As we leave behind the recent blast of uninvited, somewhat unexpected and definitely unwanted wintry weather and head into the first day of spring (March 20 at 9:46 a.m. for 2026, astronomically speaking), it won’t be long until we’re full on into our outdoor shows. As we impatiently wait for the summer season, let’s see what trouble we can get into for now.
I say we jump toward a few fun, diverse shows set for Saturday and see what happens. Traveling alphabetically by venue, the Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation goes first when Friends of the Sangamon Valley have singers and songwriters Ben Bedford (Springfield) and Vanessa Lively (Austin, Texas) host a fundraiser for the local environmental organization. Both artists have several acclaimed albums to their credit, and Ben joined Vanessa on her most recent recordings. I’m guessing you will hear a little from all that music and more.
Arlington’s is up next with an Elderbeard Musicwerx production featuring Old Shoe, Sunshine Daydream and Mace Hathaway. Old Shoe hits Springfield for the first time in more than 10 years as the Chicago-based quintet has been rocking the Midwest for decades with their particular blend of Americana jams. Sunshine, of course, brings Grateful Dead, JGB and Phish songs front and center, while Mace, who will play downstairs in the lower lounge before the show upstairs, delivers originals and cool covers in his distinctive singer-songwriter style.
Next in order is Columbian Grand Hall Knights of Columbus 364, better known as Casey’s Pub in the K of C Hall on Meadowbrook, where Side Ballad, 3’s Company and The Collective all play for a Friends of the Curve Inn fundraiser party. Staff members from the Curve will serve as celebrity bartenders as our community continues to help the popular place recover and rebuild from the recent fire.
Then, First Presbyterian Church (a music venue many times through the years) and Capital City Contra present an Old-Time Community Dance where y’all are invited to experience old-time-style contra, barn, square and circle dances called by Keith Tuxhorn, plus a few waltzes for good measure. Music this month features the longtime duo of Patt & Possum!, otherwise known as Charlie Walden (who was recently inducted in the prestigious North American Fiddlers Hall of Fame) and Patt Plunkett, with area musicians joining in. No experience is necessary or expected (but it’s OK) for you to attend and dance your fool head off.
More Saturday shows include Waterhouse at Stella Coffee & Tea and Mike “The Dulcimer Guy” Anderson at Abe’s Presidential Museum receiving the “early bird gets the worm” award with 10 a.m. start times.
Then at 6 p.m. we go wild and crazy with Blues Deacons blues-rocking the Harvest Market, JackAsh pop-rocking Brewski’s Pub, Grant Barnett bearing down at Boone’s and Robert Sampson cleaning up at Mother Road Diner.
From 7 o’clock on, you’re on your own, my friends, with another 20 some live music shows in the area to ponder and consider.
Sunday comes with a cornucopia of afternoon gigs at our regular spots along with a special concert at Bullard Country Chapel in Buffalo. The former church, resurrected as a venue, presents a Christian music show this week with Young Oceans and Ivan Theva. Area musicians open the concert and the public is invited to participate in the praise worship. Young Oceans began in Brooklyn as a Christian “art rock” recording project by Eric Marshall in 2012 and Ivan says, “My songs are prayers in my own journey with God,” which will all sound delightfully wonderful in the welcoming space of the BCC.
Toodle-oo until next time.
This article appears in March 19-25, 2026.
