Pickings,dances and Easter bonnet contest
The Easter bonnet contest at Dawn’s reminded me of my Springtime in Mississippi. I was working on Stateline Rd. just South of Memphis. On Sunday, my only day off, I would throw the dawg in the truck and wander around on the farm roads in the Delta towards the Mississippi River. Mainly I was headed to the Tunica Casinos to test my luck. Early morn, I would come across a country church with folks gathering for the service. The men in their finest and the ladies dressed with huge bonnets of the brightest colors were the style of the day. Ready to sing praises and worship together.
Later, round Noon, I would be headed back, broke and disgusted, and see them again. The congregation would be having dinner on the ground under the biggest shade trees. The colorful bonnets and dresses reminded me of flowers in Charlene Dunn planters ‘round her yard. It was a beautiful sight to behold.
Don’t forget the First Friday Cruise night in Poteau. The length of Broadway will be filled with show cars, Classic and modern, Pickups and Jeeps. The Coffee Cup is a great place to watch the show, usually with music on the patio. Check it out.
Back to Live Music, I am getting dates and info on outside events that are scheduled for the season. The Monroe Old Timer’s Day is Sat. May 3rd. Music kicks off at Crocky’s Cafe in May. Poteau High School Alumni Reunion will be Aug. 30th. Poteau 18th Balloon Fest will be Oct. 17th and 18th. And Dale Fraze has done it again. The Oktobetfest has 10 of the best bands from LeFlore Co. and Ft. Smith coming to entertain in Downtown Poteau. Music starts at Noon and the last band will take the stage at 10pm. Whatta party. More info on all events soon.
Live Music this week- “The Al Grzech Trio” will be playing smooth Jazz and Pop tunes for the 906 Lounge on April 1st. Always a favorite, it is the right sound for the best atmosphere on Garrison Ave.
April 3rd-Just ‘cross the line, Gregg and Rita Shively have been hosting the “Pickin’ in the Round” in Waldron, Ark. for 5 yrs. now. Still goin’ strong. Here’s the info so you can plan on catching this one. And I quote- “5 years- Good folks and Good music- Original and traditional songs-Acoustic/Electric, bring your own equip- Free, NO cussin’, NO fussin’, NO Alcohol-1st Thursday each Month, 6-9pm- Come when ya can, Leave when ya gotta- Scott Co. Memorial Hall- 96 S. Main St. Waldron- for info call Gregg or Rita at 479-270-4501, Y’all come join us”. Purty cut and dried. Thanks for the invite. Hope to see ya soon.
Always the strongest supporters of Live Music- Neumeier’s restaurants have regular bands to spotlight local Live Music. Neumeier’s Whippoorwill restaurant will host the “Battle of the Bands” on Sat. 5th. Applications for a slot were snatched up quick. The Winner gets an opening act slot at Temple Live for a National touring band. The focus was on Rock, Hard Rock or Metal and here’s the line up. “Glass Altar”, “Kossatot”, “Red Ridge”, “Morrigan’s Embrace” and “Moto Psychos”. What a great way to support local bands looking for exposure. All the acts came within a 60 mile radius of Ft. Smith. Great way to hear the talent and watch them perform. Good luck to all of the talented musicians!
“The Stagemasters” will be at Dawn’s Diner/Red Oak on Friday 4th. In the spirit of the season, there will be a Spring Easter bonnet contest. Another chance to dress up and win a prize. It is to be judged by the men. So it’s Cool Ladies to bring lots of friends to stack the deck in your favor. In the style of the times where church was filled with the largest brims and brightest colors, this will be fun and even more fun if there’s a lot of contestants. So ladies, break out your Easter bonnet or decorate one and be at Dawn’s wearing it proudly. Classic Country and Rock from 7-10pm. I
can’t wait to see Randy Smith and Terry Barnes in their favorite Easter bonnet!
“The Wright Family” will start their gospel singing in April. Robert is gitting excited and says this year will have some very special guest joining the Wright Family to sing praises and they hope you can join them. It is a front yard, lawn chair Southern Gospel event and very family friendly in Shady Point Oklahoma. It’s just a ½ mile from the EZ Mart on the hwy. There are signs and Christian flags marking the turn, easy to find. I understand young Kyler is the headliner with Robert and Rochelle as backup. Kyler is turning into a great harmonica player. So watch here for dates and times for the Summer Concerts this season.
“The Tribadours” will again play for the Pocola Chapter AMC/AVMC April Fools Party. It’s Sat. 5th in Shady Point at the clubhouse at 23144 Glover St. Good gathering of folks and a great band to entertain them. 1600 hours or 4 pm is the starting time.
“The Libby Starkes Band” will be playing a dance close home at the Sallisaw VFW Post 4518. Libby is a favorite here so git there early for a good seat. This Sat. 5th the music starts at 9pm.
Well, that ain’t all that I got to say but it appears to be a good place to stop. Get out and support Live Music and local bands and musicians. Contact me by text 918-649-5736, fb or tj.wiles61@outlook.com. Thanks for allowing me this small offering.
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