Scene - Blogs - SATURDAY Red Dirt Christmas celebrates 16th year at Cains

SATURDAY: Red Dirt Christmas celebrates 16th year at Cain's
Published: 12/15/2011 11:10 AM
Last Modified: 12/15/2011 11:11 AM

The Red Dirt Rangers. Tulsa World file

This year is No. 16 for the Red Dirt Christmas blowout at Cain's Ballroom. The stalwart Red Dirt Rangers head the show again this year (it's their show, after all), said singer and guitarist John Cooper.

This time, they're bringing along pals Mike McClure and No Justice.

Yeah, it's gonna be that kind of party.

In other words, get there early and be ready to have a great time.

"The 16th for us, in row. Crazy, huh?" Cooper said, then laughed. It's more than a tradition, he said. It's a celebration of a distinctively Oklahoma way of life - and celebrating the holidays.

Each year, the band has chosen a charity to share proceeds with. Last year, they created their own, the Red Dirt Relief Fund, which helps out some of the most in-need of the Okie-grown, indie, alt-country, salt-of-the-Earth music movement known as Red Dirt, originally born in Stillwater.

"We collect money for musicians, fans, friends and others who may need financial support for any kind of hardship - bills, medical issues, really anything and everything.

"People can apply and will be helped as needed."

In other words, the money stays in the community, he said.

"The way the economy has bottomed out, gosh, we totally understand and want to help fill an undeniable need and help our own right now," he said.

And there's always the "usual menagerie" of guests - expected and unexpected.

This annual event holds the title of the largest crowd ever in the historic Cain's Ballroom. It's that popular, Cooper said.

"Who knows who might show up," he said. "In typical Red Dirt style, though, they'll all come up to the stage. We all play together. It's really a party for everyone. There are surprises every single year."

For starters, both Mike McClure and No Justice haven't played Tulsa in a while, he said. It's a reunion for all those Red Dirt guys, too, who all love to jam together, he said.

In years past, shows have featured Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, the Red Stripes (The Red Alert), Randy Crouch, Jesse Aycock, Turnpike Troubadours, Stoney LaRue, Cross Canadian Ragweed and others.

The Rangers are in the studio with Tulsa Sound and Red Dirt icon Steve Ripley, who is helping produce the band's next album.

"We're not putting a release date on that just yet," Cooper said. Or a title.

"But we are already wrapping up and putting finishing touches on the album," he hinted. The band is closing in on three decades together.

"Dare I say it'll be the best record we've ever done?" he said, then chuckled. "I know, every band says that. But I mean it this time."

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Red Dirt Christmas

featuring the Red Dirt Rangers, Mike McClure Band, No Justice

When: Doors open 7 p.m., showtime 8 p.m. Saturday

Where: Cain's Ballroom, 423 N. Main St.

Tickets: All ages. $19, plus fees, available at all Reasor's grocery stores, Starship Records and Ida Red. Charge by phone at 918-584-2306 or buy online at tulsaworld.com/cains.

Online: tulsaworld.com/rdr

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Barrelhouse Beat

Barrelhouse: A colloquialism describing the low saloons at the turn of the century (19th) that served whiskey straight out of the barrel. It's also a reference to the type of music played in those venues. Ex: Barrelhouse music.

Beat: The time or timing. Ex: The band played with a solid beat. Also used as a term describing a reporters specific area of expertise. Ex: The music beat.

About me: I'm Okie born and raised, and have lived all over the state: Oklahoma City, Enid, Moore, Norman, Edmond and Tulsa. I am a music geek, writer, graphic designer and amateur photographer and videographer who's followed the Tulsa and regional music scene since I moved to Green Country more than 10 years ago. I've been enmeshed in Tulsa's varied and vibrant musical night life, what some of us affectionately call a modernized throwback to the Barrelhouse scene, since that time. I fell in love with it. I fell hard.

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Past Articles By Jennifer Chancellor

2/17/2013		Tulsan Johnny Polygon a rapper who delights in hometown crowd
2/15/2013		The Who brings nostalgia, ingenuity to BOK Center
2/15/2013		Lady Gaga tour is canceled
2/15/2013		Audio Adrenaline concert moves to April 7
2/14/2013		The Who brings 'other' rock opera to Tulsa's BOK Center
2/14/2013		Okies nominated for several top ACM awards
2/14/2013		Epic moments of rock 'n' roll history in Tulsa
2/14/2013		The Who talks about 'Quadrophenia' rock opera ahead of BOK show Thursday
2/14/2013		Shawnee songstress Samantha Crain to play Tulsa CD release show Friday
2/14/2013		Rick Springfield to play River Spirit Event Center on Saturday
2/14/2013		Local music roundup: Vaudvillian sideshows? Nerd nights? Live music? Parties? Yes, yes, yes and yes.
2/14/2013		Eli Young band coming to Brady Theater for first time

Jennifer Chancellor's Blog Archive:

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Jennifer Chancellor
BarrelhouseBeat

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