GUTHRIE — By the time Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes took the stage Friday night, the crowd in Cottonwood Flats, about a half mile northwest of Guthrie's downtown core, had swelled well past 10,000. It was hard to estimate by sight in the dark, but the sea of heads bobbing along to the band's sound went back fo several yards.
But before the music during Friday's Gentlemen of the Road stopover, a traveling festival organized by headliner and Grammy winners Mumford & Sons, even started thousands of tents and campers had already descended on the town and had been welcomed by the locals. Oklahoma's charm was turned up to 11, everyone saying hello and asking how my stay has been. "Delightful," was always my response.
Downtown had been transformed into a street festival, with bars, restaurants, antique shops and pop-up vendors eager to help the visitors. Multiple stages had also been set up on the street, with fantastic acts playing late into the night.
The stopover set started with singer-songwriter Willy Mason, playing a fantastic set of subdued but thoughtful music. A perfect start to a weekend full a variety of acts.
Justin Townes Earle was next, with a set that highlighted his talent as a singer/songwriter with a pronounced country flavor. He comes by it honestly as the son of Steve Earle.
Their sets were relatively short, but packed full of great music. As the first few bands, festival-goers walked around the grounds, checking out the local food offerings and getting their drinks refilled or fresh "Stopover Ale," a special beer made by Oklahoma City-based Mustang Brewing (A brief beer review: Fantastic. Far and away better than usual festival beer, which can only be domestic, light and cold, apparently).
The stage is set on the north side of a large field, with shade trees to the side and throughout the campground. It's as if this area was purposfully made for handling this kind of festival. Flags akin to Navy signaling flags are a theme. Large sculptures stand in the back and welcome people as the come into the grounds.
Phosphorescent was the second to last act, adding its unique airy sound under the directon of Matthew Houck, who records under the band name. His smokey, gravely voice was offputting on some of the songs, but overall the fit and sound was great and was fantastic for "Song For Zula."
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes came on stage last Friday with a trippy video display that matched the bands appearance and sound. A fantastic live band, eccentric lead singer Alex Ebert went down to the crowd several times, sometimes to ask for someone to sing along on the mic. On their hit song "Home," he asked for people to share stories. One person near the front from Guthrie summed up well my impressions from folks in the town.
"I want to thank each and every one of you," the man screamed into the microphone. "I'm so glad you're in my town. Thank you Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes."
The festival continues Saturday, with many bands including Bear's Den, Haim, Alabama Shakes and the headliner and band that helped quadruple the size of this central Oklahoma town, Mumford & Sons.
Follow Jerry Wofford on Twitter.
SCENE: Home to all things food, movies, TV, music and local entertainment.
