Tales from the Darkside: The Third Season
Although not up to snuff as its first season, the 22 episodes comprising the third season of “Tales From the Darkside” certainly best the largely awful year that fell in between … but not by much. Obvious budget limitations aside, the major problem is that few too many half-hours fail because they not only stray…
Area 10 – Christos N. Gage and Chris Samnee
Vertigo Crime’s fifth graphic novel is its most horrific yet, and that’s on purpose. Not to be confused with Area 51, “Area 10” refers to the part of the brain that processes sensory input and self-awareness. This is important because those who are into trepanning “? the “art” of drilling a hole through one’s head…
The City Arts Center bursts with ‘Cocoon,’ a knot-so-typical exhibit by a New York sculptor
“Cocoon”Jason Hackenwerth5:30 p.m. Friday Opening receptionOn display through May 22City Arts Center3000 General Pershingwww.cityartscenter.org951-0000 Even when inflated by a fine arts association, balloon twisting still brings to mind images of crudely crafted pink poodles. But New York-based sculptor Jason Hackenwerth thrives on the limitations of balloons as art, not only with the party toy’s cultural…
Former President Clinton receives Reflections of Hope Award at Western Heritage Museum
The way Oklahoma City handled adversity after April 19, 1995, was a ripple in an ocean of hope said former President Bill Clinton, Wednesday night at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Accepting the National Oklahoma City Memorial Foundation’s Reflections of Hope Award, Clinton took time to reflect on the strength Oklahomans showed in…
Veteran Oklahoma musician Sethy McCarroll leads new project Gentle Ghost
Gentle GhostNoon Sunday, Main Stage, 100 Block of West Main Street Eerie guitar riffs and ethereal vocals blend into peaceful harmony for Norman-based Gentle Ghost. The band evolved from the mind of Sethy McCarroll, current drummer for Toil and Trouble and bassist for both Student Film and Umbrellas. For his latest project he organized, he…
The Sword recalls classic rock and classical-era mythology
The Sword 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Main stage The Sword sounds exactly like you’d expect an Austin metal outfit inspired by Norse mythology to sound: heavy, hazy and lyrically verbose. A throwback to early metal heavies like Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden, The Sword slogs like The Melvins and riffs like Slayer. Critics and fans loved…
The Burning Hotels hear ceilings, write slowly, rock hard
The Burning Hotels10:15 p.m. Saturday, Blackwatch Studios Stage, 107 W. Comanche The Burning Hotels’ guitars slash like a “Psycho” Norman Bates, a ringing vibration recalling The Strokes’ “This Is It.” The prickly, post-punk churn ricochets around arrangements with the shadowy atmospheric sweep of British Sea Power or The Editors. Chance Morgan and Matt Moody share…
The Orbans journey to NMF a choppy one
The Orbans 11 p.m., Saturday, Blackwatch Studios Stage The musical journey for Fort Worth’s The Orbans has been anything but smooth sailing ” more like rough, choppy waters in the midst of a hurricane. Founder Peter Black formed an outfit known as Thief in late 2004 while attending the University of Oklahoma. The band cycled…
Colourmusic focus on color in their music and get crazy on stage
Colourmusic 11 p.m. Saturday, Opolis Stage, 113 N. Crawford Be prepared for a crazy kaleidoscope of psych-rock madness. The members of the Stillwater band, together since 2005, describe their sound as “hardcore and a little Oklahoma sex rock.” Founders Ryan Hendrix and Nick Turner, a London native, met 12 years ago at Oklahoma State University.…
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
Although obstacles and difficulties frighten ordinary people, wrote French painter Théodore Géricault, “they are the necessary food of genius. They cause it to mature, and raise it up . . . All that obstructs the path of genius inspires a state of feverish agitation, upsetting and overturning those obstacles, and producing masterpieces.” I’d like to…
When it comes to eco-friendly baby food, Mother Nature says thanks for the mammaries
Who knew breast milk was green? While it’s long proven to be the best health benefit for baby, breast-feeding has eco-ammo on its side, too. You can’t get much more eco-friendly than Mama’s milk: no manufacturing, processing, transportation and energy costs, or worry about recycling and waste. Leslie Moyer, co-founder of Sustainable Tahlequah and Sustainable…
Oklahoma City receives $5.4 million in stimulus funds to ‘green’ the city
Oklahoma City’s new director of sustainability Autumn Radle just got really, really busy. She found out April 6 that $5.4 million in federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act were released to propel Oklahoma City into a more energy-efficient future. “It will be really crazy when the money shows up,” Radle said.…
Local builders show consumers that by today’s standards, it’s easy being green
