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  • The Iguana Cafee often hosts open-mike nights and other live performances. Rob Anderson

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February 20, 2012

Atmosphere sets the mood

By ROB ANDERSON Staff Writer

TAHLEQUAH — Part of the experience of hearing live music may be influenced by the setting – or venue.

Tahlequah offers locations with traditional stage settings to more intimate setups. Sometimes the surroundings might even offer a look into history, like Jincy’s Kitchen in Qualls.

“Jincy’s Kitchen is an old country store that was the actual store used in the original Red Fern movie,” said Oklahoma Wildlife band member Neicey Dunham-Finch. “The shelves still have old antique stuff on them that they had in the store. The counters [are being used tables.] It’s just one of those places that’s out in the middle of nowhere. It takes a little time to get there, but you can make an evening out of it.”

The Oklahoma Wildlife harmonizer said when the band plays its usual first Saturday of the month gig ,they set up in a “little bitty spot between the counter and tables.”

“It’s just a great atmosphere,” said Dunham-Finch.

Interested takers can check Jincy’s Kitchen’s Facebook page for other live-music dates. The Qualls venue just hosted John Edwards Feb. 17, and Scott and Leigh Ann Matthews with Abby Matthews as a special guest on Feb. 18.  John Fite is scheduled to perform Saturday, Feb. 25.

Fite has also performed at The Branch in downtown Tahlequah, which is now offering piano dinner music, as well as other live performances.

“I’ve been there a couple of times and it was fun,” said Fite.

“I think it’s cozy there in the northern room. For the piano, it was really good. Folks can come up and sit close to make requests or just listen.”

Local singer-songwriter Joe Mack played a set at The Branch on Saturday with Fayetteville, Ark., singer-songwriter Carter Sampson. To help promote new music, Mack noted those interested in hearing artists or bands that are breaking on to the scene should check out a local sandwich restaurant that includes music on its menu.

“A wonderful way to catch what Tahlequah has to offer in music would be to hit the open mike night at the Iguana Cafee,” he said.

The event is held the first Tuesday of the month, but other live performances, such as the Mark Sweeney and Friends date held Friday night, can also be enjoyed. Joining Sweeney in the Feb. 17 set were Muskogee bass player Jim Loftin and Catoosa’s Robert Post, who plays guitar, mandolin, tenor guitar, fiddle, viola and banjo.

“The Iguana’s for me,” said Sweeney.

“It’s really family friendly. We’ve had some nights that are just packed.”

Another family friendly music venue is the Tahlequah Area Senior Citizens Activity Center. Carl Farinelli and The Hole in the Wall Band perform every Friday night, offering a wide range of music that can be accompanied by dancing or simple appreciation.

“We’ve had a number of outstanding musicians sit in with us,” said Farinelli, who said late swing guitar player Elmer Whittle helped start the Friday night senior dances. “It’s nice to have so much talent willing to share their talent at the senior dance.”

The Elks Lodge is a prime venue for country music on Saturday night. Livin’ Country provided the dance music on Feb. 18 for members of the lodge and public.

Another local venue that offers country music and a stage setting is T-Bone’s Place, where the Kaleb McIntire Band made their first Tahlequah appearance Feb. 18.

Those interested in hearing jazz musicians can enjoy an occasional performance at the NSU Jazz Lab, while other noted Tahlequah establishments that have offered open mike nights or live performances include Roxie’s Roost and Cooter Brown’s.

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