Big Smith

The free concert begins at 7:30 pm on Sunday, May 10, at Norman’s Andrews Park Amphitheater, Daws and Webster.  Bring a picnic basket, perhaps a blanket to soften the concrete seating or lawn chairs for the grassy area on either side, and prepare to enjoy outstanding bluegrass music.

A band from the Ozarks, Big Smith is composed of five cousins: Mark and Jody Bilyeu, Bill and Rik Thomas, and Jay Williamson. The newest member, fiddle player Molly Healey, brings the total to six creative individuals bound together by blood and harmony.

“The purity of family harmonies is one of the first attractions new audiences find with Big Smith.” says White  “Add to it seasoned musicians who seem to really enjoy making bluegrass music together and it will make for a great Summer Breeze concert."

After coming together professionally in the fall of 1996, Big Smith quickly earned a devoted following playing “raucous acoustic music” that captured the spirit of their native Ozarks. In 2007 music became a full-time profession for Big Smith.

They have made their mark outside the Ozarks with several forays to Chicago, Nashville, Austin and Colorado; several tours to the West Coast including two in 2007; and along the length of the Mississippi from the Twin Cities to New Orleans. They have recently enjoyed high-profile opening gigs for the likes of Emmylou Harris, Doc Watson, The Avett Brothers and the Del McCoury band. Summer of 2008 finds them traveling to Europe for the 21st Annual Country Rendez-Vous Festival in Crappone, France.

Summer Breeze Concerts take place in Norman’s Andrews or Lions Park on Sunday evenings throughout the summer with the last performance taking place on September 27, 2009, featuring Nitty Gritty Dirt Band original founder John McEuen. 

“Our committee has listened to a lot of music and had some great conversations about the quality of talent that is currently out touring.  I think that we have put together ten quality shows that everyone in Norman can appreciate and enjoy.” says White.

Summer Breeze will also feature the soulful folk sensation Elephant Revival on May 24, 2009, at Lions Park.  The clever and entertaining music of Travis Linville is featured on June 7, 2009, at Lions Park.  Local music royalty and legends The Hosty Duo will be play at Lions Park on June 21, 2009.  Recently inducted Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame Member Wanda Jackson takes the stage on July 12, 2009, at Andrews Park.  Local Indie band Dorian Small are featured on July 26, 2009, at Lions Park.  

Dancing and fun will fill the park when the Salsa and Merengue band Son del Barrio take the stage on August 9, 2009, at Andrews Park.  Grammy Award nominee Darrell Scott will be featured on August 23, 2009, at Lions Park.  Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame Member Miss Blue and her band will be play on September 13, 2009, at Andrews Park.  The series concludes on September 27, 2009, with the legendary talents of John McEuen and his sons at Lions Park.
 
All of the concerts are from 7:30 pm to 9 o’clock pm and could not take place without the generosity and support of Michael Miller, The Norman Smile Center, Gingerbread Nursery School, Dr. Victor T. Wilson, Benvenuti’s, The Norman Arts Council, The Oklahoma Arts Council, Republic Bank and Trust, Avanti Skin Centers, The Hal Smith Restaurant Group, Ed and Sumya Adwon, American First Abstract, First State Bank, Modern Wealth Management, Cardinal Engineering, David Fries Roofing, The Spirit Shop, Turquoise American Bistro, The Crucible Art Foundry, The Diner, The Earth Natural Foods and Deli, The Zoo Amphitheater, T. J. Campbell Construction, MDS Plumbing, The Brookhaven Clinic, The Montford Inn, Gilliam Music, Norman Parks and Recreation, The Deli, and The University of Oklahoma.

For additional information about Summer Breeze or The Performing Arts Studio, phone 405-307-9320.  Office hours are 8:00 to 3:00 Tuesday-Friday and from 1:00 to 5:00 most Sundays.