Support Local Bands and Live Music

“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 yrs. 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.
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 Ave. 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 fb 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. 7th. Hosted by “MJ and the Geezers” with 5 other singers and bands listed. Noon til 10 pm. Then Oct 14th, Downtown Poteau, Oktoberfest and October-Feast. More info soon on both. Poteau Balloon Fest takes place at the Fairground on Oct. 20th and 21st. Live Music to be announced.

Live Music this weekend- Fort Smith Activity Center on Cavanaugh will feature “The Richard Rauch Band” at the Friday 29th dance. Starts at 7 pm.

Crocky’s Cafe/Hackett will have music by “The Remnants” on Friday 29th. On Sat. 30th, “Uncle Fudge” takes the stage. Music both nites kicks off at 6 pm.

“The Shady Oak Tribadours” start off with a gig for Scott and Larry in Longview Tx at the VFW on Sept. 27th. Music at 8 pm. Then they have a twofer on Friday the 29th. “Shady Oak Duo” at El Toro’s from 5-8 pm. Then Full band at Ava’s from 8:30 til 11:30pm. The guys have still got some hustle. Sat. 30th , 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 pm.

Dawn’s Diner/Red Oak will have “The Stagemasters” at the dance on Friday 29th. Best Country Dance band around. And on Sat. 30th, Dustin Knight takes the stage. Both nites , music starts at 6 pm.
Muldrow City Limits will have an awesome Country show and dance band, “Oklahoma Moon” at the Sat. 30th dance. Get there early for a good seat. Dance starts at 7 pm.

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 29th at 7 pm. 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/Poteau on Sat. 30th at 7 pm. “The Bynum Project”, a multi-talented band that is raising the roof around Ft 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