Here we are again, diehard champions of the nightlife: Fighting the elements to find a place to raise some spirits and enjoy live music. Start off this week with a Thursday night visit to Floyd’s Thirst Parlor, soon to be celebrating one year as a downtown Springfield watering hole. The orange neon reflects off the […]
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 3-6-03
As the winter weather hangs on, and those warm rays elude your paling skin, you might want to try the next best thing to sunshine–artificial lighting in a smoky bar. You can watch the weather on TV and down a libation while waiting for the live music to crank up. If that doesn’t work–well, you […]
Posted inMusic
Now Playing 5-8-03
Heads up, people. There’s music all around you. Here are some highlighted events taking place this week in our pearl of the prairie. Who’s not a sucker for a beer garden? Outside in the spring, sipping on a cool drink, listening to music, watching the world go by–sounds good to me. Alamo proprietor Barry Friedman […]
Posted inMusic
Now Playing 3-13-03
It’s the Ides of March. It’s St. Patrick’s Day. It’s the Roman-Irish connection all over again. Where’s my Book of Kells? Who saved Western Civilization and why? Who created it and what for? Oh it’s all just too much sometimes. Let’s hear some music and drown our searching. Friday marks the return of the Screamin’ […]
Posted inMusic
Now Playing 3-20-03
Rooty-toot-toot, who gives a hoot. It’s officially spring on Friday. Let’s dance and sing. Here are a few nightlife goodies to allow you to achieve the above-stated goals: Come kick up your heels at the top of the Hilton with Gizzae, Thursday’s featured “Reggae Night” band. Pronounced “Gee-Zay,” the name means “time” in Amharic, an […]
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Now Playing 5-1-03
Mayday, Mayday. City in trouble. Need people interested in having fun to enjoy much-maligned nightlife that really ain’t so bad. Send help now. . . . Start out with a visit to the Trading Post Saloon on Durkin Drive for a listen or a dance to the all-around sounds of the Dan Rivero Trio. Dan […]
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Now Playing 3-27-03
All aboard, as we take a ride on the Springfield entertainment express. All stops along the way are filled with unbridled excitement and undeniable thrills. Kick off the week with Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys at the Sangamon Valley Roots Revival’s third anniversary party Thursday, March 27, at the Underground City Tavern in the […]
Posted inMusic
Now Playing 4-24-03
Rack ’em up, Ringo, it’s time for another crack at the Springfield music scene. Friday is a busy night for hard-working local bands. Live Wire electrifies the sound waves at Fat Cat’s Jailhouse (125 Mayden) and Out of the Woods camps out downtown at American Legion Post 32. Imagine That, a longtime town favorite, conjures […]
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Now Playing 4-17-03
Easter weekend is at hand. Hop on down to your nearest bar and check out some music. Pan will be grateful for your fun-loving behavior. The Oohs set up residency at Frankie’s, located in the Jewel-Osco Plaza on South Sixth, starting tonight. The kings of Springfield power pop and melodic rock begin a weekly Oohs-a-thon […]
Posted inMusic
Now Playing 4-10-03
Head ’em up and move ’em out. Get along little dogies–it’s time to boogie-woogie and mean it. Open mics are all the rage. A few months ago there were only a couple of spots available to expose yourself (careful) to the public. Now there are no less than ten venues on four different nights of […]
Posted inMusic
Now Playing 4-3-03
What says it’s spring, feels like summer, and could become winter in a day? Why, central Illinois weather, of course! Along with teaching us lessons in patience and understanding, this time of year also brings out the bounce and the balls, short-lived shorts, and a feeling of optimism about what is to come. It’s also […]
