(Featured photo: Thundercat at Cains Ballroom in November 2021 – Courtesy Photo)
Rolling Loud, Lollapalooza, live music is beginning to resurface after the long years of Covid lurking in society.
In Oklahoma, it’s not often that big names in music make a pitstop on this side of the Midwest.
It’s routine for artists to skip over and head to Texas or Kansas.
Luckily, this year, there are more artists coming through that have the OKC population intrigued and have people thirsting for a normal concert experience.
Artists like Megan thee Stallion, Thundercat, Snoop Dogg and even Justin Beiber have recently had their time here in Oklahoma, receiving love from their dear fans and executing solid performances that had the crowds going crazy.
As of this time, there are many more tour dates being lined up for many other artists of all different genres.
O-Trip student Jessica Barfield has a full history of concert experiences in and out of state, which springs from her early passion for music.
Barfield plans to see the band Nothing More as they tour with Asking Alexandria.
With it being metal rock, Barfield describes the music as “a little bit heavier.”
Along with that, OCCC student and musician Ian Torres has planned to go to the Coldplay concert in Dallas, Texas.
“…they’re going to the Cotton Bowl, and I’m really, really looking forward to going to that concert,” he said.
With live music making its comeback, it seems like most venues are becoming more lenient with rules regarding Covid, such as removing masks and social distancing. Although, it seems like these rules are leading back to a “normal” concert experience
Barfield reflects on her past concert experiences, including the ones held during COVID. Compared to two years ago, the rules have shifted a lot more than yesterday.
“I did see a few concerts during COVID…some places required masks. Others only sold like half tickets…one venue literally had markings on the floor and you had to stand in your weird little bubble like the whole entire time, which was interesting,” she states.
Torres has also observed the concert scene during Covid, and as a person who enjoys live music, it was a tough time.
“It was a point in which, like, not being able to go to a concert was very horrible…And now that things are, I guess, coming back to what we can call, a normal nowadays, it’s just like, great…there’s going to be people that are going to be taking more precautions and others. And that’s totally fine,” he explains.
Overall, it is nice to be able to return to venues to catch the vibrations of live instrumentations.
Whether someone is an admirer, a musician, or even just a person that listens to whatever is popular, music affects everyone differently.
“I think music is a great art. I think it’s a great medium of art, because there’s so many variations in music…I play music, and I really, really like music,” Torres, who plays guitar for his band, The Cracks, said.
Torres with The Cracks performed at the Plaza District and are now preparing for a show at the Norman Music Festival.
In a similar fashion, Barfield grew up heavily influenced by music, with her dad playing music and her mom managing bands. This has influenced her to think about the various elements involved in music.
“My dad was in a rock band, and my mom was a band manager growing up. So from ages like three to nine, I was always around live music, and writing things, different instruments…me and my brother can sit together and pick apart music. But if I were to try to do that with somebody else, they’re like, ‘I don’t even know what you’re talking about,’” she reflects.
There are many inspirations and influences revolving around music. Whichever way it hits a person’s eardrums, it can be a classic, or it may not even appeal to someone. But hey, everyone has different tastes.
To the music artists who plan to stop by venues such as the Zoo Amphitheater, The Criterion, or even the Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, just know, the people of Oklahoma are ready for it. And for the small artists who are making their debuts and gaining recognition, keep building the brand, and the spotlight will come naturally.
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