Bob Childers' Gypsy Cafe
2027 date coming soon!

The weather played along as Bob Childers Gypsy Cafe brought together the heart and soul of Oklahoma’s music community on April 11–12 for an unforgettable weekend around “Boys from Oklahoma, Round 2” in Stillwater. Spanning five live music venues and featuring 100 Oklahoma musicians alongside 15 dedicated production professionals, the festival welcomed more than 3,000 attendees in celebration of Red Dirt music and the people who sustain it.

More than just a music festival, Gypsy Cafe once again proved its impact as a force for good. Through the collective generosity of artists, fans, sponsors, and volunteers, the event broke fundraising and attendance records by adding $60,086 to Red Dirt Relief Fund’s Emergency Financial Assistance Fund—providing critical aid to Oklahoma music professionals in times of need.

Across two days, audiences experienced a range of performances, from intimate acoustic song swap sets to full-band showcases, highlighting both legendary voices and rising talent from across the state.  

Festival Highlights Included:

• Powerful, one-of-a-kind collaborations between Oklahoma artists that captured the spirit of the Red Dirt community
• Sold-out crowds at multiple venues, with audiences filling rooms from Twangers & Bangers Brunch through afternoon showcases to the Afterparty featuring Lance Roark
• Emotional moments on stage including Cody Canada accepting this year’s Restless Spirit Award from his friend and longtime collaborator, Mike McClure; Presley Sullins Rains performing after growing up watching her late father and 2022 Restless Spirit Award honoree, Chad Sullins, perform at the festival; Micah Felts playing this year’s Jimmy LaFave Songwriting Contest winning song, and a host of musicians reflecting on the impact Red Dirt Relief Fund has had in their lives
• Wyatt Flores accepting the Blue Diamond Award backstage at Brunch in honor of a supporter who keeps the flame alive for Oklahoma artists, with special recognition for his help in creating the Oklahoma Musicians Mental Health Fund 

At its core, Bob Childers Gypsy Cafe continues to honor the legacy of Bob Childers by fostering a culture of generosity, authenticity, and songwriting excellence. This year’s success not only showcased the depth of Oklahoma’s talent but also reinforced the community’s commitment to taking care of its own.

As the final notes faded after Cody led a hour-long set featuring friends and guests including McClure, Drew Cooper, Bryon White, Scott Evans, Presley Sullins Rains, Brandon Clark, Gene Collier and more, one thing was clear: the spirit of Gypsy Cafe is stronger than ever—and its impact will continue to resonate far beyond the stage.

See photos below courtesy of Phil Clarkin.