‘Strange’ magic
Boy, where to start talking about The Pollard Theatre’s production of the “Passing Strange” musical? It’s the best work seen at Pollard in a long time, and when the theatrical year is tallied six months from now, if this does not get Best Musical, this will be one heck of a year for musicals. All…
Break the chains
Chains. They’re lifeless, soulless and just about every other “-less” you can think of. (Shameless? Yup.) They’re a turn-and-burn atmosphere where your meal gets dumped onto the faux-Mexican-tile tabletop surrounded by the same schlocky decor that you’ll find in every single one of its 325 nationwide outposts. Chili’s, Applebee’s, Olive Garden. Been to one, and…
Potiche
François Ozon may be France’s answer to our Coen brothers or even Stanley Kubrick, in that with each film he makes, the writer/director plays in a different genre sandbox. With 2003’s “Swimming Pool,” it was an erotic thriller; 2009’s “Ricky,” a family fantasy. Now, with “Potiche,” it’s a political comedy. No matter the flavor, Ozon’s…
Young love
It’s not hard to give a ballpark description of Young Widows’ sound, but pinpointing it is a whole other ball game. “It’s heavy rock music, but it’s not classic rock and it’s not metal,” singer and guitarist Evan Patterson said. “There’s this gray area that doesn’t get explored because people want to belong to these…
Earth versus the flying saucers
Falling Skies Sunday, 8 p.m. (TNT) “Falling Skies” is a superior alien-invasion series because it cares about the humans more than the aliens. In the prologue, we learn about a horrifying chain of events through the perspective of a child’s drawings: The aliens came and conquered, forcing survivors to form ad hoc resistance factions. The…
A poet’s passion
Lewis, a tall, stocky man, has been writing poetry since high school. This interest has spanned across his days as an athlete, and even his time in the military. His life, which had its beginnings in what he described as the rough streets of Cincinnati, has been far from easy. He’s endured losing close family…
Returning to history
Debut author Sonia Gensler knew she’d found the setting for her young-adult novel when she visited friends a few years ago in Tahlequah. “It’s a beautiful building,” said Gensler of Seminary Hall on the campus of Northeastern State University. “It’s got turrets and a clock tower, and it kind of looks like a castle.” Gensler…
A new ‘Hamlet’
Her critically acclaimed “My Brooklyn Hamlet” is a real-life story of forgiveness that bears similarities to the Bard’s original. Her tale explores her own process of forgiveness of her father, who shot and killed her mother some 16 years ago, only to end up marrying her aunt. “Well, it’s a coming-of-age story for me, but…
Wide world of ‘Sports’
Alex Mattison, communications coordinator for the museum, said the “science of the gross” will be utilized to help explain these concepts, and he expects this to better catch the children’s attention. “It’s really finding ways to get kids to identify with the science of how the body works, and then, in addition to that, showing…
Two-wheel deal
In New York City, a nonprofit organization named Recycle-A-Bicycle provides educational and job-training programs while encouraging environmental stewardship and everyday bicycle use. Members salvage about 1,200 bicycles each year and last year worked with 1,000 young people through public schools and after-school programs. Recycle-A-Bicycle’s website, recycleabicycle.org, features a 72-page manual titled “Tools for Life” that…
Label love
“Record labels are the best way for an unknown artist to have their music distributed for sale,” said Travis Searle, co-owner of both Guestroom Records and its label, Guestroom Records Records. “We didn’t even think about it being a digital age. It doesn’t matter to us. We like listening to music on vinyl, so that’s…
Hangin’ out in the Alley
The artifact isn’t for sale, but pretty much everything else is on the block at 918½ W. Britton. That includes firstedition Elvis Presley 45s, rare pressings of Neil Young albums and much more vintage material. The recently opened store is run by Ronnie Jay Wheeler, who is also an Americana artist with two records to…
‘Stoning’ Sally
Kern’s new book “The Stoning of Sally Kern: The Liberal Attack on Christian Conservatism — and Why We Must Take a Stand” is scheduled for release July 5 by FrontLine, an arm of Charisma Media. Kern declined to be interviewed by Oklahoma Gazette, which obtained a copy of the book from the publisher. Kern, a…
In the ear
Alive since 2009, the act is as eclectic as its stated influences: “The Sonics, Dick Dale, Muddy Waters, Tom Petty, Elvis, and the entire ‘Dirty Dancing’ soundtrack.” For the time of your life, you may want to attend to witness its blend of roots-rock rhythm and blues with a Texas redneck attitude. NITF!’s debut album,…
