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.