The Current-Mar. 2008 Feature Story 2

Whiskey Jim’s a Winner in Tahlequah

By Regan Henson

Tahlequah’s newest and biggest live music venue celebrated its grand opening in style when country hit-maker Tracy Lawrence played to a standing room only crowd at Whiskey Jim’s on Feb. 15. The sold out show featured local band Oklahoma Heartland opening and Lawrence, whose hits include early nineties classics like “Sticks and Stones” and recent chart topper “Find Out Who Your Friends Are,” provided a memorable night of music and good times for local music fans.

Follow that up with a two night stand by up and coming local Red Dirt act Hazzard, who hosted the release party for their debut CD, Choices, the following weekend, and Whiskey Jim’s seems to be starting out in the right direction in establishing a long and lasting relationship with music fans all around Currentland.

Whiskey Jim’s owner and Tahlequah native Jason Jolliff said that when speaking with Lawrence after the grand opening show, the singer, who has played venues all over the world, told him that Whiskey Jim’s is one of the coolest places he’s ever played. Such praise would make any club owner proud, especially when it comes from a national star on the grand opening night of a club that the owner built, literally, from the ground up.

“It’s humbling,” Jolliff said in describing his feelings after the grand opening, “There’s not a nail in this whole building that me or my dad didn’t have a hand in.” The pair led the work last summer and fall, often changing shirts four or five times a day. “We sweated our asses off,” Jolliff said.

The hard work that Jolliff and his father put in, which included everything from pouring the slab to raising the roof, all came to fruition when the doors opened and Jolliff still sounds like he’s just waking up from a dream.

“I’m not a musician,” he said, “But I just love music and wanted to have a place to see live music.” A navy veteran, Jolliff is currently planning a Whiskey Jim’s party to help celebrate the return of local service men and women from their tours of duty. The venue, which has a capacity of 980 patrons, has a special upper level VIP section that is reserved for the musicians, and for veterans.

“I’m not sure when everyone is getting home,” Jolliff said, “But we’re gonna have one kick-ass party when they do.”

Also in the works is a website and Jolliff is currently looking to book other major acts, although none have been announced as of this printing. Stoney Larue, Jason Boland and the Stragglers, and Cross Canadian Ragweed are all acts on Jolliff’s wish list, but in the meantime, patrons can come in for local bands or to dance to the tunes spun by Kenny Comer, who deejays nightly. Or maybe you just want to sit back and sip a cold one of the fine import or domestic beers or mixed drinks Whiskey Jim’s offers.

Whether you want to see a good live show, hang out with some old friends, or just enjoy the friendly atmosphere of a family run business, Whiskey Jim’s is the place to do it if you’re 21 or older. They’re open from 9pm to 2am Wed. through Sat. Whiskey Jim’s is located at 109 W. Willis Road, right behind Del Rancho. Just look for the big shiny red metal roof with the Whiskey Jim’s sign on top. For information on upcoming shows and events, call (918)458-9988.