COMMENTARY
Nellie Clay Band
Nellie Clay Band plays the Oklahoma Room Feb. 20 during Folk Alliance International in Kansas City, Mo. (Doug Hill)

For only having one extra day, February was especially packed with music and culture events this year.

In the midst of national politics, Norman’s city council races include Ashley Nicole McRay, candidate for Ward 6. The month kicked off with a launch party for her campaign, featuring poetry readings and music. During second Friday in Norman, the Art Walk brought out the usual crowds, and mild weather made conditions ideal for music on Main Street.

On Valentine’s Day, Norman Public Library hosted its annual African-American Read-In, featuring College Football Hall of Famer Joe Washington. Further north in Kansas City, the Folk Alliance International conference, which bills itself as “the world’s largest gathering of the Folk music industry and community,” hosted performers from near and far, including Tulsa’s Susan Herndon and England’s Rosie Hood.

  • Doug Hill earned a double-major undergraduate degree in English and East Asian Studies from the University of Kansas and a master's in human relations from the University of Oklahoma. He's been a freelance journalist and photographer in central Oklahoma since 1997.

  • Doug Hill earned a double-major undergraduate degree in English and East Asian Studies from the University of Kansas and a master's in human relations from the University of Oklahoma. He's been a freelance journalist and photographer in central Oklahoma since 1997.