With all the Outside events, stages and celebrations scheduled for the month of May, Mother Nature still has the final say. The Wright Family Singing in Shady Point had a perfect nite last Saturday and they deserve good weather. Some of their scheduled Red Barn Gospel Singings were canceled because of rain last year. Kyler, Rochelle and Robert said another singing will be scheduled in May and invite ya all.
So, the forecast looks good for The Monroe Old Timers Day and Alumni Reunion the first weekend in May. It will be the 39th Celebration for this small railroad community on Hwy 83, just a couple of miles from the Ark. Line. See, Jeff Dunn, I didn’t forget this time. This year there have been some improvements to the Community Building. Donations appreciated to help cover some of the cost, so dig deep. This Shindig kicks off Friday the 5th at 6 pm with the Monroe Eagles Alumni Banquet. Besides the great meal, smoked pork loin and all the fixin’s, all present and past teachers will be recognized for their service.
Back to the Live Music! It starts around 11 am on Sat. 6th or as soon as the band gets fed. Billy Wilson is providing the sound equipment so I got to give him a mention. Jeff Dunn, P.A. Riggs, Dusty Klutts, Clint Basham, Earl Brown, Max Harris and a host of friends will be playing Classic Country and Rock songs that have become the soundtrack for this gathering. Several other pickers that have gone home before us also come to mind. Leo McKenzie, Charlie Abbott, Randy McDaniels, Tommy Hale, just to name a few. They will be remembered and missed. Thirty-nine years of music, early on it was on the bed of a gooseneck trailer out in the sun. Monroe’s own Blevelyn Benefield, historian for the town, has pics from most of the reunions. Heck I am even in some of them. I have been invited to play again and who knows, it might happen. I can remember 7-8 years that I helped with the music. I appreciate the invite. So bring the family and enjoy the day as Monroe celebrates their 39th Old Timer’s Day.
OK, in no particular order! Live Music this week. The Steel Horse Rally kicks off on Sat. 6th in Fort Smith. There will be music and motorcycles at the big event on Garrison Ave and other venues. On the Garrison Ave Stage, “Even Keel” plays their offering of everything Beach and “toes in the sand” kinda music. Downbeat at 1:30 pm. Then, at Joe’s Cantina, Grannie’s Nightmare will Rock the house from 7pm til ? There will be plenty of out of towners to feed and entertain all over the city. “Shady Oak Tribadours” will be at the Knotty Pint Bike Night from 3-6 pm. Muldrow City Limits will have Live Music this Tues .2nd from 7-10. Music by “The City Limits Band”. More info on the band later but I know that Randy Fennell is playing steel.
Two dances at the Fort Smith Senior Activity Center this weekend. This is an awesome place, NS/ND family friendly venue. Friday 5th, “The Connie Abbott and Country Pride” will bring your favorite Country songs that will fill the Dance floor. Two-step, waltzes, line dancin’, or the twist. Bring and swing your partner. Starts at 7 pm.
Then on Sat 6th, “Gopher Run” plays for all the dancers. Great band that is a favorite at this dance. Both nites the dance starts at 7 pm.
Poteau’s First Friday Cruise Nite will take place on Dewey Ave and Broadway Ave starting around 6 pm on Friday the 5th. At the Coffee Cup, which is a great place to watch all the Jeeps, classic cars and pickups, there will be two bands. “Shady Oak Tribadours” will open for “Rearvue Mirror”. Music starts at 6 pm. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music.
“The Stagemasters” will be playing at Dawn’s in Red Oak. Music starts at 6 pm on FRiday 5th.. Then, they will be at a Meet and Greet for Steve Russell in Roland from 1-3 pm. Steve is running for Councilman District Cherokee Nation.
That ain’t all I got to say BUT I think I’ll just stop there. Get Tuesday copy of the Poteau Daily News or Oklahoma Welcome e-paper. Or my fb page later this week.
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