Somehow Brian Henneman, head honcho of the
Bottle Rockets, got it in his head that crappy country songs of the
1970s should not die alone and forgotten. He’s revived the
best of the worst from their moribund state for presentation to an
unsuspecting public, and Diesel Island, Henneman’s chosen
band vehicle for this adventure, takes the stage Friday, April 7,
at the Underground City Tavern (700 E. Adams St., 217-789-1530).
Opening the show are those merry music-makers the Moonlight Rhythm
Rangers. One cannot mention the MRRs without a pause and a prayer
for drummer, singer, songwriter, and left-handed guitarist Lucky
Patterson, an original member who’s now serving with our armed
forces in Iraq. Bless Lucky’s little heart. Other shows of note: Once a staple of the
national Americana scene, Anna Fermin’s Trigger Gospel is
back with a new CD in tow, scheduled to play the Underground City
Tavern on Saturday, April 8. Springfield native Andon Davis graced
the band with his special brand of guitar work for several years, and even though
he’s not listed on the band’s Web site as a current member
of the group, he will be at the show, a little bird tells me. Highly recommended by
anyone with ears to hear, eyes to see, and legs to dance, Russell
Miller and 6V6 is a blues band not to be missed. Check out the
groovy goodness of the Bloomington-based group at the Trading Post
Saloon (731 S. Durkin Dr., 217-787-8434) on Friday night. Thirsty’s
Playground (1975 Wabash Ave., 217-787-3434), conveniently located at the
corner of Chatham Road and Wabash Avenue (the sign didn’t go
up until after the first round of tornadoes) is Springfield’s
newest watering hole and feeding spot. The management plans to
create a home for live music and good food where folks reaching the
middle ages will feel welcome and secure but can act as if
they’re not growing older by the second. The other half of
the restaurant/nightclub should be open within the next few weeks.
Hours are 3 p.m.-1 a.m. Mon.-Fri. and 11 p.m.-1 a.m. Sat. and Sun.
This article appears in Apr 6-12, 2006.
