L’Occitane En Provence 1844 Utica Square

The Lolly Garden 2046 Utica Square

Margo’s Gift Shop 2058 Utica Square

Midtown Dermatology 2424 E. 21st St., Suite 340

Moody’s Jewelry 1812 Utica Square

Muse Intimates 1876 Utica Square

Pavilion 1826 Utica Square

Q Clothier | Rye 51 1709 Utica Square

Queenies * 1834 Utica Square

SALT Yoga at Utica Square 1708 Utica Square

Walnut Creek Area

Kathleen’s Kids 8212 S. Harvard Ave.

Woodland Hills Mall Area Coach 7021 S. Memorial Drive., Suite 180

Get Stitchin’ 6022 S. Memorial Drive, Suite A

Kendra Scott 7021 S. Memorial Drive, Unit 156

Luxe Nail Bar+ 10125 E. 81st St.

Magnolia Soap Tulsa 7021 S. Memorial Drive, Suite 182

MetroShoe Warehouse 8802 E. 71st St.

Moody’s Jewelry 8140 E. 68th St.

Sun and Ski Sports 6808 S. Memorial Drive, Suite 200

Visions Unique Eye and Sun Wear 6837 S. Memorial Drive, Suite F

Yale Corridor/ KingsPointe Village Bella’s House 4830 E. 61st St., Suite 210

Chocolate Nosh * 5970 S. Yale Ave.

Ella + Orchid 6010 S. Yale Ave.

Luxe Nail Bar 4820 E. 61st St.

McNellie’s South City 7031 S. Zurich Ave.

Rags and Riches Lifestyle Boutique 6056 S. Yale Ave.

Row House South Tulsa 4820 E. 61st St., Suite 120

Travers Mahan Men’s Apparel 6034 S. Yale Ave.

Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop 5960 S. Yale Ave.

Yale Village Area The Cook’s Nook 9146 S. Yale Ave., Suite 110

Ida Red General Store 9146 S. Yale Ave., Suite 215

Jara Herron Salon and Medical Spa 9168 S. Yale Ave.

Pardon My French 9168 S. Yale Ave., Suite 160

Pure Barre South Tulsa 8921 S. Yale Ave., Suite C

Friendly advice

EARLY DETECTION LEADS TO A POSITIVE OUTCOME FOR LOCAL PHYSICIAN.

BY JANE ZEMEL

Local OB-GYN specialist Dr. Gena Gray is used to treating patients, sometimes referring them to relevant specialists like Dr. Laurie Flynn, a friend and local breast surgeon. She was not, however, used to being the patient.

When a routine mammogram in April 2023 came back requiring a second look, Gray wasn’t surprised. Having undergone breast reduction surgery in March 2022, it wouldn’t be unusual for the scar tissue to appear suspicious.

But it wasn’t scar tissue. It wasn’t the quintessential lump, either. “Just abnormal tissue that only showed up on a mammogram,” Gray says.

“Being in the medical eld, I went straight to ‘what do I do to x this’ rather than feel sorry for myself,” Gray adds. She phoned Dr. Lesley Landis, her friend, colleague and plastic/reconstructive surgeon; but held o contacting Flynn, a friend and breast surgeon, who was on vacation. Flynn’s sta , however, learned of the diagnosis and alerted their boss, who called Gray immediately. Flynn says, “I didn’t want her to wonder what was going to happen.”

“Dr. Flynn has been a breast surgeon

here for a long time. I’ve recommended a lot of patients to her,” Gray says. “Lesley and I have become friends through the hospital. My daughter babysits for her kids.” Gray also has referred patients to Landis for breast and other plastic surgery.

e three women often collaborate and frequently refer patients to each other. “It was incredibly humbling that one of us would become a patient, but truly wonderful to see everyone work together for one of our own,” Landis says.

After weighing her options, Gray and her medical team of friends decided on a double mastectomy and breast implants as her best course of treatment — quicker recovery with less time away from her patients.

Today’s breast cancer patients have more choices available than ever. Lumpectomies, mastectomies. No breast reconstruction, reconstruction with implants, reconstruction with body tissue. Radiation, chemotherapy, medication. Genetic testing also is available to anyone who meets the criteria. Ultimately, providers can customize treatment for each patient and type of cancer.

Gray was a model patient — otherwise healthy, active, educated about her options,

and also got annual mammograms for more than 20 years. Because her breast cancer was caught early, “we can use the word ‘curable,’” Landis says. Also, with mastectomy, no future treatment is required. Her probability of recurrence is just 2%.

Annual mammograms should start at age 40; or as young as 30 for high-risk women, Flynn says. But despite all the pleas, publicity and pink ribbons, only about 20% of eligible women get mammograms regularly.

“It’s so much easier to treat Stage 0 than Stage 3 and 4 breast cancers,” Flynn says. For patients whose breast cancers are discovered early, treatment can be as quick as Gray’s. Care can cost less. Doctor appointments can be fewer. Trauma to the body can be limited.

“After (Dr. Gray’s) surgery, I’d go to her house every few days with my bag of supplies,” Landis says. “It really helped me to remember why I do this; really such an honor to take care of my friends.”

“We dropped everything to take care of our friend Gena,” says Landis of her colleague, who returned to work in August cancer-free. TP

Dr. Lesley Landis, left, and Dr. Laurie Flynn, right, came together to help friend and colleague Dr. Gena Gray, center, take on breast cancer after Gray’s diagnosis earlier this year.

Tailor-made

MEN’S FASHION IS THE FOCUS AT Q CLOTHIER .

BY KIM BROWN

Whether it’s a custom, tailored suit or a smart shirt for a night out, Q Clothier is dedicated to making men’s fashion e ortless.

