Mark Temple – Mitch's Muse

In a recent new release, Mark Temple, chairman of the Charlie Christian Festival committee, revealed that plans are going well for the 100th Anniversary celebration of the late Charlie Christian and his legacy. Temple said the Deep Deuce Business Association is collaborating with Black Liberated Arts Center, Inc., festival sponsor. to create a memorable experience for Oklahoma and that will attract music lovers from around the world.

The event, to be held June 2 to 5, 2016, near the Deep Deuce area will have a number of special surprises including an appearance of the only remaining guitar that Charlie Christian owned. There will be special moments such as a brief memorial at or near Calvary Baptist Church in Oklahoma City where Christian’s funeral was held and a New Orleans style festival parade. As always, there will be plenty of family type engagement activities right along with good food, good fun and great music.

Musical artist, visual artists as well as food and non-food vendors who wish to participate should call (405) 524-3800 or visit the website at www.charliechristianmusicfestival.com. Selection of musicians will begin near the end of April.

“The 100th celebration only comes once in a lifetime, so our intent is to make this festival stand out as no other festival has,” Temple concluded. The event is funded in part by BancFirst, the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Sponsorships are still available by calling (405) 524-3800.

Mark Temple, chairman of the 2013 Charlie Christian International Music Festival, announced via a recent news release the updated schedule of events that will take place during the weekend of the festival in Oklahoma City. The “Feel Deep Deuce Brunch” scheduled at Urban Roots, 322 NE 2^nd St. in Oklahoma City, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. is on schedule for Saturday, June 8. There will not be an admission charge. The music will be provided by “Miss Muffy and Friends” and Deep Deuce stories with author Anita Arnold.

Other events at the Bricktown Ballpark are being re-scheduled for a later date because of complications arising from the recent tornadoes and flooding.

“While Saturday and Sunday may look like perfect days, the recent and continued rains have inhibited our ability to properly stage and produce the concerts. The public will be notified of the re-schedule of these programs,” Temple said. “Expectations are that the concerts will likely be scheduled later this year or early fall, most likely,” he concluded. Ticket buyers can get refunds by going to outlets where they purchased or they may hold on to their tickets which will be honored at the re-scheduled events.

For more information, check the Charlie Christian website at www.charliechristianmusicfestival.com or call (405) 524-3800.