"North of Austin/West of Nashville:
Red Dirt Music"





Cameron University in Lawton, OK has a unique summer class, “Producing the Documentary” with Dr. Matt Jenkins has provided a real world experience for its students for the past eight years. The students work as producer, director, production manager, editor, and more! The real reward is not just the grade but an opportunity to work with many professionals. In addition, this class has produced award-winning films shown in local, state, and national markets.

In 2007, the project explored Red Dirt Music whose birthplace is considered to be Stillwater, OK and surrounding area. The region is also referred to as "North Austin" or "West Nashville” . Some say the music can best be likened to the indie genre of rock 'n' roll as there is no definitive sound while others say it is a state of mind. Whether it is Americana, folk, or alt-country or a mix of folk, rock, country, bluegrass, blues, western swing, and honky tonk, with a few Mexican influences thrown in, it continues to evolve as many of the Red Dirt artists have relocated to Texas and elsewhere in recent years. This once uniquely Oklahoman music has migrated south to Austin, west to Nashville, and abroad to such countries as France. (Source: Wikipedia, musicians, and fans)

Taking to the road, covering over 4700 miles in Oklahoma and Texas, the students interviewed recording artists Wade Bowen, Kyle Hunt Band, Brandon Rhyder, Amy Hughes & the Dirty Seven, Clint Osmus of the Paul Daniels Band, Jackson Taylor, No Justice, Johnny Cooper, Red Dirt Rangers, Bob Childers, Casey Pilgreen, Brandon Jenkins, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Stoney LaRue, Cory Morrow, & Roger Creagar . Also on tap were Frank Jackson with Smith Music Group and Radio DJ Jim Nash with 106.9, The Ranch.

In this film, the musicians speak openly, honestly and passionately about this unique musical form born in the heartland of the southern plains. Void of the over-polished and superficial influences of today’s music marketers, these musicians live the stories that they sing about while remaining true to themselves.




The film premiered July 24th, 7 pm in the Cameron University Theatre in Lawton, OK to a packed house of at least
400, nearing the theatre's capacity. Before the film ran, Kyle Hunt, Casey Pilgreen, & Johnny Cooper each gave an acoustical performance. Each received a standing ovation!

Special guests included family of the artists, fellow band members, Jim Nash & Kim Driscoll of 106.9 The Ranch, and Scotty Preston & Rockin' Ron from the Outlaw 94.9, Charles Clark, editor of the Lawton-Constitution's Styles Section, KCCU Radio's Cynthia Sosa, CU President Cindy Ross, CU VP Glen Pinkston, members of the Lawton Arts & Humanities Council, and more than we can list here!

To find out more about the premiere or the film, email mattj@cameron.edu or call 580-581-2359.

"The Red Dirt documentary has really gotten me interested in the whole genre in a new way... I was *vaguely* familiar with Roger Creager, but the rest of the artists had not been on my musical radar at all, despite having lived in Texas most of my life (south of Austin for much of that time, though... maybe that explains it). As of the last few days, however, I've snapped up several albums from iTunes - Johnny Cooper's debut, one by Stoney Larue and one from the Red Dirt Rangers. Others are likely to follow. Thanks for helping broaden my musical horizons - while I tend to pride myself on having a rather wide range of musical interests, in this case I didn't know what I was missing!", John Holder


"This music felt like coming home. I've always loved the "red dirt" sound, though I'd never heard it called that before. I thought the documentary did a wonderful job of showing the heart and soul of this music. It represented the musicians as the real people they are. Not like Nashville. Definitely not. This is down home, back roads, happiness and pain just shoved right in your face. You either love it or you hate it, and I believe the musicians really don't care one way or the other as long as they can do what they do. It's awesome. Thanks for allowing us to experience this wonderful film.”, Vicki Holder


"Overall, I enjoyed the film and look forward to watching it again. I would be curious to read the individual critiques of the crew as they now reflect on the completed project.”, Jimmy Cooper


“I had a tremendous good time last night at the showing of "North of Austin..." I wasn't familiar with the music and learned a lot. Plus just had fun. You all did a tremendous job.”, Susanna Fennema, Researcher/Librarian



"Hooray for screening a film that was engaging, humorous, and allowed the viewers a personal insight to life on the road as a Red Dirt band member!” It is apparent that students are at the powerful center of all his films. Matt Jenkins is a tremendous resource to Comanche Nation College and Cameron University film students. ", Juanita Pahdopony Interim Dean of Academics/Assistant Professor Comanche Nation College


"The Cameron University's Documentary "North of Austin, West of Nashville, Red Dirt Music" is a "Must See" for anybody who is a Texas Music, Red Dirt Fan, Artist, or in the Music Industry. It really captures the essence of the Artist and the Industry. But most of all, the Music! Jazz was born in New Orleans, Blues in Memphis, Country in Nashville, and now, Red Dirt In Cameron University!", Scotty Preston, Program Director, KOLI, The Outlaw 94.9


"I thought the evening was a lot of fun. It was neat to hear the Red Dirt musicians in the documentary define this style of music. Thanks for the great evening!, Jana Brown, Visual Artist and Educator





Copyright 2007 Cameron University