ionOklahoma Online Magazine December 2013 / January 2014

Lifestyle … Culture … Entertainment

ionOk.com

Ferris O’Brien – The Spyteams up with KOSU andreigns supreme again

Prairie Wolf Spirits –A Howling Success

xcite Oklahoma – the excitementof Oklahoma Living on TV/Online

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publisher : Don Swiftassistant : Joni Yeagereditor : Heide Brandes

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director of photography : Michael Downesweb site developer : Patrick Moore with Set Sail Media

web site developer : Nina Jones, Data Design Inc.illustration : Rosemary Burkegraphic design : Wendy Mills

Advertising SalesBecky Grantham

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Contributorscover story : Heide Brandes

fashion : Linda Millerart : Joy Reed Belt

people : Peggy Gandyentertainment : Heide Brandes

book reviews : Malena Lottsocial issues : Robbie Robertson

community : Lauren Wrightbon appetite : Cheryl Payne

contributing writer : Jolie Bishopcontributing writer : Don Brewington

contributing writer : Heidi Rambo Centrellacontributing writer : Heidi Clarkcontributing writer : Greg Hortoncontributing writer : Asa Leveaux

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COVER STORY

14 Ferris O’Brien: The Spy teams up withKOSU and reigns supreme againBy Heide Brandes

Photos by Michael Downes

DINING

32 Cheever’s – Southern Comfort Food with a Southwest EleganceBy Creg Horton

37 Iron Starr Gets Innovative with BarbecueBy Greg Horton

EVENTS

27 Oklahoma City Arts ring in Holiday Season with Classic Favorites

Contents14

54

PEOPLE

45 Ree Drummond, Pioneer Woman releasesa new cookbook

ART/MUSIC

23 Houser Exhibit Reflects Impact On His StudentsBy M. J. Van Deventer

31 Jack FowlerBy M.A. Smith

73 Parker Millsap –Oklahoma singer/songwriter By Heide Brandes

76 ‘Holly-Tonk and Jingle Beats’ Christmas album – Free Christmasconcert in Norman

80 Michael Martin Murphey Brings OldWest Spirit to Cowboy Christmas BallBy M. J. Van Deventer

BUSINESS

54 Prairie Wolf Spirits, A Howling SuccessBy: M.A. Smith

DECEMBER2013/JANUARY 2014 ionOklahoma 11

FASHION

58 Stylish New Year —Fashion, beauty and hairresolutions to considerby Linda Miller

TRAVEL

40 Rise Up– WinStar opens new hotel tower andother casino projectsBy Linda Miller

66 Mighty Zion –Zion National Park offersbreathtaking vistas, challenging hikes – butit’s not for the faint of heartBy Heidi Rambo Centrella and Pam Grady

Photos by Shannon Cornman

TECHNOLOGY

64 Forget About Forgetting By Tom Nix, Verizon Technology Expert

REVIEWS

62 Book Buzzby Malena Lott

90

COMMUNITY

48 Metropolitan Library System: Free Music,Spaces and Books…OH MY!By Asa Leveaux

82 Kick Off the New Year with Performers,Fireworks at Opening Night 2014

84 Armstrong College Premieres Musical TheaterProduction — “David”

86 Toby Keith’s OK Kids Korral Opens– Newfacility provides home-away-from home forchildren fighting cancerBy Heide Brandes

96 xcite Oklahoma – the excitement of Oklahomaliving on TV/Online By Brent Skarky and Don Swift

PHOTOGRAPHY

90 Downtown in DecemberPhotos by Rick Buchanan

40


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Publisher’s NoteWelcome to ion Oklahoma Online, one of Oklahoma’s fastest growing magazines and news-entertainment websites.In the world today people are experiencing what some have called the “Technology

Revolution” period in our history, which is a time when sudden change, growth, developmentand an acceleration of technology is happening faster than people can adapt. For example,many of the traditional marketing tools and business operations that have been successful inthe past are now requiring a review, redesign, and overhaul to accommodate the newlychanging business environment and many of the advancements in technology. Some people understand the importance of investing in this new technology while others are

just happily watching from the sidelines.If successful business leaders today think they are doing their job by leading their

companies to making a nice profit and have cash reserves in the bank for slowdown periods inbusiness, but are not investing in new technology they may get a real wake up call soon.Business leaders must understand the importance of budgeting for technology in their

companies to grow and expand. Just take a look at several companies whose leaders did notunderstand this concept. Eastman Kodak, Borders Book Stores, and Blockbuster Video are just a few who were faced

with a technology vulnerability gap in their particular industry and where are they today? In the publishing industry today, ion Oklahoma understands the importance of innovation

and technology. More specifically, there are companies who understand how they can benefitwith the convergence of different media platforms and in a different media environment fromtheir core media business.XCITE OKLAHOMA.TV is going launch during the first quarter of 2014. Ion Oklahoma has

produced the pilot for all our loyal to view at www.xciteoklahoma.tv and then take a shortsurvey to let us know what you think? Not only will ion Oklahoma be published in 2014 with 6printed editions, but will also produce 44 weekly magazine format television episodes. We willhave more updates in our next printed edition and on our website www.ionok.com

Sincerely,

Don Swift

Publisher ion Oklahoma www.ionok.com

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COVER

F erris O’Brien is brimming with nervousenergy as he stands next to the lime greenold VW van at Oklahoma City’s PlazaDistrict. It’s the anniversary of The Spy

radio station’s special programming, the VDubSessions, and there’s a party in the city.But Ferris has to get back to his radio station. He needs to make

sure one of the programs gets finished or he’ll have dead air. Andthere’s nothing worse than dead air, especially for a guy who hassingle-handedly reincarnated Oklahoma’s alternative rock showover and over and over from the dead. Ferris has managed to escape the word dead more times than

Rasputin. Over and over, The Spy radio, with its signature peeringand slightly sinister eyes,

has faced demise. Eachtime, like some musicshaman, Ferris hasmanaged to bring itfrom the brink andback into thelight.Just when

corporate radiopushed the Spy into the

Ferris O’Brien:Teaming up with KOSU, The Spy reigns supreme again

by Heide Brandes Photos by Michael Downes


Internet – which ended up being a blessing for thestation - KOSU, the NPR station serving OklahomaCity, Tulsa and Stillwater, entered into a contentpartnership with The Spy. Starting late 2012, KOSU’sschedule began featuring the original shows and widearray of independent music to its listeners. “We moved into our current building two years ago,

and once we figured out that the web Spy was the plan,the city rallied behind us,” Ferris said. “We get 8,000to 10,000 listeners, from the fanatics to the casual. Itall adds up. That’s our captive audience. There are norules on the web, no commercials.”And The Spy, which has haunted in and out of

Oklahoma City airwaves for years, is here to stay.

THE DJ LIFEWhen Ferris was a child living in Los Angeles, he

and his mother were in the waiting room of a cardealership when the old lady changed his life. The only

other person in the room, the old woman was watchinghim. She stared at him.“She finally got up and walked over to us. She said,

‘Excuse me ma’am, but I’m a psychic and I’m gettingsome strong readings from your son,’” Ferris said. “Sheknew a lot. She knew I was a Scorpio and that I wascreative – eerie little things like that. Then she said, ‘Isee your son doing something in the public eye, acelebrity of sorts, either in media or politics.’ I thinkthat stuck with me.”Like many other kids graduating high school, Ferris

had no idea what he wanted to do. His family hadmoved from Los Angeles to Dallas, and Ferriseventually chose to attend the University of Oklahoma.His best friend was dating a DJ from Y95 radio inDallas, and when the two returned home for Christmasbreak, the girl planted the seed.“She said, ‘You should think about radio.’ I had never

thought about it before,” said Ferris. “I kept thinking

about it though, so a couple weeks later, I called herand asked what I needed to do.”A new radio station was opening in Dallas, and Ferris

was connected to Larry Neilson, the program directorfor the new 94.5 The Edge station. The two hit it off;they spoke over three hours on the phone beforeNielson wanted Ferris to meet with him in person.“I was still in Norman. I told him I’d be there in three

hours,” Ferris said. “When I got there, we talkedmusic. We talked about the Clash, Depeche Mode, PetShop Boys. I had no idea what a role he would play inmy life.”Despite attending college in Norman, he was offered a

DJ position on the new station, joining radio heroes likeGeorge Gimarc. The real delimma was how he wasgoing to attend college in Oklahoma and work in Dallasat the same time. He was terrified to talk to his parentsabout it.“I did the next best thing,” Ferris said. “I lied to

them. But, I came up with a plan. I talked to thecounselor and got all my classes moved so they wouldbe done by Wednesday, and I worked at the stationThursday through Sunday.”From 1988 to 1994, The Edge took off. Featuring

alternative music like Morrissey and Nirvana, thestation became wildly popular until finally Ferris hadto admit to his parents that he wanted to quit schoolto continue being a DJ. “We did a lot at the Edge. Everything I applied to

The Spy I learned at the Edge,” Ferris said.“Everything was artist and album driven. That’s whypeople listened. Big corporate radio plays to thelowest common denominator.”When Ferris left The Edge, he thought he’d have to

earn his bones at big corporate radio to becomesuccessful. He heard that Clear Channel inOklahoma City was flipping a station to alternative,and he got the morning show job at 95 X. The stationlasted 15 months.“Ten months to a year, they pulled the reins on us.

They hired a consultant, which ruined radio and tookthe creativity out of it,” he said. “They took the DJ’screativity away. That’s what made radio great – theWolfman Jacks and the Howard Sterns. Our shipwent down due to those constraints.”A day or two after leaving Clear Channel, Ferris

was approached about another radio station, KSPY,in Stillwater. The radio station was chaotic. It played

music from Depeche Mode to Muddy Waters to tribaldrums. While it had a broader selection, it had norhyme or reason.“So I moved to Stillwater to enter my first venture into

programming and I’ve said this a million times, butthose years in Stillwater were the best of my life,”Ferris said. “The people I met, the radio station I love –it was the most amazing place.”Ferris brought structure and a mode of operation he

learned from The Edge to KSPY, and soon everyonerealized the station was a product that was hard to walkaway from. The Spy made great money, raked in topratings and everyone was happy. The station waspopular, healthy and showcasing music that bigcorporate radio wouldn’t. But the fairy tale was about to end. The death toll of

any independent programming, a consultant was hiredand in 2002, KSPY became Hot 93.7, featuring the


18 ionOklahoma OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

same Top 40 music that all the other stationswere playing.“Again, the consultants killed us,” Ferris

said. “They kept me on by giving me five hourson Sunday when I could play alternative music.But I saw the writing on the wall and I wasn’tgetting any younger. I was approaching the35 mark, so I started looking for other jobs.”Though it looked like The Spy was dead,

its ghost rose up again. CitadelCommunications contacted Ferris with theidea of bringing back the Spy on 105.3.Sharing the call letters with The SportsAnimal, Ferris was told the station would bearound for 30 years. “The response was huge. (RadioPersonality) Blade Runner and I did TheSpy. We had a three-year run. We were leftalone, and we were doing good,” Ferrissaid. “But at the three-year mark, thenewness wore off. Getting pressure fromcorporate, they flipped The Spy to aSpanish channel.”Spy radio moved to a spot on KATT 100.5,

and Ferris kept the alternative music alivethere for eight more years. Seven of those eightyears, he was nominated for Plug Awards for hisprogramming.“It kept me happy, and it kept The Spy

alive,” Ferris said. “But in late 2008, I gotwind that 105.3 was turning into ESPNSpanish, which usually means that the stationis for sale. I talked it over with my family,walked into the GM’s office and told him Iwanted to buy 105.3.”

