THE CURRENT - June, 2009
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96 Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 Page 100 Page 101 Page 102 Page 103 Page 104
800-760-6700 I
CherokeeCasino.com
Cabin Creek
Thu
6/04
Chad Lee
8 pm
Fri
6/05
Brian Capps
9 pm
Sat
6/06
Brian Capps
9 pm
Thu
6/11
Bill Holden
8 pm
Fri
6/12
Brent Baker
9 pm
Sat
6/13
Ronnie Bear
9 pm
Wed
6/17
Malford Milligan
8 pm
Thu
6/18
Brian Capps
8 pm
Fri
6/19
Five Bucks
9 pm
Sat
6/20
Lost Highway
9 pm
Thu
6/25
James Muns
8 pm
Fri
6/26
Darrel Cole
9 pm
Sat
6/27
Darrel Cole
9 pm
C:note
Fri
6/05
Jon Glazer Trio
8 pm
Sat
6/06
Ta-rio
8 pm
Fri
6/12
Travis Kidd
8 pm
Sat
6/13
Ta-rio
8 pm
Fri
6/19
Jon Glazer
8 pm
Sat
6/20
Jon Glazer Trio
8 pm
Fri
6/26
Jon Glazer Trio
8 pm
Sat
6/27
Jon Glazer Trio
8 pm
Tue
6/02
Chad Lee
7 pm
Wed
6/03
Kelly Richey
7 pm
Thu
6/04
Bill Holden
8 pm
Fri
6/05
Nace Brothers
9 pm
Sat
6/06
Nace Brothers
9 pm
Sun
6/07
Chris Duarte
7 pm
Tue
6/09
Earl and Them
7 pm
Wed
6/10
Scott Keeton
7 pm
Thu
6/11
Voyager
8 pm
Fri
6/12
Garratt Wilkin
& the Parrotheads
9 pm
Sat
6/13
Garratt Wilkin
& the Parrotheads
9 pm
Sun
6/14
Sofa Kingdom
7 pm
Tue
6/16
Big Bad Bubba
7 pm
Wed
6/17
Tijuana Gigalos
7 pm
Thu
6/18
Red River Mudcats
7 pm
Thu
6/18
Malford Milligan
10 pm
Fri
6/19
The Dropouts
9 pm
Sat
6/20
The Dropouts
9 pm
Sun
6/21
Sofa Kingdom
7 pm
Tue
6/23
Earl and Them
7 pm
Wed
6/24
Earl’s Garage
7 pm
Thu
6/25
Benjamin Del Shreve
8 pm
Fri
6/26
Scott Keeton
7 pm
Fri
6/26
The Dempseys
10 pm
Sat
6/27
Scott Keeton
7 pm
Sat
6/27
The Dempseys
10 pm
Sun
6/28
Sofa Kingdom
7 pm
Tue
6/30
Joe Worrel
7 pm
Fri
6/05
Lost Highway
9 pm
Sat
6/06
Jed Clampitt
9 pm
Fri
6/12
Scott Keeton
9 pm
Sat
6/13
Scott Keeton
9 pm
Fri
6/19
Miller and Furnas
9 pm
Sat
6/20
Miller and Furnas
9 pm
Fri
6/26
Jack and James
9 pm
Sat
6/27
Jack and James
9 pm
Wed
6/03
Chad Lee
9 pm
Thu
6/04
Kelly Richey
9 pm
Fri
6/05
Darrel Cole
9 pm
Sat
6/06
Darrel Cole
9 pm
Wed
6/10
Pumpkin Hollow Boys
9 pm
Thu
6/11
Travis Kidd
9 pm
Fri
6/12
Lost Highway
9 pm
Sat
6/13
Lost Highway
9 pm
Wed
6/17
Brian Capps
9 pm
Thu
6/18
Voyager
9 pm
Fri
6/19
Runnin’ On Empty
9 pm
Sat
6/20
Terri & the Executives
9 pm
Wed
6/24
South 40
9 pm
Thu
6/25
Travis Kidd
9 pm
Fri
6/26
Silent Thunder
9 pm
Sat
6/27
Silent Thunder
9 pm
Mon
6/01
Spin DJ
7 pm
Tue
6/02
Acoustic/Brad Hopkins
7 pm
Wed
6/03
Acoustic/Travis Kidd
6 pm
Thu
6/04
Earl and Them
7 pm
Fri
6/05
Chad Lee
9 pm
Sat
6/06
Chad Lee
9 pm
Mon
6/08
Spin DJ
7 pm
Tue
6/09
Acoustic/Brad Hopkins
7 pm
Wed
6/10
Acoustic/Scott Ellison
6 pm
Thu
6/11
Ta-rio
7 pm
Fri
6/12
Beer and Chicken Band
9 pm
Sat
6/13
Big Bad Bubba
6 pm
Sat
6/13
Darrel Cole
10 pm
Mon
6/15
Spin DJ
7 pm
Tue
6/16
Acoustic/Brad Hopkins
7 pm
Wed
6/17
Acoustic/Darren Ray
6 pm
Thu
6/18
Tijuana Gigalos
7 pm
Fri
6/19
Turnpike Troubadours
9 pm
Sat
6/20
Fat Dixie
9 pm
Mon
6/22
Spin DJ
7 pm
Tue
6/23
Acoustic/Brad Hopkins
7 pm
Wed
6/24
Acoustic/Scott Ellison
6 pm
Thu
6/25
Clint Osmus & Bushmills
7 pm
Fri
6/26
Brandon Clark Band
9 pm
Sat
6/27
Thomas Martinez
6 pm
Sat
6/27
Trent Tomlinson
10 pm
Mon
6/29
Spin DJ
7 pm
Tue
6/30
Acoustic/Brad Hopkins
7 pm
Dates, times and acts are subject to change.
VOLUME 6 NUMBER 6 JUNE 2009
OPINION
Editorial.......................................Page 11
Nashville......................................Page 11
ENTERTAINMENT
Levon Helm.......................................................Page12
Bluegrass at Skiatook..............................Page14
OK Mozart...................................................Page 16
Bartlesville Sunfest..................................Page 18
Wilco & Lucinda Williams...............................Page 19
Established Artist Spotlight.............Page 20
Three Bands in June..............................Page 21
Shenandoah Diamond Daze......................Page 22
Chaos at the Cove.....................................Page23
Muskogee Juneteenth............................Page24
Emerging Artist Spotlight.......................Page 26
Rascall
Flatts.........................................Page
28
Robin Trower/Hurricane Mason......Page 30
Ft. Smith Blues Fest.................................Page 32
Rocklahoma...............................................Page 37
Tahlequah - Art of Living...........................Page44
Leon Russell ...............................................Page46
CD Reviews..................................................Page 48
Circle Cinema.............................................Page50
Concert Page............................................Page51
The Current Calendar............................Page 54
The Current Lowdown..........................Page 77
Road Trippin’.............................................Page 84
In this
issue
12
16
24
37
46
OK Mozart madness
Our cover girl, Kristin Chenowith, joins Chick
Corea, Eric Sarmiento and many more at this
world renowned event in Bartlesville.
Jumpin’ Juneteenth jazz
Rocklahoma roundup
The Current reintroduces you to all your
favorite bands of the ‘80s ready to Rocklahoma
in Pryor.
Take a load off Levon
Levon Helm, legendary drummer of The Band,
returns to Currentland for a pair of shows.
Leon’s Grand Return
The master of time and space, Leon Russell,
returns to Grand Lake for the grand open-
ing of Oklahoma’s newest outdoor attraction,
Junior’s Paradise.
An all-star cast heads to Muskogee to honor
the late great pianist Jay McShann with
concerts and celebrations.
THE LOWDOWN
Sycamore Springs Resort.........................Page77
Tulsa Tunes.................................................Page77
Creek Nation Fest....................................Page 77
Tahlequah Musica..................................Page 77
Grove Grooves.................................................Page 78
Stillwater Shows.......................................Page 78
Wakarusa....................................................Page 78
Music
in the
‘Gee................................................Page 78
Fayetteville Fun.........................................Page78
Doobie Bros.................................................Page78
Eufaula Festiva...........................................Page 78
Bonnaroo....................................................Page 78
Liberty Theater.........................................Page 78
Jazz Fest Findings....................................Page 78
Outdoor Ops.................................................Page 78
Culture Class...............................................Page78
Cruise Control.............................................Page78
The Current Lowdown...........................Page 77
33
20
12
Keeping Oklahoma, Southeast Kansas & North-west Arkansas groovy, baby
6 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
6 THE CURRENT
JUNE 2009
Art Walk Begins 11am
Oklahoma Wine & Beer Tasting 2pm Norris Park
Bring your lawnchair, blanket, and appetite and
spend a day with the art & flavor of Tahlequah!
f
Art, Food, & Music!
Saturday
June 13th
Tahlequah
Live Music in the Park 4pm - 11pm
Red Dirt Ranger w/Randy Crouch • Red Eye Gravy
Little Joe • Joe Mack & Three Quarter Kind
Turnpike Troubadours • John Fulbright
Carter Sampson • Selby Minner
Dean WIllaims and more...
Keeping Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas green
Green Living
Earth, Body & Spirit
The
Current
Oklahoma's Alternative Source for
News, Entertainment and Green Living
STAFF
Publisher Tom Barlow
publisher@currentland.com
Managing Editor Joe Mack
joem@currentland.com
Adv. Mngr./Graphic Artist/Page Layout
Juanita Lewis
juanitam@currentland.com
Administration Bridget Barlow
bridgetb@currentland.com
Graphics Artists
Emmet Pedrick/Crystal Coats
Distribution Manager
Kevin "Sunshine" Richardson
Sales
Brad McGiffen - Oklahoma
bradm@currentland.com
(918) 816-6923
Amy Cresap - NE Oklahoma
amyc@currentland.com
(918) 323-2112
Lisa Guinn - Tahlequah & Muskogee
lisag@currentland.com
(918) 822-1375
Michelle Bruffett - McAlester
michelleb@currentland.com
(918) 316-6644
Michelle Holley - Bartlesville
michelleh@currentland.com
(918) 907-0385
Ron Prather - Stillwater
ronp@currentland.com
(214) 244-1744
Scott Gilliland - Stillwater
scottg@currentland.com
(405) 612-8097
Monica Senn - Tulsa
monicas@currentland.com
(918) 955-8902
Green Living Head Writer
Bridget Wood - Bartlesville
bridgetw@currentland.com
(918) 327-3796
Photographers
Kandi Mefford / Aaron Moore
Technology/Web Development
Robert Paden / Amy Goldian
Contributors
Porter Ragnus
Don Wood
Damon Blalack
Ronn Hopkins
Michael Bell
Bob Xang
Chris Becker
Regan Henson
Mike Burris
Shaun Perkins
Lisa Bracken
Michele Schmidt
Kenyon Taylor
Chris B. Critter
Dawn Caldwell
Scott Batie
Rae Thompson
Jeff Jeffries
Pamala Zora
Mike Horrell
Brooke Folsom
Betty Rumor Perkins
Andrew Hicks
Cover design by Juanita Lewis
Web Site
www.currentland.com
Phone Numbers
News Line (918) 431-0330
Advertising Line (918) 431-0392
The entire contents of The Current Alternative
News Source are Copyright 2009. The opinions
expressed herein aren't necessarily the views of Barlow
Publishing, its employees, and/or its advertisers.
The Current Alternative News Source® is
produced monthly by Barlow Publishing LLC.
The Current is located at 326 E. Downing,
Tahlequah, OK, 74464
The Current is printed by
Springfield Web Printing LLC
(417) 890-1222 • (417) 207-2222
GREEN LIVING
Roping the Wind.........................................Page 87
Earl Hatley...................................................Page 90
Canning.....................................................Page
93
The Current is
printed on recycled
newsprint with
eco-friendly,
soy-based ink.
Please read then
recycle this paper.
In this
issue
Canning safely
Pamala Zora explains
the importance of safety
in the food preservation
process.
93
Hats off to Hatley
Plant matter
Senior Biologist Don Wolfe
weighs in on the environ-
mental impact wind energy
has on the prairie chicken.
87
Green Living head Writer
Bridget K. Wood shines some
love and light on Oklahoma
activist Earl Hatley.
90
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
~Pablo Picasso
87
93
90
8 THE CURRENT
JUNE 2009
New for 2009
Thomas DiGiovanna, MD, FACEP
Get Ready for
Swimsuit Season!
• Minimize wrinkles
• Reduce age spots, acne & facial scars
• Improve skin frmness
• Remove moles & skin tags
•
Stretch Marks!!!
Botox®
Fillers - Restylane®/
Radiesse®
Microdermabrasion
Therapeutic Massage
Body Wraps
Chemical Peels
Skin Care Products
Starlight Vitamins
Laser Hair Removal
Tattoo Removal
Leg Vein Removal
Photofacial Treatment
Other Services
105 Mimosa Lane, Tahlequah • www.advancedbodysculpture.com
1-877-567-6362 or 1-918-431-9982
Liposuction
featuring Smartlipo & Vaser
It’s not about vanity
... it’s about confidence!
REVOLUTIONARY
NEW DIET & WEIGHT
LOSS TREATMENT
BhCG Diet
NOW AVAILABLE!
Call for more information.
School Teacher Special!
20% off All Procedures!
Expires 7/4/09
Thanks for another wonderful year!!
JUNE 2009
THE CURRENT 9
THE GOOD LIFE
True Believer..............................................Page 94
Made in Oklahoma....................................Page 95
Arts & Crafts Festivals......................Page 96
Drink...............................................Page97
DINING OUT
19th Hole.....................................................Page 98
Los Cabos......................................................Page99
Dining Guide...............................................Page 100
The Good Life ~
Dining Out
In this
issue
96
98
10 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
Friday, June 5th 7pm
Ladies Mechanical Bull Riding
w/Special Guests
The Hooters Girls
Concert and Dance following
Ronnie McDowell
$20 .00
Saturday, June 6th 9am
United States Team Roping Championships
$130 .00 Entry Fee per Team
Saturday, June 13th 7pm
Bad Bull Rumble
with 40 of the Menaest and Baddest Bulls
of the PBR and W.N.F.R.
$10 .00
Concert and Dance following
The Kentucky Headhunters
$20 .00
6680 E 620 Road
Locust Grove, OK
918-598-3554
Tickets available at the Sycamore Springs Ranch box office.
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 11
OPINION
Northeast Oklahoma’s
Favorite Corner!
Bartlesville
Discount
Liquor
918-458-5200
New, Repairs & Upgrades
Raymond Goldman
goldman.ray@gmail.com
706 S. Muskogee Ave
Tahlequah, OK 74464
From a distance, downtown
Nashville looks like a glass wedding
cake - spires reaching towards the sky,
shimmering,
glittery
buttresses
and
supports upon which a teetering sym-
bol of
American institution perches.
Country music is this town’s first love.
The relationship between Nashville and
country music is, in itself, fodder for a
country song. For years, this has been
the Mecca for aspiring country stars.
They play paneled-wall dives along
Broadway for $20 a gig. They take sec-
ond and third jobs to make enough to
cut a demo. They live in their cars, skip
out on rent and generally go broke,
chasing that Neon Rainbow (to borrow
a line from an Alan Jackson song).
Independent artists however,
are a strong current outside Music City.
The Texas music scene flourishes in
Austin. The Oklahoma red dirt move-
ment has its share of regional stars.
Nashville
is
the ultimate destination
for many. But for hundreds of bands,
digital marketing, FaceBook followers
and Myspacing have taken the place of
glad-handing A&R guys and Nashville
record execs.
Numbers
don’t
lie.
At
this
year’s Country Radio Seminar, an an-
nual meeting of movers and shakers
from the country music industry, atten-
dance was down by almost half. A lot
of that is because of the economy, but
some of it just might be the movement
towards independent musicians.
In the 1970s, the outlaw coun-
try movement pitted rebel musicians
like Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson
and Willie Nelson against the Nashville
music machine. Waylon, Willie and the
boys carved out their niche, and their
criticism of the industry eventually led
to
country’s
mainstream movement.
Nothing good lasts forever, and some
overproduced, pop leaning acts have
once again stirred a new generation of
outlaws. Shooter Jennings,
Waylon’s
son, is one such critic of the new Nash-
ville machine. Jamey Johnson is anoth-
er. Rather than snub talent like these
two, however, this year, CRS embraced
that country off-shoot, giving Johnson
his own mid-day concert right smack in
the middle of downtown Nashville. He
pulled no punches.
Jason Thomas is an indepen-
dent Nashville artist who knows, all
too well the ides of the industry. For
five years he’s been pursuing a career in
country music professionally. The rest,
he jokes, was unprofessional.
“Unprofessionally,
I’ve
been
at it a long time. Since high school. The
one thing I’ve learned in five years is
that I’m alive and I’m still broke, and
I’ve learned that the music business is
even more confusing than I originally
thought it would have been.”
Still he has seen success, chart-
ing two singles in the last three years,
and says the formula for success in the
business is really not to follow a formu-
la at all.
“I think it’s a guess on what to do. I’m
trying to have fun and hopefully by
having fun and being smart and sur-
rounding yourself with the right peo-
ple, you will succeed. I would say that
you’re only going to guarantee yourself
whether you win or you lose is if you
quit.”
Thomas says
he’s
happy in
Nashville, but admits that some artists’
experiences in Music City have been
less than favorable. Still, he says his sto-
ry reflects the stories of everyone trying
to make it in the business in and out of
Nashville. And he’s kept his sense of
humor about it.
“Maybe we’ll move out of un-
professional and into amateur in the
next 10-15 years. We’re learning how to
change the strings on our guitars. And
hopefully one day if we’re lucky we’ll
actually turn our microphones on.”
Jason Thomas can be found at www.ja-
sonthomascountry.com.
- Bruno Moore
Nashville – where some get the
big break and others go broke
Himalayan Salt
517 W. Okmulgee Muskogee
918-869-7502
www.annaswonderbutter.com
Also in: Anna’s Wonder Butter - Original/
Extra Healing, Vapor Therapy, Pain Relief,
Lip Butter, Lotion Bars, & Lotion Candles
Announcing the Newest
Member of Anna’s
Wonder Butter Family:
100% Natural
Anti-Cellulite Cream
It Will Amaze You!
Open Tues - Sat 11am - 7pm
ANNA MARIE’S CANDLERY
Win a Gift Basket For DAD!
Enter the Coloring Contest
Ages 0 thru Adult at
Mother Nature has put up one
heck of a fight in letting the sun shine
through this spring. It’s been like trying
to separate a mother bear from her cubs.
The other day when the rain started
coming down hard for yet another time
my 15 year old son Brian cut three holes
in a large black garbage bag poked his
head and arms through and darted out
the front door. The rain was so fierce he
vanished immediately. That’s a heavy
down pour when you can’t see a 15 you
old boy wearing a pitch black bag jump-
ing around five feet in front of you.
Don’t misunderstand me I love the rain.
Ian Hunter released an album years ago
with one side recorded while he played
along to a thunder storm simply titled
“Rain.” On rainy days I put that album
on, open all the windows and doors and
play it for hours. But enough is enough,
I hope by the time you are reading this
issue, Mother Nature has given in for
the season and you are spending lots
and lots of time outside having fun.
Speaking
of
summer,
how
about our June cover? A little different
for us, don’t you think? The Current
has become known for covers of red
dirt and alternative artists generally.
Our cover selection process is a natural
one. Each of us in the office has their
own idea of who should be on the cover
of the next issue. The starting criteria is
simple, who’s coming to Currentland?
Right away everyone starts lobbying for
their favorite idea, armed with photos
and facts. Before long, the perfect cover
emerges and we were all a part of the
magic. I am always amazed and still
surprised every time. The Kristin Che-
noweth cover was a child of that pro-
cess. Kristin has talent screaming out
of her in every direction. Kristin Che-
noweth is not only a singer but a major
talent in musical theater as well; she is
a film and a television star plus a best-
selling author and guess what -she was
raised in
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
One of the photographs vying for our
cover was so stunning the June issue
would have more resembled Glamour
or Vogue than The Current covers peo-
ple are used to seeing. I like the one we
picked in the end, don’t you?
Speaking of people used to
seeing The Current, we started our ex-
pansion into Tulsa Metro. Like every
step
since
the
first
issue
expanding
the Current into Tulsa had to happen
naturally. The Current has three main
ingredients: the people, the places, and
the papers, but the magic starts with
our crew, people always. Our team has
grown so naturally I have been putting
faith in a kind of “Field of Dreams” hir-
ing philosophy “If you need them, they
will come”. So when it came time to start
hiring a Tulsa staff I couldn’t bring my-
self to simply put an ad in the classifieds
- how mundane. Then, sure enough, I
got a call from a woman who said she
wanted to work for us in Tulsa. Moni-
ca was professional on the phone and
said all the right things. She was will-
ing to distribute, sell, write anything to
help. We meet at her home off 51st and
Mingo. After a few minutes, I started
looking around for a camera - someone
had to be pulling my leg. Monica was
indeed a professional well-employed
in management at a top fashion retailer
and very, very talented. Monica loved
The Current ever since she saw her first
copy, has read it every month and when
she couldn’t find one she read it on line.
She could quote stories and writers like
my oldest son quotes baseball stats. I
mean she loves the Current. It was al-
most too much to believe. Monica put
in her notice that same day and is now
on board. Like I said, to good be true,
you beat, what we are getting used to
around here, absolutely. With that I will
say a due.
- Tom Barlow
I am amazed and
surprised every time
By Chris B. Critter
Green Country will be much
blessed in June with two opportunities
to see Levon Helm perform. Helm is the
living embodiment of American music
heritage. Born Mark Lavon Helm he
goes by a modified version of his mid-
dle name, changed to Levon when his
band mates insisted on pronouncing his
name incorrectly. His family had some
musical background and a love of vari-
ous kinds of traditional music, Helm
listened to such things as the “Grand
Ole Opry” and the “King Biscuit” ra-
dio shows and his first live show, “Bill
Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys.” Even at a
very young age, music was a passion
for Helm; at nine he had his first gui-
tar. Shortly thereafter, the young Le-
von would make his way to the radio
studio in Helena, Ark. to watch Sonny
Boy Williamson do his radio show. At
age 12, Levon was already gigging his
own shows with his sister playing bass.
As a teenager, Helm recalls watching
Elvis’ drummer D. J. Fontana and Jerry
Lee Lewis’ drummer Jimmy Van Eaton
drive crowds wild with their beats, so
soon after, Helm switched to drumming.
And so, by 1957 when Ronnie Hawkins
needed to form a band to tour Canada,
Levon Helm was ready to go out as a
professional drummer. In 1959, this
band, Ronnie Got The Hawks, had two
hit singles, “Forty Days” and “Mary
Lou,” and they even appeared on Dick
Clark’s “American Bandstand.”
Hawkins had a true eye for
talent and by the early ‘60s, had added
Richard Manuel, Rick Danko, Robbie
Robertson and Garth Hudson to his
band along with Helm. This line-up
was what became known as The Band.
But first they were Ronnie Hawkins
and the Hawks. However much they
learned from Hawkins and valued his
input, this band was too full of stars and
incredible talents to simply back him for
long. When they left Hawkins behind,
they first called themselves Levon and
the Hawks. As an incredible backing
ensemble they were available when Bob
Dylan came calling looking to electrify
his sound and play rock and roll. Dylan
and The Band both took up residence in
Woodstock, NY. There Helm and his
band mates occupied the large, pink
house known as Big Pink. Some say
it was the townspeople of Woodstock
who began simply calling them “The
Band,” others say it was a record com-
pany thing, but either way it was at this
time that they decided to just use that
simple unassuming name. Their album,
Music from Big Pink, released in the
summer of 1968, and was a magnificent
success. The follow up album, epony-
mously titled The Band, may very well
be their masterpiece. They would go on
to create several more albums and in-
numerable classic songs such as “The
Weight,” “The Night They Drove Old
Dixie Down,” “Rag Mama Rag,” “Oph-
elia,” “Acadian Driftwood” and “Up on
Cripple Creek.” The Band would have
a
continuing association with Dylan
and served as his back group on some
of his best work.
The Band also continued to
have an enduring presence in the Wood-
stock area as Levon for one set up a re-
cording studio there. The barn studio
Helm built also became his home. Helm
recorded blues legend Muddy Waters
in this studio and the result was The
Woodstock Album. Released in 1975, the
Muddy Waters Woodstock Album takes
up where his hippie friendly Hendrix-
esque 1968 album Electric Mud left off,
however the earlier disc Electric Mud
was panned by music critics, whereas
with Helm’s assistance, Muddy Waters
won a Grammy this time.
As Levon was reaching this
great success as a producer, The Band
was dissolving. They held a going away
party and called it The Last Waltz. It was
a marvelous reunion of all The Band’s
friends and family. On stage were Ron-
nie Hawkins, Dr. John, Muddy Waters,
Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton
and a nearly endless all-star list. This
farewell concert was sold as a triple
length album and the film footage may-
be the first ever rockumentary.
Members of The Band went on
to solo careers. Levon both produced
and performed on new albums. But he
also began acting, cast as Loretta Lynn’s
father in the movie Coal Miner’s Daugh-
ter.
Receiving praise for his acting,
Helm has continued to make occasional
film appearances when the role is right.
But the magic that made The Band spe-
cial was enduring and when Rick Danko
moved back to Woodstock, and the two
old
friends
began working together
again. By 1983, The Band was perform-
ing and recording again although with-
out Robbie Robertson. The reformed
Band continued playing together even
after the tragic death of Richard Manuel
in 1986. During the 1990s The Band
recorded more successful albums and
The Band performed with The Grateful
Dead at their last shows in 1995. Then in
1996, Levon was stricken by throat can-
cer and his famous voice was severely
damaged. Still able to play his instru-
ments Helm began performing with his
daughter Amy Helm on vocals. Amy
continues to appear with him regularly.
Any reunions of The Band were perma-
nently ended when Rick Danko passed
away in 1999.
The new millennium has seen
CARPET *$17.99sqyrd (Installed w/Pad)
CUSHION VINYL *$8.99sqyrd • WOOD *$2.99sqft
CERAMIC *.99¢sqft • LAMINATE *$2.99sqft
Quality Products!
Superior Service!
FREE Estimates!
Carpet • Wood
Tile • Laminate
Area Rugs
The ONLY Authorized Oreck
Dealer in Muskogee!
918-682-4261 Call Us Today
Main & Hancock - Muskogee
Monday thru Friday8:00am to 5:00pm,
Saturday 10:00am to 2:00pm *Will stay later by appointment
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
* ALL PRICES ARE STARTING AT
12 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
ENTERTAINMENT
Retro Charm Market
Tahlequah, OK
Antiques, Collectibles,
Gypsy Chicks,
Memorabilia &
Vintage Clothing
20%
Off
Coupon
Unless Marked Firm
Great Wine & Beer Selection
Friendly Service
4017 Nowata Rd, Bartlesville • Mon-Sat, 10-9
Nowata
Road Liquor
Levon Helm takes a load off in Green Country
Legendary drummer Levon Helm
Photo by Paul La Raja
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 13
ENTERTAINMENT
3116 West Broadway • Muskogee (918) 683-1306
Broadway
LiquorsWine and
spirits
Corona All Packages
Heineken All Packages
Tecate All Packages
Aquinas Cabernet
Cupcake Chardonnay & Cabernet
June SpecialS
“The Best Selection & Prices in town”
Grab your spirits,
and have some Fun!
Personal Bail-Outs
Company
Looking for
Upward Thinking
Sales People
Incredible Opportunity
•Over 30% Commissions•
•Bonuses•
•Free Training•
•No Territory•
•No Ceiling•
Call us at
918-577-2131
the miraculous restoration of Levon’s
voice and he is singing again without
pain or strain. In 2004, Helm began a
new and exciting music venture called
the Midnight Ramble. House concert
style
intimate
performances
for
the
public at Levon’s home studio, these
performances
are
incredibly
joyous
events. Joined by ensemble casts of his
inestimably talented friends, Helm has
hosted appearances by the late great
blues pianist Johnnie Johnson, as well
as Emmylou Harris, Dr. John, John Se-
bastian, Allan Toussaint, Chris Robin-
son, Gillian Welch, Elvis Costello, Larry
Campbell, Jimmy Vivino, Hubert Sum-
lin, Ricki Lee Jones, The Swell Season,
Donald Fagen, Norah Jones, and Sex
Mob. These monthly Rambles are usu-
ally sold out well in advance, but if you
find yourself visiting New York State,
plan ahead and check it out!
In 2007, Levon released Dirt
Farmer, his first solo studio album in
over 20 years. The album is a project
of deep emotion containing music in-
spired by Levon’s childhood and songs
handed down from his parents. An-
other feather in Helm’s cap, Dirt Farmer
was awarded a Grammy for Best Tradi-
tional Folk Album. Never slacking Le-
von will release the follow up album on
June 30, 2009. The new record is called
Electric Dirt, the title referencing both
the Dirt Farmer disc and another tip of
the hat to Muddy Waters’ Electric Mud
project. Electric Dirt contains a wide
variety
of
American song
traditions
including classic covers of Muddy Wa-
ters, Randy Newman and The Grateful
Dead. Bluesy horn sections over soul
music combined with classic southern
rock gives Helm’s new album wide-
ranging appeal.
The Levon Helm Band oscil-
lates and percolates, but currently it in-
cludes the likes of multi-instrumentalist
Larry Campbell who’s played with ev-
eryone from Kinky Friedman to Doug
Sahm and has notably spent many road
miles touring recently with both Bob
Dylan’s band and Grateful Dead bassist
Phil Lesh. Another member of Helm’s
ensemble is Jimmy Vivino, a guitarists’
guitarist who is most famous from his
work with Conan O’Brien’s house band,
Vivino also has a real New York blues
pedigree.
Speaking of the blues, the
Levon Helm Band also includes a living
legend of the genre in Little Sammy Da-
vis, the vocalist and harmonica player
embodies the history of the blues, hav-
ing been born in the Mississippi Delta in
1928, he’s played with Earl Hooker, Slim
Harpo, Albert King, Muddy Waters, Pi-
netop Perkins, Jimmy Reed and more.
Handling bass duties for Helm is Mike
Merritt, another veteran of the New
York jazz and blues scene; he’s played
with everyone from Johnny Copeland
to Art Blakey. Another New York jour-
neyman handles keys, Brian Mitchell
working the B3 organ also has a history
in the New Orleans scene and working
with Bob Dylan, Erik Lawrence plays
saxophones and flutes. Howard John-
son plays tuba and baritone but other
horns as well. Jamband jazz legend Ste-
ven Bernstein handles trumpet duties,
taking a break from his band, Sex Mob.
Clark Gayton plays trombone and tuba.
The band is also joined by saxophonist
and assorted instrumentalist Jay Collins,
who also became Levon’s son-in-law in
2007; his wife, Levon’s daughter, Amy
Helm lends a hand on vocals. Amy has
also found her own fame in New York
post-millennial folk band, Ollabelle.
On June 16, Levon Helm ap-
pears
at
Cain’s
Ballroom
in
Tulsa,
Oklahoma. Tickets can be purchased
at www.cainsballroom.com. Then on
June 18, at the Walton Arts Center in
Fayetteville, Ark., Green Country will
get a second area appearance. Get tick-
ets at www.waltonartscenter.org. More
info about Levon Helm and his music,
his Midnight Rambles and tour dates
can be found at www.levonhelm.com
Don’t miss Levon Helm June 16 at Cain’s Ballroom and June 18 at
the Walton Arts Center.
By Porter Ragnus
Hello. My name is Porter Rag-
nus and I am a Bluegrass-aholic. I am
a friend of Bill M. It all started for me
years ago when I was having some den-
tal surgery and The Earl Scruggs Revue
was playing on the little boom box in
the corner as I was being gassed away
into painless oblivion. During my time
in the numb nether world I had a vision
so real that it changed my life forever.
You might even call it an out-of-body
experience. Needless to say, I was defi-
nitely traveling some astral plane that
led to my cosmic destiny. It happens all
the time at the dentist.
I found myself in the middle of
a war-torn barren wasteland stuck in be-
tween a hilly horizon and what I could
only assume were the demonic armies
of darkness led by the Four Horsemen
of the Apocalypse and they were fast
approaching, so I booked it in the other
direction. Before I reached the top of
the hill, I heard a sound accompanying
a beautiful sunrise in front of me. It was
like a choir of angels, yet there were no
voices.
Only bright, slightly off-key
plunky notes rolling over the earth. The
sound was beautiful and deafening and
I fell to my knees as a shining finger-
picking army of banjo players marched
past, wielding their five strings like bril-
liant burning broadswords of heavenly
might. The armies of darkness shrank
cowardly and retreated but could not
outrun the sonic vibrations produced
by majestic yet tone-deaf banjoists of
righteousness.
The demonic swarms
were wiped off the face of the earth and
all was well again as the Banjo Army
stopped to tune. I awoke hopelessly
addicted to bluegrass. Luckily, I am go-
ing to get my fix this June close to home
in Skiatook, Oklahoma, at the Fifth An-
nual Skiatook Bluegrass Festival.
June 25 - 27 will be the days
this summer during which the hospita-
ble little town of Skiatook will be filled
the sounds of mandolins, fiddles, ban-
jos, dobros, guitars and upright basses
as stellar musicians meet there to thrill
the acoustic sensibilities of bluegrass
addicts like myself. When I say ‘stellar,’
I mean it because this years’ line-up is
the best yet and boy oh boy is it going
to be fun.
Headlining the festie on both
Friday and Saturday night will be the
one and only Alan Munde with his
awesome band The Alan Munde Ga-
zette which includes Nate Lee, Steve
Smith, Bill Honker and Elliot Roger.
Alan Munde is originally from Oklaho-
ma which explains why he is such a ge-
nius. His banjo playing is regarded as
some of the best on the planet. It’s the
kind of banjo playing that transcends
normal space and time and thrives in a
mysterious and far away banjo dimen-
sion where banjos grow on trees and the
squirrels wear finger picks. Munde is
an accomplished teacher of the banjo as
well as a performer. He’s like the Mr.
Miyagi of the banjo. For more informa-
tion on this living legend, go on down
to www.alanmundegazette.com.
Robert Hale and Wildfire are
going to burn the stage down in a good
way.
These guys drive the beat like
Casey Jones’ locomotive straight into
oblivion. Curt Chapman and Jesse Baker
back Hale in this instrumentally extraor-
dinary outfit. They play the oldies but
goodies as well as the long-established
bluegrass and old country standards
that your grandmother just can’t wait to
lip-sync in her lawn chair. Check them
out at www.wildfireband.com.
The Jeanette Williams Band
is another sweet treat for the bluegrass
soul at this year’s festival. Jeanette has
had the honor to be a part of George
Jones’ band as well as Dan Tyminski’s
band (you know, the guy who sang that
song on the Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?
soundtrack). She has been nominated
for
countless
awards
including
six
nominations for the SPBGMA Female
Vocalist of the Year. Find her stuff at
wwwjeanettewilliams.com.
The Bonham Revue is another
amazingly
awesome
bluegrass
band
that will be on the Skiatook stage. Vir-
gil Bonham and company have been
playing sweet sweet acoustical music
for more years than I have fingers and
toes (I have 26, by the way. It’s a long
story.) They are an integral part of the
Oklahoma bluegrass scene and are no
shirkers when it comes to honoring the
tradition they carry on by recognizing
and playing the music of those that
came before them such as Bill Monroe,
Lester Flatt, Byron Berline and on and
on. Head over to www.thebonhamre-
vue.com for more information.
Another
highlight
this
year
will be a tribute to Hank Williams (the
first one, in case you were wondering)
put on by the venerable Jim Blair and
Oklahoma City-based band City Moon.
These super-cool dudes are going to
play you back to yesteryears when Luke
was still drifting and all was as well in
country music as it’s ever been.
Rounding out the line-up will
be
regional
acts
Heartland
Express,
Klondike5 String Band, The Zoograss
Boys and Tall Cotton String Band. Go
to www.skiatookbluegrass.com for tick-
et information, directions to the event,
scheduling and all that good stuff. I’ll
see you there and then I’ll see you at
the next Bluegrass-aholics Anonymous
meeting.
ENTERTAINMENT
14 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
Curl Up
& Dye
S
T
U D
I
O
1209 S. Park Hill Rd., Tahlequah
918-822-7963
10%off for NSU students
Come in & see Ashli
Hi-Lights • Low-Lights • Color
Perms • Waxing • Manicures
Pedicures • Shampoo Styles
Expires
6/30/09
$25.00
Pedicures
Bluegrass-aholics get their June fix in Skiatook
The Alan Munde Gazette brings a unique, hard-driving banjo-led sound to the Skiatook Bluegrass Festival June 25-27.
You are invited to attend a discussion on
Facial & Cosmetic
Procedures
We offer: Weight Management with
Dr. Stephen J. Riddel Foto Facial
Dermal Fillers: Radiesse, Juvederm, Botox
Laser Hair Removal Microdermabrasion
Laser Vein Therapy/Schlerotherapy
1000 E. Wyandotte, McAlester
918.423.3325
with Dr. Steven S. Orten, MD
Saturday, June 13
Starting at 10am
Come in and visit with a Plastic
Surgeon and question without
feeling obligated or pressured.
Seating is limited, please call to reserve
your seat. Call 918-423-3325 to reserve a
seat at this very informative event.
JUNE 2009
THE CURRENT 15
Enchilada Dinner $4.99
Tuesday - Bartlesville & Coweta
Wednesday - Skiatook
Domestic Beer
(Bottles) $1
918-396-1888
1250 Rogers Blvd
Skiatook, OK
918-279-8226
13427 S Hwy 51
Coweta, OK
918-333-8226
621 SE Washinton Blvd
Bartlesville, OK
authentic Mexican cuisine
840 S. Madison
Bartlesville, OK
918-333-5294
2123 N. Summit St.
Arkansas City, KS
620-741-0031
Two Locations
•
Rediscover the Flavor of...
Mexico
“ We accept coupons from other Mexican Restaurants ”
•
317 S. Osage
Dewey, OK
918-534-1705
EL PATRON
Opening April
Monday
Buy 1
Lunch Fajita
at $6.99
Get 1 FREE
(One per Table)
Tuesday
Enchilada
Dinner
$5.99
Wednesday
Kids Eat FREE
(1 Child/Adult)
Monday - Friday
$5.99 Lunch Specials
withFREE Soft Drink
Everyday
16oz Margarita $2.99
Buy 1 Margarita
at Regular Price
Get2nd for 1¢
Domestic Beer $1.99
Draft Beer 99¢
jude s
HEALTH & JAVA HOUSE
Welcome to Bartlesville!
2503 S.E. Washington Blvd Bartlesville, OK
918-335-0500
www.healthandjava.com
Monday - Friday 6am - 6pm
Saturday 7am - 6pm
Health Food Store
Massage
Cafe & Coffeehouse
“Life is too short to drink bad coffee!”
Weeze’s Cafe
OPEN 7 DAYS PER WEEK
328 S DEWEY DOWNTOWN BARTLESVILLE
918-337-0881
BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DAILY SPECIALS
These fine resTrauranTs
inviTe you To visiT
barTLesviLLe
By Chris B. Critter
OK Mozart is a unique festival
that brings to Bartlesville memorable
cultural and musical experiences that
all Oklahomans can enjoy. The festival
is over a week long and features pro-
fessional orchestras and concert artists
who give performances worthy of inter-
national acclaim. Along with each day’s
concert, there are Festival Showcase
Events designed to inform and educate
as well as entertain. The festival begins
Friday, June 12 with an opening night
celebration that begins at 6 p.m. outside
the
Bartlesville
Community
Center.
The opening night party is free and will
feature fireworks and other entertain-
ment as well as wonderful music.
The next night, June 13, the fes-
tival holds it’s Silver Celebration Gala,
commemorating 25 years of OK Mozart
with a performance from the festival’s
resident orchestra, Amici New York.
Founded by conductor Ransom Wilson,
the Amici New York Orchestra contains
word class players with backgrounds in
the best most famous classical ensem-
bles such as the New York Philharmon-
ic, the New York City Opera, the Metro-
politan Opera, and the New York Pops.
Amici New York has been coming to
Bartlesville for 25 years and they have
become part of the community. With-
out them, the OK MozartFestival would
never have existed; it was conductor
Wilson who helped guide the event to
fruition. He became so motivated after
he discovered the amazing acoustics of
the Bartlesville Community Center and
how powerfully the room lends itself to
classical music.
June 14 will see a performance
of young pianists highlighted by Ewa
Plonka. This event is an international co-
operative effort sponsored by the Okla-
homa Israel Exchange program. June
14 will also bring the award winning
show, “Beethoven’s Wig,” to Bartles-
ville.
Featuring classical music and
funny memorable lyrics, “Beethoven’s
Wig” brings a new dimension to classi-
cal music, one that especially appeals to
children and young people. By blend-
ing humor with music, this unique pro-
gram can teach anyone appreciation for
the classics. “Beethoven’s Wig” has been
featured on the “Today Show” and Na-
tional Public Radio and the program’s
recorded albums have been nominated
for several Grammy awards.
June 15 has several events in-
cluding midday and afternoon perfor-
mances of chamber music and ballet
courtesy of the Houston Ballet’s Second
Troupe. June 16 again features chamber
16 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
ENTERTAINMENT
EMPIRE
FINANCE
LOANS UP TO $800
Sallisaw
(918) 775-7237
Eufaula
(918) 689-4420
Stilwell
(918) 696-3422
Grove
(918) 786-4194
Miami
(918) 542-2866
Henryetta
(918) 652-3303
McAlester
(918) 423-0013
Wilburton
(918) 465-4233
Claremore
(918) 342-3031
EMPIRE FINANCE
Happy Father’s Day
OK Mozart’s marvelous lineup includes Corea, Chenowith
Master pianist Chick Corea
Photo by Lynne Goldsmith
music concerts, and also features the
Spencer Prentiss Classical All Stars Con-
cert which will reunite some of the per-
formers from the very first OK Mozart
festival 25 years ago. Joining them will
be other remarkable talents performing
the expected classical pieces but also a
challenging fiddle jig by Americana art-
ist Mark O’Connor. June 17 features
more chamber music, but also a special
piano performance and the 25th Anni-
versary Concert marking the festival’s
Silver Celebration.
June 18 has the expected: more
wonderful chamber music, but also the
unexpected and avant-garde can be
found that day in the festival’s Cross-
over Series Concert. The OK Mozart
“X-Series” offers performances that go
beyond the classical music genre. This
year, the festival brings world famous
jazz keyboard guru Chick Corea togeth-
er with Gary Burton on vibes. Chick
Corea is a multiple Grammy Award
winning
American
jazz
pianist
and
keyboardist, Corea established himself
nationally with an appearance on Stan
Getz’s album Sweet Rain. But shortly
thereafter, he achieved his permanent
fame playing exploratory dissonance
and jazz fusion with the likes of Return
to Forever and Miles Davis. When orig-
inally announced by the festival orga-
nizers, this show was to be by the Chick
Corea Trio, but in the meantime the op-
portunity arose to pair Corea with Bur-
ton and everyone involved jumped at
the chance. Burton, whose vibraphone
playing uses a four-mallet technique
giving a sound very much like piano is
a perfect complement to Corea, as the
two have worked on numerous Gram-
my award winning duet projects over
a span of nearly 40 years. The Corea/
Burton discography includes such nota-
ble entries as 1972’s Crystal Silence and
2007’s belated but beloved follow-up,
The New Crystal Silence. Chick Corea
and Gary Burton duos are a jazz lover’s
dream and the astounding virtuosity
these men bring to their instruments
will astound all in attendance.
June 19 continues the chamber
music performances during the day and
then a special outdoor concert featuring
Philadelphia’s own Time for Three. A
unique act, Time for Three defies classi-
fication bringing together classical mu-
sic with country, pop and jazz, thereby
forming something totally new while
still being truly familiar. Time for Three
is Zach De Pue, on violin; Nick Kendall,
on violin; and Ranaan Meyer, on double
bass.
This
act
has
penchant
for
improvisation, often going beyond a
piece’s composition and arrangements.
They may call them violins on paper but
you’ll find these guys fiddling with the
best of them when they veer into coun-
try and bluegrass territory.
Remark-
ably, this act formed during a storm-
induced power failure at Philadelphia’s
Mann Center for the Performing Arts.
While power was being restored, Ra-
naan and Zach performing as members
of The Philadelphia Orchestra began an
impromptu jam session that included
such non-classical numbers as “Orange
Blossom Special.” A strange story, but
one that has sparked a groundbreaking
career for the trio.
The festival’s final day, June
20, begins with a matinee performance
by the Classical All Stars, members of
the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln
Center, these musicians bring the fin-
est New York culture to the Oklahoma
heartland.
Another magnificent fes-
tival season comes to an end with a
stirring finale. The OK Mozart festival
closes with Kristin Chenoweth backed
by Amici New York. A native Oklaho-
man, Chenoweth is from Broken Ar-
row. This beautiful and talented actress
has a Tony Award to her credit, and has
also been nominated for Screen Actor’s
Guild awards and an Emmy. Kristin’s
face maybe familiar to you from her
many TV and movie appearances such
as “The West Wing,” “Pushing Daisies,”
Running With Scissors, The Pink Panther
and many others, however, Chenoweth
is also an accomplished recording art-
ist with both solo albums and stage cast
soundtracks in her discography.
For
OK Mozart, Chenoweth will bring a
special performance that features songs
from Broadways’ most famous musicals
as well as pop standards and some op-
era classics. A stunning stage presence
like Chenoweth, backed with the depth
and power of the Amici New York Or-
chestra, will together bring a fitting end
to the 2009 OK Mozart festival.
To find out more about OK
Mozart and to explore the various ticket
and price options for each date’s events,
visit them online at www.OKMozart.
com.
The box office can be reached
by phone at (918) 336-9800 Monday
through Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Or, if you are in Bartlesville,
come by in person; the OK Mozart
box office is at 500-A South Dewey
and they’ll offer tickets through June
8. After that date, the festival’s box of-
fice moves, and re-opens at Bartlesville
Community Center. Once the festival
has begun, box office hours at the BCC
are as follows: June 13 - 20, 8:30 a.m.
to 8 p.m. – Saturday through Thursday,
and 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Friday.
FREE
In-Home
Consultation
Keeping cool and comfortable this summer
just got even more affordable! Act now and
get a $200 discount, good toward any
SunSetter Retractable Lateral Arm Awning
— America’s #1 best-selling awning.
Add a
gorgeous SunSetter Awning to your home
and enjoy the outdoors anytime you want.
A SunSetter keeps your deck up to 20
degrees cooler. It can lower your air condi-
tioning bills, too. It opens and closes in under
60 seconds, providing instant protection
against hot sun, light showers, 99% of
harmful UV rays. Call today and save!
Free in-home consultation.
Enjoy Instant Shade &
Comfort All Summer and
SAVE $200!
Professional Installation Available
Call now — sale ends 3/31/09:
(000)-000-0000
Motorized and manually
operated models available!
FREE
In-Home
Consultation
Keeping cool and comfortable this summer
just got even more affordable! Act now and
get a $200 discount, good toward any
SunSetter Retractable Lateral Arm Awning
— America’s #1 best-selling awning.
Add a
gorgeous SunSetter Awning to your home
and enjoy the outdoors anytime you want.
