Norman Music Festival extends an invite to actor

If you’re unfamiliar with Phoenix, he won a Golden Globe award for his portrayal of Johnny Cash in "Walk the Line.” He also won a Grammy Award for his work on the movie’s soundtrack. Despite a successful acting career, last October the actor announced he was leaving acting to pursue a career in hip-hop/rap music. So far the reviews have been, well, not so good.

All the bad press isn’t sitting well with organizers of the Norman Music Festival. During the weekend, festival President Jonathan Fowler and public relations coordinator Quentin Bomgardner reached out to Phoenix, offering him a chance to perform on the main stage of the Norman Music Festival on April 25 in downtown Norman.

The offer was extended via a YouTube video.

Fowler and Bomgardner said the invitation is their effort, no matter how small, to provide a platform for Phoenix’s new career in music.

"We hope it somehow helps,” Bomgardner said.

If Phoenix indeed accepts the invitation, he’ll be sharing the big stage with Of Montreal and Norman’s Starlight Mints. A plethora of other artists also will perform, including Black Angels, Todd Snider, Stardeath and White Dwarfs, Student Film, Brandon Jenkins and El Paso Hot Button. The free concert will take place along Main Street in downtown Norman.

For more information about the festival and a list of expected entertainers, go to www.normanmusicfestival.com.