NORMAN MUSIC FESTIVALYour complete guide to the bands, venues and schedules of the

sixth annual Norman Music Festival.

Q&AWe sat down with

Benita of BRC Photography

HowTo...Choose your

perfect indie band

Embassy Suites

Make your memories with Embassy Suites

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From the editor

Artist Q&A

Contemporary Dance Oklahoma

Embassy Suites

“Hello, Dolly!”

Book and Music Reviews

Best of Art Walk

Tattoo Artist Amy Nicoletto

“Stirring the Fire” at Fred Jones

National Weather Center Biennale

How To

Top 10 Calendar

NMF6

Photos of the ONE event

what’s

photo provided by Jason Flick

“On The Town” at OU

on the coverNMF headliner

“The Joy Formidable”photo provided

from the editor’s desk

staff

PublisherTerry Connor

Executive EditorAndy Rieger

EditorHannah Cruz

Layout ArtistKerry Friesen

Ad DirectorDebbi Knoll

Advertising RepresetativesRebekah Collins

Nick SheatsKimberly Lehenbauer

Lee RobertsSherry RomackMarty Zumphe

Production ManagerRob Rasor

WritersHannah Cruz

Lindsay WhelchelAmber Hodge

Doug HillCaitlin Schudalla

Kerry Friesen

PhotographersKyle PhillipsVicki FarmerJay Chilton

Welcome to N-town!After months of

planning, our team is proud to debut ourfirst 32-page monthlyarts and entertainment section. The brain child ofThe Norman Transcript’s editorial, design and advertising departments, N-town has been packed full of dynamic arts and entertainment coverage.

Our hope is that these pages will provide a vivid glimpse into the ever-expanding, ever-creative art scenes Norman is fostering within its own city limits. Between the many arts organizations likeNorman Arts Council, The Sooner Theatre, University of Oklahoma’s Arts District, Norman Philharmonic, The Jacobson House Native Art Center, Norman Public Arts, Performing Arts Studio and Firehouse Art Center — not to mention festivals like Jazz in June, Norman Music Festival and May Fair Arts Festival as well as the multitude of private businesses — I think it’s safe to say: Norman is overfl owing with thearts. This inaugural section highlights some ofApril’s most signifi cant upcoming events. Onthe top of the list, our cover story is Norman Music Festival. On page 16, you can learn about the free, three-day festival that has been putting local musicians in the limelight for six years, and brought tens of thousands of music fans to our

historic Downtown District. Other upcoming events we’re coveringinclude the University of Oklahoma’s productions of Contemporary Dance Oklahoma, a modern dance show, and the musical comedy “On the Town,” as well as Sooner Theatre’s “Hello, Dolly!” And don’t miss insight into Norman’s two big upcoming art exhibits: The National Weather Center Biennale andthe Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art’s “Stirring the Fire” photography exhibition. After reading N-town,be sure to get out there and experience Norman’s art scene for yourself. Whether you’re listening to live music, seeing art created by local artists in person or enjoying a performance or two, Norman has something to offer for everyone. As a kid I grew up dreaming about rainy-day recesses so I could stay inside and color ballerinas and elephants. When I was an early adolescent, my mind was crammed full of showtunes from my favorite musicals like “Guys and Dolls” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” I passed hours in middle school playing the trumpet, in high school I was on the stage acting or dancing and in college I found myself in the women’s choir. In the midst of it all I obsessively

journaled, read books and watched movies. Without a doubt, I loved the arts, and it’s a

passion that’s only gotten stronger with time. Living in a community like Norman has reinforced my love-affair with all things creative. As theeditor of the Transcript’s arts and entertainment section, I hope our coverage will reflect the buzz ofart, music, theater and dance that is constantly humming in this City of Festivals. In the months — hopefully years — to come, I look forward to highlighting arts events, organizations and individuals thatare helping to support Norman asthe vibrant, exciting community it is today. For up-to-date informationon N-town, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Have any suggestions for us? Comments?Praises? Give me a shout out at hcruz@normantranscript.com. I’d love to hear from you.

Whether you’re listening to live

music, seeing art created by local artists in person

or enjoying a performance or

two, Norman hassomething to offer

for everyone.

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N-town is a monthly publication of The Norman Transcript, 215 E. Comanche St, Norman, OK 73070. (Phone: 405.321.1800). Letters or editorial contributions should be sent to: N-town, P.O. Drawer 1058, Norman, OK, 73070 or emailed to hcruz@normantranscript.com. N-town is not responsible for unsolicited submissions. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner, without permissions is prohibited. Address advertising inquiries to Debbi Knoll, 405-366-3554 or dknoll@normantranscript.com. N-town can be found online.

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When Benita Cloward won a plastic camera as ateenager she never imagined it would blossom into more than just snap shots of family and friends. Since 2008, this former Norman resident hasbeen taking natural-light photographs of weddings, seniors and families as a part of her business, BRC Photography. Most recently, Cloward expanded her brand to include what she calls “Portrait Couture,” a mix between boudoir and glamour photography. I had the chance to step in front of the spunky,self-taught photographer’s lense in her studio in Purcell as we visited about her work and thoughts on beauty and faith. For more information on Cloward’s PortraitCouture line, visit couture.brcphotography.com or fi ndher on Facebook at BRC Photography.

What was it about photography when you werea kid that attracted you to it?

I come from a large, large family and we used to take a lot of images. I just grew up with my

mom always taking pictures and we would take the traditional family pictures annually for a Christmas card and we would always do one or two proper ones but then we would do goofy pictures. I always just associated it with capturing thesemoments that are like freezing your family in time, basically. Those are the most fun pictures to look back

on, too. I never knew either one of my grandfathers, but the only way for me to see them was through images so I always associated it with family and fun and a piece of history. That’s why. Because I was able to capture time, capture families and capture their real life. Actually my fi rst tag line to my business was “Lifepictured.”

How many siblings do you have?

I have 13. I’m number 13 of 14. So imagine the fun we had during family pictures!

Where did the inspiration come from for the Portrait Couture line?

I always felt that the female body is just — oh, Heavenly Father knew what he was doing

when he created them! And I’m more of a fan of a Marilyn Monroe shape than the runway model shape, but I still think that any female body is beautiful and it should be showcased. I’ve seen myself and other women in my life thatonce you start having a family and once you start having kids — maybe on top of that you have a job — you forget about yourself. You forget about yourself being a woman. I was like, “Oh, I want to do that, I want to open up that market and help women feel

beautiful.” I would love if every woman would come and doa shoot for herself fi rst and then second for anybodyelse. I just want them to come and have the experience of being pampered and going through a time wherethey can just feel like a woman today. I really think there are women out there that sodeserve this and should know that there is this option and there’s not just boudoir. So I have clients that only have normal dresses and clothes on but it’s just a glammed up version of it. You go in knowing I don’t do nudes so basically the rest is how comfortable you feel. I’ve had some girls who surprise themselves —and their spouses — who do bring it but don’t ever think that they would go down to bikinis basically, just bra and panties, but then they do and they absolutely love it. And like I said they surprise themselves and me. And it’s absolutely beautiful.

What kind of people come get these photos? Or, I guess, what are the reasons people arecoming to get these types of photos?

All kinds of people. And all kinds of reasons, actually. Some come because their spouses are

either in school somewhere else or are in the military and are gone all the time for work, and they want to surprise them because they can’t actually see them

with Benita of BRC Photography

QA&Q&Q A&A

photo provided

by Hannah Cruz

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I want every woman — every woman — to come to me. And I can give them an experience

that will have them walking away feeling refreshed, feeling

more beautiful and sensual than ever.

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besides doing Skype or Facetime. There’s all kind of reasons. I would hopethat they come for themselves fi rst, just to givethemselves a day and a beautiful experience. But it can be for their boyfriend, for a spouse, for your girlfriend. I don’t do couple boudoir or glamour. That’s a comfort level I can’t cross. But it doesn’t matter who you want tosurprise. It’s for anybody.

What is your main goal with this branch of your photography?

I want every woman — every woman — to come to me. And I

can give them an experience that will have them walking away feeling refreshed, feeling more beautiful and sensual than ever. Or if they’ve never even felt that way, to feel that for the very fi rst time, and to get this boostof self-confi dence. Oh my goodness, I’mgoing to cry. I wish I could give this to some of my sisters, that’s why — sorry, give me a moment. Oh my God! I’m just really, really, so emotionally involved with this. There are so many every day women out there that either work, all day and they come home and do house work and do the family work and they don’t get that.

How often do you do these photo shoots?

Still not as often as I would like because I would like to do them with

every woman. [laughing] But I’ve been doing much more lately, which is just incredible, andmakes me super happy. If I could do at least two or three a week I would be so happy.

What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?’

A lot of it has to do with what the client is already envisioning. But if

they just want to let me do whatever, then it helps if I can see what they look like. If they tell me a little bit about themselves it helps guide me in a direction, that way I don’t pick something that I really like but they don’t or just don’t associate with themselves at all. I love Victoria’s Secret catalogue, Isubscribe to them — just for the pictures, of course. And every day life. I’m a people watcher.People watching can be a good thing.

Do you have any photographers that are your favorite that inspire you?

I do. I love Elizabeth Messina. It’s just gorgeous. She’s primarily a natural

light photographer, as well. Then there is, she does glamour as well, Sue Bryce — and that

would be just strictly for this kind of line of work. Other than that, I don’t look too much at other people’s work so I can feel that it’s still mine and I’m not actually copying.

What do you want to do with your business next? Where do you see it going?

