For someone who is looking for a personable, connective, performance in a small and intimate setting by a talented acoustic guitarist, the Billy Dean concert is a must-see.

“It’s just Billy and his guitar,” said Renee Duke, Dean’s promoter, “And when he sings, you just know that he’s seen you and he’s singing to you.”

The concert is at the Roxy Theatre at 7 tonight. It will feature an acoustic and vocal performance from Dean. The Roxy Saturday Night Spotlight Singers Anna Massey and Lauren Howard from Tulsa, Chelina Jackson from Eufaula and Hunter Gotcher with guest Clay Vaughn also will be performing. Partial proceeds from the concert will go to McIntosh County Toys for Tots.

Dean started his life in music in his childhood. His father played in a band called The Country Rock. Around age 8, Dean started to play in his father’s band and continued to play music in his father’s and other local bands.  

Around age 26, he tried out for the “Star Search” competition and won. This landed him a free trip to Nashville, which led to a recording deal with SBK Records a few years later.

Years later, he decided he needed to spend more time with his family. He started writing his own songs.

“Spending more time with his family slowed down his career, but now he does small concerts in his living room for around 50 people or on his farm,” said Duke.

Dean said his favorite part of doing small gathers is “watching the power of the music.”

“I seem to have an instinctive feeling about the audience and what will make them happy or cheerful,” Dean said. “And I like that each person will see each song in a different light.”

People who go to the concert can expect to hear Dean sing 11 of his top 10 hits, five of his No. 1 hits and a few new songs of different projects he has been working on.

“People can expect to hear not only the songs, but the story of how they came to be,” Dean said. “They’ll hear of how the idea came about for hit songs. People always say that it’s their favorite part.”

After the show, Dean will be available for pictures and autographs.

“I can’t say enough good things about Billy,” Duke said. “People just to come and see for themselves what a good performer he is.”

If you go



WHAT: Billy Dean Concert Featuring: The Roxy Saturday Night Spotlight Singers.

WHEN: 7 p.m. tonight. Doors open at 6 p.m.

WHERE: The Roxy, 220 West Okmulgee.

ADMISSIONS: $35, partial proceeds go to McIntosh Toys for Tots. Tickets must be bought in advance.

INFORMATION: Renee.Duke@wildblue.net or (918) 618-2579.