Mabee Center Inducted into Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame

A celebration concert featuring fellow inductees the Swon Brothers will be held October 15.

James D. Smith, director of marketing and business ­development, Mabee Center.

James D. Smith, director of marketing and business ­development for the Mabee Center, is proud to announce the induction of the Mabee Center into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame (OMHF). A celebration and induction concert will be ­presented at Mabee Center the evening of October 15, 2013. Spotlighting the ­concert will be the Swon Brothers, the American ­country music duo from Muskogee, Oklahoma, who took third place honors on NBC’s “The Voice.” The Swon Brothers have been playing to sold-out crowds across the country since their success on the show. “The Swon Brothers, Zach and Colton, were also previously honored as Rising Star ­recipients for 2013 by the OMHOF,” said Smith. In addition to a one-hour concert by the Swon Brothers, the evening will also showcase ­performances from other Oklahoma musical greats including Sandi Patty.

    The 2013 inductees into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame include Jimmy Webb, Mason Williams, Barbara McAlister, Sandi Parry, Norma Jean, Bob Dunn (posthumous), Neal Schon, Roger Davis (Governor’s Award), The Swon Brothers, and the Mabee Center.

    “We are delighted to be hosting the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame as they honor the great musical talent we have here in Oklahoma,” says Tony Winters, Mabee Center general manager. “The ­celebration of our 40th year anniversary comes to a close at the end of October, and I cannot think of a better way to end it than by hosting another Oklahoma treasure and honoring these artists.”

    Since its beginning in 1972, the Mabee Center has been known for attracting ­top-notch entertainment while maintaining a safe, ­family-friendly environment. They have hosted some of the biggest names in the world including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Billy Joel, Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond, Luciano Pavarotti, The Bee Gees, Garth Brooks, Jay Leno, Reba McEntire, Justin Bieber and many, many ­others.

    “In honor of our 40th anniversary,” said Smith, “we recently launched the Mabee Center eMuseum, a showcase of the rich history and ­memories from over the years.” You can now take an exclusive tour of Mabee Center’s history, the building process, a gallery, and much more.   

    This spectacular historic accounting was assembled and designed by Shawn Bender, graphic design/web ­coordinator for the Mabee Center. Shawn was assisted by ORU students who spent hundreds of hours perusing the archives. “The project was a major undertaking,” said Smith, “and we are really proud of the final product that enables us to share the spectacular Mabee Center ­history with others.” Please visit the eMuseum at  www.mabeecenter.com.

    “The induction concert will be an end-arena show with 8,000 expected to attend,” said Smith. When you visit the website you’ll find more event information plus ticket prices, ranging from $10 to $175 for a VIP Package that includes a Studio One Reception prior to the concert. Buy your ­tickets online or visit the Ticket Office by entering the north doors of Mabee Center.

    Join in the celebration and induction of our own Mabee Center and the other talented 2013 Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame inductees on October 15.

For more information, contact

Mabee Center

www.mabeecenter.com

About Author Duane Blankenship

Blankenship graduated from the University of Oklahoma and has enjoyed a lifetime career in advertising. He started his own advertising business in 1993 and enjoys creating graphic art and writing. Hobbies include hunting, fishing and pencil drawings. Duane and his wife, Janice, have been married over 50 years and are active in their church and community. He has been a contributing writer for Value News/Values Magazine since 2005.