Support Live Music — LeFlore Co, Area
Ya know , I have often mentioned how the very first music that I was exposed to was in church . That Sunday Morning singing before the message . Tent Revivals that often came to Poteau City Park , Twyman Park to some ! Even the ole Brush Arbor at Sunset Corner brought folks together . And once when I was about 5-6 , getting to hear AND see the Chuck Wagon Gang at the Pansy Kidd Auditorium .
Grandma Harp even bought me an album that was so big I had to upgrade my lil’ red record player so that I could play it . Before that , all I could play was 45’s – Frosty the Snowman- Gene Autry and all the “Alvin and the Chipmunks” recordings .
And I know that there is a rumor of an Open Mic Jam starting back up soo . I hope ! It gives me a chance to see friends and play a lil’ . It also gives many a chance to get together , sing and play , that wouldn’t any other time .
Since lockdown , these gatherings are starting to slowly start back . The Coffee Cup had an Open Mic once a month . And I got to hear lots of younger talent , most of them employees of the Cup , sing and play . Two of the Open Mic nites just across the line have lost their Host , Cajun Joe Guidry and Jerry Roller . They have joined the band of friends in Hillbilly Heaven . They are missed by many !
Heck , I am not sure if the Friday nite Open Mic Jam out at the DAV ever closed down at all . One sweet memory at the DAV was sitting with my Uncle Frank and Aunt Bert and listening to the music . Aunt Bert even sang a couple . Big Frank was part of a jam in the Pocket Park . Him on his Martin and Bert on the piano . Uncle Frank passed , but he is still playing .
The Abbott Bros. took a turn at hosting a jam in the Pocket Park . I think Hank and Charlie would druther pick than eat ! Gene Hamilton was sawing on the fiddle . They even let Lil’ Dave tag along . He learned a lot from them . And later , Dave hosted a Abbott Memorial Open mic jam in their honor at the Poteau Senior Citizen building for several years .
Anyway , I could go on for a couple of pages and not run oughtta examples of what I now know to be the ultimate use of our God given talents – Music ! But if ya went to a picking in LeFlore Co. , then you have heard a Harmonica man , David McNair ! Together with his singing partner , Jo Morris , they would be at the Lamplighter in Heavner , The Abbott Jam , At Monroe Jam , DAV and more . Anytime that there was a singing , count them in . Taking music into Nursing homes and assisted living , singing and playing for the “sick and shut-in folks . The music was the highlight , maybe the only one , in those older folks day !
I am sad to say that David McNair has passed away . After having the chance to celebrate his 100 birthday with friends and family , he graduated to blowing the harp in the Hillbilly Heaven band ! He was such a sweet gentleman and a big fan of music. My prayers are to Jo and family . He will be missed !
And I get calls from the Assisted living homes in the area asking for info of musicians to bring the joy of music to their folks . So if you have friends that are willing to use and give away music , please let me know . I will pass it on !
Here’s what I know about Live Music in the area !
Grannie’s Nightmare has a busy weekend ahead . On Fri. the 24th , you can hear them outside at La Heurtas Grill on Garrison Ave. ! Great place for a good meal and live music . They kick off about 7 pm .
Then on Sat. the 25th , They will play for a benefit at the Coffee Cup . It starts at 6 pm with my longtime friends , Backsliders Wine ! Great classic country with Randy Smith , Max Harris , Ricky Ward , Randy Fennell and Dusty Klutts !
The benefit is to help offset the cost of the service of Dorthy , Raynella Sumpter’s Mother . Please donate to help the family . I have info or contact Rocky Sumpter if ya wanna help and can’t make the benefit !
Ya know , the Coffee Cup and crew have been such a big help for any musicians or band that has been part of the Live Music thru the years ! Thanks Tammie Johnson , we are all very grateful !
Across the Ark River , North of here , the I-40 Dancehall will feature Gopher Run . This is a NS/ND kinda place ! And the crowd has built back up to a hundred or so BUT the big dance floor has plenty of room for them .
Rearvue Mirror will be in Tuskahoma at Chuck’s Classic Bar and Grill . Great place for a meal and the weather will is forecast to be somewhat cooler ! This Sat. the 25th from 1 til 5 pm ! See ya there !
Please send info on live music , fishfry’s , benefits or porch pickings ! Call 918-647-5736 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com
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