On-Sale Now!

The Mabee Center Ticket Office will open at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 22nd the day of the show. Tickets will be available online or by calling the Mabee Center Ticket Office at (918) 495-6000. The Mabee Center Ticket Office is open Monday – Friday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

An FAQ will be sent to our database of ticket holders with more information and is also available here.

VIP Sponsorship Tables (SOLD OUT)
Full Table Reserved for 8 Guests
First-Come-First-Served
Limited Availability
$1,000 plus $50 s/c and $16 f/f

*VIP Full Tables may be purchased online or by calling 918.495.7000 (M-F | 10 AM – 5 PM)

•   Includes a Full Meal, Refreshments, and a Meet & Greet
•   Early Entry at 5:30 PM for a Pre-Show featuring Spring Street
•   Specifics will be sent to VIP ticket holders

Price Level 2 Seating
Gold Circle (Reserved)
Sections B & C | Rows 1-12
$75 plus $8 s/c and $2 f/f

Price Level 3 Seating
Lower Level (Reserved)
Sections A & D
Sections B & C | Rows 13 & Up
$50 plus $6 s/c and $2 f/f

Price Level 4 Seating
Upper Level (Reserved)
Sections BB & CC
$30 plus $4 s/c and $2 f/f

*Children under age 3 enter FREE
*TTCU ATM available 24/7 in the Mabee Center North Lobby

Scott Joss was often praised as the “heir to the Bakersfield throne” because of his early association with Tiny Moore and Merle Haggard and his later affiliation with Buck Owens and Dwight Yoakam. Born in Long Beach and raised in Redding, Joss was a native Californian whose roots ran deep. He learned to play fiddle from Jana Jae, the one-time wife and fiddle player for Buck Owens & His Buckaroos. Befriended by one of Bob Wills’ surviving Playboys, Tiny Moore, Joss was encouraged to develop his talent on a professional level after winning numerous California State Fiddle Championships. In 1980, at the age of 18, he got the call from Haggard. His first show as one of the Strangers was at Carnegie Hall. Still a little green, Joss returned to Redding to continue working on his performance skills before joining up with Merle and the band on the road. While with the Strangers, Joss spent time with Bakersfield guitarman Roy Nichols, who saw great promise in the young fiddle player.

Leaving the road and Merle was a hard decision, but Joss wanted to begin work on a band of his own. After moving to Sacramento, he hooked up with Dennis Barney, another California player from the early days. Barney, who became mentor and friend to the fledgling frontman, showed Joss the ropes and became a member of his band. After playing around California for a while, Joss was spotted by Pete Anderson, who produced, arranged, led the band, and played guitar for Dwight Yoakam. Bringing Joss into the fold in 1988 allowed Anderson to keep an eye on him and his career growth. Commuting between Sacramento and Los Angeles became a way of life for Yoakam’s fiddle player and harmony vocalist. On the road and in the studio, Joss had a full-time job as a member of the Babylonian Cowboys. Still, whenever he was in Sacramento he would pull together Barney, brother-in-law Don Weeks, and some other players and work on his solo venture. Eight years after signing on with Yoakam, Anderson and respected L.A. producer/engineer/bassman Dusty Wakeman (Rosie Flores, Dwight Yoakam, the Lonesome Strangers, Reach Around) took Joss into the all new Mad Dog Studios to start work on his first solo project.

Souvenirs was released in 1996 and hit Gavin’s Americana chart with all the force of a fast moving train, landing at number seven. Top cuts included two Jim Lauderdale songs, “Stay Out of My Arms,” a traditional shuffle, and the anthemic “Doin’ Time in Bakersfield.” Also included was one Joss original, “I Never Got Anywhere With You,” which proved that Scott Joss was indeed a worthy successor to Buck, Merle, and all the rest who created the Bakersfield sound.

When it comes to popular Branson entertainment, the name says it all – Shoji Tabuchi, The “King of Branson” world-renowned entertainer, fiddle player, and violinist! Shoji Tabuchi, his beautiful wife Dorothy Tabuchi, and multi-talented daughter Christina Lingo-Tabuchi, present an extraordinary family variety show.

