Opolis

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  This is the hidden gem of Oklahoma's music scene, for indie music at least.  A very small intimate space that amazingly enough books some high end talent as well as local and regional acts.  Owned in part by member's of Oklahoma's own Starlight Mints, this is the best place in Norman to see a show.  Think the Rome of old but on a much smaller scale.  
  
  I have been to a number of shows here including Sebadoh, Reverend Organdrum (Jim Heath of the Reverend Horton Heat's side project), Calhoun, Bob Mould and even the legendary Genital Chaucer over the years.  I've also been to a few private events by friends that have "bands" - basically just an excuse to get up and jam on a decent stage and play rock star for a night.  All in all a great place to see a show and unlike other of Oklahoma's smaller venues they have great restrooms, are non smoking (unless you go onto the outside deck), have decently priced drinks and I don't believe I've ever paid much over $15 for any of their shows. How they accomplish this is beyond me when maximum capacity has to be well under 200, but I won't complain.
  
  There is a hipster vibe and but not overwhelmingly so and some very cool art can be found and apparently they allow if not encourage patrons to doodle their own graffitti on the walls, especially in the bathrooms.  
  
  I highly recommend this place for a show.  Their advertising budget must be nil because oftentimes I'll only find out an artist I like is playing here from the artist's website itself and if you drive by too quickly you'll miss it but don't miss out on one of Oklahoma's true great places to see a show.

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  Posted on 01.11.13 Charles B.

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  you know how athletes have home field advantage? thats how i feel when i go to the opolis. this is my hometowns best live venue, and does a hell of a job.
  capacity is around 150, but a big show will pack 200+ in.
  has a great list of incredible acts that have played here. some of my favorite non local acts have included blitzen trapper, of montreal, girl talk, black mountain, starlight mints, and tobacco. i've seen easily well over a hundred shows here and can't remember a bad one.
  the owners are musicians and great people and are huge supporters of the local music and arts in norman and oklahoma city.

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  Posted on 08.16.12 Jonathan F.

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  Went up here to see Future Islands a couple days ago and had an awesomeeee time.
  
  It's a really intimate space (no bigger than a coffee house), but plenty of elbow room. I was even able to chat with each member of the band before the show! Best of all, tickets were only $10 a pop.
  
  Only reasons I wouldn't give it five stars: expensive beer, wouldn't let us in at 8:55 p.m. (when door technically opened at 9 p.m.) and it's cash-only. Other than that, it's a great place to see quality indie bands.
  
  Dunno what's up with the huge pictures of cats on the wall, but hey....Future Islands was great! Would come definitely come back again if a band I loved wasn't playing in DFW and the closest place they were playing at was in Norman, Oklahoma!

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  Posted on 11.06.11 The D.

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  I was really impressed to see such a cool music venue in small town OK. I really liked the space (and the pictures of kittens on the walls), and I had no trouble getting to the front and being able to see (I'm 5'2"), which is again, impressive. We were there pretty early and the owners of the venue were real nice. great place to see music.

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  Posted on 07.27.11 Allison H.

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  The pearl of the Norman music scene, Opolis is owned by two members of the Starlight Mints, one of Oklahoma's best indie bands. They have great shows from local, regional, and national acts, with prices averaging about $10. Depending on the band, there's always a different crowd; expect lots of hipsters and college kids.
  
  They have cheap 3.2 beer and it's a really intimate little joint. I've been to a half a dozen shows there, and will keep going back!

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  Posted on 03.01.09 Jake A.

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  Opolis is a local indie music venue.  Very cool pictures of cats on the walls.  I've seen many great bands there, prices range from $8-$15 and I've always been happy going there.  I believe they have dance night on Thursdays. I've never been, but I hear it's fun.  
  
  They sell beer and other various refreshments.  It's also non-smoking, which is a plus for people who don't like going to smokey clubs.  They even have some benches along the side to those who can't stand the whole show.  This is the venue for any independent music you might wish to see.  Maybe I'll see you there sometime!

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  Posted on 04.15.08 Darrell A.

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