Q Clothier, which now has 10 locations after originally opening in Texas 20 years ago, has been in Tulsa for about ve years, expanding from a successful location in Oklahoma City. It recently moved from Cherry Street to Utica Square near Saks Fifth Avenue.

e dual-brand store has two levels: an area for Q Clothier’s high-end custom tailoring, and the other for its more causal, ready-to-wear brand, Rye 51.

“We have prime space for people to come in and have a cocktail with us and customize your suit for you or your wedding party, and Rye 51 o ers everything” from denim and chinos to tees, polos and soft jackets, owner Raja Ratan says.

e art of customized tailoring is in Ratan’s family — they have been in the

clothing business for more than 50 years.

“I started my rst store in Dallas at the age of 23, and it has just organically grown from there,” he says. “We o er custom tailoring, so each garment is handmade for the individual after an appointment. And we have over 3,000 fabrics, so every choice is up to the customer.”

at o ering was a di erentiator for the brand when it was selected as the o cial clothier for the University of Oklahoma football team.

“We won the bid to make all the suits for OU’s 125 coaches and players,” he says. “ ey said we had the best service, people and o erings. Again, we brought our selection of fabrics to the table, so we can create something personal for each player.”

But you don’t have to be in the public eye to a ord to look sharp, Ratan says.

“For a hand-tailored suit, it starts at $795, which is surprising to most people. e average is about $1,500 to $2,000,” he says. “You can get an entry-level product for younger guys or for those who want to ease into the process.”

Even so, Ratan realizes many customers still want something that looks good and feels good.

“ e world has gotten really casual,” he says. “We consider ourselves fabric rst, so we source fabric that has all the performance and stretch, but the design is in dressed-up silhouettes and colors that are more re ned. So it makes you feel like you’re wearing a golf polo but with a little more style.”

Whether it’s a custom suit, or one of their bestselling Voyager pants, which are made with tech performance fabric but cut into ve-pocket pants, Ratan believes you don’t have to choose comfort over style.

“We want you to be able to go from work or the golf course straight to dinner,” he says.

Learn more at qclothier.com. TP

POLLARD; INSET: OU: SOONER SPORTS

Q Clothier’s Eli Jones inside the new Utica Square location. The brand recently designed and tailored suits for the University of Oklahoma football team.

Offensive lineman McKade Mettauer

Success with houseplants

5 WAYS TO ENSURE THE CARE OF YOUR BELOVED HOUSEPLANTS.

BY ALLEN ROBINSON

Tulsa lawns, ower beds and gardens beautify city neighborhoods and communal spaces while bolstering local ecosystems. Indoor plants can do the same, though tending to them can di er from their outdoor counterparts.

Many factors, such as light, water, temperature, humidity, nutrients and potting medium need to be considered when growing houseplants.

LIGHTING

Very few plants tolerate dark corners. Most plants need some form and duration of light to remain healthy. Most plants prefer light that is equivalent to 4-8 feet from a bright, south window. Some need more; some less. It is a good idea to do a little research on a plant’s lighting needs before buying. If natural light is not available, arti cial

lights can be used. Either uorescent or incandescent plant lights are satisfactory for growing plants.

WATERING/DRAINAGE

Houseplants tend to die from improper watering more so than from any other factor. In general, most houseplants need to be thoroughly watered, then allowed to nearly dry out before watering again. Use tepid water, preferably after it has been set in a container for a while to allow any municipal chlorination to evaporate. Using rainwater is even better. Keep in mind that small pots are more di cult to manage than large pots, as they will dry out more rapidly and water will not move through the potting medium as well.

Drainage is an integral part of watering. Always try to use a pot with a drain hole and irrigate until water comes out of the drain

hole. Avoid adding other aggregates to the pot’s bottom as they can actually slow the movement of water through the pot. If you use a drainless pot, water less. It is far better to underwater than to overwater.

TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY

Simply said, avoid placing plants in hot spots (i.e., near a furnace vent or west window) or near cold drafts (i.e., an exterior door). Plants prefer temperatures and humidity levels slightly di erent than humans, so plan on making some environmental adjustments. Strive for 65-75 degrees and 50%-60% relative humidity.

FERTILIZATION

e easiest way to fertilize your houseplants is while watering. If you fully dilute the fertilizer, you can fertilize every time you water. Be sure to use a fertilizer that is fully soluble in water. Fertilize more in warm, sunny locations and less in cooler, darker locations.

POTTING MEDIUM

Potting medium high in peat moss will dry out more slowly than plants in vermiculite or perlite. Regardless of pot size, plants growing in perlite and/or vermiculite will require greater frequency of watering than soil-based potting mixes.

So, this is all ne and good, but what are the best plants to grow indoors? ere are so many to name, but here is a “top 10” list that you should consider in terms of beauty and low maintenance:

• Aloe Vera

• Cacti / Succulents

• Cast Iron Plant

• Die enbachia

• Holiday Cactus

• Jade Plant

• Peace Lily

• Philodendron

• Snake Plant

• ZZ plant

For more detailed information on how best to care for your houseplants including a listing of popular plants by lighting needs, go online to locate Oklahoma State University fact sheet HLA-6411 on “Houseplant Care.” TP

ank you to Tulsa County Master Gardeners for their expertise. Allen Robinson has been a Master Gardener since 2010.

Timing is everything AFTER

BY BLAYKLEE FREED

June’s notorious windstorm toppled many Tulsa trees, exposing root balls and severing them from root systems required for life. Tree planting season is here, and Tulsans looking to replace what was destroyed in the storm have a fresh opportunity to sow something with intention.