Shoji Tabuchi’s inspirational story is truly the “stuff” dreams are made of.

A native of Osaka, Japan, Shoji Tabuchi has been acclaimed as one of the greatest entertainers in the world. He began his musical career on the violin at the age of seven through the Suzuki Method.

Curiosity is the word Shoji Tabuchi uses most when describing his introduction to American country music. Tabuchi attended St. Andrew’s University, a private school in Osaka, and earned a degree in economics. He had a Bluegrass band, and while there he and a few friends decided to attend a local concert headlined by the legendary Roy Acuff and the Smoky Mountain Boys. The high point of the evening, for Tabuchi, was the late, great Howdy Forrester’s signature rendition of “Listen to the Mockingbird.” The lilting bird-like quality of this one song was to have a lasting and profound effect on the young Tabuchi, ultimately changing the focus of his life. Shoji talked to Acuff following the concert and expressed his enthusiasm. “If you ever come to the United States, look me up” Acuff said. With these words of encouragement, Tabuchi decided to come to the United States and pursue his dream of playing American country music.

Coming to San Francisco, with $500 in his pocket, Shoji took any job he could find. Surprisingly, his greatest problem was not the language – but rather trying to convince club owners that he was indeed a country fiddler. After working many club dates, up-and-down the west coast, Tabuchi felt it was time to move to his next adventure.

He next journeyed to the Midwest, where a stop in Kansas City landed him his first full-time job playing at the famous Starlite Club. Then fate stepped into Tabuchi’s life once again, after being in the U.S. for only three years, he once again met up with Roy Acuff. At Mr. Acuff’s invitation, Shoji Tabuchi found himself appearing at the Ryman Auditorium at the Grand Ole Opry, where he performed for two nights in a row to standing ovations.

Ultimately, Shoji Tabuchi played the Grand Ole Opry an impressive 27 times.

He next took to the road as a featured performer with David Houston of the hit song “Almost Persuaded” fame. In short order, his name and virtuoso talent were spread throughout the world. From the United States to Belgium, Canada, England, Holland, and Scotland, his touring days saw him performing with the likes of Barbara Mandrell, Conway Twitty, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Mel Tillis, Tammy Wynette, and many other stars of the country music world.

The rest, as they say, is history. In a few short years, Shoji Tabuchi went from being a starring headliner on the Branson scene to building his own 2,000 seat, state-of-the-art theatre – selling out multiple times daily for decades.

Shoji Tabuchi’s many media appearances include 60 Minutes, CBS This Morning, Regis and Kathie Lee,To Tell the Truth, NashvilleNow, The Ralph Emery Show, Ray Steven’s CabaRay,The Statler Brothers Show, public radio’s Whad’ ya Know? with Michael Feldman, and Animal Planet’s Finding Bigfoot, to name a few. Many national publications have recognized Tabuchi, including U.S. News and World Report, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, TIME Magazine, National Enquirer, Midwest Living, Southern Living, and national travel industry magazine Destinations. He has also been a feature in many national Japanese publications.

Shoji Tabuchi has had the distinct privilege to play for former President George H. W. Bush, as well as the honor of playing for former President George W. Bush and former Japanese Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi, during a special White House state dinner.

In 2006, Shoji Tabuchi was a recipient of the prestigious Missourian Award, acknowledging his contribution to Missouri tourism and his generous philanthropy throughout the state. He has also received the Foreign Minister’s Award from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Americanism Medal from the Daughters of The American Revolution for his outstanding achievements. Tabuchi was nominated two years in a row for Instrumentalist of The Year for TNN Music City News Country Awards, placing him among many nationally known artists and all-time country greats. He was also named Entertainer of The Year and four-time Instrumentalist of The Year by the Ozark Music Awards. Most recently, Tabuchi was presented theLifetime Achievement Award by Branson’s Terry Awards as well as the Humanitarian Award with his wife Dorothy Tabuchi. He is also an honorary board member of The Suzuki Association of The Americas.

Shoji Tabuchi’s warmth and humor touch his fans in a very special and personal way and bring thousands to experience The Shoji Tabuchi Showand the fiddling phenomenon that is Shoji Tabuchi year after year.

