Oklahoma has a long history of music, dating back to the time of Woody Guthrie and Bob Wills. Oklahoma City and Tulsa continue having very dynamic music scenes, reaching out into the college towns of Norman and Stillwater. The bar scenes in these areas are home to many talented local and regional acts you can catch on a budget and still see a great show. The venues here played a large part in the careers of some pretty major artists such as Pat Green and many more.
So who can you catch, where, and when can you catch them?
1. My So Called Band: I don't want to hear a cover band can't put on a good show. These guys have a legion of devoted fans packing the bars to capacity from Norman to Fayetteville. This 90's cover band is a fan-favorite, playing covers of everything from Alan Jackson to Dr. Dre to Nirvana. You can catch these guys' three hour show for $10 at The Deli in Norman once a month.
2. Kyle Park: Country isn't for everyone (and I get that), but Kyle Park puts on a fantastic show. He throws a little rock and blues into his country styling. The Austin native became a favorite of the OKC music crowd for his well written songs and crowd interaction. You can catch Kyle Park at the Wormy Dog in Bricktown for $15.
3. Derek Paul and The Handsome Devils: Derek Paul is possibly Norman's best songwriter, and he writes real, "from the heart" stuff. His music is not for the faint of heart, but it has a way of ringing true few songwriters have anymore. You can see DP and the boys a couple times a month at The Deli in Norman or the Wormy Dog in Bricktown.
4. Whiskey Myers: These guys rock! Whiskey Myers may be one of the hottest bands in this region. Their guitar solos and high energy shows make for a great time and a must-see show for around $15 at the Wormy Dog in Bricktown.
5. Mama Sweet: These guys only play a handful of shows a year, so you have to keep an eye out for when and where they play. During the last 15 years, these guys were the kings of the Norman music scene. Aron Holt brought his soulful vocals, and Alan Orebaugh brought his incredible guitar abilities to the table. They are about a $15 show at either The Deli, the Wormy Dog, or the Blue Door.
6. The Patron Aints: Guys, if you live in Norman, you are right down the road from seeing a super band in the making. The Patron Aints are made up of members of The Handsome Devils and Mama Sweet. The music they play is about real-life stuff, and again, it isn't for the faint of heart. You can catch them every Monday at The Deli for $10.
7. Rich O'Toole: Rich has been a friend of mine for a couple of years now. He's a brilliant musician and a great guy to have drinks with. Rich brings a very South Texas flair to his music, drawing his influences from Bruce Springsteen and Robert Earl Keen (to name a few). Rich puts on a great live show and loves to hangout with the crowd afterwards. Rich plays in this area at frats, sororities, the Wormy Dog, and The Tumbleweed in Stillwater.
8. Cody Canada & The Departed: Cody Canada is from Yukon, so naturally, people around here love one of there own. Cody cut his teeth in the Oklahoma-based rock band Cross Canadian Ragweed, cranking out regional chart toppers such as "Fighting For", "17", "Alabama", "Hammer Down", and many more. The Departed features many of Ragweed's old hits, plus some new stuff. You can catch Cody and his boys in Bricktown at the Wormy Dog every few months for $20.
9. No Justice: No Justice is maybe the most dynamic band to come out of Stillwater, Oklahoma. The band only plays a handful of shows a year, but when they do play, they sell out. With songs like "The Toast", "Spinning Wheel", and many more, it's no wonder why they sell out. They play a handful of shows at the Wormy Dog every year. You can see them for $15-20.
10. Hosty: if you live in this part of the country, you have to see Hosty. Hosty in an institution in this area, playing for years. Mike is a traditional one-man-band act, or on occasion, he bringing his long-time drummer Tic Tock. His shows are less about the music and more about the fun. Everyone loves Hosty, and to me, he is the act you have to see at least once. He performs all over the state.