Ryan’s hope
Ryan Lindsey hasn’t been himself for almost two years. The local musician and songwriter has kept busy in the interim — jaunts with Starlight Mints and poppunk band Broncho have more than helped him fill the hours — but it’s apparently high time for an accidental and slightly premature comeback. “I’ve been working on my…
Hero worship
9 p.m. Friday VZD’s Restaurant & Club, 4200 N. Western VZDS.com, 524-4203 $5 When Brooklyn native Rich Russell decided he wanted to be a country singer after years of drinking up indie bands in hip, New York City neighborhoods, he knew the perfect place to go: Texas. “Austin is a really hip, indie-oriented city, but…
Main squeeze
There’s your average merchandise: CDs, T-shirts, stickers, maybe buttons for the punk-inclined. But then there’s the distinctive item that Amber Lee Baker and Renee de la Prade have on sale during their shows: “The Accordion Babes Album & Pin-up Calendar.” “It was Renee’s idea,” Baker said. “A friend of hers saw some hot pictures that…
‘Small’ wonder
The guild’s member show forces artists to keep their work within dimensions of 12-by-12 inches. Guild spokeswoman Natalie Friedman said the art is not limited to any specific genre, as long as it stays within the size confines. “There’s a huge diversity in terms of medium and also in terms of style,” Friedman said. Whether…
On the ‘Edge’
Romy Owens’ “Down in the Basement …” won’t make her rich. Measuring 4 feet tall by 54 feet long, comprised of paper and photos diligently hand-sewn, the massive piece is a perfect fit for Individual Artist of Oklahoma’s annual “EdgeArtNow.” “I really wanted to challenge myself to do something extraordinary, and I think I achieved…
Combat-ready
With aggressive promoters and savvy marketing piquing fan interest in local mixed-martial-arts bouts, however, Oklahoma is starting to hold onto its finest fighters. MMA might be a relatively young sport, but Joe Miller, director of the Oklahoma Boxing Commission, said the state has become a breeding ground for prospects. “We were only regulating 10 to…
Tired tires
The acronym stands for the organization’s four key elements of tire care: —Pressure: Check air pressure, as under-inflation is the leading cause of wear and tear of tires. —Alignment: Misalignment of wheels in the front or rear can cause uneven and rapid tread wear. —Rotation: Regularly rotating your vehicle’s tires will help you achieve more…
Buy now!
That optimism is higher than residents of other countries, according to the Genworth International Mortgage Trends Report. Among the respondents’ reported obstacles to purchasing a home were: —the local economic outlook; —concerns about property affordability; and —worries about future unemployment. However, these economic concerns have not translated into excessive mortgage stress among U.S. home buyers.…
Dig this
Scattered around Oklahoma and Arkansas, gems await digging up by ambitious hands. From diamonds to garnets to quartz crystals, public mines and digs can offer not only an afternoon of fun, but a potential to uncover a small fortune. And it’s not diamond dust we’re talking about. A visitor to Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State…
No boys allowed
But thankfully, there’s a less stressful definition involving exercise beyond chasing our kids around the house. When it comes to fitness clubs designed with women in mind, you could say I get around. In my 17 years as a 405 resident, I’ve been a member at several. And like a good friend, they’re always there…
In the kitchen
Tiny ceramic cream pot shaped like a duck from Blue Seven? Check. Tea towels stamped with blue egg beaters and the phrase “Beat Me” from Shop Good? Check and check. Dulaney’s (7660 N. Western; 607- 8880) is absolutely chockablock full of fun finds for any kitchen. There is a lovely variety of tableware — dishes,…
Blue-plate specials
La Baguette Bistro 1130 Rambling Oaks, Norman, 329-1101 Filet mignon done with a Madeira wine and mushroom sauce might be one of the specials, along with a chicken Philly on a toasted baguette dressed with a garlic mayonnaise. Brunch on Saturday is always a fun happening. No matter when you visit, the food is always…
Bite size
Not only does he play music that covers a wide range, at times he will get out and show the people how to dance certain steps, too. Who are your clients? “Devon is my best client, along with Tinker Federal (Credit) Union, Western Concepts, St. Anthony, Cafe do Brasil and Allison’s Fun Company.” The start…
Napa for Papa
Your dad may need ties, but he doesn’t want ties. He might even need that new wallet, the reversible belt, or the bobblehead Kevin Durant. But does he really want them, other than that bobblehead KD? He will smile and tell you “thanks” and you’ll still be his little girl or his pride and joy,…
Fancy a slice?
