Support local bands and live music

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,[email protected] .

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