OleRedisthehomeofmany musical events. The addition of The Doghouse amplified the number of concerts at the Tishomingo location, and the types of musicians who grace the stage. October 1 was no exception when The Doghouse hosted country singer T.G. Sheppard.
Sheppard’s career spans over 50 years, and he touts 14 number one hits on the country hit list. One of the hits he is well known for is his single, “I loved them everyone.”
Sheppard wowed the audience with that song, and other hits like “Do you want to go to Heaven?” He also used the stage to give backstories about his songs and life on the road.
He even told a story about the owner of the venue, Blake Shelton.
“I’ve known Blake for years,” Sheppard said. “He invited me to dinner the other day, and I asked him when I was goiing to get to meet his beautiful wife.”
The opening act for the night was Collin Mills. He is a Durant native who is an upand- comingmusician.Guests were treated to a meal of a brisketsandwichesandsides.
Ole Red has been open since 2017. According to General Manager Charles Haisler, the location was a dream of Shelton’s.
“From the very beginning, it was important to Blake we provide a stage for local and regional artists to gain experience and hone their craft,” Haisler said. “With roughly 60 live performances a month, I think we have held true to that vision.”
Haisler said Ole Red is a small-town, unique experience.
“I believe the stage at Ole Red is unique,” Haisler said. “It has hosted artists such as Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Luke Brian, T.G. Sheppard, Johnny Lee as well as stars from The Voice. Lots of stages can make that claim, but this stage has also hosted many teenagers that were performing in front of strangers for the first time, mothers that put their music on hold to start a family as well as countless other local artists that just want to share the music they love with others. I think that’s pretty special.”
The general manager said Ole Red is just what Tishomingo needs.
“Tishomingo represents what’s good about small town America and more specifically, small town Oklahoma,” he said. “Ole Red has brought people here from not just all over the country, but all over the world. I have spoken to people from every continent, and they come here for Blake Shelton and Ole Red, but they leave with a better understanding of this area and an appreciation of the people that call it home.”