I
Miller was sitting in a chair by himself, off in a corner of the poker room, head bent and eyes riveted to the pages of a book. Probably Zen or a gambling story, thought Toby. He peeked down at his two hole cards, a 7 and a 4. He folded and said to the dealer “meal chip” and got up and walked to the bar. He glanced at Miller but only for so long, Miller was so ugly that it was impossible to look directly at him for more than a few seconds. “Maybe that's it,” Toby reflected, “maybe his appearance is why it seems there is a shield around him. It’s impossible to approach him let alone have a conversation.” Miller’s age was impossible to determine, but it was generally acknowledged that he was twenty years younger than he looked.
Toby would have been happy to forget about Miller but the rumor going around was that Miller knew something that everyone in the poker room wanted to know, specifically, how did Miller always end up winning against the most fearsome and avoided poker player in Cook County, Mick Poodles. Poodles always had it, and when he didn’t he made you believe he did. He was impossible to read and sometimes it was felt that he could see through your cards and into your soul. “Soul Reading” it was called, but Toby didn’t believe in black magic or voodoo or soul reading. God dammit, Mick had a scheme going but nobody knew what it was and now here was Miller, making one of his sporadic appearances in the card room. Klein Perkins walked into the bar at that moment and touched Toby on the shoulder. “Tonight is gonna be special, Miller, that ugly fuck, see him, he’s over there in the corner, he’s waiting to get into the $25/50 No Limit game, and Poodles is sitting in it.” Klein pointed to the upper tier of the room, and Toby nodded. “I reckon Poodles has had just about enough of Miller, tonight is the night Miller gets his ass handed to him.”
Miller, contrary to the opinion’s of the poker room fellows, had a wider book range than was expected. He was reading Down and Out in Paris and London for inspiration, in order to keep things within the vision of his gratitude. For as much as it would appear that Miller had little to be grateful for, he always thought himself lucky, favored by fortune. He would look in the mirror when shaving and avert his eyes after a few seconds and even this daily ritual of being horrified by his own reflection did little to dampen his view that life, most likely a little hell hole that got separated from a bigger hell hole, had moments, certainly rare, but for that all the more special, when all of the disparate things in a scene came together with every object resonating to every other object, moving forward according to some grand, good plan. But now Miller became confused because even though he felt blessed to have such far flung notions, it always seemed that just as he was about to have an insight, something that would cause his life to change, the thought would pop like a soap bubble and could no longer be examined with precision, just some lumpy memory that would remain buried in his mind until 10 years later when he would be standing on a sidewalk in some dirty city and the soap bubble would re-incarnate and he would smile at its unforgotten idea and how a moment in the present connected with a moment in the past had revived it.
Miller stood up and placed his book into his bag, collected his coat and his chips, and walked to the upper tier and sat down at the $25/50 no limit game, placing all of the money he possessed upon the green felt.
II
Miller did not say anything. Nobody said anything to him. He tossed his player’s card to the dealer and stacked the chips in neat small rows. Some players liked one big stack going up 12 inches and higher, but Miller, as if acknowledging his place in the pecking order of things, would make sure his never went higher than 6 inches. His heart beat quicker when the first two cards were dealt, every time he sat down at a card table it was like having an appointment with God and God spoke to him, Miller, through the cards. Miller became confused again because he was unsure how he was supposed to talk with God, it was a one way channel, Miller got the cards from God and then Miller could do with them as he wished. Miller wondered if he was insane because when he won at cards he felt like the favored son, but if he lost it was like having his mother sucker punch him. Miller didn’t wear sunglasses because he knew nobody could look at his face for more than a few seconds, and after having folded his first hand, JJ, pre, in an unopened pot, he smiled inwardly because he knew only the insane played the first hand of a session.
III
Of course Miller won that night, just like he did all of the other nights. Toby and Klein had kept an eye on the table, on Poodles, and as much as they could of Miller. Little by little Miller ran the table into the ground, even Poodles lost. Miller’s style was, well, Miller as far as they could tell, didn’t have a style, he had the capacity to sit for 10 hours and play 1 hand or 100. He had all the characteristics of a fish, he played the cards and not the man. You could read him like one of his zen books, he played like the old man he was. “Fish on a Heater” was here applicable, but how long would it last?
Miller knew what people were calling him and it always offended him when he thought of the phrase, that it would be applied to him. “I can see the truth through three feet of mud” he thought, “that’s why I win, and surely that is a skill not everyone possesses,” and “I got your fish on a heater hanging, buddy”, and “jam it”, were a few of the offended thoughts that would come to his defense. Then he would get confused and think of more pleasant things, such as the hand from three sessions ago when he bluffed Poodles. He hated playing against Poodles, because Poodles was almost as crazy as he was. “The only player that beats you is the one that can let go of his last cent easier than you.” Miller smiled and did not get confused. Poodles was catching up to him, and the more Miller won the louder the approaching feet of fear became. For Miller, cards was not a hobby or a pastime, it was the ultimate test of character and fate – did mother, father, God, Buddha, Jesus, love him or not? Was the universe really just a series of acts that could be mathematically calculated, or could there be moments when the numbers could be skewed in favor of the miraculous?
Miller had nothing better to think about, he was too ugly, old, and poor to have a woman or a family to occupy his time and thoughts. Probably for the better. He was long past those stormy clouds of his youth when he believed a girl, because she possessed the most fantastically impossible beauty, was pure and innocent, saintly, would enhance and make his life shine. The problem, he thought, was when the saint walked away and I was left alone and it was like going from a room brightened by a summer sun into a cellar, damp, dark, and cold. The soap bubble popped and he sighed.
He decided to count his money and discovered that he won $4528. He had placed on the card table $47,486 and now he possessed over $50k. He had started with $500 and placed it all on a $2/5 table. Since that time he had not suffered a single losing session. He patted himself on the back and told himself that even though he had lost many soap bubbles over the years, sometimes one can float just long enough to make a difference.
An image of Poodles flashed into Miller’s mind and he went back to thinking about the bluff. He had 6 8 off suit and he must have been suffering from winner’s tilt because Poodles raised from the cutoff and he looked at the 6 8 in the small blind and called. He knew the moment he called that he was willfully walking into a mine field. The flop came J 8 5. Miller checked, and true to form Poodles bet a healthy sized continuation bet. Miller knew that Poodles would have a wide range from the cut off. Folding felt wrong, which meant the truth was closer to him having the best hand. He called. The flop was a 4. Miller checked and without much hesitation Poodles bet the size of the pot. Miller’s heart began to beat violently, it was as if Poodles had challenged him to a duel and Miller now had to decide if a pair of eights was worth dying for. Cards were easy if you knew the truth, and Miller was having a hard time determining if Poodles was telling the truth. If Parks was betting this amount on the turn Miller would know he was beat, but this was Poodles, fucking Poodles. He called. The river came a 10. Miller had once showed down quads and Johnson, the player he beat, said, “wow, I thought you were bluffing.” Poodles was sitting in the game and looked at Johnson and said “he never bluffs.” For an instant Miller felt deeply insulted, but determined that if Poodles really thought this he could use this to his advantage in a future session. It occurred to Miller that Poodles had simply wanted to insult him, and he most likely knew that he bluffed sometimes, or at least, rarely. Thinking about the insult and the table waiting for him to do something, Miller became confused and was now uncertain if Poodles thought him capable of bluffing. “Hell, if I go all in I could have the best hand, Poodles doesn’t have shit.” A few seconds later Miller thought poodles might have something, something better than eights. “All In,” Miller told the dealer.
Of course the bluff worked. Miller thought of Gordon Gecko and how selling real estate at a profit was better than sex. Miller, though ugly, was no virgin. “Bluffing Poodles is better than Sex.” He looked at the money on the table, over $50k. For someone like Miller, money was something hard to come by, and to have enough to last him 3 years, for he lived just as austerely as a Franciscan monk, made him feel a sense of exhilaration and freedom. However, he was not through with card playing just yet.
IV
Ten years ago when Miller traveled for the first time, it took him 3 years to return home via Bangkok and Las Vegas. It was the longest drink of freedom he had experienced and it made it that much harder to return to the world of work. Miller discovered early on that he was fit for nothing, and eventually the image dawned on him of a man living a useless life. He prepared himself for an early demise, one which he was still impatiently waiting for. He had relied upon his youth to land him the basest of work, but now that he was well past that his chances of finding employment were slimming in contrast to the expansion of his waist line.
Out of prospects and having little interest in work he decided to let the cards decide his fate. When his bank account dipped to $500 he took the bus to the nearest casino and placed all of it on the table. He did not know the details of what his actions were supposed to produce, but he figured he was either going home with a profit or going to the grave broke. He recalled telling an ex girl friend that if someone is contemplating suicide what needs to be done is a single drastic action. If the drastic action does not kill its hero, he will have changed so drastically from the experience that suicide will have long been forgotten. Miller’s drastic action was to risk his life on the turn of a card. Old and feeling unwanted, it was his last chance to get enough money for a return to the East and freedom.
And now he couldn’t lose. He did not know if it was dumb luck or if his determination to stare down the queen of clubs on the river was bringing him some kind of higher power, up there kind of luck. The problem he now faced was when to quit. When was enough enough? He had never had $50,000, surely that was enough for Miller? It occurred to him that with each passing session the risk of losing all of his cash was becoming more and more unpleasant. Losing $500 sounds easier to bear than losing $50,000, but in the end they both ended up in the same dead end skid row gutter.
And so he continued returning to the casino, once every two weeks, and tonight’s session will be his 24th , and, Miller decided, final one. He had accumulated $178,000 and as he sat down to take his seat in the upper tier, he placed all of it in neat 6 inch columns of chips. He recognized some of the faces, and of course Poodle was sitting in the 2 seat, and he watched him adding on to his stack. “Poodle’s coming after me, I feel it,” Miller thought, and his heart began to beat faster, beads of sweat forming on his furrowed forehead. Toby and Klein and a few others began to talk in low tones about something being in the air tonight, one of them, Poodles or Miller, were going to get gutted.
A few hours passed and Miller was quieter than usual, he rarely spoke but tonight his eyes seemed to be wandering to places other than the card table. Perhaps he was recollecting his childhood and youth, the girls he had known, the sorrows of his life, when he looked down and saw two red aces. He raised from the cut off and Poodles 3 bet him from the button. “This is it,” Miller thought, “the defining hand of my life. I understand who Poodles is now, he’s the final challenge to overcome, the colossus, the shark, dragon, and tiger, and here I am with a sling shot, exposed, but ready to stare him down on the river.”
It folded to Miller and he decided to just call. Out of position, his appearance of timidity, if he was going to win it was going to have to be by trickery, he knew Poodles was the stronger one. “I’m calling the dog down no matter what, this is the hand, Miller, take it to the river and take the outcome like a man.” The flop fell A 10 2, all clubs.
Miller checked. Poodles hesitated for just a moment and Miller picked up on it, something was not right, he thought, and Poodles does a continuation bet for twice the size of the pot. “He’s trying to push me off my hand. His aggressiveness is unforgiving!” lamented Miller. A crowd had gathered around the table, everyone could sense something big was happening. Miller called.
The turn brought the A of spades. A flood of chemicals filled Miller’s blood, it felt as if he had just had the biggest orgasm of his life, all of the tension that had been rising inside of him for the past few hours was now released in a flush of lavender scented bliss. He stopped thinking about what Poodles could have. He did it, Miller, the loser for life, had asked the cards to determine his fate and it had given him four big fat Aces! Miller felt loved as he said in a soft, timid voice, “check.”
Poodles must have the flush, Miller guessed, because Poodles fired a pot sized bet. There was almost $85,000 in the pot. A strange emotion came over Miller, he felt something like compassion for Poodles and decided to give him a chance to not lose his entire stack. Miller sat silent for a full minute, and then squeaked “all in,” and he began to push his chips over the line. Poodles looked irritated and said “just throw a chip in, you don’t need to push it all in there.” Miller kept pushing because he felt comfortable returning an insult with an insult of silence and non-compliance.
“Really, Miller? All of your money in on one hand. God damn. You know what, I’m tired of this shit, lets get it over with.” Miller watched as Poodles flipped in a single chip and said “CALL!” Miller had the habit of turning over his cards before the run out was complete and he flipped over AA and the crowd of men all began gesticulating and talking loudly. Someone shouted “Poodles has the royal!” and a big man with a red ball cap laughed and said “there’s no royal out there, dude.” The river was the jack of clubs. The room went silent, all eyes on Poodles and his two blind cards. Miller looked over at him. He knew, then, that you can’t become what you're not. Miller was a loser, and always would be. “Why didn’t I stop playing one session before this one. God, oh God….”
It felt like what death would be, everything fading into shadowed ghosts, like a curtain closing over Miller’s bloodshot eyes. A thundering mass of voices rose at once when Poodles turned over the king of clubs. He looked over at Miller and saw that Miller was red as a tomato and gazing into the rail. Without waiting he turned over the queen of clubs and the room erupted into cheers. Poodles had beat Miller, just as it should be. Miller stood up, watching his $178,000 being pushed away. Was it any different than had he lost $500 in his first session? Both equaled zero, but feeling rejected by God and standing alone in the middle of a circle of men had to be just about the worst feeling he had ever felt. He picked up his jacket and bag and turning around to leave he found Poodles standing in front of him, smiling. “Way to go, Miller, Nice hand.” Miller looked into Poodles eyes and nodded. Everyone was patting Miller on the back and extending their hands towards him. A floor man appeared and said in a loud voice “Poodles, it looks like you get the bitch end of the jackpot.” Miller’s eyes opened wide and his heart almost stopped and now he recalled the bad beat jackpot. He played so infrequently that he never thought it possible to win such a long shot. He was handed a slip of paper with the amount of his bonus winnings written on it. It was more than he had lost, by a lot. Miller smiled. His life still felt useless, but at that moment the universe was opening its arms to him. He had been slayed by the dragon and had not died. What he was going to do with his winnings he did not know, and he became confused. He had never before been so happy by the arrival of confusion.
TL;DR: just another shit post