I still want to shoot weddings. I love that, very much so. But if I could, I

would love to mainly just shoot headshots and this, aside from weddings and my personal projects and do very little of the other portraitwork. If I could do more of this I would be very, very happy. That would seriously fulfi llme in so many ways.

What about it is fulfi lling?

You heard me cry earlier. That partis fulfi lling. Like seriously becauseI know, at least so far, every girl

that I’ve worked with has gotten exactly what I was hoping for her to get out of this. Meaning, if I were to shoot lots more of this I would be helping women to connect with that inner beauty that they have and they would actually remember that they have it. Or for the first time actually see it.

How much does your faith in God shape your artistic vision and your work? Or does it at all?

It defi nitely plays a part in it. I findit very awesome that Gordon B.

Hinckley said — oh my gosh, you’re making me cry again, what is this Oprah Winfrey? — but he said that every woman deserves to be said or told that she’s beautiful. So I’m like, “Oh my gosh, that was for me.” Seriously when I heard that I thought, “You’re speaking to me, right? You’re speaking to me so I can help women even more.” It just means a lot to me to be able to do this and to help women. I don’t even know if it helps women.

Well, I think it is helping women, ifyou’re helping to develop their self-esteem and highlight their qualities.

Yes. I definitely feel that it has quitean impact on how I see a woman.

Because I appreciate the female body and I want them to appreciate that as well with its kinks and faults and blemishes — I have them, I get it — I have scars, I have dimples where they shouldn’t be. But I get that.

Yes, it totally impacts and shapes the wayI look at women — my beliefs, and my faith in Christ and Heavenly Father.

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The raw emotion and visceral power of modern dance will take audiencemembers on a journey through history and human introspection as the University of Oklahoma’s Contemporary Dance Oklahoma (CDO) takes the stage April 5-14. Though each production of the OU School of Dance offers its audiences a uniqueexperience, artistic director and choreographer Austin Hartel said that for him, this show is crafted for a simple, audience-centric purpose. “My goal is simple: I want people to come see the show, and like it so much that they’ll come see modern dance again,” Hartel said. “That’s why I like that it’s an eclectic show, there’s something for everyone.” Structured in a series of suites or individual sketches, CDO departs from the linear narrative story-telling of traditional ballets and instead presents a compilation of autonomous vignettes exploring anything from cultural commentary to abstract human themes like habit. “It’s not so much that the audience understands a story,it’s that they were taken somewhere — they went there, they came back,” Hartel said. This presentation style capitalizes on moderndance’s unique capacity to apply itself to virtually any music, setting or taste. Simply put, Assistant Artistic Director and choreographer Derrick Minter said moderndance creates a show with something for everyone that is deeply expressive and affecting for both viewer and dancer. “That’s what’s interesting about modern dance comparedto ballet — the dancer has the chance to be free to express who they are, their personal experience, connect with what’s going on in the moment,” Minter said. “It’s not a fairy tale, and I think audience members can connect with the varieties of movement.” True to the broad range of both modern dance andCDO’s style, this year’s show takes audiences into the golden age of jazz with Minter’s “Elegance in Three” and “Suite Ellington,” moving into the thematic exploration of Hartel’s “Syncopated,” “Working Flesh” and “Tethered.” Finally, excerpts of guest choreographer DonaldMcKayle’s “Songs of the Disinherited” will embody messages both devastating and gloriously invigorating as it celebrates songs of the Black diaspora in the Americas.

“I want to present something to connect younger audiences with generationsof the past with Duke Ellington, bring back these treasured artists and help younger people understand why this is classic, while connecting with older audience members who remember the era of the music,” Minter said.

Prominent in CDO 2013’s various suites will be choreography showcasingthe dual strength and delicate beauty of female dancers. “I’ve always liked to choreograph dances that are reallystrong for women — you’ll see that in ‘Syncopated,’ the women are very powerful,” Hartel said.

Megan Storey, CDO performer and OU School ofDance senior, said this feminine focus coupled with the subject

matter of the 2013 pieces has provided a singular experience of growth as a dancer and

artist. “CDO has directly affectedmy technical ability as a dancer but indirectly shaped

how I approach new and diffi cult things, workethic and growing knowledge of what it takes to be a professional

dancer — how to persevere and be an agreeable and adaptable dancer for choreographers,” Storey said.

“I love performing all of the pieces but one of my favorites is‘Angelitos Negros’ from ‘Songs of the Disinherited.’ It’s a female solo for a woman that embodies outrage against prejudice — the solo is strong, nurturing, protective, and loving, but simultaneously stern and powerful,”

Storey said. “It is extremely beautiful, and the intention behind the movement has healing properties that have touched me in an indescribable way.”

Though much of CDO’s subject matter is complex and manifested in carefulintegration of music and symbolism, the overpowering emotion each piece will evoke will not require audience members to pick up on nuance. “I can think as cerebrally as possible about my choreography, but I don’texpect audience members to notice all of that,” Hartel said. “I expect them to be viscerally moved by the work — they could love it, they could hate it, it could make them cry or laugh but ultimately they leave with an experience that they remember positively so that next time there’s a performance, they want to comeback.” Performances are scheduled at 8 p.m. April 11 and 13 and at 3 p.m. on April14, in the Rupel J. Jones Theatre, 563 Elm St.

Tickets prices are $22 for adults and $18 for senior adults, OU faculty, andstaff and military, and $14 for students. Tickets may be purchased by calling 405-325-4101, or in person at the OU Fine Arts Box Offi ce, 500W. Boyd St., in the Catlett Music Center.

Contemporary Dance Oklahoma showcases the University of Oklahoma’s modern dance skills and seeks to bring in a new audience.

ience-centric purpose.e to come see the show,

or individualar narrative story-tellingents a compilation ofthing from culturales like habit.

nce understands a story,— they went there,

s on modernlf to virtually anyssistant ArtisticMinter said moderng for everyone that isboth viewer and dancer.modern dance comparede to be free to expressnce, connect with what’sd. “It’s not a fairy tale,onnect with the varieties

modern dance andudiences into the goldenn Three” and “Suiteexploration of Hartel’sTethered.”grapher Donald” will embodyously invigoratingaspora in the

the dual strength and delicate b“I’ve always liked to ch

strong for women — you’ll seare very powerful,” Hartel said

Megan Storey, CDO perDance senior, said this feminine

matter of the 201experie

ar

how I approach newethic and growing knowledge of wh

dancer — how to persevere and be an agchoreographers,” Storey said.

“I love performing all of the piece‘Angelitos Negros’ from ‘Songs of the Disinhea woman that embodies outrage against prejunurturing, protective, and loving, but simultan

Storey said. “It is extremely beautiful, and thehas healing properties that have touched me in

Though much of CDO’s subject matter is cointegration of music and symbolism, the overpowevoke will not require audience members to pic

“I can think as cerebrally as possible aboutexpect audience members to notice all of that,”viscerally moved by the work — they could lovemake them cry or laugh but ultimately they leaveremember positively so that next time there’s a pback.”

Performances are scheduled at 8 p.m. April14, in the Rupel J. Jones Theatre, 563 Elm St.

Tickets prices are $22 for adults and $18 forstaff and military, and $14 for students.calling 405-325-4101, or in person at tW. Boyd St., in the Catlett Music Cente

DANCElike no oneis watching

by Caitlin Schudalla

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photo by Kyle Phillips

paid content

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DOLLY!Hello

A staircase. A red dress. And a sassy matchmaker. These are the makings of the 1964 Broadway classic “Hello, Dolly!,” that’s playing out on stage at The Sooner Theatre this weekend. Jennifer Baker, Sooner Theatre executive director, is marking 10 years with the theater by starring as the production’s leading lady. Joining the likes of Carol Channing, Ginger Rogers and Barbra Streisand playing the infamous Dolly, Baker said she is honored to participate in the “Hello, Dolly!” legacy. With the musical quickly approaching its 50th anniversary, Baker said she is excited to share the beloved story. “I just love introducing the classics,” Baker said. “We do so many contemporary shows these days it’s just nice to have a classic back in the mix that everyone knows and can hum along with. It’s nice for the audience to have a classic.” The story takes audiences on a whirlwind race around New York at the turn of the 20th century as they follow the adventures of America’s most beloved matchmaker, Dolly. Full of memorable songs by Jerry Herman like “Put On Your Sunday Clothes,” “Hello, Dolly!,” “It Only Takes a Moment” and “So Long, Dearie,” director Matthew Sipress said the show has something for everyone. “Little kids will love all the farce stuff and all the door slamming and the dancing and the pretty costumes,” he said. “People out on a date will like all the romance. And then there’s the comedy.” Sipress said the theater’s production will include the choreography from the 1964 original. As a former member of several professional and

by Hannah Cruz

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touring companies of “Hello, Dolly!,” including the 1995 Broadway revival starring Carol Channing, Sipress has a unique perspective on the matter. “As a director and choreographerI’m passing along history: This historical, iconic choreography,” he said. “I’m doing the original. I’m doing Gower Champion’s original stuff thatyou saw on stage in 1964.” Baker said the SoonerTheatre’s nod to the original will be a walk down memory lane for many theatergoers. “There’s going to bepeople sitting here who aren’t going to be able to help but look back and think, ‘Oh, I remember when I first saw‘Hello, Dolly!’ It was at the movie. Oh, no, I saw it in this little theater in Texas.’ Everyone for the most part, for our older patrons, they get to think back and be nostalgic and think, ‘Where did I first see it?’”

Sipress and Baker can’t help butreminisce themselves.

