Some good news, some bad news

By TERRY JOE WILES

I have some good news to report.

“Hillbilly Vegas” returns from a whirlwind week in England.

Support local, live music

Playing to loyal fans and new fans, “The Feel Good Tour” performed the single, “Feels Good,” and released the album of the same name. Interviews, autograph tables and a pick-up load of HV merchandise will guarantee a return trip.

Get a taste of the new songs and the six to eight albums in the “Hillbilly Vegas” discography on YouTube or your favorite streaming platform today.

Another bit of good is there is music with a message of hope! “Chaotic” will have a new release of “The Song of the Father,” featuring Matt Baird from “Spoken” on Aug. 29. “This one’s packed with truth, hope and the message God put on our hearts” according to the press release. This Christian Metal group was formed in 2006 by Poteau native Travis McConnell, who is on bass/vocals with longtime member L.A. Ellis on guitar/vocals and newest member James Stolhammer on drums. On Sept. 5, the band will start a month-long tour of the upper midwest, then play five dates in Germany before finishing in Harrison, Arkansas May your travels be safe, blessed and fruitful. Here’s the link to “The Song of the Father — https://lnk.to/TheSongoftheFather.

Unfortunately, I also have some bad news, for those of you who were not in attendance. You missed some awesome music in The Pocket Park at the 220 Dewey Event Center in downtown Poteau on Saturday evening. There was a fair turnout for an awesome line-up of singer/songwriters — Francis Wayne Dale/Ben Whitaker/Landon Kole Bradley and Jacob Green.

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My good friends, “MJ and the Geezers,” had a good night at the county’s most active venue, The Frozen Oasis. Watch for more scheduled live-music events there.

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“Sierra Bravo” played at the Wolf Mountain Golf Tournament — played music that is, not golf.

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Here’s some upcoming live music events.

Pocola Senior Center will have “Vida Brooks and High Mountain Bluegrass” at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

The Coffee Cup will have its next Open Mic Nite on Sept. 5.

The Poteau Chamber of Commerce will have The Ducked-Up Car and Jeep Show on Dewey Avenue in downtown with live music at The Pocket Park on Sept 20.

The Poteau BalloonFest will be on Oct.17-18 with live music again this year.

Jazz at the Museum will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the LeFlore County Museum at Hotel Lowery. This mini-concert will be a special night of music that will feature several different Latin rhythms. Pianist and bandleader Al Grzech exposed me to this music during the several years of trying to learn to play jazz. It was an awesome experience shared from a kind musician with a whole lot of patience. I learned that there were as many variations of Latin rhythms, subtle differences determined by the areas that it originated. I only knew two kinds — “Bossa Nova” (an Elvis tune) and Santana’s “Oye Como Va.” I had a lot to learn — “Bossa Nova,” Samba, Cha Cha, Tango and more! On percussion at this show will be Mark Steele. The way I remember, Mark is the son of a jazz drummer, a retired band director in Greenwood, Arkansas, and an exceptional musician. He will bring life to the tunes in the two sets tonight. Make plans on being there.

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As for other live music this week, Dustin Boyd’s album release party will be at Neumeier’s Whippoorwill Restaurant in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on Saturday. The album “Hook, Line and Sinker” will give you some insight to life and love lessons from the experience of this talented singer/songwriter. Dustin has paid his dues, definitely not an overnight success, and this album will prove it! The party will start at 6 p.m. In a very gracious gesture, Dustin is inviting special guests Clay Grant, Lanie Jade and “Kanton Teen and the Penny Pinchers.” Make plans on getting there early for some good food and awesome live music.

“Dusty Holster” will be at Muldrow City Limits on Saturday. This recently-formed band with Roland Stephens on drums/vocals, James Zachary on keys/vocals, Billy Wilson on guitar/vocals and Larry Hight on bass/vocals plays rock to country. Everyone contributes to the singing and are top-notched players on their chosen instruments. It’s “Feel-Good Music,” so get over to Muldrow City Limits and get some of it! The music will start playing at 7 p.m.

“The Stagemasters” will have a great gig at the Mighty Crab Seafood Restaurant in Fort Smith on Saturday. There will be awesome music from these guys — from red dirt to country to rock. This band will cover all the bases. The music will be from 6-9 p.m.

“LIBBY!” That’s what is on the marquee. “The Libby Starks Band” will be entertaining the folks at the Fort Smith Senior Activity Center on Friday. Libby can shine at the casinos, keep ’em on their feet at clubs and play just the right songs at the dance halls. You can expect a good crowd of dancers. You really need to be there. The music will start at 7 p.m.

“Make it a Double,” featuring Connie and Dave Abbott, has almost become the house band at the McAlester Veterans of Foreign Wars Building. The duo will be the live music for the dancers on Saturday night. Grab your friends and head to Krebs. There’s a big dance floor and the very best in country music. It all will start at 7 p.m.

That ain’t all I got to say, but appears that I have run out of time — or room. Anyway, thanks for supporting local live music.

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.

Happy trails to you all.