First off, let’s all bow our heads and say a heartfelt good-bye to the Man in Black, the great Johnny Cash, who left this world last week. He’s been a staple in music for 40-plus years and will continue to influence and entertain long after his passing. Now on with the live music portion of […]
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
Now Playing 9-11-03
Welcome revelers of the nightlife. Enter with me into the world of live music, which includes within its realm the great sport of people watching, the sublime art of spirit imbibing, and the good old pastime of dancing to your heart’s content. The fine fellas in Black Magic Johnson invite you to the second annual […]
Posted inMusic
Now Playing 9-4-03
After the past few cool and cloudy days, may you be reading this while basking in the sunshine, dreaming of all the good music coming your way this week. Start off the adventure Thursday night with a visit to the Illinois State Fairgrounds and a concert to knock your socks off. Mudvayne from Peoria and […]
Posted inNews
Dead men tell tales
Graveyards are often beautiful nature preserves. They’re also filled with history. Three local bone orchards are having programs this fall to educate, elucidate, and elaborate on the stories behind (or underneath) the headstones. Cemeteries at Farmer’s Point and Hickory Grove near Petersburg come alive with remembrances of those who have passed on in the “Voices […]
Posted inNews
Get your kicks off Route 66
Ever since the demise of Lincolnfest, the moaning and groaning for a downtown street festival has echoed from Southern View to Sherman, Clearlake to Curran–and all points in between. Well, cry no more, Springfieldites, here’s the second coming of the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival, September 26 through the 28. Brought to you by […]
Posted inNews
When is a summer festival in the fall?
When it’s an Indian summer festival, silly. Setting the standard for the fall festival industry, the Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center holds its Indian Summer Festival October 11 and 12. Located on East Lake Drive, the picturesque park was designed by the legendary landscape architect Jens Jensen many moons ago, and it’s still a […]
Posted inNews
Fly by Rendezvousing
Once again it’s show time–air show time, that is–when the annual Springfield Air Rendezvous returns to Capital Airport on September 20 and 21. This year it’s also celebrating the “100th Anniversary of Flight.” One of the longest-running air shows in the nation, the in-your-sky affair has been put together by an all-volunteer board. Their main […]
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Now Playing 8-28-03
Where did the summer go? Hopefully in fun-filled batches of joy and frolic with a wee bit of havoc and distress tossed in to balance out the bliss. But face up to facts, folks, the summer of 2003 is almost gone: Labor Day is here. This weekend there are several exciting and tantalizing shows to […]
Posted inMusic
Now Playing 8-21-03
For crying out loud, what’s going on around here? Well, let’s take a few hundred words and find out. What do you do when your two favorite jobs in the world seem disparate and unable to mesh? You figure out a way to make it work. That’s exactly what Bill “The Sauce Boss” Wharton did. […]
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Now Playing 8-14-03
Get a grip, guys and gals, and hang on for dear life. It’s a bouncy, busy ride this week in Springfield’s music world. But you wouldn’t have it any other way, now would you? In case you haven’t noticed yet, the Illinois State Fair is in full swing with bands and beer guzzlers, sheep shearers […]
Posted inMusic
Now Playing 8-7-03
Say it ain’t so, Joe. It’s time for the Illinois State Fair, isn’t it? Yes, that particular yearly event makes August seem steamier, attracts more flies than fairgoers, and turns the Northend into a parking lot. But it’s also a grand time to see your favorite local band on a big stage with big lights […]
Posted inMusic
Now Playing 7-31-03
Calling all bars, calling all bars: On the lookout for exciting and entertaining live music. Please report interesting activity anywhere in the city. Here’s one for you. Craig Russo and his Latin Jazz Project are back in town for a double bill and with a special guest. Russo has the guys over at Robbie’s from […]