“We plant October to March,” says Taylor Melone, program director for Up With Trees, an environmental and education nonpro t that has planted nearly 40,000 trees since its founding in 1976. “Anytime during the cold months, when many trees are dormant, is a great time to plant your tree and allow the roots to establish.”

In addition to timing, Melone o ers a few tips on what to consider long before selecting a sapling. First, test the soil in your yard. Melone says Oklahoma State University Extension o ers a ordable soil testing wherein participants take 6-inch samples from 15 sites around their yards.

“It really is a great way to just see what you’re working with and give you a better idea of what amendments to make to get the pH and soil quality you need for what you’re trying to plant,” she says. Soil composition is important, and so too is its compaction. “Know if you need to aerate it, to make sure that you’re planting it in healthy foundation.”

Once the tree site is selected and the soil is tested, you can get a better idea on the species to plant. “Make sure you know, before you plant it, how tall it’s going to get (and) how far the branches will spread,” Melone says. Up With Trees o ers a tree selector tool at upwithtrees.org/tree-selector that enables users to lter out results based on soil type, dimensions, growth rate and other factors.

Once planted, pruning and watering is key. Trees should be watered regularly (even in the winter months) the rst three years after planting to ensure establishment, Melone says, adding “a lot of cuts can be done from the ground, especially when the tree is

younger, that’s really the time to do most of its structural pruning to make sure ... it’s got a structure that’ll set it up for success.”

Keeping the base clear of unwanted plants is another way to keep trees happy. “Weeds are competing for the same nutrients that the tree is, especially at the base of your tree. Removing any weeds that are there, building a tree well or berm to ensure maximum water capture,” Melone says.

Part of the reason many older trees were blown over is because they were already in decline — had cavities, root rot, etc. — and weren’t healthy to begin with, so Melone notes tending to saplings and established trees can help prevent future damage.

“If you’ve got a beautiful old tree in your yard that you want to keep as long as possible, then de nitely pay attention to it,” Melone says. “ ere’s a lot of pruning work that can be done by the average resident, but consider a certi ed arborist for tree work that requires leaving the ground.” TP

THIS SUMMER’S STORM, LOCAL EXPERT PROVIDES ADVICE ON TREE REPLACEMENT AND PLANTING.

A windstorm in June uprooted a Pin Oak planted in 1964 in Woodward Park. Signs around the tree tell its history and invites visitors to share their stories of the Pin Oak by emailing myspot@woodwardparktulsa.org. Inset, Up With Trees workers and volunteers suggest planting when the tree is dormant during the cold months.

Function and finish

UPSCALE CONDO IN DAVENPORT LOFTS BLENDS LUXURY DESIGN AND PERSONAL COMFORT.

BY GRACE WOOD

High above downtown, a luxury condo in the Davenport Lofts was recently designed to perfectly t the needs of a Tulsa couple.

e condo, owned by Bruce and Kami Barton, was designed by GHD Interiors’ Gina Miller and Brenda Rice who ensured the condo’s design prioritized both modernity and comfort to make it the ideal new home for the Bartons.

“It was a combination of understanding the family’s lifestyle, the functionality of all the pieces we chose and the nishes of the Davenport loft itself — bringing those things together drove the design direction,” Rice says.

Since starting GHD Interiors in 2006, Miller and Rice have garnered a portfolio showcasing both residential and commercial projects across Oklahoma, as well as in Colorado, California and

Arizona. After GHD Interiors completed a lake house remodel for the Bartons, the couple knew the designers were the best choice to help them transition from living in a large house to a smaller condo.

“I love the way they blend modern, up-to-date things with personal touches,” Kami Barton says. “When they worked on our lake house, we were just astounded — they completely transformed the place.”

As the Barton children grew up and moved out of the house, it made sense for the couple to downsize. ey got their rst taste of downtown living about six years ago when they moved into an apartment — also designed by GHD Interiors — while they waited for construction of the Davenport Lofts to nish. e Bartons were early adopters of the Davenport Lofts, excited by the possibility of living in a smaller place they could make their own, Barton says.

“You can be a homeowner there, not just a renter,” she adds.

Barton says their initial vision for the condo was a place that felt upscale and modern, but still approachable. One way GHD Interiors accomplished this goal was by using warm textures, such as the walnut wood that surrounds the living room replace.

“ ere are a lot of solid surfaces in the condo, so we wanted to have a warm neutral palette with lots of texture, so it felt warm and welcoming even though it’s very modern,” Barton says. “We didn’t want it to be too sleek, so we added warmer, softer fabrics and materials.”

As she conceptualized the design, Rice says it was important for her to understand how the couple likes to spend their time. Kami is an avid chef, so the sleek, European-style kitchen with room

A walnut-clad fireplace and bookshelves make the living room feel simultaneously modern and warm. The space also features midcentury modern elements, such as the custom couches and the curved, triangular glass coffee table.

to store wine was crucial. Because Bruce is a talented musician, creating a custom o ce and music room for him was also an important part of the design, Rice says.

“It started with functionality,” she adds, “it was important that everything we put in the design played a purpose and also had a great look to it.”

e Bartons were drawn to midcentury modern design, and worked alongside Rice to create a midcentury feel in spaces like the living room while still prioritizing comfort.

“ e living room sofas are very midcentury, with clean lines, small track arms and chrome legs,” Rice says. “ ey’re very modern, but we put a very soft, creamy, cozy fabric on them.”

e couple’s condo, surrounded by large glass windows, o ers a beautiful view of downtown. A priority of the design, Rice says, was ensuring the view remained uninterrupted, especially near the dining table and on the balcony.