Dale Morris Sr. was born in Sanger, Texas, a small town north of Denton and is the oldest of six children born to Laverne and Louise Morris. Dale grew up in a musical environment and developed an interest in music at a very early age. Dale’s first instrument was piano, however, through the years Dale later began playing guitar, then fiddle, Dale’s main instrument. Although Dale had been playing several years before reaching age eighteen, it is ironic, that until this time he had not been aware of the numerous great Texas style fiddlers who lived within a fifty-mile radius of him! Prior to this point in time, Dale played with various “bluegrass and country bands” around the Fort Worth – Dallas area.

Dale became aware, however and will forever feel a debt of gratitude to the great legendary Texas fiddler, Sleepy Johnson for his vital part in this. Dale will never forget the night, while playing at a nightclub in north Fort Worth, when a couple in the audience introduced themselves as Sleepy and Sally Johnson. Sleepy, of course, was a famous fiddler, having worked with Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys for many years. Also accompanying Sleepy and Sally were Drew and Jewell Garner. Jewell was the sister of legendary Texas fiddler Louis Franklin! Sleepy invited Dale to a “jam session” that was to be held at the home of Werner Cain. Sleepy went on to tell Dale of the different fiddlers who were likely to be there; Norman and Vernon Soloman, Benny Thomason, Orville Burns, Texas Shorty, Major Franklin, on and on. Ironically, Dale was unfamiliar with most of them at this time, except for Texas Shorty, of whom Dale had recordings (by, the way, when asked Dale will quickly tell you that one of his very first heroes was Texas Shorty). Dale had no idea, of course, at how important it would be for him to attend this jam session. It is very possible that Dale might not have attended this jam session had it not been for the persistence of Sleepy, who came by the Ford dealership in Fort Worth where Dale worked and insisted he attend. Sleepy knew how important this would be to Dale.

Dale did attend the jam session and to say it was a “revelation” would be an understatement! NEVER HAD DALE heard so much great fiddling! Not only was his hero, the legendary Texas Shorty in attendance, so were great fiddlers such as Norman and Vernon Soloman, Benny Thomasson, Major Franklin, Orville Burns, Dick Barrett, Louis Franklin, Garland Gainer, Claude Henson, etc. etc. on and on. While many current fiddlers, at the time of this writing, know of the past greats only via tape or other media, Dale feels very fortunate in the fact that he has personally known many of them.

Dale won his first fiddling contest in 1967 and being really ” bitten by the bug”, so to speak, Dale became an avid participant in fiddling contests across Texas and in 1972, won his first Texas State Championship. He went on to repeat in 1973 and also won again in 1978 and 1979. Also, over the years Dale has won several other prestigious contests, among these, the World’s Championship, Crockett Texas, in 1979, The Super Bowl of Fiddling in 1979, Colorado State Championship in 1986, The Western Open Old Time 1990. He has also had the extreme honor of serving as judge in many of our nations most prestigious fiddle contests.

Dale’s love for his music, however, was not limited to strictly contest fiddling. By the early 1970s, Dale was working in the band of Billy Gray and the “Cowtowners”. Working in this band afforded Dale the opportunity to work with the likes of Wynn Stewart, Sammi Smith, Johnny Rodriquez, Carl Smith, Leon Rausch and Red Stegall. By 1975 Dale moved to Nashville Tennessee and became a member of Stonewall Jackson’s “Minutemen”. Since then Dale has also been a member of The Marty Robbins’ band, Ray Price’s Cherokee Cowboys and Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys. In 1981 Dale was named the 17th member of the legendary “Sons of The Pioneers”, the group founded by Roy Rogers in the early 1930s.

Dale became a “full-time” music teacher by the early 1990s and at present he and his wife Tobi own and operate a teaching studio in Boyd Texas. They currently have a clientele of students, ranging in age from 2 years of age to 72, of whom they are very proud.

