Okcfest 2014

[bchris02]

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.

Completely agree.

There is actually nothing wrong with having a festival like this. One of Charlotte's largest festivals is Speedstreet, which celebrates NASCAR. However, they also have a decent live music/concert scene and other festivals geared towards the younger generation. They have a wide variety of cultural events and if you don't like country music, you can very easily avoid it. It's not so easy here. OKC's music scene is terrible for a city this size unless you like, you guessed it, country music.

[trousers]

So you guys are upset that a music festival organized by a mayor and a rich guy isn't hip...gotcha.

[Jeepnokc]

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.

So, if the event doesn't cater to your taste, then we are not cultural or it is just another state fair event? There is a reason that Baskin Robbins has 31 flavors. There is a reason country music sells out concerts at the peake the same way that other music genres do. If you don't like country, don't go. These are not exactly state fair bands. Lady Antebellum was the headline at BOK last month and is a 7 time Grammy winner. Dierks Bentley has had 10 #1 hits and was nominated for a grammy in 2013. Kix Brooks started back his solo career in 2012 but before that he was half of Brooks and Dunn which has sold more than 30 million records and won more CMA and ACM awards than any other person/group in country music history. Merle is Merle and noting more needs to be said.

[coov23]

So, if the event doesn't cater to your taste, then we are not cultural or it is just another state fair event? There is a reason that Baskin Robbins has 31 flavors. There is a reason country music sells out concerts at the peake the same way that other music genres do. If you don't like country, don't go. These are not exactly state fair bands. Lady Antebellum was the headline at BOK last month and is a 7 time Grammy winner. Dierks Bentley has had 10 #1 hits and was nominated for a grammy in 2013. Kix Brooks started back his solo career in 2012 but before that he was half of Brooks and Dunn which has sold more than 30 million records and won more CMA and ACM awards than any other person/group in country music history. Merle is Merle and noting more needs to be said.

Missed the point completely. Country is just fine. Why not have The Black Keys, Macklemore, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley and a Weezer type band be the headliners. Mix different genres like ACL does, and every other music festival? Nothing wrong with that. That is my point. Plus, it's much more appealing to the masses.

Disclaimer: I just spit balled bands off the top of my head in different genres. Not saying id want to see them.

[bradh]

Agree. This likely won't be appealing to those who don't like country or redneck culture, but it fits OKC like a glove and will be great for downtown business.

Man come the hell on, you are one of the worst when it comes to cramming everything into a stereotype.

[bradh]

Coov your first post here just soundse typical east coast snobbery, "uh why isn't here more accommodating to what everyone else likes" type dribble. You are complaining that people here don't open up to other genres. Here is a thought, why don't you open up to what's been popular here and give it a shot? I love your most recent post though, a mix of different Genres would be great, I say give it some time, we'll get there.

[DavidD_NorthOKC]

Missed the point completely. Country is just fine. Why not have The Black Keys, Macklemore, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley and a Weezer type band be the headliners. Mix different genres like ACL does, and every other music festival? Nothing wrong with that. That is my point. Plus, it's much more appealing to the masses.

Disclaimer: I just spit balled bands off the top of my head in different genres. Not saying id want to see them.

Give it time maybe? This is just the first year and going with well known country artists makes sense to get it established. I can see it evolving into something more like you describe in time.

[coov23]

Coov your first post here just soundse typical east coast snobbery, "uh why isn't here more accommodating to what everyone else likes" type dribble. You are complaining that people here don't open up to other genres. Here is a thought, why don't you open up to what's been popular here and give it a shot? I love your most recent post though, a mix of different Genres would be great, I say give it some time, we'll get there.

Haha! I'm from okc. Born and raised. Waiting for a political comment from you next. I'll save you the typing time by stating I'm a republican. So, there goes your liberal leg you were standing on.

I lived up there for 4 years while I was in the Air Force. I say I'm republican, but I pretty moderate, actually.

[Jim Kyle]

The oak ridge boys started as a country gospel band

True of the group, but several of the individuals began in rock.

[bradh]

Haha! I'm from okc. Born and raised. Waiting for a political comment from you next. I'll save you the typing time by stating I'm a republican. So, there goes your liberal leg you were standing on.

I lived up there for 4 years while I was in the Air Force. I say I'm republican, but I pretty moderate, actually.

