Look, gang. We’re living in one of those dark nights of the soul sort of moments, what with the global far-right power grab and white Evangelical Christians acting like they’re being persecuted because not everyone agrees with Palestinian genocide. It’s hard to consume any sort of news media without falling into a state of despair. And it’s even harder to fight the feeling that you’re a worthless piece of shit because you can’t handle hearing what’s happening in the world when so many others are actually experiencing the bad stuff.
But that doesn’t mean it’s time to lose hope. In fact, I would argue it’s the perfect time to make sure you’re keeping that hoping machine running, just like Woody Guthrie told you to. And when that hoping machine is going good and strong, it’s time to tune up the ol’ fascist killing machine.
Unless, of course, your fascist-killing machine has been made obsolete by recent software upgrades. You know, where your laptop or whatever is working fine, but is no longer compatible with any of the programs you need to use because the computer manufacturers want you to buy a new laptop instead of trucking along with the one that’s been working fine for years?
Yeah. I hate that. And I’m glad an acoustic guitar isn’t subject to such bullshit.
Anyway, the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival is upon us, and not a moment too soon. Starting today, July 8, through this Saturday, July 11, you can head to historic Okemah (if you aren’t familiar, it’s the home of Woody Guthrie and that place you probably once stopped for gas when you were heading to Tulsa on the Turner Turnpike) to see some of Oklahoma and the world’s best folk singers.
You can check out Oklahoma favorites like Red Dirt Rangers, Kyle Reid, John Fullbright, and Terry Buffalo Ware. And the festival brings a lot of musicians to Oklahoma too. Acts like Crys Matthews and Carsie Blanton are not to be missed.
But the festival is more than just live music. Kids can attend a songwriting workshop with a chance to perform at the youth showcase. If you’re ready to dabble in the fine arts of free-reed musical instruments, there will be free harmonica lessons open to all ages. There will be panel discussions and of course, Mary Jo’s Brunch in the Minor Key, with proceeds going to the Oklahoma chapter of Huntington’s Disease Society of America.
So get your camping gear ready and claim your site at the Okemah Round-Up Club Arena. (The Days Inn in Okemah is already booked, gang. Plus, it’s a music festival. Enjoy the sweaty camping experience and nightly drum circles.) So get to blowin’ down this old dusty road where the water tastes like wine. It’s time to remind yourself that all those fascists are bound to lose, and there’s no better way to do that than at the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival.
