Covering LeFlore County and southeastern Oklahoma
By TERRY JOE WILES
Well, here I am once again. And as an old carpenter that I worked with put it- “I’s jus’ so glads ta b her’.” I had a couple of days to try to get things right so I wrote two articles for the Dec. 5 article. Two different endings for this trial that I had been given. Can’t be too careful. I am glad that the report of “Live Music” instead of my untimely demise was the topic. Continue reading “Find your freedom in music”
By TERRY JOE WILES
I hope this holiday is safe and happy for ya. Fireworks and cookouts, ya can’t beat’em. Here’s just a couple of Celebrations in our area for the whole family.
LIVE MUSIC IN LEFLORE COUNTY AREA
TODAY 4th Of July- “Shady Oak Tribadours” will be part of live music at Freedom Fest in McAlester. Activities for the kids, food and music all afternoon at the Pittsburg County Fairgrounds. From 11 a.m. til mignight.
TONITE (Still the 4th)- Celebrate America in Poteau. Water slides, lots of food and big firework display at dusk. Freedom Fest in Stigler out at Lake John Wells south of town. Family activities, food, fireworks at dusk.
I am part of the 2023 Poteau High School Alumni Reunion this year. It will be September 2nd- Labor Day weekend. Details are being worked out but I was able to book ”Even Keel” for the dance. I love this band if ya haven’t noticed. I keep their schedule posted. They play Buffett to Doobie Bros.- Eagles to Bob Marley. Good show, great dance tunes and shining personality in abundance. Bryan Clark/guitar is a Pirate alumni along with Dr Al Grzech/piano, Joshua Uhrich/vocals and acoustic, Mark Steele/drums and Joe Craine/bass. It will be a good time of fellowship and fun. Tell all your classmates, kids, grandkids and any PHS alumni to check out the PHS all class reunion Facebook event page to get all the details and how to preregister.
First Friday in Poteau has a couple of events. It’s First Friday Cruise nite and there will be live music at the Coffee Cup for the cars on Broadway. “Clay Grant” will be singing and it starts at 7 p.m. Then, First Friday is back in downtown Poteau at the Pocket Park on Dewey Avenue. Kicking BIG with “Grannie’s Nightmare”. starts at 7 p.m. Bring a lawnchair.
“Oklahoma Moon” will be opening its 2023 tour with a show on Friday at Neumeier’s Whippoorwill Restaurant on Garrison Avenue in Fort Smith. Glad to have this band back on stage. They were in such high demand last year that they run the wheels off the bus. Music starts at 7 p.m.
“The Stagemasters” will be at Dawn’s Diner in Red Oak this Saturday. Dining and dancing to the very best of music and grub. Take your honey to Red Oak, it’s a beautiful drive. Music starts at 6 p.m. Make plans to be there.
Muldrow City Limits will have “Page 1” playing for the Saturday dance at 7 p.m. “The Rhythm Coalition” will be jamming at Farewell Party and grill in Fort Smith, 8 p.m. til midnite on Saturday. “Grannie’s Nightmare” will be rockin’ at Red’s in Alma. Tell Rocky how purty he is. Make his day! Music starts at 8 p.m.
In Hackett, Arkansas at Crocky’s Cafe, there will be music by Mike (MG and the Quiet Storm) Linzini on Friday at 7 p.m. And “The Shaw Revolver Trio” on Saturday. Both nites’ music starts at 6 p.m.
That ain’t all I have to say but it’s a good place to stop. Enjoy the Fourth and Support Live Music. Contact me at (918) 649-5736 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com.
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By TERRY JOE WILES
Ya know, it still amazes me of all the courage and commitment that it took to separate from the British Colonies and start a Republic that’s still the greatest country on this planet.
