TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Tulsa’s presence at South By Southwest is growing. For the first time ever, the Austin music festival will feature the Tulsa Music Showcase, headlined by Tulsa’s beloved Hanson.
“As we look ahead to a full year of live music celebrating our band’s 25th anniversary, we’re proud to highlight our Tulsa roots and join the Tulsa Music Showcase at SXSW,” said Taylor Hanson.
The Tulsa Music Showcase is the latest effort by the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture, which first brought Tulsa to SXSW in 2015 with the Tulsa Boom Factory, a music day party. In 2016, Tulsa Boom Factory featured the late Leon Russell, a Tulsa native, and expanded to include the “Created in Tulsa” trade show booth, promoting Tulsa’s entrepreneurs, film and music industries and arts organizations.
“Hanson is synonymous with Tulsa music – but they also have a global reach with fans all around the world, making them the ideal headliner for our first-ever SXSW official music showcase,” said Abby Kurin, director of Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture. “All bands traveling to Austin with us this year reflect the diverse talent we have in Tulsa, and our presence in Austin continues to raise awareness about the vibrant Tulsa music scene. These bands either call Tulsa home, or play our venues and festivals. I’m excited to see the finished product of such collaboration and hard work, and the attention it brings our city.”
The first ever Tulsa Music Showcase lineup includes: Cassi Stephan and the Midnight Sun, Wink Burcham, RVRB, Broncho and Hanson.
This year’s Tulsa Boom Factory performers are Lauren Barth, Mike Dee + Stone Trio, The Ivy, NUNS, Branjae and Travis Linville.
The “Created in Tulsa” booth will feature: MetKnow, The Mine, Woody Guthrie Center, Circle Cinema, Blue Whale Comedy Festival
“The fact that we continue to grow and expand our footprint at SXSW is incredible,” said Ray Hoyt, president of Tulsa Regional Tourism. “Our music history is one-of-a-kind, and our music scene is vibrant. To highlight our city at an internationally known festival is a top priority as we market Tulsa as a top national music destination.”