Then you and I have more in common probably than what you think

[animeGhost]

I have a problem with them advertising this as an "All Genres" music festival when the only genre advertised is country! There's nothing wrong with country music, not my cup of tee personally but, I digress, its very misleading when the news is comparing this to Bonaroo or ACL. This lineup pales in comparison to those festivals, hell, Tulsa's Center of the Universe Fest and NMF both have better lineups than this. Whats the point of calling it all-genres if your not gonna book one popular act outside of country music. I mean, not even the Flaming Lips, Hinder, AAR, or smaller bands like Horse Thief or Pretty Black Chains and those are just locals. And god forbid there be Hip-hop or Pop music there. Ughh!!! -end rant

[Jeepnokc]

I have a problem with them advertising this as an "All Genres" music festival when the only genre advertised is country! There's nothing wrong with country music, not my cup of tee personally but, I digress, its very misleading when the news is comparing this to Bonaroo or ACL. This lineup pales in comparison to those festivals, hell, Tulsa's Center of the Universe Fest and NMF both have better lineups than this. Whats the point of calling it all-genres if your not gonna book one popular act outside of country music. I mean, not even the Flaming Lips, Hinder, AAR, or smaller bands like Horse Thief or Pretty Black Chains and those are just locals. And god forbid there be Hip-hop or Pop music there. Ughh!!! -end rant

I didn't see it advertised as an all genre event so I missed that part. The article that links on here does state that it will kick off with a jazz musician on the first night and that there will be other stages with other entertainment going on throughout festival so who knows what other bands or genres will be there. I had to go back and look though as it is easy to miss these other comments as it most certainly comes off at face value as an all country event. Hopefully they will get some other genres as not only will it pull more people but will hopefully open other people's mind to toher genres if they wander into one of the areas they weren't there to see.

[ljbab728]

I didn't see it advertised as an all genre event so I missed that part. The article that links on here does state that it will kick off with a jazz musician on the first night and that there will be other stages with other entertainment going on throughout festival so who knows what other bands or genres will be there. I had to go back and look though as it is easy to miss these other comments as it most certainly comes off at face value as an all country event. Hopefully they will get some other genres as not only will it pull more people but will hopefully open other people's mind to toher genres if they wander into one of the areas they weren't there to see.

You're correct. It has not been advertised that way and I think they are starting out by emphasizing what will be sure fire attention getters. It's just not always possible to start a major new event that will be everything for everyone. Give it time people!!!!

[animeGhost]

I didn't see it advertised as an all genre event so I missed that part. The article that links on here does state that it will kick off with a jazz musician on the first night and that there will be other stages with other entertainment going on throughout festival so who knows what other bands or genres will be there. I had to go back and look though as it is easy to miss these other comments as it most certainly comes off at face value as an all country event. Hopefully they will get some other genres as not only will it pull more people but will hopefully open other people's mind to toher genres if they wander into one of the areas they weren't there to see.

It was advertised as all genres by the Mayor on the news this evening. I hope it does turn out to be an awesome festival but, as of now, I am not interested in attending at all. I am a musician and my taste of music varies greatly but, country music (and heavy metal/skreamo) is one of those genres I find difficult to enjoy. I was so excited to hear there was a "big" music festival in the city but this is not what I was expecting, plus I just went to SXSW last month so I may be a bit jaded.

[animeGhost]

You're correct. It has not been advertised that way and I think they are starting out by emphasizing what will be sure fire attention getters. It's just not always possible to start a major new event that will be everything for everyone. Give it time people!!!!

Those acts sure fire attention getters? Maybe for country acts. Here is a lineup with some sure fire attention getters Bonnaroo

[ljbab728]

It was advertised as all genres by the Mayor on the news this evening. I hope it does turn out to be an awesome festival but, as of now, I am not interested in attending at all. I am a musician and my taste of music varies greatly but, country music (and heavy metal/skreamo) is one of those genres I find difficult to enjoy. I was so excited to hear there was a "big" music festival in the city but this is not what I was expecting, plus I just went to SXSW last month so I may be a bit jaded.

There was a link in the initial post with a video with extensive comments by Mayor Cornett. He didn't once say anything about all genres. As I said before this is a first time event. People should give it some time to build into something for everyone.

[Jeepnokc]

Those acts sure fire attention getters? Maybe for country acts. Here is a lineup with some sure fire attention getters Bonnaroo

I have heard of five of those bands. I would be willing to bet that most people in OK are more familiar with the line up here than that line up. Also, they have the previous line up for previous years and look at the first year's line up in 2002. Much much smaller. It has grown over 12 years hopefully much like OKCfest will. As I don't know most of those bands...I can't say how many different genres are involved but I certainly didn't see anything that was a country or red dirt band that I recognized. One again...31 flavors. You don't have to eat the pistachio but apparently enough people like it to keep it out there as an option.

[HangryHippo]

There was a link in the initial post with a video with extensive comments by Mayor Cornett. He didn't once say anything about all genres. As I said before this is a first time event. People should give it some time to build into something for everyone.

Christ, no kidding. The amount of butthurt in this thread over a country lineup is astounding.

[Urbanized]

It will BECOME a multi-genre event in subsequent years, and will also be growing into multi-stage and multi-venue including places like venues in Bricktown. I am confident of this. The reason I'm confident? I've known about the event for a number of months, having been told about it in a meeting by Scott Booker, director of ACM@UCO and manager of the Flaming Lips. Scott said that the plan was to enter the market with a country focus initially and then grow it quickly into a wide-ranging, multi-genre and multi-stage festival comparable to others around the country.

