Page 11 - May 23

block into Guthrie Green, an outdoor gathering space and hub of activity that has hosted at least 3,000 events since it opened in 2012. The next year, they opened the Woody Guthrie Center in a renovated warehouse across from the greenspace. This certainly shaped Dylan’s choice for his archives; Dylan credits Guthrie as an early influence on his music.
The Guthrie and Dylan centers share a large renovated warehouse, though each has its own entrance.
While I’d heard of Guthrie’s eminent “This Land Is Your Land” song, I needed the 15-minute introductory film to appreciate his legacy. Don’t miss the virtual reality experience just outside the theater that gives you an idea of his Dust Bowl upbringing. The remainder of the public space showcases artifacts such as instruments, writings and drawings often related to diversity, equality and justice alongside
Left: The archives for Oklahoma-born folk singer Woody Guthrie, composer of “This Land is Your Land,” are housed at the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa’s arts district. This played a role in Bob Dylan choosing Tulsa for his archives and museum – Dylan credits Guthrie as an early influence on his music. (Cour- tesy: Woody Guthrie Center)
9 17 30
9 17 30
MAY 2023
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 9
Far left: The Woody Guthrie Center shares a converted warehouse with the Bob Dylan Center in downtown Tulsa’s arts district. It’s
one of the oldest areas of the city and has become a creative hub with shops, restaurants, bars, galler- ies, museums, parks and historic music venues. (Courtesy: Woody Guthrie Center)