Do you crave the heavy vibrations of a guitar filling the room, to feel the bass bump in your heart, to listen to something brand new being played 5 feet before you?
Tulsa has a strong local music scene that often caters to the 21 and older crowd, but there are some all-ages venues creating a safe and supportive environment for people of any background, talent and age to share space and enjoy music.
These smaller venues host shows for all ages, and all ages show up. Teens come to mosh, and long-time music lovers come to enjoy.
“All-age venues are the backbone of any great music scene,” said Noah Arizoki of local rockers Morris Village.
Here are three options to enjoy a live local show, whether you’re 14 or 84.
Noise Town
Nestled in an alley along the west Tulsa stretch of the Mother Road, Noise Town is a multifaceted venue that began two years ago as a local rehearsal space before quickly evolving to host shows and offer recording services, workshops, poetry readings, comedy and more.
“It’s really important for young people to have a place to experiment, improve and express themselves in front of their peers,” said Noise Town co-owner Mike Rodriguez.
The intimate space at 2611 W. 40th Place has one main room for events and shows, creating a supportive environment for artists of all ages and talents to put themselves out there. Genres range from shoegaze and punk to emo, electronic and more.
Aspiring musicians of any age can rent space at Noise Town to practice, starting at $25 per hour.
Noise Town often hosts shows for local bands and sometimes traveling musicians. Find out about upcoming shows by following their Instagram @noisetown_tulsa or visit noisetowntulsa.com. Most shows have a $10-20 cover and typically start at 7 or 8 p.m.
As the name suggests, bring earplugs.
Mass Movement Community Arts
For those looking for music to mosh to, Mass Movement Community Arts is a primarily punk and hardcore venue located in north Tulsa at 1217 E. Admiral Blvd.
Two open rooms create space for the opportunity to mosh and move to the music. One room holds the stage while the other has tables for bands to sell their merch and sometimes has a bar. It’s a simple setup that matches the venue’s goal of being a community arts space, driven by a DIY ethic.
MMCA hosts many local bands and some touring acts, as well as events like the Really Really Free Market and Tulsa Community Pride.
Many of these shows range from $15 to $20 at the door and start by 8 p.m. Learn more about their upcoming shows or booking your own through the venue’s Instagram, @massmovement.communityarts918.
The Vanguard
While the previous two venues offer more intimate experiences, The Vanguard, in downtown at 222 N. Main St., steps it up with a capacity of 500.
Vanguard hosts many local and traveling acts, events, dance parties and festivals. Genres range from country and folk to metal and hardcore to pop and dance.
“(Our) first few local shows were at the Vanguard and going there from such a young age kind of makes it a home venue,” Arizoki said. “You can see anyone from your friend’s emo band to Microwave at the Vanguard, and I think that’s very important.”
An open room with a loft allows for a large audience. Most shows are all ages, but there are some that can be 18 or older. Event details can be found at thevanguardtulsa.com and the venue’s Instagram @vanguardtulsa.
Emma Dixon is a freelance contributor to the Tulsa Flyer.
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