Playing, singing and supporting live music

By TERRY JOE WILES

I don’t whine much, and I am not trying to pass blame.

However, as much as I appreciate my three-percent raise in my Social Security check, I am seeing a 15-percent, and even 30-percent, raise in necessary supplies and health care. The longer I last, the more behind I get, but I have hope, faith and compassion for the families struggling.

Just a heads up. There are resources available out there — food, clothing and some help with bills. Charity should be in all of us. If you have too much, don’t be afraid to share with others. If you need, don’t be afraid or too proud to ask for assistance. We’ve got to support each other because it doesn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon. I do not like the path this world is slipping down. Be the change that you want to see in others.

SUPPORTING LOCAL MUSIC

OK, just a quick heads up on a gathering Feb. 15. It’s no secret that I am in recovery, and I try to support everything I can. Being a very small part of the 6:33 Recovery program in Howe, where I see men in a yearlong rise or fall opportunity, please consider coming to the Friends of the Ranch Celebration. There will be live music, barbecue and a guy that I am proud to call my friend. Matt will be the keynote speaker with an encouraging and uplifting message of hope. I’ll have more information soon.

After all the hoopla on New Year’s Eve, the folks that like to dance and listen will still be heading out. Not as many as when the outside stages are in play, but enough to go around.

As for live music this week, The 906 Lounge in Fort Smith, Ark., is in for a treat. Al Grzech and Niki Waters will provide dinner music beginning at 8 p.m. Friday. Al is awesome when he plays solo, He enjoys backing up one of the best singers in this area. Niki covers several genres and decades of torch songs and pop hits. It’s a great way to spend an evening of dining and enjoying the duo.

The Fort Smith Senior Activity Center on Cavanaugh Road will have “The Lawman Band” on Friday The dance will start at 7 p.m. It’s nice to see that this band is back on stage. This band is entertaining and will cover a lot of your favorites.

“The Shady Oak Tribadours” will have a busy weekend at LaHuerta’s Mexican Restaurant in Poteau on Friday, then at the Garrison Street La Huerta’s Grill in Fort Smith on Saturday. Both gigs will be from 6-9 p.m. This is a great band, so you won’t want to miss them!

“Make it a Double” will be at Dawn’s Diner in Red Oak on Friday, then Keith Ingram will be there Saturday. Both nights of entertainment will be from 7-10 p.m.

On Saturday, “Gopher Run” will keep the crowd jumping and jiving on the big dance floor at Muldrow City Limits. This band is having the biggest crowds, so get there early. The music will kick off at 7 p.m.

That is all I got. Take care of each other.

For additional information about any live-music events or to let me know of any such venues taking place, call or text message me at (918) 649-5736 or e-mail me at [email protected].

Thanks for all your continued support, and prayers as I am in the hospital as I wrote this on Friday with a bad foot injury.

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