Confusing rules and complex strategies are never ideal while consuming alcohol, which is why bocce is popular among players wanting a relaxed activity to enjoy the sun without being inconvenienced by a heat stroke. The Old World ancestor of horseshoes has inspired tournaments worldwide, an international governing body, and even won over some local fans […]
Charles Martin
Posted inArts & Culture
Downtown gets down
More small-business owners flock to renovated buildings along Main and Gray as the area gains a reputation as one of Central Oklahoma’s most vibrant and eccentric districts, defined by locally owned boutiques, galleries, pubs and diners celebrating a progressive arts scene. The unique sense of community convinced Corey and Julia Gingerich to leave Los Angeles […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Capitol gains
Wedged between the Adventure District and the state Capitol, business owners in the Capitol Chamber of Commerce have watched drivers pass by their stores and take their money to other parts of the city. In an effort to convince shoppers to stop and sample the rich history and unique culture of the largest African- American […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Kernel records
The television series’ uniquely rural comedic style had an impact on the South, which is why the Oklahoma History Center has devoted an exhibit to the show and one of its stars with “Pickin’ and Grinnin’,” on display through May 2012. “Hee Haw” aired from 1969 to 1992, surviving in syndication for its last 20 years. […]
Posted inMusic
Bar association
Stalling just long enough for a handful of fans to arrive, he donned his cocky, Elvis-styled persona, stepped onstage with his trusty Rock ’n’ Roll Trio, and set out to spread the gospel of rockabilly to regulars still grumbling about the $5 cover charge. “When you play in a bar, people see you who might […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Dance cubed
With dancers nimbly lifting off the ground and drifting gracefully above the stage, it’s easy to get distracted by the beauty of the trapeze and miss the deceptively cerebral concepts of Perpetual Motion’s aerial piece, “Stillness at the Center.” The troupe’s spring show, “Floored!,” premieres Friday on a revamped cube apparatus in a theater at […]
Posted inMusic
Local musicians remember Speedy West
In a world full of jaded, egocentric guitar heroes, local musician Gary “Speedy” West Jr. was a generous soul whose genuine love for people was as impactful as his sharp, soulful skills on the pedal steel guitar. Sadly, West passed away on May 4 after a long battle with cancer. He was 58. Multi-instrumentalist Brent […]
Posted inMusic
Unchained melody
There is perhaps nothing more fascinating and potentially disastrous than a band no longer bothered with the status quo, and deciding to play whatever the hell it feels like. Sometimes, this alienates fans; other times, it results in a significant artistic leap forward. The Pretty Black Chains pulled an abrupt about-face with their new LP, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Fright night
In the pantheon of terrifying movie monsters, a horde of Styrofoam cups might not spike the heart rate quite like a masked brute armed with a machete and an obsessive disdain for camp counselors. That is exactly why Oklahoma film buff Art Sunday wants to introduce audiences to the short film “Killer Cups,” along with […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Fast food
Even so, Neighborhood Services Organization will stage its first-ever fundraiser in the group’s nearly 100-year history on Saturday by having participants dine on some of the metro’s tastiest morsels and then lumber, full-bellied, through the city streets. “We want to attract fierce competitors, savvy eaters; we want everyone,” said Stacey Ninness, NSO executive director. “And […]