^

I agree.

But, Book of Love is coming to the Tower on July 27th. I'll be there.

As far as rock is concerned, Kurt Vile is coming in December!

As far as rock is concerned, Kurt Vile is coming in December!

though it is a biiiiit folkey.

Probably both great performers, but man, so many shows here in OKC are "folk-rock" or just folk or "red-dirt".

I feel the same way but it's the ones you mention here that I'm still having to go outside OKC to find. And the Aaron Lee Tasjan show is probably not going to be a huge draw (patio show).... I mostly listen to Americana these days but it's rare that the ones I enjoy come to OKC.

Probably both great performers, but man, so many shows here in OKC are "folk-rock" or just folk or "red-dirt". Wish we could get more pop, electronic, full-band, or rock acts (and not the umpteenth iteration of some old 60s/70s band with one or no original members). And before the criticism starts, yeah, I know we get some, but seems to me to be skewed towards the folksy/country side of things.

After seeing Chris Whitley multiple times before he died, I just about can't watch any guy-with-a-guitar without getting bored pretty quickly. Of course, this is all just my opinion, as these shows sell out anyway, so my opinion is in the minority here, I suppose.

I saw Dawes at the UCO Performance Lab a couple of years ago, and I didn't really think of them as folk-rock... more like an updated, sort of poppier, jam band. Like a jam band that fans of jams bands may not like, ha.

That being said, I think there has been a strong resurgence of folky / americana influences in some corners of popular music, at least the corners that involve people playing instruments. If anything, I think seeing more of these shows come through OKC actually represents keeping up with some current music trends more so than some kind of indication that the market is out of touch.

And just for reference, who would be some real "rock" bands that formed in the last decade or so that you would like to see here?

^

I agree.

But, Book of Love is coming to the Tower on July 27th. I'll be there.

Yep, me too, and at the Gary Numan show there.

I saw Dawes at the UCO Performance Lab a couple of years ago, and I didn't really think of them as folk-rock... more like an updated, sort of poppier, jam band. Like a jam band that fans of jams bands may not like, ha.

That being said, I think there has been a strong resurgence of folky / americana influences in some corners of popular music, at least the corners that involve people playing instruments. If anything, I think seeing more of these shows come through OKC actually represents keeping up with some current music trends more so than some kind of indication that the market is out of touch.

And just for reference, who would be some real "rock" bands that formed in the last decade or so that you would like to see here?

Not all "rock" and not all formed in the past decade, but here's a start, just scratching the surface...

CHVRCHES, Goldfrapp, Nick Cave, The Killers, JSBX, Phantogram, D'Angelo, Kendrick Lamar, St. Vincent, Miguel, LCD Soundsystem, Childish Gambino, BORNS, Janelle Monae, Khruangbin, Empire of the Sun, Ride, Christine and the Queens, Gary Clark Jr., PJ Harvey, Robert Plant and the Sensational Shapeshifters, Carl Cox/A Guy Called Gerald/Goldie/etc.,

I saw Dawes at the UCO Performance Lab a couple of years ago, and I didn't really think of them as folk-rock... more like an updated, sort of poppier, jam band. Like a jam band that fans of jams bands may not like, ha.

That being said, I think there has been a strong resurgence of folky / americana influences in some corners of popular music, at least the corners that involve people playing instruments. If anything, I think seeing more of these shows come through OKC actually represents keeping up with some current music trends more so than some kind of indication that the market is out of touch.

And just for reference, who would be some real "rock" bands that formed in the last decade or so that you would like to see here?

The War On Drugs would be a fantastic get for OKC. For my money, they're the best rock band of this decade. The Criterion would be a perfect venue for them, if the people running The Criterion knew what they were doing. Jones Assembly and The Tower might be a bit too small to land them, but I'll continue to keep my fingers crossed.

Also, FWIW, the local folk/americana/alt-country scene is strong right now, so I'm not too surprised that those are the genres our bigger concerts tend to lean towards.

