Okcfest 2014

[DoctorTaco]

Why not make a premier C&W festival? I don't like modern country music, but I have no problem with OKC hosting a giant C&W music festival. I don't give a hoot about Quarter Horses, but I am not all bent out of shape about the AQHA show every year. Money is money, right?

It is finding a niche. Can we go head to head with ACL/SXSW? Hell no. But can we go head to head with other Country festivals (whichever those happen to be...I can't think of any myself)? Hell yes we can!

Is country fans' money no good? Is there something wrong with their money that we don't want it? Is OKC going to be the starving artist of metro areas, forgoing any income in order to preserve our indignant self-regard?

Seriously people, chill out.

[Edgar]

Agree Cain's is incredible. Incredible because if it's acoustics, it's vibe, the people there, and the shows it can draw. Tulsa just has a different vibe and a different set of young people there. I've been hearing people talk about how our music culture is eventually going to catch up with and surpass theirs for years. And it just never happens. Whether we are talking failed venues in Bricktown that gave it a go or failure to get the idea off the ground like with the Tower Theater a few years ago the end result always seems to be about the same.

I'm not happy about the extremely safe lineup of OKCFest, but I understand it. Maybe it's for the best.

The Tower put on a two day blues fest about 15 years ago, excellent lineup, and no one came. It was very sad. Mick doesn't know what he's getting himself in to. Music promotion in OKC is a tough sell.

[dcsooner]

Why not make a premier C&W festival? I don't like modern country music, but I have no problem with OKC hosting a giant C&W music festival. I don't give a hoot about Quarter Horses, but I am not all bent out of shape about the AQHA show every year. Money is money, right?

It is finding a niche. Can we go head to head with ACL/SXSW? Hell no. But can we go head to head with other Country festivals (whichever those happen to be...I can't think of any myself)? Hell yes we can!

Is country fans' money no good? Is there something wrong with their money that we don't want it? Is OKC going to be the starving artist of metro areas, forgoing any income in order to preserve our indignant self-regard?

Seriously people, chill out.

It shouldn't just be about money. It should be about quality of life with regards to entertainment options for ALL the citizens of OKC. That's one of the biggest drawbacks to moving to and living in Oklahoma in general and OKC in particular is this steadfast refusal to purposefully incorporate different genres of art, music, film etc ( a more diverse politics might also help) into the State and City's landscape to appeal to a broader base. I have nothing against CW, doesn't do it for me, BUT, when it dominates the market like it does in OKC it doesn't present the city in a way that would encourage others from more progressive locals to give OKC a look. Say what you will, but places like Seattle, Portland, Austin, etc are quirky but thats what makes them interesting and causes people (esp younger) to gravitate towards them. Places like Dallas, Houston etc are not necessarily different than OKC in those areas, but what draws people there is JOBS. OKC needs to venture out of its musty old bedroom/ suburban/ mindset to begin to really soar! There is no reason for so many expatriates like me to be away from the State of their birth except that the lack of significant change and options

[Edgar]

Why not make a premier C&W festival? I don't like modern country music, but I have no problem with OKC hosting a giant C&W music festival. I don't give a hoot about Quarter Horses, but I am not all bent out of shape about the AQHA show every year. Money is money, right?

It is finding a niche. Can we go head to head with ACL/SXSW? Hell no. But can we go head to head with other Country festivals (whichever those happen to be...I can't think of any myself)? Hell yes we can!

Is country fans' money no good? Is there something wrong with their money that we don't want it? Is OKC going to be the starving artist of metro areas, forgoing any income in order to preserve our indignant self-regard?

Seriously people, chill out.

but it'd be nice if it were something that would cause me to drive up from Norman.

[bchris02]

The Tower put on a two day blues fest about 15 years ago, excellent lineup, and no one came. It was very sad. Mick doesn't know what he's getting himself in to. Music promotion in OKC is a tough sell.

