I’ve had this idea in the works for a while . As it was pointed out by friends with pics to prove it , I was NOT in OkIahoma in 1976 , I was bout 1,000 miles East of here .Tybee Island just East of Savannah , Georgia to be exact . But I heard bout it and it is quite a story .
Over 20 Country bands (almost that many local bands) , 3 new wells and a chlorinator for drinking water , a new stage , port-a-jons for a large gathering , permits for all – and all logistics and construction completed in just over 2 months . It was a monumental project for our Rural County of LeFlore , Oklahoma .
To gather info , I reached out to Joe Harwell . Joe , native of Poteau , is a writer by trade , and just happened to have written a pamphlet for the Chamber of Commerce AND a book on the event . The pamphlet was for a mention of who , what , and where . A historical rundown of performers , place and promoters . Joe and Diamond Don Barnes co-wrote the pamphlet and then put together the book . The book went into more detail . From the timeline , planning , hurdles , replanning , permits , booking acts to even dealing with an injunction to block the event . More of the facts and pics are in the book , Wolf Mountain Weekend “76” , a memoir by Joe Harwell and Don Barnes . It is a great read as are Joe’s other books . I have read most of his historical fiction – Izzy Cavanal – Dragline – Miles of Cars Murders – Welcome to Utica – Low Moral Compass – Payne County Weekly – The Legend of Michelle Sands (Indian Rock Vampire bk 1) – Upside Down Heart (IRV bk 2) – One Drug – Another memoir about his wife “Letters From Becky” and “Short Stories , Rants , Ruminations and Recipes” (growing up in Poteau) ! Google to find info to purchase – or contact me to get info !
I first met Don Barns when I was a DJ at KLCO . Salesman and DJ – Diamond Don had a great radio personality and very identifiable on air voice ! His choice in songs for his show , comments and commercials , and even the way he added the news and weather always captured a large share of the listening audience . Just a great guy , too ! Later , I sold him some VOA speakers to help start his business of being a DJ for Proms and dances . He just wanted to move people with his music .
Besides his musical influence in all our lives , Don has left a legacy in stone . He worked from home and raised enough to have the Ten Commandments engraved and offered to be placed in town . It remains today on DAV Post #63 property on Broadway . He helped nearly every town in LeFlore Co. place a Ten Commandments sign as gentle reminders . His conviction and faith was obvious in this kind , civic-minded , very humble man .
So , as the idea of this concert started gaining momentum , Don was a great pick for producer of this event and NOBODY could have done a better job of pulling this concert together in such a short time ! The timing of the injunction to block caused such an obstacle that even after squashing the court order and getting the go ahead , only a couple of days before the 4th of July , the damage was done ! More details in Joe Harwell’s book . I will not be a spoiler .
Now , in my small way , I’ve honored Diamond Don Barnes , promoted Joe’s books and stirred up some memories ! I am asking for some reader input . Please , if you were around in “76” and were a part of the event , the music or just a fan , send me your memory of the Wolf Mountain Weekend . Send pics if possible ! Pro or con , just be honest AND civil . I understand that there was controversy about whether it should have taken place . At all . I will use some each week in my article so send’em to me ! pm me on fb , email – tj.wiles61@outlook.com . If ya don’t do either , snail mail to:TJ Wiles 306 1/2 Garner Ave. Poteau 74953 !
I could not get out last week (TOO HOT) and missed the Peacemaker Festival . But , just down the road at Hero’s , The Gatlin- Hoffpauir band were the center of attention . I did get to view a few videos from the gig and it was a joy . After some time off , the band sounded tight . Sam Harris/bass and Dale Fraze Sr./drums are as solid a rhythm section in our area . They provide a solid platform for Connie and David to sing and play their original tunes and a few covers . I am alway drawn into the stories that David tells in his lead parts . And Connie was sounding like a songbird even in the heat . Sorry I missed the show !
Live Music – “Back the Blue” – Hillbilly Vegas headlines the show at the Majestic this coming Sat. the 7th ! Supporting the Fraternal Order of the Police , donations will be used in the “Shop with a Cop” program that aids children in need during the holidays ! It’s always heartwarming to see pics of the happy faces of those kids around Christmas . So , the doors open at 7 pm with singer/songwriter Michael Edgar , the Brooke White Band and Hillbilly Vegas providing the music . It will be a great show for an awesome charity supporting all Law Enforcement ! Hope to see ya there !
Grannie’s Nightmare , that lil’ ole band from Poteau , will be on stage the 6th, Friday in the Fort at Boondocks . Music starts at 7 pm . Then on the 7th, Sat. starting at 8:30 , they will be rocking the folks down in Tuskahoma OK. Chuck’s Classic Cycle/Bar and Grille always has a good turnout of locals and riders on tour thru our beautiful neck of the woods . Take a slow ride thru the Mts. , stop for a bite to eat , grab a cold one and listen to some music at Chuck’s !
Backslider’s Wine , this Sat the 14th , with special guest ,Pake McEntire , at the Choctaw Casino . Pake has been to the Poteau Rodeo arena touring behind a hit single , “Saving My Love For You” and album , “Too Old To Grow up Now” ! 8 albums and 7 chart hits on the BillBoard Country charts , “Saving My Love For You” went to #3 !
So this will be a treat ! Backsliders Wine , the best Country dance band around and singer Pake McEntire .. Music will be in the Grand Lobby and will be from 8 pm til Midnite! Don’t miss this show
The Musicians Reunion 2 hosted by J.B. Lloyd has been rescheduled for Oct. 16th in the Pocket Park . More info the closer it gets !
Contact me for info – 918-647-5736 or email tj.wiles61@outlook.com
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