Like it or not, this weekend finally brings seasonal-like weather, but that’s OK for us music partakers and makers as we’re ready to hang inside and get on with it all. Let’s see what’s on the horizon in the world of Springfield (Illinois!) live entertainment (as opposed to other types) and get out to experience […]
Music
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“Songs for All Ages” at UIS
Local singer-songwriter Tom Irwin will be performing “Songs for All Ages – A Sensory-Friendly Event” at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19, in the UIS Studio Theatre and will be joined by Amy Battles on vocals. The performance is designed for individuals with sensory needs. With a relaxed environment — featuring no sudden lighting changes […]
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November music-making
Here we are, as promised, back with a Now Playing for the first full weekend of November in 2026. With the Best of Springfield behind us (until next year) and the elections over (are they ever, really), let’s see what’s about to commence in the world of local, live music. Speaking of BoS stuff, IT’s […]
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Ricki Marvel to play Hobgoblinspookadelic concert Saturday
This Halloween night, your best rock ‘n’ roll entertainment value might just be the return of NIL8’s long-running seasonal Hobgoblinspookadelic concert after several years’ hiatus. The all-ages show will happen upstairs at Arlington’s for a mere $10 at the door, beginning at 6 p.m. (no advance tickets). In addition to the venerable first-wave Springfield punk […]
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A spooky start to ISO’s new season
The Illinois Symphony Orchestra will kick off its 2026-2027 season on Halloween eve (Friday, Oct. 30), with the appropriately titled “Tricks & Treats” concert, allowing the musicians of the orchestra a chance to sink their fangs into a variety of chilling, thrilling compositions perfect for the scariest season, including Grieg’s “Peer Gynt” and “The Sorcerer’s […]
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Falling into October music
As we fly on through October like autumn leaves in a fall breeze, the festivals are finished, but the fun of it all keeps on moving and grooving as we have gigs galore with plenty of upcoming excitement ahead. Let’s get to it. First off we offer some very exciting and welcome news as the […]
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Mid-October music making
As we move away from a warm October and head into more seasonal weather, some cool events are still happening outside along with plenty of sweet shows going on behind closed doors. And it’s all up to you to go find the fun. This week starts with some sad news on the passing of Brian […]
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Hardcore sax and drums
The Get Free Music Series, presented by the Music Program of University of Illinois Springfield, continues its fall concerts of fully-improvised music this Friday at Dumb Records. The Oct. 16 performance will feature “two completely burning saxophone and drums duos,” as described by Richard Gilman-Opalsky, drummer and professor in the UIS School of Politics and […]
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Chicago Farmer to perform Oct. 16 at Arlington’s
Cody Diekhoff – aka Chicago Farmer – is a central Illinois-based singer and songwriter. He and Micah Walk recently discussed his latest release, his upcoming performance in Springfield and more. Your latest album Homeaid was released in March of this year. The whole thing is great – not just the quality in the writing, which […]
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The giver of Springfield
The Springfield Choral Society will host a festival that honors a Springfield native, Julius Rosenwald, under the guidance of music director Jacobsen Woollen. Events will take place Oct. 17-18 with music, film, speakers and a walk to the original Rosenwald home across from Lincoln’s home. “Many in Springfield don’t seem to know about Rosenwald; yet, […]
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Going for October music
My goodness, this is what we dream of for October weather with the reality being even better. Here’s hoping it holds on through this weekend full of fun, fests, fine times and who knows what, where and why as live music discoveries wait to be made if you choose to go find them. I have […]
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A Q&A with Avery Kern
Avery Kern is a Nashville-based singer/songwriter. Springfield-based musician Micah Walk sat down with the Pawnee native to discuss her newly released debut album, Scenic Route. I don’t want to make this the focus of this interview, but I have a unique interest in your career because you’re a former guitar student of mine. We worked […]