A SunSetter keeps your deck up to 20
degrees cooler. It can lower your air condi-
tioning bills, too. It opens and closes in under
60 seconds, providing instant protection
against hot sun, light showers, 99% of
harmful UV rays. Call today and save!
Free in-home consultation.
Enjoy Instant Shade &
Comfort All Summer and
SAVE $200!
Professional Installation Available
Call now — sale ends 3/31/09:
(000)-000-0000
Motorized and manually
operated models available!
Jones
Aluminum
Corporation
918-838-9846
5819 E. 15th St.
Tulsa, OK
74112
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 17
ENTERTAINMENT
Okie native Kristin Chenoweth headlines OK Mozart June 20.
18 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
ENTERTAINMENT
By Porter Ragnus
There is a bright burning ball of
love and life high in the sky as majestic
as anything our human eyes could ever
look upon yet we do not stare for its im-
age would forever be burned into our
corneas and that would be inconvenient
to say the least. An essential source of
energy for every living creature in our
wonderful biosphere and an essential
gravitational force that keeps our solar
system in constant working order like
an expensive Swiss watch forged by the
tinkerers of space and time, the masters
of the heavens, the blacksmiths of the
living abyss. It is the reason our ances-
tors thrived in the daytime and shiv-
ered cold and alone at night during its
absence only to be saved from the dark
unknown in the nick of time at dawn
as its loving warmth returned and lit
the path in front of their mortal indig-
nance. It controls the weather, which
the CIA does not, contrary to popular
opinion. It has been our savior and in-
spiration since we first laid our squinty
fish-with-legs eyes at it. When humans
first started pondering the concept of
a higher being (you know, God), they
naturally assumed it was the light in the
sky that created them. It definitely has
enough charisma to be a deity. It is the
Sun and it is an enormous fusion fueled
star and it is awesome, in the classical
sense of the word. It is the factory that
housed the evolutionary assembly line
that gave us breath in the first place and
because of that Bartlesville, Oklahoma
is throwing it a party.
Sunfest will take place on June
5 - 7 all over the wonderful Sooner Park
in B’ville. What is called “Oklahoma’s
biggest
outdoor
picnic”
will
consist
of so many wondrous warm-weather
activities no one will be able to com-
pletely absorb them all into their agen-
das. Arts and crafts will be in cornu-
copian
abundance
with
paintings,
woodcraft, stained
glass,
homemade
toys,
sculpture and numerous other
items that thrill you in true Americana
style. Youthfest will keep the kids oc-
cupied with way too many incredibly
fun activities. Children will be all over
the place in face-painted papier mache
making bubble blowing bliss. The Sun-
fest Car Show will have gear heads of all
ages, races and religions dropping their
jaws in unison at the beautiful sights
and sounds of hot rods and vintage ma-
chines of all types. If you like food, then
you are in store for an array of palate
pleasing delights purveyed by the fin-
est vendors around. Funnel cakes, corn
dogs and lemonade are just the tip of
the Sunfest grub iceberg. And for those
of you who enjoy fine live music, well,
let’s just say you are just as in store for
a treat as the face-painted youngsters.
rock, bluegrass, Americana, jazz, and
contemporary Christian are just a few
of the genres represented by the musi-
cal artists in attendance this year.
Lennie Baker and the Gigsters
will
be belting out everything from
country hits to R & B standards on the
main stage on Friday, June 5, at 6:30
p.m. Lennie has been singing since he
was a child in church which was nearly
50 years ago. He’s been recording al-
most as long and has amassed a reper-
toire that would break most folks’ brains
trying to remember all the words. Len-
nie and the boys have opened for such
acts as Roy Clark, Glen Campbell and
the Tower of Power. This will be one of
several times they have headlined Sun-
fest.
Tulsa guitar mad man Dustin
Pittsley and his band will be closing out
the main stage on Friday at 9:30 p.m.
Pittsley
plays
original
blues-tinged
Tulsa-tainted music that makes the la-
dies swoon and the men grit their teeth
with envy. Bartian Donnie Wood plays
bass in the band with a steady hand
and a solid backbone. Doug Wehmeyer
smacks the skins with his sticks holding
down the beat like Norm held down the
bar in “Cheers”. These guys are going
to make you dance so hard that you’ll
wish you hadn’t eaten the whole funnel
cake. Listen to a sample of their tunes at
www.myspace.com/dustinpittsley.
Amazing solo guitarist John
Hamlin will be on the Sunfest main
stage at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, June 6.
This acoustic mad man plays the guitar
sweeter than Yoo-hoo and richer than
Scrooge McDuck. His fingers fly over
the six-string like the Blue Angels fly
over air shows. Oh and get this - Ed-
gar Cruz is his mentor/teacher. If you
want to learn to play some of the best
guitar licks ever created, then Edgar
Cruz is the man to teach you. Check out
some of John Hamlin’s guitar stylings
at
www.myspace.com/johnhamlinso-
loguitarist or www.jamminjohnhamlin.
com.
On Sunday at 1:30 p.m. you
can catch internationally known saxo-
phone player Grady Nichols performing
his large range of music that a little bit
funky, a little bit soulful and a whole lot
of smooth. He blows the kind of notes
that make you feel cool and relaxed and
groovy to the marrow of your bones.
Check him out at www.gradynichols.
com.
Other musical acts will include
John Smith and Dan Sebranek, Infinity,
the Bruin Jazz Band (Go Bruins!!), a Steel
Drum Band, The Park Family Bluegrass
Band, Tuff Profit, Retro Rockerz, The
Usual
Suspects,
Jarrod
Elmore
and
more. There will be just as much good
music as there will be smiling people at
this year’s Sunfest. The website to visit
is www.bartlesvillesunfest.org.
Oh, I
forgot to mention the best part. It’s all
free. There is no admission charge to
have way too much fun at the Sunfest.
See you there.
Great tastinG Food, ComFortable dininG, and reasonable PriCes
B&J Restaurant
and
B&J Quik Stop
B&J Restaurant
Across from Wal-Mart
Tahlequah
24 Hours
Corner of Highway 10-A and Indian Road
Near Lake Tenkiller Dam
FREE WI-FI
INTERNET
IN
TAHLEQUAH
Bartlesville throws another wonderful Sunfest
Grady Nichols smooths out Sunfest on June 7.
By Regan Henson
Once in a while I get the op-
portunity to write about an artist, or
artists, who I actually enjoy listening to.
That’s not to say I dislike most of the
artists I write about, but for every ZZ
Top it seems there are five Jamey John-
sons. You know what I mean. Luckily,
this month there happen to be two acts
coming close that I consider among my
personal favorites. Not so luckily, by
close I mean Oklahoma City, which is a
good two and a half hours from me, and
since both are weekday shows, I prob-
ably won’t be able to see either, but at
least I get to write about them.
First up: Wilco. Not my favor-
ite band, but definitely top 10. Wilco
is the brainchild of Jeff Tweedy, one of
the founders of Uncle Tupelo, which is
my favorite band, although it hasn’t ex-
isted for a decade and a half. But that
doesn’t matter because Jeff Tweedy still
rocks. Well, he doesn’t really rock that
much anymore. These days Wilco has
moved away from their original sound
(as well as many of the original mem-
bers) and has evolved into an almost
otherworldly outfit that sounds more
at home alongside Radiohead than with
the regular alt-country crowd. But that
evolution has not come at the expense
of The Beatles-esque melodies that the
band has been known for since the very
beginning.
Widely known as a premier
live band, their concerts have been doc-
umented by the album Kicking Televi-
sion: Live in Chicago and the DVD Ashes
of American Flags. Their latest album,
Wilco (the album) is scheduled for re-
lease on June 30. Wilco will play the
Bricktown Events Center in Oklahoma
City on Monday, June 15. Tickets are
$30 and can be purchased by calling
(405) 236-4143 or by visiting www.tick-
etstorm.com.
If you can’t make it to Wilco,
don’t
fret.
Just
days
later,
another
member of alt-country royalty, Lucinda
Williams, comes to town. Widely rec-
ognized as one of the best songwriters
working, Williams has recorded with
the likes of Willie Nelson, Elvis Costello
and Flogging Molly. If you haven’t lis-
tened to Williams’ Grammy-winning
1998 album Car Wheels on a Gravel Road,
I urge you to do so now. But be warned:
listening to this record may compel
you to take a hammer and smash any
Sugarland or Taylor Swift records you
happen to own. You might also want to
check out her latest album, Little Honey,
on which she ups the rock quotient to
the extent that she even covers an AC/
DC song.
Of course, after doing what
she does for over 30 years, Lucinda
Williams is just a little tougher than to-
day’s country artists. She could take on
all the chicks from Rascal Flatts at the
same time while holding Kenny “Tat-
too” Chesney in a headlock. There’s a
reason every artist who wants a little
street credential gets Lucinda Williams
to play or sing on his album. This gal’s
the real deal, and she’s gonna be swing-
ing through our neck of the woods this
month. Check her out on Thursday,
June 18 at 7 p.m. when she plays the
Diamond Ballroom in Oklahoma City.
Tickets are $29 in advance and can be
purchased by calling (866) 977-6849 or
by going online to www.protix.com.
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 19
ENTERTAINMENT
Lakeside
Dental
“Creating Healthy Smiles”
(918) 485 - 3371
302 S. Hayes Ave., Wagoner, OK.
next to Steakout Grill
Aaron S. Harman, D.D.S.
We accept emergencies and most Insurance including Soonercare & Medicaid
209 Callahan, Muskogee
918-682-6259
Muskogee Beverage
Discount Liquor
Special Orders
And
Case Discounts
Available
Wine
v
Beer
v
Spirits
All Credit
Cards Accepted
Come by
Muskogee
Beverage,
and let us
help you
find the
perfect
way to
enjoy and
celebrate
with your
family and
friends.
Wilco & Lucinda Williams make for a wild week in OKC
Wilco (the band) hit OKC to promote Wilco (the album) on June 15.
By Scott Batie
Although time has taken the
color from his hair and left him with a
few extra wrinkles, it surely hasn’t tak-
en his uncanny ability to write a song.
Considered by many as one of the last
great cowboy poets, Billy Joe Shaver
will point his tour bus toward Pryor for
this year’s installment of Country Fe-
ver.
Although Billy Joe Shaver has
never truly become a household name,
his songs will no doubt be recognized
by all. Several of Shaver’s tunes became
country
standards
during
the
‘70s,
songs like “Willie the Wandering Gyp-
sy and Me,” “Good Christian Soldier,”
“I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train,” and
most notably “I’m Just an Old Chunk of
Coal.” Shaver, like many of the musi-
cal greats he idolized, is truly a larger
than life figure who characterizes the
rough-n-rowdy way he has lived his life
through the songs he writes and sings.
Billy
Joe’s
early years were
spent bouncing back and forth between
his mother, Victory Watson Shaver’s
home in Waco, Texas, and his Grand-
mother’s home in Corsicana, Texas. For
a time, Shaver and his younger sister
moved in with their grandmother full
time.
After Billy
Joe’s
grandmother
passed away, he and his sister moved
to Waco to live with his mother and her
new husband. By the time he reached
the eighth grade, Billy Joe dropped out
of school in order to help his uncle pick
cotton. Shaver would frequently return
to school in order to play sports, think-
ing that football could be a way out. On
his 17th birthday Billy Joe joined the
Navy. He soon learned that he wasn’t
cut out for military life. After his dis-
charge, Shaver traveled from one dead
end job to another. While working at a
saw mill an event occurred that Shav-
er says changed the course of his life.
While working one day, his right hand
got caught in a saw taking the major-
ity of two fingers. It was then that he
decided that life was too short to spend
your time doing something you didn’t
enjoy.
After the accident at the saw
mill, Shaver decided to pursue a career
in writing, a passion he had secretly had
since his early years in Corsicana. With
the desire to write songs in his heart,
Billy Joe decided to head west where all
dreams come true. So like any young
man of the time without a car, his only
means of travel was to hitch hike. Be-
cause he couldn’t get a ride west, Shav-
er opted for a ride heading east and ac-
companied a man who dropped him off
in Memphis and from there he found
his way to Nashville.
While
in
Nashville,
Shaver
landed a job writing for Bobby Bare that
paid $50 a week and a place to sleep
in Bare‘s office. Not only did this give
Shaver a place to hang his hat, it also
put his name and face in front of many
up and coming artists of the time.
During the ‘70s, Shaver spent
the majority of his time with a motley
crew of rough and rowdy Texans who
believed that they should be the ones
controlling
their
artistic
creativity.
They felt that they should be allowed
to record their music wherever, how-
ever, and with whomever they pleased.
While at one of Willie Nelson’s annual
picnics, Waylon Jennings made a com-
ment that he would like to record an al-
bum of Shaver’s music. This was a com-
ment that he intended to hold Jennings
to. After several months of what Shaver
called
“stalking,”
Jennings
recorded
and filled his famous album Honky Tonk
Heroes primarily with Shaver’s songs.
Although Shaver has never
received a large amount of recognition
for his music, he never let that stop
him from recording. He has nearly 20
albums under his belt, all of which are
characterized by his ability to tell a story
through experience. Shaver has worked
with some of the greatest musicians in
the business and is highly regarded by
all.
Shaver’s nonstop tour sched-
ule has brought him to our neck of the
woods on several different occasions.
He will be back in Oklahoma at this
year’s Country Fever in Pryor. Shaver
will be the main act for the festivities
on June 19. Tickets to this year’s event
are still available and can be purchased
at www.country.feverfest.com so make
sure you take advantage of the oppor-
tunity to see a living legend.
20 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
ENTERTAINMENT
Check out our line of Chickens, Roosters,
Apples, Grapes, Sunflowers and so much more!
Lodge decor incuding Deer, Bear and Moose.
2312 E. Shawnee “Curt’s Mall”, Muskogee
Tue - Sat. 10:30-6 • 918-683-1533
Fence Me In
Western purses, wallets, Bible covers, fireplace sets,
floor & table lamps, bedding, frames, furniture
Saddle Racks Now Available.
~ Buy ~
~ Sell ~
~ Trade ~
Cornerstone Center
12336 E. 88th St. North
Owasso ~ 918-274-8880
Guitars • Amps
Drums • Band
Trade-ins Welcome
Guitar Lessons Avail.
Established Artist Spotlight: Billy Joe Shaver
Billy Joe Shaver puts the country in Country Fever June 19.
Photo by Joe Mack
Nutrition Guides & Books - Organic Chocolate - Herbs - Teas
Natural
Healing
•
Organic
Foods
Acai Juice Now Available
(Pure Wild Acai Berry Juice - Nothing Added)
Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm
Saturday 9am-3pm
The Oasis Health Food Store
with
Better Health
in Mind
111 N. Muskogee, Tahlequah • 918-456-1414
Vitamins
-
Grains
-
Massage
avail.
NOW YOUR HOmebReWiNg HeadqUaRteRs!
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 21
ENTERTAINMENT
JUNE 2009
THE CURRENT 21
ENTERTAINMENT
Fence Me In
By Porter Ragnus
June
is
high on the
list
of ev-
ery heartland dwelling citizen as one of
their favorite months with
its
capacity
for wonderful weather and the begin-
ning of the lazy summer months with
thekidsoutofschoolandthebarbeques
ablaze.June,the sixthmonthoftheGre-
gorian calendar, was named for the ro-
man goddess Juno, the wife of Jupiter.
June’s
birthstone
is
the pearl, the only
birthstone that isn’t really a stone at all,
produced in the mysterious innards of
oysters. June
is
also a great month to
get out of the house and do what is also
high
on
heartland
dwelling
citizens’
lists which is to go see live music.
Mayola
is
an
experimental
rock
band
from
Oklahoma’s
rowdi-
est and orangest town, Stillwater, and
they will rock your socks off even if you
super-glue them to your
feet. Mayola
includes a guy named Riley that sings,
plays guitar and the keyboards, a bass
player
named Antonio, a
keys/guitar
player
named
Bryan,
a
brass/guitar
aficionado
named
Travis
and
a
dude
namedMadden that plays the*%@! out
of the drums. This
band’s
fan base
is
growing
faster
than
Jack’s
beanstalk
and bigger than the
flesh-eating
giant
that lives at the top. They are definite-
ly
one
of
Oklahoma’s
most
energetic
shows leaving the crowd drenched in
dance
sweat
and
the
band
drenched
in rock sweat. There is no good reason
to miss Mayola’s incredibly intelligent
songwriting
and
deliberate
perfor-
mance unless you just
don’t
like good
music. If that is the case, have fun stay-
inghomeand listeningtoTaylor Swift’s
new record or watching “Dancing With
the Stars” or whatever
it
is you people
without
taste
do.
For
those
of
you
who enjoy good
original
creative
and
ground-breaking music, Mayola will be
at the Soundpony Lounge in Tulsa on
June 20. If
you’re
going to Wakarusa
a couple weeks
earlier,
you can catch
them amongst the army of bands at the
festival. Check
Mayola out
at
www.
myspace.com/mayola.
Every Thursday on the calen-
dar you can
find
Dustin
Pittsley
and
Jesse Aycock perpetuating Tulsa music
wondrousness with Higher Education
Night
at
McNellie’s
Pub down
there
in
downtown T-town. Special guests
swarmthestage likebeesaroundahive
ready
to
deposit
their
audial
pollen
into the sweet musical honey pot. You
might hear some
rockin’
blues
riffs
or
some
sensual
folk-rock
goodness and
especiallysomedownhomeTulsaroots
music. Max’s Garage in Muskogee will
be hosting an evening with this amaz-
ing project when Jesse Aycock brings a
grip of great musicians along to polli-
nate the ears of the folks in attendance
on June
6. Check
out www.myspace.
com/dustinandjesseshighereducation
for more delightful information on the
music, as well as www.mcnellies.com
and
www.myspace.com/maxsgarage
for information on the venues.
Frank and
Lola’s
up there
in
BartlesvillewillhostaneveningwithIn-
die French/Dutch/American pop mas-
ter Eric Sarmiento on June 13. He’ll be
in town for the OK Mozart Festival and
will be
filling
minds with his intimate
and sensitive music and catchy themes.
Sarmiento’s
melodies are soothing yet
unpredictable, familiar yet stimulating.
Check
out
www.myspace.com/eric-
sarmiento for more information on the
artist
and www.frankandlolas.com
for
more details about the venue.
Have fun and be safe enjoying
thebestof livemusic thismonthinCur-
rentland and we’ll see you next month.
Three Bands you should see in June
Mayola makes the most of June with appearances at Wakarusa on
June 5 and The Soundpony on June 20.
Check out our line of Chickens, Roosters,
Apples, Grapes, Sunflowers and so much more!
Lodge decor incuding Deer
, Bear and Moose.
2312 E. Shawnee “Curt’
s Mall”, Muskogee
T
ue - Sat. 10:30-6 • 918-683-1533
Fence Me In
Western purses, wallets, Bible covers, fireplace sets,
floor & table lamps, bedding, frames, furniture
Saddle Racks Now A
vailable.
By Porter Ragnus
June is high on the list of ev-
ery heartland dwelling citizen as one of
their favorite months with its capacity
for wonderful weather and the begin-
ning of the lazy summer months with
the kids out of school and the barbeques
ablaze. June, the sixth month of the Gre-
gorian calendar, was named for the ro-
man goddess Juno, the wife of Jupiter.
June’s birthstone is the pearl, the only
birthstone that isn’t really a stone at all,
produced in the mysterious innards of
oysters. June is also a great month to
get out of the house and do what is also
high on heartland dwelling
citizens’
lists which is to go see live music.
Mayola
is
an
experimental
rock
band from
Oklahoma’s
rowdi-
est and orangest town, Stillwater, and
they will rock your socks off even if you
super-glue them to your feet. Mayola
includes a guy named Riley that sings,
plays guitar and the keyboards, a bass
player named Antonio, a keys/guitar
player named Bryan, a brass/guitar
aficionado named Travis and a dude
named Madden that plays the *%@! out
of the drums. This band’s fan base is
growing faster than
Jack’s
beanstalk
and bigger than the flesh-eating giant
that lives at the top. They are definite-
ly one of Oklahoma’s most energetic
shows leaving the crowd drenched in
dance sweat and the band drenched
in rock sweat. There is no good reason
to miss Mayola’s incredibly intelligent
songwriting
and
deliberate
perfor-
mance unless you just don’t like good
music. If that is the case, have fun stay-
ing home and listening to Taylor Swift’s
new record or watching “Dancing With
the Stars” or whatever it is you people
without taste do.
For those of you
who enjoy good original creative and
ground-breaking music, Mayola will be
at the Soundpony Lounge in Tulsa on
June 20. If you’re going to Wakarusa
a couple weeks earlier, you can catch
them amongst the army of bands at the
festival. Check Mayola out at www.
myspace.com/mayola.
Every Thursday on the calen-
dar you can find Dustin Pittsley and
Jesse Aycock perpetuating Tulsa music
wondrousness with Higher Education
Night at McNellie’s Pub down there
in downtown T-town. Special guests
swarm the stage like bees around a hive
ready to deposit their audial pollen
into the sweet musical honey pot. You
might hear some rockin’ blues riffs or
some sensual folk-rock goodness and
especially some down home Tulsa roots
music. Max’s Garage in Muskogee will
be hosting an evening with this amaz-
ing project when Jesse Aycock brings a
grip of great musicians along to polli-
nate the ears of the folks in attendance
on June 6. Check out www.myspace.
com/dustinandjesseshighereducation
for more delightful information on the
music, as well as www.mcnellies.com
and
www.myspace.com/maxsgarage
for information on the venues.
Frank and Lola’s up there in
Bartlesville will host an evening with In-
die French/Dutch/American pop mas-
ter Eric Sarmiento on June 13. He’ll be
in town for the OK Mozart Festival and
will be filling minds with his intimate
and sensitive music and catchy themes.
Sarmiento’s melodies are soothing yet
unpredictable, familiar yet stimulating.
Check
out
www.myspace.com/eric-
sarmiento for more information on the
artist and www.frankandlolas.com for
more details about the venue.
Have fun and be safe enjoying
the best of live music this month in Cur-
rentland and we’ll see you next month.
Three Bands you should see in June
Mayola makes the most of June with appearances at Wakarusa on
June 5 and The Soundpony on June 20.
22 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
ENTERTAINMENT
The Newest, Hottest
Full-Service Salon in Town!
Massage Therapy • Tanning • Waxing • Pedicures
Manicures • High Fashion Precision • Color
Razor & Clipper Cuts for Women, Children & Men
1112 East Cherokee, McAlester, OK
918-423-6400
Plus a variety of salon quality products
By Andrew Hicks
Nothing signals the jump start
of an Oklahoma summer better than the
smell of BBQ and the sound of country
music. If that’s the case, then Sallisaw
is giving the green light to summer as
it sets to kick off its Fourth Annual Dia-
mond Daze Festival, held at the Sallisaw
High School starting Thursday, June 4.
The three day event will feature
a variety of family friendly events and
carnival that kicks off with “Armband
Night” starting Thursday around 6 p.m.
Festival goers can purchase armbands
and ride the bevy of carnival rides pro-
vided by Great Plains Amusements.
On Friday, June 5, the festival
continues with many attractions for the
whole family, with the gates opening at
5 p.m. Bring out the kids for pony rides
starting at 6 p.m. The festivities will kick
into overdrive with hometown heroes
Ricochet taking the stage at 8:30 p.m.
Lead singer Heath Wright and bass play-
er Greg Cook hail from Vian, Okla. The
group is probably best known for their
‘96 hit “Daddy’s Money.”
Gates open at 9 a.m. on Satur-
day with plenty to do, from arts and craft
booths to a wild assortment of food ven-
dors. Chad Jasna directs a cast of many
in The Tori Mills Memorial talent show
that will set the second day of festivi-
ties in motion starting at 11 a.m. on the
center stage. Following the talent show
will be the start of the KCBS BBQ cook
off beginning around 1:45 p.m., with 35
to 40 cooks all going head to head for a
chance at a $1,000 grand prize. $6 buys
you a plate and taster kit and all the BBQ
you can shove in your face. After you’ve
eaten some of the best BBQ in Oklahoma,
take a stroll and check out the car and
motorcycle show. The festival will cul-
minate with country super stars Shenan-
doah taking the stage at 8 p.m.
Shenandoah rocketed to star-
dom in 1989 when their second album,
The Road Not Taken, hit gold and they
received the TNN Music City News Fa-
vorite Newcomer Award, the Cashbox
Award for Vocal Group of the Year and
were
nominated
for
CMA’s
Horizon
Award and Group of the Year. From
this, year after year, the group received
several nominations, gold records and
awards, including the ACM Vocal Group
of the Year Award in 1991.
Despite the band’s immediate
success, trouble was close on their heels.
In 1991, three other bands laid claim to
the “Shenandoah” name.
Beaten and
broken, the resulting court costs and le-
gal fees bankrupted the group and by
the end of that year, amidst all the legal
nightmares, the group was dropped by
their label. The road to greatness isn’t
paved without a few hiccups. In 1992, the
band re-emerged with a new record label
and a string of hits. In 1993, they topped
the charts with, “I Want to Be Loved Like
That,” followed by 1994s “If Bubba Can
Dance (I Can Too).” That same year, they
jumped to Capitol Records and teamed
up with bluegrass diva Alison Krauss for
the mega hit “Somewhere in the Vicin-
ity of the Heart”. The group scored two
Grammy awards in 1996 for Vocal Event
of the Year and their hit song “Amazing
Grace.”
As one of the hardest working
touring acts in the country, Shenandoah
continues to evolve as a group, striving
for the musical perfection and perfor-
mances that have made them radio and
concert favorites around the country.
For more information about Di-
amond Daze Festival, check out the Sal-
lisaw Chamber of Commerce Website at
www.sallisawchamber.com or call (918)
775-2885.
Shenandoah to dazzle Diamond Daze
Shenandoah shines at Diamond Daze in Sallisaw on June 6.
Outdoor Dinner Theater
May 29 - Aug. 15, 2009
Friday & Saturday Evenings
Dinner & theater, 6:30 pm
Theater only, 7 pm
Adults $15, Youth $10
Cherokee Heritage Center Presents
090488_CHCMoon_Current.indd 1
5/6/09 9:40:37 AM
Fountain:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 5 pm Sat 9 am - 4 pm
Pharmacy:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 6 pm Sat. 9 am - 5 pm
Located on the 51 Bypass
Tahlequah, OK 74464
Pharmacy: 918-431-0555
Fountain: 918-431-0071
Tahlequah
Drug Co.
SUMMER
DRINKS!
Old Fashioned Sodas
Iced Coffee • Banana Splits
Baked Potatoes • Soup of the Day
Gifts • Souvenirs • Coffee
Sandwiches • Ice Cream • OTC
Health & Beauty
Free Wireless Internet
Old Fashioned Sodas
By Moira K. Wiley
Mark your calendars to
at-
tend Chaos at the Cove being held at
the Eufaula Cove Amphitheater in Eu-
faula on July 3 for a country/rock music
show that’s sure to be a hit. Come to the
event rain or shine to see Dierks Bent-
ley, Jamey Johnson, Kevin Fowler and
Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers for
an all ages outdoor show.
You won’t want to miss head-
liner Dierks Bentley, who worked his
way up in the country music world
from singing for tips at Second Av-
enue bars to one of the most successful
new country singers today. His unique
sound combines classic country, mod-
ern rock and bluegrass appeals to fans
who flock to all his shows. This Coun-
try Music Association (CMA) Horizon
Award winner and CMA International
Artist Achievement Award winner has
a new album out titled Feel That Fire,
which you can listen to on his Web site
at www.dierks.com.
Joining Bentley at the event is
singer/songwriter Jamey Johnson who
has a string of hit songs recorded by
some of the top country artists including
co-writing George Strait’s 2007 CMA
and Academy of Country Music (ACM)
Song of the Year “Give It Away.” John-
son got his start by performing gospel
music in churches along with his father
and now this successful songwriter also
writes and performs his own country
songs with a voice that’s been described
as “soulful.” Decide for yourself by lis-
tening to some of his songs at his Web
site at www.jameyjohnson.com.
You’ll also see Texas Native
Kevin Fowler whose new album Bring
It On is said to deliver “100 percent
pure
Texan
country.”
Like
Bentley,
Fowler’s music is touted as a combina-
tion best described as a little bit South-
ern rock mixed with country music and
has gleaned him a number of “new gen-
eration” country fans. No matter what
the venue, this country/rock rebel puts
on a live performance that rivals the big
rock shows with all the smoke, lights
and elaborate staging while delivering
music that’s filled with “down-home
humor and heartfelt sentiments” that
his fans have come to love. You can
learn more about this artist including
other upcoming tour dates by visiting
his Web site at www.kevinfowler.com.
Last, but certainly not least,
fans
will
also
enjoy
a
performance
by Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers
(RCPM). The foursome that makes up
the band includes frontman Roger Clyne
along with P.H. Naffah (drums), Jim
Dalton (lead guitar) and Nick Scropos
(bass). This dynamic band has managed
to become the only independent band
to debut in the Top 10 on Billboard’s
Internet Sales Chart for six albums in
a row including not just one, but two
No. 1 entries. RCPM captures the soul
of American rock and never fails to
deliver melodies that bring fans back
for more. You can get a sneak peak of
the band and their music on their Web
site at www.azpeacemakers.com where
you can listen to their newest Web-only
release of “Glow in the Dark.”
With such an outstanding line-
up, Chaos at the Cove should definitely
be one concert event you attend this
summer. According to the ProTix Web-
site, doors open at 3 p.m. with the show
beginning at 4 p.m. General admission
tickets are $23 in advance or $28 the day
of the show and V.I.P. tickets are $63 in
advance or $68 the day of the show and
can be purchased online at www.pro-
tixonline.com. You can also find tickets
at other online ticket outlets, but be sure
to do some price comparisons, as some
are a bit higher priced than others. The
Eufaula Cove Amphitheater is located
399 Lakeshore Drive and you can find
more information about the venue at
www.myspace.com/eufaulacoveam-
phitheater.
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 23
- Skilled (SNF) Facility
- Medicare/Medicaid/Private Pay
- Private & Semi-Private Rooms
- 24 Hour Licensed Nursing Care
- 24 Hour Physician Service
- Physical, Speech,
Occupational Therapy
- Special Diets
- Between Meal & Bed Time Snacks
- Whirpool Baths
- Free Cable TV
- Daily Activities
- Beauty/Barber Shop
- Religious Services
- Activity Van
- Phone Jacks in Every Room
Hospice Service Available
24 HOUR CAMERA
SECURITY SYSTEM
Contact Kathy Carter Administrator or
Catherine Abel, RN, DON, Director of Nursing
205 East Poplar, Ft. Gibson, OK
(918) 478-2456
Quality Care
for 35 Years
with a
Hometown
Atmosphere
ENTERTAINMENT
Gear up for “Chaos at the Cove”
Keys Auto Repair
Certified Technican
STEVE GUINN
Owner/Operator
ASE Certified
Master Technican
MONTE SCOTT
Technician
26800 S. Indian Rd., Park Hill, OK
(918) 822-1699
1/4 Mile past Keys High School
All Makes • All Models
Monday-Friday
8am - 5pm
40yrs experience at your service
Dependable,
Honest &
Friendly
Auto Service
The way it
should be!
Dierks Bentley brings chaos to the cove on July 30.
24 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
ENTERTAINMENT
Keys Auto Repai
r
Certified Technican
STEVE GUINN
Owner/Operator
ASE Certified
Master Technican
MONTE SCOTT
Technician
26800 S. Indian Rd., Park Hill, OK
(918)
822-1699
1/4 Mile past Keys High School
All Makes • All Models
Monday-Friday
8am - 5pm
40yrs experience at your service
Dependable,
Honest &
Friendly
Auto Service
The way it
should be!
By Joe Mack
Not only is the month of June
designated as Black Music Month, but
the state of Oklahoma, along with 29
others, officially recognizes the third
Friday in June as the National June-
teenth Holiday, and Muskogee will be
celebrating and honoring these tradi-
tions in grand fashion in 2009.
It all kicks off on a jazzy note
when legendary trumpeter and pianist
Rev. Ron Myers performs a swinging
set of original works and standard fa-
vorites at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 11,
at the Frisco Train Depot at the Okla-
homa Music Hall of Fame. Here, Myers
will be joined by percussionist Wilton
Knott,
drummer/percussionist
Aye
Aton and bassist Derrick Brown paying
tribute to the late great Muskogee-born
jazz pianist Jay McShann.
Jay
“Hootie”
McShann was
born in Muskogee in January of 1916
into a vibrant and loving household
that always made the best of what was
around. McShann excelled in the arts at
Manual Training High School and upon
entering his teenage years decided that
he wanted to be a jazz musician, thanks
to early influences that included the live
radio broadcasts of Earl “Fatha” Hines
and the fancy fingerwork of Thomas
“Fats” Waller. Hootie was making sig-
nificant musical waves right out of high
school, tickling the ivories up and down
the Arkansas River from Tulsa to Fort
Smith until 1936 when he headed up-
stream to Kansas City; a move that un-
beknownst to him would launch sever-
al careers in addition to his own, which
would carry on for nearly seven more
decades.
Within a year of moving to
Kansas City (the Missouri side, that
is), McShann heard the sweet sound of
improvised saxophone coming from a
downtown jazz club, in which he quick-
ly ducked into and heard for the first
time the genius of K.C. native Charlie
Parker.
McShann hired Parker
right
away to join his band and offered the
prodigy his first professional full-time
gig, which he held from 1937-1942 until
moving to New York to welcome fame,
fanaticism and, ultimately, misfortune.
Other prominent musicians that would
follow McShann’s melodious lead in
delivering
the
“Kansas
City
sound”
from coast to coast would include bass-
ist Gene Ramey, drummer Gus Johnson
and saxophonist Paul Quinichette. Af-
ter gathering incredible support from
jazz lovers across the country, things
got put on serious hold when the great
musician strike of 1942 dampened the
entire recording industry for nearly two
years. And no sooner did resolution
pop up on the radar when McShann
was drafted into the Army to serve his
country in World War II.
After
WW
II,
McShann
re-
turned
to
Los
Angeles
where
he
launched into a project with singing
sensation
Jimmy
Witherspoon,
and
they recorded a top-40 hit in “Ain’t No-
body’s Business,” in addition to other
tunes that made it to the airwaves like
“Money’s Getting Cheaper” and “Ship-
yard Woman Blues.”
In the years that followed his
Muskogee celebrates Juneteenth with jazz and heritage events
Rev. Ron Myers headlines the Jazz & Heritage Fest on June 11.
“Horn in the Corn” Bill Johnson, Photographer, Greenville, MS
24 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
ENTERTAINMENT
By Joe Mack
Not only is the month of June
designated as Black Music Month, but
the
state
of
Oklahoma, along with 29
others,
officially
recognizes
the
third
Friday
in
June
as
the
National
June-
teenth Holiday, and Muskogee will be
celebrating
and
honoring
these
tradi-
tions in grand fashion in 2009.
It
all kicks off on a jazzy note
when legendary trumpeter and pianist
Rev. Ron Myers performs a swinging
set of original works and standard fa-
vorites at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 11,
at the Frisco Train Depot at the Okla-
homaMusic Hall of Fame. Here, Myers
will be joined by percussionist Wilton
Knott,
drummer/percussionist
Aye
Atonand bassist Derrick Brown paying
tribute to the late great Muskogee-born
jazz pianist Jay McShann.
Jay
“Hootie”
McShann
was
born
in
Muskogee
in
January
of
1916
into
a
vibrant
and
loving
household
that always made the best of what was
around. McShann excelled in the arts at
ManualTrainingHighSchoolandupon
entering his teenage years decided that
hewanted tobea jazz musician, thanks
toearlyinfluencesthatincludedthe live
radio broadcasts of Earl
“Fatha”
Hines
and
the
fancy
fingerwork
of
Thomas
“Fats”
Waller. Hootie was making sig-
nificant musical waves right out of high
school,ticklingtheivoriesupanddown
the Arkansas River from Tulsa to Fort
Smith until 1936 when he headed up-
stream to Kansas City; a move that un-
beknownst to him would launch sever-
al careers in addition to his own, which
would carry on for nearly seven more
decades.
Within
a
year
of
moving
to
Kansas
City
(the
Missouri
side,
that
is), McShann heard the sweet sound of
improvised saxophone coming from a
downtown jazz club,inwhichhequick-
ly ducked into and heard for the
first
time the genius of K.C. native Charlie
Parker.
McShann
hired
Parker
right
away to join his band and offered the
prodigy his
first
professional full-time
gig, which he held from 1937-1942 until
moving to New York to welcome fame,
fanaticism and, ultimately, misfortune.
Other prominent musicians that would
follow
McShann’s
melodious
lead
in
delivering
the
“Kansas
City
sound”
from coast to coast would include bass-
ist Gene Ramey,drummerGusJohnson
and saxophonist Paul Quinichette. Af-
ter
gathering
incredible
support from
jazz
lovers
across
the
country,
things
got put on serious hold when the great
musician strike of 1942 dampened the
entire recordingindustry fornearlytwo
years.
And
no
sooner
did
resolution
pop up on
the
radar
when McShann
was drafted into the Army to serve his
country in World War II.
After
WW
II,
McShann
re-
turned
to
Los
Angeles
where
he
launched
into
a
project
with
singing
sensation
Jimmy
Witherspoon,
and
they recorded a top-40 hit in “Ain’t No-
body’s
Business,”
in addition to other
tunes that made
it
to the airwaves like
“Money’s Getting Cheaper” and “Ship-
yardWoman Blues.”
In the years that followed his
Muskogee celebrates Juneteenth with jazz and heritage events
Rev. Ron Myers headlines the Jazz & Heritage Fest on June 11.
“Horn in the Corn” Bill Johnson, Photographer, Greenville, MS
TAHLEQUAH
Cherokee Cultural Food & Demonstrations
Oklahoma Wineries and Breweries
Live Music
in Norris Park
Art Walk & Sale Through Historic Downtown Tahlequah
For additional information cantact Donna Tinnin 918.453.5728
f
Brought to You by: Cherokee Nation Community Tourism & Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism
Saturday June13, 2009
11am to11pm
The Current
success with Witherspoon, McShann
returned to Kansas City with a vari-
ety of business ventures up his sleeve.
It didn’t take long to heed to the call
of the music and the road, performing
across the world with a variety of small
groups and keeping his name relevant
in contemporary jazz circles. As the
documentary came of age, McShann
found himself at the center of many a
film about Kansas City jazz and blues.
In many ways, Hootie’s road continues
on forever and his party never ends.
Amazingly enough, Rev. My-
ers is following the same path oft trav-
eled by McShann and company, per-
forming in numerous cities where Jay’s
groups took jazz music to new heights
and to new audiences. Myers too is
an
accomplished
jazz
artist,
having
released multiple recordings and per-
formed alongside the likes of trumpet
master Donald Byrd, Jimmy Cheatham,
clarinetist Alvin Batiste, Ellis Marsalis
and countless others.
But
the
Reverend’s
reach
doesn’t stop there – in addition to be-
ing an ordained Baptist minister and ac-
complished jazz musician, Myers is also
medical doctor, and has spent years of
his life caring for underprivileged com-
munities in rural America.
So the doctor’s orders are to
get out to the inaugural Muskogee Ju-
neteenth Jazz & Arts Festival honoring
the late great Jay McShann on Thursday,
June 11 at the Oklahoma Music Hall of
Fame. Tickets are $15 each or $20 per
couple. For more information call Wil-
ma Newton, President of the Oklahoma
Juneteenth
Historical
Foundation,
at
(918) 781-9248 or logon to www.junete-
enthoklahoma.com.
The following week on Fri-
day, June 19, is the official observance
of the Juneteenth National Holiday and
there’s one huge free-for-all community
celebration slated from noon
– 6 p.m.
at Elliot Park, located on the corner of
Altomont Street & Tower Hill Street in
Muskogee. Here, area youth groups,
choirs, band ensembles, rappers, artists
and community leaders will come to-
gether to preserve and educate anyone
and everyone about African American
history through song in honor of Black
Music Month. Free food will be provid-
ed by Bob Newton, a.k.a. “Smokehouse
Bob,” and there’ll be live music and per-
formances all day long.
“We’re excited to kick things
off this year and we hope to see every-
body out for the great food and fellow-
ship,” Newton said. “Next year we’re
taking it to the next level with a rodeo
and a banquet in addition to a top-notch
concert.”
For more information, logon
to www.juneteenthoklahoma.com.
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 25
ENTERTAINMENT
Send more papers,
PLEASE
Help put an end to
Paper
Deficiency
Depression
Be a part of
Distribution Team
The Current
Call Tom
at 918-431-0330
or email
publisher@currentland.com
Because PDD
affects us all.
Jay “Hootie” McShann, a Muskogee native, will be honored at several June-
teenth celebrations this month.
TWC
Free Estimates
Pole Barns
ANY SIZE
918-348-9388
Quality Construction - 20 Colors
29 or 26 Gauge Sheet Metal
1 Year Warranty on Labor & Materials
Tim Wood
Building Contractor
By Damon Blalack
Feeling blue? Or maybe just
yearning to hear some great roots mu-
sic? Well you can’t get any better than
to catch Little Joe McLerran’s upcoming
area performances in Tahlequah and
Tulsa this month. For those of you who
aren’t familiar with the name, Little Joe
is the current blues crown-bearer after
winning first place in the 25th Annual
International Blues Challenge this past
February, hosted by the Blues Founda-
tion. The 25 year old Boulder, Colorado
native has been a Tulsa local for nearly
a decade, and is making area musicians
proud as his growing stature leads him
to performances in such far-flung lo-
cales as Parma, Italy early this summer.
The
very
talented
musician
grew up with an innate
interest
in
making music and carved out quite a
lot of experience playing alongside his
brother Jesse. While Joe played guitar,
Jesse played drums in their street band,
“Buddy Hollywood.” The nine year old
Joe and his brother would perform cov-
er songs from all genres to passersby,
which instantly became a very lucrative
way to spend their time on the Pearl
Street Mall in Boulder.
Describes Little Joe, “By third
or fourth grade I really got into classical
music, you know, like Mozart and that
kind of stuff. And then I had a fourth-
grade school teacher who would ask me
what I thought about the blues. And I
remembered my Dad had played it in
some kind of bands and stuff, so I went
to my Dad and asked him, and he pulled
out some of his old records and told me
I should listen to Mississippi John Hurt;
“Avalon, My Home Town” was the first
song. And I heard that one and decided
I wanted to pick up playing the guitar;
so I kinda figured that thing out, and I
just went from there.”
By age 15, having just relocat-
ed to Tulsa with his family, the brother
duo began specializing in blues music,
with brother Jesse on washboard, under
26 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
ENTERTAINMENT
Modifying Tahlequah Since 2002
BODY PIERCING & TATTOOS
900 S. Muskogee ave.
Tahlequah, OK
(across from Napoli’s)
456-2770
As Always...
All Body Jewelry is
Buy 2 get 3rd FREE
Safari
• We Use Only
Disposable Single-use
Tattoo & Body Piercing Set-Ups
• Licensed &
Permitted by
the OSDH
• BBP/CPR/
First Aid
Certified
Grill & Bar
105 S Main Wagoner, OK
918-485-6838
Live Music
Every Friday & Saturday
Non-Smoking Environment
Centrally Located in
Northeast Oklahoma
Burgers • Steaks • Salads
8oz Sirloin $9.99
Family Dining 4pm - 10pm
10pm - 2am
21 and Older
No Cover
Emerging Artist Spotlight: Little Joe McLerran
Little Joecontinues to make big waves in the blues world.
Photo by RJ Whestone
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 27
10% Student Discount
10% Senior Discount
10% Military Discount
Blackhawk Liquor
On Sale Now!
Coconut Rum 750ml
Serving Tahlequah since 1980
916 S. Muskogee Ave,
Tahlequah
918-456-3464
ENTERTAINMENT
NOW OPEN
The Biggest Little
Gift Shop
on Main Street!
128 S. Main • Wagoner • 918-485-1502
Hours
Wed - Sat 10-5
Closed Sun - Tue
Check out our new
Sweet Orange Chili Pepper Candle
from Scent-Sations
Mia Bella Gourmet Candles
the moniker “Washboard Jesse”.
Joe
took on the name “Son Piedmont” after
the style of early 20th century south-
eastern U.S. blues, and the band sought
out a proper venue in their new home
of late 1990s Tulsa. After some time,
the two young boys discovered that
the River’s Edge Bistro, as well as some
private parties, were natural outlets to
lend them the exposure they sought not
only for music-appreciative patrons but
for fellow musicians as well.
After playing at the Oklahoma Blues
Festival, it became clear that it was time
that the duo should begin making per-
manent their performances and begin
attracting a larger audience by record-
ing a professional album. Their father
stepped in to provide bass, and they
also recruited several friends (Mike T.
Travelletti, Dexter Payne) to help round
out the sound. Just as the album was
set for release, Jesse passed on, and the
project was shelved for a year while Joe
grieved his brother and music partner’s
loss. When released on the Roots Blues
Reborn label in 2004, the album bore the
title Pearly Gates in memoriam to Jesse.
But it was at this fateful point that Joe
didn’t really go out and play much any-
more, a situation that would soon be
remedied.
Through a coincidence, Joe got
to meet and get to know one of his idols,
the elderly Blues performer Homesick
James, who dubbed him “Little Joe” af-
ter they spent a day together. Because
the two men had the shared experience
of each losing a relative who they had
played music with, Homesick James
recognized that Little Joe needed coax-
ing to come out and play again; this
encouragement paid off well.
After
playing regular sessions at Tulsa’s own
Shades of Brown coffee shop for the next
year with a host of varying guest play-
ers, Little Joe attracted the attention of
a producer from Fayetteville, Ark., who
quickly signed him up for an album
contract with the Hit Records label. The
result was the album, Hard Way.
From there, Little Joe first com-
peted at the 2006 International Blues
Festival, by way of the Oklahoma Blues
Society. This appearance would mark
the first of several appearances at the
festival, with this most recent outing be-
ing the crowning achievement with his
first place win. Through garnering great
attention for his talents, from any one of
his album releases (his third, Live at Last
was released in 2007) to his many live
performances to his stellar ranking in
competition at the festivals, Little Joe is
quickly on the rise, and you’d be smart
to catch him now before he moves on to
conquer even bigger feats. Joe explains,
“It’s
really done some wonders (win-
ning the IBC). It’s taken me all over the
country really…from coast to coast; it’s
good to keep busy, you know?”
In the spirit of that sentiment,
he’s already got a fourth album in the
works, with a targeted release around
October of this year. Unlike his earlier
albums that featured players from all
over the U.S., this one will focus on lo-
cal talent. At the young age of 25, the
mind boggles at what he is capable of
achieving the rest of his many years
ahead playing the blues.
You can see him perform al-
most every Monday night at
Lola’s
at the Bowery in Tulsa (the corner of
Brady and Main) as part of a trio. His
upcoming performance will be June 6 at
Muskogee Blues in the Park event, and
then in the evening at the Alibi Club
and June 13 at Tahlequah: Art of Liv-
ing. This will be followed by a spotlight
performance at 8 p.m. on June 25 at the
Sunset Bar and Grill at 5800 S. Lewis in
Tulsa. When I asked him what he hopes
local audiences will take away from
seeing him perform live he answered
heartily, “Well I hope they get out of
their chairs and shake that thing and all
that stuff. It’s very danceable stuff…it’s
got a groove to it for sure.” Spoken like
a true bluesman.
