The Church Studio

04/23/2025

04/22/2025

Larry Hosford (1943–2016) was a singer and songwriter in the Americana and honky-tonk scenes, known for his humor, storytelling, and ties to California’s Central Coast. Born in Salinas, California, he began performing in the early 1960s and was often compared to Willie Nelson for his vocal style and songwriting.

In the 1970s, he signed with Leon Russell’s Shelter Records and released two albums: A.K.A. Lorenzo (1975) and Cross Words (1976). These albums featured songs like "Everything's Broken Down" and “Loving You Like I Do.”

04/22/2025

TUNES @ NOON is always a party 🔥 Who’s coming today? Enjoy an hour long set and stick around for some tasty drinks from the Lounge! 🍻

- $5 space & lime drink
- $9 espresso martinis, mojitos, margaritas, mimosas
- $3 coffee
- cocktails, beer, & wine

FREE admissions for members
$15 General Admission
$12 Student, Senior, & Veteran Admission

04/21/2025

Carney Fest, our annual festival, draws its name from Leon Russell's third solo album, "Carney," released in 1972. Billboard described Russell's album as a "slightly off-beat surprise" and pointed out the parallels between Russell's life and an old-fashioned carnival. We found the name "Carney Fest" to be the perfect tribute to Leon and his enduring legacy in Tulsa. www.carneyfest.com

04/20/2025

The Easter Bunny always leaves us a legendary surprise that keeps on giving! Wishing you and your family a wonderful Sunday! 🐣✝️ 🐰

04/18/2025

George Harrison says he spontaneously wrote “Here Comes the Sun” in the presence of Eric Clapton while they were strolling around Clapton’s estate, one beautiful spring morning in 1969. But despite the idyllic setting for the creation of that hit, Harrison’s life was in turmoil at the time. His mother had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer, he had infamously quit and rejoined The Beatles, and had recently been arrested for drug possession. So, while he could have just as easily penned a tune about doom and gloom, we’re fortunate that when the sun came out that day, Harrison saw it and said, “It’s alright.”

04/17/2025

Don Preston is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and Shelter Records artist who began his career in the 1950s and played a key role in shaping the Tulsa Sound. He recorded in the 1970s with Leon Russell on Leon Russell and the Shelter People and other albums, and with Joe Cocker on Mad Dogs & Englishmen. He also backed Russell at the Concert for Bangladesh in 1971, appearing in both the documentary film and the live album The Concert for Bangladesh. His Shelter recordings include Freddie King’s 1972 track “I’d Rather Be Blind,” Leon Russell’s “Shootout on the Plantation,” and others.

04/16/2025

It’s not a party without music — and Carney Fest is bringing it! We’re stoked to be less than 20 days out from the festival! Enjoy live performances all day at , leading up to the grand finale at featuring Ann Bell & The Tulsa Sound + Johnny Mullenax! 🔥

Ann’s impressive career includes singing with icons like Leon Russell, Joe Cocker, the GAP Band, JJ Cale, and more. As a founding member of the Tulsa Sound and a session player/songwriter for Shelter Records, her influence on Tulsa’s musical legacy is truly extraordinary!

Johnny Mullenax has made a name for himself in Tulsa, Northwest Arkansas and beyond as a preeminent purveyor of bluesy, funk-drenched country, bluegrass and rock and roll, playing with bands all over the region. There are big break-level developments on the horizon.

It’s going to be a KILLER show!! You won’t want to miss this — www.carneyfest.com

04/16/2025

Don Preston is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter and Shelter person who started his music career in the 1950s. From Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour to Concert for Bangledesh; he is a regular staple of the Tulsa Sound. Other Shelter recordings include Freddie King's 1972 song “I’d Rather Be Blind" and Leon Russell’s "Shootout on the Plantation.”

04/15/2025

Today would have been Roy Clark's 92nd birthday. We miss him so much! Come see Roy's corner at the studio and learn why he is our favorite guitarist of all time.

04/14/2025

Released on Shelter Records in April of 1975, Will O’ the Wisp is the sixth studio album by Leon Russell. The album features cover art by actor and comedian, Gailard Sartain. We have multiple copies including this original pressing signed by both Gailard and Leon.

04/13/2025

🎪 T-MINUS 19 DAYS UNTIL CARNEY FEST - May 3RD 2025 🎪 Get your tickets here and hang out with the Church Studio team!: https://buff.ly/Y9zotgK

- Live Music ALL DAY at The Church Studio 🎶
- Ice Cold Beer & Wine + Full Bar Available 🍺
- FOOOOD TRUCKS 🍗
- Street Performers 🚲
- Shopping on Studio Row 🛒
- NEW Church Merch 🛍️
- Leon Russell Bronze Statue Raffle 🎟️

PLUS a finale performance at the Historic Cain's Ballroom Featuring Opener Johnny Mullenax and Headliner Ann Bell & The Tulsa Sound 🎇

DON'T MISS THE PARTY OF THE YEAR!

04/12/2025

We’re incredibly proud of our dynamic audio engineer duo, Mike Prado and Gary Laney. They do a fantastic job with sessions, concerts, and training the audio engineering students, giving them hands-on studio experience.

Mike has worked with Trent Reznor and others, while Gary won a Grammy with Trisha Yearwood and had his first hit with "Living on Tulsa Time" by Don Williams. Their talent and dedication make all the difference! Just make sure they get their morning coffee! ☕

04/11/2025

Lights, camera and a musical dinner in the studio!!! 🎹

04/10/2025

Thanks for the feature in Music Connection Magazine highlighting our Shure Incorporated exhibit as we salute this amazing company for a century of great sound!

Michael Echart in front of exhibit at The Church Studio. The Church Studio has unveiled a new exhibit called Century of Sound, which commemorates Shure’s 100th anniversary in April. It's a worthy exhibition, as Shure has stood as an inspiration of quality, innovation, and excellence in audio techn...

04/09/2025

Tucked away in our tech room is our very own Wall of Fame, a collection that's only 3 years in the making. We can’t wait to see whose names will grace this wall 3 years from now!

Some of the legends featured:

Charlie Wilson
DJ Lethal (of Limp Bizkit)
Willis Alan Ramsey
Russell (of Air Supply)
Dropkick Murphys
George Thorogood
Rita Coolidge
Wes Studi
Don Williams

04/07/2025

Benmont Tench, founding member of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, is coming to T-town for an intimate concert in the Studio!! 🐐 In addition to his work with The Heartbreakers, Tench has played on albums by Stevie Nicks, Willie Nelson, Green Day, Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, the Dixie Chicks, the Replacements, John Prine, Waylon Jennings, John Fogerty, Elvis Costello, the Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, and more.

This exclusive concert is limited to just 100 attendees and is already halfway sold out! Get your tickets HERE: https://www.universe.com/events/benmont-tench-legacy-concert-series-tickets-3K1H0S?ref=share-widget-buffer?ref=share-widget-buffer