LeFlore Co. Area By Terry Joe Wiles
The Bakery District- Fort Smith
Since 1921, most of us have traveled the Truck Route down Wheeler Ave to Garrison Ave and the Ark. River Bridge. Just past the National Cemetery, you drove thru Shipley Baking Company, baking Holsum bread. It was a staple in our households until 1996. I had to use that memory and directions to describe the sight, smell and scenery of the area. My very first taste of being on stage was holding a loaf of Holsum bread for the TV commercial on the Miss Nancy(?) Show. Quite a thrill for a 6 yr old kid from Shady Point.
Today, “The Bakery District”in The Shipley plant building, has been refitted into a vital part of Fort Smith’s entertainment and arts environment. It has the capability to host a small event, Live Music, Art exhibits and more. This iconic downtown landmark has been remodeled. It is designed for a capacity of over 1000 guests for these events. There are drinks, dining and entertainment in the beautiful, historic 100 year old structure. Please support the shops and events.
This week, there will be two nights of Live Music in the Bakery District. Thursday 15th, the Fort Smith Jazz Jam will feature musicians, Young and Experienced, playing together. It is directed by Don Bailey, Professor of Jazz Studies at UAFS. Don has students from UAFS and fellow musicians jamming to jazz tunes that allows for room to play together on stage and take solos in turn. It is always entertaining and enjoyable. It’s kinda like a football game. College and pro players together on field, without practice. It has exciting plays, a few fumbles but everybody wins. I highly recommend it. Downbeat is 6:30 pm.
Friday 16th will bring Live Music-5 bands to The Bakery District. It is The Shane Bailey Memorial Music Society. In honor of Shane, the son of Don and Terri Bailey, this society promotes and supports young musicians with funding for education, instruments and equipment that allows them to develop their musical and artistic skills. This Fundraiser/Bash helps keep the public aware and gives info on contacting and donating to this very worthy charity. It starts at 5:30 and goes until 10pm. There will be drinks, food, games, door prizes and Live Music. Don Bailey and Friends, Gabrielle Gore and Silent Thunder, Oreo Blue and Goodluck Slim combine their time and talents. It will be an evening to remember. This Friday Night!
I just have to comment on this weather. Monday morn at 6, it set a new record low of 47*. I like it. NOW, let me get this right, this time. The Stagemasters will be at the Spiro Eagles on Sat. 17th. There is a business meeting that afternoon so the dance starts at 8 pm. You will enjoy dancing and listening to this band. The Spiro Eagles have a big dancefloor and a steady group of the friendliest bunch of two-stepping folks around. Join them for a good time.
At Dawn Diner/Red Oak on Thurs. 15th, “The Shady Oak Tribadors” will be there. Friday 16th. “Mychall Lee Allen” sings and plays. Then, “Big Marty and the Dirty Dogs” finish the weekend. Music starts about 6 pm.
Crocky’s Cafe in Hackett will have Bethany Rose on Friday and Ava Earnhart on Sat. Both start at 7 pm. Great weather for the outside stage.
Rearvue Mirror brings their Americana/Red Dirt music to Boondocks on Sat. 17th. Enjoy a good meal while ya listen to “Home Grown Tomatoes”. Music starts at 7 pm.
Friday 16th, Grannie’s Nightmare will be rocking at Stuteville Dodge Dealership from 11am til 1 pm. It is part of a weekend sale. Stop by for a look , a hot dawg and some of the best R&R music around.
Oklahoma Moon has a gig at the Canebreak Resort in Wagoner on Friday 16th 7-?. And Sat. 17th, they will be playing at 6 pm at the 89’ers Day Celebration in Lexington, Ok. If you are in that area, stop by for this city wide event.
Cameron, Okla. is the place to be this Sat. 17th. The Moshulatubbee Masonic Lodge will host a Car Show for a fundraiser that will have prizes for the best cars, food, games, and Live Music! 59 South will play 10 am til 2 pm. This is a family friendly event. Make plans to be there.
For info call 918-649-5735 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com Thanks for your support.
Get Local News!
