Support Live Music 10-10-2023

Look for the sunny side of life

By TERRY JOE WILES

Make plans for the events in Downtown Poteau

Fact-”The one of the only activities that activates, stimulates and uses the whole brain is playing music”- David Wolfe. That’s what I was doing wrong. I was activating, stimulating but NOT using my brain. An astronaut’s brain is worth $500, my brain is worth $50,000 because it is low mileage. But I am focused enuf to be in Poteau on Saturday for the shindig. And you can see Dale Fraze Sr. all over the Oktoberfest 2023 cause there’s 10 hours of live music and eight of the very best bands from either side of the Ark/Ok. line! And the weather forecast shows perfect weather to be at an outside event. Continue reading “Support Live Music 10-10-2023”

Music on the mountain and more

Look for the sunny side of life

By TERRY JOE WILES

The first weekend in October has a lotta music/food/family fun with “take a Jacket” Oklahoma weather in the forecast. Highs in the mid 70’s and lows in the mid 40’s. Perfect weather for these outside events! Pick your favorite and have fun. 
Support Live Music   

This just in. Music can save your life! I always suspected that this was true but a recent Facebook post has proved it. Now I knew that live music would cure the “Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boggie-Woogie Flu”. It can also save countless lives of so many stress-related fatalities. And I quote,”The biggest killer in the World is STRESS- and the best stress reliever is and will always be live music”. Proof positive that ya need to git out and support live music!
My prayers go out to Brad Sumpter. He’s a lil’ under the weather and Grannie’s Nightmare will take the rest of 2023 off for healing.

“A Taste of LeFlore County” is Oct. 10th! This event is hosted by the LeFlore County Historical Society and is held at the Museum on Dewey at the Lowry Hotel. All proceeds benefit the Museum. A few tickets left so call today, David 918-647-9330. The different entrees, sides AND desserts are from some of the favorites family recipes. And some new favorites, too. It is a special meal. But the icing on the cake is “The Al Grzech Trio”. music appropriate for this setting. From 6 to 7:30 p.m., don’t be late, you might miss the dessert.

Monroe has produced more musicians per capita than anywhere. It’s a fact. And Saturday at 4 p.m., there will be a 60th Birthday Bash for Sam McKenzie. It’s gonna take place at the newly remodeled Community Building in Downtown Monroe. Stop by for cake and wish him “many more”. I guarantee that there will be music. See ya there!

Music on the Mountain at the Runestone Park will take place on Saturday. It is the purtiest and most talked about historical landmark in Oklahoma. It’s just up the mountain from Heavener. There’s music from 10 a.m. til 2 p.m. The lineup starts with “Poppa Cruz”- “Mj and the Geezers”- Lonnie Lay- Dustin Knight and Clay Grant. The music will be in the Amphitheater. There will be food trucks, crafts and the giftshop. There’s a couple miles of trails from HC accessible to “Quite a workout” with lookouts and beautiful woodlands. Family Friendly and NS/ND! Take Mom’anem.

Another afternoon open house event will be just up the road in Howe. 633 Recovery is helping save lives, reunite families and shape useful citizens in our area with problems from addictions. Matthew 9:37- Jesus said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few”. Kane and Heather Riggs and the staff out at 633 invite you to take a tour of their new Facility at 1000 Meadowbrook Lane in Howe. Watch for signs. It’s open for men and women, hopefully families in the near future, and offers a 12 month program to get clean and sober, learn skills for work, get GED’s and more. I have witnessed the success of the treatment and guidance provided by the faithful staff. All donations will be used to support the program at 633 Recovery.

NOW, you will also find me there because- Kane has a one of the biggest whole hawg smoker, the Hawg Coffin, that cooks award winning, lip-smackin’, roll up yer sleeves grub and served with Bluegrass music for your listening pleasure. The menu is whole hog with all the fixings. The music is provided by “Joshua and the Front Porch Boys” and the “Welch Mountain Boys”. Music and food all start at 12:30 and open house goes until 4:30 p.m. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and see what God has in store for 633 Recovery. See ya there. Saturday.

The last “First Friday Cruise Night” will be happenin’ on Friday in Poteau. The cruise uses Broadway from the bypass to Dewey going up Hospital Hill and back. Lots of Classic cars, Jeeps and Pickups that can be best watched from a lawn chair at several spots along the route. My favorite place will be the Pocket Park in downtown. There will be music by “Make it a Double”. This duo, Connie and Dave Abbott, play the very best in country music. Great harmonies, Lead guitar pickin’ and a drummer that never misses a beat. Music starts at 6 p.m.

“The Stagemasters” will play for the dance at Dawn’s Diner/Red Oak this Friday. My favorite classic country dance band starts at 6 p.m. Then Saturday, “Big Marty and the Dirty Dogs” will provide the dance music. The food is awesome and the dance floor is smokin’. See ya there!