Oklahoma City's event list.

Ongoing

• SHIFT (Factory Obscura - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Feb 25th Join the creatives behind the OKC art collective Factory Obscura for a fully-immersive, experiential art…

Wednesday, Jan 24th

• ♪ Anthem Drown Night! (HiLo Club - Oklahoma City) Our local friends at Anthem Brewing Co. have some great beers! Every Wednesday night from 9pm to close enjoy $8 Drown Night! Their Power Pils will be flowing!
• Bi-Weekly Meetup (51st st. Speakeasy - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 5:00pm
• Devon Ice Rink (Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Jan 28th The Devon Ice Rink returns for its seventh season in the Myriad Botanical Gardens this November through the end of…
• Downtown in December (Downtown - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Jan 28th Spend your holidays experiencing fun activities as downtown Oklahoma City is turned into a winter wonderland during the…
• A Kaleidoscope of the West (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 1:00pm Don Reeves, McCasland Chair of Cowboy Culture, concludes his 38 years of Museum service with a talk years in the making. The West can be conceptualized as a beautiful harmony. The individual notes and melodies, like points of light, form a colorful kaleidoscope that is Western Heritage — a heritage influenced by the National Cowboy Museum.…
• 😂 Lenny Schmidt (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Jan 27th
• Margo Price (ACM @ UCO - Oklahoma City)
• 🎭 Margo Price | OKC (Diamond Ballroom - Oklahoma City) Margo Price Wed - Jan 24 at ACM@UCO Performance Lab NOWHERE FAST TOUR Ticket Link:http://bit.ly/MargoOKC Charge by phone @ 866.966.1777 online @ TicketStorm.com Doors open at 7pm All Ages Welcome
• OU Sooners vs Kansas Jayhawks (The Lloyd Noble Center - Norman) Day 2 of 2 Experience the action and excitement in Norman as the Oklahoma Sooners take on the Kansas Jayhawks. Since the team's…
• Parents Supporting Parents (Mental Health Association Oklahoma main office - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm This group is for caretakers and parents who are supporting an individual managing the complications often associated with having a pervasive development disorder such as autism or aspergers disorder. This group will also provide education and support to those parents who have loved ones with diagnosed or undiagnosed mental, emotional,…
• Samantha Fish (VZD's - Oklahoma City) Whether one leans towards the blues, opts for Americana or ignites some special fervour by playing with a garage band, there's a common bond that suggests a reverence for the roots. Looking back towards an earlier template -- no matter what the genre -- proves the point that appreciating what came before can be a stepping stone for what comes…
• ♪ There Will Be Blood (Tower Theatre Studio - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:30pm This is a General Admission seating screening. This film is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America. NOTE: This is a movie screening and NOT a live performance event. With fees tickets are $10
• Wednesday Game Night (Remington Park - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm Play the games you love for jackpots and then play more games you love for Extra Cash & Prizes on Game Night at Remington Park, every Wednesday! Starting at 6pm on Wednesday nights at Remington Park, just make sure to use your Club Remington Card as you play in the casino. Doing so may get you selected via hot seat drawings to make Free Spins,…

