How much wood could a woodbox box if a woodbox could box wood? Hell, who cares? But it makes for a goofy intro for the Woodbox Gang, one of my favorite bands in the world as we know it. The gangsters hail from southern Illinois and have made camp in the Carbondale area for several […]
Tom Irwin
Tom Irwin, a sixth-generation Sangamon County resident, has played his songs and music for nearly 40 years in the central Illinois area with occasional forays across the country. He's contributed to Illinois Times since 2000 by writing Now Playing, a weekly music column, as well as features stories and other articles. He resides on the Irwin family farm in rural Pleasant Plains.
Posted inMusic
music notes 9-16-04
• A hearty congratulations to Sharon Graf, assistant professor of ethnomusicology at the University of Illinois at Springfield, on capturing first prize at the Illinois State Old-Time Fiddle Championship, held Sept. 5 at Rockome Gardens near Arcola. In an old-fashioned fiddle-off, Graf defeated her 2003 nemesis, David Smith of Aurora, and about 30 other participants […]
Posted inMusic
now playing 9-9-04
Sometimes something sounds too good to be true, yet — miracle of miracles — it exists. Take, for example, two bluegrass enthusiasts who build a beautiful log-cabin home in the country. They decide to book some traveling musicians and invite friends over to hear the band. After a successful outing, they continue bringing more incredible […]
Posted inNews
Best bets
Where to go, and what to do when you get there? These are age-old questions that never go away, so here are a few wheres, whats, and whens for planning a successful fall season. • If you can’t have the real thing, settle for a good imitation, my screwy Uncle Albert used to say. Let’s […]
Posted inMusic
now playing 9-2-04
Get out! Get out! Like some frazzled stay-at-home parent yelling at the kids, I’m ordering you to get out of the house. Go see something. Go do something. Go play with some friends — or play with yourself, for heaven sakes! — but get out and see if you can find something to do, like […]
Posted inMusic
now playing 8-26-04
Interested in a tour of Springfield’s west side on a Thursday night? Catch Harry O (the artist formerly known as Harry Nino) and Oysters Rockefeller at Mariah’s Restaurant, for some early-in-the-evening blues, then slip in a stop at The Trading Post Saloon for a visit with Antone, singer-songwriter deluxe and keeper of all your favorite […]
Posted inMusic
now playing 8-19-04
Hey wandering souls, searching for enlightenment by the seat of your pants, have I got some deals for you. There is music galore at the Illinois State Fair, enough to keep a persistent music lover busy as a state cop on Taintor Road, but take a look at the talent in town, blissfully unaware of […]
Posted inMusic
Now playing 8-12-04
I hope you got some rest this past week or you’re going to be plain pooped out for the next week’s festivities surrounding the great and glorious Illinois State Fair. There are almost as many bands playing at various venues around the grounds as there are houseflies coming to enjoy the fine delicacies offered by […]
Posted inMusic
Now playing 8-5-04
As the brave and belligerent Captain Beefheart once said, “It’s hot, it’s so hot.” But — and the good Captain did not say this — “That’s the way, uh-huh, uh-huh, we like it, uh-huh, uh-huh.” Or at least that’s the way it is and just in time for the Decatur Celebration (this weekend) and the […]
Posted inMusic
Now playing 7-29-04
Feeling lost and confused, cast adrift in a sea of fests, fairs, fries, and other assorted outdoor music events? Pull yourself together, friend. You’ll need your wits about you to navigate the many out-of-doors musical experiences that lie dead ahead. First comes the Divernon Homecoming, with Strange Brew, Lost Boys, and Hot Property on Thursday, […]
Posted inMusic
Now playing 7-22-04
Hey you! Gently place your shoulder against that rock you’ve been hiding under and give it a shove. We’re out here having fun and would like you to join us. Springfield favorites The Blazers return for a Thursday night visit to the Underground City Tavern. The “other group from East LA” is often likened to […]
Posted inMusic
Now Playing
Rise and shine, fellow music lovers: The time is here to share another week of music and mirth, drinks and dance, and good times with the world at large. Get yourself out to Mariah’s as Harry O (the artist formerly known as Harry Nino) and Oysters Rockefeller entertain the folks from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. […]
