May 2018 (Vol. 32, No. 5) by Preview 918

BURGER, AMERICA’S QUINTESSENTIAL COMFORT FOOD, CAN BE ENJOYED SUN’S OUT, BUNS OUT THE IN AN ENDLESS NUMBER OF WAYS. WE FOUND 70 YOU NEED TO CHECK OUT W H E R E T O D I N E | W H AT T O D O | W H E R E T O F I N D I T | W H E N I T ’ S H A P P E N I N G

MAY 2018

CONTAIN YOURSELF THE BOXYARD’S SHIPPING CONTAINER

I LOVE THE 90'S ZZ TOP SABORES BEAU & ARROW CLIMB TULSA OL’VINE SAVORY SWIRL TULSA GOLD AND GEMS

CONCEPT FUELS DOWNTOWN INCUBATOR

GUITARS GONE WILD THE HEAD-BANGING SUCCESS OF ROCKLAHOMA

COMING UP ACES EXPERIENCE A TROPICAL

PROVES YOU CAN’T STOP ROCK ’N’ ROLL.

Joust in Time

ISLAND PARADISE AT RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT

JOURNEY TO AN AGE OF KINGS, QUEENS, JESTERS AND KNIGHTS DURING THE OKLAHOMA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL AT THE CASTLE OF MUSKOGEE.

PREVIEW 918.COM J U S T V I S I T I N G ? L I V I N G LO C A L? W E ’ V E G OT YO U C OV E R E D.

SLOW-SMOKED UP TO

12 HOURS

S U O I R E S ECUE BARB BABY BACK

RIBS

Here at RibCrib, we abide by the barbecue lifestyle. We have an uncompromising passion for championshipquality barbecue and a commitment to the process it requires – that means no shortcuts, substitutes or skimping on ingredients. Our barbecue comes from premium cuts of meat that are slathered, seasoned and slow-smoked up to 12 hours. Because great barbecue isn’t just food. It’s a way of life. And we keep it saucy!

/RIBCRIB

Incrediblepizza.com

M FROM THE MAYOR As mayor of Tulsa, it is my honor to welcome you to our great city. Whether you’re visiting, or have deep roots here, I invite you to take time to explore our beautiful city and discover all the things that set us apart from other cities.

Tough bike racing, the Tulsa Run, the Route 66 Marathon and the NCAA basketball finals. The Tulsa area offers more than 80 miles of pedestrian and bicycle trails for a great way to see Tulsa.

I highly recommend Preview 918 as your go-to guide to navigate our incredible city. For more than 30 years, Preview has covered the 918, offering Tulsans and visitors alike the inside scoop to area restaurants and cafés, lodging, local attractions and events, world-class entertainment venues, tourist destinations and unique shopping venues that are bound to please and delight. Our city is home to the world’s greatest collection of western art at the Gilcrease Museum as well as Italian Renaissance displays at the Philbrook Museum. It’s a treasure trove for lovers of architecture from mid-century modern housing to the downtown Art Deco District and our iconic BOK Center, designed by the internationally acclaimed architect César Pelli.

Tulsa is also a city on the move. In the next few years, we will open the greatest city park in America at Tulsa’s River Parks, become the home to an Olympic sport, and build a lake in the center of the city to create new recreational opportunities for our entire region. I’m pleased so many of you have made your home in Tulsa. If you’re visiting our city, please enjoy your stay here. I also want to invite you to come back often to experience opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. In the meantime, you can find out more about Tulsa by visiting cityoftulsa.‌org.

Sports spectators can look to the University of Tulsa or Oral Roberts University athletic programs, Tulsa Oiler hockey games, and Tulsa Roughnecks soccer. Or, time a visit to coincide with special events, such as Tulsa

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | DIRECTOR OF BRAND AND STRATEGY Chris Greer chrisg@previewgreencountry.com MANAGING EDITOR/ SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Michele Chiappetta michele@previewgreencountry.com CREATIVE DIRECTORS Jared Hood jared@previewgreencountry.com Beth Rose beth@previewgreencountry.com

4 MAY 2018

PREVIEW918.COM

For over 30 years, Preview 918 magazine has been the best resource for discovering Tulsa, Green Country and locating the perfect place to eat, visit, shop and be entertained, whether you are here on business or just enjoying a few days away from the grind. Located in the heart of Oklahoma, Tulsa is a year-round destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, scenic views, hikes and adventure. The rich history of Tulsa and its surrounding areas is reflected in the diversity of its museums, landmarks, history, wildlife, attractions, fine dining and friendly locals. In Tulsa, situated on the Arkansas River at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, enjoy a performance or sporting event at the BOK Center, fish in one of the area’s many lakes, check out the sharks in the state’s only freestanding aquarium, explore any of the lush parks or break out the clubs and tackle any of the 16 public golf courses. Considered by many to be the cultural and arts center of Oklahoma, Tulsa offers full-time professional opera and ballet companies and one of the nation’s largest concentrations of art deco architecture. Regardless of your personal tastes or budget, Tulsa offers a down-home, yet cultured experience for all ages.

In over 100 area Hotels and Motels

Preview 918 is proudly displayed in the rooms, lobbies and/or front desks of over 100 hotels and motels in the Tulsa and surrounding Green Country communities. Copies are also available at hundreds of other locations including Oklahoma travel information centers, Tulsa International Airport visitor displays, Expo Square, office complexes, hospitals, Cancer Treatment Centers of America and in over 200 area restaurants. You can also find Preview 918 at participating QuikTrip, Reasor’s, CVS Pharmacies and Panera Bread locations as well as in Preview 918 yellow boxes throughout the Tulsa area.

For a night on the town, Tulsa serves up family entertainment at the Guthrie Green and Tulsa Drillers baseball at ONEOK Field. The Tulsa Performing Arts Center attracts Broadway musicals, renowned musicians and excellent local theater productions, and is home to the Tulsa Ballet.

FACEBOOK.COM/PREVIEW918

VOL. 32, NO. 5

Best regards, G.T. Bynum, Mayor of Tulsa

Tulsa’s unique entertainment and shopping districts provide enjoyable experiences for the entire family. From an art crawl in the Tulsa Arts District, to a concert at the historic Cain’s Ballroom, to a trip to the Tulsa Zoo or a leisurely drive along Route 66 — there’s no end to what you can experience here.

LIKE US!

PREV EW

G.T. Bynum

@PREVIEWTULSA

MANAGING PHOTOGRAPHER Marc Rains marc@previewgreencountry.com

FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER Stephen Hurt stephen@previewgreencountry.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chris Greer, Michele Chiappetta, Tiffany Duncan, Rob Harmon, Donna Leahey, G.K. Hizer, Gina Conroy, Lindsay Morris, John Tranchina, TravelOK.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Ann Murphy ann@previewgreencountry.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Marc Rains, Chelsi Fisher, Sarah Eliza Roberts, Valerie Grant, Kelli Greer

ROUTE DISTRIBUTION Rachel Blanchard, Cory Blanchard, Garrett Rinner SENIOR CONSULTANT Randy Dietzel PUBLISHERS Robert and Amy Rinner robert@previewgreencountry.com

READ US!

WWW.ISSUU.COM/PREVIEWMAGAZINETULSA Local advertising and business inquiries: 918-745-1190. Copyright 2018 by Preview 918. Preview 918 is an affiliated publication produced by Fore Today Media Group. All rights reserved. Preview 918 is published 12 times a year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Preview 918 ’s right to edit. While Preview 918 makes every reasonable effort to provide accurate and errorless information, it can’t be responsible for the consequences of any erratum or inadvertence. Preview 918 claims no credit for any images published in this issue unless otherwise noted. Images are copyright to their respective owners. The workouts, exercises and advice provided in Preview 918 and preview918.com are for educational and entertainment purposes only. Consult a physician before performing any exercise program. Preview 918, 10026-A S. Mingo, Suite 322, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133 preview918.com info@previewgreencountry.com © Fore Today Publications LLC

NORTH SOUTH EAST AND WESTERN WEAR

Shop Our 2 Convenient Locations:

•32nd & Memorial •Tulsa, OK •71st & HWY 169 •Tulsa, OK ® Or drysdales.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS MAY 2018

C ON THE COVER

F FEATURES 16 C ONVERSATION STARTER: I LOVE THE 90’S

36 REMODEL BEHAVIOR

The “I Love the 90’s” hip-hopheavy lineup featuring Vanilla Ice, Young MC, Salt-N-Pepa and Rob Base brings familiar songs and familiar vibes, creating the perfect ’90s nostalgia trip to The Joint: Tulsa.

Built using repurposed oceanic shipping containers, The Boxyard in downtown Tulsa is a small, lively, eclectic village of shops, sweets, service providers, dining destinations and retail outlets.

20 CONVERSATION STARTER: ZZ TOP One of the few bands with the same lineup for nearly 50 years, ZZ Top’s blues rock shows continue to prove they’re more than just a pair of cheap sunglasses.

24 EAR WE GO

As Rocklahoma enters its 12th year, it’s become a staple event for the Midwest rock community while continuing to steer through the unique challenges that come with organizing a summer festival in Oklahoma.

52 Journey to an age of kings, queens, and knights while being mesmerized as magicians, jugglers, musicians, dancers, acrobats, and jousters thrill and delight you throughout the confines of The Castle of Muskogee during the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival. It’s not just a place you go to watch scheduled shows and buy anachronistic things. The entire experience is a show. From the moment you walk in, you’re a part of the magic.

30 TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT

River Spirit Casino Resort is a luxurious multi-entertainment, gaming, relaxing and dining complex where you can feel like you’ve escaped on a cool getaway to Miami or the Caribbean, even though you’re still in the heart of Oklahoma.

36 20 74

Every Wednesday, ol’Vine offers an ensemble cast of flavors, colors, and textures to delight the senses in small enough portions that you can sample several plates (ranging from $4-$6) at one sitting during its Savory Swirl.

86 FIRING UP THE FLAVORS

With great, fresh tastes of authentic Mexican, blackened fish tacos, and a creative cocktail list (an Old Fashioned with tequila), Sabores is more than a meal — it’s a flavor vacation.

90 BROWNIE POINTS

The burgers, pies and root beer at Brownies may appear to be basic diner fare. But with a bonus of 60 years of experience and tradition behind almost every recipe, there is nothing ordinary about the Tulsa icon.

D DEPARTMENTS 47 Sports Schedule

66 Eats + Treats

10 Music + Concerts

49 Downtown Locator

70 Food for Thought

12 Happenings

50 Tulsa Locator

72 Urban Grind

14 Street Talk

52 Green Country Scene

90 Masters of Flavor

16 Conversation Starter

54 Style + Shopping

92 Get to Know

22 Sound Check

56 Health + Fitness

94 Shelf Life

42 Homegrown Heroes

58 Weigh-In

96 Showtime

44 Sports Central

62 Cocktail Confidential

56 COVER CREDIT Photographer: Marc Rains Model: Lindsay Batchelder Venue: Castle of Muskogee

6 MAY 2018

The beauty of the burger is that it can take many forms within a certain template. And what’s great and worth celebrating about this burgerbesotted area of ours is the 70 variations we found.

82 A DVENTURE ON AN INTERNATIONAL SCALE

26 FLOCKING TO THE ROCK

For fans like Jimmy and Jill Sullivan, annually attending Rocklahoma is as much about hanging with friends and campground good times as it is about seeing bands they love from the past and present.

BURGER BONANZA

8 $91.80 in 48 Challenge

DOWNTOWN DINING Justin Thompson Restaurants has become a staple of the local food scene in

downtown Tulsa over the years. Chef Justin Thompson, winner of multiple Best Chef awards in the city, has a long history of developing well-known local

dining concepts and providing artful catering in Tulsa. www.jtrgroup.com

JUNIPER

SEASONAL FARM-TO-TABLE Justin's group was founded in 2011 with his first concept,

a seasonal farm-to-table restaurant called Juniper, which he and his father

designed and built by hand in the Blue Dome District. Juniper changes with the

seasons to bring guests creative, modern cuisine focused on delicious, locally

sourced ingredients and boasts a beautiful and intimate downtown setting with its rustic brick columns, commissioned art by local artists, and a warm and inviting

atmosphere. Since opening, Justin and the talented chefs at Juniper have created more than 2,000 different tasty and creative dishes that have made it onto their

popular weekly special menus. www.junipertulsa.com

PRHYME FINE-DINING MODERN STEAKHOUSE Following the success of Juniper, Justin expanded with a new

concept, PRHYME: Downtown Steakhouse in 2012. PRHYME is an upscale and modern interpretation of the American steakhouse

located in Tulsa's hugely popular Tulsa Arts District. PRHYME

immediately positioned itself toward the highest level of service and quality in dining in the city and specializes in fine cuts of

USDA Prime beef. In addition, PRHYME boasts seasonal seafood,

artistically plated appetizers, classic caviar service, and desserts. PRHYME also boasts a wine list with over 250 selections from

around the world, meticulously chosen and arranged by Justin's

expert team of certified sommeliers. www.prhymetulsa.com

I TAVOLO

URBAN ITALIAN BISTRO Justin brought a taste of Italy to downtown Tulsa when he opened Tavolo in 2013 in the Deco District. Focused on handmade pasta and seasonal chef-inspired dishes,

Tavolo brings the authenticity of an urban Italian eatery you'd find in a big city. Justin selected the beautiful and historic Philtower for the restaurant, utilizing its floor-toceiling windows to highlight the famous art deco architecture of the district. Tavolo

has mezzanine and private dining space available, offers daily $8 lunch specials,

monthly Winesday events, and is a perfect destination for a romantic dinner or night out with friends. www.tavolotulsa.com

MIXCO

SPEAKEASY ST Y LE BAR In 2017, Justin Thompson Restaurants added MixCo to the group â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a speakeasy-style bar located across from the BOK Center in downtown Tulsa. Specializing in creative

and classic craft cocktails and delicious shareable plates, MixCo's kitchen stays open late and is the perfect place to grab a bite and a drink before or after your show

downtown, or just for a romantic and intimate dinner date. www.mixcotulsa.com

SO PROVIDING AN ENVELOPE OF CASH AND TELLING PEOPLE TO SPEND IT IN 48 HOURS ISN’T EXACTLY A CHALLENGE, BUT IT MAKES THIS ASSIGNMENT SOUND A LOT MORE INTERESTING.

918 $91.80 IN 48 CHALLENGE START STOP #2

I am from Russia, love food and am really into trying new things. And what’s a better plan for a weekend than exploring local restaurants and tasting new dishes?

STOP #1

It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and spending time on Brookside sounded like the best plan to my best friend, Rachel, and me. We started at ol’Vine Fresh Grill with an Asian chicken salad and some stuffed mushrooms. The salad was so big and was a perfect balance between cold, warm, soft and crispy. I like mushrooms, cheese and meat, so it’s hard for me not to like the combination. But those stuffed mushrooms were the best I’ve ever tried. They were really packed with a lot of cheese and sausage and were served in a hot pan. I may not be allowed at this place anymore because I was shamelessly scratching the cheese from the bottom of the pan after finishing the mushrooms. So good. COST: $25

With starters out of the way, we walked north on Peoria Avenue to Café Ole for the main meal. For some reason, I was expecting to see something similar to ol’Vine, but I was intrigued when we walked in and realized Café Ole had a completely different concept. I’ve traveled a lot in Europe, and Café Ole felt more like Southern Europe than Tulsa; that’s how unique it was. Between the heavy rain outside, a wood-burning fireplace in the outside covered patio, not a lot of people around, interesting decorations and quiet music, it was perfect. In addition to that, we got a menu with a lot of items we haven’t seen before. We chose the salmon Caesar wrap and the molcajete.

The wrap was surprisingly fresh and with enough flavor and greens, with a bonus of colorful rice and some salsa and chips. But let’s talk about molcajete. I decided to get it just because I’ve never seen this name before and I like surprises. Apparently, it is pork, beef, chicken, shrimp, and veggie stew topped with scallions and cheese, and it is a life changer. We really liked how rich the flavor was and how different it tasted from everything else we’ve tried before. COST: $31.80

THINK YOU CAN BLOW OUR CASH IN INTERESTING WAYS?

The mission posed to Dila Djuraeva was to spend $91.80 (we used the local area code for the amount) in two days. And if her and her friend could find fun and free activities … bonus. The only catch was that they had to spend it at places, events or shops profiled in the April 2018 issue of Preview 918.

STOP #3

We were excited to walk (or waddle, after eating so much) down the street and hunt for dessert. Our pick was the Italian restaurant Mondo’s. I accepted long ago that it’s not easy to find authentic tiramisu in the United States. So why not challenge another place? Mondo’s is very cool with many old-style pictures, a black and white movie playing on the wall, and nice music. Rachel ordered cannoli and I went with tiramisu. The cannoli was crispy, but not too sweet. We had some fun trying to figure out if we should stab these rolls or eat them with our hands.

STOP #4

The tiramisu was beyond my expectations; so rich, so perfect and so yummy. I asked our waitress what type of mascarpone cheese they used and, apparently, it is imported from Italy. Whatever recipe they are using, it tasted just right, and I think this tiramisu is a win for me. We were completely satisfied with our desserts, full and happy. Even after we were done with our yummy dishes, it was nice to spend just a little more time in this place and enjoy the wonderful Italian atmosphere. COST: $20

After realizing that we still had some money to spend, we decided to have a drink. Yes, it was Sunday. Yes, it was a restaurant, not a bar. And yes, it was still daytime. But no judgment here, right? We went to El Chico on 21st Street and had a huge ultimate margarita. The bartender was super friendly and knowledgeable about the selections. The drink itself was strong and delicious. COST: $15

Like us on Facebook and drop a message with some of your ideas. We might just lace your pockets with green and turn you loose. 8 MAY 2018

PREVIEW918.COM 9

H HAPPENINGS MAY LIVE MUSIC VENUES 5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE BAR | RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT

8330 Riverside Parkway | Tulsa

BLACKBIRD ON PEARL

1336 E. 6th St. | Tulsa

BOK CENTER

MUSIC+CONCERTS 2 U2

200 S. Denver Ave. | Tulsa

777 W. Cherokee St. | Catoosa

CAIN’S BALLROOM

423 N. Main St. | Tulsa

CROW CREEK TAVERN

3534 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa

DOG IRON SALOON | CHEROKEE CASINO 20900 S. 4200 Road | Claremore

GUTHRIE GREEN

111 E. M.B. Brady St. | Tulsa

IDL BALLROOM

230 E. 1st St. | Tulsa

INNER CIRCLE VODKA BAR

3-5

4 JUNIOR BROWN

8330 Riverside Pkwy. | Tulsa

PEORIA SHOWPLACE | BUFFALO RUN CASINO & RESORT

1000 Buffalo Run Blvd. | Miami

RIFFS | HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO TULSA 777 W. Cherokee St. | Catoosa

THE SHRINE

112 E. 18th St. | Tulsa

SOUL CITY

1621 E. 11th St. | Tulsa

20 HOP JAM

Tulsa Arts District | Tulsa

WITH 12 MARLEYFEST TRAVIS FITE

Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa

24 AMERICAN AQUARIUM Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa

Soul City Gastropub | Tulsa

5 JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

OKLAHOMEGROWN MUSIC SHOWCASE

BOK Center | Tulsa

25-27 ROCKLAHOMA

Catch the Fever Festival Grounds | Pryor

Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa

Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa Bartlesville Community Center

CASII STEPHAN

Soul City Gastropub | Tulsa

5 S. Boston Ave. | Tulsa

PARADISE COVE | RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT

Soul City Gastropub | Tulsa

Peoria Showplace | Buffalo Run Casino & Resort | Miami

ANNIE MOSES BAND

OKLAHOMA JAZZ HALL OF FAME

JIMMY MARKHAM AND THE CARETAKERS

MORRIS DAY AND THE TIME

Osage Casino Tulsa Raceway Park | Tulsa

JIMMY BUFFETT’S MARGARITAVILLE | RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT 1747 S. Boston Ave. | Tulsa

Brady Theater | Tulsa

GREEN COUNTRY JAM: RASCAL FLATTS AND JAKE OWEN

BEACH HOUSE

MERCURY LOUNGE

DAVID CROSBY

PAPA ROACH

410 N. Main St. | Tulsa

8330 Riverside Pkwy. | Tulsa

Paradise Cove | River Spirit Casino Resort | Tulsa

The Joint: Tulsa | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa | Catoosa

Paradise Cove | River Spirit Casino Resort | Tulsa

105 W. M.B. Brady St. | Tulsa

19 TOM JONES

BASE AND YOUNG MC

LYLE LOVETT

BRADY THEATER

CABIN CREEK | HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO TULSA

THE 90S: VANILLA 11 IICE,LOVESALT-N-PEPA, ROB

BOK Center | Tulsa

14 FLEET FOXES

28 JOSHUA YARBROUGH BAND

Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa

Soul City Gastropub | Tulsa

16 JIMMY EAT WORLD

THE MELVINS

Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa

WILLIE NELSON

BRADLEE’S 8 SCOTT POSTMODERN JUKEBOX

29 DEPECHE MODE

BOK Center | Tulsa

Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa

BOK Center | Tulsa

ALISON KRAUSS BOK Center | Tulsa

10 MODEST MOUSE

Brady Theater | Tulsa

DR. DOG

Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa

30 STRYPER

IDL Ballroom | Tulsa

ZZ TOP

LANY

Paradise Cove | River Spirit Casino Resort | Tulsa

Brady Theater | Tulsa

THE SWORD

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH

Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa

BOK Center | Tulsa

SOUNDPONY

409 N. Main St. | Tulsa

THE COLONY

2809 S. Harvard Ave. | Tulsa

SHINEDOWN

BOK Center | Tulsa

THE FUR SHOP

520 E. 3rd St. | Tulsa

THE HUNT CLUB

SOUL CITY GASTROPUB RESIDENT SHOWS AND EVENTS

224 N. Main St. | Tulsa

THE JOINT | HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO TULSA

777 W. Cherokee St. | Catoosa

THE VANGUARD

222 N. Main St. | Tulsa

WOODY GUTHRIE CENTER

102 E. M.B. Brady St. | Tulsa

WOODY’S CORNER BAR

325 E. 2nd St. | Tulsa

YETI

417 N. Main St. | Tulsa

10 MAY 2018

1621 E. 11th St. | Tulsa MONDAY: CLOSED | TUESDAY-FRIDAY: 4 P.M.-MIDNIGHT | SATURDAY: NOON-MIDNIGHT | SUNDAY: NOON-10 P.M.

TUESDAYS:

WEDNESDAYS:

THURSDAYS:

FRIDAYS:

SUNDAYS:

LIVE EVENT TRIVIA NIGHT (7 P.M.)

DON AND STEVE WHITE (8 P.M.)

THE BEGONIAS (8 P.M.)

SCOTT MUSICK AND FRIENDS (8 P.M.)

DUSTIN PITTSLEY TRIO GOSPEL BRUNCH (1 P.M.) BRUNER AND EICHER (6:30 P.M.)