Muldrow City Limits will have “The MidWest Playboys”. It is always a good time with great two stepping music when Mac Moad is on Stage. He is a top-notch front man, bassman and acoustic picker. His singin’ is what stands out in any of the band that he plays in. And whoever plays with him can be counted on to pick him up when he slips with a line in a lyric or drops a beat. You will love this band! It starts at 7 p.m.

“The Shady Oak Tribadours” are busy again this weekend. On Friday they will be at The Farewell Party bar and grill from 8 to 11 p.m. They have another “twofer” on Saturday. From 2 to 5 p.m., they play for the American Veterans MC Ark. Chapter in Ft. Smith. Then from 8-11 p.m., you can hear them at the Knotty Pint. Get your official Tribby T-shirts at all three gigs. Be a Tribby!
Crocky’s Cafe/Hackett has music on the outside stage under clear, cool skies this weekend. Friday, “Common Thread Bluegrass” will fill the air with their sounds of faith, hope, charity and love lost and found. You will likie this bunch. On Saturday, the ever popular and entertaining “Richard Rauch Band” will play for the crowd. Music starts both nites at 6 p.m.

Coming up- Oktoberfest, October Feast, Balloon Fest- Details and more info next week.

That’s not all I got to say but it’s a good place to stop. Contact me at 918-649-5736 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com. Thanks and have a great weekend.


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Moonstruck

By LEON YOUNGBLOOD

If you did not get to see the “supermoon” rising this past week, you missed a blessing.  I was en route to the wilderness shack at Briar Circle much later than I like to drive, but the spectacular moonrise was compensation.  Neighbor Kevin called a couple times while I was on the road to make sure I was all right.  I was fine, and on the second call, I asked if had seen the special moon.  “I’ve never seen it so large!” I said.  “I think it’s the ‘supermoon’ we’ve been hearing about.” Continue reading “Moonstruck”

Instant friends

By LEON YOUNGBLOOD

I stopped at one of the fuel-food-casino stations for lunch, and as seating was scarce in their dining area, a gentleman invited me to join him at his table.  I thanked him, sat down with my hamburger and fries, and we introduced ourselves.  We got a little distracted when nearby, a man said enthusiastically to his two companions, “One hundred dollars!  Fellers, lunch is on me!” Continue reading “Instant friends”

Support local bands and live music

Look for the sunny side of life

By TERRY JOE WILES       

“Support Live Music” has been the focus of this article since the git-go. It was a way to keep me involved and busy after I had to slow down picking. And I might be still playing if the Good Lord hadn’t helped me stop the extreme use of Medicinal alcohol. For a while, “the drink” removed pain, shyness, stage fright, helped me fall in/outta love and cured what ailed me. But 14 years ago, I discovered that I could play in front of people without that crutch.

Playing for the right reason, the love of music. life was better. ‘Cept for the rapid progression of old age when things that I had strained, tore and abused rose to the surface. So I adjusted and accepted this new normal. Given the opportunity to write this article was a Godsend.


Support live music in the LeFlore County area


What started this rant was a fb post- “Your favorite big International band was once a small local band. So, go to local shows and support local bands”!

Just ask Terry Anderson. Manager of Ben Jacks Music and guitar picker for “Bee Bumble and the Stingers”. They were a well-known and very well liked local band on Townson Avenue After several years paying their dues and a couple of chart hits in the early 60’s, they played the England Circuit. They were top-billed at the hottest club in Liverpool, The Cavern. A small local band opened for “Bee Bumble and The Stingers” that night- “The Beatles”! “The Beatles” went on to have some success with their version of Rock-a-billy and had a unique mophead look that set them apart. Small local band + support= Very large International band.

Which brings to mind another example of this formula. “Hillbilly Vegas” , a small local band, started in 2009. With the support of family, friends and fans, they have become a very popular International Group. They have been to England twice and headed back again in 2024. They are the opening act for another Rock legend, Luke Morley, guitarist/songwriter for “Thunder”. Six shows scheduled in January. In February, they play five dates in Pubs and the winter ends festival. After a grand tour with Ted Nugent in the States, their fan base has grown. Their Facebook page has been busy with new fans and requests for info to hear more “Hillbilly Vegas”. So, support your local bands, help them reach their full potential!

October events coming up. Music on the Mountain/ Runestone Park takes place on Oct. 7. Hosted by “MJ and the Geezers” with five other singers and bands listed. Noon til 10 p.m. Then, Oct. 14, downtown Poteau, Oktoberfest and October-Feast. More info soon on both. Poteau Balloon Fest takes place at the Fairground Oct. 20-21. Live Music to be announced.

Live Music this weekend- Fort Smith Activity Center on Cavanaugh will feature “The Richard Rauch Band” at the Friday dance. Starts at 7 p.m.
Crocky’s Café in Hackett will have music by “The Remnants” on Friday. On Saturday “Uncle Fudge” takes the stage. Music both nites kick off at 6 p.m.
“The Shady Oak Tribadours” start off with a gig for Scott and Larry in Longview, Texas at the VFW Wednesday. Music at 8 p.m. Then they have a twofer on Friday “Shady Oak Duo” at El Toro’s from 5-8 p.m. Then full band at Ava’s from 8:30 til 11:30pm. The guys have still got some hustle. Saturday, they only play one show. At Shelia’s What’ya Do Y’all Bar and Grill. The band has become a favorite here. Music starts at 8 p.m.

