As we roar on into the last weekend of September for 2025, fall is in the air and live music in the outdoor spaces is slowly coming to a close. For now, let’s enjoy what we have left of the season to the utmost, with almost complete abandon and definitely the most fun we can accumulate and accommodate without any debate.
As the Thursday gigs begin to go into hibernation, we’ve still got about a month of steady ones ahead. In a one-off, I see our old friend Johnny Burgin rockin’ the blues at George Rank’s outdoor area with an unusual, but surely astounding as usual, solo show, while Blue Sky Revival delivers a superb Allman Brothers tribute at the Curve Inn. Keith Dunlap takes his tunes to Casey’s Pub patio spot, Allan Harris drops by Mother Road Diner and Me, Myself & Schy land at Sangamo Brewing in Chatham with Geoff Ryan on the bass.
This weekend brings us another round of the Route 66 Mother Road Festival, delivering a Friday night cruise down the streets of Springfield, live music sponsored by the festival folks (plus a bunch of extra happenings because of the fest) and basically a loaded city full of car crazy cats digging the fun times.
The downtown event gives us music by Lady Luck on Friday (8-10 p.m.), then on Saturday here come The 66 Ramblers (1-3), Rosie & the Rivets (5-7) and Bon Journeyed (8-10, and yes, it’s a hybrid Bon Jovi/Journey tribute) all on the Isringhausen Main Stage at Washington and Seventh streets, with a burnout contest break in the music at 3 p.m.
Added attractions on Friday include Jason McKenzie at Whiskey Jack’s and 3rd Street Strays at Jamie’s on 66, plus Cherry and Jerry at Buzz Bomb, along with Not Petty (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) and Black Velvet (3-6 p.m.) at the Railyard and OAT Band at George Rank’s for live music action on the cruise route. And if you’re looking to avoid the “noize of the carz” try Johnnie Owens & Butter at Boone’s, Joel Honey at Harvest Market, Satellite at Long Bridge and/or Stone Cold Cowboys at the Curve Inn.
Saturday lists some 40 shows so buckle up and let’s go for a ride. More downtown thrills to compliment the festival crowd include Dr. Noodles and the Pastafarians (wonder what kind of music they play?) at Whiskey Jack’s (1-4 p.m.) and Towse (internationally touring original music duo) at Buzz Bomb (7-10 p.m.).
For the bigger band shows, Lick Creek flows into Motorheads, EaZy PeTey takes on Weebles, Sunshine Daydream does the Dead at The Blue Grouch and Folsom Prison Five is a-coming ‘round the bend at The Railyard.
Lighter fare combos include Chris Camp and John Drake at Mother Road Diner, Fairweather Friends at The Bird and The Whiskey Killers at Casey’s Pub, plus solo acoustic act Gianna Hines at Harvest Market.
For something different on Saturday, check out Hipbone Sam & the Joints at Erin’s Pavilion (8-11 a.m., yes, that’s in the morning) for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s fundraiser and the Best Kept Secret Live Show as a ticketed event at the Curve Inn featuring music performances by LaTrina Henry, Peety, Josie Lowder, V8 Vast Change, Divina Shā, Champ Anderson and Laquisha Burries-Finn, with an after party open jam at Bourbon Street.
Sunday is still on the move with over 20 events happening around town and in the area including Robert Sampson at Trail’s End in Curran, Mississippi Leghound with Bad Bill at Brookhills and Frank Trompeter Trio at Buzz Bomb.
Please take a moment to wish our Illinois Times a very happy 50th birthday and many, many more. Then check the listings for more musical delights. See ya.
This article appears in September 25-October 1, 2025.
