“Ya know , the influences we have in any part of life whether our early childhood , education , career path or any combination can create success or failure ! Failure can be overcome with determination , hard work and a strong spirit ! Even small setbacks or unexpected changes , that can depress many , can be used to determine a more successful and better path . And Success can be used by the “Prideful Ones” in the wrong way so that happiness will never be achieved ! Life is not always fair ! But one thing that I have learned is that usefulness to Him thru service to others , passing on what you have been given so freely , will always give ya a good nites sleep and hope for the future !” – TJW

The above quote came from “Live Music #79 – April , 2020 . Apparently , after listening to an interview with a teacher , listening to her reflect on her life , her music , her students , her story , I was inspired ! Part of my evangelistic nature ! The interviews that I do with the musicians and bands for this article have been an education and a trip down memory lane for me.
So after a short call with Felisha McKenzie and I have again been caught up in her passion and love of music ! Can ya tell that I like her ? She has a lotta talent and uses it to teach others to use theirs .She has pulled students outta their shell of shyness and helped them to become good musicians/singers/actors and in the process giving them much needed life lessons to boot!

Over coffee at the Cup, we shared stories and I gathered info bout her music and where she was going with it . The Coffee Cup has been a big part of her story . From Open Mic Nites there to playing as “Felisha and Ray” – Ray Reynaga – for several gigs.  I remember telling her that the next step oughta be “a Band” ! I said all that to say this . Felisha is part of her first band ! “Live Wire” just recently formed in February . Her “wait” is over . Her patience is being rewarded!

Here is kinda how it happened ! It just so happened that a drummer , Wayne Campbell , was looking for a female vocalist to reform a band . Wayne is one of the best in our area . Great timekeeper , purty decent human being ! He just happened to run across Felisha on some fb videos . Another fine musician , Robert Staton , was ask to play lead guitar . Felisha reached out to Damon Shores for the bass duties and “Live Wire” became a reality ! This band is giving Felisha a chance to sing some edgier material . Lil’ bit of Rock mixed with her own songs ! I have seen the set lists and it will be a great show.

“Live Wire” will have their first gig in May on the 21st at part of an event at the Don Reynolds City Center . Then the following week on May 26th at La Heurtas ! More info soon . This band will be a great fit for any outside event so Mainstreet Matters and Chamber of Commerce please take notice ! I can’t wait to hear them ! Thanks Felisha for the time . It is always a joy to visit with ya.

 

Speaking of Outside ! On April 23rd , starting at 6:30 , The Wright Family will have their Singing at Red Barn Farm in Shady Point ! It is a lawn chair kinda event and the Gospel music will fill the air ! It is easy to find , lots of sitting room and a circle drive easy drop off/pickup for old folks like me . Robert , Rochelle and Kyler will be joined by The Scott Sisters . Robert was excited bout the fact that son , Kyler,is playing the harmonica on a couple of songs.

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He plays guitar and sings and does a great job for a young’en ! Always free , snacks and drinks provided (donations appreciated) and this is the first of the monthly Front Porch singing’s that are planned ! Watch here for more info.

Even Keel , according to Al Grzech , will be docking at La Heurtas on Friday the 15th .. These friends – Joshua Uhrich , Mark Steele , Joe Craine and Bryan Clark , give the “Island Feel” to their music ! Always entertaining , don’t miss this show ! Music from 7-10 pm.

Rearvue Mirror play this Sat. the 16th at the Choctaw Casino Pocola . Americana/Red Dirt/Rock mix of music makes them a treat ! Music is from 8-12.
Oklahoma Moon will be at JJ’s Grill on Sat. the 16th . Grab a bite , a cool drink and enjoy their music ! Starts at 6 pm.

AND If I can read Rocky’s writing.Grannie’s Nightmare will Rocking in the Parking Lot at the Spunky Skunk on 4-20 , a week from Wed. , from 1-5 PM . On the corner of Broadway and College by the Red Light ! Next door to the Sonic ! Stop and shop , listen to the Hardest working band around and then go thru the Sonic Drive thru to chase away the “munchies”.
Dawn’s Diner in Red Oak will have Pake McEntire on Friday the 15 and Big Marty and the Dirty Dogs on Sat. the 16th.
Get out and enjoy all this purty weather and listen to some Live Music

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