Down the Hatch: Tulsa's new listening room

Blackbird on Pearl, 1336 E 6th St.

Inspired by The Beatles song of the same name, Donnie Rich and partners Steve Liddell and Angie Robinson have opened Blackbird on Pearl, Tulsa’s newest listening room. Like its namesake, the space’s vibe is quiet and lovely.

“It’s more bar than it is venue,” said Rich, who also owns Venue Shrine. “We’re going for more of the come-hear-live-entertainment-but-don’t-be-overwhelmed-by-it. You can sit and talk. We’re not doing the hardcore stuff. We have The Shrine for that. I’d say this is 65 percent acoustic shows, and the rest are full bands.”

Blackbird on Pearl has only been open about five weeks (since the end of September), but they’re consistently booking shows, shooting for entertainment seven days a week—most often music, though comedy will also be featured.

Local musicians like Junior Markham and The Caretakers, Dustin Pittsley Band, Mike Dillon Band and Mike Dee & Stone Trio are playing the joint, as well as regional and national touring acts. Brandon Clark plays there every Wednesday evening.

Oh yes, drinks. Happy hour is from 4-7 p.m. daily and all day long on Sundays and Mondays, with $1.50 domestics. Blackbird always has a $5 shot + beer, $4 Fireball, basic cocktails, a modest craft beer selection, and forthcoming draught beer.

“We got a great response in the first month,” said Rich. “We wanted to create a more intimate room for musicians to play in. It was Nitro before, which was always a really dark room. We went in and revamped the place, lightened it up—so you’re not feeling that old dungeon feel.”

Besides brightening the atmosphere, Rich and his partners added a new PA system, made the club smoke-free, and are working on a patio out front for smokers.

For musicians interested in booking a gig, get in touch with Rich through email, which is provided on the Blackbird on Pearl’s Facebook page.

In “Down the Hatch,” assistant editor Liz Blood offers a look inside Tulsa’s many bars, pubs, saloons and gin joints. Send suggestions for future columns to liz@langdonpublishing.com or @lizblood on Twitter. For another sip, read Liz's article on Fassler Hall, the best 'wurst place in Tulsa.