Tulsa Bluegrass Brunch Becomes Must-Do for Music Fans

Johnny Mullenax turned his weekly bluegrass brunch set into a career, playing major festivals and opening for Turnpike Troubadours.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Johnny Mullenax started a weekly bluegrass brunch residency four years ago at the Mercury Lounge in Tulsa, Oklahoma. What began as a casual weekend gig has turned into a must-experience event for local music fans and helped launch Mullenax's career, leading to festival performances and opening slots for acts like Turnpike Troubadours.

Why it matters

The Bluegrass Brunch has become a cornerstone of Tulsa's vibrant independent music scene, exposing new audiences to the city's talented musicians and fostering the career of an up-and-coming artist like Mullenax. It showcases how a grassroots local residency can evolve into a successful touring act.

The details

Mullenax started the Bluegrass Brunch at the Mercury Lounge in 2021 after being approached by the venue's general manager. What began as an experiment quickly became a hit, with Mullenax and a rotating cast of Tulsa musicians playing freewheeling sets every Sunday. Mullenax used the brunch to build a fanbase and save up money to hit the road, booking tours across the Midwest, Southeast, and Texas. His success has led to festival bookings and an opening slot for Turnpike Troubadours.

  • Mullenax started the Bluegrass Brunch residency at the Mercury Lounge in Tulsa in 2021.
  • Mullenax recently opened for Turnpike Troubadours at Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth.

The players

Johnny Mullenax

A 30-year-old musician who founded the Bluegrass Brunch residency at the Mercury Lounge in Tulsa, which has helped launch his career as a touring artist.

Ashley Kirkley

The general manager of the Mercury Lounge in Tulsa, who approached Mullenax about starting the Bluegrass Brunch residency at the venue.

Turnpike Troubadours

A popular Red Dirt and Americana band that Mullenax recently opened for at Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth.

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What they’re saying

“From the moment Johnny started his residency, it was a hit. It has exposed so many people to the Mercury Lounge, and seeing people from all walks of life come out and enjoy his music has been incredible. It's also been amazing to see how the band has changed and grown since its inception, and I think the sky's the limit for him now. He's an incredibly driven individual who puts his heart and soul into anything he does.”

— Ashley Kirkley, General Manager, Mercury Lounge (Rolling Stone)

“One beautiful thing about the brunch is, we can do whatever the fuck we want there. We can try a song and crash-and-burn it, and it's OK, because it's our weekly gig.”

— Johnny Mullenax (Rolling Stone)

What’s next

Mullenax is planning to release a new EP titled "This Joint's for You, Too" in the spring, and he has signed with new management and booking agents to help maximize his potential as a touring artist.

The takeaway

The success of Johnny Mullenax's Bluegrass Brunch residency in Tulsa demonstrates how a grassroots local music event can evolve into a career-launching platform for an up-and-coming artist. Mullenax's willingness to experiment and connect with his community has allowed him to build a devoted fanbase and expand his reach as a touring musician.