The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame (OMHOF) reopens in downtown Muskogee’s historic 1903 Frisco Freight Depot on September 26 after a 16-month renovation. Made possible through a series of partnerships with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the City of Muskogee, the renovation was spearheaded by Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell and the board of directors.
The $2.4 million renovations brought a modern touch while still preserving the historic elements that make the space unique. The updates include interactive displays, an album cover design station, a listening room, a recording studio and a state-of-the-art performance stage. These updates have changed the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame from a simple museum to a destination attraction and a new economic development asset for Oklahoma.
Since opening its doors in 1996, the mission to celebrate Oklahoma’s rich music history spanning time and genre has long been a part of the fabric of the museum. Nearly 166 artists across various genres of music have been inducted into the hall of fame since 1997, including Vince Gill, Leon Russell, Gene Autry, Wanda Jackson, Kristin Chenoweth, Byron Berline, Jimmy Webb and The Turnpike Troubadours, among many others.
The reopening celebration for the OMHOF takes place on September 26 with a day full of free live music and museum tours complete with performances from Lance Roark, Mike McClure, King Cabbage Brass Band, HOSTY and more. The festivities begin at 1 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. featuring Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. The Swon Brothers, recipients of 2013 Rising Star Award, will perform on the outdoor stage at 5 p.m. wrapping up the day of celebrations.