Chickasaw Nation
Music lovers are in for a treat April 19 when Jae L. and Crossover host some of the region’s top talent at the historic McSwain Theatre in downtown Ada. The show kicks off at 7 p.m.
One of the top singer/songwriters scheduled to appear is Tanner Massey, a Choctaw, Oklahoma, talent who moved into the top nine spots on the popular television show “The Voice” before being eliminated. He was selected by famed Irish folk and pop singer Niall Horan during the competition.
Massey was 19 when he appeared in 2023. He is a recording artist and is affiliated with Los Angeles music firm Universal Music Group (UMG).
“Tanner is an exceptionally talented young man. He was booked in January to entertain at the McSwain but canceled to travel to Los Angeles for a project at the last minute. We are proud to have him this April,” said the show’s host Jae L. Stilwell.
Additionally, Jae L. and Crossover will welcome special guests, Cara Belt, Allen; Annie Weast Reed, Stratford; Debbie Allen, Ada; Nick Phillips, Yukon; Chandler Elliott, Ada; Tara Scott, Duncan; and Missy Rude and Wiley Winters, Pauls Valley, to the special show.
Belt is active locally as a top performer. She has sung at “Ole Red” in Tishomingo, Oklahoma – owned by Ada’s own musical giant Blake Shelton – and at “Reba’s Place” in Atoka, owned by Oklahoma music legend Reba McEntire. “She is also active performing at many churches in the area,” Stilwell said.
Reed is “one of the best female vocalists around,” Stilwell said. From Stratford, Reed has performed for years and is a veteran performer sure to bring her best to music patrons, Stilwell said.
A newcomer to the McSwain stage this April will be Phillips.
“The guys who make up Crossover have played with him and say he is a great entertainer,” Stilwell said. “We are pleased to welcome him.”
A favorite of McSwain music lovers will grace the stage with his upbeat music and performance savvy. Elliott, who serves the McSwain as production coordinator, “is doing great and is a theater favorite,” Stilwell said.
Elliott and Stilwell have been working on a duet of “Little Green Apples” a 1968 mega hit. “We won’t perform it this month, but we are working on a version of it inspired by Glen Campbell and Bobbie Gentry.” Stilwell called Elliott “one of the best entertainers on the show, and he is tons of fun to work with.”
Perennial McSwain performers Allen and Scott will be performing and doing backup harmony vocals for other entertainers on the show, Stilwell noted. “Debbie and Tara are great singers, and their backup vocals make the show shine. Both are veteran entertainers from the Oklahoma Opry and other music venues around the state,” she said. Rude and Winters are also scheduled to return to the McSwain stage for the April show.
“The McSwain is so special for patrons and performers. It is a big family. We laugh together, cry together and enjoy music together,” Stilwell said. “It is a place where talented musicians can come and hone their skills and build their confidence. Some people do it as a hobby, and some do it because they want to pursue performing as a profession,” Stilwell said.
“During intermission, we go out into the audience, and talk and hug necks,” Stilwell said with a laugh. “If people are looking for a family-friendly place to come, our show welcomes everyone. We don’t just entertain, we actually care about people and make their lives better. When we hit the stage, you’ll get a smile, a hello and positive happy feelings. That is what we are here for,” she added.
Tickets are available now for the April 19 show at Tickets.McswainTheatre.com.
The McSwain Theatre is located at 130 W. Main, Ada. Call (580) 332-8108 or visit McSwainTheatre.com or McSwain’s Facebook or Instagram page for more details.
