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 Christmasfeaturing 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