Thursday, Jan 25th

• 🎓 Ages of the Moon-Sam Shepard (Carpenter Square Theatre - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Jan 27th Start Time: 7:30pm Shepard Comedy-Drama Opens the New Year at Carpenter Square Carpenter Square Theatre opens the New Year with “Ages of the Moon,” one of the last plays penned by Sam Shepard before his death in 2017. The comedy-drama about two old friends plays January 12-27, 2018. The title comes from the setting: The night of a lunar eclipse. All…
• Alan Doyle (The Blue Door - Oklahoma City)
• 🏆 Central OK: University of Central Oklahoma Men's Basketball vs Pittsburg State (Edmond) Start Time: 7:30pm University of Central Oklahoma Men's Basketball vs Pittsburg State http://www.bronchosports.com/calendar.aspx?id=5782
• 🏆 Central OK: University of Central Oklahoma Women's Basketball vs Pittsburg State (Edmond) Start Time: 5:30pm University of Central Oklahoma Women's Basketball vs Pittsburg State http://www.bronchosports.com/calendar.aspx?id=5750
• 🎓 Chamber Legislative Forum (Del City Community Center - Del City) Start Time: 11:00am
• 🎨 Curator's Tour of The Question of Beauty (Oklahoma City Museum of Art - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm Explore the exhibition "The Question of Beauty" with its curator, Francesca Giani. Through selections of modern and contemporary art from the permanent collection, the exhibition investigates how artists used, ignored, or rejected beauty as mode of expression. Tours are free for members and $5 for non-members (includes admission to galleries).…
• Datsik (Farmer's Market - Oklahoma City)
• Devon Ice Rink (Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Jan 28th The Devon Ice Rink returns for its seventh season in the Myriad Botanical Gardens this November through the end of…
• Downtown in December (Downtown - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Jan 28th Spend your holidays experiencing fun activities as downtown Oklahoma City is turned into a winter wonderland during the…
• ♪ Exhibition Opening Lecture & Reception (Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art - Norman) Start Time: 7:00pm Generations in Modern Pueblo Painting: The Art of Tonita Peña and Joe Herrera opens with a complimentary public lecture by exhibition curator W. Jackson Rushing III, the Eugene B. Adkins Presidential Professor of Art History and Mary Lou Milner Carver Chair in Native American Art, OU School of Visual Arts. Following the lecture, join us for…
• The Kirbas Institute Dinner Event (Oklahoma History Center - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm 6:00 PM Reception 7:00 PM Dinner and Program
  Featuring CNN John Sutter, recently nominated for the Emmy Award for his special series "2 Degrees."
  to get your tickets, visit www.kirbasinstitute.org
  
• 😂 Lenny Schmidt (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Jan 27th
  
• ♪ Looking For Something? (The Blue Door - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Jan 27th Start Time: 8:00pm Alan Doyle chalks up a lot of where is he right now-with both his third solo album and his second book released in October 2017-to luck. "I'm the luckiest guy I've ever even heard of," he says. "This was all I ever wanted, a life in the music business, singing concerts. I was lucky to be born in the family I was, in Petty Harbour. I was lucky…
  
• Meditation Class (St Stephen's United Methodist - Norman) Start Time: 6:00pm Weekly meditation and discussion group conducted by the monks from Oklahoma Buddhist Vihara.
  St. Stephens UMC 6-7pm Look for the shoes.
  
• 🎡 MIss Latina UCO Informational (University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond) Start Time: 6:30pm Interested in learning more about your culture? Want to be a part of UCO Royalty? Want a chance to win a scholarship? Come to the Pageant Informational on January 25th at 6:30 pm to find our more about our pageant process! Our pageant director Luci Perez and reigning Miss Latina UCO 2017-2018, Marylin Segura-Morales will be there. This is a…
  
• 🎓 Postcards From The Universe I: Historic Star Atlas Stories (Sam Noble Museum - Norman) Start Time: 7:00pm This is the first lecture in a FREE monthly public lecture series on astronomical topics organized by the astronomers at the University of Oklahoma. Telescope viewing will be available on the Buffalo Walk outside of the museum following each lecture, weather permitting.
  
• 🏆 RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Watch Party (The Boom - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm Join us every Thursday starting on January 25th for our RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 3 Watch Party in the front bar! Enjoy your favorite adult beverage and order something from our menu while you watch to see who will become America's next Drag Superstar! Free admission! (Note: The Boom is 21 and up to enter and proper ID is required.)
  
• Teen Poetry Slam (Guthrie Library - Guthrie) Start Time: 6:00pm Bring in your worst or Best poetry and let the crowd decide your fate! Basic Rules are:
  
  1. Each poem must be of the poet’s own construction;

2. Each poet gets three minutes (plus a ten-second grace period) to read one poem. If the poet goes over time, points will be deducted from the total score. 3. The poet may not use props, costumes or… 

• 🏆 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Washington Wizards (Chesapeake Energy Arena - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm Experience the thrill of fast-paced pro basketball as the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Washington Wizards. Wear…

Friday, Jan 26th

• 🎓 Ages of the Moon-Sam Shepard (Carpenter Square Theatre - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Start Time: 7:30pm Shepard Comedy-Drama Opens the New Year at Carpenter Square Carpenter Square Theatre opens the New Year with “Ages of the Moon,” one of the last plays penned by Sam Shepard before his death in 2017. The comedy-drama about two old friends plays January 12-27, 2018. The title comes from the setting: The night of a lunar eclipse. All…
• ♪ Beau Jennings And John Calvin Abney (The Blue Door - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
• ♪ The Big News (VZD's - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm The Big News keeps coming back to VZD's to blow the roof off! We love these guys. Flip and the combined effort will be opening up the evening. Prepare your earholes for pleasuring. Get your Ticket via ticketstorm and save some $$$. Doors @ 8pm $5 online $10 at the door
• Oklahoma City Boat Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Jan 28th The Oklahoma City Boat Show is the longest running boat show at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. Featuring the…
• 🎓 Central Close Up (University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond) Start Time: 8:00am 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM - Nigh University Center Constitution Hall: This day is specifically designed for high school senior students & their parents. On the day of the event, guests will take a campus tour, attend academic sessions, meet current UCO students, and have an opportunity to participate in fast track admission. Central Close Up is held on…
• 🎭 Crazy For You (ArtWorks Academy of Performing Arts - Norman) Day 1 of 2 ArtWorks Academy Presents CRAZY FOR YOU Friday, January 26 at 7:00 pm Saturday, January 27 at 2:00 pm Saturday, January 27 at 7:00 pm Sunday, January 28 at 3:00 pm Performances will be held at Randall University (formerly Hillsdale College) in Moore, OK, which is located at 3701 S. Frontage Rd. This production features students 7th-12th grade.…
• Devon Ice Rink (Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Jan 28th The Devon Ice Rink returns for its seventh season in the Myriad Botanical Gardens this November through the end of…
• Downtown in December (Downtown - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Jan 28th Spend your holidays experiencing fun activities as downtown Oklahoma City is turned into a winter wonderland during the…
• ♪ Funny AF Friday Comedy Show (ICE Event Center - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 9:00pm Funny AF Fridays is the weekly comedy show that features celebrity comedians and provides a platform for local comedians to get their shine. If you are interested in getting your "5 min" of comedy, contact Marc Flemon at 4052084240.
• 🎭 Glitter Ball :: Glam Rock | Presented by Dunlap Codding (Dunlap Codding - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm Glitter Ball, the winter dance party and art extravaganza presented by Dunlap Codding and benefiting deadCenter Film, returns to historic Film Row on Friday, January 26. This year’s party features a Glam Rock theme with more music, dancing, and visual spectacle than ever before. “Dunlap Codding is thrilled to serve as presenting sponsor and…
• Heroes & Villains (Civic Center Music Hall - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 Start Time: 8:00pm The Oklahoma City Philharmonic are teaming up with Cirque Musica to present stunning acrobatics and great music. Heroes…
• ♪ International Trumpet Guild Regional Conference (Oklahoma City University - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 Start Time: 8:00am The first-ever International Trumpet Guild Regional Conference will be hosted by the Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University and Prof. Michael Anderson on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 26-27. Complete schedule of events and registration info: http://trumpetguild.org/2018-itg-regional-schedule-of-events
• 🎭 Introduction to Swing Dance (Pioneer Library System - Moore) Start Time: 6:00pm Come join us for an evening of Swing Dance with 3Sixty Entertainment Powerhouse! Wear comfortable clothes and shoes and get ready for a night of dancing! The first hour of the program will go over the fundamentals of Swing Dance followed by a dance social in the last half hour. Participants must sign a waiver for the class, and anyone under 18…
• Keller Williams (Tower Theatre Studio - Oklahoma City) Dance your face off, and sing along when guitar virtuoso/singer-songwriter Keller Williams takes over the historic Tower…
• 😂 Lenny Schmidt (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City) 1 day left
• ♪ Looking For Something? (The Blue Door - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Start Time: 8:00pm Alan Doyle chalks up a lot of where is he right now-with both his third solo album and his second book released in October 2017-to luck. "I'm the luckiest guy I've ever even heard of," he says. "This was all I ever wanted, a life in the music business, singing concerts. I was lucky to be born in the family I was, in Petty Harbour. I was lucky…
• ♪ My So Called Band! (The Deli - Norman) Start Time: 10:00pm Your favorite 90's rockers are back for their monthly Deli show! Arrive early to guarantee entry. 10pm 21+ $10
• 😂 OKC Improv (The Paramount OKC - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 Start Time: 7:30pm Oklahoma City's premier platform for improvised comedy theatre features weekly performances with shows Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Performances will be held at The Paramount Theatre at 11 N. Lee Ave, OKC.
  Each show is $10 or see both for $15. Enjoy buy one get one ticket prices with your Keep It Local OK membership card, and free…
  
