We could say there's much, much more music in June and be just fine with that. I'm not kidding folks, the scene is overflowing with all kinds of music in all kinds of places everywhere you look. So let's go take a look at this wealth of entertainment that sits before us.
Instead of going day by day (or night by night) this time around, I feel like jumping all over the musical event map and just landing wherever it sounds good. So how about this cool thing happening at one of the coolest buildings anywhere when the Dana-Thomas House (designed, of course, by Frank Lloyd Wright) plays host to Jazz in Bloom Saturday, June 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. Sponsored by the Dana-Thomas House Foundation, this is considered a fundraiser as well as a garden party so reservations are requested and can be made online at the D-T House website. Your 65 bucks gets you in the door for live music by the delightful Angel Brown's Smooth 'N Blue Band, plus food and an open bar, all within the lovely confines of one of the most unique and special places you might ever find yourself.
Here's another Saturday evening interesting event that's different from the norm, when A Family Affair hosts the first Boone's Block Party by blocking off the street in front of the longtime watering hole on the corner of Edwards and College streets and kicking out the jams with Sunshine Daydream (7-10 p.m.) and Solar Chariot (4-6:30 p.m.). The party, organized by a partnership between Boone's and Musical Mischief LLC, runs all day long from 3 to 10 p.m. with various craft vendors likely hanging around as well. Rock on, Boone's.
On Friday night, check out someone new to you when the Drew Cooper Band plays at Connor's Corner Pub in Tallula. You may not have heard of Drew Cooper but lots of famous folks have. His latest release was produced by John Lousteau (head engineer for the Foo Fighters) and was recorded at Dave Grohl's (of Nirvana and Foo Fighters fame, among many other things) legendary, Los Angeles-based recording playground known as Studio 606. I just looked at Cooper's website and it says Drew was born in Springfield, Illinois, but moved to Tucson, Arizona, with his family at age 11. Who knew? He's hanging out in the modern outlaw country music arena which fits his gravelly voice and storytelling style, plus he's rocking out as well as showing his country roots for a cool cat combination ready for action.
Here's a reminder that the long-running Artist on the Plaza program is continuing this year. Sponsored by the Springfield Area Arts Council and financed by local businesses, the event occurs every Friday throughout the summer from noon to 1 p.m. on the south side of the Old State Capitol. I played there last week and have done the gig for decades. This Friday you can catch the wonderful songs and sounds of singer-songwriter Amy Benton, and next week it's Fourth Dementia doing the barbershop quartet thing. Come downtown and visit a few shops or restaurants before or after and have a good time while doing a good thing in support of our local artists and businesses.
This weekend is the last for the Walnut Street Winery in Rochester. As I mentioned last week, the Ivas John Band with special guest Ella Gibson play for the final big party night on Friday, then our pal Yoshi does the last performance on Saturday. Thanks, Loren. We will all miss your special place.
That's all the jumping around I've got for this week.
