You know that saying, “They don’t make ’em like they use to.”
Well, it’s time you meet John Paul Keith.
One part Buddy Holly and the rest parts catchy as hell.
That’s the best way to describe the rockabilly songs coming from Memphis-based artist.
The good people of Okie Dope records invited Keith to perform at VZD’s, and he was kind enough to share a song from his latest album.
Enjoy this blast from the past because they do make ’em like they used to.
Check out some stills after the jump.
We wouldn’t be surprised if The Polyphonic Spree has never heard the expression “too much of a good thing.”
The band’s current line-up sports nearly two dozen members and we fit a dozen of the Dallas-based crew inside of the van for a joyful rendition of “It’s the Sun.”
This is some of the most fun we’ve had with a band in the van.
We hope the joyful nature of this episode is contagious much like the Spree’s energetic, life-affirming concerts.
Sit back, turn it up and enjoy the show.
When it comes to art, Dusty and Tanner know their shirt.
If you’ve been to a Thunder game or have any Oklahomacentric friends then you’ve probably seen designs from Tree and Leaf Clothing.
Dusty has been running the apparel store for about six years.
Design is in his blood. His grandfather’s claim to fame is drawing Pistol Pete, a symbol famous throughout the country. Dusty still has his grandfather’s old design notebooks and its influence doesn’t seem to be fading any time soon.
Dusty and Tanner had quite a big challange facing them last month. They had to create enough artwork for a Live on the Plaza gallery showing in two weeks time. The two tirelessly collaborated and ended up with plenty of quality work.
Except plenty more good stuff from the duo in the future.
Last month, The Society artist Tim Krause joined us for an interview about what it’s like being an artist in Oklahoma.
Krause works with a group of artists in a shared art space in The Plaza District.
He’s the second artist from The Society we’ve had in the van.
We are very much looking forward to more.
When something’s simple, it’s usually because someone worked hard to make it that way.
That’s precisely why we think OK Sweetheart deserves attention.
Erin Austin isn’t living in Tulsa anymore, but she still plays in Oklahoma under the moniker OK Sweetheart during her active tour schedule and makes sweet ’60s-inspired pop songs sound as easy as Sunday morning.
If you are in Norman this week and have the means then we highly suggest you visit OK Sweetheart and Brine Webb performing at The Opolis.
It can be a lot of work getting to a show, but you should know OK Sweetheart will make it easy on you.
Check out some photos from the shoot after the jump…
You’re not going to find a hotter band in this country.
But that’s mostly because Dallas-based rockers Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights decided to play in OKC in the midst of the hottest summer in the our planet’s history.
However, JTNL is toasty warm in other ways too.
We mean career wise.
The band recently got off of a blistering tour with Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, and the Texans are working on a Fall tour.
The VDub crew was lucky enough to grab JTNL just long enough for the band to bust out a brand new unreleased tune. As soon as the song was done, everyone bolted out of the van.
It wasn’t because of Ferris’ driving, it was because the van become an inferno.
If you don’t believe how hot it was, watch closely because throughout the new episode and you’ll see beads of sweat dripping off of drummer Jordan Cain.
BTW, Jordan has a sweet knuckle tat.
He was hanging out in the top of the camper portion of the van.
We told you this band was hot.
Get used to it.
Here’s the Vimeo link if you are a big shot fancy pants video person.
After Ben Kilgore finished his set at the Mustache Bash on Wednesday night, a women in the crowd asked me who had just performed.
(I get this question a lot because of how my jeans fit and because I’m holding a camera at every concert ever.)
When I answered with the name Ben Kilgore, the new fan paused and said, “As soon as I heard his voice, I had to sit down and listen.”
I’m sure this had everything to do with the Tulsa-based singer’s commanding voice.
It’s unreal.
But I was most surprised by Kilgore’s thoughtfulness.
I approached him about performing a quick song in the Spy Wagon, and it seemed like his world stopped for a minute.
He got quiet, as if the songs he knew were battling for position in his head and heart.
I’m glad he picked Otis Redding’s “These Arms of Mine.”
Not only was it a highlight of his set, but also Kanye West/Jay-Z’s track “Otis” is fresh in my mind.
Oddly enough, you can hear one of Kanye’s earliest songs playing in the background near the end of this song.
No matter who’s covering Redding, you’re in for a treat.
THE VDUB SESSIONS 