• ♪ OKC Jazz Orchestra with Soloist Vince DiMartino, Trumpet (Oklahoma City University - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm Trumpeter Vince DiMartino will be featured guest artist with the 16-piece Oklahoma City Jazz Orchestra, co-hosted by our Distinguished Artists Series and the first-ever regional conference of the International Trumpet Guild. Honored with the Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award by the state of Kentucky, he has been featured as lead and solo…
  

Saturday, Jan 27th

• 🎓 Ages of the Moon-Sam Shepard (Carpenter Square Theatre - Oklahoma City) Last Day Start Time: 7:30pm Shepard Comedy-Drama Opens the New Year at Carpenter Square Carpenter Square Theatre opens the New Year with “Ages of the Moon,” one of the last plays penned by Sam Shepard before his death in 2017. The comedy-drama about two old friends plays January 12-27, 2018. The title comes from the setting: The night of a lunar eclipse. All…
• American Spirit Championships (Cox Convention Center - Oklahoma City)
• Oklahoma City Boat Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) 1 day left The Oklahoma City Boat Show is the longest running boat show at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. Featuring the…
• ♪ The Centennial Rodeo Opry (Rodeo Opry - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm Adults - $15.00 Children 7 -12 years - $7.50 Children 6 years & younger - FREE *Military discount available at box office with military ID
• 🏆 Central OK: University of Central Oklahoma Men's Basketball vs Missouri Southern (Edmond) Start Time: 3:30pm University of Central Oklahoma Men's Basketball vs Missouri Southern http://www.bronchosports.com/calendar.aspx?id=5783
• 🏆 Central OK: University of Central Oklahoma Women's Basketball vs Missouri Southern (Edmond) Start Time: 1:30pm University of Central Oklahoma Women's Basketball vs Missouri Southern http://www.bronchosports.com/calendar.aspx?id=5751
• Chris Tucker (Riverwind Casino - Norman) Start Time: 8:00pm Best-known for his co-starring role alongside Jackie Chan in "Rush Hour," Chris Tucker has continued…
• 🎭 Crazy For You (ArtWorks Academy of Performing Arts - Norman) Day 2 of 2 ArtWorks Academy Presents CRAZY FOR YOU Friday, January 26 at 7:00 pm Saturday, January 27 at 2:00 pm Saturday, January 27 at 7:00 pm Sunday, January 28 at 3:00 pm Performances will be held at Randall University (formerly Hillsdale College) in Moore, OK, which is located at 3701 S. Frontage Rd. This production features students 7th-12th grade.…
• ♪ Derek Harris (Noir Bistro & Bar - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 9:00pm A blend of Blues, Rock, Soul, and Reggae, OKC's Derek Harris plays a mixed set of original songs and cover tunes from Bob Marley to Jimmy Hendrix.
  Enjoy dinner and craft cocktails from 5p to 10p, then chow down on BURGERS 'n' BRUNCH after 10p.
  No Cover and free parking! · Music · Free Admission · MyAdventureRoad
  
• Devon Ice Rink (Oklahoma City) 1 day left The Devon Ice Rink returns for its seventh season in the Myriad Botanical Gardens this November through the end of…
  
• Downtown in December (Downtown - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Spend your holidays experiencing fun activities as downtown Oklahoma City is turned into a winter wonderland during the…
  
• Greater Oklahoma Survival Expo & Gun Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 For a high quality gun show with great prices and selection, visit the R.K. Gun Show in Oklahoma City. Held at Oklahoma…
  
• Heroes & Villains (Civic Center Music Hall - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 Start Time: 8:00pm The Oklahoma City Philharmonic are teaming up with Cirque Musica to present stunning acrobatics and great music. Heroes…
  
• ♪ Imaginary Hour with Abbigale Dawn (The Deli - Norman) Start Time: 7:00pm The Deli is proud to start off 2018 with a new Saturday Happy Hour Show "Imaginary Hour" with your host Abbigale Dawn! Abbigale Dawn Music Abbigale is a fantastic local singesongwriter and will feature special musical guests weekly! The January line-up: Susan Herndon Jan 6th Ken Pomeroy Jan 13th Jade Castle Jan 20th Nellie Clay Jan 27th…
  
• ♪ International Trumpet Guild Regional Conference (Oklahoma City University - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 Start Time: 8:00am The first-ever International Trumpet Guild Regional Conference will be hosted by the Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University and Prof. Michael Anderson on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 26-27. Complete schedule of events and registration info: http://trumpetguild.org/2018-itg-regional-schedule-of-events
  
• Jonny Lang (Diamond Ballroom - Oklahoma City) Blues musician Jonny Lang will add his signature blend of funk and soul to the Diamond Ballroom stage as he embarks on…
  
• 😂 Lenny Schmidt (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City) Last Day
  
• ♪ Looking For Something? (The Blue Door - Oklahoma City) Last Day Start Time: 8:00pm Alan Doyle chalks up a lot of where is he right now-with both his third solo album and his second book released in October 2017-to luck. "I'm the luckiest guy I've ever even heard of," he says. "This was all I ever wanted, a life in the music business, singing concerts. I was lucky to be born in the family I was, in Petty Harbour. I was lucky…
  
• Oak & Ore - 3rd Anniversary Party (Plaza District - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 11:00am
  
• 😂 OKC Improv (The Paramount OKC - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 Start Time: 7:30pm Oklahoma City's premier platform for improvised comedy theatre features weekly performances with shows Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Performances will be held at The Paramount Theatre at 11 N. Lee Ave, OKC.
  Each show is $10 or see both for $15. Enjoy buy one get one ticket prices with your Keep It Local OK membership card, and free…
  
• 🍴 A Perfect Finish (Boathouse District - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm Join us for the 7th annual "A Perfect Finish" to enjoy a night of wine & beer tasting, an auction, food and fun benefiting the OKC RIVERSPORT Junior Crew.
  
• 🎓 Plant Science (Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 10:00am We’ll delve into the (almost) magical properties of plants in this class as we perform experiments to discover how water moves in plants, how leaves eat, how sunflowers can stare at the sun and more. We’ll start by going over the basic needs of plants and then put our mad scientist hats on to figure out how smart plants are at getting what…
  
• Prawn (89th Street Collective - Oklahoma City) Prawn with Caravela $10
  
• Reckless Kelly (Tower Theatre Studio - Oklahoma City) Come to the historic Tower Theatre in OKC and honky tonk the night away with Reckless Kelly. For nearly two…
  
• Repticon Reptile & Exotic Animal Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 Start Time: 10:00am The Repticon Reptile & Exotic Animal Show at Oklahoma State Fair Park in OKC features vendors with reptile pets,…
  
• ♪ Travis Linville (The Blue Door - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
  

Sunday, Jan 28th

• Oklahoma City Boat Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Last Day The Oklahoma City Boat Show is the longest running boat show at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. Featuring the…
• Chris Knight (The Blue Door - Oklahoma City)
• 🏃 Colder 5K (Stars & Stripes Park - Oklahoma City) Stars and Stripes Park is notorious for being fast and flat and a favorite among both runners and walkers.
  Part of the Frozen Nose Race Series!
  
• Devon Ice Rink (Oklahoma City) Last Day The Devon Ice Rink returns for its seventh season in the Myriad Botanical Gardens this November through the end of…
  
• Downtown in December (Downtown - Oklahoma City) Last Day Spend your holidays experiencing fun activities as downtown Oklahoma City is turned into a winter wonderland during the…
  
• Greater Oklahoma Survival Expo & Gun Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 For a high quality gun show with great prices and selection, visit the R.K. Gun Show in Oklahoma City. Held at Oklahoma…
  
• Repticon Reptile & Exotic Animal Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 Start Time: 10:00am The Repticon Reptile & Exotic Animal Show at Oklahoma State Fair Park in OKC features vendors with reptile pets,…
  
• Saints - Anything Goes: An OKC StorySLAM (Plaza District - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm
  
• 🏆 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Philadelphia 76ers (Chesapeake Energy Arena - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 5:00pm Experience the thrill of fast-paced pro basketball as the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Philadelphia 76ers. Wear…
  

Monday, Jan 29th

• Moscow Festival Ballet (Armstrong Auditorium - Edmond) Day 1 of 2 The Moscow Festival Ballet brings a stunning gala to the Armstrong Auditorium in Edmond. The first night's program…

Tuesday, Jan 30th

• Dirty Fences (Blue Note - Oklahoma City)
• Moscow Festival Ballet (Armstrong Auditorium - Edmond) Day 2 of 2 The Moscow Festival Ballet brings a stunning gala to the Armstrong Auditorium in Edmond. The first night's program…
• Oak & Ore - Fried Chicken Tuesday (Plaza District - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 5:00pm
• OU Sooners vs Baylor Bears (The Lloyd Noble Center - Norman) Experience the action and excitement in Norman as the Oklahoma Sooners take on the Baylor Bears. Since the team's…
• Propaganda in Concert (Tower Theatre Studio - Oklahoma City) Don't miss an evening of inspirational hip-hop when LA's own Propaganda takes over OKC's historic Tower…
• TobyMac et al. (Chesapeake Energy Arena - Oklahoma City) TobyMac is bringing his Hits Deep Tour to the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. Get ready for a night of…
• ♪ TOBYMAC HITS DEEP TOUR (Chesapeake Energy Arena - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm Any child who has had their 2nd birthday must have a ticket.

