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CARNEY FEST ’26

CarneyFest: a two-day celebration of music, art, food, and Tulsa’s living sound — raising support for The Church Studio Music Foundation while bringing the community together in song, laughter, and legacy.

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Who we are

HELLO FRIENDS, WELCOME TO THE CHURCH STUDIO

Historic Tours | Merchandise | Memberships

Where homegrown talent rocked and continues to rock the music world.

Visit the Venue

Legendary Recording Studio

Recording | Event Center | Education

The historic church was turned into a recording studio and home office to Shelter Records in 1972. Under Leon Russell’s leadership, the stone structure served as a creative workshop for songwriters, musicians, engineers, and singers to collaborate, learn, and inspire.

OUR HISTORY

LEON RUSSELL

Founded Studio in 1972

THE TULSA SOUND
Rockabilly, Country, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Blues

Although they had different musical gifts, Leon Russell and fellow Oklahoman JJ Cale, are credited for developing the “Tulsa Sound”. This genre is described by many to be a laid-back style of blues, country, and rock that helped shape Southern-style rock-and-roll. The most notable, non-Okie— example of the Tulsa Sound is Eric Clapton. Others believe the “Tulsa Sound” is more of a brotherhood or collaboration of creatives that honor those musical pioneers that came before them.

PHOTO GALLERY

RESTORATION PROJECT

After Photos: Restoration completed in 2022

SUPPORT

THE CHURCH STUDIO MUSIC FOUNDATION

Church Merch

Visit the Store

Black and White Church Studio Tumbler with Straw

$29.99

The Church Studio Matchbox Vintage Tee

$34.99

2025 Carney Fest Tee

$12.99

RECENT BLOG POSTS

Songwriter’s Round with Isaac Hanson, Sarah Moseley, and Gabriel Broussard

WHEN:

Doors open at 6:00pm
Show at 7:00pm
Location: The Church Studio | Limited Seating: 120 Guests

In partnership with Brut Hotel and Oklahoma Film + Music Office, The Soundup Club proudly presents “The Soundup Roundup” – an intimate and inspiring night of music and storytelling featuring Isaac Hanson, Sarah Moseley and Gabriel Broussard. Join us for a one-of-a-kind songwriter’s round, where the artists share the stories behind their songs and then perform them live. This up-close format gives you a rare peek into the creative process, straight from the voices who lived it.