Here we go full bore into our November transition stage, from the usual outdoor spaces so popular in Springfield to indoor entertainment areas of the cooler season. Let’s see what’s up for this upcoming weekend in the here and now of the who and where.
Many thanks to all who attended the Best of Springfield Illinois Times party on Oct. 30. Congratulations to all the winners (and nominees), especially those in the music categories, because, well, this is a column about live music, silly. So, long live live music.
Our Thursdays have now slowed to mostly open mics, which gives you the opportunity to get out and participate. John Drake hosts his monthly spot at Ad Astra with a special invite to poets and spoken word artists as well as musicians of all flavors to come savor the sounds. At The Blue Grouch, Kortney Leatherwood presides over his Best of Springfield-winning, long-time running open mic (we’re nodding at the late, great Sam Draper here, who co-hosted for many years) with this one designed as a band setup with a backline where musicians mingle to make magic happen.
Friday takes us to the usual spots with an assortment of area performers on call. Robert Sampson brings in a band to lead the way at the Curve Inn with blues and more, while The Collective hits the spot at Motorheads with a selection of popular covers and the promise of new tunes in the setlist, as Sarah Schnieder sets up shop with her group at George Rank’s for an evening of eclectic tunes.
In acoustic situations, Silas Tockey sings up a storm upstairs at Harvest Market just as Thomas J. Beverly hits the road to dazzle at Decatur Brew Works and Not Petty travels to Shelbyville where the duo does their special Wildflowers Tom Petty tribute show at the Longbranch Grill.
In the country market, The Longmeyer Band presents its particular take on covers plus some originals at DFV near New Berlin, while White Lightnin’ strikes at VFW 755 with cool classic country featuring real pedal steel guitar and a fiddle. For a taste of legendary country, the Hank IV Duo (how many Hanks are there now?) rolls into Jeb’s Backroom Lounge in Riverton for a night advertised as having “steel guitar” in the mix.
Saturday comes on strong at noon with the monthly Springfield Uketopians gathering at Stella Coffee & Tea, where beginners are always welcome to join the uke troupe. Looks like a night of tributes lies just ahead with Keith Allyn representing Neil Diamond at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, Annie Aiello doing Olivia Newton-John at the Decatur Civic Center and Dancing Queen covering the ABBA phenom at Danenbergers.
I see some 2024 BoS winners out there when Lick Creek (overall and original band) drives into Motorheads, Brandy Kristin (female vocalist) conveys her high-energy band to the Funky Monkey in Taylorville and 3’s Company stays over at The Blue Grouch featuring Steve Clark Jr. (male vocalist).
Funday Sunday lives up its name with superb singer-songwriter (and former Rochester resident) Hope MacGregor at It’s All About Wine and me with a full band at Brewhaus for a special Raoul celebration and Tim Harte’s going-away party for in-town stuff. Then a long list of area entertainers plays small towns all around us, including Rod Grant at Locals in Pawnee, Manny Lee at Hill Prairie Winery near Oakford, Billy Galt at Vixen Hill Winery by Palmyra and JackAsh at AJ’s Corner in Chatham.
Other than that, there ain’t nothing to do other than check the listings for all the other things to do.
This article appears in This I believe Illinois.