CHVRCHES, Goldfrapp, Nick Cave, The Killers, JSBX, Phantogram, D'Angelo, Kendrick Lamar, St. Vincent, Miguel, LCD Soundsystem, Childish Gambino, BORNS, Janelle Monae, Khruangbin, Empire of the Sun, Ride, Christine and the Queens, Gary Clark Jr., PJ Harvey, Robert Plant and the Sensational Shapeshifters, Carl Cox/A Guy Called Gerald/Goldie/etc.,

Wow. ThatÂ’s a good list (can you make me a playlist?).

I’m not gonna parse it, artist by artist, but many have played here in one shape or form. Not “big” venues, or as headliners, but they’ve routed through before. Very few markets (none) gets all of those acts in a given year, and asking for it here is sort of crazy town. Yet, opolis and 89th st. book sold comparable stuff all the time.

Kurt Vile YES! I may finally visit the Jones Assembly to attend a live music event.

Wow. ThatÂ’s a good list (can you make me a playlist?).

I’m not gonna parse it, artist by artist, but many have played here in one shape or form. Not “big” venues, or as headliners, but they’ve routed through before. Very few markets (none) gets all of those acts in a given year, and asking for it here is sort of crazy town. Yet, opolis and 89th st. book sold comparable stuff all the time.

Yeah, I've seen some of them, not here though, and since we were not in OKC from 1995 - 2009, that's a big black hole where I knew nothing of who came here. Definitely wouldn't expect all of those here (or anywhere, even at a huge festival) in one year, that would be absolutely insane, but if we could get 2 or 3 of those (or those kinds of bands) here each year, that would be fantastic.

Opolis is a weird venue, saw Debris (70s punk-ish band) there during one NMF a few years ago and just don't like it. 89th St. Collective is decent, I guess, hopefully they've done a bit of work on it since Jim and Dustin turned it over to whoever runs it now (can't remember his name, their sound guy, I think), but I'm apparently just old and don't recognize the bands there anymore...

I saw The Sea And Cake at Opolis the night before last, with a really good opener called L.A. Takedown. There were probably 30 people there. They still did an amazing set. But I was really disappointed in the showing for a quality indie stalwart. That show would have probably drawn 300-500 in Tulsa. People need to support good music in this town and there will be more of it. For about 15 years The Opolis has really punched above its weight and was holding it down (along with Conservatory, when it was a thing), and I've seen some incredible bands there.

Regarding the list above - which is totally in my listening wheelhouse - yes, a number of those acts have been here in the past few years. I agree that we need much more of those types though. Jones is doing a really great job of making its mark in that genre, but of course they are not a volume venue like Tower or even Diamond.

In reading about all of these acts you guys are sharing, I am interested in trying to make it out for some of these shows. But I find myself not knowing what is coming and when certain shows are performing at which venue. Is this merely fans following the acts individually or is there central place that you can get all of this information in one place? Usually the problem I have is I find out about acts I like the day of or after they have performed in town...

In reading about all of these acts you guys are sharing, I am interested in trying to make it out for some of these shows. But I find myself not knowing what is coming and when certain shows are performing at which venue. Is this merely fans following the acts individually or is there central place that you can get all of this information in one place? Usually the problem I have is I find out about acts I like the day of or after they have performed in town...

http://oklahomarock.com/shows is a great resource, and I usually see ads in the Gazette or on the venues' own websites. I don't do Facebook or Twitter, but I'd bet that's where a lot of announcements are made by the venues.

I don't do Facebook or Twitter, but I'd bet that's where a lot of announcements are made by the venues.

Facebook is where I keep up with all the bands that I follow.... and when I say follow it's because I still have to leave OKC way more than I like to go see them.

In reading about all of these acts you guys are sharing, I am interested in trying to make it out for some of these shows. But I find myself not knowing what is coming and when certain shows are performing at which venue. Is this merely fans following the acts individually or is there central place that you can get all of this information in one place? Usually the problem I have is I find out about acts I like the day of or after they have performed in town...

