Amplify: KYLE DILLINGHAM BACK FROM CHINA AND RELEASING HIS NEW ALBUM, “HOMA”
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- October 9, 2023
Fresh off the global stage in China representing the United States at the 6th annual Silk Road International Cultural Expo, America’s Fiddling Ambassador, Kyle Dillingham, will be bringing his fiery fiddling to downtown Edmond’s Kyle Dillingham Community Arts Stage (behind Silver Leaf Gems), Thursday, October 12th, to celebrate his much-anticipated new album, “Homa.” The free event begins at 7pm with complimentary hot dogs and other refreshments followed by a presentation by the Asian Chamber of Commerce and a performance of Dillingham’s new songs from the album.
“The name Oklahoma comes from two Choctaw words “okla” meaning a people; a tribe; a nation,” said Dillingham. “And “humma,” which when applied to people, is an honorific meaning courageous; brave; honorable; elite; set apart. So, Oklahoma means honorable nation; a brave people; a courageous nation. Be brave and set apart; let “Homa” be your anthem.”
A fan favorite from the album, “Freedom Bells,” is an International Songwriting Competition winner (“The songwriting competition to take note of…” —New York Times). It was selected from over 21,000 entries worldwide and 1 of 13 entries in the Instrumental Category with only two finalists from the United States.
“Homa” was nominated for Best Americana Song at the 2021 Indie Music Channel Awards presented at the iconic Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood. “Way to go! I receive over 20,000 song submissions a year from all around the world. Keep making great music!” said Emmy Award-winning producer/host, Christopher Ewing. “You are, truly, one of the best indie artists in the world!”
Dillingham, and his band, Horseshoe Road, were invited back to China as part of this year’s Old Friends on the Silk Road Goodwill Tour, which kicked off at Tianjin Juilliard School and took them through Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Jinchang and Qingyang, Edmond’s sister city.
“I was at the signing of the Edmond-Qingyang sister city friendship agreement in 2016, and my band and I performed a one-year anniversary concert in 2017,” said Dillingham. “We were back in 2019 and felt so blessed to return this year to share our music again with some dear old friends.”
“We were also hosted by a Fortune 500 company for a spectacular concert that was a musical bridge of friendly exchanges between the United States and Mongolia. They even published an incredible review of it on their news center.”
Dillingham made history at the Grand Ole Opry in 2019 with an unprecedented debut performance on a Dolly Parton skateboard.
“Kyle Dillingham has made Opry history. His debut tonight, and the first ever to enter and exit on a skateboard. It is my thought that the fiddler blew the roof off the Grand Ole Opry house tonight!” said Bill Cody, Grand Ole Opry Announcer/Host.
“Proud of you brother…you play violin/fiddle with more passion than anyone in history…and the skateboard? Wow!!!” said Duane Allen, The Oak Ridge Boys.
In 2023, Dillingham was selected as one of the Metro’s Most Influential Leaders by 405 Business Magazine and was one of six selected by Oklahoma Magazine for the honor of Oklahoman of the Year 2022.
Presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, he was awarded the prestigious honor of Oklahoma Ambassador of Goodwill in 2020. Previously honored Ambassadors of Goodwill include Toby Keith, Kristin Chenoweth, Roger Miller, Reba McEntire, Jimmy Webb, and Hank Thompson, to name a few.
Honored by Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry, he was selected as a recipient of the 2009 Governor’s Arts Award, acknowledging his life’s work as a violinist, vocalist, musical ambassador for the state of Oklahoma and for his gift to connect with people throughout the world.
“As Oklahoma’s Musical Ambassador, I’ve proudly represented my state in over 40 countries,” Dillingham said. “But there is no place on earth like the Great State of Oklahoma! Come celebrate Homa with me under the stars.”
The global digital release of “Homa” will be on Oklahoma Statehood Day, November 16th.
Admission to the event is free but donations will be accepted.
For more information about Kyle Dillingham, visit his website, KyleDillingham.com or contact Stephanie at info@downtownedmondok.com