See Also

• OK Gamers
• Techlahoma

Oklahoma City's event list.

Wednesday, Feb 28th

• 🎨 Adult Classes (Oklahoma Contemporary - Oklahoma City) Thru Fri, Mar 2nd Start Time: 10:00am Take an art class with Oklahoma Contemporary this winter! Ignite your creativity with one of our ceramics, fiber arts or 2-D arts courses for artists of all skill levels. Classes…
• ♪ Anthem Drown Night! (HiLo Club - Oklahoma City) Our local friends at Anthem Brewing Co. have some great beers! Every Wednesday night from 9pm to close enjoy $8 Drown Night! Their Power Pils will be flowing!
• ♪ Caroline Cotter with Michael Howard - Winter Wind Concert (The Depot - Norman) Start Time: 7:00pm Portland, Maine based singer songwriter, has played over 400 shows in 42 states and 7 countries since her debut album, Dreaming as I Do, released and reached #5 on the Folk DJ…
• Clara Luper Appreciation (University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond) Start Time: 2:00pm Clara Luper was born May 3, 1923. In 1958, as a highschool teacher, she led one of the first civil rights sit-ins in Oklahoma City. Throughout her life, she was a pioneer for…
• 🎭 Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz, a participation play (Oklahoma Children's Theatre - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 11:00am Will Dorothy and Toto ever find their way back to Kansas? Will her friends, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, ever find a brain, a heart, and the nerve? The…
• Edmond Library's Day (Oklahoma City Zoo - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 Receive a family four pack of vouchers to the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden when you check out Our Day at the Zoo"" through library staff. With this special offer,…
• Identity Theft (Edmond Senior Center - Edmond) Learn how to not be a target of Identity Theft. Presented by: Sheryl Presley, Oklahoma City Police Department
• 😂 James Johann (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Mar 3rd
• 😂 Laughter is Therapy (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City)
• Lomelda (Tower Theatre Studio - Oklahoma City)
• Once Upon A Playground (Edmond Historical Society - Edmond) Day 1 of 2 The classic metal and wood structures that have populated playgrounds for most of the twentieth century—towering metal slides, giant jungle gyms, whirling merry-go-rounds,…
• Parents Supporting Parents (Mental Health Association Oklahoma main office - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm This group is for caretakers and parents who are supporting an individual managing the complications often associated with having a pervasive development disorder such as autism…
• 🍴 Restaurant Week (Edmond Chamber of Commerce - Edmond) Thru Fri, Mar 2nd Start Time: 8:00am It's that time of year again! Discover Edmond's great Eats and Drinks during Edmond Restaurant Week 2018: Feb. 23- March 2. All you have to do is show the special menu at a…
• Saints - Adam Miller (Plaza District - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
• Senior Wellness Wednesday in the Gardens (Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 9:00am
• 🎨 Showroom | Showcase:Wake by Grace Grothaus and Rena Detrixhe (Oklahoma Contemporary - Oklahoma City) Thru Fri, Mar 2nd Start Time: 11:00am Grace Grothaus and Rena Detrixhe are transforming the second floor of Oklahoma Contemporary’s Showroom with the multisensory installation Wake. This exhibit highlights the…
• 🎓 Small Business Conference 2018 (Rose State College - Midwest City) Start Time: 8:00am Learn from experts how to start or grow your Oklahoma business. This interactive, 1-day conference is filled with challenging topics and the resources to meet those challenges…
• 🍴 Taste of France Wine Dinner | Trocard Family Vineyards (Vast - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:30pm Sip and socialize with a French winemaker. Meet famed Bordeaux winemaker, Jean-Louis Trocard.
  We are honored and humbled to have France's Jean Trocard join us for our first Wine…
  
• 🎨 Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Thru Fri, Mar 2nd Start Time: 10:00am Museums typically exhibit only a very small percentage of their collections. In the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s vast holdings, specific pieces, for one reason…
  
• Wednesday Game Night (Remington Park - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm Play the games you love for jackpots and then play more games you love for Extra Cash & Prizes on Game Night at Remington Park, every Wednesday! Starting at 6pm on Wednesday…
  

Thursday, Mar 1st

• 🎭 The Addams Family Musical (Deer Creek Intermediate High School - Edmond) Day 1 of 2 Start Time: 7:30pm
• 🎨 Adult Classes (Oklahoma Contemporary - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Start Time: 10:00am Take an art class with Oklahoma Contemporary this winter! Ignite your creativity with one of our ceramics, fiber arts or 2-D arts courses for artists of all skill levels. Classes…
• 🎭 Cabaret (Rose State College - Midwest City) Day 1 of 2 Start Time: 7:30pm Leave your troubles outside — life is beautiful at CABARET. JOHN KANDER, FRED EBB and JOE MASTEROFF’s Tony-winning musical about following your heart while the world loses…
• ♪ Concerto Gala (Sharp Concert Hall - Norman) Start Time: 8:00pm OU School of Music presents CONCERTO GALA CONCERT featuring winners from the 2017 Concerto Competition. They are School of Music students Qiang Fu, violinist; Michael Stafford,…
• 🎨 Continuum Opening Reception (University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond) Start Time: 5:30pm The Melton Gallery is pleased to host the group exhibit CONTINUUM, showcasing the legacy of past and present UCO ceramics faculty, Gayle Curry, Barb Weidell, and Eric Hoefer, and…
• ♪ The Cowboy Who Fell From the Sky (Paseo - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 Start Time: 8:00pm WORLD PREMIERE THEATRE PIECE HITS OKLAHOMA with INTER-DIMENSIONAL ART SHOW
  “The Cowboy Who Fell From The Sky” — an immersive, post-apocalyptic, pop-up folk concert —…
  
• Edmond Library's Day (Oklahoma City Zoo - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 Receive a family four pack of vouchers to the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden when you check out Our Day at the Zoo"" through library staff. With this special offer,…
  
• 🎭 A FEW GOOD MEN (Pollard Theatre - Guthrie) Day 1 of 2 Start Time: 8:00pm by Aaron Sorkin If you can handle the truth, get ready for the electrifying original Broadway play that became the legendary Oscar-nominated film starring Jack Nicholson and Tom…
  
• 😂 James Johann (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Mar 3rd
  
• JD Souther (University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond)
  
• 🎨 Lewis & Clark Revisited, OLLI OSU afternoon class (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 1:30pm Instructor: Western historian and educator Luann Sewell Waters. The journey made by the Corps of Discovery, led by Lewis and William Clark, is looked upon as the opening of the…
  
• ♪ The Lone Bellow (The Blue Door - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
  
• 🎓 Make Your Own Geode (Teen) (Guthrie Library - Guthrie) Start Time: 6:00pm Have you ever wanted to make your very own geode? We’ll be using science to make eggshell geodes from common household items! You’ll get to pick the color of your geode and…
  
• Meditation Class (St Stephen's United Methodist - Norman) Start Time: 6:00pm Weekly meditation and discussion group conducted by the monks from Oklahoma Buddhist Vihara.
  St. Stephens UMC 6-7pm Look for the shoes.
  
• Mirrors for Psychic Warfare (Scott from Neurosis) (89th Street Collective - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm Mirrors for Psychic Warefare with Idre10/$12
  
• ♪ O Brother Where Art Thou (Tower Theatre Studio - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 10:00pm Ulysses Everett McGill (George Clooney) is having difficulty adjusting to his hard-labor sentence in Mississippi. He scams his way off the chain gang with simple Delmar (Tim…
  
• ♪ OCU Master Class: Guest Artist Felix Hell, Organist (Oklahoma City University - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm Join us as guest artist Felix Hell hosts a March 1 master class for OCU organ and piano students. A native of Germany and champion of new music, the acclaimed organist has been…
  
• ♪ OCU Wind Philharmonic in Concert (Oklahoma City University - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm The OCU Wind Philharmonic presents its opening concert of 2018 under the baton of Dr. Matthew Mailman. On the program: Morton Gould's Jericho Rhapsody for Band (1940), John…
  
• Once Upon A Playground (Edmond Historical Society - Edmond) Day 2 of 2 The classic metal and wood structures that have populated playgrounds for most of the twentieth century—towering metal slides, giant jungle gyms, whirling merry-go-rounds,…
  
• 🎭 Peril On The High Seas (Chickasha Community Theatre - Chickasha) Day 1 of 2 Start Time: 7:30pm Peril on the High Seas is a hilarious and fast-paced melodrama. Proceeds from the show benefit the Tims-Drummond Memorial Scholarship fund, which provides college scholarships to…
  
• Poetry Slam (Our Glass - El Reno) Start Time: 7:00pm Every First Thursday of the month, Our Glass will sponsor a Poetry/Story Slam for FREE. Prizes will be awarded. Starts at 7pm, but come earlier if you want to read.
  
