Due to the particular reach of the event, a good deal of Springfield feels the fair effect. From changing the traffic flow direction around the fairgrounds to allowing bars and nightclubs to remain open until 3 a.m. if they so choose, several fair-only rules apply during the 10-day run of the happening. But the most important rule of all is to have fun and get out there to take in plenty of live music in different areas of the grounds.
The Grandstand books the big star names with quite a bit of popular, contemporary country for 2016 but enough classic rock and Top 40 to make a reasonable mix. The beer distributor tent gigs are coveted by many local bands, often viewed as a great way to get exposure and a decent paycheck while playing times not usually booked at bars. The fair management hired acts at the Lincoln Stage, and Ethnic Village and various other stages on the grounds make up the remainder of the entertainment faction. Last year beer tent bands were paid on time by the host distributors after the fair was over, but state-hired vendors, including musical acts, just got a paycheck a few weeks ago. I’ve heard of some bands just getting hired recently for 2016 fair-sponsored gigs which makes sense, since during the usual booking time in the spring there was doubt about having a fair at all with the state budget held hostage. The fair folk are still a bit behind, it seems. As of now on the ISF website, every one of the free stages offering music simply states this convoluted and wrongly worded message: “A wide variety of shows, contests and talents are in store for you at this free stage (sic).” I’m sure that fairly soon fair things will be in fair shape, because that’s only fair.
Some folks may prefer to avoid the hectic, lively atmosphere of the fair, and hardly anybody knows more about that hectic life that Ric “Skippy” Major. Skip spent the last 17 years straight and a good percentage of all the fairs since 1975 running live sound in some capacity on the grounds. This year he decided to stay at home, and his home lately is the Curve Inn, where he has created a wonderful stage set up including very professional lights and sound to be envied by any venue anywhere. Ric lined up 13 bands during the 10 days and two weekends of the fair while Ami and the crew at The Curve are promoting the idea with offers of “cheap corn dogs, vodka lemon shake-ups, and no state police (but they’re welcome to join in the fun)” along with free parking and admission plus porta-potties to give you that real fair experience. Sounds fair to me, Skip!
The wonderful and always illuminating Josie Lowder drops into town for a few days this week. She’s doing a show at It’s All About Wine starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11. For this gig, Josie is playing with members of her Lowder family and most likely a talented group of friends and admirers will pop in to jam as well. As Josie posted on the Facebook invite, she would “... love to see your smiling faces there,” and you will be smiling just listening to the magic of music played with heart and soul.
Fair enough for me.
Contact Tom Irwin at [email protected].
