Muskogee Music Museum Officials Concerned About Tulsa Competition

Emory Bryan, News On 6

MUSKOGEE, Oklahoma -- Officials from the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in Muskogee are concerned that lawmakers might approve funding for a potential competitor in Tulsa, while they struggle to expand.

The legislature decided to designate Muskogee as the home of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, with the mandate to protect and promote the state's musical heritage.

The proposed "OK POP" Museum in Tulsa would showcase musical talent, while also covering other pop culture topics. A collection demonstrating Oklahoma's connections with popular cartooning is already on display in Oklahoma City.

5/10/2011 Related Story: BOK Commits Land For Tulsa Pop Culture Museum

The legislature is considering a $40 million bond issue that would pay for construction of the building. The George Kaiser Family Foundation has pledged $1 million and Bank of Oklahoma has agreed to donate land for the building.

"If the state is going to fun a second music museum, then the funding should be to the Music Hall of Fame first," Penny Kampf, Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, said.

The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in Muskogee has a $16 million expansion plan, but has received little state funding. It is primarily supported by local sources.

"You just know this is where it's supposed to be and we're going to continue to work on building our future and our expansion," Kampf said.

The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame averages 12,000 visitors each year.  Supporters predict the "OK POP" museum would draw 100,000 visitors a year.