An Oklahoma State University club known as Release Radar is playing a pivotal role in connecting budding musicians and fostering their dreams. Recently, the second annual Release Radar Fest took place, featuring ten bands performing over an extended period from 3 p.m. until midnight. What set this year’s festival apart was its unique location, The Bait Shop, which opened earlier this year to offer Stillwater and the OSU community an unprecedented musical experience.
This year’s event was held at The Bait Shop, a newly established venue that caters to all ages. Sam Miess, guitarist and vocalist for Ugly Cowboys, highlighted the significance of such a venue by stating that it provides opportunities for people under 21 to enjoy live music performances. The man behind The Bait Shop is Bobby Wintle, a long-term resident of Stillwater and a business owner with a deep passion for music. Having performed in bands since he was fifteen and organized shows locally for years, Wintle decided to take on a more ambitious project this year. He acquired a building with the intention of giving back to the youth by creating a premier music venue in Stillwater akin to Mercury Lounge in Tulsa but accessible to all age groups.
The naming process for the venue was a personal one for Wintle. Rejecting generic names, he opted for The Bait Shop, inspired by his family's shared love for fishing. This name reflects the bond between him and his son, reigniting his interest in fishing after a long hiatus. Meanwhile, the Release Radar club, founded by Elizabeth Sanders, continues its mission of bridging the gap between venues and musicians. Lucas Cardenas, the current vice president, emphasizes the invaluable connections he has made through the club. Bee McAdoo, bassist and vocalist for Ugly Cowboys, notes a significant transformation in Stillwater's music scene over the past seven years, shifting from predominantly Red Dirt music to a diverse array of genres.
Elizabeth Sanders views The Bait Shop as a crucial addition to Stillwater's music ecosystem. Recognizing the rising alternative music scene, Wintle was eager to support local bands in any way possible. His discovery of Release Radar on Instagram marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration aimed at nurturing the local music community. As evidenced by the enthusiastic participation at Release Radar Fest, there is a clear consensus that music in Stillwater is evolving rapidly. No one is more optimistic about this evolution than Wintle, who envisions The Bait Shop as the new home for OSU music and college students.
The synergy between Release Radar and The Bait Shop signifies a new era for Stillwater's music scene. With a dedicated space for all genres and age groups, the future looks promising for both emerging artists and music enthusiasts alike. Bobby Wintle's vision not only fulfills a long-standing need within the community but also sets the stage for continued growth and innovation in Stillwater's musical landscape.
