It has been a long time NewsPress readers. How are you? Hopefully doing alright. I know that it seems Stillwater has seen a whole lot of cold weather and fire danger than what we expect with Spring weather going into the Summer. But, it seems that's changing as we have had beautiful weather the past few days. Let's hope that continues.

Being a reporter, you find yourself in a position every day to learn something. In the past month, I learned a great deal more than I thought I knew when it came to Red Dirt music. I had just begun eighth grade when I found out about a group called Cross Canadian Ragweed. Cody Canada and friends led me to a new attitude and form of music titled "Red Dirt". It was more than country music with a rock angle. It was a message. I compare it to that artist or band you find from an early age that no one else seems to know. You cherish that band and don't want to share it with anyone else. And while Red Dirt has grown into a well-known thing, it still feels like it's all our own. That's what makes it special.

I recently was able to attend a meeting of many of these artists, well established and relatively new, out at "The Farm". I had never heard of such a place, but what I learned was it is considered to be the birthplace of Red Dirt. A home to many musicians that define the style like Bob Childers, the property has changed since the 1970s. The home burnt down in 2003, but everything else pretty much remains. I had the chance to interview many of these artists and to see their love for the history and meaning of the legacy they're carrying on was just another reason why I enjoy what I do. All these artists were back in town for a Red Bull sponsored concert across four venues in Stillwater. While I wasn't able to attend that night, I hear that the response was great.

So, in closing, I want to say that if you're like me and you think you know all there is about the music and history of Red Dirt, please study up and ask a musician if you see one. They would be happy to tell you all about it. :-)

Until next time,

Chase