When it comes to new home construction, green is the thing. Energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly homes are on the rise. But in this generation of Earth friendly, think less geodesic dome and more high-end and low maintenance. Today’s green construction is just as attractive as it is efficient and is bringing in buyers by the hybrid carload.…
The Red Alert grow up on-stage, musically and literally
The Red Alert 1 P.M. Sunday, Blackwatch Studios Stage Siblings Christy Hanewinkel and Hank Hanewinkel III were never the same after a fateful White Stripes concert in 2003. The Tulsa duo, then 14 and 8 years old, came back home, picked up a guitar and some drumsticks and formed a cover band, The Red Stripes.…
The Joneses
gadgets, furniture, food, drink, clothes and whatever to feel equal. At first, Steve has a hard time wrapping his head around the mission. This is his first “family,” and he finds himself trying to form actual bonds with his coworkers, who have done this before and understand not getting attached is paramount. Kate is especially…
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
In 2011, I may do a tour of North America, performing my show “Sacred Uproar.” But for the foreseeable future I need to shut up and listen. I’ve got to make myself available to learn fresh truths I don’t even realize I need to know. So, yeah, next year I might be ready to express…
PR BS
Lots of press releases related to the Sooner State cross our desk. This week, these titles least screamed “Stop the presses!” “”Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. Announces Earnings Conference Call and Webcast Thursday, April 29, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. ET (9:00 a.m. CT / 7:00 a.m. PT)”””Copano Energy Maintains Quarterly Cash Distribution”””United Recovery Systems Hires Vice President…
Crucifix-ation
Certain members of a Warr Acres church got quite a rise when they saw their new Jesus. According to a hard news report from The Oke’s Watchdog team, a crucifix hanging in the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church seems to have done a little more than bring the congregation to its knees. Some claim the…
Taxidermia
“Taxidermia” is one of those foreign films that gives arthouse cinema a bad rep. Directed by Gy
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
The Weekly World News reported that a blues singer sued his psychiatrist for turning him into a more cheerful person. Gloomy Gus Johnson claimed he was so thoroughly cured of his depression that he could no longer perform his dismal tales with mournful sincerity. His popularity declined as he lost fans who had become attached…
Couples happier without children
Regarding “Childless by choice” written by Malena Lott (April 7, 2010, Oklahoma Gazette):Couples who choose to be child-free should be praised for following their own convictions, not those of other people or society in general. I suspect such couples are much happier than the average couple with children, emphasizing that they made the free choice…
Draft day Q-and-A
Several ex-Sooners and former Cowboys should be selected in the NFL Draft, which kicks off with a new primetime format Thursday. These local athletes have been under the microscope since the NFL Combine, with teams scrutinizing their physiques and scouring their personal backgrounds. CFN’s own “War Room” has uncovered some earth-shattering facts on these draft…
The City Arts Center bursts with ‘Cocoon,’ a knot-so-typical exhibit inflated by New York sculptor Jason Hackenwerth
CocoonJason Hackenwerth5:30 p.m. Friday Opening receptionOn display through May 22City Arts Center3000 General Pershingwww.cityartscenter.org951-0000 Even when inflated by a fine arts association, balloon twisting still brings to mind images of crudely crafted pink poodles. But New York-based sculptor Jason Hackenwerth thrives on the limitations of balloons as art, not only with the party toy’s cultural…
Brand-new Children’s Zoo at the Oklahoma City Zoo lets kids explore surroundings while learning about nature
The Children’s Zoo at The Oklahoma City Zoo2101 N.E. 50thDaily, ongoingAdults, $7; seniors and kids 3-11, $4; children under 2, free 424-3344, www.okczoo.com The Children’s Zoo is back and updated for a younger generation. The Oklahoma City Zoo, 2101 N.E. 50th, now has a brand-new way for kids to get back to nature. The addition…
Sustainable OKC has a bike-riding, Paseo-loving new president
When in the area of The Village or the Paseo, be on the lookout for a glasses-wearing, bike-riding, grocery-toting redhead: that’s Dan Yates, the new president of Sustainable OKC. Taking office Feb. 1, Yates was unanimously elected to the position, replacing past president Shauna Lawyer Struby. He has been part of the group for three…
With an eye toward the future of dance, Oklahoma City Ballet debuts three world-premiere pieces in ‘Thr3e by Thr3e’
e genius choreographer she worked with for over a decade, William Forsythe. But, what really impacted me was that she was also doing things her own way.” Pickett’s “Thr3e by Thr3e” piece, “Zephyr,” features music by Gy
Letter writer misinformed
In response to John Beebe’s letter about how wonderful the federal government is (“Government can’t do anything right,” March 31, 2010, Gazette), he is misinformed about a few things. Local power, water, roads, state and local building codes and transportation, public schools, fire and police are not the federal government in action. The Federal Communications…
