Originally from another Springfield, specifically that one in Missouri, this talented guitarist, singer and songwriter has lived in Nashville, Tennessee, since 2009. He studied at Belmont University in the Music City and dedicated himself to full-time music making in February of 2016 which got him out on the road. In his travels he kicks it […]
Music
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Emotional music gamut
This week we have sad news, happy times, good benefits, and, apparently, lovely weather to top off an odd and peculiar few weeks of early autumn. Our hearts go out to the family of guitarist Alex Borisov, who passed away unexpectedly last week. A kind soul and a soulful musician through the years, Alex has […]
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Mid-October music making
Feel the crisp breeze, the touch of fall, the fall of leaves, the sounds of leaves falling, and, oh, what else is that I hear? Yes, it’s the sound of live music all over town. First, let’s congratulate the popular local, contemporary country band Lick Creek for winning the “NASH Next” contest for the Bloomington/Peoria […]
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James Armstrong
Known as the “Ambassador of the Blues” and also as a resident of Springfield, Mr. Armstrong gets all the credit for being an excellent and constantly touring guitar player with sharp songwriting skills, an all-around good guy of the blues. With a lifetime of recordings and performances behind him, James is set to release his […]
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The BassBerg lowdown and Moore
As I started writing my column, the news went from bad to worse with mass shootings and Tom Petty’s untimely passing. No telling what else will happen before I finish this and we go to press, but condolences go out as a feeble exercise in combating the sadness and grief. As the show goes on, […]
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A run on September
Here we are, heading right into October with September barely left behind. I see lots of good local bands out as we wind down the outdoor festivals and begin to think about the seasonal end to our music and beer garden time. If you’re hankering to get in all the last blasts of the season, […]
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Spicy Pickles
Based out of Denver, Colorado, these guys get around while spreading the great sounds of swing music and traditional jazz. Bandleader Joe Smith has a couple more groups in Denver (the Joe Smith Orchestra and The Red Hot Rhythm Rocket), but it’s the Pickles that really hit the road. Right now the octet has a […]
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Hurricane Ruth and more
With all the hurricanes in the news lately, we humbly send our love and care to those affected by the sea storms, but today we talk a bit about a hurricane known to central Illinois folks as Ruth. Ruth LaMaster, born and raised in Beardstown, just released a powerhouse new CD called Ain’t Ready for […]
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Marina V
Our Moscow-born, central Illinois-college educated and Los Angeles-residing singer-songwriter friend has a new album out. And with Nick Baker along to join in making music, Marina V is heading cross-country in support of Born to the Stars. The album includes collaborations with several diverse artists and is number 10 for the prolific writer as she […]
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September songs
First, let’s think some good thoughts for friends, family and everyone touched by Hurricane Irma. Fellow musicians Ken Carlyle, Joshua Reilly and Patrick Hagerman, all formerly from central Illinois, live in the central Florida region. Josh came up here to ride the storm out and played a gig at the Butternut Hut last night (Sept. […]
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The Blue G’s
Hey, these guys were good when they started and just keep getting better and better in live performance and on record. The celebration on Sunday presents both sides of the band with a live performance of the latest CD, Helpless, Hopeless, & Moving On, with Micah Walk opening the show. Bandmates Shane Bumgarner (banjo, vocals), […]
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Celebration choices
Hang onto your horses and your hats as we roll into a big weekend full of celebrations! On Friday, St. Louis-based blues entertainer, composer and singer Paul Bonn brings his stellar band, the Bluesmen, to the 411 Bar and Grill downtown. These accomplished musicians play all over the country and are spending 2017 celebrating 50 […]