Listings and advertisements adorn the pages, tempting to satisfy any hunger pangs. No time is the wrong time of day or night for a slice, right? Finding gourmet pizza in Oklahoma City really isn’t difficult. Take Joey’s Pizzeria, 700 W. Sheridan, in downtown’s newly renovated Film Row. The restaurant recently moved from its former Classen…
Culinary odyssey
Just a few blocks off Broadway Extension, Let’s Do Greek is in a wonderful location that once housed Falcone’s Pizzeria. Outside, groups of tall daisies sway in the breeze, and a nice pond can be viewed through the restaurant’s large windows. That outdoor scene is so inviting, owner Mahshid (Marsha) Aguilar said people often order…
No pain, more gain
—You have to put your money at risk in order to make a decent return. —Your broker only makes money when you do. —Maintaining a stock portfolio is very inexpensive. Not true to all three, she said. “The more you believe the myths, the more of a struggle your retirement will be,” said Miller, author…
No sloppy seconds for Sooners
University of Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops isn’t interested in sloppy seconds. After all, USC thrashed the Sooners 55-19 in the Orange Bowl in the title game. “I don’t have any thoughts (on USC’s situation), and we’re not claiming any championships,” Stoops told The Associated Press. Can you blame him? Sooner fans want to forget…
PR BS
—“Denny’s Turns Culinary World Upside Down, Again!” —“Consumer Wellness Center launches free downloadable report: 25 Amazing Facts About Food” —“ACOG to launch search Wednesday for Central OK’s Clean Air Ambassador” —“Fischer & Wieser’s Irresistible Texas Sauces Heat Up Asia’s Leading Food and Hospitality Show” —“LINE-X(R) PROTECTIVE COATINGS IS NOW AVAILABLE IN OKLAHOMA CITY & EDMUNTON,…
‘A great Oklahoman’
“Clara Luper was a great Oklahoman and a great American,” Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett said in a statement. “Her peaceful, resolute sit-in protest at the Katz Drug Store, where the owners at the time refused to serve African- Americans, paved the way for equal rights in Oklahoma City.” At Katz, “a center of activity”…
CFN Tweet of the Week
And if so, can I hire them for a party? Anybody with this knowledge?” —Memphis Grizzlies forward Shane Battier, in a June 2 tweet
Matter of degrees
Of the 88,693 immigrants who are 25 years or older in Oklahoma City, nearly 40 percent do not have a high school or equivalent diploma, while 23.4 percent have graduated from college, according to the June 9 report by the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program, located in Washington, D.C. However, immigrants’ education levels on the…
Shelter from the storm
After the devastating tornado outbreak that killed 11 people and left more than 1,000 without homes and businesses, Trent said he felt he needed to do something to help. So he created the website shelterfinder.org, a map of public shelters and safe rooms in the Oklahoma City area. Some, like the Capitol, are open 24/7,…
We are curious (‘Yellow’)
One on June 6 issued by The Actor Factory in Norman raised Chicken-Fried News’ eyebrows. It was the one titled “CASTING CALL: Hunky ‘Chippendales’-Types, Prisoners, Tough Kid & Hot Teens Needed for YELLOW.” It wasn’t so much the catchall subject line that caught our attention, but the two groups they wanted to get together in…
Myriad questions
As the process of completing renovations continues — and the city moves forward with an incomegenerating strategy to deal with the increased cost of park upkeep — one council member is questioning aspects of the situation. While the City Council approved a contact with the nonprofit Myriad Gardens Foundation to take over management of the…
‘McVay is correct’
McVay is correct. If we couldn’t use words like “Hitler” (and “Nazi”) and “mean-spirited” and “Fascist,” how could we quote the things Glenn Beck says about people during prime time almost every night? —Matt Atkinson Oklahoma City
How Manilow can you go?