Mark S. Deason
DBA, M.S.D. Oil and Gas Lease
Oil and Gas Broker
Minerals, Royalty, Oil and
Gas Lease
Rt. 4, Box 229 McAlester, Oklahoma 74501
(918) 423-8481
Major & Generic Brands
Exit Peak Blvd. off Hwy 69
Adjacent to Creek Nation Muscogee Casino
Hours: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm • Mon. - Sat.
No Checks Please
918-687-8922
Tobacco • Cigars • Cigarettes
Most Manufacturers’ Coupons Accepted
Muscogee Indian Community Smoke Shop
28 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
ENTERTAINMENT
By Brooke Folsom
The Buffalo Run Casino in Mi-
ami, Okla. presents hit county music
act, Rascal Flatts as they roll through on
their aptly named “Unstoppable” tour.
This is one band that certainly seems
to be unstoppable. This trio of two Co-
lumbus, Ohio natives, Jay Demarcus,
his second cousin Gary LeVox, and one
hometown boy, Joe Don Rooney of Pi-
cher, Okla., swept on to the music scene
a decade ago and has been a staple on
the charts and at award shows since
that time. The story of their success
is the quintessential tale of a few big
dreamers, following their ambitions to
Nashville, Tenn. in hopes of making the
big time.
Jay first made the move to the
county music capital in 1992. In 1997, he
helped persuade Gary to join him there
to chase his musical aspirations as well.
Jay and Gary’s collaboration began to
attract some attention at the Fiddle and
Steel Guitar Bar in Nashville’s Historic
Printers Alley, a district of Nashville
where the nightlife’s reputation rivals
that of famed Bourbon Street in New
Orleans. Joe Don tells the story of the
bands
inception,
“Sometime
around
the 13th of January in 1999, Jay called
me one night and said ‘Dude, our gui-
tar player can’t make it. Any way could
you come sit with us?’ I said, ‘Hell yeah,’
grabbed my guitar and amp and made
it to the club by eight.” From there, Ras-
cal Flatts was born.
Not long after, they signed a
record deal with Lyric Street, and re-
leased their self-titled debut album. This
effort shot three singles in to the Top
10, including “Praying for Daylight”
and “This Everyday Love”. The band’s
sound is definitely a polished, contem-
porary style, which drew some criticism
from more conventional country music
fans. However, their fourth single from
this album, “I’m Movin’ On” brought
the band to a new level and rocketed
this record to a platinum selling status.
This was a precedent that their sopho-
more album, Melt, followed. It boasted
great contributions like “These Days,”
“Mayberry,” and the title track “Melt.”
By 2002, music fans couldn’t get enough
of these “Rascals.”
2005 saw the release of Feels
Like Today. The band released “Bless
the Broken Road” on this record, a tune
that spent an impressive five weeks
atop Billboard’s country air play chart.
“Skin (Sarabeth)” and “Fast Cars and
Freedom” were also released on this en-
deavor. These hits propelled this album
to the number one selling spot in coun-
try music that year.
An article in The Seattle Times
“Unstoppable” Rascal Flatts to stop in Green Country
Rascal Flatts will be unstoppable at Buffalo Run on June 12.
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 29
ENTERTAINMENT
credits
the
trio’s
strong
friendship,
good-natured humor, and generous ap-
preciation of music and each other to
the band’s success in sticking together
over the years. This attitude definitely
shined through in their 2006 release of
Me and My Gang. Audiences of over a
million enjoyed gems like the powerful
“What Hurts the Most” and “My Wish.”
“What Hurts the Most” surpassed the
one million digital downloads mark,
one of three songs of theirs to attain that
stature. They are the only country mu-
sic act to accomplish this feat.
Their most recent record prior
to Unstoppable was Still Feels Good re-
leased September of 2007. It debuted
at No. 1, their third consecutive album
to do so, and sold 547,000 copies in its
first week. This album also featured
songwriting collaboration with popular
country music singer Kenny Chesney
titled “Take Me There.” “Winner at a
Losing Game,” another popular hit of
theirs, was also released on this album.
This brings us to their most recent re-
lease, Unstoppable. Members of the band
have cited this as “the best group of
songs we’ve ever done.” No arguments
here; the first single from the record,
“Here Comes Goodbye” has already hit
No. 1 and had the biggest first week in
digital scans for a country debut single
with 126, 000 copies sold. “Summer
Nights”, also featured on Unstoppable,
is sure to get your flip flops tapping to
their tune.
Their show at Buffalo Run will
also include a performance by Darius
Rucker, the former front man of Hootie
and the Blowfish who has found criti-
cal acclaim with his first country ven-
ture Learn to Live. Learn to Live features
the hit single “It Won’t Be like This for
Long”.
With numerous No. 1
hits,
seven consecutive Academy of Country
Music Vocal Group of The Year awards,
and throngs of dedicated fans, Rascal
Flatts is about as “Unstoppable” as it
gets. Be sure to catch them on their JC
Penny American Living tour featured
at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami on
June 12.
The concert will be held out-
doors and the gates will open at 5 p.m.
Tickets
can
be
purchased
online
at
www.ticketstorm.com or www.buffalo-
run.com, or in person at the Buffalo Run
Casino box office. For more information
please visit them online at www.rascal-
flatts.com or call Buffalo Run Casino at
(918) 542-7140.
Rascal Flatts will rock the outdoor stage at Buffalo Run.
30 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
ENTERTAINMENT
By Regan Henson
You have to love the grand
ole’ Cain’s Ballroom. It’s one thing to
talk about history.
it’s another thing
to be history. Living history. Never
mind that it doesn’t come with the ac-
commodations of the BOK or Spirit
Center.
Maybe it doesn’t have that
new car smell.
Maybe sometimes,
when
there’s
a sold-out show, you
find yourself wondering if you’re go-
ing to make it from your car to the fes-
tive sign out front alive. All that stuff
goes out the window when you make
it through the doors. I remember see-
ing Reckless Kelly play the Cain’s one
time. Muzzie Braun, whose sons are
in the band, drove down from Idaho
to share the stage with his boys, just
because they were playing the Cain’s.
What I’m trying to relate to you is that
when musicians come to the Cain’s,
they bring their “A” game. And that
means you won’t want to miss the
show this month when local boys Hur-
ricane Mason open for guitar legend
Robin Trower.
If you’re a fan of local music
and happen to listen to 97.5 KMOD
then you’ve probably heard Hurricane
Mason. These guys are Friday morn-
ing regulars on Phil and Brent’s show,
as well as at a number of live venues
throughout Tulsa. More Lynyrd Sky-
nyrd or Molly Hatchet than Robert
Earl Keen or Bob Childers, these guys
are not your typical red dirt band.
They bring a certain bluesy-badass-
ness some of their regional brethren
sometimes seem to lack.
Guitarist/singer Matt Mason,
drummer Shawn Montgomery and
bassist Ace Eversole have been play-
ing together for over a decade, along
the way opening for artists as dispa-
rate as Foghat and Jerry Jeff Walker.
This time they get to take the stage and
warm up the crowd for Robin Trower,
who, I must admit, I wasn’t as familiar
with as I first thought.
One of the great things about
writing for The Current is that
I’ve
been introduced to many music artists
that I was previously unfamiliar with.
Another great thing is that from time to
time I can get into concerts for free, but
that’s neither here nor there. Once in
a while I’ll get an assignment to write
a story on a band or artist I thought I
knew something about, but quickly
realize that, hey, I totally thought this
was someone else. Such is the case
with Robin Trower, who, when I read
the assignment, I immediately mistook
for Robyn Hitchcock, bringing to mind
memories of horrible new-wavy eight-
ies music and drawing a deep sigh
from my lungs.
But it turns out I was mis-
taken in my initial assumption, which
brings to mind a certain cliché that
happens to perfectly describe me in
most situations.
Happily,
it
didn’t
take long before I realized my mistake.
As a matter of fact, I am familiar with
Robin Trower as well, if familiar can
be taken to mean that I recognized
the name. He’s the guy from Procol
Harum! And what did that realization
mean? It means that I knew that Pro-
col Harum was one of those ‘70s Eng-
lish power rock bands that get played
on classic rock stations that I know
I’ve heard, and maybe even liked, but
never paid much attention to. Another
great thing about writing for The Cur-
rent is that every month I’m reminded
of my myriad of shortcomings as a
music writer.
But that is my main problem.
I am aware of Robin Trower, and I’m
aware of Procol Harum. But I can’t tell
you a blessed thing about either. Any
of my friends will tell you that I am a
virtual bottomless well of information.
Useless information. I absolutely kill
at Trivial Pursuit. But get beyond the
initial question to the meat of a topic
and I am usually so lost at sea that
Robinson Crusoe would pity me. So
in order to uncover the great mystery
of Robin Trower, and his beginnings in
Procol Harum, I did an iTunes search
(back off Procol Harum fans, I realize
how lame that makes me). But, I did
quickly realize why I had heard his
name. “A Whiter Shade of Pale” is
one of those songs that I have always
loved, but never realized who actu-
ally recorded. But wait, there’s more!
“Conquistador” and
“A
Salty Dog”
are also Procol Harum songs, and that
all came before Trower embarked on
his solo career and established himself
as an honest-to-God guitar hero. Do
“Day of the Eagle” and “Daydream”
ring a bell? Well, if the song titles don’t,
just check them out. You’ve probably
heard and actually liked them before.
Do yourself a favor and check
out Hurricane Mason and the under-
appreciated Robin Trower when they
play the Cain’s Ballroom on Sunday,
June 7. Tickets are $27 and $32 and can
be purchased by calling (866) 443-8849
or
by
visiting
www.cainsballroom.
com.
Robin Trower and Hurricane Mason rock Cain’s
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 31
ENTERTAINMENT
Snowdale Park
8 miles East of Pryor on Hwy 20
Live Music Friday
& Saturday Nights
Monday - Saturday 12pm - 2am
Sunday 11am - 11pm
918-434-8989
Robin Trower takes on Cain’s Ballroom on June 7.
Triple
Drive-Thru
Breakfast
6am - 11am
4800 S. Muskogee Ave, Tahlelquah
OPEN 6:00AM ‘til Midnight
456-0757
Breakfast ~ Lunch ~ Dinner
Steak Sandwich Supreme
Tahlequah Taco
Serv ing Ok lahoma s ince the late 50 's
32 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
Directv
Internet
Landline
Wireless
TNT Cellular
301 N. Main, Seminole, OK 74868
405-303-2034
ENTERTAINMENT
By Regan Henson
Years ago, when I was a young
petty officer in the Navy, one of my
buddies convinced me to join him for
a night at the Honolulu Symphony’s
Beethoven Festival. Being a 21-year old
kid born and raised on a wooded Okla-
homa creek bottom, I had very limited
experience with symphonies or classical
music beyond that composed for “Loo-
ney Tunes” episodes. In fact, consider-
ing my age at the time, I still can hardly
believe that I was even talked into going.
Probably had something to do with my
buddy promising that we would meet
“classy chicks” there. But whatever it
was that got me to go, it turned out that
I really enjoyed it. Hearing Beethoven
performed live is nothing like listening
to a CD.
This story isn’t about classical
music, though. But for me personally,
there are certain kinds of music that can
only be truly enjoyed live. It’s some-
thing about the personality, the human-
ity, the musician that isn’t always read-
ily apparent on a recording, whether
it’s
the interplay between the string
and brass sections of an orchestra, or
the visceral experience of seeing a blues
guitarist actually bend sounds as easily
as moving a string. That’s why, when
choosing the music I play on my car ste-
reo, I usually go for something catchy
and readily accessible, but when I find
myself at a blues show, all my senses
never leave the stage. It’s all about the
performance.
It seems that a good portion of
music fans feel the same way, which is
a bit of a double-edged sword for blues
musicians. On the one hand, blues al-
bums rarely sell as well as say, Trace
Adkins, but on the other hand, since
live shows are such a major source of in-
come for most blues artists, they tend to
get a little better at performing than say,
Trace Adkins. And this is good news
if you love blues music played live and
happen to find yourself in Fort Smith
June 26 and 27. That’s right kiddos,
the best little blues festival in America
is right here in Currentland when The
Fort Smith Blues Society’s Riverfront
Blues Festival rolls into town.
The
great
thing
about
The
Riverfront
Blues
Fest
is
its
brevity.
For some music fests you have to wait
around for hours to see the one or
two artists you paid your hard-earned
money to see. Not so for the Riverfront
Blues Fest. This one’s short and sweet.
No waiting around for the big pay-off.
The fun starts Friday, June 26, when
Curtis Salgado opens the show. Here’s
a dude who knows what he’s talking
about when it comes to the blues. Hav-
ing
recently
overcome
a
seemingly
surefire death-sentence at the hands of
liver cancer, Salgado’s sure to make you
wonder why a bluesman could seem so
dang happy. It’s called livin’, folks.
Next up is the blues version of Menudo,
Roomful of Blues. Four decades in, this
jump blues outfit has launched more
careers than Simon Cowell, including
among others, the aforementioned Sal-
gado, and although none of the origi-
nal members remain, Roomful of Blues
continues to be one of the most highly
respected jump blues bands around.
Friday
night’s
headliner
is
probably the reason most folks will
be making the trip. Robert Cray has
played with nearly every major blues
Fort Smith Blues Fest returns with Cray, Potter
Curtis Salgado kicks off The Riverfront Blues Fest on June 26.
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 33
ENTERTAINMENT
KELLY ’S
Furniture & Mattress Warehouse
1629 N. Main, Muskogee (918) 683-3111
Mattress
Sets Starting
at
$98
Delivery • Financing • Layaway
Mastercard • Visa Accepted
NOBODY BEATS OUR MATTRESS PRICES!!!
We offer
In-House
Financing
Take Home
Today
No
Credit Check
Needed
Bad Credit
No
Problem
Complete
Bedroom Sets
Bunkbeds
Futons
guitarist around, from the late Stevie
Ray Vaughn to Eric Clapton, and over
his 30-year career has established him-
self as one of the premier bluesmen in
the country and the world. Cray has
also found a moderate degree of suc-
cess in record sales, proving that blues
music can also have commercial appeal.
His Grammy Award-winning Robert
Cray Band brings a true superstar pedi-
gree to the Riverfront Blues Fest.
But that don’t mean that by
Saturday all the good music is finished.
Come back for a second helping when
The Soul of John Black kicks things off.
Led by John Bigham, who has recorded
with artists ranging from Miles Davis
to Eminem, this group brings a range
of influences wider than your average
spectrum.
Whether you’re into jazz,
blues, hip-hop, Afro-beat or straight
up rock, these guys have you covered.
Things will be in full swing when Loui-
siana-based Eric Lindell takes the stage
to share his brand of southern-fried
blue-eyed soul.
As the Riverfront Blues Fest
nears the finish line, a group of more
straight-on rockers will take the stage.
Vermont’s Grace Potter and the Noc-
turnals will be looking to make sure
that fans realize that there’s more to the
blues than sad songs with harmonicas.
Grace Potter, who is, according to vari-
ous reports, foxy, is also fast becoming a
critical darling both for her songwriting
and musicianship and for her smile.
The festival wraps up on Sat-
urday night with Jackie Greene taking
the stage in the headlining slot. With a
list of influences that cover almost every
genre, Greene brings an eclectic style of
blues that will quickly make you forget
that this dude is only 25 years old.
All together, the artists that
make up this year’s Riverfront Blues
Fest add up to an experience that you
are sure to remember. And if you’ve
only heard the blues on record or CD
and aren’t sure whether you want to go,
do yourself a favor and make the trip. I
guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
The 18th Annual Fort Smith
Blues Society Riverfront Blues Festival
is on Friday, June 26, and Saturday,
June 27, at the Henry E. Kelley Park in
Fort Smith. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Fri-
day and 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is
$5 for adults and children 12 and under
get in free with an adult.
Eric Lindell keeps it lively on June 27.
Hwy 69 North ~ Muskogee
Next to Heaven Scents Candles
918-686-0243
Open Mon. - Sat. 9:30 am to 6:30 pm / Sun. 12 pm to 5 pm
Amish Country Store
Deli & Kitchen
Open Daily
“We Deliver”
We also have
Jams • Jerky • Cheese
Over 40 different kinds of Fudge
Sandwiches • Soups
Pies • Catering
The ONLY
Amish Store in
Muskogee
After hours parties avail.
Fresh Homemade Pies Daily
Roomful of Blues brings the sound to Ft. Smith
Visit The
urrent
C
www.currentland.com
Welcome To Eufaula
TOYS
SHOWER GIFTS
BOWS SOCKS
PICTURE FRAMES
CUDDLY ANIMALS
BOYS 0 - 24 MONTHS
GIRLS 0 - 14
PREEMIES 4/6 LB.
918-689-3000
Open 9
:
3 0 a m - 5
:
00pm
Monday - Sa turday
127 N. MAIN EUFAULA, OK
619-689-2588
Open Mon-Fri
9-5, Sat 9-12
Close Tues & Sun
200 Adams St.,
Eufaula Cove
(Yellow Building)
Eufaula, OK
Bodacious
Bubbles
202 N. Main St., Eufaula
918-618-7627
OPEN
Mon-Sat 10am - 5pm
Bath & Body Products for
Men & Women
Bath & Body Products for
Men & Women
106 Selmon Rd
Eufaula, OK 74432
U-FAULA EASY RIDERS
918-689-7177
www.ufaulaeasyriders.com
Why pay big city prices
when all the Great Deals
are in Eufaula
Shop at
U-Faula Easy Riders
for all your motorcycle gear
The Fabric Store
130 North Main Eufaula, OK 74432
New Owner, New Look
Quilting Classes Available
Monday - Saturday
9:30am - 5:00pm
We accept all major credit cards
Additional 5% off on all Cash Sales
918-689-3320
34 THE CURRENT
JUNE 2009
Mon. thru Sat ~ 10am to 5pm
918.618.4848
139 N. Main
Eufaula,OK
1341 E 41st Street
Tulsa, OK
(41st & Peoria, next to Wild Oats)
Picasso of Women’s Clothing
Libby’s
Fabulous Texture!
Color! Shape!
Fudge, Brew, Gifts, Etc...
Open M-F 9:30-4:30 • Sat 10-4 • Lunch Starting at 11am
101 S. Main, Eufaula • 918-689-9090
Welcome To Eufaula
JUNE 2009
THE CURRENT 35
24 Years
Quality Service
& Parts
Located in Eufaula Cove
Certifed Technicians
200 Adams St., Eufaula, OK. 74432
918-689-5426
SeaDoo
Sales & Service
Mon/Wed - Fri
9am - 5pm
Saturday
9am - 1pm
Closed
Tue & Sun
Welcome To Eufaula
Welcome To Euf
aula
JUNE 2009
THE CURRENT 35
24
Y
ears
Quality Service
& Parts
Located in Eufaula Cove
Certifed Technicians
200
Adams St., Eufaula, OK. 74432
918-689-5426
SeaDoo
Sales & Service
Mon/W
ed - Fri
9am - 5pm
Saturday
9am - 1pm
Closed
T
ue & Sun
Welcome To Eufaula
36 THE CURRENT
JUNE 2009
Eufaula Area Arts Council
Grand Opening
Eufaula Main Street Studio
105 South Main
June 4th 4pm - 8pm
Art Exhibit
Guest Musician Bob Walkenhorst
Summer Schedule
Remember ART WALK October 23rd-24th
Street Dance Friday Night and All Day Art Saturday
Before June 1st Contact Beth Parker at 918-617-1689
After June 1st Contact Glenna McBride at 918-689-3463
Watercolor at
Main Street Studio
Instructor: Bob Walkenhorst
Adults: June 5th 5pm-9pm,
June 6th 10am-4pm $40
Kids (Abbreviated):
June 5th 2pm-4pm $20
Itsy Bitsy Printing
Instructor: Glenna McBride
June 16th, 17th, 18th 6pm-8pm $25
Crayola Portrait Drawing
Inst: Shirley Coker Johnson
Adults: July 17th 5pm-7pm,
July 18th 9am-1pm
Kids: July 17th 2pm-4pm
$30
Watercolor
Instructor: Cletus Smith
June 23rd 6pm-9pm,
June 24th, 10am-4pm $40
Carnival of Arts & Crafts
Eufaula Community Center
June 23rd 10am and 1pm FREE
Steamy Dance Classes
Inst: Heather Burns Chappell
July 7th, 8th, 9th Times Vary $30
African Drumming
Instructor: Zinse Agginie
July 30th, 31st, Aug 1st Times Vary
$25
Tile Mosaic
Instructor: Glenna McBride
Aug 4th, 5th, 6th Times TBD
$30
Monoprinting
Instructor: Julia Ayres
Sept 11th, 12th, 13th
Adults: 9 Hours, Times TBD
$75
Kids: 11/2-2 Hours, Times TBD $20
Other Classes Available at
Eufaula Main Street Studio
Bank of Eufaula
“
The Hometown Bank where Our Customers Come First ”
Serving you since 1910
2009
25th ANNUAL
WHOLE HAWG DAYS
FESTIVAL & POKER RUN
July 23rd, 24th & 25th
CARNIVAL - THURS, FRI, SAT— POSEY PARK
RODEO - THURS, FRI, SAT—FAIR GROUNDS
ARTS & CRAFT & FOOD VENDORS – FRI. SAT. POSEY PARK
BIKE RALLY - FRI. SAT. – BELLE STARR
BOATS, BIKERS & BABES POKER RUN
SATURDAY AT EUFAULA COVE MARINA
CONCERT—SAT-AMPHITHEATER
“Shop Nichols, Save Dollars”
Open 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.
CheCOtah
207 N. Broadway
473-6513 - 473-5033
eufaula
2nd & Pine
698-5211 - 689-2101
...lower prices
every Day...
Nichols
DOllaR
SaVeR
$
- Full Service Floral Department
- In-Store Pharmacy (Checotah)
- Deli/Bakery/SUBWAY (Checotah)
- Accept Electronic Food Stamps
- WIC Approved
- Visa and MasterCard Accepted
- OGA Money Orders/Western Union
- Hunting/Fishing License
- Certifed Angus Beef
JUNE 2009
THE CURRENT 37
38 THE CURRENT
JUNE 2009
ROCKLAHOMA - JULY 9TH - 12TH
By Metal Mike
Greetings
from
the
dark
side
metal
heads.
It’s
finally
time
to
rip
open
Pandora’s Box on the biggest four day long
festival
south
of
the
Mason
Dixon
line,
Rocklahoma. As you
all
know by now,
all
of us that are helplessly addicted to metal
get our little piece of the all mighty festival
Thursday, July
9,
with the
first
ever Metal
Night! Yes they have finally seen the light
and gave everyone else who
is
not a child
of the
‘80s
a reason to go, other than to get
bent
on
high
dollar
beer
and
bourbon.
I
must say
it
is
about time they realize that
this
is
a rock fest not just a hair metal fest
and there
is
a ton of other
“metal”
bands
that helped shape the ‘80s. This is not to say
that they should change it all together after
all,
it
is
what the fest
is
founded on, but
I
think to keep the
festival
a success
this
is
definitely a step in the right direction. There
are endless possibilities for this. They could
alwaysdoa ClassicRockNight oraGrunge
Night - wouldn’t that be awesome? A night
of NWOBHM(NewWave of BritishHeavy
Metal)
acts
would
certainly
go
over
well
and there
is
definitely a plethora of them,
or for that matter, dare I say
it
a Nu Metal
Night or even just change the lineup a little
every night where
it
doesn’t
seem like we
are being bombardedbyspandexandAqua
Net.
I
can only see Ratt and Twisted Sister
so many times before
it
isn’t
nostalgic for
me anymore. Also, on the other side of the
coin
it
is
still
leaps
and bounds ahead
of
anything elsethatcomesaroundhere.And I
know
I’ll
get the excuse well
it’s
the money,
they can’t afford to get the “big acts” in here
but I say horses!@t. This festival brings in so
much money for Northeast Oklahoma that
each night could easily pay for itself in tick-
et sales alone. I guess all that remains to be
seen with this first ever Metal Night. Damn
I just love saying that!
Headlining
this
night
are
two
of
my
favorite
bands
to
emerge from
the
thrash metal movement, Anthrax and An-
vil.
I
can remember as a kid getting a new
pair of jeans from my old man and the first
thing I did was rip holes in them and wrote
Anthrax in big black letters across the leg.
I
got my ass kicked up between my shoul-
ders when I got home and my old man saw
them, but
it
was totally worth
it!
I
was 10
maybe 11 years old and a proud fan! These
guys
have
been
dishing
out
electrifying
ThrashMetal since the early ‘80s; 1982 to be
exact. With their first full length album out
in 1984, Fist Full of Metal was the first taste
of Anthrax the world had gotten and
it
is
clear to see that they were not going any-
where soon. The album shot to no. 8 on the
British charts and would garner them great
success over seas, but
it
wasn’t until 1985s
release of the EP Armed and Dangerous with
newleadsingerJoeyBelladonna thatAmer-
icans started to take notice and they got a
major
label
recording
contract.
With
that,
they were able to release a full length that
sameyear called Spreading the Disease which
shotoutthesingle “Madhouse” likearocket
andsolidifiedtheirplaceaspartofthe “furi-
ous four” - Metallica, Slayer, Megedeth and
finally Anthrax. With a
full
head of steam
and an arsenal of bone crushing music the
boys marched on with a ton of shows for
the next two years before releasing the opus
Among the Livingin1987.Formymoney this
is
the greatest record that the band has to
date. With two ferocious
singles,
“Caught
in a Mosh” and
“Indians,”
this record was
sonicallyanddynamicallyamazing.Having
all the elements of a great thrash record and
that silly, yet defining sound of comic books
and not to mention
it
was dedicated to the
late great Cliff Burton of Metallica. That in
itself makes this record deserving of all the
accolades
it
has received. The band
didn’t
stop there;
it
continued on with the release
of 1988s
State of Euphoria which produced
the single “Antisocial.” There would be one
more
release
for
the
band
in
1990
to
fea-
ture Joey Belladonna on vocals, Persistence
of Time and also a
little
song they did with
then Hip-Hopheavy weights Public Enemy
in 1991 called
“Bring
the
Noise,”
and was
very
successful
but
that’s
kind
of
where
they lost me.
The
departure
of
Belladonna
wasn’t
all
bad
though,
Anthrax
fans
got
their first glimpse of what would be a great
partnership fortheboysinAnthraxwithex-
Armored Saint Vocalist John Bush in 1992.
Producing
the
album
The Sound Of White
Noise
in
1993,
this
would mark
a
tenure
with the band that would last 12 years, five
studio albums and one greatest hits record.
Somemight say thatBushwas exactlywhat
Anthrax needed
to
keep pushing on and
somemightsay thatBushwas allwrong for
the band. Bush definitely pushed the band
in a darker heavier progression, ultimately
abandoning all the elements that made the
band who they were. The quirky,
silliness
was gone but I tend to think the band was
trying
to
modernize
with
the
rest
of
the
genre. The vocals were much heavier and
the music was as brutal as hell for that time
period but
at
the same time
it
was where
Anthrax was at the time. Definitely the Bel-
ladonna years were more successful but
I
still
think the music
is
just as good and
it
kept the band relevant when a
lot
of oth-
ers were still trying to figure out their next
move, if they had one at all.
Fast forward some years to pres-
ent
day and we
find
ourselves
with
yet
another
new
face
in
the
fold,
singer
Dan
Nelson. Dan joined the band
in
2007 and
has
proven
himself
worthy
of
playing
in
the big leagues. With one full length record
under his belt with the 2009 Worship Music,
the band
is
looking good and feeling even
better about their new addition, and broke
him in the right way. The band broke him
in on their first ever concert in Korea of all
places
and
he
passed
with
flying
horns.
Talk about your hazing; that’s about as hos-
tile as it gets. How will he stack up against
the others? Belladonna and Bush left some
gargantuan
sized
shoes
to
fill
but
I
think
given a fair shake the dude can pull it off. I
haveseenhimsingonsomevideoshereand
thereandheseemstobedoing just fine.You
all judge for yourself though,
I
don’t
want
to persuade you one bit. Get to Pryor, Okla.
on July 9 and support these guys and form
yourown opinion.
Also
performing
that
night
is
one
of
the
most overlooked bands
of
the
thrash
metal
movement,
Overkill.
Bobby
Blitz is an amazing front man; ugly as a rat
but still an amazing front man and vocalist.
Overkill was one of those bands that were
extremely popular in the underground tape
trading scene in the
‘80s
and emerged as a
force to be reckoned with, with their major
label debut in 1985 called Feel The Fire and
ultimately landing the opening spot on the
Peace Sells tour with Megadeth,andaEuro-
pean tour with none other than Anthrax. So
I guess it all comes full circle for them here
in little old Pryor, Okla., doesn’t it?
Also playing that night is Saxon,
Metal Church and Leather Wolf. Thursday
night
will
not
disappoint
I
promise
you,
and even
if
you just get the one day admit
one ticket for $40,
it’s
still
worth
it
for this
awesome lineup, although
it
would be so
much
better
with the awesome band Tes-
tament. But I am not greedy;
I’ll
take what
you give me. So tighten up the boot straps,
metal heads and join me in the “Ian stomp”
for one night of pure thrash that we all will
soon not forget.
Next month
I’ll
get you the ins
andoutson alltheothernights for thisgreat
fest and all the lineups for everyday but as
for now I just want you to see the progres-
sion of our little rock fest. Hopefully in the
future with your support we will be able to
havemore variety forourbuck.Speaking of
bucks,
if
you got those deep freakin’ pock-
ets, then spring for the $400 V.I.P. pass that
gets you all the access that you can handle
and then some.
If
you’re
broke as hell like
methengo fortheReservedor4-daypass at
$120.And ifyoujustwannagoforadayand
see
the
greatest
conglomeration
of
thrash
metal
this
year,
get the $40 day pass and
sit
out the rest of the time and save your-
self one hell of a sun burn! Waste no time
pledging your allegiance to this incredible
offeringthatthegreateststateintheU.S.has
provided for us. See you there!
Rocklahoma shows its thrash metal side on Thursday
Anthrax’s metal assault kicks off Rocklahoma on Thursday, July 9 in Pryor.
ROCKLAHOMA - JULY 9TH - 12TH
JUNE 2009
THE CURRENT 39
By Amy Goldian
I really miss the late
‘80s;
it was
long hair, black eyeliner (for both guys and
girls), lots
o’
leather, smoke machines and
heavy
metal. For
those
of
us who were
there, Rocklahoma
is
bringing back those
by-goneyearsonFriday,July10,withHeri-
caneAlice,Helix,DangerDanger,Warrant,
NightRangerandRATT!!!
Ratt
was
formed
by
Stephen
Pearcy in San Diego in 1976 as Mickey Ratt
and has been through numerous line-ups
sincethen,buttodaytheband iscomprised
of original band members vocalist Stephen
Pearcy,
guitarist
Warren
DeMartini
and
drummer Bobby
Blotzer,
and
they
have
launched a summer tour, their first togeth-
er in eight years, joined by bassist Robbie
Craneand guitarist John Corabi.
Ratt hit their pinnacle in the mid
‘80s
–
early
‘90s
when they released Ratt,
Out of the Cellar, Invasion of Your Privacy,
Dancing Undercover, Reach for the Sky and
Detonator
before
disbanding
in
1992.
In
1996, Ratt got back together without Cros-
by and Croucier and added Robbie Crane.
The new Ratt was marked by a changed
sound
as
well.
Their
new
album
(also
named
Ratt)
was
bluesy-rock
with
more
serious themes, but the critics hated it. The
band
continued
on,
but
Stephen
Pearcy
decided to leave the band in 2000 to form
two other bands (neither ever got very far)
and to do some solo work. Ratt replaced
Pearcy with Jizzy Pearl and added a new
guitarist
John
Corabi
from
Motley
Crue
and released a new album, House of Blues,
a bootleg CD released later in 2000.
In
a
surprising
turn
of
events,
Juan Croucier and Stephen Pearcy toured
with one another in 2006. In a surprise to
many,
Blotzer
joined
them
onstage
at
a
showon October 27, 2006, and it looked as
though Ratt was ‘re-banding.
‘
Since
then,
Ratt has released a
DVD entitled Ratt – Videos From The Cellar:
The Atlantic Years and a best-of CD entitled,
Tell the World: the Very Best of Ratt. Ratt
also has plans for another album to come
out
later
in
2009
(also
aptly named
Ratt)
just like the ones released in 1999 and 1983
(maybe they got a price break on cover art
if they reused the name? I don’t know…).
Some good news
is
that the band intends
onplayingOut of the Cellar in its entirety as
part of the album’s 20th anniversary, this
alone is enough to make you want to come
out for Friday’s line-up.
Playing
with
Ratt
is
Night
Ranger,who started inSan Francisco in the
early
‘80s
and
is
probably best known for
their singles “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me”
and “Sister Christian” which they released
early on in
their
career,
but they
haven’t
done much that
is
new and exciting since
the early
‘80s,
except tour with other
‘70s
and ‘80s bands like Journey, Heart, Kansas
and Poison, which says a
lot
about
their
fans’
loyalty. One
interesting
fact
about
NightRanger is thattheyhavereleasednu-
merous songs for movies such as Teachers,
Sixteen Candles, The Secret of My Success and
Out of Bounds. Whatdidwedo forresearch
before Wikipedia?
Night Ranger currently consists
of Jack Blades as their lead singer and bass
guitarist,
Christian
Matthew
Cullen
on
keyboards,
guitarists
Joel
Hoekstra
and
Brad
Gillis
and
Kelly
Keagy
on
drums.
You definitely want to catch these guys at
Rocklahoma
if
for no other reason than to
sing along with “Sister Christian.” If Rock-
lahoma
doesn’t
give you enough of these
guys, logon
to
www.nightranger.com
for
other upcomingshows.
Warrant
is
another band glam-
ming the stage on July 10 with their music.
Warrant has
released
eight
albums
since
their
beginning
in
1984 and Rocklahoma
will be the first time since 1994 the original
bandmembers will play together on stage:
Jani Lane, vocals; Joey Allen on lead guitar,
Jerry Dixon on bass; Eric Turner on guitar
andStevenSweetondrums. If that doesn’t
grab you, how does hearing “Cherry
Pie”
through Jani Lane’s pipes for the first time
since 1994 grab you?
Danger Danger is bringing
it
to
Rocklahoma and while these guys have a
story not much
different
than any of the
other bands playing Friday night, they can
say
they’ve
done
it
all
twice. Thankfully,
they
left
that
whole
“Naughty
Naughty”
and
“Bang
Bang”
thing behind them and
have gone with a more adult theme. The
band
currently
consists
of
Rob
Marcello,
Ted Poley, Steve West and Bruno Ravel.
Helix is also on the line-up and
theyareperhapstheoldestbandonthe bill,
having formed as the Helix Field Band in
1974 and while they had more success in
Canada and Sweden, they did have
their
five minutes of fame with a song entitled,
“It’s
Too Late” that was used in the movie
Iron Eagle. Apparently, the Swedes really
loved Helix and their album Long Way to
Heavenwasno.1ontheSwedishcharts for
a long time. They have been openers for
some big names such as KISS, Aerosmith,
Alice Cooper and Heart and the band con-
sists of Brian Vollmer as lead singer, Brent
“The Doctor” Doerner on guitars and back-
ing
vocals,
Jim Lawson on
guitars,
Sean
Kelly
on
bass
and
Rob
MacEachern
on
drums.
Hurricane Alice had a few hits
from the late ‘80s and early ‘90s but had to
alter their name when another band, Hur-
ricane, was also on the scene, so someone
hadtochangetheirspellingtoeliminatethe
confusion. This was a blessing in disguise
for
Hericane
Alice
because
their
second
album,
Tear the House Down gained a
lot
of notoriety and gave them the push they
needed
just
in time for them to break up
shortly thereafter. The good news
is
that
Hericane Alice has regrouped and will be
playing at Rocklahoma. Hericane Alice is
madeupbyBruceNaumannon vocals,Ian
Mayoonbass guitar,Danny Gillon guitars
and Jackie Ramos on drums.
Friday
night
at
Rocklahoma
is
for
all
of us who listen to the oldies from
the
‘80s
on the radio and whine
that
we
want to enjoy those years
all
over again.
Here’s
our chance to get out and actually
put our money where our mouth is, so call
a sitter, dig out your ripped up jeans, hike
up the hair with the
ol’
Aqua Net and get
out there and jam until your fillings come
loose.
Isn’t
it
worth $40 to hear six heavy
bands and get your youth back even
for
one night? Get your tickets now for freaky
Friday.
Friday night hair metal at Rocklahoma
Ratt is ready to gnaw at the Rocklahoma main stage July 10.
ROCKLAHOMA - JULY 9TH - 12TH
40 THE CURRENT
JUNE 2009
June 18 - 21 • Pryor OK
By Porter Ragnus
America
is
in a sad state of
affairs
these
days.
She
has
been
neglected,
cheated
and drug through the muck of capitalist greed
for the last eight years, and now, though hope
is slowly returning to her day by day, she stands
withered, tired and alone. Her feet are naked
and blistered having walked many long agoniz-
ing miles. Her heart has been broken time and
time again by the men who have courted her,
who have resided in the highest of her offices
and done nothing but take her for granted. The
water she drinks and the air she breathes have
been poisoned by purveyors of petroleum. She
chokesontheirgreaseandtriestokeepherburn-
ing eyes open in a cloud of thick black smoke.
Americanowstandscold,shiveringandholding
backprecioustearsstaringatasunrisinginslow
motion, taking
its
merry time lighting a world
that
hasn’t
seen any light since before a fateful
September that seems as though
it
might have
happenedathousandyearsago. ThankGodshe
still knows how to rock.
Rocking
is
exactly
what
she’ll
be
doing when
Stryper
takes
the
stage
at
Rock-
lahoma on
July
11
as
the
Saturday
headliner.
Stryper has been rocking hard since 1983 when
they got together in Orange County, California
and decided their lives were meant to be spent
in service of their Christian God and his finest
creation, rock. The brothers Michael and Rob-
ert Sweet (on lead vocals and guitar and on the
drums,
respectively)
recruited
Oz Fox
to
play
angelic lead guitar and Tim Gaines on a bass
so heavy it thumps the demons from out of our
souls. Together they formed the holiest of hair
bands and perpetuated Salvation Through Re-
demption Yielding Peace, Encouragement and
Righteousness (the coolest acronym ever).
Stryper’s
first
full-length
album,
Soldiers Under Command, went gold in 1984 but
was nothing compared
to
the Grammy nomi-
nated album, To Hell With the Devil, which went
platinum in 1986 after three months high on the
charts. It was the first Contemporary Christian
album as well as the first Christian metal album
to do so. Stryper then became the
first
Chris-
tian band to receive MTV air-play with videos
for
the
songs
“Free”
and
“Honestly”
playing
around the clock and becoming two of the most
requested in 1986.
Stryperrodethewaveofrocksuccess
for the next few years living it up and rocking it
out. Theyplayed theirheartsoutandspreadthe
Word like no Christian band had before filling
our minds and souls with the blood of the lamb
and ripping the evil form out of our spirits. But,
alas, the rock lifestyle caught up with them as
well as
society’s
waning interest in glam rock.
By the early
‘90s,
their spirituality was in crisis
as well as
their
album sales and Stryper went
the way of so many rock warriors of the
‘80s,
into
retirement.
They
officially
disbanded
in
1993 and were not heard from
until
10
years
later when 2003 hosted the reunion of Stryper.
With renewed spirits washed in the blood they
revived
their
original
intentions
and with
the
renewed strength they received from personal
redemption, they brought the Holy Rock back
to
the
people
and
shed
their
light
upon
the
mortal coil once again. Hallelujah, praise be to
the Lord, they are going to rock your face off at
Rocklahoma. The place on the internet to check
them out is www.stryper.com.
Stryper might be the only band
at
Rocklahoma on Saturday that sports the Holy
Spirit,
but
they
definitely
aren’t
the
only one
sporting
the
rock. Thin Lizzy
will
be on
the
main stage on Saturday as well. As venerable
as ever these veterans of rock are going to melt
your brain
like
they’ve
been doing since
their
onset in Dublin, Ireland in 1969 when rock was
still learning how to be psychedelic. These guys
have been through
it
all.
Dozens
of
soaring
heights, downward spirals, life-changing epiph-
anies and years later, the boys are
still
back in
town. Checkthem out at www.thinlizzy.org.
Kix’sfirstalbum,Kix,portrayedtheir
tongue-in-cheek
good-timeyness
to
a
tee
and
rockedthecrapoutofpeoplewithabigsmileon
its face. The song “Kix are for Kids” is a perfect
example of how clever they were. It references
not only one, but two breakfast cereals in only
four words. With all but one founding member,
Steve
Whiteman,
Robbie
“10/10”
Younkins,
Brian
“Damage”
Forsythe,
Mark Shenker
(the
new guy) and Jimmy “Chocolate” Chalfant are
going to get down with some geritol and come
out rocking the way they used to on Saturday
at Rocklahoma. Go to www.kix-band.com for
more information on these wonderful rockers.
Keel is also going to be there on Sat-
urday, rocking your heads off with their classic
line-up which includes these dudes: Ron Keel,
Marc Ferrari, Bryan Jay, Dwain Miller and Geno
Arce. 2009 is Keel’s 25th anniversary as a band
so they decided they might as well re-unite and
show the world they still have the right to rock.
(“The Right to Rock” was one of their songs in
caseyou didn’tcatchthereference.) Goondown
towww.keelband.comtolearnmoreaboutthese
dudes.
Lizzy
Borden
(the
band,
not
the
namesake)
not
only
knows how
to
rock
very
very hard but they know how to put on a crazy
show. These guysspenta lot of time and effort to
be able to vomit copious amounts of fake blood,
squirt
hopefully
fake
venom and do
all
kinds
of wonderfully evil and horrific things on stage
that just make the rock that much harder. From
1983 to 2000 they massacred audiences across the
globe
leaving
their
clothes
stained
with
weird
stage-juices and their minds locked in a state of
pure horrific bliss. They got back together in 2007
and released their masterwork, Appointment with
Death and now
they’re
going
to
bleed
all
over
the Rocklahoma stage. Check them out at www.
lizzyborden.com.
The first Rocklahoma band on Satur-
day will be the Gypsy Pistoleros. These guys are
from Spain and are definitely worth their weight
in rock. Check them out at www.myspace.com/
gypsypistoleros.
I love America and I can’t wait to see
her beloved citizens at Rocklahoma rocking out
with her
all
day on Saturday, July 11, in Pryor,
Oklahoma.
Saturday’s main stage sees Stryper
®
Beer • Wine • Liquor
Bikers Welcome
N. Hwy 69 next to Maggie’s
TheLiquorCabinet
918-825-7500
91
8-
82
5-
75
00
The Liquor Cabinet
Stryper saves Rocklahoma’s main stage on Saturday, July 11.
ROCKLAHOMA - JULY 9TH - 12TH
JUNE 2009
THE CURRENT 41
By Chris B. Critter
Rocklahoma’s
Sunday,
July
12
blowout will sound bigger, better and more
twisted than ever. Twisted
Sister,
an iconic
1980sheavymetalband thatmadeadeepim-
pact on pop culture during their peak years,
is headlining the Sunday shred-fest in Pryor.
Twisted
Sister
was
formed
by
guitarist Jay Jay French but struggled for
it’s
first few years of existence. When Dee Snider
joined in 1976 the band took on new life un-
der his guidance. Yet
it
was
still
well into
the 1980s when Twisted Sister really became
a household name. Beginning in 1983 with
their
sophmore album, You Can’t Stop Rock
‘n’ Roll.
Twisted Sister began a string of hit
records, with
that
effort
going gold. Their
next
release,
Stay Hungry, would go
triple-
platinum.
That
record
Stay
Hungry
con-
tainedTwisted Sister’s most well-known hits,
including “We’re Not Gonna Take
It”
and
“I
Wanna
Rock,”
which had been popularized
by regular airplay on MTV in the 1980s.
Many of the band’s songs explore
themes of parent vs. child conflicts and criti-
cisms of the educational system such as
“Be
Chrool
to
Your
Scuel”
a
song
appearing
on the 1985 album, Come Out and Play. The
tune was written by lead singer Dee Snider
and featured Alice Cooper on second vocals.
Other guest
artists
on the song were more
mainstream like Billy Joel on piano, guitarist
Brian Setzer of the Stray Cats, and Clarence
Clemons (of Bruce Springsteen fame) on sax-
ophone.Thesongand it’smusicvideofeatur-
ing
actor-comedian
comedian
actor
Bobcat
Goldthwait endured some controversy since
it seemed strongly “anti-school.” Because of
this
MTV refused
to
play the
song’s
music
video.
But Twisted Sister was no strang-
ertocontroversy. LeadsingerSniderhad just
returned
from
testifying
before
the
Senate
Commerce,ScienceandTransportationCom-
mitteewhichwascontemplatingrecordlabel-
ingwithparentaladvisory stickers. Advocat-
ing a ratings system,
if
not an outright ban
on offensive music, were the Parent’s Music
Resource Center lead by Tipper Gore, wife
of Senator and later Vice President Al Gore;
and Susan Baker, wife of Treasury Secretary
James
Baker. Opposing
witnesses
arguing
against any ratings system or other control
measures included
Snider
as
well
as
other
musicians
Frank
Zappa and
John
Denver.
Snider and the other musicians impressive in
their presentation before Congress and while
parental
advisory
stickers
do now
exist
no
clear standard has ever been introduced for
their use and many records evade such
labeling of their content.
Regardless,
this
controversy
did
not help the career of Twisted Sister who be-
gan a decline when their newest video was
bannedbyMTV. Evermisunderstood,Twist-
ed Sister’s “Be Chrool to Your Scuel” was not
much more than a simple parody of the old
Beach Boys song,
“Be
True to Your School.”
With their concerts suffering poor attendance
and their record sales plummeting, the band
tried
a
record
company mandated
change
of direction with the 1987 album Love Is For
Suckers. But that record’s very polished pop
sound further alienated the band’s core fans.
The group soon disbanded and spent more
than a decade apart.
But in 2001 at a benefit for New
York City
First
Responders
killed
on 9/11,
the band would play a raucous and well re-
ceived show with other New York metallers
such as Anthrax. Entitled
‘New
York
Steel’
the benefit sold out Hammerstein Ballroom
in
New York
City
and
raised
$100,000
for
the
charity. With
fans clamoring
for
more
tour dates, Twisted Sister would soon oblige.
The band has released several new albums
including various live performances, collec-
tions and best-of’s, as well as some Christmas
music! Twisted Christmas is a delightfully de-
mentedandsurprisinglysuccessfulendeavor
that carefully matches classic carols to heavy
metalguitar riffsinawaythatactuallyworks.
June2009 willseethe release ofa specialtwo-
disc
package
to
mark
the
25th anniversary
of the
band’s
masterpiece, Stay Hungry. For
morecheck out www.twistedsister.com.
Skid
Row
is
a
band
associated
with
radio
hits
like
“18
and
Life,”
“Youth
Gone
Wild,”
and
“I
Remember
You”
-
all
singles from their 1987 self-titled major label
debut. That albumwasablockbusterquintu-
ple platinum selling monster. But Skid Row
also have a harder edge found on album cuts
and deeper tracks not released on the radio.