THURSDAY

05.10 TYLER HENRY 8PM

THURSDAY

06.07

SATURDAY

06.16

I LOVE THE 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

8PM

FRIDAY

JOHN FOGERTY

8PM

THE CHARLIE DANIELS BAND AND THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND

8PM

06.08

GEORGE LOPEZ

7PM & 10PM

FRIDAY HANK 07.20 WILLIAMS JR. 8PM

LIGHTING IT UP SCAN TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Schedule subject to change.

FRIDAY

05.11

AI ALSO IN MAY MAY 1-2

SHEN YUN Tulsa Performing Arts Center MAY 1-5

TRAIL OF TEARS ART SHOW Cherokee Heritage Center | Tahlequah

MAY 1-JUNE 3

OKLAHOMA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL The Castle of Muskogee | Muskogee

MAY 3

BLUE TIE AFFAIR Route 66 Blue Whale | Catoosa

MAY 3-6

OIL CAN CLASSIC Riverbend Ranch

MAY 4-5

NANYEHI The Joint: Tulsa | Hard Rock

Hotel & Casino Tulsa | Catoosa

BIXBY BBQ ‘N BLUES FESTIVAL Washington Irving Memorial Park | Bixby

OKLAHOMA 100 MILE YARD SALE TOUR Various locations | Cleveland MAY 4-5, 11-13

MR. BURNS, A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY Tulsa Performing Arts Center MAY 4-6

OKLAHOMA STEAM AND GAS ENGINE SHOW Steam Engine Park | Pawnee MAY 4-6, 10-12

SEASCAPE Tulsa Performing Arts Center

Broken Arrow

HIGH NOON SHOOTOUT J.M. Davis Arms and Historical

MAY 12

MAY DAY CELEBRATION AND LAWN SOCIAL George M. Murrell Home | Park Hill

HOME GROWN: TULSA SYMPHONY SOLOISTS AND OTHER UNIQUELY OKLAHOMA ARTISTS Tulsa Performing Arts Center

PIONEER DAYS Downtown Nowata

TABOULEH FEST Main Street | Bristow

MAY 5-6

MAY 12, 19-20

Museum | Claremore

OKLAHOMA DRESSAGE SOCIETY SHOW Expo Square | Tulsa BROKEN ARROW ROSE FESTIVAL Various locations | Broken Arrow

ZOOMAN AND THE SIGN Tulsa Performing Arts Center

MAY 12-26

BREEDER’S INVITATIONAL Expo Square | Tulsa

MAY 6

NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA AUTOCROSS Expo Square | Tulsa STILWELL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Downtown Stilwell MAY 10

MAY 4

12 MAY 2018

Louisville, Ky.

ROOSTER DAYS FESTIVAL Central Park |

MAY 9-12

TULSA BALLET | SIGNATURE SERIES Tulsa Performing Arts Center FIRST FRIDAY ART CRAWL Tulsa Arts District | Tulsa

MAY 10-13

KENTUCKY DERBY Churchill Downs |

Arena | Inola

OWASSO TRAIL DAYS Various locations | Owasso

MAY 5

TYLER HENRY The Joint: Tulsa | Hard MAY 5

Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa | Catoosa

MAY 13 MAY 13

BEATLES VS. STONES: A MUSICAL SHOWDOWN Tulsa Performing Arts Center

See our features on pages 24 and 26

MAY 16-19

REAL OKIE CHAMPIONSHIP Muskogee Golf Club | Muskogee

MAY 17

LAS ARPIAS Tulsa Performing Arts Center MAY 17-20

TULSA INTERNATIONAL MAYFEST Downtown Tulsa MAY 18

DARREN KNIGHT Peoria Showplace | Buffalo

Run Casino & Resort | Miami

MAY 18-20

MAY 19-20

R.K. GUN AND KNIFE SHOW Expo Square | Tulsa MONSTER JAM BOK Center | Tulsa MAY 24

ALICIA HALL MORAN: BLACK WALL STREET Tulsa Performing Arts Center MAY 25-27

WILL ROGERS STAMPEDE PRCA RODEO Will Rogers Stampede Arena | Claremore

BLUE DOME ARTS FESTIVAL Blue Dome District | Tulsa

THE LION KING JR. Tulsa Performing Arts Center DUVALLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STEER WRESTLING Checotah Round-Up Club | Checotah

MAY 19

PREAKNESS STAKES Pimlico Race Course | Baltimore, Md.

CHEROKEE HERITAGE GOSPEL SING Cherokee Heritage Center | Tahlequah

SPRING TRAIL RIDE Woolaroc Museum and

Wildlife Preserve | Bartlesville

MAY 28 MAY 31

DR. KEN JEONG Paradise Cove | River Spirit Casino Resort | Tulsa

MAY 31-JUNE 2

SUMMERFEST Maple Park | Wagoner MAY 31-JUNE 3

COPPERHEAD RUN RALLY Copperhead Rally Grounds | Spavinaw

PREVIEW918.COM 13

If you could get a true answer from a

ST STREET TALK

I would find out the winning lottery numbers.

MICHELLE

what would you ask?

When to invest in bitcoin.

Z AC H

What will the stock market do in 2018?

SPENCER

Will I ever be happy? Has my husband ever cheated on me, or will he? I don’t know if I want to know the answer to those things.

Why do so many families have so much strife?

R O B E R TA

MEGAN

What are my dad and mom doing? They’re in heaven.

Will I pay off my student loans by the time I’m 60?

DOLORES

RYA N

Why am I here?

What’s the winning numbers to the next lottery drawing?

BEN

Will I ever own a 1957 Chevy?

AMBER

Which companies worth less than $10 million now will be worth billions in the next five years?

PHIL

Why are tacos better from a truck than a brick and mortar restaurant?

MICHELLE

Where will I be in five years?

KYLE

Why is Oklahoma weather so bipolar? I think this question would more than likely break the ball.

AMANDA

Will my children live long and healthy lives?

B R A N DY

If I knew I’d get a true answer, I would ask it to list out the experiences and adventures I would find most life-changing and worthwhile. However, knowing that they will be amazing will only heighten my anticipation and enjoyment.

SARAH

14 MAY 2018

Want to join the discussion?

WE’LL POST A QUESTIO N ON OUR FACEBO OK EACH MONTH. GIVE US AN ANSWER AND PHOTO, AND YOU MIGHT END UP IN OUR MAGAZI NE.

PREVIEW918.COM 15

CS CONVERSATION STARTER

I LOVE THE 90’S

THE “I LOVE THE 90’S” HIP-HOP-HEAVY LINEUP FEATURING VANILLA ICE, YOUNG MC, SALT-N-PEPA AND ROB BASE BRINGS FAMILIAR SONGS AND FAMILIAR VIBES, CREATING THE PERFECT ’90S NOSTALGIA TRIP TO THE JOINT: TULSA. BY G.K. HIZER

Nostalgia isn’t just a product of the ‘70s and ‘80s anymore. In 2016, cocreators Jeff Allen and Jeff Epstein of Universal Attractions Agency were confident that the time was right for a tour to celebrate the music of the ‘90s. Audiences have proven them right as the “I Love the 90’s” tour has captured the hearts of now grown up ‘90s kids

with a revolving lineup of some of the biggest pop, hip-hop and R&B acts that topped the charts. Last year the tour went international, blowing up in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. A revolving cast of players has included staples like Vanilla Ice, Salt-N-Pepa, Coolio, Tone Lōc, Mark McGrath (of Sugar Ray), along with

HIS IS THE THIRD T YEAR FOR THE TOUR. TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE ITS POPULARITY AND CONSISTENT DRAW?

is is one of the first Th opportunities that ‘90s fans have had to be part of a nostalgia tour. They have reached the age of the key demographic where people have kids, jobs and responsible adult lives. So, the opportunity to go and watch half a dozen artists who sang some of their favorite songs is fun. Also, we as

16 MAY 2018

performers are doing shorter sets, so it’s almost like an iPod Shuffle of favorite songs from the ‘90s. I live in Scottsdale [Ariz.] and we performed in Phoenix two years ago. People still stop me and talk to me about that show.

HAT’S THE MOST FUN W PART OF THIS TOUR FOR YOU AND WHO DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING PERFORM AND SPENDING TIME WITH ON THIS YEAR’S RUN?

artists like Naughty By Nature, All-4One, Rob Base, Color Me Badd, Young MC, Montell Jordan, Biz Markie, Kid ‘n Play, and others. The May 11 bill at The Joint: Tulsa includes Vanilla Ice, Salt-N-Pepa with Spinderella, Rob Base and Young MC. With the tour gearing up, we were able to catch up with Young MC.

e camaraderie of the acts on the Th tour. We’ve done so many dates over the last two-plus years that I see the other artists on the tour more than I see my own friends. I’ve been friends with Tone Lōc for 30 years and I’ve known Coolio almost as long. I just met All-4-One on this tour and I love those guys. I’m happy to call them my friends. There are a lot of crew and support staff that I consider great friends as well.

O YOU FEEL LIKE THIS D IS OPENING NEW

CONVERSATION STARTER CS

First was my vocabulary. I did a lot of my writing in high school and college, so it felt natural for me to use multi-syllable words and complex phrases you would not normally hear in a rap song or even a pop song. My second distinguishing trait was the fact that I did not curse in my songs. I came up during a time when rappers were trying to get their records on the radio, so my mindset was to make sure that every song I recorded could be played on the radio. Even if it was an album cut, if radio liked it, I didn’t want the language to be an excuse for them not to play it.

ere are multiple artists that I’d love Th to see on this tour, but I’m not going to name them. Over the last two years I’ve seen that only certain combinations of acts are able to consistently sell tickets across the country and keep the tour successful. People have tried other combinations of artists, and it didn’t work. And I’ve had friends on some of those unsuccessful tours.

My third distinguishing trait was my lyrical clarity: the fact that you could understand pretty much all of my lyrics. That didn’t seem very extraordinary to me, but I can’t tell you how many people have come up to me and told me that they liked my music from the first time they heard it because of the fact that they could understand every word. I always thought that was the point of the exercise, but it was still a big deal to a lot of people.

ANY PEOPLE DON’T M REALIZE THAT YOU HELPED WRITE “WILD THING” AND “FUNKY COLD MEDINA” FOR TONE LŌC, WHICH ULTIMATELY LED TO YOUR OWN CONTRACT AND CAREER.

I have to correct you on that: I was signed as a recording artist in 1987 before I even met Tone. We were on Delicious Vinyl together when I was approached by the label and asked to help write “Wild Thing” and “Funky Cold Medina.” I guess the biggest song I’ve been a part of that a lot of people don’t know about is “Not That Kind” by Anastacia. That’s a song that I’m really proud of. I had more creative involvement in that song than I even did in “Bust a Move.” It was a huge hit overseas and it was a great addition

I think there are three things that distinguish me as an artist separate from the other rappers out there.

OW DO YOU FEEL THAT H HIP-HOP HAS CHANGED? WHO ARE YOU CURRENTLY IMPRESSED BY?

ip-hop has changed in multiple H ways and multiple times since my first album came out. It’s changed in speed, in instrumentation, in region, both nationally and internationally. I think the biggest change is that hip-hop music is more like pop music. Not that hip-hop has changed

Q. A.

When my first album came out, I heard the whispers that hip-hop was going away and being a fad just like disco. Today, hip-hop is too big for any of these artists to have to take that nonsense seriously.

WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE CURRENT LINEUP AND TOUR?

Q. A.

e fans can look forward to more fun Th times, more strong performances, and more memorable nights like we’ve had over the last two years of this tour. I’m excited to work with my friends again. I open the show, so I love to leave the stage knowing that I got the night off to a rocking start.

HAT DO YOU HAVE W COMING ON THE HORIZON?

I just completed my first feature film called Justice Served. I actually screen a trailer of the film during my performance on the “I Love the 90’s” tour. I’m working on getting distribution together for the film so that people will be able to see it on their screens in the near future. Other than that, I’ll keep touring and I look forward to seeing those rocking crowds at the shows.

I LOVE THE 90’S: VANILLA ICE, SALT-N-PEPA, ROB BASE AND YOUNG MC The Joint: Tulsa | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa 777 W. Cherokee St. | Catoosa 918-384-ROCK (x7625) hardrockcasinotulsa.com

Today the artists that impress me are Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Drake and ASAP Rocky, among others. I love to hear the freedom and creativity that all of them bring to their music.

HAT DO YOU FEEL SET W YOU APART FROM YOUR PEERS, EITHER IN STYLE OR APPROACH?

RE THERE ANY ARTISTS A IN PARTICULAR THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SEE THIS TOUR INCLUDE IN THE FUTURE?

to meet the world, but the world has changed to meet hip-hop.

ver the last two years I have been O fortunate to have “Bust a Move” and another song of mine called “Know How” be licensed in movies and commercials. “Bust a Move” was in the film IT last year, and “Know How” was featured in Baby Driver. As a matter of fact, both songs are currently running in TV commercials right now.

to my catalog because it was a multiplatinum song that wasn’t rap.

DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY FOR YOURSELF AND OTHER ARTISTS WHO ESTABLISHED THEMSELVES IN THE ‘90S?

May 11: 8 p.m. Must be 21 or older to attend

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Live Music

Check Website for Dates!

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ZZ TOP

CS CONVERSATION STARTER

ONE OF THE FEW BANDS WITH THE SAME LINEUP FOR NEARLY 50 YEARS, ZZ TOP’S BLUES ROCK SHOWS CONTINUE TO PROVE THEY’RE MORE THAN JUST A PAIR OF CHEAP SUNGLASSES. BY DONNA LEAHEY

PHOTOS BY ROSS HALFIN

ZZ Top’s Eliminator erupted onto the rock music scene 35 years ago with hits like “Legs,” “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” and “Sharp Dressed Man” tearing up the rock charts and creating some of the most iconic music videos of the ‘80s. And still the legendary rockers continue to stand the test of time with riffs, beards and plenty of blues.

20 MAY 2018

This Houston-based rock powerhouse started in a tiny apartment covered with posters of B.B. King and Z.Z. Hill. The band, consisting of Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard signed with London Records in 1970, and released ZZ Top’s First Album in 1971. Two years later they received commercial breakthrough with the release of Tres Hombres and the single “La Grange.”

The trio was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 by the Rolling Stone’s Keith Richards. In their 50-year career, they’ve racked up VHI Rock Honors, six No. 1 singles on the mainstream rock chart, and the Recording Industry Association of America has recognized them with a diamond album, three platinum, two

CONVERSATION STARTER CS

WHAT WERE YOUR MUSICAL INFLUENCES?

multi-platinum, and four gold albums. In 1994, the Texas House of Representatives named them “Official Heroes for the State of Texas.” These rockers bring a lot more than iconic beards and spinning guitars to Paradise Cove. They bring half-a-century of rock ‘n’ roll attitude and blues-tinged sound. Gibbons (guitar, vocals, band leader, main lyricist, and musical arranger) took some time to talk about the band’s history and their May 17 concert at River Spirit Casino Resort.

Q. A.

wo words: the blues. It started T with B.B. King when, as a youngster, I got to witness a B.B. King recording session thanks to my dad’s business connections at ACA Studios in Houston. From then, it didn’t take long to discover Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Jimmy Reed, Albert King and those giants. It made both an immediate and lasting impact. As we have been saying for as long as anybody remembers, you can’t lose with the blues.

OW DO YOUR ROOTS H IN TEXAS INFLUENCE YOUR SOUND?

S ince it’s a big state, we figured we needed a commensurately big sound, and, of course, there’s a great Texas tradition of blues, country, western swing and even classical music [Van Cliburn]. The standards are set high and we do our best to rise to the occasion and location.

OW IS THE TOURING H EXPERIENCE DIFFERENT NOW THAN IT WAS WHEN YOU STARTED OUT?

Q. A.

OW IS ZZ TOP H COMMEMORATING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF ELIMINATOR?

irty-fifth? Seems like only Th yesterday. We celebrate it every night so, when attending the show, listen for “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs.”

HAT CAN YOUR FANS W EXPECT FROM YOUR CONCERT?

Q. A.

e’re going to get down and turn it W up. Simply stated, it’s about a good time.

HAT DO YOU LOOK W FORWARD TO WHEN TOURING THE COUNTRY?

e’re always on the lookout for W sabroso [tasty] Mexican food. Send us the latest and greatest. We’re all about the discovery of south of the border cuisine.

ZZ TOP

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Q. A.

ard to say since I haven’t been H in any of those other bands. We really like what we’re doing so we see no reason to not do it. We get along and give each other lots of space when offstage so getting up there in front of an appreciative audience is always something that generates positive anticipation.

I nitially, we were traveling around in a station wagon, stuffed with the band and the gear. It was fun while it lasted. We’ve streamlined the experience while moving down the road. Now we’re able to stretch out a bit and, almost, enjoy the ride. Pajamas are not just for sleeping. One can wear them at all hours en route to the next gig.

OU’RE COMING UP ON Y 50 YEARS OF ZZ TOP WITH THE BAND LINEUP SOLID AS A ROCK. WHAT CONTRIBUTED TO THAT STABILITY?

May 17: 8 p.m. Must be 21 or older to attend

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SC SOUND CHECK

label d r o c a re lity been rsona e s ’ p e sion h, rs, h elevi houg t t e yea d , h t n e r r he dio a Ove of e , ra ro u n d v i A t . face u n c e a i e h r x t o e ock. t s k his ngs r wn a i c o h o t n r l k l fa and k is ver o o Tr u n l e a i d and Ed homa a l k c Ro OLL IZER RT V H A . K W . STE BY G S BY O T PHO

From an outsider’s perspective, Eddie Trunk is part of an elite crowd: befriended by loads of rock stars, he runs with rock royalty. He’s probably most commonly known for hosting That Metal Show for 14 seasons on VH1, although his radio career goes back to 1983. In the mid-80’s Trunk was hired on as an employee of Megaforce Records and did A&R work, eventually becoming a vice president by the age of 25. In 2018, Trunk is still behind the microphone with no less than six live radio shows each week on Sirius/XM satellite

22 MAY 2018

AND

radio, a syndicated radio show broadcast on terrestrial radio in over 30 cities nationally, and his own podcast. For those who have met Trunk, however, his personality belies the persona that has built up around him. Yes, he’s a great broadcaster and his knowledge of rock is unparalleled, but above and beyond all else, he’s a music lover and great guy to be around. His continued involvement with Rocklahoma has made him the face of the festival, but he’s also become something of a local fixture in Tulsa as he returns

multiple times a year to help host and serve as master of ceremonies for shows at the IDL Ballroom (example: Stryper May 30), and he’s generally loved by music fans of all ages. If you’re going to have a conversation about Rocklahoma, Trunk is the man to speak with. “I’ve been at every single Rocklahoma since it started in 2007, except for 2010,” he says. “That was the first year of its transition away from being strictly an ‘80s festival, but I couldn’t be here, because that was the year that Ronnie [James Dio] died, and I was hosting the Dio Memorial that weekend.” Trunk’s Rocklahoma involvement began in 2007 when a booking agent contacted him about a possible gig. They offered to fly him out to L.A. to meet the team and see if he’d want to get involved and host the news conference. He accepted. “It’s changed tremendously since it started in 2007,” he says. “Musically, it covers all genres of rock, not just ‘80s bands, and there was some pushback to that initially. You need to remember something, though: to this day, Rocklahoma was the first and is still the only festival to incorporate ‘80s acts into the lineup each year. “This year you’ve got bands like Poison and Cheap Trick next to bands like Perfect Circle and Halestorm, and that’s pretty cool. What’s really impressed me, though, is how it’s gotten so much better and more professional each year on the production side. Rocklahoma has really become one of the premier events of the year.” Amongst rock fans and festival-goers, Rocklahoma has developed a reputation for being a unique experience, separating itself from the other festivals.

“I think the biggest difference is that it’s a camping destination,” he says. “Not all festivals are like that. Most have people going home or staying at a hotel each night. Many people make this their annual camp out and weekend away. I know that many of them look at this as their weekend away to see old friends and catch up each year. I think location has a lot to do with that — being in the middle of the country, you’ve got a lot of different access points and people come from all directions. “I also think it’s important to understand and remember that Rocklahoma is the first of the first. There are a ton of similar festivals now, but Rocklahoma is in its 12th year. Now there are 10 or 15 festivals of this type, but Rocklahoma is one of the first and it’s got its own identity.” A lot of people associate Trunk with ‘80s music and metal, but his personal favorite era is the ‘70s. He grew up on bands like Kiss, Aerosmith, Van Halen and Black Sabbath. “I absolutely love new music and love to support new bands, although that becomes tougher to do as music continues to become more segmented,” he says. “Who am I impressed by right now? The Struts are great. One of the best young bands out there is Greta Van Fleet. There’s also a band, Santa Cruz, from Finland, that is impressive. There are a ton of newer bands out there that are really good. “I’m a huge believer in new music. That’s how we get the next classic rock bands, 20-30 years from now, by supporting and developing new artists. If I find someone I believe in that’s really good, I want to take that band to my audience and I try to do that.”

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AS ROCKLAHOMA ENTERS ITS 12TH YEAR, IT’S BECOME A STAPLE EVENT FOR THE MIDWEST ROCK COMMUNITY WHILE CONTINUING TO STEER THROUGH THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES THAT COME WITH ORGANIZING A SUMMER FESTIVAL IN OKLAHOMA. BY G.K. HIZER PHOTOS BY JASON SQUIRES

Over the past decade, Rocklahoma has grown from a weekend of 1980s nostalgia and hair metal bands to a festival that covers the modern and alternative rock genres and provides a showcase for upand-coming rock acts, while still keeping touch with its ‘80s roots. That evolution has come in no small part due to the hard work and dedication of Joe Litvag and his crew at AEG Live, which came on board in 2010 to help steer Rocklahoma toward its greater potential. Planning, booking, and running a festival of this size is no small task. It’s more than just one weekend of fun, requiring months of groundwork, a mountain of contracts, and contingency plans for anything that could possibly go wrong — all to make the weekend a seamless experience for the fans who come to enjoy the music over Memorial Day weekend. As senior vice president of AEG Presents and AEG Live, Litvag is a busy man, with his hands in a number of festivals nationwide, as well as concerts and other events in his region.

24 MAY 2018

“We oversee a lot of different festivals, about 10 nationally, and each one is its own, living, breathing thing. None of them are alike. They each have their own identity, so it’s not just a cookie-cutter approach, because some things that work for one festival won’t work for another,” he says. “Rocklahoma has really evolved a lot over the past 12 years. I think the original festival was too narrow in its focus, both in artists and the audience. We tried to encourage a wider range of music, and in turn, a wider audience. The numbers don’t lie. I think we did a good job on following that path, as it’s turned into a real destination event for rock fans, as opposed to just a nostalgia event.” Of course, that shift from ‘80s festival to overarching rock festival didn’t come without some growing pains. Ultimately, it proved to be a wise and prudent move in order for Rocklahoma to become an established, nationally recognized event. “There was a certain amount of trial and error involved. I always felt the answer was in

finding the right balance. We never wanted to abandon what I consider to be the soul of Rocklahoma, which is its roots in ‘80s rock; it just took us a year or two to find that balance.”

that’s susceptible to extreme weather, no matter what time of the year. It’s a challenge and will continue to be a challenge.

