When looking for an outlet to hear local music, there are a few different options from which to glean. If you're willing to venture down the radio dial and search for the signal at 91.3FM, KRSC (RSU's predominantly student-run station) has been home to the "Local Flavors" program since 2006.

Hosted by Davit Souders, the show airs Monday evenings from 7-10pm and offers a variety of bands in multiple genres. If you're into the Internet game, Souders quickly parlayed the show into "Hometown Heroes," a weekly podcast featuring local area musicians.

If you're a little more mainstream minded, though, the most obvious source for local music is likely KMYZ, The Edge's Homegroan show, which has become a staple source of music for local fans and a key outlet for local bands since the program began more than 15 years ago.

Although the hosts have changed, The Edge has remained committed to the local music scene with the Sunday night program and even expanded it to include a "Homegroan Heroes" spotlight on Friday mornings at roughly 8:20am to give the local guys a little drive-time exposure as well. While The Edge hasn't developed a podcast, it's well known that TulsaOriginalMusic.com is the Internet offshoot of Homegroan, providing a 24/7 online broadcast for local music of all styles.

The station that seems to get overlooked in the local music game, however, is the one long known as Tulsa's cornerstone rock station, KMOD 97.5.

For years, the station has been bringing local bands on Friday mornings for live performances and spotlights, but you've got to catch your favorite bands at work or in the middle of drive-time, which is still cool.

Until recently, however, the latest development of what may be Tulsa music on local radio struck me: DOMK!

"What's that?" you might be wondering. At first, I was a little confused as well, but KMOD has thrown its hat in the ring and is giving local bands some spotlight time, turning radio on its ear with the DOMK! show, airing Friday nights from 11pm to Midnight.

Hosted by KMOD's afternoon drive jock and all around cool guy and dictionary of musical knowledge, K.C. along with "Promo" Dave Hays (yes, he's formerly of Band Camp and now drumming for Dante and the Hawks), the show provides an hour of weekly love to the local music scene.

If you're not out at the local clubs soaking it all in first hand, or even if you're in the car bouncing between clubs, you ought to check it out.

Usually you'll be able to catch between five and seven quality cuts from local area bands and a nice cross-section of styles. The rest of the hour is filled with some fun banter, local music news and discussion and a weekly "Top 5" highlighting some of the coolest shows of the week.

Perhaps the best part of this show--besides the fact that it gives local bands another opportunity for airplay--is the fact that K.C. and Promo Dave are willing to tap into all styles for the show, and they don't have to cater to any specific format or demographic.

Of course, being KMOD, it's predominantly rock, but that's not all that get's played. Blues, indie, acoustic, punk, pop, even in some cases Christian--it's all here.

A quick look at the past few week's playlists shows a spectrum that runs from indie/lo-fi garage rockers The Dull Drums to classic/southern/hard rockers Sweatin' Bullets to the blues of Dustin Pittsley, and pop and singer/songwriter material of Phil Marshall, Philip Zoellner and Ben Kilgore.

There's an added nod to young rockers The Fiascos around the band's debut CD release and even (Now Nashville-based) Christian act Waterdeep when Don and Lori Chaffer were back in town. I don't know that you can get a much broader glimpse of the highest quality stuff on the local scene right now.

If you haven't taken the time to check out the show yet but are looking for more local music on the radio, keep this on in the back of your mind. With a great selection of music and an engaging pair of co-hosts, DOMK! could prove to be the next staple in the local music scene.

Hopefully it will continue to grow and build a buzz as the show soldiers on. I know I've gotten a lot of positive feedback from KMOD's Program Director Lynn Hernandez so far, so it's up to us to help keep local music on the radio now. The vital stats: Friday night, 11pm, 97.5FM.

Hometown Heroes

Yes, if you were at last week's MidWest Kings show at Flytrap Music Hall, your eyes weren't deceiving you. That's right, the otherwise unmentioned member of the band did show up to play some old songs and enjoy being a sideman again.

Although Andy Skib made no mention of it when featured the week prior (check out "Boys Just Wanna Have Fun" at urbantulsa.com), I'm not sure how many people were actually surprised to see Dave Cook show up on stage for the MWK reunion show.

Perhaps the only real surprise was that it wasn't a cameo appearance--instead, he was on-stage all night and filled his old role like a champ: full guitars and background vocals, for what lasted more than the hour than Skib had indicated earlier.

