Oklahoma Music Trail, Hall Expansion Proposed

from Oklahoma Rock Newsblog by Ryan

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An Oklahoma Music Trail and an ambitious expansion of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and Museum were proposed to legislators and state agency representatives at the Oklahoma State Capitol yesterday.

The expansion would multiply the size of the hall ten-fold, expanding by 30,000 square feet. The current hall and museum are housed in the 2,000-square-foot area of the Frisco Freight Depot in Muskogee. The expansion would allow for more exhibits, a children’s music factory, small concerts and music classes.

“This museum expansion is critical so that the state Music Hall of Fame and Museum can continue to offer programs and events to honor and recognize the outstanding contribution that Oklahomans have made to our music history and culture.” - Max Boydstun, president of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and Museum board

The Oklahoma Music Trail, which would only cost about $1 million, would display roughly 100 markers across the state and hopes to attract tourism dollars. Markers would be placed in the hometown or current residence of Oklahoma musicians, as well as alongside historical music venues, such as Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa.

The trail will be patterned after the Mississippi Blues Trail, which attracts about 75,000 visitors a year.

“In honoring Oklahoma’s music, musicians, songwriters, we can give the visitors an entertaining insight into our heritage. It’s part of our heritage that the rest of the world enjoys.” - Max Boydstun

The Hall of Fame and Museum will ask lawmakers next session for $12.5 million over the next five years to help fund both projects. The other $4 million would be paid through donations, as well as federal and local governments.

“Our goal and the purpose is this: to drive statewide economic development. This trail is designed to be an attraction, but it’s also designed to be the marketing tool that runs people all over the state of Oklahoma. We want to complement the other attractions in this state, not compete with them.” - Max Boydstun