Donald Ulrich, 15 August 1941, Olympia, Washington, USA, d. 17 July 1974, near Morro Bay, California, USA. A child prodigy, Rich was appearing on radio at the age of five and at eight he was playing guitar and fiddle and appearing on radio with a local dance band. He studied lead guitar that won him a talent contest and a trip to Hollywood. In 1956, he was playing lead guitar for a band, that led him to make some appearances playing fiddle with Buck Owens band the Buckaroos on television shows at Tacoma, Washington. He had thoughts of becoming a music teacher and for two years, he studied music at Tacoma College and supported himself by playing in local clubs. However, in 1960, his teaching career was dropped when he became a full-time member of the Owens show. Playing fiddle, lead guitar and singing tenor vocals, he remained with Owens until his untimely death 14 years later. During those years, as the acknowledged leader of the band, he was very much the talent and driving force behind the well-known Buck Owens sound. His fine vocals complimented those of Owens and undoubtedly led to the success of many of Owens’ hits such as ‘Together Again’, ‘I’ve Got A Tiger By The Tail’ and ‘Cryin’ Time’. He also wrote songs that became major hits for Owens including with ‘Before You Go’ (1965) and ‘Waitin’ In Your Welfare Line’ (1966) which both made number 1. In 1965, he played on the Buckaroos number 1 instrumental hit ‘Buckaroo’ and in 1967 on ‘Chicken Pickin’’. In 1968 and 1969, the Buckaroos, featuring Don Rich, gained chart entries with ‘I’m Coming Back Home To Stay’, ‘I’m Going Back Home Where I Belong’ and ‘Anywhere USA’. In 1969 and 1970 ‘Nobody But You’ and ‘The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down’ charted listed this time as Don Rich And The Buckaroos. In 1970, when he recorded a duet album with Buck’s son, Buddy Alan, the title track ‘Cowboy Convention’ became a Top 20 hit. The following year the duo also charted with ‘I’m On The Road To Memphis’. In 1967 and 1968, Rich led the Buckaroos to the CMA Instrumental Group Of The Year award and in 1974, he was named Instrumentalist Of The Year.

On 17 July 1974, Rich set off on his favourite motorcycle for a fishing trip but died following an accident near Morro Bay, California. Owens was distraught at the loss of a man who had been his right arm for 14 years and has always maintained that Rich, had he so desired, could have become a major star in his own right – instead he was always happy to remain with Owens. Rich played on numerous recordings with Owens and also recorded on albums with the band minus Owens but only recorded one solo album plus the duet release with Buddy Alan.

March 22, 5:00 PM

MABEE CENTER ANNOUNCEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Fiddler Hall of Fame Gala
ANNOUNCES RESCHEDULE FOR October 22nd, 2021

We are reaching out today to provide an update regarding the 2020 National Fiddler Hall of Fame Inductees, and Special Guests in Gala concert at the Mabee Center for Friday November 20th, 7pm. This show is being RESCHEDULED to Friday, October 22nd 2021 @ 7PM. If you have tickets for the November 20th date please hold on to them- these tickets will be honored for the new date!

Though we are saddened to further delay this evening with you, this decision comes with the health and safety of the band, touring crew, venue staff, and every single one of you as our top priority. We appreciate your patience and graciousness as we continue to navigate these changes.

In cooperation with the National Fiddler Hall of Fame, the Mabee Center would like to announce the following ticketing instructions for National Fiddler Hall of Fame Gala. Please see the following information for directions to take for your Mabee Center National Fiddler Hall of Fame Gala “Kris Kristofferson Tribute with Special Guests” tickets:

–   Refunds are available upon request and must be submitted by or before Monday, March 29th, 2021. All refund requests must be submitted with the customer name and order/confirmation number to ticketsales@mabeecenter.com for this refund.

–   After March 29th, all tickets are non-refundable.

–   The base price of the ticket will be refunded, not including fees due to the fixed costs associated with the ticketing and credit card processing.

Due to the refund process, refunds usually take up to 30 days to be processed. We appreciate your continued patience and graciousness as we navigate the changes.

Click here for more information.

November 19, 4:00 PM

MABEE CENTER ANNOUNCEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Fiddler Hall of Fame Gala
ANNOUNCES POSTPONEMENT – FOR THE NOVEMBER 20 DATE

We are reaching out today to provide an update regarding the 2020 National Fiddler Hall of Fame Gala concert at the Mabee Center for Friday November 20th, 7pm. This show is being postponed to a date yet to be determined in April 2021. The new event date and time will be announced once finalized. If you have tickets for the November 20th date please hold on to them! These tickets will be honored for the new date!

