If you are a musician attempting to thrive in the Norman music scene, the most effective way to perform to larger audiences is to book shows at Norman’s most popular venues, the Deli and the Opolis.

The Opolis and the Deli are two Norman music venues that take pride in their contribution to the young local music culture. They are known to frequently provide fantastic opportunities for local musicians to expand their music to a bigger audience.



The Deli, located just north of the University of Oklahoma campus on the north side of Campus Corner, is a 21 and up bar that has amassed an outstanding popularity with the Norman citizens. The bar provides live music every night of the week, and the crowds consistently get larger. The Deli requires musicians to send in a demo tape if they are interested in performing. The Opolis, however, makes their performance selections typically by word of mouth. If a particular band is gaining notoriety or their name is being tossed around throughout the various Norman venues, the Opolis will generally pick up on this and look further into the band’s legitimacy. While the Deli seems to be the popular music setting for the public, the Opolis has primarily obtained the most recognition from artists.

“The Opolis does a great job of making us feel at home, especially with the free beer and pitas and hummus,” bassist Zack Reeves said. “I won’t say we gorge, but we gorge.”



“The Opolis is probably the most credible Norman venue for musicians,” musician Austin Ray said. “If you’re good, you’re going to play there.”

Although these are merely two of the music venues in Norman, they are certainly the most praised. If a Norman artist finds his or herself performing in one or both of these places, then they are surely one step closer to a fun musical pursuit.