In the southern Colorado mountains sits the bucolic village of Weston, an unincorporated community located on the Highway of Legends Byway. Deep in the Purgatoire River Valley surrounded by wildlife and the epic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Weston, Colorado is small-town nirvana, a place that has not yet been truly discovered but by the adventurous few.  After years of looking for the perfect place to launch their own distinctive music festival, songwriting troubadour Red Shahan, and music comrade Parker Morrow took one deep breath of the pure Weston air and said, “This is it.”  After all, when it comes to drawing a crowd, it’s all about location, location, location.  So, in 2022, without much fanfare in the press, the inaugural Caveman Music Festival hosted thousands of music fans eager to soak in the pristine landscape, the eclectic music lineup and unlimited natural resources for the true “pathfinder.”  The 2nd Annual 3-day event will follow suit this Labor Day weekend at the Monument Lake Resort, September 1st through September 3rd.  The 2023 lineup includes JJ Grey & Mofro, Shane Smith & the Saints, Dawes, Jamestown Revival, Brent Cobb, The Steel Woods, The Sheepdogs, Red Shahan, Kolton Moore & the Clever Few, Pony Bradshaw, Uncle Lucius, Charlie Shafter, Midnight River Choir, Suzanne Santo, Marc Ford, Pasadena, Taddy Porter, Jade Marie Patek, The Mother Hips, and more. Tickets and accommodation packages can be purchased at www.cavemanmusicfestival.com or by calling (719) 680-0580.

The Caveman Music Festival came into focus by way of that good old “right people at the right place at the right time” kind of scenario.  Brett McGraw took over ownership of the Monument Lake Resort in 2021, and at that point in time the place was barely functional. In just one year’s time McGraw breathed new life back into every inch of the property through massive renovations turning out a state-of-the-art destination resort that sits on 368 gorgeous mountain acres.  It was at the end of that first year that McGraw crossed paths with Red Shahan who was performing there, and the idea for the area’s first ever music festival quickly started to take shape.  The festival’s name comes from a legendary relic that was discovered in a cave somewhere on the property.  In the ceiling of that cave there is a rock embedded with a footprint that for many years has only been known to the Native Americans of the area.  It remains a mystery to this day as to the age of the footprint, and that along with sightings of suspicious lights in the sky adds to the overall mystique of the festival.  In equal measure, the music you will hear at the Caveman Music Festival is just as majestic featuring the best in Americana music.  Defined as music that feeds the truth, these phenomenal artists carry the torch of authenticity, and they continue to prove that all great music has not already been made.

Caveman Music Festival is a trip back to the rural past where folks from different cultures join together in one unified spirit.  Whether it’s hiking along mountain vistas, fishing at the mile-long private lake, boating on cool clear waters, or just basking in the tranquility of nature, Caveman Music Festival offers it all along with the perfect soundtrack at this secluded little piece of heaven.

“Caveman Music Festival has been one of my favorites I’ve ever had the opportunity to be a part of.  The attention to detail, the amazing diversity of artists, and obviously, the views are literally unmatched in today’s mess of concrete jungles.  I’m a lifelong fan of Caveman, and always will be.”  -Grady Spencer

“Caveman Music Festival is a place for dreamers, fun havers, campers, fishermen, musicians, squatch lovers, alien abductees, and music fans from all walks of life.  It’s a festival that you can recommend to the entire family reunion.” –Red Shahan

“From swimming in Monument Lake to watching the sunset over the mountains looking out from the stage, these are the moments we won’t soon forget. We look forward to good people, the serenity of southern Colorado, and being a part of this year’s lineup again.  See y’all soon!”  -Jamestown Revival

Deep in the Purgatoire River Valley in the southern Colorado mountains sits the bucolic village of Weston, home to the Monument Lake Resort and the one-of-a-kind Caveman Music Festival. A pristine landscape undiscovered but by the adventurous few, there is no place in the whole of the United States better fitted for an event as equally unique.

The Caveman Music Festival features three days of eclectic music with tastes that range from Americana to country to psychedelic to rock ‘n’ roll, and unlimited natural resources for the true “pathfinder.”  Take the ultimate road trip away from the sweltering summer heat and up into the cooler climes to enjoy camping, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and the best live music on the mountain top. The 3rd Annual Caveman Music Festival happens Labor Day weekend at the Monument Lake Resort, August 30th through September 1st.  The 2024 lineup features The Wallflowers, Toadies, Red Clay Strays, Kurt Vile & the Violators, Uncle Lucius, Red Shahan, Jamestown Revival, Band of Heathens, Emily Wolfe, The Droptines, Stephen Wilson Jr., Sir Woman, Taddy Porter, Drayton Farley, Buffalo Hunt, Midnight River Choir, Charlie Shafter, and more.  Tickets and accommodation packages go on sale March 22nd and can be purchased at www.cavemanmusicfestival.com or by calling (719) 680-0580.    

