At 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, Real Time takes the Ethnic Village gazebo stage at the Illinois State Fairgrounds to entertain attendees of the umpteenth Ethnic Festival with fine jazz music. The weather should be curiously cool for this time of year, possibly increasing the sale of hot drinks and definitely adding to the comfort of the crowd. At 2:45 p.m. the next day, Dennis Maberry and his percussion ensemble, Love Drum Talk, make some music. Maberry, who recently published an instructional drumming book that received national distribution, keeps the playing tight and the format loose. As always at this festival, which runs at the same time as the Springfield Mile, on the other side of the fairgrounds, keep your eyes peeled for interesting combinations of people.
Just in case you haven’t heard, the Capital City Bar & Grill (3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-529-8580) is off and running in the Capital City Shopping Center (across from the Crowne Plaza). The nightclub in an old theater makes for a unique venue. Razin’ Kane, our fabulous local smooth-jazz combo headed up by Brian Pryor, hits the stage at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, offering you, the adventurous customer, a fine opportunity to check the new place out. Be sure to cop a schedule while you’re there and stay updated on the movies that will be shown on “brew and view” nights. I’ve heard of such things happening in other cities, but I never thought I’d live to see it here. Hallelujah!
In another incredible outdoor entertainment choice, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra presents Pops in the Park at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, in the bandshell at Douglas Park. ISO Maestra Karen Lynne Deal promises patriotic numbers, highlights from the upcoming season, and, for the kid in each of us, selections from Looney Tunes, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Harry Potter. Please bring your own seating, in the form of a blanket, lawn chair, or couch.
Congratulations to Steven Hoffman of Nokomis, winner of the B.B. King autographed guitar offered in the Illinois Central Blues Club benefit raffle to support Blues in the Schools. Hoffman was with his family, visiting downtown Lincoln sites on Saturday, and decided that the Old Capitol Blues & BBQs festival was the place for some family fun. He bought a raffle ticket from club member Jo Warfield, and his number was called a short time later. How lucky can you get?
Contact Tom Irwin at tirwin@illinoistimes.com.
This article appears in Aug 24-30, 2006.
