Chainsaw Kittens Itinerary
Before the Chainsaw Kittens were influencing the alternative rock scene, they spent time going to school, working and vacationing in Oklahoma. Discover the little-known favorite places of lead singer Tyson Meade like Murphy’s Original Steak House in Bartlesville and The Opolis in Norman. You’ll also visit the current stomping grounds of bass guitarist-turned-music producer Trent Bell and visit some of the state’s most beloved record shops in both Tulsa and Norman.
Pawhuska
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Pawhuska, OK
Stop 1: Osage Hills State Park
While growing up a few miles from the nearby town of Bartlesville in northeast Oklahoma, Tyson Meade said he “loved spending time at Osage Hills State Park.”
Start from: 2131 Osage Hills Park Road, Pawhuska, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 1625 Southwest Frank Phillips Boulevard, Bartlesville, OK
Bartlesville
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Bartlesville, OK
Stop 2: Murphy's Original Steak House
According to Tyson Meade, Murphy’s is an “institution” and the hot hamburger (an open-faced hamburger topped with French fries and smothered in brown gravy) is a must.
Start from: 1625 Southwest Frank Phillips Boulevard, Bartlesville, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 1700 Hillcrest Drive, Bartlesville, OK
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Bartlesville, OK
Stop 3: College High School (now Bartlesville High School)
Take a drive to Bartlesville High School - which was named College High School when Tyson Meade graduated in 1982.
Start from: 1700 Hillcrest Drive, Bartlesville, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 1901 Price Road, Bartlesville, OK
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Bartlesville, OK
Stop 4: Hillcrest Country Club
Tyson’s Meade’s first job was as a busboy at the Hillcrest Country Club.
Start from: 1901 Price Road, Bartlesville, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 304 South Trenton Avenue, Tulsa, OK
Tulsa
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Tulsa, OK
Stop 5: The Church Studio
The Chainsaw Kittens recorded their first album, Violent Religion, at the Church Studio, which is owned by fellow Oklahoma musician Leon Russell.
Start from: 304 South Trenton Avenue, Tulsa, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 1241 South Lewis Avenue, Tulsa, OK
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Tulsa, OK
Stop 6: Honest John’s (now Starship Records)
In his youth, Tyson Meade “spent a lot of time record shopping in Tulsa at Honest John’s, which later became Starship Records.” The original building is at 2619 East 15th Street and is now the “CuriOZity” shop.
Start from: 1241 South Lewis Avenue, Tulsa, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 3532 Wellsite Drive, Norman, OK
Norman
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Norman, OK
Stop 7: Bell Labs Recording Studio
Trent Bell remained in the music industry as a music producer and opened a 3,000 square foot recording studio that has produced and recorded hundreds of records for artists like the Flaming Lips.
Start from: 3532 Wellsite Drive, Norman, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 113 North Crawford Avenue, Norman, OK
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Norman, OK
Stop 8: The Opolis
The Opolis is Tyson Meade’s favorite venue to play in Oklahoma.
Start from: 113 North Crawford Avenue, Norman, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 911 West Main Street, Norman, OK
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Norman, OK
Stop 9: Norman High School
With the exception of Tyson Meade, all the original band members - including Trent Bell - graduated from Norman High School in 1989.
Start from: 911 West Main Street, Norman, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: Main Street, Norman, OK
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Norman, OK
Stop 10: Norman Music Festival
The band last played together at the 2008 Norman Music Festival. Make plans to attend this fast-growing event, which is held annually over two days each April.
Start from: Main Street, Norman, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 737 Asp Avenue, Norman, OK
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Norman, OK
Stop 11: Shadowplay Records (now CVS Pharmacy)
Take a look at the building where Tyson Meade met Trent Bell. Once home to Shadowplay Records, it now houses a CVS. Get the full record store experience with a trip to nearby Guestroom Records, located just two blocks from the Opolis.
Start from: 737 Asp Avenue, Norman, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 601 West Eufaula Street, Norman, OK
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Norman, OK
Stop 12: Midway Grocery & Market
“The sandwiches at Midway Market in Norman are unbeatable anywhere,” Tyson Meade said. “I love the whole Hooterville vibe of that place.”
Start from: 601 West Eufaula Street, Norman, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: , , OK