American Anthem
Woody Guthrie believed music could change the course of history, and his most famous song, This Land Is Your Land, is considered by some to be the unofficial national anthem, as its words so beautifully express the ideals of America at its best. The city of Okemah honors the state's most influential musician with its annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival (www.woodyguthrie.com), which is 5 days full of great music. Guthrie's son Arlo has been known to play a few family tunes, as well as other talented Guthrie devotees, like singer-songwriter Slaid Cleaves. Also, in the month of May banjo aficionados can check out the Guthrie Jazz Banjo Festival in the city of Guthrie (tel. 405/260-3429; www.banjofestival.com), 3 days of pickin', grinnin', parades and a ceremony honoring the latest inductees into the city's Banjo Hall of Fame at the fantastic National Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame Museum, 116 E. Oklahoma Ave. (tel. 405/260-1323; www.banjomuseum.org).
