Tahlequah thrives on live music
By RENEE FITE
[email protected]
Whatever the musical style – Red
Dirt, blue grass, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, coun-
try, opera, gospel or Cherokee choirs
– an abundance of diverse Oklahoma
music helps make the Tahlequah com-
munity vibrant.
Along with churches, music venues
vary, from art galleries to restaurants,
bars, outdoor events, and concerts at
Northeastern State University featur-
ing local, national and international
performers, faculty and students, and
the summer favorite, River City Play-
ers.
Cherokee Casino Tahlequah offers
live music free to those 21 and old-
er, and the Tahlequah Senior Citizens
Center has a regular five-piece dance
band, Midnite Ride, that’s drawing
a crowd of 65-75 people each Friday
night from as far away as Arkansas, Lo-
cust Grove and Vian.
Jon Edwards plays piano, guitar and
harmonica in the band, which offers a
variety of classic country music geared
to various dance styles. They also do
some classic rock, standards and re-
quests. He said everyone in the band is
a vocalist which results in a wide range
of styles and harmonies.
“The music scene, such as The
Branch, features a variety of acts so pa-
trons get to hear the great range of tal-
ent the area has to offer,” said Edwards.
“The local musicians are fortunate to
have so many local venues to show-
case their various talents and musical
styles. It never gets boring.”
The Branch Manager J.K. Kelley said
they offer live music to make the atmo-
sphere more lively and enjoyable.
“It seems like everyone is happy if
good music is playing, and we like to
do live music to give the opportuni-
ty to musicians and support live mu-
sic,” said Kelley, whose personal taste
includes originals, anything upbeat,
bluegrass, jazz and any sing-alongs.
The Branch has 8 p.m. shows, for
all ages, and no cover. Blues man Pat
Moss, The Three Fs, Scott Evans, Okla-
homa Wildlife, and Tanglewood per-
formed recently, and upcoming shows
include Brad Fielder, Rev. Doctor, Ef-
fron White, Adam Miller, and Scott
Lawrence on jazz guitar.
It’s the casual atmosphere Scott
Lawrence likes at The Branch.
“People are here to eat and people
Renee Fite | Daily Press
Jordon Cox, Amber Watson, R.C. Edwards and Justin Kay perform at many Tahlequah venues and outdoor
concerts, including the Crawfish Fest in March.
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Tahlequah Daily Press | Green Country Scene • Good Eats Edition • April 2020