Although the initial reaction to the first year of the transition saw some fans up in arms, Litvag contends that it wasn’t that organizers missed the mark, but that Rocklahoma was virtually unknown outside of the ‘80s market at that point. The first reaction his team heard when they reached out to new artists was, ‘Why would we want to play there?’ It took a year or two to get the festival’s reputation to speak for itself, but it’s less of a sell job now.”

“When I came out to observe in 2009, the festival was being held in late July, and it was 103 degrees in the shade. One of my first comments was that if we [AEG] got involved, we’d need to move the date, and they were open to change. The safety of the fans, artists, and everyone working is my first priority, across the board. It’s not fun to make the hard decisions, and I’m not the most popular person when I make the call to pull the plug, but I’m not compromising safety for a performance. I don’t want someone hurt on my watch.”

“It’s still a very delicate balance every year, especially since Rocklahoma already had an identity,” Litvag says. “We’re not looking to shock the system; our goal is to attract everyone. There’s a little something for everyone on this bill, and we encourage fans who think they might not like some of the other bands to check them out.

With as many bands as Rocklahoma has booked over the past dozen years, the alumni list is long and growing. Surely, though, there are a few artists left on the wish list for Litvag and the Rocklahoma crew.

“I’ll pretty much guarantee that if people arrive to see Poison or Cheap Trick and go see Halestorm, they’ll like them. That’s how new music fans are made — and that’s what we’re trying to foster with this festival. It’s all rock ‘n’ roll.” One of the biggest question marks going into an outdoor festival is the weather. Although late May promises to be fairly temperate, rain and storms, especially in Oklahoma, aren’t out of the ordinary. “Weather has absolutely been a factor, especially over the last three years, with partial cancellations in 2015 and 2017,” he says. “I’m interested in this on a personal level, partially because I’m involved with so many festivals. We’re living in a time period

“Each festival is different, and as soon as you try and replicate another event, that’s where you get into trouble,” he explained. “We get a lot of questions as to why one band played this festival but didn’t play Rocklahoma. Part of it is because if all of the festivals have the same bands, there’s nothing exciting about it. It’s also because we pay attention to our demographic and what’s the threshold on ticket prices for our audience. The last thing we want to do is price them out. “We do get fans coming to Rocklahoma from all 50 states, but 95 percent of our audience comes from a 300-mile radius. We spend a lot of time interacting and talking with the fans to know what they want to see and what they can afford, and we try to keep that in mind.”

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Jill Sullivan

For fans like Jimmy and Jill Sull AS MUCH about hanging w ith friend ivan, annually attending Rocklahoma is s and campgr seeing bands they love from the ound good times as it is about past and present. By Michele Chiappetta

26 MAY 2018

JIMMY Sullivan

As the years have gone by, though, the Sullivans say their friendships have been a big reason behind their decision to return to the festival each year. Attending Rocklahoma these days, they say, is about hanging out with friends and experiencing new music, as much as it is about seeing bands they love from the past and present. “It’s been such an amazing evolution,” Jill says. “We have met people from different places that we never would have encountered were it not for Rocklahoma, and we have made lifetime friendships. We have run into high school friends, people we have met at other concerts [in Texas], and have brought along many others from Longview.”

“We’ve lost generators in floodwaters and ruined canopies in rains,” says Jill. “At this point, I’m just glad we all have real jobs, or we wouldn’t be able to afford to replace the items that have been lost.” But in spite of the occasional weather issues, the Rocklahoma experience has been overwhelmingly positive year after year for the Sullivans and their friends. “It’s just such a great atmosphere,” says Jill. “From the people who work the gate, the beer tenders, and the concert-goers, it is a friendly, inviting atmosphere.” Since their second year attending, the Sullivans have opted to invest in the VIP experience, which they highly recommend to other festival-goers. “The VIP experience is

If you’re still wondering whether or not to make a visit to Rocklahoma this year, the Sullivans say to just jump in; the water’s fine. You’ll have a blast, maybe for many years to come, just as they have. “It is such a wonderful way to get away from it all on a fun-filled weekend with people who you have things in common with,” says Jill. “Music has been a huge part of our lives since we were teenagers, and we now get to experience that with people we love. We used to go for the lineup, and now I believe that the lineup is a plus to our annual Memorial Day vacation. We are so thankful for the wonderful friends we have made and for all of the amazing memories we have. For as long as they build it, we will come.”

ROCKLAHOMA 1421 W. 450 Road | Pryor

rocklahoma.com

What first drew the Sullivans to Rocklahoma was, of course, the music. As children of the ‘80s, they love seeing the bands they grew up with. Over the years, groups like Poison, Quiet Riot, Ratt, Dokken, Warrant, Skid Row, Tesla, Night Ranger and tons of others have rocked the concert stages out in Pryor.

The biggest challenge to attending Rocklahoma may be the same thing that plagues anyone camping anywhere — the potential for bad weather. After all, May in Oklahoma often brings both rain and heat in equal measure. It’s a part of the experience, but the Sullivans say it pays to be prepared for occasional concert cancellations or other weather-related issues.

“The VIP parking is great for hanging out with friends,” adds Jimmy. “The VIP tent offers a break from the weather, free beer and the necessary food to minimize the potential for being a drunk idiot. Reserved seating allows people to roam to the side stages, use the bathrooms and rest at the RV without losing your spot. Other festivals lack one or more of these critical elements that maximize the experience.”

“We have made it known to the masses, this weekend is taken,” says Jimmy. “It would take something major for us to miss again.”

Of course, the Sullivans and their group of Rocklahoma friends can’t say enough good things about the musical aspects of the festival. They love seeing performers bring it onstage. “But those late nights singing at the top of our lungs to our campground speakers will be the moments that I cherish the most,” says Jill.

the best in the business,” says Jill. “Having an assigned seat in an area where you can set your drink in a cup holder and stand or sit to see your favorite band from high school or check out a new act that you haven’t seen before is unlike any other venue can offer.”

The Sullivans have attended Rocklahoma since its kickoff in 2007. “We attended with three friends from Longview and another friend from Altus High School who now lives in Weatherford, Okla.,” says Jill. Since that momentous experience, the couple has missed only two years due to circumstances beyond their control.

Among the long-term friends they’ve made at the concert is a Dallas couple, Brandon and Kristie Jenkins, with whom they now visit multiple times throughout the year, in addition to Rocklahoma. “We developed friendships with a group of people from Kansas City that have led to a decade of memories,” says Jimmy. “Jill even became an ordained minister to marry one of the ladies from this group.”

If you’ve never been to Rocklahoma, Jimmy and Jill Sullivan would say you are missing out. The popular multiday rock fest draws a host of people like the Sullivans, who make a vacation out of the event, coming back each year and camping out with friends they’ve made at the festival in years past.

May 25-27

PREVIEW918.COM 27

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Tips for

Rocking Your Visit to

Rockloma

Pros like the Sullivans have learned through experience how best to enjoy your time at Rocklahoma. Here are a few of their favorite tips to ensure you have an experience you’ll want to repeat next year … and for years to come.

GET VIP SEATING You can spreadsheet how much beer and food you will buy and justify general admission, but the experience won’t be nearly as enjoyable. Plus, who wants to haul a chair that far from parking. Bottom line: VIP seating gives you a lot of advantages worth paying for.

BE STRATEGIC IN PLANNING YOUR SCHEDULE Since there are multiple bands playing, you’ll want to choose who to see. Don’t go just for the big names, though of course if you have a favorite, get in position early to see them. Beyond those favorites, be open to checking out the bands that are new and hungry. They can give you a great experience. So can the side projects led by well-known musicians, because those side project bands are often creative and distinct. You can easily research the bands ahead of time online to listen to their stuff and see if you like them.

PACE YOURSELF AS YOU PARTY Yes. We know. You’re camping there so you don’t have to worry about drinking and driving, and that’s awesome. But the all-day partying can have negative consequences. “I’ve regretted missing or not remembering some headliners,” says Jimmy. Beyond that, it’s not so fun getting sick while you’re camping.

MEET PEOPLE There are two ways to approach this. First, leave your own little camping or seating spot for a while to chat with people nearby. Second, make your own area comfortable so that others are encouraged to stop by and visit you. The Sullivans say they’ve made some of their best friends at Rocklahoma, just by being friendly.

EMBRACE THE TIME OFF Sure, you could play on your Facebook app while the bands are playing. But don’t be that person. You’re at Rocklahoma to get away from your routine, so do things differently and be present. Leave work and other issues behind you if possible by planning ahead.

BE PREPARED FOR THE ELEMENTS Rocklahoma takes place in Oklahoma, after all, where the winds sweep down the plains. Don’t be paranoid about getting stuck in a twister, but do be ready for bad weather by packing boots, a rain jacket, pallets, carpet to set atop mud, and so on. Be aware of the weather at all times.

IT’S GOING TO BE HOT AND SWEATY Be just as ready for hot weather as rainy weather. And don’t forget that with the long days and the many beers you’ll drink, you can easily get dehydrated if you’re not careful. In other words, use sunscreen and drink water.

PREVIEW918.COM 29

TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT

By Michele Chiappetta and Rob Harmon

From the moment you walk in, through every place on-site that you visit, River Spirit works to give you the sense that you’re visiting a beach resort. “You’ll think you’re walking into a hotel in Miami or the Caribbean,” says Pat Crofts, CEO of Muscogee (Creek) Nation Casinos. “It’s like nothing else you’ll find in the area, and it draws a lot of people who want a fun getaway that doesn’t include airfare.” To create an island vacation feel here in Tulsa, River Spirit teamed

30 MAY 2018

That resort feel includes giving guests a well-rounded experience. It’s not just about the gaming. And it’s not just about food either, although the site’s eight restaurants — Margaritaville, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Visions Buffet, Scoreboard Sports Bar, LandShark Pool Bar Tiki Bar & Tiki Grill, Fireside Grill, 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar, and Johnny Rockets — offer the gamut of casual to elegant meals. The concert lineup at the Paradise Cove Theater is always on point, featuring both up-and-comers and old favorites to fit every musical palate. The resort will also be featuring plenty of events. “We didn’t want to just build a bigger casino or hotel,” Crofts says. “We needed to do something to raise the bar and bring people in.”

When you want an overnight treat, the luxury hotel tower is a great spot to stay. This 27-story, all-glass tower features 483 guest rooms, including 54 suites, with luxurious features. All the rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows providing guests stunning views up and down the Arkansas River. The Margaritaville tower also has a convenient fitness center, business center, retail stores and gift shop.

Bright and colorful in decor, the rooms also boast luxurious features such as granite, to help you feel like you are truly on a splurge trip to a tropical island. Room sizes range from double queen and king to signature suites (1,030 square feet with a separate master bedroom and bath) and executive suites (1,365 square feet). The standard rooms are also offered in ADA setups.

As you enter the resort, a huge screen creates a welcoming feel. The attached parking structure has optional valet service and is linked to the lobby by a climate-controlled walkway that makes it easy for customers to enter the casino area.

CHECK IN

Approximately two years, 350,000-cubic yards of dirt, over 2,500 construction workers, and millions of dollars later, the River Spirit complex has been wowing locals, tourists, convention goers, visiting performers and others with all it has to offer.

with Margaritaville to bring the luxurious, beach-themed brand and its offerings to Tulsa. The result is an entertaining resort where you can feel like you’ve escaped on a cool getaway, even though you’re still in the heart of Oklahoma.

ROOMS

On the banks of the Arkansas River, a majestic complex towers proudly. River Spirit Casino Resort has undergone a rebirth in the last couple of years as a major expansion project took place on the property.

But that’s not all you’ll experience with a stop at River Spirit’s resort pool area. Opposite the swim-up bar, there’s a patio where guests of the resort can relax, enjoy drinks and a meal poolside, while people watching.

Even if you’re not a guest of the resort, you can enjoy some time at the pool and bar area by purchasing a day pass. Access to the LandShark Pool Bar can be had by walking through the casino resort, or by the trail that winds behind the casino along the Arkansas River, making it easy for those who love to run or bike to stop in for a drink or snack.

EMERGE SPA AND SALON

locker to a relaxation room where you can savor a quiet moment between treatments, you’ll feel superbly cared for. It’s not limited to guests, either. “We offer spa day passes for $25 where a guest can enjoy the relaxation room, locker rooms, steam room, sauna and whirlpool,” says Crofts.

The complex showcases a 50,000-square foot, themed casino which features an astounding amount of the latest and greatest gaming machines (over 850) and 27 rocking and rolling table games. It’s a sure bet they have your favorite. Get lost in the casino world with all the bells and whistles you could dream of. And who knows — it may just be your lucky night. “We have machines where you play against the individual machine with jackpots up to $25,000 and $50,000,” says Crofts. “And there are linked-progressive machines, a series of machines that are connected to other casinos around the state of Oklahoma, and those jackpots can be as much as a million dollars or more.” Whether you’re new to gaming or a total pro, their table games always deliver a thrill. Enjoy a game of blackjack, ultimate Texas Hold ‘em, and 21+3, plus popular favorites free-bet blackjack and baccarat. Craps tables open at 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. There is also free ante on craps and high-stakes table games.

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville is truly a one-of-a-kind restaurant, bar and retail outlet. With multiple bars on two sprawling levels, you won’t be able to miss the seaplane swooping overhead or the volcano erupting lava into a giant blender. Outstanding live music shows, plus two outdoor decks overlooking the Arkansas River, make Margaritaville one of Tulsa’s truly original attractions.

MARGARITAVILLE

It’s a luxurious, fun way of spending time that you and your friends will enjoy treating yourself to, especially in the hot, hot Oklahoma summer. When chilly weather strikes in the spring and fall, guests can still enjoy a drink by the outdoor firepits.

This world-class, full-service spa and beauty salon is an ideal way to treat yourself with some serious pampering. From dressing rooms with a personal

GAMING

LANDSHARK POOL BAR, TIKI BAR AND TIKI GRILL

Swim up bars don’t just happen everywhere. Maybe the Caribbean, right? Belize, Acapulco, Miami? How cool is it that we have a version in our backyard? Bartenders wait behind a bar that bumps up against the poolside. Simply walk or swim over, order your drink and then sip to your heart’s content, never having to get out of the pool until you’re really ready to call it a day.

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32 MAY 2018

GOLD LOAN

VISIONS BUFFET

If you haven’t visited Oklahoma’s largest casino buffet, then let us tell you what you’ve been missing. Outstanding seafood is waiting just for you. You’ll also savor flavorful meats and veggies that rival many stand-alone restaurants in Green Country, and some of the tastiest desserts around. Believe us, whatever you’ve got a craving for, it’s here and it’s delicious. Remember, it’s a buffet, so come ready to chow down on all your faves.

FIRESIDE GRILL

Whether you’re craving salads, sandwiches, burgers, steak, fish, chicken, pork or seafood, this casual dining spot

in-house. They make just about everything, including the salad dressings, from scratch. And the menu fuses flavors from traditions such as Southern, Cajun, and Southwestern to tantalize your taste buds.

percent beef cooked-to-order burgers, fries and handspun shakes. The restaurant features a modern twist on the classic diner with comfortable seats and areas perfect for gathering, friendly approachable service, and music that combines iconic classics with pop culture. Johnny Rockets operates more than 350 franchise and corporate locations in 32 countries around the world. There aren’t a lot of places where you are guaranteed to get live music seven days a week, but the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar is one of them. Regular acts perform during the week, with country on Sundays, soft rock on Mondays, and soul on Tuesdays. Wednesdays are Ladies Night, and Thursdays feature Latin music and Top 40 hits with DJ Johnny Bananas. Fridays and Saturdays are when the guest bands play, with both local and regional acts hitting the stage to light up your night.

5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE BAR

JOHNNY ROCKETS

Founded on the belief that everyone deserves a place where they can escape from the complicated world, Johnny Rockets opened its first restaurant in 1986 on the iconic Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. Now an international restaurant franchise, Johnny Rockets offers high quality, innovative menu items including fresh, never frozen 100

features delectable meals you won’t regret ordering. The chef and kitchen staff use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, including vegetables and herbs they grow themselves and local meats that are smoked

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SCOREBOARD SPORTS BAR

Seriously, when a sports bar has a 103-inch TV called the Godzillatron, it’s already lapping most of the competition before they leave the starting gate. But Scoreboard isn’t just about having a ton of big screens. They’ve always got fantastic food, icy cold beer and great customer service. Plus, how many sports bars are smack dab in the middle of the casino?

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RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT

8330 Riverside Parkway | Tulsa 888-748-3731 riverspirittulsa.com

sounds like wind and rain for an optimal sound experience. “The venue expands up to 3,000 seats for sporting events as well,” says Crofts. “We have the latest, state-of-the-art lighting, sound, audio and visual. Paradise Cove is built like a performing arts center with rising aisles of seats similar to venues such as the Tulsa Performing Arts Center or the Hollywood Bowl in smaller form.”

Alongside excellent service, the menu offers a wide range of choices, including signature USDA Prime steaks that satisfy to the last bite. The classic filet is always a great choice for a tender, delicious steak. They also feature bone-in signature cuts from a bone-in filet to an awe-inspiring 40-ounce tomahawk rib-eye.

Ruth’s Chris also offers high-quality seafood, such as Chilean sea bass and sizzling blue crab cakes, along with a variety of fresh salads and appetizers, homemade sides and decadent desserts. The white chocolate bread pudding with three spirited sauces makes for a perfect ending. And the sweet potato casserole is always a favorite. Some guests will order it with ice cream for dessert.

on a 500-degree sizzling plate, which guarantees every bite is warm and delicious throughout your meal.

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

Whether it’s sports, music, interactive theater, comedy or other types of performance you’re looking for, the Paradise Cove can offer it all. The showroom offers theater-style seating for 2,500 plus VIP suites and lounge. There’s not a bad view in the house. Its design eliminates outside

PARADISE COVE

MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS

The benefits of hosting a meeting at River Spirit are clear. “We can offer everything in one location — several restaurants from which to choose, a casino, spa, resort pool and concert venue,” says Crofts. “Convention guests don’t ever have to leave the premises to have everything they need and more.” The resort provides 30,000 square feet of event and meeting space including a ballroom, a pre-function area overlooking the pool deck and river, and conference and board rooms with state-of-the-art audio and video capabilities.

Expect to be swept off your feet from the moment you enter the dramatic red entry doors of the state’s only Ruth’s Chris. Their signature style is to serve steaks sizzling. The cut of meat you order is prepared to your taste in an 1,800-degree broiler, then delivered to your table

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Remodel Behavior Built using repurposed oceanic shipping containers, The Boxyard in downtown Tulsa is a small, lively, eclectic village of shops, sweets, service providers, dining destinations and retail outlets. BY ROB HARMON PHOTOS BY SARAH ELIZA ROBERTS

Tulsa is one of those large towns that doubles as a small city. It has everything to offer, yet it’s also very accessible. And that sounds a little bit like one of Tulsa’s newest retail developments, The Boxyard. Located at the corner of Third Street and Frankfort Avenue, The Boxyard is a small, lively, eclectic village of shops and retail outlets, including a restaurant, an ice cream microcreamery, a comic book store, a coffee shop, a bank, and lots of other fantastic boutiques. Every establishment in The Boxyard is located inside a repurposed oceanic shipping container once used to transport cargo overseas. “Most of these shipping containers have been bouncing around the ocean for eight or nine years. And they come to a point where the shippers just retire them out of the fleet and sell them,”

says Casey Stowe, developer and owner of The Boxyard along with his principal business partner at Nelson+Stowe Development, Elliot Nelson. Stowe and Nelson were initially inspired with the design concept after Stowe observed a similar project in London, while attending the 2012 Olympics. Out of that experience and a desire to merge both small business growth in downtown Tulsa with creative, sustainable, eco-friendly construction techniques, The Boxyard was born. Working closely with local organizations like the Ross Group and the City of Tulsa, Stowe and Nelson rapidly got The Boxyard from vision to reality. Cisco Containers, in particular, was instrumental in figuring out how to best reuse the containers — nearly 40 in total — without wasting materials. “We really tried to have as little waste as possible when we were doing it,” says Stowe. Even the original container doors, which were replaced by traditional glass

36 MAY 2018

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shop doors, were utilized to build planters and the hand rails for the staircase to the second floor. Opening to the public in December 2016, The Boxyard has seen steady growth, drawing neighborhood locals with the Blue Sky Bank, tonsorial (a barber shop), and Downtown Dry Cleaners conveniently located there. In spite of growing pains in the area — such as parking issues, street construction, and other positive but challenging aspects of one of Tulsa’s fastest developing areas — The Boxyard has blossomed into a cornerstone for the east side of downtown Tulsa. What will you find when you visit? The question is more like, what won’t you find? The Boxyard offers many shops you won’t find anywhere else in Green Country. Stowe himself is a fan of supporting local businesses — he’s a member of the board of the Tulsa Economic Development Corporation, which helps fund small businesses. And he was committed from the start to make The Boxyard a reflection of that.

And they are. The businesses at The Boxyard share the “think small, buy local” mentality that has helped downtown Tulsa’s revitalization in recent years. The shop owners are very much locally minded. Many of the stores have banded together at times to donate a portion of profits to worthy causes such as the Foundation for Tulsa Schools. “We’ve got service businesses, and those have really done well,” says Stowe. “And then we’ve got traditional mercantile shops. It’s a little bit of everything.” For instance, there’s The STEMcell Science Shop, which features an ever-changing mix of old science book classics, science kits, star chart glass tumblers and other brainy gifts. There are fashion boutiques like Modern Mess and Beau & Arrow, where you can ride the edge of style and comfort and play dress up. “The reception has been fantastic,” says Stowe. “People are so complimentary of The Boxyard because it is a unique structure,

and they’re also complimentary of the shops. The tenants we have care about what they sell. These are quality products.” There are great places to get a bite to eat too, whether you’re shopping with friends and want a break, or you just want to hang out someplace fun. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to the candy shop Sweet Boutique or stop in at the ever-popular Rose Rock Microcreamery, a one-of-a-kind ice cream shop that makes all its amazing flavors in-house. You can also grab coffee and a Tulsa-themed gift at Dwelling Spaces. Or snag a meal at one of The Boxyard’s newest additions, the authentic Mexican restaurant, Sabores. With an expansive menu, Sabores offers traditional chicken, steak or shrimp fajitas, as well as unique dishes like the spiced salmon with Mexican style risotto and a tasty sundried tomato jalapeno sauce.

The Boxyard stays open late during First Friday Art Crawls, as well as during events such as the Blue Dome Festival and Tulsa Tough. And The Boxyard holds special events too, says Stowe, such as pop-up shops on the weekends, and a pet adoption event a few times a year. In fact, The Boxyard is a great place to bring your dog, with water bowls available, and a pet-friendly atmosphere. The only rule? Your dog needs to be on a leash. “One of the great things about going to The Boxyard is that it’s an event in itself,” says Stowe. “There’s nothing else out there like it. It’s a lot of fun.”