That side could already be found in the much
more complex music found on Slave To The
Grind,the band’s1989follow-up. Thatalbum
was the first heavy metal album to debut at
the no. 1 position. But while the album went
double-platinum, and songs “Monkey Busi-
ness” and “Wasted Time” did chart as singles
this didn’t appeal to the mainstream public’s
pallet as much as the previous record. But
Skid Row was still high profile and retained
a large core of fans, keeping them busy for
years before taking a break from touring in
the early ‘90s.
In 1995 Skid Row returned with
Subhuman Race,
a
darker
sounding
album
thattooktheband stillfurtherawayfrompop
radio airplay. With the mid-90s pop-culture
favoring Seattle grunge sounds of the heavy
metal scenes in California and the Northeast
were suffering decline. But Skid Row never
went away, with a few
line-up
tweaks the
band
has
continued
to
tour
regularly
and
produce two more studio albums and a best-
of
collection.
Always
ready
to
rock,
Skid
Row soldiers on! Learn more at www.skid-
row.com.
Great White formed as part of the
Los Angeles metal scene brewing in the late
‘70s
and early
‘80s. By 1984 the band’s self-
titled
debut had dented the
charts
and the
1986 album
Shot In The Dark was
similarly
sucessful. But megastardom came with the
group’s third album, 1987s Once Bitten..., that
disc
contained
the
singles
“Rock
Me”
and
“Save
Your
Love.” But
the
album’s
sound
wascohesiveand it’sstrengthwasnotdepen-
denton hitsongs. Thefollowupwasanother
smash, ...Twice Shy was met with enthusiastic
sales in 1989. The biggest hit record of their
career, this disc had charting singles with the
songs “Once Bitten, Twice Shy,” “The Angel
Song,” “Mista Bone” and “House Of Broken
Love.” The band’s next effort, Hooked, hit the
market in 1991. While failing to produce hit
singles the album did
sell
well and charted
highly. More albums followed yet none of
them achieved major success.
Then in 1999 Can’t Get There From
Here marked a resurgence for the band and
the song “Rollin’ Stoned” struck it big on the
singles charts. The resilience of Great White
suffered a huge gut check in 2003. The band
was involved in the infamous Station Night
Club
fire
-
one of the more tragic events in
the history of live music. Despite losing gui-
tarist Ty Longley in the tragedy the band has
rocked onwards. Two recent albums show
thatGreatWhite is farfromdone.Catchmore
Great White at www.mistabone.com.
Matthew and Gunnar Nelson are
the twin sons of Ricky Nelson and the grand-
sons
of
Ozzie
and
Harriet
(Nelson).
The
Nelson clan are third generation
celebrities.
Nelson blasted onto the metal scene in 1990
with their debut album, After the Rain, which
contained the no. 1
hit,
“(Can’t
Live With-
out Your) Love and Affection,” as well as a
second radio single, “After the Rain,” which
reached no. 6 on the rock charts. Their music
hascontinued toevolveandexperimentwith
the Nelson’s seemingly capable of producing
goodmusic inany genre. Despite the release
of several more albums the band has never
returned to their previous level of stardom,
but the duo is gaining steam heading into to
their Sunday main stage Rocklahoma perfor-
mance. More on these twin titans is available
at www.thenelsonbrothers.com.
Bonfire is a German heavy metal
band with a long and illustrious history go-
ing back
to
the
early
70s. Although
never
wellknownonAmericanshoresthebanddid
achieve some sales in the United States with
their
1991 album, Knockout. The band has
many internationally released records (over
20 full length albums) including rock operas
and
concept
albums
to
their
credit
and
is
known for their interesting live shows. More
heated information is available at www.bon-
fire.de.
Vixen
is
one
of
the
most
well
known all female heavy metal bands in rock
history.
Founded
in
Minnesota
the
band
soonfound it’s true homewastheglammetal
scene
of
Los
Angeles.
Their
breakout
hit
was “Edge of a Broken Heart” off their self-
titled 1988 album. Several albums and line-
up changes have taken place in the ensuing
years. Vixen was featured on the 2004 VH1
show “Bands Reunited,” and you can learn
more about what
these
rockin’
ladies
have
beenup to at www.vixenrock.com.
This
Sunday
lineup
at
Rockla-
homapromises tobe the perfect way to wrap
up one rockin’ weekend. Learn all about this
Pryor party at www.rock.feverfest.com.
Rocklahoma’s righteous Sunday featuring Twisted Sister, Skid Row
2nd
Del Rio
Mexican
Dine-In or Carry-out
Daily Lunch
Specials
(drink & tax included)
Mon - Thurs 11:00am to 9:00pm
Fri & Sat 11:00am 10:00pm. Sunday 11:30am to 9:00pm
400 S. Chouteau Ave, Chouteau, OK
$5.75
1/2OFF
Buy 1
Dinner
Entree
Get
the
918-476-5084
Twisted Sister shreds the main stage on Sunday, July 12.
Photo by Hakon Grav
ROCKLAHOMA - JULY 9TH - 12TH
42 THE CURRENT
JUNE 2009
By Metal Mike
The side stages at our be-
loved
Rocklahoma
don’t
have
the
best reputation right now, with
all
the
mud
the
first
year
when
they
were under the tents and then the
second
year
when
they
just,
well,
fell
and ended up under the
tents
anyway. So this year plans to be a
much better setting than year’s past
and is not short on the talent either!
The
side
stage
has gener-
ally in the past years been reserved
for the “rookies” so to speak but not
anymore, metal
heads.
The
lineup
on
the
side
stages
is
truly
amaz-
ing. You have Beautiful Creatures
playing
the
Strip
Stage
Thursday,
July
9,
at
10 p.m., and
that
would
be the awesome Joe
Lestay’s
band.
Then on the same stage on July 10
you
have
Britny
Fox
at
7:45
p.m.
and Bang Tango at 10 p.m. July 11
on the same stage at 10 p.m. you got
Faster
Pussycat
bringing
you
hits
like
“Bathroom
Wall”
and
“House
of Pain.” And just in case you’re not
getting
enough
side
stage
action,
L.A. Guns brings
it
to you right in
your face one more time at 8:45 p.m.
onSunday, July 12. Needless to say,
the side stages are going to be rock-
in’
and
I’ll
be there to bask in all its
‘80s glory. One more though before
we
get
into
the
Okies
gracing
the
stages of Rocklahoma this year,
it’s
Lord Tracy. I would not feel right if
I didn’t mention these guys at least
once during this article. The band is
fronted
by Terry Glaze ex
–singer
forthealmightyPantera,beforethey
were good. His new band is decent
you know, it is what it is and being
the die-hard Pantera freak that I am,
I
feel like we got just a
little
bit
of
nostalgia
here
and
it
is
definitely
something to check out anyway.
So
as
we
get
into
this,
I
must say
I
am a
little
disappointed
in
the
fact
that
we only have two
Okie bands playing
this
year. One
would think well, this is an Oklaho-
ma festival shouldn’t there be more
Oklahoma
bands
there?
Well
we
will work on
it.
The bands that are
playing are Hollywood Harlot and
Firstryke.
Hollywood Harlot (HH, as
a lot of you know)
is
an awesome-
ly
cool
throwback
‘80s
band from
Tulsa. What’s even cooler, for me at
least,
is
that
I
would have thought
theseguyswouldhavehadsomeage
onthem,butnot at all.Theywere all
high school friends and didn’t form
the band until like 2005. For me,
it
just showstheirrespectforthegenre
and that
it
doesn’t
matter how old
you are you can
still
do the music
you love, and be different and stand
out. Lord knows we got enough of
the same crap out there every night
at any given venue in T-Town. Not
to mention the fact that these guys
have
a
niche
that
nobody around
here is doing anymore. Most people
are scared to say they love Poison
or Motley Crue, but not Hollywood
Harlot. These dudes are waivin’ the
freak flag high! You can catch these
cats giving you that same feeling as
the bigger guys, yet they’re younger
andtheirvoices stillsoundgood (lit-
tle jab to the ribs there) on the Strip
Stage at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, July
11.
If
you
can’t
wait and you must
have some Hollywood Harlot right
now then go hit them up at www.
myspace.com\hollywoodharlotand
let them know you dig em’.
The band
I
would
like
to
talk
about
next
are
true
soldiers
from
the
“decade
of
decadence,”
Firstryke.
If
any of you Okies were
around
in
the
mid
‘80s
then
you
might
remember
these
guys.
Fir-
stryke
was
the
band
that
should
have went big but never did. With
album inhand, Just a Nightmare,and
a big pair of balls the guys set out to
make
it
big in L.A. just like
all
the
rest, but just had bad timing I guess.
By the time they were ready to go,
the genre was dying and there just
wasn’t enough left to go around. All
that’s about to change, though. With
a new lease on life and the backing
of
Sam
McCasslin
and
Retrospect
Records, the boys are setting out to
make
peace
with
all
the
lingering
business they had left in 1989.
Rocklahoma
is
just
one
piece of a big giant puzzle the band
is
about
to
put
together
over
the
next two years. With a possible tour
in the works and a definite album
slated for 2010, the boys seem to be
in great spirits and are looking for-
ward to
rockin’
your faces off over
and over as we see them; hopefully
for years to come. I think given the
right
opportunities
and
the
right
exposures
all
is
possible.
The
tal-
ent
is
there and with the re-release
of their 1984 album Just a Nightmare
on
Retrospect
Records,
the
sky
is
the limit.
If
you wanna show these
guys some
well
deserved
support
then get over to the Retro Stage at 4
p.m. on Thursday, July 9, and show
them some love.
If
you
can’t
catch
them
that
night,
they’ll
be
doing
it
again on the Strip Stage at 11:15
a.m. on Sunday, July 12. Visit www.
myspace.com\firstryke
and
give
‘em some love.
Lastly I’d like to thank Sam
fromRetrospectRecordsforanswer-
ing all myquestionsandsametoRic
fromFirstrykeforthe lastminutein-
terview. Good luck to all the bands
this year; I am jealous as hell, guys.
‘Til
then, ya’ll know the drill.
Metal for the Masses: Rocklahoma side stages come alive
Hollywood Harlot rocks the home turf on Saturday, July 11.
Rocklahoma quick guide to Pryor’s food and lodging
LODGING
Holiday Inn Express
271 MidAmericaDrive
(918) 361-7800
Econolodge
6800 S. Mill Street
(918) 825-7600
Days Inn
315 MidAmericaDrive
(918) 476-4661
Comfort Inn & Suites
307 MidAmericaDrive
(918) 476-6660
Pryor House Motor Inn
123 S. Mill Street
(918) 825-6677
American Best Value Inn
123 S. Mill St.
(918) 825-6678
Travel Inn Motel
207 S. Mill St.
(918) 825-1915
RESTAURANTS
Arby’s
315 S. Mill Street
(918) 825-3192
Boomerang Diner
305 E. Graham Ave.
(918) 825-8990
Braum’s Ice Cream & Dairy
211 S. Mill St.
(918) 825-1498
Charlie’s Chicken
34 S. Mill Street
(918) 825-5885
Chili’s
5001 S. Mill Street
(918) 825-3071
East Side Café
720 E. Center
(918) 825-2110
Eggbert’s
5201 S. Mill Street
(918) 825-1888
El Royal
1.5 miles E. on old HWY 20
(918) 825-1531
Golden China
447 S. Wood
(918) 825-2902
Goldie’s Patio
21 S.E. 8th Street
(918) 825-3313
JL’s Bar-B-Q
South of Pryor on HWY 69
(918) 825-1829
Kentucky Fried Chicken
2 S. Mill Street
(918) 825-4422
Las Fuentes
110 S. Mill Street
(918) 824-1303
Maggie’s Mexican Kitchen
104 NE 1st Street
(918) 824-4557
Mazzio’s
911 S. Mill Street
(918) 825-0090
Mid America Grill
101 Cobblestone Drive
(918) 824-7625
Napolie’s
11 N. Adair
(918) 825-8015
Pizza Hut
501 S. Mill Street
(918) 825-4880
Quizno’s
310 S. Mill Street
(918) 825-7827
Sonic Drive-In
439 S. Mill Street
(918) 825-8567
Subway
917 S. Mill Street
(918) 825-6693
Taco Bell
601 S. Mill Street
(918) 825-2779
Thomas Restaurant
215 S. Mill Street
(918) 825-0278
JUNE 2009
THE CURRENT 43
COUNTRY FEVER - JUNE 18TH - 21ST
Red Dirt Rangers
Jason Boland
Cross Canadian Ragweed
Stoney LaRue
Reckless Kelly
Eli Young Band
Randy Rogers Band
& Many More!
June
18 - 21
PRYOR, OK
June
18 - 21
PRYOR, OK
Thursday June 18th
Friday June 19th
Saturday June 20th
Robert Earl
Keen
Billy Joe
Shaver
Ray Wylie
Hubbard
Sunday June 21st
Jerry Jeff
Walker
By Michael Bell
From Thursday, June 18
–
Sunday, June 21, there will be some
ofthebestnamesinthecountrymu-
sic world playing Country Fever in
Pryor,Okla.,andafewofthemhave
a little red dirt stuck their heels.
On June 18, the Main Stage
has Robert Earl Keen, Wade Bowen,
No
Justice,
and Jackson Taylor; at
Yellow
House,
you’ll
hear
Ryan
Beaver, and Brandon Clark and
at
The Red Dirt/Texas Tent there’ll be
Mama Sweet and Turnpike Trouba-
dours.
On June 19, starring on the
Main
Stage
will
be Stoney LaRue,
Randy
Rogers
Band,
Jack
Ingram,
Mike McClure, Billy Joe Shaver and
Brandon Jenkins; at Yellow House,
Hazzard
and
Brandon
Clark
will
perform
and
the
Red
Dirt/Texas
Tent will have Hosty Duo and Su-
sanHerndon.
On June 20, the Main Stage
will
feature
Cross
Canadian
Rag-
weed, Jason Boland, Reckless Kelly,
Red Dirt Rangers, Ray Wylie Hub-
bard, and Aaron Watson; at Yellow
House,
you’ll
hear
Bart
Crow and
ShawnaRussellandattheRedDirt/
TexasTent you’ll see Seth Jamesand
Travis Linville.
On
Sunday,
June
21
on
the Main Stage you’ll hear Jerry Jeff
Walker, Eli Young, Johnny Cooper,
Ryan Bingham and Brandon Rhy-
der; at Yellow House South 40 and
Travis Kidd will entertain you, and
at the Red Dirt/Texas Tent Monica
Taylor
and
Clint
Osmus
will
be
playing.
The bands are set to per-
form on stages featuring full-on pro
audio equipment and
lighting
rigs
that’ll fill your audio and visual sen-
sors to the brim with the sights and
sounds of some of the best Ameri-
cana artists alive today.
Storme
Warren,
whose
love
for
the
country
music world
was
inspired
by
Charlie
Daniels
and
his
storytelling
style
of
tunes
like “Devil Went Down to Georgia,”
“Legend
of
Wooley
Swamp”
and
“El
Toreador,”
will
be
the
master
of ceremonies
for
the
entire
event.
At
age
10,
Storme
(pronounced
“Stormy”) attended his first country
music concert featuring none other
thanRoyClark,Jim Strafford,Glenn
CampbellandTanya Tucker. While
rock music held most of his atten-
tion as an adolescent, country mu-
sic had made its mark. Groups like
.38
Special,
Lynyrd
Skynyrd
and
the Allman Brothers were never far
from Warren’s turntable.
During a
field
trip
in
the
seventh grade he toured the KELI
Tulsa’s
Top
40
radio
station
and
found his calling. Spending his free
time at the station, he helped with
answering request lines and pulling
records for the deejays in exchange
for free albums and concert tickets.
By now his enthusiasm was electri-
fyingandStormewasgivenachance
to have his very ownweekendradio
show.
Later, StormeWarrenwent
to
the
California
State
University-
Northridgeandin1989landedwhat
he
calls
the
most
influential
radio
positionofhiscareer atKQLZPirate
RadioinLosAngeles. Theinfamous
glam-rock station known for its ren-
egade antics and infectious listener
appeal changed the face of Los An-
geles radio, and instilled in Warren
adrive to craft a witty, original style
to
connect with
the
audience way
beyond the conventional. After his
time at KQLZ, Storme Warren pur-
sued a lifelong career in both radio
and television.
The
festival
will
have
designated
areas
for
the
collegiate
crowd where camps for each cam-
pus
will
be
set-up
so
the
college
kids
can
fly
their
flags
and show
their school spirit. The Pryor Creek
Festival
Grounds boasts a number
of
primitive camp
sites,
miles and
miles
of
paved
roads,
a
24-hour
general store for
all
of your camp-
ing needs, freshwater
trucks,
port-
a-potties,
modern
shower
houses,
refuse dump stations and ATM ma-
chines. One Country Fever feature
that seperates it from other festivals
is
“Picture
Alley”
-
Picture
Alley
passesinfrontofthemainstageona
narrow throughway. This is where
fans get a chance to snap pictures of
their favorite bands. While there is
so
much
open-mindedness
about
photographing the bands, there will
be some minor
rules
to
live
with,
like no open fires on the ground, no
fireworks
or
guns,
and keeping
it
quiet after 2:30 a.m. Safety first and
one must have some shut-eye time,
right?
The Yellow Tent
will
fea-
ture talents of up and coming Okie/
Texas country stars lighting up the
stage with their cosmic energy. The
TexasRedDirtRanchTentwillneed
their
own
tent
for
the
Texas
tune
slingers to get down and party; the
namesays it all, but all are welcome.
And ifyou are inthemood forsome
alcohol there will be a full bar serv-
ing drinks
‘til
2 a.m. at both tents.
Tickets
and
discount
VIP
packages
are
available
at
www.fe-
verfest.com as well as information
on
seating
charts
and
availability.
Tickets can be purchased by calling
(866) 330-8822, or at any
O’Reilly’s
Auto Parts Store.
Country Fever welcomes Warren, red dirt
44 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
www.cherylsdigitalkeepsakes.com
110 E 2nd Street Dowtown Bartlesville, OK
918-214-2544
Cheryl’s Digital Keepsakes
Monday - Thursday 1pm - 5pm
(After hours appointments available)
“Saving family history... 1 reel at a time!”
Archiving photo albums, cassettes, slides & negatives to CD
Special Event Montages
VHS, camcorder, 8mm flm to DVD
Harbor Mountain Coffee House
Salads • Wraps
Sandwiches
Espresso Drinks
Frozen • Hot
Smoothies
3rd & Wyandotte, McAlester
918-426-9600
Come in for Lunch
Monday - Friday
7am - 5pm
Saturday
8am - 5pm
2008
BEST COFFEE
ENTERTAINMENT
By Chris B. Critter
On
Saturday,
June
13,
Tahlequahations can celebrate their city
for free. And maybe they can get a taste
of the future. Tahlequah -The Art of
Living is brought to you by The Current
partnered with The Cherokee Nation
Community Tourism & Cherokee Na-
tion cultural Tourism. A cultural festi-
val of art, music beer and wine-making
running from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., the fes-
tival is free and everyone is invited to
attend as the event is appropriate for all
ages.
I dunno about you folks but I love me
a festival! And a FREE festival? Well
it don’t get much better than that! But
I want to know more about this new
annual event. I spoke with my pub-
lisher Tom Barlow, founder of The Cur-
rent, who right away told me that the
partnership responsible for The Art of
Living is already planning for another
celebration next year. Barlow says the
Tahlequah - The Art of Living Founda-
tion was created to promote Tahlequah
arts. Various endeavors will be sup-
ported, but especially to fund the open-
ing of new art galleries in the city.
Barlow recognizes that the reputation
of Tahlequah has taken on the quality
of an artist’s mecca. Certainly there is
truly a Tahlequah scene that’s special,
but as much as the reality is important,
so is the reputation, the word of mouth.
Barlow wants to see the music and arts
of Tahlequah flourish like never before.
He thinks it essential to cultivate the
city’s reputation in order to give the
reality a shot-in-the-arm. Barlow com-
pares Tahlequah to Jackson Hole, Wyo-
ming; Aspen, Colorado; Santa Fe, New
Mexico; and various artist-colonies in
California.
A regional example of a
city with similar ambitions is Eureka
Springs, Arkansas.
Along with the visual arts, Bar-
low especially notes the music scene in
Tahlequah. Certainly the area has rich
musical talent, but the community of
musicians in Tahlequah also embraces
regional and national touring acts that
play frequent gigs in town. Tahlequah
seems to draw musicians from nearby
scenes like Stillwater and Fayetteville
but also areas such as Colorado and
Austin. Barlow says that any time he
meets people from other areas of the
country he hears how much they love
Tahlequah and it’s unique cultural com-
munity.
Barlow tells me he’s proud to
present such a great music line-up at
the festival. All acts are appearing on
a professional stage set with sound and
lights to accompany them. The music
will be in Norris Park but not at the
gazebo; instead a larger stage is being
brought in for this special event.
At press time music was sched-
uled to begin about 3 p.m. However
Barlow said that other musicians were
still calling in asking to be added to the
bill early in the day, so the music may
start earlier. Presently the line-up in-
cludes the Turnpike Troubadours, Sel-
by Minner, Joe Mack & 3/4 Kind, Dean
Williams, Little Joe McLerran, Carter
Sampson, The Red Dirt Rangers joined
by
Randy
Crouch,
John
Fullbright,
and Red Eye Gravy. The acts will al-
ternate acoustic and electric so that the
stage will always have action and the
crowd will never be without music to
enjoy. Many genres are represented so
fans of country, rock, blues, jambands
and more can all get their groove on.
Remember more musical friends and
guests expected to join in early in the
day so don’t be late.
But Tahlequah - The Art of Liv-
ing is more than just music. At the court-
house square there will be art exhibits and
displays put together by the Cherokee
Nation. An art walk will lead from the
square to the park where more festivities
take place with music, food and drink.
Tahlequah - The Art of Living festival drives diversity to downtown
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 45
WE BILL MEDICARE/MEDICAID
PRIVATE INSURANCE
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
ADVANTAGE CARE
A Personally Tailored Payment
Plan May Be Arranged
Locally owned & operated for 20 years
Mail Order Available
WE PROVIDE HOME HEALTH CARE ESSENTIALS
Hospital Beds
Incontinence Supplies
Bath Safety Equipment
Ostomy Supplies
Wheel Chairs
Home Oxygen Equipment
Diabetic Supplies
Mastectomy Supplies
C.P.A.P.S.
Walkers & Canes
Nebulizers
Breast Pumps
Specialty Mattresses
FREE DELIVERY &
EQUIPMENT SET-UP
Two locations to assist you!
1012 E. Downing
Tahlequah
918-456-4797
1234 W. 4th, Ste.B
Tahlequah
918-207-1741
866-456-4797
HOURS: MON - FRI. 8:30am-8:30pm
Let us help you with
your loved one.
ENTERTAINMENT
Choc and Marshall breweries
will be on hand providing craft brews
for the thirsty fest-goers. Grape Ranch,
Summerside and Sailing Horse vine-
yards will be present for those who pre-
fer a nice wine. Tastings of these great
adult-beverages are available with a
special wristband that costs a measly
$5. Remember the festival’s admission
is completely free! So enjoy all the vi-
sual art displays and live music with-
out cost. Come hungry, come thirsty,
as food and all sorts of beverage are
available and reasonably priced. Your
purchases raise money for the arts com-
munity so please support the art and
culture of Tahlequah! Patrons are en-
couraged to bring blankets and lawn-
chairs for their comfort while enjoying
music in the park.
Tahlequah
–
The Art of Liv-
ing festival makes its inaugural debut
in downtown Tahlequah! Don’t miss
this event, which kicks off at 11 a.m.
on Saturday, June 13. The event is fam-
ily friendly, and it is FREE to the pub-
lic. Art and culture in Capitol Square,
music and fun in Norris Park. Various
downtown merchants will contribute
special fun things as well. For more
information contact Tom Barlow at The
Current (918) 431-0330, or speak with
Donna Tinnin, tourism coordinator at
the Cheokee Nation Commerce Depart-
ment, at (918) 453-5728, or head to the
web
at
www.cherokeetourismok.com
or www.currentland.com.
The Turnpike Troubadors’ tunes will fill Norris Park in Tahlequah June 13.
46 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
405 E. Downing, Tahlequah
918-456-3503 • 1-800-521-8131
Local ChannelsAdd to any package
$5.00/mo
You’ll be ready for the digital transition
where available
FREE
with commitment
OVER 15
PREmium
mOViE CHANNELS
including
For 3 months
(cnet.com review 2/19/08)
Sign up today and get
Premium Movie Channels from
for a Penny for a Year (a $155 value)
Activation*(a $99 value)
DishHOME Protection Plan*
for 9 Months
(a $53 value)
Standard Professional Installation (up to 4 rooms)
HD DVR Upgrade ($5.98/mo DVR Service fee applies)
– Better than TiVo®
*Requires commitment.
save year after year with the lowest all-digital
prices nationwide...every day.
HAPPY
HAPPY
Come on GeT
Withour BEstdEAl EVEr
OVER
100
ALL-DIGITAL
CHAnneLS
over 50 HD Channels
FrEE
$999
mo
For 6 months
with commitment
Television sold separately.
Offer expires 7/31/09. Requires 24-month commitment and automatic billing. Early cancellation fee, other restrictions apply. Programming package credits applied in frst 6 months. Premium package credits applied in frst 3 months. HD
programming requires HD receiver and HD television (sold separately). New, frst-time DISH Network customers only; subject to terms and conditions of DISH Network promotional agreement and Residential Customer Agreement. Local
Channels only available to customers residing in specifed local Designated Market Area (DMA). All prices, packages and programming subject to change without notice. HBO® and Cinemax® are service marks of Home Box Offce, Inc.
SLICKS1645_B
Layaway & Financing Available • Free Set-up & Delivery
We service what we sell • Technician on staff at all times.
405 E. Downing, Tahlequah
1-800-521-8131 • 918-456-8131
We honor the
TV Converter Box Coupon
for more info.
go to . . .
Don’t get turned off June 12
Since 1963 • Voted Tahlequah’s #1 Electronic & Audio Store
Get the best with Hi-Def LCD • Plasma • Projection
New Digital Roof Top and Aerial Antennas
ENTERTAINMENT
By Jeff Jeffries
Since spring has returned, its
time to get out to the lake, the river,
the garden, and now South Grand Lak-
ers warmly welcome you to the brand
spanking new
Junior’s
Paradise,
an
outdoor amphitheater located one mile
east of Disney on Highway 28.
Getting
the
Paradise
party
started will be a tri-fecta of Okie’s of dif-
ferent generations, but one in the same
united in the same red dirt blues genre
that will have you dancing the night
away at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 3. Head-
lining this triple bill is Leon Russell and
supporting the show
is
Tahlequah’s
own bowing bad boy Randy Crouch &
Flying Horse and Tulsa’s rising blues
star Little Joe McLerran.
The
show,
presented
by
The Current and produced by Jimmy
Markham and
George
Bingham,
is
known
all
over
already
as
“Leon’s
Grand Return.” During the 1960s and
1970s, Russell spent lots of time living
in northeast Oklahoma and had two
notable recording establishments that
saw the likes of several major players
and stars of yesterday and today, the
Church Street Studio and his home
studio on Grand Lake. It was here that
Russell, a Lawton, Okla. native, honed
his skills and became an award winning
record producer, adding to an impres-
sive resume that included being a mas-
ter
multi-instrumentalist
(keys,
bass,
guitar and many more), businessman,
booking agent and “Master of Space
and Time.”
But Leon, like the rest of us,
has continued to make it by with a little
help from his friends. His friends just
happen to be an A-list all-star cast of
musicians, mad dogs and Englishmen,
including Bob Dylan, George Harrison,
Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Freddie King,
Jerry Garcia, Joe Cocker, Elton John, BB
King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Willie Nelson,
Beach Boys, Sinatra and JJ Cale are just a
small fraction who Leon influenced and
either introduced or shared the unique
“Tulsa Sound” with on stage and in stu-
dio.
Today, Russell continues
to
tour in support of more than 40 official
releases which includes live recordings,
studio albums, greatest hits compila-
tions and duet projects. Some of these
include timeless classics like Carney,
Look Inside the Asylum Choir, Americana,
Leon Live and One for the Road, which
have spurned hits like “Tight Rope,”
“Heartbreak Hotel” and countless oth-
ers.
Memories will be shared and
new ones made at Junior’s Paradise on
July 3. The venue, which is a play on
Junior’s Paradise offers grand times on South Grand Lake
Leon Russel returns to
Grand Lake on July 30.
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 47
Speak Up For
An Abused Child
Become a CASA volunteer
918.456.8788
1.866.400.8788
304 W. Keetoowah St.
Tahlequah, OK 74464
ENTERTAINMENT
Showing in June:
1ST & LEWIS, TULSA
918-592-FILM
CIRCLECINEMA.COM
Sugar.............................opens 5/29
Objectifed (at Philbrook)........6/11
12...................................opens 6/12
Jewel Box for a Dream............6/15
Cheri..............................opens 6/26
And much more! Join our
email newsletter at
www.circlecinema.com
for more info each week!
Present this ad for a
FREE regular popcorn w/
paid admission &
e-newsletter signup!
words referencing Jimmy Markham’s
stage name, is located in the quaint
South Grand Lake town of Disney near
another historic landmark, Mountain
Mama’s. In fact, there’s an extra spe-
cial after party at Mountain Mama’s
for ticketholders to the main show after
Russell rocks the amphitheater, with
lots of special guests scheduled to per-
form well into the night.
Beforehand, take part in a $5
per hand poker run which kicks off at
10 a.m. at Mountain Mama’s and ends
at 4 p.m. Cool thing about this poker
run is that its open to all vehicles – bikes,
trikes, trucks, hot rods, and whatever.
This promises to be the first of
many day-fulls of activities at Junior’s
Paradise. The producers plan on throw-
ing 3 outdoor parties per season as
weather permits at the outdoor venue,
which boasts new sod and construction,
tree-lined skyline, breathtaking views,
and all the reasonably priced conces-
sions you could hope for so you can
leave your food and beverage at home.
There’s also VIP motorcycle parking,
free camping for ticketholders, and at-
tendees are encouraged to bring lawn
chairs and blankets until the grass takes
over. No coolers are allowed, but the
concessions are so affordable you don’t
even need to worry about bringing any-
thing but your party hat and comfy con-
cert seating.
There’s also a fireworks dis-
play on the Disney Dam on July 3 and
it’s rumored to blast off during Russell’s
performance.
Tickets to “Leon’s Grand Re-
turn” are available now for $20 at Star-
ship Records in Tulsa, Oasis Health
Foods in Tahlequah, Mountain Mama’s
in Langley and Reasor’s Grocery Stores.
Gates open at 2 p.m. and the Little Joe
McLerran Band kicks it off at 6 p.m.,
followed by Randy Crouch & Flying
Horse and Leon Russell. If you like
blues, red dirt, rock ‘n roll, and want to
have a “Grand Time at a Grand Place on
Grand Lake,” check out this and other
upcoming events at Junior’s Paradise.
Leather & Lace
601 W Columbia (Hwy 62)
Okemah, OK 74859
Tattoo’s & Piercings
918-623-1196
OSHDA
OK Licensed Artist/Est.
Clean/Sterile Environment
We use ONLY disposable
single-use set ups
Piercing Specials
Tue • Noses 2/1
Wed • Eyebrows 2/1
Thu • Navels 2/1
Month of May/June
In Memory of Robert Hargrove
10% of ALL tattoo’s/piercings
donated to Relay For Life
Because Cancer Sucks
Hours
Tue-Thu 10am-7pm
Fri-Sat 12pm-9pm
Closed Sun-Mon
Leather & Lace
Turtle Art
Works
Sign up for
Art Classes
and Workshops
1201 SE 7th St., Wagoner
for more info. call
Janet Smith 918-485-5878
Open Studio
Thursdays
10am - 2pm
Jazz Festival
Selby Minner
Susan Herndon Band
Mowtowne Alex Band
4-1-1 Band
Selby Minner
Susan Herndon Band
Mowtowne Alex Band
4-1-1 Band
June 6th
2pm - 10pm
June 6th
2pm - 10pm
918-623-2250
I-40 Okemah
Exit 221
South 6 Miles
www.grape ranch.com
Jazz Festival
918-623-2250
48 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
Bob Dylan
Together Through Life/
Columbia
With the release of his past
three studio albums, Bob Dylan has re-
established himself as one of the most
prolific and iconic songwriters to ever
put pen to paper. On April 28 his lat-
est studio album Together Through Life,
was released on Columbia as another
installment to the ferocious career of
Bob Dylan. Together came to be when
director Oliver Dahan asked Dylan to
compose music for an upcoming movie
he is working on.
The mood and sound of To-
gether Through Life drew much of its
inspiration from the 1950’s recordings
that took place at Chess and Sun re-
cords. The album sounds gruff, dusty,
and old, but not dated. Loss is a theme
that shows up frequently on the album;
be it loss of love or just loss in general.
This can be heard on “Life is Hard,” and
“It’s All Good.” But loss is not the only
thing Together deals with; there is plenty
of balance on the album. Balance that
comes from tracks like “Shake Shake
Mama,” and “My Wife’s Home Town,”
a number that is a Dylan take on Wil-
lie Dixon’s “I Just Wanna Make Love to
You.”
The album came as quite a
surprise to those in the media world.
Many in the business were left wonder-
ing how a person with the stature of
Bob Dylan could sneak up on the world
of music with a new album without
anyone knowing about it. Quite pos-
sibly more shocking than this is that
almost the entire album was co-written
with long time Grateful Dead lyricist
Robert Hunter. It has been nearly 30
years since Dylan produced an album
that was co-written with anyone. Dylan
achieved the sound he was looking for
by recording with his current touring
band. Along with this cast of road war-
riors, Dylan also used friends David Hi-
dalgo of Los Lobos and Mike Campbell
of Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers to help
out on the album.
If
you
are
looking
for
the
Dylan of 1962, then Together Through
Life is not for you. If you understand
that, as life is lived one evolves, you will
get a front row earful of Dylan’s current
inspirations. Although Woody Guthrie
is surely still in his soul, this album is
a rollercoaster ride through the diverse
musical sounds of America‘s modern
history.
- Scott Batie
Various Artists
From The Basement/
Eagle Rock Entertainment
Producer
Nigel
Godrich
teamed
up
with
fellow
filmmaking
heavyweights Dilly Gent, James Chads
and John Woollcombe to capture some
of the hottest bands in the progressive,
indie, and psychedelic rock and folk
music to bring you face to face with
them From The Basement.
The format is completely unin-
hibitied – no host, no studio audience,
no commercial breaks – just music be-
ing made and captured in a variety of
breathtaking angles and perfect audio.
From The Basement kicks off
with two cuts from Godrich’s longtime
friends, Radiohead, off their most recent
masterpiece, In Rainbows. “All I Need”
may start off a bit down-tempo and
heavy, but things quickly get cranked
up to 11 with a pair of hits, including
“Red Rain,” from Jack & Meg of The
White Stripes.
If that’s not cool enough, you
get a double dose of some new and vin-
tage Beck, The Shins, Sonic Youth, and
Damien Rice.
Just as there are as many hard
hitting moments with Albert Hammond
Jr., there’s plenty of bittersweet ballads
from the likes of Eels, Neil Hannon, P
J Harvey, Laura Marling and an epic
closing “Videotape” delivered on solo
piano by Radiohead front man Thom
Yorke.
The little red and white sticker
on the packaging says “Import,” and
it’s
obvious that this is a wonderful
129-minute interpretation of comfort-
able and caustic reflections by some
of today’s top performing artists that
couldn’t be put together anywhere else
in the world. Not saying America isn’t
full of great filmmakers and musicians,
but you couldn’t get them all to contrib-
ute to a project like this in any other lo-
cation besides London, where the best
of the rockers and folkies from east and
west have to prove themselves before
JUNE 18 - AUGUST 8
NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY & THE SEQUOYAH INSTITUTE PRESENT
FOR COMPLETE SCHEDULE AND TICKET INFORMATION
918.458.2075 OR WWW.NSUOK.EDU/SI
STARS
IN THE
SUMMER
SPONSORED BY
TAHLEQUAH AREA TOURISM COUNCIL
DOWNTOWN COUNTRY
Rhinestone Country 2
(Thursday Evening / Saturday Evening)
Turn Your Radio On
(Friday Evening / Saturday Matinee)
RIVER CITY PLAYERS
Centennial Soundtrack
(Thursday Evening / Saturday Evening)
River City Sock Hop
(Friday Evening / Saturday Matinee)
DOWNTOWN COUNTRY
Rhinestone Country 2
(Thursday Evening / Saturday Evening)
Turn Your Radio On
(Friday Evening / Saturday Matinee)
RIVER CITY PLAYERS
Centennial Soundtrack
(Thursday Evening / Saturday Evening)
River City Sock Hop
(Friday Evening / Saturday Matinee)
F
E
A
T
U
R
I
N
G
F
E
A
T
U
R
I
N
G
22 E. Shawnee, Muskogee
(918) 682-2834 1-800-683-9559
Tearoom Open: Mon-Sat 11am to 4pm
i m A Basket Case
Gift Shop and Tearoom
Mon - Fri 8:30am to 6pm
Saturday 9am to 5pm
Cure Spring Fever with
a Fresh Bouquet
‘
Richard Liu
1401 Downing St.
Tahlequah, OK
richardliu71@att.net
Don’t let computer
woes bog you down.
Ugh!
ENTERTAINMENT - CD REVIEWS
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 49
T & R Universal Builders
General Construction Professionals, Serving Oklahoma and Surrounding States
We Specialize In:
Roofing, Pole Barns, Post
Frame Homes, General
Contracting, Excavation
& Clay Gravel Sales
ANY PROJECT LARGE OR SMALL--WE GLADLY DO IT ALL!
You can also visit us online and view our buildings at:
www.postframekits.com
STORM DAMAGE SPECIAL:
10% OFF ALL roofing jobs completed by June 30, 2009.
Need an
Extreme Roof
Makeover?
We can HELP!
Owners: Randy & Tina Hinds
trhinds@earthlink.net
Phone: 800-624-9409 or
918-453-8398
28017 South Indian Road
Park Hill, OK 74451
Before
After
22 E. Shawnee, Muskogee
(918) 682-2834 1-800-683-9559
Tearoom Open: Mon-Sat 11am to 4pm
i m A Basket Case
Gift Shop and Tearoom
Mon - Fri 8:30am to 6pm
Saturday 9am to 5pm
Cure Spring Fever with
a Fresh Bouquet
‘
Let us
sell your lift
for you!
Call us about
used lifts!
ENTERTAINMENT - CD REVIEWS
going to the next level.
To learn more or to order your
copy, visit www.fromthebasement.tv.
-Kay Alexander
Wynton Marsalis
He and She/
Blue Note Records
Wynton Marsalis’ latest bril-
liant release, entitled He and She, is a
collection of stunning original compo-
sitions that remind us what jazz music
is all about and spoken word penned
by Marsalis himself. To do a proper
review of this album, in the spirit of
spoken word with Jazzy meter, I have
decided to write a poem. Here it is:
Trumpet so smooth it makes Dizzy dizzy
Cool as Miles’ style
As in the Now as the Past in Dixie
Bebop drummed light and sticky
Like swampy air through an open window
In the house of Blue;
Like piano keys worn through
Words told by a historian
Introspective and
Speculative
Like Coltrane at dawn;
Like Mingus spawn.
Young meets old
Notes of woe,
Words of Jazz are told
Do-waa, do-waa, do-waa
Wynton Marsalis writes much
better poetry than that, I assure you. He
is also one of the best trumpeters to ever
walk the face of the planet. His compo-
sition style covers an incredible amount
of ground-culling inspiration from an
astounding amount of musical history
and modern interpretation. His band
for this project is as amazing as he is
and I really can’t think of anything else
to say about it. If you like Jazz at all,
even just a tiny little bit, you’ll flip your
lid over He and She.
- Porter Ragnus
Visit The
urrent
C
www.currentland.com
50 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
ENTERTAINMENT - FILMS
2421 S. York St., Ste. 6,
Muskogee, OK
(918) 683-2814
A father craves not these things.
Argyle socks, hmf,
another tie, heh.
By Porter Ragnus
My great great
great
uncle
was named Adam Ragnus and he was
one
of
the
least
pigmented
albinos
that ever lived. He couldn’t go out in
the daytime, so he lived and worked
at night and slept during the day. He
was a brilliant carpenter and a brilliant
drinker. When he was 22 years old,
he fell in love with a beautiful young
woman named Eleanor Dunright. Un-
fortunately for Uncle Adam, Eleanor
fell in love with his gambler brother,
Lionel Ragnus and she married him.
A few nights after the wedding, Adam
was walking the railroad tracks just be-
fore dawn after a long night of drink-
ing and thinking about his unrequited
love when he found Eleanor covered in
coal dust and chained to the tracks. She
had been kidnapped for retribution by
someone to whom the gambling Lio-
nel owed a large amount of money. A
locomotive was fast approaching and,
unable to free his love from the chains,
Adam stripped naked and ran head on
towards the train. His white skin shone
blindingly in the headlight and the en-
gineer slammed on the brakes thinking
the angel Gabriel was trying to halt the
train, which derailed, killing Adam but
saving the beautiful Eleanor. I think
that story would make a good movie,
but until that happens, the Circle Cin-
ema in Tulsa (at 12 South Lewis, to be
exact) is showing some movies that are
just as, if not more, enthralling.
The
Russian
movie master-
piece 12 opens at the Circle on Friday,
June 12. It is a remarkable remake of
the American classic 12 Angry Men in
which the viewer joins twelve jurors de-
ciding the fate of a young man accused
of murdering his stepfather. The back-
drop for the movie is quite different
than the original with it taking place in
Russia during the Chechnya war. The
mix of personalities amongst the jurors
exemplifies many social and political
themes in the new Russia which is frag-
mented and non-unified.
On Friday, June 26 a wonderful
movie called Cheri will be opening at the
Circle. It stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Rupert
Friend and Kathy Bates. The movie is
set in 1920’s Paris and revolves around
the relationship between a young man
and an older woman who had been
teaching him the ways of love until she
decided to move on. Adrift in the loss
of his sensual mentor, the young man
retreats to a romantic fantasy world in
this heart warming drama. Check out a
preview at www.cheri-movie.com.
Why don’t you make like a
tree and get out of here. Hey Chuck.
This is your cousin Marvin Berry. You
know that new sound you were looking
for? Well, listen to this! Do you have
Pepsi-free? McFly!!! It’s time to check
the flux capacitor and floor it to eighty-
eight miles per hour because Back to
the Future is the midnight movie at the
Circle Cinema this month showing the
nights of June 26 and 27. Doc Brown
and Marty McFly are going to leave
fiery skid marks across the big screen
(and our hearts) once again. If you’ve
never seen this movie, that’s just crazy.
Go see it.
Head on over to www.circle-
cinema.com for show times, ticket in-
formation and further event listings.
Have fun and remember, where we’re
going, we don’t need roads.
Great Movies in June at the Circle Cinema
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 51
JUNE 2009
THE CURRENT 51
54 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
54 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 55
CURRENT
CALENDAR
Brought to you by:
CHECK WWW.CURRENTLAND.COM FOR CALENDAR UPDATES
To get your band listing in The Current calendar,
email your information before the 15th of each
month to: dawnc@ecurrentnews.com
MONDAY, JUNE 1
IRA BURTON
Jasper’s Saddle Club, Muskogee
TUESDAY, JUNE 2
TUFF PROFIT
Solo Club, Bartlesville
BRANDON CLARK & TRAVIS KIDD
CJ Moloney’s, Broken Arrow
COUNTRY COOKIN BAND
Hat Box Dance Hall, Muskogee
CHARLIE CHRISTIAN INTERNA-
TIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL FEAT.
GRADY NICHOLS BAND, CLASS
ACT AND HYPE LIFE
Regatta Park and Stage Center, OKC
CREEKSIDE ACOUSTIC
Town Branch, Tahlequah
CHARLIE REDD AND THE FULL
FLAVA KINGS
Full Moon Café, Tulsa
BETTER THAN EZRA
Flytrap Music Hall, Tulsa
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
HELL OR HIGH WATER
Solo Club, Bartlesville
KYLE LOWREY
Dirty’s Tavern, Coffeyville, KS
CHARLIE CHRISTIAN INTERNA-
TIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL FEAT.
GRADY NICHOLS BAND, CLASS
ACT AND HYPE LIFE
Regatta Park and Stage Center, OKC
SWEENEY, CAMPBELL AND GLAZER
Full Moon Café, Tulsa
TRIPLE THREAT
Cimmaron Bar, Tulsa
TALL COTTON STRING BAND
The Canebrake, Wagoner
THURSDAY, JUNE 4
THURSDAY NIGHT SCIENCE PROJ-
ECT WITH SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST
Snockers, Bartlesville
MARY YOUNGBLOOD
Coleman Theater, Miami
DOOBIE BROTHERS
Muskogee Civic Center, Muskogee
CHARLIE CHRISTIAN INTERNATIONAL
MUSIC FESTIVAL FEAT. GRADY NICHOLS
BAND, CLASS ACT AND HYPE LIFE
Regatta Park and Stage Center, OKC
WAKARUSA FEATURING: BLACK
CROWES, GOVT. MULE, YONDER
MOUNTAIN STRINGBAND, CROSS
CANADIAN RAGWEED, G LOVE
AND SPECIAL SAUCE, LES CLAY-
POOL AND MANY, MANY MORE
Mulberry Mountain, Ozark, AR
JOE MACK
The Colony, Tulsa
STEDDFAST, RELENTLESS, SWAN
AND SWORD, ZIFF, THE LEE JONES
BAND, COLIN AND SCOTT BAND
AND DAVID CASTRO BAND
Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa
FRIDAY, JUNE 5
SUNFEST ARTS AND ENTERTAIN-
MENT FESTIVAL: LENNIE BAKER,
VISIONARY, GREG DUNN, DUSTIN
PITTSLEY AND MORE
Sooner Park, Bartlesville
THE RAMBLERS
Nine18 Bar, Osage Million Dollar Elm
Casino, Bartlesville
TUFF PROFIT
Snockers, Bartlesville
BIG DADDY AND THE BLUESKICKERS
Doc’s Bar, Bartlesville
ROBERT BEASLEY BAND
Silver Dollar Café, Collinsville
LEFT ON HARVARD
Mooney’s Sunset Bar and Grill, Disney
MATT JONES SOUL REVUE
George’s Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville
ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL
Royal Bay Restaurant, Grove
TERRY DANIELS ENSEMBLE
Whispering Meadows Winery, McAlester
BUCKY COVINGTON
Buffalo Run Casino, Miami
THE USUAL SUSPECTS
Max’s Garage, Muskogee
JARED TYLER
The Blue Door, OKC
CHARLIE CHRISTIAN INTERNA-
TIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL FEAT.
