The Church Studio Announces Special Spring Performances

Celebrating Tulsa Music, Culture, and Community

The Church Studio’s popular Tunes @ Noon concert series continues this spring with a lineup of special performances celebrating Oklahoma talent, Irish heritage, and the birthday of Tulsa music legend Leon Russell.

What is Tunes @ Noon?

Launched in March 2024, Tunes @ Noon has quickly become a popular midday tradition in Tulsa, featuring live one-hour concerts from local and regional artists inside the historic home of Shelter Records. Performances take place from 12:00–1:00 PM, with admission including both the concert and a docent-led tour of The Church Studio, the recording space founded by Leon Russell and later owned and operated by Steve Ripley of The Tractors. Several upcoming performances highlight the diversity of the series, bringing together rising artists, cultural celebrations, and tributes to the musical legacy that continues to shape Tulsa’s sound. The series continues to grow, attracting artists from across Oklahoma and beyond.

March 13 – Tunes @ Noon Featured Friday: Sarah Popejoy


Singer-songwriter Sarah Popejoy is known for crafting vivid, heartfelt songs that tell a story. She honed her craft recording in Nashville and performed in listening rooms across the country before returning home to Tulsa after a decade in Music City. Her third studio album, The Oklahoma Storyteller, was largely recorded at The Church Studio, the legendary Tulsa recording space once owned by Leon Russell. A previous winner of both the American Songwriter Magazine Lyric Contest and the Billboard Song Contest, Popejoy spent years researching, writing, and producing The Oklahoma Storyteller, Vol. 1: Crossroads, a collection of songs inspired by the historical people and events that helped shape Oklahoma.

March 14 – Tunes @ Noon: Tony Mason


Fresh off his win at The Big Show Off competition, Tony Mason brings his powerful voice and engaging stage presence to Tunes @ Noon. Mason’s recent recognition by judges and audiences alike has positioned him as one of the region’s most exciting rising performers.

March 17 – Tunes @ Noon: St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with Cairde na Gael


Tulsa’s beloved Irish music ensemble Cairde na Gael returns to The Church Studio for a festive St. Patrick’s Day performance. Known for their lively traditional instrumentation and authentic Celtic sound, the group brings the spirit of Ireland to The Church Studio each year with music that invites audiences to tap their feet and celebrate. Guests wearing green receive free admission.

April 2 – Tunes @ Noon: Leon Russell Birthday Celebration with Brad Absher & The Superials


On what would have been Leon Russell’s 84th birthday, Southern Soul powerhouse Brad Absher & The Superials will perform a special Tunes @ Noon concert at The Church Studio honoring the hometown legacy of Leon Russell and the enduring influence of the Tulsa Sound.

April 7 – Legacy Concert: Jorma Kaukonen featuring John Hurlbut


Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy Award–winning guitarist, singer, and songwriter Jorma Kaukonen will perform at The Church Studio as part of the Legacy Concert Series. Kaukonen is a founding member of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna and is widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in American music.

More information and tickets:
https://www.thechurchstudio.com/jorma-kaukonen-and-john-hurlbut-legacy-concert-series/

May 5 – Tunes @ Noon: Cinco de Mayo Celebration with Beyana Band


Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Tunes @ Noon featuring local Latin pop artists Beyana Band. Their high-energy performance will bring rhythm, color, and a festive spirit to the courtyard.
For interviews, media assets, or additional information, contact:
Nancy Ruth
918-408-1140
eat0@eau0eav0eaw0

Carney Fest 2026 – May 1 at Cain’s Ballroom / May 2 at The Church Studio


Carney Fest ’26 celebrates Tulsa’s rich musical heritage while expanding opportunities for working musicians and increasing public access to live music. Inspired by Carney, the landmark album by Leon Russell, the two-day festival brings together national, regional, and Oklahoma artists across two historic Tulsa music venues, Cain’s Ballroom and The Church Studio.

The festival begins Friday evening at Cain’s Ballroom with an opening performance by Knipple, followed by a headline performance from Grammy Award–winning guitarist Robert Randolph.

On Saturday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, the celebration continues at The Church Studio with twelve Oklahoma and regional bands performing throughout the day. Festivalgoers can enjoy music, food trucks, carnival-themed street performers, exhibitors, and docent-led tours of The Church Studio, creating a lively community gathering that blends music, history, and the spirit of the Tulsa Sound.

Carney Fest Friday Headliner: Robert Randolph

Robert Randolph is one of the most innovative pedal steel guitarists of his generation, celebrated for bringing the sacred steel tradition from the House of God Church in Orange, New Jersey, to global stages. Raised in a deeply musical family, he learned pedal steel in church, channeling the ecstatic energy of gospel into a style that blends rock, blues, funk, and soul. His six-time Grammy–nominated work with Robert Randolph & The Family Band established him as a genre-defying force. Randolph has performed or recorded with Eric Clapton, Dave Matthews Band, Santana, Norah Jones, and Beyoncé, and contributed to Grammy-winning projects, major film soundtracks, and Emmy-winning sports themes. His sound remains joyful, spiritual, and unmistakably his own.

More information and tickets:
https://carneyfest.com/

About The Church Studio

The Church Studio, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a renowned recording facility and 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Previously operated by Oklahoma legends Leon Russell and, later, Steve Ripley, The Church Studio has played a pivotal role in the music industry, hosting numerous legendary artists and producing timeless hits. It offers a professional recording environment, educational programs, exhibits, artist grants, and events such as Carney Fest, Tunes @ Noon, and In Session. The studio continues to support and inspire music makers while honoring its storied legacy in the industry. https://thechurchstudio.com