CELEBRITY HANGOUT: The Church Studio Green Room at the BOK Center Arena

The Church Studio is honored to collaborate with Tulsa’s BOK Center. The BOK Center finished a record-breaking year in 2023, the venue reported 56 shows, with 415,000 attendees. The BOK hosts some of the biggest names in music, and exhilarating sports events, and has become a cornerstone of the community. Here are some highlights:  

• • A sold-out Bruce Springsteen –  bringing thousands of fans to Tulsa
  • Big 12 Wrestling Championship
  • Turnpike Troubadours – 2 shows
  • Sold Out Shania Twain
  • 2 Sold Out shows for Zach Brian
  • Sold Out show for Chris Stapleton
  • TRANSFORMED CHURCH STUDIO GREEN ROOM!!!

The Church Studio has just revealed its newly remodeled Green Room at the BOK, providing an incredible space for artists and performers. The Church Studio Green Room is one of six pre- and post-show lounges or waiting rooms available to performers and is the closest to the stage.  The BOK takes considerable effort in customizing each area to accommodate each performer’s tastes. This includes choosing furniture and furnishings that reflect the artist’s taste and meet their special requests. 

“We were absolutely thrilled to join forces with The Church Studio to infuse this backstage room with the

incredible spirit that defines this iconic venue. It’s a true honor to reflect the essence of The Church Studio and highlight the vibrant character of Tulsa, ensuring that even those who might not have the chance to explore our city in person can experience its unique charm and energy through this space,” said Keller Taylor, BOK Center Vice President.

The Church Studio Green Room is proud to have hosted many famous musicians, including the Turnpike Troubadours, the Doobie Brothers, Bert Kreischer, Nate Bargatze, the Jonas Brothers, and The Eagles.

Teresa Knox and Derald Riley drew inspiration from the recording studio and its energy while designing the space. The setting invites the visitors into the recording studio, teasing with pictures of gear, the live room, microphones, and the legend, Leon Russell who created this artist incubator, the world-class recording studio, and the Tulsa home of Shelter Records.

The wall beautifully captures the rich history of the building, tracing its origins as a denominational church in 1915 to its purchase by the talented native son, 30-year-old Leon Russell, in 1972. The building’s revival is a true testament to its enduring significance as a National Historic Landmark in the present day. Leon Russell is larger than life with his guitar and “Holy Trinity” t-shirt.

Even the adjoining bathroom features a rare picture of Leon on the wall, unique treatment with a shower curtain inspired by the wallpaper of The Church’s “bidet” area, and an often-mentioned quote by Leon Russell in 1972, “Every Oklahoma Redneck needs a Bidet.”

Frequently an artist or band may not have an opportunity to truly embrace the host city in which they perform. On tour, they travel quickly from one venue to another, with time dedicated to rehearsals, sound checks, performances, and routine activities such as meals, and rest in between. The Church Studio Green Room provides a captivating window into the vibrant musical legacy of Tulsa, both past and present, igniting curiosity about The Church Studio and all that Tulsa has to offer. 

Both the BOK Center and The Church Studio play important roles in Tulsa’s cultural landscape but in very different ways. The BOK Center represents the city’s modern, vibrant entertainment scene, while The Church Studio offers a glimpse into its rich musical history and the beauty and artistry of analog and digital recording. Together, they showcase Tulsa’s ability to honor its past while embracing the future.