Co-founded by West Texas country music troubadour, Red Shahan along with bandmate Parker Morrow, and Monument Lake Resort proprietor, Brett McGraw, Caveman Music Festival is a trip back to the rural past where folks from different cultures join together in one unified spirit.  The state-of-the-art destination resort sits on 368 gorgeous mountain acres and offers a restaurant and bars on site, “glamping” options, RV/campers accommodations, plenty of lodging options off-site, and the music you will hear is just as majestic as the scenery featuring the best in Americana music.  Whether it’s hiking along mountain vistas, fishing at the mile-long private lake, boating on cool clear waters, or just basking in the tranquility of nature, Caveman Music Festival offers it all along with the perfect soundtrack at this secluded little piece of heaven.

With the official announcement yesterday of renowned Red Dirt country rock band Cross Canadian Ragweed reuniting to co-headline with Turnpike Troubadours what is surely to be one of the biggest shows in 2025, the immediate frenzy amid fans and media has caused such an overwhelming demand for tickets that a second show has been added.  The concert that was originally scheduled for one night only on Saturday, April 12th at the Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma has become a double feature with a second show added on Friday, April 11th.

The line up for both shows includes the ultimate syndicate of Red Dirt music including Stoney LaRue, Jason Boland and The Stragglers and The Great Divide (performing Saturday night) and the Mike McClure Band (performing Friday night).  Tickets go on sale October 11th, with pre-sales beginning on October 7th at 10:00 AM Central. Tickets can be purchased at www.okstate.com/concert. Sign up to get your pre-sale password for both shows at www.theboysfromoklahoma.com from October 1st through October 5th.

This event marks the first concert at the on-campus home of Oklahoma State football since the venue’s grand opening in 2009.  The shows are giving back to student athletes by supporting OSU’s name, image and likeness efforts.  Within mere hours of the official announcement, all hotel rooms, Airbnb’s and VRBO rental properties sold out, save for just one rental home costing $3,000 a night.  Over 120 thousand fans have signed up for pre-sale tickets.  The economic impact is expected to be massive with local business preparing for the influx of music fans.

“Stillwater is the birthplace of Red Dirt music, and it means so much that these world-famous artists maintain such a strong connection to our community.”  -Mayor Will Joyce/Stillwater

One of the biggest music stories back in October 2024 was the announcement that Cross Canadian Ragweed would reunite after a 15-year hiatus to co-headline with Turnpike Troubadours a one-night only stadium show in Stillwater Oklahoma, the origin of Red Dirt music. The story continued to dominate industry headlines when overwhelming ticket demands had the band and staff scrambling to add more shows, and within hours all lodging within a 60-mile radius was sold out.

By the end of a very chaotic two days, over 180,000 pre-sale tickets were snatched up resulting in a 4-night sold-out residency, and still there were thousands more in the digital line waiting for a chance to grab a seat. So it is with great pleasure that Cross Canadian Ragweed announces they will co-headline another show with Turnpike Troubadours at McLane Stadium at Baylor University in Waco, Texas on Saturday, August 23rd.  American Aquarium will kick off the show followed by Wade Bowen and then Shane Smith & The Saints. Fans can register for pre-sale access at 10 a.m. Central on February 11th at www.theboysfromoklahoma.com.  Pre-sales open on February 18th, with the public sale of any remaining tickets set for February 21st.

Demand such as this has left industry folks dazed as it is usually only seen with major acts on the level with Taylor Swift and Oasis. The university could not be more excited to host this enormous event. “We can’t wait to welcome The Boys from Oklahoma down I-35 and into the heart of Texas for what promises to be an incredible show at McLane Stadium,” said Jason Cook, Baylor vice president of marketing and communications and chief marketing officer. “We appreciate Doussan Music Group selecting McLane Stadium to showcase these legendary bands not only for the Baylor community and Waco, but for all of Texas. This event will be a perfect way to kick off the fall semester for the Baylor campus as we head into the football season opener against Auburn the following weekend.” Jovan Overshown, Baylor Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Revenue Officer agrees. "Saturday nights under the lights at McLane Stadium are always special, and we are thrilled to welcome fans from across Texas and beyond for an unforgettable experience with the Boys from Oklahoma and other special guests. We look forward to showcasing our state-of-the-art stadium and its stunning location on the banks of the Brazos this fall.”