“Having done the show withCarol Channing, I was 23 when I did it with Carol, and let me tell you to stand on the stage in the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City and you’re standing at the bottom of

the stairs and there’s Carol Channing at the top — iconic,” Sipress said. “The iconic staircase, the iconic red dress and the

woman is in it. I had to stop and think for a second.” “I get emotionalevery time the music starts I can barely even

sing ‘Hello, Harry. Hello, Louie’ because I’m always about to cry,” she said. “That for me is it, too.” Baker

is joined

on the

stage by local

favorites Mandy Jiran, Mat Govich, Michael Gibbons,

Cassie Blacksten, MacKay Whalen, Preston

Taylor, Ryan Blagg, David

Hopper and Shirley Franklin. The cast includes over 30 community members, professional actors and students. Music Director for the show is Jason Grife. “Hello, Dolly!” showtimes are 8p.m. April 12, 8 p.m. April 13 and

2 p.m. April 14 at the Sooner Theatre, 101 E. Main St. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at soonertheatre.com, by phone at 405-321-9600 or in

person 10 a.m. to noon and 2-5 p.m. Friday at the box offi ce,101 E. Main St. Tickets range

from $18-$23, with a special $15rate for children 12 and under.

Group discounts are availablefor groups of 10 or more.

Student Rush: College andhigh school students who

show their valid school ID at the box offi ce within one hour ofshowtime can purchase tickets at 50 percent of the regular price for that evening’s performance. Student Rush tickets cannot be purchased in advance. For more information onupcoming shows, concert, events and auditions at The Sooner Theatre, visit soonertheatre.com.

photos by Vicki Farmer

Go to N-town’s Facebook page for achance to win free tickets to this

weekend’s performance

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reviewsbooks

music

Book: The Dinner (2013, Crown Publishing Group)Author: Herman KochWhy you should read: A story that has been likened to Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl,” “The Dinner” revolves around one setting: a diner. But a typical, intimate setting with happy conversation is the last thing on the menu. Early on readers are given the harsh reality that this book isn’t going to be a lighthearted story. Whentwo couples meet up at a diner, there is no happy outing to be found. We are fi rst introduced to Paul and Claire Lohman, andPaul’s brother Serge and his wife, Babette. With nervous tics and weepy faces as far as the eye can see, it’s made clear there are a

dozen or more reasons to doubt the sanity of these four very interesting characters. As it turns out, the lack of sanity runs on both sides of the family. Both coupleshave 15-year-old sons who are the cause of negative media attention of late. The boys happened upon a sleeping homeless woman, and upon examining her smelly and prone state in an ATM cubicle, decided to get creative with fire and a gas can. But asthe only people aware of who exactly was at the heart of the crime, the parents arefraught with questions and indecisions on the matter.

With the meal courses setting the story’s pace, we are driven deep into the heartof this frightful tale where we are left with the knowledge that maybe the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. “The Dinner,” for all its rotten morals, is a window into a twisted family wherereaders can watch the characters squirm under a magnifying glass of ugliness. Andwhile readers may not have the appetite for more once the book is fi nished, thefirst-time journey is full of chilling discoveries that lead up to a well-played, satisfyingending.

Book: The One and Only Ivan (2012, HarperCollins Publishers)Author: Katherine ApplegateWhy you should read: “I am Ivan. I am a gorilla. It’s not as easy as it looks.” At No. 3 on the New York Times Bestseller list for children’s middle grade books, Applegate’s “The One and Only Ivan” is a story told from the point of view of a silverback gorilla named Ivan. He is known to the public as the “Freeway Gorilla” and the “Ape at Exit 8.” But there’s more to Ivan than the people know. With a simple and direct opening, this heartfelt story sucks you into a thoughtful and beautiful world with unforgettable characters that will please anyone from eight to 80 years old.

Driven by short, to-the-point chapters and brief illustrations, Ivan relates his life as azoo animal with a wistfulness that will no doubt leave even the hardest hearts softening. His experiences and stories shared with neighboring animals are nothing short of wonderful, and his thoughts on people will leave you questioning your own actions at the end of the day. And then a baby elephant struts into the picture. Ruby is one of the aforementionedunforgettable characters. She is enough to capture readers with a fl ick of her trunk and asmile. Her innocence is offset by the sometimes horrifying realization of the life captive animals can have. As a whole, this book might sound like a sad and heavy tale, but it is far from it. Is ita tear-jerker? Absolutely. But the abundance of humor and lighthearted thoughts make it worthwhile. “The One and Only Ivan” can only be described as a captivating story. There aren’t toomany gorillas I know that can give me the urge to run out and hug my nearest zoo friends. This story is one for all ages, and will be a re-reader on many shelves, for sure.

Album Name: Music for Film (2013, Dead Letter Records)Musician: The March DivideSynopsis: Debut album for Jared Putnam’s The March Divide ready for the big screenWhy you should listen: Jared Putnam’s fi rst band was at age 15 in hardrock outfit Mojo. That was in El Paso, Texas, and now he’s based in SanAntonio and around 20 years older. Putnam formed a band called Level in 1999 with a name change to The Conversation in 2002. “Music for Film” is the freshman disc for his latest project The March Divide.

He’s still playing with former band mates Jorge Ramirez on bass and percussionist Mike Hernandez.Putnam has wisely added singer Laura Wheeler to the mix. Their vocal harmony together is tight as bark on a tree. Any of the album’s 10 tracks really could be for a cinema score. They’re well-crafted pop tunes with emotional intensity and fi ne musicianship. It’s not Americana music so much as solidly American music.

Putnam’s success has been in the southwest but he doesn’t sound Texan. He’s reminiscent of GrahamColton, someone also with his roots in this part of the world, but who has acquired California sheen. In the first song “Still Analog” Putnam pledges there will be no more songs “…About all the girls Ihate.” That’s no small promise from a guy whose infl uences include The Promise Ring and Elliott Smith.Two tracks later “I’m Unconvinced” might leave you unconvinced. It’s an anthem to leaving mistakes andfalse starts in the past but also about needing help from an indifferent someone. This one’s a Lifetime Movie Network soundtrack. Wheeler’s lead vocals on “Pick Me Up” demonstrate impressive range and rich musicality. Wouldn’t besurprised if she has country projects on her resume although there’s not a hint of hayseed in her voice here. Wheeler and Putnam forge their voices into one strong alloy on “Done Waiting.” It’s pop radio-ready. Make a tub of buttered popcorn and give Music for Film a listen.

Album Name: Small Batch (2013, Exro.FM & Lamingtone Records)Musician: The CannanesSynopsis: Small Batch is the latest release from the best Australian pop duo you’ve never heard of. Why you should listen: Stephen O’Neil and Frances Gibson have been recording together over the last 27 years. Although not a household name,they’ve made a sonic impact with devoted fans around the world touring in the USA, Asia and Europe from their home base Down Under. They were found after his demise listed in one of Kurt Cobain’s notebooks as among the musician’s favorite bands

A 2011 American show poster adoringly refers to the duo as “From Australia: Seminal Indie Gods.” TheCannanes’ latest release “Small Batch” is aptly titled because it’s a wee six tracks long. Those 20 or so minutes of lush sound are like a handful of perfectly delicious home-made cookies that you wish were a baker’s dozen. Gibson’s gently melodic vocals suggest the Aussie lullaby nurse you never had. Her voice sometimes hasa slight endearing quaver that’s subtly enchanting. The songs have an enigmatic fairy tale quality that draws you into a world not easily understood. Melodies are the pesky kind that come back uninvited in waking dreams.

With a single exception the song titles are one word: “Bumper,” “Crawler,” “Basics,” “Molecule,” “TinyCompartment” and “Zone.” So they’re less than helpful decoding the cryptic meanings. Is it a coincidence that the lyrics tab at The Cannanes’ website doesn’t open? I don’t think so.Trumpet and flute aren’t typically associated with space pop in this century but the Cannanes add them formagical, albeit grounding effect. The trumpeter is Penny McBride but it’s as if she’s channeling Herb Alpert playing languidly on a Marrakech night train. The “Molecule” composition is a thumping beats box percussion trek with eerie echo lyrics and vibratingbass line. There’s something vaguely sinister about the sound like those unfamiliar jangles right before your car stumbles unexpectedly to a halt on a remote moonlit road. “Small Batch” is a petite dose of dreamy aural confusion.

by Amber Hodge by Amber Hodge

by Doug Hill by Doug Hill

6 p.m.

10 p.m.

Check out the Wandering Madman

performing free at Bluebonnet at 321 E.

Main St.

Stop by Gray Owl Coffee, 223 E. Gray St. for a pick-me-up before the evening and check out a works on paper exhibit Madcap Doodles from Alli Campbell and friends.

Sonder Music, Dance & Art, 225 E. Gray St., continues hosting Blue Bunny, Russian Cat, a collection of paintings coming out of the sillier side of artist Roshni Robert’s brain.

Grab dinner at Big Truck Tacos (parked at STASH, 412 E. Main St.) from 6-9 p.m.

(weather permitting)

While, you’re there, stop by STASH, 412 E. Main St. They are hosting a special preview of Keisha Register’sWallpaper Project, a collection of photograph portraitsthat celebrate the Norman community, along with new work from Bella Vita Jewelry and crepes by Karen.

The Artist Studios above MAINSITE, 122 E. Main St. features new watercolors by Bill Williams and work by Skip Hill, as well as Maggy’sThread’s new line of spring and summer hats, handcrafted by Juanita Williams. Go meet the artists and see where they work!

Wander aroundSandalwood & Sage, 322 E. Main St. and check out their trunk show of imports from Nepal.

