Kinky Friedman

Meet Kinky Friedman – former candidate for Texas governor, child chess prodigy, Chanukkah cowboy. The singer, humorist and writer has a long and varied list of experiences in his life. Born in Chicago, he and his family moved to Texas, where he exercised an interest in chess (a 7-year-old Friedman played U.S. chess Grandmaster Samuel Reshevsky) as well as music. Music won out, and after finishing college and a stint with the U.S. Peace Corps, he went on to form bands and write country music that challenged racial prejudice with fetching music and biting satire. One of Kinky’s most famous songs is called, “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore.” Whether you like him or not, Friedman can never be called dull. He plays the Blue Door (www.bluedoorokc.com) in Oklahoma City on Dec. 2. Tickets are $30-$35. The following night, Friedman takes the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame stage at 111 E. First St. Show is at 7 p.m. Dec. 3, and tickets are $16-$50, available at www.myticketoffice.com.