The Current Buzz Newspaper One 5 | Page 37

The Electric Rag Band Tulsa International Mayfest Tulsa, OK Mickey Gilley Showplace Theatre (Riverwind Casino) Norman, OK EXTRA BUZZ Joe-to-Joe(l): Everett Edition By Joe Mack Stone Moses/ Dirty Red & the Soulshakers The State Theatre Harrah, OK Brandi Reloaded So Fine Club OKC, OK The Chad Todd Band Wicked Piston Bar & Grill Edmond, OK EverFade Midway Club Choctaw, OK Billy K Band The Silver Stallion Mustang, OK Just Strangers/ Rodney Whaley Armed Forces Day Festival (Elmer Thomas Park) Lawton, OK The Chad Todd Band Armed Forces Day Festival (Elmer Thomas Park) Lawton, OK Allen Biffle Band Armed Forces Day Festival (Elmer Thomas Park) Lawton, OK JJ Hall Keel’s Lounge Tulsa, OK Melissa Hembree The Venue McAlester, OK The Buffalo Ruckus W/ Special Guest Chuck Ligion Rock Island Train Depot Chickasha, OK Dirtfoot W/ Mike Hosty Blackbird on Pearl Tulsa, OK Jake Hooker Bordertown Casino & Arena Wyandotte, OK MUSKOGEE, Okla. – One of the unsung heroes and promoters of eastern Oklahoma culture and activity is 60-year-old Oklahoma native Joel Everett. Everett, the Special Projects Manager for the City of Muskogee Parks & Recreation Department, has worn many hats in the time I’ve known him. When we first met he was the standing executive director at the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame; in more recent years I’ve ran into him for lunch to talk about art, or mapping out a trek for an upcoming cycling event. JM: What does Muskogee lack that you’d like to see added to the community? JE: The water here is such an under-developed, under-rated gift.  It’s a rare place on Earth where three rivers come together, and Muskogee and Fort Gibson have this. JM: You’re a pretty active person - what drives you to get up and run and ride? JE: I was watching a documentary last night about San La Muerte (Saint Death in Mexican culture).  The believers in San La Muerte nearly all said the same thing…they had faith in her because there was nowhere else to turn.  I think about trail running riding the same way. I love being out in nature, but I also know there’s nowhere else to turn but yourself to take care of yourself. I want my parts to move when I want to do something, which is pretty constant and the opportunities for adventure seem to increase with age! JM: You’re a music fan - what was your first big concert and where? JE: Grand Funk and Steppenwolf at the Fairgrounds in OKC probably ‘73.  I’m not much of a crowd guy, but it was memorable. I remember thinking I don’t have much in common with these fans.  JM: Top three favorite restaurants in Muskogee and why? JE: SmokeHouse Bob’s – because Bob reminds me of the great working men – farmers and ranchers and workers - of my youth. He has big vegetable gardens around the restaurant and I drive by and see him hoeing and working there, and he has that working man’s approach to food. Anna’s Diner – good, honest blue plate special lunches and the waitresses are friendly and wise in the ways of those who work and scratch by.  Tacos la Morena – this is a Mexican grocery store/ restaurant on Callahan Street and near my office. The owners, from around the Acapulco area, don’t speak English, but their kids do. Honest, regional Mexican food.  JM: If and when you retire, where do you hope to land? JE: Not sure yet and not sure ‘retire’ is the word.  I may wedge over into some other activities that coincide with what I’m doing now; putting on runs and bicycle rides mostly and building trails. I look at Medicine Park in southwest Oklahoma fondly. It combines a lot of passions.  Wichita Mountains, trails, wide open spaces, art, music. We will see.  Editor’s note: Read more of our conversation with Joel Everett at www. thecurrentbuzz.net. J oe yars B attorney at law sue or defend 479.494.1800 JoeByarslaw.com www.thecurrentbuzz.net | 37