Before HonkyTonk StepChild, there was Burlap Tuxedo. That’s when Casey and I first began playing music together.
The story begins about three years ago with The Rock Bottom Ramblers. Their high-energy bluegrass rocked. Casey was a big fan. He hounded them for a year to participate in Acoustic Oklahoma before singer Tracy Ross finally visited the studio. Tracy’s band was going through a break-up, he wanted to start a new group.
Casey was excited, “I’ll play bass!” So June 7, 2011 during a massive thunderstorm, they rehearsed for the first time in the huge space above the HornTrader. Thunder boomed all around intense and ominous while they got their act together.
The story begins about three years ago with The Rock Bottom Ramblers. Their high-energy bluegrass rocked. Casey was a big fan. He hounded them for a year to participate in Acoustic Oklahoma before singer Tracy Ross finally visited the studio. Tracy’s band was going through a break-up, he wanted to start a new group.
Casey was excited, “I’ll play bass!” So June 7, 2011 during a massive thunderstorm, they rehearsed for the first time in the huge space above the HornTrader. Thunder boomed all around intense and ominous while they got their act together.
Soon they were gigging as Huevos Rancheros. Enter Sam Hawk, a young and gifted banjo player. Three’s company and Casey dubbed the group Burlap Tuxedo! Interestingly their ages were spaced evenly ten years apart 22, 32, and 42.
Adam “Biggie” Rittenbery, from the Damn Quails, would often join in, but he had some contractual obligations that made it unofficial. Many other musicians also sat in, Bruster of Bread & Butter, Wayne Cantwell, Matt Stansberry, Brian Pickering, Tony MacMillan, even artist Shawn Vali on harmonica.
Adam “Biggie” Rittenbery, from the Damn Quails, would often join in, but he had some contractual obligations that made it unofficial. Many other musicians also sat in, Bruster of Bread & Butter, Wayne Cantwell, Matt Stansberry, Brian Pickering, Tony MacMillan, even artist Shawn Vali on harmonica.
When Casey and I became a couple, I had no idea he was a bass player or really even a
musician. I hadn’t been on the Okie music scene that long. What a nice surprise first time I saw him on stage at VZD’s with the band!
About four months later I joined Burlap Tuxedo. We gigged and gigged and gigged for a long time and had a lot of fun.
Some of our most memorable gigs happened at First Fridays on the Paseo. From the Sauced stage we watched the full moon rise in the east above the crowd. The Paseo was packed. Women were just starting to wear their summer dresses again. As far as you could see, happy people were dancing and enjoying the night all through the neighborhood. We had this long beautiful view and our joyful sound rolled down the street.
musician. I hadn’t been on the Okie music scene that long. What a nice surprise first time I saw him on stage at VZD’s with the band!
About four months later I joined Burlap Tuxedo. We gigged and gigged and gigged for a long time and had a lot of fun.
Some of our most memorable gigs happened at First Fridays on the Paseo. From the Sauced stage we watched the full moon rise in the east above the crowd. The Paseo was packed. Women were just starting to wear their summer dresses again. As far as you could see, happy people were dancing and enjoying the night all through the neighborhood. We had this long beautiful view and our joyful sound rolled down the street.
Some other band highlights were being on Rise and Shine 43, Pride Fest 2012, Paseo Fest 2012, Medicine Park Tavern, Cocktails on the Skyline, and recording for the JJ’s Alley compilation. A lot happened in a little over a year for Burlap Tuxedo, but as things commonly go, the band broke up.
Soon after, Casey and I became HonkyTonk StepChild. Now we go simply by Casey & Minna.
Soon after, Casey and I became HonkyTonk StepChild. Now we go simply by Casey & Minna.
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