The 11th annual Gypsy Café festival was an astounding success this year with an impressive total raised.

“Near-perfect weather and record attendance helped Red Dirt Relief Fund net $47,064 to fund financial assistance grants for Oklahoma music professionals in crisis,” reports the Red Dirt Relief Fund.

The Red Dirt Relief Fund was actually founded in 2012 using the ticket proceeds of the very first Gypsy Café festival held in Stillwater in 2011. Since then, the nonprofit has granted more than $580,000 in emergency assistance, to more than 800 music professionals in 38 Oklahoma cities and towns, most notably almost $300,000 to those facing venue closings and gig cancellations during the pandemic.

This year’s event was the first time back in person since the pandemic, and everyone came to celebrate and rejoice in the music, friends and music family the event provided. Featuring over 60 Oklahoma musicians on 3 different stages, there was something going on all day to delight your eyes and ears.

Randy Crouch gets some love from Gena and Nancy.

The day kicked off with a VIP Guest & Artist luncheon at the historic Farm, where music was made, musician interviews were recorded, and Jim “Red” Wilhelm gave a wonderful presentation about the first Red Dirt Song (which can be watched on youtube here).

The VIP Guest & Artist Luncheon at the Farm

This event really is like one big family reunion for musicians and music lovers alike, one spot where everyone gets to all be together and catch up. This year felt extra monumental after the last couple of years of not getting to see everyone as much. It’s hard to describe the energy in the air at each and every Gypsy Café, filled with love and laughter, with both celebrations of those we can still hug necks with as well as memories and celebrations shared in honor of those in the scene who live with us in spirit these days. It’s the premier event every year for those that love the Red Dirt Music scene, and we are truly lucky to have it.

Nick Gibson, Gib Stones and Cale Lester (Bo Phillips in the background)

Chloe-Beth on the big stage (and Jack Waters, the all-day big stage Gypsy Cafe drummer of the day)

The event includes the Jimmy LaFave Songwriting contest winners each year, and this year the talented Branjae won the award and a $500 check from the Red Dirt Relief Fund. Branjae performed her winning song “Free Facts” with Josh Westbrook at the event. Wyatt Wilson was this year’s People’s Choice winner in the contest.

Vendors were on hand selling their wares, food trucks fed the masses with delicious meals, and the silent auction held a large variety of great items that were donated to the event. The auction was a great success thanks to everyone that donated, helped and purchased items.

The evening ended with the Restless Spirit Award which was presented in honor of Chad Sullins who passed away from heart complications last summer. His daughter, Presley, gave an eloquent speech to accept the award as emotions ran high from all of those in attendance that love and miss the talented musician.

Following the award was the annual family jam to end it all out, where all the musicians climb on stage and sing their hearts out. It was a special night for so many reasons, and it was all to raise money to provide a safety net for those who work in the Oklahoma music scene. It doesn’t get much better than that.

You can go to The Red Dirt Relief’s website for more information and to see more great videos and photos, by the talented Tony Thompson and Tom Harris.

Gypsy Cafe 2022 was a Record-Breaking Success