“I don’t think a day goes by without somebody coming up to me and telling me how good that place is,” says Stowe.

THE BOXYARD

502 E. 3rd St. | Tulsa 918-900-2241 tulsaboxyard.com

LO CA TO R

You can catch live music occasionally on the second floor patio in the evenings and on weekends. Wedding pictures and prom pictures have been taken

38 MAY 2018

there too, since the backdrop of The Boxyard has such an amazing view of Tulsa, especially at sunset. Couples have even gotten engaged on the second-floor patio.

502 EAST 3RD STREET | TULSA, OK, 74120

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40 MAY 2018

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IF THERE’S A MATH PROBLEM, YO, SIMON MACFARLANE CAN SOLVE IT. BETWEEN HIS UNORTHODOX METHODS AND ENGAGING PERSONALITY, THE BIXBY TEACHER IS CREATING MATHTERMINDS ONE RUBIK’S CUBE TWIST AT A TIME. BY LINDSAY MORRIS PHOTOS BY CHELSI FISHER Middle school — a period of time so many of us try to forget. Thankfully, in the midst of all the awkward changes, most of us had one or two teachers who made a huge impact and helped shape who we eventually became. That’s what Simon MacFarlane is to so many students at Bixby Middle School. He is that teacher who makes learning fun while teaching one of the most difficult subjects of all: math. Even before students enter MacFarlane’s classroom, they are greeted one-by-one with a high-five and usually a song floating out of their teacher’s mouth and down the hallway. “I’ve had a point of contact with every student before I take attendance,” MacFarlane says. Teaching math is no easy task, but for MacFarlane, it’s all fun. Difficult concepts are turned into songs — or even better, raps. Vanilla Ice (aka, MacFarlane dressed as a ‘90s rapper) makes an appearance to teach students about mathematical functions by rapping “Nice Nice Functions” to the tune of “Ice Ice Baby.” He even sets up a sound system and recruits students to be “hype men.”

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Simon MacFarlane MacFarlane is quite the YouTube sensation. He implements a flipped classroom where his students watch the lesson on their own, via YouTube, and do the lesson in class. His YouTube channel, The Mathtermind, is watched not only by his students but also by classes at other schools. When MacFarlane was growing up in Nuremberg, Germany, he knew early on that he would be a teacher. “Plan A was to become a professional basketball player, but Plan B was to be a teacher,” he says. Once, when his fifth-grade teacher was late to class, he went to the front of the room and began teaching the lesson. When the teacher arrived, she told him to continue, and he proceeded to teach the entire lesson. After receiving a degree in education with an emphasis in physical education from Oral Roberts University, MacFarlane taught physical education at Owen Elementary for one year. He then decided to return to Germany for a few years to help his mother after his father’s death.

When he returned to Tulsa, it took a little while for him to find the right fit when it came to teaching. However, when he became a substitute teacher for Bixby High School and Middle School, he quickly realized the school district was perfect for him. In 2011, he was hired full-time and taught for both the middle school and high school. The following year, he began working only at the middle school and has been there ever since. Even while he was subbing, MacFarlane began implementing creative teaching methods. As a sub, he would bring a Rubik’s Cube to class to help students learn about the concepts of 3D and surface area. When he became a full-time teacher, he started a Rubik’s Club at Bixby Middle School, where students learn how to solve the cube and also create nontraditional cubes of their own.

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MacFarlane’s passion to help students learn doesn’t end when the bell rings at the end of the school day. After school, he offers free tutoring.

Celebrating

20 Years!

“Simon has a teacher’s heart and every day, he goes above and beyond to make his ‘math-athletes’ be the best that they can possibly be,” says Kelli Wilson, Bixby Middle School Pre-Algebra teacher. As if all of this wasn’t enough, MacFarlane and some fellow teachers go above and beyond to help raise money to go toward the Special Olympics each year. A few years ago, he and other Bixby Middle School teachers started a lip sync band, which performs songs from every decade while dressing up as hippies, rock stars and the like.

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The band, I Saw a Mouse, has reached epic popularity levels, now selling legitimate merchandise — T-shirts that MacFarlane himself designed. All the proceeds of the merchandise sales also go toward the Special Olympics. And that’s not all. Also, to raise money for the Special Olympics, MacFarlane holds a Beard Shaving for Charity contest each year. Students make suggestions on how he should shave his beard, and he narrows it down to four options. Students put money toward different options that they choose for MacFarlane’s beard to be shaved as. So far, he has had his beard shaved in the shape of Pi (3.14159 … any math nerds out there?), Wolverine, tiger stripes and mutton chops. When he isn’t busy teaching, MacFarlane is spending time with his wife, Michelle, and their three children. “I can’t imagine our math department without Simon MacFarlane. He is a valuable member of the Bixby Middle School faculty, and he is admired and loved by all,” Wilson says. MacFarlane’s biggest hope is that in his classroom, students have fun and learn more than just solving math problems. “Kids ask me all the time, ‘When are we going to use math in the real world?’ My class is more than just a math class; it’s a problemsolving class,” MacFarlane says. “You may not use quadratic functions on a daily basis, but through math, you’ll learn to persevere and work through a problem.”

12 JULY 2016

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SC SPORTS CENTRAL

BREAKING the “LAW”

IN BASEBALL THERE IS AN ENTIRE SUBCULTURE OF UNWRITTEN RULES THAT HAVE BEEN PASSED DOWN THROUGH GENERATIONS OF PLAYERS, AND RANGE FROM THE OBVIOUS TO THE RESPECTFUL IN NATURE.

By John Tranchina Baseball is a sport steeped in tradition, with major league play having been around for almost 150 years now. And while the main rules of the sport are common knowledge to anyone who follows or plays it, there is also an entire subculture of unwritten rules — a code players follow that is a bit subtler. Basically, just about all of the unwritten rules that make up the baseball code have to do with respect for your opponent. When the unwritten rules are violated, the backlash usually comes in the form of the opposing pitcher purposely hitting a batter. One of the most memorable brawls ever was when Robin Ventura of the Chicago White Sox charged the mound against 46-year-old Nolan Ryan of the Texas Rangers in 1993. Before Ryan famously grabbed Ventura in a headlock and landed three or four punches to his face, there had been an escalating series of code violations that caused it.

“I personally think the game has changed dramatically. It’s not nearly as aggressive as it used to be,” says Dennis Higgins, the Tulsa Drillers’ play-by-play radio broadcaster for the past 10 years. “I think it’s a lot more gentlemanly. I’m not sure that’s good for the overall game of baseball.” Drillers manager Scott Hennessey agrees that the players need to be able to police themselves, but beaning can’t be a part of it. “There’s no room in the game for throwing at somebody’s head,” says Hennessey, who played two years of minor league ball himself before becoming a baseball scout and then taking over as Drillers manager midway through last season. “Guys are throwing so hard now, you can kill somebody. If you have to hit them, that’s fine if it calls for that, but hit them in the back, hit them in the ribs, hit them in the butt.” But old school “enforcement codes” are beginning to wear thin with some including Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper, who went as far as calling parts of the game “tired.”

DON’T CROWD THE PLATE

Going against another one of these rules led to the more recent brawl between the Rangers and the Toronto Blue Jays.

Pitchers want to be able to pitch inside to batters, and if the hitter crowds home plate, or leans too far into it, many pitchers will throw inside in order to back the batters off. That will then allow them more leeway to pitch across the whole plate in an effort to get them out.

But the rules have evolved a bit. Back in the old days, a pitcher “plunking” a batter on purpose a lot of times came in the form of a “beaning,” or hitting the guy in the head. That is much less common nowadays because of how dangerous it is.

This rule is the main genesis of the RyanVentura fight, because Ryan especially liked to establish the inside of the plate as his territory and anyone crowding it would get a fastball inside, as intimidation to back off. It all started with Ryan hitting

44 MAY 2018

Chicago’s Craig Grebeck on two different occasions in 1990, supposedly due to him leaning inside. Ryan claimed he didn’t hit Grebeck on purpose, but hit him because Grebeck was leaning so far over the plate on an inside pitch.

IF YOU HIT US, WE HIT YOU This rule, which doesn’t take into account pitchers supposedly hitting guys “by accident,” escalated the conflict between the Rangers and White Sox, ultimately leading to the Ryan-Ventura incident. In 1993, two days before the big brawl, Texas pitcher Roger Pavlik hit Chicago’s Ron Karkovice and Chicago responded by hitting three Rangers later in the game. On the fateful day, Aug. 4, Chicago pitcher Alex Fernandez plunked Texas’ Juan González in the second inning, and then in the third, Ryan hit Ventura in the back, leading to Ventura bolting out to the mound and the benches emptying. The tussle was voted the top baseball brawl of all time by ESPN’s SportsCenter in 2012. “A lot of it is, you’re sticking up for your teammate,” Higgins says. “‘If you hit our guy, we’re going to come back. Don Drysdale used to have a rule: ‘You hit one of our guys, I hit two of yours.’ That was his adage.”

DON’T PITCH INSIDE ON THE OPPOSING PITCHER WHEN THEY ARE BATTING Since pitchers aren’t typically good hitters, and only bat every four to five days in leagues where they bat at all, the old rule is that you shouldn’t pitch inside to them, or even throw breaking balls.

“I asked Mike Krukow [longtime San Francisco Giants broadcaster and a former pitcher], ‘Do pitchers pitch pitchers differently?’ And he said, ‘Absolutely.’ Although, having said that, even at this level here, last year, I did see some times where pitchers would bear down and throw curve balls to opposing pitchers at the plate,” says Higgins. “And that would be, probably, because some of these guys are good hitters. And the word gets around. They know who can hit and who can’t.”

NO TALKING ABOUT A NO-HITTER IN PROGRESS This one stems from the somewhat ridiculous superstition that if someone points it out, especially to the pitcher, it will somehow jinx the no-hitter and the next batter will break it up. Hennessey recalls one of his first games with the Drillers, when Tulsa’s Tim Shibuya carried a no-hitter into the ninth before surrendering a hit with two outs. “Yeah, that’s forbidden,” Hennessey confirms. “You don’t even go by a guy. We were in Texas last year and Shibuya had a no-hitter. He would walk in the dugout, and wherever he went, I went the opposite way. You don’t talk to him. You don’t say anything.”

DON’T BUNT TO BREAK UP A NO-HITTER This is usually not acceptable, particularly because the defense usually won’t be ready for it and some people don’t even consider a base-hit by bunt a legitimate hit.

“That’s a tough one, because depending on the score, if it’s 1-0, you could argue that a bunt is a way to get an inning started, get that runner on board,” Higgins says. “It’s about winning. I would hate to see a guy bunt to break up a no-hitter if there’s a substantial lead. But that’s a tough one. That would probably lead to the next batter getting drilled with a pitch.”

NO SHOW-BOATING AFTER A HOME RUN This is what sparked the big conflict between the Blue Jays and Rangers a couple of years ago. Remember the triumphant bat flip by Toronto’s José Bautista after his big home run in the seventh inning of the decisive Game 5 in the 2015 AL Division Series? Many Rangers considered that disrespectful and the following May, Texas pitcher Matt Bush plunked Bautista for it. That prompted Bautista to retaliate by doing another no-no in baseball — the hard slide into second base, which then led to the fight with Rangers shortstop Rougned Odor and a bench-clearing brawl. This was also cited as another reason that Ryan first hit Grebeck back in 1990, for celebrating a home run off him a little too enthusiastically.

NO STEALING BASES WHEN YOUR TEAM HAS A HUGE LEAD This also falls into the “not embarrassing your opponent” category. If your team is ahead by 10 runs in the seventh inning, there’s no need to steal a base. That feels disrespectful.

“You don’t steal bases with a big lead, and I totally agree with that, because there is an unwritten rule and it’s a gentlemanly kind of agreement,” Higgins says. “A lot of times, you’ll see where a third base coach will hold up a runner. Let’s say the Drillers are ahead 10-0 and they got the bases loaded and a guy gets a base hit, the guy from second could score but a lot of times, the third base coach will hold the runner up. I think the players understand that. There’s no need for that guy to score.”

DON’T WORK THE COUNT WITH A BIG LEAD This is also along the same lines as stealing bases with a big lead, but refers to batters continuing to try to get hits. Hennessey lumps this and the previous rule together into one. “You don’t swing at 3-0 pitches when you’re up eight or nine runs,” Hennessey says. “That’s a good way to get thrown at. Just play the game the right way. No one’s ever going to give up an at-bat, it doesn’t matter if it’s 100-0, but if the game’s out of hand, you’re not going to steal or you’re not going to take an extra base, you’re not going to score from first base on a double. “Have some respect for the other team, because sooner or later, you’re going to be in that same situation.”

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COREY SEAGER BOBBLEHEAD GIVEAWAY

Thu, May 17 7:05PM Presented by: The M.e.t. & Tulsa Recycles

FIREWORKS NIGHTS MAY 4 MAY 18 MAY 19 FAITH AND FAMILY NIGHT FEAT. MICAH TYLER

Fri, May 18

WED. MAY 9 || 7:00PM || ONEOK Field Bark in the Park & Buck Night

SAT. MAY 12 || 7:00PM || ONEOK Field TRFC Flag Giveaway

SAT. MAY 26 || 7:00PM || ONEOK Field Fireworks Show

7:05PM Presented by: Southern Nazarene University TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW:

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW:

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46 MAY 2018

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SS SPORTS SCHEDULE

ALL TIMES CENTRAL // GAME DATES/TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

PREVIEW918.COM 47

48 MAY 2018

PREV EW

LANSING

5TH

FRA

7TH

ORT

NKF

ELG

6TH

PEORIA

MAI

8TH

12TH

13TH

RI V

13TH

75 14

15 2

ENTERTAINMENT

DINING

BOK Center | 2C-6 Tulsa Performing Arts | 3D-15 Tulsa Drillers | 3E-15 Tulsa Roughnecks | 3E-15

BARS Caz’s Pub | 2D-16 Club Majestic 2D-19 Mixco | 2C-17

11TH

TCC

4TH

NAT

TON

CIN

ROI

CIN

BOS

LDE

Courthouse

3RD

75 AR

Central Library

OSU Medical Center

YEN

BOU

Cox Business Center

CHE

Civic BOKCenter

R 17 3

BOK Center

HRIE GUT N STO HOU

DET

Jazz Hall of Fame

Performing Arts Center

DEC

E B L UM E DO

2ND

KENOSHA

VER City Hall

OOD ENW GRE

Brady Theater

MAI

DEN OOD ELW

244

Woody AR Guthrie Center

244

ONEOK Field

CHE

N ERO CAM Guthrie Green DY BRA

OOD

BRA

ENW

Greenwood Cultural Center

GRE

Cain’s Ballroom

412

TULSA LOCATOR TL

DOWNTOWN TULSA

2 4

Tavolo | 3C-3 Ti Amo | 2C-4

CHERRY 5

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TL TULSA LOCATOR TULSA AND SURROUNDING AREAS

PREV EW

SPERRY

86TH N

OWAS

76TH N

56TH N

Mohawk Park

46TH N

Tulsa Botanic Garden

2 Chandler Park

Philbrook Museum of Art7

RIVERSIDE

UNION

244

ARKANSAS RIVER

LEWIS

Turkey Mountain Park

39 111TH

91ST

BIXBY 71

78 5

81ST

129TH E.

101ST

61ST

GARNETT

MEMORIAL

44 65

MEMORIAL

121ST

SHERIDAN

50 MAY 2018

11 49

70 1

32 30

2 25

SAPULPA

LaFortune 80 Park

Oklahoma Aquarium

JENKS

41ST

Oral Roberts Univ. Mabee Ct. 58

31ST

Hicks Park

MINGO

15 61

169

YALE

St. Francis Hospital

65 44

91Whiteside Park

HARVARD

93 21ST

Jones Airport

Expo Square

PEORIA

MIDTOWN

Tulsa State Fairgrounds

12 29

Woodward Park St. John Med. Ctr.

11TH

129TH E.

GARNETT

Of 21 1Univ. Tulsa

48 MEMORIAL

SHERIDAN

DOWNTOWN BOK Ctr.

APACHE

PINE

MINGO

SAND SPRINGS

169

PINE YALE

OSU Tulsa

LEWIS

Crawford Park

UTICA

412

26TH N / APACHE

PEORIA

GILCREASE EXPY

36TH N

Tulsa Air & Space Museum

HARVARD

Gilcrease Museum

GILCREASE MUSEUM

Tulsa Zoo

36TH N MARTIN LUTHER KING

KWY ALE P TISD

MINGO

Lake Yahola

TULSA LOCATOR TL 96TH N

PRESENTED BY:

SSO

Redbud Valley Nature Preserve

CATOOSA 55

412

244

DINING

COUNTY LINE / 193RD E.

177TH E.

209TH E.

53 66

161ST E.

145TH E.

1ST

SHOPPING

BROKEN ARROW 40 81

1ST ASPEN

COUNTY LINE

LYNN LANE

MAIN ELM

CASINO Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa | D7-10 River Spirit Casino Resort | 4B-83

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GC GREEN COUNTRY SCENE

Royal Merriment Get swept up in the peace, prosperity and fantasy of 1569 England over six weeks during the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival in Muskogee. By Donna Leahey

52 MAY 2018

For 14 days this month, Queen Elizabeth I will be entertaining suitors in her summer palace: The Castle of Muskogee. Step through the gates and you’re transported back to 1569 England where the queen has set up her court along with entertainers, merchants, and, of course, fair food.

include 15 stages, special events and a just-for-kids area known as the Woodlands.

This is the 23rd annual Oklahoma Renaissance Festival at the Castle. “We started out as a two-day festival,” explains Matt Hiller, marketing director and vice president of the Castle. “Now we run six weekends, Memorial Day, and a special student day [May 4].” The festival has grown to

If you want a brief return to modern day, you can visit the Cave. “The Cave is for plugged-in groups, so they don’t disrupt the feel of the rest of the festival,” says Hiller. “We’ve got several new artisans as well; 10 new artists with handcrafted goods. We’ve filled up every space possible.”

From bands, jugglers and dancers to a birds of prey exhibit, acrobats and fullcontact jousting, there’s always something taking place on the busy stages or the arena.

Each weekend, a different king visits Castleton. You see, to solidify her place on the throne, Queen Elizabeth I is hoping to secure an alliance, so she’s invited six kings to her court. Each visiting king sets the tone and the events of their weekend.

Imperial weekend is held over Memorial Day when the queen hosts Charles II of the Holy Roman Empire. His weekend features Germanic activities as well as a Memorial Day parade that honors our fallen soldiers. Closing weekend (June 2-3) brings the spice — The Spice Roads. The Sultan of the Solomon Empire, King Omari, has opened trade between East and West. In honor of his visit, the closing weekend may be the biggest celebration of the festival. Other special events include the Queen’s Tea, every day at 2 p.m.; the Royal Luncheon; and the King’s Smoker, a 21 and up gathering where you can enjoy drinks, cigars, and the company of lovely ladies and dashing young men. Adult admission to the castle grounds is $14.95 if purchased in advance, or $16.95 at the gate. Special prices apply for students, seniors and children, with kids 5 and under getting in free. On Memorial Day, active military are given a $4 discount with valid ID.

OKLAHOMA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL The Castle of Muskogee 3400 W. Fern Mountain Road | Muskogee 918-687-3625

okcastle.com

Weather never puts a stop to festivities, so don’t think you have to cancel your plans if Oklahoma weather threatens. “We go rain or shine, no matter the weather,” says Hiller. “Sometimes when it’s raining it’s even better because we’ll push you inside and make sure there’s entertainment for you.”

Well-loved friend of the court, King James of Scotland arrives and brings with him a host of Celtic activities May 19-20. The Ceilidh is a 21 and up party held in his honor May 19.

Be sure to let your little ones explore the Woodlands. “Kids come in and sign off on a waiver that they’ll be honorable and chivalrous. Then they can play games in the Woodlands area. They can make things like marbles, parchment paper and a rag crown,” says Hiller.

King Phillip of Spain visits next, bringing with him not only the Spanish Armada, but pirates, privateers and buccaneers as well. The Pirate’s Feaste held in his honor sells out quickly but check online to see if you can still get a seat at the table.

Festivities begin at 10:30 a.m. each day of the festival, but Hiller suggests getting there at least 15 minutes early because sometimes the Castle’s royalty will come out to greet people and talk with them before the gates open. You might even get to meet a visiting king or Queen Elizabeth I herself. Once you’re inside the Castle grounds, there is nonstop activity and entertainment until 6 p.m.

King Henri of France is the guest of honor May 4-6. A Masque Ball will be held in his honor Saturday evening.

All the food booths at the festival are run by independent vendors, so the competition is fierce to have good quality food for a good price. Options run the gamut from a meaty turkey leg to floats made with homemade ice cream and homemade root beer.

May 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-28 | 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

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SS STYLE + SHOPPING

When you’re hunting for a great outfit, there’s no greater feeling than wandering into a clothing boutique where fashion meets functional. You get that and more when you step into Beau & Arrow at The Boxyard in Tulsa. Owner Megan Saltink has loved fashion since she was young. “I have always just had a passion for styling and clothes, ever since I was a little girl playing dress up in mom’s closet,” she says. As a teenager, Saltink got her feet wet in the boutique business by working at Dolce Vita, where she worked through college. When graduation rolled around, an unexpected opportunity arose.

BEAU & ARROW MAY HAVE BEEN BORN OUT OF AN INSIDE FAMILY JOKE, BUT OWNER MEGAN SALTINK IS SERIOUS ABOUT PLAYING DRESS UP AT HER SLIGHTLYBOHEMIAN BOUTIQUE THAT OFFERS A STYLISH MIX OF FASHION AND FUNCTION. BY MICHELE CHIAPPETTA & PHOTOS BY SARAH ELIZA ROBERTS 54 MAY 2018

“When I graduated, I was going to take off and do my own thing,” says Saltink. “The owner of Dolce Vita at the time offered me a partnership.” She took the offer and in 2012 helped open a second location for Dolce Vita in Owasso. Soon afterward, her business partner moved to New York.

says Saltink. “We have a lot of bold stripes, cute cropped pants, and spring and summer prints and dresses. We have a lot of really nice lightweight blouses too.” In addition, Beau & Arrow carries other items to finish out an outfit or find something fun for a friend. “We carry a few small gift items, such as Volcano Candles,” she says. “We carry shoes and accessories too — jewelry, purses, belts. We can deck you out pretty much head to toe.”

MEGAN S ALT I

The shop carries many Oklahoma and Tulsa themed T-shirts. “Our Tulsa flag T-shirts are a popular seller for us,” she says. “We also carry local vendors,” Saltink says. “We carry local artist Lauren Mitchell’s A Pinch of Ginger greeting cards; Filosophy, a local jewelry brand; and Blackburn Goods —leather handbags and wallets and stuff.”

