IN SALPULPA: THE SOUNDS OF MEGATRON

Smoke fills the air as bright flashing lights move to the increasingly loud music. Slightly overweight couples bounce over to the dance floor in an attempt to reenact the magic of 1985. Fog engulfs the guitar player as he unleashes a face-melting solo.

The pool tables are full of action and screams of joy arise from around the numerous TV’s displaying college football. The bartender tries to keep up with the relentless demand for Bud Light and various other alcoholic beverages.

The patrons of this establishment are here for one reason: to have a good time.

As a musician, it is my job to help create a fun atmosphere and help these people have a good time. I hold a certain power that many people never get a chance to experience. It is my job to make these people dance, drink and get lost in fury of rock and roll.

When I play the drums at a gig, my hands and feet can pretty much go on autopilot and my mind and eyes can wander. I often watch the crowd, observing all of the mini-dramas unfolding. An older couple dancing like it’s the 80’s, almost unaware that is isn’t … a suburban gangster who looks more than a little out of place… drunken girls arguing with each other… there is always entertainment.

The people that frequent this bar in rural Oklahoma are different than the people in ‘big city’ pubs. There are characters here that many people will never encounter, and certainly wouldn’t understand. This isn’t your average bar/grill, but the people in Sapulpa Oklahoma are as friendly as you will find.

Establishments such as the Beer Hunter in Sapulpa are full of character and almost always offer a good time. You won’t find Swedish seating or fancy drinks you can’t pronounce, but you will find friendly service, great music (when my band plays), and cheap drink specials.

The Beer Hunter is located at 1205 New Sapulpa Rd in Sapulpa.

--Tyler Hearn

When he's not playing drums in his band, Tyler Hearn is a TU student and sports editor of the student newspaper, The Collegian.