“For the dining table, we chose a long, linear xture from Hubbardton Forge,” Rice says. “It illuminates the space, and is of scale to the rectangular table, without blocking the oor-to-ceiling windows.”

Personal touches can be found throughout the condo, including art pieces created by the Barton children and an old English bar Barton purchased over 30 years ago.

“ at’s one of my favorite things about working with (GHD Interiors) — they’re able to incorporate sentimental pieces but still make them look like they belong,” Barton says.

Now that the Bartons have moved in, Barton says they love living in their new home. ey appreciate every space in the condo, especially the primary suite, the living room and the view from their balcony.

“We spend quite a bit of time out there — in the evenings we can enjoy the incredible view and hear music coming from Guthrie Green,” Barton says. “It’s really enjoyable to just sit out and look at the city.” TP

Above, floor-to-ceiling windows surround much of the condo’s living space. The unique light fixture from Hubbardton Forge lights up the space without blocking the view.

Left, with its soft colors and cozy textures, the primary bedroom is one of the spaces Kami Barton says she appreciates most in her new home. GHD Interiors incorporated cork wallpaper from Stroheim in the pattern named Ruthenium.

Below, serving as Bruce Barton’s private space to practice hobbies like playing bass guitar, this office space also features a king-size pullout sleeper sofa for guests. The bold painting was done by one of the Bartons’ children.

Let’s go downtown

4 NEARBY DOWNTOWNS BECKON TRAVELERS WITH REVIVED, BUSTLING DISTRICTS.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY RHYS MARTIN

When I was growing up, downtown Tulsa was not a vibrant place after the o ces emptied at the end of the workday. Nowadays, there’s always something going on and there are plenty of places to dine with friends or have a night out with someone special. Tulsa isn’t the only place where the downtown area has been revitalized; if you haven’t visited some of these other towns in a while, you’ll be surprised at what you’ll nd.

Ever since Ree Drummond ’s Mercantile opened in Pawhuska in 2016, the county seat has seen an increase in activity. Talk to people browsing the store or waiting for a table at lunchtime and you’ll encounter visitors from all over the country. e Triangle Building across the street has been renovated into e Frontier Hotel and other long-standing properties along Kihekah Avenue also have transformed into restaurants, boutiques and accommodation.

e Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum celebrates one of Osage County’s most famous sons, and a visit to the nearby

Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is a showcase of pure Oklahoma landscape — complete with a bison herd.

Did you know that Miami, Oklahoma, is actually older than Miami, Florida? It’s true! ough the seat of Craig County doesn’t o er any oceanside views, it does serve as the Gateway to Oklahoma for folks traveling Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles. e crown jewel of its downtown district is the Coleman eatre Beautiful, a vaudeville-era venue that has been lovingly restored by a massive volunteer e ort over decades of persistence. A stroll down Main Street will take you by local merchants, co ee shops, museums and more. ere’s an active event schedule, too, so keep an eye out for music festivals and special lm showings.

Sapulpa isn’t just the next exit on the interstate on the way to Oklahoma City — the Crystal City of the Southwest also has turned its oil boom days downtown into a place to be. Crossroads Cookery o ers a fusion of comfort food with modern interpretation, and there are more antique

stores than you can shake a brass oil lamp at. Gasoline Alley Classics on Main is a vintage automobile-inspired gift shop inside a former Model T dealership. It’s a fun place to shop before heading to the outskirts of town to enjoy a movie at the newly restored Tee Pee Drive-In eater. Bartlesville is more than just the town that Phillips Petroleum made. Of course, the Phillips name is visible all over town (including the historic Frank Phillips home), but a growing arts and entertainment scene downtown brings a new energy. e plaza around the Price Arts Tower has been turned into an outdoor venue that hosts concerts and activities throughout the year. e Bu alo Art Statues are fun photo ops and will lead you to shopping and dining options, such as the Painted Horse Bar and Grill or Outpost Co ee, which roasts its own beans and is located in a converted service station. If you don’t mind a short drive out of town, Woolaroc ranch and museum is another Oklahoma gem worth a visit. TP

Sapulpa

Pawhuska

Miami Bartlesville

ANY FOOL CAN DO IT

BY CONNIE CRONLEY

You know how when you start to think about something serious your mind bounces from one subject to another like a pinball machine?

at’s how it was when I started to think about the writers and actors strike.

My rst thought was the line “Any fool can do it” from the 1936 play “You Can’t Take It With You” by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. When a stu y society woman dismisses the notion of trying something new, another woman assures her, “Any fool can do it.” I always laugh at this line, especially when the emphasis is on the word “any.”

One of the issues of the entertainment strike is arti cial intelligence and how this might replace workers with computerization. e publishing industry sees AI snapping at its heels.

It’s an old story. How many jobs have been lost to industrialization and automation in the name of progress?

In the 1440s, Johannes Gutenberg ’s printing press replaced scribes. During the Agricultural Revolution, Jethro Tull ’s invention of the seed driller in 1701 and Cyrus McCormick ’s mechanical wheat reaper in the 1830s were more e cient and increased productivity but laborers lost traditional professions.

e Industrial Revolution that began in the late 18th century brought such phenomenal economic growth it reshaped

the world, but with what could be called in kind terms, unintended consequences.

e cotton gin, mechanical looms, steam engine and Bessemer Process also spawned slave labor, textile mills with child labor, urban factories with attendant urban slums and poverty. As British historian E. P. ompson said, “ e process of industrialization is necessarily painful.”

Progress is not without resistance. No matter how much Matt Damon and George Clooney voice support of the strike or how agrantly Susan Sarandon carries a sign in a picket line, they do not match the opposition of Ned Ludd , a young apprentice textile worker in England in 1779. He led British weavers and textile workers in rebellion against the new mechanized looms and knitting frames. ere were riots. e British government came to the aid of the factory owners and sent in soldiers. Some rioters were shot, some were arrested and hanged, others were sent to Australia.

