Entertainment blogging from The Oklahoman's Brandy McDonnell

Joe McBride, Najee, Kirk Whalum and more to play 2013 Charlie Christian International Music Festiva

The 2013 Charlie Christian International Music Festival will feature national artists Joe McBride, Najee, and Kirk Whalum in concert June 7-8 at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

They will be joined by All Funk Radio Show from Dallas, Texas, and Grady Nichols from Tulsa. Also featured in the line up are Matt Stansberry & The Romance and the Robert Banks & Classic Edge.

Gates open at 6 p.m. Friday, June 7,  and the show starts at 7 p.m. On Saturday, June 8, gates open at 3:30 p.m. and the final concert of the week begins 4:30 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased online at www.charliechristianmusicfestival.com or www.okcredhawks.com. For more information, call Black Liberated Arts Center, Inc. at (405) 524-3800.

According to Mark Temple, festival chairman, tickets may be purchased at the following community outlets: Charlie’s Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Store, Hopkins HairCare and Learning Tree Toys and Books.

The festival runs June 4-8 and has three free events associated with it. The opening event, “Ralph Ellison Understood Through Charlie Christian,” will be at 7 p.m. June 4 at the Oklahoma History Center. Music will be provided by TaylorMadeJazz. This event is free and funded in part by the Oklahoma Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Other funding is provided by the Oklahoma Arts Council, Friends of the Oklahoma City/County Historical Society Archives, Friends of the Oklahoma City/County Historical Society and BancFirst.

June 5 is the date for the Jam Session at Woody’s Sport Bar and Grill at 7 p.m. Musicians are admitted free, everybody else pays $5.

The Battle of the Bands between Shortt Dogg and the 411 Band takes place on June 6 in Lower Bricktown, on the Lower Bricktown Plaza and is presented by Chevy Music Showcase.

Deep Deuce’s Urban Roots is the place on Saturday, June 7 for a delicious brunch from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. with music by “Miss Muffy” & Friends and stories of Deep Deuce told by Anita Arnold, author, “Oklahoma City Music: Deep Deuce and Beyond. This family-friendly event will feature arts and crafts vendors.

For more information, go to www.charliechristianmusicfestival.com.

-BAM

Musician and performance lineup announced for 2013 Paseo Arts Festival

The Paseo Arts Association has announced the music and performance lineup for the 2013 Paseo Arts Festival, set for May 25-27 in the historic Paseo Arts District.

Musicians and other performers featured at the festival will perform on one of two stages: the North Stage—near Picasso Café—or the South Stage—in the middle of Paseo Drive, near NW 28 Street. The North Stage, curated by Casey Friedman of Acoustic Oklahoma, features singer-songwriters and acoustic performers of all stripes, while the South Stage features high-energy, louder musicians and some of the event’s most popular returning acts, such as perennial Festival opening act Tarpley’s Tappers (Saturday, noon, South Stage) and Edgar Cruz (Monday, 4 p.m., South Stage)

Music committee chair Amy Young and Casey Friedman have worked since January to curate a strong, diverse group of performers, encompassing every genre from country, blues, and folk to rock, electronic music, and much more.

“This festival, even though it’s smaller than some, truly captures and celebrates the local Oklahoma music flavor.” Friedman said in a news release. “I think we’ve gathered some of the best, most talented, hardest-working musicians in the metro area. I’m really proud of the lineup we have.”

Among the acts she is most excited to see, Young lists Sunday headliners Pidgin Band (Sunday, 9:30 p.m., South Stage), who describe their sound as “experimental Afro-Funk,” and who Young said will “put on a high-energy show that will really get people moving.”

Beau Jennings (Sunday, 5 p.m., North Stage) is another musician that Young mentions. Previously headlining the Brooklyn-based band Cheyenne, Jennings has now made a home in Oklahoma, and has recently filmed a documentary on Will Rogers.

On the North Stage, Casey Friedman is looking forward to a performance by Bat-or Kalo. Kalo is best known in her native Israel, where she became well-known as a child star. She has been in and out of Oklahoma since 2005, and Friedman looks forward to her bringing an international aspect to the roster. Friedman also looks forward to performances by new rising local star Josh Qualls. (Saturday, 7 p.m., North Stage)

The musicians described above are only a few of the 57 acts booked for The Paseo Arts Festival, which will take place on Memorial Day weekend in the Paseo Arts District, Oklahoma City’s distinctive arts community. The Paseo Arts District is located between NW 30 and 27 Streets and Walker and Hudson Avenue.

For more information, go to www.thepaseo.com.

See the full live entertainment schedule after the break.

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Stoney LaRue, Randy Rogers Band, Wade Bowen and more to raise funds for West, Texas, at Texas Thunder

In response to the recent tragedy in West, Texas, Texas Thunder festival organizers have teamed up with red dirt and Texas country musicians to support the West, Texas, community.

The Texas Thunder music festival, running Friday-Sunday in Gardendale, Texas, will feature Oklahoma-bred Stoney LaRue, Texans The Randy Rogers Band, Wade Bowen, Casey Donahew Band, Josh Abbott Band and many more and will raise funds for those affected by the recent tragic explosion.

