Turkey Track Memories
Since most folks are NOT up at 4 am trying to beat a Poteau Daily News deadline, I will say that they missed a very enjoyable Summer storm. One of the good kind, lil’ wind. lil’ Lightening and thunder and steady needed rain. I usually don’t slow down to enjoy such gifts from Mother Nature, but it was a moment to be still and know that there is a God! A kinda “stop and smell the roses” thang. Anyway.
There are two events every year that I always look forward to in SE Okla/Ark.! Tuskahoma and Turkey Track! And over in Waldron this week, the population will increase by at least 5 times normal because of “The Turkey Track Bluegrass Festival!
But ya can’t just ride over and see one evening’s show and get the “Turkey Track Experience”! Now , don’t get me wrong, 5-6 hours of Top-notch Bluegrass Music is still well worth the effort and expense!
But “The Experience” is camping from the Friday nite before the scheduled bands take the stage, until the last note of guitar, mandolin, fiddle, dawghouse bass and banjo notes waft thru the valley a week later on Sunday!
I came back home in 2007, kinda had the Prodigal son look about me, and had the pleasure to travel as a designated driver for Cuzzin’ Larry Watson. He was one of the most natural musical talents that I have known. Helped write, record and then performed the Turkey Track theme song for years. Our family had the same trailer spaces reserved every year and had a metal carport constructed to help enjoy their “pickings in the round” and awesome potluck meals.Most days, mid-morning the music would start and sometimes go til after midnite curfew. Songs were passed round the circle of pickers and singers, one song each time round for up to 20 people at times. I owe Larry a lot for draggin’ me down there my first time. After that I went on my own! Sadly, most of those folks have passed, but what memories were made!
So, the 2,000 or so early birds got a lil’ wet this Monday morning, but after breakfast, the guitars will come outta their cases. Take a short ride thru the mts. And check it out this week. The scheduled bands (too many to mention) are from Wed. the 8th thru Sat. the 11th. Local living legend, Fiddler Roger Sparks will perform at the Old Timey Fiddlin’ Session on Sat.! But the camp will have shadetree pickings and jams all day long scattered round the park at several places. I enjoy strolling thru the 30 acre campground and hearing all the bluegrass music!
Another great diner/music happening is also just across the Ark. line in Hackett. Crocky’s Cafe on Main St. has music every Sat. and some Friday nights, sometimes served up with a Crawdad boil! This Friday the 10th from 6-9 pm, “The Tones” will play. Then on Sat. the 11th, Libby Starkes and the Stray Dawgs will do a show from 7-11 pm. Stop by for a bite and one of their special deserts and listen to the music!
Dawn’s Diner in Red Oak will have Glen Rogers singing country songs for his supper on Friday the 10th. Music starts at 7pm. Then Sat. the 11th at 7 pm, Michael Lee Allen will sing and play while the diners enjoy the Chkn’ Fried steaks and Catfish dinners!
Oklahoma Moon has started playing a dance now and again at their fans request. This Sat the 11th, they will be close to my home at the Spiro Eagles. Music starts at 7 pm and I know that my Mom, Wanda, and her dance partner, Raymond will be there! Great music – Big Dancefloor. Make plans to be there!
And Grannie’s Nightmare will be Rocking at the Smoking Goat Roadhouse! Friday night the 10th, the music kicks off at 9pm and don’t slow down til 1 am. Easy to find on the East side of Tenkiller Lake! This will be a good time. Don’t miss this!
I-40 Dance and Music Hall features line dancin’ lessons every Thurs. night with music provided by “The Lawman”! Music starts at 7 pm. This week Sat. the 11th, Country Express brings their Country music for all the Dancers! It starts at 7 pm,too! And here’s a shoutout to Carol Meyers! Thanks for taking such good care of my folks! And for helping to offer up some of the best music in one of the safest Music venues in our area!
That’s it for this week. Get out and support Live Music! And as Roy and Dale would say “Happy Trails to You”!
For info call 918-649-5746 or j.wiles61@outlook.com!
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