Live Music, Dance, and Western Fashion Contest!

Oklahoma State Capitol – 2nd Floor Rotunda

Join in a special celebration of the “King of Western Swing,” Bob Wills, as the Oklahoma Historical Society and the Oklahoma Arts Council come together for a fun-filled day! On Monday, March 10, swing by the Capitol’s second-floor rotunda from 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. to hear great live music performances. The event will honor the life and legacy of this iconic musician, songwriter, and bandleader.

Bob Wills Day at the Capitol commemorates the life and legacy of the “King of Western Swing,” born March 6, 1905, who helped popularize the music genre during the 1930s and 1940s. Wills’ band, the Texas Playboys, had a daily program on the Tulsa radio outlet KVOO and were regular performers at the venerable Cain’s Ballroom.

2025 Bob Wills Day at the Capitol Schedule:

• 10:05 to 10:50 a.m. – Jay Steagall & the Part-Timers
• 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. – Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys under the direction of Jason Roberts
• 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. – Georgia Parker
• 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. – Kyle Dillingham
• 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. – Jana Jae
• 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. – Oklahoma Swing

The event will also include poetry readings by Jay Snider, the Oklahoma State Poet Laureate and emcee.

Various fashion contests will be held on the day of the event. Attendees are invited to come dressed in their Western attire for the chance to earn prizes in categories including boots, shirts, ties (bolo/bow), and Western swing skirts. Embellishments such as embroidery are encouraged! Prizes for the contest are being provided by the Oklahoma Film & Music Office. The sign-ups for the contests will be from 10 a.m. to noon, judging will be at noon, and the winners will be announced at 3:15 p.m.

Partners and sponsors of this year’s event include:

Support is also provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.