Ahoy, mateys, and welcome to our weekly roundup of local happenings in the Springfield music scene. This week is some of this and some of that, but that's not all; as the warmer weather blows our way, the outdoors gigs increase and we get closer to full-swing summer mode.
Our first mention is sad news of the passing of drummer Tom Summerlin. Recognized as a kind soul and smiling face to all who knew him, including family, friends and fans, Tom was a loyal and passionate drummer for the Sleeping Dogzz rock band for some 25 years and had a grand time touring the country with ZZ Trip, a prominent and popular ZZ Top tribute group. A celebration of life is planned for Sunday, June 9, at the Curve Inn. Details are upcoming. His obituary on Legacy.com states: "In lieu of flowers, Tom's final request (was) that donations to help cover medical expenses incurred during his illness be made online in his honor." Let's support his legacy by helping out and remembering his smile seen so often as he sat behind the drum kit, making music with friends and for friends. Rest in peace (and rhythm) to Tom Summerlin, March 7, 1958-April 13, 2024.
Fridays always blow in with plenty of shows and this one is no exception. A sampling of highlights includes Silhouette, a band of young musicians playing years ahead of their ages doing a full night at Long Bridge Golf Course after several support shows lately; our pals Fireside Relics opening for Tom Petty tribute band Southern Accents at the Castle Theater in Bloomington; the Pepper Sprouts duo of Trish and Mandy popping into The Range in Chatham and 3's Company bringing their good vibrations into Harry's Adult Day Care.
Country sounds swirl around when White Lightnin' covers the classics at VFW Post 755 and The Longmeyer Band hits with originals and more at Motorheads, while big-time country music name Chris Cagle (he's been doing it since early 2000s) drifts into Boondocks and Waymore's Outlaws (actual former members of Waylon's band) breeze into The Backroom Lounge in Riverton.
On Saturday, the date is 4/20, and if you don't know what "four twenty" means, well, I'm just going to tell you it's a slang term for smoking pot. So it's like Weed Day, man. You can look it up if you don't believe me or just want to know more about the situation. It definitely has an effect on the music scene all over the country and in our neck of the woods. There's a big show called Rock the 420 featuring Astrofix with Rabbit in Red and The Hangovers happening at The Blue Grouch that includes a fundraiser celebration for The Last Prisoner Project – dedicated to assisting those incarcerated for pot possession crimes – starting at 3 p.m. with the music blasting in at around 6.
Devin Williams and Stumpy Joe fly into and out of the acoustic blues (classics and originals) at the Bird, while Sunshine Daydream and Positively 4th Street play all day at Long Bridge under an event tent and Lincoln's Dead goes "grateful" at George Rank's to celebrate the occasion.
Sunday looks to be a real "funday" with Hipbone & the Joints burning one at Buckhart Tavern, Antone & Wick rolling into Hill Prairie Winery near Oakford, Keith Dunlap going for broke at Lucky's on the Square in Petersburg and Joel Honey teeing off at Brookhills Golf Club.
There's plenty more where that came from, so check the listings and we'll see you next week.