“For 13 years now our band has been traveling I-35 and stopping in West, Texas, along the way to sample the good food,” said Randy Rogers in a news release. “It’s become a staple on our tour. Now it’s time for us to give back.”

“We are disheartened by the tragedy in West, Texas. Texans are passionate about their communities and upon hearing of this tragedy, the Texas music community reached out to lend a helping hand,” says event organizer Brian Andrews in the release. “100 percent of net proceeds from the Texas Thunder music festival will benefit the schools and first-responders of West, Texas.”

Texas Thunder presents an all-star, all-Texas line-up, with both musicians and fans coming together to help bring support to those who need it most. For more information, go to www.texasthunderfest.com.

-BAM

What to do in Oklahoma on May 16, 2013: Hear Parmalee at the Wormy Dog

Today's featured event:

Hear emerging country band Parmalee at 9:30 tonight at the Wormy Dog Saloon, 311 E Sheridan. Doors open at 6 p.m.

The North Carolina outfit has already earned two consecutive Top 40 Country radio hits, including its debut single, “Musta Had A Good Time,” and “Carolina.”

The family band comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas (lead vocals/ guitar and drums, respectively), cousin Barry Knox (bass) and lifelong best friend Josh McSwain (guitar). Influenced by such musical heavyweights as the Allman Brothers, Travis Tritt and Bob Seger, the band’s name is derived from the small town of Parmele, N.C., (population 262), which is home to a gas station, two blinking yellow lights and a small tin-roofed barn dubbed Studio B, where the band practiced on every given evening.

Parmalee was handpicked by Southwest Airlines as the first act to perform for the 2013 season on its Southwest Airlines "Travelin’ Taylor Tour," sponsored by Taylor Guitars. On Monday, the band performed on its Taylor Guitars for passengers at 35,000 feet in midair on a direct flight from Nashville, Tenn., to Houston, Texas.

For more information on the OKC show, go to www.wormydog.com.

For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.

-BAM

Wednesday Video Spotlight: Driving with Serge Ibaka – The Thunder take on Memphis in Game 5 tonight in Oklahoma City

It’s do-or-die Thunder up time tonight at The ‘Peake!

The Oklahoma City Thunder takes on Memphis Grizzlies in Game 5 of their Western Conference playoffs series. The Grizzlies lead the series 3-1, so our hometown boys in blue must win tonight or end their season.

To help you Thunder up, cruise with power forward Serge Ibaka to Chesapeake Energy Arena. We need Serge in the zone and playing at peak form tonight!

The game tips off at 8:30 tonight at The ‘Peake, 100 W Reno. It will air on TNT.

For extra Thunder pride, check out my excellent colleague Jennifer Palmer’s feature on the making of the complimentary T-shirts the Thunder home crowds have become so famous for during the playoffs by clicking here.

-BAM

Wednesday Video Spotlight: One-time screening of Paul McCartney and Wings concert film “Rockshow” Thursday night at Harkins Bricktown

A special one-time screening of “Rockshow” — a concert film starring Paul McCartney and Wings on their 1975-76 “Wings Over the World” tour — will be presented at 7 p.m. Thursday at Harkins Bricktown Cinema 16, 150 E Reno Ave.

SpectiCast, in association with Eagle Rock Entertainment, is premiering the film in theaters in the U.K. on Wednesday and worldwide on Thursday.

Although filmed on the tour in 1976 at the enormous Kingdome in Seattle, “Rockshow,” originally a cutdown version of the concert, was not premiered until November 1980 in New York and April 1981 in London.

The film will be shown at nearly 1,000 theaters in more than 700 cities worldwide, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Cape Town, South Africa, Sydney, Rome, Warsaw, Poland, and many other cities across the U.S., Mexico, Asia, Europe and South America. These special theatrical presentations will include a bonus 12-minute interview with McCartney, according to a news release.

The demand that greeted Paul McCartney and Wings (Linda McCartney, Joe English, Denny Laine and Jimmy McCulloch) in the spring of 1976 as they embarked on what would become their only North American tour was overwhelming.

Having released four consecutive chart-busting albums including “Red Rose Speedway, “Band on the Run,” “Venus and Mars” and “Wings at the Speed of Sound” — not to mention 1973′s Academy Award-winning James Bond theme “Live and Let Die” — McCartney’s solo career was in full flight, having not performed in the States for 10 years, either solo or with The Beatles.

Tickets for “Rockshow” are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.rockshowonscreen.com.

McCartney will bring his “Out There” Tour to Tulsa for a two-night stand May 29-30 at the BOK Center. For more information, go to www.bokcenter.com.

-BAM

Wednesday Video Spotlight: Skating Polly “Lost Wonderfuls”

Delo Creative produced this video for the title track of Skating Polly’s new album, “Lost Wonderfuls,” which was produced by Exene Cervenka of Los Angeles punk rock band X and mixed by Kliph Scurlock of The Flaming Lips.

