|
TUMBLEWEED HISTORY The Tumbleweed Ballroom was a joint venture business of Mr. and Mrs. R.A. Lospeich and Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hesser during the national “Urban Cowboy” craze that swept country music. In 1981, they purchased land, build a large building and opened the Stillwater’s Honky-Tonk in October. (About the same time, Billy Bob’s of Texas opened their doors too.) It ultimately became a legendary country music venue from nearly 30 years of business. Over the next four years, the basic club venue grew quickly in reputation of hosting local, regional and national artists. Some of the early artists included George Strait, Charly McClain, Mel McDaniel, John Arnold Band, John Anderson, and home to Garth Brooks. Garth works as a bouncer for eventual owners - John and Linda Klinger as he was finished up his studies at Oklahoma State University. In 1985, the Oklahoma Liquor laws changed and made it hard for ballrooms and other clubs across the state to continue their ways of doing business. In addition, country music saw a waning in popularity. The Klinger’s responded with a Steak House operation that complimented the venue and was able to survive the change in state liquor laws for a few years. In 1987, Tumbleweed Ballroom was leased and ultimately purchased by Hank Moore and Sherry Perrin. Under new ownership, the Tumbleweed Ballroom began a transformation that continues to witness changes. The dancehall held a special place in the owner’s heart as they had their first date there and practiced dance routines on a regular basis for competitions. One of their first improvements was a new sound system and to install a floating maple dance floor. Both were major improvements over dancing across the old cracked concrete floors from music playing from an old record turntable. During the spring 1991, the operation focused on starting outdoor shows and rodeos behind their building. The first outdoor concert was with Garth Brooks. One early special event that grew into a regional festival what is now known as Calf Fry. The Calf Fry witnessed unprecedented continued growth in popularity and attendance with each year being larger than the year before…Every year since inception the event has grown bigger and better. During the 90s, Tumbleweed hosted numerous rodeos, bull riding, and additional special events. Artists from different music types that played Tumbleweed included Chris LeDoux, Keith Whitley, Lorrie Morgan, Gene Watson, John Conley, Jackyl, Vanilla Ice, Third Eye Blind, 2 Live Crew, and many others. The Tumbleweed was recognized by being nominated as Nightclub of the Year from the Country Music Association in the mid 90s. Also, a young bull that began at Tumbleweed rodeo arena became a Bull of the Year for the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association- Bodacious. (Bull was owned stock contractor Phil Sumner). Then, in 2005, the Tumbleweed was nominated by the Academy of Country Music for Nightclub of the Year. Again, country music is key to Tumbleweed’s success and longevity. During the last 10 years- Tumbleweed has led the effort to identify and highlight a vain of country music known as “Red Dirt Music” by promoting local and regional musicians that have ties to Stillwater’s “Red Dirt” music scene. From the grandfather of Red Dirt Music itself- Bob Childers, to the Red Dirt Rangers and all the way through current songwriters and performers have played at Tumbleweed. Some of the musicians and artists with roots to Stillwater and Tumbleweed performances include Garth Brooks, The Great Divide, Jason Boland and the Stragglers, All American Rejects, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Stoney LaRue, Bo Phillips, No Justice, Scott Evans, Mike McClure and Nick Gibson. Many more are honing their skills for future performances on the Tumbleweed Stage. From that mid semester opening back in 1981, a long history of country music has been continually enjoyed by countless of fans and students of Oklahoma State University at Tumbleweed. Over the years, Tumbleweed has hosted over 700 shows. In the process, the venue has earned titles like “legendary”, “iconic”, “fixture of country music” applied to it’s existence. Regardless of the title, Tumbleweed strives for a simple goal- to provide an enjoyable place and friendly atmosphere to dance and to enjoy country music. It is a “MUST” that none of the Tumbleweed history could have ever been made without the loyal support of customers, dedicated staff, and returning “Old Timers” to make Tumbleweed what it had been, what it is, and also what it will become. Tumbleweed. The Tumbleweed is deep in gratitude to those who have labored and who have enjoyed countless hours of country music at Stillwater’s very own Honky Tonk.
Lastly,
none of this could ever have been done without the loyal support of
customers and dedicated employees over the years. It is as much to their
efforts and attendance that the Tumbleweed has grown beyond the vision that
lead to it’s initial creation. Therefore, the deepest appreciation is
expressed to those customers of the past and present who financially support
the operation by attending the various events and concerts. It is also deep
sense of gratitude to many former and current staff members who have labored
long hours to make the Tumbleweed what it has become. We do not take any of
you for granted. |