Stephen, really? This is what you call “comprehensive”? You can’t skip songs and call it a “track-by-track exploration.” (Strike one.) You can’t quote lyrics and call it a “track-by-track exploration.” (Strike two.) You can’t reference/compare Neil Diamond and Billy Joel to Barry Manilow, and expect anyone to take you seriously. To be clear: That’s like…
Not fit for fitness
A well-respected fitness report recently ranked the Oklahoma City-area dead last among the country’s 50 largest metropolitan areas, a distinction that should serve as a wake-up call for political leaders and health professionals here. The report should not be ignored or qualified. It’s more than just another blemish on the area’s image or yet another…
Boren voted for Oklahoma’s interests first, regardless of his Democratic Party affiliation, and as a result he found himself at odds with his party leadership.
Boren voted for Oklahoma’s interests first, regardless of his Democratic Party affiliation, and as a result he found himself at odds with his party leadership.
Cedar Rapids
So when a comedy comes along like “Cedar Rapids,” in which the apple-cheeked innocent is a nerdy man and the big, bad world takes the form of an insurance agents’ convention, it’s not likely to break new ground. But that’s all right. The story’s familiar contrivances and clichés actually feel kind of cozy in “Cedar…
Unknown
Still, he has room to grow, and a need for a script that’s up to snuff. Yet another entry in the bad-ass column for Liam Neeson — not a complaint, mind you — “Unknown” explores what happens when his Dr. Harris lands in Berlin for a biotech conference with his wife (January Jones), gets in…
Heavy Years: 2000-2010 — Chris Mills
It’s a straightforward, difficult-to-Google proclamation that belies a wry, self-aware sense of humor and a lack of concern for popular acclaim. “Heavy Years: 2000-2010” is a great introduction to his enthusiastic, acoustic-based, alt-country/rock/pop ballads. His well-developed melodic touch (horns everywhere!) and impressive lyrics show that although Mills knows all the rules, he has more fun…
Vanishing on 7th Street
There, amid neon signs and a Motown-stuffed jukebox, they escape the darkness that aims to make them disappear. The punch line? “Star Wars” prequel pretty boy Hayden Christensen is the star. Actually, he’s not half-bad in “Vanishing on 7th Street,” the latest thriller from Brad Anderson, who has a streak for making great ones that…
Simple Plan — Get Your Heart On!
No matter what happens, anyone who can put together melodies and evocative (not necessarily deep, just evocative) lyrics will find success if they want it. Enter Simple Plan and their new album, “Get Your Heart On!”, which drops June 21. With a thinly veiled double entendre in the vein of Blink-182’s “Take Off Your Pants…
The Housemaid
Case in point: “The Housemaid.” A remake of the 1960 film of the same name, it peeks into the household of a family so corrupt, so evil that … well, it will remind you that we’re all the same, no matter the hemisphere. Entering the Goh mansion as the new, second maid is Eun-yi (Jeon…
Doc director talks ‘Crossroads’ of an Enid band
Musicphiles surely are aware of local videographer Nathan Poppe. From his “on.” series at Oklahoma State University to his current work on “The VDub Sessions,” he has showcased Oklahoma bands in four to five minute segments for close to two years. Poppe is devoting a little more time to his latest subject, making his first…
Out of the Vinyl Deeps: Ellen Willis on Rock Music — Nona Willis Aronowitz, ed.
