From this week's Country Star

Crowder Revue rocks the courthouse lawn

By Doug Russell, News Editor

STIGLER, Sept. 24 — They’re a school band, and it’s still early in the school year, but those facts didn’t get in the way Thursday night when The Crowder Revue rocked the lawn at the Haskell County Courthouse.

The Crowder High School show band, the Revue consists of a wide range of teens who played everything from the keyboards and electric guitars to cellos and mandolins during the Thursday night performance, putting on a show that had many tapping toes, drumming fingers or dancing in their seats. When the band broke into the last song of the evening, a cover of Wild Cherry’s 1976 hit, “Play That Funky Music,” one audience member couldn’t hold back any longer, joining several members of the Revue as they danced on the sidewalk leading from Main Street to the courthouse.

“I think it’s a good thing to have something like this,” said Phillip Roye. “It’s good to have something people can get out to.”

At least 85 people, not including the many members of the Revue itself, attended the free concert on the lawn. Many came from the Crowder area, including some who were visiting Stigler for the first time.

“It’s a nice setup,” said CHS music instructor John Wilcox. “The gazebo is a really nice stage.”

Although Wilcox had hoped to have the band’s members ready with some traditional country, as well as rock, music, “They did the only song they knew.” That song, Buck Owens’ “My Heart Skips A Beat,” fit well into the band’s playlist, which also included the Ronettes’ 1963 hit “Be My Baby,” “This Magic Moment” and a rousing rendition of “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.”

The Revue’s performance was the second in what organizers hope will be an ongoing series of free, family-friendly events at the courthouse gazebo.

“I think it’s awesome,” Glenda Donovan said. “This kind of thing brings the community together. I’ve got my uncle, my daughter, grandkids — this is something we can all enjoy together.

“It’s great.”

Editor’s note: Music at the Gazebo is an ongoing effort to bring family-friendly music to the people of Haskell County at no cost. All musical styles are welcome, provided the music is family friendly. To participate, contact the News Sentinel at 967-4655, the Stigler-Haskell County Chamber of Commerce at 967-8681 or call 918-441-8706.

Upcoming family-friendly music events in the area include:

• Sept. 25 — Open jam at Hammon’s Restaurant canceled for the night. The jam will resume Oct. 1.
• Sept. 25 — 7 p.m., Gospel music show, Plumb Theatre, Longtown. There is no charge, but donations are gratefully accepted. Concessions available.
• Sept. 26 — 7 p.m., Note: this is the correct date. Previous issues listed the wrong date for the event. Green Country Music Show, Wagoner Civic Center, Wagoner. The show features the Oklahoma Express Band, with Elmer Shepherd, Chuck Sutton, Dallas Matthews, Jerry Gilbert and Gilbert Mayo, but guest singers and musicians are always welcome. There is no admission charge, but donations to help pay for the theater rental are accepted. Concessions. For more information, call Elmer or Sandy Shepherd, 918-485-4661 or 918-557-8524.
• Sept. 26 — 7 p.m., Bluegrass and more, Tamaha Senior Citizens Center, Tamaha. Roger Edwards, Larry Cobb, Sam Nix and others host a jam that welcomes a wide variety of music, but mostly bluegrass. No charge. Concessions available.
• Sept. 29 — 6–8:30 p.m., Gospel music jam, Kinta Community Center. Kenneth Pugh, The Matthews Brothers Band and other regulars welcome singers and players to join them in a gospel music circle jam each Tuesday night. No charge.
• Oct. 1 — 7–9 p.m., Open jam, Hammon’s Restaurant, Stigler. Anyone who wants to play, sing or just listen is welcome to join regulars Dave Matthews, Chick Kelly, K.C. Stanton, Kenneth Pride, Glen Rogers, Melvin “Red” Reavis and others in a “circle jam.” Musicians take turns choosing songs in a clockwise circle, with non-playing singers joining at the end. Audience participation is welcome. No charge. Concessions available.
• Oct. 1 — 7 p.m., Gospel music show, Plumb Theatre, Longtown. There is no charge, but donations are gratefully accepted. Concessions available.
• Oct. 2 — 7 p.m., Traditional country music show, Plumb Theatre, Longtown, featuring Paul Maloy and The Upright Band, as well as Dean Dowdy and more. There is a $5 fee at the door. Concessions available.
• Oct. 2 — 7 p.m., Bluegrass and more, Tamaha Senior Citizens Center, Tamaha. Roger Edwards, Larry Cobb, Sam Nix and others host a jam that welcomes a wide variety of music, but mostly bluegrass. No charge. Concessions available.
• Oct. 17 — 7 p.m., A Tribute to Patsy Cline, featuring Sherrill Douglas, Plumb Theatre, Longtown, 918-452-2020. Tickets are $10 in advance. Concessions available.
• Nov. 14 — 7 p.m., A Tribute to Family Legend Johnny Horton, featuring Tommy Horton, Plumb Theatre, Longtown, 918-452-2020. Tickets are $10 in advance. Concessions available.

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