FROM AIRWAVES TO WEBLong story short, Ferris entered into a

lease management agreement and beganoperating his own “The Spy” out of thebasement in his house. He built the studio

from the ground up and offered programminglike The Lost Ogle Show and Clayton Bahr’sTasting Notes. The signature eyes became thelogo.Meanwhile, Ferris was waiting through the

grueling FCC approval process. To get a station


of your own, you have to go through background checks, financial studies anddeep investigations. After 10 months, Ferris got his approval, but again, luckwas not on his side. The station didn’t appraise anywhere close to what Citadelwas trying to sell it for.In late 2010, the deal fell through. The Spy was once

again on the brink of death.“Every month was better than the last. That’s what

was so frustrating. We were in line for January 2011being our best month ever,” Ferris said. “I knew aroundThanksgiving of 2010 it wasn’t going to happen.”Strangely enough, however, the Arbitron ratings for

radio showed that 90 percent of The Spy’s listenerslistened to the channel in other ways than air waves.Suddenly, the idea of an internet radio station didn’tseem so crazy.“I said, ‘Wait a minute. Is this such a bad thing? We

could get on the web just long enough to come up witha Plan B,” said Ferris. “It wasn’t nearly as expensive,and it was really easy. Web Stations were growing and alot of them were done by people who weren’t in theindustry.”Hovering at death, The Spy moved onto the internet,

and it found new life. Turns out, the web was the Plan BFerris was looking for.“Instead of selling commercials, we took the public

radio route and offered sponsorhips,” Ferris said.“After nine months, it was going good.”Two years ago, The Spy moved to its current location,

the David Wanzer-designed building near downtownOklahoma City.“We’re going great. None of our shows have left, and

it’s fun and exciting,” Ferris said. The VDub Sessions is a music video series that began

in 2010 as a partnership between Fowler Volkswagen ofNorman and local indie rock radio station The Spy tosupport the state’s evolving music culture. The seriescaptures live performances inside a 1977 Volkswagenbus as it tours the streets of downtown Oklahoma City.

The growth only continued. In August 2012, KOSU,the NPR station serving Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Stillwater announced acontent partnership with The Spy.“The Spy has done a tremendous job of tapping into the pulse of the

community to provide a vibrant venue for music genres that are completelyunderserved in our state,” said Kelly Burley, KOSU Director. “Through ourpartnership, we look forward to amplifying what The Spy does best as wecreate more uniquely Oklahoma experiences for public radio listeners.”


KOSU now simulcasts The Spy’s originalonline evening programs, including Freakbeat,with host Kenworth, who navigates the world ofGarage Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Art Rock andearly Electronic, Mondays at 8 p.m.; TheOklahoma Rock Show, featuring local bandsfrom across the state with hosts Ryan LaCroixand Grace Gordon, Thursdays at 7 p.m.; JukeJoint Revival, resurrecting Rockabilly, Hillbilly,Rock and Roll, Jump Blues and Rhythm andBlues with Juke Joint Jenni, Fridays at 7 p.m.;SpyLab, a mix show of dance music ranging fromhouse to dubstep to chill, hosted byinternationally renowned DJ and recordproducer Katie Wicks, Saturdays at 9 p.m; theSunday Toaster Brunch with your host E-Roy,featuring two hours of the best reggae, dub, skaand 2tone, Sunday at 10 a.m.; the Night Shiftwith David Goad, two hours of goth, Tuesdays at9 p.m.; the Blank Generation, one full hourdevoted to Punk, Fridays at 10 p.m.; Millions

Now Listening Will Never Die with thelegendary Jon Mooneyham, two hours of post-punk, featuring interviews and music from thisincredibly intriguing time in music history;You’re Welcome, Oklahoma’s only all-vinylmusic show with Beau and Kellen, Tuesdays at 7p.m.; and Tasting Notes, which pairs wine withmusic, Mondays at 7 p.m.KOSU also airs The Spy’s mix of modern music

during the remaining evening and overnighthours while continuing popular shows such as APrairie Home Companion, American Routes,The Blue Door Music Show and Folk Salad.“Everyone here at The Spy is extremely

humbled and honored to be asked by KOSU tobecome a part of this venture. This is such anincredible opportunity for everyone involvedwith The Spy; we promise to continue bringingthe listener the best in new music as well asclassics, producing the best specialty shows inthe country,” said Ferris.


But as Oklahomans gathered at the Plaza District to helpcelebrate the three-year anniversary and 100th episodecelebration of the VDub Sessions, Ferris was alreadyheading out. After all the years of struggle to keepOklahoma’s independent and alternative station alive,there was no way he was going to risk any dead air. n

ART

M ention the name Allan Houser, and itimmediately brings to mind vividimages of Native Americans portrayedin paintings and sculpture.

To Oklahomans, his name is exemplified in the majestic, larger than lifebronze sculpture that graces the State Capitol grounds - As Long As theWaters Flow. To visitors to the National Cowboy Museum, his name issynonymous with his graceful bronze sculpture, Smoke Signal, an iconicwork that accurately depicts a Native American communications custom.The bronze won the Museum’s prestigious Prix de West Purchase Award in1993 and is in the permanent art collection.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 ion Oklahoma 23

Houser Exhibit Reflects Impact On His StudentsBy M. J. Van Deventer

Through May 11, 2014, the National Cowboy Museum isoffering another look at Allan Houser, as seen through the eyesof many of his students, who today enjoy their own style offame in the Native American art genre. The exhibit, AllanHouser and His Students, looks at Houser as teacher andmentor. The show includes Houser’s works from the Museum’scollection, as well as art by his students and protégés.

Among the artists and colleagues he taught, influenced andexhibited with were Bob Haozous, one of his two artist sons;Kevin Red Star, Pop Chalee, Gerald Nailor, Robert Chee, EarlBliss, Parker Boyiddle, John Hoover, Doug Hyde, Fritz Scholder,Dan Namingha, Ben Harjo, an Oklahoma City artist, and T. C.Cannon. Among those, Cannon is often credited with being atrendsetter in Native American art for his colorful andcontroversial contemporary views of Native life.

BORN IN 1914 ON THE FAMILY FARM near Apache and Ft. Sill,Houser was the first member of his family from the ChiricahuaApache tribe born outside of captivity since the 1886surrender of Houser’s granduncle Geronimo and the tribe’simprisonment by the U. S. Government.

At age 20, Houser left home to study at Dorothy Dunn’s ArtStudio at the Santa Fe Indian School in New Mexico. He

excelled there, became Dunn’s protégé, but found her programconstricting. Five years later, he began his professional artcareer by showing at the New York World’s Fair and otherprestigious exhibitions in Chicago and San Francisco. His firstpublic commission was for the Main Interior Building inWashington, D.C. It was an auspicious beginning to a careerthat lasted until his death.

As a teacher at the Intermountain Indian School in BrighamCity, Utah and later the Institute of American Indian Arts in

Santa Fe, Houser had the opportunity to impact hundreds ofstudents with his strong work ethic and his belief it wasimportant to work in as many sculptural media as possible.

After 36 years in the classroom – all the while creatinghundreds of sculptures, drawings and paintings – he retiredin 1975 to devote himself to sculpture. His retirement was anartistic rebirth and marked the most prolific stage of hiscareer.

Among his most distinctive honors was receiving theNational Medal of Arts in 1992. He was the first NativeAmerican to receive this honor, which was presented at theWhite House by then President George H. W. Bush. Two yearslater, he presented the sculpture, May We Have Peace, as agift to the U.S. Government. The sculpture was accepted by

1993 Smoke signal


then First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton for installation at theVice President’s official residence.

AS A WRITER AND ART COLLECTOR, I had the opportunity tomeet him casually at several art shows in Santa Fe during thelate 1980s and early 1990s. But it was a distinct pleasure -an honor really - to have him seated across from me at mydesk at the National Cowboy Museum where I served asdirector of publications and editor of Persimmon Hillmagazine from 1990 to 2008.

It was a pleasant June afternoon in 1993 and the Museumwas buzzing with Prix de West activity. Houser’s magnificentsculpture, Smoke Signal, wasincluded in the show. The Prix deWest committee, which choosesthe major award winners for thisexhibit, had voted Houser’sstunning sculpture as the Prix deWest Award winner. It was atradition for the honoree to give asmall acceptance speech -something a little more than“Thank You” - at the Saturdayevening awards banquet.

Houser was nowhere to befound.

Museum directors were frantic. Byron Price was the directorthen and he put his detective talents to work. He knew Houserwas very close friends with Betty Price, then the executivedirector of the Oklahoma Arts Council. And he knew the RedEarth Festival was in full swing downtown. He sent out hissleuths to find Betty Price, who helped locate an unsuspectingHouser. Naturally, he was found visiting with Native Americanfriends in one of the Red Earth art booths.

In our interview later that afternoon, before the awardsbanquet, he reminisced about the first time he participated ina show in 1966 at what was then named the National CowboyHall of Fame. He remembered he was in good company at thatshow with other artists including R. C. Gorman, Willard Stone,Fred Beaver and Rance Hood. It was at that show that he metGlenn Green who had just opened a new gallery forcontemporary Southwestern art in Phoenix. The chancemeeting proved invaluable for Houser.

As Houser pondered the significance of winning the Prix de

West Purchase Award in our interview, he was humble, soft-spoken and thoughtful, as if measuring each word. Hisacceptance speech that evening was equally as brief, buttouching.

Several of Houser’s comments that day still linger in mymemory.

He explained that Smoke Signal was inspired by a story toldto him by his father about how Native Americans sometimescommunicated. “I think that all I’ve witnessed, the stories mydad told me, gave me a lot of pride in who I really am andencouraged me to tell stories in my art. I felt strongly that I hadsomething to offer, and I continue to do it in my way,” he said.

I remember he paused, againseeming to measure hiscomments. “My work is about mypeople’s beauty, their dignity.About showing in my way, what Ithink of who I am, who they are,and making them proud. In mywork, this is what I strive for, thisdignity, this goodness that is inMan.”

A recent article in PersimmonHill noted, “Houser has beenreferred to as the ‘Grandfather ofContemporary Native American

sculpture.’ He has, without question, had the most influencein establishing the canons of Native sculpture.”

Houser continued sculpting and winning awards andaccolades until his death, August 22, 1994. He was 80 yearsold, but his passing did not quell his artistic legacy. In 2008,the Oklahoma History Center held a major exhibition,Unconquered: Allan Houser and the Legacy of One ApacheFamily,” which looked at three generations of theHaozous/Houser family. His work continues to be exhibited inthe Betty Price Gallery at the Oklahoma State Capitol and atGilcrease Museum in Tulsa. The Houser family compound, nearSanta Fe is a magnificent tribute to his immense talent.

Today, his work can be found in collections all over the worldincluding the British Royal Collection, London; the CentreGeorges Pompidou, Paris, France; and the Japanese RoyalCollection in Tokyo. The National Cowboy Museum exhibit honorsHouser, whose 100th birthday would be June 30, 2014. n

“My work is about my people’sbeauty, their dignity. Aboutshowing in my way, what Ithink of who I am, who theyare, and making them proud. In my work, this is what Istrive for, this dignity, thisgoodness that is in Man.”

— Allan Houser

EVENTS

OKLAHOMA IS AWASH IN MUCH ANTICIPATION as LyricTheatre of Oklahoma prepares to present its holidaytradition, Lyric’s “A Christmas Carol,” presented byDevon Energy, for the third year through Dec. 28 at thePlaza Theatre.

Lyric is proud to welcome, direct from Washington,D.C.’s Ford’s Theatre’s production of “A ChristmasCarol” nationally-acclaimed actor Chris Bloch in therole of Ebenezer Scrooge. Boasting an impressiveresume, Bloch is best known for his work as BobCratchit and Ebenezer Scrooge, as well as in “LesMiserables,” “1776,” TV’s “The West Wing” and muchmore.

“We are ecstatic to have Chris join the cast,” said

Michael Baron, Lyric’s artistic director and director ofthe show. “This being the third year of the production,it is the perfect time to bring a fresh perspective intothe character of Scrooge. Chris is a superb actor andwe are excited for Oklahoma audiences to see him onstage for the first time.”

