Every so often, a band passes through Oklahoma and there just isn’t excuse to greet it with the van.

Folkie Chris Bathgate caught our attention with his soulful, dusty Tiny Desk Concert on NPR.

We met him outside of The Blue Door.

Although the Michigan native is stripped of his powerful, electric backing band in the van, Bathgate’s passionate lyrics and musical talents burn brightly.

“Ain’t it good to be alive,” he repeats in the chorus of “Calvary.”

We think so too.

Bathgate is a reminder of the simple beauty and charm hidden within music. His music is one of those things you don’t know you miss until it’s gone.

Hopefully, we can expect him back in Oklahoma before too long.

Make sure to look out for his new EP “Old Factory.”

Check out some stills after the jump.

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