5 minute read
Sounding Off
Music In & Around Ponca City
Story & Photos Contributed by Steve Scott Morrison 33
At this writing, the PC Live Music Entertainment Bureau is at Taco Stop on West Grand Avenue. I took the opportunity of this impromptu dropin to wallow in past memories of just how delicious inexpensive Mexican food can be, especially during my years as a struggling musician. Those were the days prior to DJs and disco, and there were a lot of places for local bands to ply their trade entertaining the masses in not only Ponca City, but other towns close by. If your band was good, you were always booked.
After being stalled for nearly a year because of the pandemic, I know our local musicians are “ready to roll up their sleeves,” get vaccinated and get back to work bringing good times to town again. THE BANDSTAND
Immensely talented singer and musician Larry Newsom continues to rack up road victories, performing weekly at various locations across northern Oklahoma. He is still a regular at Zannotti’s in Stillwater, as well as, The Office in Enid and the Spotted Hound in Weatherford. When was the last time you enjoyed Larry’s show? Well, that’s too long! You will find posts of new, original songs, along with all of the upcoming performances listed on his Facebook page.
Venerable hit-playing rockers Mother Kelly are staying low as they find their groove in this pandemic era. I give them a nod for endurance, as we are all ready for them to emerge and pack the clubs and the dance floors.
The Hayes Brothers Band is back to weekly rehearsals after a short holiday break. The set list is changing with new songs being added, including both originals and covers.
Dirty Erin is ready to push the boundaries of live entertainment with their highly creative, daring and surprising performances. They just signed on for an outdoor festival in early summer.
Details are forthcoming. Be sure and check out the band’s Facebook page, or on the internet at Dirtyerin.com.
Ridin’ High, Northern Oklahoma’s premier dance club on Coleman Road in Ponca City, just celebrated two years of providing awesome drinks, a friendly atmosphere and live entertainment. Coming up is the Roy Weathers Band on March 6. The karaoke nights are very popular. Peruse their Facebook page for current events. musicians has amassed a lot of accolades and has a huge number of fans. Besides playing popular local clubs, M33 touts performances at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, the UCO Jazz Club in Edmond, The Gathering of Nations Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well as the Ponca City Oktoberfest, Kay County Free Fair in Blackwell and the annual Charlie Adams Day festival in Newkirk.
The band is comprised of four members: Cody Bemo (guitar and lead vocals), Bill Wetzel (bass guitar and vocals), John Simpson (drums and percussion and vocals) and Randy Jackson (lead guitar and vocals), all with decades of musical experience. M33 refuses to be categorized. Their backgrounds are diverse, and they have been influenced by many different artists. Therefore, their set list includes original compositions, as well as favorite covers. Bring your dancing shoes to a Morrison 33 performance – you won’t be sitting, because the music is just that good.
In addition to working on the new album, M33 continues to practice as they can, so they are ready to “blow the doors off the town.” You can keep up with Morrison 33 on their Facebook page, and check out some of the new songs at www.reverbnation. com/morrison33/songs. FINALLY Now, you might wonder what makes me get up in the morning, especially during these most challenging times. The truth is, I am just as passionate about playing live music as I have ever been. I credit having the opportunity to play with some of the best, most talented and professional musicians on the face of the planet.
As an eternal optimist, I believe we are seeing a significant reversal in pandemic trends. If this continues, our local entertainment venues should come back to life soon and we can all turn ‘21 into the Roaring 20s, giving everyone that boost of life that we don’t have right now.
If anyone has information on live music events, please write me at smscott54@hotmail.com.
Back2Sighs is booking week-to-week, and still hosting karaoke, as well as live bands on weekends, including New Dynasty and the Zen Okies.
I attended a board meeting of the North Central Oklahoma Arts Council, and they are lining up the music acts for the annual Full Moon Concert Series, held each year May through September in Tonkawa. The lineup is looking great! I believe we are seeing Details soon. a significant reversal in
Living in a topsy-turvy pandemic trends. universe continues to affect Astoria and Vortex If this continues, our local lounges. Astoria is offering unique food entrees that you can eat in, take out entertainment venues should come back to life soon. or have delivered. Vortex started bringing food vendors with their trailers to the bar on weekends. With the recension of the Governor’s order affecting bars and restaurants, can live entertainment be too far behind? LOCAL STARS
This month I’m featuring the band Morrison 33. Formed in 2008, this group of professional
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