Charlie Christian International Music Festival at Oklahoma City Community College

Founded in Oklahoma City in 1985, the Charlie Christian International Music Festival honors the life and legacy of Charlie Christian, who grew up in the Deep Deuce area of Oklahoma City in the 1920s and 30s, where he made history by bringing the electric guitar out of the rhythm section and into the forefront as a solo instrument, with his unique solo string technique.

Throughout the years, this festival has enjoyed the talents of music greats like Branford Marsalis, Isaac Hayes, The Yellowjackets, George Benson, Grady Nichols, Kevin Eubanks, Lou Rawls and Kirk Whalum.

Your support of this legacy event will directly benefit BLAC, Inc. (Black Liberated Arts Center), a local not-for-profit organization known for presenting and producing educational arts programs and preserving African American history in Oklahoma City. BLAC, Inc. Mission: To use the vehicle of fine arts to provide the total community of Oklahoma City with an exposure to the African-American culture with a special emphasis on educating Oklahoma’s youth, believing art and culture are engines for positive social change in our community.