OKC in 1998 and what was viable then is probably very different from 2014, if this place has really improved as much as most OKCTalkers like to point out. In fact, the target demographic for a music festival today is of an entirely different generation than it would have been in 1998.

[bchris02]

It shouldn't just be about money. It should be about quality of life with regards to entertainment options for ALL the citizens of OKC. That's one of the biggest drawbacks to moving to and living in Oklahoma in general and OKC in particular is this steadfast refusal to purposefully incorporate different genres of art, music, film etc ( a more diverse politics might also help) into the State and City's landscape to appeal to a broader base. I have nothing against CW, doesn't do it for me, BUT, when it dominates the market like it does in OKC it doesn't present the city in a way that would encourage others from more progressive locals to give OKC a look. Say what you will, but places like Seattle, Portland, Austin, etc are quirky but thats what makes them interesting and causes people (esp younger) to gravitate towards them. Places like Dallas, Houston etc are not necessarily different than OKC in those areas, but what draws people there is JOBS. OKC needs to venture out of its musty old bedroom/ suburban/ mindset to begin to really soar! There is no reason for so many expatriates like me to be away from the State of their birth except that the lack of significant change and options

OKC really is surprisingly diverse, as pointed out in the population thread. What really needs to be improved how cultures and lifestyles other than the dominant one (suburban, white bread, conservative, C&W music) are represented and marketed to in this city. It's getting much better but there is still more ground to cover. That's why having a country music festival and calling it OKCFest, implying its for EVERYONE in OKC, can be seen as a step backward.

[Head]

I haven't gone through the ENTIRE thread, but it's interesting that the Kick-Off party for the "underwriters" and "special guests", features a jazz band. So, does this mean that there's sufficient sophistication among the affluent (affluent enough to underwrite a fesitval) that they get a jazz band with it's complex arrangements, and melody lines, while the general population is fed three chords, and some chicken-picken on a telecaster?
"Patronizing", in a word.

[TheTravellers]

How long ago?

Also, OKC has never been a big hip-hop town. This city has never (in recent history) been able to support a real hip-hop/r&b radio station so I doubt a hip-hop concert that was tried probably 5-10 years ago is something to go by to determine the viability of bringing in artists that aren't country or classic rock.

103.5 is a hip-hop/R&B station, been around for a while, don't know if they qualify as "real" to you or not, but I listen to them occasionally, seems legit hiphop/R&B. Remembering a show I went to back in the day now - LL Cool J, Whodini, Run-DMC, and the Beastie Boys, sold out the Myriad, great show...

[bchris02]

103.5 is a hip-hop/R&B station, been around for a while, don't know if they qualify as "real" to you or not, but I listen to them occasionally, seems legit hiphop/R&B. Remembering a show I went to back in the day now - LL Cool J, Whodini, Run-DMC, and the Beastie Boys, sold out the Myriad, great show...

That station sounds good but it would be nice if you could actually pick them up in OKC. Coverage is very poor to non-existent north of I-40 and east of I-44 unless the weather is right.

[TheTravellers]

That station sounds good but it would be nice if you could actually pick them up in OKC. Coverage is very poor to non-existent north of I-40 and east of I-44 unless the weather is right.

I believe we get it just fine on NW 164th and May/Penn-ish in the wife's car, in any weather (I don't listen to the radio in the car, just CDs/MP3s). I'll try to remember to check on the way home today, though.

[TheTravellers]

More of the lineup has been announced, and yes, there's *a bit* of variety - a gospel stage and a "Rock en Espanol" stage. Still leans very heavily towards country, western, folk (guy/girl with a guitar), and there is actually a whole stage dedicated to bluegrass, which is surprising

[TheTravellers]

I believe we get it just fine on NW 164th and May/Penn-ish in the wife's car, in any weather (I don't listen to the radio in the car, just CDs/MP3s). I'll try to remember to check on the way home today, though.

Oh yeah, finally remembered to reply, we do get 103.5 up where we live and around that area running errands...

[AP]

For everyone that was wanting some diversity in music:
Saturday night at deadCENTER, the documentary Take Me to the River will be showing and after there will be a special concert.

