I have participated in this Celebration a few times. Great fun, good music with old and new friends. And most times, in the shady comfort sippin’ sweet tea. It Sunday week so there’s time to put one together on your front porch. Send pics or videos to my fb page. Heck, if I get an invite, ya might find me parked somewhere between your mailbox and front porch with a guitar in my hand. I’ll mention again next week so ya don’t disremember.
What started this thot was a conversation with a new acquaintance, Mandy Rogers. She has been helping with the Poteau High School Alumni 2023 Reunion, coming up on Sept 2nd. More info later. We were at a meeting at the LeFlore County Museum, Lowry Hotel Downtown Poteau. There is a very Cool Musical Exhibit there now. She pointed out a fiddle on display that belonged to her Grandfather, Jense Milton “Mitt” Jensen. Now, Mitt served as Mayor of Poteau from 1950-54. He would tell all the grandkids stories of the “Hootenannies” that he got to be a part of on the Courthouse lawn on Sat. nites. First I had heard of them. Good story! Stop by the LeFlore County Museum and see the Music exhibit.
Just a side story that I got from Mandy(Man that girl can talk), while Mitt was Mayor, Mandy’s Mom, Betty and her first cuzzin’ were up on Terry Hill. Not a good place to be wanderin’ around ‘cause it’s in sight on the courthouse, and they were politely asked to move along by the City police. Her Mom asked the officer if he knew just who she was. He said, “Yes, Ma’am, Miss Jensen, I do know who you are. Your Daddy is the Mayor and my boss. But if you kids don’t move along, I will have to escort y’all to the jail AND call the Mayor! Now I assume they skedaddled. Later, Betty taught 3rd grade English from 1972-90. I also learned in a short conversation that Mandy’s Grandmother was a Flannery and the youngest of 12 kids. So there a beaucoup cuzzin’s that include the Tobey’s, Mixons, Coopers, Lums, Chitwoods, Flannerys, Taylors, Nickels, Goins and so on. Big families like this were part of life then. Thanks for letting me share this story.
Now, more about current pickings- On Monday Aug 22nd, Big Bear’s Music Show will start at 6 pm. They are on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. Located at 5300 Alma Hwy, Van Buren, Ark.
For mo’ info call 479-222-5513. Good turnout so get there early.
One of my favorite singer/songwriters, Gregg Shively host a “Picking in the Round” in Waldron, Ar. This will be the 4th year that there has been Live Music in Downtown Waldron. It’s 6-9 pm in the Scott County Memorial Hall at 96 S Main St. For more info, contact Gregg or Rita Sue at 479-207-4501. Next picking will be on Monday Sept. 4th.
And at the Coffee Cup, there will be an Open Mic Nite on Friday 25th. Bring a guitar, a song in your heart and join in. It starts at 7 pm.
Tuesday 22nd, There will be another Concert at the Lowry Museum. “The Al Grzech Band” will begin at 6 pm. It is a couple of sets with Jazz classics and pop tunes. Free to the public.
Also on the 22nd, an early show from “Vida Brooks and High Mountain Bluegrass”. It is an early show, 10am til Noon at the Pocola Senior Citizens Center.
Live Music next week. Get down and get in a groove with “Rhythm Coalition”. On Friday 18th, they bring their originals and some covers to the 906 Lounge on Garrison. Music from 8-Midnite.
Sat. 19th, “Even Keel” bring the beach to the 906 Lounge. They are a favorite at the 906, so get there early for a good table. Great band, good food. What else do ya need? Music from 6 pm til Midnite!
“Shady Oak Tribadours” will play at Farewell Party Bar and Grill on Friday 18th. Music starts at 8 pm. Then, Sat. 19th, they will be singing their lil’ hearts out at Hero’s on Garrison. From 8-11pm. Catch their show.
Dawn’s Diner/Red Oak have the best food in our area and host the best dances. Oklahoma’s “59 South” will play Friday 18th. Then, “Big Marty and the Dirty Dogs” will keep the music hot and lively for all the dancing. Music starts at 7pm both nites.
Just cross the Ark. line over in Hackett, “Paul and Back in the Day” play on the outdoor stage. Weather will be tolerable and the food is awesome. Music starts at 6 pm.
At Muldrow City Limits there will be a dance on Sat. 19th. “Bricktown” will be providing the tunes. Biggest crowds in the area but one of the biggest dance floors, too. Always a good time.
“Live Wire” will be at the Sallisaw VFW on Sat. 19th. Felisha McKenzie sings a mean tune. Great dance songs for all ages. They draw a good crowd so get there early. Music starts at 9 pm.
Well, that ain’t all I got to say BUT it is a good place to stop. Contact me at 918-649-5736 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com. Support Live Music!
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