The change was violent and cost many lives. But the founders knew exactly what they didn’t want from their experience under the rule of England. And the freedom that they fought and died for 247 years ago is what we celebrate on this Fourth of July! Change is what started this country and some change is necessary today to allow for all people to live together in peace. The only thing that I can do to help maintain this freedom is make myself useful to that cause. So, my advice is to be a good example: Stand for the flag, Say the Pledge of Allegiance and mean it, Love this country enough to teach the history, good and bad, to the kids. My prayers are for peace, no wars- Strong and fair leadership- understanding, not division. Let Freedom Ring!
Live music in LeFlore County area
Wow! I kinda had a patriotic moment. Enjoy the fireworks, they are a favorite memory from childhood. But, please, remember the veterans and other neighbors that might have an issue with the loud booms and bright lights. PTSD is real. Be a good neighbor. And think of pets, yours and the neighbors. They can be terrified of all the racket. My $1,000 squirrel dawg is gun shy because of the week long, day and night racket. She can tree them, I just can’t shoot’em. So be mindful of those around. AND be safe. No bottle rocket battles.
Tuesday night enjoy live jazz music at the LeFlore County Museum starting at 6:30 p.m. the concert is free and refreshments will be served. The Al Grzech Band will be there.
Live Music this weekend- “The Shady Oak Tribadours”- Scot Francis, Joel Billy, Dennis Dooley and Larry Taylor will be at a birthday party at Sheila’s What’ya Do Y’all Bar and Grill on Thursday. Then at the Knotty Pint Saturday Bike Night in Fort Smith on July 1. Music is from 3-6 pm. the 4th of July They will be part of one of the biggest celebrations in our area. Freedom Fest in McAlester. With food, games, activities for the “ungens” and lots of live music.
Dawn’s Diner in Red Oak will be helping with the Independence Day celebration Saturday. There’s a parade, activities for the whole family, fireworks, followed by a street dance. “Big Marty and the Dirty Dogs” will play for the dance. It’s a great time. On Friday, “59 South” will play for the dance at Dawn’s. It will be cool inside and plenty of good food and great music.
Over in Hackett, Arkansas, Crocky’s Cafe will have live music starting Friday. “Big Rev” will rattle the cage with some loud and meaningful words and music. Then on Saturday, music from “Paden Baggette”. This singer/songwriter will bring his best. Both nites start at 6 p.m.
“Earl Hearon and the Sound of Country” will be the music to dance to Saturday. It will be the Independence Day celebration for the dance hall. Music starts at 7 p.m.
“Live Wire” ft. Felisha McKenzie will be layin’ it down at M J’s Bar and Grill in Chism, Arkansas Saturday. Just a short drive East of Charleston. Music from 8 to midnight!
Big doings also in McCurtain Saturday will be itsr Independence Day celebration. Live music from noon til 4 p.m. “South 49”, the very best new band around. I mean “new” like IF ya don’t count the year or so of hard work and practice and just plain ole paying their dues. These guys have a sound of their own makin’. It’s got country, rock, red dirt, just get down to it kinda music all mixed into a great show. They are getting some breaks as opening act for some big names at the Majestic. And if they can stand the test of trials and time, big thangs are gonna happen. They have some tunes on You Tube and all the music streaming thing-a-ma-jigs. Check’em out!
I am also proud to announce that my good friends, “Oklahoma Moon” are booking gigs again. Maybe just not as many this time around. Their first show will be at Neumiuir’s Whippoorwill Restaurant on July 7 from 7-10 p.m. Glad they are picking again.
Well, that ain’t all I got to say BUT it’s a good place to stop. Contact me at 918-649-5736 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com. Support live music when ya can. Have a fun and safe 4th of July!
This is Terry Joe Wiles’ first column for us. If you are glad to see he is writing for us, let him know with a comment on the post. If you would like to write a column or cover civic news in any LeFlore County, CONTACT us. This column and more also appear on our daily newsletter, LeFlore County’s only daily publication. Subscribe for $5 per month or $50 per year and never miss one of our stories.