Any serious conversation about Springfield’s music scene must include this year’s best songwriter winner, Tom Irwin. If you enjoy live music in central Illinois, you’ve certainly enjoyed Tom’s music – from his early days in Condition 90 to his current trio, OAT, with his son, Owen, and Amy Battles. Maybe you were there when he opened for Willie Nelson at the Illinois State Fair.
My own introduction came in the early 2000s. I spent most Sunday nights at Brewhaus listening to Tom’s band, The Hired Hands. The lineup wasn’t always the same, but always a who’s who of Springfield’s finest – Chris Warren, Reggie Britton, Keith Voegele, Tim Harte, Bruce Williams, Owen Irwin, Tom Woolsey, Pete Romano, the late, great Raoul and more. Later versions became The Raouligans, honoring Tom’s good friend, and The Hayburners. What I remember most is the energy those lineups brought to his songs and the contagious joy that radiated from the stage.
His studio work is just as strong. Among my favorites are 2012’s beautifully written and recorded Sangamon Songs; 2017’s All That Love, produced by Wilco’s John Stirrat; and 2025’s One for the Kiddos, a family-friendly collection available as a free download on his website, with an accompanying book available.
What I appreciate most about Tom is his support of other musicians. He always offers encouragement and welcoming stages, from his weekly Songwriter’s Circle at Underground City Tavern years ago, where I workshopped more than a few songs, to his current Midweek Music Meetup every Wednesday at Harvest Market.
There simply isn’t enough room here to say everything Tom deserves. Congratulations, my friend. We already knew you were the best; now you have the hardware to prove it.
Want to go hear Tom? Find him Oct. 30 at George Rank’s (full band) and Nov. 6 at Bar Bella with Amy.
This article appears in October 29-November 4, 2026.
