I hope that everyone gets a good start for 2025. Ya know, Black-eyed peas and Hawgjowl, greens and Cornbread, it’s traditional here anyway. And made resolutions that ya can keep past the 2nd, at least. I gave up two easy ones- to give up gamblin’ and eating Yak meat. I am looking forward to a better year which wouldn’t take much. I got to watch’em pour columns and two floors on the new part of Mercy hospital ‘cause I was in there so long. So the resolution that I am doing my part to keep, if it be His will, is to stay outta them places. I am grateful for the Dr’s and nurses that had to put up with me.
I also hope that everyone has a safe and Happy New Year’s Eve celebration. My plan is to go to Taco Tuesday at Joe’s Cantina and listen to “The Tribadours”, then back closer to home to dance to “The Stagemasters” at the Spiro Eagles. I will try to make it til Midnite.
Looking back, it was a good year for Live Music. Better than average weather for outside stages, patios and festivals and that helped with the numbers from the year or two of lockdown. It’s still rebounding from that disaster. But the trend lately that some venues have for solo, duet and trio combos has increased the opportunities to perform. There’s nites for songwriters, open mic nites and more multi band shows. Younger bands and singers are taking the stage so all the bedroom practice(woodsheddin’ to some) is producing lots of talented performers. And there’s still a few places that will let ya play for a cheeseburger and the “exposure”. Good luck with that!
When Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve fall on Tuesday night, the weekend before Christmas will still have a good Friday and Sat. night weekend. The weekend after New Year’s, most folks will have time to git over the late night parties and will be ready to put on their dancin’ shoes(or boots) again. Support Live Music and Local Bands this year.
Just a reminder- Bands and venues, please send me your schedules and posters. I’ll help spread the word ‘bout when your comin’ and where. Contact info below.
New Year’s Eve- Tuesday, Dec. 31st. NYE parties-
If you like to celebrate, just not too loud or crowded, the perfect place will be Prima Italia. Everything will be special from the 4 course menu to the five piece band. Reservations only for the evening. “The Nikki Waters Band ft. Don Bailey” also Al Grzech/keys, Joe Craine/Bass and Chris Beam/drums will be playing the dinner music. It’ll be Nikki’s best numbers, Jazz and Popular tunes and she delivers sweet, sad, sassy or soulful. It all kicks off with the first serving of a delicious Four Course dinner at 6 pm. It will be a special evening to ring in the New Year.
You will find me at the Spiro Eagles on NYE dancin’ to “The Stagemasters”. Come go with me and I’ll save us a table. The party is quite a celebration. Cold drinks and snacks- Noise makers and Hats- Balloons and glitter. Dance starts at 8 pm and Auld Lang Syne at Midnite. Y’all Come!
“Live Wire” Will be Rockin’ in the New Year at Doug’s Watering Hole/Poteau. This will be a Par-Tee! It starts at 9 pm and goes til 1 pm.
“The Tribadours” start the party early at Joe’s Cantina/Ft. Smith. Music starts at 6pm and it’s the last Taco Tuesday of 2024. The band-La Donna Maul/Vocals and Mandolin, Ralph Hert/Harmonica and Larry Taylor/vocals and guitar, always delivers a special menu on Country, Classic Rock and Red Dirt music. Catch their show. Make your NYE resolutions. AND Keep’em.
“Sierra Bravo” will get the joint a jumpin’ at Ava’s/Fianna Hills. Ava’s is a good fit for these guys. They bring the right mix of music with great personalities and humor. Join this trio- Billy Hoffman, Scot Francis and Hillbilly Thunder(Dennis Dooley) and have a good time. 8 pm til Midnite.
Live Music next weekend- Friday Jan 3rd, 2025 and Saturday 4th, 2025- “The Stagemasters” will be kickin’ it off on Friday 3rd at Dawn’s Diner/Red Oak. Grab a bite to eat and dance to the sounds of this Country Band. Music starts at 6pm.
One of my favorite singer/songwriters, J.J. Taylor will be at Maria’s Mexican Restaurant in Sallisaw on Sat. 4th from 6-9pm. J.J. is creative, original and he’s just the real deal. He has some love songs that come from his heart and handles your favorite tunes, too. Swing by and listen to the music.
“The Libby Starkes Band” will be at Van Buren’s hottest Nightspot, The Vault- 1905 Sports Grill. Easy to find on Main Street, You will enjoy the atmosphere almost as much as ya do the Music. Catch Libby’s show this FRiday 3rd, it starts at 7pm.
Then, Libby takes her band to the VFW in New Blaine, Ark. on Sat. 4th. Dance like nobody’s watchin’ at this hopping dancehall. Great Country songs from this solid, tight band- Linedance, Two-step- Waltz- Polka if ya want. Show starts at 8pm.
That ain’t all that I got to say but it seems like a good place to stop. Contact me by text, 918-649-5736 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com. Thanks and Happy Holidays.
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