• Prepare to rock as the band Low as I releases Shot Heard Around the
World on Friday, Jan. 7. The band formerly known as Mindfold will be selling
and signing the new CDs after an acoustic show at Samuel Music (3730 Wabash
Ave.). The celebration continues around 10 p.m. the same night at Viele’s Planet,
126 E. Jefferson St., with a live performance by Low as I and a yet-unnamed
opening act. The disc was recorded in Cedar Falls, Iowa, by Tom Talman, who
also produced Stone Sour’s gold-selling debut album. The first single, “A New
Low,” is in regular rotation on WQLZ (92.7 FM).
• Mr. Opporknockity fans who are fixated on numbers will be interested
to know that the 1999 Illinois Times “Best of Springfield” band is back
to five in ’05. Founding member Doug Gholson left the quintet last year to pursue
other interests, among them playing with guitarist Michael Sullivan. Sullivan,
who also slings guitar for the Moonlite Rhythm Rangers, is now a member of Mr.
Opporknockity. Being the fab player that he is, Sullivan keeps them all happy.
Mr. Opporknockity debuts the new lineup at Easy Street Lounge, 1699 West Morton
Ave. in Jacksonville, at 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8.
• Our old friend Catfish brings the Sharks to play and party at the Illinois
Central Blues Club Blue Monday Jam at 8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10, at the Alamo,
115 N. Fifth St. The venerable axman has graced many a central-Illinois stage
and studio, playing with the best and brightest along the way. He always shines
brightest when fronting the Sharks, so get there early and stay late (the jam
session begins around 11 p.m.). This would be a good time to renew your ICBC
membership or start off on the right blues note for 2005 by joining up and buying
a T-shirt or two. Tell ’em IT sent ya.
• What’s a Brat Pack? Well, if we’re talking bands — and we are — it’s
an ’80s-cover group from Champaign whose members actually relive those glory
years by dressing like artists from the period. Tacky, yeah. Goofy, sure. Lots
of decadent fun, you betcha. Reunite with your ’80s past at Marly’s Pub, 9 W.
Old State Capitol Plaza, on Friday, Jan. 7, from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
This article appears in Jan 6-12, 2005.