"Join the musicians featured in the film Take Me to the River after the screening for a very special encore concert at the Myriad Gardens Water Plaza.
The concert will include:
Stax Record Legend William Bell, Grammy Nominee Otis Clay, Academy Award Winner Frayser Boy formerly of Three 6 Mafia, Critics Choice Award winner Al Kapone, 13 piece house band lead by The Hi Rhythm Section and Ben Cauley and the Royal Memphis Horns, Stephanie Bolton and Memphis rapper Ify, Stax Music Academy students and more!"

[TheTravellers]

For everyone that was wanting some diversity in music:
Saturday night at deadCENTER, the documentary Take Me to the River will be showing and after there will be a special concert.

"Join the musicians featured in the film Take Me to the River after the screening for a very special encore concert at the Myriad Gardens Water Plaza.
The concert will include:
Stax Record Legend William Bell, Grammy Nominee Otis Clay, Academy Award Winner Frayser Boy formerly of Three 6 Mafia, Critics Choice Award winner Al Kapone, 13 piece house band lead by The Hi Rhythm Section and Ben Cauley and the Royal Memphis Horns, Stephanie Bolton and Memphis rapper Ify, Stax Music Academy students and more!"

Man, that sounds good, I'm actually listening to the Complete Stax-Volt Singles sets in my car currently. Wish I could go, but wife's mom is visiting that weekend and just can't make it, dammit!

[Questor]

OKC really is surprisingly diverse, as pointed out in the population thread. What really needs to be improved how cultures and lifestyles other than the dominant one (suburban, white bread, conservative, C&W music) are represented and marketed to in this city. It's getting much better but there is still more ground to cover. That's why having a country music festival and calling it OKCFest, implying its for EVERYONE in OKC, can be seen as a step backward.

That's Oklahoma City... an extremely risk-adverse and very "safe bet" town. We always go for the least expensive sure thing when it comes to anything involving money. That goes for most businesses here or the city itself. OKC = the Minimum Viable Product of cities.

Accept it for what it is, realize it is never going to change and is just part of the culture here, deal with what that means, and you'll sleep better at night tomorrow.

[OSUFan]

It is easy to spend other's people money when you have nothing on the line.

[Edgar]

That's Oklahoma City... an extremely risk-adverse and very "safe bet" town. We always go for the least expensive sure thing when it comes to anything involving money. That goes for most businesses here or the city itself. OKC = the Minimum Viable Product of cities.

Accept it for what it is, realize it is never going to change and is just part of the culture here, deal with what that means, and you'll sleep better at night tomorrow.

OKC does indeed dream grand, when the city lords are doing it with taxpayer money.
You're right about safe bet involving $. Did you see the bricktown Blues fest lineup? Otis Watkins Sat headliner?! Noting against Otis, he's ok, but a decade ago he would have been the 6pm act getting everyone warmed up for the exciting national acts to follow. Obviously someone did the calculation and figuere they'd sell as much BBQ booking cheap local acts, putting bottom line ahead of a special event we could be proud of. Tulsa doesn't have their spring blues fest anymore. Here's a chance for OKC to reverse the traffic of live music fans on the turnpike, and they put on this turkey. Again, noting against Scott Keeton et al, but I've seen them a dozen times. Huge blues fan here and this won't even cause me to drive up from Norman. I've rented a room downtown in the past to make a fun time of it- sigh.

[Urbanized]

Wait...you live in NORMAN? Why then did/do you show so much heated interest in the politics of Oklahoma City?

[Edgar]

Wait...you live in NORMAN? Why then did/do you show so much heated interest in the politics of Oklahoma City?

OKC always claims Norman. Cornett spoke here and said Norman benifits from what's happening in downtown OKC(rolly eyes)
Anyway, grew up in MWC, mom lives NW OKC- I'm qualified, and really am truely bummed out about the Bricktown Blues Fest. Used to very much look forward to it, but it's not valued anymore for some reason.