Pollstar is a good place to start, and you can search for other cities as well:
https://www.pollstar.com/city/oklahoma-city-42436?tab=upcomingDates&page=0

I saw The Sea And Cake at Opolis the night before last, with a really good opener called L.A. Takedown. There were probably 30 people there. They still did an amazing set. But I was really disappointed in the showing for a quality indie stalwart. That show would have probably drawn 300-500 in Tulsa. People need to support good music in this town and there will be more of it. For about 15 years The Opolis has really punched above its weight and was holding it down (along with Conservatory, when it was a thing), and I've seen some incredible bands there.

Regarding the list above - which is totally in my listening wheelhouse - yes, a number of those acts have been here in the past few years. I agree that we need much more of those types though. Jones is doing a really great job of making its mark in that genre, but of course they are not a volume venue like Tower or even Diamond.

I'm guilty of not making to as many Opolis shows as I used to. Once I'm back downtown from work I just don't want to get in the car again if I can help it. I can't wait until there's a regular train to downtown Norman.

That said... can you get 300-500 people into Opolis? I've never known its capacity but always presumed it was like 200-300 tops, and sardine-like (I'm probably just a terrible estimator). I love that venue for its intimacy, and its the reason I miss Bricktown Ballroom as it was similar in its size/intimacy, but so close.

Opolis is a weird venue, saw Debris (70s punk-ish band) there during one NMF a few years ago and just don't like it. 89th St. Collective is decent, I guess, hopefully they've done a bit of work on it since Jim and Dustin turned it over to whoever runs it now (can't remember his name, their sound guy, I think), but I'm apparently just old and don't recognize the bands there anymore...

Yeah, it is kinda weird. 89th, too. But, personally, I like the sort of small divey vibe, especially for seeing indie rock bands. Very much reminds me of clubs in large markets that would regularly book indie rockers. They can sound better than a lot of large rooms, as well.

Not all "rock" and not all formed in the past decade, but here's a start, just scratching the surface...

CHVRCHES, Goldfrapp, Nick Cave, The Killers, JSBX, Phantogram, D'Angelo, Kendrick Lamar, St. Vincent, Miguel, LCD Soundsystem, Childish Gambino, BORNS, Janelle Monae, Khruangbin, Empire of the Sun, Ride, Christine and the Queens, Gary Clark Jr., PJ Harvey, Robert Plant and the Sensational Shapeshifters, Carl Cox/A Guy Called Gerald/Goldie/etc.,


Yes please to all of these!

Speaking of the Jones Assembly this is parked out front right now. 14706

Speaking of the Jones Assembly this is parked out front right now. 14706

Man,I don't drink much gin, but I'll drink Hendrick's 'til the cows come home...

This is apparently what it is, pretty cool:

https://www.foodandwine.com/news/science-technology/a-giant-cucumber-slicer-is-crossing-the-us-to-help-improve-your-cocktails

Oh hey! It's the Hendricks Gin Grand Garnisher! Basically a huge Rube Goldberg-esque machine for slicing cucumbers as a garnish for their gin. Wildly impractical marketing stunt, but neat to watch nonetheless, and cool to see it in OKC! I've only seen it in videos before, like this one: https://vimeo.com/226689129

Oh hey! It's the Hendricks Gin Grand Garnisher! Basically a huge Rube Goldberg-esque machine for slicing cucumbers as a garnish for their gin. Wildly impractical marketing stunt, but neat to watch nonetheless, and cool to see it in OKC! I've only seen it in videos before, like this one: https://vimeo.com/226689129

They were only there until 5 pm I believe so I imagine they made their may around town. I'm not a huge gin drinker, but Hendrink's, soda and cucumber was always a summer drink that an old bartender gf used to make me at Benvenuti's back in the day and I loved it.

I can't believe I missed The Sea and Cake! I love them. But I didn't see it advertised anywhere....

Not to rub it in but it was a tremendous show.

Heard on the sports station that DeAndre Jordan and his girlfriend were here last night. Happens she has family in OKC.

