Ted Nugent: ‘My Opening Band is Hillbilly Vegas’

The introduction from Ted Nugent is what any band would love to hear. Ted says, “My opening act is ‘Hillbilly Vegas!’”

These cats are soul music, R&B rockers. This band has got the groove, soul and dynamics!

This band is like the offspring of Chuck Berry and Little Richard along with Nugent himself, James Brown, Montrose, Elvis, AC/DC and ZZ Top! This band is a GREAT band!

Wow! This flash in the pan, overnight success band from middle America is getting the just rewards of hard work, lots of practice and thousands of miles on the highway and in the air to get this opportunity.

The band started in 2009. So, they are not an “overnight” success, but not to contradict Ted Nugent, “Hillbilly Vegas” has a sound of its own. Sure, it has elements of influences from several genres, but the sound the band brings to the stage is 100 percent unique — from the originals with spot on lyrics to red-dirt flavor, from country with a fever to country rock to R&R.

“Hillbilly Vegas” shows and style is what got the band to this level in the business.

The band members’ talents and drive are keeping the band at the top.

Stephen Harris’ vocal style is easily recognizable — smooth at times, growling if needed. Stacy Thornberg uses talent, technique, equipment, pedals and pure heart to build the fire under the rockers and crying in the heartbreakers.

John Reed/rhythm guitar colors the songs with just the right chords and a solid right-handed strumming that ties the songs together with Troy Hollinger/drums and Rob Edwards/bass to form a solid foundation.

That allows Stephen to put his full, pure emotion into every tune. Follow the tour and keep up with the band on its Facebook page.

Give all their songs on You-Tube a listen as well as all your favorite streaming platforms — including several chart singles, a couple of CD’s and a long resume of gigs from England, Canada and most states in the United States.

If you can’t tell by now,

I like this band. Here is where the rubber meets the road. “Hillbilly Vegas” has 26 more shows with only four days off. These guys are tough enough to take it!

There is another band that is exciting — “South 49.”

This band has good songwriting, a lot of fire and learning the ropes by just playing everywhere. “South 49” is opening for “Uncle Lucious” at The Majestic in Fort Smith, Ark., as well as paying their dues and practicing. It all is paying off, too. I’ve been watching Tylor Smith grow for more than a year now. He just keeps plugging away, and it is paying off. Michael Edgar sings most of the lead vocals.

Tylor and Michael are both good songwriters and wordsmiths. Dave Adair/bass and Nathan Scott/drums keep a solid bottom, and the tempo is on the money.

“South 49” has the right combination of musicians that are working its magic on stage. In the band’s own words — “We are authentic red dirt/country music (that) meets southern rock!” I couldn’t put it any better.

“South 49” has a couple of songs that you can hear on YouTube and other streaming platforms. “Roots and Land” and

“One Hell of a Ride” are both great songs and showcase the strengths of each member.

You can hear Tylor and Michael on Saturday night at Joe’s Cantina in Fort Smith from 6-9 p.m.

On Friday at The Coffee Cup, it’s Open Mic Nite. I can’t say enough about the influence and encouragement on local live music this venue has had for our local musicians. Early on “Hillbilly Vegas,” “Sumpter/Grannie’s Nightmare,” “Backsliders Wine” and “The Black Diamonds” all had time on stage at the Cup.

“The Black Diamonds” were a house band formed on Open Mic Nite. Thanks to owner Tammie Johnson and her crew for this opportunity to play and sing.

This week’s Open Mic Nite is hosted by Zoe Moreno and Brittany Johnson.

This is a place to bring your best songs and listen to other musicians. I bet that you’ll get a chance to hear Clay Grant, too. See you there.

Next week at the Pocola Senior Center, “Vida Brooks and High Mountain Bluegrass’’ will play for the lunch bunch from 10 a.m. until noon next Tuesday. There will be good music and a great lunch.

“Even Keel”, the band that will play for Poteau High School Alumni dance on Labor Day, will be at the 906 Lounge on Garrison Avenue in Fort Smith on Saturday. The band is a favorite there. Downbeat will begin at 8 p.m.

Dawn’s Diner in Red Oak will feature “59 South” on Friday and R&R on Saturday with “Grannie’s Nightmare.” Music will start at 6 p.m. both nights.

Crocky’s

Cafe in

Hackett, Ark., will have Mike Lenzini on Friday and “59 South” on Saturday. Weather looks favorable for both nights.

“Live Wire/Felisha McKenzie” will bring its music for the folks at the Sallisaw Veterans of Foreign Wars Building. It’s a great place to dance, and this band plays great dance music. It all will start at 9 p.m.

Muldrow City Limits will feature “Country Junction” on Saturday. The dance will start at 7 p.m.

“Shady Oak Tribadours” are busy this week. This band will be at LaHuerta’s Mexican Restaurant and Grill from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, then heading to Longview, Texas, to the VFW Post 4002 and Cantina from 7-10 p.m. Friday and then a fundraiser from 3-5 p.m. Saturday in Rogers, Ark. for the Vietnam veterans.

“Make It a Double” will be at the VFW Building in McAlester on Saturday. It’s a great place to bootscoot, so grab your partner and hit the dance floor. The music will be from 7-10 p.m.

That ain’t all I got to say, but it’s a good place to quit.