Ark La Tex Appliance over on West 7th Street is a place that will surprise you. If you walk in, you’ll see a stage, dance space, and even a little kitchen. When not being a place to buy refurbished appliances the rest of the week, the place turns into a space for live music, starting at 7 p.m. each Friday. It’s a stage where old country and gospel rule and where there’s a modest but most appreciative audience. Mike and Jan Helms own the place, which has been affectionately and informally dubbed the “Maytag Opry” by some of its patrons. It’s a friendly place. And there’s no cussing or drinking or fighting at this establishment. The house band (which shifts from week to week depending on who’s there to play) includes some players who’ve been around the Texarkana live music scene for years; some folks are newcomers, and they’re all good musicians. Audience members venture up to the stage to sing. I caught a show last Friday night and, for this weekend’s Sunday Accent page, will have the story.
- Aaron Brand
Staff photo by Tanner Spendley:
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May 29th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Good article, Thanks. my name Philip.
June 5th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
I rented the attached house from Larry Dickerson probably 5-6 yrs ago. I play drums, and me and my friends broke it in then! Great to see it up and running again.
Jeff Estes
Longview, Tx
February 17th, 2011 at 8:44 am
Maytag Opry is now located at 908 West Third Street, Texarkana, Texas. The Maytag Opry Band plays the older country and western music for the older generation of people every Friday night at 7 p.m. No alcohol. Smoking outside. Family environment. Info: 903-794-7374.
March 31st, 2011 at 4:40 pm
Thanks, Janice – We’ve been carrying your weekly show announcements in Best Bets. Coming out there for this story was a fun time, for sure.
November 27th, 2011 at 11:29 am
my name is ted spencer.i’am from oregon.i’ve been playing guitar and singing since the age of 9 and i’am now 55.i’am a country singer,songwriter,musicain.i recently won,the moose lodge oregon state singer,songwriter talent competition.i also have recorded in nashville on independent label,the most recent in 2010,and i’am working on another at this time.i play at the oaklawn opry ocationaly,and continue to do so.i was told to contact you good folks,by mr.ronnie pipper.thanks for taking time to read this,your pal,ted spencer,the oregon boy
January 3rd, 2012 at 10:41 am
I was invited to sing at the Maytag Opry on New Years eve 12/31/11,witch was my birthday.And what a birthday it was!The Opry staff,musicians and fans,welcomed me with open arms.Not only that,the sweet ladies of the Maytag Opry,made me the most fantastic birthday cake ever!It had a guitar,boots,a cowboy hat and music notes beautifully sculptured in western colored frosting.The Maytag Opry may not be as large as some other Opry’s,but it holds some of the most talented,caring,kindest and big hearted people i have ever known.Thank you so much,for a great birthday and one the best times in my life!God Bless each and everyone of you,your Oregon friend,Ted Spencer
January 5th, 2012 at 11:58 am
That’s great to hear, Ted!