Bigfoot Creative, 315 E. Main St. welcomes

the bold, funky work of artists Barry Magnin and Derrick

Adams.

6:45 p.m.

7:15 p.m.

8 p.m. 8:30 p.m.

9 p.m.9:30 p.m.

Plan your perfect Art Walk with us. Find a complete list of events

at 2ndfridaynorman.com/

normaninkAmy Nicoletto is a star in a rarefied galaxy

that many are unaware of. She’s made a name for herself as a professional tattoo artist who now spends much of her time as a celebrity attraction at tours and conventions around the country. Nicoletto will be tattooing clients andgreeting fans here in Norman April 22-24, at an event sponsored by

Skin Vandals Tattoo and Piercings, 1013b N. Flood Ave.“When I was

5 years old I won fi rst place

in an art

competition for a poster I made,” Nicoletto said. “Ever since I was old enough to pick up a pencil, pens or crayons I’ve been creating.” A native of New Jersey, Nicoletto alsoworked in the resort industry and as a medical assistant before entering a two-year tattoo artist apprenticeship. She broke out into professional inking in2005 and moved to Los Angeles three years later to continue practicing. Serendipitously, a casting agent for the TLC cable TV channel approached her about auditioning for their show “LA Ink.” With a combination of sensually mysterious good looks and east coast moxie Nicoletto was a natural fi t. “LAInk” stopped production in 2011 but Nicoletto gained a world-wide following from the show that has supercharged her tattoo artist career. Because of an interest in the supernatural,propensity for exotic eye makeup and a vampyvibe in general, Nicoletto holds a fascination to many people. Her amy24seven.com website

photos project the young woman as a sexy, possibly sinister temptress.

“I’m actually starting to get intosome of the horror conventions now which are combining with tattoo conventions,” Nicoletto said. “I’ve

done Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney portraits recently on my

boyfriend.” A horror flick aficionado since youth,she feels fortunate to be able to mix her talent with ink and the macabre. Her fascination with war paint goes way back, too. Nicoletto was reprimanded for wearing lipstick in first grade.

“My mom always wore a lot of makeupso I think that’s where my fondness for it came from,” she said. “I would always mess aroundand try new things and I learned a lot while working for M.A.C. Cosmetics.” It’s just another outlet, also on epidermis,for her natural artistic impulses. Nicoletto denied being photogenic or having any ambition for pursuing an acting career but if the right television opportunity came along she’d probably jump back in. “I did a cameo in this little film a friendmade called ‘House of Horrors’ and I was a victim,” she said. “That’s probably as close as I’ll get to making a movie.” Going from New Jersey girl to Californiagirl had its eye-openers for Nicoletto. Her forthrightness in speech sometimes took left coasters aback. “I tell people like it is,” she said. “It’s notlike I’m being mean, because I’m really nice to people, sometimes to a fault. Our way of joking around can be a little harsh though, too.” Nicoletto noted that some of her east

coast aggressiveness is gradually being mellowed by her time in California. “Living there has been good for me,” shesaid. That more laid back approach to life hasundoubtedly enhanced her popularity at tattoo conventions. Part of the business is being able to relate to new clients, listen to their desires and spend time learning what they want. “I try to cater to everyone as much as Ican,” she said. Tattoo conventions mean 14-hour workdays, people constantly wanting autographs and photos and often no dinner until 2 a.m. “I try to concentrate while I’m tattooingand not talk too much,” she said. Nicoletto met Skin Vandals owner SeanEvers at an Oklahoma City convention. “He had a big old leprechaun suit on andI never forgot him,” she said. There’s no mistaking Evers is Irish-American from the shamrocks and other emerald isle theme tattoos on his arms. “He was really nice to me and has such anice personality,” Nicoletto said. “Some people are stand-offish or snotty to me because theythink I’m going to be mean because I was on TV but that’s just not the case.” Find out for yourself when Nicoletto visitsNorman. To schedule a tattoo appointment with Nicoletto visit amy24seven.com.

Skin Vandals Tattoo and Piercings ishosting the celebrated ink artist and former reality TV show personality,tattoo diva Amy Nicoletto, at their NorthFlood Avenue location April 22-24.

photos provided

by Doug Hill

14

16

NMFYour complete guide to the bands, venues and schedules

of the sixth annual Norman Music Festival.

NMF crowd wanders Main Street. photo by Kyle Phillips

16

NMFYour complete guide to the bands, venues and schedules

of the sixth annual Norman Music Festival.

NMF crowd wanders Main Street. photo by Kyle Phillips

Reggae, metal, country, Americana, blues, R&B, Latin, electronic, psychedelic, hip-hop, pop, ambient, DJ, hip-hop: Norman Music Festival has it all. With over 200 bands performing in the sixth annual urban, indie music festival April 25-27 in Downtown Norman, NMF Chair Steven White said the free event highlights a range of local talent. “I do believe that there is a music scene in Norman that’s different than what you see anywhere else. It’s different than what you see in Dallas and its different than what you see in Oklahoma City,” White said. “There’s always a

good group of regular bands — whether they’re playing at the Opolis or they’re playing at The Deli or they’re playing at The Bluebonnet — there’s just such a thriving force of good musicians who are here. And then underneath that, in the underbelly of that, there’s always these new bands that are coming up. “It’s a very creative community. So the opportunity to raise the fl ag for these bands, to showcase these bands, to let people see this vibrant music scene — I think it adds value to our community. Yes, we call ourselves the City of Festivals and there’s a lot of things we

do to bring people in, but really with the Norman Music Festival we’re bringing people in to showoff the musical talent that we have right here. The musical talent that we have is thick and rich.” Alex Larrea, guitarist for DEERPEOPLE, a psychedelic pop band based out of Stillwater, Okla., performing this year at NMF, said NMF was critical in establishing the band’s credentials and confi dence when they were fi rst starting off.The group formed in 2009 with bandmates Larrea, Brennan Barnes, Julian Shen, Jordan Bayhylle, Derek Moore and Kendall Looney, fi rst performed

at the third NMF in 2010 as the Opolis stage headliner. “I don’t know many other states or cities that have festivals that really make local musicians and artists feel huge. You feel important,” Larrea said. “The bands you know and play with and hang with, those are the bands getting the headliner positions.” DEERPEOPLE is performing 11 p.m. April 26 on the Blackwatch Stage. Larrea said the group has some big ideas up their sleeves to make the show unforgettable.

The Main Event With this year’s main lineup,

Jesse Tabish, singer for The Other Lives, performs during the band’s show at the 2012 Norman Music Festival. photo by Kyle Phillips

by Hannah Cruz

18

White said his goal was to create a giant dance party onMain Street. “I just wanted big, fun,lots of lights, lots of shaking. There’s a funk band out of New Orleans called Big Sam’s Funky Nation, they’re the main support, and there’s just going to be people dancing and sweating and having a good time.” White said. “After that we’ve got this indie, pop, rock band The Joy Formidable.” Big Sam’s Funky Nationtakes the Main Stage 8 p.m. April 27, with The Joy Formidable afterwards on the same stage at 9:30 p.m. With The Joy Formidable,a three-piece Welsh band formed in 2007, stepping into this year’s headliner lime light, White said listeners are sure to have a good time. Rhiannon “Ritzy” Bryan,lead vocalist and guitarist for the group with Rhydian Dafydd on bass and backing vocals and Matt Thomas on drums and percussion, said the group is eagerly anticipating their fi rstvisit to Oklahoma. Bryan said she enjoys thecelebration-like atmosphereurban festivals provide and looks forward to feeding offof NMF’s exciting energy. The group enjoys interacting withthe crowd during shows, Bryan said, and she hopes to be able to provoke emotion in the audience through the band’s personally-written pieces. “It leads to quite aspontaneous, dynamic kind of performance in that we never quite know what sort of emotion or thought it’s going to provoke,” Bryan said about performing songs live. “I tend to discover something new

about the songs that we’ve written almost every night depending on the audience, the place or the circumstances. “We definitely wear ourhearts on our sleeves when we’re playing live. It’s really like a dangerous kind of honesty, the way we perform. It’s certainly not contrived and we’re not going through the motions — it’s not about that. It’s about actually feeling something about the songs that you’ve written and having something honest in that moment with that crowd. I can’t really describe it in any otherway.” Past headliners includePortugal The Man, Other Lives, Red Wanting Blue, The Olivia Tremor Control, TheWalkmen, Black Joe Lewis, TySegall, Dirty Projectors, Electric Six, The Sword, Leon Russell, James McMurtry, The Gourds, Of Montreal, Man Man, The Polyphonic Spree and British Sea Power.

Where It All Started and Where It’s Going The inaugural NMF washeld in 2008 as a program of the Norman Arts Council. With approximately 20 bandsparticipating, White said a total of about 20,000 people came for that fi rst year.

