Rodeos, Balloons and Live Music

First, my weather whine. I got to be a part of a picnic with 100 friends or so at Robber’s Cave State Park last Sunday. Perfect day for it. 90* and partly cloudy, food was awesome only I had to keep picking falling leaves outta my baked beans. Many hardwood trees were shedding dry , brown leaves. It is so dry that I am afraid there won’t be much color for this fall. Looking back, most of the County hasn’t had measurable rain in over 6 weeks. Longer in some areas. I am considering looking for a rain-maker to help us. There should be several listed online. We could have a fundraiser with food and live music to cover the cost. But just how much would it cost and would we buy coverage for the county or the whole state? Would we have to pay for rain that fell across the line into Arkansas? Could we request a start time, slow & steady or a real toad choker? Have to read all the fineprint on the contract. I hear some of those folks are charlatans.

It was obvious to me that the ranchers and farmers are suffering. The grass is dry and brown, most only got one cutting of hay this year. It couldn’t come at a worse time with our struggling economy. I think harder times are ahead. The 8% increase in SS and other fixed income checks can’t cover the 20% and more increase in cost of food and staples. It is times like these that we have to pull together. There are several churches and organizations that will help with food. Don’t let your neighbors, elderly and low income families go hungry.

Well, we are ending September and starting October with a lotta music. Just a heads up, there are several Festivals and Halloween Parties planned. Poteau Rodeo is Friday 30th and Sat. 1st. Poteau Balloon Fest is the 13th thru the 15th. Oktoberfest will have 6 live bands, food and family friendly games. Some cold beverages will be available, too. Halloween parties at Dawn’s Diner, The Spiro Eagles and I-40 Dance and Music Hall.

The Taste of LeFlore County on Octpber 11th at the Lowery Hotel will have an interesting variety of dishes from LeFlore County and music from the “Al Grzech Trio”. Al Grzech will also host the 2nd in a series of the History of Jazz and demonstrate the structure of a song with the help of sidekicks Dale Fraze Sr. and David Hoffpauir. More info on all these events as they get closer.

Live Music this Weekend! Up at the I-40 Dance and Music Hall, “The Lawman ” will play for the two-steppers and line dance lessons on Thurs.29th. “Bricktown” takes the stage for the Sat. Nite Dance, Oct. 1st. Both bands start at 7 pm.
“Libby Starkes and the Stray Dawgs” will be at La Huertas Grill on Friday 30th. Always an entertaining show. Libby and the Stray Dawgs cover Country music with a high energy flavor. It starts at 7 pm, so get there early to get a good meal and a front row seat.

“Grannie’s Nightmare” has become a crowd favorite on Garrison Ave at the outdoor dining area at La Huertas. R&R at it’s best. Sat. Oct. 1st the show starts at 7 pm.

Three nites of live music with your meal at Dawn Diner/Red Oak this weekend. Thursday 29th , Scot Francis handles Country and Rock favorites. Friday 30th, “Oklahoma Moon” is guaranteed to entertain with the style of Country and a gospel tune or two. Great harmony, awesome music, don’t miss them. And Sat Oct 1st, “Make It a Double” will be back. Connie and Dave Abbott have a full sound behind some tight vocals. They take requests and aim to please. All three nights, the music starts around 6-6:30 pm.

Crocky’s Cafe/Hackett, Ark. hosts “Friday Night Fire” on the 30th. Doug McCutchen leads the music. Praise and Worship is the focus. It is a great family nite dining experience. Then , “The Richard Rauch Band” will entertain the diners on Sat. Oct. 1st. Both Nite start at 6 pm.

“The Stagemasters” have become a regular at the Spiro Eagles. Back again on Sat. Oct. 1st, this band covers all the bases. Country and Rock songs that the dancers love and request every time. Make plans to get there by 6:30. The band starts the music at 7 pm.

Make plans to support these Live Music events. It is a Joy to have them again. Remember the silence in 2020 and the lockdown? For info, 918-649-5736 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com. Thanks!