Oklahoma may be burdened by the stereotype of being a farm state with little culture, but Norman’s varied music venues defy this label. Whether you like to enjoy coffee or sip wine while listening, or you prefer your music on a stage, underground or in a historic location, Norman has a place for you.

The Opolis, located at 113 N. Crawford Ave., is a one-roomed indie venue tucked away off of Main Street. Two giant cat faces adorn the walls and add to the eclectic, slightly kooky atmosphere. The club is owned by Andy and Marian Nunez, who are the drummer and keyboardist of the local band The Starlight Mints, and can be found there many nights.

Marian says that although the venue is small, attendees still have the opportunity to see a band that could be big someday.

“We focus primarily on original bands, mostly indie,” she says. “And we have lots of touring acts, along with local bands. And there’s a good chance that you’ll be seeing a band that will be popular someday, but in an intimate environment.”

The Opolis also has regular comedy nights and dance party nights with a DJ in addition to the live music. And if you’re lucky, you may just see Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips in the crowd one night.

Another music venue with an intimate atmosphere is

Second Wind Coffeehouse, located at 564 Buchanan Ave. Here you can sit at a table or lounge on a couch and chat with friends while listening. The wall behind the stage area is actually a huge window that overlooks the street. Many of the acts that play at Second Wind are acoustic, but sometimes bands will plug in. A bonus is that Second Wind Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization that strives to promote local musicians and support charities.

Down the street from Second Wind is Othello’s, where you can get meatballs and music under the same roof. Othello’s is an Italian restaurant on Buchanan Ave. that doubles as a music venue. Employee Jessica Wood says that the atmosphere is both calm and fun and that the venue hosts diverse musicians.

“We get a lot of different types of music,” Wood says. “You get to sit down and eat, or drink wine and enjoy watching the musicians.”

But for a more rowdy atmosphere check out The Deli, a bar on White St. that specializes in live music.

“We are the only venue in the southwest that has live music every night of the year,” says manager Bob McIntosh.

Every Sunday night, The Deli hosts Norman legend Mike Hosty and the bar is frequently very busy that night. The Deli is a 21-and-up venue that also allows smoking.

Sitting on the intersection of Boyd and DeBarr, Universe City is a co-op house with a basement that occasionally features musicians. The house also has a communal art studio and library. All shows at Universe City are free, but donations are accepted. Open-mic nights are frequently held at this venue and jam bands and indie groups can also be heard here.

Norman’s Santa Fe Depot located on S. Jones Ave. was once a major destination when the town was centered around the railroad, but today the depot serves as a historical landmark and occasional setting for acoustic musicians.

So while Norman may not be home to a massive convention center or huge arena of any kind (excluding the football stadium of course), there are several small local venues that showcase different styles of music, so lace up your dancing shoes.

Local bands to check out

-If you like Of Montreal then check out: the zany pop of the Starlight Mints, from Norman.

-If you like The Flaming Lips then check out: Wayne Coyne’s nephew in Stardeath and the White Dwarfs, from Oklahoma City.

-If you like The Unicorns then check out: the synth indie-pop songs from The Evangelicals, from Norman.

-If you like Bloc Party then check out: the spacey, 80s sound of Umbrellas, from Norman.

-If you like Phish then check out: the improv-heavy, funky jams of Galapagos, from Norman.

-If you like Mars Volta then check out: the technical, complex instrumentals from The Non, from Oklahoma City.

-If you like Joni Mitchell then check out: the emotive folk/indie from Sherree Chamberlain, from Stillwater.

-If you like Radiohead then check out: the experimental, psychedelic Ghost of Monkshood, from Norman.

-If you like LCD Soundsystem then check out: the dance-rock from The Neighborhood, from Norman.

-If you like Led Zeppelin then check out: the amazing guitarist John Calvin, from Norman.

-If you like Chicago then check out: the groovin’ jazz-rock tunes of The Jonbear Fourtet, from Norman.

-If you like a one-man-band then check out: the multitalented Mike Hosty, from Norman.