Bloch will not be the only new addition to the castthis year—Jennifer Teel will take on the role of TheGhost of Christmas Past. Returning, outstanding castmembers include: Tom Huston Orr as Bob Cratchit,Matthew Alvin Brown as Fred/Young Scrooge, MandyJiran as The Ghost of Christmas Present, TommyCunningham as Jacob Marley/Mr. Fezziwig, Susan Rileyas Mrs. Cratchit, Mat Govich as the

Oklahoma City Arts ring in Holiday Season with Classic Favorites

Oklahoma City’s Lyric Theatre and Civic Center of Oklahoma City present two holiday favorites to help ring in Christmas.

Tickets are on sale now for both “A Christmas Carol” at the Lyric and“The Nutcracker,” presented by the Oklahoma City Ballet.

LYRIC’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL presented by Devon Energy Opens Holiday Season


Lyric Theatre’s presentation of Christmas Carol.

Solicitor/Undertaker, Lexi Windsor as Mrs. Fred, MelissaGriffith as Belle, Brenda Williams as Mrs. Dilber, CharlieMonnot as Topper and two casts of talented local children,many of who attend Lyric’s Thelma Gaylord Academy. In aspecial appearance, Vince Leseney will take over the role ofBob Cratchit December 26 through 28.

Tickets for “A Christmas Carol” are now on sale. Topurchase, call (405) 524-9312, visit LyricTheatreOKC.comor stop by Lyric’s box office at 1727 NW 16th Street inOklahoma City.

The production is sponsored by Devon Energy, Tri-StateIndustrial Group, Mark and Beverly Funke, First Liberty Bank,Mercy, Chesapeake Energy and The Oklahoman. Annualsupport is provided by Allied Arts, Inasmuch Foundation,Kirkpatrick Foundation, Oklahoma Arts Council and TheShubert Foundation.

About Lyric Theatre of OklahomaFounded in 1963, Lyric is Oklahoma’s leading professional

theatre company. For 50 years, Lyric has produced classic andcontemporary musicals and plays featuring both nationallyknown Broadway stars and local favorites. Lyric produces fourlarge-scale, fully orchestrated musicals at the Civic CenterMusic Hall each summer, as well as four smaller works at thePlaza Theatre during the spring, fall and winter. Lyric’s ThelmaGaylord Academy is a professional training ground forstudents ages 5-18 offering classes in all aspects of musicaltheatre. Academy students have the opportunity to perform intwo full-scale productions each year on the Plaza Theatrestage. For more information visit LyricTheatreOKC.com.

LyricTheatreOKC.com

LyricTheatreOKC.com


The Nutcracker is being presented at the Oklahoma City Civic Center.

OKC Ballet Presents Holiday Favorite, The Nutcracker

The OKC Civic Center Music Hall’s Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theatrepresents the Oklahoma City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 13 to 15 andon Dec. 10 to 22.

The holidays are not complete without this beautiful production for thewhole family. Called “fresh and exciting, a true accomplishment” by theOklahoman in 2012, Oklahoma City Ballet’s version of the holiday classicstays true to the original libretoo inspired by the E.T.A. Hoffman story “TheNutcracker and the Mouse King.”

The Nutcracker brings visions of sugar plums, dancing snowflakes and ahost of other fanciful characters to the child in us all. Tchaikovsky’s enduringscore is performed live at every performance by the Oklahoma CityPhilharmonic.

To purchase tickets, visit http://www.okcciviccenter.com/shows.php

http://www.okcciviccenter.com/shows.php

ART

T he sun has barely risen, and Jack Fowler alreadyis starting the day. He walks his dog and grabs abite for breakfast: just another start to a normalday that any Oklahoman could relate to.

His excitement is brewing, and he can’t wait to get started. But Fowlerisn’t getting ready for a 9 to 5 job.

Fowler is a local Oklahoma City artist who paints portraits and,recently, designs conceptual art sculptures. He describes his work aspop culture art.

At an early age, Fowler started painting as a hobby. “I’ve always been artistic. I’ve always been an artist, but I haven’t

been a painter until four years ago,” he said.Fowler dabbled in other careers before finally deciding to start

painting full time. The journalist-turned-educator was the managingeditor at the Mustang Times and Eufaula Indian Journal. He also spentsome time in his teens as a staff writer for his hometown newspaper.

Jack FowlerEveryday Objects become Art

By M.A. Smith



Yet, he wasn’t content. Hisheart yearned for more. Paintingwas the one thing he found thatfilled the void.

“It was the only thing thatmade me happy anymore,”Fowler said. “It was the onlything I wanted to do.”

When journalism didn’t satisfy his passion, Fowler turned toteaching. It was during his time as an elementary teacher hefinally gave in to the artistic call and started working full-timeas a painter.

“I found myself daydreaming about getting home to finish apainting,” Fowler said as he relived the memories. “My suitsand ties all have paint on them now because I wouldn’tchange clothes. I was excited to finish a project.”

In 2011, Fowler entered the market as a hit. His displayedhis art at a local gallery and ended up selling 75 percent, ararity for a first-timer. This taste of success would drive him tomore paintings and more success.

“The rest was history. A year later, I quit my job and startedmaking money from it,” Fowler said. “It was something I could

make happen if I worked hard enough and stayed positive.”Being an artist isn’t always easy on the finances,

however. Fowler says sometimes he has the money to paybills and sometimes he doesn’t.

Happiness isn’t measured by the amount of money in hisbank account, though.

“I would not trade my occasional stress over how I’mgoing to make ends meet for the daily stress of working forsomeone else,” Fowler said. “If money is your objective fordoing what you do with your daily life, it affects your stressand happiness level.”

While he’s looking for a new, permanent studio, his homeis his studio for now. “I threw away all my furniture and it’sfull of art now.”

Fowler warns though that self-employment isn’t foreveryone. It takes dedication and sacrifice. “You have to beable to work every day without someone telling you what todo and when to do it,” he says.

Challenge has also become amotto for Fowler. He just started anew type of art, using everydayitems found in his home.

“Everyday Household Objects”


opens at 6 p.m. Dec 1 at Tall HillCreative, 3421 N Villa. The show willinclude his popular City Scapespaintings and sculptures madeusing everyday items.

“This show will be a new phasefor me. It is a way to challengemyself,” Fowler said. “A lot ofevery day stuff laying around my

house that I have turned into art.”He said he wants to be famous one day. “I would like to turn the entire

state into my gallery. I want everyone to have a Jack Fowler in their home.”If past commissions are a measure of his success, Fowler is on his way to

achieving that desired fame. Oklahoma City Thunder’s own Kevin Durantasked the painter to create a portrait of legendary Civil Rights activistMalcolm X.

Despite his desire for popularity, Fowler is still modest to the core. He saidhe apologizes for wanting recognition, but says it is only natural.

“Artists are proud of their creations. We want people to know our work.” n

Cheevers dip.

DINING

B ehind one of Oklahoma City’s mostpopular restaurants lies a piece ofOklahoma City history. Cheever’s Caféoccupies a building that was once the

family home of Oklahoma Belle Cunningham,the first baby born in the newly incorporatedOklahoma City. She would grow up and marryL.L. Cheever, and in 1938, the two wouldpurchase the family home on Hudson Street.Belle would run a flower business out of the home, and the

family lived in the back of the historic Victorian home as lateas the 1990s. Cheever’s Flowers was a solid family businessfor decades, and house was home to three generations ofCheevers.Heather and Keith Paul, owners of A Good Egg Dining

Group, purchased the building in 2000. Much of the originalhome/business is still intact, including the original terrazzofloors and the refrigeration case for fresh flowers—it nowholds flowers, wine, and beer. Cheever’s Café is regularly cited as a favorite destination for

brunch, lunch, and dinner. The food is probably bestdescribed as Southern comfort food with a Southwest twist,but the staff has more than sufficient flexibility and talent topull off even the most elegant of dishes.Because it is comfort food, you will find a chicken fried

steak on the menu. The good news is that there is alunch/brunch portion and a dinner portion. Unless youhaven’t eaten in days, plan on taking some of the dinner-sized

34 ion Oklahoma OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

CHEEVER’SSouthern Comfort Food with a Southwest Elegance

By Greg Horton


portion home with you. The beef is tender, and thebatter is crispy and delicious. What makes the dishis the jalapeno cream gravy! Thankfully, it’s servedwith mashed potatoes, so go ahead and ask for moregravy. Once you have the chicken fried steak, and if

you’re thinking “death row meal,” why not try thechocolate cake for dessert? It’s a rich, moist layercake, and it goes wonderfully with an after-dinnercoffee. Again, fair warning; it is roughly the size ofa baby’s head. You can put it in the refrigerator tosnack on for the next two days.One of the signature items at Cheever’s reflects

the Southwest twist: Juan’s Queso Chihuahua. It’sbest to let the menu do the description here. Thedish is composed of layers of black beans, roastedgarlic crema, and melted chihuahua cheese toppedwith fresh avocados and tomatillo salsa. Of courseit’s served with tortilla chips and pico de gallo.Another favorite appetizer is the quail stack. This

one makes a nice meal, especially when toppedwith a fried egg. Layers of tortillas, cheeses, anchochile sauce, and roasted quail are topped withavocado salsa verde. They will make it for you justabout any time, and it’s wonderful with a glass ofCava from Cheever’s newly designed wine list.


Brunch at Cheever’s is served on Saturday andSunday, but reservations are stronglyrecommended, especially on Sunday. One of thefavorite dishes among the regulars is shrimp andgrits. Garlic-white wine braised jumbo shrimpare wrapped in bacon and served on cheddar-green onion grits with Sriracha-honey butter. It’sa rich, slightly spicy indulgence.A full bar is always available, and brunch does

feature Mimosas or Cheever’s wonderful RoséMojito. Beverage director Jason Ewald has donea wonderful job with the new wine list, and hehas made classic cocktails an emphasis, givingCheever’s bar an old world charm consistent withthe building’s amazing history. n

Above, Cheevers Chicken Fried Steak. Right, a decadent chocolate cake.

B arbecue is everywhere throughout thesouthwestern United States, and not thekind associated with the Carolinas, inwhich is too much vinegar and not enough

smoky deliciousness. The tangy, smoky barbecueassociated with Kansas City and Ft. Worth isreplicated all over this part of the country. Thehardest thing to do can be to distinguish one’sbrand from the plethora already available.

DINING


Gets Innovative with BarbecueBy Greg Horton

A Good Egg Dining Group, owned byHeather and Keith Paul, opened Iron StarrUrban Barbecue in 2002. Keith Paul is a Ft.Worth native, so he grew up with barbecue, andhe wanted to create a barbecue joint that wastrue to the southwestern style but innovativeenough to expand the menu and palate.The menu opens with someone you don’t see

very often: house-made pimento cheese. In thecase of Iron Starr, it’s a charred jalapeno


pimento cheese. The dish is a signal of sorts that you’re infor something deliciously different. For every dish youremember from your childhood, especially if you’re fromaround here, Iron Starr tweaks it just a bit to actuallymake it better and more interesting: deviled eggs,cornbread, fried okra, and mac and cheese. The deviledeggs are served with pepper ceviche, not the paprika thatwas my mother’s sole condiment when making deviledeggs. One of Iron Starr’s best items is a salad. That seems like

a strange thing to say about a barbecue joint, but the BeefTenderloin salad is a perfect blend of cold crisp iceberglettuce and sliced beef tenderloin. Served with a spicedpecan and creamy bleu cheese mixture and a bleu-cheesebacon vinaigrette, this is one of the best salads in thestate.Although barbecue is the focus at Iron Starr, the

restaurant has become justly famous for the quality oftheir sides, especially the Fancy Mac & Cheese. Don’tlimit yourself to the mac ‘n’ cheese, though. Iron Starralso whips up delicious braised collard greens, anamazing dish you won’t find very many places in themetro. Not satisfied with standard fried okra, Iron Starrfries the whole pod, and everything they do is done in-


house, so none of that frozen fried okra taste andslimy texture.The meats are smoked in-house, and the

commitment to quality meat and quality barbecuecomes through with every dish. Consistency is thebane of barbecue restaurants: too much smoke, notenough, overcooked, over-seasoned. There are adozen things that can go wrong, but Iron Starr nailsit every time. A Good Egg is big on processes, andthe processes work to ensure quality here.Everyone has a different way of judging their

favorite barbecue joint, and it’s typically based onpreference. Pulled pork, ribs, brisket, andsausages are the most common ways a barbecuejoint’s expertise is judged. Iron Starr nails themall. Even the less famous smoked chicken is givena delicious twist by the addition of an apricot-serrano pepper glaze that adds sweetness andspice. The pulled pork comes from pigs raised atSeaboard Farms right here in Oklahoma.Iron Starr has a gluten free menu, tons of healthy

options, and amazing desserts. It’s impossible to gowrong with Double Chocolate Bread Pudding orPeach Crisp. n

TRAVEL

A sculpture and grand entrance on the north side of WinStar.

