Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame

Tried to come here for a regular visit and arrived during the posted Tuesday hours but the doors were locked. Tried calling and got only the answering machine. No sign was posted on the doors so I have no idea why they were closed when they were supposed to be open. So one star.Then that same day, in the evening we were wanting to go listen to some live music and it was posted that they had both jazz and blues that night. We headed over and what a great time we had! It was basically an hour of different musicians jamming jazz then an hour of blues. It seemed to be all locals that knew each other. We stuck out like sore thumbs! But they were so friendly. Many many came over to introduce themselves. Daughter was asked to both get up and sing and also dance. She declined both but still so nice. Drinks are served but you only pay what you want. How crazy is that? We tried to be generous. Five stars for live music.That's how you end up with three stars.

Im not super into Jazz, but I figured since I was in Tulsa, I should stop by and check out this place. The building itself is beautiful and historic, since it was the old Tulsa train station, so I was excited to tour the inside. I waited outside like 10 minute before I was let in during normal business hours. I called a few times and sent a few messages hoping to get in before I left Tulsa. When I was finally let in, I toured this place rather quickly. Without a show going on, there isn't too much to see and do here and the exhibits aren't super interactive. I think if I was more into jazz and if there was a show or event going on, I would have had a better experience. Also, while the exterior of the building is lovely and historic, the inside needs some work, especially the entrance, floors, etc. With some funds and some love, this place could really be something.

Came here on a Tuesday evening, open mic night, and had the most fun I've had on my whole trip to Oklahoma. I came by myself and was expecting something totally different. It's filled with an older crowd (65+) who mostly all know each other because they apparently go there all the time. They're all very nice - swaying and dancing to the music. Plenty of them sign up to join and perform. Anybody is welcome to do so on open mic night. They are TALENTED here. There's a cash bar in the back that serves beer and wine. I was on my way out when a regular at the joint convinced me to stay. He introduced to me to some folks and I ended up sitting with them and they explained to me the different instruments and jazz artists I should check out. I ended up dancing with a few people (after telling them they'll need to lead me because I don't know what I'm doing) and it ended up being SO MUCH FUN. The people are friendly, the energy is high, and it's just a great place to listen to the creativity and enjoy yourself.

Stopped by to hopefully tour the place on a Tuesday, when the hours on the building say 9 am - 5 pm and on the voicemail it says 9 am - 9 pm. Sadly, neither of these were true. The entire building was locked. Called and left a couple of voicemails, to no avail. Sounds from other reviews that we didn't miss much, but the real bummer was not being able to see it at all AND not being able to get any answers as to why.

My second attempt to visit I called. The voicemail announced "open 9 to 5 except Tuesday, open till 9". I messaged online. "Will you guys be open Thursday?" I never got an answer. They don't answer the phone, they never answer email. We can blame COVID19 I guess. I actually came down with COVID19 but I was able to answer my phone and text and email. Are you telling me that because of COVID19 all those options are not available? How about we move the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame to Brick Town in OKC. I will answer the phone and return all emails. I'm done trying with these people.

Quite frankly, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame was a bust. We were there with a handful of other tourists on a Sunday afternoon, and the place was locked up tight. A passing group of ladies told us that the HOF is only open for limited hours during the week due to "budget constraints" *wink wink*, or when they have a special concert.The jazz museum sits inside of the beautiful Tulsa Union Depot train station, but since the doors were locked we were only able to view the facility from the outside. Passenger trains no longer use this station, and so freight trains only rumble past on the inner rail lines.I was anxious to learn a bit more about the style of jazz from this section of the country, as I had read that Oklahoma musicians were instrumental in the creation of the so-called "Kansas City" style of jazz, a bluesy dance music contrasting with the Dixieland ragtime of New Orleans. During the Great Depression many of the jazz clubs were forced to close, and "traveling jazz bands" roamed the Southwest. As a result, Oklahomans became deeply involved in the swing and bebop eras of jazz. Oh well, maybe I'll be able to slip inside and see some of the exhibits on my next trip to Tulsa.

This is an absolute must go to when in Tulsa. Make sure you go on Tuesday evenings for the jam session. This is where an amazing range of people, that are so different to one another in so many ways, come together to partake in the best equalizer: music. I went alone and was immediately welcomed by everyone there. People struck up conversations with me and naturally added me to their groups. Coming from New York City, I was moved by how kind everyone was to me and that awkward feeling you sometimes get as a solo traveler immediately disappeared. I was also shocked at how accessible this was. I know in NYC it would cost an arm and a leg to be close to this type of culture but this was free! And I believe that made all the difference in how rich this experience was, because everyone that cared about it could have access to it. It was the best possible example of good Tulsan people and I will never forget it. I hope it's there forever because it was so unique and so special. I was even feeling slightly emotional on my way out at how special my time there was and how beautiful the jam went. What a treasured experience!

If you haven't been here, you have no idea what you are missing! It's the perfect venue for a wedding. In fact, my first visit was a wedding, but it keeps me coming back again and again for their regular events. If you're a music fan, this is the perfect spot to indulge. If you haven't been, treat yourself! Go...and go now!! Even if you are not a music buff, you will not regret it.

This is such a historic landmark! It is Tulsa's old Union Depot Building, also known as the Jazz Depot. Their music arts programming and cultural outreach is great! They offer great live entertainment (jazz, blues, gospel, latin!) trying to create unity through music (their motto). Oklahoma has an amazing and diverse music heritage and I love that they are continuing that legacy. Check out their website to see what concerts, community-based arts programming and special events are coming up. They also rent the facilities for special events. I love it when there is salsa dancing here. It is such a great space and right next to the center of the universe.

As of Sunday March 10, 2024, the voicemail message says they are closed for renovations. No information about when the Jazz Hall of Fame might reopen.