Saltink bought out the partner’s half of the business and changed the name of the boutique to Beau & Arrow. “A lot of people ask about the name of the boutique,” says Saltink. “I was trying to think of a name that would incorporate Oklahoma, without limiting me to Oklahoma references.” When Bow & Arrow came to mind, she liked the idea. But the spelling Beau came later, as she thought about a family inside joke. “I’m the youngest of five kids, one boy, four girls,” she explains. “My brother is the oldest. When he was born, dad wanted to name him Beau, but mom wanted to name him Shane.” Her mother won, but they made an agreement the next boy would be Beau.

Her journey to opening up at the shop’s current location began in 2015, when The Boxyard was still in the concept stages. Saltink saw the renderings for The Boxyard and the concept behind it — sustainable reuse of shipping containers for urban retail — and was hooked. “I immediately fell in love with it. I thought, that’s where I need to be,” she recalls. “That’s the right move. I was super excited about it. This is a direction Tulsa needs to go.” Beau & Arrow opened up at The Boxyard in 2016, and Saltink has never looked back.

For those who care about brands, Beau & Arrow carries many labels you’d recognize — Lush, Blu Pepper and POL Clothing, to name a few. And she carries others that customers might not recognize, but that she finds appealing when she’s shopping for merchandise. If you’re not sure how to build an outfit, or if you want some input on what might work with a piece of clothing you already have, Saltink has you covered. “We love to help you play dress up and put outfits together,” she says. A lot of her customers are thrilled to have the help and love the results. And there’s no added charge for the service. “It’s just something we like to do.”

“The success rate is ridiculously high,” says Saltink. “When I heard about them, it struck a chord in my heart.”

BEAU & ARROW The Boxyard 502 E. 3rd St., Unit 11 | Tulsa 918-900-2218 beauandarrowusa.com

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Beau & Arrow has a great selection of seasonal clothing to choose from. “We have a lot of great midi and maxi dresses for summer, a big carry-over from previous seasons that is still going strong,”

Beau & Arrow is open late on First Friday Art Crawl nights downtown. They also do a pop-up shop on the second Saturday of each month, with a portion of sales going to the Lindsey House, a nonprofit that helps women transition from homelessness, abusive situations, and addiction into housing and job placement.

When you stop by Beau & Arrow, Saltink says to expect a mix of fashion and function. “We have a little bit of everything for all ages,” she says. “Our style is a little more on the Bohemian side, but it’s everyday wear. We carry a lot of casual pieces, styles that aren’t too

unattainable. You can pull them off easily.”

“I was told frequently that my name would have been Beau if I had been a boy,” says Saltink. So, when she had a chance to open a shop that was, in essence, her baby,

she decided to give her father the name he’d been wanting. And thus, Beau & Arrow was born in 2012.

Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday: Noon-5 p.m.

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HF HEALTH + FITNESS CLIMB TULSA PROVIDES A FULL RANGE OF CLIMBING OPTIONS DESIGNED SO THAT PEOPLE CAN EXPLORE, FIND THEIR HAPPY PLACE, AND BE INSPIRED TO ATTAIN NEW HEIGHTS IN PERSONAL AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT. BY MICHELE CHIAPPETTA PHOTOS BY SARAH ELIZA ROBERTS It starts when you’re a kid. You climb to the top of a hill, explore the rock stairs at your neighborhood park, or hoist your way to the top of the jungle gym. Before you know it, the act of climbing is in your blood. Or at least, that’s what Americans seem to be feeling, because a growing number of them — more than 35 million — are scrambling up indoor rock walls or tackling outdoor rock climbing spots around the country. Sport climbing is even an official Olympic sport, scheduled for its debut in 2020.

YOUR FITNESS PLAN

So, it isn’t that unusual that Tulsa would have its own climbing gym — straightforwardly named Climb Tulsa. What’s intriguing and appealing, though, is how dedicated its owner, Jason Burks, is to ensuring Green Country residents and visitors get a cutting-edge experience at his gym, as well as exposure to a sport that can easily be taken outdoors into the beauty of nature. Everything happening at Climb Tulsa ties into Burks’ love for climbing and his desire to share that love with fellow Tulsans. “I’ve always loved climbing,” he says. “When I was 21, I started mountaineering a lot in Colorado. Ever since then, every summer, I’ve climbed a couple of mountains out in Colorado or Wyoming.” Soon, he found himself hooked on climbing rock face too. His passion lit, Burks returned to Tulsa with a goal to work on

56 MAY 2018

climbing techniques even when he wasn’t on a trip out of state. He found a local climbing gym (previously known as New Heights) and started training there, with its tight-knit community of members. When he discovered the existing owner was interested in selling, it didn’t take long for Burks to buy it. In the two years since he’s owned the gym, the membership has doubled or tripled, he says. Climb Tulsa draws people from all walks of life and all age groups. “It’s one of the sports that covers the gamut,” says Burks. “But one thing I see that is common is that it is people who are very intentional. Climbing is one of those things that you have to trust yourself. You have to engage in cognitive thinking. It attracts problem-solvers.” Lest you think climbing is only for people obsessed with nature or super-fit with six-pack abs, think again. “It’s not all these hyper outdoors people, like people want to think,” says Burks. “It’s people who enjoy being in shape and enjoy things that challenge their brain.” Beginners don’t have to be afraid to get started. The gym is friendly, and offers classes and one-onone sessions for those who want the added coaching. There’s a first-timers section on Climb Tulsa’s website to answer some initial questions for newbies. And everyone is encouraging, says Burks. “In climbing, it’s not you against someone else,” he says. “It’s you

“We have a huge summer camp program, and age 5 or 6 is where we recommend people start. It will go all summer, until school starts,” says Burks. A lot of the children who attend have never climbed before, and there are classes that are geared to teach the basics. “We teach them how to tie their own figure-eight knots. We put them in harnesses and let them climb.”

There will even be faux rock that feels just like rock for those who want to train for outdoor climbs — the first such indoor training area in a U.S. gym. And for those who want to transition from the gym to outdoor climbing, Climb Tulsa has classes for that too.

CLIMB TULSA

1140 S. 107th E. Ave. | Tulsa 918-439-4400 climbtulsa.com

There are more intensive youth classes for older, more experienced climbers, as well as teams that participate in regional and national competitions. The teams require tryouts.

But Climb Tulsa will also feature some unique training opportunities that are not available anywhere else in Green Country. Some are even rare to find anywhere in the United States, says Burks. They’ll have a speed climbing wall set up according to the official Olympic standards. There will be an archway reaching up to the ceiling, designed by Burks. You’ll be able to train in rappelling.

Rock climbing is also a great activity for children, especially when properly trained in ageappropriate ways. In addition to a special zone that will be available in the new facility, Climb Tulsa offers children’s activities right now, and many take place over the summer, when parents are looking for ways to keep their children engaged and active.

The new facility is large, and it will have several different stations to fit different styles of climbing. Some areas will be easier than others, allowing people to work at their comfort level. There will be the usual slab climbing and bouldering areas common at other climbing gyms, and some treadmills and other equipment to facilitate people’s training regimens.

against the wall. So, there’s constant encouragement. Everyone is like, ‘You got this! You got this!’ It brings a cool dynamic.”

business, as well as the need to make more space for Climb Tulsa’s growing membership, Burks began building a new facility at the corner of 31st Street and Yale Avenue, which is scheduled to open in June.

JASON BURKS

HEALTH + FITNESS HF

Inspired by the cutting-edge facilities he has seen across the country as he travels for

Monday-Friday: Noon-10 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday: Noon-6 p.m.

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d e r a c S e l i h W d e r c Seeking Sa PUSHING INTO DISCOMFORT MEANS FINALLY ENTERING THE RING TO FACE DOWN THOSE INCESSANT INNER DEMONS AND BEGINNING DOWN THE ROAD TO PERSONAL GROWTH AND CHANGE.

By Tiffany Duncan Getting into shape is hard, and sometimes it’s even harder to speak to ourselves with kindness when we think we aren’t progressing fast enough. I am right in the hot middle of this right now, and I’ll be honest — some days I just break down. Like, the tears and cussing and cruel inner monologue kind of breakdown. At the time of writing this article, I am three months into my yearlong lifestyle-change journey, and I feel like I’ve hit my first major plateau. As mentioned in Preview 918’s April issue, I reported that my husband and I joined Climb Tulsa. I was riding the high of that new workout, but now I’m between a rock and a hard place (pun totally intended) because although I can do the beginner climbs, anything mildly advanced past that seems just beyond my ability right now — which is maddening. I leave the gym with muscles that feel ripped and torn, and my mental state honestly feels much the same way. I get so angry with myself when I can’t do something perfectly right away, and I feel like a lot of people can probably relate to that. No one likes to feel like an outsider, to feel like the “newbie” in a roomful of people so much better than you at something. But it’s this precise reason that also keeps so many people stuck where they are, especially with fitness. Is it worth it to stay safe inside a bubble, but dissatisfied with your body? Is it worth it to shut

58 MAY 2018

out vulnerability, but still feel the anxiety of missed opportunity? This year, I’m saying no, it’s not worth it anymore. To progress and grow as a person, I believe people should routinely place themselves in situations that stretch them beyond what is comfortable. Now I’m not talking about walking down a dark alleyway to tempt fate or something (please, don’t do that). But what I am talking about is signing up for that class you’ve

Tankersley (seriously, give it a listen). Tankersley was speaking on vulnerability, and she relays that one day she transposed the “c” and the “a” in “scared, so it came out as “sacred.” This led her to contemplating just how thin the space between those two words really is. “That just became a little metaphor for me,” she says during the podcast. “Often when we are the most scared, especially to step into new

Margaritas on date night. It’s all about moderation, not deprivation.

always wanted to try, whether that’s self-defense, kickboxing, water aerobics, yoga, joining a running group, hiking a local trail, Zumba, or heck, even pole dancing fitness. I was recently listening to a podcast that made me say “whoa” out loud. It’s called the Have More Fun podcast with Mandy Arioto, and it was the Feb. 19, 2018, episode featuring blogger/speaker/writer Leeana

territory, or to open our lives up, or to begin or be a beginner, it’s so scary. It’s a risk. But often, we are inching into sacred ground. Sometimes when I’m most afraid, I might be closest to something sacred in my life.” This bit of wisdom stunned me. I realized I had been looking at it all wrong. Being scared of something or feeling out of my own depth is not the time to run and hide; it’s the time

to turn and embrace. Pushing into discomfort means finally entering the ring to face down those incessant inner demons and beginning down the road to personal growth and change. Slowly, mental resolve strengthens with every repeated workout. I know it doesn’t seem like it at the beginning, but the more you do something, the more you fight the negative voices, and the more you stay positive toward yourself, the easier it becomes to keep up a lifestyle change. Eventually you won’t even have to force yourself; it will transform into a real desire to stay active, and to blow off stress and steam. Another bonus of sticking with a new routine in a new place is that you will meet new people, and I promise they will be nice to you — not a cruel, laughing peanut gallery like we are so apt to believe. At that glorious point, you will then see just how alike everyone’s fears and anxieties really are, which is so freeing that it makes the world seem bigger. But it’s hard at the beginning, I know. I’m still there, too. But this time I’m pushing into scared and seeking sacred, and I know my life will change because I’ve chosen to embrace vulnerability. These are the four key things that help me stay positive when I’m feeling vulnerable during a new or difficult workout.

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60 MAY 2018

2 4 13

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NO ONE IS ACTUALLY WATCHING YOU

STOP THINKING ABOUT YOUR CLOTHES

THE ONLY PERSON EXPECTING YOU TO DO SOMETHING PERFECT THE FIRST TIME IS YOU

I know it can feel like it, but no one actually shows up at the yoga studio or the gym strictly to watch and scrutinize your every move. People tend to think that others are watching them all the time, but in reality, most of us are pretty self-absorbed. What a relief, right?

YOUR MIND LIES

Changing your definition of a successful workout will make it so much easier to return the next time. And the next time. And the next…

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rightyes_rightno_918 Blog handle:

rightyesrightno918.com

CA TO R

Remember: your body can have a good workout, even if your mind tries to tell you differently. There’s a tendency to think a workout is a total loss unless some major personal milestone is achieved, like running a mile without walking or lifting as much as your friend. This is a lie. Sometimes I will try to discredit an entire workout if I think I should have achieved more, but then I step back and think about how much I sweated or how much I felt my muscles burn and remind myself that that’s all that matters. I’m showing up, I’m sweating, and based on that No perfect yoga poses here. Just trying to one fact alone, I walk away shed some pizza arms while getting outside my comfort zone. I highly recommend Be mentally and physically Love Yoga Studio off Sixth Street and Peoria Avenue. It’s been great for beginners like me. stronger, even if it doesn’t show on the outside yet.

No matter what kind of new workout you’re doing, remind yourself that in no way should you be an instant master at it. The pressure to perform and not make a mistake rather than celebrating personal victories — however small — can lead you to misjudge your progress because you’re comparing it to that so-called “perfect” person over there. This will sabotage mental resolve and make you dread coming back the next time. Remind yourself that no one expects a beginner to perform like an expert — and furthermore, no one is even watching you at all.

Sometimes we avoid beginning a new workout regimen because we think our workout clothes aren’t sleek or trendy enough. But the important thing is to just start showing up, even if it’s in a T-shirt that’s been hanging around since high school. It’s not about fashion — it’s about sweat and change. You will feel just as good after a hard sweat-a-thon in some leggings from the bargain bin as you would in Lululemon, so stop letting your clothes be an excuse.

Utilizing as many free and cheap resources as she can find in the 918 area, routinely forsaking her fitness comfort zone to discover effective workouts, and cooking more intentionally from home, Duncan is publicly documenting her progress in each issue as she works to lose 30 pounds in 2018.

PREVIEW918.COM 61

CC COCKTAIL CONFIDENTIAL

Julian Joy Dustin Detherow

With the aid of coconut water, Twisted Spiritz has developed the perfect blend of taste and smoothness with II Vodka that people can enjoy without the typical burn that comes from drinking most vodka brands neat. By GINA CONROY photos by marc rains Since the 1970s, vodka, that colorless spirit that’s a crowd favorite for its versatility and ability to mix well in almost any drink has been entrenched in American drinking habits. Some vodka lovers may enjoy sipping the flavored varieties that come infused with lemon, raspberry, black currant or vanilla. Perhaps, if you’re a seasoned drinker and can afford to pay top dollar for those posh premium vodkas, you may drink it straight on occasion. But sipping unflavored vodka neat? Not so much for many. Trying to change that mindset is locally owned and operated Twisted Spiritz, which has been on a mission to find the right components to create an easy drinking vodka affordable to the masses. “We wanted to create a vodka people can enjoy like a bourbon, where you have that lovely warmth, the weight of the spirit in the mouth without the typical burn,” says Julian Joy, CEO of Twisted Spiritz. And the secret to the smoothness: coconut water. Coconut water is the clear liquid inside the unripe coconut fruit. As the coconut matures and ripens, this liquid solidifies and becomes

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part of the sweet, white coconut flesh that we eat raw as a snack or use, often grated, in cooking and baking. And whether you think coconut water is a fad or fantastic, it has been touted as being the purest liquid second to water itself and is said to have numerous health benefits ranging from digestive support to relieving urinary problems and keeping diabetes under control. “When Julian approached me with the idea to start our own brand that would culminate in the design and construction of our own commercial distillery, it was too good to pass up,” says Dustin Detherow, a chemical and mechanical engineer who also serves as Twisted Spiritz’s COO. After four months and 41 attempts to find the perfect blend of taste and smoothness, the result was II Vodka. “We want to offer something that accentuates moments that matter while enjoying time with friends, family and loved ones,” says Joy. “The liquor business is a part of my family history.” Joy’s grandfather ran a speakeasy in Miami and Orlando, and his great-grandfather was an avid rum-runner during Prohibition.

As a teenager, Joy remembers discussing opening a speakeasy with his grandfather that would replicate the concept of the Roaring ‘20s in Atlanta with a big band orchestra. “I was hoping he’d finance the idea,” says Joy. But his grandfather recommended he spend five years in restaurant management first. “I got a job waiting tables at Romano’s Macaroni Grill. That lasted a few months,” says Joy. With his original dream seemingly gone and only three years of moderate success chasing oil and gas deals, Joy opted to leverage his passion and creativity by starting a brand. So, what makes Twisted Spiritz’ II Vodka so smooth? The secret just may be in the sauce. Or more accurately, the coconut water. “Other than the viscosity variances between potato, grain or corn, what is used in the cut is what creates the nuance of the spirit and differentiates vodkas,” says Joy. “We believe coconut water provides a level of smoothness to the finish unparalleled by any other vodka near our price point.” Distilled six times to create an ultra-pure product, II Vodka is then put through another process that involves filtering coconut water to remove any flavor without losing the electrolyte profile of the water. “The water we blend our coconut water with is first distilled, deionized, and then run through a reverse osmosis process,” says Joy. “This allows only the nuance of the coconut water to remain. Filtering the vodka one more time after adding the coconut water, an ultra-smooth product is the result, with little to no alcohol burn.” Joy admits they are not the first to pioneer this concept; however, they intend to use filtered coconut water in most of their products. Although the II brand is the company’s first consumer product, they believe other concepts will pave new lanes in the industry. “We’re already exploring blending a rosé with vodka, offering some unique flavored vodkas, a rum line, a tropical botanical gin, and whiskey as the long play,” says Joy. According to pre-sales tours, II Vodka has been well received. “The Oklahoma restaurants and bars are supportive and are suggesting II Vodka will replace other, more popular brands,” says Joy. Among some of the over 200 restaurants that serve II Vodka include local favorites Pure Food and Juice, Inner Circle Vodka Bar, Mahogany Prime Steakhouse, Waterfront Grill, Yokozuna, Main Street Tavern and Louie’s Bar & Grill. “We’re also in Texas, Colorado, and Wisconsin and looking to expand further,” he says. Carried in most liquor stores for about $24.99 a bottle, II Vodka allows premium lovers the opportunity to enjoy a better product without breaking the bank.

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J JENKS

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J JENKS

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ET EATS + TREATS

E C U T T E L T EA

UNCAN ANY D ISHER F F I T by ELSI F by C H s o t o ph

R HES. ICK AND EASY S I D E K A U SY-TO-M WITH THESE Q A E , G N I IN H R E F R E S , C O LO R F U L S P R O F S L H L THER CA SALADS A FRES A E W M WA R R S U M M E R U G I V E YO

May means bathing suit season is around the corner, so keeping meals on the lighter side can be helpful in beating back those residual winter pounds. Having a few go-to salad recipes to start meal prepping for work lunches or to avoid carb-laden dinners is a quick way to cut down on daily calorie intake. We’re not talking sad, watery salads here, either. There seems to be a

66 MAY 2018

common misconception that eating on the lighter side will make you miserable and hangry, but with some creativity and the right ingredients, it becomes easy to crave salad over burgers or pizza. It can be difficult, however, to transform into a salad eater overnight with no guidance, so here’s a couple recipes packed with flavors and textures to get you started.

ECIPES.

EATS + TREATS ET CHOPPED THAI SALAD WITH SESAME GARLIC DRESSING

Adapted from pinchofyum.com With mingling flavors of fresh garlic, toasty sesame, and the bright, juicy crunch of chopped veggies, this salad should be on your weekly meal rotation. DRESSING INGREDIENTS:

1 ⁄3 cup oil (canola, olive, or avocado) 3 cloves garlic, peeled 3 Tbsps. low sodium soy sauce 2 Tbsps. water 2 Tbsps. white distilled vinegar 2 Tbsps. honey 1 Tbsp. sesame oil 1 Tbsp. lemongrass paste (ginger will also work) squeeze of fresh lime juice SALAD INGREDIENTS:

1 6 ounces frozen, shelled edamame 5-6 cups baby kale 3 large carrots 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow) 1 cup cilantro leaves 3 scallions ¾ cup cashews or peanuts (Trader Joe’s has beyond delicious Thai lime and chili cashews, but at $7.99 a pound they’re a bit pricey. If you prefer a lower price, go for the Lord Nut brand of Thai curry and lemongrass peanuts for $3.99/pound at Reasor’s.) DIRECTIONS:

1. Puree all the dressing ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Taste and adjust to fit your preference. Transfer to a dressing jar and rinse food processor for later use. 2. Bring a medium pot of water to boil for the edamame. While waiting for water to boil, slice up carrots, bell peppers, kale, cilantro leaves, and scallions into thin strips or shreds and transfer all to a large bowl. 3. Add edamame to boiling water and boil for 3-5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Once excess water has drained out, transfer to the food processor and pulse five times for a minced texture. Toss in with other ingredients. 4. Repeat the same process with cashews (or peanuts). Drizzle with dressing and gently toss everything together a few times. Serve immediately.

HOMEMADE ITALIAN VINAIGRETTE STRAWBERRY AVOCADO SPINACH SALAD WITH CHICKEN

Adapted from foodiecrush.com As eye-catching as it is tasty, this salad is packed with healthy fats and protein from slices of avocado and chicken. Add the juicy sweetness of strawberries, the crunchy texture of slivered almonds, and the tanginess of feta cheese, and you’ve got a new favorite. Take it outside and sit in the warm May sunshine during lunch. DRESSING INGREDIENTS:

cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar 1 tsp. sugar 1 Tbsp. roughly chopped tarragon ¼ tsp. kosher salt ¼ tsp. freshly cracked black pepper SALAD INGREDIENTS:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Trader Joe’s precooked grilled chicken also works nicely for less hassle) 6 cups loosely packed fresh spinach 6-8 large strawberries, hulled and quartered 1 avocado, peeled, pit removed, and cut into chunks 3-4 thinly sliced rings of red onion ¼ cup feta cheese 2 Tbsps. slivered almonds DIRECTIONS:

1. Whisk all dressing ingredients in a small bowl until well-combined. 2. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow bowl and cover with half of dressing. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to two hours. 3. Spray a 12-inch skillet with nonstick cooking spray and place over medium heat. Once heated, add chicken breasts and cook for three minutes, then flip to cook for another three minutes. Flip again, reducing heat to medium-low and cook chicken 20-25 minutes more, turning every five minutes or so until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Remove chicken from heat and let rest for five minutes. Slice into strips. 4. Arrange spinach, strawberries, and red onion in a large bowl. Lightly toss with the remaining dressing. Add avocado, sliced chicken, and top with feta and almond slices. Serve immediately.

Adapted from fivehearthome.com Everyone needs a favorite back-pocket recipe for homemade dressing, not only because homemade tastes far better than store-bought, but also because many of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry — a great option when you can’t jump up and run to the store. This versatile Italian vinaigrette is wonderful as both a marinade and for topping all manner of salads. INGREDIENTS:

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil (or other neutral vegetable oil, such as canola or safflower) ¼ cup white wine vinegar (or red wine vinegar, or a combo of both) 2 Tbsps. water 1 to 2 tsps. honey 1 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice 3 Tbsps. freshly grated parmesan ¾ tsp. garlic salt ¾ tsp. dried parsley ¾ tsp. dried basil 1 ⁄8 tsp. dried oregano pinch red pepper flakes freshly ground black pepper, to taste DIRECTIONS:

1. Measure all ingredients into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until well-blended and emulsified. Can also process in a food processor if desired. 2. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator; allow to come to room temperature and shake well before using.

