Kalyn Fay with guitar
Kalyn Fay performs during The Church Studio's "IN SESSION" recording experience on July 30, 2026. Credit: Emma Watts / Tulsa Flyer

A live audience of 50 people surrounded Cherokee singer-songwriter Kalyn Fay as she recorded new music for The Church Studio’s “IN SESSION.” 

Fay did two performances last Thursday evening in the studio where she recorded tracks from her album “ᎠᏫᏒᏅ (Garden),” released in April through Horton Records. Fay was supported by Jake Lynn (drums), Stephen Lee (guitar) and Josh Nanna (bass). 

“IN SESSION” is a quarterly live-recording experience inside The Church Studio, 304 S. Trenton Ave. Ticketed audiences can go inside a working studio alongside the musicians and engineers creating the session. 

Attendees listen to the studio mix, meaning they can hear every voice and instrument through professional Shure studio headphones.

  • Kalyn Fay with guitar
    Kalyn Fay performs during The Church Studio’s “IN SESSION” recording experience on July 30, 2026. Credit: Emma Watts / Tulsa Flyer
  • audience members inside studio
    Audience members listen to Kalyn Fay perform during The Church Studio’s “IN SESSION” recording experience on July 30, 2026. Credit: Emma Watts / Tulsa Flyer
  • Jake Lynn plays the drums during The Church Studio's "IN SESSION" recording experience with Kalyn Fay on July 30, 2026.
    Jake Lynn plays the drums during The Church Studio’s “IN SESSION” recording experience with Kalyn Fay on July 30, 2026. Credit: Emma Watts / Tulsa Flyer
  • Stephen Lee plays guitar during The Church Studio's "IN SESSION" recording experience with Kalyn Fay on July 30, 2026.
    Stephen Lee plays guitar during The Church Studio’s “IN SESSION” recording experience with Kalyn Fay on July 30, 2026. Credit: Emma Watts / Tulsa Flyer
  • Kalyn Fay in front of audience
    Kalyn Fay performs during The Church Studio’s “IN SESSION” recording experience on July 30, 2026. Credit: Emma Watts / Tulsa Flyer
  • Kalyn Fay performs during The Church Studio's "IN SESSION" recording experience on July 30, 2026.
    Kalyn Fay performs during The Church Studio’s “IN SESSION” recording experience on July 30, 2026. Credit: Emma Watts / Tulsa Flyer
  • Audience members listen to Kalyn Fay perform during The Church Studio's "IN SESSION" recording experience on July 30, 2026.
    Audience members listen to Kalyn Fay perform during The Church Studio’s “IN SESSION” recording experience on July 30, 2026. Credit: Emma Watts / Tulsa Flyer
  • Audience members listen to Kalyn Fay perform through studio headphones during The Church Studio's "IN SESSION" recording experience on July 30, 2026.
    Audience members listen to Kalyn Fay perform through studio headphones during The Church Studio’s “IN SESSION” recording experience on July 30, 2026. Credit: Emma Watts / Tulsa Flyer
  • the facade of The Church Studio building
    The Church Studio, 304 S. Trenton Ave., on July 30, 2026. Credit: Emma Watts / Tulsa Flyer

According to Stanton Doyle, executive director of The Church Studio, “IN SESSION” was inspired by JJ Cale’s 1979 concert video “In Session at The Paradise Studios,” which was recorded in Leon Russell’s Los Angeles studio, and a headphone concert by Snarky Puppy.

“The concept illuminates the recording process for audiences while creating lasting recordings for performers,” he said. “Headphones, vintage analog gear, skilled engineers and the room’s intimacy make the experience truly unique.”

The Church Studio is home to Tunes @ Noon every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. It is a ticketed event that includes a live performance and admission to the museum. 

The Church’s Legacy Concert Series continues Sep. 18 with Pure Prairie League. 

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Haley Samsel is the story editor at the Tulsa Flyer, where she edits stories for accuracy and coaches journalists on their writing. Haley’s career in journalism began in Washington, D.C., where she led...