Since then, NMF establishedNorman Music Alliance, a 501 (c)(3) organization responsible for organizing the annual event, in 2012 and has continued to see rapid growth every year. “After we met after that firstone we felt this was something we could do better the next year so we started planning the next one. Since 2008 when we started, we’ve seen about

10,000 new people come every year,” he said, with this year’s Saturday attendance anticipated at nearly 45,000 people. White said the festival has seen so much success because it benefi ts bothfans and musicians. “You’ve got these bands in Norman, in Oklahoma City, in Tulsa — this is an opportunity for everybody to come together,” White said. “One, the fellowship of the bands together, they get to see bands, there’s some cool bands in Tulsa that the kids in Oklahoma City don’t get to see so the opportunity to be around everybody, and then just for the fans to be able to walk in and out all the venues. I think bandsget real excited about it.” Of course, White said, thefestival wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of volunteers, sponsors, downtown businesses, musicians and the City of Norman. “All the people that wework with, all the resources that we get from the city and the help from the Downtowners and the help from the Chamber, all thesebusinesses — everybody kind of coming together for one

weekend that is out of the ordinary, that’s more fun than you can probably shake a stick at,” White said. “People come

together and somehow it works out.” Hopes arethat the festival will continue to grow in the coming years. How long growth will happen is uncertain, White said, but he does anticipate having to change the structure of the festival, possibly moving a portion of the festival to another location. No matter what happens in the future,

White said he doesn’t want to set limitations on what could happen. “To me this organizationis very organic. It’s a bunch of people who just had a passion, nobody was trying to make any money, we were just trying to develop something unique here in the town,” White said. “With the Arts Council and the help of the Chamber and the Downtowners, we were able to utilize Main Street for the urban setting. I think the worst thing you could do is try to box this festival in and say, ‘This is whereit goes.’ It kind of has to grow on its own.” For more information on NMFvisit normanmusicfestival.com.

I don’t knowmany other

states or citiesthat have

festivals thatreally make

local musicians and artists feel huge. You feel

important.

“

“- Alex Larrea

20

Thursday, April 25• 6 p.m. Ali Holder, Abner’s Paul Shell, Michelangelo’s Coffee Tanner Blair, Brewhouse Stage The Gussissin, Opolis Claire and Karlie, Tres Indoor Stage Rum Fellow, Tres Patio Stage• 6:30 p.m. Bob Deupree, Michelangelo’s Coffee• 7 p.m. Roger Holland, Michelangelo’s Coffee Derrick Weber, Bluebonnet Stage Kill the Refl ection, Brewhouse Stage

Prix Teen, Opolis SonicViolence, Bill & Dees Stage Jonny Shank & The Sharpened Spoons, Abner’s Rachel Lynch, Tres Indoor Stage Them Hounds, Tres Patio Stage• 7:30 p.m. David Henson, Michelangelo’s Coffee• 8 p.m. Young Readers, Bluebonnet Stage SSU, Brewhouse Stage Feel Spectres, Opolis Kali Ra, Bill & Dees Stage Grazzhopper, Abner’s Allie Lauren, Tres Indoor Stage Tandaradei, Tres Patio Stage• 8:15 p.m. Nathan Brown, Michelangelo’s Coffee• 9 p.m. Matthew Stratton, Michelangelo’s Coffee Oklahoma Cloud Factory, Bluebonnet Stage The Nghiems, Brewhouse Stage The Workweek, Opolis Scabby Itchins, Bill & Dees Stage Keirston White, Abner’s Anna Kinder, Tres Indoor Stage The Move Trio, Tres Patio Stage• 9:45 p.m. Jerry Brooks, Michelangelo’s Coffee• 10 p.m. Jerrod Beck, Bluebonnet Stage Blake Fischer, Brewhouse Stage Crown Imperial, Opolis Skating Polly, Blackwatch Stage BitchWizard, Bill & Dees Stage Caleb McGee, Abner’s Michael Stafford, Tres Indoor Stage Moongiant, Tres Patio Stage• 10:30 p.m. Peter Erickson, Michelangelo’s Coffee• 11 p.m. Barling, Bluebonnet Stage Magnifi cent Bird, Brewhouse Stage

The Wurly Birds, Opolis A.M.P., Blackwatch Stage The Hex, Bill & Dees Stage Amy Downes, Tres Indoor Stage Gabe Hancock, Tres Patio Stage• 12 a.m. The Dead Armadillos, Bluebonnet Stage Tallows, Brewhouse Stage Horse Thief, Opolis Depth & Current, Blackwatch Stage Scott Strandberg, Abner’s Town and County War, Tres Indoor Stage

Tele Mori, Tres Patio Stage

Friday, April 26• 3 p.m. Loom, Guestroom Records• 3:45 p.m. Poolboy, Guestroom Records• 4:30 p.m. The Pizza Thieves, Guestroom Records• 5:15 p.m. Gross Beast, Guestroom Records• 6 p.m. Dadrock, Dreamer Concepts Stage Shutdown Shutouts, Guestroom Records Kirby Evans, Michelangelo’s Coffee John Dunbar and Midwest Tragedy, Bluebonnet Stage Josh Qualls, Brewhouse Stage Colin Nance, Opolis Outdoor Stage Amanda Cunningham, Tres Indoor Stage• 6:30 p.m. Farrel Droke, Michelangelo’s Coffee• 6:45 p.m. Power Pyramid, Guestroom Records• 7 p.m. Fire Wolf, STASH Cosmostanza, Dreamer Concepts Stage Corporate Ghost, Bill & Dees Stage Tom Crider, Michelangelo’s Coffee Bryan Mangieri, Bluebonnet Stage Kaitlin Butts, Brewhouse Stage Skeleton Coast, Opolis Outdoor Stage Claire Costello, Tres Indoor Stage• 7:30 p.m. TJ Mayes, Guestroom Records Tom Marshall, Michelangelo’s Coffee• 8 p.m. Ithica, STASH Kick Nancy Down, Dreamer Concepts Stage The Trading Co., Bill & Dees Stage Acoustic Ross, Bluebonnet Stage We Were Fiction, Brewhouse Stage Addverse Effects, Opolis Outdoor Stage Elton Jenkins, Abner’s Da Punto Beat, Latin Stage• 8:15 p.m. Darden Pierce, Michelangelo’s Coffee• 8:30 p.m. Marriage, Guestroom Records• 9 p.m. Eureeka, STASH Limp Wizurdz, Dreamer Concepts Stage The Chloes, Bill & Dees Stage Grace + Sophia, Michelangelo’s Coffee O Fidelis, Bluebonnet Stage Them Apples, Brewhouse Stage Rainbows Are Free, Opolis Outdoor Stage Mont Lyons, Blackwatch Stage North Meets South, Tres Indoor Stage• 9:30 p.m. Lost Empires, Guestroom Records Frank Lawrence, Michelangelo’s Coffee Quilted Cherry Podium, Opolis• 10 p.m. IndianGiver, STASH Psychotic Reaction, Dreamer Concepts Stage Bloody Knives, Bill & Dees Stage Isaac De La Garza, Michelangelo’s Coffee JV’s Fillin’ Station, Bluebonnet Stage Original Flow, Brewhouse Stage Colourmusic, Opolis Outdoor Stage

Low Litas, Blackwatch Stage Will Gaines, Abner’s Ali Harter, Tres Indoor Stage• 10:30 p.m. Allie Lauren, Michelangelo’s Coffee Gentle Ghost, Opolis• 11 p.m. Jumpship Astronaut, STASH Your Mom, Dreamer Concepts Stage Black Canyon, Bill & Dees Stage Honeylark, Bluebonnet Stage Chateau, Brewhouse Stage DEERPEOPLE, Blackwatch Stage Gary Bangs, Abner’s Susan Herndon, Tres Indoor Stage Gregg Standridge, Tres Patio Stage• 11:30 p.m. Shi++y Awesome, Opolis • 12 a.m. The Moai Broadcast, STASH Copperheads, Dreamer Concepts Stage The Disposables, Bill & Dees Stage Zach Winters, Bluebonnet Stage Travis Traps, Brewhouse Stage Dead Sea Choir, Blackwatch Stage Flora & The Fauna’s, Abner’s Cara Black, Tres Indoor Stage Andy Adams & The Fictioneers, Tres Patio Stage• 12:30 a.m. White Mystery, Opolis• 1 a.m. Traindodge, Bill & Dees Stage The Great American Jug Band, Bluebonnet Stage So Called Savages, Brewhouse Stage Jacob Abello, Blackwatch Stage Tanner Miller, Tres Indoor Stage Saucy Gentlemen’s Club, Tres Patio Stage

Saturday, April 27• 12 p.m. King Mary, Dreamer Concepts Stage Big Stick, Michelangelo’s Coffee Outdoor Stage Manyawi! World Music Ensemble and Global Music, Wild Prairie Family Park Stage Kyle Reid, Jack Daniels Stage• 12:30 p.m. Feathered Rabbit, Main Stage Roy Griffi n, Michelangelo’s Coffee

Beau Mansfi eld Trio, Bluebonnet Stage• 1 p.m. Blacktop Democracy, STASH Body Breakers, Dreamer Concepts Stage Daddy Love Band, Michelangelo’s Coffee Outdoor Stage Sonder Music, Dance & Art Student Showcse, Wild Prairie Family Park Stage The O’s, Jack Daniels Stage Matt Stansberry & The Romance, Sooner Theatre• 1:30 p.m. Shawn Reidy Musician, Michelangelo’s Coffee Rick Reiley, Bluebonnet Stage• 1:40 p.m. Defi ning Times, Main Stage• 2 p.m. The Jerry Ghouls, Dreamer Concepts Stage Myke Brown, STASH Jim Madsen & Friends, Michelangelo’s Coffee Outdoor Stage

