Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
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TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Heritage Center will present a performance entitled "A Night in the Old West" on Saturday, June 2, 2001 at 8:00 p.m. at the Tsa La Gi Amphitheater. This performance celebrates the history and romance of the American West and features, among others, Will and the Balladeer. A great Oklahoma experience, Gene McFall presents the humor and philosophy of Oklahoma's favorite son, Will Rogers; and Les Gilliam and his guitar present the music of our state, especially country and western music. Other acts featured include Gilliam's group, The Silver Lake Band, Call of the West, and Laurette Willis.

Les Gilliam is the official "Oklahoma Balladeer", so designated by the Oklahoma State Legislature in 1998. He is a native of Gene Autry, Oklahoma and is a singer, songwriter and recording artist. Les has been voted one of the top five male performers in western music and has been named a finalist for "Male Performer of the Year" by the Western Music Association. In addition, he has been a frequent entertainer at the Oklahoma State Capitol and the Cowboy Hall of Fame and was a featured performer for Governor Frank Keating at the Governor's Mansion and also the Inaugural Ball.

Call of the West is an Oklahoma-based group specializing in music of the American West. Classic cowboy songs from movies of the '30s and '40s along with wonderful original music give this group a special sound. Although their tight three part vocals are among their trademarks, this acoustic group shows equal prowess in their instrumental diversity.

Local storyteller Laurette Willis will round out the evening "Great Women of the Frontier" , the Osage, the Cherokee and the Irish homesteader recount tales of courage, trials and triumphs. Tickets for "A Night in the Old West" are $10 for adults and $5 for children and students. For more information, call 918-456-6007 and/or visit our website.

The Cherokee Heritage Center presents "Indian Arts Appraisal Day" on Sunday, June 3rd in the Cherokee National Museum atrium. Several Native American art experts will be on hand to identify/appraise art pieces for the general public. Noted appraisers Cindy Hale, Ron Smithee and Linda Griever will provide free appraisals. Shelby Tisdale of the Philbrook Museum of Art will be on hand for identification information. Participants are asked to bring no more than three items per person and funerary objects and/or remains will not be allowed. For more information, please contact the Cherokee Heritage Center (918) 456-6007 or toll free at (888) 999-6007.

The Cherokee Heritage Center also thanks the volunteers, businesses and everyone who attended that helped to make the Cherokee Spring Gospel Sing a huge success. Approximately 450 people attended the event. The date for next year's event will be May 18. Special thanks goes to the entertainers; J.B. Dreadfulwater and his Cherokee Choir, The Kingfisher Quartet, the Jackie Kingfisher Family, the Girty Family, Oklahoma Wildlife, the Melody-Aires and the Cherokee Heritage Center Choir. Thanks also goes to Chief Chad Smith and the Cherokee Nation, The Echota House Restaurant, Mrs. Smith's Pies, Inc., Restaurant of the Cherokees, and Pepsi.