Inside the Cross-Canadian Ragweed reunion: Q&A with author Josh Crutchmer

When Cross-Canadian Ragweed reunited for a landmark concert weekend in Stillwater, fans of Red Dirt music knew they were witnessing something special. Now, journalist and author Josh Crutchmer is giving readers an all-access pass to the experience in his new book Never Say Never.

Crutchmer, who has covered Red Dirt music for years and previously worked for the New York Times, captures the behind-the-scenes story of how the reunion came together, the legacy of Oklahoma’s music scene, and what fans might have missed from the stage. He also dedicates proceeds from the book to the YMCA in his hometown of Okmulgee.

We sat down with Crutchmer to talk about the return of Ragweed, the meaning of Red Dirt, and how this homegrown genre continues to resonate far beyond Oklahoma.

What was your favorite moment of the Cross Canadian Ragweed reunion?

For author Josh Crutchmer, the most powerful moment of the Cross-Canadian Ragweed reunion came the instant the band stepped on stage, marking a personal homecoming as well as a musical comeback tied to his roots in Stillwater and Oklahoma’s Red Dirt legacy.

"I have followed this band and this music scene from their inception, way back in the late 90s in Stillwater, and I never thought I would get to see, not just them, but my home state, my alma mater, just come together that way. so happy and with so many people all just celebrating them back," Crutchmer said. "So it was the moment they took the stage."

What can readers expect when they read Never Say Never?

Crutchmer’s book gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at how the reunion came together, featuring new interviews with all five bands from the weekend, and detailed, night-by-night recaps written in the style of a national music publication.

"There are some great tales in there of just how fortunate we were, and our music scene was that it did happen," Crutchmer said. "Then it closes with four chapters that review each of the four nights, the same way I would have written it if I were writing for the New York Times or Rolling Stone."

Why are all proceeds going to the YMCA?

Crutchmer is donating $5 from every copy sold to the YMCA of Okmulgee, using the book’s release to support youth sports and honor the town where he grew up.

"Why not direct a portion of this book to my hometown and make it a little bit of a nod to where I'm from and the folks there are great, Crutchmer said. "So yes, $5 from every book sold, whether it's from me or on Amazon, goes to the YMCA of Okmulgee, helps youth sports, and just generally makes me feel like I can connect my hometown to the whole thing."

What does Red Dirt music mean to you?

Crutchmer describes red dirt as Oklahoma’s own folk-rooted blend of country and rock music that sounds like home and feels like it, too.

"The music evokes the sounds that have been played around campfires all over our state," Crutchmer said. "Really, what I tell people is, 'if you hear it and you think about Oklahoma, you're listening to Red Dirt.'"

Never Say Never is available on the publisher The Back Lounge's website, as well as Amazon.