COLUMN: Five concerts in Norman, OKC to consider this summer

Summer is the season of music festivals across the c

ountry — and Oklahoma is no exception. Here are five festivals and concerts in the area I recommend you check out this summer.

1. The Paseo Arts Festival

The 36th annual Paseo Arts Festival will fall on Memorial Day weekend this year, May 26, 27 and 28. The Paseo Arts district is located in the middle of Oklahoma City and it consists of a small street about two blocks long that has a variety of art galleries, shops and restaurants.

This little Spanish-inspired village has been associated with the arts in Oklahoma since it was built in 1929, according to the website. A vibrant and diverse group of artists sell their work at the festival as artists of all kinds’ line the street with booths. There are purses, jewelry, pottery, paintings and so much more for sale. Some fair-style food is available at the festival along with food from the many restaurants in the area.

It is one of the neatest arts festivals in the area during the summertime — I highly recommend it.

2. Jazz in June

Jazz in June is a longtime annual favorite for the Oklahoma City metro area in late June.

The Norman Jazz in June Concert event began in 1984 and drew about 300 people, according to the website. After the Norman Arts and Humanities Council got involved, Jazz in June exploded, giving Norman residents the opportunity to enjoy the sweet sounds of jazz and blues music on multiple stages along with the fun festival atmosphere.

This year, Jazz in June will take place June 21 to 23. “Blues Under the Stars” will take place on the 21st and will feature three blues bands. “Jazz Under the Stars” will take place on the 22nd and will feature two main jazz bands. Both will take place at Brookhaven Village, 3700 W. Robinson St.

The last day is “Jazz in the Park” and will feature jazz choirs, combos and solo performances. It will take place at Andrews Park, 201 W. Daws St. The concerts are always free and people from all over the area attend each year. It is a fun summer event for all the jazz and blues lovers out there.

3. Midsummer Night’s Fair

The Midsummer Night’s Fair is an annual evening festival featuring high quality artwork, live music and fun for everyone. Visual art is sold at the festival and there are several art booths scattered about.

This year, there will be 30 artist booths filled with artistic items ranging from paintings and jewelry, to glass, pottery, woodwork and more, according to the fair’s website.

Festive foods can be enjoyed all evening, along with live music from local bands. Local art and music should make for a fun night. This year’s festival will take place from 6 to 11 p.m. July 13 and 14 at the Fire House Art Center, 444 S. Flood Ave.

4. Summer Breeze Concert Series

The Summer Breeze Concert Series has become a Norman tradition. The festival has been around for nearly a decade, according to the website, and features an array of national and local musical artists throughout the summer.

It is a relaxed atmosphere and the audiences can bring picnic baskets and blankets and sit on the grass while they enjoy the free shows.

Concerts will take place all summer beginning Sunday and ending Sept. 9. The concerts are at 7:30 p.m. in Lions Park. The concert schedule can be found at the Norman Performing Arts Studio website.

5. Charlie Christian International Music Festival

The Charlie Christian International Music festival is a fun-filled music festival that celebrates the musical contributions of jazz guitar legend Charlie Christian, who grew up in Oklahoma City.

This event features jazz, blues and old-school gospel music. The event takes place in downtown Oklahoma City from May 29 to June 3. In addition to the performances there will be jam sessions, a battle of the bands, jazz cruises, great food, arts and crafts and more.

Rachael Cervenka is a journalism junior.

Rachael Cervenka

Rachael is a former staff member of The Oklahoma Daily who worked as Staff Reporter.