Are you a Blues fan? Three days of the very finest music with Blues musicians from every nook and cranny of the country. It is the longest running Blues Festival in Oklahoma. Sept. 1st, 2nd and 3rd from 3 stages, the music starts at 5pm AND don’t stop til 5am. The “Dusk til Dawn Blues Festival” was started in 1991 by D.C. and Selby Minner in Rentiesville, Ok. just a few miles north of Checotah. The blues Fest has a rich historical thread of the blues that runs from the early 20th Century with Blues and Gospel passed down from generation to generation. Sadly, D.C. passed away in 2008, but Selby Minner still takes her music and teaches groups in our area. And still host the biggest Front Porch party around and you need to be a part of it this weekend. Family friendly, concessions and games for the ungens.
It comes as no surprise to me that the announcement has been made that “Hillbilly Vegas” after a short rest stop at home, are heading back out on the road. And in the air. January and February, the band will be making another trip to England. Several dates tba but the Big one is the Planet Rock Winter’s End Festival in South Wales. What another great opportunity for this band. They have earned it. The recent Tour with Ted Nugent was a lil’ over three months and 14,000 miles of exposure and with their efforts on Social media, a bigger following of fans. Check out their fb page and follow their antics, interviews and videos. More info later on the schedule of gigs.
“Even Keel”! This awesome beach band will be playing at a dance that’s near and dear to my heart on Sat. Sept 2nd. The 2023 Poteau High School All-class Reunion at the Don W. Reynolds City Center. All alumni of PHS are invited to the dance. We set a limit to the meal at 300 and pre registration filled up faster than expected. There will be adjustments made for the next one to allow for expansion. Pirates are gonna fellowship, eat a bite, then dance the nite away. Dinner starts at 6pm with the dance at 7pm. The Alumni Association appreciates your patience and hope you understand that this is the first year of efforts thru the mail, emails, online and fb page. Just a couple of bumps and it has still been smooth and effortless. Ya Right!
But, back to the band. “Even Keel” have been together for a couple of years. Brought together by a need to entertain, this band of seasoned musicians have found a niche to fill with music by the Beach Boys, Alan Jackson, Doobie Brothers, Clapton and of course, Jimmy Buffett. Lead singer and front man, Joshua Uhrich is joined by Poteau HS Alumni, Bryan Clark/guitar, Dr. Al Grzech/piano and keyboards, Joe Craine/Bass and Mark Steele/drums. Watch here for info of the band’s schedule thru the rest of this year.
If you are in Poteau for the First Friday/Cruise Night or The PHS Reunion, Sept. 1st will have show cars, Street rods, lots of Jeeps and Live Country Music! “The Stagemasters” will play in the Pocket Park on Dewey, Downtown. Music from 6-9pm. Bring a lawn chair, some friends so ya can listen and Dance to all your favorite Country and Rock Classics. Randy Smith/Vocals and guitar, Terry Barnes/drums. David Hoffpauir/guitar and Larry Hight/bass have become a favorite dance band in our area. Concessions will be available. Adult beverages, too. See ya at the Pocket Park.
After an almost record breaking turnout last Friday(over 150), I would get there early this Friday 1st at Ft Smith Senior Activity Center. It’s on Cavanaugh Rd. The music is Classic Country by “Make It a Double”. Connie and Dave Abbott play all your favorite two steppers, waltzes and waterfalls. Music starts at 7pm.
“Bob Callaway and the Clicks” return to JJ’s Grill on Sat. 2nd. He is joined by two awesome pickers, Gary Hutchison and Dillon Taylor. “The Clicks are still Rockin’- still Clickin’! Music from 7-10pm.
“Shady Oak Tribadours” will play for the Labor Day Celebration down in the Mts. at Gibby’s Biker Camp, Big Cedar Ok. It’s an all day affair.
“Grannie’s Nightmare” will be Rocking at Joe’s Cantina/Ft. Smith on Sept 2nd. R&R kicks off at 6:30 and goes til 8:30pm.
“Rhythm Coalition”, the area’s premiere R&B, funk and jazz combo kicks off on Sept. 1st at Roosters/Fort Smith from 10pm til 2 am. Then, they travel to NW Ark. to play at JJ’s on Sat. 2nd. Music from 8:30 til 11:30.
Crocky’s Cafe/Hackett will have Roaring Lion Ministries on Friday 1st. It a fine evening of Inspirational music with the great meal. Then , Classic Country from “The Stagemasters” on Sat. 2nd. Two awesome nites of music and food. Both nites start at 6 pm.
Have a Great Labor Day Weekend! Be safe. That ain’t all that I have to Say BUT it’s a good place to stop. Contact me at 918-649-5736 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com.
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