By TERRY JOE WILES
There’s no doubt in my mind that as this world was being put together, God parked the prettiest parts of the area in southeast Oklahoma. Within minutes, there are lakes, rivers, creeks and streams to enjoy, as well as mountains and hills from which to look down and enjoy the beauty. There’s also small towns and some of the nicest people that you’re ever going to come across.
I finally made time to get out and take a slow drive through the woods last weekend south of Reichert. It was much needed.
There was nearly an hour without the sound of traffic or other human beings — just winding through the pines, listening to the rippling water and my squirrel dog barking up a tree. It was good for me.
So get out, enjoy the colors of the woods, the 1,000 shades of green, the redbuds and dogwoods, the blue hues of surrounding mountains and red dirt roads — all in that window that’s just before the release of the group of critters that God uses to keep it all balanced, you know, chiggers, ticks and mosquitos.
Take a picnic basket and a gallon of sweet tea, but make sure you leave your spot just like you found it.
As for live music this week, there’s bluegrass music this morning at the Pocola Senior Activity Center from 10 a.m. until noon. “Vida Brooks and High Mountain Bluegrass” always can be counted on to entertain and set the table for the good lunch that will be served. Make plans on being there.
“Jazz at the Museum” is back tonight from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in downtown Poteau at the LeFlore County Museum at Hotel Lowery. It’s the longest-running live-music event around, faithfully put on by Donna and David Deaton and the crew. The music will be provided by “The Al Grzech Trio.” This show is free, and there will be a countertop of finger food and snacks provided. See you there.
On Thursday, “Sidekicks Duo” will offer up its best tunes at LaHuerta’s Mexican Restaurant in Poteau. The music will start at 6 p.m.
“Make It a Double” will be at the Fort Smith (Ark.) Senior Activity Center on Cavanaugh Road on Friday night. Connie and Dave Abbott are favorites here and will keep the dance floor busy. You will hear great country music, so make plans on being there. The music will start at 7 p.m. I hear it’s potluck night, too.
“The Libby Starks Band” will play a doubleheader in Eufaula at the Rockin’ Country Bar on both Friday and Saturday nights starting at 8 p.m. Libby will keep the dance floor full. She has a great show. Catch it if you can.
Dawn’s Diner in Red Oak will host the dance on Friday night. “Big Marty and the Dirty Dogs” will play classic country and rock songs that get you up on your happy feet and groovin’. It’s always a good time. The music will start at 7 p.m.
“Rhythm Coalition” will take a road trip to Fayetteville, Ark., and will make some noise at J.J.’s Bar and Grill. The band will play R&B, soul, red dirt, jazzy originals and more. When this band starts playing, you can’t sit still. The music will start at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
Muldrow City Limits, where all the cool folks go, will have music by
“Skyler and Friends” on Saturday. There have been breaking and setting new record numbers in attendance lately — to the tune of more than 140 — but there are plenty of seats to go around, and the dance floor is a big one — so worry not.
That’s sure not all I got to say, but I’m told that it’s probably a good place to stop.
For additional information about any live-music events or to let me know about any such venues, contact me through Facebook, call or text message me at (918) 649-5736 or e-mail me at tj.wiles61@outlook.com.
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