Ladies, we've been the talk of the internet for the last few days. The "bear or man" debate, Tik Tok's "dance or get back with baby daddy" trend, Mother's Day next week - the list isn't stopping now. In fact, here's one more way you can celebrate the ladies in Oklahoma this May.

"Don't Text Your Ex" Showcase

Cana/Nikki Jackson Facebook
Cana/Nikki Jackson Facebook
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On May 25, 2024, event coordinator Nikki Jackson, along with nine female artists, are strutting their stuff at the 2nd annual "Don't Text Your Ex" showcase in Blair, Oklahoma. Jackson's decision to have only female artists was "just a happy accident." She told us, "I had reached out to a couple of guys, but the first two artists I actually booked for the event were women and it felt like a sign."

Where It All Began

Canva/Nikki Jackson Facebook
Canva/Nikki Jackson Facebook
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The event blossomed from a college project for Jackson's capstone class at ACM @ UCO, an idea turned reality. Recalling her years of experience as a performer, herself, she realized just how important this opportunity could be - for her and other women in the business.

"In my personal experience, it can be really challenging for women in this business to connect with each other," she said.

 

"I can't count the number of times I've been the sole woman in a room full of musicians.

 

So in the planning process, I realized this wasn't just an opportunity for these artists to showcase their music, it was also a really special moment for me, just being a woman in this industry, to be surrounded by my peers and know that there are other artists nearby who can relate to my experience in a way men in this business maybe wouldn't understand as much."

-Nikki Jackson

Canva/Nikki Jackson Facebook
Canva/Nikki Jackson Facebook
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After seeing the success from the first year, Jackson knew she had to bring the party back to Oklahoma for a second go-round. "My goal this year was to sort of recreate that opportunity for camaraderie between the artists while also shining a light on some of the talented women from our state," she said.

Women Supporting Women

Canva/Robert Woods Facebook
Canva/Robert Woods Facebook
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And the support just keeps growing, especially when you speak to some of the artists for the event. Fellow artist Abbigale Dawn is just as excited about the opportunity, "It’ll be great to see some old friends and meet some new ones. There are some kickass songwriters on this bill!"

Canva/Jo James Facebook
Canva/Jo James Facebook
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Fellow performer Jo James told us how happy she was to be part of an all-female line-up. "It’s all about lifting each other up," she said, "and having a platform for our music! All the ladies involved are so talented and can’t wait to share the stage with them! Giving women a voice in the Oklahoma music scene, one event at a time."

The showcase is happening at The Orient Drug Store in Blair, Oklahoma and is open to anyone and everyone.

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Gallery Credit: Kelso

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Gallery Credit: Kelso

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