Things trying to get back to normal after the holidays
It’s the second week of the new year, and you can hear the cry of, “Hey, could you help me move the new treadmill or stationary bike that I got for Christmas out of my den. I can’t see the big screen TV.”
Family and friends had the best of intentions, and they just wanted the best for us. We also showed joy as we unwrapped the gift of exercise mat, weights and the fitness club membership. Our new year’s resolution was to get in better shape, and we meant it at the time. Alas, it was to no avail (definitely a benefit or help). Exercise equipment is the most-often returned present after the holidays. You see, a lot of weight sets in yard sales take place in the spring, but most of my readers and friends have a strict regime of exercise in making coffee, feed the dogs or cats, bringing in firewood or making a couple of trips to town. A big part of the energy for me is spent on a round or two pushing a cart in Walmart. I think shopping ought to be an Olympic event. The very best exercise is dancing! Thank God, this activity has survived lockdown. There are several places to dance, listen to music and eat a square meal — which brings me around to the topic of this week’s column about live music this week!
Dawn’s Diner in Red Oak starts Thursday with music by “Shady Oak.” Scot Francis and Larry Taylor will play your favorite songs while you get a bite of supper. Hear them from 5-8 p.m.
On Friday at Dawn’s Diner, there will nothing but good luck when “Earl Hearon and the Sound of Country” play the big room for all the two-steppers. This is the first time Earl is bringing the full band. It will be crowded, so get there early to get a good seat and before they run out of catfish.
On Saturday, “Sons of Misfortune” will entertain at Dawn’s Diner, and dancing is allowed. This will be a way to work off some of the holiday weigh, and the linedancing will do that. Music on Friday and Saturday nights will start at 6 p.m.
On Thursday, El Celaya in Heavener will have music to go with the meal. “59 South,” Randy Fennell and Ben Brand, will start playing at 5 p.m. El Celaya is named after a town in Mexico that is known for its style of good food and festivals. This restaurant is known for authentic Mexican cuisine. Stop by and listen to awesome music while you have supper.
One cancellation has been announced for a dance on Friday at the Cavanaugh Senior Activity Center in Fort Smith, Ark. There were some issues with frozen water pipes, and the staff is finishing up on the remodeling, mostly floors. “The Stagemasters,” the music providers for that night, will be rescheduled. Watch here or call (479) 648-9970. I would call about Satuday, too. The dance with “Earl Hearon and the Sound of Country” is still going to take place as far as I know. Earl is one of my very favorite singers. “The Sound of Country” is a great band, too. Music will start at 7 p.m.
“Live Wire” featuring Felisha McKenzie will be playing at Doug’s Watering Hole in Poteau. You will love this band, and the place has pool tables and a great menu. It’s across the street from the new Whataburger. The music will be playing from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m.
“Rhythm Coalition” will be layin’ it down at The Recovery Room in Fort Smith on Saturday. This band has David Carbrey as a front man. Just add a sax player to “Butch Cavandish,” and “It’s play that Funky Music.” The music will be different from red dirt music but very entertaining. These guys are just living the Hank Willians Jr. style of “It’s in him, and it’s gotta come out,” so go see what the “It” is! This band is getting great reviews. The music will start at 7 p.m.
“Grannie’s Nightmare” will be rockin’ in Vian at The Smokin’ Goat Roadhouse. Rocky Sumpter, Brad Sumpter and Dale Fraze Sr. always get people up, with the music starting at 8 p.m. There will be awesome food with the best in R&R music in our area. Tell Rocky that I said “Hey!”
Grand Lake is in for a treat. Billy Hoffman seems to be singing a lot lately as he is popping up and entertaining friends, family and fans of “The Asphalt Cowboys.” This Saturday, Billy will be singing with friends at Mooney’s Bar and Grill in Disney, so expect to hear some great music to go with good food. The music will start about 7 p.m.
Muldrow City Limits has a dance every Saturday Night. This week, “Backroads” will be there. This band is a favorite of all the regular dancers and will keep the country comin’. The place is easy to find, and it has a big dance floor, NS/ND and the best in classic country. Make plans to be there when the music starts at 7 p.m. On a sad note, we lost a couple of pickers from across the state line that I had the pleasure of playing with at a jam in Poteau. They were awesome human beings and great musicians. Prayers go out to the family. Dave Abbott said it best — “I’m at a total loss for words here.” I found out that Lloyd Whitham has passed away. Lloyd was our good friend and a member of “Cajun Joe Guidry’s Country Connection” that Connie Abbott and I were in. He was one heck of a fine man, and I’m proud to have been his friend and bandmate. Lloyd loved the music so much, and sang and played his heart out. He loved the crowd, too, and interacting with them. He always had a few jokes to tell.
First we lost Gene Nelson three days ago, and now we Lloyd. R.I.P., Lloyd and Gene. They are playing in the band in hillbilly heaven!
Thanks to all for comments, and even some compliments, for my humble offering of live music in our area. To get more information about live-music events or to let me know about any such venues, call or text message me at (918) 649-5736 or e-mail me at tj.wiles61@outlook.com.