Save a Life Concert set for Thursday

By TERRY JOE WILES

National Recovery Month is observed annually in September to raise awareness about substance use disorders and celebrate the achievements of individuals in recovery.

Read more: Save a Life Concert set for Thursday

The Save a Life Concert will be put on by Harbour House Men’s Drug Addiction Treatment Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on Thursday at the Riverfront Amphitheater in the Harry E. Kelley River Park. The doors open at 5 p.m.

There will be live music, games for the kids, food and it’s all free. Drug addiction has touched nearly every family in our area. This treatment center has been helping folks get their lives back, reuniting their families and being the support that addicts need. There will be lots more info about Harbour House, the disease of addiction and how they might help a loved one of yours.

Information on Gateway Recovery Center for women and the newly opened Harbour House in Hot Springs is available.

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SUPPORT LOCAL, LIVE MUSIC

While I’m on the subject, Poteau has its own recovery center, 911 Emergency Community Outreach on Dewey Avenue. It has helped folks with addiction troubles, homeless and hopeless find a way out. Cooling stations in the heat of summer and warm-up areas and free coats in the winter. It’s a faith-based ministry with meetings and services all week, along with hot meals and shelter, too — AND big plans for expanding on the site at 911 Dewey soon.

Both 911 and Arby’s are having a fundraiser today. If you mention 911, a portion of the price of your order will go to help the center. It’s from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. See you at Arby’s!

For additional information, call (918) 413-9701.

Playing in bands and Honky Tonks most of my life, I experienced a firsthand look at the “Sex, Drugs and R&R” lifestyle that consumed many musicians, and even killed a few. I am blessed to have been given the chance to change my ways. I feel that I should use this column occasionally for the greater good and to give hope.

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NOW, back to live-music events this week! Tonight at The Vault 1905 Sports Grill in Van Buren, Arkansas, Paden Baggett will bring his music starting at 6 p.m.

“Make It a Double” will be eating at LaHuerta’s Mexican Restaurant in Poteau on Thursday from 6-9 p.m. I am confident that Connie and Dave Abbott WILL be playing live country music, too! This couple makes bee-U-tif-ful music. Your favorite country hits will be heard but Lord, Jose will lose money feeding David. That boy can eat!

The 906 Lounge in Fort Smith will have a super line-up of talent. On Thursday, “The Nikki Waters Band” will play from 7-10 p.m.; on Friday, “Back-N-Time” will play from 8 p.m. until midnight; then on Saturday, Larry Pearson will be the show from 8 p.m. until midnight. This will be Garrison Avenue’s finest nightlife and live music.

The Wright Family Red Farm Gospel Singing will be in Shady Point on Saturday. It will start at 6:30 p.m. The Wright Family will be joined by special local guests. It is family-friendly and free. Donations are appreciated. It’s easy to find. Just watch for signs on U.S. 59-271 for the driveway. It’s located just one-quarter of a mile North of the EZ Mart. It’s a lawn-chair event.

“Rhythm Coalition” Alive will be at J.J.’s Grill in Fayetteville, Arkansas on Saturday. The band will be laying down the groove, blues with a feeling, jazzy instrumentals and a little red dirt to top it off. Catch the band’s show from 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Crocky’s Cafe in Hackett, Arkansas, will have live music this weekend. On Friday, it’s “The Remnants.” On Saturday, it will be Paden Baggett on stage. There will be good food and great entertainment with some cool weather predicted. See you at Crocky’s!

Over at the Fort Smith Senior Activity Center on Cavanaugh Road, the Friday dance will start at 7 p.m. This week, it’s “Backroads” on stage with awesome country music for two-stepping and line dancing. The band is a favorite there, so get there early and get a good seat. Bring your friends.

Randy Fennell will have a busy weekend. He’s solo at The Ranch at Talimichi, located south of Talihina, from 6-8 p.m. Then, it’s just a couple of good ol’ boys at The Mighty Crab in Fort Smith as Randy will be joined by Earl Hearon. There will be guaranteed entertainment, and the music will cover the sound of crab claws cracking. There will be awesome music and mighty good food. The music will be from 6-9 p.m.

Muldrow City Limits will have cool music from “Gopher Run.” Dance to country and classic rock that all will start at 7 p.m. There will be big crowds lately, BUT the big dance floor will have plenty of room for more. It’s the hottest dance hall around!

That’s not all I got to say by a long shot, but I will cease and desist for the time being.

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

Thanks for supporting live local bands.

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