Why has Tulsa become one of America’s most remarkable music cities?

In the inaugural episode of Banding Together: The Tulsa Music Podcast, host Dan Potter explores the history, culture, affordability, collaboration, and music education programs that have helped Tulsa and Oklahoma develop an extraordinary community of musicians.

Dan speaks with Dr. Mark Perry, director of Music Industry Studies at Oklahoma State University, about Oklahoma’s diverse musical heritage and the cultural influences that shaped jazz, blues, country, rock, red dirt, Western swing, classical music, and electronic dance music across the state.

Tulsa bassist and music educator Dean DeMerritt discusses Oklahoma’s important jazz history, the legacy of territorial bands, the exchange of musical ideas between Black and white musicians, and why Tulsa’s relatively affordable cost of living gives musicians more freedom to develop their craft.

Dr. David Carter, principal clarinetist of the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra and Tulsa Opera Orchestra, explains how Tulsa attracts professional classical musicians, how the Tulsa Symphony’s musician-led structure has helped the organization thrive, and how exceptional school band programs in Broken Arrow, Owasso, Union, Jenks, and surrounding communities are preparing the region’s next generation of performers.

The episode concludes with a visit to the Tuesday-night musician jam at Baxter’s Interurban Grill in downtown Tulsa, where performers of different ages, backgrounds, and experience levels gather to make music together.

Featured guests include Dr. Mark Perry, Dean DeMerritt, Dr. David Carter, and drummer and retired educator Jeff Woodson.

Banding Together is presented by Saied Music in celebration of the company’s 80th anniversary.