Oklahoma
Drekka brings experimentalism, scene history to Oklahoma
The table in front of Drekka at one of his performances can be covered in so many little electronic machines, cables, tape players, and seemingly random physical items that it’s difficult to even make everything out.
But the sounds that he cobbles together out of all that clutter can be even more mysterious and difficult to name, using heavily manipulated electronics, loops, cassette recordings, and ambient vocals to build a series of always shifting, nebulous sonic environments.
With more than two decades’ worth of releases – more than even the Indiana-based artist himself can count or recall – a Drekka performance can pull from hundreds of previously explored dark musical worlds, or incorporate unmapped territory for the first time on the fly.
It’s an experience that Oklahoman audiences will have a chance to catch next week when Drekka brings a three-night run through the state, August 28th at Bookish in OKC, August 29th at Opolis in Norman, both presented by Dissociation OK, and August 30th at Noise Town in Tulsa for the One Aux Experimental Music Showcase.
It’s all part of a larger multi-state trek that sees Drekka bringing his constantly shifting, darkly compelling atmospheres along on his second cross-country tour of the year.
“For a lot of people, that’s just too much,” he said. “But I’m the kind of person that if I’m going to be on the road for ten days, I’d rather just be on the road for forty days.”
Playing that many shows back to back in closely tied markets can be a minefield for a lot of artists trying to thread a needle between staying true to their set and keeping things fresh enough for repeat viewers and overlapping audiences.
But Drekka (whose real name is Michael “Mkl” Anderson) never sees that as an issue, allowing his sets to take on a mostly fresh and unique life every night.
“I’ve done upwards of a thousand Drekka shows, so I know my gear as well as, say, a guitarist knows their guitar,” Anderson told me by phone ahead of the new tour. “So I’ve definitely got little compositions and structures, but I generally just see what works for the night. And then ten minutes into playing, it’s just like whatever happens, happens.”
Every Drekka performance tends to be different – from minor tweaks between nights to major overhauls – all based on the venue, the crowd, and the energy coming off of the evening.
“I just try to listen,” Anderson said. “It becomes almost kind of a call and response thing.”
When he comes through Oklahoma, it’ll be particularly interesting for him to look and listen and soak up the state’s current scene.
Anderson lived in Norman for a time back in the late 90s and became a part of the deeply underground goth and experimental scene in the Metro at the time.
“There wasn’t a whole lot of ‘indie’ stuff,” he said. “Obviously, The Flaming Lips were super important, and their friends. I actually used to work with [now KOSU radio host] John Mooneyham at Kinko’s with a bunch of other weirdos, and we’d hang out at a little goth record store called Shadowplay and a club called Liberty Drug on Campus Corner.”
Outside of those few venues for underground, niche, and alternative music and culture, however, Anderson said there wasn’t anything close to the open-armed acceptance of left-field styles and counter cultures that seems to drive the OKC and Norman scenes now.
“It’s the kind of thing I think you see in any college town that’s able to evolve over time,” he said. “It’s the same as in Bloomington [Indiana] where I live now. The college town culture just needs something kind of bigger than itself to grow.”
The key, he believes, to developing that kind of encompassing, less-exclusive community that’s willing to take chances on strange music and esoteric performances, even if it’s small, is to create a scene that recognizes the importance of supporting one another instead of looking for outside validation.
“I think with a place like Oklahoma City,” he said, “It’s a big city, but it’s also small enough – and in Oklahoma – that there just kind of has to be some kind of self-sufficient underground culture. It has to thrive on its own.”
Between the hyper-indie Dissociation and One Aux groups, and the mind-warping creativity of the acts and artists he’ll be performing alongside, it’s safe to say that he’ll have a front-row view of just how much Oklahoma’s underground culture is thriving.
Drekka does a three-night run through Oklahoma August 28th at Bookish in OKC, August 29th at Opolis in Norman, both presented by Dissociation OK and August 30th at Noise Town in Tulsa for the One Aux Experimental Music Showcase.
For more information, visit opolis.org, noisetowntulsa.com, and follow @shop.bookish, @dissociationoklahoma, and @one.aux all on Instagram.
Follow Drekka at @mkldrekka on Instagram and at drekka.bandcamp.com.
You can find out about local music and performance happenings in the OKC metro weekly in this music column by Brett Fieldcamp. | Brought to you by True Sky Credit Union.
Brett Fieldcamp has been covering arts, entertainment, news, housing, and culture in Oklahoma for nearly 15 years, writing for several local and state publications. He’s also a musician and songwriter and holds a certification as Specialist of Spirits from The Society of Wine Educators.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is competing once again in the American Association of State Troopers’ Best Looking Cruiser Contest, this time showcasing the agency’s history alongside its modern fleet.
The entry features OHP’s restored 1937 Ford patrol car paired with a current Chevrolet Tahoe, highlighting nearly nine decades of the agency’s patrol vehicle tradition.
OHP highlights historic patrol car
According to OHP, the contest entry celebrates the agency’s original 1937 Ford patrol car and its connection to the modern Chevrolet Tahoe used by troopers today.
The agency says the iconic black-and-white “dovetail” paint scheme debuted on the 1937 Ford, with the white paint wrapping over the rear wheel wells. OHP says that design became the foundation for the look that continues to represent the agency today.
How voting works
The Best Looking Cruiser Contest is decided by public vote here.
OHP says each device is allowed one vote, and every vote is important as the agency competes against perennial favorites for a chance to earn a spot in the 2027 American Association of State Troopers calendar.