“Lost Wonderfuls” is the title track to the recently released sophomore album from Skating Polly, the Edmond punk-rock-pop duo of stepsisters Kelli Mayo, 13, and Peyton Bighorse, 17.

The video debuted on our own NewsOK.

-BAM

Wednesday Video Spotlight: Gretchen Wilson to kick off Newcastle Casino Outdoor Concert Series Thursday

NEWCASTLE – On Thursday night, country singer Gretchen Wilson will kick off the the third annual Outdoor Concert Series at Newcastle Casino, I-44 and Highway 62.

Newcastle Casino’s Outdoor Concert Series is open to the public, takes place in the casino’s north parking lot and admission is free.

Ryan Sykes, Newcastle Casino’s general manager, said the festival is a chance to give back to the community and its employees.

“We are thrilled to host our third annual Outdoor Concert Series,” Sykes said in a news release. “This is a chance to show our appreciation for the local community. A concert is a great way to spend an evening outdoors listening to great music and enjoying food and friends.”

This year’s concert series will be the casino’s largest yet, Jennifer Cross, Newcastle Casino’s marketing manager added in the release. She said the concert series is a community event that locals look forward to all year.

Along with Wilson, this year’s lineup will include Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Joe Nichols, Bellamy Brothers and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.

Food and refreshment vendors will be on site, and for-purchase options will include selections from the casino’s restaurants, Stone House Pizzeria and Blackjack Grill, as well as La Luna’s taco truck. Other retailers will be setup to provide the full concert experience. Outside food and drink will be prohibited. Attendees older than 18 will receive rewards play redeemable in the casino.

Wilson, 39, last month released a new country album, “Right On Time”; check out the video for the first single, “Still Rollin’.”  is an album of new material and includes the single ‘Still Rollin’.”

The country singer recently told Yahoo! Music she plans to release two more albums this year: a collection of rock cover songs called “Under the Covers,” due out this summer, and a Christmas album.

The Illinois native has notched 13 singles on the Billboard Country charts, of which five have reached Top 10: the No. 1 hit “Redneck Woman,” as well as “Here for the Party,” “When I Think About Cheatin’,” “Homewrecker” and “All Jacked Up.”

For more information on the Newcastle Casino, go to MyNewcastleCasino.com. The Outdoor Concert Series concert schedule:

Thursday, May 16- Gretchen Wilson

Thursday, June 6- Creedence Clearwater Revisited (CCR)

Thursday, July 18- Joe Nichols

Saturday, Aug. 24- Bellamy Brothers

Thursday, Sept. 26- Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Sunday, Oct. 13- EXIT 107 LIVE Family Music Festival

-BAM

Wednesday Video Spotlight: Blake Shelton, The Swon Brothers and the rest of Team Blake, “Play Something Country”

Check out this video of Oklahoma country music superstar Blake Shelton and his all-country team – Muskogee duo The Swon Brothers, 16-year-old Texan Danielle Bradbury and Baylor University student Holly Tucker – performing the Brooks & Dunn hit “Play Something Country” on Tuesday’s episode of “The Voice.”

Okies Zach and Colton Swon, who are the first duo to make it to “The Voice” live rounds, lead off on this fun group performance.

As previously reported, it was another elimination episode Tuesday night, but all three members of Team Blake got enough public votes to stay in the competition.

“Congratulations #TeamBlake… Well done my friends… Well done.” Shelton quickly posted on Twitter (@blakeshelton).

As the finalists were whittled from the Top 12 to the Top 10 tonight, the two lowest vote-getters were eliminated: Garrett Gardner from Team Shakira and Vedo from Team Usher.

“The Voice” live playoffs continue at 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday on NBC.

Here is your “The Voice” Season 4 Top 10:

Team Blake: The Swon Brothers, Danielle Bradbury, Holly Tucker.

Team Adam: Judith Hill, Amber Carrington, Sarah Simmons.

Team Shakira: Kris Thomas, Sasha Allen.

Team Usher: Josiah Hawley, Michelle Chamuel.

-BAM

Wednesday Video Spotlight: Pistol Annies perform “Unhappily Married” on “Craig Ferguson,” playing live streaming show tonight

Pistol Annies, the country music trio comprised of Tishomingo resident Miranda Lambert and singer-songwriter pals Angaleena Presley and Ashley Monroe, performed the television debut of their song “Unhappily Married,” Tuesday night on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.”

“Unhappily Married” is a darkly funny track off the group’s second album, “Annie Up.”

The Annies are continuing their media blitz in support of their sophomore release at 9 tonight with a live streaming show. Yahoo! Music will live stream the group’s one-hour concert as part of its “Ram Country Live!,” a series of exclusive special music events accessible to millions of viewers on Yahoo!

Find the player for tonight’s concert embedded after the break; it will go live at showtime.

Speaking of showtime, the Pistol Annies will play June 13 at First Council Casino in Newkirk and June 14 at Lucky Star Casino in Concho. For tickets and information, go to www.ticketstorm.com.

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