[David]

ACM@UCO to Present Bandshell Stage Featuring Wanda Jackson at 'OKCFEST'

ACM@UCO TO PRESENT BANDSHELL STAGE FEATURING WANDA JACKSON AT ‘OKCFEST’

The Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma (ACM@UCO) will present a stage with headlining act Wanda Jackson at the first-annual OKCFEST, Oklahoma’s premier outdoor music festival, June 27–29 in downtown Oklahoma City at the cross section of S. Robinson Ave. and W. Reno Ave. in the Myriad Gardens.

The OKCFEST main stage will feature notable country music headlining acts including Dierks Bentley, Merle Haggard, Lady Antebellum, Scotty McCreery, and Randy Rogers Band, among others.

While access to the main stage performances requires a ticket, OKCFEST will include free access to other stages featuring a variety of local musicians, like the ACM@UCO Bandshell Stage, Saturday, June 28. Bands comprised of ACM@UCO students and graduates will perform starting at noon leading up to the headlining act, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Wanda Jackson.

The band lineup includes Air Line Road at noon, The Broken Okies at 1 p.m., Jennifay Joy and Diamond Grit at 2 p.m., Mountain Smoke at 3 p.m., Carter Beckworth at 4 p.m., The Hideouts at 5 p.m., Aaron Pierce at 6 p.m. and Wanda Jackson at 7 p.m.

The ACM@UCO Bandshell Stage is located in the Myriad Gardens between Sheridan and Reno avenues.

ACM@UCO-affiliated acts will perform in the Cox Tent located in the Myriad Gardens at Robinson Ave., just west of The Ice House June 27-28. Acts include Kaitlin Butts, Chase Kerby, Mike Hosty, Green Corn Revival, and Graham Colton, among others.

“ACM@UCO is thrilled to be a part of the first-ever OKCFEST and to present the ACM@UCO Bandshell Stage. Being able to perform in the festival setting with heritage artists such as Wanda Jackson and Byron Berline is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students,” said Scott Booker, CEO of ACM@UCO.

“We are also glad to help out with booking local talent for the Bandshell Stage and Cox Tent to provide local cutting-edge artists with the opportunity to get involved in the festival.”

[AP]

The Queen of Rockabilly.

[warreng88]

OKC always claims Norman. Cornett spoke here and said Norman benifits from what's happening in downtown OKC(rolly eyes)
Anyway, grew up in MWC, mom lives NW OKC- I'm qualified, and really am truely bummed out about the Bricktown Blues Fest. Used to very much look forward to it, but it's not valued anymore for some reason.

So, you don't think Norman benefits from what is happening in DT OKC?

[Stan Silliman]

Something more like this?
Center of the Universe Festival - 2014 Main Stage Bands Announced

80,000 people went last year. It was a good time.

Philip Kaiser? Related to George Kaiser?

[Stan Silliman]

I think the ones that are upset is the millenials, like myself. Okc professes to trying to change and be this cultural place. Then they go off and pull a music festival like this. That's not cultural, nor is it appealing to the millenials they are trying to move here. It's the exact opposite. Okc wants to be seen as this new hip city. Bad way of doing it. Mick needs to step aside and let the younger crowd pick the musicians. I linked what most in my generation see as a great music festival.

If okc is trying to aspire and be like ACL, they did it all wrong. Just frustrated to see okcfestival 2014 and click to see it's just like a state fair concert event.

Oklahoma City already hosts a Deep Deuce Blues Festival which is a pretty cool thing.

Norman has a Jazz in June and a 4 day Norman Music Fest, which features a lot of Gen X bands so the area gets coverage.
Nothing wrong with a C-W fest, also. It's not like having a C-W music fest precludes OKC from also having a separate event
which features younger and more current music.

[Swake]

Philip Kaiser? Related to George Kaiser?

It's his son.

Funny fact, Tim Blake Nelson, from O' Brother Where Art Thou? is George Kaiser's nephew.