Steve E.
Yelp
One of the first places that I wanted to see during our weekend in Tulsa was Cain's Ballroom, located across the railroad tracks, and up on Main Street, near the interstate.
This musical icon is the birthplace of Western Swing, and they've been designated by the National Register of Historical Places as the "Carnegie Hall of Western Music". Famous country musical acts such as Bob Willis and the Texas Playboys, Hank Williams, and Patsy Cline have all crossed the threshold into Cain's, which was opened in the mid-1920s. Outside, and embedded into the sidewalk, is Cain's version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with large stars featuring the big names acts that have played in the ballroom over the years.
As times, and musical tastes changed, so did Cain's Ballroom, and after a while this smaller, intimate concert hall saw the likes of Van Halen, The Police, and INXS performing on their stage. Nowadays, Cain's is the place to see diverse indie groups and bands not likely to rock the larger BOK Center.
Cain's is only open in the evenings when they are having a concert, and no longer open for tours during the day. There are numerous reports of ghost sightings inside the ballroom, so don't be surprised if you feel chills when someone brushes past you.
This is a fun, intimate location to see your favorite musical group, and enjoy the history which made Cain's Ballroom famous.