I saw Oh Wonder here tonight (my first concert at The Jones). It was a great show -- the place was just about sold out, the crowd was super into it, the sound quality was amazing, and the band mentioned multiple times how much they loved the venue. I was personally blown away by how well they were able to convert what's normally a restaurant into (I'm estimating) a 1,500-person venue. This is a first-class, super unique venue, and I fully expect them to continue bringing in top-tier concerts. I can't imagine the word-of-mouth between artists is anything less than spectacular.

^

I just was telling someone yesterday how impressive that operation is, all the way around from food to bar to live music venue.

It's pretty amazing in all respects.

question as I have yet to go. where does one park for jones assembly? I don't mind walking, so just curious if there are places to park, street or lot.

question as I have yet to go. where does one park for jones assembly? I don't mind walking, so just curious if there are places to park, street or lot.

Well you have a few options: 1) valet, usually $5 or $10. 2) there is a small strip of parking spots just to the south of the Jones Assembly along Fred Jones Avenue. 3) There is a grass/dirt field a south of the Jones Assembly and west of the Sonic (kid of behind the Taco bell)

Isn't there a new parking garage just west of the Jones?

Well you have a few options: 1) valet, usually $5 or $10. 2) there is a small strip of parking spots just to the south of the Jones Assembly along Fred Jones Avenue. 3) There is a grass/dirt field a south of the Jones Assembly and west of the Sonic (kid of behind the Taco bell)

you can also pay to park yourself in one of the two huge garages or park for free on main st and sheridan (if it's in the evening)

Or park anywhere on the street in Film Row and walk a block or two. Or Uber. Those are what I do mostly.

Looking at going to my first concert here in Aug. What are some things to expect of the venue. Is there seating during concerts, either tables or benches? Is it worth it to get up in the Mezzanine for shows or does one get a better view and sound on the floor?

I wouldn't plan on sitting, but there is a VIP seating option

Looking at going to my first concert here in Aug. What are some things to expect of the venue. Is there seating during concerts, either tables or benches? Is it worth it to get up in the Mezzanine for shows or does one get a better view and sound on the floor?

I'll be there in August for Aaron Lee Tasjan but it's a patio show.

Looking at going to my first concert here in Aug. What are some things to expect of the venue. Is there seating during concerts, either tables or benches? Is it worth it to get up in the Mezzanine for shows or does one get a better view and sound on the floor?

Definitely better view and sound on the floor but we enjoyed sitting at the mezzanine bar for the first half of the show then went down to the floor for the second half.

Looking at going to my first concert here in Aug. What are some things to expect of the venue. Is there seating during concerts, either tables or benches? Is it worth it to get up in the Mezzanine for shows or does one get a better view and sound on the floor?

There are tables and benches out in the patio area (first come/first serve) but they don't have a good view of the stage. I was on the floor, about 2/3rds of the way up to the stage, for the one concert I went to there and the view/sound was great. The Mezzanine area looked spectacular but I'm assuming it's way out of my price range.

I'll be there in August for Aaron Lee Tasjan but it's a patio show.

This is going to be a great show. I'm looking forward to it.

There are tables and benches out in the patio area (first come/first serve) but they don't have a good view of the stage. I was on the floor, about 2/3rds of the way up to the stage, for the one concert I went to there and the view/sound was great. The Mezzanine area looked spectacular but I'm assuming it's way out of my price range.

For Father John Misty, I believe floor tickets are $35 and mezzanine tickets were (past tense because they're sold out) $60, so not that much more, IMO. I thought the mezzanine was restricted to mezzanine ticket-holders only, but that may just be for that show (or I could be completely mistaken).

For Father John Misty, I believe floor tickets are $35 and mezzanine tickets were (past tense because they're sold out) $60, so not that much more, IMO. I thought the mezzanine was restricted to mezzanine ticket-holders only, but that may just be for that show (or I could be completely mistaken).

