As the weather changes, so do our music venues. This week brings the last of the big outdoor festivals (as far as I’ve heard), and it is very likely the heaters came out and on last week in our indoor/outdoor beer/music garden areas. Before you know it, we’ll be singing “Auld Lang Syne.” Yikes!
The Indian Summer Festival out at Lincoln Memorial Garden on Lake Springfield has long supported a wonderful music venue to enhance the craft and activity part of the fest. A combination of the lay of the land, strategically placed straw bales and the spacious, well-built stage makes for a spectacular natural amphitheater. My only wish is that the space was used more frequently. In the meantime, this annual event brings out bands well-suited to a nature setting. You can experience Cactus Ranch (11 a.m.), Ben Bedford (12:45 p.m.) and Amy Benton (2:30 p.m.) on Saturday. On Sunday, at the same start times, see Burr Oak String Band, Kraig Kenning and The Deep Hollow. Those are good sounds for the birds, bees, rocks and trees, plus us human folk, too.
It’s never fun to have to report another benefit to help those in need, but on the other hand, it’s great to talk about the terrific way our community responds in support. I missed one last week when I didn’t get a blurb in on a fundraiser for Wheelie Jason Wilkins and his son Brock who are both recovering from a severe car accident. The rousing success was held at Boondocks with a DJ, Exit 52 band, auction items and other fundraising doings. If you’d like to help out now, get a hold of the one and only Jaime Linderman on Facebook to donate. This Sunday, starting at 2 p.m. at the Curve Inn (after a bike run through nearby towns), bands play, auctions happen and general fundraising occurs for Southern View police officer Christopher Yingling who unfortunately was struck recently by an aggressive cancer. From the music angle, bands include Double Trouble, Diversion, New City Road, Girl-a-Thon and Bustin’ Loose with Emcee Jeff Allen. And, yes, there’s someone from the Harris family playing in every band. Thanks to the family that plays together because they stay together and help others.
If you’re itching to get out of town but still see familiar faces, check out these shows. How about a drive to Effingham for a tribute concert to Johnny Cash and June Carter with the cast of Walkin’ with Cash on Saturday night? Our Elvis Himselvis buddies and lifetime, hometown musicians Gene Acree and Ken Harvill are in the band. The show features Keith Furry as Johnny Cash and Jan Daily as June Carter Cash. This one is done with love and care in total dedication to the memories of two of America’s most lasting and outstanding musicians, who happened to love each other and played music together for decades. Popular local group After Sunset sets sail for Fast Eddie’s Bon Air in Alton to play on Friday and Saturday from 8 to midnight at the “world famous” bar and restaurant. After a few weeks’ break, the fellas are ready to hit it again with new material and plenty of favorites. At the Gratum Farm on Middleton Road in Kane County near Hampshire, Be Kind Productions hosts the second annual Grate Pumpkin Music Festival Friday through Sunday, featuring all kinds of kind bands with our Sunshine Daydream guys from Springfield playing Saturday before Terrapin Flyer. It’s “grate” and it’s about the “dead,” so enjoy accordingly.
The votes are in and being counted for the “Best of Springfield” contest. Results will be coming soon to an Illinois Times near you.
Contact Tom Irwin at tirwin@illinoistimes.com.