Scott should know, as he was involved in the planning and as Fred Hall is a big supporter of what Scott is doing at ACM. The announcement and lineup is EXACTLY as described in the meeting months ago, including the location of the festival and specific artists like Merle Haggard and Lady Antebellum, so I don't doubt for a second the veracity of the other details he shared. I know that Scott has for many years wanted to see a quality festival take root in OKC (we talked about it at length close to a decade ago), and he was pretty excited about this one when discussing it, so that's good enough for me.

I agree about the name being a little bland; perhaps that is viewed as a placeholder for now.

[bradh]

Those acts sure fire attention getters? Maybe for country acts. Here is a lineup with some sure fire attention getters Bonnaroo

Surefire attention getters to the hipster crowd. People that attend Bonnaroo probably take pride in people NOT knowing who is playing at the festivals they attend, isn't that what they're all about, not mainstream stuff?

[bradh]

It will BECOME a multi-genre event in subsequent years, and will also be growing into multi-stage and multi-venue including places like venues in Bricktown. I am confident of this. The reason I'm confident? I've known about the event for a number of months, having been told about it in a meeting by Scott Booker, director of ACM@UCO and manager of the Flaming Lips. Scott said that the plan was to enter the market with a country focus initially and then grow it quickly into a wide-ranging, multi-genre and multi-stage festival comparable to others around the country.

Scott should know, as he was involved in the planning and as Fred Hall is a big supporter of what Scott is doing at ACM. The announcement and lineup is EXACTLY as described in the meeting months ago, including the location of the festival and specific artists like Merle Haggard and Lady Antebellum, so I don't doubt for a second the veracity of the other details he shared. I know that Scott has for many years wanted to see a quality festival take root in OKC (we talked about it at length close to a decade ago), and he was pretty excited about this one when discussing it, so that's good enough for me.

I agree about the name being a little bland; perhaps that is viewed as a placeholder for now.

Good post with solid information, thanks for the background, sounds exactly like what a few of us figured, something to grab attention initially.

[bchris02]

In OKC, country is by far the most popular genre. While it may not appeal to the young/hipster crowd, starting this festival centered on country and then slowly bringing in other acts is a good way to build a successful festival given the market here. A similar festival with all hipster/indie bands right from the start would more than likely be a flop, unfortunately.

[trousers]

In OKC, country is by far the most popular genre. While it may not appeal to the young/hipster crowd, starting this festival centered on country and then slowly bringing in other acts is a good way to build a successful festival given the market here. A similar festival with all hipster/indie bands right from the start would more than likely be a flop, unfortunately.

The young/hipster crowd? There are plenty of young people that like bad country music. Most of the under 30 crowd I work with listen to this exact kind of music.

But yeah, I don't think they are trying to pretend that they are creating another Bonnaroo, Sasquatch or even a Forecastle. Hopefully the lineup improves each year, but until then I'll go to NMF and just be happy they are trying something.

[jccouger]

It will BECOME a multi-genre event in subsequent years, and will also be growing into multi-stage and multi-venue including places like venues in Bricktown. I am confident of this. The reason I'm confident? I've known about the event for a number of months, having been told about it in a meeting by Scott Booker, director of ACM@UCO and manager of the Flaming Lips. Scott said that the plan was to enter the market with a country focus initially and then grow it quickly into a wide-ranging, multi-genre and multi-stage festival comparable to others around the country.

Scott should know, as he was involved in the planning and as Fred Hall is a big supporter of what Scott is doing at ACM. The announcement and lineup is EXACTLY as described in the meeting months ago, including the location of the festival and specific artists like Merle Haggard and Lady Antebellum, so I don't doubt for a second the veracity of the other details he shared. I know that Scott has for many years wanted to see a quality festival take root in OKC (we talked about it at length close to a decade ago), and he was pretty excited about this one when discussing it, so that's good enough for me.

I agree about the name being a little bland; perhaps that is viewed as a placeholder for now.

This is good news. I was bummed, like most, that we were getting a festival named "OKCfest" that is 100% country like that is the only music genre connotation our city has. Seriously, how can they name it after our entire city and then make it nothing but country? I hate to be BChris, but this is how negative stereotypes are born. And yes I know not all people who listen to country are rednecks, but all rednecks listen to is country.

I attend music festivals all over our country, and I will not be attending this one with a lineup like this. However, as many have said before me I'm sure it will bring in a lot of money for OKC so I'm ok with it.

[warreng88]

One thing to note is in the interview, Hall said 95% of the people hired to put this on are from OKC area and all proceeds will go back into the community. That's kind of a big deal for an event of this size. I would assume a lot of that has to do with ACM@UCO.