Fond Memories of the 2007 Festival

Museum

Festival Home

Entertainers

Activities

Schedule

Tickets

Young Folks

Sponsors

Volunteers

Where to Stay

Directions

Travel Times

Contact Us

 
     It was a birthday celebration like no other as guests and celebrities at the 2007 Gene Autry Oklahoma Film & Music Festival honored the legacy of Gene Autry on his 100th birthday.  In addition to lots of lots of great Western and country music, cowboy poetry, five-star birthday cakes and a special reception with Riders in the sky, there were tribute shows, programs about his various films, and panel discussions featuring such stars as James Drury, James Hampton, Donna Martell and many others.  Riders in the Sky performed their "Centennial Salute to Gene Autry"  and Les Gilliam, Johnny Western, Steve Mitchell and dozens of other entertainers made the birthday celebration very special indeed.
     And all the folks who came felt Mr. Autry's spirit as we experienced the weekend of special activities, wonderful music and learning sessions. 

     Here are some comments by happy Festival-goers (selected from many that we received) and a few photos from the 2007 Festival. (Click on each photo to see it in an enlarged version.)

                  "The Film & Music Festival was fantastic!" (Phil & Jacque)
                  "We were proud to be part of history!" (Riders in the Sky)
                  "Thanks for bringing such great talent to our rural community!" (Wilma)
                  "We appreciate all you do for cowboy-western music!" (Jim & Doris)
                  "What a great time we had at your Museum those four days.  We'll be back!" (Rita)
                  "An amazing festival!" (Charlotte)
                  "What a tremendous time we had at your Festival!" (John)
                  "It was interesting learning about the cowboy's place in history." (Ron)
                  "This festival is among the finest anywhere in the United States!" (Carol & James)
                  "Great show!" (Buck & Barb)
                  "A wonderful celebration of the 100th anniversary of Gene Autry's birth! (Gwen)
                  "I am not alone in my praise for this 'cowboy island in Gene Autry, Oklahoma, USA!'" (John)
                  "More fun than any 62-year-old should have without calling the police." (Jerry)
                  "Very impressive!" (Dene)
                  "Gene would have been proud!" (Charles)
                 "We thoroughly enjoyed the event!" (Pat & Wayne)
                 "Thanks for the memories!" (Dean & Joanne)
                 "Thanks for coming to our school. Ya'll were really good!" (Marshall, Plainview School)

Applause! Applause!

Happy audience members show their appreciation.

Cahill, Moody & Campbell

Call of the West and Dwight Moody do a little grinnin'.

Chandler

Young Chandler Bennett belts out a tune during the Young Entertainers' Spotlight.

An Entertaining Situation

Janet McBride, Pat Boilesen and friends share a tune.

It's All Relative

John Buttram is in costume and "in voice" for his favorite uncle, Pat Buttram, as he takes on MC duties.

Honest Abe

Abe Reddekopp, an entertainer who has loved Gene Autry and his music since he was very young, came from Kansas City to share his tunes.

Polly Darton

Miss Polly Darton, alias Bill Goodman, put on her best dress to join the festivities.

Bill Holcomb

Crooner Bill sang some of his favorite country ballads for the folks.

Buck, the Big Man

Buck Helton brought his wonderful singing style all the way from Shreveport, LA.

Charlotte, the Chanteuse

Charlotte Autry, niece to Gene, delivers a soulful song.

Dobro Lady

One of several vendors in Tumbleweed Hall.

Class Act

The Class Act Dancers pose with Bob "Duke" Seiber.

Double Trouble

The Double Action gals perform.

Finley Duke

Cowboy, gospel and country selections from Mr. Duke delighted the Festival audience.

Gabby

Alan Bye from Nebraska portrays Gabby Hayes.

Hart Full of Country

Gary Hart rocked the auditorium with his rockabily country and cowboy tunes.

Nearly Newlywed

Actor James Hampton and wife Mary share a joyful moment.

James Drury, Dick Jones & Boyd Magers

Actors and author tell a tale or two during one of the panel discussions.

Shake Your Bootie!

Jeanne Cahill shows off the fancy boots that she designed and tooled.

Back-to-Back

John Ingram and wife, Janet McBride, share one of their sassy songs.

Nuts

James Hampton and Jeff Hildebrandt kept us in stitches as they shared stories of their film and TV experiences.

Western

Johnny Western sang some of his famous compositions, including "The Ballad of Palladin."

Josh & Friends

Josh Shirley (left) and Chelsea Beck (right) and another young entertainer.

Joyce & Judy

Author Joyce Spizer Foy and Judy Keel, wife of the late actor Howard Keel, show off their biography of Howard.

Judy & the Gang

Judy Coder & Pride of the Prairie show off their special style of Western music.

Parrothead Cowboy

Writer, storyteller and parrothead cowboy Ken Phipps.

KG & The Ranger

Karen & Ranger Rick swing and sway.

Les Gilliam

Even though he was on crutches and in pain, Les gave one outstanding concert after another.

Prettiest Gals

Actresses Marie Harmon and Donna Martell charmed us all.

Down the Hall

The halls of the Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum were filled with laughter and good fellowship.

Farr & Away

Mylinda Farr shared her vocals and her very talented sons with the crowd.

Singin' Up a Storm

Riders in the Sky performed their centennial salute to Gene Autry....and had the crowd in their pockets.

Grant, Mrs. Grant & the Riders

Riders in the Sky enjoyed having their picture taken with all the "stars" at the "Meet the Riders" Reception, Saturday afternoon.

Carter Can

Rob Carter kept us all interested with his intriguing original songs.

Ranger Rick Twirls

KG & The Ranger presented a workshop on trick rope spinning.

Riders & Indiana

The Riders pose with Indian resident....

Gene's Birthday Cake

Five cakes, each one representing one of Gene Autry's Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, were served to festival guests.

Tumbleweed Hall

Spectators, vendors and diners all enjoyed the almost continuous shows in Tumbleweed Hall.

Riders, Tex & Mary

Festival producers Tex & Mary Schutz ham it up with the rather goofball quartet.

Backlot

Campers and overflow parking filled the meadow to the west of the Museum.

The Shirleys Blending In

Mike & Linda with their new friends.

Steve Mitchell & the Band

Gene Autry sound-alike Steve Mitchell pays tribute to the singing cowboy.