News, sports and more
by Sen. GEORGE BURNS
As we progress through the legislative session, I want to provide you with an update on recent developments in the Capitol. One of the most crucial aspects of our work is crafting a budget that reflects the needs and priorities of the people of Oklahoma while still being fiscally responsible. Continue reading “Senate Review 4-17-2024”
By Rep. RICK WEST
Several people from Carl Albert State College (See STORY) visited the Capitol last week to attend a luncheon recognizing our rural colleges. This school does a terrific job educating our young people. Continue reading “Carl Albert College reps visit capitol”
What did you think of Monday’s total eclipse?
Well, the total eclipse came and went. I wrote this week’s column on Thursday, so all I have to offer is an uneducated speculation of the event. Continue reading “Eclipse thoughts”
A total eclipse of the sun happening Monday
Here is a little known fun fact. There have been 16 total eclipses that crossed the United States in the past 150 years, from 1869 through 2017. However, what I want to know is how they can predict so far ahead of time — on the money since 1715. Heck, I can’t even keep up with leap year — which happened this year in case it passed you by on Feb. 29.
There are watch parties and events this weekend from Heavener to Broken Bow, from Talihina to Mena, Ark. So, I only have room for the ones with live music being played, weather permitting. Of course, the best chance of rain will be Monday. Plan a picnic or wash your car, and it will surely rain. Even if there is not weather-conducive viewing conditions for the eclipse, we can still enjoy the music and food. Being a good Boy Scout, I’ll take an umbrella.
I have to mention a fundraiser for John Long that’s at noon Sunday. Coach Long was a former baseball coach with the Cameron Yellowjackets, then superintendent of the Cameron School District, and a member of the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame. The public is encouraged to attend and show support for Coach Long. “Oklahoma Moon” will be providing the live music.
“Oklahoma Moon” will be playing at Piddles Cajon Grill at Lake Tenkiller area at 6 p.m. Saturday. Then, after the fundraiser on Sunday the band will high-tail it to The Hochatown Saloon, down by Broken Bow Lake, where they will perform from 8-9:30 p.m.
Kicking off the weekend on Saturday, take a short drive for the “Music Under
the Stars” at the Amphitheater at the Heavener Runestone Park. There will be a great line-up — Dustin Knight, “MJ and the Geezers,” Ava Earnhart, “Far From Paradise” and “The Papa Cruz Band.” The music will go from 3-11 p.m. The view of the sunset from the park overlook is breathtaking. Make plans to attend this family event. Food, games and arts and crafts will be present, too!
On the west end of Talimena Skyline Scenic Drive, “The Talihina Solar Eclipse Event” will be from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday. There will be food, a petting zoo and cow patty bingo as the main attractions. There will be live music through the afternoon and a street dance from 5:30-8 p.m.
On the east end of the Skyline Drive in Mena, it’s a four-day eclipse festival. It starts on Friday and runs through Monday, with live music every day “Blaze of Glory”— The Bon Jovi Experience and “The Hollow Decks”— A 90’s music Experience are the headliners with a great line-up of bands for the four-day party at Jannsen Park. “The Tribadours” will be on Stage from 2-3:30 p.m. Friday. Take the family every day to the Mena festival.
As for live music and dances this weekend, “The Tribadours” have two gigs on Saturday. The first ones in Shady Point at the Affiliates MC and the American Vets MC get together from 2-5 p.m. Then the band will travel south and set it all back up in time for the 6:30-9:30 p.m. gig at La Huerta’s Mexican Restaurant in Poteau. Both of these events will have great food and great music!
Muldrow City Limits is offering the very best in country Saturday when it will have “Earl Hearon and the Sound of Country” on stage beginning at 7 p.m. There’s a big dance floor for the large turnouts lately. Get there early.
“The Rhythm Coalition” will be at the Farewell Party Bar in Fort Smith, Ark., on Friday. This band can really cook. Make sure to get your table and cool
drinks in hand because the music will kick off at 8 p.m.
Dawn’s Diner will be hopping all weekend for the travelers coming to the eclipse, and besides the good food, there will be awesome music for both dances. On Friday, “Make It a Double”, Connie and Dave Abbott, will make it a good time for all those happy feet. Feets don’t fail me now! Then on Saturday, “Big Marty and the Dirty Dogs” always draws a crowd of folks that like to eat and Dance. Music for both nights will start at 7 p.m.
“Sierra Bravo” will play at La Huerta’s Mexican Restaurant in Poteau on Tuesday. Scot Francis and Billy Hoffman will be joined by Rick Boyette to bring you music on the patio. It will start at 6:30 p.m.
That’s all that I got — naw, that ain’t all I got to say. I keep waiting on an invite to view the eclipse on a redneck yacht in the middle of Wister Lake. That would be a great place to watch the sun being swallowed by the dragon. Now, That’s all.
If you have any questions about any live-music event or to let me know of any such venue taking place, call or text message me at (918) 649-5736 or e-mail me at [email protected].
Enjoy this event. It will make a good story someday.
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Well, I narrowly escaped another Valentine’s Day without one card. That’s a good thing, too. Somebody asked if I had a Valentine this year? No, and I didn’t have a groundhog last month either. The April’s Fools Day holiday, I think got that one covered. Continue reading “At long last, a musician’s flea market”