For more than a quarter century, SunFest has provided the soundtrack for Green Country summers.

The music will be back next month when “Oklahoma’s Biggest Outdoor Picnic” returns to Sooner Park. Now in its 27th year, SunFest is scheduled to unfold at Sooner Park from June 5-7.

SunFest is known for many things, from arts and crafts to savory and unique foods to the popular car shows of recent years. But what stamps the festival as one of Bartlesville’s most popular events is its stellar lineups of live musical acts – all of which are offered free to the public. SunFest certainly won’t disappoint this year as the acts will range from the smooth jazz of Grady Nichols to the ragged blues rock of the Dustin Pittsley Band to the rhythm and blues grooves of the Usual Suspects.

“We couldn’t be happier with our musical lineup this year,” says Bo Wilson, a member of the SunFest board of directors. “We’ll offer three full days of very good entertainment. “There’ll be something for everyone.”

An Arkansas native, Nichols is a seasoned performer with an impressive resume. With five CDs to his credit – the most recent being the 2008 release “Take Me With You” – he has opened for the likes of Ray Charles, Luciano Pavarotti, Jay Leno, the Temptations, the Righteous Brothers, Al Green and Huey Lewis & the News. A talented saxophonist, he weaves memorable instrumentals which while grounded in traditional jazz incorporate jazz, reggae, Latin, blues and gospel influences as well.

“Music is intimately connected to so many great moments in my life,” says Nichols via his web site, www.gradynichols.com. “And to my way of thinking, that’s the purpose of music – creating something that enhances memories and moments, binding them together.

“I am so blessed to have the opportunity to do that. That’s my goal – helping to create great moments and memories for people through music.”

Though just 25, Tulsa native Pittsley is a gifted guitarist with a gritty vocal delivery. His band – which formed in 2002 – is rounded out by bassist Donnie Wood and drummer Doug Wehmeyer. The group released its debut C.D. – “Staring Into the Sun” – last year and it’s available online at www.myspace.com/dustinpittsley.

On stage, the Pittsley trio transitions smoothly from original tunes to choice covers. Among the young guitarist’s influences are Doyle Bramhall, Jimi Hendrix, Ian Moore and Derek Trucks.

The influences of the Usual Suspects are obviously diverse. An eclectic Tulsa-based band, they perform everything from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Madonna and seemingly everything else in between. Comprising the ranks of the Usual Suspects are Jimmy Cleveland (lead singer and guitar), Ken Wehmeyer (lead guitar), Russ Walz (bass) and David Ray (drums). The band is known for its upbeat, energetic performances and was a hit as a headlining act last year at SunFest. Thus, it’s no surprise that they’ll play the same role at this year’s event.

Those who wish to learn more about the Usual Suspects – who perform some original tunes in addition to cover material – can go online to www.myspace.com/theusualsuspectsbandsite.

Led by the legendary Lennie Baker, the Gigsters are SunFest staples renowned for their fun-loving rhythm and blues sound. A veteran of the Bartlesville music scene since he made his debut performance in 1960, Baker is a gifted vocalist who can breathe fresh life into staple hits of artists such as James Brown and Robert Cray.

Also due at SunFest this year are John Smith and John Hamlin. Both artists perform original music and have several CDs to their credit. They have performed throughout the world as well. Smith is a folk artist who hails from Iowa. A native of Independence, Kan., Hamlin is a classically trained guitarist who performs in several different styles.

In all, the 2009 SunFest will feature a myriad of different artists who are sure to appeal to a wide variety of different tastes. For nearly three decades, SunFest has helped to usher in summer in Green Country. Everyone is invited to head out to Sooner Park to enjoy this year’s free festival which is sure to sound better than ever.