Welcome to our first full weekend of October as we find ourselves in the midst of fall flings, autumnal outings, Oktoberfest-erings and all such things that happen as we finish out the year of outdoor festivals and begin to consider the approaching cooler weather. So let's get out while we can and enjoy all the live music under the sun while it's fun and feasible.
For one of the last outdoor festivals of the year, head to Lincoln Memorial Garden this weekend for the storied Fall Harvest Festival. The formation of the place itself is an incredible story (check out the LMG history tent while you're there), but for now and for our music column limitations, let's stick with who's "now playing" at the upcoming fest. Along with all the crafts and food for perusal and purchase, there's always plenty of fun stuff for kids of all ages to do, finely complimenting live music performances at the stage area in a natural setting across the road from the nature center and garden grounds. This weekend's lineup includes Tater Tots Rock (9:45 a.m.), Stuart Smith (11 a.m.), Micah Walk and Dave Littrell (12:45 p.m.), then Rhodes & Battles Trio (2:30 p.m.) on Saturday with Ben Bedford (11 a.m.), Irwin & Son (12:45 p.m.) and Kraig Kenning (2:30 p.m.) scheduled for Sunday, all accompanied by a fine weather forecast for the entire time.
We stopped by Sheedy Shores WineGarden last Sunday to catch a super set of songs by Beige Desperadoes and the finely played music watched by a full crowd was a definite reminder of how much this venue will be missed next season. With the decision made to not be open every weekend in 2024 (hopefully for some special events), each visit is bittersweet this fall. The coming weekends will feature a few more acts than just on Sundays, so I thought I'd list what's up so folks could make an effort to see this neat spot out past Loami while possible.
This weekend is filled with good talent, including the dynamic duo of Tom & Geoff on Friday night, Brandon Elliott solo blues and more on Saturday evening. Then on Sunday afternoon it's Southern Illinois singer-songwriter Tim Crosby. Next weekend (Oct. 14-15) features the one-and-only Johnnie Owens (with a band!) on Saturday and the Nashville-based Gabe Marshall teamed with Dakota Leigh on Sunday. The good fun continues the next weekend (Oct. 20-22) with Tracy Gibbs on Friday, War Road Gypsy on Saturday and Tim Duggan on Sunday. Then comes the final show hosted by your friend and mine, Joel Honey, on Sunday, Oct. 29. Thanks for all of the great music support throughout the years. If Sheedy Shores has shows again, we will be very happy to see it happen.
Off we go until next week. Please check the listings for more great music around town.