Dawn’s Diner in Red Oak will have “The Stagemasters” at the dance on Friday. Best country dance band around. And on Saturday, Dustin Knight takes the stage. Both nites , music starts at 6 p.m.

Muldrow City Limits will have an awesome Country show and dance band, “Oklahoma Moon” at the Saturday dance. Get there early for a good seat. Dance starts at 7 p.m.

Spiro Eagles will have a dance with music by “Country Junction”. Big dance floor, adult beverages and country music.

“The Libby Starkes Band” will be at La Huertas on the Avenue this Friday at 7 p.m. Libby has a great pack of fans that will be there. Get there early to get a table.

The Heart of Hospice “Promise Foundation Fundraiser will be at La Huertas in Poteau Saturday at 7 p.m. “The Bynum Project”, a multi-talented band that is raising the roof around Fort Smith will be making music for the fundraiser. The band is awesome and playing for a very needed charity. At the end of a life they provide the small things that make accepting a loss just a lil’ tolerable. Check out this group. From Support groups to flowers and meals for the family. Donations will be appreciated.

That ain’t all that I have to say but it is a good place to stop. Contact me at 918-649-5736 by text or tj,wiles61@outlook.com .


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Support live music 9-19-2023

Look for the sunny side of life

By TERRY JOE WILES

Wisdom from William and live music events

If there is any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it, and not deter or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again. –William Penn

In the morning when I rise and my head is empty, I find it helpful to prime the pump (so to speak) with positive thoughts and a prayer or two. Coffee helps, too. So remember to be kind.

Live Music this week: “The Shady Oak Tribadours” seem to gravitate towards venue that have a great meal as part of the package. Personally, I used to lean towards free whiskey, but most of us are past that phase of life. It’s all about the music now. And this band has beaucoup music. They play this Thursday at La Huertas on Garrison Avenue in Fort Smith, where the good food is plentiful. The weather is perfect for the outside stage. Come early for a good seat. The music starts at 6 p.m. On Saturday, they bring their “Country and Coastal” music back to Warehouse Willy’s in Downtown Poteau. I think that they are on to something good at Willy’s. Food and Music make a good combination. Tunes start at 6 p.m. And grab some “SOT” bling while you’re at it. The T-shirts are cool. “I am a Tribby, too”!

The Fort Smith Senior Activity Center will have “Red Dirt Duo” for Friday’s dance. A NS/ND kinda place. Get there early for a good table. Dance starts at 7 p.m.

“Oklahoma 59 South” will start the weekend at 6 p.m. Friday at Crocky’s Cafe in Hackett. They bring the Friday Night Fire with Gospel and Country music. Then, on Saturday, “Movin’ On” plays the very best in classic country and rock. Two great bands to listen to this weekend at Crocky’s.

“The Libby Starkes Band” will play Friday and Saturday at the Cherokee Casino in Sallisaw. They are a crowd pleaser and the dancers just love her music. Take a trip, a short one, across the Arkansas River and support live music.

Open mic night is back at the Coffee Cup. Friday, Zoe and Clay will host this gathering of talented musicians and singers. Come by, grab a bite and the very best coffee in town while ya listen to the music! Starts at 7 p.m.

“South 49” brings their high energy, red dirt R&R to Red’s Place in Alma, Arkansas Saturday. This band is the real deal. Catch their show at 8 p.m. You will dig it!

“P.A. Riggs and 180 Proof” are back at the Muldrow City Limits Saturday. Awesome country dance music that’s just right for this dance hall. I am so glad that P.A. is back on stage. Catch his sounds at 7 p.m.

Mainstreet Matters in Poteau will host the “Wheels and Deals” car show and family friendly event. It draws many show cars and car lovers. They line up on Dewey Avenue at 10 a.m. and awards are 2 p.m. It also has food trucks, bounce houses for the kids AND Live Music by M.J. and the Geezers.  They bring their music from 10 a.m. til 2 p.m. It’s all Saturday.

 Well, that’s not all I got to say, but I’m just gonna shut up! Contact me at 918-649-5736 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com. Thanks for supporting live music in our area.


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Old cemeteries

God and man, continued

By LEON YOUNGBLOOD

Certain businesses are putting their Christmas merchandise on display, so we know Halloween is near.  Not so near that there isn’t time to procrastinate in preparing for it; but when Rudolph, the Thanksgiving turkey, Frosty the Snowman and other harbingers of the holiday season are stepping on the heels of the Great Pumpkin, it’s time to keep your wallets out and keep moving along. Continue reading “Old cemeteries”