Though we are saddened to further delay this evening with you, this decision comes with the health and safety of our band, touring crew, venue staff, and every single one of you as our top priority. We appreciate your patience and graciousness as we continue to navigate these changes.

In cooperation with National Fiddler Hall of Fame, the Mabee Center would like to announce the following ticketing instructions:

–   Hold on to your current tickets, they are valid for the new date once announced.

–   Refunds are available upon request and must be submitted by or before Sunday, November 29th, 2020. All refund requests must be submitted with the customer name and order/confirmation number to ticketsales@mabeecenter.com for this refund.

–   After November 29th, all tickets are non-refundable.

–   The base price of the ticket will be refunded, not including fees due to the fixed costs associated with the ticketing and credit card processing.

Due to the refund process refunds usually take up to 30 days to be processed. We appreciate your continued patience and graciousness as we navigate the changes.

MABEE CENTER ANNOUNCEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE . . .

Kris Kristofferson’s Band The Strangers
ANNOUNCES UPDATE – FOR THE NEW NOVEMBER 20 DATE

2020 National Fiddler Hall of Fame Inductees, and Special Guests in Gala concert at the Mabee Center Nov. 20th, 7pm.

Tulsa, OK – Oct 14, 2020 – A stellar evening with the world’s best talents in the music world is slated for the National Fiddler Hall of Fame 2020 Gala induction concert, Friday, November 20 at 7:00pm.

Joining us virtually from Hawaii is lauded Actor, Singer, Songwriter, and Musician, Kris Kristofferson to help induct his violin virtuoso, Scott Joss. Kris will also be performing his songs “Why Me Lord” and “Help Me Make It Through The Night” virtually.

2020 NFHOF prestigious lineup of Inductees includes:
Scott Joss, band member with Dwight Yoakam, Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson and a solo artist of stature himself with several albums, awards, and many original songs to his credit; One of Branson’s biggest and most popular entertainers and nationally known fiddle star, Shoji Tabuchi; Dale Morris, champion fiddler who played and recorded with Ray Price, Marty Robbins, Bill Monroe, and many others; and beloved Don Rich, known for ‘the Buck Owens sound’, his stellar guitar and fiddle work as a Buckaroo on Hee Haw, and as a recording artist and songwriter. Rich will be inducted posthumously and all others will perform Nov 20.

Board Member, Jana Jae, has been a part of the Hall of Fame since its inception. “This is a big evening,” she said. “All of this benefits our scholarship program. It’s a great show for a wonderful cause! This concert is much more than just fiddling, with diversity and absolutely incredible music.” Jana Jae is known for Hee Haw appearances and is recognized as one of the first female musicians to break the glass ceiling in a primarily male dominated industry.

The Mabee Center has taken every precaution and is fully following CDC and Tulsa Health Department guidelines to ensure a fun and safe evening. Temperature checks at the door and masks or face shields are required for entry.

VIP table ticket holders will enjoy a full dinner, and pre-show entertainment by the fabulous band Spring Street. There will also be a Silent Auction, with all proceeds going to the NFHOF Scholarship Fund.

Tickets are on sale now. For tickets and more information, go to mabeecenter.com or call the Mabee Center box office at 918-495-6000. For group sales call the Mabee Center at 918-495-7000.

The ONLY authorized Mabee Center ticket sales outlets are in-person at the Mabee Center Ticket Office (located in the Mabee Center North Lobby), online at MabeeCenter.com or by phone at (918) 495-6000 or (918) 495-7000. Mabee Center is not able to honor, replace or refund any invalid tickets; however, if you are in doubt about the validity of your tickets, please call (918) 495-6000.

The Mabee Center strives to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities. Please call 918.495.7000 or email ticketsales@mabeecenter.com for all wheelchair seating requests. It is the policy of the Mabee Center to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Our goal is to provide equal access to all people attending events regardless of their disability. For more information, visit our Handicapped Accessibility page.

Press Release (PDF)
NationalFiddlerHallofFame.org
Shoji.com
ScottJoss.net

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