Awrite, it’s a slow week for dances and parties. It’s after-Valentine’s day weekend. It’s the time of sweeping all of Cupid’s arrows from the dance floor and buying cards and candy at ½ off. And like New Year’s Resolutions, most of these new love and commitments will be swept under the rug, too.
But I do need your help. I was given the privilege of writing an article on the history of the Bob Lee Kidd Civic Center. I can remember that my class of “70’ held their graduation ceremony there but when was it completed? I also remember, because of pics, that me, Dusty, Dunn and McKay won First Place with Pickin’ and Grinnin’ from Hee-Haw in “67”. The next year class by class in the BLK Civic Center, we were instructed by CD how to survive a nuclear blast. Remember? Get under our desks and cover our heads with our hands. Funny how I can remember things like that. And the plays and band concerts, Awards ceremonies and dinners and the Dances.
After learning the ropes at dances in the weight room at Pansy Kidd Jr. High as The Blue Thangs” and after the endless echoes of loud R&R at dances in the National Guard Armory, the Civic Center had a 36” raised stage and the overhead red and blue lights were effective as our light show for the dance sounds of the “Mourning After”. There had to be at least one HS and one parent chaperone for the dance to be allowed and a $25 rental. But it was still cool. Just some personal memories.
So now, I get to take a personal guided tour of the BLK Center since remodeling. I’ll try to describe the amphitheater design that allows for more visibility and allows for better audio quality for any event or show. It will be a treat for me. But your assignment, comment on the PHS Alumni fb page on my post or email tj.wiles61@outlook.com , your favorite memory in the history of nearly 60 years of service that the BLK Civic Center has been open. I’ll try to include snippets of all the memories that I can in this Poteau Daily News and the article in the PHS Alumni paper “The Static”. Thanks
In March, The Benefit for Autism Awareness will be hosted by C.P.R.C./Rough Day Brewery/The Bards on the 22nd and will kick off at 5pm. Just in case ya didn’t know, a Bard is: a tribal poet-singer skilled in composing and reciting verses on heroes and their deeds.
There will be much more info on the event, but right now I would like to focus on the Bards. This group of talented singer/songwriters/ bands have joined to do good, not evil, in our area. And in the tradition of many other musicians, will join together for the benefits and fundraisers that will raise support and make the public aware of their need.
So when ya get a chance thank all of these musicians who with servants hearts are donating their Time and Talents. “THe Black Diamonds”- “Sticks n’ Stones”- “HeeBeeGeeBee”- Francis Wayne Dale- “Dads with Hats”- “Solid States”- Kary Middleton- “Pinkman” and Kodey Toney. Watch for their shows and support Live Music!
Live Music this week: Dawn’s Diner/Red Oak will have “SideKicks” playing for the Friday 21st Dance. Music starts at 6:30. Dawn’s Diner is just about 25 miles and 35 min. as the crow flies from David Love’s house. But, by the time ya take a detour, 2 switchbacks, a couple of low-water bridges, the Poteau River(twice) and a ridge or two, it’s over an hour and 50 sumptin’ miles. At least, he ain’t gotta swim the Ark. River like Floyd and Shane Adams.
The food is awesome at Dawn’s and the dance floor is big but this newly formed band “SideKicks” is my focus. The band plays several genres of music and their specialty is Harmony. Two part, three part, at times it even 4 part harmony. Man, I love it. From Gospel to Country to Classic Rock, it is quite a show. The members are: Floyd Adams/bass-Shane Adams/keys- Russell McNeely/guitar and David Love/drums. It is worth the short drive and easy to find in Downtown Red Oak, right on Hwy 270. See ya there.
“59 South” will be the entertainment at the Mighty Crab, 5707 Rodgers Ave. Ft Smith this Sat 22nd. Whether it’s dance or dinner music, this band can fill the bill. Awesome talent from multi instrumentalist, Hank McMurtery/keys,sax,harmonica/vocals- Bubby Patterson/guitar,keys,ukulele/vocals- Randy Fennell/bass,guitar,steel guitar/vocals and ChrisWells/DRUMS! Music from 6-9 pm.
Muldrow City Limits will have a favorite band for their Sat 22nd dance- “Backroads”. They always keep the music hot and the dancefloor full. Music starts at 7 pm. Make plans to be there!
That ain’t all I got to say BUT it shore seems like a good place to stop. Contact me by text at 918-647-5736 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com. Thanks!
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