By TERRY JOE WILES
Despite unexpected wet weather last weekend — after I predicted sunny and dry weather — the Poteau BalloonFest had a great turnout. There was a little duck and run for cover for a while Saturday afternoon, then back out on the midway, mud races and Moonglow at sunset. Thanks to Soundscape Music Company for providing the live music.
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Two things will always get my attention — live music and barbecue! One of the most encouraging groups for school age kids, the Future Farmers of America (FFA), continues its education in life and farming skills. “Bids and BBQ” will have it all — bids on livestock raised by the members, a raffle, live music and, of course, barbecue. All proceeds will go into the FFA to help the students. It will take place at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Center. Nothing helps ensure the flow of food that provides tasty meals as an educated future farmer. It’s a great cause. Dig deep and help all you can. I am still wondering how they’re going to get all them hogs in the Reynolds Center.
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My weather prediction this week is gonna provide a colorful ride south through the mountains to the Talihina Fall Foliage Festival. The leaves are beginning to turn and will be beautiful after a week of 40- to 70-degree weather. Leave early and make Skyline Drive part of your day. The festival will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. There will be arts and crafts, live music, games and food trucks to make this free family-friendly event worth the drive. Make plans to be there. For more information, call (918) 567-3434.
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Just across the Arkansas River to the north, Sallisaw will have its annual Red Autumn Arts Festival on Friday and Saturday. Art exhibits from more than 80 talented artists will be displayed, most available for purchasing, along with food, games and live music. Music on Friday will have “Make It a Double” at 11 a.m., Bradley Scrimscher at noon and “The Patti Steel Band” at 4 p.m. The music line-up on Saturday will be “Mule Kick Reckoning” at 11 a.m. and “Common Roots” at 3:30 p.m. All things are family friendly, and it is free to the public. This is one of the biggest art festivals in eastern Oklahoma and a good place to take something home to hang on your wall.
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Looking ahead, Terry Cooper, singer/songwriter and owner of Pirate Jam Studio, located at the corner of McKenna and Dewey avenues in downtown Poteau, will be playing at The Shop Dog Brewing Company, located at 315 Dewey Avenue, beginning at around 6 p.m. Terry brings 50 years of experience of performing and teaching to Poteau. This will be a great place to learn or learn more on your string instruments. Catch his show every Friday in November.
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In the “you-just-missed-it” part, “Wildhorse” played at LaHuerta’s Mexican Restaurant in Poteau last Saturday The band played its best stuff, and then helped some others to get to have that moment on stage in a session of open mic. The band started at 7 p.m., and the sign-up sheet was nearly full when I left at 9 p.m. It was a blast. There were lots of talented singers, and a couple of high-energy singers showed up. I hope it becomes a regular event, and I’ll have to sing for my supper next time. Ricky and Trina Ward bought my supper on Saturday night. Watch here for the next one.
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As for live music this week, “SideKicks Duo” will play at The Lower Feed Room/Akins Store just North of Sallisaw from 7-9 p.m. Thursday. There is music almost every night at the “getting-to-be-famous” barbecue restaurant on Oklahoma State Highway 101. There will be good food and awesome live music On Saturday from 6-9 p.m, the band will be playing at The Mighty Crab in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Looking for a Halloween Party? On Friday, the best in the county will be at the Spiro Eagles Lodge. This year, it’s “The Stagemasters” playing for the ghouls and goblins, cowboys and indians, cops and robbers. There’s always some great costumes. There will be prizes for the best ones. The music will start at 7 p.m.
“The Libby Starks Band” has a busy weekend with two nights in Eufaula at the Rockin’ Country Bar. On Friday, Libby will sing at the haunted house for the Halloween costume party. Then, it will be full-tilt country music on Saturday. The music will start both nights at 9:30 p.m.
The Halloween costume party and pot-luck supper will be at the Fort Smith Senior Activity Center on Friday. It’s a great place to dance with awesome folks and a party to boot. It’s a NS/ND venue. “Country Express” will be playing. The music will start at 7 p.m.
Muldrow City Limits has a great line-up for November. Starting this Saturday, it’s “Sidetracked.” This uptempo country band will keep them on the dance floor. The music will kick off at 7 p.m.
“Rhythm Coalition” will be at JJ’s Grill in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Friday. This is a party band, so get dressed up like somebody or something else and join in the fun. The music will start at 7:30 p.m.
It’s time for the next Big Bear’s Open Mic Show at the Front Porch Theater just north of Alma, Arkansas The show will start at 6:15 p.m. Monday.
I am gonna quit writing now, even though I got lots more to say. That’s all the live music that I have because it’s the end of the month, and I haven’t got a couple of November schedules yet. Thanks for supporting 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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