Folk musician Ellis Paul is interested in how Oklahoma and various regions across the United States approach songwriting.
Charlie Christian
Posted inMusic
The Dictators NYC brings proto-punk history to Blue Note Lounge
Members of legendary punk group The Dictators bring their nearly complete act to OKC.
Posted inMusic
Brother duo Disclosure comes to The Criterion
UK duo Disclosure’s first album, Settle, debuted in 2013 to near universal acclaim.
Posted inMusic
Jazz icon Charlie Christian’s legacy extends beyond OKC
Great jazz musicians possess the nerve and skill to improvise beyond written notes on a page, becoming bare for criticism or praise with each newly formed measure.
Posted inArts & Culture
Preview: The impact and influence of OKC jazz great Charlie Christian
In the Sept. 3 issue of Oklahoma Gazette, we reveal the history — and modern influence — of OKC jazz great Charlie Christian. Here, read a Q&A with Christian’s second cousin, Freddy Jenkins.
Posted inArts & Culture
Brace for ‘Impact’
As a retired teacher, Stephney-Roberson knows firsthand how difficult it is to obtain material about Oklahoma’s black history. “During my years of teaching, I tried to find tools to use, but it was a topic that we were unable to acquire much information on,” she said. Impact highlights the men and women who played pivotal […]
Posted inMusic
Charlie’s sheen
In the past 26 years, the Charlie Christian International Music Festival has grown a great deal. “It was a grassroots party, if you will,” said Anita Arnold, executive director of festival sponsor Black Liberated Arts Center. “You could even call it a block party.” Named for the Oklahoma City-raised, influential swing and jazz guitarist Charlie […]