This week’s forecast: Cooler temps with 100% chance of Live Music.

It is with heavy heart that I have to report that there will be NO more 100* days for August. That means outside events-Ft. Smith Jazz Jam, Crocky’s Cafe, Neumeir’s Rib Room and La Heurta’s will not only be entertaining but pleasant for diners. No rain is on the horizon either.

Now, I am going out on a limb with this weather forecast for the next 7 days. September has been known to be warm ‘round here. Long range forecast is trickier with only two guaranteed ways that I know. The Old Farmers Almanac and the persimmon seed method. My Grandpa Harp and Grandpa Wiles could take their razor sharp squirrel skinning knife and slice a persimmon seed in half to get a peep of the inside. The seed has a white center or kernel. Look at the shape: If the kernel is spoon-shaped, expect plenty of snow to shovel. If it is fork-shaped, plan on a mild winter with powdery, light snow. If the kernel is knife-shaped, expect frigid winds that will “cut” like a blade. This method of forecast has been 85% accurate thru the years. But, even the Old Farmers Almanac starts off saying, “it all depends on where ya live!” NW Ark. and the Ozark Mts. are where this method was believed to have originated. That being said, the only thing that I can cut when I try to reveal the center of the seed is about half my thumb off. Band-aid time!

First, upcoming events. September will feature The Al Grzech Trio/ David Hoffpauir and Dale Fraze Sr. at the LeFlore Co. Museum with a series of Traditional Jazz tunes. The Annual Shane Bailey Memorial Music Society Bash and fundraiser will be at the Bakery District. Great music lineup and even better charity. Money raised will help young musicians with the cost of education and instruments. More info soon. The Poteau Frontier Rodeo comes to town on the last weekend of September.

October Fest in Downtown Poteau will feature music from 1pm until 11pm. Let’s see, that is 9 hours of Live Music. It starts with Mark Albertson Trio, Grannie’s Nightmare, Sons of Turner, MJ and the Geezers, Live Wire/Felisha McKenzie, Brains Band/Brett Rains and headliner Wanda Watson Band. Best lineup of music since Woodstock!

“The Taste of LeFlore County” will be mostly about local recipes with taste tests and judging and will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Lowery Hotel. It will have a Roaring Twenties theme. AND The Poteau Balloon Fest will be on Oct. 14th-15th and will have Live Music on stage both days.

Live Music this weekend. The Ft. Smith Jazz Jam will take place on Thursday 25th in The Bakery District. Great venue, food and music! Downbeat is at 6:30 pm.

Dawn’s Diner/Red Oak starts with Randy Fennell and Larry Taylor on Thursday, 270 West will make music on Friday and Grannie’s Nightmare will Rock the house on Saturday night. The food is awesome and very affordable. Music starts at 7 pm.

I-40 Dance and Music Hall will have The Lawman Band playing for the line dance classes on Thurs. 25th. The Saturday night dance will have Country Express. So get your dancin’ shoes out, the music starts at 7pm.
Live Wire/Felisha McKenzie bring their music to the Farewell Party Bar on Friday 25th. Music starts at 8 pm.

The Showtime Jamboree with host Oklahoma Moon is always on the last Sat of every month. The 27th in Pocola at the Senior Center there will be a Featured guest, Miss Sara Spencer. This young lady can play anything with strings and it’s a joy to hear her sing. The show starts at 7 pm and is over two hours long. Make plans to be there.

Over in Downtown Hackett at Crocky’s Cafe, Daniel Smith brings a message that is uplifting and entertaining. Great for the whole family. That’s on Friday the 25th. Then, on Sat.26th, The Richard Rauch Band takes the stage with a nice mix of songs. It’s quite a show, so make plans to enjoy the music with a meal. It kicks off both nites at 6 pm.

The Stagemasters play Classic Country and Rock for the dancers at the Ft. Smith Senior Activity Center on Cavanaugh Rd. Take the Jenny Lind exit and it is easy to find. Big dancefloor, a NS/ND controlled environment and the very best music from some of the best musicians in our area. The dance starts at 7 pm on Friday 26th.
That’s about it! Hope ya have a great weekend. Remember that School is back so watch for school zones and SLOW DOWN. Contact me at 918-647-5736 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com . Thanks!