‘An Oklahoma problem’
Regarding the Kyle Loveless Commentary “South Side a diamond in the rough” (April 7, 2010, Gazette): I’ve lived in south Oklahoma City since 1977. Our reputation across the metro became apparent right away, and has remained so, if not worsened. Your proposals, suggestions are on the mark. A concerted effort is going to be necessary…
The OKC Jazz Orchestra finishes up its inaugural season with jazz high above the city’s skyline
OKC Jazz Orchestra7 p.m. TuesdayThe Petroleum ClubChase Building, 100 N. Broadwaywww.OKCjazzorchestra.com232-1184 $15 adults, $5 students Oklahoma City had been without a big band jazz orchestra since the 1980s, when local musicians Kirk Palmer, Eric Leonard, Chris Hicks and Michael Anderson started dreaming of founding such a performance group. “We all love playing concert big band…
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
In the Bering Strait, Russia and America are 2.5 miles apart. The International Date Line runs through the gap, meaning that it’s always a day later on the Russian side than it is on the American. I suggest you identify a metaphorically similar place in your own life, Scorpio: a zone where two wildly different…
Energy audits of existing homes can save money and resources
Trey Parsons wants to show, not just tell. Parsons, of Oklahoma City’s Enersolve, along with his partners, decided to purchase a 1923 home in northwest Oklahoma City that usually would be considered an energy-efficiency disaster. Instead, they intend for it to be a teaching tool. Parsons asserts that he can save 30 to 40 percent…
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Educational specialist Dr. Howard Gardner believes I.Q. tests evaluate only a fraction of human intelligence. He describes eight different kinds of astuteness. They include the traditional measures — being good at math and language — as well as six others: being smart about music, the body, other people, one’s own inner state, nature, and spatiality.…
A local man gets out of traditional housing while still living in Oklahoma County
Ron Ferrell got out. Out of debt. Out of the housing market. Out of the city and almost off the power grid. Getting outSustainable lifeUrban gardenerSustainable community Ferrell lives in the outskirts of the metro area, but is making it in life quite literally on his own, living in a 725-square-foot home he built by…
Kick-Ass
er and a former cop who now dresses like Batman and affects Adam West’s pause-prone diction once behind the cowl. The more, the merrier, because the town is under siege by a drug kingpin (Mark Strong, “Sherlock Holmes”) who doesn’t like that his cronies are being picked off by costumed vigilantes. Much has been made…
James McMurtry ‘makes it’ on the Jagermeister Stage
James McMurtry 7 p.m., Sunday, Jagermeister stage Near Main Street and Porter Avenue James McMurtry’s been playing roots-rock story-songs for two decades, showcasing a deft instrumental touch that accents his sharp slices from American life. Like his father. author Larry McMurtry, he preferred narratives to love songs or political paeans, but all that offered him…
Freedom of religion does not mean freedom from religion’
I would suggest to Karen Webb (Letters, “Teaching Bible in Oklahoma schools,” March 31, 2010, Gazette) to research the history of the founding of this great nation with an emphasis on the religious identities of our Founding Fathers and the nation at large. As of 1787, 99.8 percent of the population was Christian, of various…
Norman Music Festival takes over Norman’s downtown Saturday and Sunday with almost 200 bands
The Oklahoma Gazette’s Norman Music Festival Picks: Audra Mae: She’s got the Susan Boyle connection. Burning Hotels: Listen to what the ceiling’s saying.Colourmusic: Literally, color and music. Edan: Hip-hop in Norman? On the Main Stage? Electric Six: Don’t call them a one-hit wonder. Gentle Ghost: Veteran rocker succeeds with another project. Grupo Fantasma: You’re a…
Cool roofs are a new way to cut into those sky-high summer electricity bills
Replacing a “hot roof” on a commercial building or residence is getting to be one of the coolest ways to reduce the summer’s sky-high electric bills. Cool roofs reflect sunlight and heat away from a building and reduce roof temperatures up to 50 to 60 degrees compared with conventional materials, reducing the “heat island” effect,…
Electric Six break out of the one-hit wonder mold
Electric Six 8 p.m. Sunday, Main stage Electric Six first drew attention with the discofied rock of “Danger! High Voltage” and surf-inflected “Gay Bar” off its 2003 debut “Fire,” although it had been around for seven years prior as The Wildbunch. Unfairly characterized as a gimmick band or one-hit wonder, the group has continued to…
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)
South Carolina now requires subversive people to register with the state if they have the stated intention of overthrowing the government of the United States. I have no such goal, so I remain free to operate unlicensed in South Carolina. I am, however, participating in a movement to overthrow reality — or rather, the sour…
