ENTERTAINMENT SPOTLIGHT: Performer recruiting others to local music scene

Jul. 28—A South Carolina native has been making his mark on the Tahlequah music scene through his ventures, including an open mic night.

Austin Reece's musical journey started before he came to Tahlequah in 2017, as he learned to play the trumpet in elementary school. In high school, Reece found himself in low brass, and after graduation, he studied music education at the University of South Carolina, where his main instrument was the euphonium. Reese also plays the keyboard, guitar, and bass.

Reece eventually went to work at Yellowstone National Park, then made his way to Tahlequah. His time at the park spurred him to pursue songwriting, as he got to perform in a talent show for around 400 people at Old Faithful Lodge.

He made appearances at several open mic nights when he first moved to town, and performed for three years with Colton Kro & The Murder at venues such as Cheatam Street Warehouse in Texas. After the frontman of the band moved, Reece went to a new but familiar venture: open mic nights.

Local Legends Open Mic is hosted by Reece each Wednesday at 7 p.m. at The Branch. He said the best part is how it pushes him to focus on creating new material and writing new songs, while building his fanbase.

"I just kind of started taking all of the songs I've written over the past couple of years and putting them together," Reece said.

Reece drops by The Colony in Tulsa frequently to try to learn about the music scene, as well as recruit Tulsa musicians to perform in Tahlequah. Even though that can be a challenge, Reece said it helps performers get exposed to other types of music.

"I've met a lot of good players who play other instruments," Reece said. "Normally, we don't get a lot of fiddle, mandolin, and keyboard players because in small towns, it seems like everybody plays guitar, so it's hard to find multi-instrumentalists. But when you go to Tulsa, they have a whole pool of musicians."

Reece is starting another band called "Green Country Special," which has a rock, blues, and Americana sound. The band is set to feature Jeff Porter on bass, Dewayne Robertson on drums, Kevin Kimble on guitar, and Cody Marriott on the fiddle.

Green Country Special will tentatively release an album next year.

What's next

Reece will perform at The Branch Aug. 3, noon to 2 p.m.; Piddles Cajun Bar & Grill, Aug. 10, 7-10 p.m.; Arrowhead Resort, Aug. 24, 6-9 p.m.; and Blue Note Roundup, Sept. 7, 10 a.m.