A New Stage for the City

Artists and musicians are increasingly called upon to provide entertainment for events in the downtown Edmond area. It was during the first VIBES event that Craig Brudzinski had an idea after observing musicians performing on street corners.

“We needed a stage,” Craig said. “A quaint place with seating and atmosphere.”

By great fortune, Craig owned property along Campbell Street. He identified an unused spot, tucked behind a business, which would become the Kyle Dillingham Community Stage in August of 2022.

As the owner of Remodeling Concepts, a home improvement company, Craig had restored a 1930s bungalow-style house on Campbell, which has housed the Silver Leaf Gems jewelry store since 2016.

“Craig came to us with the idea of building the stage behind Silver Leaf Gems,” said Stephanie Carel. “We thought it was a fun idea, so then, he just took it on. He built the concrete seating himself and installed the lighting. Craig thought the backdrop should be whimsical, focusing on Oklahoma musicians, so he asked Thunderdome Tattoo, next door, to paint the mural.”

From start to finish, it took about three months to complete the stage. Craig then decided to name the stage in honor of fiddle player and musical ambassador, Kyle Dillingham, known for performing in 42 countries. Kyle was the very musician who had played on the grassy corner of Silver Leaf Gems when VIBES first started.

The intention for the stage is to serve as a free venue for a variety of artists, whether it be a singer, magician, a children’s performance, a poetry reading, or a family concert. According to Stephanie, it is not unusual for her to look out the window and see kids putting on a spontaneous show for their parents.

“We get a lot of store visitors who go out back to look at the stage and take photographs,” Stephanie said. “I’ve seen people acting like rock stars and all kinds of goofing off. It’s so fun that people can enjoy it in so many ways.”

The Kyle Dillingham Community Stage seats an audience of nearly 60, but it’s not uncommon for people to bring their lawn chairs and spread out into
the grassy areas alongside the property as well. Craig is already dreaming about creative ways to decorate the fence on the west side.

“Ultimately, I just want it to be used,” said Craig.

To book the free stage, contact Stephanie Carel at Silver Leaf Gems or Stephanie Brudzinski at info@horseshoeroad.net.

UPCOMING SHOWS

Stan Carrier July 6th @ 6pm

Jeff Dodgen July 14th @ 7pm

Josh Roberts Aug 3rd @ 6pm

Nick Massey Sept 7th @ 6pm