By MIKE JONES Associate Editor on Aug 9, 2010, at 4:04 PM Updated on 8/09 at 4:04 PM
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Reading comments on columns and news stories, reading e-mail and listening to voice messages can leave one discouraged about this state. Are there really that many mean people out there? Is it time to advise my son that it would be best if he left Oklahoma to find a more progressive state in which to live and raise a family?
It can all be pretty depressing. Then along comes the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice and its new “This Machine” campaign.
Woody Guthrie, one of Oklahoma’s most renowned native sons, was famous for his songs of and travels in the Great Depression. On his guitar he had written in bold black lettering, “This Machine Kills Fascists.”
The OCCJ campaign plays off that, although the message is slightly softer. Some local bands dedicated some time to a photo shoot. Each band or individual artist chose their own message for a guitar. The messages ranged from “This Machine Fights Ignorance” to “This Machine Empowers Chicks.” All the bands and artists and their messages, along with some really cool video can be seen at www.occjrocks.com.
Of course the photos and the video were shot by local photographer Kelly Kerr (formerly of the Tulsa World staff), who if not the best photographer in town is certainly in the top three.
There looks as if eventually there will be videos of all the bands, but for now there is only one that covers all the bands. It is worth seeing if only to hear the Red Dirt Rangers sing Guthrie’s “Oklahoma Hills.” But watch in through to the end.
Look for ads of the bands and artists in upcoming issues of the Tulsa World.
The campaign kicked off Saturday night at the IDL Ballroom in downtown. That was the only disappointing thing about the campaign so far. A lot of artists donated time to be part of the campaign. That’s a lot of musicians who can’t really afford to give away time for free. But they did it, as they so often do for worthy causes.
So, where was the crowd to show their appreciation? Jammed into the bar next door. I suppose they were far too busy networking to show some love for the hardworking musicians who played their hearts out on the stage.
I love what the young people are doing for Tulsa. They bring a needed vibrancy. However, the best I could tell Saturday night was the “in” crowd wasn’t interested in live, original music. I suppose if it had been a cover band or maybe a DJ “spinning” they would have found the time to dance. Or even pay a little attention.
Too bad for them and too bad for those musicians who performed. To the musicians credit, not a one did anything but put on the best show they could. And those who choose to ignore local talent are starving what is one of Tulsa’s strengths: its musicians who pen and play original music. Shame on those who ignored them.
But, back to my point. This campaign and those who participate give me hope, again, that Oklahoma is all right. Watching that video actually put a lump in my throat. It’s mostly Oklahomans doing what’s right for Oklahoma.
I am a native Oklahoman. Despite the state’s flaws I remain proud to be an Oklahoman. Thanks to the OCCJ and all those artists who made my day. Maybe it’s not such a bad place to live after all.
(Disclaimer: My son, Sam, is a member of Sam and the Stylees, one of the three bands that performed Saturday night. But, honestly, I would have written the same thing if his band had not been involved. Tulsa has some great musicians playing almost every night. Get out and see one some night. And pay attention.)
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