OKC Music Scene Could Get Big Boost From Scissortail

The Oklahoma City metro area is days away from a grand opening concert featuring a band whose roots are planted in Oklahoma -- Kings of Leon.

Tuesday, September 17th 2019, 6:28 pm

By: News 9

The Oklahoma City metro area is days away from a grand opening concert featuring a band whose roots are planted in Oklahoma -- Kings of Leon.

Musicians and bands alike from Oklahoma City have watched Kings of Leon make their mark on the city's music scene, and they'll now watch as they take the stage Sept. 27 in Scissortail Park.

"I think it just started with, 'Do you guys want to jam?'" said Joe White, one-quarter of the local band, Twiggs.

He and bandmate Abbey Philbrick have traveled to Nashville and beyond, making music, something they share in common with Kings of Leon.

"They are one of the last arena-rock bands," White said. "Might be one of the last of their kind, and they're still huge."

"They (are) like one of the few bands that have been original members since Day 1, (and) self-taught," Philbrick said.

Kings of Leon have made a significant mark on the local music scene, influencing Oklahoma City musicians.

"Bands like Kings of Leon, All-American Rejects, Flaming Lips... It kind of shows you that it's possible," said Chase Kerby, director of Arts Council OKC initiative, Art Moves.

Twiggs' members agree: The Oklahoma City music scene could be on the cusp of something great.

"It's still healthy, and it's still cool, and it doesn't know what it wants to be yet. So, we can all still kind of tilt the narrative," White said.

Pop singer Graham Colton helped book Kings of Leon for the grand opening.

"Even for myself, being a local singer-songwriter, I remember seeing Kings of Leon at a 200-capacity club," Colton said.

Colton is best known for his 2007 album "Here Right Now," which was a national hit, leading to a tour with pop star Vanessa Carlton and appearances on late-night talk shows.

Speaking of national acts, the thought is that Scissortail Park might eventually become a regular venue for them.

"I'm assuming, if it keeps going the way the opening is going, they'll be bringing in national acts to play," White said.

It would propel the Oklahoma City music scene into a new era.

Other familiar names, such as the band Broncho, will be opening the concert.

There will also be other musical performances through Sunday.

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