GRADY NICHOLS BAND, CLASS
ACT AND HYPE LIFE
Regatta Park and Stage Center, OKC
WAKARUSA FEAT. BLACK
CROWES, GOVT. MULE, YONDER
MOUNTAIN STRING BAND, CROSS
CANADIAN RAGWEED, G LOVE
AND SPECIAL SAUCE, LES CLAY-
POOL AND MANY, MANY MORE
Mulberry Mountain, Ozark, AR
RED RIVER MUDCATS
Choctaw Casino, Pocola
JON EDWARDS
Jincy’s Kitchen, Qualls
CRESCENTVALLEY
THEATER
Country Music was murdered on Music Row, but it’s alive and kickin’ at
Proudly Presents
9 miles E. of Ft Gibson on Hwy 62 • Adults $10, Under 10 FREE
For Seats or Info. (918) 456-6550
June 6th
Tuff Whitfeld
& the Crescent Valley Band
featuring Bob and Jennifer Weeden
June 20th
Bob Chesney
& the Crescent Valley Band
featuring Tuff Whitfeld & Bob and Jennifer Weeden
GUITAR
HOUSE
OF TULSA
BOB & CINDY LONG
GUITAR HOUSE OF TULSA
New & Used Guitars, Violins/Fiddles, Banjos, Mandolins, Electric Guitars & Amps
since 1964
AUTHORIZED DEALER
Specializing in Acoustic String Instruments
www.guitarhouseoftulsa.com
SALES • LESSONS • REPAIRS • MUSIC
TAYLOR • GUILD • OVATION • TAKAMINE • ALVAREZ
BLUE RIDGE • TURSER • SAMICK • MORGAN MONROE
EASTMAN & KENTUCKY MANDOLINS
BISHLINE & GOLD TONE BANJOS
CRATE • FISHMAN • IBANEZ AMPS
835-6959
6924 E. Admiral Pl.
TULSA, OK 74115
Backroads Bar & Grill
Tastiest little Bar on Grand lake
Steaks • Burgers • Cold Beer in a Tub
6TH - REVERSE REACTION
13TH - T.B.A.
19TH - COUNTRY FEVER
27TH- TURNPIKE TROUBADOURS
918-782-2287 ~ Ketchum, OK
Hours: Mon-Thur Noon - Midnight
Fri-Sat Noon - 2am
Look for Sunday Hours
Pool Tournament every Monday at 7pm
EVENTs For JUNE
56 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
56 THE CURRENT
JUNE 2009
ORDINARY OUTLAWS
Pumpers Bar, Osage Million Dollar
Elm Casino, Sand Springs
JUDGE PARKER
Brewdogs, Tahlequah
THE HOLE IN THE WALL BAND
Tahlequah Senior Citizens Center,
Tahlequah
BO PHILLIPS
Dirty’s Tavern, Tulsa
DAVID CASTRO
The Colony, Tulsa
BLUEHEMIANS
Nine18 Bar, Osage Million Dollar Elm
Casino, Tulsa
STARLIGHT MINTS
The Marquee, Tulsa
JIMMY HERRING (WIDE SPREAD
PANIC) WITH FAYETTEVILLE FUNK
ENSEMBLE
Flytrap Music Hall, Tulsa
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
SPIN
Ugly’s Bar and Grill, Afton
SUNSET ARTS AND ENTERTAIN-
MENT FESTIVAL: JOHN HAMLIN,
LENNIE BAKER, JOHN SMITH AND
DAN SEBRANEK, THE PARK FAM-
ILY BLUEGRASS BAND, THE USUAL
SUSPECTS AND MORE
Sooner Park, Bartlesville
FOUR OF A KIND
Nine18 Bar, Osage Million Dollar Elm
Casino, Bartlesville
ALAMEDA ROAD
Dirty’s Tavern, Coffeyville, KS
ZIGGS
Mooney’s Sunset Bar and Grill, Disney
JOHN PAUL KEITH
George’s Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville
TUFF WHITFIELD AND THE CRES-
CENT VALLEY BAND FEAT. BOB
AND JENNIFER WEEDEN
Crescent Valley Theater, 9 miles E. of
Ft. Gibson
MIS BEHAVIN
Nelson’s Steakhouse, Henryetta
REVERSE REACTION
Backroads Bar and Grill, Ketchum
THE FILTHY RICH BAND
Riggs and Co., Langley
JOHNNY JOHNSON
Pensacola Pizza, Langley
GEORGE JONES
Buffalo Run Casino, Miami
HOTEL CALIFORNIA - AN EAGLES TRIBUTE
Coleman Theater, Miami
ROTARY IN THE PARK FEATURING
JERMAINE MONDRAINE
Honor Heights Park, Muskogee
SYMPHONY IN THE PARK
Honor Heights Park, Muskogee
STEELIN COUNTRY
Nowata VFW, Nowata
JAZZ FESTIVAL WITH SELBY MIN-
NER, SUSAN HERNDON BAND,
MOETOWNE ALEX BAND AND 4-1-1 BAND
Grape Ranch Winery, Okemah
STYX, REO SPEEDWAGON AND 38
SPECIAL
Zoo Amphitheater, OKC
CHARLIE CHRISTIAN INTERNA-
TIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL FEAT.
GRADY NICHOLS BAND, CLASS
ACT AND HYPE LIFE
Regatta Park and Stage Center, OKC
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 57
1112 E. Cherokee
McAlester, OK 74501
918-423-6400
918-470-7599
whaler692001@aol.com
Social ‘Lites
Reverb
DJ Services
CRYSTAL
ORDINARY OUTLAWS
Pumpers Bar, Osage Million Dollar
Elm Casino, Sand Springs
JUDGE PARKER
Brewdogs, Tahlequah
THE HOLE IN THE WALL BAND
Tahlequah Senior Citizens Center,
Tahlequah
BO PHILLIPS
Dirty’s Tavern, Tulsa
DAVID CASTRO
The Colony, Tulsa
BLUEHEMIANS
Nine18 Bar, Osage Million Dollar Elm
Casino, Tulsa
STARLIGHT MINTS
The Marquee, Tulsa
JIMMY HERRING (WIDE SPREAD
PANIC) WITH FAYETTEVILLE FUNK
ENSEMBLE
Flytrap Music Hall, Tulsa
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
SPIN
Ugly’s Bar and Grill, Afton
SUNSET ARTS AND ENTERTAIN-
MENT FESTIVAL: JOHN HAMLIN,
LENNIE BAKER, JOHN SMITH AND
DAN SEBRANEK, THE PARK FAM-
ILY BLUEGRASS BAND, THE USUAL
SUSPECTS AND MORE
Sooner Park, Bartlesville
FOUR OF A KIND
Nine18 Bar, Osage Million Dollar Elm
Casino, Bartlesville
ALAMEDA ROAD
Dirty’s Tavern, Coffeyville, KS
ZIGGS
Mooney’s Sunset Bar and Grill, Disney
JOHN PAUL KEITH
George’s Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville
TUFF WHITFIELD AND THE CRES-
CENT VALLEY BAND FEAT. BOB
AND JENNIFER WEEDEN
Crescent Valley Theater, 9 miles E. of
Ft. Gibson
MIS BEHAVIN
Nelson’s Steakhouse, Henryetta
REVERSE REACTION
Backroads Bar and Grill, Ketchum
THE FILTHY RICH BAND
Riggs and Co., Langley
JOHNNY JOHNSON
Pensacola Pizza, Langley
GEORGE JONES
Buffalo Run Casino, Miami
HOTEL CALIFORNIA - AN EAGLES TRIBUTE
Coleman Theater, Miami
ROTARY IN THE PARK FEATURING
JERMAINE MONDRAINE
Honor Heights Park, Muskogee
SYMPHONY IN THE PARK
Honor Heights Park, Muskogee
STEELIN COUNTRY
Nowata VFW, Nowata
JAZZ FESTIVAL WITH SELBY MIN-
NER, SUSAN HERNDON BAND,
MOETOWNE ALEX BAND AND 4-1-1 BAND
Grape Ranch Winery, Okemah
STYX, REO SPEEDWAGON AND 38
SPECIAL
Zoo Amphitheater, OKC
CHARLIE CHRISTIAN INTERNA-
TIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL FEAT.
GRADY NICHOLS BAND, CLASS
ACT AND HYPE LIFE
Regatta Park and Stage Center, OKC
JUNE 2009
THE CURRENT 57
1112 E. Cherokee
McAlester, OK 74501
918-423-6400
918-470-7599
whaler692001@aol.com
Social ‘Lites
Reverb
DJ Services
CRYSTAL
58 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
www.theroadhogsaloon.com
918-257-8323
Hwy 125 East 85A - Entrance
to Monkey Island
Lunch Served 11a - 2:30p
Burgers • Deli Sandwiches
Hours: Mon-Thur 11a-Midnight
Fri & Sat 11a - 2a • Sun 11a-Midnight
Monday Night Football
Bucket Beer $10
Biker Friendly
Wed. Ladies Night
All you can drink draw beer $8
Happy Hour
Tues - Thur. 5pm-8pm
$1 Draws - $5 Pitchers
Karaoke Every Sat. 9p-close
Bloody Mary Sunday
Tuesday $1.25 Draws
T-SHIRTS FOR SALE
WAKARUSA FEATURING: BLACK
CROWES, GOVT. MULE, YONDER
MOUNTAIN STRING BAND, CROSS
CANADIAN RAGWEED, G LOVE
AND SPECIAL SAUCE, LES CLAY-
POOL AND MANY, MANY MORE
Mulberry Mountain, Ozark, AR
RED RIVER MUDCATS
Choctaw Casino, Pocola
CORVETTE SUMMER KICKOFF
Downtown, Ponca City
JON EDWARDS ON PIANO WITH
BRITTANY MEALER
Jincy’s Kitchen, Qualls
ORDINARY OUTLAWS
Pumpers Bar, Osage Million Dollar
Elm Casino, Sand Springs
ROUTE 66 BLOW OUT
Downtown, Sapulpa
STEVE LIDDELL
Joseppi’s, Stillwater
HARLEY HAMM & THE FUNKY
MOTHERS
Brewdogs, Tahlequah
HARD TRUTH
Cimmaron Bar, Tulsa
BLUE RIBBON BROTHERS
Dirty’s Tavern, Tulsa
JUST FREDD
Backyard Bar and Grill, Tulsa
JEREMY JOHNSON AND THE LONE-
SOME FEW
Mercury Lounge, Tulsa
WANDA WATSON BAND
Scotty’s Lounge, Tulsa
ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL
Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa
LOCUS
Blues City, Tulsa
BLUEHEMIANS
Nine18 Bar, Osage Million Dollar Elm
Casino, Tulsa
BIG DADDY AND THE BLUES KICKERS
Karrie’s Kaboose, Vinita
mark your calendar now
for these great shows
www.allsoulcoffeehouse.com
www.myspace.com/allsoulmusic
All Soul
Acoustic Coffeehouse
Friday, Sept 11th
Jimmy LaFave
& Band
w/Don Morris
Showtime 7:30 pm doors open at 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 12th
Slaid Cleaves, Teri Hendrix
& Lloyd Maines
Emerson Hall
at All Souls
Unitarian Church
2952 S. Peoria Ave,
Tulsa, 918-743-2363
Tickets at : All Souls,
Midtown Borders & at the door
Friday,
Oct 16th
Jeff & Vida Band
w/Bill Erickson
58 THE CURRENT
JUNE 2009
www.theroadhogsaloon.com
918-257-8323
Hwy 125 East 85A - Entrance
to Monkey Island
Lunch Served 11a - 2:30p
Burgers • Deli Sandwiches
Hours: Mon-Thur 11a-Midnight
Fri & Sat 11a - 2a • Sun 11a-Midnight
Monday Night Football
Bucket Beer $10
Biker Friendly
Wed. Ladies Night
All you can drink draw beer $8
Happy Hour
Tues - Thur. 5pm-8pm
$1 Draws - $5 Pitchers
Karaoke Every Sat. 9p-close
Bloody Mary Sunday
Tuesday $1.25 Draws
T-SHIRTS FOR SALE
WAKARUSA FEATURING: BLACK
CROWES, GOVT. MULE, YONDER
MOUNTAIN STRING BAND, CROSS
CANADIAN RAGWEED, G LOVE
AND SPECIAL SAUCE, LES CLAY-
POOL AND MANY, MANY MORE
Mulberry Mountain, Ozark, AR
RED RIVER MUDCATS
Choctaw Casino, Pocola
CORVETTE SUMMER KICKOFF
Downtown, Ponca City
JON EDWARDS ON PIANO WITH
BRITTANY MEALER
Jincy’s Kitchen, Qualls
ORDINARY OUTLAWS
Pumpers Bar, Osage Million Dollar
Elm Casino, Sand Springs
ROUTE 66 BLOW OUT
Downtown, Sapulpa
STEVE LIDDELL
Joseppi’s, Stillwater
HARLEY HAMM & THE FUNKY
MOTHERS
Brewdogs, Tahlequah
HARD TRUTH
Cimmaron Bar, Tulsa
BLUE RIBBON BROTHERS
Dirty’s Tavern, Tulsa
JUST FREDD
Backyard Bar and Grill, Tulsa
JEREMY JOHNSON AND THE LONE-
SOME FEW
Mercury Lounge, Tulsa
WANDA WATSON BAND
Scotty’s Lounge, Tulsa
ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL
Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa
LOCUS
Blues City, Tulsa
BLUEHEMIANS
Nine18 Bar, Osage Million Dollar Elm
Casino, Tulsa
BIG DADDY AND THE BLUES KICKERS
Karrie’s Kaboose, Vinita
mark your calendar now
for these great shows
www.allsoulcoffeehouse.com
www.myspace.com/allsoulmusic
All Soul
Acoustic Coffeehouse
Friday, Sept 11th
Jimmy LaFave
& Band
w/Don Morris
Showtime 7:30 pm doors open at 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 12th
Slaid Cleaves, Teri Hendrix
& Lloyd Maines
Emerson Hall
at All Souls
Unitarian Church
2952 S. Peoria Ave,
Tulsa, 918-743-2363
Tickets at : All Souls,
Midtown Borders & at the door
Friday,
Oct 16th
Jeff & Vida Band
w/Bill Erickson
90+ Bands on4 Stages
SEE THE FULL LINEUP
AND PURCHASE TICKETS AT
WWW .WAKARUSA.COM
INCREDIBLE NEW SITE FOR 2009!
JUNE 4th-7th
MULBERRY MOUNTAIN
OZARK, ARKANSAS
THE BLACK CROWES
GOV ’T MULE
SOUND TRIBE
SECTOR 9
Yonder Mountain
String Band
Les Claypool
Matisayhu
G Love & Special
Sauce
Cross Canadian
Ragweed
Galactic
Shpongle
Buckethead
DIGABLE PLANETS Sly & Robbie Railroad
Earth Steve Kimock Crazy Engine feat Melvin
Seals Perpetual Groove Porter Batiste &
Stoltz JJ Grey & MOFRO Jimmy Herring Band
The Egg 20/20 Soundsystem Lucero Split Lip
Rayfield The New Mastersounds Jason Isbell
& the 400 Unit EOTO Trombone Shorty and
Orleans Avenue Secret Chiefs 3 Boombox
AND DOZENS MORE!
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
SUNSET ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT FESTI-
VAL: RUSTY FORD BAND, GRADY NICHOLS,
JOHN HAMLIN AND TUFF PROFIT AND MORE
Sooner Park, Bartlesville
BIXBY GOSPEL SING AND CLASSIC
CAR SHOW
Downtown, Bixby
JOHNNY JOHNSON
Pensacola Pizza, Langley
SUSAN HERNDON
Grape Ranch Winery, Okemah
CHARLIE CHRISTIAN INTERNA-
TIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL FEAT.
GRADY NICHOLS BAND, CLASS
ACT AND HYPE LIFE
Regatta Park and Stage Center, OKC
WAKARUSA FEAT. BLACK
CROWES, GOVT. MULE, YONDER
MOUNTAIN STRINGBAND, CROSS
CANADIAN RAGWEED, G LOVE
AND SPECIAL SAUCE, LES CLAY-
POOL AND MANY, MANY MORE
Mulberry Mountain, Ozark, AR
WANDA WATSON BAND
Million Dollar Elm Casino, Tulsa
BRUNER AND EICHER
Full Moon Café, Tulsa
ROBIN TROWER & HURRICANE MASON
Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa
BENEFIT CONCERT FOR DON MORRIS
The Blue Dome Diner, Tulsa
MONDAY, JUNE 8
IRA BURTON
Jasper’s Saddle Club, Muskogee
TUESDAY, JUNE 9
TUFF PROFIT
Solo Club, Bartlesville
COUNTRY COOKIN BAND
Hat Box Dance Hall, Muskogee
CHRIS ESPINOSA AND JUSTIN KAY
Iguana Cafee, Tahlequah
CREEKSIDE ACOUSTIC
Town Branch, Tahlequah
CHARLIE REDD AND THE FULL
FLAVA KINGS
Full Moon Café, Tulsa
ERIC HUTCHINSON
The Marquee, Tulsa
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
HELL OR HIGH WATER
Solo Club, Bartlesville
MILES HAMMER
Dirty’s Tavern, Coffeyville, KS
SISTERS IN THE ROUND III
George’s Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville
MONTE POSTOAK
Cimmaron Bar, Tulsa
SWEENEY, CAMPBELL AND GLAZER
Full Moon Café, Tulsa
COREY SMITH
Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa
BEAU WEEVILZ
The Marquee, Tulsa
PAT COOK
Mercury Lounge, Tulsa
MARK SWEENEY
The Canebrake, Wagoner
THURSDAY, JUNE 11
THURSDAY NIGHT SCIENCE
PROJECT WITH SPECIAL GUEST
Snockers, Bartlesville
OLD SETTLERS DAYS
Downtown, Checotah
OPAL FLY AND JOE MACK & FRIENDS
Smoke and Barrel, Fayetteville
CANDY COBURN
George’s Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 59
What ’s Happening in May at
Riggs and Company
DJ Every
Friday Night
Front Bar Karaoke Every Wed. Fri. & Sat.
Live Music Saturday Nights
1411 N 3rd, LANGLEY, OK
918-782-2775
June 6th - Filthy Rich
June 20th - Laid Back Manner
June 27th - Pedal Point
82
28
Old Location
Langley
Adair
New Location
1411 N 3rd Langley, OK
5725 E. Admiral
Tulsa, OK 74112
www.ghreno.com
918-831-9000
60 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
60 THE CURRENT
JUNE 2009
918-682-1030 & MYSPACE.COM/FATSOS_BAR
Every Wednesday
Open Jam Slam
Music, Poetry, Stand Up & More
Every Thursday
Ladies Night
Drink Specials Everyone Will Enjoy.
Country • R&B
Hip-Hop
And All of the
Rock you can
DANCE TO.
Muskogee’s Night Club
The Biggest Dance Floor & Hottest Tunes
$5.00 Cover
Friday &
Saturday
New Patio!
“Fatso’s, your key to a good time!”
NOW OPEN!
The diner experience that
YOU & Muskogee deserve!
Developed by
Kerry & Steve
Vafeas
of Johnny V’s
• New York Diner Inspired Menu
• Two Story Glass Enclosure
• East Coast Inspired Atmosphere
• The Most Unique Place for Dining
in Northeastern Oklahoma
Coming Soon to Fatso’s Club & Sports Bar
COMING IN
JUNE!
12TH ANNUAL AMERICAN HERI-
TAGE FESTIVAL
Grove Civic Center & Snider’s Camp, Grove
JUNETEENTH JAZZ & ART FESTIVAL
Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and
Museum, Muskogee
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
ORDINARY OUTLAWS
Nine18 Bar, Osage Million Dollar Elm
Casino, Bartlesville
JUMPSTART
Snockers, Bartlesville
LENNIE BAKER
American Legion, Bartlesville
TOBEY WEBB
Doc’s, Bartlesville
OLD SETTLERS DAYS
Downtown, Checotah
ROBERT BEASLEY BAND
Silver Dollar Café, Collinsville
DON WHITE
Mooney’s Sunset Bar and Grill, Disney
SILVERSTONE, MARCH, INDIANS &
THE BYRDS, & AFTER THE SCARS
George’s Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville
FT. GIBSON HISTORICAL CAR,
TRUCK, AND MOTORCYCLE SHOW
Downtown, Ft. Gibson
12TH ANNUAL AMERICAN HERI-
TAGE FESTIVAL
Grove Civic Center and Snider’s Camp, Grove
BRIAN ODLE
JR Spanky’s, Grove
BRETT FAMILY
Liberty Theater, Hartshorne
CHASE HUTSON
Whispering Meadows Winery, McAlester
RASCAL FLATTS WITH W/DARIUS
RUCKER
Buffalo Run Casino, Miami
THE PLUMBERS
Max’s Garage, Muskogee
BLUEFISH
Crazy Charlies Wild Side, Muskogee
JON EDWARDS
Jincy’s Kitchen, Qualls
THE RAMLERS
Pumpers Bar, Osage Million Dollar
Elm Casino, Sand Springs
HOLYWOOD INDIAN AND SELF
INFLICTED
The Vault, Stillwater
OUTLAW SON
Brewdogs, Tahlequah
MONICA TAYLOR, JARED TYLER
AND DON MORRIS
Roxie’s Roost, Tahlequah
THE HOLE IN THE WALL BAND
Tahlequah Senior Citizens Center,
Tahlequah
ODD SHEEP OUT
Cimmaron Bar, Tulsa
BRANDON CLARK BAND
Dirty’s Tavern, Tulsa
STARKWEATHER BOYS
Mercury Lounge, Tulsa
ZERO CROSSING
Nine18 Bar, Osage Million Dollar Elm
Casino, Tulsa
2009 BALLROOM BLITZ
Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa
SATURDAY, JUNE 13
THE JET SET KINGS
Ugly’s Bar and Grill, Afton
HELL OR HIGH WATER
407 N. Muskogee ave, Tahlequah
THE
ALIBI
Club & bar
Native CirCleliveeverythursday
live MusiC every saturday
opeN MiC NighT & TaleNT show
every Friday
Call For deTails • 207-8819
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 61
12TH ANNUAL AMERICAN HERI-
TAGE FESTIVAL
Grove Civic Center & Snider’s Camp, Grove
JUNETEENTH JAZZ & ART FESTIVAL
Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and
Museum, Muskogee
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
ORDINARY OUTLAWS
Nine18 Bar, Osage Million Dollar Elm
Casino, Bartlesville
JUMPSTART
Snockers, Bartlesville
LENNIE BAKER
American Legion, Bartlesville
TOBEY WEBB
Doc’s, Bartlesville
OLD SETTLERS DAYS
Downtown, Checotah
ROBERT BEASLEY BAND
Silver Dollar Café, Collinsville
DON WHITE
Mooney’s Sunset Bar and Grill, Disney
SILVERSTONE, MARCH, INDIANS &
THE BYRDS, & AFTER THE SCARS
George’s Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville
FT. GIBSON HISTORICAL CAR,
TRUCK, AND MOTORCYCLE SHOW
Downtown, Ft. Gibson
12TH ANNUAL AMERICAN HERI-
TAGE FESTIVAL
Grove Civic Center and Snider’s Camp, Grove
BRIAN ODLE
JR Spanky’s, Grove
BRETT FAMILY
Liberty Theater, Hartshorne
CHASE HUTSON
Whispering Meadows Winery, McAlester
RASCAL FLATTS WITH W/DARIUS
RUCKER
Buffalo Run Casino, Miami
THE PLUMBERS
Max’s Garage, Muskogee
BLUEFISH
Crazy Charlies Wild Side, Muskogee
JON EDWARDS
Jincy’s Kitchen, Qualls
THE RAMLERS
Pumpers Bar, Osage Million Dollar
Elm Casino, Sand Springs
HOLYWOOD INDIAN AND SELF
INFLICTED
The Vault, Stillwater
OUTLAW SON
Brewdogs, Tahlequah
MONICA TAYLOR, JARED TYLER
AND DON MORRIS
Roxie’s Roost, Tahlequah
THE HOLE IN THE WALL BAND
Tahlequah Senior Citizens Center,
Tahlequah
ODD SHEEP OUT
Cimmaron Bar, Tulsa
BRANDON CLARK BAND
Dirty’s Tavern, Tulsa
STARKWEATHER BOYS
Mercury Lounge, Tulsa
ZERO CROSSING
Nine18 Bar, Osage Million Dollar Elm
Casino, Tulsa
2009 BALLROOM BLITZ
Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa
SATURDAY, JUNE 13
THE JET SET KINGS
Ugly’s Bar and Grill, Afton
407 N. Muskogee ave, Tahlequah
THE
ALIBI
Club & bar
Native CirCleliveeverythursday
live MusiC every saturday
opeN MiC NighT & TaleNT show
every Friday
Call For deTails • 207-8819
JUNE 2009
THE CURRENT 61
62 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
The CurrentArts & Entertainment Monthly Presents
Poker Run • July 4th
Organized by Rigg’s & Co. Saloon (Open to All Vehicles)
Registration 10am at Mountain Mama’s (Open All Day)
$5 per Hand, Last Bike 12pm, Last In 4pm, Drawing 5pm, 100% Payback
Leon Russell
with Special Guest Randy Crouch & Flying Horse
Plus
Little Joe McLeran Band
Leon’s Grand Return
Junior’s Paradise
Gates Open 2pm • Music Starts 6pm • 1 Mile East of Disney on Hwy 28
Friday, July 3rd, 2009
Advanced Tickets $20
Tickets Available at Starship Records - Tulsa • Oasis Health Food Store - Tahlequah
Langley Flea Market (Hwys 28 & 82, Next to Napa) - Langley
Copperhead Mall - Spavinaw
FREE CAMPING • VIP Motorcyle Parking on Site • (No outside coolers, Beer and Concessions on site)
Produced By:
Jimmy Markham
and
George Bingham
Sponsored By:
Nine 18 Bar, Osage Million Dollar Elm
Casino, Bartlesville
RED RIVER MUDCATS
Kenosha Station Pub & Grill, Broken Arrow
OLD SETTLERS DAYS
Downtown, Checotah
RUSSEL SAWYER
Dirty’s Tavern, Coffeyville, KS
SOCIAL ALIBI
Silver Dollar Café, Collinsville
HOGS AND HOT RODS
Downtown, Collinsville
WANDA WATSON BAND
Hideaway, Coweta
BLUEHEMIANS
Mooney’s Sunset Bar and Grill, Disney
BLUEFISH
Brangus Feedlot at Eufaula Cove Ma-
rina, Eufaula
HARDAWAY & THE COMMONERS
George’s Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville
FT. GIBSON HISTORICAL CAR,
TRUCK, AND MOTORCYCLE SHOW
Downtown, Ft. Gibson
12TH ANNUAL AMERICAN HERI-
TAGE FESTIVAL
Grove Civic Center & Snider’s Camp, Grove
BRIAN ODLE
JR Spanky’s, Grove
RED RIVER
Nelson’s Steakhouse, Henryetta
JOHNNY JOHNSON
Pensacola Pizza, Langley
THE KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS
Sycamore Springs, S. of Locust Grove
BRANDON CLARK
Max’s Garage, Muskogee
DUES PAID
Nowata VFW, Nowata
RUTHIE HEDGE
Grape Ranch Winery, Okemah
MUSCOGEE CREEK NATION FESTI-
VAL: IMZADI
Creek Nation Complex, Okmulgee
LARRY CAGLE
Harbor Lights Bar and Grill, W. of Pryor
JON EDWARDS ON PIANO WITH
BRITTANY MEALER
Jincy’s Kitchen, Qualls
RUBY’S BEGONIA
Joseppi’s, Stillwater
ART OF LIVING FEATURING: RED
DIRT RANGERS WITH RANDY
CROUCH, RED EYE GRAVY, JOE
MACK AND 3/4 KIND, LITTLE JOE
MCLERRAN BAND, TURNPIKE TROU-
BADOURS AND MANY,MANY MORE
Norris Park, Tahlequah
CLETUS GOT SHOT WITH JOE
MACK AND FRIENDS
Brewdogs, Tahlequah
THOMAS TRAPP AND THE BLUE-
GRASS BULLIES
Diamond Head Resort, Tahlequah
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 63
Open 11 am Daily Lunch Specials
DJ & Karaoke Wed & Sat nite
906 W. Main St Collinsville, OK
www.myspace.com/greybeards_cville
Greybeard’s
A short drive to cold beer,
great music & good food!
KARRIE’S
KABOOSE
HOURS: Mon-Sat 11 - Close
Sun Noon - Close
SAD HOUR: Mon-Fri Noon - 5pm
Have
a
good
time
or
keep
your
Kaboose
at
home!
918-256-8464 VINITA, OK
Live Music
in June
6/6 - Big DaDDy & The BLues KicKers
6/13 - Glam-R-Us
6/20 - Chad Emmert Band
6/27 - Dues Paid
MonDay & WeDnesDay - KaraoKe
sunDay - PooL TournaMenT
16790 Hwy 123 • Bartlesville
Biker
Bar
918-346-7883
Live
Music
64 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
64 THE CURRENT
JUNE 2009
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 65
(918)456-4339
Open: Tuesday-Friday
11am-6pm
Saturday 11am-3pm
207 Mimosa Ln.,
Music
Tahlequah, OK
Music Instruments Sales & Repair
Mastercard & Discover
We accept Visa,
Tahlequah’s Music Center
NEEDS CHANGES
Shooters
Sports Bar
119 N Main Miami, OK
918-540-1911
LIVIN’ COUNTRY
Tahlequah Elks Club, Tahlequah
THE HORNY TOADS
Cimaron Bar, Tulsa
KNOWN AS TYCOONS
Dirty’s Tavern, Tulsa
JUDGE PARKER
Blues City, Tulsa
HECTOR
Backyard Bar and Grill, Tulsa
BABY BASH
Flytrap Music Hall, Tulsa
BILLY JOE WINGHEAD
Mercury Lounge, Tulsa
ZERO CROSSING
Nine18 Bar, Osage Million Dollar Elm
Casino, Tulsa
GLAM R US
Karrie’s Kaboose, Vinita
SUNDAY, JUNE 14
SARAH HUGHES
George’s Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville
JOHNNY JOHNSON
Pensacola Pizza, Langley
GENE WILLIAMS AND JEN GAL-
BRAITH
Grape Ranch Winery, Okemah
BRUNER AND EICHER
Full Moon Café, Tulsa
MONDAY, JUNE 15
IRA BURTON
Jasper’s Saddle Club, Muskogee
TUESDAY, JUNE 16
TUFF PROFIT
Solo Club, Bartlesville
BRANDON CLARK & TRAVIS KIDD
CJ Moloney’s, Broken Arrow
COUNTRY COOKIN BAND
Hat Box Dance Hall, Muskogee
CREEKSIDE ACOUSTIC
Town Branch, Tahlequah
CHARLIE REDD AND THE FULL
FLAVA KINGS
Full Moon Café, Tulsa
LEVON HELM BAND
Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17
HELL OR HIGH WATER
Solo Club, Bartlesville
WES LOWREY
Dirty’s Tavern, Coffeyville, KS
SWEENEY, CAMPBELL AND GLAZER
66 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
66 THE CURRENT
JUNE 2009
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 67
BUDGET ROOFING
Claremore (918) 341-4119
eufaula (918) 618-4856
Grove (918) 786-2888
mCalester (918) 302-0077
miami (918) 542-1197
muskoGee (918) 681-1384
Pryor (918) 825-4606
tahlequah (918) 458-9308
With this coupon receive:
$100 off New Roof or $25 off Repair
1-866-960-0002 toll free
Bartlesville (918) 333-1118
You’ve got to get a hold of the new
choc® brand Family of Brews, a
special variety pack containing 1
bottle of each of our 6 major brews.
Each one represents a chapter
in the life of our founder, Pete
Prichard, and each one is a rich,
handcrafted gem. It’s hard to pick a
favorite—but it sure is fun trying!
www.chocbeer.com
Decisions, decisions...
Full Moon Café, Tulsa
KIRK AND MELISSA UNPLUGGED
Cimaron Bar, Tulsa
KNOWN AS TYCOONS
Dirty’s Tavern, Tulsa
B REAL AND BIZZY BONE
Flytrap Music Hall, Tulsa
TRAVIS KIDD
The Canebrake, Wagoner
THURSDAY, JUNE 18
THURSDAY NIGHT SCIENCE PROJ-
ECT WITH SPECIAL GUEST
Snockers, Bartlesville
SARAH HUGHES BAND
George’s Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville
7 TH ANNUAL COUNTRY FEVER
MUSIC AND CAMPING FESTIVAL:
ROBERT EARL KEEN, WADE BOW-
EN, NO JUSTICE, JACKSON TAYLOR
Pryor Creek Festival Grounds, Pryor
THE BLUE POP TARTS AND COLOR
NEUTRAL
The Vault, Stillwater
SECOND ANNUAL ACES WILD
BIKES, BOATS AND BLUES POKER
RUN AND RALLY
Max’s Lakeside, Snake Creek Marina,
Tenkiller
DANE COOK
BOK Center, Tulsa
RED RIVER MUDCATS
Cherokee Casino, West Siloam Springs
FRIDAY, JUNE 19
RAMBIN BROTHERS
Nine18 Bar, Osage Million Dollar Elm
Casino, Bartlesville
PAUL BENJAMIN BAND
Snockers, Bartlesville
JUST FREDD AND FIST OF RAGE
68 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
68 THE CURRENT
JUNE 2009
Doc’s, Bartlesville
ROBERT BEASLEY BAND
Silver Dollar Café, Collinsville
SCOTT ELLISON
Mooney’s Sunset Bar and Grill, Disney
BOOM KINETIC
George’s Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville
RAZIN KANE
JR Spanky’s, Grove
COUNTRY FEVER
Backroads Bar and Grill, Ketchum
JIM LOFTIN
Whispering Meadows Winery, McAlester
DARRYL WORLEY
Buffalo Run Casino, Miami
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
Elliott Park, Muskogee
NICK GIBSON
Max’s Garage, Muskogee
MUSCOGEE CREEK NATION FESTI-
VAL:BRANDY
Creek Nation Complex, Okmulgee
7 TH ANNUAL COUNTRY FEVER MUSIC AND
CAMPING FESTIVAL: STONEY LARUE, BILLY JOE
SHAVER, RANDY ROGERS BAND, JACK INGRAM,
MIKE MCCLURE BAND AND BRANDON JENKINS
AND RED EYE GRAVY AND MANY, MANY MORE
Pryor Creek Festival Grounds, Pryor
JON EDWARDS
Jincy’s Kitchen, Qualls
STIKHORSE
Pumpers Bar, Osage Million Dollar
Elm Casino, Sand Springs
RADIO DECEPTION AND LOVERS SLAIN
The Vault, Stillwater
FUGHAWZ
Brewdogs, Tahlequah
THE HOLE IN THE WALL BAND
Tahlequah Senior Citizens Center,
Tahlequah
FIRE FEST FEAT. OPAL FLY, 3/4
KIND, AND FOXFIRE MAGIK AND
THE FAERY PRANKSTERS
Sparrow Hawk Village, Tahlequah
WANDA WATSON BAND
Blues City, Tulsa
PHENOM
Cimaron Bar, Tulsa
WEST 51
Dirty’s Tavern, Tulsa
SCOTTY BOY DANIEL BLUES BAND
Nine18 Bar, Osage Million Dollar Elm
Casino, Tulsa
JONNY LANG
Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa
BRANDON CLARK BAND
Mercury Lounge, Tulsa
SATURDAY, JUNE 20
REVERSE REACTION
Ugly’s Bar and Grill, Afton
LENNIE BAKER
J-Bar-S, Barnsdall
JOE MACK
Frank and Lola’s, Bartlesville
RAMBIN BROTHERS
Nine18 Bar, Osage Million Dollar Elm
Casino, Bartlesville
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 69
Happy Hour Daily
4pm - 7pm
June Events
5 & 6 - TBA
12 & 13 - Brian Odle Band
19 & 20 - Razin Kane
26 & 27 - Western Justice
Sunday & Wednesday
Karaoke - 9pm No Cover
NE OK’s Largest Song Book
Tuesday
Pool Tournament - 8pm
$5 with 150% Payback
Thursday
Ladies Night
$1 Drafts (12oz) & $5 Pitchers
Friday
30¢ Wings - 4-7pm
J.R. Spanky’s
1st Wet N Wild
Float Trip & BBQ
June 28th
$15 per Head
(includes Canoe rental)
Grand Lake’s
HOTTEST
Party Spot
Located 5 miles North of Grove, one mile South of Grand Lake Casino
Call for Reserved Seating • www.myspace.com/jr_spankys
Open 7 Days a Week
Fridays
Register for 2 canoes give away,
Drawing June 26th
(Must be present to win)
Spankfest Bike Rally
August 20th, 21st, 22nd
New Amphitheater & Facility
Kentucky Headhunters
August 22nd
(Call for Details)
70 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
BEAU WEEVILZ
The Tree, Claremore
JASON SAVORY BAND
Dirty’s Tavern, Coffeyville, KS
POLLY ESS AND ANNIE P ANNIE
Mooney’s Sunset Bar and Grill, Disney
BOB CHESNEY AND THE CRESCENT
VALLEY BAND FEAT. TUFF WHITFIELD,
BOB AND JENNIFER WEEDEN
Crescent Valley Theater, 9 miles E. of Ft. Gibson
WANDA WATSON BAND
Landry’s Ft. Smith, AR
RAZIN KANE
JR Spanky’s, Grove
LIVIN’ COUNTRY
Nelson’s Steakhouse, Henryetta
LAID BACK MANNER
Riggs and Co., Langley
JOHNNY JOHNSON
Pensacola Pizza, Langley
OCTANE BLUE
Max’s Garage, Muskogee
SAM MENSCH
Nowata VFW, Nowata
MATTHEW HART
Grape Ranch Winery, Okemah
MUSCOGEE CREEK NATION FESTI-
VAL: JOE DIFFIE AND JAMES OTTO
Creek Nation Complex, Okmulgee
7 TH ANNUAL COUNTRY FEVER
MUSIC AND CAMPING FESTIVAL:
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Call 479-527-6618
for tickets or
www.georgesmajesticlounge.com
2 - ELECTRO LOUNGE- NO COVER
3 - PRE WAKARUSA PARTIES
feat./ Elephant Revival, Blue Mountain,
and Telepath
5 - 6P - 8P HAPPY HOUR w/ Big Uns
9P Matt Jones Soul Revue
6 - 9P John Paul Keith
7 - 10P MONSTER MUG NIGHT-NO COVER
Post WAKARUSA PARTY
feat./ Jesse Baylin, Hoots & Hellmouth,
and Madahoochi
8 - Post WAKARUSA PARTY
feat./ Old School Fight, Scythian,
and Dusty Rhodes & the River Band
9 - ELECTRO LOUNGE- NO COVER
10 - Sisters in the Round III
11 - Candy Coburn
12 - 6P - 8P HAPPY HOUR w/
The Bel Airs in the Garden
7P - 9P Emily Knight in the Lounge
10P SilverStone, Marca,
Indiana & the Byrds, After the Scars
13 - 9:30P Hardaway & The Commoners
14 - 10P MONSTER MUG NIGHT-NO COVER
feat./ Sarah Hughes
16 - ELECTRO LOUNGE- NO COVER
18 - 10P Sarah Hughes Band
19 - 6P - 8P HAPPY HOUR w/
aFuSo in the Garden
P - 9P FOS Project in the Lounge
0P Boom Kinetic
20 - LIVE & LOUD Presents:
Control Alt Delete, Where’s Lawrence,
Standing for Something,
Pretty Boy Convoy
21 - 10P MONSTER MUG NIGHT-NO COVER
Mountain Sprout
23 - ELECTRO LOUNGE- NO COVER
Backyard Tire Fire feat./
Mark Bilyeu of Big Smith
in the Garden
25 - MASSEY RECORDS SHOWCASE feat./
Open Addiction, Amure, &
Whiskey Penny
26 - 6P - 8P HAPPY HOUR w/ Big Smith
10P Big Smith
27 - A Good Fight in the Lounge
Charity Event in the Garden
28 - 10P MONSTER MUG NIGHT- NO COVER
feat./ Tiffany Christopher
30 - ELECTRO LOUNGE- NO COVER
June Calendar
70 THE CURRENT
JUNE 2009
BEAU WEEVILZ
The Tree, Claremore
JASON SAVORY BAND
Dirty’s Tavern, Coffeyville, KS
POLLY ESS AND ANNIE P ANNIE
Mooney’s Sunset Bar and Grill, Disney
BOB CHESNEY AND THE CRESCENT
VALLEY BAND FEAT. TUFF WHITFIELD,
BOB AND JENNIFER WEEDEN
Crescent Valley Theater, 9 miles E. of Ft. Gibson
WANDA WATSON BAND
Landry’s Ft. Smith, AR
RAZIN KANE
JR Spanky’s, Grove
LIVIN’ COUNTRY
Nelson’s Steakhouse, Henryetta
LAID BACK MANNER
Riggs and Co., Langley
JOHNNY JOHNSON
Pensacola Pizza, Langley
OCTANE BLUE
Max’s Garage, Muskogee
SAM MENSCH
Nowata VFW, Nowata
MATTHEW HART
Grape Ranch Winery, Okemah
MUSCOGEE CREEK NATION FESTI-
VAL: JOE DIFFIE AND JAMES OTTO
Creek Nation Complex, Okmulgee
7 TH ANNUAL COUNTRY FEVER
MUSIC AND CAMPING FESTIVAL:
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Call 479-527-6618
for tickets or
www.georgesmajesticlounge.com
2 - ELECTRO LOUNGE- NO COVER
3 - PRE WAKARUSA PARTIES
feat./ Elephant Revival, Blue Mountain,
and Telepath
5 - 6P - 8P HAPPY HOUR w/ Big Uns
9P Matt Jones Soul Revue
6 - 9P John Paul Keith
7 - 10P MONSTER MUG NIGHT-NO COVER
Post WAKARUSA PARTY
feat./ Jesse Baylin, Hoots & Hellmouth,
and Madahoochi
8 - Post WAKARUSA PARTY
feat./ Old School Fight, Scythian,
and Dusty Rhodes & the River Band
9 - ELECTRO LOUNGE- NO COVER
10 - Sisters in the Round III
11 - Candy Coburn
12 - 6P - 8P HAPPY HOUR w/
The Bel Airs in the Garden
7P - 9P Emily Knight in the Lounge
10P SilverStone, Marca,
Indiana & the Byrds, After the Scars
13 - 9:30P Hardaway & The Commoners
14 - 10P MONSTER MUG NIGHT-NO COVER
feat./ Sarah Hughes
16 - ELECTRO LOUNGE- NO COVER
18 - 10P Sarah Hughes Band
19 - 6P - 8P HAPPY HOUR w/
aFuSo in the Garden
P - 9P FOS Project in the Lounge
0P Boom Kinetic
20 - LIVE & LOUD Presents:
Control Alt Delete, Where’s Lawrence,
Standing for Something,
Pretty Boy Convoy
21 - 10P MONSTER MUG NIGHT-NO COVER
Mountain Sprout
23 - ELECTRO LOUNGE- NO COVER
Backyard Tire Fire feat./
Mark Bilyeu of Big Smith
in the Garden
25 - MASSEY RECORDS SHOWCASE feat./
Open Addiction, Amure, &
Whiskey Penny
26 - 6P - 8P HAPPY HOUR w/ Big Smith
10P Big Smith
27 - A Good Fight in the Lounge
Charity Event in the Garden
28 - 10P MONSTER MUG NIGHT- NO COVER
feat./ Tiffany Christopher
30 - ELECTRO LOUNGE- NO COVER
June Calendar
1ST ANNUAL
DISNEY FIREWORKS
FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2009
Long overdue 1st Annual Disney Fireworks show, will be held on July on July 3rd, between
the two spillways on the water. The City of Disney and a dedicated group of volunteers
are working to organize an raise money for this show. The more that is raised the
bigger the show will be and we need your help.
SPONSORSHIPS
EXCLUSIVE BIG BANG - $10,000 Name the Firework Show
STARS & STRIPES - $1,000
RED, WHITE & BLUE - $500
SKY ROCKET - $200.00
FIRECRACKER - $100
We would appreciate any contribution you can provide.
Will be Broadcasting
Live from the deck
Chip & Judy Barger and in
the parks, giving away
FREE prizes!
Greg & Rhonda
Casillas….........$1,000.00
Mark
Oliver…………….............$1,000.00
Chip & Judy Barger…................$1,000.00
Dr.
