Last Updated on May 8, 2024, 11:39 AM | Published: May 8, 2024
There’s no mistaking that we’re now firmly in storm season here in Oklahoma.
Dangerous storm threats and tornado chances already left their marks on the canceled Saturday evening acts at OKC’s Arts Festival and on the historically canceled final day of the Norman Music Festival.
Though fans were given the chance to salvage a bit of the April festival craze with the last-minute Tomorrowfest at Opolis, there are bound to be loads of concertgoers still hungry for the live music they might have missed.
But they’re in luck because May is absolutely stacked with great shows hitting stages all over town, with the city’s massively wide range of styles and scenes practically all represented, including hip-hop, metal, red dirt country, and even a visiting folk legend.
So let’s break down all your chances to catch some great shows, no matter what kind of sounds you’re craving this month.
Well, as long as they don’t get canceled for weather, that is.
Jared Deck – ‘Head Above Water’ album release – Blue Door – Friday, May 10th
One of the brightest breakout stars of Oklahoma’s “red dirt” country and folk scenes, Jared Deck packs some powerful pipes and a deep sense of emotive, raspy, southern-fried soul.
There’s likely no better place to catch him than in OKC’s favorite “listening room” at the Blue Door – removed from rowdy crowds and distractions – where Deck can really dig into the substance and spirit of brand new full-length “Head Above Water” that’s set to drop the very same day.
For more info, visit bluedoorokc.com.
Em and the MotherSuperiors w/ Lover Girl – 51st St. Speakeasy – Saturday, May 11th
Probably the month’s best straight-up rock show, and if you’ve ever Em and the MotherSuperiors live, then you already know exactly why.
Marrying a loose, electrified heavy-psych sound with Em’s powerful voice and fluid, witchy stage presence, you can bet there’s going to be some banging heads and more than a few audible “woo!”s from the crowd.
Plus, they’ll be joined by Lover Girl, the intense new act fronted by local director/writer/actress Cate Jones.
What more do you need?
For more info, visit 51stspeakeasy.com or follow @the_speak on Instagram.
Iris DeMent – Tower Theatre – Tuesday, May 21st
A towering figure of the folk and singer/songwriter sound, DeMent remains one of America’s most unapologetic and pointed songwriters, as anyone can tell from her 2023 album “Workin’ on a World,” a collection of openly political – and palpably worried – protest songs inspired by the past few years of American life.
She’ll be bringing that energy to OKC’s historic Tower Theatre this month alongside loads of classics, back catalog favorites, and surefire singalongs.
And it’s a pretty safe bet that she’ll be bringing plenty of anecdotes and conversations as well.
We may have never needed a voice like DeMent’s as badly as we do right now, so this is bound to be a rousing and heartaching night of song.
For more info, visit towertheatreokc.com.
Make Oklahoma Weirder presents ‘Halloween in May’ – Resonant Head – Saturday, May 25th
The brains behind one of the city’s best underground music blogs, Make Oklahoma Weirder, are partnering with Capitol Hill’s premiere indie music destination for a bill so diverse and so wild that it demands appreciation just for how rarely we get this kind of cross-genre booking.
In addition to a costume contest, prizes, candy, and more, the inexplicable “Halloween in May” is set to bring together acts from across four of the most active – yet too often disparate – of the city’s many scenes.
Indigenous metal heroes Medicine Horse are bringing the seething, crushing sludge, Mars Deli of Sativa Prophets will be laying down bars to represent OKC’s thriving hip-hop scene, Bad Athlete will be riding their wave of energetic indie-rock, and Heathen Boots will get people moving with dark, weirdo electro.
I’m a huge believer in the need for more shows that bring different genres, sounds, and scenes together like this one, promoting a tighter, more collaborative, and creative musical community.
If you only catch one local show in May, make it this one.
For more info, visit resonanthead.com.
Brett Fieldcamp has been covering arts, entertainment, news, housing, and culture in Oklahoma for nearly 15 years, writing for several local and state publications. He’s also a musician and songwriter and holds a certification as Specialist of Spirits from The Society of Wine Educators.
