Cheers to the merry month of May, one filled with possibilities, or maybe not. But most assuredly there is plenty of live music happening around town as our bountiful beer gardens, wonderful wineries and other fresh air venues continue to open and thrive. Let’s see what’s happening out there so you can get an idea of what you may be participating in.
Thursdays continue to grow, and I couldn’t be happier. Looks like our good friend Jose Gobbo, the incredible jazz guitarist we’ve been fortunate enough to have hanging around, is playing at the Pharmacy Art Space with bassist Andrew Binder and special guest, Detroit-based jazz vocalist, arranger and composer, Olivia Van Goor. Described as an “old soul influenced by swing and bebop jazz from the mid-20th century,” she’s been nominated by the Detroit Music Awards for Best Vocal Jazz Album of 2021 and Outstanding Vocalist in 2023.
For other Thursday evening options, check out Kerry Lee on the patio at Casey’s Pub, Lemon and Sweet Pickles at the Curve and yours truly at Danenberger’s Bourbon Bar space. And of course, May the Fourth be with you on all your musical adventures.
Friday gives us the south-of-the-border holiday of Cinco de Mayo, which we celebrate here in the U.S. more than our compadres in Mexico do these days, but it has become a time to recognize and respect Latino culture. For us, that usually means chugging a shot of tequila (salt and lime if you must), then washing it down with a Mexican-made beer while listening to some American music at the local cantina, but we do what we can.
A fun, celebratory stop may include the annual fundraising festival – known as Nickipalooza – held at Danenberger’s Family Vineyards to support the Phoenix Center. Featuring the music of Sunshine Daydream and Positively Fourth Street, the free concert is presented by Nicole Florence and open to the public, so go have fun for a good cause.
Top hits for more live music around town may be the Tangents at Bar Bella, Red Ribbon Revue at Harvest Market, Wowie Zowie at Mowie’s (I know, it gets me every time, too), The Hangovers at Blue Grouch, Branded at Weebles, Downstate at the Sherman Athletic Club, Myers-Brant-Paoni at BUNN Gourmet and JackAsh at Casey’s Pub. ¡Que te lo pases bien!
It feels like we’re already flying through the month, and it’s just the first Saturday in May. Goodfellas keeps coming up with winner shows, and this time it’s a crazy good double-header of Chris Sorenson Project and RockHouse, together again. Harvest Market presents us the tantalizing tunes and terrific talents of the Jonnie Concaroo Band, an experience not to be missed.
For outside shows outside the city, Yoshi returns to the Walnut Street Winery in Rochester, The Down Homies drop in at Sheedy Shores WineGarden in Loami and Rhodes & Battles Trio slip into West of Wise Winery near Petersburg.
For a Sunday afternoon treat, Boo Boo Davis with The L.A. Jones Trio lands at the Alamo for a special CD release party from 2 to 5 p.m. Sponsored by the Illinois Central Blues Club, Boo Boo is straight out of East St. Louis, playing real-deal, gut bucket, post-war electric blues. A description of his style includes the phrase “no hint of blues-rock,” which I am very happy to report.
As always, please support our musicians by attending the gigs, paying attention and hitting the applause button when needed, and also with generous tips and merch purchases. Thanks, and be sure to check the listings for specific times and all the other goings-on.
This article appears in The micropantry movement.
