As the new year rolls along our community keeps up a steady flow of live music performances from all directions, and that’s the way it ought to be. We often consider right after the holiday season a slower time for entertainment possibilities, but I think you’ll agree with me when you see that no such thing is a-happening around town. Now let’s go gallivanting through the tulips to find what’s there.
I prefer to take a moment here at this juncture, specifically the start of a new year, to encourage folks to go visit open mics and jams. Sometimes pictured as the place where those who can’t get a gig go, believe me, you’ll find on a given night, talent from all levels of the spectrum performing before your very eyes and ears. Generally, musicians gather at the same weekly spot or flit from one to another, all while forming alliances that often becomes bands or friendships that lead to collaborations, and that’s good stuff for our growing, thriving music scene. There’s a thrill in seeing someone or some band start out at an open mic and develop into a full-fledged, functioning act playing in regular venues. So take a moment to stop by one of the many open mics, stages or jams posted in our listings and give a listen to the burgeoning brouhaha. And by all means, take the time to dust off that instrument, learn a song and come join the music-makers. It’s quite fun and a great way to make friends while hanging out at a local bar unlocking the mysteries of making music.
Moving on, we again have a nice assortment of acoustic acts and rocking bands making the rounds into the realm of weekend nights at the bars. Most places that consistently book do both Friday and Saturday nights so let’s try something different and look at the venues rather than separate nights.
I see the Curve Inn, definitely a longtime live music leader, hosting Deja Voodoo on Friday and Sushi Roll on Saturday, while Harvest Market Farmhouse Brews brings in Joel Honey followed by Elvis Himselvis. Sound Decision, the duo of Carl Bopp and Ed Smith, do double duty both nights at Lime Street Cafe as Boone’s gives us John Drake on Friday and Living Bratz on Saturday while the Butternut Hut delivers the goods with Birds of a Feather then drops the original sounds of Pimpin Henry.
Of the one-night weekend haunts, Saturday is still the leader with Lick Crick, one of our top area draws for years, showing up at Motorhead’s Motordome, as Last Call Blues Band drifts into DH Brown’s and touring act Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band with guest Square of the Roots pop into Danenberger Family Vineyards.
Nearby Jacksonville, always a beacon of live music, comes up with Damned Torpedoes at Twisted Tree Music Hall, Satellite at Kuhl Tyme Korner, Jason Michael Launer at the Elks Club and Scarlet’s Darling with Short Notice and The Complaint Line showing up at Pizza Records, all on this Saturday night.
Sunday comes calling with a long list including Johnnie Owens buttering up It’s All About Wine, young Griffin Fenoglio waltzing into Buckhart Tavern and Casey Cantrall and friends getting down at Trails End in Curran, while B Douglas and the Travelers for Peace host a blues jam (here ya go) at Sky Lounge as Al and Kathy Kitchen take the evening shift at Mother Road Diner.
And don’t forget the Illinois Central Blues Club-sponsored Blue Mondays at The Alamo continuing year after year with this week’s attraction, the local legends SmoothTimes.
Now, off we go.
This article appears in January 15-21, 2026.
