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.
There are two events within a couple of blocks of each other in beautiful downtown Poteau. Larry Taylor of “Shady Oak Tribadours” invited me to “October Feast”. Music and an awesome meal at Warehouse Willie’s Steakhouse, 300 Dewey Avenue. It takes place at a perfect time of day on Saturday from 5 to 8:30 p.m.. Along with Scot Francis, Joel Billy and Dennis Dooley, special guests are Reggie Wells and Billy Hoffman. Gonna be inside so get there early!
Outside on the Oktoberfest Stage in front of Bridgeman’s Furniture, live music is the focus but features local craft brews and other favorite beers on tap with food trucks. But, the music starts strong and closes with a bang. First at 11 a.m., “Make It a Double” Connie and Dave Abbott play classic country. At 12:15, “Sons of Turner” will be slingin’ notes and singin’ rhythms in a very high energy acoustic set. Next at 1:30pm, “The Stagemasters” bring their very best tunes that is best served with dancin’. Country with a lil’ Red Dirt for flavor. 2:45 p.m. Not your average rock trio, “Constant Battle” lays down the beat with R&R. At 4 p.m., another awesome band, “Hoodookattz ” hailing from Ozark, Arkansas will keep the blues and rock and roll going. Next set at 5:15, “The Mark Albertson Trio” takes the stage. Mark is my very favorite guitar picker in our area. He’s kinda like fine wine- a sweet and subtle undertone with a rip It up flare when needed. Pure class. Then hold on to your hat, 6:30 p.m,, the “BRains Band”, Brett Rains turns the heat up with his classic power Trio R&R. From blues to make ya wanna dance jams. Headliner for the event is “Live Wire”. Poteau’s own, Felisha McKenzie, took my advice and gathered some awesome musicians for a band. It has turned out well. She has a distinct and melodious voice that covers an eclectic and electric mix of rock, pop and country spanning the 80’s to today. This Oktoberfest has an awesome lineup. Come spend the day or come for a while to hear your favorite band. And this may be the first time that Dale Fraze Sr. will not be on stage beating the ‘skins. But he sure knows how to throw a party. And handle logistics and drum tech.
And in my opinion, this could’ve been called “Guitarfest”. If for no other reason, go and listen to some of the finest Lead guitar players in a two state area. Dave Abbott, David Hoffpauir, Jeff Rat Sass Coley, Mark Albertson, Brett Rains and Robert Staton will bring their best to this event. All the musicians are top notch, but man, this is a dream team of pickers. I wish there was a jam after the regular shows for a few songs so that they could all be on stage! Anyway, See ya in downtown Poteau Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the 2023 Oktoberfest!
LIve Music at my favorite venue, The Coffee Cup-Poteau, on Friday “the 13th”. It’ll be a great nite for music, food and hot coffee. Make plans to be there. Music starts at 6 p.m.
“South 49” will be the headliner at a 3-band outdoor concert in Van Buren on Main Street at The Vault. It’s Saturday and bring your lawnchair. At 11 a.m., “Bourbon Rain” , at 3 p.m. “The Fervent” will play. “South 49” takes the stage at 7 p.m.. This concert is free to the public.
I’ve had my eye and ears on “South 49” for a while. This young band has drive, focus and promise. They have opened for a couple bands at the Majestic and are building momentum. Catch them this Saturday or the very next time that they play. Country to red dirt to rock. Covers AND a couple of originals in the set list. Visit Downtown Van Buren and enjoy the food and music.
A nice change of pace closer to home, “The Wright Family” will host their last front porch show at their Red Barn Farm. Robert, Rochelle and Kyler invite all of you down for an evening of gospel music in Shady Point on Saturday. Special guest singers are “The Alverson’s”. It starts at 6:30 p.m. and is free. Love offerings appreciated. I understand that Kyler will have the farm spruced up with fall decorations. Watch for signs on the highway Just a half a mile north of the EZ Mart.
“Oklahoma Moon” will be the Live Music in Muskogee at the Oklahome. Music Hall of Fame event on Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. It is to promote the “Let’s Get Strait to Muskogee” celebration. It’s a George Strait Day and will have live music, food, games and a showing of the Movie “Pure Country” starring George his own self.
“Al Grzech and Friends ft. Niki Waters” will play the 906 Lounge also on Saturday. Great music, awesome vocalist and cool environment. Music starts at 8 p.m. and goes til midnite.
The Saturday dance at Muldrow City limits starts at 7 p.m. This week “Schuyler and Co.” will entertain and keep the dance floor crowded. This place is one of the most popular dance halls in the area. Check it out!
“Earl Hearon and the Sound of Country” will kick the weekend into full gear this Friday down at Dawn’s Diner/Red Oak. Earl brings the perfect country songs to two step or polish your beltbuckle. On Saturday, “Make It a Double” will be there. This duo has more talent than ya can shake a stick at. Awesome classic country, great harmonies and a drummer that is always on time and in time. Music for both nites will start at 6 p.m.
Crocky’s Cafe/Hackett will feature Paden Bagette on Saturday. Outdoor stage and great food. Music starts at 6 p.m.
Fort Smith Activity Center on Cavanaugh Road will present for the first time “Muscadine Jam”. They are a new band formed around Tim Goff so ya know its first rate! Dance starts at 7 p.m. Friday.
“Shady Oak Tribadours” will be at Shelia’s What’ya Do Y’all bar and grill out on 71 South. This afternoon Fall Jam takes place from 3-5 p.m. Sunday. So take a trip to Shelia’s.
That ain’t all I got to say but it sure is a good place to stop. Contact me- Text 918-649-5736 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com.
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