James Cook and Tim Maloney feel their own sound of music while they perform one of their original songs, Sep. 7. (Ryan Lemond) 

From 6-8 in the evening on Sep. 7, 2023, the Wichita Museum of Art hosted Live at the Lake. Organizers invited local band The James Cook Band to perform original songs stretching from their first album that came out in 2016, to their most recent album, which they released this year. The band started their first set with a fiery cover of the Stevie Wonder classic “Superstition.” Later in the evening the band moved on to original music, highlighted by their song “Two Left Feet,” a bluesy country song about frontman James Cook’s daughter. Wichita Falls locals came out in droves to support the band.

Cook said he appreciated the support, and said some fans even go beyond just offering words of encouragement. 

“Usually at a show, people ask me ‘Do I want a shot?’ I say ‘No sir, get me a plate of tacos!’ every time,” Cook said.

The James Cook Band performing “Superstition” at Wichita Museum of Art. The band Sep. 7. The band consists of lead singer, James Cook, Bassist, Tim Maloney, Keyboard, Jason Brown, Drums, Ricci Amador, Guitarist, Kelly Jackson. (Ryan Lemond)

During the concert, the art museum was free to enter and tour. The exhibits are rotated frequently, and an art exchange will occur in October between MSU and the Yokohama Museum of Art in Kanagawa, Japan. 

The crowd gathers around the stage before the performance begins, Sep. 7. (Ryan Lemond)

Live at the Lake partnered with fundraiser Texoma Gives, which works to ensure Midwestern State has a thriving art community and up-to-date, maintained exhibits. Donations to Texoma Gives go directly to funding exhibits and employees’ salaries, as well as providing free workshops, lectures and activities for anyone interested. According to museum curator Danny Bills, the museum started Live at the Lake in 2006 to shine a spotlight on local artists and musicians. 

As the band played their hits, local artist Charles Smith painted the scene. The final work was raffled off to one lucky individual who donated to Texoma Gives. The Wichita Falls Museum of Art will host Live at the Lake again behind the Bruce and Graciela Redwine Student Wellness Center on Sep. 21 with musical guest G-Top Band.

Charles Smith paints a scenic view of the crowd at Wichita Museum of Art, Sep. 7. (Ryan Lemond)