As we slide into the last full weekend of October, the fests are fading, the outdoor stages are dwindling and next week we run smack dab into November. That means it’s close to the end of the season for our outside entertainment. But as we well know, there ain’t no stopping the music biz around […]
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
October music rolls on
Merrily we roll along through the autumnal time of October, experiencing the full effect of unseasonably warm temps with some possibility of much needed rain by Saturday. Hopefully the precipitation will hold off until the outdoor activities are completed but we know how that can end up. Let’s find out what’s on tap. Our first […]
Posted inMusic Features
Mid-October music
As we fall into the autumn season (couldn’t help myself), the weather continues with not particularly fall-like conditions, but most excellent temps for our remaining outdoor activities. Come on along as we experience the wide and wonderful world of our live music community. First, it’s the second Thursday of the month so that means Thursday […]
Posted inMusic Features
October music arrives
Well, hello October, how are things? Good to see you again, and keep up the good work of September, weather wise. The inevitable colder days are just ahead, but since we’re gifted with unseasonably warm weather, let’s get out there for our remaining outdoor shows. Thursdays are still hanging around for now as we see […]
Posted inMusic Features
September music moves along
As we roar on into the last weekend of September for 2025, fall is in the air and live music in the outdoor spaces is slowly coming to a close. For now, let’s enjoy what we have left of the season to the utmost, with almost complete abandon and definitely the most fun we can […]
Posted inMusic Features
Music in the making
Greetings, my fellow tune-sters. We all know how this works with live music in and out, all around, up and down, just about everywhere and anywhere you’d like it to be, so let’s get to searching for what’s out there and when it’s happening. Thursdays start with some downtown action as Third Thursdays Jazz at […]
Posted inMusic Features
September-ing some music
After a spell of wonderful weather, we’re back to a few heated days, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying our outdoors shows coming up and those inside as well. Let’s go see what we can find. Thursdays continue to deliver the goods including the monthly Thursday Night Live area music showcase at Motorheads […]
Posted inMusic Features
September songs sung
Hello fellow travelers in the local music scene. As we ramble on, we’re still taking it to the streets, keeping it real, begging the question, searching for answers and making it happen everywhere there is to go. Thursday is the first night in our music listings, so we like to begin our adventures here. I […]
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August ending music
If you’re thinking that Labor Day weekend came quickly, you would be correct. Monday is the first day of September, making this holiday the absolute earliest it can be. Sooner or later, fast or slow, it’s all relatively in the time zone that we occupy so let’s see what’s going on. Thursday’s lineup includes among […]
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August music limbo time
With the state fair rush behind us and Labor Day weekend just ahead, this coming week feels like living in limbo. But never fear, there’s plenty in store for you as we peruse the local listings with verve and gusto. Sticking with Thursdays as our leadoff hitter, Al and Kathy Kitchen land at Mother Road […]
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More fair time music
Step right up as we consider the last weekend of the Illinois State Fair for 2025. Take a look around the area and generally go gallivanting anywhere and everywhere we can to search out the music-makers making music for you. With “no time like the present” as our motto, may I present to you my […]
Posted inMusic
Fair time music
Hold your horses, stop the presses, turn the streets one way and grab an extra flyswatter, the Illinois State Fair is in town. For most of us in Springfield, the state fair is a big deal, and those of us in the business of making live music find it a really big deal. Along with […]
