Rocklahoma 2024

September 12, 2024

Lynn Hernandez,

All I can say is, “Wow.”

All year, every year, I countdown the days till Rocklahoma with anticipation. I call it Christmas for grownups, although it’s a time for us to act silly and a little childish at times. It’s the kind of festival where you sing and dance like nobody’s watching, even though 75,000 people are.

Lynda + Tom Sittin In A Tree

Having graduated high school in 1984, my twin sister, Lynda, was like most other teenage girls and loved those bad boy, long-haired rock stars, especially Bret Michaels of Poison, Jon Bon Jovi, and Tom Keifer of Cinderella.

Because I’ve been in rock radio for 30+ years, and I’ve been at every Rocklahoma since the beginning (2007), I usually find out a band or two that is coming before it’s officially announced. And, back in March, I found out Tom Keifer was coming to Rocklahoma. I told Lynda. She started her travel planning immediately.

I pulled some strings and scheduled some time with him before his concert. He was nice enough to autograph a guitar for my Tulsa Rocks podcast. Check back next year on how to bid on it. He was also nice enough to let my sister come with me and hang out on his tour bus for about 15-20 minutes!!

My Future Ex-Wife

I couldn’t let my sister be the only one with fluttery butterflies in her belly. I pulled some more strings and secured an interview with Lzzy Hale of Halestorm. She’s been my fantasy rock star wife for 10 years. I used to call her “my future ex-wife” on the radio for years. She, too, was kind enough to autograph a guitar and spend 20-30 minutes with us for an interview and pictures.

I love this picture of Lzzy and her brother, and me and my sister, and Jill Munroe. Arejay (with the green hair), is the drummer of their band.

Here they talk about Hanson as an inspiration!

This interview almost didn’t happen. As much a part of Rocklahoma as rock stars and crazy campgrounds is adverse weather. We were supposed to interview Halestorm before their show, but rain and lightning rolled in just as we were about to start, thus postponing it and their performance. Our time together got pushed back till after their set. The Rock Gods were with us.

During the rain delay, I managed to find the band Vixen. They were holed up in a transport van for two hours, so they were very happy to step out and stretch for a quick meet ‘n’ greet when I knocked on their window.