Toby Wayne @ Toby Keith's 10/30/2009

Toby Wayne really rocked out Friday night while everyone enjoyed the great food and fun atmosphere. The band opened up with "That's Right Where I Need to Be" by Gary Allan and the crowd never looked back. Toby Keith's I love This Bar & Grill was full of great people who were ready to have fun.

Being the night before Halloween, costumes were present in the crowd. People were dressed for a night of memories and excitement and I am pretty sure they were not disappointed. Toby Wayne and his band played country hits from "Guitars, Cadillacs" by Yoakam Dwight to "The Dance" by Garth Brooks. "My Girl" by The Temptations was even added to the songlist with some country swing added to it.

During the concert I heard many "yee-haws" and "whoo-hoos!" People were obviously enjoying themselves! It was a great night to enjoy tasty food, great music and a fun atmosphere.

THE STAVE @ Bricktown Brewery 10/24/2009

The start of the Bricktown Brewery Bash was slow at first, but then then things picked up nicely. The STAVE is an amazing two man band,with nothing more than a guitar and a bongo drum. Playing smooth cover songs from the 80's and 90's, everyone was singing along and couples were dancing. Even little babies where enjoying the smooth country/alternative rock music.

Lemma @ Bricktown Brewery 10/24/2009

Saturday night at the Bricktown Brewery’s 17th Birthday Bash, Lemma provided the perfect atmosphere and backdrop for OU football fans and families who were out and about. As the band played new songs from their recently recorded album, people were enjoying football, brewhouse beers, and great food.

Lemma is a four piece band out of Oklahoma who has an innovative acoustic sound with a lively edge. You can see that Coldplay and Jack Johnson had some influence in their original songs, but it is interlaced with Lemma’s own originality. People were lining up to buy CDs before the show was over.

Box Talent presented five bands to help the Bricktown Brewery celebrate their 17th Birthday in Oklahoma City including The Stat Band, Superfreak, and 2 am. The played from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. and kept the people coming all night long.

Electric Avenue @ Russell's 9/9/2009

Last Friday at Russell’s, Electric Avenue took the crowd back to the 70’s playing disco favorites “Brickhouse" by Commodores and “Shake Your Booty” by KC and the Sunshine Band. Always keeping the audience guessing, they dedicated “Brown-eyed Girl” by Van Morrison to the ladies and in a surprise turn of events, threw in Nelly’s “Hot in Here!”

"They play great songs to dance to.

I love how they play different genres!"

-Miranda from OKC

Their act was enhanced by their awesome light show, flashing bright disco lights to give add to the Electronic Avenue persona. Some of their other projects they are involved with include Hollywood Squares and Nite Fever.

The guys of the band focus on providing fun entertainment for their audience, while having fun doing it, no matter where they play. It’s a philosophy that shows at every performance! Electric Avenue plays regularly at Dan O’Brien’s Pub, Russell’s – Marriott, and Riverwind Casino. Be sure to check them out!

The Stat Band @ Riverwind Casino September 26, 2009

Riverwind Casino in Norman was rocking last Saturday night when the Stat Band played live from River Lounge. "Word Up" by Cameo opened up the show and the energy never stopped. The five piece band from Oklahoma played songs from a variety of decades and genres including Prince, Blackstreet and even Brooks and Dunn. The lead singer of the band, Ricky, wanted everyone to get down and have some fun.

"I don't care if you dance or not, I

want you groovin' in your seats."

-Ricky

Every song was full of energy and the crowd was singing along. The Stat Band played the songs that make you want to let loose and enjoy yoursef.

"They are the bomb. They play the

music I grew up with and it takes

me back to the day."

-Thomas from Chickasha.

The band rocked out from 9 PM until after midnight. The lounge never saw a dull moment! Even during the band's break, Ricky was walking around socializing. It was a great night at Riverwind and there is defiantly more to come!

Kristen Stehr @ Toby Keith's Bar Grill September 11, 2009

Kristen Stehr performed a great set at Toby Keith’s Bar & Grill in Oklahoma City this past Friday. She played an acoustic set and her line-up consisted of acoustic guitar (herself), electric lead guitar, fiddle, and she even had a saxophone player in the mix – a less common presence for a country music venue. In between her first and second sets, her violin player, J. Wade. Cross, mentioned that Kristen had asked her current line-up to play just days before the show.

