Tag: Uncovering Oklahoma Page 59 of 78

Short Order Poems

On May 25, 2017

Chad Reynolds and Timothy Bradford started Short Order Poems to make poetry more accessible and appealing to the general public. My documentary explores how Short Order Poems got started, with the help of Brian Bergman and the H&8th Night Market, the history of writing poems for people, and their Make It Rain Poems project in connection with Downtown OKC. Riley Cole and Steve Willingham also share their perspectives on the Make It Rain Poems.

I have been following the work of Short Order Poems since the beginning, seeing them at H&8th, which I had regularly posted articles about on Uncovering Oklahoma when the event was active. There’s footage I shot of them at the August 2015 H&8th.

This was one of those documentaries that turned out bigger than planned. Originally, my interview with Chad and Timothy was going to be shorter with a focus on the Make It Rain Poems. This would’ve been a segment for my Inviting Art documentary. The interview itself went over 30 minutes, giving me a ton of material. I realized the story was big enough to warrant its own video.

The project grew more as I decided to include interviews with Brian, Riley, and Steve. Plus, my doing a solo documentary, it gave me a chance to talk about the Make It Rain Poems during the rainy season so more people can experience them instead of waiting for the release of Inviting Art. I do still plan to include the Make It Rain Poems in Inviting Art, which will include pieces of this and perhaps more.

If you loved this documentary, consider becoming a patron. Thank you for watching!

Great Salt Plains State Park

By Dennis

On May 19, 2017

In Real

If you’re looking for an adventure featuring an activity you can’t do anywhere else in the state of Oklahoma, plan a road trip to the Great Salt Plains State Park where you can dig for selenite crystals.

Selenite crystal formations occur when the mineral gypsum mixes with the area’s moist, salt-saturated soils. An hourglass shape of sand, clay, and iron often develop inside the crystal. This is the only place in the world where selenite crystals with this unique hourglass shape can be found.

While digging for crystals in the southwest portion of the state park is the main attraction, it’s not the only one. There are many beautiful areas to visit and trails to traverse, including an auto tour route where you can view an abundance of wildlife.

Safety Precautions:
Once in the digging area, stay on the designated road. Shorebirds nest on the flats. Their nests are camouflaged to the soil so you may not see them. Additionally, the ground is much softer than expected off the road.

Due to the white salt surface, getting sunburned is easy. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and protective clothing are recommended. Due to the winds, it is best to bring sunscreen lotion and not spray. Drinking water is not available at the dig site so be sure to bring water and pack some snacks.

Be sure to thoroughly wash your car after leaving the flats as the salt can eat away at your paint.

Overall, the Great Salt Plains State Park is an adventure worth experiencing. My wife and I enjoy our time there and thought it was worth the drive.

10 Years of the Norman Music Festival [Part 1]

By Dennis

On April 26, 2017

In Real

Leading up to the Tenth Annual Norman Music Festival, this documentary special contains dozens of interviews with local business owners, musicians, and festival organizers. In this video, learn about the festival, advice for a great time, musician’s experiences, and why you should come!

Stay tuned as this documentary isn’t done! There will be a second part with interviews from bands at NMFX, what goes into planning the festival, and the future. I plan to release a complete version, which will more interviews and footage worked into part one.

Want to learn about some of the musicians at the festival? Browser my question and answer sessions with the performers. For recommendations, visit my friends at Cellar Door Music Group to read about their festival picks.

If you loved this documentary, become a patron. This was a passion project with no sponsor, so consider becoming a supporter.

If you’re going to the Norman Music Festival, I hope you have a great time at the festival!

IgniteOKC Announcement

By Dennis

On April 25, 2017

In Real

I’m excited to announce that I’m one of the speakers for this year’s IgniteOKC! IgniteOKC is a community-driven networking event that connects people of diverse backgrounds and knowledge through a series of entertaining, rapid-fire presentations. The basic premise is presenters get 5 minutes and 20 slides that advance every 15 seconds. In my topic, Local Roadtripping 101, I will share my advice on planning, packing, and suggestions for road trips in Oklahoma.

I know one of the other speakers, Jeff Provine, as I’ve interviewed him for Uncovering Oklahoma. Jeff will be talking about Oklahoma City’s ghosts. Everyone else, I’m not familiar with, but I’m looking forward to meeting them. I am curious How Bach Can Change Your World One Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit at a Time.

The event will be May 25, 2017, at Lyric Theatre in the Plaza District. Before that, on Wednesday, May 3rd at 6:00 PM at The Offices of Dunlap Codding there will be a Meet and Greet event.

I hope to see you there!

Malarkey’s Dueling Piano Bar

By Dennis

On April 13, 2017

In Real

Malarkey’s Dueling Piano Bar brings in entertainers from around the country for an all-request music show. Managing Partner, Wayne Potter, along with performers, Jamie McNeill and Wiz, talk about Bricktown’s newest nightlife spot. Several elements that set this Oklahoma City venue apart is the elevated stage, available appetizer menu, and the separate smoking/cigar lounge.

I had featured Wayne back in 2010 when he was the general manager at Michael Murphy’s Dueling Piano Bar. Wayne has taken all the feedback he was received from his time there and used it to make Malarkey’s better. Before the interview, Wayne gave my wife and I tour, explaining all of the various improvements, which I’m listing below in summary.

– Bigger, more space all around
– VIP table booths (you can even dance at your table)
– No support beams obstructing stage viewers
– Elevated center stage
– More bathroom stalls (Michael Murphy’s has 3 women’s stalls, Malarkey’s has 5)
– Dedicated smoking room (if you want to smoke at Michael Murphy’s, you’ll have to go outside and you cannot bring your drink)
– Food (Michael Murphy’s has no kitchen)
– TVs that show the stage
– Performances not broadcasted outside

I haven’t been to Michael Murphy’s in awhile and I’m sure there are some pros and cons, as with everything in life. However, overall, Malarkey’s is an improvement for Wayne. There is a cover charge of $10 at Malarkey’s (depending on the night, time, and specials so it may vary). My wife and I enjoyed our time. Watch the video, see for yourself, and check it out if looks like someplace you might like.