A hometown return, a rain date for a rising R&B star, an a cappella reality TV judge, and a living guitar legend are among the best concerts happening in Oklahoma in the next week. Oh, and plan on being tempted to spend a good chunk of your week in Norman; Opolis has not only The Growlers coming through town, but July Talk, Bear’s Den and The Melvins, too. Hard decisions abound, but here’s a guide to make it a little easier.
Midtown Songwriter Series with Kyle Reid, Levi Parham, and Rachel Brashear
Friday, June 12
City Pres | Oklahoma City
Tyler Hopkins has put together great lineup after great lineup for the Midtown Songwriter Series, highlighting the best musicians and smartest songwriters the state has to offer in City Presbyterian’s beautiful cathedral setting. This one is no different, with OK-approved Rachel Brashear, Levi Parham and jazz-swingin’ Kyle Reid.
sun riah with Calabar
Friday, June 12
Guestroom Records | Norman
We premiered a new single from the experimental songwriter last month, and now the album it was culled from is being celebrated with a free release show at Oklahoma’s favorite record shop. The harp has seriously never been cooler.
Sardashhh with Classic Nolan Ryan and Askanse
Friday, June 12
Blue Note Lounge | Oklahoma City
Even a year ago, having one of Oklahoma’s DIY electronic acts headlining a room like Blue Note Lounge seemed like a pipe dream. But it’s happening now, a testament to the work the community has put in (and just how damn good all of them are).
Other Lives with Riothorse Royale and Dark Rooms
Saturday, June 13
Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa
It was easy to take for granted the regular Sooner State performances Stillwater products Other Lives put on even as they ascended into the national spotlight. Now that they’ve relocated to the Pacific Northwest, this is our first chance to catch these native sons since they’ve transformed from Prairie Gothic folk rockers to heady, electronic-influenced maestros.
The Growlers with Yoko & the Oh Nos
Saturday, June 13
Opolis | Norman
If you like your frayed garage rock soulful and sweaty, you can do no better than California exports The Growlers, who just recently had BRONCHO on board as opening support for a string of dates through the U.S.
Post Malone with Josh Sallee
Saturday, June 13
Kamp’s | Oklahoma City
Post Malone — making up for a stormed-out May 9 date — has attained internet fame on the strength of his breakout single “White Iverson,” a track we now all know refers to Matthew Dellavedova.
Ben Folds
Sunday, June 14
Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa
Oklahoma was pretty much the music video for “Brick” through the month of May.
Tedeschi Trucks Band with Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings
Wednesday, June 17
Zoo Amphitheatre | Oklahoma City
There are as many Derek Trucks guitar solo compilations as Michael Jordan dunk highlight videos on YouTube. Dude can play. (And Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings are one of the best live acts of the past decade.)