O klahoma’s landscape near I-35 andthe Texas state line is reachingskyward, thanks to the vision of theChickasaw Nation.

WinStar World Casino and Resort, one of the largest in theworld, recently opened its second hotel tower, an 18-storyhigh rise with 500 guest rooms, along with more diningoptions, an outdoor pool and garden oasis, a new gamingarea and additional slot machines.

It may not be the largest in terms of square footage, butWinStar does have more electronic games than any othercasino in the world, according to the Chickasaw Nation.

And it’s still big. Walking from one end of the casino tothe other requires strong legs and comfortable shoes, butthere are thousands of places to sit, play and rest along theway and several self-service beverage stations, restaurantsand cafes when a little nourishment is needed.

WinStar’s exterior replicates international cities while theinside features eight gaming plazas – Paris, Beijing, Rome,Madrid, London, Vienna, Cairo and New York City.

Opened in early November, the new Pool Tower Northreflects a European design with curves and columns alongwith more contemporary elements and sweeping patternssprinkled in the mix. The combination makes the entire arealight and bright and at the same time warm andwelcoming.

Hotel amenities include the Terrace View Café, open 24hours and offering casual American dining; Rotunda Bar; alarge pool with two hot tubs, six private cabanas and a firepit; and lush landscaping.


RISE UPWinStar opens new hotel tower

and other casino projects

by Linda Miller


Casino 360° is a new gaming area at WinStar World Casino and Resort.


A third hotel tower, similar in size to Tower North, isexpected to open in 2014. Both towers will share a grandentrance with the existing 12-story WinStar World CasinoHotel.

“This is a significant milestone in our efforts to upgradewhat we believe is a world-class destination,” saidChickasaw Nation Gov. BillAnoatubby. “This new hotel andother expansions also continue to enhance the positiveeconomic impact WinStar has in this area.”

Along with the new hotel tower, another recentlycompleted project added more than 56,000 square feet tothe London Gaming Plaza near the new hotel. Theexpansion included the addition of Casino 360o, a gameroom with lighted message board and jackpotcelebrations; the supersize Gran Via Buffet; and RegalHigh Stakes with 62 electronic gaming machines and 10table games.

The hotel and London Plaza expansion added about 450jobs to the area, bringing the total number of employeesat the casino and resort to 3,500, said Gov. Anoatubby.

In 2007, WinStar began preparing to double the size ofits existing casino, a 190,000-square-foot facility with2,100 electronic games.

WinStar currently has more than 7,400 electronic gamesand 120 table games, a 3,500-seat concert venue, Mistnight club, two hotel towers, an inn, an RV park, spa,shopping and more than a dozen eateries. n

Left, the new Pool Tower North hotel has18 stories and 500 upscale rooms.

Right, Gran Via Buffet features sevencooking stations.

PEOPLE

R ee Drummond, also known as PioneerWoman, unveiled her latest book, ThePioneer Woman Cooks: A Year ofHolidays just in time for the holidays.

Telling funny tales of hard work, good food, and family life onthe rural Oklahoma ranch where she lives with her husband andfour children, Ree Drummond has attracted millions of readers toher website, The PioneerWoman.com.

In addition to her top-rated cooking show on Food Network andmultiple best-selling books, she has been named one of Forbes’Top 25 Web Celebrities. In THE PIONEER WOMAN COOKS: A Year ofHolidays, 140 Step-By-Step Recipes for Simple, ScrumptiousCelebrations, Ree captures what holidays are really all about—cooking good food and sharing good times with family andfriends.

In her biggest cookbook yet, Ree shares more than 140delectable new and classic recipes, all presented

alongside her trademark gorgeous, step-by-stepphotographs.Ree’s tried-and-true recipes rely on simple

ingredients, and are guaranteed to please familyand friends. And while these recipes are meant to make

holiday planning a snap, they’re also are quick and easy enoughto become everyday family favorites year round.

In addition, to ensure all the holidays are as stress-free aspossible, the easy Do-Ahead Game Plans for big meals allow thehost to enjoy the day as much as the guests. Of course, Reecovers major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, butshe also covers other fun and beloved holidays, like The Big


A Pioneer in Taste –Rhee Drummond unveils new cookbook in Pioneer Woman style

Photos by Fran Kozakowski and Koch Communications


Game, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Cinco de Mayo.

Here’s a glimpse at some of the scrumptious holiday recipes in the book:Valentine’s Day:

Red Velvet Pancakes, Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothies, ChocolateValentine Cookies, and a romantic dinner for two with Bacon-Wrapped FiletEaster:

Hot Cross Buns, Glazed Easter Ham, Cheddar Chive Biscuits, andAsparagus with Dill HollandaiseCinco de Mayo:

Blackberry Margaritas, Glorious Guacamole, Beef and Chicken Fajitas,Fiesta Black Beans, Zesty Lime Rice, and Dulce de Leche BrowniesHalloween:

Petrifying Pumpkin Pancakes, Mummy Dogs, Caramel Apples, Platterof Darkness, Cheese Ball of Death, and Eyeball Cake BallsThanksgiving:

Pumpkin Smoothies, Roasted Turkey, Skillet Cornbread, Soul Sweet’Taters, No-Knead Cloverleaf Rolls, and Perfect Pie Crust

for three delicious piesChristmas:

Brandy Snaps, Chocolate Candy CaneCookies, Gingerbread House Cookies,

Prime Rib, Yorkshire Pudding,Burgundy Mushrooms, and

Boozy Bread Pudding

Below, Ree Drummond poses withStacie Henderson at the book signing.


PLUS:Easy recipes that transform holiday leftovers into feasts all

their own—like Perfect Egg Salad, Deviled Eggs, ScallopedPotatoes with Ham, Turkey Spring Rolls, and Turkey Tetrazzini

Ree believes that holidays are really just one enormousexcuse to gather family and friends around the table and eat,and THE PIONEER WOMAN COOKS: A Year of Holidays turnsevery holiday into a delicious celebration. The recipes willquickly define your own holiday traditions, and the beautifulphotographs and funny, heartfelt stories make this cookbook akeepsake, one to pass down and share with those you love.

Ree Drummond began blogging in 2006 and has builtwww.ThePioneerWoman.com into an award-winning website,where she shares recipes, showcases her photography, anddocuments her hilarious transition from city life to ranch wife.The New York Times bestselling author of The Pioneer WomanCooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl, The Pioneer

Woman Cooks: Food from My Frontier, The Pioneer Woman:Black Heels to Tractor Wheels—A Love Story, and the Charliethe Ranch Dog children’s book series. Ree is the host of herown cooking show, The Pioneer Woman on Food Network.

She has appeared on Good Morning America, TODAY, Fox andFriends, The View, The Chew, and QVC, and has been featuredin Ladies Home Journal, Woman’s Day,People, More, FoodNetwork Magazine, and Southern Living. Ree also founded thepopular recipe-sharing website Tasty Kitchen, a thrivingonline community for home cooks and chefs alike.

She lives on a working cattle ranch in near Pawhuska,Oklahoma, with her husband, Ladd, and their four children.

The book is available for purchase for $29.99 plus tax. Formore information visit, www.fullcirclebooks.com or “like” themon Facebook or follow them on Twitter. n

Above, book purchasers at Ree Drummond’s book signing (Kampbell Kopera, Robin Kopera, Carol Lee, Blair Brawley, Sarah Brawley, Haley McNeil,Shannon Duvall).

www.fullcirclebooks.com

COMMUNITY


Free Music, Spaces and Books…

OH MY! “A great library contains the diary of the human race.”

— George Mercer Dawson

By Asa Leveaux

Almonte library space.


North West Library.

W here in Oklahoma City can youmeet with a prospective client ina quiet and professionalatmosphere, add the latest

melodic jazz single to your trusted musicdevice, research county and national

records to see if you are in fact a true-blood Yankee or southerner and introduceyour children to the world of hairycaterpillars and delicious eggs and hamthat are found to be green, all for free?


You can find all this and more at the city’spublic libraries, of course.

In 1809, Thomas Jefferson wrote to JohnWyche that, “I have often thought that nothingwould do more extensive good at a smallexpense than the establishment of a smallcirculating library in every county, to consist ofa few well-chosen books, to be lent to thepeople of the country under regulations aswould secure their safe return in due time.”

Oklahoma’s Metropolitan Library System hasanswered Mr. Jefferson’s expectations in a waythat satisfies the minds of those alive today.

The inception of the Metropolitan LibrarySystem is enthralled with history dating back to 1889 when

the Philomathea Club headed by Mrs. Selwyn Douglas chartereda club library due to their love of learning. On August 16, 1900,the cornerstone was laid for what would be one of downtownOklahoma City’s prolific jewels. Thanks to Andrew Carnegie andhis philanthropy, the library was able to expand withcontributions over $50,000 over the span of 50 years.

Kim Terry, director of Marketing for Metropolitan LibrarySystems and publisher of the Metropolitan Library Systemmagazine info, was able to bridge the historic objective of the19 libraries to present day.

“In the early days of the Metropolitan Library System, thefocus was on providing information to ourcustomers. Today, while providinginformation is still one of our mainobjectives, we also focus on helping visitorsexplore special interests and offer civic,cultural and community enrichmentopportunities,” she said. “We want the libraryto be a welcoming space where people canmeet and interact with others as well asprovide virtual space to customers so theycan use our wide assortment of digitalresources.”

Terry and the staff at the city’s librarieshave positioned themselves to provideservice and resources to the red dirt masses.This year alone the Metropolitan Library MLS-Children’s Room.

Wifi customer.

Oklahoma collection.


System served millions of visitors and those 3 millionsupporters checked out more than 6.5 million books and othermaterial from the 19 libraries.

There are over 16,000 titles available just for eBooks andover 250 free titles through the libraries’ magazine servicecalled Zinio. The library system has approximately 150databases that seem to be one of the most underutilizedfeatures of the library system, according to Terry.

A few of the topics that the databases cover include carrepair, learning foreign languages, streaming educationalvideos, biblical studies, test prep, genealogy, historicalnewspapers, same day local, national and global newspapersand business databases such as Value Line and Morningstar.

Two of the 19 gems include the Downtown Library and thenewly built Northwest Library near NW 122nd and MacArthur.At the Northwest Library, I was immediately began toremember my fascination with books that began when I was achild when I was met by the whimsical seven foot tallSaurophaganax dinosaur (official state fossil of Oklahoma)fitted with Chuck All-Stars, designed by Solomon Bassoff ofFaducci Studio, that faces the street.

The architecture allows for a more open design and payshomage to the history of Oklahoma through study areas thatare housed in glass that resemble oil-derricks. A few of theservices that were offered included being able to makeChristmas ornaments from cinnamon dough to learning howto download free music every week to arranging a meetingwith retired executives on planning to build a business tolearning how to play chess.

Oklahoma’s Metropolitan Library system offers a cornucopiaof free services for the state’s residents that most are

paying handsomely for every day. During this season ofreflection and making resolutions, I would offer yourcommunities’ library as a vehicle to make your dreams turninto goals and your goals become realities.

