Starting a piece and getting the words flowing has always been my greatest obstacle when it comes to writing. Its even more daunting when embarking on the emotional journey of writing words about a close friend’s memorial. So, as I sit, staring at an empty Word document, thinking about Chad and all the memories we made together, I thought about the very first time I played guitar in front of people I didn’t know. It was late summer of 2012 and Chad and I had only been hanging out for a few months. He saw that I owned guitars and asked me to play for him, which I did, knowing that my skill and talent level was dwarfed in comparison to his. It didn’t seem to matter, he made me feel comfortable. Until one night in the green room at Grady’s, before a show, there were several musicians there playing songs and passing guitars. I sat there thankful for the chance to soak it in. After he finished playing a song, and everyone applauded, he handed me Trudy and said “Play A Pirate Looks at 40.”

To which I replied “No.” I was scared to death. A green room full of musicians, sharing stories and songs, I was not prepared to play there, in front of them.

So he said, “yeah, come on and play it.” I politely, yet more urgently declined. He insisted.

I said “YOU play it!”

He said, “I don’t know it! YOU DO! PLAY IT!” So, I did. Nervous as hell. But I got through it, and everyone clapped.

Chad looked at me with a huge grin and knowing eyes, and said “Atta boy.”

So, upon hearing of the passing of my friend, who I just had hung out with the previous two days, I felt the need to put together a memorial concert for him, and more than likely turn it in to a benefit for his kids. That’s what he would want. That’s what he deserves. Not more than a day or two later, I found myself in a group text chain with Ragan Parkerson and Executive Director of the Red Dirt Relief Fund, Katie Dale. Ragan was able to secure the Tumbleweed Dancehall with the generosity of Cary McBride, who offered up the venue, sound system and staffing. The rest of us immediately went in to “event planning mode.” We’ve done events like this before, and this was going to be a big one.

Chad Sullins had played almost every single Red Dirt Relief Fund event since it’s inception. Gypsy Café each year, benefits for Steve Rice, Mike Hosty, and Eric Hoffman, Relief on the River in Tulsa, and probably several more that I can’t think of at the moment. He was a staple for the Relief Fund. And he was also a recipient. During his initial hospitalization, he received a grant from the Red Dirt Relief Fund as well as a benefit concert of his own. He had always been very generous with his time for the RDRF, thus there was no shortage of artists lined up to play his benefit. Even during his most recent hospital stay, I received a text from Cale Lester that said he had an idea and would like my help. I called Cale and he said that we should get volunteers to play all of the shows that Chad had on the books, so that he would not lose that income while he was laid up in the hospital and in recovery. We were even able to turn two of those shows in to benefits as well, with the help of Shawn Walls of the Great White Buffalo, and Kelley Green of the Salty Bronc.

Some of Chad’s first shows in Stillwater were with Cale Lester, swapping songs at Willie’s. “It was one of the most exciting times of my life. And love him or hate him, you can’t deny his impact on Stillwater, and the music community” Lester said of his time playing with Chad.

There were several others that shared stages with Chad over the years, including Kyle Nix, Gib Stones, Nick Gibson, and many others. Nick recently recalled “Chad was my friend, my musical brother, and someone I admired and respected for his non-compromising approach to his songs and his music. From the moment I first heard Chad, I’ve been a fan, and it will be an honor and a privilege to keep his memory and music alive. I just hope I do him justice and make him proud. PALS.” Pals was a term from the movie Young Guns that was used between Chad, Cale, Gib Stones and Nick Gibson. That’s what they were. Pals. Friends. Young Guns.

That’s why so many people have volunteered their time and craft, to come together to honor a fallen brother on July 31st. We’re calling it Chad Sullins’ Last Call Celebration. And that’s what it will be. A celebration of his life, his body of work, and the mark that he has left on the Oklahoma music community. There will be over 26 solo artists swapping songs, as well as four full bands, the Red Dirt Rangers, Chance Anderson & the Takers, Jack Waters & the Unemployed, and BC & the Big Rig.

The upside to this gratitude and show of love, is that it will be a huge event, of which Chad would be proud. The only downside is that it will be a huge event, that will last all day and night. The Last Call Celebration is set to begin at Noon on Saturday, July 31st at the Tumbleweed in Stillwater, OK. The music will start around 12:30 and go until Midnight. There will be food trucks available as well as a full bar, including non-alcoholic choices.

This will be an ALL AGES show with a parent or guardian, so feel free to bring the family, but please understand that it will be a bar/event setting. Come for as little or as long as you can. Many musicians expressed willingness to play, and the roster is jam packed, but I encourage anyone and everyone who wants to, bring a guitar and we’ll jam after the show. That’s what Chad would do.

So, come one, come all to the Last Call Celebration. We’re suggesting a $10 donation at the door that will go in to a trust for his kids. There will be tee shirts for sale as well as a silent auction coordinated by none other than your very own Red Dirt Queen of Hearts, Tonya Little.

Thank you all very much for all of your support. Spread the love, spread the dirt, and God Bless Chad Sullins.

Much love,

Rick

Chad Sullins’ Last Call Celebration

· July 31st 2021

· Tumbleweed Dancehall, Stillwater, OK

· 12PM – 1AM

· All Ages

· $10 Suggested donation for admission

· Donations can still be made at www.reddirtrelieffund.org

Chad Sullins’ Last Call Celebration - By Rick Owens