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Management Support Group (Mental Health Association Oklahoma main office - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur following the experience of witnessing of life-threatening events such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents,…
  
• Read Across America Day (Andy Alligator's Fun Park & Water Park - Norman) Day 1 of 2 Start Time: 10:00am Andy Alligator's Fun Park & Water Park is hosting a book drive in celebration of Read Across America Day. Bring in a new teen, pre-teen, or children's book to Andy Alligator's…
  
• 🍴 Restaurant Week (Edmond Chamber of Commerce - Edmond) 1 day left Start Time: 8:00am It's that time of year again! Discover Edmond's great Eats and Drinks during Edmond Restaurant Week 2018: Feb. 23- March 2. All you have to do is show the special menu at a…
  
• Saints - First Thursday Saints Sessions ft. Rei Wang (Plaza District - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
  
• SALT-Seniors & Law Enforcement Together (Del City) Del City Police 4517 S.E. 29th Street
  
• 🎨 Showroom | Showcase:Wake by Grace Grothaus and Rena Detrixhe (Oklahoma Contemporary - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Start Time: 11:00am Grace Grothaus and Rena Detrixhe are transforming the second floor of Oklahoma Contemporary’s Showroom with the multisensory installation Wake. This exhibit highlights the…
  
• ♪ Spring Fever (Boathouse District - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm 5:30pm: Food & Pie Trucks start serving it up! 7:00pm: Fiery fiddling begins! International Acoustic Music Award winners, Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road, are ready to shake the…
  
• 🏆 Surf and Turf at The Bricktown Brewery at Remington Park (Remington Park - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 4:00pm
  
• Survivors of Suicide Support Group (Mental Health Association Oklahoma main office - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm Nearly 31,000 people take their own lives each year. As a survivor – a family member or friend of the victim – you may need help coming to terms with suicide. This group…
  
• 🎨 Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Start Time: 10:00am Museums typically exhibit only a very small percentage of their collections. In the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s vast holdings, specific pieces, for one reason…
  
• ♪ Unlocking the West, OLLI OSU class (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 10:30am The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Glenn D. Shirley Western Americana Collection is a treasure trove of documents, photographs, movie memorabilia, books, and…
  

Friday, Mar 2nd

• 🎭 The Addams Family Musical (Deer Creek Intermediate High School - Edmond) Day 2 of 2 Start Time: 7:30pm
• 🎨 Adult Classes (Oklahoma Contemporary - Oklahoma City) Last Day Start Time: 10:00am Take an art class with Oklahoma Contemporary this winter! Ignite your creativity with one of our ceramics, fiber arts or 2-D arts courses for artists of all skill levels. Classes…
• Almost Ready to Cruise Car Sale & Swap Meet (Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center - Shawnee) Day 1 of 2 Automobile enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to Shawnee's Almost Ready to Cruise Car Sale and Swap Meet, held annually…
• 🎓 Aristotelian Meteorology: Fire Dragons, Blood Rains, and Comets (Norman Public Library - Norman) Start Time: 6:00pm Medieval Fair Free Lecture Series, co-sponsored by OU Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, presentation by RienkVermij, Professor, History of Science, University of…
• Backwoods Hunting & Fishing Expo (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Mar 4th The Backwoods Hunting & Fishing Expo, held at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City, is a trade show…
• The Bartered Bride (Oklahoma City University - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Mar 4th Come to the Burg Theatre on the campus of Oklahoma City University for a special performance of Czech composer…
• Ben Sollee / Mipso (Opolis - Norman)
• 🏆 Big 12 Women's Basketball Championship (Chesapeake Energy Arena - Oklahoma City) Thru Mon, Mar 5th Start Time: 6:00pm Children two years of age and older must have a ticket.
• ♪ Bim Skala Bim (Diamond Ballroom - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm
• Budderside (The State Theatre - Harrah)
• 🎭 Cabaret (Rose State College - Midwest City) Day 2 of 2 Start Time: 7:30pm Leave your troubles outside — life is beautiful at CABARET. JOHN KANDER, FRED EBB and JOE MASTEROFF’s Tony-winning musical about following your heart while the world loses…
• 🏆 CINCH Timed Event Championship (Lazy E Arena - Guthrie) Thru Sun, Mar 4th Start Time: 12:00pm The top 20 contestants compete in five timed events for a total purse of $200,000!
• ♪ The Cowboy Who Fell From the Sky (Paseo - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 Start Time: 8:00pm WORLD PREMIERE THEATRE PIECE HITS OKLAHOMA with INTER-DIMENSIONAL ART SHOW
  “The Cowboy Who Fell From The Sky” — an immersive, post-apocalyptic, pop-up folk concert —…
  
• ♪ Dance Department: Kaleidoscope in Concert (University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond) Start Time: 7:30pm
  
• 🎭 Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz, a participation play (Oklahoma Children's Theatre - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 11:00am Will Dorothy and Toto ever find their way back to Kansas? Will her friends, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, ever find a brain, a heart, and the nerve? The…
  
• Dropkick Murphys et al. (Diamond Ballroom - Oklahoma City) Head to Oklahoma City for a night of driving Celtic punk when the legendary Dropkick Murphys take over Diamond…
  
• Dr. Seuss Day in the Gardens (Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 10:00am Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday and his wonderful books in the Myriad Gardens. Everyone’s favorite character, Cat In the Hat, will read stories and tell fun Dr. Seuss facts.…
  
• 🎭 A FEW GOOD MEN (Pollard Theatre - Guthrie) Day 2 of 2 Start Time: 8:00pm by Aaron Sorkin If you can handle the truth, get ready for the electrifying original Broadway play that became the legendary Oscar-nominated film starring Jack Nicholson and Tom…
  
• First Friday Gallery Walk (Paseo Arts District - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm The First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo Arts District occurs on the first Friday of every month. Friday night…
  
• 😂 James Johann (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City) 1 day left
  
• ♪ Kaleidoscope Dance Company Spring Concert (University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond) Start Time: 7:30pm Peformance Dates & Times: 7:30pm. Friday, March 2, 2018 7:30pm. Saturday, March 3, 2018 2:00pm. Sunday, March 4, 2018
  
  • Free for UCO Students with current ID*
• NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Regional (Chesapeake Energy Arena - Oklahoma City) Thru Mon, Mar 5th Visit Oklahoma City for the highly anticipated NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Regional. Come watch four teams…
  
• Noises Off (Lincoln County On-Stage - Chandler) Thru Sat, Mar 10th Come to the charming Route 66 town of Chandler for a rousing performance of the celebrated play, Noises Off. This 1982…
  
• Omelette Party: Eggscape to Paradise (Chevy Bricktown Events Center - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm Join organizers from the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) at the Chevy Bricktown Events Center for the 34th Annual…
  
• ♪ The Other Mozart (Oklahoma Contemporary - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
  
• OU Sooners vs Iowa State Cyclones (The Lloyd Noble Center - Norman) Thru Sun, Mar 4th Experience the action and excitement in Norman as the Oklahoma Sooners take on the Iowa State Cyclones. Since the…
  
• Patti Labelle in Concert (Riverwind Casino - Norman) Start Time: 8:00pm Come see living legend Patti LaBelle live onstage at Riverwind Casino in Norman. Best known for her powerhouse…
  
• 🎭 Peril On The High Seas (Chickasha Community Theatre - Chickasha) Day 2 of 2 Start Time: 7:30pm Peril on the High Seas is a hilarious and fast-paced melodrama. Proceeds from the show benefit the Tims-Drummond Memorial Scholarship fund, which provides college scholarships to…
  
• The Philadelphia Story (University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma - Chickasha) Day 1 of 2 Come to the Davis Hall Little Theatre on the campus of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha…
  
• 🎭 PLATINUM COMEDY TOUR (Cox Convention Center - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
  
• ♪ Rachel Stacy and Marco Tello CD Release Show (The Blue Door - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
  
• Read Across America Day (Andy Alligator's Fun Park & Water Park - Norman) Day 2 of 2 Start Time: 10:00am Andy Alligator's Fun Park & Water Park is hosting a book drive in celebration of Read Across America Day. Bring in a new teen, pre-teen, or children's book to Andy Alligator's…
  
• 🍴 Restaurant Week (Edmond Chamber of Commerce - Edmond) Last Day Start Time: 8:00am It's that time of year again! Discover Edmond's great Eats and Drinks during Edmond Restaurant Week 2018: Feb. 23- March 2. All you have to do is show the special menu at a…
  
• Saints - Rhythm and Rhymes (Plaza District - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 Start Time: 10:00pm
  
• 🎨 Showroom | Showcase:Wake by Grace Grothaus and Rena Detrixhe (Oklahoma Contemporary - Oklahoma City) Last Day Start Time: 11:00am Grace Grothaus and Rena Detrixhe are transforming the second floor of Oklahoma Contemporary’s Showroom with the multisensory installation Wake. This exhibit highlights the…
  
• 🏆 Sooners Basketball: Discount Tickets (The Lloyd Noble Center - Norman) Start Time: 8:00pm
  
• ♪ The Sunday Flyers (VZD's - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
  
• Tim Barry (51st st. Speakeasy - Oklahoma City)
  
• 🎨 Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Last Day Start Time: 10:00am Museums typically exhibit only a very small percentage of their collections. In the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s vast holdings, specific pieces, for one reason…
  

