Band Spotlight | Thursday, April 18,2013

Randy Charles and the Western Angels

This five-piece group are darn good purveyors of country, folk and bluegrass tunes, combining choice covers by the likes of Dwight Yoakam, Johnny Cash and Garth Brooks with a handy bunch of well-suite

Music - Tom Irwin | Thursday, April 18,2013

Heil, high and hi-fi

By Tom Irwin

During a recent conversation with Illinois Times blogger Scott Faingold, I mentioned that National Record Store Day coincided with what has become national “weed” day (Huffington Post has

Music - Tom Irwin | Thursday, April 11,2013

Marina V’s magical music tour

A performer’s journey from Moscow to Springfield and beyond

By Tom Irwin

What separates the dreamers and schemers of the world from the believers and achievers? Some say hard work and some say circumstance, but most would think it’s a fair amount of both that make th

Band Spotlight | Thursday, April 11,2013

James Armstrong

By Tom Irwin

Some people play the blues and some people listen to the blues, but James Armstrong just is the blues. From starting his first band in seventh grade to traveling the country playing major festivals an

Music - Tom Irwin | Thursday, April 11,2013

Drum Fest 2013

By Tom Irwin

Back in 2010 for the debut of Drum Fest, I started out with a few typical drummer jokes such as “What do you call someone who hangs around with musicians? A drummer.” And a beauty like thi

Music - Tom Irwin | Thursday, April 4,2013

No fooling April

By Tom Irwin

If last Monday someone tried to pull an April Fool’s joke on me by talking about the quality and variety of upcoming live music this month, I think I’d wholeheartedly felt foolish and fell

Band Spotlight | Thursday, April 4,2013

Amy Benton

By Tom Irwin

Blessed with a lovely voice, a sweet smile, a creative streak and enough gumption to take on the music business world, Taylorville native Amy Benton lives her dream. Between consistent shows in centra

Music - Tom Irwin | Thursday, March 28,2013

The sounds of spring

By Tom Irwin

Oh, I can close my eyes and hear those wonderful sounds of music played out-of-doors as the weather breaks and spring returns to take us into summer. I hear rock bands outside in beer gardens, festiva

Band Spotlight | Thursday, March 28,2013

In This Moment

By Tom Irwin

From an introduction through friends, Maria Brink (lead vocals, piano) and Chris Howorth (lead guitar, vocals) got together in August of 2005 and immediately formed a common bond of music through song

Band Spotlight | Thursday, March 21,2013

Family Groove Company

By Tom Irwin

This Chicago-based quartet keeps making the rounds and stirring the pot with festival appearances at the Midwest’s finest, including Summerfest, Summer Camp and 10,000 Lakes. Family Groove Compa