I’ve just turned 21, and a new Tulsa stands before me.
Our city’s diverse music scene is found in the crevices of the city, in the bars with lots of hazy blue light and taxidermy hanging above your drink, or in places with soft pink hues spilling over the walls as a man thumps an upright bass alongside a yearning saxophone.
Music is a very important part of my life. Like many, I always have it around.
Live music is a precious experience that I seek out as often as I can. In Tulsa, there are many great venues that host local and touring artists, and many all-ages venues that I have taken advantage of for years.
Now that I am the legal age to enter all of our venues, I’m able to step into a different world of live music that I’ve only been able to watch through a window or standing in the parking lot as the soundtrack to the patrons’ evening leaks out the doors.
Now those doors are open to me.
In my short time of being 21, I’ve only cracked the surface of what Tulsa’s music scene has to offer — and it’s only fueled my interest to hear more.
This city has so many opportunities for live music, and a little something for everyone. From the dive bars with young dudes playing fast music to the classy spots where tunes from the ‘50s live on, Tulsa does it all.
Here are the first three venues I’ve visited. Whether you’re newly 21 or just getting into Tulsa’s lively music scene, I hope this will encourage you to get out to see some shows.
Whittier Bar
Whittier Bar, 2405 E. Admiral Blvd., is one of two music venues in Kendall-Whittier District. Bands that come through here are at home in genres like hardcore, metal, punk or rock.
The stage is positioned at the front next to the door, so you walk right into the experience. Band posters and knick-knacks adorn any wall space or empty surface; my favorite design choice is the large cutout of the devil in the back corner, mouth open, revealing booth seating.
At the end of the bar, a guy sits on a stool and holds a PlayStation 5 controller, completely locked-in to a game on the TV. Everyone comes to hang out, see some music, drink and enjoy the evening.
Shows at Whittier happen often and loudly, with a small cover charge. The evening I checked it out, I saw the fast-tempo local rock band Puncher. Find upcoming show information here.
Vintage Wine Bar
When the clock strikes 8 p.m. on a Monday night, you can hear the jazz kick in at Vintage Wine Bar, 324 E. 1st St.
The soft lighting and cozy seating create the perfect atmosphere to listen and sip your favorite red, white or whatever the server says is best.
The evening I attended, Ana Berry & Bossa Rhythm Collective provided the sounds. They played both covers from jazz icons, like Chick Corea, and original works. Some people chatted among themselves, keeping the place lively, while others sat on the couches directly in front of the band, absorbed in every note.
These jazz nights are free to attend — the cherry on top for this place. Follow them on Instagram to keep up.
Mercury Lounge
Mercury Lounge, 1747 S. Boston Ave., is one of Tulsa’s staple live music spots. Every night of the week, and all day Sunday, you can walk in to find live musicians playing up on the stage just to your right.
Looking around, the decor caught my attention: an opossum hanging over the bar, a large bison head mounted on the wall over my shoulder and what might’ve been a coyote wearing a hat lords over the stage.
People trickled in to watch the band, say hello to their neighbor and pat the dog that politely watched the set from a barstool in the corner. Mercury Lounge creates a comfortable atmosphere for those who love a drink alongside local live music. There’s also a large courtyard for gathering with friends to swap stories.
Mercury Lounge features both local and traveling artists of varying genres, often leaning in the bluegrass/red dirt direction. Events are sometimes ticketed and often free. You can find more information on the concert calendar.
The evening I visited, Jim Bachmann played a chill, somewhat twangy rock set featuring some instrumental breaks that left me mesmerized.
News decisions at the Tulsa Flyer are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.