Saturday, Mar 3rd

• Almost Ready to Cruise Car Sale & Swap Meet (Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center - Shawnee) Day 2 of 2 Automobile enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to Shawnee's Almost Ready to Cruise Car Sale and Swap Meet, held annually…
• 🏃 American Lung Association Fight for Air Climb (Leadership Square - Oklahoma City) Participants will challenge themselves to climb 2 towers totaling 70 floors of stairs, in honor of those we have lost to lung disease, or those who are currently struggling to…
• Backwoods Hunting & Fishing Expo (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) 1 day left The Backwoods Hunting & Fishing Expo, held at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City, is a trade show…
• The Bartered Bride (Oklahoma City University - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Come to the Burg Theatre on the campus of Oklahoma City University for a special performance of Czech composer…
• Ben Rector in Concert (Raley Chapel - Shawnee) Join Tulsa native Ben Rector for a very special evening as he stops at Oklahoma Baptist University for an intimate…
• 🏆 Big 12 Women's Basketball Championship (Chesapeake Energy Arena - Oklahoma City) Thru Mon, Mar 5th Start Time: 6:00pm Children two years of age and older must have a ticket.
• 🏆 CINCH Timed Event Championship (Lazy E Arena - Guthrie) 1 day left Start Time: 12:00pm The top 20 contestants compete in five timed events for a total purse of $200,000!
• 🏆 CINCH Timed Event Chuck Wagon Cook-Off (Lazy E Arena - Guthrie) Start Time: 8:30am The 5th Annual Chuck Wagon Cook-Off BREAKFAST SAMPLER. Saturday morning Breakfast Sampler served prior to the Saturday afternoon performance of Timed Event.
• 🏃 Creek Classic 5K & 10K (Deer Creek Intermediate High School - Edmond) Creek Classic is an annual event that is a district wide fundraiser for Deer Creek Schools. Prizes awarded to overall m/f and top m/f in each standard age division.…
• Discover the Dinosaurs (Cox Convention Center - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 Start Time: 9:00am Trek back to a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth! It's family expedition time! At discover the dinosaurs: Time Trek, you'll be transported through our special Time Lab where…
• Easton Corbin in Concert (Riverwind Casino - Norman) Catch country music star Easton Corbin as he makes his way to Riverwind Casino in Norman. Fans are invited to see Corbin…
• Exile (Thunderbird Casino - Norman)
• 😂 James Johann (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City) Last Day
• Joyce Yang (Civic Center Music Hall - Oklahoma City) Enjoy the work of pianist Joyce Yang as part of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic's Classic Concert Series. The evening…
• 🏃 Mercy Runs Deep 5K (Oklahoma City) All proceeds benefit The Mercy Project in conjunction with Mercy schools across the country. 7:30am - Race Day Registration; 8:30am - One Mile Fun Run begins; 9:00am - 5K Run…
• NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Regional (Chesapeake Energy Arena - Oklahoma City) Thru Mon, Mar 5th Visit Oklahoma City for the highly anticipated NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Regional. Come watch four teams…
• Noises Off (Lincoln County On-Stage - Chandler) Thru Sat, Mar 10th Come to the charming Route 66 town of Chandler for a rousing performance of the celebrated play, Noises Off. This 1982…
• OKC Land Run Antique Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 The OKC Land Run Antique is fun for the entire family with over 50,000 sq ft of merchandise to discover and treasures to…
• Oklahoma Gun Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 The Oklahoma Gun Show in the Modern Living building of Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City is sure to have the…
• 🏃 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Hustle (Gaylord-Pickens Museum - Oklahoma City)
• Oklahoma Heritage Land Run 10K, 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run (Gaylord-Pickens Museum - Oklahoma City) Lace up your tennis shoes or pull on your cowboy boots for the Oklahoma Heritage Land Run. This USATF-certified running…
• OU Sooners vs Iowa State Cyclones (The Lloyd Noble Center - Norman) 1 day left Experience the action and excitement in Norman as the Oklahoma Sooners take on the Iowa State Cyclones. Since the…
• 🏃 Panera Beacon Run 25K, 15K, 5K (Lake Hefner East Wharf - Oklahoma City) This event is directed by the Oklahoma City Running Club. This is a great training opportunity for those planning to participate in the OKC Memorial Marathon or Half Marathon.…
• Pearl Charles (Tower Theatre Studio - Oklahoma City)
• The Philadelphia Story (University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma - Chickasha) Day 2 of 2 Come to the Davis Hall Little Theatre on the campus of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha…
• Saints - Rhythm and Rhymes (Plaza District - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 Start Time: 10:00pm
• 🏃 Warrior Way 5K (Downtown Washington near the Post Office on Main Street - Washington) The Annual Warrior Way 5k and Fun Mile is a fun morning for racers, runners and walkers and everyone in between!

Sunday, Mar 4th

• Backwoods Hunting & Fishing Expo (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Last Day The Backwoods Hunting & Fishing Expo, held at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City, is a trade show…
• The Bartered Bride (Oklahoma City University - Oklahoma City) Last Day Come to the Burg Theatre on the campus of Oklahoma City University for a special performance of Czech composer…
• 🏆 Big 12 Women's Basketball Championship (Chesapeake Energy Arena - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Start Time: 6:00pm Children two years of age and older must have a ticket.
• 🏆 CINCH Timed Event Championship (Lazy E Arena - Guthrie) Last Day Start Time: 12:00pm The top 20 contestants compete in five timed events for a total purse of $200,000!
• Dead Meadow (89th Street Collective - Oklahoma City)
• Discover the Dinosaurs (Cox Convention Center - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 Start Time: 9:00am Trek back to a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth! It's family expedition time! At discover the dinosaurs: Time Trek, you'll be transported through our special Time Lab where…
• Gypsy Glam Roadshow: Made in Oklahoma (Boathouse District - Oklahoma City) Keep it local at this one-day shopping extravaganza hosted by the Gypsy Glam Roadshow. This traveling retail event will…
• Home Team Double-Header (Oklahoma City Metro - Oklahoma City) Catch the buzz as the Oklahoma Victory Dolls put on an electrifying dance of athleticism and grace when jammers and…
• Indie Bride: Bridal Show & Market (Farmer's Market - Oklahoma City) Couples can narrow down wedding day essentials with a trip to the OKC Farmers Public Market this spring. The Indie…
• NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Regional (Chesapeake Energy Arena - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Visit Oklahoma City for the highly anticipated NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Regional. Come watch four teams…
• Noises Off (Lincoln County On-Stage - Chandler) Thru Sat, Mar 10th Come to the charming Route 66 town of Chandler for a rousing performance of the celebrated play, Noises Off. This 1982…
• OKC Land Run Antique Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 The OKC Land Run Antique is fun for the entire family with over 50,000 sq ft of merchandise to discover and treasures to…
• Oklahoma Gun Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 The Oklahoma Gun Show in the Modern Living building of Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City is sure to have the…
• OU Sooners vs Iowa State Cyclones (The Lloyd Noble Center - Norman) Last Day Experience the action and excitement in Norman as the Oklahoma Sooners take on the Iowa State Cyclones. Since the…
• Shame et al. (Opolis - Norman)

Monday, Mar 5th

• 🏆 Big 12 Women's Basketball Championship (Chesapeake Energy Arena - Oklahoma City) Last Day Start Time: 6:00pm Children two years of age and older must have a ticket.
• NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Regional (Chesapeake Energy Arena - Oklahoma City) Last Day Visit Oklahoma City for the highly anticipated NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Regional. Come watch four teams…
• Noises Off (Lincoln County On-Stage - Chandler) Thru Sat, Mar 10th Come to the charming Route 66 town of Chandler for a rousing performance of the celebrated play, Noises Off. This 1982…
• Tigers Jaw (89th Street Collective - Oklahoma City)

Tuesday, Mar 6th

• Noises Off (Lincoln County On-Stage - Chandler) Thru Sat, Mar 10th Come to the charming Route 66 town of Chandler for a rousing performance of the celebrated play, Noises Off. This 1982…
• OU Sooners vs Dallas Baptist Patriots (L. Dale Mitchell Baseball Park - Norman) Cheer on the OU Sooners as they take on the Dallas Baptist Patriots in Norman. The University of Oklahoma Sooners…
• SpringHill Suites Art Night (SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oklahoma City Airport - Oklahoma City) Head to SpringHill Suites by Marriott Quail Springs Oklahoma City for a night filled with art. During SpringHill…
• 🏆 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets (Chesapeake Energy Arena - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm Experience the thrill of fast-paced pro basketball as the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Houston Rockets. Wear your…