Edan brings old-school hip-hop to NMF Main Stage for the first time
Edan with Dagha5 P.M., Sunday, Main Stage Rapper/producer Edan, aka Edan Portnoy, constructs colorful, mind-bending tracks inspired by rappers of the late ’80s and early ’90s, from Slick Rick and Boogie Down Productions to Big Daddy Kane. One can particularly hear the influence of Prince Paul and De La Soul in his often-humorous raps, and…
Volunteers to celebrate Earth Day by picking up at Lake Overholser and Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge
Cleanup event and Earth Day celebrationLake Overholser and Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge N.W. 14th Street and E. Overholser8:30 a.m., Saturday702-8192, karen.miles@deq.ok.govFree, RSVP. Under 18, waiver required If Saturday’s event at Lake Overholser and Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge is a success, things will look like you were never there. Volunteers are meeting at 8:30 a.m. at the Lake…
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
Yes, I know that the bull is your totem animal. But I’m hoping you’re willing to expand your repertoire, because it’s a ripe time for you to take on some of the attitudes of the king of beasts. Consider this. The naturalist and shaman Virginia Carper notes that lions have strong personalities but cooperate well.…
Odis drops in to NMF before buckling down and cranking out some recordings
Odis 11:45 P.M., Saturday, Blackwatch Studios Stage Odis arrived with a bang. The act debuted its first CD, “Feel,” in 2008 to a sold-out show at the House of Blues in its Dallas hometown. A mere two months later, Quick magazine named “Feel” as the Big Album of 2008, and The Fort Worth Star-Telegram designated…
Scouting it out
There was a big announcement from the state treasurer’s office a couple of weeks ago. State revenues are back to record highs? No. He’s running for re-election? Sorry. There has been a surge in tax collections on Oklahoma City Thunder shirts? Well, maybe, but that’s beside the point. No, the press was called attention to…
The Octopus Project return to Norman Music Fest after playing massive festivals
The Octopus Project Midnight, Saturday, Opolis Stage The Octopus Project has seen its share of big venues. Over the past four years, the band has played some of the nation’s biggest festivals, including Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and Coachella. The Project began in 1999 with guitarist Josh Lambert, drummer Toto Miranda and friends at the…
Grupo Fantasma’s Latin roots co-exist with stints as Prince’s backing band
Grupo Fantasma 3:30 P.M. Sunday, Main Stage Latin roots mix with funky and classic rock influences to form Austin super-band Grupo Fantasma. This is a group extremely cozy with the ever-changing music business. Now in its 10th year together, the band has recorded four previous albums and will release its most recent effort, “El Existential,”…
Great acting finds traction, despite a few small bumps in the crowd-pleasing ‘Driving Miss Daisy’
Driving Miss Daisy7:30 P.M. Today-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. SundayLyric Theatre1725 N.W. 16thwww.lyrictheatreokc.com 524-9312$15-$40 Probably best known for the 1989 film adaptation starring Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman, Alfred Uhry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Driving Miss Daisy” follows the development of an unlikely friendship between Daisy Werthan, an obstinate Jewish widow, and Hoke…
Music, dance and drama converge at the University of Oklahoma’s President’s Festival of the Arts
Music, dance and drama converge this weekend for the University of Oklahoma’s President’s Festival of the Arts. The OU Schools of Dance, Drama and Music each will present performances representing the theme of “Saints and Sinners.” Fine Arts Dean Rich Taylor said each college will host its own evening of on-campus productions, including some combined…
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
In the early 1990s, actors Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder were engaged to be married. In honor of their love, Depp got a tattoo that read “Winona Forever.” After the relationship fell apart, though, he had it altered to “Wino Forever.” If you’re faced with a comparable need to change a tattoo or shift your…
Mayor v. councilor
Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett had something to say at last Thursday’s City Council meeting. Something very important to say. “You said I told Councilor (Chris) Trail to go to H-E-L-L,” the good mayor asked City Councilor Jack Henderson, according to the Tulsa World. No word on if he spelled out the offensive underworld or went…
Sugar Free Allstars entertain kids and adults with their funky tunes
Sugar Free Allstars 4 P.M. Sunday, Little Rockers Kid Stage, City of Norman parking lot North of 200 W. Main Within the amount of talented local bands playing at NMF, there’s bound to be a group who can tackle one of the most difficult crowds: children. The Sugar Free Allstars are ready with vibrant and…
Dangerous proposal