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See our feature on page 82

B BROOKSIDE

sushi with a pulse! Since 1969 the Aloisio family has served family recipes from Napoli and Abruzzi Italy. Come and enjoy our home cooking paired with fine wine and crafted beers. Full service bar.

CALL FOR RESERVATIONS & CARRY OUT 918.561.6300 â&#x20AC;˘ 3410 S. Peoria Ave.

fresh sushi + incredible kitchen entrees + great happy hour + live music (on Brookside) + sunset views (on the hill) on the hill 918.524.0063 brookside 918.744.1300 broken arrow 918.893.6111 call 918.671.0606 for catering

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FT FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Last month, we talked about flour and all of the many varieties available these days. Similarly, scanning the shelves of the many different sugars (or Lord help us, the Pinterest “clean-eating” recipes) can also be a major headache, as eating less sugar and opting for sugar alternatives is all the health food rage lately. Considering that our cells depend on sugar for energy, it makes sense that we evolved an innate love for sweetness. How much sugar we consume, however — as well as how it enters the body and where we get it from in the first place — has changed dramatically over time. We add sugar in one form or another to the majority of foods we eat — everything from bread, cereals, crunchy snacks and desserts to soft drinks, juices, salad dressings and

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We’re on a bona fide sugar binge in this country. And understanding how sugar behaves in recipes will help you avoid the chances of a baking disaster. BY TIFFANY DUNCAN •• PHOTOS BY CHELSI FISHER

sauces — and we are not too stingy about using it to sweeten many raw and whole foods as well. Here’s a simple guide on sugar, from what processed sugar actually is, to different brown sugar varieties, and finally to sugar alternatives like coconut sugar, agave, and even pure maple syrup or applesauce.

Granulated White Sugar This is the sugar that can be found in almost every pantry; from cookies to cakes to muffins, granulated white sugar has been the go-to choice for decades. Granulated white sugar is made from the sucrose within two types of plants: sugarcane and sugar beets, with the majority coming from sugarcane. During processing,

all raw sugar begins brown in color due to the presence of molasses, but granulated white sugar is the result of a refining process that removes all of the brown molasses. Now, this is where it can get a little weird. Vegans, pay attention: sometimes the use of “animal bone char” is employed to bleach sugarcane crystals pure white. The resulting granulated white sugar does not retain any of this char in the final product, but it does come into contact with it during processing. But to make it even more confusing, some companies do not use bone char to process their sugarcane sugar, relying instead on other animal product-free methods. Unfortunately, it can be impossible to know which one is which when using a nondescript sugar packet in

a coffee shop, or consuming packaged foods with ambiguous ingredients. But fear not, vegans. The refining process for sugar beet sugar never uses bone char because it does not require the same amount of extensive decolorization. Sugar beet sugar, however, can act and taste differently during cooking or caramelizing, so be aware. Also important to note, there is no nutritional difference between sugarcane or sugar beet sugar; both should be consumed in moderation, as they have each been refined by some method and are void of any sort of nutritional value.

Powdered/Confectioners’ Sugar Powdered sugar is granulated white sugar that has been

milled into a powder. Simple enough, huh? It also usually contains trace amounts of anti-caking agents to prevent clumping. Because it is so fine, powdered sugar is ideal when sugar needs to be absorbed into a mixture quickly, like when making a buttercream icing.

Baker’s Sugar Also called superfine or caster sugar, baker’s sugar is very finely ground granulated sugar (but not quite powdered). Baker’s sugar is often used in light and airy baked goods, like angel food cake. It also absorbs more readily into egg whites, making for an excellent meringue.

Sparkling Sugar Sparkling sugar is course white sugar that is extra large in granular size, making it ideal to sprinkle on baked goods like pies or sugar cookies before popping them in the oven. If you can’t find sparkling sugar at the grocery store, local craft stores like Hobby Lobby and Michael’s keep it stocked on the baking and cake-decorating aisle.

Raw Sugar First off, let’s clear up what “raw” means. In the case of sugar, “raw” does not mean 100 percent unprocessed in the same way uncooked vegetables can be “raw,” or unpasteurized cow’s milk can be “raw.” Legally, sugar cannot actually be sold “raw” because it naturally includes impurities like dirt, insects, molds, and other contaminates that are eliminated during processing. Raw sugar, as it is marketed and sold, is simply sugar that has been partially but not totally refined like its white sugar cousin. Contrary to popular belief, sugar in the raw is also not necessarily any better for you than refined white sugar (gasp!). Raw sugar does

FOOD FOR THOUGHT FT

retain some of its original molasses content — meaning it also retains a bit more plant calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium — but the amounts are so negligible that there’s no real health benefit over white sugar. The main difference between raw and white sugar is that because of the molasses presence, raw sugar will have a more caramel-like taste. Environmentally speaking, however, raw sugar is a better option, as there is less processing involved and therefore less water use and less harmful impact on the environment. There’s also no confusion around whether or not additives like bone char or other dyes and chemicals have been added, which is a huge plus. Raw sugar is also referred to as turbinado sugar, and demerara sugar is also raw sugar but made from sugarcane on an island off the coast of Madagascar, where it is grown in volcanic soil.

Brown Sugar (light and dark) Not to be confused with raw sugar, brown sugar is often refined white sugar that has the presence of molasses added back in to control the shade, flavor, and texture. The coating of molasses is what makes brown sugar softer and more malleable because molasses is incredibly hygroscopic — meaning it absorbs moisture well (which is also why your brown sugar dries out when you leave the bag open). The molasses added back in will create either light or dark brown sugar, depending on the amount. Most common recipes call for light brown sugar, but some call for dark. Dark brown sugar will create a richer, more complex flavor, tasting of caramel or toffee. When in doubt reach for the light brown sugar, but the two may be used interchangeably in a pinch.

Coconut Sugar Many recipes these days are calling for coconut sugar as a substitute for cane sugar, but is it that much better? Nutritionally, the short answer is no, not really; just like regular sugar, it should be eaten in moderation. But ethically and environmentally, the Food and Agriculture Association of the United Nations has recognized coconut sugar as the most sustainable sweetener grown in the world. The processing method is much more natural,

involving only two steps: the liquid sap is collected from a cut made on the flower of a coconut palm, and it is then placed under heat until most of the liquid has evaporated. Sustainability and minimal processing are the main benefits of coconut sugar, but it does also contain a slightly higher nutrient count in minerals like calcium, potassium, and zinc (although not enough to make it leaps and bounds “healthier” than regular sugar).

Agave Agave syrup may not be the miracle sweetener that health gurus once touted it to be. Made from the blue agave plant that grows in Mexico, processing methods involve chemicals, heat, and enzymes to convert aguamiel into agave syrup (though organic

varieties include low heat and no chemicals). Though agave is low on the glycemic index, it is dangerously high in fructose, making it one of the worst — if not the worst — sweeteners according to some health professionals. It gets complicated.

Stevia Made from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant in South America, Stevia is 10-15 times sweeter than sugar but with zero calories. Stevia does however have a distinct taste that some people do not prefer, and it also has not performed well in studies

done on animals (Canada and United States) suggesting that Stevia may cause male infertility or genetic mutations. But highly purified versions of Stevia — branded as Truvia and PureVia — have been deemed safe in Canada and the U.S.

Other Options Any way you shake a stick at it, your body is better without consuming large amounts of sugar, no matter what it is. There are many less-sweet and less processed alternatives to

start experimenting with in your recipes including mashed bananas (great in oatmeal), applesauce (great in muffins), pure maple syrup, organic honey, dates, or pure vanilla extract.

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UG URBAN GRIND

There’s no reason you shouldn’t enjoy a couple of cups of coffee a day. Just be sure to drink it in moderation and pay attention to any warning signs your body is sending you. By Lindsay Morris Photos by Chelsi Fisher Is there ever such thing as too much coffee? Surely not! Right? Many of us who rely on several cups a day to get through the daily grind would like to believe that coffee only has positive side effects. Obviously, coffee has a number of benefits. That little thing called caffeine leads to more energy, which is probably the No. 1 reason we drink it. But aside from putting a little more giddy-up in your step, coffee can also make you smarter, because increased caffeine leads to enhanced firing of neurons in your brain. In addition, coffee — black coffee, not a Frappuccino — can help you burn fat and may even lower your risk of developing Type II diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. If coffee is so good for you, why should you ever limit it? Well,

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coffee can have some negative side effects if you drink too much. The Mayo Clinic says up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, or four cups of brewed coffee, is the healthy limit for most adults.

conditions, such as anxiety disorders. You should always pay attention to your body’s feedback to caffeine to decide if it’s wise to have another cup or not.

However, there are some exceptions to that rule. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. For example, if you don’t regularly drink caffeine, you shouldn’t suddenly start drinking four cups of coffee daily.

According to the Mayo Clinic, you may want to cut back if you’re drinking 400 milligrams of coffee a day or more and you’re experiencing side effects such as:

Obviously, you shouldn’t drink caffeine before going to sleep. A study in the Journal of Sleep Medicine showed that drinking coffee six hours or less before bedtime can affect sleep. Some people will have different reactions to caffeine, depending on genetics, body mass, age, medication use and health

Signs you’ve had too much coffee

Migraine headache Insomnia Nervousness Irritability Restlessness Frequent urination or inability to control urination Stomach upset, including diarrhea Fast heartbeat Muscle tremors Fever Increased thirst Dizziness

Also, you may want to consider cutting back if you’re using caffeine to mask sleep deprivation — a habit that can create an unwelcome cycle. For example, you may drink caffeinated beverages because you have trouble staying awake during the day. But the caffeine prevents you from falling asleep at night.

Exceptions to the rule Obviously, there are certain types of people who most certainly should not drink up to four cups of coffee a day: children, and women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. If you’ve ever witnessed a kid downing a cup of coffee, you know the two are not a good combo. Children are more susceptible to caffeine’s effects than adults because they’re smaller. A single caffeinated beverage, including one cup of

URBAN GRIND UG coffee, isn’t likely to cause longterm side effects in a child. While there are no official guidelines about children’s coffee drinking habits, they should drink coffee in extreme moderation or not at all. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are two reasons expecting moms should limit their caffeine intake to 200 milligrams per day. First, caffeine will elevate your unborn baby’s heart rate. Second, some studies suggest that drinking coffee during pregnancy could slightly increase your risk of having a miscarriage. While you may have plenty of cravings during those long three trimesters, coffee should be one that is only indulged in moderation. If you are breast-feeding, you need to continue to limit the amount of coffee you consume. According to healthline.com, babies can suffer from caffeine overdose. This can happen when breast milk contains excessive amounts of caffeine. Some mild symptoms include nausea and muscles that continually tense and then relax.

What if you’ve already had too much? Maybe you’re reading this article and your heart is racing and your stomach is upset because you’ve already exceeded the number of cups you should have had today. Uhoh. Now what? If your symptoms are mild, try a home remedy. Some home treatments for caffeine overdose include drinking water, getting mild exercise, and eating foods high in potassium or magnesium, such as bananas or dark, leafy greens. If your caffeine overdose is mild, it can take anywhere from two to nine hours for the level of caffeine in your blood to drop to half of its original amount. However, if your symptoms of caffeine overdose are extreme, such as trouble breathing, vomiting and irregular heartbeat, call Poison Control at 800-222-1222 and describe your symptoms.

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r e g r Bu anza n o B

Baxter's Interurban Grill 717 S. HOUSTON AVE ., S UI T E 100 TU LSA Since 1978, customers have raved about the food, service and atmosphere of Baxter’s Interurban Grill. All along the way, their burger selection has been a big part of that. Enjoy a gourmet burger with avocado and pepper jack, smothered in an onion straw delight. Or try the Ranch burger — a choice beef patty covered in bacon bits, creamy dressing and delicious cheddar. Whichever of their several burger choices you choose, you’ll be pleasantly satisfied.

F LO’S G UAC B URG ER

The beauty of the burger is that it can take many forms within a certain template. And what’s great and worth celebrating about this burger-besotted area of ours is the 70 variations we found. BY MI CHELE CH I A P P E TTA A ND RO B H AR M O N Whether you enjoy a fastserve drive-thru or a sit-down restaurant, casual or haute cuisine, historic spots or the latest new food joint on the block, one thing is not up for debate. There’s a boatload of awesome places to get a tasty burger in Green Country. What’s more American than the hamburger? This culinary icon is deeply embedded in our culture. It’s been immortalized in countless movies and television shows. And since we’re a nation of individuals, it seems fitting that the variety

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Blue Rose Cafe of hamburgers available is as colorful and wide ranging as our imaginations will allow. Whether you’re hungry for a traditional burger or something out of the ordinary, there are many appetizing choices. For such a common American meal, the burger exists in numerous makes and models in our area, depending on your personal burger-noshing preferences. You can get slim patties or thick ones, singles or doubles, even triples. The patties may be ground beef, Angus, turkey, bean, vegetarian

or other creative options. They can be pan-fried, barbecued or flame-broiled, served straight or topped with just about anything you can imagine. What’s cool about Green Country is that you can enjoy an old-fashioned, diner-style burger from businesses that launched in the 1950s or are housed on old Route 66 for a nostalgic meal. Or, you can drop in to a hip, modern restaurant and get a burger served with culinary school ingenuity. Or, you can find anything and everything in between.

1924 RI VERS I D E D RI VE TU LSA Tulsans know a classic burger when they taste it. Blue Rose has it. The Blue Rose Classic is appropriately named because it’s hot and juicy with its own unique flavor. Slap on some of those famous cheese fries, and you’ve got a dynamic duo. Add a domestic or import beer and you’ll find yourself in the middle of a beautiful trio. Catch Blue Rose on the right night, and you’ll enjoy some hot live music too. Sounds like a good combo to us.

Brownies 6577 E. 71 ST ST. TULSA 2130 S. H A RVA RD AV E . TULSA Whether you visit the original 1956 location on Harvard Avenue or the south location on 71st Street, two things are guaranteed — tasty eats at a good price and friendly wait staff. Both locations also have that old-fashioned diner feel that hearkens back to Archie comics and Happy Days. Most of the menu is comprised of burger-stand style burgers and fries, with a daily special thrown in for good measure. Ask for the homemade root beer — it’s free with the mention of Preview 918 magazine.

Dave & Buster's 6812 S. 10 5 TH E . AV E . TULSA Everyone knows that you go to Dave & Buster’s when you want to play some arcade and video games and watch sports. But they also make sure to keep you there with a menu that makes your mouth water. Naturally, they have several meaty, big-appetite burgers to choose from. Try a fan favorite, the Triple Bacon Burger, which is seared, seasoned, and topped with Applewood smoked bacon, peppered bacon pork belly, a bacon-Gouda sauce, Manchego and cheddar cheeses, and crisp lettuce on a toasted brioche bun with garlic aioli.

Cafe Ole 3 5 0 9 S. P E O R IA AV E . T U LSA

Caz's Chowhouse 18 E. M.B. B RA DY ST.

Chimi's Mexican Restaurant T ULSA

A remarkable place to get a burger is in the heart of Brookside. Cafe Olé specializes in Southwest cuisine, and they do it right when it comes to burgers as well. Undoubtedly, one of the best guacamole burgers is found here. Quality meat, yummy guacamole, a thick slice of cheddar jack and a chic brioche bun make it so tasty. Match that with an outdoor dining experience on Tulsa’s shortlist of best patios, and you’ll have made the smart burger choice.

When you’re craving genuine comfort food during a visit to downtown Tulsa, Caz’s Chowhouse is a great option. The casually comfy, relaxed atmosphere is perfect for lunch or dinner, and you’ll get generous portions for the price. Here, you can get your burger basic, spiced up in a Southwest jalapeno style, double-patty style, or in a black bean version for vegetarians. But the star is the Akaushi burger, made with Japanese beef, which is richly marbled and yields a great flavor.

Fat Daddy's Pub and Grille

Fireside Grill | River Spirit Casino Resort

8 0 5 6 S. M E M O R IAL D R . T U LSA Folks in south Tulsa have long known about Fat Daddy’s as a great place to see the game and have a drink or two, but the burgers garner equal praise. Their juicy burgers come with the freshest ingredients, including caramelized onions, sautéed jalapenos and chili, to name a few, which makes it easy to find just the right combination of tastiness. With so many choices, it’s no wonder they have such a regular crowd on any night.

1304 E. 15T H ST. T ULSA 5320 S. HA RVA RD AVE. TU LSA 6709 E. 81ST ST.

T ULSA

Chimi’s never lacks in surprises when it comes to their top-notch customer service, ambience and, of course, cuisine. Who knew that one of Tulsa’s longest running and most raved about Mexican restaurants had such an amazing burger? Fresh and delicious, like the rest of Chimi’s menu, their cheeseburger is so juicy and flavorful you can’t help enjoying every bite. Also, their choice of sauces and additional ingredients available allow you to make it your way, every time.

Flip Side | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa

8330 RI VERS I D E PA RKWAY T ULSA

777 W. CHEROKEE ST. CATOOSA

A visit to River Spirit Casino Resort is a delight for many reasons. While you’re there, check out the delightful Fireside Grill, featuring creative cuisine any time of the day. Fireside delivers up Black Angus beef burgers cooked to your liking. In addition to a classic cheeseburger, you can opt for a spicy red chile burger topped with New Mexico Hatch green chiles; a burger topped with a fried green tomato, bacon and goat cheese; or a burger topped with fried cheese curds and fried pickles.

To say that Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa’s burger joint is one of the area’s best kept secrets is an understatement. Flip Side serves some unique and delicious burgers. Try the Hawaiian. Your mouth will enjoy a lush experience of sweet chili sauce combined with grilled pineapple and black forest ham. Or, rock your taste buds with the Diablo. Inside its kaiser roll are jalapenos, sriracha ketchup and, well — need we say more? It’ll have you fired up for the casino. Let’s just say that.

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Flo's Burger Diner 19322 E. A DM I RA L P LAC E CATOO SA 2604 E. 11 TH ST. TULSA We couldn’t do a list on burgers without including the fabulous options over at Flo’s in Catoosa and now Tulsa. A relative newcomer on the burger scene, Flo’s melds old-school attention to detail and fresh ingredients with culinary know-how to create some delicious options. The burgers are thick and pleasing. Even the guac on the Guacamole Burger is made fresh when you order it. Whether you like teriyaki and pineapple, blue cheese, jalapeno or fresh fried mushrooms, there’s a burger on the menu for you.

Hatfield's Burgers & BBQ 11223 E. A DM I RA L B LV D. TULSA A favorite among locals on the north side of Tulsa, Hatfield’s has been satisfying people’s taste buds since the 1960s. It’s unassuming on the outside, and they know what they’re doing in the kitchen. The result: awesome, juicy burgers that remind you of the good old days. The burgers come in various sizes to fit the size of your appetite, and you can also enjoy a patty melt or Swiss and mushrooms burger. Try the barbecue too — it’s tasty.

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FlyingTee 6 0 0 R IV E RWAL K T E R R AC E JEN KS

George's Pub 108 N . 1ST ST. JEN KS

Harden's Hamburgers 432 S. S HERI DA N ROA D TU LSA

From its beginning, the FlyingTee has always been a certified two-for-one experience — excellent entertainment and equally enjoyable food. Always using 100 percent USDA Choice Angus beef, they simply crush it with every one of their burger options. The Bacon Bleu, for example, melts in your mouth with grilled onions, blue cheese, and the most amazing maple bacon you can imagine. Practice your swing, all while enjoying good food and drinks. Not bad.

Here in Tulsa, we’re aware the Tower of London isn’t the only place you’ll find Beefeaters. There are plenty of those here in Oklahoma. Jenks’s coolest British pub knows how to make an awesome burger. Stroll into this public house and order the mushroom and provolone. With perfectly grilled mushrooms in melted cheese on top of a thick slab of Black Angus — it’s hard to beat that.

Hooters

Hwy 66 Diner | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa

Johnny Rockets | River Spirit Casino Resort

777 W. CHEROKEE ST. CATOOSA

8330 RI VERS I D E PA RKWAY TU LSA

810 8 E . 61 ST ST. T U LSA We know Hooters is known for its wings. We understand if you’ve never had their burgers. But the Western BBQ burger is perfect for any appetite on any occasion. Watch sports and just about anything else while enjoying 100 percent American beef on a toasted bun. Sure, you can order some wings too. It’s been an American tradition since the 1980s.

A trip to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa is always fun, and we know you’re going to play some games while you’re there. But don’t leave without a visit to the Hwy 66 Diner. Yes, it’s designed like a 1950s joint, and the service is great. But even better are the tasty meals. When your appetite is large, try their Brutus Burger Challenge and attack a two-pound burger, shredded iceberg, 12 tomato slices, 12 slices American cheese, 12 strips bacon, grilled bun, whole dill pickle, 2 pounds of french fries, and milkshake. Details on the challenge are available at the diner when you visit.

6611 S. 101ST E. AVE. TU LSA This historic Tulsa burger spot has existed since 1939, and its current locations honor that retro vibe with vintage signage, reliable service and old-fashioned grilled burgers. They get their beef fresh from Tulsa Beef daily and use an age-tested recipe to deliver delicious cheeseburgers, chili burgers and more to your table. Plus, you can enjoy comfort sides like salty Tater Tots, onion rings and curly fries.

For over 30 years, Johnny Rockets has spread all over the globe, and what do you know, they’ve got a burger called the Route 66. Seems appropriate, right? Not that you need another reason to visit the River Spirit Casino Resort, but a quality burger, shake and fries before a bit of gambling sounds like a great time. Certified Angus beef, Wisconsin cheddar cheese, and all the other fresh ingredients make a visit to Johnny Rockets totally satisfying.

wines AND patio bar BOUTIQUE

steaks AND fresh fish HAND-CUT

WOOD-FIRED

pizza

918.948.6505

9912 SOUTH RIVERSIDE DR. | TULSA, OK 74137

www.napaflats.com

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Maryn's Taphouse and Raw Bar 400 RI V E RWA LK TERRAC E , SUI TE 18 0 J E NKS Maryn’s produces a perfect ground beef-short rib burger, so many excellent choices. The signature Maryn’s burger comes with gorgeous thick-cut bacon, housemade mayo and a hefty slice of Swiss. Try the more unique Sunny Side, and you’ll get a half-pound patty topped with an over easy egg, fresh tomato, hand-cut fries and thick-cut bacon, of course. Or the jalapeno and cream cheese burger — well, you can imagine how flavorful that one is. Try them yourself. We’re certain you will enjoy.

Napa Flats Wood‑Fired Kitchen 9 912 R IV E RS ID E PAR KWAY T ULSA In addition to offering impeccable service and an elegantly relaxed atmosphere that is hard to beat, Napa Flats also does great meals — including some terrific California-inspired comfort foods. Their Bakersfield Cheddar Burger is made entirely with all-natural, grassfed Angus brisket, topped with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion and aioli.

