Ted Nugent 2023 Tour with Hillbilly Vegas coming to region soon
WHAT? You know, I asked to be kept in the loop, and Stephen Harris and “Hillbilly Vegas” have been gracious enough to do just that. He sends new songs, new albums, the next tour of Europe and England and others. I get to hear pre-release recordings and sometimes I’m asked for my honest opinion — and I have apparently earned the trust of the band that I can keep info under my hat until the official press release, BUT this one had me so excited and I just can’t hide it.
An official press release came out Friday of the Ted Nugent Adios Mofo “23” with Special guest “Hillbilly Vegas.” The last two dates of this 25 or so shows are at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, Texas, and The Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center in Shawnee.
The band has shown tenacity, perseverance, work ethics, focus and a lotta character to endure the trials of the road. Not an easy feat!
“Hillbilly Vegas” will not be a “flash in the pan”! This band has been together for more than 15 years. Hard work and days of practice, painstaking time spent on arrangements, lyrics, recording, time on stage and even a quick off-road bus ride has fine tuned them for this awesome opportunity — opening for Ted Nugent. Congrats to the band.
Thanks, Stephen. Keep them cards and letters coming.
On another of the group’s singles, “Two Gun Town,” just made the Top 30 on the Mainstream Rock Charts. Check it out!
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“The Black Diamonds” were at The Coffee Cup for the Poteau Chamber of Commerce’s “Positively Poteau Cruise Night” on Friday night. I got a chance to hear the band’s last set. It’s been a few years since I had heard the guys, and again their hard work and practice were obvious. Ben Whiteaker was kind enough to give me and Reggie a shout out for help and encouragement. I know Randy Smith showed Ben a couple of chords, too. The band is gearing up for a string of summer dates, so watch here for information The band had tight arrangements, shared vocal and bass guitar duties and Ben’s songwriting was spot on. The band also expressed some gratitude to Tammie Johnson and crew of The Coffee Cup for several years of listening to them
practice. A good time was had by all.
“Billy Hoffman and the Asphalt Cowboys” had a great night at the Spiro Eagles on Friday night. The band oozes excitement, and Billy puts on a great show. This band is always a treat, so watch for information on its next show.
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As for live music this week, ”Earl Hearon and the Sound of Country”will be in Red Oak at Dawn’s Diner on Friday. This band is one of the finest country dance Bands in our area.
Then on Saturday, “Make it a Double”, will take the stage at Dawn’s Diner. This duo of Connie and Dave Abbott has a great show, and I consider them to be the cutest couple — and LeFlore County’s answer to George and Tammy. They will keep you dancing.
The music will start at 7 p.m. on both nights at Dawn’s Diner.
Do not forget that “Earl Hearon and the Sound of Country” will bring the Merle Haggard Tribute to the Donald W. Reynolds Community Center amphitheater on June 17. It is a lawn chair event, Refreshments will be provided by Poteau Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Karen Wages and her crew of Chamber of Commerce. Nobody does Merle like Earl! The show will start at 7 p.m.
Muldrow City Limits will have “The Richard Rouch Band” on Saturday. Dancing will begin at 7 p.m.
Over in Hackett Ark. “Uncle Fudge” will be at Crocky’s Cafe starting at 7 p.m. Saturday. This power trio can R&R.
“Shady Oak Tribadours” will play at Slane Tavern in Eureka Springs, Ark., from 7-10 p.m. Friday and at Shelia’s What’ya Do Y’all Bar and Grill in Fort Smith, Ark., from 8-11 p.m. Saturday for the homecoming.
Paul William will sing from 6-9 p.m. Friday at The Lot in Wister.
That ain’t all I got to say, but it’s a good place to stop.
Thanks to all the bands and the fans.
For additional information about livemusic events or to let me know about any such venues, call or text me at (918) 649-5736 or e-mail me at tj.wiles61@outlook. com.