‘Auld Lang Syne’ — Here’s wishing you all a Happy New Year
As an earthly milemarker, New Year’s Eve has become a place of renewal, of starting over and even a fresh new beginning for the coming year. Resolutions are made with the best intentions. With a sigh of relief, a new year begins, but it is celebrated in different ways around the world. Some celebrate in a calm manner at home while others whoop it up with a toast, a kiss and a balloon drop. There are several chances to celebrate with live music included are listed below with information.
The best I can figure, the first to officially celebrate are the folks in the Pacific Ocean that call the Samoan Islands their home. There will be a countdown every hour after that as the time for the beginning of 2024 arrives. Most dances will provide party favors, squawking horns, clangers, pointy hats and balloons that drop from above. I have been blessed to celebrate in 16 states, and most were fun to take part in. However, in New Orleans, there’s a custom of stepping out in the yard, street, rooftops and balconies to unload a pistol up in the air. I was taken by surprise at first at the sounds of celebrations across town and the sizable number of shots fired. Now, I have xperienced the law of gravity while in a duck blind of the No. 6 lead shot falling back to earth. It can sting when hit and you, so pull your camouflage hat down low to avoid a hit on an ear or worse. I got caught out in the open in New Orleans, but we quickly found shelter. Nonetheless, it was fun.
I went to one party in
Cameron back in 1961 or so where a stick of dynamite was set off. It was enjoyed by folks several miles away.
Don’t forget to have the meal prepared for New Year’s Day — black-eyed peas, greens and ham — besides with a little cornbread. That’s probably my favorite meal. I hope you can enjoy all three, and hours of football in the bowl games.
So, you can say Happy New Year or Gott Nytt Ar or Feliz Ano Nuevo or Buon Anno or Bonne Annee. Join in the fun and here’s wishing you a Happy New Year. I also wish you good luck, good health and more wealth.
As for live Music this week, Dawn’s Diner in Red Oak will have Mychall Lee Allen playing on Thursday and “The Stagemasters” on Friday. No music on New Year’s Eve. The music will start at 6 p.m. on both nights.
The NYE party will be celebrated on Friday at the Fort Smith (Ark.) Senior Activity Center on Cavanaugh Road. It will be a lot of fun and “Larry B” will get the party started at 7 p.m.
Here’s my choice — Billy Hoffman will host a NYE Bash that is also a benefit for the Boys and Girls Club of LeFlore County. There will be a lot of live music with three bands, party favors, adult beveragesandachampagne toast at midnight. It will be at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Center in Poteau. For ticket information, call the Poteau Chamber of Commerce at (918) 6479178. I would get a ticket as quick as you can if I was you. There are just a few tickets left. What’s exciting is the line-up of these three awesome bands, and they probably will never be heard together again. Billy knows how to throw a party. The doors open at 7 p.m. Sunday and the music will start at 8 p.m.
First band will be “The Shady Oak Tribadours.” This band will play coastal and western at its best.
Next, “Hillbilly Vegas” will do this show, and then it’s off to England for four weeks of shows there. Billy is getting the band back together to be the headliners of the night.
“Billy Hoffman and the Asphalt Cowboys” will ring in the new year with a bang. It is going to be grand!
Another “my choice” will be a couple of blocks away on Dewey Avenue. I plan on stopping by for a few tunes and visiting with “Make It a Double.” They are playing for this free NYE party. It is in the Historic Downtown Poteau Event Center and hosted by Historic Downtown Poteau. Connie and Dave Abbott will be joined by Randy Fennel/steel guitar and “Telecaster.” It is a potluck meal after midnight, so bring your favorite side dish. This is a NS/ND party. Last year, it was a lot of fun. For additional information, call (918) 647-8648. The music will start at 8 p.m.
You can ring in the new year with “Earl Hearon and the Sound of Country” at Muldrow City Limits. Get there early for a good seat. Shelia and David Keith invite you to celebrate the new year on Saturday, and the dance will start at 7 p.m. I think it will be a potluck dinner.
It is always a great NYE Party at the Spiro Eagles Lodge. Traditionally, this venue sports one of the largest crowds in LeFlore County. On Sunday, the shindig has one of my favorite bands, “The Stagemasters” providing the classic country and rock for the dancers. The music will start at 8 p.m. It is open to the public, and they will provide all the fixings.
“South 49” invites you to celebrate with the band at Red’s Place in Alma, Ark. This is one of my favorite bands, and this group will bring country rock and red-dirt music to the NYE party. It’s on Sunday, and the music will start at 8 p.m., and there are rumors of fireworks about midnight. It’s going to be a great time.
“The Libby Starks Band” will play at the Cherokee Casino in Tahlequah beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday, then will celebrate NYE at The Rockin’ Country Bar in Eufaula. Libby is a favorite here, and the lady’s singing will have the place jumping. The show will start at 9 p.m.
Another band that I really like, “Rhythm Coalition,” will have a big weekend, too. At 7 p.m. Friday, the band will play at Boondocks on U.S. Highway 71 near Fort Smith. Grab a bite of good grub, and enjoy this awesome band. The band will ring in the new year at Ava’s in Fianna Hills in Fort Smith. There’s a great party planned and good music to enjoy for NYE. The party will start at 8 p.m.
“The MidWestern Playboys” will play and help you celebrate the start of 2024 in Paris, Ark., at the East End Sports Pub beginning at 8 p.m. Sunday. Join in the festivities with great music, party favors and 100 or so of your best friends.
So, this year on my birthday, the date is 12-3123! That’ll never happen again.
That ain’t all I got to say, but it sure seems to be a good place to stop.
I want to thank the support of my loyal readers. Get out and support live music.
For additional questions about any live-music event or to let me know of any such venues, call or text message me at (918) 649-5736 or e-mail me at tj.wiles61@outlook.com.