Support local music in the LeFlore County area
By TERRY JOE WILES
Auld Lang Syne
As an Earthly mile-marker, New Year’s Eve has become a place of renewal, of starting over and even a fresh new beginning for the coming year. Resolutions are made with best intentions and with a sigh of relief, a new year begins. But it is celebrated in different ways around the World. Some celebrate in a calm manner at home while others whoop it up with a toast, a kiss and a balloon-drop. Several chances to celebrate with Live Music included are listed below with info.
Best I can figure, the first to officially celebrate are the folks in the Pacific Ocean that call the Samoan Islands their home. There will be a countdown every hour after that as the time for the beginning of 2024 arrives. Most dances will provide party favors- squawking horns, clangers, pointy hats and balloons that drop from above. I have been blessed to celebrate in 16 states and most were fun to take part in. But in New Orleans, there’s a custom of stepping out in the yard, street, rooftops and balconies to unload a pistol up in the air. I was taken by surprise at first at the sounds of celebrations across town and the sizable number of shots fired. Now I have had experienced the law of gravity while in a duck blind of the #6 lead shot falling back to earth. It can sting when hit and ya pull your camo hat down low to avoid a hit on an ear or worse. Caught out in the open in New Orleans, we quickly found shelter. But it was fun. I went to one party in Cameron back in ‘61 or so where a stick of dynamite was set off. It was enjoyed by folks several miles away.
And don’t forget to have the meal prepared for New Year’s Day. Black-eyed peas, greens and ham. Good Luck- Good Health- More Wealth. Besides with a lil’ cornbread, that’s prob my favorite meal. I hope you can enjoy all three. And hours of football in the bowl games.
So you can say Happy New Year or Gott Nytt Ar or Feliz Ano Nuevo or Buon Anno or Bonne Annee. Join in the fun and here’s wishing you a Happy New Year.
Live Music this week: Dawn’s Diner will have Mychall Lee Allen playing on Thursday and “The Stagemasters” on Friday. No music NYE. Music starts at 6 p.m. on both Nites.
The NYE party will be celebrated Friday at the Fort Smith Senior Activity Center on Cavanaugh Road. It will be a lotta fun and “Larry B” will get the party started at 7 p.m.
“My Choice”- Billy Hoffman will host a NYE bash that is also a benefit for the Boys and Girls Club of LeFlore County. There will be a lotta live music-three bands, party favors, adult beverages, and a champagne toast at midnight. It’s at the Don Reynolds City Center in Poteau. Ticket info 918-647-9178 and I would get a ticket quick if I was you. There are just a few tickets left. What’s exciting is the lineup of these three awesome bands and probably will never be heard together again. Billy knows how to throw a party. Doors open at 7 p.m. and music starts at 8 p.m. First band will be “The Shady Oak Tribadours”. coastal and western at it’s best. Next, “Hillbilly Vegas” will do this show and then it’s off to England for four weeks of shows there. Billy is getting the band back together to be the headliners of the night. “Billy Hoffman and the Asphalt Cowboys” will ring in the New Year with a bang. It is gonna be grand!
Another “My Choice” will be a couple of blocks away on Dewey Avenue. I plan on stopping by for a few tunes and visiting with “Make It a Double”. They are playing for this free NYE party. It is in the Event Center and hosted by “MainStreet Matters”. Connie and Dave Abbott will be joined by Randy Fennel/steel guitar and Telecaster. It is a potluck meal after midnite so bring your favorite side dish. This is a NS/ND party. Last year it was a lotta fun. Info at 918-647-8648. Music starts at 8 p.m.
You can ring in the New Year with “Earl Hearon and the Sound of Country” over at Muldrow City Limits. Get there early for a good seat. Shelia and David Keith invite you to celebrate New Year’s Saturday and the dance will start at 7 p.m. and I think it will be a potluck dinner.
It is always a great NYE Party at the Spiro Eagles. Traditionally one of the largest crowds in LeFlore County. And this Sunday, Shin-Dig has one of my favorite bands, “The Stagemasters” providing the classic county and rock for the dancers. Music starts at 8 p.m. It is open to the public and they will provide all the fixings.
“South 49” invite ya to celebrate with them at Red’s Place in Alma, Arkansas. This is one of my favorite bands and they bring country rock and red dirt music to the NYE Party. It’s on Sunday and music starts at 8 p.m. and there are rumors of fireworks about midnite. Gonna be a great time.
“The Libby Starkes Band” play at the Cherokee Casino inTahlequah Saturday at 8 p.m. And celebrate NYE at The Rockin’ Country Bar in Eufaula. Libby is a favorite here and the lady’s singing will have the place a jumpin’. The show starts at 9 p.m.
Another band I really like, “Rhythm Coalition” will have a big weekend, too. Friday at 7 p.m., they play at Boondocks. Grab a bite of good grub and enjoy this awesome band. The band will ring in the New Year at Ava’s in Fianna Hills. Great party planned and good music to enjoy for NYE. Party starts at 8 p.m.
“The MidWestern Playboys” will play and help you celebrate the start of 2024 over in Paris, Arkansas at the East End Sports Pub.Sunday, the music starts at 8 p.m. Join in the festivities with great music, party favors and 100 or so of your best friends.
So this year on my birthday the date is 123123. 12-31-23! That’ll never happen again. That ain’t all I got to say but it sure seems to be a good place to stop. Thanks for the support of my loyal readers. Get out and support live music. Contact me by texting 918-649-5736 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com.
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