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As Memorial Day weekend approaches, rock fans across Oklahoma and surrounding states are gearing up for what has become an annual tradition: Rocklahoma, the weekendlong rock festival. This year’s headliners are Shinedown, Korn, and Disturbed.
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24 PREVIEW 918 MAY 2019
More than just a concert festival, however, Rocklahoma has become a community of sorts with fans coming for the music, but building friendships that have lasted over a decade for some. At this point, Rocklahoma is as much a reunion of old friends and reconvening of the community as it is about the music, a phenomenon that even the promoters and event organizers recognize. “Rocklahoma is pride, culture, and community,” says Rocklahoma producer Mike DuCharme of AEG Presents. “Our fans grew up coming here,
and now their children are following suit. We shared the same enthusiasm and vision and worked hard to make sure there was something for everyone. “More than anything, at least from a booking perspective, Rocklahoma is just a straightforward rock festival. Whereas others play to certain niches, Rocklahoma is mainly straight up the middle and very consistent with its fans. We’ve got current active rock bands with some newer acts and some heavy and hard rock, but it’s all pretty focused on rock fans.” Rocklahoma, in its 13th year, may have started as a festival built