The Tumbleweed Ballroom began as a joint venture business of Mr. and Mrs. R.A. Lospeich and Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hesser during the national "Urban Cowboy" craze that swept country music. In 1981, they purchased land, built a large building and opened the Stillwater's now famous Honky-Tonk in October 1981. (About the same time, Billy Bob's of Texas opened their doors too.) It ultimately became a legendary country music venue from nearly 30 years of business.

Over the next four years, the basic club venue grew quickly in reputation of hosting local, regional and national artists. Some of the early artists included George Strait, Charly McClain, Mel McDaniel, John Arnold Band, John Anderson, and unknowingly became home to Garth Brooks.

NOTE: Garth did work as a bouncer for then co-owners - John and Linda Klinger as he finished up his studies at Oklahoma State University. We look forward to a return visit from Garth and his family.

In 1985, the Oklahoma Liquor laws changed and made it hard for ballrooms and other clubs across the state to continue their ways of doing business. In addition, country music saw a waning in popularity. The Klinger's responded with a Steak House operation that complimented the venue and was able to survive the change in state liquor laws for a few years.

In 1987, Tumbleweed Ballroom was leased and ultimately purchased by Hank Moore and Sherry Perrin. Under new ownership, the Tumbleweed Ballroom began a transformation that continues to witness changes through the current time.

The dancehall held a special place in the owner's heart as they had their first date there and practiced dance routines on a regular basis for regional competitions. One of their first improvements was a new sound system and to install a floating maple dance floor. Both were major improvements over dancing across the old cracked concrete floors from music playing from an old record turntable.

During the spring 1991, the management focused on starting outdoor shows and also started to host rodeos behind their building. They had help from former OSU Rodeo advisor Dr. Ed Finnley. From there, outdoor entertainment was a natural progression.

The first outdoor concert was with Garth Brooks. It was on a small covered stage on the north side of the original 10 acre plot. From there, both indoor and outdoor concerts would be featured events through out the passing years. Some of the performers of the time included Keith Whitley, Kentucky Headhunters, Sawyer Brown, Aaron Tippin, Confederate Railroad and many, many others.

Another concept was developed and started in the Spring of 1991. The annual Tumbleweed Calf Fry. During the first 19 years of hosting the annual event, The Calf Fry witnessed unprecedented continued growth in popularity and attendance with each year being larger than the year before…Every year since inception the event has grown bigger and better.

During the 90s, Tumbleweed hosted numerous sanctioned rodeos, bull riding, and additional other special events. Artists from different music types that played Tumbleweed included Chris LeDoux, Lorrie Morgan, Gene Watson, Sir-Mix-A-Lot, Jackyl, Vanilla Ice, Third Eye Blind, 2 Live Crew, and many others. Tumbleweed was establishing it's self as a regional live music venue and built a wider and respected name in the concert business.

Also, a young bull that began at Tumbleweed rodeo arena that would ultimately became a Bull of the Year for the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association- Bodacious. (Bull was owned stock contractor Phil Sumner). He bucked off many riders and broke the jaws of local rider Kelly Green and national bull rider Tuff Heldeman before the bull was retired.

The Tumbleweed has been recognized by being nominated as Nightclub of the Year from both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. The industry recognizes the importance of live music venues for artists and for their fans.

Tumbleweed remains unique in that it routinely hosts artist from different formats as well as being able to encourage the beginning artist to hosting national recognized performers all at the same venue. Tumbleweed has a unique ability with hosting mega sized concerts with the size and the likes of ZZ Top. Tumbleweed continues to evolve.

During the last 20 years- Tumbleweed has led the effort to identify and highlight a vain of country music known as "Red Dirt Music" by promoting local and regional musicians that have ties to Stillwater's "Red Dirt" music scene. From the grandfather of Red Dirt Music itself- Bob Childers, to the Red Dirt Rangers and all the way through current songwriters and performers have played at Tumbleweed.

Some of the musicians and artists with roots to Stillwater and Tumbleweed performances include Garth Brooks, The Great Divide, Jason Boland and the Stragglers, All American Rejects, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Stoney LaRue, Bo Phillips, No Justice, Scott Evans, Mike McClure, Chad Sullens, Nick Gibson and Jason Savory. Many more are honing their skills for future performances on the Tumbleweed Stage.

From that mid semester opening back in 1981, a long history of country music has been continually enjoyed by countless of fans and students of Oklahoma State University at the Tumbleweed. Over the years, Tumbleweed has hosted over 1,000 shows. The future promises many new artists and entertainers a place to hone their skills and for fans of live music to enjoy their favorite artists.

In the process of surviving, changing, remaining flexible, and looking towards the future, the venue has earned titles like "legendary", "iconic", "fixture of country music" applied to it's existence. Regardless of the title, Tumbleweed strives for a simple goal- to provide an enjoyable place and friendly atmosphere to enjoy country music, dance, have fun, and be entertained. The mission continues today.

As the Tumbleweed heads into the third decade of operations and entertainment, watch for changes. Mega-concerts will become annual events, indoor multiple night music festivals will be continued, Halloween and Christmas will add further attractions to the Tumbleweed. All pursued with the idea of entertaining customers with value and quality experiences. The possibilities continue to evolve.

It is a "MUST" that none of the Tumbleweed history could have ever been made without the loyal support of customers, dedicated staff, and the returning "Old Timers" to make Tumbleweed what it had been, what it is, and also what it will become.

The Tumbleweed preserves a deep in gratitude to those who have labored and who have enjoyed the decades and countless hours of country music at Stillwater's very own Honky-Tonk. The future holds many changes and look forward to your next visit.

In 2011 the Tumbleweed will celebrate the venue's first thirty years of operations. Besides bring the past owner together and searching out old employees and customers, we look to host some very good shows and enlarge our special events. Check our website often and keep in contact as the Tumbleweed reaches a major milestone.