Looking to improve on last year
Oklahoma finished eighth in the nation in last year’s Best Looking Cruiser Contest.
The agency is hoping this year’s entry featuring both its historic 1937 Ford and modern Chevrolet Tahoe will help improve its finish and secure a place in the 2027 calendar.
“As Route 66 celebrates its 100th birthday, we wanted to honor the most iconic highway in America and the Oklahoma Troopers who have patrolled it for generations,” OHP said. “Since 1937, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers have traveled its pavement, assisted stranded motorists, investigated crashes, enforced traffic laws, and answered calls for service along the Mother Road. Route 66 isn’t just a historic highway to us—it’s part of our history.”
In this week’s Your Vote Counts, Oklahoma’s Own Scott Mitchell leads Jason Dunnington and Sen. Paul Rosino in a discussion about new Oklahoma laws, including those addressing data centers. Other topics include inflation and the ongoing impact of the war in Iran.
Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Independence Day in Oklahoma this year? From massive fireworks displays over Grand Lake to food truck festivals and live music across the OKC metro, communities are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. Grab your lawn chairs, round up the family, and get ready for an unforgettable week of summer fun. Here is your ultimate guide to the best Fourth of July events happening right in your backyard!
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: Oklahoma communities are going all out for Independence Day in 2026, with celebrations spanning from Norman’s four-day Fourth Fest to major fireworks displays in Edmond, Tulsa, and on Grand Lake — giving families across the state plenty of options close to home.
- More details: Highlights include Liberty Fest in Edmond, one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area, the Duck Creek Fireworks on Grand Lake featuring a War Bird flyover tribute synchronized to patriotic music, and Tribute to Liberty in Midwest City, which combines live music, a laser show, and fireworks in honor of the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.
- Why this matters: This year’s celebrations carry extra weight as part of America’s semiquincentennial, with several events — including Tribute to Liberty and the Duck Creek Fireworks — built around honoring both the nation’s founding and the service members who’ve defended it.
- Date: 9:45 p.m. July 1-4
- Location: Reaves Park; 2501 S Jenkins Ave., Norman
This year’s Fourth Fest is bigger than ever before, spanning four days. The city has added additional programming across multiple parks. Before the fireworks, enjoy a wide range of attractions including bouncy houses, local vendors, food trucks, pony rides, and a petting zoo. The fireworks show begins at 9:45 p.m. on July 4.
- Date: 8:30 p.m. July 3
- Location: Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., Oklahoma City
OKCPHIL’s Red, White, and Boom concert is a high-energy celebration that brings the community together for an unforgettable summer evening of music. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic performs a vibrant program of American classics, fan favorites, and patriotic anthems.
- Date: 6-10 p.m. July 3
- Location: Boomer Lake Park; 2310 E Lakeview Road, Stillwater
This Independence Day celebration will include area vendors, food trucks, hometown hospitality, and a fireworks show. Free parking will be available at Stillwater High School’s Pioneer Stadium.
- Date: July 3-4
- Location: Yukon City Park & Chisholm Trail Park, 2200 S Holly Ave., Yukon
Bring the whole family to Freedom Fest in Yukon! Experience a lineup of live outdoor concerts, peruse the food trucks on site, and enjoy the activities for kids.
- Date: 2-10 p.m. July 4
- Location: Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12th St., Moore
Enjoy one of the largest fireworks shows in the state with food trucks, vendors, and activities throughout the day. Admission is free. Fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m.
- Date: 7-10 p.m. July 4
- Location: Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E Reno Ave., Midwest City
Bring your chairs and join Midwest City in its celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy food trucks, games, The Wise Guys performing live on stage, a huge fireworks display, and a laser show.
- Date: 9:30 p.m. July 4
- Location: University of Central Oklahoma; 100 N University Drive, Edmond
Liberty Fest’s grand finale is one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area. Bring your entire family to witness the spectacular show. Parking is available in lots on campus.
- Date: July 4
- Location: Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, 32888 S 4507 Road, No. 8123, Afton
Duck Creek Fireworks is the longest-running tradition on Grand Lake. Keep an eye out for the highly anticipated War Bird flyover, a tribute to the men and women serving overseas. The fireworks, beginning at sunset, will be synchronized to patriotic music.
- Date: July 4
- Location: River West Festival Park, 2100 S Jackson Ave., Tulsa
Celebrate America’s independence at Tulsa’s annual FreedomFest celebration. This celebration includes all-ages entertainment and a variety of activities and tasty concessions. FreedomFest features one of the largest free fireworks displays in Oklahoma.
-
San Diego, CA1 minute agoFormer City Manager, Jack McGrory: Straight Talk About San Diego, Part 2
-
Seattle, WA2 minutes agoArmed suspects linked to 3 Seattle robberies within 30 minutes – MyNorthwest.com
-
Milwaukee, WI14 minutes agoBrewers, Salvation Army pack hundreds of lunches for Milwaukee children through Feed the Kids program
-
Atlanta, GA17 minutes agoNew Venues in Atlanta for Summer 2026 Meetings and Events
-
Minneapolis, MN21 minutes agoMinneapolis City Council member Aisha Chughtai taking mental health leave for a month
-
Indianapolis, IN29 minutes agoState police arrest man in connection with two Monument Circle attacks
-
Pittsburg, PA31 minutes agoTech community to Shapiro and Pennsylvania legislators: Wait on data center rules
-
Augusta, GA37 minutes ago
Louise Franklin Sheehan Obituary Jun 26, 2026 – Platt’s Funeral Home
