Before I had kids, I had no idea that the irrestible urge to rock out was genetic. But then my two children burst upon the scene, and, from their earliest days, a great tune would always bring out the boogie in their booty. They would dance to everything from Top 40 to classic rock to disco—even to TV commericals if the urge hit them. My daughter's first concert was an outdoor performance of K.C. and the Sunshine Band at Frontier City at the tender age of 18 months. Want to guess what she did the entire time? Stood on our blanket with a sippie cup in her hand and grooved to the music for nearly the entire show—and then fell asleep the as soon as she hit her carseat on the way home.
The good news is that summer in the OKC metro is the perfect time to expose your children to music of all styles and types—not to mention introducing them to the thrill of live music and giving them an appreciation for the talent and dedication of local musicans. There are six different concert series taking place across the metro right now and here's the best part—they are all free! Plus, if you are looking for a great, cheap date night (or a fun evening out with the girls), you can also catch live music at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art's Cocktails on the Skyline events on Thursday evenings through October.
Since we are Normanites, we have spent many fun evenings enjoing the Summer Breeze Concert Series at Lions and Andrews Parks. The concerts are held on select Sunday evenings and are a great way to end a busy week—just take a blanket or lawn chairs, some snacks and sit back for an evening of fun, free entertainment. Our dog Max has even been known to join us in the park for a show or two, though he has yet to showcase his dancing skills…so perhaps he is the single member of our family witbout a dancing gene.
For each of the major concert series, upcoming performances include:
- Summer Breeze Concert Series at Lions Park and Andrews Park in Norman provides live music in an outdoor setting on Sunday evenings June through September. 7:30pm. 307-9320, www.pasnorman.org.
Upcoming performances include:
- August 5: The Bel Airs
- August 26: The David Mayfield Parade
- September 9: The Trishas
- Concerts in the Park at Hafer Park in Edmond feature live music weekly from June 7-August 16. Thursdays, 7:15pm. For more information, call 359-4630 or visit www.edmondok.com/parks/rec.
Upcoming performances include:
- August 2: TJ Rhea & The Steamrollers (Elvis Tribute Band)
- August 9: Roland Bowling Band (Blues)
- August 16: Zero 2 Sixty (Classic Rock)
- Midwest City Concerts in the Park offer FREE music entertainment in the center of Joe B. Barnes Regional Park. The concerts are free and open to the public. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and coolers and come have a great evening listening to local perfomers. The concerts are held at 7 p.m. Thursday evenings June 7 through August 2. For more information visit www.midwestcityok.org.
Upcoming performances include:
- August 2: The Roland Bowling Band
- Arts Council of Oklahoma City Twilight Concert Series—Enjoy a concert every Sunday on the newly renovated Grand Lawn at the Myriad Gardens. These FREE concerts begin June 3 and run through August 26. Show time is 7 p.m. Bring your family and a picnic and enjoy the great music. For more information visit www.artscouncilokc.com.
Upcoming performances include:
- July 29: Justin Joslin/Handsome Devils (Indie/Americana/Folk)
- August 5: Son del Barrio (Salsa/Merengue)
- August 12: Allie Laruen (Jazz/Pop)
- August 19: Lemma (Alternative Rock)
- August 26: Smilin' Vic and the Soul Monkeys (Old School Classics)
- Yukon Concerts in the Park at Chisholm Trail Park (500 W Vandament, Yukon) offers different types of music each week including country, jazz, classic rock, patriotic, classical and pop. Held each Thursday through August 16 (except July 5). 7-9pm. www.cityofyukonok.gov.
Upcoming performances include:
- August 2: The Wise Guys (Rock, Classics, Pop)
- August 9: Champ Devere (Rockin' Country)
- August 14 (Tuesday): Battle of the Bands/Yukon High School Yu-Can Coalition (Hard Rock)
- August 18 (Saturday): Puppy Palooza (Variety concert and pet information booths)
- FREE Lower Bricktown Live Summer Concert Series in front of the fountain just South of Mickey Mantel Blvd and Reno each Thursday evening during the Summer May 31 through August 16. 7:30-9:30pm. www.lowerbricktown.com.
Upcoming performances include:
- August 2: Horse Thief
- August 9: Daniel Walcher
- August 16: The Damn Quails
And for your upcoming date night/Moms Night Outs:
- Cocktails on the Skyline at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr, OKC) features a full bar, complimentary chips and salsa as well as the beautiful ambiance and incomparable view of the Oklahoma City Skyline. See website for weather updates. FREE for members, $5 for nonmembers. Includes admission to the galleries. The Roof Terrace opens at 5-10:30pm on Thursdays May through October. Galleries close at 9pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com.
Upcoming performances include:
- August 2: Music Maker
- August 9: Born In November
- August 16: Local Honey
- August 23: Born In November
- August 30: Music Maker
- September 6: Miss Blues
- September 13: Born In November
- September 20: Justin Young
- September 27: Born In November
- October 4: Susan Herndon
- October 11: Born In November
So go on and get your groove on!
Brooke