“Texas has been a giant when it comes to support for our music, and Waco is in central Texas so it’s right in the middle of our base. My favorite part about this show is that we have a lot of friends there, and a lot of people we consider family. Wade Bowen is family, and he is from Waco so, he was the very first person I picked. We can’t wait to play for all the friends we’ve made here throughout the years. They welcomed us with open arms. We love it. When it comes to a tour, we do not have a plan for that right now. It’s one town, one show at a time.  With the success in Stillwater, Oklahoma we’d have to be crazy not to bring this to Texas with our brothers in the Turnpike Troubadours.  The love we have received from regrouping is beyond belief for me. The wave has started in Stillwater, and we are gonna ride it to Texas and see where we go from there.” -Cody Canada/frontman of Cross Canadian Ragweed

The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame announced that it will be inducting four deserving and well-respected bands/musicians into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. This latest class of inductees will be honored and presented their awards on the opening night (Thursday, April 10th) of the “Boys From Oklahoma” concert/event in Stillwater, Oklahoma at the Boone Pickens Stadium on the Oklahoma State University campus.

Stillwater is the perfect setting for the presentation being the birthplace of the Red Dirt music genre where many Oklahoma musicians and inductees began their music careers. Along with Turnpike Troubadours who have already been inducted, all four inductees will be on the stage for the 4-night event that sold out in a mere few hours. www.okmusichall.com
 
Musicians being inducted in 2025

Cross Canadian Ragweed-Formed in 1994, Cross Canadian Ragweed is a wildly influential indie country rock band from Stillwater who dominated the touring circuit for over a decade amassing millions in touring revenue and sharing bills with some of the biggest names in music. Known as one of the bands who helped start the “Red Dirt” music movement, the band consists of Cody Canada, Grady Cross, Randy Ragsdale and Jeremy Plato. They had a number of charting hits including “17,” “Alabama,” and “Anywhere But Here.”  In May of 2010 they announced they were taking a break from touring and played their final show together in October 2010. In September of 2024 they announced a reunion show alongside other Oklahoma musicians and friends, Turnpike Troubadours, The Great Divide, Jason Boland and the Stragglers and Stoney LaRue appropriately called “Them Boys From Oklahoma.”
 
Jason Boland and the Stragglers – In 1999, with the release of Pearl Snaps, Jason Boland and the Stragglers became one of the most successful bands in the Red Dirt and Texas country music scene. They released their first “live” album, Live and Lit at Billy Bob’s Texas in 2004. High in the Rockies was another hit album that was recorded over four days of shows, and Live from Cain’s Ballroom was released in June 2024. Their concept album titled The Light Saw Me was produced by Shooter Jennings, son of country music artist Waylon Jennings. Recording ten studio albums and three live albums has helped to propel them to be one of the most sought-after bands working today.
 
The Great Divide –The Great Divide is one of the most iconic bands from the Red Dirt music scene that has inspired the new generations of musicians for many, many years. They were the first band to bring the Red Dirt sound to a national audience when they signed to Atlantic Records in the late 90's.  After a 20- year hiatus, the band reformed and recorded their first album together after two decades called Providence. The album garnered critical acclaim and boasted five consecutive #1 hit singles in Texas. The band made their Grand Ole Opry debut in 2024 and performed on the hallowed stage of the Ryman Auditorium. Turnpike Troubadours and young phenom Wyatt Flores cites The Great Divide as a key influence.
 
Stoney LaRue – For more than 20 years Stoney LaRue has traversed the country playing sold out shows featuring the styles that have helped to make Red Dirt music a well –known genre. He has sold out more than 200 shows per year almost continuously and has had albums chart on iTunes and Billboard and has had videos featured on CMT. To date Stoney has sold more than a million albums and singles. He has performed duets with many of the biggest names in country music such as Miranda Lambert and Lee Ann Womack and has performed on the stage at the renowned Grand Ole Opry. During the early days in Stillwater, Stoney, Cody Canada, and Jason Boland were roommates working and living in the epicenter of the Red Dirt explosion.
 
Executive Director of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, Tony Corbell, continually speaks often about the amount of musical talent in the state. “It’s almost overwhelming how many great musicians, singers, sidemen, support folks, songwriters, sound and recording engineers are here,” says Corbell. The president of the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors, Mr. Boone Mendenhall, himself a popular singer and songwriter, says “I became a guitar player because of Jason Boland and Cody Canada as I listened to them over and over when I was young. It made me want to follow this passion for music.” He added how much all four of these artists being celebrated have inspired his and many other’s careers.
 
Since 1997 The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame has inducted more than 144 members. Friends of Oklahoma Music worked with the Oklahoma Legislature, and in 1999, lawmakers created the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, naming it a place to honor, recognize and pay tribute to Oklahoma musicians and our rich music heritage. Through the work of hundreds of volunteers over the years, the Hall has established a national and statewide reputation as a place to enjoy and experience music.
 
www.crosscanadianragweed.com | www.tgdmusic.com | www.thestragglers.com | www.stoneylarue.com