The indie scene has largely gone on a concert freeze this week, presumably because of Center of the Universe Festival taking over Tulsa … even though the COTU bill is lacking in that department compared to years past. That said, there’s still some solid local artist showcases, the post-NMF return of Johnny Polygon, and Paul Wall (!?) in this week’s roundup of the best concerts coming through Oklahoma.
The Nghiems with Jose Hernandez and The Black Magic Waters
Thursday, July 23
51st Street Speakeasy | Oklahoma City
The Nghiems have steadily chugged along in 2015 after a couple years of relative silence. Hopefully that means some new bubbly indie-folk tunes like “Dum Dum Dah Dah” will come along sooner rather than later.
Center of the Universe Festival featuring Panic! at the Disco, Tycho, Bear Hands & more
Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25
Brady Arts District | Tulsa
This year’s COTU lineup has been hotly debated from its announcement. But aside from the divisive alt-rock radio likes of Panic! at the Disco, Misterwives, American Authors, Kongos and the curiously booked Three Days Grace, there’s still fun little acts like Minus the Bear, Bear Hands and Jr. Jr. (R.I.P. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.). Plus, god damn, Tycho.
The Copperheads with Gum and Trap Queen
Friday, July 24
Blue Note Lounge | Oklahoma City
God bless any unsuspecting simpleton attending this show thinking they’re about to catch Fetty Wap, only to get sucker punched with this vicious punk rock bill instead.
Subseven with Good Culture and The Notionaries
Friday, July 24
ACM@UCO Performance Lab | Oklahoma City
10 years after breaking up, Weatherford punk-rock-meets-screamo act Subseven is reuniting for a special one-off show. This one’s for everyone wanting to remember their angsty teenage years without attending that impending high school reunion.
The Damn Quails
Friday, July 24
Grady’s 66 Pub | Yukon
One of the more palatable selections from an otherwise pretty disgusting Sound of Oklahoma playlist that Spotify put together has a show in Yukon this Friday. So put your money where your free, streaming mouth is and hear it in person.
Bun B with Lil Keke and Paul Wall
Friday, July 24
Farmers Public Market | Oklahoma City
Motherfucking Houston in the house, y’all.
Johnny Polygon with Alex Wiley
Saturday, July 25
51st Street Speakeasy | Oklahoma City
Johnny Polygon is fresh off a pretty triumphant performance on the Main Stage at Norman Music Festival. Now he’s bringing talented Chicago emcee Alex Wiley (who’s collaborated with Oklahoma City’s own Blev on a number of his beats) along for this free gig for hip-hop fans on a budget.
Forever Came Calling with You, Me and Everyone We Know and more
Wednesday, July 29
89th Street Collective | Oklahoma City
Emo-pop and 89th Street Collective go together like douchebags and Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill.