The funny thing is, I'm not sure who was out in larger numbers: MWK fans or Dave Cook fans. Either way, it was great to see Andy and Neal back and playing the old material for a hometown crowd.

Now, my only question is: What are the chances we might see them make a trip back for DFest? With the show I saw, the "local guys" would be able to give most headliners a run for their money. I don't know that it's likely, but it's fun to ponder.

Back on Tulsa Time

If we're going to talk about local heroes, then we've also got to consider the returning legend as well. I can't imagine anyone at this point isn't aware of the fact that Eric Clapton returns to Tulsa (for the first time in how long?) for a headlining show at BOK Center Tuesday, March 2.

No, his band doesn't feature any of the old guys from the halcyon "Tulsa Sound" era, but I'm sure we'll get a healthy dose of the classic material. After all, how could a return to the old neighborhood not include a revisitation of the classic material?

By most accounts, Clapton has already been reaching way back into his catalogue and liberally mining his old Derek and the Dominoes and Blind Faith material, so it should be a great night for long-time fans. And although the band doesn't include any of the old Tulsa guys, a lineup that includes Steve Gadd on drums, Willie Weeks on bass, Chris Stainton and Walt Richmond on keys and background vocalists Michelle John and Sharon White promises a magical night of music.

Tickets are officially listed at price points of $57, $77 and $97, although there are only a few officially left. Even so, you know there will still be a few left floating around if you haven't gotten yours yet.

When you consider the fact that Roger Daltrey is opening the show, you know it's a can't lose proposition for Tulsa on Tuesday night.

The thing everyone most wants to know, however, is whether Slowhand will make an appearance at old stomping grounds like The Colony or the recently re-opened Church Studio. I wouldn't hold my breath, but I'd also keep my eyes peeled. If you haven't seen him lately, he's a distinguished if unassuming character, so he might walk right by you without notice. How's that as food for thought?

Weekly Roundup

After MidWest Kings with Dave Cook last week and Eric Clapton this week, you might be wondering what else Tulsa could ask for. Don't sell T-Town short. Even though the big names can't get much bigger, we've still got some cool touring shows and good local acts to check out. As always, UTW has the highlights.

Thursday night, Feb. 25, features a couple of package shows. If you're into the latest in emo and rock, you can catch Forever the Sickest Kids with Artist vs. Poet, School Boy Humor, The Hit and Restless Ribbon at Bob's. Meanwhile, Christina music fans can't miss the Winter Jam Tour with Mercy Me, Third Day, Newsboys, 10th Avenue North, Fireflight and speaker Tony Nolan at BOK Center. Tickets are only $10 at the door for the 7pm show.

Friday, Feb. 26, is a night to focus on the locals. Dirty Penny's tour brings the band to Bob's, but OKC boys HECTOR backwoods could steal the show with Firstryke accompanying. Elsewhere around town, Friday is a night for the party vibe with Alex and the Anders at Arnie's, DJ Heady P at Soundpony and Billy Joe Winghead keeping things loud and rowdy at Mercury Lounge.

Saturday night's biggest name is Old 97's at Cain's Ballroom with Telegraph Canyon opening up, but there's plenty more to choose from. If you're looking for an intimate gig with a special vibe, you've got to find your way to The Church to catch Austin based singer-songwriter Ginger Leigh. Any excuse to catch a show at The Church is a good one, but Leigh will undoubtedly put on a classy show to make it extra special.

Other options for Saturday night include Travis Linville at Arnie's, William Joseph Band at Hunt Club and Red Eye Gravy at Mercury Lounge. Personally, though, I'm thinking of closing out the night with some Lizard Police at Soundpony. DJ Sweet Baby Jayzus and Scales of Motion will fill out the evening, so it's sure to be an entertaining night for one and all.

Looking into next week, I've already mentioned Eric Clapton and Roger Daltrey at BOK center on Tuesday, March 2. If you're more indie-rock inclined, however, it's not the only gig in town, even if it might sound like it is. State Radio returns to Tulsa for a mid week show with American Fangs opening the same night. Then, on Wednesday evening, moe. headlines the Ballroom for a full night of eclectic jam-rock. Tickets to moe. are $23 in advance, $26 at the door, or can be combined with a ticket for Boombox on Thursday night for only $32 total. What a deal!