Whether you desire to start a business, research the origin ofyour grandparents or choose to meditate more often withtranscendent music, put your debit card away and set your eyeson the 19 jewels of the Oklahoma Metropolitan Library System.

For more information on your communities’ library, pleasevisit www.metrolibrary.org. n

Summer Reading for children.

www.metrolibrary.org

GLAUCOMA & BLINDNESSWhy this degenerative disease requires advanced glaucoma expertise.

GLAGLAUCUCOMA vision degOMA vision degenereneration station startsarts in the brin the brain, ain, advadvancances tes to the optic nervo the optic nerve and a!e and a!ects the rects the retina letina lastast. . As a rAs a result, the elesult, the elevevatated intred intraoculaocular prar pressuressuree and land loss oss of peripherof peripheral visional vision arare le latate arriving se arriving symptymptoms of oms of GLAGLAUCUCOMA diseaseOMA disease..

That’That’s why the earliest possibls why the earliest possible diagnosis and pre diagnosis and prompt ompt ccorrorrect trect treatment(s) beatment(s) by an advy an advancanced gled glaucaucoma eoma expertxpertarare absoe absolulutetely vitly vital in pral in preventing leventing loss of vision and oss of vision and blindness. Importblindness. Important fant fact tact to ro remember: The risk of visionemember: The risk of visionloloss in glss in glaucaucoma cases incroma cases increases sevenfoleases sevenfoldd aftafter ager age 55. e 55.

FFortunatortunatelely,y, adv advancanced GLAed GLAUCUCOMA scrOMA screening, teening, testing,esting, trtreatment and leatment and laser eyaser eye sure surgegeryry, if nec, if necessaressary,y, b by y OklOklahoma’ahoma’s advs advancanced gled glaucaucoma eoma expert, is cxpert, is coveoverred bed by y most medical insurmost medical insurancancee plplans.ans.

That eThat expert is DR JOHN Pxpert is DR JOHN P. BELARDO. BELARDO, M.D, M.D. . FAFACSCS, , cco-fo-founder and rounder and refractive surgeon at Oklahoma Citefractive surgeon at Oklahoma City’y’s s ADADVVANCED LASER CENTER. DrANCED LASER CENTER. Dr. Bel. Belarardo has perfdo has performed ormed ovover 40,000 suer 40,000 succccessful vision cessful vision corrorrections and prections and proovides vides 21 y21 years of advears of advancanced eed experiencxperience with full service with full service optical e optical plplus ophthalmic carus ophthalmic care, including advanced Glaucoma,e, including advanced Glaucoma, BlBladeladeless Less Lasik and Suturasik and Sutureleless Cess Catatararact Suract Surgegeryry..

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CCENTERENTER OOKLAHOMAKLAHOMA

BUSINESS

O klahoma is ripe for new business,and a local company has provenit knows the secret ingredient forsuccess.

Hunter Merritt, co-founder of Prairie Wolf Spirits –the only licensed distillery in the state – said his familyhad always wanted to own a business. And what betterway to accomplish that dream than by making vodka?“Alcohol is fun. The process and everything about it

is exciting,” Merritt said.Born and raised in Oklahoma, the Merritt family

started by looking at properties in Oklahoma City, butwith less-than-friendly responses, they quickly movedtheir endeavors to Guthrie.“When you start talking about a distillery in the city,

people get very reluctant to help out. Guthrie justasked us ‘What do you need,’” Merrit said. “Guthrie ispro-distillery and recruited us heavily. They were veryopen to us. Plus, the Victorian area is beautiful.”With more than $2 million seed money in hand, the

Merritt’s opened shop this summer and haven’t lookedback. They named the business after their family ranchin Loyal. “We’ve been doing business in Oklahoma since the

Land Run of 1889,” Merritt said. “We still ownthe 160-acre plot the family attained duringthe Run.”Each week, they set up a production line.

The male members of the family – David, Hunter andBlake – mix the alcohol and start the distillationprocess, while their wives – Amanda, Peri and Cheryl –handle the packaging.

Prairie Wolf SpiritsA Howling Success

By: M.A. Smith


“We haven’t discussedhiring anyone yet. That’s stillin the works. We are very much a family business,” Merritt said.

As the most popular alcoholic beverage in the nation,vodka was naturally the first choice for production. Butthe family had no desires to be just another maker ofalcohol. They demanded a unique product that sets themaside from the rest.“We knew there are, literally, thousands of these on the

market. In Oklahoma, the fact that we are locally madesets us aside,” Merritt said. The young entrepreneur also studied at the hands of

the masters. They traveled to Whiskey Row, where theysought out Louisville, Ky., experts and visited some ofthe world’s finest sites to learn the best trade secrets.It dawned on them that many of the products sold

nationwide had artificial flavors and colors added to themix. The Merritts decided that was the key to success.While vodka can be made using rye, grapes, potatoes

and other grains, Prairie Wolf decided to use corn as agluten-free alternative, one of the few spirit makers to do


so. “We don’t use any additives. Theflavor is 100 percent,” he said.This “secret ingredient” is what

pushed the family’s product to more than250 locations around Oklahoma. In fact,within six months of operation, Merrittsaid the company has made its way tonearly every liquor store in the state.“People ask, ‘Where can we find your

vodka,’” he said. “It’s not only inrestaurants and specialty stores. We areeverywhere. This growth has really keptus busy.”But, the growth came as no surprise to

Prairies Wolf. “Oklahoma has really changed,” Merritt said. “Something

happened within the last six years that has pushed growth aroundthe state. It is a really good time to start a business.”All businesses have bumps in the road starting out, and Merritt

said Prairie Wolf was no different. State licensing and getting the approval for an alcoholic

beverage maker is challenging in Oklahoma, he said. Also,the investment cost was enormous.“We were excited to see that the growth allowed us to start

paying bills within the first few months. But we’re notmaking money yet,” Merritt said. “The hassle to getlicenses was hard. It’s hard to get the state to move onanything.”Nonetheless, the trials were worth it. Merritt said the

company is ready for expansion. Texas and Colorado is next on its list. “We are

planning to open a location in Texas in January,followed by Colorado a few months later,” he said.A new liqueur is also in the making. Merritt’s

family talked with experts in Hawaii, and willrelease a new coffee liqueur in the near future.“We are making the product using real

Kona coffee beans,” he said. “All coffeeliqueurs are made using a flavoring. Thiswill set us apart from other products. Ithink it will be a big success.”For more information about Prairie

Wolf Spirits or to find a retailer, visitthe company’s website atwww.prairiewolfspirits.com n

www.prairiewolfspirits.com

FASHION

W hen the holidays wrap up, many of us turnour thoughts to ways we can make our livesbetter — or easier — the coming year.

We resolve to lose weight, eat healthier, spend less money, save moremoney, volunteer or get rid of the clutter. For me, it’s always a promise toget my closets and drawers better organized. And keep them that way. Let’sjust say it’s a work in progress.

One resolution I made years ago, and almost always manage to keep, is toonly buy clothes that I really love and look good on me. A great-fitting jacketat 75 percent off is no bargain if it’s in an unflattering color or style.


Stylish New YearFashion, beauty and hair resolutions to consider

Above – Every woman needs great basics,including a button-up white shirt. It’s perfectfor layering or wearing alone.

Left – Resolve to maintain your hair withregular trims and treatments.


With 2014 knocking on the door, I asked those in thefashion, beauty and hair industries to share resolutionsthey would like to see women make – or at least keep inmind — this year.

Alexandra Bratton, buyer for On a Whim stores inOklahoma City and Tulsa: I think a good resolution forevery woman for the New Year is to buy really greatfoundations. Everyone needs a button-up white shirt, apair of dark skinny jeans and a black jacket. Once youhave these basics, and have them tailored to your body,it makes getting dressed in a hurry or packing for a tripa snap. They can be layered together or separated in amultitude of different outfitting options.Her personal resolution: My New Year’s resolution is tobe better about getting my wardrobe tailored in a timely

manner. It doesn’t matter how great the jacket is if it is still sittingin your closet six months later because the sleeves are too long.

Greg Welchel, hairstylist and co-owner of Trichology Salon: It’seasy to fall into a pattern of lazy hair maintenance. Have youforgotten to make that next haircut or color appointment, or thatmasque your dry hair so desires? This coming year is the time toresolve to be better about your hair care regimen. Get on a hairschedule, and keep to it.His personal resolution: To learn something new and get moreorganized.

Right – Have fun with makeup. Feel like flashingbold blue eyeliner? Go for it.

Left – For a change of pace, step out in a statement-makingshoe like this Jimmy Choo Fedora from Balliets.


Betsy King, shoe buyer for Balliets:I would like women to step outside the boxthis year and take a chance on a morewhimsical shoe. Don’t be afraid of mixingtextures, patterns and colors. Sometimesthat crazy shoe makes the outfit.Her personal resolution: My shoeresolution is the opposite. I need to lookfor more classic silhouettes. I have acloset full of funky shoes. I don’t evenhave a simple black pump.

Alex Mendez-Kelley, owner of TheMakeUp Bar: I think women going into theNew Year should be a little easier onthemselves. We are committed to ourfamilies and careers so wholeheartedlythat we forget to relax and have fun. Getor give a facial. Wear that bright blueeyeliner and celebrate your beautifulcreative self.Her personal resolution: I really just wantto be more organized. Do a little at a timeand not get overwhelmed. I wonder howlong that will last.

— Linda Miller

Promise yourself a great black jacket this year.

Join us this season to experience retail at its fi nest. For information on upcoming mall events, visit simon.com.

It’s a Family Affair!PENN SQUARE MALL®

Book Buzzby Malena Lott

Eyes Wide Open Provides Path for Better Decisions

Ever wonder why some people seem to know what to do in any givensituation? Ever struggle with decision-making yourself? Enter Eyes

Wide Open: How to Make Smart Decisions in a Confusing World byNoreena Hertz, an associate director in the business school at theUniversity of Cambridge. The book takes readers through dozens of scenarios from the personal

to the professional on a hyperlocal and global scale, using examplesreaders can learn from as well as tips on what to look out for. What’simpressive about the book is how considerate it is of our modern times.

This book would’ve looked very different ten years ago. Hertzhas put special thought into how the digital world impacts ourdecision-making and can lead us down the wrong road if wearen’t careful. The book includes ten stepsfrom “Get to Grips with a Worldin Hyper-Drive” to “EmbraceDissent and EncourageDifference.” Highlyrecommended for anyonelooking to improvedecision-making andavoid the pitfalls whenwe don’t.


Non-fiction is my daily staple and fall reading has providedsome meaty options including Writing is My Drink: A Writer’s Story ofFinding Her Voice (and a Guide to How You Can Too) by Theo PaulineNestor - a good read for those looking to blog or write a memoir orsimply journaling more truthfully.

Confession: Mary Poppins is my all-time favorite movie. When MaryPoppins, She Wrote: The Life of P.L. Travers by Valerie Lawson arrived inthe mail, I may have been so happy I floated to the ceiling a la the scenewith Uncle Albert and the children when they’ve come for tea. The book“explores the events that inspired the major motion picture: Disney’sSaving Mr. Banks,” coming out this December starring Tom Hanks asWalt Disney and Emma Thompson as the author. Not only is the book a keeper for fans of Mary Poppins but for anyone

interested in biographies behind iconic stories. Quickly we find many ofthe most compelling pieces of Mary Poppins were inspired by Travers’real life. Extremely well written and executed.

Buzz Round Up:Heather Davis’, author of the #1 bestselling motherhood book, TMI

Mom: Oversharing My Life, shares her adventures in romance with TMIMom: Getting Lucky (after kids), in paperback ($13.95) and ebook($4.99) releasing after Thanksgiving. Action adventure readers aretreated to a second Timeshifters time travel novel in Cara Brookins’Mark of the Serpent, releasing in paperback ($13.95) and ebook ($3.99)on Dec. 3.

