Even after missing a few weeks of writing this article due to unforeseen circumstances, this will make THREE-HUNDRED weeks of spreading the word- Support Live Music! It has been a privilege and a pure joy. Staying in touch with working musicians, young or older, has kept me involved with a business that I love. It’s great to see the triumphs and I understand and feel the breakups. It’s hard to keep a band together. Loyalty has lost its importance. And a band is teamwork. Heck, look at college football. I can’t keep up with the switching ‘round of the players and every year different players. It’s confusing. What happened to playing 110% every game, not playing hard to get good stats, then putting yourself on the bench when there might be a chance of failure or injury. Proud to wear the Crimson & Creme or wear a car dealership or tech company on your jersey. Loyalty! College Football needs a reset. Sorry. Rant over.
So bands have my respect for making music and getting the feel of a good job done and a crowd left entertained. Giving 110% every song. Even if the money’s just barely worth the work necessary. You guys and gals are my heroes.
2025 is starting out stable. Plenty of gigs and venues that offer multiple nights of Live Music. Small combos and solos are getting their share. And Kudos to them. It takes confidence to get on stage solo, to offer your style and personal picks and originals. There’s room for most.
Year end report of a couple of Touring local bands- “Hillbilly Vegas”, after making a Rise of the Phoenix( to emerge from a difficult situation, seemingly destroyed, and come back stronger and renewed) they pulled Victory from the ashes and had a highly successful two week tour of England and Scotland. They had more top-billed gigs for some loyal fans, all the while
“Let It Ride” climbed several diff charts, cracking the Top Ten. It’s a solid tune, too. There’s an album in completion. Soon! Watch here for info. “Chaotic Resemblance” had a busy year. Families growing, tunes on several charts and albums streaming on your favorite online site. But music is secondary to their mission of carrying the message of Jesus, touching lives, helping hearts change and praying for those in need. My prayer goes to LA for a back issue. A while back, LA and Travis walked across the Reynolds Center and asked if they could pray for a prob I had with my foot. I was moved beyond words. Prayer works. Still got the foot. Best wishes on their Ministry of music in 2025 and safe travels.
Live Music this Week: “59 South” will be a Dawn’s Diner/Red Oak on Friday 10th. Randy Fennell leads the charge with some seasoned veterans of the stage to produce some mity fine dance music. So ya got good food and awesome music at Dawn’s. That a nice nite out in Red Oak, Okla. Music starts at 7 pm.
“Make It a Double” takes the stage at the Ft. Smith Senior Activity Center on Friday 10th. Big Dance floor, plenty of good tables, and my favorite Country Couple in our area. You will enjoy the singing from Connie and Dave Abbott. Beautiful harmonies, awesome picking and your favorite Classic Country tunes. Make plans on being there. Music starts at 7 pm.
At Muldrow City Limits, “WildHorse” will keep the dancers on the floor. Ricky Ward has revived this name with new members and they have worked hard to provide Top of the Line Country Songs. Steady crowds of 100+ makes MCL the best attended and most popular dance hall going. Easy to find, take your friends and have a great Sat.11th with “Wildhorse”. Music kicks off at 7pm.
That’s not all I have to say but it’s a good place to stop. Contact me by text at 918-647-5736 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com. Thanks