In a captivating panel discussion hosted by Oklahoma Film + Music, industry experts and community leaders came together to explore the transformative impact of music on local economies, cultural development, and creative vibrancy. The event, held at Reba's Place in Atoka, featured a diverse array of panelists who shared their insights and success stories, showcasing how music can be a driving force in revitalizing communities across the state.

Unlocking the Potential of Music: A Collaborative Approach

Cultivating a Thriving Music Scene in McAlester

The panel discussion highlighted the remarkable journey of McAlester, a city that has embraced the power of music to transform its community. Billy Sumner, the Tourism Director of McAlester, shared the city's inspiring story. Four years ago, a group of passionate individuals, including Joey Clark, Blake Lynch, Kyle Spruce, Josh Hass, and Adam Gromwold, came together with a shared vision: to bring live music to their hometown. Tired of driving outside the area to experience live performances, they set out to create something truly special.With determination and a touch of ambition, the group laid the foundation for the Dancing Rabbit Music Festival, an event that has since become a beloved tradition in McAlester. Over the past four years, the festival has hosted 16 shows, featuring 52 artists, the majority of whom hail from Oklahoma. The impact has been remarkable, with the first concert drawing a crowd of just under 1,000 people, and the events now regularly attracting over 2,000 attendees. Last weekend, the festival welcomed an impressive 3,000 people to the heart of the city.Sumner emphasized the positive ripple effects of the festival, stating, "The community loves it, and I love getting to see the different, eclectic artists that they bring in." The success of the Dancing Rabbit Music Festival has not only energized the local music scene but has also had a significant economic impact, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the vibrant cultural offerings of McAlester.

Reviving the Legacy of Atoka's 48 Hours Music Festival

The panel also featured Garrett Smith, the manager of Reba's Place and the niece of country music icon Reba McIntire. Smith shared the captivating story of Atoka's 48 Hours Music Festival, a legendary event that took place in 1975. According to Smith, a group of gentlemen from Texas had the ambitious idea to start a music festival, expecting around 2,000 people to attend. However, their expectations were far exceeded, as a staggering 30,000 people converged upon Atoka, catching the town by surprise.The 48 Hours Music Festival was a seminal moment in the history of country music, featuring performances by iconic artists such as Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter, and Willie Nelson. It was a pivotal event that helped launch the Outlaw Country Music movement, forever shaping the trajectory of the genre.In November 2022, Atoka revived the 48 Hours Music Festival, drawing an audience of approximately 600 people to the town's plaza. Smith emphasized the importance of collaboration and community spirit in organizing such events, stating, "It takes a lot of like-minded individuals, especially when everything is volunteer, when you're not getting paid doing and you have a full-time job, then you better have some people that have got a little 'grit' to them, a little 'want to' and a little of the same mindset, because nothing's easy when you go out and asking people to help, and more than ask people for money for sponsorships."

Fostering Regional Partnerships and Synergies

The panel discussion also highlighted the importance of regional collaboration and synergies between communities. Sumner and Smith expressed a shared desire to support each other's music events, recognizing the mutual benefits of cross-promotion and shared success.Sumner stated, "I want Atoka to come to Dancing Rabbit. I want McAlester to come to 48 Hours," emphasizing the potential for visitors to explore the diverse offerings of both communities. He further elaborated on McAlester's role as a regional hub, with 17 hotels and 1,000 rooms, supporting events and activities beyond its own borders."We have a hub. It's 17 hotels. I have 1,000 rooms. I support a lot of events that go on outside of the area, and it's important for me to be one of those regional partners and help pull each other up and work together, especially through music. I think it is a wonderful way our communities can definitely shine together," Sumner said.The panel discussion underscored the power of collaboration and the synergistic potential of regional partnerships in amplifying the impact of music-driven initiatives. By embracing a collaborative mindset, communities can leverage each other's strengths, share resources, and create a vibrant, interconnected music ecosystem that benefits all.

Empowering Communities through Oklahoma Film + Music

The event was moderated by Jeanette Stanton, the Director of Oklahoma Film + Music, who highlighted the organization's role in supporting communities across the state. Stanton emphasized the wealth of resources available through Oklahoma Film + Music, including directories of talent, locations, and businesses that can help communities showcase their musical assets and connect with the broader industry."So if you have music talent in your community, if you have music businesses in your community, please help them get into our directory. We use that directory a lot," Stanton encouraged the attendees.By leveraging the expertise and resources of organizations like Oklahoma Film + Music, communities can unlock new opportunities, amplify their music scenes, and position themselves as vibrant hubs of creative and economic activity.The panel discussion at Reba's Place in Atoka served as a powerful testament to the transformative power of music in shaping the future of Oklahoma's communities. Through the inspiring stories shared by the panelists, it became clear that by embracing music, fostering regional partnerships, and tapping into the support of organizations like Oklahoma Film + Music, communities can unlock their full potential and create a thriving, sustainable, and culturally rich future.