Ludd may be a mythical character, like Robin Hood, but the name “Luddite” became shorthand for anyone resisting new technology.

I think I am a semi-Luddite. I appreciate e ciency and economy, but I have seen Amazon and Walmart eliminate small retail businesses. I have watched as instant cameras quietly replaced commercial photographers. I see self-checkout stations

instead of clerks in paying jobs. I resent phone calls answered by automation instead of a real person.

I remember busy TV studios with camera operators pushing, pulling, panning and focusing the great cameras while a director sat in a booth above literally calling the shots. Today a TV studio is as silent as a church with one guy at a computer in a corner directing the cameras like drones.

Saddest of all to me has been the death of the newspaper industry. Newsrooms were once alive with talent, tension, deadlines, energy, laughter and sometimes temper. Today’s reporters often work remotely. Far too many local newspapers are gone entirely — conscientious professionals as outdated as mule traders.

One of the tragedies in Arthur Miller ’s “Death of a Salesman” is the loss of identity and self-respect when a job is gone. Of course, we ought not to invest our entire being into our jobs, but there is nobility in doing rewarding work. e pandemic accelerated change in the job market and work force, some of it good. My resentment is being pushed into an automated life.

How antiquated am I to cite stage plays as my moral coordinates, but stage plays are the work of real people, artists and technicians. I guess I’m afraid I’m next: Your work, your job, your career, your profession — oh, any fool can do it. Any fool can do it. TP

LUXURY PROPERTY GROUP

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One Level Full Brick home on .57 acre. Open floor plan includes Formal Dining, Study & Game/Theater room. Master Suite has private Spa which includes a sauna, steam room, small indoor pool & pool bath. Four Seasons room off great room with fireplace, hot tub & HVAC. Spacious backyard featuring beach entry salt water Pool, Pergola, Grill area, storage building & basketball area. Brand new Roof in 2023. 4 car tandem main garage has walk up attic/storage. Detached garage has lift & is heated/cooled. Home is situated in Jenks West School District on a small private cul-de-sac.

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Unique location between University of Tulsa and The Pearl District. The asking price includes both the House (located at 2216 E 6th St) and the Vacant Lot (located at 2224 E 6th St). The property is zoned CS and o ers versatile options for use, including as an o ce, land, or retail space. Its prime location allows for convenient access to nearby retail stores, markets, and entertainment venues.

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THE POINTS ON GRAND LAKE

Large and beautiful 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, is ready to be enjoyed by a large family. It offers 165 feet of shoreline in Party Cove, gentle slope to the water, nice roadside yard, large outdoor living space with upper deck and lower patio, outdoor fireplaces on both levels. Granite, tile and carpet throughout. Oversized garage. Great views of Grand Lake from almost every room and just 5 minutes from Ketchum.

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A Vintage 1929 Florence Park Bungalow! Never been listed for sale since 1977. A gorgeous crystal chandelier is the highlight of the vaulted ceiling living room. Hardwood floors in the public rooms with a Kentile floor in the kitchen and 2nd living area. The closet in the master bedroom has been remodeled for extra storage. The bathroom was remodeled to the studs! A beautiful covered patio overlooks the backyard. Hotwater tank and central heat & air are newer. Roof replaced about 12 years ago. Everything is in perfect condition. $359,000

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SANDERS 918-724-5008

THANK YOU TULSA! TOP 100 REALTORS AGAIN THIS YEAR!

2524 E 12th Steet | Beautiful Home on a corner Lot in a desirable Midtown location! Four Bedrooms, three full and one half baths! This Spacious Home features an immaculate glass staircase with gorgeous hardwood floors throughout. Stunning kitchen w/ granite countertops and newer appliances featuring an LG W/D and a tankless water seater. 2 primary bedroom suites - one upstairs and one downstairs with walk in closets. A professionally landscaped backyard with a privacy fence and a large patio! $479,000

Roof 2021. Exterior paint 2022. All HVAC equipment replaced 2017-2023. Spray foam insulation for excellent energy efficiency. 2 car garage plus 3 car awning offering total of 5 car covered capacity. Generator stays with the property. Jenks Schools. $624,900

3121 S Rockford Drive | Step inside this midtown custom home, built by LaBella Homes for the current owner. Attention to detail everywhere. Beautiful hand scraped wood floors, high ceilings, iron railings, and security gate. Large primary bed on first floor along with office w/full bath- could double as a nursery or guest suite. Theater/game room upstairs with bar. New carpet, paint and amazing landscaping that surrounds the property. Back gate allows for easy entrance to Zink Park. $1,299,000

2858 E. 67th Place | Southern Hills Contemporary 1.26 acre secluded cul-de-sac lot. Dramatic architecture by Frank Wallace, ORU architect. Vaulted ceilings/incredible natural light. Primary suite offers floor to ceiling windows. Designated office. Spacious beds w/ensuite baths & walk in closets. 2 BR suites on 1st floor. Private lush yard/greenbelt & mature trees. Walk out basement/game room. Outdoor kitchen & patio w/entertaining space. Entire home renovated to perfection. Short golf cart ride to back gate of Southern Hills. Pool site plans available. 6 Bed | 7.5

2200 S. Utica Place #7C | Located in one of Tulsa’s most luxurious high rise buildings across from Utica Square. Exclusive penthouse community with limited number of residences for low maintenance elegant living Fabulous views and extreme privacy. 24 hour security provides residence comfortable secure living.

