It’s time to pick the winners to represent Ft. Smith in Jan. 2026 at the International Blues Challenge/ Beale St. Memphis, Tenn. The two categories- Solo/Duet and Band, will have up to 4 entries. Lotta talent this year. Show up, jump, cheer and holler for your favorite. Hosted by The Ft. Smith Riverfront Blues Society, the first act takes the stage at 1 pm. It takes place at Digs Restaurant in the Bakery District on Sunday 21st. This is a huge event in Memphis with over 200 entries on several stages adding several thousand fans digging the music(And the BBQ) from all over the globe.
Oklahoma Blues Society had a first place band- “Smilin’ Vic and the Soul Monkeys” in 1996 and in 1997 Chris Cameron band- Ft. Smith Blues Society- took home the first place prize. So on Sunday 21st, Ft. Smith will select their Blues Representatives and you can be there to listen to it all. The Third Sunday Blues Jam will take place immediately after the contest. Ev’body luvs da Blues!
There will be Jazz at the LeFlore County Museum/Lowery Hotel on Tuesday 23rd and is hosted by Donna and David Deaton and the LeFlore County Historical Society. Downtown Poteau on Dewey Ave, “The Al Grzech Trio” with special guests will bring you a show that includes tidbits of info about the songs, writers and musicians that performed them. It’s entertaining and educational, all in a beautiful setting of the Lowery Hotel Lobby. It’s a free event with snacks and drinks available. It all starts at 6:30.
Special thanks to Shelia and David Keith, Raymond and all the kind folks at the Muldrow City Limits for throwing Mom a birthday celebration. She loved it. And thanks to all the well wishers on fb. I read them all to her. 92 just comes once in a lifetime. David Seeley just helped his Mom celebrate her 99th. What a joy it is to still have her!
Coming up in October- Turkey Track Bluegrass Fall Festival just East of Waldron, Ark. will take place on Oct. 8th- 11th. Awesome lineup this year and a shady amphitheater to enjoy all the shows.Over in Ozark Ark,
It’s TeleTime- A Roy Buccanan Tribute- with the best pickers in the lineup. James Glen Loveless, Gary Hutchinson, Randall George and Ben Haggard. Oct 11 from 3-9pm. What a show!
Poteau’s Balloon Fest is Oct. 17-18th all the fun a family can stand and Live Music to boot. AND a BBQ Contest! Sign your team up today. More info at the Cof C fb page.
Live Music this Week- Randy Fennell and Hank McMurtery will be at Little Italy in Mena Ark on Friday 19th from 6-9pm. Then, on Sat. 20th, It’s “Randy Fennell and the Oklahoma 59 South Band” at Crocky’s Cafe/Hackett. Music at 6pm. Muldrow City Limits has “Backroads” playing on Sat. 20th. The music starts at 7 pm- doors open at 6pm. The attendance has been consistently over 100<140 dancers so get there early for a good seat.
Poteau’s Chamber of Commerce has a “Ducked Up”Jeep and Car show on Sat. 20th.Registration begins at 3pm. There will be food trucks( Fat Man’s BBQ-Poppa Roc’s Pizza, Craft beer from Shop Dog and Rough Day brewing co.- ”Catch the Duck” games with prizes, Local vendors and Live Music in The 220 Dewey District Event Park! Lots of Cars and Jeeps that will line Dewey Ave. for the show and judging. Great for the whole Family.
“Make It a Double” will be at El Toro Mexican Restaurant on Sat. 20th. Awesome country music from the Husband and Wife duo. Connie and David cover all the bases and it’s a joy to hear them in any venue. Music starts at 6pm.
Well. that’s definitely NOT all that I have to say but I will leave you with this. Don’t take no wooden nickels! For more info, contact me by text at 918-649-5736, fb or tj.wiles61@outlook.com. Thanks for supporting Local Live Music.
Get Local News!