However, Kristen and company proved they could deliver, entertaining and pleasing the crowd with many favorites throughout their multiple sets, spanning across country, pop, blues, and rock genres. Her first set began with “Famous in a Small Town” by Miranda Lambert, followed by “Sounds So Good” by Ashton Shepherd. She continued with an old favorite from Dolly Parton, before changing things up with a few blues tunes, all of which received positive reactions from the audience.

Fellow musician and friend, Matt Bowlin, was at the show and was called up on stage during the second set for a couple of tunes. He had show at Toby Keith’s Bar & Grill in Tulsa the following night. A couple by the name of David & Julie had stopped through on their way back to Colorado from Arkansas and mentioned that “they liked what they heard.”

"Music is what I love to do,
And I'm passionate about it."
-Kristen StehrBefore Kristen had started her show, Michelle had a chance to speak with her. Kristen said that “music is what I love to do, and I'm very passionate about it.” It definitely showed in her performance that created a positive chemistry with both her band and the audience.

Kanaga @ Lakeside August 14, 2009

It was a splendid evening on the Lakeside Seafood Grill patio at Lake Hefner Friday August 14th. Kanaga, a three-piece Oklahoma City band provided a phenomenal show with their acoustic driven rock sound.

Although the crowd was initially small, as the sun began to set people flooded in around the bar and enjoyed the music as the band continued their set.

The band played several songs off their new independently produced CD but also complimented their set with covers from Dave Matthews, Oasis, Led Zeppelin, Dispatch and many more.




During one of the breaks, the members of Kanaga gave the Box Talent representatives a copy of their latest CD. Even the boats that were cruising along the shoreline decided to drop in and listen to the exciting sound of Kanaga.

Band Camp at Mama Roja's

Band Camp takes over Mama Roja's! Box Talent OUT and ABOUT team was joined by excited fans to listen to the cool tunes of Band Camp on Saturday night. Band Camp is comprised of four members including Chris (Lead Vocals and Guitar), Mickie (Guitar and Vocals), Thrasher (Bass and Vocals) and the newest member, John (Drums).

The Tulsa based band opened their show with such hits as “Beverly Hill’s” and “Should I Stay or Should I Go”. These classic crowd pleasers worked their magic as music lovers of all age flew to the dance floor to rock out.

One lucky girl was even invited on stage and allowed to request a song to celebrate her birthday! The lovely lady was joined by many of her friends on the dance floor to enjoy the song dedicated to her.

The band seamlessly blended a mix of staple dance floor music and original Band Camp songs. Lead singer Chris Clark kept things interesting by blending both traditional lyrics with a dash of his sense of humor. One particular favorite was the band’s original “Courtney Love” in which the band proclaims, “ I’m in love with Courtney Love, she cool, she breaks all the rules!” Well Band Camp, by the looks of things everyone is in love with you!

Groove Merchants at Riverwind Casino on July 18, 2009

The Box Talent Out and About Crew headed to Riverwind Casino in Norman to see the Groove Merchants perform! They started off with Gavin Degraw's "Chariot." Soon before long, the band was playing many familiar favorites. "Roxanne" by the Police had everyone at the casino intrigued and had the whole crowd going. They even had the bartenders yelling at the band to play more songs.

The lead singer, Josh, had his relatives along with him for the ride. When the Groove Merchants tried taking a break, the women flocked towards the band asking for pictures and requesting more music. All the attention was going to Mike and Kyle who had women falling all over them.

"I love Kyle Martin on the drums ," said a Groove Merchants fan. Around 11:30 PM the band was still goimg strong as couples were dancing to the sound of the Groove Merchants. The people couldn't get enough and didn't want them to get off stage.

Don't miss Box Talent OUT AND ABOUT! :)

Jason Marbach and Barbarossa at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill on July 10, 2009

Jason Marbach and the Barbarossa launched their set with “Good Hearted Woman” by Waylon Jennings that was full of energy and got the crowd moving. Their show included a couple of original songs such as “Brazas River,” but they mostly sang covers ranging from Cross Canadian Ragweed to Johnny Cash. Andy, the bass guitarist, had only been playing with Jason for 4 months but sounded like they had been together for years. The sound of Jason’s voice mixed with the bass and lead guitar was perfect for the atmosphere. Jason mentioned that they were missing their lead guitarist and he had to pick up the slack. I cannot wait to hear them play with the whole band together.