Dramatic ceiling height and abundant natural light fill the rooms. Views of Cascia Hall and Utica Square.

Large outdoor terrace with outdoor kitchen. Gardening space on balcony. Architecturally

Serving up soul

FIXINS NOW OPEN IN DOWNTOWN’S GREENWOOD DISTRICT.

BY NATALIE MIKLES

Everything about Fixins Soul Kitchen is welcoming. And that’s intentional, according to Malik Asim, vice president of operations for the Fixins corporation.

“Fixins sta anticipate our guests’ every need so that each and every customer leaves satis ed, full and looking forward to their next visit,” Asim says.

at’s exactly what we experienced on a recent visit to the restaurant. e evening we visited, Fixins had a comfortable crowd of people mingling at the bar, on the patio and in the spacious restaurant.

Fixins was founded by former NBA star and mayor of Sacramento Kevin Johnson at rst restaurant, in Sacramento, was followed by a second in Los Angeles. So it may have come as a surprise to some that the third location was planted not on a coast but in Tulsa.

“We chose to come to Tulsa because of the historical signi cance of the community. Tulsa has such a rich history and cultural signi cance for Black Americans, particularly in the Greenwood District,” Asim says. “We hope to honor the resilience and strength of this community.”

Fixins’ concept is to provide Black excellence through the culinary experience, something that may sound nebulous in theory but comes through at the restaurant.

“Our founder (Kevin Johnson) likes to say, ‘Without the soul, it’s just food.’ Black excellence (at Fixins) means serving not just delicious food made with love but also celebrating the cultural heritage, traditions and contributions of the Black community,” Asim says.

Fried chicken with sides of charred okra and macaroni and cheese

For some diners that means tasting a bite of something that tastes just like what their mom or grandma used to make. At a nearby table, we overheard one woman who said it was the best fried chicken she’s ever had. “Better than my mama’s, but don’t tell her that!” she told the waiter.

e fried chicken is among several of the excellent items we tried on the menu. e chicken is super crisp and well-seasoned. It’s a treat to eat fried chicken this good — juicy, tender and avorful. Other entrees include fried cat sh, shrimp and grits, and oxtails in a rich brown gravy.

But perhaps the stars of the menu are the side dishes. We ordered nearly all of them for a taste of some of the most scrumptious vegetable side dishes in town. e best was the charred okra. e okra is left intact then charred and tossed with bacon and a light tomato sauce.

We also loved the macaroni and cheese — declared by the teenagers at our table as the best they had ever had. Collard greens, candied yams and black-eyed peas also were superb. As good as the main dishes are, I would be tempted to order an entire dinner of sides on my next visit.

e Soul Caesar salad boasted romaine lettuce combined with arugula for a more complex avor along with parmesan cheese and a housemade Caesar dressing with plenty of garlic and a nice bit of acidity. Cornbread croutons were a nice surprise and added a little sweetness to the salad.

A varied selection of appetizers is great for those not wanting a full dinner. We enjoyed the fried green tomatoes, fried crisp and served with a chipotle mayo. Fixins also has a pimento cheese dip, an artichoke dip and cat sh nuggets. Perhaps the most talked about appetizer is the fried deviled eggs. ese deep-fried beauties are topped with bacon and hot sauce. ey turned many heads when brought from the kitchen to neighboring tables.

We couldn’t pass on dessert and really enjoyed the peach cobbler. It’s very sweet — almost too sweet — but we managed to eat every bite. e cobbler is served hot in a miniature cast iron pan. Other desserts include banana pudding and red velvet cake.

Along with cocktails, wine and beer, the other drink many diners were enjoying was Kool-Aid. Yes, the drink you maybe haven’t tasted since childhood is available in three “ avors” — red, blue or purple. TP

Fixins

Chicken Caesar salad

Fixins is in the new 222 N. Detroit Ave. building in Greenwood.

Fried deviled eggs

Savory pumpkin

We’re all about loaves of pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, muffins and cookies. But there’s another way to sneak pumpkin into your fall dinner. Two of our favorites are pumpkin soup and pumpkin chili.

The pumpkin soup features curry spices and a topping of roasted pumpkin seeds. It’s perfect for a fall dinner party or for lunch.

Pumpkin chili is more delicious than it sounds. The pumpkin isn’t overwhelming and gives just a bit of sweetness to spicy chili. For a really fun treat, pour it into a carved out pumpkin and serve for a Halloween party or before trick-ortreating. — NATALIE MIKLES

This fun recipe uses a whole pumpkin. CURRIED PUMPKIN SOUP Serves 6

1 (4- to 5-pound) pumpkin

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

1 onion, finely chopped

5 cups chicken broth

1 russet potato, peeled and chopped

2 teaspoons orange zest

1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

A few shakes of hot sauce

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons roasted pumpkin seeds

Cut the pumpkin in half, scooping out the seeds and strings. Save the seeds for roasting! Cut away the hard peel and chop the flesh. You should have about 6 cups.

In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil with the butter. When the butter melts, add the onion and saute, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add broth, pumpkin and potato, increasing the heat and bringing to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, 20-25 minutes.

Working in batches, transfer the vegetables with some of the liquid to a blender or food processor, blending until smooth. Return the puree to the saucepan and stir in the orange zest and curry powder. Stir in cream and hot sauce.

Ladle into warmed bowl or mugs. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds.

The pumpkin adds a creaminess to the chili. PUMPKIN CHILI Serves 6

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef

1 package chili seasoning

1 (15-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée

6 tablespoons tomato paste

1 can or bottle light beer

1 cup beef broth or water

1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained

In a large soup pot warm olive oil. Saute onion about 5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic, cooking just until aromatic. Add ground beef, cooking until browned and cooked through. Drain any fat.