PRHYME: Downtown Steakhouse 111 N . MA I N ST. T ULSA Like everything about PRHYME, the burgers at this downtown steakhouse are exceptional thanks in part to USDA prime beef ground fresh daily in-house. Brie cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, arugula and steak sauce make the signature burger a can’t lose, every-bite sensation. Another sure winner is The Southwest Burger. Smoked bacon, spicy cheddar cream, green chilies, red peppers, all covered with a light bed of onion hay, make it a memorable dish.

RibCrib 302 E. 1ST ST. T ULSA 1601 S. HA RVA RD AVE. TU LSA 3232 W. S KEL LY D RI VE TU LSA 5025 S. S HERI DA N ROAD TU LSA SAND 450 W. W EKI WA ROA D SPR INGS 3022 S. GA RN ET T ROA D TU LSA 8040 S. YA L E AVE. T U LSA 8551 N . 129T H E. AVE. OWASSO 705 S. MI S S I ON ST. SAPU LPA EN 121 W. KEN OS HA ST. BROK AR ROW 12850 S. MEMORI A L D R IVE BIX BY 1736 S. LYN N CL A REM OR E RI G G S B LVD. 2077 SE WASHINGTON BLVD. BA RTLE SVILLE 150 W. S HAW N EE ST. MU SKOGE E

Smitty's Garage 7104 S. S H E RI DA N ROA D TULSA 13303 E. 9 6 TH ST. N. OWASS O 9718 S. RI V E RSI DE PA RKWAY TULSA Choose a bison burger or any of their other unique combination burgers, and you simply can’t go wrong. This Norman, Oklahoma-based chain of burger joints has taken much of the area by storm, and it’s because their customers know what they’ll get every time — a fresh, quality burger, fast and hot. With over a dozen choices, including the mushroom Swiss, the bacon avocado ranch and the chili cheese, there are so many to make your favorite.

78 MAY 2018

SMOKE. Woodfire Grill 15 4 2 E . 15 T H ST.

T U LSA

The Black Angus burger at SMOKE. is ground daily, with a blend of tenderloin, ribeye, sirloin and brisket. This flavorful meal satisfies. Add house-smoked bacon to the burger, and you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life. Enjoy fantastically fresh cut fries, potato salad or slaw along with it, and you’ll be reminded of why you chose SMOKE. to grab your burger.

Sponzs 6100 S. YA L E AVE., S UI T E PL 300 T ULSA 6120 S. YA L E AVE., S UI T E PL 300 T ULSA When you’re hankering for some down-home, New Orleans jazz style, Southern cooking that satisfies like you wouldn’t believe, it’s time to stop by Sponzs. Meat-eaters should try the Bill’s Le Gourmet — Applewood smoked bacon, caramelized onions, over-easy egg and smoked Gouda —while vegetarians should get the Portobello Vegan Burger — balsamic rosemary and garlic marinated Portobello with caramelized onions, roasted red pepper and side of pesto aioli.

421 S. G EORG E N I G H EXPRES SWAY

MCALE STE R

1909 S. MUS KOG EE AVE., S UI T E 800

TAHLE QUAH

6670 S. L EW I S AVE.

TU LSA

One of our favorite Oklahomabased barbecue spots is known for, well, its barbecue meats, like brisket, ribs and bologna. But yes, you can enjoy a burger there too. And since RibCrib specializes in meat, you can’t go wrong with the classic cheeseburger, of course. But you can also really do it up with the Cribfire Burger, which is topped with a hot link, onion ring, pepper jack, cheddar and barbecue sauce, to truly enjoy that barbecue style.

See our feature on page 90

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The Bistro at Seville 10021 S. YA LE AV E . , # 10 3 TU LSA Attention to every detail is what you can expect at the Bistro at Seville. Either the Dewberry or the Bistro burgers will completely satisfy your need for prime beef, as well as any urge to indulge your taste buds in a plethora of flavor. Quality greens, savory tomato, cheesy slices of Swiss and other sautéed specialties — it all adds up to magnificent flavor and style. These are quality burgers.

The New Atlas Grill 415 S. B O STO N AV E .

Waterfront Grill

T U LSA

Western Country Diner

120 AQUA RI UM D RI VE JEN KS

What’s cool about this restaurant is its location — the Atlas Life Building in downtown Tulsa, built in 1922. A statue of Atlas holding up the world still stands atop the building’s facade. Inside, you’ll see a well-kept, art deco style lobby where the New Atlas Grill awaits you. Among their hot lunch sandwiches is The Atlas — fresh ground beef, grilled and served with Dijon mustard and fried onions.

1905 S. S HERI DA N ROA D TU LSA

Overlooking the Arkansas River in Jenks, the Waterfront Grill has a great patio for spring and summer weather. Their menu is deep and impressive, but when you want to keep it simple, a burger is a great choice here. Their cheeseburger isn’t made with just any cheddar — it’s made with Tillamook, a favorite among cheese lovers. Their Hickory burger is made with homemade barbecue sauce. You can rely on tasty housemade toppings and dressings that add zest to their burgers.

Decidedly underrated because it’s a bit off many people’s beaten paths, Western Country Diner is worth a visit for any of their classic diner-style meals. The portions are generous, the homemade pies among the best anywhere in Green Country, served up by friendly staff who make you smile every time you’re there. Their Texas Burger is served open face with chili, cheese, jalapeño and onions.

Also Check Out AR N O L D ’ S O L D FAS H IO N E D H AM B U RGE RS

FAT G UY’S B URG ER BA R

L UCKY’S

T HE CHA L KBOAR D

1536 E. 15th St. | Tulsa

1324 S. Main St. | Tulsa

1722 W. 51st St. | Tulsa

140 N. Greenwood Ave. | Tulsa 7945 S. Memorial Drive | Tulsa

B IL LY’ S O N T H E S Q UAR E

F RA N K & LOL A’S

MA RGA RI TAVI L L E | RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT

T HE PA R ROT ST EA KHOUS E AND GR ILL

8330 Riverside Parkway | Tulsa

2530 S. Main St. | Grove

MI D -A MERI CA N G RI L L E

201 N. Main St. | Tulsa

424 S. Main St. | Tulsa

Wild Heart Cafe 501 S. C H E RO K E E ST.

B L U E M O O N CAFÉ CATO OSA

Word has been spreading about this place, and their burgers are a big reason why. Wild Heart pulls out all the stops with the Blue Cheese Angus Steak Burger. It’s not one but two patties with a bit of Worcestershire, savory blue cheese and melt-in-yourmouth provolone. Boy, they really know how to make a repeat customer. By the way, their breakfasts are good too. Really good.

3512 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa

B R IC KTOW N B R E W E RY 3301 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa 9409 E. 71st St. | Tulsa 11909 E. 96th St. N. | Owasso

B U RGE R BAR N

200 E. 2nd St. | Bartlesville

F REEWAY CA F É 1547 E. 3rd St. | Tulsa 465 S. Sheridan Road | Tulsa 5849 S. 49th W. Ave. | Tulsa

HA MMET T HOUS E 1616 W. Will Rogers Blvd. | Claremore

HA N K’S HA MB URG ERS

State Highway 100 | Webbers Falls

8933 E. Admiral Place | Tulsa

C L AU D ’ S H AM B U RGE RS

HA RMON Y HOUS E

3834 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa

C O L E M AN ’ S BAK E RY

208 S. 7th St. | Muskogee

I KE’S CHI L I

118 N. Seminole Ave. | Okmulgee

1503 E. 11th St. | Tulsa

C ROW C R E E K TAV E R N

409 E. 1st St. | Tulsa 7031 S. Zurich Ave. | Tulsa

3534 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa

D IL LY D IN E R 402 E. 2nd St. | Tulsa

JA MES E. MCN EL L I E’S

JJ’S G OURMET B URG ERS 647 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa

L I N DA- MA R D RI VE- I N 1614 W. 51st St. | Tulsa

80 MAY 2018

101 Cobblestone Drive | Pryor

OL L I E’S STAT I ON 4070 Southwest Blvd. | Tulsa

R BA R & G RI L L 3421 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa

ST ERL I N G ’S G RI L L E

T HE TAVE R N T REY’S BA R & GR ILL 7891 E. 108th St. | Tulsa

T W I N PEAKS 7007 S. Memorial Dr. | Tulsa

T Y’S HA MB U RGE RS 1534 S. Harvard Ave. | Tulsa

2905 E. Frank Phillips Blvd. | Bartlesville

WAYL A N ’S KU-KU BU RGE R

TA L LY’S G OOD F OOD CA F É

W EB ER’S S UPE R IOR ROOT B EER DR IVE -IN

1102 S. Yale Ave. | Tulsa 6100 S. Sheridan Road | Tulsa

T ED ’S HA MB URG ERS 2906 W. Edison St. | Tulsa

T HE B ROOK 3401 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa 7727 E. 91st St. | Tulsa

915 S. Main St. | Miami

3817 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa

W EEZ E’S CAFÉ 328 S. Dewey Ave. | Bartlesville

W I L D F OR K 1820 Utica Square | Tulsa

C CATOOSA

Free Wi-Fi Internet Access!

Mollyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Landing Open Since 1984

Steak & Seafood Only 3 1/2 miles from Hard Rock Casino on Highway 66 (Route 66)

918.266.7853

www.mollyslanding.com

PREVIEW918.COM 81

Tun a

82 MAY 2018

Tart ar

EVERY WEDNESDAY, OL’VINE OFFERS AN ENSEMBLE CAST OF FLAVORS, COLORS, AND TEXTURES TO DELIGHT THE SENSES IN SMALL ENOUGH PORTIONS THAT YOU CAN SAMPLE SEVERAL PLATES (RANGING FROM $4-$6) AT ONE SITTING DURING ITS SAVORY SWIRL. BY DONNA LEAHEY PHOTOS BY MARC RAINS

What are you doing Wednesday for dinner? Cancel that, because you should be visiting ol’Vine’s weekly Savory Swirl. Starting at 4 p.m. every Wednesday, Savory Swirl is a world tour of flavor for your palate and a chance to play with different wine pairings, all at a great price. Ol’Vine is the second restaurant for Don Jones on Brookside. He’s been leading Cafe Ole for the last six years and branched out a year ago with ol’Vine. He built it to be a casual place with a rustic and diverse approach to the menu. Wednesday evening’s Savory Swirl began last summer.

“Big plates get boring,” says Jones. “If you order a variety of tastes, your palate stays stimulated. With small plates, we can do a variety of food well at a great price point.” Ol’Vine’s Savory Swirl plates range from $4 to $6, giving you a lot of flavor bang for just a few bucks. Put three or four plates together into a meal, and you can experience plenty of tastes from diverse cultures all at one sitting.

“We saw the popularity of travel TV and food trucks,” says Jones, “and the trend toward small plates. We built the menu with these trends in mind, and we played with the ethnicity of the food.”

Some of the cultures inspiring the flavors behind Savory Swirl include Vietnamese, Greek, Italian, and American Southwest. The menu includes a few gluten-free options as well as some vegetarian options. All the delicious plates are cooked from scratch. Ol’Vine chef Sarah Browne works hard to make these plates perfect, tweaking the recipes until they’re just right and as fresh as she can make them.

The result is an ensemble cast of flavors, colors, and textures to delight the senses in small enough portions that you can sample several plates at one sitting. Pick a flight of wines to go with it, and you can tour the world by way of your palate.

The Vietnamese inspired Bun Cha Gio Salad is a delight of both texture and flavor. The salad bowl is filled with rice noodles and chopped lettuce, then topped with hoisin chicken, pickled veggies, and comes with peanut and nuoc

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mam sauce. Like most Vietnamese dishes, it’s a delight of tastes, hitting all the notes of sweet, sour, salt and bitter. The cast iron garlic shrimp is one of the gluten-free options. The generously meaty shrimp are sautéed in garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes and served sizzling in a cast iron dish. The shrimp are cooked to a tender perfection and seasoned just right so you still taste the delicate shrimp without it being overpowered by the garlic or onion. The veggie couscous is a treat. If you’ve never had Israeli couscous, the grains are much larger than what you may be used to, which creates a pleasant and unique texture. It’s topped with grilled vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and yellow squash, and dressed with a sweet and tangy pomegranate balsamic vinaigrette. Don’t skip over this one because it’s vegetarian; the flavors are a great complement to any of the other choices. The lamb slider is a thick ground patty of farm lamb seasoned with Greek flavors and served in fresh housemade pita. The traditional tzatziki sauce is great on it, but the smoked baba ganoush is rich and flavorful and should be tried, either on the lamb, or on its own. For another light, textural delight, try the summer shrimp roll. The shrimp is stacked with carrots, red pepper, jicama, basil, and cucumber and wrapped in rice paper. The veggies add fresh flavors along with crisp texture. The peanut sauce sets it all off perfectly.

LAMB SLIDERS

A plate of puttanesca bruschetta is a fresh counterpoint to some of the more savory plates. It’s a combination of fresh tomatoes, olives, garlic, shallots, and herbs, served on crispy grilled toast, with a surprising hint of heat. These flavorful bites are topped with briny fried capers and slivers of Parmesan cheese. Other options include a tuna tartar flavored with ginger, caper, shallot, sesame oil, truffle oil, and topped with wasabi crème fraiche. The braised pork belly is tender and rich and served with miso-sake risotto with a caramelized onion confit. The asopao rice stew is a savory combination of shrimp, calamari, chorizo, pulled pork, and chicken. The adobo chicken skewers are perfectly grilled chicken served with a smoky chipotle tomato sauce. As spring makes its way closer to summer, you should consider enjoying your Savory Swirl on ol’Vine’s patio or the courtyard in the back. Or, if you prefer your air conditioning, there’s plenty of space inside this comfortable, casual eatery. The popular wine flights are available Tuesday nights as well as Wednesday and are a great travel companion for your culinary explorations. According to Jones, ol’Vine has been recognized as having the second-best wine list in Tulsa. “Our wine rep is savvy and sharp and put a lot of thought into the flights, which allowed them to have great success,” Jones says. Some of the flights you can try include the Wagner Family Flight of three wines, including their excellent red blend. The biggest seller is the Viva la France! flight of three of ol’Vine’s French wines. The summer wines features some of ol’Vine’s best light and bright wines.

Puttanesca Bruschetta

Shrimp Roll

OL’VINE FRESH GRILL 3523 S. Peoria Ave. | Tulsa 918-747-9463

Bun Cha Gio Salad

olvine.com

wine flight

84 MAY 2018

Monday: Closed Tuesday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday Brunch: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

PREVIEW918.COM 85

Mex

ican Sp

iced

Salm

86 MAY 2018

With great, fresh tastes of authentic Mexican, blackened fish tacos, and a creative cocktail list (an Old Fashioned with tequila), Sabores is more than a meal – it’s a flavor vacation. By Donna Leahey It’s easy to find Mexican food in Tulsa. It’s harder to find authentic, fresh, made from scratch Mexican food that isn’t Southwest or Tex-Mex influenced. If you’re craving genuine Mexican from authentic recipes made from scratch with fresh ingredients, you want to check out Sabores. Sabores is one of the newest businesses at downtown’s The Boxyard, and its modern cantina aesthetic fits right into The Boxyard’s young, trendy, eclectic feel. What does authentic Mexican mean? “My chef, his mother is from Mexico,” says Andres Camacho, Sabores’ owner. “These are her recipes. This isn’t Americans trying to do Mexican food; this is authentic.”

BARBACOA TACOS

Photos by Sarah Eliza Roberts

“Sabores” means “flavors,” and Camacho delivers on that promise. Layers on layers of flavor. “My chef always says, ‘We’ve got to add more flavor!’” The interior is bright with copious natural light streaming in through the wall of windows that look out into the courtyard with dining tables for nice weather. Salsa and cumbia music fill the air alongside the delicious scents of spices and savory cooking. The interior is so spacious, you wouldn’t guess it was made from cargo containers. “We have five containers. We customized the space, put in the bar, put in some walls. It’s customized more than most spaces in The Boxyard,” says Camacho.

Oaxaca old fashioned

Sabores has only been open since February, but it already has a following for the delicious, fresh flavors coming from the kitchen. “The fish tacos are very popular,” he says. “We serve hundreds of them in a month.” The fish tacos are the most popular item on the menu, and one taste will tell you why. The fish is blackened and topped with Mexican slaw, avocado cream, and chipotle mayo. That’s special enough, but then it’s topped with mango pico, which adds a hint of sweet as the perfect complement to the savory dish. The soft tortilla holds a world of flavor and texture. One bite, and you’ll be a believer.

avocado mango salad

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The dinner menu is a bit more upscale and includes the not-to-be-missed Mexican spiced salmon as a very popular choice. The presentation is beautiful and dramatic. The sun-dried tomato jalapeno sauce is a bold red base topped with a creamy pale green Mexican style risotto. A perfectly cooked portion of salmon sits atop the risotto, framed with crispy Mexican corn fritters and topped with zucchini and squash. Every bite is a revelation. The risotto is creamy and rich. At the same time, the fresh flavors keep it from feeling heavy. The corn fritters set off the savory with a hint of sweet, while the salmon is seasoned just right. The sun-dried tomato jalapeno sauce adds a hint of heat along with the sweet and savory richness of the tomatoes. The bar features great cocktails made with tequila and mescal and an extensive beer list. You might not think of tequila when you think of an Old Fashioned, but give it a try; it will make you a believer. You can find original concoctions like a sweet cocktail accented with serrano peppers, a light and fresh carrot juice cocktail, or more traditional cocktails.

There’s too many flavorful options to try them all in one visit, so bring a bunch of friends with you to try everything. Be sure to start with esquites, or Mexican street corn. You might not have thought of corn as a great appetizer, but that’s just because you haven’t tried it yet. The corn is roasted and seasoned, then topped with crema, queso cotija, and pico de gallo. It’s flavor on flavor and so delicious, you will keep going back for one more bite. It’s presented beautifully with a swirl of crema and the colors of the pico. Another starter you should try is the taquitos dorados. A bright and colorful presentation, the dish is a bean puree under marinated chicken taquitos, topped with salsa verde, crema, queso fresco, and shredded lettuce. A light, bright choice for lunch is the avocado mango salad. It’s a plate of romaine generously topped with strips of mango and avocado, queso cotija, toasted pumpkin seeds, queso fresco, and a tangy, fresh chipotle lime vinaigrette. The green avocado and orange mango provide not just visual contrasts to each other on the plate, but a creamy and tangy contrast for your palate. The pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch as well as another flavor contrast, and all of it is set off perfectly with the vinaigrette.

Another quick and tasty lunch option is the tacos street style. Served with rice and beans, you can choose two or three tacos filled generously with carne asada, al pastor, barbacoa, or chicken. Try the smoky and flavorful barbacoa, though all the options are great. Camacho’s favorite dish is the Shrimp Diablo Ranchero, a festive combination of shrimp, onion, poblano, and bell pepper, tossed with a spicy chile salsa. The fresh flavors are set off perfectly by the spicy salsa, which enhances the sweet flavor of the shrimp. The dish is rounded out with sides of rice and beans. Among the dessert options is a rich tres leches cake with vanilla scented spongecake and a blend of three types of cream for a decadent and cool finish to your meal. Camacho is planning for seasonal flans to be added soon to the dessert menu. Camacho has worked in restaurants around Tulsa for the last 10 years. He moved to Tulsa after completing business and culinary school. With the availability of a space for a restaurant opening in The Boxyard, Camacho put together a business plan, recruited a chef and a bartender he knew he wanted to work with and “from there, it went really fast.” Sabores is quickly becoming a favorite in downtown.

fish tacos

SABORES The Boxyard | 502 E. 3rd St., Unit 27 | Tulsa 918-212-9065

saborestulsa.com

Andres Camacho Jalisco Julep 88 MAY 2018

Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday (food only): Midnight-3 a.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

ast, Breakf & Dinner Lunch

of Hom Five Genera tio emade Goodn ns ess!

Where the locals have been going since 1975!

Homemade Hot Rolls Made Us Famous!

Daily ls Lunch Specia am 11 Open at Saturday Monday thru ay Closed Sund

918.622.2668

www.ricardostulsa.com 5629 E. 41st • Tulsa, OK

Grandma’s Cooking Keeps You Coming Back!

918.254.1500

2604 N. Aspen Ave | Broken Arrow

PREVIEW918.COM 89

MF MASTERS OF FLAVOR

The burgers, pies and root beer at BROWNIES may appear to be basic diner fare. But with a bonus of 60 years of experience and tradition behind almost every recipe, there is nothing ordinary about the Tulsa icon. By Rob Harmon

Photos by Marc Rains

90 MAY 2018

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“We met at a restaurant,” Debra says. “I trained Dusty to be a server. I worked at Chimi’s for 16 years, was a teacher for 17 years and a mom to three children. We’ve owned a Subway and a Java Dave’s Coffee.” “A local investor approached us, asked if we’d be interested in Brownies, and we said, ‘Oh, heck, yeah!’” says Dusty. “Bill was a real character. He would

Generations of Tulsans thank him for it. “There’s a lot of places in town you can get great burgers,” he says, “but we probably have the best root beer in town. And maybe there’s a couple other places around that make root beer, but still the flavor isn’t anywhere close to what we do.” The homemade pies that Brownies customers have loved through the decades taste just the way they have for the last 50-something years, and the secret behind their amazing flavor is something that not even Dusty can keep on the downlow.

“You can get good food at a number of places,” Dusty says, “but we try to make Brownies an atmosphere where people come and have fun, be laid back and relaxed. Most of our employees stay with us a long time, so they get to know the customers and the customers get to know them.

Dusty plans to continue to share the rich Brownies tradition by opening an additional location in Sand Springs. Who knows, perhaps future generations of Oklahomans in that area will make some of the same memories.

BROWNIES

2130 S. Harvard Ave. Tulsa 918-744-0320 brownies-hamburgers.com

After that, customers were back to saying things were tasting the way they had always remembered. Two particular things Dusty made sure Brownies remained true and faithful to were the restaurant’s original root beer and pie recipes.

But Dusty did more than simply restore the original Brownies recipes for the burgers, root beer and the rest; he preserved the feel of the restaurant that generations of Tulsans have loved for years. The real key ingredients he’s fostered since taking over, are the people involved in the restaurant on a daily basis.

“We have people my age,” Dusty says, “and they come in and point out a particular toy and say, ‘You see that up there? I brought that in.’”

“We also still make the burgers on the flattop grill with the onions fried into the patty, the same as Bill and Ed did. People used to say you got your burger their way, but now you can get lettuce and tomato on your burger. We cut the fries fresh every day in the restaurant. We still call them freedom fries. The Bowens changed the name during the Gulf War when France wouldn’t let U.S. planes cross their airspace, and they never changed it back.”

“When we first took over,” says Dusty, “the guy who was running it had a nutritional background and changed some of the recipes and menu items. After talking to the customers, some of whom had been coming for 30, 40, even 50 years, they told us what needed to change. We slowly got things back to the way they had been.”

Peace’s daughter and grandchildren still come in occasionally and remark that the pies still taste like granny’s.

Dusty had eaten more than his fair share of hamburgers at Brownies, having grown up less than a mile away. Back when the Bowens were running the show, Dusty remembers it as a pretty busy place where generations of hamburger lovers came to get their fix. But when new owners took over in 2010, things started to drop off a bit.

