Farther along, we’ll understand why
Hardly a week goes by that I am not reminded just how precious time can be. What I do with it can bring sunshine or storms, so I need to be more positive, reach out more, visit often and make calls to friends and family. So, if you love them, let them know.
With that being said, a good friend passed away early Monday morning, and I regret that I didn’t get to say goodbye. A true fan of Rearvue Mirror and Jethro Tull, she will be missed. So, don’t hesitate to stay in touch with loved ones, any age, let them know how you feel. R.I.P. Lynda Fox. My prayers go out to the Fox family.
Reports are in by phone or Facebook that last weekend was a good one to dance or just sit and listen to the offering of music. A short spell of cold, wet weather and cabin fever made a lot of folks want to get out while the getting was good.
Big crowds were seen at Dawn’s Diner in Red Oak, Muldrow City Limits and the Spiro Eagles Lodge. My forecast is that this year will have an abundance of events, outside shindigs and hootenannys (defined as an informal gathering with music and sometimes dancing).
I was grateful for the chance to get to hear music Saturday afternoon down at Monroe. P.A. Riggs and friends played a couple of sets to longtime fans, a few outlaws and some plain ole decent folks. P.A. is one of my favorite singers. There’s even talk about another picking at the Monroe Community Canter soon. I will give you all a heads up!
If no more busted pipes and floods take place, there will be dances next week on Friday and Saturday at the Fort Smith (Ark.) Senior Activity Center on Cavanaugh Rd. The newly-placed flooring will make boot-scooting even better, so watch here for information. Their dances have left a void in the schedule that will soon be filled again.
As for live music coming this week, the Fort Smith Jazz Jam will be Thursday in the Bakery District, just off of Garrison Avenue on Seventh Street. It is a place where students and teachers, beginners and experienced musicians have a chance to play together. It is put on by the Shane Bailey Memorial Music Society with Don Bailey as bandleader. It is an evening of familiar tunes in one of Fort Smith’s best venues. Downbeat will begin at 6:30 pm., so show up to play or listen to this family friendly entertainment.
There will be three nights of good food and awesome music this weekend at Dawn’s Diner in Red Oak. It starts Thursday with “59 South.” Randy Fennell and Ben Brand will sing some of your favorite country and rock classics tunes. The music is from 5-8 p.m.
On Friday, “Big Marty and the Dirty Dogs” will play dance music that will give you a chance to work off the big meal at Dawn’s. This band is a favorite at Dawn’s, and the music will start at 6 p.m.
The dance on Saturday will feature “The Whiplash Renegades” as this band will take the stage at 6 p.m. So, be there or be square.
At Muldrow City Limits, Sheila and David Keith will have “Country Junction” on Saturday. The music will kick off at 7 p.m.
“Oklahoma Moon” will be at Venue 82 in Peggs near Tahlequah on Saturday. The entertainment will be starting at 7:30 p.m. This band has the best show around.
Then, you can get the “Island Feel with Even Keel” at the 906 Lounge on Garrison Avenue. There will be a good time music from Buffett to Alan Jackson (it’s five o’clock somewhere) from 8 p.m. until midnight. For the information and schedules, follow and like the band’s Facebook page.
So, treat yourself and that significant other to a night out. Dining and dancing always lift your spirits and the music is good for the soul. Watch my Facebook page (or get your grandkids to watch it for you) for any changes or late-breaking dances. For additional information about live-music venues or to let me know of any such events, call or text message me at (918) 649-5736 or e-mail me at tj.wiles61@outlook. com.