Steve
Hayes……….............$1,000.00
GRDA…………………… . . .$750 .00
Necia
Elliot………………............$600.00
Mike &
Rita
Blaser……...............$500.00
Art
Couch…………………...........$500.00
Cliff
Elliot…………………..........$500.00
Jimmy
Risman……………..........$500.00
Dan
Risman………………..........$500.00
Steve
&
Brenda
Jones..............…$500.00
Tim
&
Josie
Driskill…….............$500.00
Nancy Welch &
Kelly
Donahue..$500.00
Annie
Devault…………….........$500.00
Tiajuana/Disney
Rec……...........$500.00
Bob & Pam
Hart…………..........$320.00
United
Christian
Off
Road
.......$300.00
Marty & Deb Thalken……….....$200.00
Cheryl
Paige……………………$100.00
Steve
Defevers……………...…..$100.00
Eddie
Ray
Inman…………....…..$100.00
“Smart”
Grandchildren….......….$100.00
Terry & Janet
Frost………....…..$100.00
Jerry & Li Hopper………………$100.00
Steve & Christine Morrison.........$100.00
Steve
&
Vonnie
Taylor………..$110.00
First
National
Bank, Vinita...…..$100.00
Keith
Conley……………………..$100.00
Bank
of
the
Lakes………………….$50.00
Ken & Jacquelin Clark……………..$25.00
Joseph
Zacame………..…..……….$25.00
Contributors:
Vinita Daily Journal
Southern Oaks Resort
Grand Lodge Billy Wilson
Grand Lake Chamber
Grand Lake Chronicle
Paula’s Acorn
Grand Island Dam Hotel
Lakesport Mazzio’s
Oliver’s Twist
Speedy’s 66
Chezzie’s
Reasor’s
Greer’s Ranch House
Smokin Bones Owasso
Rib Crib Tulsa
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 71
JUNE 2009
THE CURRENT 71
CROSS CANADIAN RAGWEED,
JASON BOLAND, RECKLESS KELLY,
RED DIRT RANGERS, RAY WYLIE
HUBBARD AND AARON WATSON
AND MANY, MANY MORE
Pryor Creek Festival Grounds, Pryor
JON EDWARDS ONPIANO WITH
BRITTANY MEALER
Jincy’s Kitchen, Qualls
STEVE LIDDELL
Pumpers Bar, Osage Million Dollar
Elm Casino, Sand Springs
THE SOUVENIRS
Joseppi’s, Stillwater
CRUISE CONTROL
Diamond Head Resort, Tahlequah
TULSA CARES: STARS GO DIM, MY SOL-
STICE, CALLUPSIE, JOE MACK & MORE
Flytrap Music Hall, Tulsa
TURNPIKE TROUBADOURS
Brewdog’s, Tahlequah
CHUK COOLEY
Backyard Bar and Grill, Tulsa
ELECTRIC RAG BAND
Mercury Lounge, Tulsa
KEITH SWEAT
Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino,
Event Center, Tulsa
SCOTTY BOY DANIEL BLUES BAND
Nine18 Bar, Osage Million Dollar Elm
Casino, Tulsa
CHAD EMMERTT
Karrie’s Kaboose, Vinita
SUNDAY, JUNE 21
MOUNTAIN SPROUT
George’s Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville
JOHNNY JOHNSON
Pensacola Pizza, Langley
TOM SKINNER
Grape Ranch Winery, Okemah
7 TH ANNUAL COUNTRY FEVER MUSIC
AND CAMPING FESTIVAL: JERRY JEFF
WALKER, JOHNNY COOPER, RYAN BING-
HAM, ELI YOUNG BAND, AND BRANDON
RHYDER AND MANY, MANY MORE
Pryor Creek Festival Grounds, Pryor
BRUNER AND EICHER
Full Moon Café, Tulsa
MONDAY, JUNE 22
IRA BURTON
Jasper’s Saddle Club, Muskogee
JONAS BROTHERS
BOK Center, Tulsa
IDA MARIA
Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
TUFF PROFIT
Solo Club, Bartlesville
BRANDON CLARK & TRAVIS KIDD
CJ Moloney’s, Broken Arrow
BACKYARD TIRE FIRE FEAT. MARK
BILYEU OF BIG SMITH
George’s Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville
COUNTRY COOKIN BAND
Hat Box Dance Hall, Muskogee
CREEKSIDE ACOUSTIC
Town Branch, Tahlequah
CHARLIE REDD AND THE FULL
FLAVA KINGS
Full Moon Café, Tulsa
DAVID COOK
Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
HELL OR HIGH WATER
Solo Club, Bartlesville
CARY CHOATE
Dirty’s Tavern, Coffeyville, KS
BAD KARMA
Cimmaron Bar, Tulsa
SWEENEY, CAMPBELL AND GLAZER
Full Moon Café, Tulsa
PAT COOK
Mercury Lounge, Tulsa
72 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
Your Southeast Kansas
Music Source
918-961-1386
11am - 2am 7 Days/Week
Nightly Specials
128 W. 9th St.
Downtown Coffeyville, KS
DIRTY’S TAVERN
June Schedule:
3rd Kyle Lowrey
6th Alameda Road
10th Miles Hammer
13th Russell Sawyer
17th Wes Lowrey
20thJason Savory Band
24th Cary Choate
27th Country Road 5
Acoustic Wednesdays
We Pull The Plug
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 73
JUNE 2009
THE CURRENT 73
74 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
918-949-6950
3346 S Peoria Ave
Tulsa, OK 74105
3346 S Peoria Ave
Tulsa, OK 74105
Live Entertainment
and Monthly
Local Artist Displays
BLACKBERRY BUSHES STRING BAND
The Canebrake, Wagoner
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
THURSDAY NIGHT SCIENCE PROJ-
ECT WITH SPECIAL GUEST
Snockers, Bartlesville
MASSEY RECORDS SHOWCASE
FEAT. OPEN ADDICTION, AMURE
AND WHISKEY PENNY
George’s Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
LENNIE BAKER
J-Bar-S, Barnsdall
T J MCFARLAND BAND
Nine 18 Bar, Osage Million Dollar Elm
Casino, Bartlesville
STEVE PRYOR
Doc’s, Bartlesville
DUSTIN PITTSLEY
Snockers, Bartlesville
IRISH BAND - O’BRIANS BAND
Silver Dollar Café, Collinsville
THE DUCK CREEK BAND
Mooney’s Sunset Bar and Grill, Disney
BIG SMITH
George’s Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville
FIRST ANNUAL FT.GIBSON CORN
FESTIVAL
Downtown, Ft. Gibson
NINETEENTH ANNUAL RIVER-
FRONT BLUES FESTIVAL WITH ROB-
ERT CRAY, JACKIE GREENE, GRACE
POTTER AND THE NOCTURNALS,
ROOMFUL OF BLUES, CURTIS SAL-
GADO, ERIC LIDDELL AND MORE
Harry E. Kelley Park, Ft. Smith
WESTERN JUSTICE
JR Spanky’s, Grove
VINTAGE ROCK REVIEW FEATURING
COREY KUYKENDALL
Whispering Meadows Winery, McAlester
JONATHAN SINGLETON AND THE
GROVE
Buffalo Run Casino, Miami
RED EYE GRAVY WITH PAPA WILLIE
Max’s Garage, Muskogee
JON EDWARDS
Jincy’s Kitchen, Qualls
IRON COUNTRY
Pumpers Bar, Osage Million Dollar
Elm Casino, Sand Springs
THE CITY AND SKYWAY
The Vault, Stillwater
JOE MACK & THE SOUVENIRS
Brewdogs, Tahlequah
THE HOLE IN THE WALL BAND
Tahlequah Senior Citizens Center,
Tahlequah
WANDA WATSON BAND
Magoos, Tulsa
SWEATIN BULLETS
Cimaron Bar, Tulsa
TRANNY
Nine18 Bar, Osage Million Dollar Elm
Casino, Tulsa
SCOTT ELLISON
Blues City, Tulsa
SPINAL CHORD RECORDS SHOW CASE
Flytrap Music Hall, Tulsa
SATURDAY, JUNE 27
STARS
Ugly’s Bar and Grill, Afton
T J MCFARLAND BAND
Nine 18 Bar, Osage Million Dollar Elm
Casino, Bartlesville
COUNTY ROAD 5
Dirty’s Tavern, Coffeyville, KS
DIAMOND BACK
Mooney’s Sunset Bar and Grill, Disney
FESTIVAL ON THE COVE: HIGH RISE
Lakeshore Drive, Eufaula
LEANN RIMES
Arkansas Music Pavilion, Fayetteville
FIRST ANNUAL FT.GIBSON CORN FESTIVAL
Downtown, Ft. Gibson
WANDA WATSON BAND
Ava’s Pub, Ft. Smith
GLAM R US
Lindy’s Lounge, Gore
WESTERN JUSTICE
JR Spanky’s, Grove
SURPRISE
Nelson’s Steakhouse, Henryetta
TURNPIKE TROUBADOURS
Backroads Bar and Grill, Ketchum
JOHNNY JOHNSON
Pensacola Pizza, Langley
PEDAL POINT
Riggs and Co, Langley
LIVIN’ COUNTRY
Fatso’s, Muskogee
HORNY TOADS
Max’s Garage, Muskogee
BLUEGRASS ON THE SQUARE FEA-
TURING SPRINGSTREET
Okie Square, Muskogee
JAZZ IN JUNE WITH JUDY CAR-
MICHAEL, LLOYD JONES, AARON
SQUIRLL AND MANY MORE
Brookhaven Village & Andrews Park, Norman
LICKITY SPLIT
Nowata VFW, Nowata
ERIC SARMIENTO
Grape Ranch Winery, Okemah
JON EDWARDS ONPIANO WITH
BRITTANY MEALER
Jincy’s Kitchen, Qualls
OVEREDUKATED
Pumpers Bar, Osage Million Dollar
Elm Casino, Sand Springs
THE PURPLETRADERS
Joseppi’s, Stillwater
SECOND ANNUAL PAWS FOR THE
CAUSE BENEFIT FOR H.S.C.C.
Brewdogs, Tahlequah
BEAU WEEVILZ
Downtown Country, Tahlequah
BLUEFISH
Barnacle Bills Marina, Tahlequah
RED EYE GRAVY WITH PAPA WILLIE
Roxie’s Roost, Tahlequah
LEFT FOOT SALLY
Dirty’s Tavern, Tulsa
SWEATIN BULLETS
Cimaron Bar, Tulsa
TRANNY
Nine18 Bar, Osage Million Dollar Elm
Casino, Tulsa
STEVE PRYOR
Blues City, Tulsa
MOUNTAIN SPROUT
Flytrap Music Hall, Tulsa
JOE MACK & THE SOUVENIRS
The Soundpony, Tulsa
HARD TRUTH
Backyard Bar and Grill, Tulsa
FIDDLEBACK
Mercury Lounge, Tulsa
DUES PAID
Karrie’s Kaboose, Vinita
SUMMERSIDE VINEYARDS CON-
CERT EVENT FEAT. RHETT BUTLER
Summerside Winery, Vinita
SUNDAY, JUNE 28
TIFFANY CHRISTOPHER
George’s Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville
JOHNNY JOHNSON
Pensacola Pizza, Langley
DON MORRIS
Grape Ranch Winery, Okemah
CELTIC WOMAN
Mabee Center, Tulsa
BRUNER AND EICHER
Full Moon Café, Tulsa
MONDAY, JUNE 29
IRA BURTON
Jasper’s Saddle Club, Muskogee
TUESDAY, JUNE 30
TUFF PROFIT
Solo Club, Bartlesville
BRANDON CLARK & TRAVIS KIDD
CJ Moloney’s, Broken Arrow
COUNTRY COOKIN BAND
Hat Box Dance Hall, Muskogee
CREEKSIDE ACOUSTIC
Town Branch, Tahlequah
CHARLIE REDD AND THE FULL
FLAVA KINGS
Full Moon Café, Tulsa
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 75
Brought to you by:
Be sure to pick up
next month's issue
for July listings.
Charlie Prather, attorney
DUi
Criminal Defense
918-671-9005
Can you
help us
promote
our
business?
I Can’t
Find My
Customers
My
Customers
Don’t
See Me
Businesses Need Us!
We Need You!
Join our Sales Team
The Current
and be the highlight of their day.
Call Tom at 918-431-0330 or
email publisher@currentland.com
76 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
76 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
- R&B MUSIC -
KEITH SWEAT
Saturday
June 20 at 7 pm » Tickets start at $40
TICKET INFO
Tickets are available at the Osage Box Offce in Tulsa or by calling 918-699-7667.
All major credit cards accepted. Must be 21 to attend. At the end of Tisdale Parkway.
milliondollarelm.com
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 77
THE CURRENT LOWDOWN
Globules of goodness by Joe
Mack & friends.
Sycamore
Springs
Resort
offers sound and sport
You wouldn’t think that a five-
star resort/ranch/arena could cut it in
the vast openness between Peggs and
Locust Grove would you? You prob-
ably wouldn’t, especially since a good
amount
of
people
digging
into
the
Lowdown this month aren’t quite sure
where Peggs and Locust Grove are on
the map. But thanks to the sprawling
outdoorsman’s paradise that is the Syc-
amore Springs Resort, you’ll be driving
through one or the other sooner rather
than later on your way to an adventure
of a lifetime.
Sycamore Springs was found-
ed as a retreat-style resort offering some
of the finest hunting and hiking oppor-
tunities in the state of Oklahoma. In ad-
dition to unlimited outdoor opportuni-
ties, which includes basketball, tennis
and hot tubbing, SSR also hosts world-
class rodeo events like team roping and
bull riding. And oftentimes, they kick
off or wrap up their rodeo events with
live music from some of the finest coun-
try and western artists of yesterday and
today.
Like on June 5 when legend-
ary country crooner Ronnie McDowell
kicks off a weekend full of events at 9
p.m.
McDowell, a Tennessee
native
who still resides there today, will surely
give you a taste of his hits like “Watch-
ing Girls Go By,” “New York Minute”
and “You’re Gonna Ruin My Bad Repu-
tation” among others off of his 20-plus
albums. Speaking of watching
girls,
there’ll be a flock of beautiful ladies
from Hooters serving up hot wings
and warm smiles all night long. And as
promised, June 6 will be action packed
with U.S. Team Roping Championships
all day long.
The next weekend, get ready
for some big bucking action at the Bad
Bull
Rumble on Saturday, June
13,
which is followed up with a special per-
formance by legendary Southern coun-
try band The Kentucky Headhunters.
This down home dixie fried band domi-
nated the airwaves with hits like “Dixie
Fried” and “Walk Softly on this Heart
of Mine,” and no doubt there’ll be some
soft walking going on after those PBR
bulls have their way with the brave rid-
ers. Their latest album of greatest hits
and oddities is Flying Under the Radar,
but Sycamore Springs will be lit up for
all to see on this great weekend.
Tickets to the music events av-
erage out at only $20 per show, and the
rodeo events are roughly $10. Tickets are
available on the Resort’s user-friendly
Web site, www.sycamorespringsranch.
net and by phone at (918) 598-3554. For
more information and directions to this
outdoor oasis, simply utilize the afore-
mentioned resources.
Tulsa’s June is full of tunes
There’s no doubt that Tulsa is
stuffed to the gills with talented musi-
cians, excellent venues and a legion of
supporters that aren’t afraid to take on
the scene any given night of the week.
And since it’s the big city, anybody can
go quench their musical appetites; all
are welcome, and the more the merrier.
By now, you already know that Rob-
in Trower and Hurricane Mason are
gonna tear the roof off of Bob’s house
in all true Guitar Hero fashion on Sun-
day, June 7, but you should also keep in
mind the night before that Asleep at the
Wheel will have the dance floor swing-
ing and swaying on Saturday, June 6.
The Kentucky Headhunters
Guitar shredder Johnny Lang will start
a fret-board fire on June 19 after Trower
and Mason have their way with the his-
torical hall. July looks even hotter with
Sonic Youth stopping by on July 16, and
September couldn’t be cooler with Elvis
Costello cruising in on Sept. 3. Check
out www.cainsballroom.com for more
information and tickets.
The biggest room on the block,
the BOK Center, is obviously hosting
bigger shows through the summer, but
this month, bigger doesn’t necessarily
mean better or geared towards a more
mature, appreciative audience. Unless
you’re 30-something and stoked about
seeing The Jonas Brothers on June 22.
Four days earlier on June 18, Mr. Dane
Cook will dazzle the screaming droves
with his side-splitting, wise-cracking
standup routine. Never one to disap-
point
month
after
month, the BOK
Center will welcome the likes of Jamie
Foxx in July 9 and Aerosmith on July
30! Keep it right here for the skinny on
these huge events.
A
couple
other
downtown
venues, The Flytrap Music Hall and The
Marquee, continue to keep the chaos
crackin’. As you’ve read in The Current
over and over, Jimmy Herring, famed
guitarist from Widespread Panic and
every other jamband giant, will swing
through on his way back from Waka-
rusa on June 5. Herring’s got a new
solo record out and it’s full of freakishly
good guitar work, as expected. Look
out for the ‘Spreadheads! On June 17, B
Real and Bizzy Bone (of Bone-Thugs-N-
Harmony) will flip the script with some
new and older hip-hop masterworks.
Musicians of all sorts will come out in
support
of
TulsaCares on Saturday,
June 20, to help raise awareness and
money for those living with HIV/AIDS
in the Tulsa area. Stars Go Dim, My Sol-
stice, Callupsie, Ptiaradactyl, Cracker
Wagon and Joe Mack are all slated to
play at the second annual TulsaCares
Fest. For more information on these and
other fresh events at the Flytrap, logon
to www.flytrapmusichall.com.
As
seen
on
“Currentland,”
singer/songwriter Eric Hutchinson will
bring it to The Marquee on Tuesday,
June 9. Hutchinson has the gift of the
hook – the hook that can bring you into
any song no matter what mood you’re
in – and his musicianship and wittiness
are comparable to Ben Folds and Stevie
Wonder. This means he plays piano,
and probably means he does it pretty
dang well! Speaking of dang well, Nor-
man’s own Starlight Mints will hit the
downtown digs on June 5, and in-house
staples Assimilation will go all out on
a Joy Division tribute night on June 13.
For more information, check out www.
myspace.com/themarqueetulsa.
This is just a small fraction
of what’s going on in Tulsa town. For
more, check out www.currentland.com
as we continue to grow into the biggest
city in Green Country.
Muscogee Creek Nation Fest
welcomes Diffe, Brandy
A spectacular
celebration
is
in store for the 35th Annual Muscogee
Creek Nation Festival, which is slated
for June 12-21 at the Omniplex in Ok-
mulgee.
This free
event will feature
cultural exhibitions focused on a cen-
tral theme of “From the Same Fire.” But
there’s so much more – a parade, arts,
crafts, kids activities, softball and other
sporting tournaments, farmers’ market,
Gospel singing and more live music
than you can shake a tambourine at.
Some of the big name headlin-
ing entertainers this year include Imza-
dai, who are scheduled to bring their
unique brand of rock ‘n roll to the festi-
val on June 13; R&B and television star
Brandy, who found great success with
hits like “I Wanna Be Down” and “Bro-
kenhearted” in addition to her popular
TV personality, “Moesha”; and wrap-
ping up the shows at the Omniplex are
Joe Diffie and James Otto on June 20.
Diffie is an Okie native whose songs
have been time tested and cowboy ap-
proved and Otto is a blazing-hot up and
comer ready to shake it up at the top of
the contemporary country charts.
For further information and a
complete schedule, logon to www.the-
muscogeecreeknation.com or call (918)
732-7992.
Tunes in Tahlequah
You’ve probably already read
umpteen reasons why to hit Tahlequah
for fun on the Illinois River, but there’s
also plenty of music to be had all over
Cherokee County.
Before we get too far away
from the Illinois, take note of all the
great music going on at Diamondhead
Resort. Kevin & Barbara Kelly have
MASSEY’S BAR-B-QUE
“No Brag - Jus Fact”
Best Ribs in Oklahoma
Hwy 75
30 miles south of Tulsa
30 miles west of Muskogee
60 miles north of McAlester
200 N Wood Drive Okmulgee, OK 74447
918-756-8227
www.masseysbarbeque.com
®
®
78 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
THE CURRENT LOWDOWN
Ronnie
Nevitts
20x20 - $2,995
20x24 - $3,295
20x30 - $3,695
20x40 - $4,695
24x24 - $3,795
24x30 - $4,395
24x35 - $4,595
24x40 - $4,995
30x30 - $5,795
30x40 - $6,895
30x50 - $7,995
30x60 - $8,995
WE CUSTOM BUILD ANY SIZE!
COMPARE OUR QUALITY TO THEIRS - THERE’S NO COMPARISON!
709 Main St. Muskogee
STRONG ONE PIECE TRUSSES - NO UNNECESSARY BRACES
12x30 - $1,695
12x35 - $2,195
12x40 - $2,695
20x30 - $2,795
20x35 - $3,095
20x40 - $3,895
24x30 - $3,095
24x35 - $3,495
24x40 - $4,195
1-888-603-5577 or
918-683-4046
Garages, RV Covers, Boat Covers.
ALL Buildings come with 8’ walls & 16x7 walk-in doors.
The Strongest Steel Building You Can Buy!
These are installed prices on your cement pad.
The Jonas Brothers
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 79
Sallisaw - 918-775-9900
Mon-Thur 9-6 • Fri 9-5
Independent Doctor Specializing
in Family Vision Care
Gift Certificates Available
$10Off
Exams
10%Off
Purchase
Discounts apply to each
family member
(Coupon must be presented
at time of purchase)
Your
Eye
Shop
Most insurances accepted
SoonerCare, UKB and DHS
Tahlequah - 918-453-0002
Mon-Thur 9-6 • Fri 9-5
HON • HP • LEXMARK • BROTHER
HAMMERMILL • AVERY • SMEAD
AT-A-GLANCE • FELLOWS • CANON
ROLODEX • PENTEL • 3M
UNI-BALL • SHARPIE • PILOT• ZEBRA
223 S. COLLEGE, TAHLEQUAH, OK 74464
www.redmenofficesupply.com
sales@redmenofficesupply.com
918-207-1700
FREE LOCAL DELIVERY
100% Native American Owned and Operated
TERO Certifed
FAX: 918-207-1661
THE CURRENT LOWDOWN
two stages on which they’ll be present-
ing special concerts all summer long,
including
Diamondhead
mainstay
Thomas Trapp and
his
outstanding
side project, The Bluegrass Bullies, on
Saturday, June 13, and Cruise Control
on Saturday, June 20. And make plans
for the Fourth of July weekend to catch
Red Eye Gravy on July 3 and the wild
child, Randy Crouch, with Flying Horse
on July 4. For a complete schedule of
events logon to www.diamondheadre-
sort.us.
Downriver a ways and up on
the mountain rests Sparrow Hawk Vil-
lage, site of the Summer Solstice Cel-
ebration known as Fire Fest, slated for
June 19-21. Here you can explore an
alternative reality led by guest speaker
Aislinn Firehawk and accompanied by
Opal Fly, ¾ Kind, The Red Dirt Sisters
and Foxfire Magik & Thy Faery Prank-
sters. Enjoy camping, workshops, fan-
tastic food and much more. General ad-
mission required. For more information
logon to www.myspace.com/cuupsoft-
ahlequah.
Back in the heart of town, you
can enjoy the return of Chris Espinoza
& Justin Kay on Tuesday, June 9, at the
Iguana Cafee. Espinoza was once the
centerpiece of Suncast and now lives,
works and performs mostly in his new-
found hometown, New Orleans. Kay
led the band Mook and when he and
Espinoza join forces you can bet on
some tasty acoustic, drum-driven jam-
my jams. This show is free and open to
the public, but tips are encouraged. For
more information, call (918) 458-0044.
Brewdog’s is located on the
west side of Tahlequah on Highway 51
across from the old Pepsi plant. Here
you can enjoy live music on either the
indoor or outdoor stage and plenty of
cold brew. This month, Mike Palmer
& Company present two nights of Joe
Mack music – June 13 with Cletus Got
Shot and Carter Sampson, and June
26 with Tulsa troubadours Chris Lee
Becker & The Souvenirs
–
as well as
Judge Parker on June 5, Harley Hamm
& the Funky Mothers on June 6, Out-
law Son on June 12, Fuhgawz on June
19, Turnpike Troubadours on June 20,
and the 2nd Annual Paws for the Cause
Humane Society Benefit on June 27.
For more information, check out www.
myspace.com/brewdogsbar.
Go south of Tahlequah some
five miles and you’re at the Crescent
Valley Theater, where real country mu-
sic is alive and well for the whole fam-
ily to enjoy. This month, check out Tuff
Whitfield bringing you all the classic
country hits all the way from Atlanta on
June 6! Joining him will be the Crescent
Valley Band featuring Bob & Jennifer
Weeden. Bob, Jennifer, Tuff and the rest
of the Crescent Valley Band will also
back up Ben Chesney (no relation to
Kenny) on June 20. For tickets and more
artist info, call (918) 456-6550.
More Tahlequah show listings
can be found in The Current calendar,
which begins on page 55.
Grove grooves in June
The city of Grove gets groovy
with the sounds of old-timey music and
toe tapping when the Americana Music
Festival comes into town June 11-13.
This family friendly
festival
features both a nationally recognized
fiddle competition and clogging com-
petition, with thousands of dollars in
cash prizes going to the top contestants
in each respective discipline. Dozens
of competitors travel to Grove from all
over the country to stake their claim at
the top of the field, and the best of the
best do it the best.
The AMF kicks off June 11
at Snider’s Campground, located just
south of Grove on Highway 10. Admis-
sion is free and food will be served at
$8 per person. Snider’s will be the place
to kick back and enjoy some fellow-
ship along the banks of Grand Lake all
weekend long, while the contests and
competitions take place at the Grove
Civic Center.
Local leading lady of all things
fiddle, Jana Jae, will be on hand with her
family and friends for plenty of picking
and grinning throughout the weekend
in addition to other talented musicians
from all over. Tickets and information
can be found online at www.grandlakef-
estivals.com or by calling (918) 786-8896.
The 22nd Annual Grovefest is
slated for June 19-20 at the Grove Civic
Center and the Grove Community Cen-
ter at City Hall. Here you can enjoy one
wild karaoke contest, BBQ & chili cook-
off, arts and crafts, open-mic challenge,
giveaways, carnival, business expo and
a meet & greet with other like-minded
lake folks. For more details, call (918)
786-9079 or logon to www.groveok.org.
Things get a little spicier on
July 4 when the annual Cajun Fest Arts,
Crafts & Music festival hits the Musk-
ogee Civic Center. Enjoy authentic Ca-
jun and Creole concoctions, Zydeco and
JUNE 2009
THE CURRENT 79
Sallisaw - 918-775-9900
Mon-Thur 9-6 • Fri 9-5
Independent Doctor Specializing
in Family Vision Care
Gift Certificates Available
$10Off
Exams
10%Off
Purchase
Discounts apply to each
family member
(Coupon must be presented
at time of purchase)
Your
Eye
Shop
Most insurances accepted
SoonerCare, UKB and DHS
Tahlequah - 918-453-0002
Mon-Thur 9-6 • Fri 9-5
HON • HP • LEXMARK • BROTHER
HAMMERMILL • AVERY • SMEAD
AT-A-GLANCE • FELLOWS • CANON
ROLODEX • PENTEL • 3M
UNI-BALL • SHARPIE • PILOT• ZEBRA
223 S. COLLEGE, TAHLEQUAH, OK 74464
www.redmenofficesupply.com
sales@redmenofficesupply.com
918-207-1700
FREE LOCAL DELIVERY
100% Native American Owned and Operated
TERO Certifed
FAX: 918-207-1661
THE CURRENT LOWDOWN
two stages on which they’ll be present-
ing special concerts all summer long,
including
Diamondhead
mainstay
Thomas Trapp and
his
outstanding
side project, The Bluegrass Bullies, on
Saturday, June 13, and Cruise Control
on Saturday, June 20. And make plans
for the Fourth of July weekend to catch
Red Eye Gravy on July 3 and the wild
child, Randy Crouch, with Flying Horse
on July 4. For a complete schedule of
events logon to www.diamondheadre-
sort.us.
Downriver a ways and up on
the mountain rests Sparrow Hawk Vil-
lage, site of the Summer Solstice Cel-
ebration known as Fire Fest, slated for
June 19-21. Here you can explore an
alternative reality led by guest speaker
Aislinn Firehawk and accompanied by
Opal Fly, ¾ Kind, The Red Dirt Sisters
and Foxfire Magik & Thy Faery Prank-
sters. Enjoy camping, workshops, fan-
tastic food and much more. General ad-
mission required. For more information
logon to www.myspace.com/cuupsoft-
ahlequah.
Back in the heart of town, you
can enjoy the return of Chris Espinoza
& Justin Kay on Tuesday, June 9, at the
Iguana Cafee. Espinoza was once the
centerpiece of Suncast and now lives,
works and performs mostly in his new-
found hometown, New Orleans. Kay
led the band Mook and when he and
Espinoza join forces you can bet on
some tasty acoustic, drum-driven jam-
my jams. This show is free and open to
the public, but tips are encouraged. For
more information, call (918) 458-0044.
Brewdog’s
is
located on the
west side of Tahlequah on Highway 51
across from the old Pepsi plant. Here
you can enjoy live music on either the
indoor or outdoor stage and plenty of
cold brew. This month, Mike Palmer
& Company present two nights of Joe
Mack music – June 13 with Cletus Got
Shot and Carter Sampson, and June
26 with Tulsa troubadours Chris Lee
Becker & The Souvenirs
–
as well as
Judge Parker on June 5, Harley Hamm
& the Funky Mothers on June 6, Out-
law Son on June 12, Fuhgawz on June
19, Turnpike Troubadours on June 20,
and the 2nd Annual Paws for the Cause
Humane Society Benefit on June 27.
For more information, check out www.
myspace.com/brewdogsbar.
Go south of Tahlequah some
five miles and you’re at the Crescent
Valley Theater, where real country mu-
sic is alive and well for the whole fam-
ily to enjoy. This month, check out Tuff
Whitfield bringing you all the classic
country hits all the way from Atlanta on
June 6! Joining him will be the Crescent
Valley Band featuring Bob & Jennifer
Weeden. Bob, Jennifer, Tuff and the rest
of the Crescent Valley Band will also
back up Ben Chesney (no relation to
Kenny) on June 20. For tickets and more
artist info, call (918) 456-6550.
More Tahlequah show listings
can be found in The Current calendar,
which begins on page 55.
Grove grooves in June
The city of Grove gets groovy
with the sounds of old-timey music and
toe tapping when the Americana Music
Festival comes into town June 11-13.
This family friendly
festival
features both a nationally recognized
fiddle competition and clogging com-
petition, with thousands of dollars in
cash prizes going to the top contestants
in each respective discipline. Dozens
of competitors travel to Grove from all
over the country to stake their claim at
the top of the field, and the best of the
best do it the best.
The AMF kicks off June 11
at Snider’s Campground, located just
south of Grove on Highway 10. Admis-
sion is free and food will be served at
$8 per person. Snider’s will be the place
to kick back and enjoy some fellow-
ship along the banks of Grand Lake all
weekend long, while the contests and
competitions take place at the Grove
Civic Center.
Local leading lady of all things
fiddle, Jana Jae, will be on hand with her
family and friends for plenty of picking
and grinning throughout the weekend
in addition to other talented musicians
from all over. Tickets and information
can be found online at www.grandlakef-
estivals.com or by calling (918) 786-8896.
The 22nd Annual Grovefest is
slated for June 19-20 at the Grove Civic
Center and the Grove Community Cen-
ter at City Hall. Here you can enjoy one
wild karaoke contest, BBQ & chili cook-
off, arts and crafts, open-mic challenge,
giveaways, carnival, business expo and
a meet & greet with other like-minded
lake folks. For more details, call (918)
786-9079 or logon to www.groveok.org.
Things get a little spicier on
July 4 when the annual Cajun Fest Arts,
Crafts & Music festival hits the Musk-
ogee Civic Center. Enjoy authentic Ca-
jun and Creole concoctions, Zydeco and
FUN FOR THE
WHOLE FAMILY
DOWNTOWN
FORT GIBSON, OK
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2009
6:00pm to 10:00pm
- Miss Fort Gibson - Corn Shucking Contest -
- Parade - Fireworks Show -
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2009
6:00pm to 10:00pm
- Miss Fort Gibson - Corn Shucking Contest -
- Parade - Fireworks Show -
SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2009 10:00am to Midnight
Arts, Crafts & Food Vendors - Corn Recipes Cook Book
Gun Fight - Territorial Marshals - Street Dance
Carnival Games - Arm Band Games - DUNK TANK!!!
Inflatable Jumping Centers
Former OU Quarterback Paul Thompson Autographs
Live Music All Day Featuring:
Carrigan Bradley & the OK Kids, Cherokee Nation Youth Choir,
First Baptist Youth Choir, Handz Up, Heartland, Billy Arnett,
Dueling Banjos, and much, much more!
SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2009 10:00am to Midnight
Arts, Crafts & Food Vendors - Corn Recipes Cook Book
Gun Fight - Territorial Marshals - Street Dance
Carnival Games - Arm Band Games - DUNK TANK!!!
Inflatable Jumping Centers
Former OU Quarterback Paul Thompson Autographs
Live Music All Day Featuring:
Carrigan Bradley & the OK Kids, Cherokee Nation Youth Choir,
First Baptist Youth Choir, Handz Up, Heartland, Billy Arnett,
Dueling Banjos, and much, much more!
Sponsored by the Town of Fort Gibson Sports & Recreation Committee.
All proceeds benefit the Fort Gibson Sports & Recreation Complex.
Sponsored by the Town of Fort Gibson Sports & Recreation Committee.
All proceeds benefit the Fort Gibson Sports & Recreation Complex.
For more information contact Town Hall,
918-478-3551
For more information contact Town Hall,
918-478-3551
80 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
Nelson’s
Restaurant
75
HWY
Nelson’s
Restaurant
Just Good
Home Cooking!
All you can eat
Seafood Buffett
Every
Friday 5-7pm
Now Serving Menu and
Buffet on Sunday
908 E. Trudgeon, Henryetta
918-652-4555
Catering Available
Your Place
or Ours
Hours:
Mon-Sat 11-8
Sun 11-2
Mon-Thur 11am-9pm • Fri & Sat 11am-10pm
Closed Sunday . Dine In . Carry Out • Catering Avail.
Free Delivery in downtown Muskogee
918-682-0900
325 N Main, Muskogee
New Menu
www.johnnyvsmuskogee.com
Genuine Italian Dining
...in Muskogee
THE CURRENT LOWDOWN
swingin’ swamp music, local handmade
goodies and Southern hospitality. Later
in September, enjoy the Janna Jae Fiddle
Camp & Music Festival during Labor
Day Weekend, Sept. 4-6.
Tickets and information for all
these groovy Grove events can be found
online at www.grandlakefestivals.com
or by calling (918) 786-8896.
Stillwater’s sizzling shows
School’s out and good times
are in all across Stillwater. And when
the Pokes party, they love a little live
music mixed in with their libations.
The Stonewall Tavern has live
music on the outdoor patio when the
weather permits, and they’re kicking off
June with the one and only Hosty Duo
at 10 p.m. on June 5. The adventures of
Mike & Mike are currently out promot-
ing their latest whimsical collection of
soulful stories, The Mousetrap Sessions.
Get Hosty merch and more details at
www.hosty.com.
Joseppi’s
Italian
Kitchen
on
Hall of Fame near the old railroad tracks
has been doing it live every weekend
for years. On any given Saturday, you
can enjoy a late dinner set with some of
the best singer/songwriters perform-
ing everything from reggae to red dirt
and blues to bluegrass from 8 p.m. – 10
p.m. Steve Liddell (June 6), Ruby’s Be-
gonia (June 13), The Souvenirs (June 20)
and The Purpletraders (June 27) will be
rocking the corner stage this month. For
a complete list of shows, import beers
and food specials, check out www.jo-
seppis.com.
Vault
Video
–
an
all
ages
smoke and alcohol free venue located
716 South Main Street – is like a Trans-
former. During the day, it’s a hip record
and video store which gets visits from a
variety of shoppers of all shapes and siz-
es. By night, the place becomes the place
to party shoulder to shoulder with the
cool kids, geeks and freaks. This month,
they’ll welcome Holywood Indian and
Self Inflicted on June 12, The Blue Pop
Tarts and Color Neutral on June 18, Ra-
dio Deception and Loverslain on June
19 and The City and Skyway on June
26. For more show and band info, visit
www.myspace.com/vaultvenue.
Whatever you do in Stillwater
this month, keep it orange.
Hey Waka way
Finally,
the time
is
here to
get ass deep in goodness on Mulberry
Mountain June 4-7 when the new and
improved Wakarusa Music & Camping
Festival moves into town.
Wakarusa’s move came about
after years of scrutiny by law enforce-
ment and state officials, which not so
kindly showed them the door starting
back in 2006 when the feds brought in
cutting-edge technology to make a re-
cord-setting number of
arrests.
And
since then, ticket sales have slowed
due to skepticism and economic woes,
which prompted the move for the fes-
tival named after the Wakarusa River,
which translates into English from the
native dialect to “ass deep,” to the Mul-
berry Mountain site near Ozark, Ark.,
not to be confused with the Mulberry
Mountain Harvest Festival, slated for
Aug. 13-15.
This
year,
Wakarusa
con-
tinues to bring in all the big guns like
the Black Crowes, Gov’t Mule, Yonder
Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth,
Sound Tribe Sector 9, and dozens more
in addition to more Okie influence than
they’ve ever had, including Cross Ca-
nadian Ragweed, Jacob Fred Jazz Od-
yssey, Electric Rag Band, My-Tea Kind,
Paul Benjamin Band, Mayola, Samantha
Crain, Elephant Revival (featuring Okie
natives Bonnie Paine and Sage Cook)
and Tea Leaf Green (featuring Tulsa na-
tive Reed Mathis on bass.)
And if you got the 4-day event
pass or any VIP package, you get into
all the pre and post-parties at George’s.
The City and Skyway
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 81
THE CURRENT LOWDOWN
You can check out the full before, dur-
ing, and after schedules now at www.
wakarusa.com, especially if you’re as
anxious to get to the mountain as our
lucky Wakarusa Ticket Giveaway Con-
test winner, Cari Murray.
Music remains in the ‘Gee
By the way, that’s a hard ‘Gee,
like saying the word glee without the ‘l’
sound. We’re talking the very end of the
word Muskogee here folks. The ‘Gee
spot, big baby, and they’ve got new
rooms and old favorites that await your
time and dime.
Jasper’s Saddle Club adjoins
the LaQuinta Inn located on hotel row
at the intersection of Highways 69 &
62. Every Monday night they welcome
the acoustic adventure of Ira “Tuck the
Duck” Burton. Shows start around 9,
but get there early for happy hour food
and drink specials. And best of all, if
you have too much too fast, simply get
a room. Learn more at www.myspace.
com/jasperssaddleclub.
A few miles south on High-
way 69 will take you by the newest
nightclub mentioned in this roundup,
Fatso’s, which now occupies the space
once taken by the Wild Cowboy. The
Fatso’s crew have revamped the room
and brought in plenty of rock ‘n roll to
rendezvous with all the great red dirt
Okie music you know and love. This
month you can enjoy Livin’ Country on
June 27. For more information, check
out www.myspace.com/fatsos_bar.
Crazy Charlie’s Wild Side is
also makin’ some good noise off of the
Shawnee Bypass. Every weekend, you’ll
find live music a la Bluefish. Check
them out at www.myspace.com/cra-
zycharlieswildside.
Max’s Garage
is
once again
making the most of another month full
of music featuring The Usual Suspects
on June 5, The Plumbers on June 12,
Brandon Clark Band on June 13, Nick
Gibson on June 19, Octane Blue on
June 20 and The Horny Toads on June
27. Since the rain has let up a bit you
can enjoy the outdoor seating area and
the occasional outdoor show, and as
always, dig in to Max’s ever improv-
ing entrees and appetizers. Get more
at www.myspace.com/maxsgarage for
the scoop on this downtown spot, in-
cluding a look at Cowgirl Up and Max’s
Karaoke, and check out what they’ve
got going on at Max’s Lakeside on Lake
Tenkiller!
Does the idea of Max’s patio
have you thinking of music in the out-
doors? Check out the annual Symphony
in the Park at Honor Heights Park on
June 6 and the Juneteenth Celebration
on June 19 at Elliot Park. Both events
are free and open to the public and will
be full on celebrations of culture, art
and history. Smokehouse Bob and com-
pany will be at the Juneteenth event
giving away free food and beverages
while you enjoy live jazz, blues, gospel
and rap music, and art by Jason Terrell.
Vendors will be on hand for Symphony
in the Park to make sure you don’t go
hungry or thirsty. Bring your blankets,
lawn chairs, and everybody you know!
For more information on Symphony
in the Park call (918) 684-6302, and for
more on the Juneteenth Celebration,
call (918) 781-9248.
Fayetteville fun in the sun
Fayetteville and the surround
communities in northwest Arkansas al-
ways offer some of the best shopping,
dining and concert experiences avail-
able to you readers year ‘round, and as
the temperature rises, so does the want
to put your time in the natural state to
the test.
If
you’re
into
big
outdoor
shows and leading ladies in contempo-
rary country music, look no further than
the Arkansas Music Pavilion on Satur-
day, June 27, when the lovely LeAnn
Rimes takes the AMP stage. Rimes stole
our hearts back in the mid-‘90s when
she was just a teenager and took over
the country charts with her rendition of
the classic hit “Blue.” Today she’s older,
wiser and still out shining in the spot-
light promoting her latest record, Fam-
ily, and a bustle of collaborative efforts
JUNE 2009
THE CURRENT 81
THE CURRENT LOWDOWN
You can check out the full before, dur-
ing, and after schedules now at www.
wakarusa.com, especially if you’re as
anxious to get to the mountain as our
lucky Wakarusa Ticket Giveaway Con-
test winner, Cari Murray.
Music remains in the ‘Gee
By the way, that’s a hard ‘Gee,
like saying the word glee without the ‘l’
sound. We’re talking the very end of the
word Muskogee here folks. The ‘Gee
spot, big baby, and they’ve got new
rooms and old favorites that await your
time and dime.
Jasper’s Saddle Club adjoins
the LaQuinta Inn located on hotel row
at the intersection of Highways 69 &
62. Every Monday night they welcome
the acoustic adventure of Ira “Tuck the
Duck” Burton. Shows start around 9,
but get there early for happy hour food
and drink specials. And best of all, if
you have too much too fast, simply get
a room. Learn more at www.myspace.
com/jasperssaddleclub.
A few miles south on High-
way 69 will take you by the newest
nightclub mentioned in this roundup,
Fatso’s, which now occupies the space
once taken by the Wild Cowboy. The
Fatso’s crew have revamped the room
and brought in plenty of rock ‘n roll to
rendezvous with all the great red dirt
Okie music you know and love. This
month you can enjoy Livin’ Country on
June 27. For more information, check
out www.myspace.com/fatsos_bar.
Crazy Charlie’s Wild Side is
also makin’ some good noise off of the
Shawnee Bypass. Every weekend, you’ll
find live music a la Bluefish. Check
them out
at
www.myspace.com/cra-
zycharlieswildside.
Max’s Garage
is
once again
making the most of another month full
of music featuring The Usual Suspects
on June 5, The Plumbers on June 12,
Brandon Clark Band on June 13, Nick
Gibson on June 19, Octane Blue on
June 20 and The Horny Toads on June
27. Since the rain has let up a bit you
can enjoy the outdoor seating area and
the occasional outdoor show, and as
always, dig in to Max’s ever improv-
ing entrees and appetizers. Get more
at www.myspace.com/maxsgarage for
the scoop on this downtown spot, in-
cluding a look at Cowgirl Up and Max’s
Karaoke, and check out what they’ve
got going on at Max’s Lakeside on Lake
Tenkiller!
Does the idea of Max’s patio
have you thinking of music in the out-
doors? Check out the annual Symphony
in the Park at Honor Heights Park on
June 6 and the Juneteenth Celebration
on June 19 at Elliot Park. Both events
are free and open to the public and will
be full on celebrations of culture, art
and history. Smokehouse Bob and com-
pany will be at the Juneteenth event
giving away free food and beverages
while you enjoy live jazz, blues, gospel
and rap music, and art by Jason Terrell.
Vendors will be on hand for Symphony
in the Park to make sure you don’t go
hungry or thirsty. Bring your blankets,
lawn chairs, and everybody you know!
For more information on Symphony
in the Park call (918) 684-6302, and for
more on the Juneteenth Celebration,
call (918) 781-9248.
Fayetteville fun in the sun
Fayetteville and the surround
communities in northwest Arkansas al-
ways offer some of the best shopping,
dining and concert experiences avail-
able to you readers year ‘round, and as
the temperature rises, so does the want
to put your time in the natural state to
the test.
If
you’re
into
big
outdoor
shows and leading ladies in contempo-
rary country music, look no further than
the Arkansas Music Pavilion on Satur-
day, June 27, when the lovely LeAnn
Rimes takes the AMP stage. Rimes stole
our hearts back in the mid-‘90s when
she was just a teenager and took over
the country charts with her rendition of
the classic hit “Blue.” Today she’s older,
wiser and still out shining in the spot-
light promoting her latest record, Fam-
ily, and a bustle of collaborative efforts
Bluefish playing at Jaspers Saddle Club
82 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
The Bazaar
Now Accepting Vendor Applications
(Covered Booths Available)
918-456-6987/918-931-0978
Hwy 82 N & Jones Rd
Tahlequah, OK
• Arts & Crafts
• Furniture
• Concession
• Farmers Market
• Cultural Items
• Benefit Sales
Non Profits Welcome
@ Joe’s Red Barn
Open Air Market
Every Saturday & Sunday
8am - 5pm
NOW OPEN!
email: bazaar@joesredbarn.com
We’ll fix your
problem!
- Cars, Trucks, Vans, Boats, RV’s,
Tractors and Farm Equipment.
- Chip repairs and window motors.
- Mobile Service... We come to you.
- Insurance approved and accepted.
- No leak guarantee.
- Serving Muskogee & surrounding area.
- Iner Crowder, Owner
68-CRACK
682-7225
1321 Sharon Street Muskogee, OK 74403
THE CURRENT LOWDOWN
with the likes of Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney
and Joss Stone. Learn more about this
Grammy-winning
gal
at
www.lean-
nrimesworld.com. Tickets ($15-$85) and
venue information are available at www.
arkansasmusicpavilion.com.
For
more
than
80
years,
George’s Majestic Lounge has held it
down as the “King of Dickson Street”
according
to
their
website,
www.
georgesmajesticlounge.com. And that’s
no bull cowperson, just check out the
Wakarusa pre and post parties (free
with proof of Wakarusa 4-day or VIP
event purchase) featuring Elephant Re-
vival, Telepath and Blue Mountain on
Wednesday, June 3; Jesse Baylin, Ma-
dahoochi and Hoots & Hellmouth on
Sunday, June 7; and Old School Freight
Train, Scythian and Dusty Rhodes & the
River Band on Monday, June 8. Check
out www.wakarusa.com for complete
details and tickets.
Also appearing at George’s in
June is a whole squadron of songbirds,
including Okie-native Candy Coburn on
June 11, Sarah Hughes makes a solo stop
on June 14 and brings in the band on June
18, and Tiffany Christopher on June 28.
And the good-old boys from
the Ozarks, Big Smith, bring the moun-
tain music to Georges for two shows
on June 26! That’s right, that good time
family band is playing the happy hour
set from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. AND the late
show from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.! Tickets and
details are available now at the afore-
mentioned George’s Web site.
And while you’re stumbling re-
sponsibly down Dickson Street, be sure to
check out Smoke & Barrel, Jose’s, Brews-
ki’s, The Hog Haus Brewery and all the
great eateries that Fayetteville has to offer.
Doobies at the Civic Center
The Muskogee Civic Center
will have the Doobies in their pocket
at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 4. Doobie
Brothers, that is.
The
same
great
band
that
brought you some of the greatest mu-
sic of the ‘70s and ‘80s is taking it to the
streets of Muskogee for one show only,
where they’ll take you on a tour of their
hits like “Listen to the Music,” “Black
Water” and “Jesus is Just Alright With
Me.” The Doobies are still rolling strong
with original members Tom Johnston,
Mike Hossack and Pat Simmons, and
joining them in the jam are Guy Allison,
John McFee, Marc Russo, Ed Toth and
Skylark, a man whose name alone im-
pressed the pants off of Porter Ragnus
last month.
Tickets to the Doobie, Doobie
do are available now at (918) 682-9131,
the Muskogee Civic Center Box Office
and
online
at
www.doobiebrothers.
net. And though the Doobies will only
be in town for one night, this doesn’t
seem to be the end of music opps at
the Civic Center.
There’s
“Bluegrass
on the Square” featuring Springstreet,
Park Family Bluegrass Band and Olen
Davis & The Travelers slated for Satur-
day, June 27. And rumor has it classic
rockers YES and Asia will be perform-
ing on Thursday, July 16! Stay tuned to
The Current for the scoop on sounds at
the Muskogee Civic Center or logon to
www.cityofmuskogee.com.
Eufaula
in
love-uh
in
the
cove-uh
The waters of Lake Eufaula
beckon you to hit the big party on the
big lake, Festival on the Cove, from 8
a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 27.
Head down Lakeshore Drive
and enjoy all the activities that await to
entertain you, like the wacky raft race
for cash prizes, volleyball tournament,
motorcycle show, RV & boat show, bike
games and live music by the mighty
The Doobie Brothers
THE CURRENT LOWDOWN
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 83
good-time rock ‘n roll band known as
High Rise.
Events will take place at a
variety of venues on Lakeshore Drive,
including Eufaula Cove Marina and Ga-
tor’s Restaurant. Lake Eufaula is known
around the region as the “Gentle Giant”
because with so many nooks and cran-
nies, there’s always calm waters to be
found.
For more information, check
out www.visitlakeeufaula.com or call
(918) 689-7751 and don’t forget the sun-
screen.
