| Anita Arnold Book Signing and Unveiling of Rare Charlie Christian Guitar |
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 The Oklahoma History Center is celebrating the music of the Deep Deuce Saturday, June 5th, with the unveiling of the guitar Charlie Christian performed with in the final years of his life. The guitar will remain on display for six months. This particular Gibson model ES-250 appears in photos of Christian in jam sessions with Benny Goodman and Count Basie among others. It also appears in photo of Christian playing at Ruby's Grill in the Deep Deuce in 1940. It was thought to have been lost for many years before being found by Lynn Wheelwright. Wheelwright is loaning the guitar the Oklahoma History Center. Also on Saturday, June 5th meet Anita Arnold, author of Oklahoma City Music: Deep Deuce and Beyond. A book signing will be held from 11am to 1pm. Oklahoma City Music: Deep Deuce and Beyond details the birth and growth of music in Oklahoma City’s African American community from the 1920s until the late 1990s. Musical influences of families and individuals, venues, dance, and fashion blend with new-era traditions such as parades, jam sessions, and street parties to create a culture that became well known. This book explores how the seeds of music so deeply planted in the early days continue to produce great musicians and how the influences of those icons will vibrate throughout future international generations. Anita G. Arnold is a native of Tecumseh, Oklahoma. She has been the executive director of Black Liberated Arts Center, Inc. since 1991. She has written several cultural history books and is the recipient of the coveted Governor’s Arts Award and the Oklahoma City/County Pathmaker Award. The Oklahoma History Center is celebrating the music of the Deep Deuce Saturday, June 5th, with the unveiling of the guitar Charlie Christian performed with in the final years of his life. The guitar will remain on display for six months. |
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