Making some summer resolutions

By TERRY JOE WILES

My favorite subject, me, came to mind while I was dwelling on the condition of my condition. Lately, with the help of several kind friends and a couple of new ones, I have been able to get out for some music, some food and even playing music a little. It is more than I could hope for physically to do alone. Thanks to all y’all.

I got out for a lot of “The Musicians Reunion” down at Iggy’s Ice House in Wister for a meal and music by “The Tribadours.” I enjoyed it so much that I have plans to go out for more music and fine dining this month. I was served a great meal at Iggy’s by “Red,” and she went above and beyond with her efforts to fill me with a huge chicken fried steak and all the fixings. Thanks, Red. I believe there will be a song inspired by the experience.

SUPPORT LOCAL, LIVE MUSIC

Thanks to Larry Taylor for the backstage pass and meal.

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In this weekly column, I try to print and post all the schedules of live music, bands, combos, benefits, concerts and dances for LeFlore County and the surrounding area. I hope it will help you plan for weekend entertainment that is mostly all family friendly. Get some friends and family together and join in the fun. See ya there.

The musicians herded along by Rick Ward and “Wildhorse” will be giving back to Dawn’s Diner in Red Oak on Friday at the “Paying It Forward” benefit. The four- to six-inch rain caused flooding in Red Oak, and Dawn’s Diner was closed for clean-up. The restaurant lost a few days of business, and revenue, or lack thereof, can be painful for a small business. Since the eating establishment started having live music for the supper crowd and now for dances, Dawn’s Diner has supported the music scene just across the LeFlore County line in Latimer County. There will be a boatload of musicians there in an effort to gather donations to help this establishment stay afloat. I hope that you

will be able to attend. It will be a group effort and steered along by Rick to ensure that all who brings a guitar and song can sign up and join in. It’s not really an open mic, just a rotation of the pickers available. Bring your band and be rotated into the mix. It’s a great way to ensure that there’s a lot of good music to offer and as little dead air as possible. Make plans to come help out. Just remember, Dawn’s Diner has always paid the bands that showed up, even if they suffered a loss from it. That’s accountability, standing on your word and a handshake. It is getting harder to find folks like the ones at Dawn’s Diner. Let’s show how much we appreciate the folks at Dawn’s Diner. The music will start about 6:30 p.m.

One of my favorite annual events is The Lum and Abner Music and Arts Festival in Mena, Ark. On Friday and Saturday, there will be local artists displaying his or her crafts, a huge car show, food trucks, bounce houses and fun activities for the whole family. Live music will start Friday night with “The Tribadours” at 6 p.m. It’s the third year for the band to play at this event. Then at 8 p.m. Friday, it’ll be “Shades of Gray,” followed at 6 p.m. Saturday with “Backroad Revival” — with “Brothers and Sons” taking the stage at 8 p.m. Saturday. Located in “God’s Country” at the east end of The Talimena Skyline Drive, load mom and them, and enjoy this festival.

Crocky’s Cafe in Hackett, Ark., has a big weekend scheduled. “Friday Night Fire” will take place on Friday night with a mix of gospel, praise and popular tunes that will feature “The Tribadours” and special guest Gregg Shively on stage at 6 p.m. There will be music with a message in a nice mix of originals and familiar songs. It’s definitely family oriented. Then on Saturday, classic country and rock by “59 South” beginning at 6 p.m. There will be some great music both nights, so get all that you can stand.

On Saturday at Iggy’s Ice House in Wister, “MJ and the Geezers” will be back on stage. This is one of my favorite groups, comprised of Michelle (MJ) Wright Faulkenberry, Chuck Wright and Rodney Reed, will put the capital “A” in acoustic. The band’s sets use all the tools — harmony vocals, guitar, mandolin, harp and some hand-clapping, finger-snapping, foot-stomping music that will entertain with a certain element of passion for the songs. The music will go from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

At Muldrow City Limits, “The Libby Starks Band” will be coming at you all, beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday. This is close to home, and Libby always draws a good crowd of fans to go with the already 100-plus in attendance that the establishment averages now. It’s a NS/ND environment. It’s safe enough that I’ll let my mom Wanda attend. Get there early for a good seat.

That’s all that I got to say.

For additional information about any live-music events or to let know about any other such venues, call me or text message me at (918) 649-5736, get with me on Facebook or e-mail me at tj.wiles61@outlook.com.

Thanks for supporting live music.

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