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill was especially busy on Friday night full of energy and excitement. The restaurant included a patio that is right off the Bricktown Canal and a stage that faces the open dining area and bar. The venue is perfect for concerts because there is not a bad seat in the house.

The audience loved Jason Marbach and Barbarossa. Here are some quotes that we heard throughout the night.

“Anytime they are on the marquee, I will definitely come see them again. I was impressed with the amount sound that came from just three instruments.”
-Brian, Midwest City

“I like him a lot, he has got a great voice.”
-Manager of Toby Keith’s I love this Bar and Grill


“It’s my kind of music, from Cross Canadian Ragweed to Waylon Jennings.”
-Cody, Midwest City

“They have such an original sound, they play their own original songs which are great but they also know exactly how to play everyone’s favorites.”
-Mike, Pryor

“Jason’s voice is so sexy, I want to jump on stage!”
-Lauren, Lawton


People were smiling, dancing, and singing along while Jason Marbach and Barbarossa played their versions of “Family Tradition” by Hank Williams Jr. and “Oklahoma Breakdown” by Stoney LaRue.

Groove Merchants at Mama Roja on June 26, 2009

The members of the Groove Merchants entertained the crowd on Lake Hefner at Mama Roja's Mexican restaurant, Friday June 26. With phenomenal vocals by lead vocalist, Josh Cruise and the upbeat sound of the other five band members, they kept the audience captivated and wanting more. As usual, the Box Talent Out and About crew was present to get snapshots and mingle with the fans.

The band played a wide variety of cover songs including "Chariot" and "I Don't Want to Be" by Gavin Degraw.

"They have a great sound that is understandable and easy to listen to."

While scorching under the summer heat, people enjoyed drinks and delicious Mexican cuisine, mixed with the thrilling sound of the Groove Pilots.

It was a great time to experience a night out on the lake with a high-quality band.

Who's Joe Fazzio @ Red Rock Canyon Grill Saturday June 27, 2009

Who’s Joe Fazzio, a duo made up of musicians B.J. Lowell and Mark Vollertsen, brought the temperature up a few notches Saturday at Red Rock Canyon Grill. Even in 100+ degree weather, the guys cranked up the heat with their wide variety of music. The Out and About crew was there to cheer on the band and take pictures of the diners having fun and singing with the guys.

"The mix of the piano and guitar makes every song unique and enjoyable."

The new outdoor bar at Red Rock created a perfect place to listen to the band, while enjoying the lakeside atmosphere. The familiar list of classic tunes and today's music kept the crowd energized throughout every song.

"We love coming out to Red Rock to listen to Who's Joe Fazzio. They always play a great mix that we can sing along to."

Citizen 5 @ Russell's on June 20, 2009

The members of Citizen 5 brought life and energy to Russell’s on June 20th.
The Box Talent Out and About crew was there to take pictures of the band and the crowd and to note the audience support of the group.

The band is made up of four males and a female lead vocalist.

“The lead singer really belts it out and I love that she’s a woman able to sing a song well that was meant for a male vocalist,” a regular of Russell’s said.

Citizen 5 played pop/rock music from today, mingled with a few songs from the 80’s.
“This band really tears it up. They’re great!” Mike said, a Russell’s regular, who had never heard Citizen 5 before. Citizen 5 and Russell’s provided a very entertaining and exciting night for the fun crowd.

The Stave at Drinkz on Friday, June 5, 2009

The Stave, formally made up of Steve, Dave, and John, put on quite an entertaining show at Drinkz bar and lounge, located in the heart of Bricktown on Reno. The guys were out in full force on June 5, ready to play good music and eager to put on a great show.

Box Talent Out and About was there to take pictures and mingle with the crowd who seemed to be enjoying The Stave’s mix of popular covers and original pieces. The band had a large table of fans that were there to support as well as a fun Friday night crowd out for a night on the town.

The band played full sets and on their short breaks, they took time to mingle with the crowd. The guys are all very nice and have great, easy-going personalities. The Stave is obviously a group you want to get to know and Box Talent Out and About will be sure to keep you posted on their upcoming events.