See Also

• OK Gamers
• Techlahoma

Ever driven across the desert? It can be oppressively hellish in the heat of day. But at night, in the cool air with a full moon it can look absolutely eerie. I remember the first time I drove... The weird twisted shapes that form in the moonlit desert make you wonder what could happen out here in the loneliness of the night. The moonlight gave an eerie glow in the desert night, and the tarmac ahead of me was the only thing I could see as I took the I-15 north into Sin City and away from the City of Lost Angels.
Neither are my home, I moved to L.A. back in 2000 from my hometown of Helmud, MN when I dropped out of my senior year in high school. I originally wanted to travel north to Alaska and put as much distance between me and Helmud as possible. However, a cousin in L.A. hooked my up with a landscaping gig and 13 years later I own my own company. I can't say I am rich, but I make something more than a meagre existance and only answer to myself. Not too bad for a high-school dropout, is it?
Where was I...? Ah yes, Helmud. What a sorry excuse for a town. Every Tom, Dick and Harry strutting around like a big fish in a small pond, dreaming of moving away to the Twin Cities where they can be eaten by the real big fish. I never felt big fish, and there were one or two back at Cold Lake High School that tried to make sure I never did. Bud Reilly was one of them... I'll never forget that kid.
You see, Ol' Bud was the reason I left Helmud forever. Bud was a linebacker on the football team, and although everyone knew he would never go pro, it never stopped him from acting like he would. You see, back then I was a skinny boy and an easy target for bullies like Bud. That year, I decided to do something about it and joined the wieght lifting club. I went to every meeting and often worked out long after the school went silent for the night.
The night it happened, I had just completed a long workout. I was just starting to see some gains and was quite proud of my progress. I had a long way to go before putting on the size I carry today, but it was a good start. I undressed and got into the shower, and as I closed my eyes let the water wash away the stresses of the day, I suddenly became aware of someone else in the room with me.
I opened my eyes and there stood Bud, naked as the day he was born. I was confused at first... The football team had their own shower room and it's not like they had practice today. Then an evil grin spread across his face and he stepped toward me.
"You all washed up for me, Princess?" he asked as he came closer.
I suddenly knew what he had in mind. I tried to run past him, but who was I kidding? Bud was used to putting the hurt on kids twice the size of me in mid-sprint. He brought me down, driving my face onto the hard floor in the process.
"Playing hard to get, are we?" he snorted as he pinned my arms down.
I wish I could say it didn't happen or that I fought him off, but he did exactly what he wanted to me. Bud Reilly destroyed my manhood that afternoon. I lay there a long while after he finished, and when the water finally went cold, I picked myself up off the shower floor, got dressed and left Cold Lake High School for good. I know, I know... Why didn't I tell someone, right? Let me ask you, how could I? I suppose in retrospect I should have, but it was just easier to slink away and simply pretend that Helmud never existed.
After I moved to L.A., I funneled my focus on my work and my rage in the gym. I joined a local boxing club, and when I wasn't slaving my ass off under the warm California sun, I was working my ass off in that gym. I started putting on some serious size and won a few amateur bouts in the tournaments the club took part in.
Eventally, I had made enough contacts and put away enough money to start my own landscaping business. To celebrate, I decided to go to Vegas for a couple days to celebrate and that took me out to the desert and into the hands of fate.
I remember rolling into Vegas that night... It was like a shining jewel in a sea of darkness. I checked into a motel off Fremont and went out to have some fun. I never really was a gambler, but Lady Luck was with me that night. I won $200 playing blackjack at the Four Queens and then another $150 at roulette at Binion's. I went back to my motel to sleep and headed down to the famous Strip the following night.
It was at Casino Royale that I hit the jackpot. I started on the craps table and after a couple hours I had broke even. I stepped away from craps to play the slots for awhile and that's when I noiced him. Bud Reilly. He was sitting alone, playing blackjack, drinking whiskey and from the look on his face, losing large to the pretty Asian dealer.
I watheched him for a long while, trying not to stare. It looked like life had caught up to Bud and kicked him square in the nuts. That youthful heft he carried around and long since turned to flab, and that long face and sallow complexion made him blend in with the rest of the degenerates that circle this city like candles to a flame. He finally got up, finished his drink and started heading for the door. I ducked outside and waited for him to pass.
"I swear those tables are rigged!" I spat as he walked past. "How much did they take you for?"
He turned. Not even a glimmer of recollection on his face. "Pardon me?" he slurred.
"Those shysters," I went on. "They mark their cards. I have been here 3 days and haven't won a dime in there. Now the Sundance... That's where the action's at!"
"The what? Sundance?" asked Bud.
"Yeah," I continued. "The Sundance. It's not as well known as these clip shops on the Strip, but it has the best blackjack tables in Vegas. Gorgeous waitresses too! You've never been?"
Bud shook his head. "Can't say I have. Where'd did you say it was?"
"I'll show you. After the rip-off experience I just had in there," I jerked my thumb at Casino Royale, "I could use some better luck."
Bud was at that point where common sense should have overridden his gambler's instinct, but the whiskey had numbed his sense of judgement. "The name's Clay," I lied.
"Bud," he said, shaking my hand. "Is this your first time in Vegas?"
"Actually, it is." I replied as I walked him toward my truck. "How about you?"
We had crossed to the back of the parking lot. My truck was 20 yards away, but Bud was staggering pretty good. As we neared the truck, he stopped. "How far is this place?" he asked, with a hint of concern.
"Not far," I replied. "Here, let me get the door for you." I walked around to the passenger side and opened the door for him.
He looked in the back of the the back of the truck as he neared it. "What's with all the tools?"
"I'm a landscaper. C'mon, let's hit the Sundance!" I smiled, holding the door open for him.
For a brief second, I thought he was going to bolt. But he finally climbed into the truck and I shut his door for him. I walked around the truck and opened the driver's side.
"Maybe can you drop me at my hotel? I don't think I can handle more blackjack tonight."
"Sure, Sure. Say... Did you go to Cold Lake High School?" I grinned at him.
Bud looked alarmed for a half-second as recognition seeped into his whiskey-addled brain. It was the half-second before I hit him repeatedly until he slumped over unconscious. I started the truck, and turned on to the road. I already had a destination in mind.
It was close to 3:00 when I turned off the highway and onto a stretch of dirt road. I was about 20 miles from Las Vegas, and the clouds had cleared enough that the pale moonlight made the desert landscape look like an alien world. Bud was starting to stir as I drove up into the desert hills. As he came to, I stopped the truck and got out. He fumbled with his seatbelt, opened the door and tried to get out. I caught the door as his head came out and slammed the door back on to his forehead. He fell back, stunned. I reached in the back of the pickup and retrieved my spade. Opening the door, I grabbed Bud and pulled him out of the truck.
"So we meet again," I sneered. "I bet you never thought you'd see me again, did you?"
I threw him to the ground and raised the spade. He had just enough time to roll over before I brought the blade down as hard as I could on his crotch. He was screaming like a banshee now, so I raised the spade again and brought the flat down hard on the top of his head. The screaming stopped and Bud went out like a light.
It took me 40 minutes to dig the hole. The sun-baked earth in the desert was like concrete, but I had all the tools I needed at my disposal. But was coming to by the time I had finished digging. He was whimpering now, as he realized I had taken his clothes, duct-taped his hands and feet, and stuffed one of his socks in his mouth.
"Alone at last," I began. "I never thought I'd see this day, but Lady Luck has smiled on me tonight!"
Bud was sobbing now and making pleading noises. I kicked him and told him to shut up.
"Twelve years ago, I left Helmud because you destroyed my life." I grabbed him by the hair and pulled his face to mine. "Tonight, I am taking it back."
His eyes grew wide as he saw the hammer. I hefted its weight and made a motion like I was going to brain him with it. He whimpered again and started sobbing. I went into the tool kit in the back of the truck and retrieved a box of nails. I set them down in front of him. He was utterly terrified now, and I was afraid he'd swallow the sock, so I pulled it out of his mouth.
"OHPLEASEOHPLEASENOPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEOHGOD!" he blubbered.
I listened to him and smiled as I took out a nail and drove it into the handle of the shovel with the hammer. His babbling got worse as I drove four more of them into it at all crazy angles.
"Looks almost medieval, doesn't it?" I stated as I admired my handiwork. "I guess you know where this is going, don't you?"
The babbling turned to screaming then. I came up behind him and grabbed him by the hair. "Scream all you want, Bud. NOBODY is going to hear you out here!"
I slowly worked the nailed end of the shovel handle inside him, twisting it as much as I could. It took all my strength as I pushed it in until it could go any further. He made noises I didn't even think a human was capable of making. It was literally music to my ears.
I watched him suffer for awhile before I kicked him over into the hole I had dug for him. He squealed and mumbled something as he hit the bottom of the hole. I walked back tot the truck and got my other spade. As the first shovelful of dirt came down on him, he started babbling again. He kept it up as I slowly filled the hole in, burying him alive. I swear I could still hear him as I tamped the dirt down and walked back to my truck to leave. The sun was just starting to break as I pulled into my motel, and despite the early hour, I had the best sleep I had enjoyed in 12 years.
During Bud's final hours on this earth, I realized something about myself. You see, I can't describe the pleasure I felt when snuffing out his pathetic life, but I can say it was better than anything else I had ever experienced before or since. Since that night, I have made two more trips out to the desert on moonlit nights when that alien world comes to life. Neither of them were quite as satisfying as Bud was, but I do know one thing: They made me feel ALIVE.