CHARLIE CHRISTIAN
RELOADED TAKES AIM

            Charlie Christian Reloaded, the concert series rescheduled, takes aim at providing a great time for music lovers everywhere on October 12^th and November 16^th at Frederick A. Douglass Auditorium according to Mark Temple, 2013 Festival Chairman.  “Chris Arnold, the voice of the Dallas Mavericks and now the voice of AT&T Stadium (formerly known as Texas Stadium) will host the event on October 12^th that features internationally renowned saxophonist Kirk Whalum,” Temple stated.  “Holding to tradition, attendees will have opportunities to visit vendor booths for food, beverages, t-shirts and many other fun festival items,” he concluded.

 Chris Arnold, the voice of the Dallas Mavericks, will host the event on October 12th. Photo provided.

            The October concert will open with Tulsa’s saxophonist Grady Nichols, a long time favorite of the festival at 4:30 p.m.  Nichols is remembered well for his passionate rendering of Amazing Grace and his interactive audience participation in his performances.  Grady will be followed by the Robert Banks Band.

            Banks has garnered national and international recognition as a jazz bassist.  He has a gift of musical versatility that has allowed him to establish a commanding reputation in several musical styles.  He has performed and recorded as a studio musician with other great musicians.  With a unique style of his own, Robert is one of the hottest bass players around with a stage presence and performance energy that is second to none.  In the Oklahoma City Area, he and his band, Positive Productions, have established a performance style that is molded to perfection.

            All Funk Radio Show of Dallas, Texas will open for Kirk Whalum.  The nine piece band includes professionally experienced musicians and three vocalists.  Their repertoire of Old School, R&B, Motown, Pop and Hip Hop will entertain ages from 8-80.  The group led by Bassist Thad Jackson has more than 150 songs in their repertoire. Mark Temple said “They are a crowd pleaser!”

            Kirk Whalum, gifted smooth jazz saxophonist, who just completed a month long international tour and jazz cruise, will round out the first of the two concert series.  Whalum takes the stage as 9:30 p.m.  The Grammy Award Winning Saxophonist and Recording Artist is well known for his recording of Falling in Love With Jesus and is remembered in Memphis, TN from his early days of playing in his father’s church choir.Kirk established the national tradition of “The Gospel According to Jazz” several years ago that has grown to mammoth proportions.

            For several years, he toured as the opening act for Vocalist Whitney Houston and later soloed in her recording of the single, I will Always Love You.  Whalum had always encouraged fellow saxophonists by conducting innovative national workshops that culminated with a concert of the Saxophone Choir.  

            Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Charlie’s Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Store, Hopkins HairCare, Learning Tree Toys, Books & Games and BLAC, Inc.  For more information, call (405)524-3800 or see www.charliechristianmusicfestival.com.

            Sponsors include BancFirst, Oklahoma Arts Council, Brand Talkers, Phillips66, KFOR-43, Downtown OKC, Inc. Temple & Sons Funeral Directors, KSBI, 605 Loans,

Tinker Federal Credit Union, KSBI, H&J Management, OG&E, and the City of OKC.

From the press release