Big, beautiful Bonnaroo
Well pholks
it’s
that time of
year again...PHESTIVAAALLL!!!! Yes
indeed, and back for the eighth summer
is Bonnaroo! The festival named after
a Dr. John tune is once again bring-
ing the best acts of all popular music
genres together for a brilliant weekend
June 11-14. The ‘Roo doesn’t just have
jambands, they have country, hip-hop,
bluegrass, indie, punk, classic rock and
even mainstream! Bonnaroo not only
has killer musical acts, they also have
great comedy, indie films and perfor-
mance art. All this with a great selection
of food and drink nestled in the Ten-
nessee hills - get ready for one big, big
party.
This
year’s
headliners speak
for themselves; The Boss, Bruce Spring-
steen, two shows of Phish (for the av-
erage Joe this maybe the easiest Phish
ticket to nab), The Beastie Boys, David
Byrne, NIN, and Wilco!! If this doesn’t
sum up what Bonnaroo is all about
check out some of the additional line
up: Snoop Dogg, Ben Harper, moe.,
Public
Enemy, Merle Haggard, The
Decemberists, Robert Earl Keen, Todd
Snider, of Montreal, King Sunny Ade,
David Grisman, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and
so many more. Comedy at the Roo this
year features Jimmy Fallon, The Daily
Show, Triumph the insult dog, Amy
Shumer, and plenty of others. The film
tent will feature never before seen in-
die films, Phish’s Great Went, The Lips
Christmas on Mars, and lots of docu-
mentaries.
This
year’s
festivities
begin
on Thursday, June 11 and continues
through Sunday, June 14th. Every day is
jam-packed full of activities and shows,
so there will not be a dull moment. As
of press time tickets are still available
at www.bonnaroo.com. If your finding
yourself wanting to go at the last min-
ute there are plenty of options for tick-
ets if indeed it does sell out, however
these may be pricey. To check on these
try Craig’s list, or search Bonnaroo tick-
ets, and of course eBay. For those of you
with Bonnaroo already in your plans re-
member to hydrate well, stay out of the
sun and be safe!
-Flatbottom Frank
Liberty Theater celebrates
90 years
The Liberty Theater in Harts-
horne, Okla. has been alive and kicking
for 90 years now and they’re celebrating
with an extra special bunch of shows
this month to help ring in the next 90
years in grand fashion.
On June 12, the bells and whis-
tles of a Branson-style show while whisk
through the Liberty Theater when the
Brett Family hits town for a one-off gig
loaded with classic country hits, patri-
otic punch and some old-timey Gospel
goodness. See it to believe it at www.
brettfamily.com.
June 16
is
the
official
90th
Birthday Celebration with lots of sur-
prises in store. The following weekend,
June 20-21, the Tulsa-based Grace-Ann
Productions fly in their off-Broadway
rendition of “Altar Boyz.”
For tickets, details and show
times, call (918) 297-3651 or logon to
www.libertytheaterok.com.
Jazz is syncopation
Green Country is getting its
jazz groove on this June with a variety
of festivals that are free and open to the
public, ya dig?
Oklahoma
City
hosts
the
Charlie Christian International Music
Festival June 2-7. This fun-filled music
festival celebrates the musical contribu-
tions of world renowned jazz guitar leg-
end Charlie Christian, who grew up in
Oklahoma City. The event features jazz,
blues, battle of the bands, jam sessions,
jazz cruises, great food, arts & crafts and
more. For more information call (405)
524-3800 or logon to www.charliechris-
tianfestival.com.
The Grape Ranch Winery in
Okemah is hosting the annual Okemah
Jazz Festival June 6 at the Winery, lo-
cated six miles south of I-40 off of State
Highway 27. Come out and enjoy a day
full of great jazz and blues music and
local art. Delicious food and beverages
with and without alcohol will be served
all day. For more information call (918)
623-2250 or logon to www.graperanch.
com.
Take a short drive south and
west of Okemah some three weeks later
and head to beautiful downtown We-
woka for the Cedar Street Blues & Jazz
Festival. A crawfish boil, food vendors,
fireworks show and fellowship will ac-
company all the fine blues and jazz mu-
sic, which kicks off at 6 p.m. For more
information call (405) 257-5485.
A little further south and west
of Wewoka lies Sooner Country. Nor-
man is in the heart of the territory and
that’s where the big daddy known as
Jazz in June is held in Brookhaven Vil-
lage and Andrews Park June 25-27. This
year’s lineup includes performances by
Judy Carmichael, Lloyd Jones, Aaron
Squirrel, Jeff Lorber and many more.
For more information call (405) 325-
3388 or logon to www.jazzinjune.org.
There it is cool cats – dig it.
Outstanding outdoor
opportunities
Now that
it’s
not so blasted
cold outside its time to play in the sun
and this month there’s lots of great op-
portunities to enjoy the free fishing
weekend (June 5-7) and other activi-
ties at several state parks this month, as
found at www.travelok.com and www.
oklahomaparks.com.
The first weekend of June for
some time now is known as a statewide
free fishing weekend, and there are
plenty of opportunities to teach your fa-
vorite little people how to fish, learn the
rules and regulation, and most impor-
tantly, instill the value of safety while
trying to catch the big one.
June 6-7 the Bernice Nature
Sponsored in part by:
Cherokee Heritage Center
21192 S. Keeler Drive | Park Hill, OK | CherokeeHeritage.org | 888-999-6007
GeneratiOnS:
Cherokee Language throughart
exhibition
May 22 – august 16, 2009
The Brett Family
84 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
Center will host the Hook, Line & Sink-
er Fishing Weekend. Call (918) 257-8330
for more info.
Greenleaf State Park hosts a
Kids Fishing Clinic & Derby at 9 a.m. on
June 6. For more information call (918)
487-7125.
Head to Sapulpa’s Pretty Wa-
ter Lake at 8 a.m. on June 6 for the Kids
Catfish & Panfish Derby. For more in-
formation call (918) 227-5151.
Sequoyah
State
Park
hosts
a Kids Fishing Derby at the Choctaw
Camp on the morning of June 6. Free
lunch will be provided. Those who take
a special liking to the outdoors may be
interested in the Jr. Ranger Camp June
8-10, held at the Three Forks Nature
Center inside the park. Learn about fish
and wildlife conservation, enjoy boat
rides and raise your awareness about
the great outdoors. Info for these and
other wonderful events at Sequoyah
State Park is available by calling (918)
772-2046.
Snowdale State Park near Sa-
lina hosts a Kids Fishing Tournament
at 7 a.m. on June 20. There are lots of
giveaways in store like rods, reels, food
and other fishin’ goodies. For more info
call (918) 434-2700.
Interested in other outdoor ac-
tivities? Well, get out!
Curing culture curiosity
The people that inhabit Okla-
homa are as diverse as the land itself
–
some settled here long ago, some
forcefully driven here, some that sought
refuge within the borders of this great
state. This month, there are several spe-
cial opportunities to learn about the
people and cultures that surround us.
The Murrell Home Lawn So-
cial is set for June 6 at the Murrell Home
in Park Hill. Here you can enjoy peri-
od re-enactors performing a variety of
mid-1800s tasks in a beautiful mansion.
For more information check out www.
okhistory.org or call (918) 456-2751.
Head down to Checotah for
Old Settlers Days June 11-13 and enjoy
a carnival, rodeo, Indian Territory Mar-
shalls, street dancing, arts & crafts, food
vendors, games,
live
music, antique
tractors and much more. Visit www.
checotah.com or call (918) 473-2070 for
more information.
Get on the bus in Tulsa on June
13 and trek across the state on a historic
Black Town Tour. The tour kicks off
early in the day and there is a small ad-
mission which includes two meals and
your fare to go take a look at numerous
all-black Oklahoma towns. Reservations
are required. For more information call
(918) 596-7280 or logon to www.tulsali-
brary.org/aarc.
Need some more culture? Go
way back in the day to the times of the
Viking explorers at the Mountain Gate-
way Festival at the Heavener Rodeo
Grounds in Heavener on June 6. Check
out Viking booths, re-enactments and
genuine Viking humor at this one. Call
(918) 653-4303 for the scoop on this
Scandinavian shindig. Or go back to the
days of the oil boom in Drumright on
June 13 at Drumright Discovery Days.
Drill for more information by calling
(918) 352-3002.
Takin’ it to the streets
Ever roll down the windows,
turn up the radio and drive at five miles
per hour so everybody sees you? Are
you the proud owner of a custom car,
truck, bike, trike, RV, or, dare we say,
scooter? If so, there’s a show and swap
for you every weekend in June. And
even if you’re pushing around some
beat up Corolla, you’ll still enjoy these
automotive art shows.
June 6 you can hit the Route
66 Blowout in Sapulpa (www.sapul-
pamainstreet.com)
or
the
Corvette
Summer Kick-Off Car Show in Ponca
City
(www.cherokeestripcorvetteclub.
com). No matter where you start your
weekend, you can end it on June 7 at the
Bixby Gospel Sing & Classic Car Show
(www.famcbixby.org).
The following weekend you
can hit the Fort Gibson Historical Car,
Truck & Motorcycle show in beautiful
Fort Gibson June 12-13 (www.fortgib-
son.com). Then cruise over to Collins-
ville on June 13 for Hogs & Hot Rods in
downtown (www.cvilleok.com/down-
town). Wrap it up at the biggest show
of the weekend, the Leake Car Show, at
the QuikTrip Center in Tulsa June 12-14
(www.leakecar.com).
The
following
weekend
it’s
all about hitting the Cruise to Grove on
June 20, where you can relax and talk
shop with other auto enthusiasts in
beautiful downtown (www.grandpro.
com).
The final week of the month
kicks off with Bike Week Oklahoma at
the Sparks America Campground June
22-28
(www.sparksamerica.com).
On
June 26-27, you have two tenacious
custom car & truck events in a row
in Miami, including the Car Show on
June 26 and the Route 66 Cruise Night
on June 27 (www.visitmiamiok.com).
Also on June 27 you can hit either the
Knight’s Annual Car Show in Shawnee
(www.visitshawnee.com) or the Blue
Mountain Cruzers Car & Truck Show
in Hartshorne (918) 297-1311.
No matter where you gas up
and go to this month travel safe and
smart so we can keep you alive, well
and reading The Current!
Eureka Springs into action
Attention
outdoor
athletes!
Back again for the fourth year is the
Xterra Eureka Springs Off-Road Triath-
lon. Part of the Xterra Off-Road series
this event starts with a half mile swim,
then a 13 mile mountain bike ride, fol-
lowed by five miles of running all on
trails. The triathlon takes place at Lake
Leatherwood Park just outside of beau-
tiful Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
To register or just get more in-
formation go to www.eurekaspringsof-
froadtriathlon.com . Even if you’re not
an athlete, the race is a fun event for the
whole family. There will be live enter-
tainment at the finish line and plenty of
food and beverages to choose from, as
the folks at Copasetic Productions say,
“come for the race, stay for the charm
and beauty of Eureka Springs.”
-Flatbottom Frank
2505 S. Muskogee, Tahlequah • 918-453-0300
Call ahead seating available
Full Bar Available
The BEST Steak in NE Oklahoma!
Join Us for Father’s Day!
Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday
11am - 9pm
THE CURRENT LOWDOWN
Cafe
1/3 lb Burger Special $5.79
Daily Lunch Specials!
Smoothies, Cookies,
Relaxing Atmosphere
Located behind Payless Shoe Source • 106 Monroe • Tahlequah, OK
918-458-0381
www.rockyourbluesaway-cafe.com
Rock Your Blues Away
Espresso, Latte, Frappe
Show Off Your Talent!
Call for Talent Show Details
Open Early
6 Days/Week
Come Hang Out
• Morning
• Noon
• Evening
Best Cup of Coffee in town!
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 85
Located 2 miles east and 5 miles north
of Tahlequah on Highway 10.
800-722-2411
918-456-4545
www.diamondheadresor t .us
Families Welcome
“Where Memories Are Made!”
Sat. June 13th
Thomas Trapp
and
The Blue Grass
Bully’s
$5
Cover
Sat. June 20th
12081 Hwy 10 Tahlequah, OK
Cruise
Control
The Illinois River
Take nothing but photographs - leave nothing but footprints
By Amy Goldian
In
case
you’ve
been out of
town or in a coma, we at The Current
did not take our annual Illinois River
trip yet this year for obvious reasons.
Our plan was to go on Saturday, May
16, then we found out it was expected to
rain (surprise, surprise), so we planned
for Friday, but we had a deluge of rain
from
Wednesday through Thursday
and after hearing that the rain was due
to continue into Thursday night, we
decided the danger was too great. So,
here I am, sitting in my cubby, watching
another day of rain pound the parking
lot outside the office, wondering when
it will ever end. I’m happy to see every-
thing looking so green, but for those of
us who want to get out into the sun, it’s
just too sad to talk about without get-
ting all choked up.
We do however, have informa-
tion for you, so when the rains end and
Noah puts away his ark, you will have
what you need to get out there and en-
joy the beauty of the Illinois River with-
out the need of an umbrella (or a bucket
to bail out your raft).
So, in lieu of a story telling you
about the fun trip we had, I am forced
to give you all of the necessities so if
and when the rain ever lets up, you will
have your 3.2 beer, sunscreen, water-
proof baggies and snacks ready for that
big day. A word of advice here: call the
outfitters before venturing out to the
river. While the rain may have ended,
the river may still be too high or turbu-
lent for rafting, so you’re better off call-
ing to get an opinion on the safety of the
water.
Here are the river outfitters on the
Upper Illinois:
• All American Floats: (866) 696-2037, (918)
456-6949, www.allamericanfloats.net
•
Arrowhead Resort: (918) 456-1140,
(800) 749-1140, www.arrowhead-thun-
derbird.com
•
Bigfoot Floats: (918) 458-1213 and
(918) 458-5208
• Diamondhead Resort: (800) 722-2411, (918)
456-4545, www.diamondheadresort.us
•
Eagle Bluff Resort: (918) 456-3031,
(800) 657-4837/(800)-OK-RIVER www.
eaglebluffresort.com
• Falcon Floats: (800) 653-5628/(800)-
OK-FLOATS, (918) 456-8058, www.illi-
noisriver.net
Road Trippin’ - the scenic the Illinois River…eventually
You can enjoy the sunshine on the river and sometimes live entertainment.
1-800-657-4837
86 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
Float Trips on The Illinois River
Canoes
Rafts
Kayaks
Tubes
Campground
Bunkhouse
Log Roll
Trampoline
Home of the Illinois
River Monster
Mention this ad for a discount!
1-800-722-9635 or 918-456-8371
Located 2 miles East and 5 miles
North of Tahlequah on Hwy 10
Motel • Cabins • Bunkhouse
Rafts • Canoes • Kayaks
Swimming Pool
Group rates available
Call Toll Free 1-800-722-3834 or 918-456-6272
The Illinois River
Take nothing but photographs - leave nothing but footprints
• Green River Floats: (918) 456-3088
•
Hanging
Rock
Camp:
(800)
GO-
FLOATS, (918) 456-3088
• Peyton’s Place: (918) 456-3847, (800)
359-0866, www.peytonsplace.ws
• Sparrow Hawk Camp: (800) 722-9635,
(918)
456-8371,
www.sparrowhawk-
camp.com
• War Eagle: (918) 456-6272 (800) 722-
3834 www. wareagleresort.com
If you are ready to go, here are some
things to consider taking with you:
• Swim suits, clothes that can get wet.
• Cover-up: the sun can get intense and after
a while even sunscreen won’t be enough.
• River shoes or sandals: there are lots of sharp
rocks, bits of glass and nasty mud bogs.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen: you may want
to consider waterproof sunscreen and reap-
ply often and leave your expensive Ray Bans
at home (cheap sunglasses won’t fall into the
river: it’s a proven fact). Reapply the sun-
screen throughout the day, especially on chil-
dren. 30 SPF or better is highly recommended
for adults and 50 SPF or better for children.
• Waterproof baggies: you’ll need these for
valuables, food, keys, cigarettes, etc.
•
Toilet
paper (camping friendly
is
best), and a towel.
•
Cooler (non-Styrofoam and no larger
than 48-50 quarts and a NEW law states
that there must be a locking mechanism or
a bungee must hold your cooler shut in the
event your raft rolls over) with beverages
(other than 3.2 percent beer!) and food.
Please take water. While beer seems like
the best idea ever, you will need water.
•
Camera
(waterproof
disposable
is
highly
recommended), change
of
clothes,
wide-brimmed
hat,
Drama-
mine, aspirin, band-aids and antiseptic
wipes (you never know).
What you cannot take on the river/
do on the river:
• No styrofoam of any kind
• No glass of any kind
• No beer stronger than 3.2 percent or
any other kinds of alcohol.
• Please leave billfolds, watches, rings, ex-
pense/non-waterproof cameras at home.
Remember, if your raft tips over, your stuff
will fall out, so leave valuables at home.
• No attitude that you can go anywhere
you please. There are private homes lin-
ing the Illinois: a rule of thumb is that if
you see a ‘No Trespassing’ sign, obey it.
These folks don’t tread all over your back
yard, so give them the same courtesy.
• Do not leave your trash anywhere on
the river! What you bring, take with
you. Trash is a major issue and the out-
fitters have gone so far to give trash bags
to all of their customers. Please make it
a point to use the bag you are given.
• Do not tie rafts together. You will get
a nasty little fine. And it’s dangerous.
The Lower Illinois River
The Lower Illinois River is a
designated trout fishing stream where
anglers will find rainbow and brown
trout, record stripers, walleye, crappie,
catfish and bass. Every person fish-
ing MUST have a trout license from
the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
and a fishing license if 16 or older (all
available in the Welcome Center). The
river is stocked every other week in
July through March and once a week
in April. All anglers must purchase a
There are many places on the Illinois
River that little ones can enjoy.
Water Games on the river offer fun in the sun.
trout stamp. It is valid from January 1
until December 31 and is a necessity to
fish any of the seven designated trout
streams or lakes in Oklahoma. Fisher-
men are allowed to use any kind of bait:
live or artificial. The limit is six per per-
son, 12 in possession. It is legal to catch
and release as long as the trout are not
harmed. Trout are the only game fish
that may be used for bait; and many do
use them to catch the monster stripers
found in the cold water. Four of the last
six records for stripers have come from
the waters of the Illinois River.
While this area is not geared
towards
rafting
and
canoeing,
this
is a Mecca for the angler. There are
some really nice little shops to stop for
worms, lures, fishing supplies, snacks
and camping as well as restaurants for
those who came back empty-handed
from their fishing expeditions. For the
non-angler, there is lots of resort-type
recreation to be found at MarVal Re-
sort and Family Campground and Flint
Ridge Park, both located on Lake Ten-
killer.
No matter what you want to
do,
if
it’s
water-oriented, the Illinois
River has you covered. All you need to
do is play by the laws, respect the other
people out there also trying to have a
good time and remember that not every
spot on the Illinois is open to the public.
The Illinois is one of those places that al-
low people to visit while still holding on
to that pristine beauty you just can’t find
at Disney World. All you really need
to remember is that there isn’t a huge
staff waiting to scrape your gum off the
rocks, treat it with respect, take your
trash home and don’t be a nasty drunk
and everyone will get along just fine.
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 87
Fuel • Head Pump
Rentals including:
Lakewood South
7 miles South of Keys on Indian Rd.
Marina open Wed-Sun • Mechanic avail. Mon-Fri
Bar & Grill Opens 11 am
Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Holidays
Closed Monday & Tuesdays
16oz Ribeye
Steak
TRY THESE LOCAL
FAVORITES
CATFISH
NACHOS
GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICH
FULL BAR
Ship Store • Boats
Cabins • RV Camping
24’-30’-45’-50’ Slips avail.
Authorized Service
Call 918-457-5438 for more info
LIVE BANDS
June 27
BLUEFISH
The Illinois River
Food -- Fuel -- Supplies
Boat Rentals & Repair - Slip Rentals
On Hwy 10A between the Dam
and Fin & Feather Resort
Lake Tenkiller, OK
Marina
918-487-5178
Shop
918-487-2027
www.strayhornmarina.com
Strayhorn Marina
Lakeside Gift Shop & Gas Dock
The beautiful view from Combs
Bridge on the Illinois River.
918-457-5152
2 miles south of Cookson on Hwy 82 • 20144 W. 915 Rd. • Cookson, OK 74427
Serving Pizza, Burgers, Salads, Sandwiches • To Go Orders Welcome • Call 918-457-4202
Home of Skippers Floating Restaurant
Boat Rentals
Lake Boutique
Connelly Tubes
Life Jackets
Tackle & Bait
Beer/Pop/Ice
Fully Equipped
Log Cabins &
Mobile Homes
SIXSHOOTER
Resort & Marina
OPEN ALL
YEAR!
88 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
GREEN LIVING - EARTH, BODY AND SPIRIT
This
is
the
third in an ongoing
series
discussing
wind energy and
the impact it will
have on our state.
This month the discussion continues
with Don Wolfe, the Senior Biologist at
the G.M. Sutton Avian Research Center
in Bartlesville. Mr. Wolfe is considered
a leading expert on the prairie chicken,
a species of bird that is looked upon to
be heavily impacted by wind develop-
ment in Western Oklahoma.
BW:
Do you think that there is a way for Big
Wind to come to Oklahoma with a min-
imal impact on the environment and if
so, how would we go about installing
wind farms with the least detrimental
impact?
DW:
Bridget, I think the key phrase here is
“minimal
impact,”
not
“no
impact.”
The short answer is a cautionary “yes”.
There are certainly places where wind
development can have minimal impact
on prairie-chickens, primarily to the
south of occupied range (for example,
the I-40 corridor). However, the prob-
lems are: 1) Some of the best wind po-
tential in OK is in areas where lesser
prairie chickens
still
range.
2)
The
transmission lines needed to get the en-
ergy from the source to the major met-
ropolitan areas may prove as harmful
as the turbines themselves. 3) There are
other sensitive species that also need to
be considered, primarily bats, but also
migrating whooping
cranes,
etc.,
so
even in areas that may have minimal
impact on prairie chickens, large scale
wind development could
negatively
impact a number of other species.
Even as far as prairie-chickens
are concerned, large scale wind devel-
opment would not have as much impact
if there weren’t already several other
fragmentary factors, such as extensive
eastern red cedar encroachment, fence
and road density, etc. But, combined
with the other factors, the impact large
scale wind development and the new
transmission lines could be much great-
er.
One other issue to contend
with is that for several years now, land
owners have been hearing about the
possible money coming their way be-
cause of wind development on their
lands.
For some of the landowners,
this could make the difference between
holding properties that have been in
the family for several generations, or
having to sell out or go bankrupt. Al-
though most landowners do appreciate
prairie chickens, and would like to have
them around, some now view them as
an obstacle that might keep wind devel-
opment out. Basically, when it comes
down to prairie chickens or cash flow,
the prairie chickens lose. Unless land-
owners can be compensated for not
having development on their land, most
would choose to have the development
and the associated increased cash flow.
BW:
How serious of an impact would large
wind farms have on the prairie chicken?
What other animals are affected?
DW:
Once
again,
it
depends
entirely
on
where the development occurs. Within
the core of presently occupied lesser
prairie chicken range, both the turbines
and the associated transmission lines
will
likely
further
fragment existing
populations and ultimately, quite possi-
bly could lead to local extinctions. The
collision risk from turbines or transmis-
sion lines is minimal, but the real af-
fect results from the birds instinctively
avoiding any
tall
structures.
Lesser
prairie chickens evolved in large, open
prairie landscapes, and those individu-
als that did not avoid structures were
likely removed from the population at
an early age by raptors or predators. It
is difficult to reverse those instinctive,
evolutionary “fears”.
As
for
other
animals,
it
is
likely that several other grassland spe-
cies avoid structures in much the same
way as do prairie-chickens. Also, there
are collision and air pressure risks from
a number of other species, like I men-
tioned earlier.
BW:
What is the current population of the
lesser
prairie
chicken in Oklahoma?
What do you estimate the numbers
By Bridget Wood
Roping the wind - Q & A with Senior Biologist Don Wolfe
Sallisaw
(918) 775-5596
FINANCE CO.
McALESTER (918) 423-6603
ALL AMERICAN LOANS
DIXIE
DIXIE FINANCE CO.
Pryor
(918) 825-7014
Bartlesville
(918) 337-9240
Wagoner
(918) 485-0870
Miami
(918) 542-1813
Grove
(918) 786-4795
W. Siloam Springs
(918) 422-6125
FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE• LOANS UP TO $800
Okmulgee
(918) 756-5700
Vinita
(918) 256-4401
McAlester
(918) 423-3810
Eufaula
(918) 689-2708
Tahlequah
(918) 431-1188
Muskogee
(918) 683-2984
Happy Father’s Day
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 89
GREEN LIVING - EARTH, BODY AND SPIRIT
Mexican Restaurant
To Go Orders Welcome
Now 3 locatioNs
iN Mcalester
790 W. Carl Albert
918-423-0118
Hours: Mon-Sun 11a - 9p
207 N. Main, Eufaula
918-618-4553
Hours: Mon-Sun 11a - 9p
111 W. Main, Wilburton
918-465-2960
Hours: Mon-Sun 11a - 9p
Hwy 270 East
918-426-3263
Hours: Mon-Thur 11a - 9p
Fri-Sat 11a - 10p • Sun 11a - 9p
our Newest locatioN
iN
taNdy towN
iN
the
old Gold chiNa restauraNt
also serviNG these locatioNs:
Silver Dollar
Gift Shop & Cafe
918-371-0599 • 1022 W. Main • Collinsville
Our Cafe Features the
Largest Steaks & Fried Mushrooms Around!
SHUFFLE BOARD - POOL TABLES - SKI BALL - DARTS
SHUFFLE BOARD - POOL TABLES - SKI BALL - DARTS
OVER 150 6 point Beers - 20 on tap
WiFi Available!
Live Music!
The
Country
Cottage
Old Fashioned Home Cookin’
918-479-6439
6570 Hwy 82 South • Locust Grove, OK
Tuesday thru Saturday 11a - 8p / Sunday 11:30a - 4:30p
will be in 5 or 10 years after the wind
farms that are projected to be built are
installed?
DW:
I cannot give you an accurate current
population size in Okla., but I would
estimate that is it less than 1,500 indi-
viduals.
Giving an estimate for 5-10
years later would be impossible and
even irresponsible to attempt.
A lot
will depend on how much land can be
set aside, either through acquisition,
or through easements, where prairie-
chickens may be able to persist. A good
example is the recent contribution by
OG&E, which will go toward both land
acquisition and easements on some im-
portant prairie-chicken range. But, if we
hope to maintain a viable population of
lesser prairie chickens in Oklahoma, we
will need to be able to have a lot more
land set aside. Hopefully, additional
developers will follow OG&E’s lead,
and voluntarily contribute to establish
more “set aside” acreages.
BW:
Do you think that there is any way for
wind farms and the prairie chicken to
share space and for both to thrive?
DW:
I think this is very doubtful, as both
the structure and the associated hu-
man activity will likely drive all prairie
chickens away from development ar-
eas. Again, the key will be where the
development occurs.
BW:
Could you go into some detail outlin-
ing the fact that the best habitats for the
birds happens to be the best placement
for wind farms?
DW:
Lesser prairie chickens do the best in
large expanses of native prairie (some
smaller
parcels
of
agricultural
land
within are okay), with at least some
shrub component (primarily sand sage-
brush or shinnery oak), with few other
fragmentary
factors
such
as
roads,
transmission
lines,
trees,
fences,
etc.
Historically, lesser prairie chickens had
a considerably larger range in Okla.,
but due to various factors (including
those
mentioned
above),
have
been
constrained to portions of only a few
counties in northwestern Okla.where
the those fragmentary forces have been
kept to a minimum. It is unfortunate
for prairie chickens that these remain-
ing areas of suitable habitat are often
prime wind development areas.
90 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
90 THE CURRENT
JUNE 2009
Now Booking For Your Event
Kilharen’s
Lodge
Creating Memorable Special Occasions
5000 W . Fern Mountain Road Muskogee, OK . 1.2 miles W. of Hwy 69
Weddings
Wedding Rehearsals
Dinner Parties
Ceremonies
Company Dinners
Receptions
Family Reunions
Birthday Parties
Call Us (918) 913-1313
GREEN LIVING - EARTH, BODY AND SPIRIT
BW:
What other issues do you think people
in Okla. need to consider before these
large wind farms start popping up?
DW:
First,
they
already
are
popping
up.
There are already several hundred tur-
bines within recent lesser prairie chick-
en range; the main limiting factor now is
the transmission capability. As soon as
the transmission capacity is improved,
hundreds, if not thousands, more wind
turbines will begin to appear within
prairie chicken range. I think that the
general public has been inundated with
word that wind provides a “clean en-
ergy
source,”
and will lower carbon
emissions, reliance on fossil fuels, etc.
I
doubt that wind energy alone will
lessen our dependence on fossil fuels or
other sources of electrical production. I
will say, though, that I do believe wind
should be a part of our overall energy
portfolio. I would like the public to re-
alize, though, that it is not without en-
vironmental cost. On a more personal
note, I would certainly want my children
and grandchildren to know what a less-
er prairie chicken is without seeing only
stuffed specimens in a museum, and I
think we should, at all cost, do what we
can to have some large tracts of suitable
prairie chicken habitat preserved.
Without large tracts of land left
open for the prairie chicken the survival
of the species looks grim. All energy
comes with a cost, whether is be green-
house gasses from a coal-fired power
plant or wind farms fragmenting impor-
tant habitat for native species. As wind
becomes a larger portion of our state’s
energy portfolio this fragile species is
more and more at risk. Without large
portions of virgin land set aside this
bird is most surely doomed. We need to
take a long hard look at the implementa-
tion of wind farms in our state and make
sure that as they are installed with the
least
negative environmental
impact.
In order to do this, a serious dialogue
between the energy sectors, the govern-
ment and public citizens helps keep the
discussion going so we as Oklahomans
make the change from fossil fuels to re-
newables in an informed manner.
Locally owned & operated for 20 years
Mail Order Available
Two locations to assist you!
1012 E. Downing
Tahlequah
918-456-4797
1234 W. 4th, Ste.B
Tahlequah
918-207-1741
12 th Annual
Peoria Pow-Wow
June 26, 27 and 28
Peoria Pow-Wow Grounds Miami, Oklahoma
60610 E. 90 Rd. (@ County Rd. 137 & E-90 Rd.)
Jr. Boys: Straight, Grass, Traditional, Fancy
Jr. Girls: Cloth, Buckskin, Jingle, Fancy Shawl
1st place= $100.00 2nd place= $75.00 3rd place= $50.00
Teen Boys: Straight, Grass, Traditional, Fancy
Teen Girls: Cloth, Buckskin, Jingle, Fancy Shawl
1st place= $300 2nd place= $200 3rd place= $100
Adult Men: Straight, Grass, Traditional, Fancy
Adult Women: Cloth, Buckskin, Jingle, Fancy Shawl
1st place= $500.00 2nd place= $400.00 3rd place= $300.00
Golden Age Men: Straight/Traditional, Fancy/Grass
Golden Age Women: Cloth/Buckskin, Jingle/Fancy Shawl
1st place= $400 2nd place= $300 3rd place= $200
FREE ADMISSION * FREE CAMPING *
PUBLIC INVITED
Contest Categories:
$20,000
in Prize Money
GRAND ENTRY
FRIDAY - 8pm
SATURDAY - 7pm
SUNDAY - 3pm
Contact:
Peoria Tribal Office,
918-540-2535
ablack2@peoriatribe.com
Gourd Dancing
Saturday - 1:00 pm.
and 6:00 pm.,
Sunday - 1:00 pm.
GREEN LIVING - EARTH, BODY AND SPIRIT
BW:
What other issues do you think people
in Okla. need to consider before these
large wind farms start popping up?
DW:
First,
they
already
are
popping up.
There are already several hundred tur-
bines within recent lesser prairie chick-
en range; the main limiting factor now is
the transmission capability. As soon as
the transmission capacity is improved,
hundreds, if not thousands, more wind
turbines will begin to appear within
prairie chicken range. I think that the
general public has been inundated with
word that wind provides a “clean en-
ergy
source,”
and will lower carbon
emissions, reliance on fossil fuels, etc.
I
doubt that wind energy alone will
lessen our dependence on fossil fuels or
other sources of electrical production. I
will say, though, that I do believe wind
should be a part of our overall energy
portfolio. I would like the public to re-
alize, though, that it is not without en-
vironmental cost. On a more personal
note, I would certainly want my children
and grandchildren to know what a less-
er prairie chicken is without seeing only
stuffed specimens in a museum, and I
think we should, at all cost, do what we
can to have some large tracts of suitable
prairie chicken habitat preserved.
Without large tracts of land left
open for the prairie chicken the survival
of the species looks grim. All energy
comes with a cost, whether is be green-
house gasses from a coal-fired power
plant or wind farms fragmenting impor-
tant habitat for native species. As wind
becomes a larger portion of our state’s
energy portfolio this fragile species is
more and more at risk. Without large
portions of virgin land set aside this
bird is most surely doomed. We need to
take a long hard look at the implementa-
tion of wind farms in our state and make
sure that as they are installed with the
least
negative environmental impact.
In order to do this, a serious dialogue
between the energy sectors, the govern-
ment and public citizens helps keep the
discussion going so we as Oklahomans
make the change from fossil fuels to re-
newables in an informed manner.
Locally owned & operated for 20 years
Mail Order Available
Two locations to assist you!
1012 E. Downing
Tahlequah
918-456-4797
1234 W. 4th, Ste.B
Tahlequah
918-207-1741
12 th Annual
Peoria Pow-Wow
June 26, 27 and 28
Peoria Pow-Wow Grounds Miami, Oklahoma
60610 E. 90 Rd. (@ County Rd. 137 & E-90 Rd.)
Jr. Boys: Straight, Grass, Traditional, Fancy
Jr. Girls: Cloth, Buckskin, Jingle, Fancy Shawl
1st place= $100.00 2nd place= $75.00 3rd place= $50.00
Teen Boys: Straight, Grass, Traditional, Fancy
Teen Girls: Cloth, Buckskin, Jingle, Fancy Shawl
1st place= $300 2nd place= $200 3rd place= $100
Adult Men: Straight, Grass, Traditional, Fancy
Adult Women: Cloth, Buckskin, Jingle, Fancy Shawl
1st place= $500.00 2nd place= $400.00 3rd place= $300.00
Golden Age Men: Straight/Traditional, Fancy/Grass
Golden Age Women: Cloth/Buckskin, Jingle/Fancy Shawl
1st place= $400 2nd place= $300 3rd place= $200
FREE ADMISSION * FREE CAMPING *
PUBLIC INVITED
Contest Categories:
$20,000
in Prize Money
GRAND ENTRY
FRIDAY - 8pm
SATURDAY - 7pm
SUNDAY - 3pm
Contact:
Peoria Tribal Office,
918-540-2535
ablack2@peoriatribe.com
Gourd Dancing
Saturday - 1:00 pm.
and 6:00 pm.,
Sunday - 1:00 pm.
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 91
Muskogee
Westside
(918) 683-5777
Muskogee
Turn Pike
(918) 686-6868
Muskogee
Eastside
(918) 687-3373
Muskogee
Southside
(918) 681-3377
Seminole
(405) 382-2404
Checotah
(918) 473-7774
Claremore
(918) 342-0601
Fort Gibson
(918) 478-2305
Okmulgee
(918) 756-4111
Pryor
(918) 825-8990
Sapulpa
(918) 224-6200
Shawnee
Eastside
(405) 878-0988
Shawnee
(405) 275-5041
Tahlequah
(918) 458-1112
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner We are your Diner!
We are Everywhere
you are!
GREEN LIVING - EARTH, BODY AND SPIRIT
BIKE SHOP
Paceline
Cyclery
918-456-0235
We can help you.
Tahlequah, OK
“Earl Hatley is a stalwart advocate for
environmental justice and everyone’s right to clean
water. He is a highly regarded organizer who has
rallied his community to force government to address
the toxic brew of massive mining, coal-fired power
plant, and factory farm pollution in the Grand River
watershed.”
~Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Earl Hatley has changed thousands
of people’s lives for the better, and yet many
may not know his name. The reason for this is
simple: Earl does not do what he does for fame,
and he most certainly does not do it for fortune.
Earl is an environmental activist because it is his
calling. This man has lived his life fulfilling a
purpose that was laid out to him during a vision
quest many years ago and that he has stayed
true to ever since.
First, a small fraction of his many ac-
complishments: Mr. Hatley is a co-founder of the
LEAD agency and served as the board president
from 1997-2003. The LEAD agency’s original fo-
cus was the Tar Creek Superfund site in Pitcher,
Okla. He also serves as the Grand Riverkeeper,
protecting Grand Lake and the Upper Grand
River Watershed working in conjunction with
the Waterkeeper Alliance founded by Robert F.
Kennedy Jr.
Earl’s resume is filled with so many
acronyms that it looks like it was written in a
foreign language. He was worked with the Na-
tional Toxics Campaign, too many tribes to men-
tion and served on numerous water monitoring
councils. Mr. Hatley was appointed by the gov-
ernor to serve on the Hazardous Waste Man-
agement Advisory Council for the Department
of Environmental Quality back in 2007. If all of
that doesn’t sound impressive enough for you
let me break it down like this. Earl has worked
on a total of 18 Superfund sites so far in his ca-
reer. Each Superfund site affects hundreds if not
thousands of people. Each site not only affects
the people living there at the time, but countless
future generations.
How does a life with such purpose
begin? To go down a road such as this where
would you even start? This is a story best told
by Earl, because in addition to his many accom-
plishments, Earl is a master storyteller and his
story is colorful by his own account.
“It all started with one of my trips
to Berkley. I believe it was in Jan. of ‘69. Those
days, the campus was very liberal and anyone
could walk into a classroom and listen to a lec-
ture. I found out that Dr. Paul Erlick was doing
a series of seminars on his new book called The
Population Bomb. He did four lectures on his
book and after each one I would go down and
hang out with him and discuss the issues.
After the last lecture, I went up and
shook his hand and thanked him. When I did,
he held onto my hand and said, “Earl you are
working to end the war, it is good to end the war
but you are learning a valuable skill. What you
are learning is how to be an organizer and we
really don’t have any schools for this, so before
you walk away you have to promise me that you
will dedicate your life to being an organizer and
that you will organize on the big picture.” and I
said “The big picture is?” “The environment,”
he said.
So we shake hands on this, which
means after the war is over, I would be an en-
vironmental organizer and what could I do? I
shook hands on it and left. For two years it rat-
tled around in my brain.
A few years later, I went to Arkansas
to cool off from all the anti-war demonstrations
and I went on a vision quest. I was there, liv-
ing in a cave and trying to find my vision that
would tell me what to do with my life to show
me my road. It took quite a while and I was very
frustrated because the vision wasn’t coming and
I felt down and rejected. Right in front of where
I was camping was this tree and a waterfall. Fi-
nally, I wrapped my arms and legs around the
tree, put my forehead to the bark and asked
what my vision was. I don’t know how long it
took but then I had my vision. The result was
that I was to be a warrior for Mother Earth and
I was to work to try to stop the pollution of the
earth to protect the animals and the people. Af-
ter it was over, I was thinking back on what Dr.
Erlick said, and I thought, “How did he know
that?” But since they were both the same thing it
was obvious it what I was supposed to do. Back
in those days, you couldn’t make a living as an
organizer, so in order to raise my family, I did
environmental and social justice work in my
free time.
In 1987, after there had been a nation-
al campaign to reauthorize the CERCA (Com-
prehensive Environmental Response Compensa-
tion), which gave the EPA the chance to work on
abandoned industrial sites. This would be when
a company had gone bankrupt and there was no
one to clean it up, it is where the Superfund sites
came from. If the responsible party did not clean
it up it gave the EPA the right to do the work
and charge the owners three times the amount
required. This is when jobs became available
for community organizers and lobbyists for the
work to be done. When that happened in about
’87, I decided to go back to college to get a mas-
ters degree because I wanted one of those jobs. I
got my masters in Political Science at OSU, a big
part of that was environmental policy and law.
A job came up the summer after I had graduated
to be a regional organizer with the National Tox-
ics Campaign.
This is when the real work began.
One of Earl’s most notorious sites
was Cancer Alley in Louisiana. He says, “In
Louisiana I worked in the African American
communities that had been polluted from the
industries and refineries in the area. Toxins
such as chlorine, dioxins, hydrocarbons and sol-
vents were being released into the air and in the
ground water. It was really a whole mixed bag
of chemicals and the people were afflicted with
cancer as well as a number of other illnesses de-
pending upon the exposure levels.”
Another project Earl worked on was
at the site of an abandoned lead mine in Mis-
souri. “They were going to ruin one of the most
pristine rivers in the U.S. and we worked to stop
that.” During this time in North Central Mis-
souri, an effort was made to dump ash from
multiple hazardous waste incinerators. “It took
a while, but we were able to stop it. During this
fight, we got Willie Nelson to come up and that
Earl Hatley: Portrait of an Oklahoma activist
92 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
GREEN LIVING - EARTH, BODY AND SPIRIT
WIN this Kymco ATV!!!
SONIC DRIVE IN • TAHLEQUAH
PRESENTS
Remote w/ KEOK 102.1
Lake Country Radio
Friday, June 12th 4pm-6pm
Register at Sonic Tahlequah
during the broadcast and you could
(2 Finalists to be Selected)
America’s
Drive•In
The Current
reminds you that
River-Time is
Sonic-Time!
HAPPY HOUR
1/2 PRICE DRINKS & SLUSHES • EVERY DAY 2- 4 PM
is how I got hooked up with Farm Aid. At that
time in the ‘90s, Oklahoma had 12 Superfund
sites and I worked on all of those sites to orga-
nize the communities.”
Another memorable site Earl helped
organize was the Jacksonville Air Force Base
north of Little Rock. This was a staging point to
ship Agent Orange to Vietnam. “The base was
closed down and they left the Agent Orange in
the drums. In this community, there was a part
of the cemetery called Babyland. You could look
at the dates of the deaths and correlate the toxic
release dates to the deaths of the children. When
the base shut down, the Agent Orange was left
in barrels on the tarmac and over time the barrels
began to leak, it was running down the asphalt
and into a stream that flowed thru the commu-
nity. I went in and took samples of the stream
and in the soil, on the yards and in tap water. As
a result, The National Toxics Campaign filed a
lawsuit against the Department of Defense. We
ended up losing the lawsuit but we did force the
EPA and the State of Arkansas Environmental
Department to clean it up.”
“Another site that sticks in my mind
is the Bartlesville site. I got a call about a zinc
smelter on the west side of town. The area was
full of chat from the smelters with lead dust
blowing all across the community. The area next
to the site was poor, and they were telling me
all about the health problems they were suffer-
ing from such as cancer, renal failure, and for
some reason a lot of the women had lost their
hair. The two main contaminants were lead and
cadmium.
The Bartlesville story ends with the
site becoming an accelerated Superfund model,
a poster child site for the new method of clean-
ups. The work was started almost immediately
and scrubbers were installed on the smelters
stacks. In a very short time, they were digging
up yards and removing soil from playgrounds
and replacing it with clean soil.
“When I get the call for a new site, it
is usually from a person in the town. I agree to
meet that person and we start going around and
talking to others who might be affected. Then
we start preparing to have a meeting. Once the
local media hears something is going on, they
come check it out, they interview me and find
out what I am doing there and typically, all hell
breaks loose and I get threatening calls. I have
faced lots of harassment, been held at gunpoint,
had my phone tapped, my office bugged and
frequent break-ins to look over my files.
That has been going on at different
times in my career. Once it became such a regu-
lar routine I started putting my appointment
books and other information on top of my desk,
because I didn’t care what they knew. I just
didn’t want them to tear up my stuff. It didn’t
bother me if they knew if I was organizing a
march or demonstration.
In every town, I have worked with
the minority of people and the majority didn’t
get the scope of the problem. The people tend
to think in the communities that I go to that if
there was a problem, the EPA or the state would
be there to fix it, they think that a facility has a
permit or even if the site has been abandoned
it must be okay, that there would be a govern-
ment agency there taking care of it. The reality is
that is not true. The problem is that it is cheaper
to pollute than to fix the problem or stay within
guidelines. They think, ‘How often will we get
caught and how much will that cost?’ versus
making changes to stop releases of contaminates.
Most agencies are under funded so they don’t
have the resources to inspect and test industries
on a regular basis.” This is where you come in.
Citizens need to be diligent; they need
to be informed about what is going on in their
community. For instance, if you are on a river and
see a discharge pipe and it is sending foul water
into a stream, research it and find out what it is
and what is going on. Take it upon yourselves to
report it to the DEQ, so it will be on the DEQ ra-
dar. Then follow up and keep calling.
So in closing I asked Earl “How do
you still do this after all these years? All the hard
work, low pay, little recognition, isn’t it frustrat-
ing work?” He says, “The reason I do this is this is
my mission in life and I go back to when I hugged
that tree I am thankful. I think back to my vision
quest… and know that this is what I am supposed
to be doing. It has been hard, and I have been beat
up and yelled at, but I have been very successful
at teaching others how to organize. This has been
my spiritual path and my mission in life and there
is no way I could ever leave it. I think sometimes
that I am at the end and that’s when I get my sec-
ond wind and I think I can’t ever leave it now.”
To register environmental complaints
call the DEQ enforcement hotline (800) 522-0206.
If you see something that you think is dangerous
to the environment, do what Earl says and “Call
all the damn time.”
Next month, we will be talking with
Earl about organization techniques and strategies
for those who are facing an environmental issue.
By Pamala Zora
As consumers we have the right
to demand that the products we purchase
are safe for consumption. Recently, con-
sumers faced several outbreaks such as
E. coli from spinach and salmonella from
peanut butter.
Not surprisingly, public
trust in the FDA’s ability to protect the
nation’s food supply has fallen. In addi-
tion, a recent public opinion poll found
that 67 percent of Americans are worried
about food safety, ranking it higher than
concerns about, for example, pandemic flu
or natural disasters. If you preserve your
own food then you gain control over the
quality of food that you and your family
consume. Another collateral benefit is the
reduction of your environmental footprint
because very little waste is generated in
the canning process. The scraps from the
vegetables and fruits can be placed in the
trusted compost pile to be used in your
house plants and vegetable gardens. Even
if the scraps are thrown in the household
garbage, they’re rapidly biodegradable in
a landfill.
Canning effectively lets you en-
joy the best flavors, aromas and nutrients of
each season with out all the preservatives,
year-round. That’s an unbeatable combina-
tion isn’t it? Let nothing be wasted due to
unsafe preservation practices because can-
ning is easy and the results are gratifying,
if only a few simple rules are followed.
The
importance
of
following
those rules becomes clear when one real-
izes all fresh foods spoil because of the
action of a group of tiny living organisms
know as mold, yeasts, and bacteria. Some
of these organisms, if not properly stopped
can cause food poisoning like salmonella.
As a rule, yeasts and molds are not diffi-
cult to destroy, but cooking food enough
for table use is not always sufficient to stop
the growth of organisms. Subjecting the
jars to the high temperatures of boiling
water for relatively brief periods of time
is usually sufficient to stop all organism
growth. For this reason, it is important to
process food to the full time period sug-
gested in a reliable recipe and make sure
the temperature being applied is correct. If
not, yeasts and most all types of bacteria
can grow in a sealed jar and serious health
consequences can occur. Generally, when
food in a sealed jar begins to spoil, the cap
or lid will usually release due to the failure
to destroy or render inactive the spoilage
organisms in the food. Never consume
canned goods that did not properly seal.