To the left, facing the street, is a window, and on it rests scores and scores of old and new toys, left by generations past. Tiny race cars and trinkets, little odds and ends left there through the years by regular customers young and old, are reminders that they’ve visited. No one knows for sure how the toy shelf started all those years ago, but the tradition of leaving a tiny toy of some sort on that window ledge is treasured by all those who visit.

Monday-Sunday: 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

BROWNIES

6577 E. 71st St. | Tulsa 918-398-6615 brownies-hamburgers.com

The Oakleys have been in the restaurant business since their teens.

“After Brownies opened, so the story goes” says Dusty, “Mrs. Peace came in, and after tasting their pies, told the owner that his pies were horrible. He said, ‘Well, if you think you can do better, then why don’t you?’ So, she went home, made a pie, came back in. He tasted it and said, ‘Want a job?’ It’s been her pie recipes in here ever since.”

When Tulsa’s beloved Brownies needed new owners who understood the importance of continuing the storied tradition, Dusty and Debra Oakley took over after two previous sets of owners tried to replicate the magic of the Bowens.

tease and joke around. People came into Brownies not just for the food, but for a show.”

Chili Cheeseburger and Root Beer

Ten presidents, including the first African-American to hold the office (Barack Obama) and five decades later, the brothers continued to carry on the Tulsa tradition of hamburgers, root beer, rock ‘n’ roll and American pie until Darrell left the business for Bill to run. However, when Bill died in 2009, it looked like it was all coming to an end.

Onion Rings

Original owners, Bill and Darrell Bowen, founded Brownies Hamburger Stand at 2130 S. Harvard in 1957, not long after Dwight D. Eisenhower was inaugurated as the 34th president of the United States. These were the days when Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock,” “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis, and “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke were playing in every jukebox around the country. Girls wore whirl skirts and bobby socks, the guys kept their cigarette packs rolled up in their T-shirts, and everyone loved a good pie.

Coconut Cream Pie

Double Cheeseburger and Fries

Upon entering the Harvard location, a cash register sits on the nearest end of a long bar.

Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

PREVIEW918.COM 91

GK GETTING TO KNOW

works just as hard, or harder, than the rest of us. This is his passion.”

E. W. FISHER

A public broker for precious metals and diamonds, Tulsa Gold and Gems offers a high-end, financial institution style experience complete with transparency and a noncommissioned staff. by MICHELE CHIAPPETTA photos by CHELSI FISHER

92 MAY 2018

When the business first started, Fisher’s father focused exclusively on diamond wholesale, supplying other buyers, dealers and jewelers. Fisher joined the company in 1999 after college. In 2007-08, an economic upheaval struck the country and offered an unexpected opportunity to Tulsa Gold and Gems — namely, the Great SPENCER FISHER Recession brought on when the subprime mortgage market bubble burst, and the subsequent international banking crisis and housing market crash. If you’ve never considered selling those old gold earrings of grandma’s in the past few years, you’re probably in the minority. As gold prices have skyrocketed due to economic forces like a weakened dollar, many Americans have sought to cash in by selling or borrowing loans on family jewelry. But if your idea of what it means to sell your gold or put it down as collateral against a loan is a drive to a not-so-nice part of town to deal with sketchy characters, you’ve never been treated to the impeccable service and elegant environment offered by Tulsa Gold and Gems. “My dad, E.W. Fisher, established the company about 35 years ago,” says Spencer Fisher. “My dad is still heavily involved in the company. He

It was a perfect storm of financial messes in many ways. For Tulsa Gold and Gems, the issue was in diamonds. “The public wasn’t buying jewelry,” says Fisher. “Our market to jewelers and other dealers dropped. It really diminished our business.” The drop was balanced out, however, by the skyrocketing price of gold, which jumped to $1,000 an ounce, higher than it had ever been before. At the same time, the business’s old location on 51St Street and Lewis Avenue was taken over by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for the I-44 Highway expansion project. The message to Fisher and his father was clear: it was time to reinvent the business in some way. And if the public was interested in selling precious metals, Fisher decided their business could be in a position to buy.

“The staff actually work for the customer,” Fisher says. “They want to make it work. And there’s no haggling. If you know the weight of your jewelry, we even have a gold calculator on our website.” Prices are based on the exact composition of your item, which is also explained on their website. For diamond purchases, Fisher employs gemologists with years of experience. The business also has a myriad of equipment to evaluate customers’ gold, silver and diamond jewelry before offering a price based on the current market prices. “We try to be as fair and accurate as possible,” says Fisher.

The minute-to-minute nationwide gold prices are displayed on screens at Tulsa Gold and Gems for customers to see. And unlike many gold dealers, the Tulsa Gold and Gems staff doesn’t work off commissions, which ensures the customer gets the best deal.

“Our percentage of return customers is extremely high,” says Fisher. “And that’s pretty much our whole philosophy. We’re lucky. We’ve earned it, and the people keep coming back.”

9014 S. Yale Ave., #200 | Tulsa 918-743-2274 tulsagold.com

“Our hope is that people will come in, see the business, see how nice it is and how friendly we are, and come back for additional loans whenever the need arises,” says Fisher. Any future loans a repeat customer takes out are regulated by the state’s interest rates.

TULSA GOLD AND GEMS

Everything is arranged to give the customer a high-quality experience from start to finish. “We decided that we want to be very transparent and publish what we pay,” says Fisher. This is an important and attractive feature for customers because the price of gold changes minute to minute as it is bought and sold nationwide, much like the prices in the stock market.

“Every new customer will get a zero percent loan for 60 days, for up to $25,000, on their first loan. Every customer who walks in the door is immediately approved,” says Fisher. “There’s no credit check. There’s very little paperwork.” The loans are collateral based. Any jewelry-related item, whether it be a Rolex to even broken pieces of jewelry, can qualify as collateral.

Tulsa Gold and Gems offers a high-end, financial institution style experience. Customers notice the professional feel of everything from the gorgeously colorful, highend aquarium in the lobby to the attentive service of the staff. Tulsa Gold and Gems has an A+ rating from Better Business Bureau. They even have two mascots — Fisher’s bulldogs, Tux (short for Tuxedo) and T-Bone, whom you’ll see in the business’s billboard ads.

Another aspect of Tulsa Gold and Gems that sets them apart from other gold buyers is their loan department, which is based strictly on collateral and runs within state regulations like you’d expect at a financial institution. And like their gold buying department, the loan department operates with the customer’s best interests in mind.

In the process of transitioning from being a wholesale distributor to a public broker for precious metals and diamonds, Tulsa Gold and Gems moved to its new location at 91st Street and Yale Avenue. “It was perfect for us,” Fisher says. “We like the security of the building. It worked well for us layout wise. And business just took off immediately.”

To aid in the business’s safe operations, there is a security guard present, and Tulsa police officers are present as well. The security operates 24/7, guaranteeing customers peace of mind as they do business.

Monday-Friday: 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sunday: Closed

PREVIEW918.COM 93

SL SHELF LIFE

NONFICTION

LITERARY

ROMANCE

MYSTERY, THRILLER AND SUSPENSE MAY 1

MAY 15 MAY 8

MAY 1

STANDOFF

LIMELIGHT

THE OTHER LADY VANISHES

Bill Schneider, a former CNN senior political analyst, takes readers inside the voting booth to show how Americans vote and why their votes sometimes seem to make no practical sense.

After moving her family from suburban Dallas to the glittery chaos of Manhattan, Allison Brinkley is overwhelmed. Then she has a chance meeting with spoiled, hungover, unsupervised teen pop star Carter Reid. Through this brush with stardom, Allison embraces a unique and unexpected opportunity that helps her find her way in the heart of Manhattan.

In Burning Cove, no one is who they seem. When psychic to the stars Madame Zolanda shows up, Adelaide and Jake know better than to fall for her con. But when the medium becomes a victim of her own dire prediction and is killed, they’re drawn into a murky world of duplicity and misdirection. Neither Adelaide nor Jake can predict that in the shadowy underground, they’ll find connections to the woman Adelaide used to be — and uncover a killer.

BY BILL SCHNEIDER

ALSO LOOK FOR:

Not That Bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture By Roxane Gay

RFK: His Words for Our Times By Robert F. Kennedy and C. Richard Allen

MAY 1

Provocative essays about the harassment, aggression, and violence that women face daily. Contributors include Ally Sheedy, Gabrielle Union and Amy Jo Burns.

BY AMY POEPPEL

An inspiring collection of RFK’s most famous speeches accompanied by commentary from notable historians and public figures.

94 MAY 2018

BY AMANDA QUICK

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A Shout in the Ruins By Kevin Powers

I Felt a Funeral in My Brain By Will Walton

A Theory of Love By Margaret Bradham Thornton

MAY 15

MAY 29

MAY 8

Spanning over one hundred years, from the antebellum era to the 1980s, this novel examines the fates of the inhabitants of Beauvais Plantation outside of Richmond, Virginia.

The author of Anything Could Happen returns with a touching young adult novel about dealing with grief and navigating life.

WICKED RIVER

BY JENNY MILCHMAN

For newlyweds Natalie and Doug Larson, an isolated backcountry honeymoon in the Adirondacks seems an ideal chance for an adventure. But just as Natalie and Doug begin to explore the depths of their love for each other, it becomes clear that they are not alone in the woods. Their stalker wants something from them more terrifying than death. And once they are near his domain, he will do everything in his power to make sure they never walk out again.

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Do This for Me By Eliza Kennedy MAY 15

A high-powered A career-driven, attorney dives into jet-setting couple the politics of sex, must decide how the perils of desire, much they exist and why men and for themselves and women treat each how much they other the way exist for each other. they do.

The Pisces By Melissa Broder MAY 1

After Lucy and her boyfriend break up, she finds little relief from her anxiety — until she becomes entranced by an eerily attractive swimmer while sitting alone on the beach rocks one night.

The Crooked Staircase By Dean Koontz MAY 8

Battling a strange epidemic of murdersuicides escalating across the country, rogue FBI agent Jane Hawk is relentlessly hunted by both government and bad guys. But nothing can prepare her for the chilling truth.

SHELF LIFE SL

SCIENCE FICTION, FANTASY AND HORROR

SELF-HELP AND INSPIRATIONAL

YOUNG ADULT AND MIDDLE GRADE

CHILDREN

MAY 1 MAY 22

MAY 1 MAY 1

HERE, GEORGE!

BY SANDRA BOYNTON AND ILLUSTRATED BY GEORGE BOOTH

THE POPPY WAR BY R.F. KUANG

Being a dark-skinned peasant girl from the South is not an easy thing at Sinegard. Targeted by rival classmates for her color, poverty and gender, Rin discovers she possesses a lethal, unearthly aptitude for the nearly-mythical art of shamanism. Her newfound power may be the only way to save her people from war. But as she finds out more about the god that has chosen her — the vengeful Phoenix — she fears that winning the war may cost her humanity.

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ANTICANCER LIVING: TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE AND HEALTH WITH THE MIX OF SIX BY LORENZO COHEN, PH.D. AND ALISON JEFFERIES

Cancer is a serious fear for many people. But scientific research has linked six factors as useful for helping prevent cancer and other sicknesses, especially when people make improvements in all six areas. Learn how social and emotional support, managing stress, minimizing exposure to environmental toxins, and improving sleep, exercise and diet work together to promote an optimal environment for health and well-being. ALSO LOOK FOR:

ANGER IS A GIFT

George is a big dog who likes to just sit around. But there’s another side to George. With whimsical storytelling and illustrations, Here, George! is a sweet, quirky, charming board book for every collection.

BY MARK OSHIRO

Moss Jeffries is a considerate, devoted student, son, friend and nerd. But sometimes he wishes he didn’t feel so stuck. Even his high school is suffocating with its lack of funds, crumbling infrastructure, constant intimidation, and new regulations that treat students like criminals. Something will have to change, but who will listen to a group of teens? When tragedy strikes, Moss must decide whether to give in to fear and hate or realize that anger can actually be a gift.

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Release dates are subject to change.

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The Sasquatch and the Lumberjack By Crix Sheridan King of Ashes Death Doesn’t By Raymond E. Feist Bargain: A MAY 8 Deadman’s Cross An unknowing Novel rightful heir to By Sherrilyn Kenyon a throne and a MAY 8 brilliantly talented In this historical young swordsmith fantasy, dead discover that the men tell their legendary, long-ago tales, and every War of Betrayal soul is damned has never truly or redeemed by ended. They must the final choices also discover the they make. secret of who truly threatens their world.

I’m Just Happy to The Meaning Be Here Revolution By Janelle Hanchett By Fred Kofman MAY 1

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MAY 1

The biggest driver of motivation is the chance to serve a larger purpose beyond our careers and ourselves, rather than salary, benefits, bonuses or other material incentives.

If You Don’t Have Anything Nice to Say By Leila Sales MAY 1

When Winter Halperin gets caught saying the wrong thing online, her life explodes, raising questions about public shaming online, the power of words, and the need for empathy.

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl By Stacy McAnulty MAY 1

Being zapped by lightning gives Lucy Callahan geniuslevel math skills, and ever since, Lucy has been homeschooled. Now, at 12 years old, she’s technically ready for college. She just has to pass one more test — middle school.

MAY 22

An unlikely friendship develops when a lumberjack meets a sasquatch. Follow along as they share Pacific Northwest adventures through the seasons and become close friends.

Marge in Charge and the Stolen Treasure By Isla Fisher MAY 8

Siblings Jemima and Jake Button are used to things being very sensible until baby sitter Marge arrives. Soon, there’s a pirate baby on the loose, lost treasure at the neighborhood pool, and chaos at a very important wedding.

PREVIEW918.COM 95

MAY 11

S SHOWTIME MAY 4 BAD SAMARITAN

A poor restaurant valet uses the cars entrusted to him by the restaurant clientele to break into their homes. One night, he finds more than he bargains for when breaking into one house only to discover a woman imprisoned there. Frightened of going to jail, he abandons her and calls the police, only to find himself in a game of cat-and-mouse with the psychotic homeowner. Cast: David Tennant, Robert Sheehan, Kerry Condon RATING: R

TULLY

Marlo, a mother of three including a newborn, is gifted a night nanny by her brother. Hesitant to the extravagance at first, Marlo comes to form a unique bond with the thoughtful, surprising and sometimes challenging young nanny named Tully. Cast: Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis, Mark Duplass

SHOW DOGS

CLASS RANK

Two high school outsiders join forces in an attempt to overtake the local school board. Guided by their families, they enter the perilous word of politics and, in the process, learn a thing or two about love. Cast: Olivia Holt, Skyler Gisondo, Kristin Chenoweth

Along with his human partner, Max — a macho, solitary Rottweiler police dog — is ordered to go undercover as a primped show dog to avert a disaster

from happening. Cast: Will Arnett, Ludacris, Stanley Tucci RATING: PG

ON CHESIL BEACH

RATING: NR

In 1962 England, a young couple find their idyllic romance colliding with issues of sexual freedom and societal pressure, leading to an awkward and fateful wedding night. Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Billy Howie, Emily Watson

LIFE OF THE PARTY

When her husband dumps her, longtime dedicated housewife Deanna turns regret into reset by going back to college, landing in the same class and school as her daughter, who’s not entirely sold on the idea. Plunging headlong into the campus experience, the increasingly outspoken Deanna embraces freedom, fun, and frat boys on her own terms, finding her true self in a senior year no one ever expected. Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Molly Gordon, Gillian Jacobs RATING: PG-13

RATING: NR

FIRST REFORMED

DARK CRIMES

A murder investigation of a slain business man turns to clues found in an author’s book about an eerily similar crime. Cast: Jim Carrey, Agata Kulesza, Marton Csokas RATING: R

A former military chaplain is wracked by grief after the death of his son. Mary is a member of his church whose husband, a radical environmentalist, commits suicide, setting the plot in motion. Cast: Ethan Hawke, Amanda Seyfried, Philip Ettinger RATING: R

MAY 25

MAY 18

RATING: R

OVERBOARD A spoiled playboy from a wealthy Mexican family winds up with amnesia after falling off his yacht. A single, working-class mom convinces him that they

are married. Cast: Anna Faris, Eugenio Derbez, Eva Longoria RATING: PG-13

THE CLEANSE

Paul is facing social angst until he is presented with joining a getaway that will change his life. He and three other people looking to change are tasked with letting out their demons by the getaway’s mysterious director who instructs them to drink four strange concoctions. Afterward, they realize that the director is literally releasing their demons. Cast: Johnny Galecki Anna Friel, Oliver Platt RATING: R

BREAKING IN

After the sudden death of her father, a single mother takes her two children to his Malibu mansion to settle his estate. But four criminal convicts are intent on finding the deceased’s safe and making off with its goods. Cast: Gabrielle Union, Billy Burke, Christa Miller RATING: PG-13

BEAST

A troubled woman living in an isolated community finds herself pulled between the control of her oppressive family and the allure of a secretive outsider suspected of a series of brutal murders. Cast: Jessie Buckley, Johnny Flynn, Geraldine James RATING: NR

96 MAY 2018

DEADPOOL 2

Deadpool forms a team of mutants (X-Force) to protect a young mutant from the time-traveling soldier, Cable. Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin RATING: R

BOOK CLUB

Four lifelong friends have their lives forever changed after reading 50 Shades of Grey in their monthly book club. Cast: Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen RATING: NR

SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY

During an adventure into a dark criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his future co-pilot Chewbacca and encounters Lando Calrissian years before joining the Rebellion. Cast: Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke RATING: NR

NR = Rating was not available as of April. 25, 2018 Release dates and ratings are subject to change.

MAY 10

MACBETH

MAY 1

DREAM OUT LOUD

Tickets: $25 The story of U2 fans’ extraordinary connection to the band, the music and each other. The film premieres the night before U2 launches their “Experience + Innocence” tour in support of Songs of Experience in Tulsa at the BOK Center.

OPENS MAY 4

GEMINI

A heinous crime tests the complex relationship between a tenacious personal assistant and her Hollywood starlet boss. As the assistant unravels the mystery, she must confront her own understanding of friendship, truth and celebrity.

MAY 4-6

THE SON OF BIGFOOT

A teenage boy named Adam Harrison sets out on an epic and daring quest to uncover the mystery behind his long-lost dad, only to find out that he is none other than the legendary Bigfoot.

MAY 6

THE BIG TRAIL (1930)

Breck Coleman (John Wayne) leads a wagon train of pioneers through Indian attack, storms, deserts, swollen rivers, down cliffs and so on while looking for the murder of a trapper and falling in love with Ruth. The screening includes an intro by Mark Dolph of Gilcrease Museum with info on their new exhibit “Exploring the Big Trail” (May 1-Dec. 31) showcasing stereoscopic photographs that were taken during the filming of this iconic 1930 motion picture.

MAY 7

WALK WITH ME

Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, the film focuses on a community of Zen Buddhist monks and nuns who have dedicated their lives to mastering the art of mindfulness with their world-famous teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh.

broadcast live from the National Theatre Live Ruthlessly fighting to survive, the Macbeths are propelled toward the crown by forces of elemental darkness. Shakespeare’s most intense and terrifying tragedy is directed by Rufus Norris (The Threepenny Opera, London Road), and features Rory Kinnear (Othello) and Anne-Marie Duff (Suffragette) as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. This production contains scenes of a violent nature.

OPENS MAY 11

REVENGE

Jen is an American socialite, who travels with her married French millionaire lover Richard for a weekend of passion. However, things go awry when Richard’s hunting buddies Stan and Dimitri arrive early, with Jen being the recipient of unwanted advances. To keep her from talking, she is pushed off a cliff only to survive and extract revenge.

MAY 11-12

IDIOCRACY

Private Joe Bauers (Luke Wilson), the definition of “average American,” is selected by the Pentagon for a top-secret hibernation program. Forgotten, he awakes five centuries later to discover a society so incredibly dumbed down that he’s easily the most intelligent person alive.

OPEN MAY 18

RBG

A look at the life and work of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

MAY 18-19

LU OVER THE WALL

From visionary anime auteur Masaaki Yuasa comes a joyously hallucinogenic but family-friendly take on the classic fairy tale about a little mermaid who comes ashore to join a middle-school rock band and propel them to fame.

MAY 19

ROYAL WEDDING EXPERIENCE

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will have their royal wedding at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle following a lovely carriage procession. See the entire spectacle on the big screen at Circle Cinema.

MAY 21

DO NO HARM: THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC

Opioid addiction is receiving ever-greater media attention. But not enough attention is given to the growing need for recovery support programs as overdose fatalities drastically increase. This film provides hope that, collectively, we can diminish — and eventually eradicate — this devastating public health crisis.

OPENS MAY 25

BORG VS. MCENROE

The true story of the 1980s tennis rivalry between the placid Björn Borg (Sverrir Gudnason) and the volatile John McEnroe (Shia LaBeouf).

MAY 12

BLOOD AND SAND (1922)

A toreador’s familial and social life is threatened when he has an affair. Live accompaniment from Bill Rowland on Circle Cinema’s original 1928 pipe organ.

OPEN MAY 18

SPECIALS MONDAYS FREE popcorn day (for Circle Cinema members) TUESDAYS Tickets are $2 for TU students with valid student ID (regular features only)

THE RIDER

SHOWTIME S

LOCATOR

ADMIRAL TWIN DRIVE-IN 7355 E. Easton St. Tulsa | 918.878.8099 AMC SOUTHROADS 20 4923 E. 41st St. Tulsa | 888.AMC.4FUN B&B CLAREMORE 8 1407 W. Country Club Claremore | 918.342.2422 B&B CINEMA 8 1245 New Sapulpa Road Sapulpa | 918.227.7469 CINEMARK BROKEN ARROW 1801 E. Hillside Drive Broken Arrow | 918.355.0427 CINEMARK SAND SPRINGS 1112 E. Charles Page Blvd. Sand Springs 800.FAN.DANG (#1407) CINEMARK TULSA 10802 E. 71st S. Tulsa | 800.FAN.DANG (#1128) CIRCLE CINEMA 10 S. Lewis Ave. Tulsa | 918.592.3456 ETON SQUARE 6 CINEMA 8421 E. 61st St. Tulsa | 918.286.2618 REGAL PROMENADE PALACE 4107 S. Yale Ave. Tulsa | 800.326.3264 AMC CLASSIC OWASSO 12601 E. 86th St. N. Owasso | 918.376.9191 STARWORLD 20 10301 S Memorial Drive Tulsa | 918.369.7475 SUPER SAVER CINEMA 5970 E. 31st St. Tulsa | 918.551.7002 VILLAGE 8 MOVIES 6808 S. Memorial Drive Tulsa | 918.286.1900 WARREN BROKEN ARROW 18 1700 W. Aspen Creek Drive Broken Arrow | 918.893.9798

After suffering a near fatal head injury, a young cowboy undertakes a search for new identity and what it means to be a man in the heartland of America.

Check Circle Cinema website for times, costs, additional events and more details. Release dates, showings and ratings are subject to change.

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