Johnny Mullinax
About
Tulsa native Johnny Mullenax has been on stage since he was five years old—when his mom, Janey (a member of a ’50s rock-and-roll cover band), handed him a guitar and let him rip “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a Fourth of July show. From sleeping in a stand-up bass case at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas, to cutting his teeth in jazz bands and live hip-hop groups during high school, Johnny’s musical journey has always followed one rule: play everything, and play it hard.
Influenced by everyone from AC/DC and The Ramones to John Coltrane and Parliament, Johnny’s sound channels the spirit of modern bluegrass trailblazers like Billy Strings—what he calls a funky country bluegrass good time for working folks. After years on the road as a sideman, he stepped out front to lead his own project, building a reputation for high-octane musicianship and community-centered shows.
His Sunday Bluegrass Brunch residency at Tulsa’s legendary Mercury Lounge has become a local institution—an open-armed gathering where flatpicking, jam-band energy, and improvisational fire collide. Whether it’s a collaborative guitar showdown (“hole to hole”) or his signature “Team Drink” toast reminding everyone “We’re all on the same team,” Mullenax’s ethos is clear: bring the heat, and bring everyone along for the ride.
In the Room
When Johnny Mullenax hits the Tigre Island Room stage, expect sweat, strings, and serious musicianship. His blazing guitar work and fearless improvisation light up the room, backed by a tight band that thrives on spontaneity. The energy is infectious—equal parts jam session and down-home throwdown.
One thing’s certain: if you come ready to get down, you’re in the right place. Everyone’s welcome. And you better be ready to party.