Malena Lott treats readers to a holiday romance with the novella,Sterling & Sloane, set in Manhattan’s upper west side during theholidays. The ebook only release will be available for $1.99 as aholiday special on Amazon and Nook on Dec. 10.


TECHNOLOGY

T he start of a new year always seemsbusier than normal with schedulesgetting back on track after the holidays,new projects beginning and working to

keep new year resolutions. It can be easy toforget the small things, like turning off a lamp,watering your plants and grabbing the rightcredit card when you are heading to the store.Or did your kids forget to tell you theygot home safely from school?Forget less with four smartaccessories so your new yearis smooth sailing!

Forget your wallet? No problem! Withthe ISIS Mobile Wallet you can makepurchases with your phone in place of cash,debit or credit cards. It’s simple, just tap yourphone to make your purchase at any store thataccepts contactless payments. Using the ISISMobile Wallet, you can easily and quickly makepurchases to make your time at the checkoutcounter faster and less stressful.

When you use the ISIS Mobile Wallet, you don’t have to carryaround your wallet to keep up with the abundance of creditand loyalty cards you have accumulated over the years.Imagine just being able to use your smartphone that’s alreadyin your hand to make a purchase and quickly move on to yournext shopping stop.

ISIS is also helpful to increase your financial safety. Leaveyour wallet at home and keep your payments safely password-protected on your phone. You don’t have to worry about gettingyour wallet stolen if you don’t have it on you. If you use your


Forget About Forgetting Written By: Tom Nix, Verizon Technology Expert


phone to make purchases and you lose it or it gets stolen, youcan deactivate your wallet and your phone with one call.That’s much faster and easier thancancelling each individualcredit and debit card.

With the ISIS Mobile Wallet, you can store the loyaltycards of participating companies so that you can earn points,get rewards and even use coupon offers without taking anyextra time out of your busy day. So if you’re looking for a wayto make your wallet lighter or get rid of it all together, ISISmakes it easy for you.

DID YOU MAKE A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION to finally stopforgetting to water the plants in your house this year and keepthem alive? The Parrot Flower Power is great for bothexperienced gardeners or those who love plants but forget towater. The Parrot Flower Power is a sensor that can be plantedin a pot or in open ground and measures soil temperature andfertilizer levels so your plants can look great even if gardeningdoesn’t come naturally to you.

The Parrot Flower Power is equipped with a database ofmore than 6,000 plants, trees and vegetables and measuresin real time the parameters that are important to help theplant grow, taking into account the specific environment. Withthe help of the app, the Flower Power can help gardenersoptimize the placement of their plants and explain to them theright amount of heat/sunlight each plant needs. A pushnotification will be sent to your phone identifying the needs ofthe plant. No more forgetting to water your plants!

IF YOU’RE THE KIND OF PERSON WHO IS ALWAYS IN A RUSH inthe mornings, chances are you have forgotten to turnoff something when you leave the house. Whether it’s a curling

iron, a lamp or the coffee pot, you can use theBelkin WeMo Switch as a convenient remote for turning offthose appliances. Manage your home right from your iPhonelike a remote control. Likewise, if you forgot to turn on yourCrockpot before you left the house, simply turn the crockpot onfrom your phone and dinner will be waiting ready for you whenyou get home.

HAVE YOU EVER ASKED YOUR KIDS to let you know whenthey’ve arrived home safely from school? The BelkinNetCam lets you see everything going on at home right fromyour smartphone or tablet. It’s simple, just download theNetCam app to your phone or tablet and you’ll be able to seeand hear the activity at your house. No more worrying aboutwhether or not your kids made it home. Just check the NetCamapp and see a live stream of them to make sure everyone issafe and sound.

Set the sensitivity of the motion detection feature so itworks perfectly for your household. If you want to watch petsinteract during the day, set the sensitivity to low so NetCamwon’t send you movement alerts as your dog moves from oneroom to another. If you’re out of town for the weekend, set thesensitivity to high so NetCam catches photos of anyone who’snot supposed to be in your home! This smart accessory evenhas night vision and digital sound. You’ll be able to see andhear everything, no matter the time of day. Mount this in thecorner of a room where it’s basically unnoticeable orsomewhere else that works for your home.

Keep it simple this new year by forgetting less with thesefour smart accessories.

Find these smart accessories and more helpful items at yourlocal Verizon Wireless store. n

TRAVEL

H alfway up the 21 steep switchbacksthat led to Angel’s Landing at ZionNational Park, I did the one thing Ipromised myself I wouldn’t do.

I looked over the edge. My bravery spiraled to an untimely metaphorical death, as

my mind imagined what would happen if I slipped on a pebbleand dropped off the edge.

Facing fear is what this trip wassupposed to be about. So far, I was failingmiserably.

This year’s annual girl trip landed threeof us in Utah’s Zion National Park. The hikethrough the Narrows and the climb upAngel’s Landing were on Pamela’s bucketlist, and it was her turn to pick thelocation. Her goal was to face her fear ofheights, and for the most part, she did.

I, on the other hand, was not fairing aswell.

It would take nothing more than a mildwind gust or a slip on the sandy pathunder my feel to send me over the edge. Irealized this a couple thousand feet up the

stunning rock formation; problem was, we had a few thousandmore to go.

It wasn’t so much my fear of heights that kicked in as myfear of falling. Well, not even really falling so much asplummeting to my death. I didn’t want my last thought to be,“I could be enjoying a nice Shiraz in Springdale right now. Thisisn’t on MY bucket list.”


MIGHTY ZIONZion National Park offers breathtaking vistas, challenging hikes –

but it’s not for the faint of heartBy Heidi Rambo Centrella

Photos by Shannon Cornman

Shannon Cornman, Heidi Rambo Centrella andPam Grady

I froze. A sign at the entrance of the path known

as Walter’s Wiggles (which leads to Scout’sLookout, then on to Angel’s Landing) warnedof the potential danger ahead. The sandytrail, approximately three feet wide – I stillsay it was more like three inches – snaked

Right, a view on the climb down from angels landing.

Below, a view walking up to Angels Landing.



back and forth on the edge of the rock.This wasn’t so bad. With the encouragement from my two friends, and a new

friend who was clinging to the inside of the rock just as firmly,I continued to put one foot in front of the other, looking downat my feet, not caring one iota about the scenery. Said scenery,by the way, is just as beautiful from the ground as it is whenviewed 6,000 feet up clinging to the side of a cliff. It’s just adifference of perspective, I suppose.

And this is where I stopped, determined to turn around andwait for the girls at the bottom.

Enter Carolyn from New Jersey.

COUNTING STEPS“Once you get around this corner, you’ll be fine,” Carolyn

said, as she made her way back down the switchbacks withher husband at her side. “You can do this. Just keep one handon the wall, look down, and count your steps. Look to the wallif you start to feel uneasy, and if you get really scared, getdown, close to the ground.”

This was Carolyn’s sixth attempt to conquer Angel’sLanding, to no avail.

Pamela and I started counting steps, while Shannon stoodon the edge of the cliff taking in all its beauty andphotographs of our surroundings, which only heightened myanxiety. When you have a fear of heights, seeing others

The river walk.


standing on the edge looking over puts the“irrational” in irrational fear. I had to keep tellingmyself that as long as I moved with care, looked atmy feet and kept that one hand on the wall, chancesare I would not meet my maker on this trip.

However, not everyone who ascends this spire is soconcerned about safety or worried about whethertomorrow never comes. A pack of 20-something boysraced by us trying to beat one another to the top.Their speed created that very wind gust that couldhave sent me flying off the edge – or so I feared.

I have to admit, the view of Zion Canyon is worththe steep, 2.4-mile trail, which was carved in 1926into the solid rock to the top of Angel’s Landing.

“I’m not afraid of heights, and I have checked thebox, and I will never do this again,” said an elderlyman named John, who had seen the panic in myeyes. “You can make it to Scout’s Lookout, but ifyou’re afraid, do not press on to Angel’s Landing.”

Scout’s Lookout, thankfully, is a point of return justprior to that last treacherous half mile. Hikerstypically enjoy lunch and views from Scout’s Lookout –the end of the trek for many – before pressing on.

Feeling quite proud of myself for making it this far,I stood atop the broad lookout – away from the edge,where others sat dangling their feet over the drop.

The trees, the formations, the deep, cloudless bluesky – it was breathtaking. In my estimation, I did it!

Pamela called for me to step down and have a seatwith her.

“Do you know where you were standing?” she asked. “Yeah, right there,” I said pointing to the seemingly safe

spot on the rock.“You were closer to edge than you’ve been on the entire trail,”

she said. “Don’t look around the corner. Just walk this way.”For the truly brave, the last leg to the top of Angel’s Landing

is equipped with chains along most of the route to helpprevent slipping off the narrow ridges, which at some pointsare no more than a foot wide, complete with knife-sharp dropsto the canyon below on both sides.

To date, six people have plummeted to their deaths whileattempting to bag the peak.

For those who prefer to stay closer to terra firma, Zion’sNarrows feature a 16-mile jaunt along and through the Virgin

River. Though it lacks the thrill or fear factor of heights, thepath promises its own brand of danger, but views that areworth the risk – for some.

THE NARROWSThe majestic beauty of the Narrows is an experience not to

be missed at Zion, and even better, no deaths have beenattributed to hiking it. A one-mile trail leads to the entrance ofthe rushing Virgin River. Over the millennia, the chilly,crystalline water carved its own backdrop – perfectly sculptedrock walls featuring swirling patterns evoking days gone bywhen it, too, lay submerged under the torrent.

View from the top of Angels Landing.


Here, the fun part of my adventure begins. Many brave hikers waded through the icy temperatures wearing shorts and sandals. Unless you

enjoy the numbing sensation of raging, 30-something degree water (depending on the time ofyear), which at some points is chest high, this tactic leaves your limbs and core red and frosty.

Dress in layers. Water-wicking tops, dry pants, neoprene socks, a portable water backpack and awater stick to help with balance are essentials. Sunscreen and snacks are a must.

According to the National Park Service, the gorge is 16 miles long, up to 2,000 feet deep, and attimes a mere 20- to 30-feet wide.

“The Narrows, with its soaring walls, sandstone grottos, natural springs and hanging gardenscan be an unforgettable wilderness experience,” the National Park Service website states.“However, it is not a hike to be underestimated.”

This is because approximately 60 percent of the hike in the Virgin River involves wading,walking – and sometimes swimming. There is no trail, and the current is swift with slippery rocksunderfoot. During heavy rains, areas of the Narrows will flood, which can be dangerous in certainspots where there are no large boulders to climb and wait it out. Thankfully the day was sunny forus, so I didn’t have to try my hand at boulder climbing.

EVENING RESPITEAfter two solid days of hiking, my legs burned and I had alligator skin from the dry air, but

delicious food and fine wine with my friends in Springdale helped ease both body and mind. Knownas the gateway to Zion, Springdale includes locally owned shops and eateries that line the smallcommunity’s main thoroughfare.

For us girl trippers, this return to civilization provided much-needed bonding time. Whether you set up base camp in a tent or treat yourself to the luxury of a quaint hotel or bed and

Heidi Rambo Centrella hikes the river.


breakfast in the nearby town, there is much to see and do inZion. Nearly 3 million visitors travel to Springdale each year,seeking adventure, exploration or just relaxation – all withstunning views.

While I opted out of that last half-mile climb to the top ofAngel’s Landing, I can say that, at the end of the day, Isomewhat faced my fears, put one foot in front of the other, andhad the experience of a lifetime. Truth be told, I may have faced

my fear, but I certainly did not conquer it. I still imagine the“what ifs,” even as I sit safely at my desk recalling theadventure.

I don’t know if I’ll ever return to Zion, or fully conquer my fearof heights, but the park yields many spectacular points ofinterest worthy of a bucket list. And if I do return, I now knowclimbing into the sky means watching your feet and holding thewall. After all, If you’re going to go up, you have to look down. n

Scouts Landing Pamela Grady contributed to this article.