Add package of chili seasoning, stirring to combine. Add tomatoes, pumpkin, tomato paste, beer and broth. Stir to combine. Add beans. Let simmer on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes.

Serve with cheese, sour cream or other desired toppings.

Curried pumpkin soup

Pumpkin chili

MIDWEEK MARKET COMES TO DOWNTOWN

e Downtown Midweek Market is a new endeavor that brings produce and local goods to the Deco District on Wednesday nights, brought on by the Downtown Tulsa Partnership. From 4-7 p.m. through Nov. 15, you’ll nd vendors at Chapman Green, a public park in the heart of downtown Tulsa. It’s surrounded by o ce buildings, small businesses, restaurants and bars, making it an easy spot for walking from work or before or after dinner.

Morgan Phillips, director of marketing and experience for Downtown Tulsa Partnership, says the idea for a midweek market came to fruition in part after analysis of the busiest time for downtown foot tra c.

“We did want to o er a new midweek option for shopping local as well as for growers to sell produce — without competing with other area farmers’ markets. Beyond that, the decision also was rooted in data that shows the signi cant potential for a midweek market,” she says.

at analysis showed Wednesdays had the highest amount of combined employee, resident and visitor foot tra c in the area, with an average 3,800 visitors a day.

Phillips says the market will o er a mix of fresh foods, prepared foods, crafts and goods. Local artists and performers also will be on-site.

In addition to attracting visitors, the program’s goal is to increase access to fresh, healthy food downtown. Another long-range goal is to engage downtown stakeholders toward improving Chapman Green, 600 S. Main St.

“(Chapman Green) has long been an underutilized public asset,” Phillips says. “A weekly market will draw attention to this space and invite Tulsans into the conversation about the future of the park and how it could further bene t the greatest diversity of community members.”

NATALIE MIKLES

Brew crew

For the second year, The Cape Brewing Co. has brewed a beer that supports breast cancer survivors and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

The Hope Brew is a group-brewed beer, meaning local breast cancer survivors and supporters gathered in August at The Cape Brewing Co., 736 W. Main St. in Jenks, to make the specialty beer.

“They get to see firsthand the brewing process. They get to put their hands on the grains and help out and see the color change into pink,” says Holly Coleman, daughter to brewery co-founder JC Cody. “This year, we thought it would be special that each person gets to put in a scoop of the hibiscus, which will help change the color of the beer to pink.”

The beer will be released after the Komen Tulsa Race for the Cure on Sept. 23. All proceeds from the sale of the beer during the month of October will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in Tulsa.

“We’ve been very blessed with the Cape Brewing Co. to be able to finally have a vehicle to give breast cancer survivors and supporters a voice and to be able to interact with each other,” says Amy Cody, wife to JC Cody.

Breast cancer survivor Sally Little feels Komen was a lifesaver.

“They gave me such great information. I always felt like I had people on my side who had gone through what I was going through and just walked with me every step of the way, trying to make sure I felt comfortable with my diagnosis and what the doctors were saying,” Little says.

Brooke Gelein, a recent breast cancer survivor, attended the brew day and described the event.

“It really allows us to connect on a deeper emotional level and help each other through the process because we’re all in different stages,” Gelein says. “When we get to talk and get to see what each one has been through and continues to go through, it really helps us grow in the process.”

— TOM GILBERT

The first Downtown Midweek Market debuted Sept. 13 and continues through Nov. 15 at Chapman Green, Sixth Street and Boston Avenue. Inset, offerings from Dale and Daughter.

A group of breast cancer survivors recently came together at The Cape Brewing Co. to brew a beer in support of the Susan G. Komen Foundation in Tulsa.

Decades of dining

DOWNTOWN RESTAURANTS COME AND GO, BUT SOME SEEM LIKE THEY’VE BEEN THERE FOREVER. IN FACT, THESE 3 NEARLY HAVE.

BY NATALIE MIKLES

A downtown staple since 1926, CONEY ISLAND HOT WEINERS is a great place to take out-of-towners. These are the real deal — coneys with a famous family chili recipe sprinkled with cheese and onion in steamed buns. It’s simple. It’s perfection. The only thing that could make them better? Maybe a dash of cayenne from the shaker. And you’ve got to eat them while they’re hot. Take a seat in one of the little wooden school desks that are part of this downtown institution. 107 N. BOULDER AVE. | 918-587-2821 | CONEYISLANDHOTWEINERS.COM

“What’s a steakfinger?” Oh, that you have to ask! STEAKFINGER HOUSE has been serving up golden deepfried steak pieces for decades. Steakfinger House has changed ownership over the years, but the food — the fried steak, fried chicken tenders and greasy hamburgers — stays the same. This is a spot for nostalgia, for remembering the old downtown Tulsa. Not much has changed at Steakfinger, and that’s just how we like it. 403 S. BOULDER AVE. | 918-584-0454 | FACEBOOK.COM/STEAKFINGERHOUSE

For 30 years, MEXICALI BORDER CAFE has been serving Tex-Mex favorites from its unassuming building in the Tulsa Arts District. There are plenty of places to find good Mexican food in Tulsa, but not all of them hit like Mexicali. Some of it might be sentimental — core memories have been established here around big bowls of chips and salsa. But it’s also that the food is consistently great. You can’t beat their fajitas, cheese enchiladas or Julio’s House Margarita. 14 W. RECONCILIATION

WAY | 918-582-3383 | MEXICALIBORDERCAFE.COM

ASIAN

Global tastes and fi lling dishes — these are the winners of TulsaPeople’s annual A-LIST Readers’ Choice Awards.