Yeah, that's actually not as much of a price difference as I was expecting. I may have to consider that sometime, though I do also enjoy getting close to the stage.

Yeah, that's actually not as much of a price difference as I was expecting. I may have to consider that sometime, though I do also enjoy getting close to the stage.

If you get mezzanine tix, you can go down on the floor too, best of both worlds (at least, that's how I think it is, haven't actually gone yet, just read about it).

If you get mezzanine tix, you can go down on the floor too, best of both worlds (at least, that's how I think it is, haven't actually gone yet, just read about it).

You can go down and come up as often as you like.

This is going to be a great show. I'm looking forward to it.

Agreed... Hope it gets a good turnout..... I had never heard of him until I saw him open for John Moreland at the Tower in December and he played an incredible set.

Is the Randy Rogers band playing old news? Can't find anything about it on here.

Is the Randy Rogers band playing old news? Can't find anything about it on here.
nm

Holy cow, the Jones is such an amazing asset to OKC.

Toad the Wet Sprocket tonight was awesome... Such a great venue and great night.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/jones080518.jpg

Holy cow, the Jones is such an amazing asset to OKC.

Toad the Wet Sprocket tonight was awesome... Such a great venue and great night.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/jones080518.jpg

Wow. Had no idea they were in OKC tonight. Loved their albums, Pale, Fear and Dulcinea in the '90s.
I Will Not Take These Things For Granted and Walk On The Ocean are two of my favorites.
Glad to hear it was a great show at Jones Assembly. I hate I missed it!

Just curious about the show nights here, does Jones have security? Like wands or pat-downs?

Just curious about the show nights here, does Jones have security? Like wands or pat-downs?

Yes.

For events, you go through an area that is u-shaped with temporary half-fences.

At the entrance, they make you show ID to get a wrist band so you can buy alcohol at the bars.

Then, you go to a middle section where they fully wand you.

Finally, before entering the buidling they scan your tickets.

Well unfortunately not much of a crowd for Aaron Lee Tasjan last night.... Unfortunate because they played an amazing set.

Sound out on the patio was great. Aaron gave out some props to both The Tower, where he opened for John Moreland in December, and Jones Assembly for being great places for live music and also that OKC had some nice venues.

Had a pretty cool moment there myself... Gentlemen next to me struck up a conversation and I mentioned that I played in a band in the 90's. When I told him the band name he said "You guys played Gary P's music festival at Hanna in 98. I still have the poster." ..... I was pretty floored that someone remembered us from a gig we played 20 years ago.

^

Very cool!

The wife and I are going to the Rainbow Kitten Surprise concert tonight. Any tips for our first visit to The Jones? Do they still have food during the shows? Also how much is the valet or parking around the venue, my wife is pregnant and might not want to walk very far for free parking tonight. Thank you in advance for the comments.

Dont know if it fits your budget but I've found, with all the construction and the cost for valet or parking, Uber is great for a night at the Jones.

Dont know if it fits your budget but I've found, with all the construction and the cost for valet or parking, Uber is great for a night at the Jones.

We will be coming from Yukon, so I doubt Uber would be the cheaper option here. I was just wondering if anyone knew the Valet pricing vs the parking garage pricing. Also, how early should we plan on getting there if the show is at 7pm?

Dont know if it fits your budget but I've found, with all the construction and the cost for valet or parking, Uber is great for a night at the Jones.

what is the cost for valet?

We will be coming from Yukon, so I doubt Uber would be the cheaper option here. I was just wondering if anyone knew the Valet pricing vs the parking garage pricing. Also, how early should we plan on getting there if the show is at 7pm?

It may be different on concert nights but I believe the valet and the parking garage west of the Jones are both $5 (plus tip for valet).

If someone else doesnt answer I'll try to take a look after work since I work across the road. Pre warn you. Western and Classen south of Sheridan are closed. Sheridan is eastbound only there too. So it will take some extra navigation/planning in advance.

Okay, thank you!

The parking garage had a $10 event parking sign out today so might plan on that. There was no valet parking sign.