In honor of its tenth anniversary serving Oklahoma music professionals in crisis, Red Dirt Relief Fund announces two events coming to Tulsa in October: Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives at Osage Casino on October 9 and Skinnerfest at 18th & Boston on October 16. All proceeds from both concerts will benefit the nonprofit’s financial assistance fund. Since 2012, Red Dirt Relief Fund has granted over $625,000 to more than 800 music people in 35 Oklahoma counties including $300,850 in COVID relief grants since March 2020.
According to Executive Director Katie Dale, “This organization was born ten years ago out of a desire by musicians to take care of each other in times of trouble. We are beyond grateful for the support of donors, venues, festivals, fans and the Oklahoma music industry ecosystem for pitching in every step of the way to show artists in our state that they are valued.”
On Sunday, October 9, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives will perform at Osage Casino Skyline Events Center. An opening set led by Tulsa torchbearer, Paul Benjaman, features an Oklahoma All-Star band with performances by local artists Ayilla, Kalyn Fay, Jacob Tovar and Jared Tyler.
Stuart, a five-time Grammy winning singer, songwriter and musician, is living, breathing country-music history. Known for a style that embraces rockabilly and bluegrass influences, Stuart was discovered by Lester Flatt and played in Johnny Cash’s band. He’s a member of the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. And when it comes to transforming country songs into tangible experience, Stuart has a secret weapon: the Fabulous Superlatives. Made up of guitarist and Oklahoma-native Kenny Vaughan, drummer Harry Stinson and bassist Chris Scruggs, the Superlatives are an extension of Stuart himself.
“Lester Flatt saw something in me and gave me his wisdom, wit and music. Johnny Cash was my best friend. But all of that doesn’t come for free. The job is to pass it along,” says Stuart. According to Osage Casino Entertainment Director and Red Dirt Relief Fund Board Member Johnny Buschardt, “Marty’s mission of musician mentorship and community align with Red Dirt Relief Fund, not to mention the obvious legend he is in country music. Osage Casino is proud to be a partner in making this show happen and celebrating Red Dirt Relief Fund’s tenth anniversary.”
Tickets ranging from $35-$55 go on sale Friday, August 12 at 10am. The event is 18+.
The following Sunday, October 16, Red Dirt Relief Fund presents their seventh annual “Skinnerfest” featuring more than 40 Oklahoma musicians at Mercury Lounge and Venue Shrine located at 18th and Boston.
This year’s lineup includes acoustic song swaps and full-band sets from Skinner’s Red Dirt friends and “Tulsa Sound” musicians. Highlights include a Skinner tribute set from Mike McClure and the Red Dirt Rangers, Skinner’s Wednesday Night Science Project band, Paul Benjaman’s Oklahoma All-Star set from the Marty Stuart concert and Tulsa favorites like Pilgrim, Cassie Latshaw, Tori Ruffin, Wink Burcham and more. A full schedule by venue will be announced the first week of October.
Skinner was often quoted for his description of Red Dirt music as “more of a brotherhood and a community thing than it is necessarily a style.” This festival seeks to celebrate that community while surprising music fans of all genres to the incredible talent based in Oklahoma. Skinner was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame just four months before his death on July 12, 2015.
Skinnerfest is supported by Hideaway Pizza, Tulsa Dental Center, Play Tulsa Music, White Claw, The Collab, Vast Bank, TLC Vodka, KOSU, Horton Records and Mac’s BBQ at Cain’s.
Tickets go on sale Friday, August 19th at 10am at starting at $15 for General Admission in advance ($20 at the door), $60 for Brunch (limited) and $100 for “Friends of the Festival” that include brunch and a fest t-shirt. The event is 21+.
Visit reddirtrelieffund.org, friend Red Dirt Relief Fund on Facebook or follow @reddirtrelief for more information and festival updates.
For media or sponsorship inquiries, please contact Katie Dale at reddirtrelieffund@gmail.com or 918-407-4599.