Yokozuna

309 E. Second St., 918-508-7676 9146 S. Yale Ave., Suite 100; 918-619-6271 yokozunasushi.com

Lanna Thai 7227 S. Memorial Drive 918-249-5262 lannathaitulsa.com

Keo 3524 S. Peoria Ave., 918-794-8200 8921 S. Yale Ave., 918-794-0090 845 E. Kenosha Ave., Broken Arrow; 918-957-8100

keorestaurant.com

Ri Le’s 4932 E. 91st St., Suite 102 918-496-2126

Golden Gate 2620 S. Harvard Ave. 918-742-4942

goldengatetulsa.com

Coney Island Hot Weiners

Steakfinger House

Mexicali Border Cafe

Bohemian Italian Muffaletta

818 E. THIRD ST. | 918-895-6999 | EASTVILLAGEBOHEMIAN.COM

UNSUSPECTING FAVORITE This hearty sandwich is loaded up with spicy Italian soppressata, capocollo and pepperoni, as well as an olive tapenade and then toasted with provolone cheese. The arugula, cherry tomatoes, pepperoncinis, red onion and creamy Italian dressing make for a bright and balanced bite ($11).

LUNCH CRUSH Mid-day munchies are no match for the muffaletta, one of three lunch sandwich specials served from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday. Other choices are the meatball sub and a chicken pesto sammy, and each is served with either small Caesar, Bohemian Salad, chips or cup of soup.

PERFECT PATIO Bohemian’s outdoor dining space is one of those spots where you feel like you’re in a different city — or even country — while dining al fresco. Plus, dogs are welcome!

Let the GOOD TIMES ROLL

When Bourbon Street Cafe emerged in Tulsa in downtown’s Blue Dome District, it was like getting reacquainted with family, says Dyana Harrison, the restaurant’s co-owner and marketing manager.

“It just felt like it was time,” she says. “We’ve had so many people who grew up coming and are now coming back.”

Bourbon Street Cafe originally opened in 1996 on Cherry Street. After much success, the restaurant opened a second location in Oklahoma City, but ended up closing its Tulsa location in 2008.

In November 2022, co-owners Ward Harrison and David Southard opened Bourbon Street downtown, reintroducing Tulsans to its New Orleans inspired menu of hand-cut steaks, seafood, pasta and more. Popular dishes include the Filet Oscar ($39), a blackened filet topped with a lump crab cake and a beurre blanc sauce on a bed of garlic mashed potatoes; and the Tabasco Chops ($26), a pair of tender pork ribeyes glazed in a sweet-andspicy sauce served over dirty rice. A full bar menu includes classic Big Easy drinks like Villon Sazerac, Bourbon St. Hurricane, Pineapple Martini and Voodoo Punch.

The bar area hosts live music five days a week. “We try and make it fun,” says co-owner Clayton Robertson, adding that the happy hour crowd digs the deals on beer, wine and specialty cocktails as well as select appetizers.

The restaurant is popular for lunch with its bevy of corporate neighbors, along with a steady dinner crowd. Harrison mentions the restaurant’s semi-private dining room has been popular with events and gatherings up to 50 people. “The room lends itself really well to entertaining,” she says.

The brunch crowd has found Bourbon Street with its specialty menu of Bananas Foster French Toast ($16), Chicken and Waffle ($16) and a menagerie of Eggs Benedict choices. —

ANNE BROCKMAN

READY TO RUMBLE

STORY AND COMPOSITE IMAGE BY PATRICK

In 1982, director Francis Ford Coppola arrived in Tulsa and began working closely with author S.E. Hinton to reimagine her novel “ e Outsiders” for the big screen. Halfway through the lming, Coppola asked Hinton if there was another book of hers that would make a good screenplay and she recommended her 1975 novel “Rumble Fish.” e coming-of-age story set in Tulsa focuses on teenager Rusty James, who longs for the violent gang life his older brother, Motorcycle Boy, used to lead, yet no longer wants anything to do with.

Coppola read the short novel and decided it would make a great complement to “ e Outsiders” already in production

e two began writing the screenplay for “Rumble Fish” on their days o .

Coppola retained many of the same cast and crew from “ e Outsiders” and began production on “Rumble Fish” after a short break.

e lm features a variety of shooting locations throughout downtown Tulsa and beyond.

East ird Street between Kenosha and Lansing avenues,

MCNICHOLAS

now a vibrant part of the East Village District, was used numerous times during the lm.

e movie hit theaters in October 1983. Despite young adults as the target audience, the movie was rated R.

“Rumble Fish” was Hinton’s third novel — “Tex” being the second — to be made into a movie in Tulsa, and the second by Coppola in a matter of months. Matt Dillon would be the star of all three lms.

e 40th anniversary of “Rumble Fish” is this month. Other stars included Diane Lane, Nicolas Cage, Dennis Hopper, Tom Waits, Laurence Fishburne and more. TP

OCT. 6-8 —“RUMBLEFISH”

40TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION

7-9 p.m., Friday; 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday-Sunday. • Free Film fans and enthusiasts will get to see memorabilia from the film during this three-day exhibit.

810 E. THIRD ST.

Mickey Rourke (Motorcycle Boy) and Matt Dillon (Rusty James) seen here riding a motorcycle along East Third Street in the East Village District. Two commemorative plaques placed by The Outsiders House Museum honor “Rumble Fish” and its filming locations in the East Village District. This month is the movie’s 40th anniversary.

“Tulsa needs to think big and carry itself with confi dence, continually reinvesting in itself and never calling it quits.”

TOM BIOLCHINI

Chairman, Vast Bank Chair, Tulsa Regional Chamber