WoodyFest brings over 50 musicians to Okemah
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — The 26th annual WoodyFest has returned to Okemah to celebrate the iconic folk singer Woody Guthrie's birth.
Over 50 musicians, speakers, and panelists will be in the singer's hometown from July 12-16 to celebrate his life and legacy.
John Fullbright, one of Guthrie's family members, is among the scheduled performances for this year's WoodyFest. Third and fourth generations of Guthrie songwriters, including Annie Guthrie, Cathy Guthrie, and Serena Guthrie, will also perform at the festival.
Folk Uke, John Fullbright, Mary Gauthier, Parker Millsap, Hubby Jenkins, Kyshona, Melissa Carper, and Willis Alan Ramsey are included in the musical performances at this year’s festival.
The educational presentations and programs at the festival will include 'Finding & Using Your Songwriting Voice' and 'Saved by a Song' with author and songwriter Mary Gauthier; 'A Conversation Around Mental Health' with music photographer Chad Cochran; and 'The Ultimate Sacrifice', a discussion about the labor movement and unions with Tom Breiding.
On Saturday, July 15, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., the Children’s Festival will return to the festival in Okemah City Park.
The event is free and open to the public and will feature activities for all ages including Children’s Stage performances, jewelry making, face painting, a giant water slide, and more. The first 200 children who attend will receive giveaways, such as complementary ukeleles, harmonicas, music lessons, and t-shirts.
Daytime performances on Thursday will be free with a $10 entry for the evening performances.
More information about WoodyFest can be found online.