Hey there, Lincoln Landlubbers, whatcha doing this weekend? Why not try these terribly exciting and disparately challenging entertainment opportunities?
The word is out — and the word is Posamist. I’m not sure what it means and neither does my faithful Webster’s, but it’s definitely a band and I’ve heard they are really good. They play mostly acoustically with guitars, bass, and congas and run through originals and classic covers. My sources say they have “a great sound and are worth a closer look.” They groove their universe (and yours, if you’ll only let them) every Thursday at Dempsey’s and this weekend at C.C. Wills on Saturday.
It’s not a pub, but crawl if you must to the beautiful Sangamon Auditorium this Friday for TheChieftains, the world’s finest purveyors of traditional Irish music. After the concert, local musicians (everyone is invited) will gather at Bootlegger’s to visit, down a few pints, and sing and play music at an old-fashioned Ceilidh (that’s Gaelic for visit or party and is pronounced “kaylee,” for you not of Celtic origin). Sing The Rising of the Moon for me, if you please.
In more typical central Illinois-type excursions, Late Arrival will fill the room at the State Bar and Grill on Friday with a fine selection of rock tunes. Full Circle rolls into Spillway Lanes Lounge and Spongeworthy coughs up the hits at Marly’s Pub. Get a lesson in rock & roll from Roxschool at the Grandstand and Skin it Back, whichcamps out at Trails End in Curran.
Speaking of campouts, Norb Andy’s would be the place this weekend for jazz and swing-loving folks to pop up a tent. Sally Weisenburg rounds up the trio on Friday and Kevin Cox leads Bob Katt and the Missing Lynx through the paces on Saturday. Order some food and don’t worry about packing the picnic basket.
Looking for a place to take the kids on Saturday? Hey, why not stop by Bread Stretchers for a sandwich and an all ages punk/indie/pop rock concert. Yes, the mild-mannered sub shop by day still occasionally transforms into a music hotspot at night. This week, Even in Blackouts, a Chicago acoustic punk-pop group, Resident Genius, the capital city’s resident indie rock band, Adult Entertainment, a punk band from Rochester, and All These Pieces, a punk band of unknown origin, combine forces to fill the joint with musicians and music. The festivities begin at 7 p.m.
Phil’s First Street Bar and Grill is back in the live music circle. This Saturday, Hit and Run, a fun-loving local cover group, kicks off the re-entry. Plans include a Thursday evening acoustic night and bands on Saturday, plus continuing with the ever-popular, Cook-n-Karaoke on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Do not consider your life complete unless you’ve caught a Springfield Shaky show. The venerable prince of the local blues scene, Shake can shine his guitar light on you and you’ll never be the same. He hosts the Illinois Central Blues Club’s Blue Monday Jam this week at the Alamo.
It’s all a bit overwhelming at times isn’t it? Get on it and get over it. To the trenches, boys, there’s work to be done!
This article appears in Jan 15-21, 2004.
