Chili Cook-Off, Concert to Benefit Local Musicians
By JULIE WENGER WATSON
Guest Writer
TULSA TALENT: Paul Benjaman, pictured at left, and Dustin Pittsley and their respective bands are among the local musicians who will perform at Horton Records’ fundraiser the Rock-n-Folk Chili Cook-Off, to be held Nov. 12 at Cain’s Ballroom. Discounted admission to the show will be offered in exchange for donations of non-perishable food items and winter coats.
Tulsa is blessed with a rich musical history. Artists as diverse as Leon Russell, The Gap Band, Hanson and Garth Brooks have all called this city home at one time or another.
Fortunately for music fans, that tradition continues today.
A new generation of talent is filling this town with tunes. On Nov. 12, the Tulsa-based nonprofit Horton Records will host its 3rd Annual Rock-n-Folk Chili Cook-Off at the Cain’s Ballroom to raise funds to support these homegrown troubadours, offering the chance for fans to feed their mouths and their ears while helping the local music community.
The event features music from Oklahoma musicians Paul Benjaman, Dustin Pittsley, Jesse Aycock and more, along with a performance from nationally touring act Ian Moore & the Lossy Coils. Ticket holders will be treated to chili provided by some of the musicians, as well as a number of great local eateries. Door prizes, a raffle and a silent auction are also on tap.
Money raised at the event will help Horton Records continue its mission of providing services to develop and support musicians in the Tulsa area. In addition to providing business and financial support to record and distribute music, the record label also hosts showcase events, conducts music workshops, and provides booking and management support for artists.
In addition to the fundraising aspect of the event, Brian Horton, president of the organization, sees this as an opportunity to celebrate local music and raise awareness for the nonprofit.
“We want to showcase the great talent that we have in the Tulsa area,” he explains. “We want to take the opportunity to partner with others in the community and once again, be inclusive.
“At the same time, we’re providing a platform to give back to those in need by offering discounted admission in exchange for non-perishable food donations and winter coats. To sum it up: to bring people together, to celebrate Tulsa music and to help others in the process.”
According to Horton, music is one of Tulsa’s greatest natural resources.
“We believe that we should invest in that, nurture it, grow it, and have it be a catalyst for attracting and retaining creative talent, industry and tourism to our city,” he continues. “Tulsa music is an international brand and product that has its own characteristics.”
The evening will provide Tulsans a chance to celebrate both their city and its talent.
“Tulsa is a special place that is affordable and open to ideas that allow musicians to be themselves, to be authentic, and to create from a place of integrity and purpose beyond commercial success,” Horton notes. “It’s part of the of Tulsa. It’s a source of pride and inspiration. It’s an essential part of creating community success. It’s about supporting this talent base, raising it up, and sharing it beyond our local boundaries. This has been Horton Records’ mission from the beginning.”
For more information, visit hortonrecords.org.
Updated 10-24-2016
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