Finally, a positive column! Do not fear uncertainty or run for the hills about computers taking over. I am only trying to keep up and found that things are moving way too fast.
So, in an effort to keep things encouraging and hopeful, let’s look more at the state of live music in our area — mainly, at the awesome folks that are helping teach kids, and adults, learn their instruments and gain the abilities to perform and entertain. That’s the true joy of music.
If you don’t think teaching music and the art of performing is important to our daily lives, just imagine if all the working musicians greater than 60 years old that are performing now would suddenly retire. That’s way greater than 50 percent, I figure. That would severely limit our options.
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Now, I am encouraged that there are many young musicians picking up the torch. There’s a lot of talented musicians and bands in our area of all genres — rock, country, crock and blues.
Two decades in music history that will explain a little are the 1960s and the 2020s. These two decades are easily visible with the number of instrument sales.
I was part of the ’60s explosion as I bought a guitar and learned three chords, joined a band, learned a minor (“House of the Rising Sun”) and a picker for life emerged.
From 1958-66, guitar sales increased 400 percent, from 300,000 to 1.5 million. Then in 2020 when COVID hit, in the need to stay safe from the self-imposed isolation, sales increased and online guitar lessons, home recording and Facebook live postings and to my surprise, a resurgence of post-pandemic live shows. There’s still hope for live music!
Poteau is blessed with three studios that teach beginners, advanced and groups how to play, perform and entertain. Here they are and a little bit of information about each — in their own words:
“At Wilson Music Academy, we are more than just a place to take lessons. We’re a launching pad for the next generation of musicians. Our mission is to develop passionate, skilled and confident artists who are not only capable of playing music, but truly living it” — Dow Wilson, founder of the Wilson Music Academy. Dow is a very accomplished guitar player and teacher. I was first exposed to his spirit and talent at CR meetings at Cross Community Church in Poteau. Dow was part of the Praise Team and had two talented daughters, Tannah and Chloe, that were involved in the Music for Teens and CR. So, the individual lessons evolved into the Academy that taught lessons on several instruments, playing with others in a group and performing a concert if that is the interest. They have a Camp Jam Week in the summer that ends with a show with music, acting and production/support. Thanks to this combined effort of The Wilson Music Academy, there’s hope for live music in years to come. From its webpage: “At Wilson Music Academy, we aren’t just teaching notes, we’re building futures in music.” Thanks for all that you do! For additional information, call (855) 489-6271.
Soundscape Music — a full service music store offers lessons, instruments and gear, sound rental and instruments repair, and even change your strings. Troy Edwards is an educator in music, performer and man of many talents. He’s an awesome human with a drive to share and teach others the joy of music. His positive attitude is contagious. Troy and crew have had a series of live events in the 220 Event Center in downtown Poteau, provided an afternoon of music at the 2025 Poteau BalloonFest and performs solo and with a band when he has time. Stop by the store at 2708 North Broadway Avenue for more information. Thanks for all you do for live music!
The newest on the scene is Pirate Jam Studio at 105 South McKenna Avenue. Owner Terry Cooper brings five decades of experience in playing and performing in all the states and abroad, teaching music, songwriting and offers his talent to help at all levels for individuals and teaching how to play with other musicians for fun and in a band. He changed a set of strings for me, and I got to steal a couple of hot licks and heard enough to say that he is awesome on guitar. As a matter of fact, Terry will be at Shop Dog Brewing Company in downtown Poteau every Friday in December Catch his show. Contact him for additional information at (918) 814-5712. Come by on Monday for a jam and check out what’s available. It’s from 4-7 p.m. Thanks Terry for helping preserve live music in Poteau.
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I touched base recently with “Hillbilly Vegas,” and the band is not idle. There are a lot of exciting things going on for the band and more will be revealed. Watch here for more information as I get it!
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Another Poteau-based band, “Chaotic Resemblance,” is always on the road or it seems, but the band will be in Poteau soon as the band will carry the message to the Calvary Chapel/Norman Night of Worship at 7 p.m. next Saturday. Then, the band will play at The Love Fostering Hope Banquet at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Center on Nov. 18. This will be a fundraiser for a faith-based recovery center that helps find a safe place and help change lives for women and families. If you can’t make the event, there are ways to make donations to the worthy cause. By the way, the band’s new album, “Song of the Father,” is in the Top 10 on the Solid Rock Charts. Bless you and prayers for safe travels.
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As for live music this upcoming week, “The Lawman Band” will take the stage at The Fort Smith (Arkansas) Senior Activity Center on Friday. There will be great country music from this band, and this band will have a great show. The music starts at 7 p.m.
Muldrow City Limits will have another large crowd next Saturday night. Don’t worry! There’s lots of seats and a big dance floor. One of my favorite bands, “The MidWestern Playboys,” will keep the dance floor hopping. These guys are kind of hometown boys from the Tri-City area. This band will put on a high-energy show with more talent than can be contained. It’s in these guys, and it’s going to come out. Be there at 7 p.m. and catch every minute of the music.
Jimmy “Big Bear” Huff will have another Open Mic Show at the Front Porch Theater, located on U.S. 71 north of Alma, Arkansas, on Nov. 17. This is a great place to enjoy country music and even dance a little. Local musicians get together as the house band and help singers perform their favorite songs. The music will start at 6:15 p.m. sharp!
On Nov. 18, “Old Friends” will be playing at the Pocola Senior Center, located at 700 Faye Avenue. This band will play country music from 10:30 a.m. until noon. Lunch will be chicken fried steak and black-eyed peas. Get a cup of coffee and get there early.
I’ve got too much to tell, and too little time and space. So stay tuned for more live-music information in my next column on Nov. 18. Please encourage your kids and grandkids to try music. Not all want to play the drums. The investment and time is as big an influence to their maturity as any sports will be. Thanks for supporting local, live music!
For additional information about any live-music events or to let me know of any such venues, call or text message me at (918) 649-5736, get with me on Facebook or e-mail me at tj.wiles61@outlook.com.
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