After that, she moved into feminist and political writing, then professorship. Her music writing was mostly forgotten. She died in 2006. “Out of the Vinyl Deeps,” a collection of most of her columns from The New Yorker and other music writings, shines a light on a woman whose work helped invent the concept of a sociological…
William & Kate
It made me sad. Anyway, Lifetime’s “William & Kate” is a movie made just for them, depicting their meeting at the University of St. Andrews is Scotland, all the way to their royal engagement. Directed by Mark Rosman (“A Cinderella Story”), it’s royal crap, a rush job that plays like your typical Lifetime romantic comedy:…
Thank you, Ms. Luper
As I ventured into my American history class the first day of my sophomore year, I was unaware that I was opening a door to a school-yearlong experience that would forever change my perspectives on the world. Sure, my fellow classmates and I were vaguely aware that Ms. Luper had some significance to our state’s…
The Antlers — Burst Apart
This set of dreamy slow jamz from a trio of indie-fied white dudes starts with the bluntly titled “I Don’t Want Love” and ends with “Putting the Dog to Sleep”; in between, we’re treated to tunes named “Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out” and “Hounds.” Peter Silberman’s got sex on the mind, but it…
Texas 4000 charity ride stops in OKC
The ride is comprised of University of Texas students, and has helped to raise more than $2 million since its establishment in 2004. Oklahoma is one of only eight overnight stops during the ride of more than 4,500 miles, which will take its participants all the way to Alaska, and it’s the last one until…
Rep. Boren’s retirement makes future hazy for state voice in Congress
Boren, 37, the state’s congressional Democrat, represents the 2nd Congressional District, which covers 24 counties in eastern Oklahoma. He attributed his decision to the demands of constant campaigning and time spent away from his family, including his wife, Andrea; and their children, Janna and Hunter. “This is not an easy decision for me,” he said…
Barry Manilow — 15 Minutes
1. The recording style and instrumentation of the folk-rock “15 Minutes” sounds straight out of the ‘80s, which, I suppose, so is Manilow. Kinda. 2. Vintage disco with Manilow semi-rapping. He hasn’t had to “Work the Room” in 30 years, so this just feels wrong. “Startin’ in sweet with a rockin’ beat / Show ‘em…
Suzanna Choffel — Steady Eye Shaky Bow
The tracks on “Steady Eye Shaky Bow” that catch attention have a sultry, dangerous vibe about them; the tracks that don’t work sound like average jazz standards. Choffel kicks off her latest album with “Archer,” from which the album takes its title. The jagged rhythms and herky-jerky propulsion of the verses are met by a…
Isis — Live I-V
The appeal of Isis (and their oft-associated similar, Neurosis) is that they brand themselves “thinking man’s metal.” Other than the occasional unclean vocal performance, this is effectively the world’s loudest post-rock: metal-heavy guitars infused with a sense of ascendant melody and ominous mood, arranged in slow-building slabs that crest in moments of maxed-out guitar bliss.…
A Clockwork Orange: Anniversary Edition
When I watched it again just a couple weeks later, I was still really bothered about it. As disturbing as it was then, it’s as disturbing today. Yet there’s no denying its brilliance. While it’s by no means among my favorite of Kubrick’s films — “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Dr. Strangelove” and “The Shining,” for…
9 to 5: The Musical
I’d be a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot if I said I didn’t enjoy “9 to 5: The Musical.” Despite a few small flaws, the 1980 film makes a smooth jump from screen to stage. The Celebrity Attractions production runs through Sunday at Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker, with a few seats left.…
Mapped out
You’d probably never see the heavy riffs coming if you were judging The Globes strictly on appearances, and they’d be the first ones to admit it. “That’s part of our charm, I think,” guitarist and vocalist Kyle Musselwhite said. “People don’t really know what to expect because we aren’t the most stylish or imposing group…
Rev. Steve Kern misrepresents science
Factual evidence shows the Cambrian “explosion” took 80 million years. To say all phyla developed nearly simultaneously and suddenly is ignorant. Microevolution is just the beginning of macroevolution. Contending macroevolution does not occur is absurd and laughably in conflict with the facts. Large-scale evolutionary change occurs over geologic time scales — millions of years. Biologists…
Wake-up call
That long-distance call came from upstate New York where a stunning upset occurred. Kathy Hochul, a Democratic challenger, defeated Jane Corwin, a well-financed Republican insider, in deeply red Congressional District 26. Medicare became the defining issue in that campaign and, most likely, will define numerous 2012 elections as well. Regarding Medicare, Oklahoma’s Republican congressmen agree…
Kern makes an omission
Again, Kern is missing the point. This inability to make vitamin C is hardly surprising from either a scientific or a creationist viewpoint since our natural diets include vitamin C and, thus, we can get along without the ability. But what should surprise a creationist is that humans have a broken gene for making vitamin…
Religion should stick to faith
When religious people challenge science, they are out of their knowledge area, and they look foolish. Worse, they drive reasonable people out of churches because reasonable people are repelled by calls to believe magical nonsense. How ironic it is that religious extremists drive people away from religion, when religion should be a saving spiritual grounding…
