Rocklahoma Provides Distraction From Tragedy, Support For Victims

Oklahoma rocked out Friday night, though the devastation around Moore was still on everyone's minds.

After the tragedy, the three-day music festival took on a new purpose.

The road to Rocklahoma was packed.

"This will be the biggest crowd that Rocklahoma's ever had, for sure," said the show's executive producer, Joe Litvag.

The concert festival is expected to bring in 20,000 people from all over the country, and they're all there for the same thing: to have fun.

But before you get to the stage, there's a stark reminder of the storms that laid havoc on the state earlier this week.

"We feel like Oklahoma City is our backyard, so we want to do everything we can. We're thinking about those folks down there this whole weekend," Litvag said.

He said part of the ticket proceeds will go directly to Oklahoma storm victims, through the Red Cross. But they've also set up buckets for cash donations at the entrance.

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"I think it's great, I was expecting them to have donations set up for that," said Josh Riebel, of Iola, Kansas.

But even the bands are getting in on the giving. They'll be auctioning off instruments, autographs and meet and greets with fans this weekend.

"I thought that was awesome, and so far, the bands that we've heard, they've all given shout outs to Oklahoma. I think that's great," said Cleveland resident Jina Vietta.

But along with the generosity, comes the opportunity for Oklahomans to lift their heavy hearts, if even for just a little bit.

"We want people to come out and maybe have an escape for a couple of days. It's a tragic situation, but music is a release, and there's a lot great people here," Litvag said.

We asked about what would happen if a storm came through during the concerts. Organizers say they've evacuated concerts before and can do it again. But remember, there are 20,000 people in attendance rural Pryor, so the procedure is to get everyone away from the heavy equipment and back to their campsites.