MEDICINE STONE-Where the Best “Red Dirt” Minds Come Together

Tahlequah, OK (May 12, 2015)-The question has been asked about a million times. What is “Red Dirt” music? The answers are limitless and everyone has their own take on it.  Fans know it originated in Oklahoma, that it’s a brotherhood of musicians bound in the art of “song,” that it’s a smorgasbord of sounds in which everyone adds their own particular flavor to the community stew.  But…in order to truly find out exactly what this much beloved and internationally respected genre is you have to go straight to the source.  One experience at Medicine Stone…and you’ll know it absolutely. Nestled on the banks of the Illinois River at the Diamondhead Resort in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, this three-day jubilee is a true “Red Dirt” reunion, and the only of its kind.  

Medicine Stone happens September 24th-26th. The 2015 lineup includes Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Turnpike Troubadours, Cody Canada & The Departed, Randy Rogers Band, Shinyribs, Reckless Kelly, Micky & The Motorcars, American Aquarium, The Old 97’s, The Great Divide, John Fullbright, Dirty River Boys and Jonny Burke. Tickets for accommodation packages go on sale June 1st at 9am, and single day tickets go on sale August 3rd. ​ Tickets can only be purchased on the website at www.medicinestoneok.com.

In the very brief time since the event’s inception in 2013, Medicine Stone has drawn thousands of avid fans from around the country, quadrupling attendance with each passing year.  The event’s creators, Jason Boland & The Stragglers and Turnpike Troubadours, are overwhelmed by the fruition of an event that was years in the making, and of the staggering growth in only three shorts years.  Some exciting changes have been made to this year’s festivities including ongoing performances during the day and a big Thursday night lineup, package accommodations that include prime RV spots for that “home away from home” atmosphere, and tented after parties for those who don’t want to go down til’ the sun comes up.  Adding to the celebrations are the almost simultaneously releases of the Turnpike Troubadour’s new album “The Turnpike Troubadours” on September 18th and Jason Boland & The Stragglers’ new album “Squelch” on October 16th.

“We are so excited for this year’s lineup.  The crowd is going to be completely blown away and transported to a place they have never experienced at an Americana festival.  Be there or…”  -Jason Boland/Jason Boland & The Stragglers

“I’d be proud to be a part of this lineup no matter where in the US it was located.  The fact that I had a hand in its making and having it here in one of the most beautiful parts of my home state…it’s nearly too good to be true.”  -Evan Felker/Turnpike Troubadours

“Medicine Stone was the best festival I've ever played in Oklahoma. Hands down. Great bands, well ran, long may it run.”  -Mike McClure/Mike McClure Band and The Great Divide

“Medicine Stone is one of three festivals that I really look forward to.  Not only is it in my old stomping grounds, but it’s the Okies gathering together again with our Americana friends.  I always want to stay all three days because it’s such a recharge for the musical soul.”   -Cody Canada/Cody Canada and The Departed

“Cool and down home like a stone.  The tribe with the good vibe.  That’s why they call it medicine.”    -Kevin Russell/Shinyribs

“While it's been a dream to develop a festival of substance in our home state, it's equally important to show visitors to Oklahoma what we are made of, where we come from, and who Oklahomans are. We pay homage to Oklahoma's Native American roots in the name, and hope to foster a musical tradition that treats the land with respect and reverence.”  -Brad Rice/Jason Boland and The Stragglers

About the creators

Jason Boland and The Stragglers circa 1998 has become one of the most successful artists in the Red Dirt/Texas country music scene.  Oklahoma born and bred, Boland has released eight acclaimed albums including the latest release DARK & DIRTY MILE that peaked at #25 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, and has been praised as one of the most poignant writers of his generation.  

Long-time friend and Oklahoma native, Evan Felker, fronts the Turnpike Troubadours, a band of country rock prodigies that snagged a national spotlight with their 2012 release GOODBYE NORMAL STREET.  Celebrated for its lyrical style that boasts genuine story telling wrapped in deep emotion, the record hit #57 on the Billboard 200 chart and was cited as “the most unjustly overlooked Americana album of 2012” by the Washington Post. 

The Diamondhead Resort is located at 12081 Oklahoma 10 in Tahlequah, OK 74464