My wife and I attended a Norah Jones concert recently at the Brady Theater just north of downtown Tulsa. It was built in 1913 and was “the” theater in Tulsa until the 1970’s when the Performing Arts Center was built. Since then it has been in private hands and has a good reputation as a good place to watch performers like Norah Jones.
It has quite a history. Supposedly it was the site of Enrico Caruso’s last ever performance in 1920. The story goes that he got sick while in Tulsa and died in Italy in 1921. I couldn’t find any reputable source to corroborate that but hey it makes a good story. Here is one version.
Many performers have appeared at the Brady. According to Wikipedia they include Al Jolson, Isadora Duncan, Ethel Barrymore, Helen Hayes, Benny Goodman, The Marx Brothers, Katharine Hepburn, Peter Frampton, Buddy Holly, Debbie Reynolds, Dave Brubeck, Van Cliburn, Stevie Ray Vaughan, U2, The Pretenders, Frank Zappa, Genesis, The Kinks, Mötley Crüe, and Robin Williams. My wife and I have seen Kenny G and Gordon Lightfoot.
It also played a part in the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot which is supposedly one of the deadliest in our nation’s history with about 300 killed (some estimates go as high as 3000). Check out the Wikipedia entry. The Brady was used as a detention center. It seats about 2800 for a concert but supposedly 6000 people were herded in temporarily and then moved to the State Fairgrounds.
Some say that the Brady was actually used as a haven from the violence.Others say people were detained there. I don’t know much about it the photo doesn’t look like people are being led to a haven.
Supposedly the ghosts of Caruso and many of those who died during the riot inhabit the building. I don’t really believe in ghosts but I can feel the history of the place when I attend a concert there.
It has an active schedule. Check out their web site here. Jeff Beck and the Barenaked Ladies are coming in March. Jackson Browne in August.
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Note on Photos. The top photo is mine. The others are courtesy of the Beryl Ford Collection/Rotary Club of Tulsa, Tulsa City-County Library and Tulsa Historical Society.
Based on FB, I am pretty sure Doc and I were the only ones NOT at that concert!
Didn’t know all of that about the Brady. Interesting.
I’m so glad it is still in use! I really enjoy seeing the historical photos to go along with the recent one.
Your photo of the Brady is probably the best angle for this building. The addition on the front may provide some needed space but it sure is an eyesore. It looks like somebody backed it in and dumped it there. If the Brady is valued as a historic building then “improvements” should blend in with the original architecture. OK, that is my rant for today. Nice post on the Brady.
@TG – I agree with you totally. The addition on the front is awful. I have to say that I didn’t think the original building is very attractive either.
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Very interesting post – and a beautiful building!
Very beautiful photos, full of information!!!!
What a terrific post, Yogi! That is so interesting! I’m going to have to go read about more about it! Hope you have a great day and a great week!
Sylvia
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Great looking theatre and thanks for he history.
Sydney – City and Suburbs
Lot of interesting info. Historic place, I wonder if the ghosts are really there.
What a great place full of stories.
I love your profile photo!
It probably is filled with ghosts.
What a history!
Most concerts in Ottawa take place at the hockey arena, but I’d enjoy a smallest and more intimate (not to mention historical!) venue such as this one.
This is a fascinating post. That’s fascinating history. Oklahoma is a state that I would like to learn more about (after reading Annie Proulx). Thank you.
Andree’s My World: Eastman Falls