MUSIC

P arker Millsap likes to surprise you.

For one, he’s young, and looks younger than his20 years. On the other hand, however, he’s already beencompared to such singer/songwriters as Tom Waits and BobDylan. He writes like a poet, and he can talk books, work, girls,travel and current events with anyone.

At 20 years old, this young Oklahoma singer/songwriter isalready making waves. Along with 21-year-old bassist MichaelRose and fiddler Dan Faulks, the Oklahoma natives aretraveling the country, writing songs, loving the blues andperforming for a growing set of fans everywhere.

In fact, the duo’s new CD is set to record in February,following up on the success of Millsap’s first CD, Palisade,

which blends folksy blues with rock and roll in a sound that’struly unique and catchy. Don’t think that the shows are quietlittle folk rock though. Again, Parker wants to surprise you.

“I call it dynamic rock and roll with acoustic instruments,”Millsap says. “It’s really easy for us to get quiet, because ofthe acoustic instruments, but then we get really big and loud.When we do live performances, they bill us as a songwritergroup. They don’t expect what we give them.”

What Millsap, Rose and Faulks give is a unique sound thatblends old blues with the spice of Bob Dylan, Lyle Lovitt, TomWaits and Mississippi John Hurt. A featured artist at Norman’sThe Deli every Tuesday night, the band is out to perform,entertain, and above all else, tell a story through music.

Millsap was born in Purcell where he was raised singingand dancing in the charismatic Pentecostal faith. He began


PARKERMILLSAPOklahoma singer/songwriter wants to

surprise you – and he does!

By Heide Brandes


singing at church at age5 during praise andworship services, and byage nine, he had a guitarin his hands at church aswell.

“I wasn’t very good, butit was the Pentecostalchurch, so everyone sang.I quit for a while though,and picked up the guitaragain from about age 9to 15,” Millsap says. Hemet Rose at school, andthe two formed a coverband, performing rockand, of course, JimiHendrix tunes.

“When I’d write, it’sjust me and a guitar. Ibring it to my guitarplayer Mike, and it comestogether,” he said. “Mydad listened tosinger/songwriters when Iwas growing up, and Ijust knew how to do it. Iknew what made a goodsong. I started writingsongs for the band; Ienjoyed it.”

Like most other teenagers who pick upa guitar, Millsap said he decided to playmusic as his life’s work. When highschool ended, he had to make thedecision to go to college or not.

“When it came time to apply, I justnever did,” he said. “My mom was okaywith me following music, but my dadwas worried. So we compromised. Iwould do an internship at a recordstudio in California.”

As an intern, Millsap learned to becomfortable in a recording studio and

played instruments on three or fourrecords produced there. He eventuallymoved back to Oklahoma in February2012 and began working for his aunt.During that time, Millsap and Roserecorded their debut album, “Palisade,”featuring 11 original songs.

The duo and fiddle player Faulksbegan playing regularly at venues likeThe Deli and the Blue Note, and soon,they began getting other gigs. The bandearned a booking agent, and traveled tovenues ranging from The Zoo in Seattle,

a 2,000-seat venue inSpokane, an RV park inTexas and listening roomsin Austin.

While some of Millsap’ssongs hold the dark andbroodiness of artists,most of his songs tell astory and are full of hopefor the future. Hechannels a little of TomWaits’ signature gravelvoice, croons smoothlyand has the storytellinggift of a writer. Now,Millsap and friends arepreparing for a secondalbum, due out in 2014.

“I want to write bettersongs and just be able topay my bills,” he said.“We will probably tourheavily for a year or two,then do it all again. It’s arock star life,” Millsaplaughs. “We drive aroundin a minivan from gig togig, come home, writeand record and do itagain.”

When home inOklahoma, Millsap lives a quiet life. Hefleshes out new songs and helps withhis aunt’s business. He writes, performsand relaxes. But for the young man withthe powerful bluesy voice, success is notsomething he takes for granted.

“I’m not saying I have any particulartalent over anyone else, I’m just lucky,”he said. “I’m stubborn and determined.”

Catch Millsap, Rose and Faulks at theDeli in Norman every Tuesday night orvisit www.parkermillsap.com n

www.parkermillsap.com

A Christmas recordhighlighting leading voices inOklahoma’s independenthip-hop and country music

scenes today was released for freedigital download and is available onvinyl at local record stores.

Holly-Tonk and Jingle Beats, a multi-artistChristmas music compilation by FowlerVolkswagen and Norman-based BlackwatchStudios, includes nine original songs byindependent Oklahoma artists including: Desiand Cody, Moonlight Montgomery (RyanLindsey), Empty Bottles, The Wurly Birds, BeauJennings, Addverse Effects, Jabee, HectorCommancho and David Allen.

According to Jonathan Fowler, vice presidentof operations for Fowler Holding Co., the ‘Holly-Tonk’ side of the record has a Country musicsound and the ‘Jingle Beats’ side is Hip-Hop-inspired. Vinyl copies of the record are distributed for

free at Guestroom Records locations at 3701 N.

MUSIC


Free ‘Holly-Tonk and Jingle Beats’ Christmas album features local musicians

Free Christmas concert scheduled for Dec. 13 at Stash in Norman

WurlyBirds

Above, AddverseEffects

Left, Desi and Cody

Bottom, Jabee


Western Ave. in Oklahoma City and 125 E.Main St. in Norman; and other select retaillocations in Oklahoma City and Norman.

The records will also be handed-out attwo public events from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday,Dec. 13 at LIVE on the Plaza, and from 8p.m. to midnight on Friday, Dec. 13 at anannual Christmas concert at Stash, 412 E.Main St. in Norman.The Christmas concert is open to the

public and free to attend. Songs from thealbum will be performed live. The eventspace will be managed by The IdeaCollective, and refreshments will includesandies and Peppermint Randys, asignature cocktail made with Prairie Wolfvodka and Strong Tonic.

A $20 discount is available for first-timeUber users for transportation to and from

Track List

01 “It Just Ain’t Christmas Without You” by Desi and Cody02 “Greensleeves, Blue Collar” by Moonlight Montgomery03 “Kiss Them All Goodnight” by Empty Bottles 04 “Mr. Nicholas” by The Wurly Birds05 “Christmas Bus” by Beau Jennings06 “Christmas in Norman” by Addverse Effects07 “December 25th” by Jabee08 “Peppermint Randy” by Hector Commancho09 “Chimney Stack” by David Allen


the event by using the promotional code: PeppermintRandy. This is the third Fowler VW Christmas album recorded and

produced by Blackwatch Studios in Norman. All three arecurrently available for free digital downloadat www.fowlervwchristmas.com. The goal of the annual Christmas album is to encourage other

local artists to record Christmas music and transform Oklahomainto the independent Christmas music capitol of the world. n

MUSIC/ART

F or hundreds of area families, it justwouldn’t be the holidays withoutattending the annual Cowboy ChristmasBall, hosted by the National Cowboy &

Western Heritage Museum. The 2013 event isDec. 20, with festivities beginning at 7 p.m.

For the past 18 years, Michael MartinMurphey has been the star of this festiveholiday event. What’s so special about the ballis the way it easily takes guests back to thefrontier era, when families, friends andneighbors gathered to dine, dance andcelebrate the season.

Period costumes and western attire arepopular for this family-oriented event. And it’snot uncommon to see parents dancing withtheir children as Murphey strums his guitarand sings ballads, old and new, to usher inthe yuletide season for western buffs.Murphey has even been known to set aside his guitar to dancewith some of the guests himself.

Murphey and his Rio Grande Band make the evening a galasuccess. He designs his own holiday stage set and writes hisown lively commentary that tells the history of early dayChristmas dances on the frontier.

One Oklahoma City couple, Tony and Sharon Howard, havebeen attending the annual event for 14 years. They first metMurphey while cross country skiing in Red River, New Mexico,when their granddaughter was three. When they heard aboutthe first ball in 1994, they were looking for an unusual holidayevent and made reservations.

Tony and Sharon also enjoy the opportunity to see Murpheyevery year at the ball.

As a 68-year-old western entertainer, Murphey has seenalmost seven decades of Christmas events. As a youngster, hestarted riding horses on his grandfather’s and uncle’sranches. He recalls sleeping on his grandfather’s porch under

the stars, listening to his western stories andcowboy songs. He learned about cowboy lifeas a child and those experiences made alasting impression on him.

There was much in Murphey’s youth thatcontributes to his appeal today as one of theWest’s most sought after performers. By thetime he was in junior high school in the OakCliff area of Dallas, he was performing as anamateur. By 17, he was a professional,playing western songs around a Texas ranchcampfire. By the early 1960s, he wasperforming country, folk and rock music atclubs around Dallas.

The year 1967 was pivotal for Murphey. An old Texas friend,Michael Nesmith, was part of the popular television musicalgroup, The Monkees. He asked Murphey to write a song fortheir next album and Murphey composed What Am I DoingHangin’ Round?

By 1968, he signed a contract with the Screen GemsCompany, the publishing arm of Columbia Pictures, and someof his songs were recorded by Flatt and Scruggs, BobbieGentry and Kenny Rogers. By the early 1970s, Murphey tired ofthe outlaw cowboy music genre. He began moving toward amuch more ambitious musical tapestry.

In 1990, Murphey created an album, Cowboy Songs, which


Michael Martin Murphey Brings Old West Spirit to Cowboy Christmas Ball

BY M. J. Van Deventer


inspired Warner Bros. Records to spin off a new“Warner Western” label. A Chicago Tribunereviewer wrote, “This is not only one ofthe finest albums of the year but alsoone of the finest of the last decade.Its 22 riveting cuts represent alabor of not only love but alsoscholarship. It raises a cult musicalgenre to the level of mainstream art.” The recordachieved Gold Label status, the first westernalbum to do so since Marty Robbins’ No. 1 Cowboyin 1980.

One year later, Murphey came back with asequel: Cowboy Christmas: Cowboy Songs II.

Murphey continues to be praised on stagesacross the country for his contributions tothe western music genre. The NationalCowboy Museum honored him with itshighest accolade - the prestigiousWrangler Award for his westernmusic achievements.

He maintains homes inColorado and Wisconsin. Whenhe’s not performing, hisfavorite place to relax is hisprivate fishing lake inLinden, Texas, not far fromwhere his pioneer ancestorscame to Texas in 1858.

For those attending theball, Murphey’s performancewill share, not only his love forChristmas, but the western way oflife he cherishes. Reservations arerequired for the dinner and dance.Santa will make a surprise visitsometime following the evening’s buffetdinner. Call (405) 478-2250, Ext. 219, tomake a reservation. n

COMMUNITY

OKLAHOMA CITY’S FAVORITE NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION,Opening Night, yet again boasts a thrilling evening of music, comedy,dance, and fireworks to ring in the New Year. Last year, 50,000 people rangin the New Year at Opening Night 2013.

Set for 7 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday, Dec. 31, Opening Night featuresmore than 25 performances at nine venues and on 16different stages in downtown Oklahoma City. The entire family will find something to enjoy at

Opening Night. Children can create festive art projectsand take part in a scavenger hunt around downtown.Music performers include some of Oklahoma’s best andbrightest stars: Paperscissor, Adam & Kizzie, GregoryJerome, the Al Good Orchestra, Susan Herndon, and more.Revelers can also catch a hypnosis show, OKC Improvgroup’s comedy show, and master illusionist DavidThomas’ award-winning Vegas-style “World of Magic”show. All performances are family-friendly.The countdown to midnight on the Myriad Gardens’

Great Lawn will begin with entertainment from headlinerband Matt Stansberry & the Romance, an upbeat homage to 50’s/60’s pop, soul,and blues. As the midnight hour approaches, revelers will enjoy a special finalecountdown complete with the traditional rising of the Opening Night ball and oneof the state’s largest fireworks shows.