The Studio of the Sooner Theatre Student Showcase, Wild Prairie Family Park Stage Dr. Pants, Brewhouse Stage Jeff Richardson, Opolis Elephant Revival, Jack Daniels Stage Captain Comfy, Sooner Theatre Ripple Green, Bill & Dees Stage• 2:30 p.m. Cari Wallenberg, Michelangelo’s Coffee Tyler Hopkins and The Rebellion, Bluebonnet Stage John Calvin, Opolis• 2:50 p.m. The Grown Ups, Main Stage• 3 p.m. Oilhouse, STASH Direct Connect, Dreamer Concepts Stage Bukit Cullen, Michelangelo’s Coffee Outdoor Stage Monty Harper, Wild Prairie Family Park Stage Tony Romanello and the Black Jackets, Brewhouse Stage Kyle Reid, Opolis Beau Jennings & The Tigers, Jack Daniels Stage Fos, Sooner Theatre Limber Limbs, Bill & Dees Stage• 3:30 p.m. Anvil Salute, Michelangelo’s Coffee Paul Benjaman Band, Bluebonnet Stage Ricky Salthouse, Opolis• 4 p.m. Josh Sallee, Main Stage aDDLib, STASH Sunny Side Up, Dreamer Concepts Stage Dizzy Pickers, Michelangelo’s Coffee Outdoor Stage Alegria Real, Wild Prairie Family Park Stage Caravact, Brewhouse Stage Bludded Head, Opolis Outdoor Stage Carly Gwin, Opolis Green Corn Revival, Sooner Theatre Good Morning Grizzly, Bill & Dees Stage Tanner Miller, Abner’s• 4:15 p.m. Samantha Crain, Jack Daniels Stage• 4:30 p.m. David James McKinney, Michelangelo’s Coffee Luna Moth, Bluebonnet Stage Ali Harter, Opolis• 5 p.m. REGG, STASH Jahruba, Dreamer Concepts Stage Radio Apathy, Michelangelo’s Coffee Outdoor Stage OU Steel Drum Band, Wild Prairie Family Park Stage Chelsey Cope, Brewhouse Stage IO Echo, Opolis Outdoor Stage Sherree Chamberlin, Opolis Ben Kilgore, Blackwatch Stage Junebug Spade, Sooner Theatre Nervous Curtains, Bill & Dees Stage Spacedog, Abner’s• 5:15 p.m. Mike Dillon, Main Stage• 5:30 p.m. The Likes Of Us, Michelangelo’s Coffee The Suspects, Bluebonnet Stage Ramsay Midwood, Jack Daniels Stage• 6 p.m. Algebra, STASH Em and the MotherSuperiors, Dreamer Concepts Stage

Leah Condran, Michelangelo’s Coffee Outdoor Stage ADMIRALS, Brewhouse Stage The Pretty Black Chains, Blackwatch Stage The Kamals, Sooner Theatre Gum, Bill & Dees Stage Justin Jack, Abner’s Keirston White, Tres Indoor Stage• 6:30 p.m. King Khan & BBQ Show, Main Stage Autum Ray, Michelangelo’s Coffee Hudson Roar, Bluebonnet Stage• 6:45 p.m. Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights, Jack Daniels Stage• 7 p.m. Dewey Binns, STASH Brother Gruesome, Dreamer Concepts Stage Crown’s Folly, Michelangelo’s Coffee Outdoor Stage The Venditos, Brewhouse Stage Early Beat, Blackwatch Stage Taddy Porter, Sooner Theatre The Gentle Art of Floating, Bill & Dees Stage• 7:30 p.m. The Lily Guild, Bluebonnet Stage• 8 p.m. Jabee, STASH Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Main Stage Arrington de Dionyso’s Malaikat dan Singa, Dreamer Concepts Stage Cristophe and The Prairie Fire, Michelangelo’sCoffee Outdoor Stage Sherree Chamberlain, Blackwatch Stage And There Stand Empires, Bill & Dees Stage• 8:15 p.m. JD McPherson, Jack Daniels Stage• 9:30 p.m. The Joy Formidable, Main Stage• 11 p.m. Bungalouski, Dreamer Concepts Stage Scales of Motion, Bluebonnet Stage Pidgin Band, Brewhouse Stage BRONCHO, Blackwatch Stage The Easy Lovers, Bill & Dees Stage Joe Stansberry, Tres Indoor Stage The Sunshine Factory, Tres Patio Stage• 12 a.m. Jessey General Thompson, Bluebonnet Stage Chrome Pony, Blackwatch Stage John Wayne’s Bitches, Bill & Dees Stage Dustin Prinz, Abner’s Caleb McGee, Tres Indoor Stage The Bourgeois, Tres Patio Stage• 12:30 a.m. MONTU, Brewhouse Stage• 1 a.m. Love Cobra, Bluebonnet Stage Ester Drang, Blackwatch Stage ManHammer, Bill & Dees Stage Kilter, Tres Patio Stage

thedeets Plan your days in downtown Norman, so you can catch all your favorites

meet the bandsBand name: Jonathan Tyler and the Northern LightsWhen they perform: 6:45 p.m. April 27 on the Jack Daniels StageBand members: Jonathan Tyler, lead vocals and guitar;Brandon Pinckard, guitars; Jordan Cain, drums; Emotion Brown back-up vocals.Why you should listen: Harness boot rock ‘n’ roll from Dallas, Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights have opened for the likes of AC/DC, ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd. They

sound like a southern blues-rock guilty musical pleasure in the vein of Buckcherry. The band is currently signed to Atlantic Records. In 2010 the Dallas Observer chose Jonathan Tyler as “Best Male Vocalist.” The frontman’s stage presence has been compared to a hybrid Mick Jagger and Kid Rock — they’re rough around the edges in an endearing rock ‘n’ roll kind of way. Percussionist Jordan Cain is an Okie who has been with the band since they formedin 2007. They’ve played Jimmy Kimmel Live! and their songs have been used on TV shows such as “Friday Night Lights” and “The Good Guys.” The group plays one or two requisite sweet and slow ballads such as “She Wears aSmile” and “Paint Me a Picture,” but most of their songbook is pedal to the metal saloon stompers like “Hot Sake” and “Young & Free.” Razor sharp lead guitar solos are a prominent strength. If you don’t mind anothertune titled “Gypsy Woman” you’ll be cool with these kick-ass rockers. Their serenades will be perfect with a luke-warm PBR in a stiff Oklahoma breeze under a bright sun with several thousand of your new best friends.

Band name: King Khan and BBQ ShowWhen they perform: 6:30 p.m. April 27 on the Main StageBand members: King Khan (Mark Sultan) lead vocalist and guitar; Leo Chips on percussionWhy you should listen: King Khan and BBQ Show will be a wild performance. Khan channels the energy of James Brown, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels and Bootsy Collins into a stage performance that pulls out all the stops. They combine soul, funk and rock ‘n’ roll with a wacky world view on songs such as “Animal Party,” “I’ll Never Belong” and “Fish Fight.” Songs are short, lyrics are batty and stage presence is always just on the verge of a riot. King Khan aka Mark Sultan has punk rock rootsin former Montreal-based bands Les Sexareenos

and the Spaceshits. For a time King Khan was based in Germany but the compositions have always screamed “Made in America.” His proclivity for guitar shredding at some point crossed with doo-wop for a warped sound mating The Clovers with The Turbo A.C.’s.

Peelander Z’s similarly endearing, albeit loony, past performances have been well-received on this NMF Main stage slot, and its anticipated King Khan will continue thetwisted tradition. Expect goofy, good time music with King Khan and whoever is with him on stage to be in outrageous costumes. Dragging spectators out of the audience and onto the stage is not unknown at theirraucous shows. Dancing will not be optional. No shoe-gazing introspection here — it will be party time.

by Doug Hill

“In every culture I went to aroundthe world, women and girls work hard getting the water and fi rewood, taking careof kids, cooking and growing the food,” photographer Phil Borges said. “They do the majorityof the work and I’d see a lot of men hanging out and sometimes just drinking all day. Because of their work responsibilities, girls were not chosen to go to school.” Borges hasdocumented many of these lives on fi lm and inwords which will be the subject the University of Oklahoma’s Fred Jones Jr.Museum of Art exhibition “Stirring the Fire,” April 13 through July 28. For over a quartercentury Borges has lived with and documented indigenous and tribal cultures here and around the globe. His work’s goal has been to create a heightened understanding of the issues faced by people in the developing world. “Stirring the Fire” is an exhibitionof photographs and multimedia documentaries created to raise awareness about the struggles of women and girls worldwide. It’s also a Seattle-based organization with full time staff thatorganizes social documentary training andstudent advocacy programs. In his book “Women Empowered:

Inspiring change in the emerging world” with forward by Madeleine Albright, Borges documents women who have overcome patriarchy and intolerance to

make positive change in their communities. “I believe thateducation is the most successful strategy for empowering women,” Borges said. “An educated girl will usually not have kids or get married at age 12.” It’s been documentedthat when women areeducated they have fewer children and the mortality rate of their offspring drops. Babiesare healthier and thetradition of learning is passed on. Awareness of opportunities and choices in life are increased. Education for females often goes unfunded in many parts of the world and in a few extreme

examples has even been forbidden. “One woman teacher named Fahimain the exhibition was educating girls during the Taliban’s rule in Kabul, Afghanistan,” Borges said. “She did it clandestinely by getting them into her home and if the religious police came pounding on the door wondering why all these girls were there, she’d strategically put sewing machines up around the room.” In Fahima’s photograph you see a gazeinto the lens that’s strong and resolute.