It’s significant that state political leaders, especially mainstream Republicans, recently denounced the idea of creating an official anti-federal government militia in Oklahoma. State tea party activists have apparently discussed the idea of such a state-sanctioned militia along with two state politicians, state Sen. Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso, who is running for governor, and state Rep. Charles…
Death at a Funeral
eASIN=B0021L8UWG”>Armored”) and Keith David (“The Princess and the Frog”), who could be telling this story on “City Confidential.” Morgan is terrific, Dinklage is wonderful, Saldana proves her comedy chops, Wilson looks like he spent too much time in the world of “Idiocracy” and Glover is at his nasty-old-man best, but one of my favorite performances…
The Festival of the Arts is under way, filling downtown with inspiration, imagination and indulgence
Festival of the Arts11 a.m.-9 p.m. today-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. SundayDowntown Oklahoma Citywww.artscouncilokc.com270-4848free To mark its 44th year, Festival of the Arts, organized by the Arts Council of Oklahoma City, honors its history while exhibiting new events and attractions. Today through Sunday, more than 140 artists will showcase their works, and organizers expect more than…
Audra Mae comes home after rags-to-riches success
Audra Mae 7 p.m. Sunday, Brewhouse Stage, 110 W. Main Last year, Audra Mae got the kind of break that can make a career. British singing sensation Susan Boyle recorded her song, “Who I Was Born to Be,” the only original composition chosen for her debut album. It sold several million copies worldwide, including more…
Tony Tiger’s mixed media exhibit at the state Capitol explores human identity
“Full Consciousness”State Capitol’s East Gallery 2300 N. Lincoln8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday free Cultural awareness is important to native artist Tony Tiger, and this concept is clearly displayed in his work. A mixed-media artist and a member of the Sac and Fox Tribe, Tiger’s latest exhibit,…
Norman receives national press as great
There’s no question that Norman has the sort of momentum that most cities covet. One of the most visible ways it’s manifested itself is landing on lists compiled by national publications. But Norman leaders got one of their bigger surprises last fall when the city was named to the 2009 edition of “11 Great Places…
Thunder’s success helps alter perception of OKC
Rise together. Not exactly a battle cry unique to Oklahoma City’s still-infant NBA franchise, but one that certainly seems to be a good fit these days, especially with the Thunder rolling into the playoffs on the heels of a 50-win regular season. Even if the season ended today, the Thunder has already reached a level…
Texas Renegade augments its renowned live show with ‘Bad Dreams and Other Things’
Texas Renegade with Bobby Duncan9 p.m. FridayWormy Dog Saloon311 E. Sheridanwww.wormydog.com601-6276$6 The name Texas Renegade may suggest rebellion, but its spirit is something wholesome, hearty and blue-collar. The five country boys from San Marcos just go out and do their job, entertaining folks with a lighthearted stage show and songs the blend country, rock and…
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
I have a group of colleagues who half-jokingly, half-sincerely refer to themselves as the Shamanic Hackers of Karmic Justice. The joking part of it is that the title is so over-the-top ostentatious that it keeps them from taking themselves too seriously. The sincere part is that they really do engage in shamanic work designed to…
Defining marriage
Marriage is “defined” as a union between:A. a male Homo sapiens and a female Homo sapiens;B. a male Homo sapiens and a male Homo sapiens;C. a female Homo sapiens and a female Homo sapiens;D. a male Homo sapiens and a horse;E. a female Homo sapiens and a coffee table. Is it really that hard?…
The Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection
With Robert Downey Jr.’s “Sherlock Holmes” hitting it big, it’s my hope that moviegoers would be interested in seeking out the great detective’s other adventures, across all media. While bookstores haven’t done much to capitalize on the blockbuster, MPI Home Video smartly has reissued the original, landmark Basil Rathbone films from 1939 to 1946. Twice,…
Great acting finds traction, despite a few small bumps, in the crowd-pleasing ‘Driving Miss Daisy’
Driving Miss Daisy7:30 P.M. Today-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. SundayLyric Theatre1725 N.W. 16thwww.lyrictheatreokc.com 524-9312$15-$40 Probably best known for the 1989 film adaptation starring Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman, Alfred Uhry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Driving Miss Daisy” follows the development of an unlikely friendship between Daisy Werthan, an obstinate Jewish widow, and Hoke…
Lawmakers upset at OKC water deal
A group of lawmakers from southeastern Oklahoma expressed their displeasure with a deal for Oklahoma City to start buying water from Sardis Lake in Pushmataha County, southeast of McAlester. Several state senators held a press conference and said a secret deal has been made for Oklahoma City to purchase the water rights for more than…
