There’s something enticing about April, how the world refreshes and starts anew. Of course, T.S. Eliot famously called it the “cruellest month,” basically because of this enticement that T.S. felt only led to deeper disappointment. But let the poets take us where they dare, we’re talking about live music and the Springfield scene where April gets us going in a good way toward the full-fledged season of summer gigs galore.
Let’s begin on Friday night where sadness mingles with commemoration as Kapital Sound dedicates their show at the Curve Inn to honor “the life and legacy” of Conrad Lee, a former lead guitarist and vocalist in the popular band, who recently and suddenly passed away. As the Facebook post from the band says, “Let’s fill the night with the love and music Conrad shared so generously with us all” and “Rest easy, Conrad. Your music lives on in every note we play.” That’s a tough one to take.
In other Friday night happenings, Lyman Ellerman returns to his roots in Riverton with a band show at the Backroom Lounge with special guest Owen Knap. Lyman, one of the finest songwriters (and mighty fine friend, too) to come out of central Illinois, is on a hefty music run through the Midwest and beyond. The kickoff gig happens at his favorite place to play in this universe (I can safely say) – Jeb’s little hot spot in the back of the hometown liquor store.
Come participate in the celebration when Mark “Big Guy” Bott marks 70 years on earth by hosting his Concert Sound Karaoke at Koo Koo’s 2 with invites to friends and fans to come sing along, swap stories and party on. Familiar local sounds abound with Bustin’ Loose (the Family Harris) at Weebles, Frank Trompeter with his Quartet (including pianist Chris Miller and his son, Henry, on bass) at Buzz Bomb, Red Ribbon Revue (Schy and Jonathan together again) at Harvest Market, White Lightnin’ (real-deal style, classic country) at Firefighters-Postal Club, Grounded (remnants of Kortney’s birthday remain) at Goodfellas, Angel Brown’s Smooth ‘n’ Blue Band (wide variety of songs sung) at Lime Street Cafe and Amy Battles and myself crooning at Boone’s.
Moving on over to Saturday, we’ve got a wheelbarrow full of music starting with Kevin Aldrich being the early bird at 10 a.m. at Stella Coffee & Tea. Next up, LevelUp Seed and Supply sponsors a 4/20’s Eve Party at the Blue Grouch with Positively 4th Street going on at 2:30, followed by Sunshine Daydream gratefully dead-ing it at 4:30 to who knows when, in a ticketed, party-time atmosphere.
George Rank’s kicks in with a cool show featuring Attic Salt and Local Drags, while Niko Boeker brings on the tunes at Harvest Market. Our friends in Jacksonville keep the music flowing with bonafide country music-maker Jackson Taylor and the Sinners plus special guests The Longmeyer Band at Twisted Tree Music Hall, while Pizza Records lowers the boom with a four-band presentation of The Phantom Lordz, Dysfunctional Family, NAD and Unthynck.
Sunday is still the Funday, by reason of rhyme, if nothing else, with several solid shows including Michael Burnett and Devin C. Williams at It’s All About Wine, Al Kitchen at Mother Road Diner, Rod Grant at Buckhart Tavern and 3rd Street Strays Duo at Trails End in Curran. Plus, there are two downtown gigs open to musicians joining in with Frank Parker’s Jambalaya Jazz Jam at Brewhaus Pub and the Fantastical Folk Jam at Buzz Bomb.
All that and Easter weekend, too, will keep us all hoppin’ and poppin’ until next week.
This article appears in Home and Garden.