After defi antly surviving harassment andthreats by clerical zealots there may be a hint of triumphant amusement in her eyes as well. Borges has learned that every culturehas its blind spots and working to right injustice doesn’t benefi t from ham-handedapproaches. “The way to make a change isn’t byforce,” he said. “Threatening people with force doesn’t work because the human spirit is so strong it makes them feel justifi ed in their beliefs. It almost alwayshas to be done from within.” Borges cited as example the practiceof female genital cutting (or female genital mutilation) which is a deeply rooted belief among many African tribes. “It’s a rite of passage and part of theirculture just as we have our own rites,” he said. Female genital cutting however mayresult in death from infection, crippling thewoman in some respects and depriving her of sexual satisfaction. “Coming in to a culture and tellingthem to quit it just doesn’t work,” Borges said. “You have to have someone within that tribe realize the problems it causes and convince others to make a change. It’s a slow process that takes a lot of dedication.” Borges is optimistic about the forwardprogress for empowering women and girls.

“Without a doubt it’s happening,”he said. “Look at our country, my grandmother could not vote until she was in her 40s. It’s a well-supported and documented movement that’s gaining momentum. I’m very happy to be a part of that movement and to see it succeeding.”

photos provided

OU’s “Stirring the Fire” photography exhibition opens April 13. Work by award winning photographer, author

and activist Phil Borges documents a global movement to empower women and girls.

“Stirring the Fire: A Global Movement to Empower

Women and Girls” runs April13 to July 28 at the Fred

Jones Jr. Museum of Art,555 Elm Ave.

Admission to the museum is complimentary to

all visitors, thanks to a generous gift from the

OU Athletics Department. The museum is closed

on Mondays. Information and accommodations on the basis of disability are

available by calling 405-325-4938 or visiting

ou.edu/fjjma.To learn more about PhilBorges and his work visit

philborges.com.

22

by Doug Hill

THE

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at 366-3557

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Artists are taking their cues from meteorologistsin the upcoming National Weather Center Biennale. Photographer Cecil Houser is no exception.

His piece, titled “Soothing,” is a shot ofmammatus clouds Houser captured in 2011 while watching storms roll through Norman. “There’s always a calm before the stormbut there’s always a peaceful feeling after the storm, and that was the case here,” Houser said on his color photograph. “You’re watching these tremendous supercells coming through an area, butthen there’s also this captivating beauty.”

Houser’s piece is one of 100 works in theexhibit showcasing artists’ interpretation on the impact of weather on the human experience. The National Weather Center, University of Oklahoma’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and the Norman ArtsCouncil have teamed up to present the inaugural exhibit opening Earth Day, April 22. Initial jurors selected the 100 works for displayat the National Weather Center Atrium from morethan 700 pieces submitted by nearly 400 artists from all 50 states and multiple countries. The call for entries began on Earth Day, April 22, 2012.

Exhibition curator and OU art instructor AlanAtkinson, National Weather Center Director Berrien Moore and Norman Arts Council Executive Director Erinn Gavaghan served as the initial jurors. Gavaghan said the jurors deliberated to create ashow that includes both a balance of mediums from the show’s three categories — painting, works on paper and photography — as well as a variety of represented weather from around the world. Theresult is an exhibit Gavaghan describes as surprisingand unique. “I think the beauty of this show is that if you

The National Weather Center celebrates its biennale with featured artists taking their cue from meteorology

N a t i o n a l

WEATHERC e n t e r

“Soothing” by Cecil Houser

24

by Hannah Cruz

Selected artists:A total of 96 artists and 100 works were selected for

the inaugural National Weather Center Biennale.Artists that listed Normanas their residence include:

Carol Beesley, David Abdo Bayazeed, Roger Edwards, Sara Leslie Engel-Barnett,

Don Holladay, Cecil Houser II, Debby Cotter Kaspari, Toni Klem, Jane Lawson,

Sue Schofield and Brad Stevens

The National Weather CenterBiennale offi cially opens onEarth Day, April 22, featuring

100 weather-themed artworks. The exhibition, located

at the National WeatherCenter Atrium, 120 David L. Boren Blvd., runs through

June 2.The exhibition is open10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday

through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 12-5 p.m.

Sunday.Admission to the exhibit

is free, but visitors need to present a photo ID for entry.Additional information about

the exhibition is available at nwcbiennale.org and the

biennale’s Facebook andTwitter pages.

like an abstract representation and you kind of have to work through something, there’ll be stuff for you,” she said. “If you like weather photography, there’ll be stuff for you. There’s such a broad range of things for people to enjoy with this show.” With the showlocated in the National Weather Center, home to OU, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and state organizations, Houser said the exhibit has a distinct overlap between science and art. “Since this showis coordinated through the National Weather Center, you’ll see that there’ll be a big scientifi c followingbecause these arepeople that love what they do, they’re in it everyday and they love seeing how weather effects our environment and us,” he said. “I think the general public will enjoy it, for the most part, especially after walking through and reading each artist’s statement andare able to read the purpose behindthe work.” No matter the viewer’sbackground, Gavaghan said weather is relatable for each individual. Atkinson agreed. “It is easy to see how the weather infl uences peoples’ daily lives, but artoften exerts a more subtle infl uence,”Atkinson said. “It makes sense to combine them in a venue that will

underscore the ways that both art and weather shape our humanity.” Houser said he hopes his show, and his piece in particular, helps viewers to pause and reconsider

how they view nature, weather and the environment. “I hope that people will see that nature has so much beauty to offer us even amidst violence,” he said, referring to violent weather. “There’seven beauty in violence, for whatever reason, maybeit’s to help us deal with the aftermath of violence or maybe it’s to help us realize that there’s hope in everything.”

A panel of guest jurors willselect a winning piece from each of the three categories to receive $5,000 each. A Best of Show category winner will also be awarded $10,000 and a full-page advertisement in an upcoming issue of Southwest Art Magazine. The winners will be announced during the exhibition’s opening. The final jurors are Christoph Heinrich, the Frederick and Jan Mayer director of the Denver Art Museum; Spencer Finch, an American artist specializing in glass and light installations; and Jacqui Jeras, a broadcast meteorologist with WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C.

The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo.For accommodations on the basis of disability call (405) 325-4101.

UNIVERSITY THEATRE ANDWEITZENHOFFER SCHOOL OF MUSICAL THEATRE

PRESENTS

8 PM APRIL 26-278 PM MAY 2-4

3 PM APRIL 28, MAY 5REYNOLDS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

FINE ARTS BOX OFFICE(405) 325-4101

A MUSICAL COMEDY AND DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA!

Music by Leonard Bernstein

Book and Lyrics by Betty Comden

and Adol ph G reen

Based on an idea by J erome Robbins

D irected by Lyn Cramer

On the Town is produced in arrangementwith Tams-Witmark Music Library Inc.

560 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10022 (212) 688-9191.

N-town staff picks the top 10 things you can’t miss this month.

1C

AL

The jewelry and metal works of internationally known artists Charles Lewton-Brain and Charleen Weidell are currently being show-cased during an exhibit at Fire-house Art Center, 444 S. Flood Ave. A free opening reception is 6-9 p.m. April 12. Lewton-Brain, a master gold-smith, has studied and worked in Germany, Canada and the U.S. His work is concerned with process and beauty as well as function.

He frequently uses a “printmak-ing” approach to working metal, in that the work is done in separate steps in groups and layers build-ing towards the fi nished piece. His work and writing on the results of his technical research have been published internationally. Weidell is a metalsmith with a passion for creating sensuous metal forms made from fl at sheets of silver and copper that are formed through the repeated blows of a

hammer. Charleen’s work in metal has been exhibited and collected on the international, national, and local levels. She has a Master of Fine Art degree in Jewelry and Metalsmithing from San Diego State University where she studied under renowned metal artists Helen Shirk and Arline Fisch. For additional information, call the Firehouse Art Center at 329-4523 or visit normanfi rehouse.com.

N See our detailed calendar in N-town lite in the main edition of The Norman Transcript for a

complete guide of this week’s events.

26

Jewelry and Metalsmithing exhibition at Firehouse Art Center

2University of Oklahoma

Master of Fine Art Thesis candidates are showcasing their work April 12-27 during an exhibit at MAINSITE, 120 E. Main St. An opening reception, 6-10p.m. April 12, will highlight the work of the fi ve candidates:Stuart Whitis, Erin Shaw, Brent

Richardson, Spencer Ulm and Jacquelyn Sparks. The exhibit offers thecommunity the chance to connect with OU art students and discover their inventive, thought-provoking, cutting edge work. For more information visitmainsite-art.com.

OU MFAThesis Exhibit at MAINSITE3

Watch legendary rock bandChicago perform live 8 p.m. April 19 at Riverwind Casino, 1544 West State Highway 9. The self-proclaimed “rock ‘n’roll band with horns” formed in1967 in Chicago, Ill., with Chicago musicians Walter Parazaider,Terry Kath, Danny Seraphine, Lee

Loughnane, James Pankow, Robert Lamm and Peter Cetera. Bandmates have changed since then, but over the years the group has seen recordsales topping the 100 million mark, including 21 Top 10 singles. Tickets for the event rangefrom $55-$75. To purchase ticketsvisit riverwind.com.

Chicago at Riverwind4

Commemorating theday in 1889 that Oklahoma was opened for settlement, Norman’s 89er Day Parade is rolling down Main Street beginning 10 a.m. on April 20.Lifelong Norman resident and University of Oklahoma professor Bob Goins has been

selected as the grand marshal for this year’s parade themed “Workin’ Up a Storm.”

The parade begins at Nor-man High School, 911 W. Main St., and continues east on Main Street to Crawford Avenue. For more informationvisit norman89er.com.

89er Day Parade

5Though it’s not an

offi cial venue of theNorman Music Festival, Midway Deli is celebrating the spirit of free, live, local music April 26 and 27. Almost Outlaws

and Bob Livingston areperforming 6-9 p.m. April 26, and North Meets South, Carter Sampson, Mare Wakefi eld, SusanHerndon and Camille Harp are performing 1-9 p.m. April 27.

