Music

Just when you thought we had escaped the ravages of that Midwest summer heat, here we are in mid-September paying the price for a moderate August. Actually, it’s an easy way to say something silly like, “The weather is hot, man, but, oh, the music is so cool, dude.” Let’s go see how that works […]

As we enter the second full weekend of September, the live music looks, sounds and maybe even smells good for what, where and who is playing right now. Shall we dispense with further ado and leap headlong into the scene before us? Heck, yeah! Thursdays continue rocking the room with Thursday Night Live at Motorheads […]

You heard that right (or read it right, actually) the headline proclaims September is here, and so it is. And with that comes the beginning of the end of the summer season as we wind our way toward the autumnal time, all the while finding more live music to experience. After that introduction, let’s move […]

Just in case you’re a little like me in wondering how in the world did the summer go flying by, wake up and smell the ragweed, it’s Labor Day weekend already. After a few weeks of unseasonably mild weather, we’ve got a scorcher going now. So cool your jets, then let’s see what’s playing in […]

There’s no doubt about it, after the big blast of State Fair action subsides, there seems to be a lull in all the happenings around town. But really, we’re just getting back to normal and that is something very good, full of mountains of music and piles of performers playing here, there and everywhere in […]

As we enter the waning days of the Illinois State Fair, the weather, which arguably has more to do with the fair’s success than anything else, has cooperated quite fabulously and allowed for super-duper attendance figures. And if not record-breaking numbers (but maybe), those attending the fair thus far found record-breaking comfort in the mild […]

Yes, my friends and fellow fairgoers, it’s once again fair time in Springfield as the Illinois State Fair comes to town and transforms our fair city into a “fair city” practically overnight. Fair or not, it’s our party to host and there’s hardly another singular event that I could think of that impacts our community […]

When folks start talking about the Illinois State Fair, the conversation often drifts to all the live music going on all over the grounds. From the big-time touring acts at the Grandstand to area cover bands getting a hot spot at the beer tents to the numerous performances on several stages scattered throughout the fairgrounds, […]

Moving into August, we wrap up the main summer events, survive another Illinois State Fair and look forward to fun fall festivals and early Oktoberfests while observing the holiday season in the cold distance. But let’s not get in a hurry, and take the time to enjoy what’s before us now. And that would be… […]

Downhome Music Festival July 26-27 Seventh and Washington streets This weekend will mark the 14th year for the Downhome Music Festival. Downhome founder Josh Catalano moved to South Carolina earlier this year but was still responsible for booking this year’s music. He will also be on hand to perform with his band Wayward Motel on […]

As our summer season rolls into the last weekend of July, there are gaggles of regular gigs in outdoor venues and indoor establishments around the area and giglets galore in many a winery, brewery, restaurant and bar. It’s up to you to get out there and enjoy the fun before it’s done. The last weekend […]