Tag: Support local music

By TERRY JOE WILES

“Music to me is like breathing. I don’t get tired of breathing, I don’t get tired of music”. – Ray Charles

Ya can’t get too much of a good thing, but sometimes enuf is enuf. I never did get tired of making music. Music finally got tired of me. I’m kinda like the old warhorse put out to pasture. I just wanna jump the fence and join every parade that passes by. I did bust out last Tuesday and enjoyed hearing “Shady Oak

Tribadours” at  La Huertas/Poteau. And just for mentioning them often(only 73 mo’ times to go), I get bling(a Tribby Hoodie and set of new strings) and a meal. All bands take notice, Payola is still alive and well at my house. “The SOT” will be at La Huertas/Fort Smith on Saturday. Music starts at 7 p.m.

Billy Hoffman is starting rumors of a New Years show at the Reynolds Center. There’s talk of “The Shady Oak Tribadours” AND “The Asphalt Cowboys” with Billy performing with both bands. This is probably too good to be true. I’ll keep my ear to the ground and let ya know when it becomes official.
Attention.. NOW it’s including “Hillbilly Vegas”. Where Do I Get a Ticket?

Behind the scenes- “The Stagemasters” have close to 200 years of experience on stage. The proof is in how they handle a show or dance. They get support and promotion from the women in their lives. It’s like Beauty and the Beast. Regina Hight, Sharon Harlan Pennington and Margie Alvos Barnes do more than just keep things on track and pump up delicate egos. They are the life of the party at the dances. It is an important position. They always have a full table with family and friends at any gig. And when I need scheduling info, I don’t ask the band, I call on these ladies.

Margie has also done a great job designing banners and posters for Facebook promos. Thanks again to “The Stagemasters” for their music and Sharon, Margie and Regina for decorations and food for Mama Wanda’s 90^th birthday party. She is still showing pictures and telling what a great surprise party it was. I will be forever grateful, too.

“Hillbilly Vegas” is in the studio mixing a full live album from their last tour in England. Stephen Harris sent me a couple of cuts that are in the works and it will be grand. More info as I get it!       

Now, to the impo’tent info: Live music this week: Tuesday, MJ and the Geezers are playing at La Huertas/Poteau. Music is from 6-9 p.m. Oklahoma weather will determine if it’s inside or out! Then on Thursday, Dustin Knight will bring his music. A talented singer that brings a mix of red dirt/country. Grab a bite and enjoy the music .

Dawn’s Diner/Red Oak continues to provide the best food and music in the area. Friday, “59 South” kicks off at 6 p.m. for the dance. Awesome country music. Saturday, “Big Marty and the Dirty Dogs” will play a lively mix of dance tunes. classic country and R&R from 6 til 10 p.m. Make plans to enjoy it all.

“Backroads” plays at Muldrow City Limits this Saturday. They are a favorite cause of all the right songs/right speed and keeps the dance floor full. Biggest crowds around on the big dance floor and the music starts at 7 p.m.  NS/ND.

“Live Wire” ft. Felisha McKenzie will be laying down a nice mix of tunes designed to showcase her soulful vocals and keys/uke/guitar/trombone skills supported by a knocked out band this Friday. It starts at 6 p.m. at the Mighty Crab, the best seafood restaurant in Fort Smith. Catch the show, let them catch the fish and crabs. Sea ya there. (ouch, that was too corny)

“The Libby Starkes Band” plays at Roosters on Saturday. This place is known for good times and the show that Libby brings will guarantee that. Show starts at 10 p.m.

TWO events take place in the Bakery District, the old Shipley Bakery on Wheeler, on Sunday, the Fort Smith Blues Society will present a Blues Jam hosted by Gary Hutchison. All skill level musicians are welcome. Tips and donations will go to the Blues Society. Some used to hold the Blues Competition that will send a band and solo or duo representing Fort Smith in Memphis, The World Blues Contest. This gets down from 1 to 5 p.m. Say Hey to Ralph Herts for me.

Next, “The Coffee House Gig” will be from 5 to 7 p.m. This is an open mic nite for young musicians to take the stage. The Shane Bailey Memorial Music Society will host the event. It’s just one of many efforts that encourage, provide instruments and mentor up and coming musicians in the area. There’s a lotta talent on stage and all genres will be heard. Donations appreciated. I suspect that Don Bailey and a few of his cronies will do a tune or two. See ya there.

That ain’t all I got to say but I have almost said too much. Pick up the Tuesday edition of the Poteau Daily News or online at Oklahoma Welcome and leflorecountyjournal.com. Thanks

 

         

 

By TERRY JOE WILES
Ya know, I wish that I paid more attention in school. But it appears I ain’t too far from another publishing milestone. It is creepin’ up on five years that I have been writing the “Support Live Music” article. Since I can’t cipher without my Big Chief tablet (paper) or big pencil, somebody’ll have to let me know so I can prepare a barn-burner for a report on the anniversary. Continue reading “Support Live Music 10-24-2023”

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.

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Support live music in the LeFlore County area

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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,wiles61@outlook.com .

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