5 minute read
Edmond Life and Leisure - July 3, 2025
Dillingham back home for show at Jazz Lab
Fresh off the stage at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, Grand Ole Opry Guest Artist, Kyle Dillingham, will be bringing his award-winning fiery fiddling to the University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Lab, Saturday, July 5th, at 7pm. Joining him for this special event is the 2014 Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year, Peter Markes, and special guest from Ireland, Emer McCaffrey.
“What a great way to celebrate Independence Day and summer – Hideaway Pizza, a cool drink and sizzling tunes at the best venue in the metro,” Dillingham said. “It may be hot outside, but you'll get your cool on with some fiery fiddling with an Irish and patriotic twist.”
Dillingham was selected as a Cultural Performer at Expo 2025 Osaka with performances on the USA Pavilion stage, June 20th and 21st. Initiated by the U.S. Department of State, Cultural Performers are selected from across the United States and its territories to represent their region as ambassadors of U.S. culture. These performers embody the geographic and cultural richness of the United States and its territories, tell the story of the United States, and engage Expo visitors through curated and improvised engagements at the USA Pavilion.
“A truly great part about performing at the Expo is that it wasn’t just Osaka I reached with my music," said Dillingham. "I shared my music and interacted with people from all over the world, including a performance collaboration at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion. What an incredible opportunity I was given to represent the United States at such a big venue. I always do my best to make everyone back home proud. This was a big honor for me, and I’m excited that I’ve been invited back in July.”
Dillingham made it through a highly competitive selection process to have the opportunity to represent the United States in an official capacity at Expo 2025 Osaka. With up to 28 million visitors expected over six months of the Expo and many highlevel U.S. government and international visitors, this is a unique and important chance to leave a lasting impression with visitors.
Dillingham also made history at the Grand Ole Opry in 2019 with an unprecedented debut performance on a Dolly Parton skateboard.
"Kyle Dillingham has made Opry history. His debut tonight, and the first ever to enter and exit on a skateboard. It is my thought that the fiddler blew the roof off the Grand Ole Opry house tonight," said Bill Cody, Grand Ole Opry Announcer/Host.
"Proud of you brother...you play violin/fiddle with more passion than anyone in history...and the skateboard? Wow," said Duane Allen, lead singer of The Oak Ridge Boys.
In 2023, Dillingham released his much-anticipated album, “Homa,” with the global digital release launched on Oklahoma Statehood Day, November 16th.
“As Oklahoma’s Musical Ambassador, I’ve proudly represented my state and country in over 40 countries,” Dillingham said. “But there is no place on earth like the great state of Oklahoma. This new album honors the land we love and it was only fitting to have it released globally on the day Oklahoma was admitted as the forty-sixth state.”
A fan favorite from the album, "Freedom Bells," is an International Songwriting Competition winner (“The songwriting competition to take note of…” —New York Times). It
was selected from over 21,000 entries worldwide and 1 of 13 entries in the Instrumental Category with only two finalists from the United States.
The title track on the album was nominated for Best Americana Song at the 2021 Indie Music Channel Awards presented at the iconic Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood.
"Way to go! I receive over 20,000 song submissions a year from all around the world. Keep making great music!” said Emmy Award-winning producer/host, Christopher Ewing. “You are, truly, one of the best indie artists in the world!"
Dillingham was selected as one of the Metro’s Most Influential Leaders by 405 Business Magazine and was one of six selected by Oklahoma Magazine for the honor of Oklahoman of the Year 2022.
Presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, he was awarded the prestigious honor of Oklahoma Ambassador of Goodwill in 2020. Previously honored Ambassadors include Toby Keith, Kristin Chenoweth, Roger Miller, Reba McEntire, Jimmy Webb, and Hank Thompson, to name a few.
Honored by Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry, he was selected as a recipient of the 2009 Governor's Arts Award, acknowledging his life's work as a violinist, vocalist, musical ambassador for the state of Oklahoma and for his gift to connect with people throughout the world.
Markes is an award-winning music educator and was the Edmond North High School Orchestra Director for 15 years. “In 2014 I was selected from over 45,000 educators as the Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year,” said Markes. “I now teach full-time at Oklahoma City University as the head of the music education program.” He has written and released numerous songs in the folk-pop genre, and his debut solo album, “I Have A Dream,” can be heard digitally worldwide.
Admission to the concert is $20 per person, cash or check. To reserve your seats, contact the UCO Jazz Lab Box Office at 405-974-2100. Dinner and drinks purchased separately. Doors open at 6pm.
For more information about Kyle Dillingham and the upcoming concert, visit his website, KyleDillingham.com.