Midway Deli Concert6

The Assistance Leagueof Norman’s May Fair Arts Festival is a two-day outdoor arts festival 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 4 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 5 in Andrews Park, 201 W. Daws St.

The event offers juried art

and quality handmade crafts, as well as entertainment and a variety of food vendors. The event includes the Art& Sole 5K Run 8 a.m. May 4 and 2K RunWalk 9 a.m. May 4. For more information visitnorman.assistanceleague.org.

Mayfair Arts Festival7

Acclaimed singer-songwriterJewel is making a stop in Norman on her Jewel Greatest Hits Tour 7:30 p.m. May 4 at Riverwind Casino, 1544 West State Highway 9. Jewel burst onto the musicscene in 1995 with her 12-time platinum debut album, “Pieces of You.”

Her most recent album,

“Greatest Hits,” released Feb. 2013, is a career-spanning collection including new recordings of classic hits “Foolish Games” with Kelly Clarkson and “You Were Meant ForMe” with the Pistol Annies. Tickets for the event rangefrom $40-$60. To purchase ticketsvisit riverwind.com.

Jewel Greatest HitsTour at Riverwind

8Several artists from

Geatches Studio are dis-playing their work in the Norman Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave., May 10 through June29. The Geatches Studiowas converted more than 50

years ago from a 1920s gro-cery story in Oklahoma City to a working studio. An av-erage of 100 accomplished artists draw and paint at the studio every month. For more informationvisit pasnorman.org.

Geatches Studio Artists exhibit at Norman Depot9

The Norman Arts Councilis hosting the Second annual Norman Open Studios May 10 and 11. The program invitescommunity members to explore participating Norman artists studios, and see the very place local art is being

created.An opening reception

is 6-10 p.m. May 10 at MAINSITE, 122 E. Main St. The Open Studios Day is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 11. For more information on studio locations visit normanarts.org.

2nd annual Norman Open Studios10

Texas roots musiclegend and Grammy winning artist Delbert McClinton is coming to the Sooner Theatre stage, 101 E. Main St., 8 p.m. May 3. His most recent album,“Acquired Taste,” was produced by Grammy

winning producer Don Was, and is the fi rst new studiorecording by McClinton inover four years. Tickets for the eventrange from $40-$50. Topurchase tickets visit soonertheatre.org.

Delbert McClinton at Sooner Theatre

how toPICK AN INDIE BAND

If you like Sara Bareilles & Kate Nash

28Algebra, a rapper whose sound harkens the likes of Mos Def and Beck, is perform-ing at 6 p.m. April 27 at the STASH stage. Algebra featuressome experimental sounds similar to Mos Def’s songs like “Auditorium,” paired with a voice that sounds like Beck

(even though Beck doesn’t rap). This comes across most obviously in “Off White Everything.” Algebra’s fl ow isconstant and clever, and his songs like “Analyzing Punc-tuation” have depth to them that can be diffi cult to find inpopular rap.

If indie-pop is moreyour style, check out Allie Lauren playing at Michaelangelo’s Coffee and Wine Bar 10:30 p.m. April27. With a pure pop voice a la Sara Bareilles (“Love Song,” “Uncharted”) but

with an edge much like Kate Nash (“Merry Happy, “Death Proof”), Lauren’s style is most obviously put forth in her songs “Nords” and “Lately.” Keep her in mind for a more relaxing end to a busy day.

If you prefer more of a rock atmosphere akin to Modest Mouse and Arctic Monkeys, check out DEERPEOPLE. With the hollow soundfeatured in most of the Arctic Monkey’s songs like“Brainstorm” but a voice as unique as Modest Mouse,

DEERPEOPLE is sure to keep audiences rockin’ out. Beforeyou head to their Norman Music Festival show, check out their song “Ulysses” for the best introduction to the band. They are performing 11 p.m. April 26 on the Blackwatch Stage.

Though not an offi cialNorman Music Festival stage, Midway Deli is featuring their own line of local performers. Be sure to check out Camille Harp 8 p.m. April 27. One of the most well-known local artists, Harp’s style hinges on Americana and folk. Songs

like “Thinking It Over” call to mind band The Civil Wars, and any time she performs with John Calvin, that feeling intensifi es. If you are a fanof P!nk’s ballads like “Please Don’t Leave Me” or “Glitter in the Sky,” you’ll also enjoy Harp.

If you like Glenn Miller and No Doubt circa the “Tragic Kingdom” album,then be sure to catch Big Sam’s Funky Nation 8 p.m. April 27 on the Main Stage. Their jazzy sets makes it impossible

to not move along with the music. “Ain’t Nothing But a Party” is reminiscent of the bigband tunes of yesteryear.If jazz or ska makes you tap your toes, don’t miss this show.

Also playing on the Blackwatch stage April 26 is Jacob Abello. His set begins 1 am. Featured often at Norman Music Festivals, Abello has a style all his own. With a voice that often sounds like Brandon

Flowers from The Killers, Abello belts out songs like “Party Girl” with a pop/rock band backing him up that is reminiscent of Maroon 5. You can be assured of a performance you’ll remember.

Norman's local music scene is always thriving and Norman Music Festival brings hundreds of bands to Norman during the free, three day festival. With so many local bands, it's hard to know what will fi t your style. Check out these comparisons to help you find the band you'll love.

Than you’ll likeAllie Lauren

If you like Mos Def & Beck

Than you’ll likeAlgebra

If you like Modest Mouse & Arctic Monkeys

Than you’ll likeDEERPEOPLE

If you like The Killers & Maroon 5

Than you’ll likeJacob Abello

If you like Glenn Miller & No Doubt

Than you’ll likeBig Sam’s Funky Nation

If you like The Civil Wars & P!nk

Than you’ll likeCamille Harp

+ +

+++

by Kerry Friesen

+

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Imagine life in New York Cityas a sailor on leave in the midst of World War II, with only one day tohave the time of your life. This footloose and fancy freespirit is captured in the University of Oklahoma’s upcoming production of “On the Town,” a Broadway musical that mirrored real life whenit originally opened in 1944. The show promises to be ahumorous jaunt through the Big Apple as it tells the story of three sailors on a 24-hour long shoreleave, set to the famed music of Leonard Bernstein. With music favorites such as “Come Up to My Place,” “Lucky to Be Me,” and “New York, New York,”the production comes packed full of both romance and humor. “It is a dance musical.Dance is the storytelling component of the show, but I also don’t think people realize how funny the show is, how comedic it is,” Director Lyn Cramer said. “All scenes are very tight, the comedy is fast paced and really fun.” The humor in the show ishistorically signifi cant. Cramer said inits opening in 1944, service men and women would see the production on Broadway before going off to war.The experience was uplifting. “This was the one show theysaw before they left, because it’s about cramming everything you can as a young person into 24 hours of fun,” she said. “When

you’re going off to war and you don’t know if you’re going to come back, it can be a very daunting thought.” Cramer said “On the Town” is aproduction years in the making forOU. Because it is so enormous in scope, the show is seldom produced by anyone except for professional companies with a lot of money. It’s one of the reasons Cramersaid she is so excited to see OU tackle the show. She said because of the highlevels of dance, music and acting skills needed, the production is diffi cult to execute successfully. Butit is one Cramer said she knew

would be possible this year.

“We knewabout two years ago that

we

would end up this year with the people that we needed to fi ll theroles,” she said. “You can kind ofproject it once you know what yourenrollment is and who’s moving up, who can maybe have the real tools to do these roles.” The project requiredparticipation from talent campus-wide, and is a collaboration between the theater department, the School of Dance and School of Music. “We couldn’t do this showwithout the School of Dance because the original choreography was Jerome Robbins, one of the most renowned and legendary balletchoreographers in the world. It requires a caliber of ballet that is

tough to get

sometimes from musical theater majors,” Cramer said, adding that the show’s leading man, Cory Lingner,who plays a sailor named Gabey, happens to be talented on both fronts.

Cramer said the cast consistsof 45 performers, with the crew and creative team twice that size. Rehearsal time has been doubled, going from a normal time frame of six weeks, to their current workload of over 12 weeks of preparation. And all of this work is theperfect way to cap off college for Lingner, who graduates this year.

“This part is a dream come truefor me, and I couldn’t see a better way to fi nish my college

experience [than] by doing this show,” he said. Lingner agrees

with the importance of the “seize the day” message

behind “On the Town.” “It’s definitely about [trying] tocram in as much as you can, what you as a person would want to do with the time that you’re given,” Lingner said. Performances are scheduled at 8p.m. April 26, 27 and May 2-4, and 3 p.m. April 28 and May 5 at the OU Reynolds Performing Arts Center, 560 Parrington Oval. Tickets are $30 adult, $25 senioradult, OU faculty and staff, and military and $15 student. Tickets may be purchased by calling 405-325-4101, or in person at the OU Fine Arts Box Offi ce, 500 W. Boyd St., inthe Catlett Music Center.

NTHET OWNOOU’s Spring Musical is an old standard showing the lives of three sailors with a one day shore leave.

by Linsday Whelchel

30

Norman Art Council’s Annual FundraiserThe ONE Event. March 30, 2013

CAUGHToncamera

Brenne Coker

Erinn Gavaghan, ExecutiveDirector of Norman Arts Council

Eric and Melanie Losterwith Tyson and Kate Stanek

Julie Eppler of Yoga atTiffany’s

DJTimmy B Lesha Maag

photos by Jay Chilton