The Shortgrass Arts and Humanities Council will host Les Gilliam, and his Silver Lake Band, Mikayla Jo Balderas, and the Abernathy Double Take Cloggers at the Giddy-Up Gala on Friday, Aug. 24. This event is held annually in conjunction with the Great Plains Stampede Rodeo. This year those attending will have the opportunity to enjoy a good barbeque meal, an outstanding local vocalist and terrific young dancers; as well as listen or dance to great western swing and country barn dance music before attending the rodeo later in the evening. Partial funding for this event is provided by the Oklahoma Arts Council.
Les Gilliam and the Silver Lake Band’s concerts of cowboy, western swing, and country barn dance music always include fascinating stories about the songs and the artists who performed them. Their country dances feature great western swing music and fun activities for the audience. The band always includes original songs and humorous material, adding a touch of nostalgia, good old fashion patriotism and family fun. For the past few years, Les has performed over 100 shows per year and has been described as the perfect diplomat for western music.
Les, both solo and with his band, has recorded twelve albums as well as two videos. He and the Band are members of the Oklahoma Arts Council Touring Program as well as the Mid-America Arts Alliance based in Kansas City. Some of their recent noteworthy performances include the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.; Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo.; The International Country Music Festival in Vienna, Austria; The Gene Autry Film and Music Festival in Gene Autry; Rex Allen Days in Wilcox, Ariz.; Prairieville Farm Days in Michigan; The Bakersfield Opry in California; Western Music Festival in Tucson, Ariz.; The Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City; The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in Muskogee; and many others.
Tommy Joe’s barbeque brisket dinner and homemade chocolate dessert will be served at 5:30 p.m. and the entertainment also begins at that time. The concert will end in time for everyone to attend the rodeo activities. Tickets for the dinner and performances are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets are available from the Chamber of Commerce (482-0210), area financial institutions, or call the SAHC office (477-1616) and leave a message requesting tickets.
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