Are you ready for totality with solar eclipse April 8?

All the hub-bub over this total eclipse on April 8 is going to be a big deal — somewhere between Y2K and the COVID lockdown of 2020.

However, to get prepared, we got extra toilet paper and dog food, but I do believe that it will be one of the biggest booms for southeast Oklahoma and southwest Arkansas for tourist that will take place in my lifetime — and that includes President John F. Kennedy visiting Big Cedar and that goatroping out at Dog Creek.

Estimates are from 16,000 to 66,000 visitors, so expect somewhat heavier traffic on the roads and crowds at restaurants.

I’ve already mentioned two Skyline Drive events to view the eclipse. On April 6-8 in Mena, Ark., there will be live music (“The Tribadours”), and there will be the Heavener Runestone Park Solar Eclipse Watch Party with live music from 3-11 p.m. April 6 (“M.J. and the Geezers”).

I’ll have more information next week.

Now! I have the schedule of the planned Talihina Solar Eclipse Event. It will take place from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. April 6.

All the bells and whistles that you can expect for this family-friendly event with live music, food, games, vendors of all sorts and even a petting zoo.

“Oklahoma Moon” will be a little harder to get to, but they are playing at the Hochatown Saloon on April 7-8. There will be a party going on to prepare you for the total eclipse April 8. I imagine that Broken Bow will be a little busier than normal.

On a sad note, my buddy Sam Harris passed away last week.

Sam was an artist, photographer, teacher, computer nerd, all-around musician and just a fine human being.

I had the pleasure of being in a few bands with Sam.

He played bass and piano that were studio quality.

I blame him for starting me down the road of playing in 1975 by leaving me the job with Johnny Cowen, Phil Gardenhire and David Wright in the house band job at The Flame Club in Poteau.

He showed courage in the last few years of his life that was troubled with health problems.

Now, his music room is empty and quiet. My hat’s off to a life well lived by a good man.

R.I.P. Sam.

As for live music this week, tonight will be the March installment of “Jazz at the Museum” at the LeFlore County Museum at Hotel Lowery in downtown Poteau.

The free concert will begin at 6:30 tonight with the Al Grzech Trio with special guest Dr. Alex Zacharella.

This month’s show will include music by female composers. A light refreshment will be served.

“Bob Callaway and the Clicks/Plus” will be at LaHuerta’s Mexican Grill in Fort Smith, Ark., on Friday from 7-10 p.m. This will be the very best show in town.

Of course, there will be Bob’s rock-a-billy hits mixed with tunes by Gary Hutchison and Dillon Taylor.

Bob has invited a rhythm section made up of longtime friends for many years and former bandmates.

Ron Shipman/drums and vocals and Stan Chadic/bass and vocals will hold the band on tempo and on track for this show.

It will be a good night to grab a bite and listen to awesome music on Garrison Avenue. The weather forecast looks favorable for this to be an outside show.

“The Libby Starks Band” has a two-fer at the Rockin’ Country Bar in Eufaula.

Libby is such a favorite that she can be heard singing on Friday and Saturday starting at 9:30 p.m.

It’s a great place, and this band is awesome!

“The Stagemasters” will play their style of country dance music Friday at the Fort Smith Senior Activity Center. The music will start at 7 p.m. Catch the show at the NS/ND venue.

Carajillo Mexican Grill is another place in Poteau that has live music. On Friday, “The Tribadours” will entertain the supper audience in the band’s first appearance there. Coastal and western will be heard from 6-9 p.m.

If for some reason you miss “The Tribadours” at Carajillo Mexican Grill or the band’s Friday night show was not enough for you, you can catch the band from 6-9 p.m. Saturday at Warehouse Willy’s in downtown Poteau for another chance to eat and sing along with the band. It’s always a good show when “The Tribadours” perform.

Dawn’s Diner in Red Oak will have two nights of exceptional music. On Friday, “59 South” will play at the dance.

Then, Mychall Lee Allen is the entertainer for the Saturday hoedown. The music for both nights will start at 7 p.m.

“Country Vault” will be at Muldrow City Limits on Saturday.

This band will play solid country music with just the right mix of R&R for the dancers.

The music will start at 7 p.m.

There’s always 100plus in attendance, so get there early for a good seat.

That ain’t all that I have to say, but it’s a good place to stop.

Be a prepper. Get ready for the total eclipse coming April 8 to a hilltop near some of you folks.

For additional information about any livemusic events 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.

Adios, until next we meet!

Editor’s note: Tom knows who wrote “Season of the Witch” because he has an extensize collection of Donovan’s music on his iPod.