Tulsa’s newest music venue celebrates first birthday

Award-winning performers kick off the second year at The Joint

TULSA, Okla. – In a city rich with musical history, The Joint located inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa created a new chapter as more than 100,000 fans attended concerts in the venue’s inaugural year.

Opening on Sept. 30, 2010, The Joint roster included a diverse group of award-winning musicians, comedians, two local theater productions, an awards ceremony and three fight nights. Among the most popular shows were Dierks Bentley, Bad Company, Hall & Oates, Heart, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner and ZZ Top.

“We’ve continually found success because we’re able to sell out shows whether it’s country or rock,” said Danny Finnerty, entertainment director for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. “One week we’re hosting a legendary band like Heart and the next week we had Blake Shelton, who is the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year.”

Exactly one year and 45 events since The Doobie Brothers opened the venue in 2010, the Beach Boys helped start the second year with a career-spanning 30-song performance that brought nearly 2,700 fans to their feet.

“It’s been an outstanding year for The Joint,” Finnerty said. “We had high expectations for the room when we opened, but I can honestly say those expectations have been exceeded.”

While it’s still just the beginning of the second year of live performances at The Joint, the concert calendar is loaded with celebrated acts to close 2011.

On Oct. 14, Eagles founder Don Henley performs his collection of legendary hits, and the following night Lynyrd Skynyrd rocks the 2,700-seat venue. Country legends Travis Tritt and Charlie Daniels share the stage on Oct. 21.

Comedian Ron White has already sold out his Nov. 11 performance, and limited tickets remain for a solo performance by iconic guitarist and former Fleetwood Mac member Lindsey Buckingham.

As the holidays approach, multi-talented country singer Kenny Rogers returns to The Joint on Dec. 2 for his second appearance, but this time he will perform Christmas hits and a selection of songs from his country career. Tickets for Rogers’ 35th annual “Christmas & Hits Tour” go on sale Oct. 20 and start at $50.

The 2011 concert calendar comes to a close on Dec. 9 when Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson share the stage as part of the Xtreme Music Tour. Tickets start at $65 and go on sale Oct. 27.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa is located off of Interstate 44 at exit 240A. Ticket prices and information on upcoming shows are available online in The Joint section of www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com or by calling (918) 384-ROCK. The Joint box office is open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. All guests must be 21 years of age or older.