It’s a George Jones Tribute Weekend
When AM radio came along in our homes and cars, it was the boost country music needed to reach the masses. The equipment in the studios and instruments were primitive by today’s standards but we all loved it and it’s dear to our hearts. By the time that I started playing Country, “75” or so, Classic Country meant music from the 50’s and 60’s. Several decades have been added to that category. There have been some awesome songs, singers and bands for every generation. I am not gonna say that the early years of Country were the very best, but they are some of my favorites. Nashville produced the emotions and feelings of the songs that were mixed to sound good even through a 4 inch speaker in the car. It was the best available at the time. I can remember standing in the car seat, I was 6-7, and singing along with Why, Baby-Why, Baby Why, Baby Why? and White Lightning. Then in the “60’s”, Love Bug, The Race Is On, She Thinks I still Care. He had over 134 singles on the radio in his career, 59 albums, 20 videos and more fans than you could count. He was one of the early Country Superstars, even through the No-Show years of the “70”.
Now, I am talking bout George “Possum” Jones. I have said all that to tell you this. There will be a George Jones Tribute Show this weekend. Sat the 13th at 8 pm, you can hear over an hour of George Jones songs on the stage inside at the Don W. Reynolds City Center. One of my favorite Country singers, J.B. Lloyd will be performing Jones’ tunes. Opening for J.B. will be Gabrielle Gore and Silent Thunder. Over 2 hours of awesome Country music.
J.B. hosted a Merle Haggard Tribute last year. One was canceled by 105* heat, the 2nd was a rain out and J.B. had to go to a loss in the family and missed the 3rd one. Earl Hearon stepped up and put on a solid show that night. This time weather will not be an issue: It’s being held in the City Center.
The show’s opening act is “Gabrielle Gore and Silent Thunder”. Gabrielle hails from the Muldrow area and performed at the Poteau Balloon Fest last year. She has an album, I See You, that is available for download and on all major music streaming platforms. Check out her live videos on You-tube to get an idea of how talented this singer is. She will be performing with her band “Silent Thunder”. They are probably the very best country band around with Dale Bates on lead guitar. She will sing Classics and several of the tunes off her album. Her CD will be available at the show.
Next up is the George Jones Tribute. It will be in the capable hands of J.B. Lloyd backed by Silent Thunder. He got the itch to play and sing Country in early 2021 and planned The Musicians Reunion 1 and 2. He has some gospel CD’s that will be available for purchase at the merch table. After over a year of practicing, he will put on a true Tribute to George Jones. He handles his style with the respect that it deserves and the tunes fit J.B. like a glove. So make plans on being at this event. There will be a $10 cover but I promise that it will be worth it.
Ben Whiteaker will be part of another event in Downtown Poteau. Friday the 12th from 5-8 pm, The Sidewalk Show in front of Poteau Games on Dewey. Ben always entertains and will be joined by “Tremble”. So cruise by and listen or park and sit a spell. Temps are supposed to be in the low 90’s. Sure beats the 105*!
Dawn’s Diner/Red Oak will feature Randy Fennell and Larry Taylor on Thurs. the 11th – Glen Rogers on Friday the 12th – Oklahoma Moon on Sat. the 13th. Great music from 6-8 pm. Get a great meal and listen to some awesome music this weekend!
Grannie’s Nightmare will be returning to the stage after a weekend of recording over at Jeff Coley’s place. Expecting to hear the results of their hard work and recording soon. They will be at Rooster’s on Garrison Ave. Music will start around 9 this Friday the 12th.
The Stagemasters will be at Spiro Eagles this Sat. the 13th from 8 til Midnite. Terry Barnes, Gerry Baze, Larry Hight , David Hoffpauir and Randy Smith are favorites at this dance . They play the right speed and selection of Classic Country songs. Prob gonna see my Mom, Wanda and Raymond there. Get there early to get a good seat.
I-40 Dance and Music Hall is guaranteed to keep the dancers out on the floor. The Lawman Band will be on stage Thursday the 11th AND Sat. the 13th. Great place, big dance floor, good music, both nites. It is a family friendly kinda place, NS/ND allowed. Music starts at 7 pm.
“Movin’ On” brings their style of classic Country and Classic Rock To the Farewell Party Bar and Grill on Friday 12th from 8-12 and then over to Crocky’s in Hackett on Sat. 13th from 6-9 pm.
Connie Abbott and Country Pride will be at the Ft. Smith Senior Activity Center on Cavanaugh Rd. Music starts at 7 pm. They put on a great show and the dancers just love them.
Libby Starkes and the Stray Dawgs will play Friday and Sat. at the Cherokee Casino/Sallisaw. Libby will have the full band on Fri. 12th and unplugged Stray Dawgs on Sat. 13th. Music from 8-12 both nights.
So get out and enjoy and support Live Music this weekend. Temps are gonna be tolerable and the music is awesome. For info, 918-649-5736 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com. Thanks!
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