Bet ya haven’t heard that in a while. If someone offers to give you “the skinny” on something, they’re revealing some secret information.
The way I use it predates ”Here is the Scoop”, as in publishing a news story before a rival newspaper, radio, TV or FB post. So no real secrets revealed here, just giving y’all a “Heads up” on Live Music in our area. [Text Wrapping Break] I can remember Band Director, Dan Lynch carrying on the tradition of having a Jazz Band when I was in High School(1967-70).
He was skilled on Tenor Sax. That was an exciting time in Pop music with Hendrix, The Monkees and “Blood, Sweat and Tears” all on WLS. Mr. Lynch would try to get us to listen to Jazz musician, Maynard Ferguson, Trumpet, prob the best in the business. We would make him listen to Chicago Transit Authority. But under his direction, our HS Jazz Band would win a top spot at contest every year.
Back then, there were not too many places where you could get the opportunity to hear Jazz, much less get to play it in these parts. ‘Specially after The Starlight Ballroom and Taylor’s Inn quit having dances featuring traveling bands like Benny Goodman and The Glenn Miller Orchestra.[Text Wrapping Break] Now, I said all that to say this.
Poteau’s own Dr. Al Grzech not only helps out at the Choctaw Clinic as a skilled dentist. He is skilled on piano and keys. He has a love for Classic Jazz and has worked hard to share his passion. Back in the Spring of 2017 with his band “Hourglass” as the house band, Al started The Fort Smith Jazz Jam at the Movie Lounge on Rogers. It was a labor of love to gather musicians in the area to play Real Book Jazz. It was an opportunity for the area’s musicians to use their skills and just play for the joy of it. It was also a chance for the musicians from UAFS to join more seasoned and experienced musicians. There was nothing else like this available for a hundred miles.[
The FSJJ moved to the DoubleTree Hotel for about 4 years and now is back on stage in The Bakery District, Downtown. It will be this Thursday 23rd, starting at 6:30 pm. It’s a family-friendly restaurant with stages inside and out. Here’s a chance for young, upcoming musicians to get to jam with more experienced ones. It is hosted by Don Bailey, Director of Jazz Studies at UAFS and the Shane Bailey Memorial Music Society. The Society has fundraisers each year to help place instruments in the hands of beginners in Rock, Country, and schoolbands in our area. So if there is a band student in the family bring’em, they will enjoy this jam. Food is great and the Jazz is hot! Make plans to be there.
“The Al Grzech Trio ” will also bring music to the LeFlore County Historical Museum in the Lowery Hotel, downtown Poteau, Tuesday the 28th.
Make plans on being at the free to the public evening of Jazz. Al is joined by Dal Fraze Sr./Drums and David Hoffpauir/guitar. Special guest vocalist, Niki Waters will bring life to these Jazz and Pop Classics. Niki is a graduate of the UAFS school of music and was a featured vocalist in the University of Ark.-Ft Smith band, “The Jazz Catz”. Don’t miss this show. David and Donna Deaton invite you and will have drinks and snack trays for intermission.
The Ft. Smith Senior Activity Center is open again. After remodeling and new floors, there will be live music. It starts on Friday the 24th with “The Richard Rauch Band”. Music kicks off at 7 pm. AND Sat. the 25th, “Earl Hearon and the Sound of Country” will play the very best in Country music. Get there early for a good table and bring some friends. Music is from 7-10 pm.
Dawn’s/Red Oak will have Mychall Lee Allen singing on Thurs. 23rd at 6 pm and “Grannie’s Nightmare” will be rocking the house on Sat. the 25th at 7 pm. Good food and great music. Connie and Dave Abbott-”Make It a Double” will play for the dancers at the MacAlester VFW on Sat. the 25th starting at 7 pm. “Oklahoma Moon” will be over at Red’s Place in Alma Ark. on Sat. 25th. Music starts at about 7. Muldrow City Limits will, “Backroads” playing from 7 til ?. There have been big crowds lately so get there early. [Text Wrapping Break] That’s the whole “kit and kaboodle” for this week. Get out and Support Live Music. Contact me at 918-649-5736 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com. THX!
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