Every year, 50,000 plus music lovers descend upon the small town of Pryor, Oklahoma. A town of 9,390, Pryor depends heavily on the festival. To a lesser extent, the music community does as well. Many of whom, fans and musicians alike, see it as a sort of annual religious pilgrimage to our little rock Valhalla.
Amid the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, public safety has taken priority for the Rocklahoma owners and AEG Entertainment, who produce the festival. Coupled with Federal and State mandated restrictions on public gatherings and events, the decision was made. But, it wasn’t one that came lightly for those who had to make the final decision. The final statement was made April 5th, just outside of a month from the festival date. In speaking with several of those involved with Rocklahoma, the feeling was the same among all. One of utter disappointment, “heartbroken” as one said. But they know it was the right call. COVID-19, the disease caused by the highly contagious Novel Corona Virus, has been exploding this year with a scary number of infected and worse.
Rocklahoma isn’t the only festival that is a casualty. Almost every festival in the country has been cancelled through the next three to four months and possibly beyond. Festivals aren’t the only music industry casualty. All local venues have been ordered to be shut down which leaves musicians unable to play live and music fans unable to see their favorite artists. But where one door closes, another door opens. Many artists have taken to live streams through social media and streaming services. It’s not the same, but the music will continue and the pulse of the local music community will continue to beat.
Rocklahoma, and it’s new sister country festival Born & Raised Music Festival, will return in 2021. And, Born & Raised will make it’s inaugural debut. Rocklahoma and BnR both posted on their respective websites how pass holders may either transfer their passes to next year or get a full refund. Anyone who bought tickets will receive an e-mail Wednesday April 8th with instructions. It’s my advice that holders roll over their passes to next year in order to possibly save money as inflation tends to raise prices every year. But, these are tough times, the option is available for those who’d rather to play it by ear.
In any case, Rocklahoma isn’t going anywhere, other than to sleep for another year. They’ll be back for their 14th year Memorial Day weekend 2021. And I, for one, fully plan on making up for lost time by rocking and partying twice as hard.
Be sure to join me every Sunday night at 9pm CST for Surviving Rocklahoma Live as we talk about the local music scene, music news, and feature local artists nearly every episode with the occasional special guest. Surviving Rocklahoma Live is live on Facebook Live through it’s facebook page and can also be found on all social media outlets such as Spotify, iHeartRadio, iTunes, and all other podcast apps.
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