Refer to the canning and food preservation
guide published by the National Center for
Home Food Preservation www.uga.edu/
nchfp for some excellent and thorough
safety tips and detailed instruction.
One of the first rules for success-
ful canning is the selection of foods that
are in good condition. Vegetables should
be young and tender and as fresh as pos-
sible. The change that takes place in most
vegetables from the time
it’s
picked or
purchased to the time it’s canned not only
changes the flavor, but reduces the quality.
Be ready to can when you obtain your fresh
food. Even though tomatoes and fruits are
easier to can, they should be carefully se-
lected to make sure they are ripe and firm.
Sort through berries and cherries to dis-
card all sour or over ripe fruit. Large fruits
like apples, pears and peaches should be
washed before peeling and all bruised and
decayed spots removed. Cut well around
the defective parts. Many times the fruit
around them have soured and that soured
portion may not be sterilized by the heat of
processing. Only clean food is suitable for
canning. Handle the food in a clean man-
ner to prevent contamination after it has
been thoroughly washed, and make sure
all the canning equipment, such as pans,
jars and lids are clean. To speed up the
handling of the food the day of canning,
part of the food preparation can be done
the day before. When canning large quan-
tities of food at one time, errors and over-
sights can occur which result in food loss.
So it is important to take your time and can
only what you are realistically prepared
for.
In addition to temperature, the
jar and lid play an equally important role
in canning all food. Choose reliable brands
such as Ball or Kerr which are longstanding,
trustworthy and designed to seal properly.
Remember, this is a worthy investment be-
cause the jars and rings can be reused year
after year. Lids will be one of your few an-
nual replacement costs. Examine the jars
to be used and make sure they are in good
condition and there are no chips on the
lip. Chips of any size on the lip of the jar
could compromise the seal and those jars
should not be used for canning. Be sure to
sterilize the jars and lids just prior to use.
The goal is to keep a steady flow of canned
goods going into the pantry. Safe food
preservation and canning does not disrupt
the household or exhaust the canner and is
better on the budget.
Before you begin your canning
session, be sure to read the entire recipe
through so you have everything prepared
before you begin.
You want to always
make sure you are using the correct can-
ning method chosen for that particular type
of food. Equally as important, be sure your
processing times are correct. It is impor-
tant to note meats and vegetables require
pressure canning and longer processing
times and careful attention and research is
necessary when attempting these types of
foods. No matter how carefully the food
may have been selected and prepared, if
it’s
not processed properly, it will spoil
later. When you have a plan for canning
and become familiar with the safety rules
you’ll let nothing be wasted. Next month
we’ll talk specifically about canning jams
and jellies, berries and fruit.
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 93
GREEN LIVING - EARTH, BODY AND SPIRIT
‘Safety First’ principles key to food preservation
Canning safety cutline
By Bill Barlow
I am very aware of how strange and
seemingly out of place for this magazine my sto-
ries about our life in and around Katmandu, Nepal
might be for some. But none of the events that I
have been writing about have taken place in a vacu-
um. We never followed a manual or someone else’s
program, we have only responded to the lives of
those who have surrounded us for the past 10 years.
I know many people have an idyllic idea of life in
a small Asian country like Nepal, but I have lived
there and the lives of the average Nepali is anything
but idyllic. They are a culture living in fear of the
unseen and unknown which keeps them enslaved
to the very powers which they fear. We never pro-
mote westernizing or Americanizing them. Believe
me, they freely and with unimaginable joy are hav-
ing their lives changed by the Love of God and it
is what they have been waiting for. Just because
many in the West have rejected the truth, most of
the times, for valid reasons I might add, it does not
mean that our cynicism should falsely interpret
their experiences. All of us are on life’s journey,
searching for truth and I am merely one small voice
sharing our odd little part in our shared quest.
Our Village Outreach Program took
place in the first 12 days of my stay and it was dy-
namic and fruitful beyond our wildest dreams. We
had stretched our budget to accommodate feeding
300-400 people two meals a day for the two full
days of the program, but I personally doubted that
we would have that many. Although we fed nearly
that number the first day, the crowd who actually
listened to the messages was more like 200 people.
The messages were well received, and to my surprise
very clearly understood by all. Normally because of
their “Hindu world view,” people in Nepal do not
initially understand a lot of the Good News of Jesus
Christ. But, from the first day we started speaking,
an amazing level of understanding swept over the
crowd. People in Nepal who become believers in
Jesus usually do it over a rather long drawn out
process of time. The possibility of there truly being
a loving, almighty God who pays attention to indi-
viduals is normally too much new information. But,
like I said, something different was taking place. On
the second day, over 500 people showed up and all
of them were eager to hear more of the message that
we were bringing to them. We knew something big
was going on.
Bikash (Babu Kaji’s son) and Drew Tim-
berlake (from Kansas City) spoke during the two
morning sessions as the buzz in the crowd grew. I
could sense a pulsing and hunger growing as the
hours passed. I was scheduled to speak at both af-
ternoon sessions and during the noon meal, and I
decided that I needed to change my messages and
concentrate on responding to the Good News. It
simply is not expected in Nepal that people would
actually respond and make a life altering decision so
quickly, thus nobody generally goes that direction.
But God was giving them faith in His love and His
plan of Salvation. A change of life or to start over is
so foreign to them. You are what you are a la the un-
alterable caste system. I was particularly clear and
forth coming with what they could and could not
expect to take place in and around their lives if they
decided to follow Jesus. The more I warned them
about the trouble that might come upon them from
their family and friends, who would surely mis-
understand their decisions, the more they seemed
determined to follow Jesus. I spoke about “loving
Jesus more than father or mother, sister or brother,”
a very touchy subject in a part of the world that val-
ues loving one’s family to the point of ancestor wor-
ship, but again, the more I warned them the clearer
it became to them that what we were proclaiming
was of ultimate value and worth everything.
I could see the crowd almost throbbing
with anticipation of the opportunity to respond, so I
invited those who wanted to turn their lives around
and follow Jesus Christ to come to the front. Well, it
seemed like the whole back of the crowd (and that is
where the local Hindus were standing) started step-
ping over the Christians who were sitting up front
on the ground. Somewhere between 150-200 people
were suddenly standing in front of me waiting for
me to lead them in a prayer of believing the Good
News and following Jesus. So that is just what we
did.
We were all so surprised at what took
place, we could hardly believe it ourselves. It was
just not what I had come to expect. As I walked
the 45 minutes back to where the road ended to our
waiting transportation, I sensed the Holy Spirit say
to me, “That was a change of season in Nepal and
this kind of response will be happening more and
more from now on.” My feeling was that it wasn’t
so much that we had conducted such a unique and
perfect outreach program, but God was opening
people’s understanding in a new way and that it
was just the beginning of a New Day in Nepal.
Like I said in the opening paragraph
of this article, none of these events happened in a
vacuum. We chose this remote village to conduct
our Village Outreach Program in for strategic and
caring reasons. Several of our Nepali friends who
lived in Katmandu had grown up in this village
and they wanted to go home, but there was one big
problem. Their lives had been radically transformed
by the Love of God while they had been staying in
Katmandu; a fact that would be hard to hide. If they
return alone, very often their family and neighbors
would seize upon this change of religion as some
kind of betrayal of their heritage. But if they return
with some kind of program which clearly explained,
on their own terms, what had taken place within
them then they generally are happy for them and
are interested themselves. This is why we chose this
village and we are always prepared to go to other
remote villages as the need and the means present
themselves to us. If you would like to help us to
conduct more Village Outreach Programs, or if you
would simply like to help us in our general service
to the nation of Nepal, or if you have comments of
any kind please feel free to write me an e-mail at
bnbarlow@wlink.com.np.
94 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
Tahlequah
1403 Park Hill Rd
456-5888
Monday - Saturday
10:30am-9pm
Muskogee
2021 Gibson
683-2021
Mon - Sat 10:30am-9pm
Sunday 10:30am-8pm
Catering
available
ALL YOU CAN EAT
B-B-Q BUffET
Since
1927
CARI MACK
Acupuncturist
Herbalist
918-931-1579
Scenic Tahlequah
Location
THE GOOD LIFE - TRUE BELIEVER
Our odd little part in life’s shared quest
The life of a rural Nepalese family is less than idyllic.
By Chris B. Critter
Around Green Country, the distinctive
sign of a Sonic Drive-In is a welcome and comfort-
ing sight. Everyone around these parts knows that
Sonic is a quick and convenient place to grab a burg-
er or sandwich, as well as home to endless flavor
combinations for drinks. But not everyone across
the country has a Sonic near to them. Hard to be-
lieve, but there are areas of the country where Sonics
don’t exist, and in other areas like the Chicago area,
Sonic has only recently expanded there. The reason
why Sonics are ubiquitous in Oklahoma and the sur-
rounding area is that Sonic began life in Stillwater
Oklahoma, and still today Sonic’s corporate office
is based in Oklahoma City, headquartered in the
Bricktown area.
What would become the
first
Sonic
Drive-In opened in Stillwater, Oklahoma in 1953.
The small hamburger and drink stand was called
the “Top Hat.” Originally Top Hat customers could
park anywhere in the parking lot and then had to
walk up to place orders. Soon the restaurant began
utilizing speakers for ordering; this not only made
things quicker, you could also control the parking
better. With this new system and carhops to fetch the
food sales rose quickly. As the success of the little
road side restaurant took off, they changed their
name to Sonic and franchises opened first in Wood-
ward, then in Enid and Shawnee. The new Sonic
name worked well with their early slogan “Service
with the Speed of Sound,” a wordplay based on their
speaker ordering system.
Sonic grew into a well known, if region-
al operation during the ‘60s and ‘70s. Restaurants
were mainly in smaller towns in Oklahoma, Texas,
Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas. In 1967, there were
41 Sonic locations. By 1972, there were 165 locations.
But the real “Sonic Boom” was between 1973 and
1978 when Sonic opened nearly 1000 locations in
13 states. It was during this period of rapid expan-
sion that Sonic ran its first television commercial.
By the early 1980s, actor Tom Bosley famous from
the ‘50s themed show “Happy Days” was appear-
ing in Sonic’s television advertisements. Another
of Sonic’s memorable television ad campaigns cen-
tered around 1950s music and movie icon Frankie
Avalon.
The ‘50s and “American Car Culture”
are universal themes that all ages understand. Baby-
boomers and every other generation had it’s time for
cruising cars and Sonic restaurants are a part of that
concept. I know I personally have fond memories of
cruising my local Sonics while growing up in south-
west Missouri. I quite imagine it’s no different for
almost anyone from this region. 1950s themed ads
were common for Sonic as their restaurants do have
an aura that recreates the drive-in diner feel of that
era, but Sonic has come of age and modernized too.
Currently there are more than 3,500
Sonic restaurants across the United States, and even
a few in Mexico. Sonic now frequently advertises
in areas far from their restaurants. So many urban
city dwellers see Sonic’s national TV ads, but don’t
have a location in their metro area. As a nationwide
brand-name Sonic has perhaps upped the “hipness
quotient” in their recent commercials. Nationwide
exposure has made minor celebrities of improv ac-
tors T. J. Jagodowski and Peter Grosz the “Two
Guys” who appear in many of the most recent Sonic
advertisements. Similar series of Sonic commercials
have also featured other humorous duos.
These commercials’ “windshield point-
of-view” may, in some ways, serve as a metaphor
for a sublime part of the overall Sonic experience;
people watching. Young or old you find all types
eating in their vehicles and usually pausing a bit
after the meal either to enjoy some ice cream or
just to pause to digest while the world cruises by
them. Knowing that the hangout experience is all
part of the Sonic drive-in vibe, the restaurants have
even created their own Sonic Radio Station! Since
2001, Sonic Radio has been beamed by satellite to
each franchise 20 hours a day, with that duration of
broadcast day covering all possible Sonic business
hours in each time zone. Generated in San Angelo,
Texas Sonic Radio plays all sorts of music including
the occasional Spanish language tune. Live broad-
casts with real disc jockeys allows Sonic customers
to call in requests as they eat. The toll-free line (866)
SONICFM lets you eat and rock out to your favorite
song all at once! When a requested song is played,
the disc jockey will say the song was requested by
that person at a Sonic in that town.
Regardless of the era, Sonic’s success
has always come from their emphasis on burgers
made to order and drinks available in flavors found
nowhere else. Such flavors include vanilla, choco-
late, cherry, strawberry, cranberry, apple, and many
more that can be added to soft drinks and slushes.
A personal favorite of mine is the Cherry-Vanilla-
Lime Dr. Pepper, get yourself one, they’re much bet-
ter than they sound! Perhaps more popular custom
drinks include Ocean Water (Sprite with blue coco-
nut) or Cherry Limeades. If you add them all up
in every combination and assortment there are more
than 168,000 drinks available at Sonic! No wonder
they use the slogan “Your Ultimate Drink Stop.”
And let’s not forget that everyday from 2 p.m. - 4pm
all Sonics have Happy Hour where drinks are half-
price. Sonic was actually voted “Best Happy Hour”
in our last Best in Currentland reader’s poll pull-
ing a surprise family friendly victory in a category
intended for places that serve alcohol. Along with
refreshing drinks, Sonics also feature lots of ice
cream and other frozen treats to cool you off. And
in a time that many of us are watching our budgets,
Sonic recently debuted its “Everyday Value Menu,”
offering a variety of menu items for only $1 each.
Items on the $1 menu include the junior deluxe
burger, a chicken strip sandwich, a junior Frito chili
cheese wrap, a junior ice cream sundae, small sized
tater tots or French fries, small slush drinks, small
soft drinks, and small vanilla ice cream cones. There
are more $1 items available, including breakfast
options, so check with your local Sonic to see what
they serve. And remember, Sonic offers their en-
tire menu any time they are open, so if you want a
burger for breakfast or a bacon and egg sandwich for
dinner you can do either!
To join the official Sonic fan club, “Cruis-
ers” or to find the Sonic nearest you, visit Sonic on-
line at www.sonicdrivein.com.
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 95
THE GOOD LIFE - MADE IN OKLAHOMA
918 687 9194
3620 W. OKMULGEE ST., MUSKOGEE
Open 7 days a week 11am - 10pm
Hamlin’s
ElToro
A World Away...
...in Your Back Yard
Made in Oklahoma – Sonic Drive-In
Some of the staff of the Tahlequah area Sonic. Often voted no. 1 in the
Nation, always no. 1 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma by volume.
By Amy Goldian
June 4: Taste of Bixby, SpiritBank Event
Center, Bixby
Explore your five senses while
you wind down at The Taste of Bixby on
June 4. Taste great food and drinks, hear
the sounds of live music, touch and see
local art and whether you’re in the mood
for a gourmet dessert, a slice of pizza or if
you just want to shop and visit with their
vendors
–
all your wants and cravings
will be satisfied. This event is open to the
public and tickets are $15 each.
For more information, call (918)
366-9445, or logon to www.bixbycham-
ber.com.
June 5-6: Biplane Expo 2009, Bartlesville
This premier, nationally recog-
nized aviation event attracts pilots and
owners of unique and historical biplanes
from all regions of the United States. See
some of the best restorations in the world
as well as the newest custom builds and
replicas. You are invited to enjoy aircraft
displays, aviation personalities, exhibits,
seminars, food and entertainment. The
Expo will take place Friday and Saturday
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Frank Phillips Field in
Bartlesville and admission is nominal. For
more information, call (918) 622-8400 or
logon to www.biplaneexpo.com.
June 6: Reasor’s 46th Anniversary Cel-
ebration, multiple locations
At
several
Reasor’s
Grocery
Stores throughout Currentland there will
be music played live by some of Okla-
homa’s most famous bands. In Langley,
Wild Card will be playing; Tahlequah
will host Purpletraders; Travis Kidd will
be playing at 15th and Lewis; at 17th and
Lynn in Broken Arrow, the Swonn Broth-
ers will make an appearance, and John
Malone will be at the Owasso store. All
shows will be held from noon to 3 p.m.
For folks who want to get out with the
kids, there will be a balloon artist at 71st
and Sheridan, Safari Joe’s will have cotton
candy and snow cones and lots of kids
rides from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the store at
101st and Elm and at the Owasso North
store from 3 p.m.
–
7 p.m. and Nicole
Anderson (from “Jonas” on the Disney
Channel) will be signing autographs at
the Catoosa store. The best part is that
all of these shows are free and all include
cake for everyone.
If you need more information,
logon to www.reasors.com or call (918)
456-1472.
June
5-6:
10th Annual Miami Nation
Powwow, N.E.O. Equine Arena Fair-
grounds, Miami
Even if you are not part of the
Miami Nation, you are welcome to visit
the
10th
Annual
Miami
Nation
Pow
Wow in Miami on June 5-6. There will be
Gourd Dancing both days, lots of food, a
Golden Age Contest and Senior Contests
with $15,000 in overall prize money.
For more information, call (918)
961-1498 or logon to www.miamination.
com.
June 4-6: Wagoner Summerfest, Blake
Park, Wagoner
Blake Park is located due north of
Wal-Mart at the big intersection of Highways
69 & 51 and is home to the Fort Gibson Lake
Association and some big old tanks. But June
4-6, you’ll also notice a carnival, kids bames,
car and motorcycle show, arts, crafts, local fla-
vor foods, and live music to boot.
For more information,
call
(918)
485-3414 or visit www.thecityofwagoner.org.
June 13: Bernice Days Celebration, Com-
munity Center, Bernice
Bernice, Okla offers a day of
FREE admission where the kids have as
many activities as the adults. There will
be a fish fry, Jupiter jump, dunk tank, bal-
loon darts, drawings and live music for
the whole family. The event will be held
11 a.m. - 3 p.m., so you can still get home
and watch movies Saturday night. For
more information, call (918) 257-1400.
June 18-20: Black Gold Days, Black Gold
Park, Glenpool
The largest annual city celebra-
tion, Black Gold Days consists of arts and
crafts, the “Pride Amusements” carnival,
a free Bluegrass concert and a parade on
Saturday. Thursday evening
is
Gospel
night and Friday is the Talent Showcase
and Western music night. Saturday is the
day for the parade and free Bluegrass Fes-
tival.
There are rides and activities
for kids and lots of arts and craft vendors
with a nice variety and range of prices to
suit all tastes and budgets. There will also
be a fireworks display at 10 p.m. Satur-
day night. For more information, logon
to
www.glenpoolchamber.org
or
call
(918)322-3505.
June 20-21: 3rd Annual OK Celtic Festi-
val, Stillwater
Join the celebration of Ireland,
Wales, Cornwall, Galicia, Brittany, Scot-
land, and Isle of Man with an exploration
of the history, dance, culture, and mu-
sic from the Celtic Nations. The festival
will be held indoors at the Payne County
Expo Center and will include vendors,
Scottish Clans, athletics, livestock, dem-
onstrations, workshops, history exhibits,
children’s areas and live music and dance
to be featured on three stages.
For more information, logon to www.ok-
celticfest.com.
June 25-27: Green Corn Festival, Down-
town Bixby
The Green Corn Festival is a
kick back to the good old fashioned fam-
ily oriented picnics. The annual festival
(held the final Thursday - Saturday of
June) features great music, arts and crafts,
food, bingo, carnival and great games and
contests for the young and young at heart.
A talent show to highlight area youth is
held on Friday at the Community Center
and the annual Green Corn Parade enter-
tains the masses on Saturday morning.
The event will be held Thursday through
Saturday 7 p.m. until midnight.
More
information can be obtained by calling
(918) 366-1408 or logging on to www.bix-
byoptimist.org.
June 26-27: Fort Gibson Corn Festival,
downtown Fort Gibson
The Inaugural Fort Gibson Corn
Festival will feature carnival games, great
cooking, old west reenactments, live mu-
sic and much more. It starts with parade
and a professionally done fireworks show
on Friday night then events all day on Sat-
urday. There are kids’ activities, carnival
type games and lots of corn. For more in-
formation, call the Fort Gibson Town Hall
at (918) 478-3551.
June 26-28: 12th Annual Peoria Tribe
Pow, Peoria Pow-Wow Grounds, Miami
The Peoria Nation invites you to
the 12th Annual Peoria Nation Pow Wow
in Miami on June 26-28. There will be
drumming, dancing, lots of food, a Stomp
Dance and a Gourd Contest with $20,000
in overall prize money.
For more information, call the
Peoria Tribal Office at (918) 540-2535 or
logon to www.peoriatribe.com.
June 27-28: Kidsfest, Bartlesville
Held at Osage Hills, Kidsfest
is an event geared solely at kids’ enter-
tainment with some learning thrown in.
Last year’s event was history based and
taught kids about the real lifestyle of the
frontier days and the lifestyle of cowboys,
Indians and Civil War soldiers. There are
real live buffalo for the kids to see, arts,
crafts, activities and games. Kidsfest will
be held 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is located at
1925 Woolarc Ranch Road in Bartlesville.
If you need more information, call (800)
636-0307 or logon to www.woolarc.org.
Learn
about
lots
more
great
Oklahoma festivals at www.currentland.
com.
96 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
THE GOOD LIFE - ART
918-686-5355
West Side, Muskogee
918-683-4501
Shawnee St, Muskogee
ALL DAY ~ EVERY DAY
Pepperoni, Sausage, or Cheese
Come Check Out
our COmbO’s
Serving our Family Recipes since 1968
Langley, OK
918-782-4166
Happy Hour
4pm - 6pm
$1.00 Draws
$1.75 Domestics
& Bottles
Call for
Holiday Promotions
Fine festivals offer family friendly fun in June
By Bridget Barlow
The Annual Jazz Festival at the Grape Ranch in Okemah will take place on June 6
from 2 p.m.-10 p.m. Selby Minner, Susan Herndon and the Moetowne Alex Band will per-
form.
Lavender Hill Farm Winery is having their seventh Annual Lavender Festival on
June 6 and will have plants, crafts, wine tasting, lavender lemonade and a jump station for
the kids. Folks come from miles around for this special event.
Also on June 6, prior to the Symphony in the Park ,The Rotary in Muskogee is
hosting a wine tasting party at Honor Heights Park with seven of Oklahoma’s fine wineries;
Black Sheep, Nuyaka Creek, Sailing Horse, Stableridge, Summerside, Whispering Vines and
Whispering Meadows. The tickets are $15 and the fee covers wine tasting, a souvenir wine
glass and live music by saxophonist Jermaine Mondaine.
Speaking of Whispering Meadows, stop by on any Friday evening for “Wine
Down Friday” live music and your favorite glass of wine. It’s the perfect way to gear down.
See our calendar for more specific information.
The Route 66 Blow Out is happening in Sapulpa on June 6. It’s all about classic
cars, motorcycles and the good old days. The beer garden will feature wine tasting and live
music.
June 13 is the date to mark for the first annual “Tahlequah - The Art of Living” fes-
tival. This extravaganza, sponsored by The Current and the Cherokee Nation Department of
Tourism will feature an art walk, crafts, cultural demonstrations, live music and wine and
beer tasting in downtown Tahlequah on
Muskogee Ave. The Cherokee Courthouse
Square
will
feature
cultural
demonstra-
tions. The live music will start at 4 p.m. and
continue until 11 p.m. at Norris Park.
June 13 is also the date for “Par-
rotheads” to get together at the Tidal School
for a “Parrot-dise” luau from 6 p.m. until
8 p.m. (“Parrotheads” are Jimmy Buffett
fans), and the Thunderbirds will be playing
country rock at Tidal School Vineyards on
June 27.
Shawnee Art, Wine and Music
Fest will be held on historical Bell Street in
downtown Shawnee from 11 a.m. until 11
p.m. also on June 13.
Summerside Vineyards will be
presenting Rhett Butler, an extraordinary
guitarist, whom you must “see to believe”
on June 27.
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 97
Catering, Lunch
& Daily Specials
BADLANDS
Smokehouse
700 N. Lee - Ft. Gibson
918-478-4933
Tuesday-Saturday 10:30-8:30
Closed Sun, Mon
PATRONS’
MEXICAN GRILL
AuThENTIC MEXICAN
RESTAuRANT
Tahlequah
1175 E. Downing
(across from Sonic)
(918) 458-0061
Come Enjoy our Lunch Specials!
NOW OPEN AT
NEW LOCATION!
THE GOOD LIFE - DRINK
Liberty Theatre
826 Penn Avenue Hartshorne, OK
918-297-3651
www.libertytheatreok.com
June 12th 8pm
Brett Family
From Branson
June 20th 7:30pm
June 21st 3pm
Altar Boys
From Tulsa
June 16th
90th Birthday Celebration of the
Liberty Theatre
Treat Dad to a Big juicy
sTeak for Father’s Day!
7-1/2 miles west on Earbob Road off
of Hwy. 82 south of Locust Grove.
Call 918-386-2880 for directions
Closed Mon & Tues • Open 10:30am ‘til 8:00pm weekdays
Friday & Saturday ‘til 8:00pm or later
Sunday open at 10:30 to 8:00pm
BACKYARD Deli & Galleria
Locust Grove • “HOME OF THE 1-1/2 Lb. RIB-EYE STEAK”
BACKYARD Deli & Galleria
Locust Grove • “HOME OF THE 1-1/2 Lb. RIB-EYE STEAK”
Serving our famous 1-1/2 lb Ribeye
Grilled Steaks
Now Serving
Homestyle Pizza
gROuPs - PaRTies
MeeTiNgs WeLcOMeD
FREE WI-FI
June wine roundup
By Bridget Barlow
The 19th Hole at Area 51 in Ar-
rowhead State Park near Eufaula offers great
food with a beautiful view and an interest-
ing ambiance. The restaurant floats out on
the water and has slips for mooring. You can
pull up and have a soda, beer or wine cooler
at “The Liar’s Club.” The backside of the bar
has roll-up aluminum doors so that in pretty
weather, you can be inside and outside at
the same time! There are large rectangles of
open water to the left of the bar so that you
can fish, rain or shine, from your bar stool.
We took a little stroll around, looking at ev-
erything and then we sat down at a lovely
table by the windows near the front door.
The restaurant is essentially a square, with
windows along two sides, the bar, an outside
dining area and the inside fishing area along
another. The back side is the kitchen.
Tiffany
style
lamps
with
their
jewel colored glass, hung from the ceiling
and old wooden paneling rescued from the
Fountainhead Resort covered the walls. The
once famous salad bar and numerous vinyl
covered booths also came from the Foun-
tainhead as did the floor. The shiny white
floor looked like poured out nail polish. It
was made somehow from the closet mate-
rial from the Fountainhead! The owner, a
spunky, friendly woman with an infectious
smile told us all about her “recycled” restau-
rant. The bar came from the very first Benni-
gan’s and the frame and walls came from a
Cracker Barrel. As for the décor, it is unique
in every way. There’s a wall paper mural of
tropical fish in an aquarium, a picture of mer-
maids that melt away and disappear as you
get closer to them, an enormous rendition of
Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, whose
eyes follow you as you walk past. Hence the
numerous Middle Ages art pieces with un-
identified flying objects in the background.
“Interesting
isn’t
it?”
she says, “Why are
those weird things in the background? Oh
well, it’s something to talk about.”
The menu offers a wide range of
items from steak, chicken and fish to ham-
burgers, salads and daily specials. We started
out with “white trash” which was fabulous;
it’s
sautéed tilapia and shrimp prepared
with a spicy Cajun seasoning giving the fish
a blackened flavor.
For the next course, I had a deli-
cious fresh
green salad. Tom ordered a
rib eye steak with mashed potatoes and I
decided to try the catfish with a baked po-
tato. The rib eye was tender and spiced just
right served medium rare and juicy. The
real mashed potatoes thrilled us, thick and
fluffy, just the way they should be. Instead of
a salad, Tom ordered steamed broccoli that
was as fresh and green as I’ve ever seen. I
ordered the catfish, which was gently dusted
in a light coating of flour and corn meal, so
lightly coated that it was nearly indiscern-
ible. The fish was really fresh and delicious.
The 19th Hole offers lots of ap-
petizers; Cajun spiced rib eye slices, fried
mushrooms and onion rings, nachos and
chips with fresh salsa, to name a few. Other
menu items include salads (Caesar steak and
lemon chicken), pork chops, lemon chicken,
chopped steak with mushroom sauce, a
large rib eye, hamburgers and sandwiches.
They also offer a good selection of desserts.
They’ve only been open since the beginning
of May, and already they have a following.
Some repeat customers come from as far
away as Dallas. Why not? You’ve got great
food, a place where fishers and golfers can
out
story-tell
each
other,
inside
fishing,
outside dining and a combined theme of
extraterrestrials, ocean gods and mermaids.
Sounds kinda crazy, but it works! Every-
body is friendly and you’ll be sure to have
a good time. Did I mention they’re open for
breakfast, too? Eggs, country ham, omelets,
French toast; they’ve got it all. Wednesday
through Sunday they serve breakfast, lunch
and dinner from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
There’s going to be a free event on
May 30: Selby Minner and friends are sched-
uled to play. Everyone is invited to bring the
dish they do best for a cook off between 4
p.m. and 6 p.m. in the park. The best dish
will be featured on 19th Hole’s menu for a
year with the creator’s name on it. It could
be you! For more information on the cook off
call (918) 689-7756.
98 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
PATRONS’
MEXICAN GRILL
Au
Th
ENTIC
M
EXICAN
R
ESTA
u
RANT
T
ahlequah
1175 E. Downing
(acr
oss fr
om Sonic)
(918) 458-0061
Come Enjoy our Lunch Specials!
NOW OPEN A
T
NEW LOCA
TION!
DINING OUT
(918) 682- 3322
3240 S. Country Club Rd.
Muskogee, OK
Catfsh
Friday - $9.95
All you can eat
Tuesday - Thursday 6am - 8pm
Friday 6am - 9pm
Saturday 6am - 2pm
Closed Sunday & Monday
Paul’s Diner
Sunday - Thursday 11am - 8pm
Friday & Saturday 11am - 9pm
Closed Monday
918-457-4635
Dine In or Carry Out
32002 Hwy 82 Cookson OK
(Lake Tenkiller)
Pedro’’‘s
Delicious Mexican Fare
NOW OPEN
Open Thursday thru Sunday
12pm (Noon) - 12am (Midnight or Later)
Lunch • Dinner • Late Night
Steaks and Seafood
Always a Full Bar
Thursday Karaoke
Friday thru Sunday Live Music
Experience the Lake, Brangus Style!
918-618-4444
Eufaula Cove Marina
The 19th Hole near Eufaula offers tilapia, mermaids and extraterrestrials
The 19th Hole is a great place to sink an appetite.
Photo by Tom Barlow
By Bridget Barlow
Los Cabos is more than great
food; it’s an experience. Jim Blacketer, Sr.
had a vision when he created his restau-
rants. He wanted to bring a resort-like
feeling to his diners by situating his res-
taurants on the water, creating a casual
and fun atmosphere with an outside ca-
bana bar and live music seven days a week
during the spring and summer months,
and he was successful in doing so. Los
Cabos has an extensive menu, combining
traditional items with modern ones both
of which are served with a flair.
On the day we went (we tried the
one at the Riverwalk in Jenks) the art walk
was in full swing. There was live music on
the patio and though it was Mother’s Day
and the place was full to capacity, the staff
was pleasant and unruffled. They took
time for all of our requests and responded
with cheerfulness and efficiency. We asked
to dine on the patio, and our wait was a
mere 10 minutes, if that. We ordered gua-
camole for starters. The generous portion
was fresh and delicious. It was especially
good with their home made salsa. They
served two salsas, one spicy and the other
roasted with a mellower flavor. Of course,
we mixed them. The menu is incredible. It
has everything. The appetizer list includes
guacamole, white queso and a very unusu-
al item they call a ‘tamale corn cake.’ It’s a
light corn muffin dressed up with chipotle
sauce and guacamole, quite a treat. Both
the shrimp quesadilla and steak and bleu
cheese quesadilla sounded fabulous. They
also make a fried avocado stuffed with ei-
ther ground beef or fajita chicken topped
with chipotle sauce and guacamole that
sounds out of this world. There are a lot
of platters offering combinations of all of
the classics and some innovations with a
twist, like fajita chicken enchiladas, sea-
food enchiladas, fish tacos, carnitas (slow
cooked pork), and blackened tilapia. As
you can see the difference between this
menu and any other is the abundance of
seafood dishes, as would be the case at a
seaside resort.
Tom ordered the grilled sword-
fish steak, doused with cilantro lime but-
ter along with perfectly al dente grilled
vegetables, Mexican
rice
and borracho
beans. There was a choice of black beans,
refried beans and the “borracho” beans;
pintos before the mashing and refrying.
The swordfish was large and thick and
grilled perfectly. It was served with one of
those wonderful tamale corn cakes, which
really wowed us. The chipotle sauce and
guacamole were crowning touches to an
already outstanding dish. I don’t know
what got into me, I started out thinking
I’d order the fish tacos, but when the wait-
ress arrived, I found myself ordering baby
back ribs. I guess I thought I’d better check
out one of the other-than-Mexican dishes,
plus, I can’t resist baby backs. These were
served with a delectably sweet, Mexican
barbeque sauce and yummy mashed po-
tatoes with cheddar, bacon and jalapeño
peppers. A dish of cole slaw made with
chipotle sauce, a spicy twist, rounded out
the
meal. The falling-off-the-bone
ribs,
glazed with the sweet and spicy barbeque
sauce, were wonderful. I enjoyed every
bite. There are some other tantalizers I
can’t wait to try like their shrimp, scallop
and Tilapia ceviche or salmon salad with
mango vinaigrette.
The patio was so comfortable
and breezy, with a view of the river and
swaying trees on the banks. The cabana
bar was enticing; people sipping their
margaritas and noshing on fabulous
appetizers. As the music drifted by I
was dreaming I was at a fabulous beach
resort on the coast of Mexico. Los Ca-
bos was a pleasant surprise. Everything
was fresh and served with inspired ac-
cents. The menu was so unusual and the
food was so good. For a list of live mu-
sic playing at Los Cabos, menu, go to
www.loscabosok.com. Bar hours: Sun.
- Thur. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., Fri. - Sat. 11
a.m. - 12 p.m. Restaurant hours: Mon.
- Sun. 11 p.m. - 10 p.m., or call (918) 298-
2226 for more information. Find your-
self there and enjoy!
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 99
DINING GUIDE
Main St. Cafe
Burke
’
s
112 S. Main, Wagoner, OK
Serving Wagoner Since 1988
Homestyle Breakfast and Lunch
Desserts - Hot Plate Specials - Burgers - Sandwiches
(918) 485-3668
Home of the “Missile Burger”
Open Monday thru Friday 5:30 am to 1:30 pm
Saturday 5:30 am to 11:30 am
Coffee
Shop
Jincy’s
Kitchen
Keys, west at Armstrong Bank, 1/4 mile to Quals Rd, turn South for 7 miles.
Friday
5pm-9pm
Saturday
8am-9pm
Sunday
8am-4pm
Live Music
Every Friday Night
918-457-5072
Catering
457-5072
Private Parties
207-5102
Los Cabos’ menu features Mexican and Americana favorites
Los Cabos on the Riverwalk offers food with a view.
Photo by Tom Barlow
100 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
BBQ is our speciality
NOT a side line!
Homemade Sauce & Beans
Daily Specials • Catering
Gift Certifcates
1795 N. Grand, tahlequah
(918) 458-9911
Specials
Mon - All u can eat ribs
Tues - Spicy baked potato
Wed - Half Hickory smoked chicken
Fri & Sat - 10 oz Rib eye steak
Sun - Chefs choice
Hours
M-TH 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
FRI & SAT 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
We Cater Parties
Banquet Facilities available
Tues - Sat, 10am-5pm • Lunch, 11am-3pm
Courtyard Bistro
Market & Collectables
Dine In, Carry Out, or Call Ahead
1115 E. Poplar, Ft. Gibson
(918) 478 - 5050
Soup, Sandwiches,
Salads, Desserts,
Specialty Coffee Drinks
Antique Market
Booths Available
205 E. Washington (HWY 31)
Krebs, Oklahoma
918-423-2055
1-866-PEIGARE
www.roseannas.com
Roseanna’s
Italian Food
DINING OUT WATERSIDE
Skipper’s
Sixshooter Marina
20144 W. 915th
Lake Tenkiller
(918) 457-4202
Skipper ’s has all of your favorites:
pizzas, subs, burgers and sandwiches
as well as catfsh, shrimp, stuffed crabs
and an extensive salad menu. The
Mandarin salad is made with fresh baby
greens, apples, mandarin oranges,
walnuts and chicken, dressed with
raspberry vinaigrette. Dine inside or
out, where you can watch all of the lake
activity. Beer on tap. Open Memorial
Day through Labor Day, Tues.-Sun. from
11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Barnacle Bill’s
31979 S. 516 Rd.
Lake Tenkiller, OK
(918) 457-5438
The large, shaded outside dining area
is cool and comfortable, a great place
to meet friends or stop for a meal when
you’re out on the lake. Barbeque dinners
and sandwiches are always good. If
you’re after a filling snack, try an order
of hot fries with jalapeños, onions and
spices. Shrimp, catfish and chicken
baskets, are on the menu as well as
burgers, hot dogs and salads. After 4
p.m., you can order a rib eye steak or
filet. A full bar is available.
Los Cabos
300 Riverwalk Terrace
Jenks, OK
(918) 298-2226
Or
151 East Bass Pro Dr.
Broken Arrow, OK
(918) 355-8877
Enjoy your favorite Mexican entrees:
fajitas, enchiladas and tacos, served fresh
with a zesty flair. A wide variety of dishes
are available as well, like baby back ribs,
shrimp, salmon, tilapia and mahi mahi. The
fish is prepared grilled or blackened with
special sauces, like cilantro lime butter
or Mango chutney. Enjoy the relaxing
atmosphere inside, out on the patio, or at
the Cabana bar, and experience that far
away feeling while dining in style. Open
Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Fri. and Sat.
11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Max’s Lakeside
Snake Creek Marina
18576 W. Snake Creek Rd.
Cookson, OK
(918) 457-5674
This fun marina restaurant features pizza,
barbeque (smoked on the premises),
ribs, brisket pork and hot links. They also
serve toasted subs, burgers, hot dogs
and wraps. Cool drinks and cocktails are
available and gas and supplies for your
boat are handy at the marina store. Live
music makes the party happen on Friday
and Saturday nights. Except for the
outside cabana bar, Snake Creek Tavern
is now open and will be all through
the year. Max’s 72 foot long, two story
foating party deck, will soon be available
for your special event. Open Wed. &
Thurs. noon- midnight; Fri., Sat. and Sun.
8 a.m. – close.
JUNE 2009
THE CURRENT 101
Speed Trap Bar-B-Q
“Best Bar-B-Q Around”
Open:
Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 8 pm
Sunday 11 am - 3 pm
(918) 421-8870
403 East 270 Highway, Kerbs, OK
MEADOWS
MCADAMS
&
BBQ Restaurant
1896
Jazz & Sports Bar
Enjoy our Outdoor Patio!
315 E. Choctaw, McAlester
918-429-1896
Hours: M-Thur 11am-10pm
Fri & Sat 11am-2am
Open: Mon-Sat 11a-2p & 5p-9p
4601 S. Muskogee Ave
Tahlequah
Italian
Pizzeria
Cafe
&
Serving Tahlequah
since 1981
918-456-0444
FREE
4 Piece Brushetta
with purchase of a
Large Calzone
Fri - Sat
11am - 10:30pm
(Closed Mondays)
Lunch
$5.95
Wine & Beer
Served
Napoli’s
Italian Restaurant
Tue - Sun
11am - 9:30pm
918-207-0870 / 0871
901 S Muskogee Tahlequah, OK
Pensacola
Pizza & Pasta
By the Pensacola Dam
Free Shuttle & Delivery from
Langley Community Docks
Weekend Live Entertainment
Saturday & Sunday
Breakfast Buffet
7am - 12pm (noon)
Closed Tueday’s
Hwy 28 Langley, OK
918-782-3333
DINING OUT WATERSIDE
Lighthouse Grill
2530 S. Main St., Suite A
Grove, OK
(918) 786-2700
The Lighthouse Grill is located next to the
Honey Creek Bridge on Honey Creek Landing.
They serve specialty salads, pastas, burgers
and sandwiches. All of their steaks are “upper
2/3 choice” certified Black Angus, aged for a
minimum of 21days from Creek Stone Farms.
The have a full service bar with a wide variety
of wines from to choose from. Their outside
patio and dining room have windows all around
with a view of Honey Creek Bridge and Grand
Lake. Be sure to try the Sunday Brunch Buffet.
Hours of operation are: Mon.-Thurs. 11:00 a.m.
- 10:00 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 11:00
p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Fatty’s Barbeque at War
Eagle Resort
13020 N. Highway 10
Tahlequah, OK
(918) 869-0585
What was once a very small barbeque joint
has become a local favorite. A day on the river
either begins or ends with Fatty’s fine smoked
meats. Falling-off-the-bone ribs are delicious
with homemade beans and potato salad, or
go all out with a stuffed baked potato served
with melted cheese, bacon and chopped pork.
You won’t believe it ‘til you try it. The outside
patio is cool and breezy or you can opt to dine
inside if you’d rather. Either way it’s good eats!
Beer is available. Open Wed. and Thurs. 11
a.m. - 7 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.- 9 p.m., Sat. 7:30
a.m.- 9 p.m. and Sun. 7:30 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Oliver’s Twist
At The Decks
Disney, OK
918-435-2776
Oliver’s Twist at The Decks serves breakfast,
lunch and dinner. It’s a great place to start your
day, stop for a bite or dine in style. The atmo-
sphere inside is clean and sporty, while the deck
offers a beautiful and serene view of the water
surrounded by lots of greenery. Burgers, sand-
wiches and salads are favorites at lunch. Dinner
specialties include “filet with mac and cheese”,
rib eyes, tilapia and catfish. Breakfast Buffet is
open on Saturday and Sunday. Dining hours are:
Mon. & Thurs. 4 p.m. - 9 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m. - 9
p.m., Sat. & Sun 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. The bar is open
later. Closed Tues. & Weds. Full Bar.
Brangus
400 Lakeshore Dr.
Eufaula, OK
(918) 618-4444
The party starts here and never ends. Out on
the marina, you can watch the boats come and
go and enjoy the fresh air in the outside dining
area or at the Cabana bar. The menu includes
more than 20 appetizers! Try the shrimp
poppers stuffed with cheddar, jalapeno and
shrimp, they’ll make your mouth pop, and the
hot wings are really hot. Of course, Brangus
is famous for their steaks, featuring eight
different cuts, including T-bones, rib eyes and
the Puerto Rican; an oversized delicious cut of
meat thinly sliced. Catfsh, shrimp and burgers
are available too. Enjoy great live music on the
weekends. Open Thursday through Sunday,
noon until 2 a.m.
ESPRESSO DRINKS • SANDWICHES • SMOOTHIES
IMPORTED BEER & WINE
FREE WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS
458-0044
500A N. Muskogee Ave, Tahlequah
MON-FRI 9am-9pm • SAT 10am-3pm
We are located at the North end of town near the University
102 THE CURRENT JUNE 2009
MEADOWS
ADAMS
Dine
in or We Deliver
www.cooksonsmokehouse.com
(918) 457-4134
HWy 82, Cookson, ok
Thursday
Nights
Happy
Hour
T-Bone • riB
eye • sTrip
sTeak • CaTfisH
sH
rim
p •
ri
Bs
• C
Ho
pp
eD
Be
ef
• p
ul
le
D p
or
k
COOKSON
SmokehouSee
RESTAURANT
now serving
Drinks & Appetizers on
Outdoor Deck
mon, Tue, THur 10am - 9pm
fri 10am - 10pm
saT 8am - 10pm / sun 8am - 9pm
CloseD WeDnesDay
THIS AD
COULD
BE
YOURS!
To Advertise in
The Current Call
(918) 431-0392
B r e a k
f
a s
t
•
L u n c h
•
D
i
n n e r
Take a bite out of the
River Monster
at Dee’s Diner
918-458-9999
Breakfast Served All Day!
Coffee always FREE with breakfast!
902 S. Muskogee Ave.
Tahlequah, OK
Sunday - Wednesday
6:00am - 3:00pm
Thursday - Saturday
6:00am - 9:00pm
Fatty’s
BARBEQUE
13020 N. Hwy 10 Tahlequah, OK
918-869-0585
Catering Available
Located at War Eagle Resort
Wed. & Thu.
10:30am - 8pm
Fri. & Sat.
7:30am - 9pm
Sunday
7:30am - 7pm
BREAKFAST SERVED
Saturday & Sunday
DINING OUT WATERSIDE
The Waterway Cafe
Harbor View Marina
451107 E. 320 Rd.
Afton, Ok.
(918) 782-3277
Open Friday - Sunday from 6 p.m. - 8
p.m., they serve up their famous shrimp
boil on Friday and Saturday. Saturday
and Sunday the grill is open at 8 a.m. for
breakfast; enjoy fluffy omelets, pancakes
or eggs and bacon. The grill stays open
until 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for
burgers, chicken strips and a variety of
sandwiches. On Saturday night at 6 p.m.
the shrimp boil is again featured. Relax
on the deck, and enjoy the view and a
cold beer.
19th Hole - Area 51 Marina
Arrowhead State Park
Eufaula, OK
(918) 618-3607
Offering a delicious selection of
appetizers like seasoned fsh and
shrimp, ribeye slices and onion rings,
they also have salads, two different
steaks (ribeyes and strips), chopped
steak, grilled pork chops, burgers
and sandwiches. There’s a serious
inventory of desserts and cappuccino,
too. The breakfast menu is huge.
Order eggs with country smoked
ham, bacon, pork chops, sausage or
steak. Omelettes come stuffed with all
of your favorites and of course there
are fapjacks and French toast, too.
Dine inside or out. Open Wednesday–
Sunday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Mooney’s Sunset Grill and Bar
Disney, OK
(918) 435-5200
Mooney’s is the most authentic, old
school, circa 1950s Grand Lake
experience you can have. On the water
in Disney, you can dine inside or out on
the patio where you can enjoy seeing
some of the most beautiful sunsets
anywhere on earth. They’ve got great
burgers and cheeseburgers, cold beer
and a full bar. Try a burger with Swiss
and mushrooms, or jalapeños. The menu
will be expanding over the summer, so
look forward to some great new entrees.
Big Daddy
Next to the dam on Hwy 100
Lake Tenkiller, Ok.
(918) 489-2201
This is a charming, fun place to eat really good
home-style cooking. Bring your friends, they’ve
got everything from hot dogs and burgers to
a seafood buffet on Friday night. Steaks are
grilled to order on the outside barbecue on
Saturday night and the Sunday buffet changes
weekly. Smoked ribs and brisket are some of
the best on the planet. All of the desserts are
homemade, but the apple dumpling is not to
be missed. The outside deck is relaxing and
cool and will soothe even the most tired soul.
Beer and wine coolers are available and cooler-
based margaritas, daiquiris and pina coladas
are house specialties. Catering is available.
JUNE 2009 THE CURRENT 103