By Fred L. Jones, Jr.
Eagle Staff Writer
When it comes to musical icons in Oklahoma there are some stellar names such as Charlie Wilson and The Gap Band or Toby Keith. These are all tremendously talented artist with monumental resumes in music.
The late Wayman Tisdale is in a class all by himself, not only did he serenade us into smooth jazz chart topping history with his classic “Tobias Bass” sound, but he had and incredible athletic career beforehand becoming a high school All-American, a collegiate All-American and an Olympic gold medalist. Capping it off with a 14-year National Basketball Association career. Tisdale was elected to the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. Tisdale stands out, basket balling and thumping on his funky bass from Greenwood to Hollywood.
Guthrie Green (the Green) annual festival honoring the late Wayman Tisdale will be happening on Saturday, September 30, 2017. “Soulfest” is a Guthrie Green production featuring an evening of live soul & R&B music, art, entertainment, and soul-centric southern cuisine. In addition to the evenings scheduled events, the Green in association with the Tisdale Foundation will honor Wayman’s legacy and shed light on his foundation’s mission in the community, state, and beyond.
Music for this event will include national acts, The SOS Band and Raheem DeVaughn. Local favorite Charlie Redd and the Full Flava Kings will also be performing. The event will include live art, special appearances from spoken word artists Written Quincey and Jerica, a street stage with performances from Tulsa Street Dance, and much more. This event is free, open to the public, and will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. For all event details and venue location, please visit www.guthriegreen.com.
This occasion also celebrates Booker T. Washington High School’s Homecoming and Tisdale BTW Class of 1982’s 35th reunion, his class will arrive at 8:30 p.m. Saturday after its class dinner to honor Tisdale and celebrate with those gathered at the Green. There will also be a BTW class of 1982 after-party celebration in Tisdale’s honor at the Hyatt Hotel Downtown immediately following the concert.