NEW THIS YEAR IS THE ARTS COUNCIL OF OKLAHOMA CITY’S Opening Night Finale5K Presented by INTEGRIS. The One Mile starts at 2:30 p.m. followed by the 5K at3 p.m. The race starts and finishes at the 300 block of Sheridan Ave. All registrants will receive an Opening Night wristband, valued at $10. Be sure

to dress festive with neon, glitter, capes and costumes. The most festivelydressed person wins a prize. Register at https://earlysignup.com/finale5k.


Kick Off the New Year with Performers,Fireworks at Opening Night 2014


An Opening Night wristband is good for admission into all ninevenues. Wristbands are $8 in advance or $10 at the event.Children 5 years of age or under are admitted free. Wristbandsare available beginning December 2 at 7-Eleven Stores ofOklahoma, metro-area Homeland stores, MidFirst Banklocations, and the Science Museum of Oklahoma.

Wristbands can also be purchased online. Checkwww.artscouncilokc.com/opening-night for moreinformation.

Opening Night is produced by the Arts Council of OklahomaCity.The Arts Council of Oklahoma City is a non-profit 501 (c)(3)

organization dedicated to bringing the arts and the communitytogether through free or low-cost cultural events and a varietyof arts outreach activities that impact underservedpopulations. Each year, Arts Council events, programs andservices reach nearly one million residents and visitors to theOklahoma City community. For more information, call 405-270-4848 or visit www.ArtsCouncilOKC.com n

www.artscouncilokc.com

EDMOND, Okla. (Nov. 20, 2013) – Herbert W. ArmstrongCollege announces the second musical theater production ofits very own, David—The Endless Throne Begins. Theproduction will make its debut at Armstrong Auditorium inthree performances; two at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, December26 and Saturday December 28, and a third matineeperformance at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 29. Tickets areon sale now.

Herbert W. Armstrong College teams up with its sister schoolImperial Academy and its internationally acclaimed Irishdance school for an epic musical production about KingDavid. The largest biography in the Bible comes to life in thisnew musical, written by Ryan Malone, with exciting step-dancing and contemporary choreography, elaborate costumesand colorful sets.

Following on the heels of last year’s smash hit Jeremiah—which opened to a standing-room-only audience and

hundreds turned away at the door—David is ArmstrongCollege’s second production to combine the vocals of musicaltheater along with the entertainment of step dancing. With acast of 122 and more than a dozen costume, set and lightingdesigners, the production includes students, faculty, staff,and local community members, as well as a 12-pieceprofessional orchestra.

“The story itself has an immense emotional range, tacklingthe subjects of family betrayal, murderous plots and crushingpersonal loss,” said Malone, music director at ArmstrongCollege. “Ultimately David’s life is about overcoming thehuman condition and finding redemption through God’s grace,so it’s deeply moving on a personal level.” Malone added thataudiences can expect to be entertained as well as educated.“We’re bringing a fresh look to one of the greatest figures ofthe Bible through song and dance, and that’s uniquelypowerful,” he said.


COMMUNITYARMSTRONG COLLEGE TO PREMIERE A SECOND

IN-HOUSE COMPOSED MUSICAL THEATER PRODUCTION“David” to premiere December 26-29


Tickets to David are $8 for adults andchildren over age three (children under threeare not permitted in the auditorium theater.)Guests can supplement the theatricalperformance with real-life artifacts fromJerusalem’s First Temple period, built byDavid’s son Solomon, while ArmstrongAuditorium hosts the world premiere of theexhibit, Seals of Jeremiah’s CaptorsDiscovered. The interactive exhibit includesfigurines, large vessels and royal sealimpressions dating to biblical times, whichwill be on display in the lobby during the

performance.The David musical provides an

educational and entertaining pause toArmstrong Auditorium’s 2013-2014performing arts series. The season continuesin 2014 with back-to-back performancesfrom the Moscow Festival Ballet onJanuary 27 and 28.

For more information on ticket options,subscriptions, group rates, or currentexhibits, please visitwww.ArmstrongAuditorium.org or call 405-285-1010. n

COMMUNITY


TOBY KEITH’S OK KIDS KORRAL OPENSNew facility provides home-away-from home for children fighting cancer

By Heide Brandes

A fter years of planning, constructionand dreaming, the Toby KeithFoundation officially opened the doorsof the OK Kids Korral in November, a

home-away-from home for children undergoingcancer treatments and their parents.

The free facility has been in the works for 10 years and islocated at the Oklahoma Health Center Campus at 818 NE8th St. in Oklahoma City. The 25,000-square foot OK KidsKorral includes 16 rooms, 12 overnight room suites forfamilies, four daytime suites, a kitchen, an Oklahoma Route66 indoor playroom, an Oklahoma-themed outdoorplayground, a neutropenic wing for children with weakimmune systems, a game room, a laundry room, an indoortheater room and a resource room for families.

“Thank you to all of those people who have supported usover the years,” said country music star Toby Keith at theopening. “Ten years goes by fast when you are workingtoward a goal this big.”

“This will be a home-away-from-home for childrenundergoing cancer treatment,” said Juliette Nees-Bright,


Top, the Ribbon CuttingAbove, (left) Toby Keith

executive director of the Toby Keith Foundation. “If achild is undergoing treatment for cancer in OklahomaCity, they and their families stay free of charge.”

OK Kids Korral will provide daytime and overnightlodging for pediatric patients and their families. Thefacility, which was designed by architect Crofton Tull,was constructed by Manhattan Construction.

“The story of the OK Kids Korral started years ago,”said Nees-Bright. “One of Toby’s original bandmembers lost her little girl to cancer. They had gone toSt. Jude’s to receive treatment and had stayed at asimilar place. They were just in a cancer haze, but shetold Toby that the people there thought about whatthey needed before they even needed it.

“Toby wanted to do that here,” she said. “Now thatnew treatments are available in Oklahoma, the TobyKeith Foundation wanted to be able to offer these kindsof amenities to families free of charge.”

The OK Kids Korral décor reflects Oklahoma’sheritage.

Left, one of the children’s bedrooms.Below, a view of the kid’s playroom.


“The indoor playroom has a Route 66 theme, so we willrecreate the Blue Whale and the Round Barn in miniature forthe children,” Nees-Bright said. “The day suites will be forfamilies who may need to rest, but not stay overnight. Theycan check in, play in the playrooms or outside and the parentscan just relax or shower.”

Overall, she said, the hotel is designed to be as comfortableas possible for families battling cancer.

“It’s unlike anything in the state,” Nees-Bright said. “Wehope it’s a place families can go and forget for a little whileabout cancer.”

For more information on OK Kids Korral, how to donate andvolunteer to help, visit tobykeithfoundation.org. n

The fireplace in thecommon area.

PHOTOGRAPHY

.brings the twinkling lights of Christmasalive in Oklahoma City. From ice skatingto holiday light displays to familiesenjoying the cold weather, Oklahoma Cityphotographer Rick Buchanan brings theseason alive with his photography.Rick Buchanan was born and raised in

Oklahoma City and is a self-describedhobbyist photographer, having picked upa still camera just a few years ago. He isa graduate of Northwest Classen HighSchool and Baylor University, where hereceived his bachelor of arts in OralCommunication.

His professional career includes being areporter/photographer for KWTX-TV in Waco, aphotographer for KOCO in Oklahoma City, AssociateProducer of PM Magazine in Oklahoma City atKFOR, along with Executive Producer of PMMagazine in Providence, Rhode Island, where heworked with Matt Lauer, current co-host of TheToday Show on NBC.Rick moved back to Oklahoma City to become

Marketing Director for KWTV for 7-years prior to acareer change to politics. Rick served as PressSecretary to Oklahoma’s 25th Governor, theHonorable Frank Keating. He has also worked indozens of winning campaigns across the state andacross the nation as a media buyer and advertisingconsultant. He also worked as Executive Producerfor Discover Oklahoma, while working as theOklahoma Department of Tourism.Rick also served as a communications

advisor for Crisis Communications tothe Chemical and Biological Arms

Control Institute in Washington, D.C., following thebombing in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995.Rick has won several ADDY awards for his work

while at KWTV, as well as photography awards intelevision and still photography.He currently serves as First Deputy for District 3

County Commissioner Ray Vaughn in OklahomaCounty. Rick resides in Edmond. He has twodaughters, Sha (pronounced Shay), who is marriedand is the Art Education Director for Wiley PostElementary in the Putnam City School District andPaige, a sophomore at UCO in Edmond.Website: www.6packwest.com

www.6packwest.com

COMMUNITY


At ion Oklahoma, we are excited toannounce how, as publishers of one ofOklahoma’s faster growing online digitalmagazine and news-entertainmentwebsites, we are expanding our mediareach and frequency.XCITE OKLAHOMA will come to the screen during the first

quarter of 2014 in a magazine TV format with highly-stylizedvideo produced packages about the quality of life in Oklahomatoday. For example, the segments will highlight the people, places,

events and lifestyle that is being enjoyed by manyOklahomans.THE LOOK: Think Entertainment Tonight with a brain. The

two hosts, Brent Skarky and Lacey Lett, are a great mix ofyouth and experience. The pace will be fast moving andcameras will move from location to location on set to keep thetempo rolling on. The show will have a sense of humor without being corny. It

will cater to both a young professional audience and olderwithout being stuffy. Pre produced packages will be shot withthe state of the art camera equipment and lighting to give aCable Network quality look that won’t be found anywhere elsein the state. Fast editing will keep viewer attention and cater to a variety

of viewers. Graphic packages will be simple, but classy, andserve to give the show a sharp, professional look. A group of field producer/reporters will be employed to

change the up talent voice and pace much like CBS SundayMorning and 60 minutes seen on the national networks.

THE TARGET AUDIENCE: Male and female viewers primarilybetween 25-34 and secondarily 35-54. Feature stories onfashion, health, fitness, charity events and the arts are just afew of the categories in our show.

THE CONTENT: Each show will feature 4-5 segments thatwill highlight the diverse segments of Oklahoma living thatare flourishing. Segments will focus on food, fashion, art,sports, community, travel, health, fitness, business andenergy, aviation, entertainment, and people.

COMING SOONThe excitement of Oklahoma living on TV/Online

by Brent Skarky and Don Swift


WEB PRESENCE: Show will air both on traditional cable TVand online at www.xciteoklahoma.tv. It will stream live butalso be available on demand. Segments will be linkedindividually to so that views can easily share stories ofinterest with friends.

INTERACTIVE: Photography from society events and storiesfrom ion Oklahoma will be shown on www.xciteoklahoma.tv soviewers can easily see their friends or themselves attendinglocal events.

PILOT FEATURE STORY TITLES:

DINING - Packard’s New American Kitchen in Midtown, OKC. www.packardsokc.com

FITNESS - BARRE 3, where ballet barre meets yoga and pilates. www.barre3.com

FASHION = LIBERTE’ “Give me Liberte’” www.givemeliberte.com

HEALTH - DermaMedics professional Skin Care Products, www.dermamedics.com

ENTERTAINMENT - MARCY PRIEST, one of Oklahoma’s most talented singers and songwriters.www.marcypriest.com

LUXURY HOMES - LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS Homes Tours

More Unique Segment Ideas include the following:Oklahoma Aviators, OKC Deep Deuce, Midtown, and uptown re-development, unique restaurants,

OKC ZOO stories, OKCMOA, Arts Council of OKC, Paseo Arts District, National Cowboy and WesternHeritage museum, Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Hall of Fame Museum, Jim Thorpe Museum, Highereducation stories from OCU, OCC, OCCC, UCO, OSU and OU, OKC Boathouse District, unique retailshops, and more.Oklahomans who are making a difference will also be featured. To sum it up best: It’s all about the excitement of Oklahoma living and insightful, innovative, and

interestingly entertaining storytelling n

Nichols Hills Studio www.xciteoklahoma.tv Brent Skarky and Lacey Lett

www.marcypriest.com

ionOklahoma Online Magazine December 2013 / January 2014

Documents

Transcript of ionOklahoma Online Magazine December 2013 / January 2014