The Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) is proud to sponsor the 21st annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival (WoodyFest) in Woody’s hometown of Okemah, Oklahoma. Kicking off Wednesday, July 11, this four-day event will feature over 100 performing artists on five stages along with several family-friendly events throughout the weekend in honor of the late folk hero.
The 2018 festival will feature an all-star lineup, including Guthrie family members and legendary folk artists such as David Amram, Willie Watson, Jason Mraz, the Red Dirt Rangers, Turnpike Troubadours, Sam Baker, John Fullbright, Opal Agafia & the Sweet Nothings, Johnny Irion, Randy Crouch and more. The festival will commence with a special performance by Joel Rafael with John Trudell’s Bad Dog band at Okemah’s Crystal Theatre.
OF+MO will sponsor the third annual WoodyFest Songwriting Workshop hosted by Ellis Paul, a veteran WoodyFest performer and seasoned singer/songwriter and folk musician. The workshop will take place at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, located at 202 N. 3rd St., from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 14. This event will focus on how to better capture great ideas for songs and turn them into a three minute journey, as well as the importance of song editing that will engage the listener in a meaningfully powerful experience. Paul has recorded 20 albums, written 1,000 songs and played 5,000 shows in his 30-year career. His songs have been recorded by Grammy-winning artists and have appeared in several blockbuster films. This workshop is free and open to the public, but advanced registration is required.
In addition to the performances and Songwriting Workshop, attendees can enjoy poetry readings by the Woody Guthrie poets, a presentation titled “Collecting Woody” by archivist Barry Ollman and “The Unbroken Circle: Songs of the West Virginia Coalfields with Tom Breiding. Children’s programming will also be offered with concerts featuring Serena Guthrie and the Guthrie Family, along with a “Woody’s Kids” songwriting workshop with Lauren Lee.
“WoodyFest not only draws some of the best talent in folk and Americana today, but as one of the longest running festivals in the state, it draws a familiar crowd of folk music lovers, Woody Guthrie aficionados and friends that have been attending since the beginning, making it a truly special experience,” said Deputy Director of OF+MO Lindsey Flowers.
For a complete schedule of events and to purchase passes and tickets or to register for the Songwriting Workshop, visit woodyfest.com.
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About the Oklahoma Film + Music Office:
Created in 1979, The Oklahoma Film + Music Office strives to share all that Oklahoma has to offer by welcoming filmmakers and music professionals to the state and by creating a network of support to develop Oklahoma’s film and music industries. For more information about the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program or the Oklahoma Film + Music Office please visit okfilmmusic.org.
