For a group raised with Texan cynicism towards all things Oklahoma, this was to be as much of an eye-opening experience as an enjoyable one. We were expecting a rural atmosphere with little metropolitan spirit and a folksy festival supplied with weak beer. Our final impression would be much different.

The music was as eclectic as any major festival: country folk and bluegrass wailed against a backdrop of psychedelic pop rock and 80′s dance grooves. The recurring theme of NMF was the desire to expose local Oklahoma talent by putting them shoulder-to-shoulder with more nationally recognized acts; in this regard, the festival succeeded. Our biggest regret was not having the correspondents needed to catch more of OK’s finest, but the acts we saw and spoke to gave a tantalizing preview of the emerging local music scene.

Every festival has its standouts, and Norman Music Fest was no exception. Stillwater native Sheree Chamberlain brought a soulful sound to the afternoon set; her haunting vocals and acoustic folk sound blended nicely with the atmosphere of Main Street Norman, classically framed in railroad iron and wood. Sugar and Gold brought a pumping dance rhythm and blew away the stagnant afternoon heat with a Chromeo-esque energy that demanded your hip’s attention. Philadelphia band Man Man soon matched with their own sweaty, high-energy set, followed by a more subdued Starlight Mints performance punctuated with carefully timed moments of bravado. Main headliners and final performers Of Montreal did not disappoint with their closing ceremonies. The Athens, Georgia band displayed their mastery of blending performance art, electric pop soul, and a theatrical style reminiscent of Greek tragedy into a truly unique and jarring live concert experience. It was a befitting end to a festival that made constant allusions to the great heroes of modern Oklahoma music, The Flaming Lips.

But for all of the the amazing acts and turkey legs, the strongest impression was made by the local community and the festival acting as vanguard. The classic prejudices of a backwards, culture-starved Oklahoma were trampled under the feet of an art performance troupe and with each local artist and volunteer we spoke with. There’s clearly a creative element yearning to create a new identity in this historically conservative state.

If you’re a newbie to the festival scene, you should know that almost all medium to major festivals charge entrance fees per day on top of overpriced food and drinks you’re inevitably obligated to purchase. Thankfully, NMF stayed grass roots during these hard economic times. Cheap beer and food prices are good, but the option to bring your own food/drinks is great!

Many, many thanks to Oklahoman cutie Mary Ann Osko for helping us get through the press pass process smoothly. This lady has a lot of great plans for that city and is a shining example of the ambassadors that are redefining the area. Treat her well, Norman.

With attendance tripling yet still in manageable numbers, my only fear is that this great, authentic event will be touched by the mighty hands of the corporate gods and thus transformed into any other unidentifiable commercial weekend money pit. With various industries taking budget cuts left and right, any Oklahoman or Texan would be a fool to pass up such a great source of free, spectacular entertainment. Let’s hope this festival remembers to stay humble.

Shout-out to Natalie A. and her equally bodacious roommate Julia for graciously hosting MeVersus+3. Those pbj’s rocked.