My hope is for a safe and Happy Thanksgiving for all !

This year is flying by. It seems like only yesterday that I was writing about Turkey day for last year. But here it is, please pass the cranberry sauce. And while I am on the topic of eating, please make sure that folks know about the Community Thanksgiving Dinner is Thursday 24th at the 7th and 8th grade Cafeteria. Watch for signs, it is around the football Field at 102 Mockingbird Lane. It starts at 11 am and delivery is available,too. Call 918-649-4163. Hosted by The Poteau C of C and Poteau True Value. They always feed families and shut-ins a very good holiday meal. It is also a great chance to volunteer. Ya know, delivery or scrubbing pots and pans. In these trying times this is greatly appreciated for some that are stretched on income. This public announcement was brought to you by TJ Wiles.

Good memories of Thanksgiving past come to mind. Growing up I was blessed but with a good problem on holidays. We had two choices. Trying not to have any hard feelings between the families, we ate with one Grandparents midday and the other one after the ballgame for supper. The menu was always traditional, turkey and dressing, Sweet tater casserole, and cranberry sauce. And a cabinet top just loaded with pies, punkin, apple and blackberry. The table at the Wiles’ was always crowded with 6 families with lots of cousins. When I got old enough to carry a gun, it was Quail hunting in early morning, Dinner and hunting in the afternoon. My Uncle Frank always had good birddawgs and would let me come along. But that’s enough about eating. This article is about entertainment, not cooking!

Live Music this week starts at the Lowery Hotel with “The Al Grzech Trio” playing Jazz in the lobby. The concert will be Tuesday 22nd at 6 pm. Al/piano will be joined by David Hoffpauir/guitar and Dale Fraze Sr./drums. It is entertaining and educational with Classic tunes from the 50’ thru the 70’s. Al takes time to give demonstrations in style, structure and progressions with solos from each instrument. There are some slow torch tunes, Latin style, movie themes and even some Caribbean Island numbers. It is two hours of very enjoyable music in Downtown at the Museum across from Willie’s Steakhouse. Make plans to come listen. Bring friends. There is no cover and some drinks and snacks are provided.

Just a heads up, Dawn’s Diner in Red Oak will be closed Thursday thru Sunday to allow their employees chance to be with the family and deer hunt, too. “OKlahoma Moon” will take the week off and so will “Rearvue Mirror”.

“Hillbilly Vegas” will be playing Thanksgiving Day IN LONDON! The next day, they will release the new album “The Great Southern Hustle”. Looking at the tourist pics on fb, they are enjoying sightseeing, new food AND drinks. A pint was mentioned. Best of luck playing at the Troubadour Club. I can’t wait to hear the album. The hard work and blood, sweat and tears are paying off for the hometown band. Steve Harris/vocals, Stacy Thornburg/guitar, Troy Hollinger/drums, John Reed/guitar and Marty Lynch/bass are Livng the Dream on their Tour of England.

“Live Wire/ft. Felisha McKenzie” play the 906 Lounge on Garrison on Friday 26th from 8-12. Then they make music at the Smokin’ Goat in Vian on Sat. 26th from 9pm til 1 am. Felisha sings like a songbird and is supported by one of the best trio of musicians around. Robert Staton, Damon Shores and Wayne Campbell create a solid platform to showcase one of my favorite singers.

Muldrow City Limits will have a dance on Sat. 26th with “Country Express” making music. Starts at 7 pm. Ft. Smith Senior Activity Center will have “One More Time” on Friday 25th at 7 pm. Spiro Eagles will have a Classic Rock nite and “Grannie’s Nightmare” will be bringing the ROCK. Great band with a loyal following of fans so expect a crowd. Band kicks off at 7 pm. “Make it a Double” will be at the VFW in MacAlester on Sat. the 26th. Connie and Dave Abbott play and sing good Country Dance songs. Always entertaining!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! For info contact 918-649-5736 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com.