>What’s the point of having a two-night
music fest for someone just turning 2 years old? First, the kid
doesn’t get a real choice in who performs, so the selection
is left to the parents. Second, the whippersnapper won’t be
there because the shows begin after his bedtime. Third, who cares
what the fest is about, as long as good bands are playing and the
libations are flowing?
The event in question is Jonah Fest II, a
musical celebration for a young squire named Jonah whose parents
shall remain nameless. Each year, near the birthday of said child,
the Brewhaus celebrates with live bands and liquor-company
giveaways. The previous weekend was the original 2005 celebration
date, but that darned Abraham Lincoln and his block party stole the
show. Because the bar is next to Abe’s new library, the
birthday hoopla was postponed until now.
Headlining on Saturday are those marvelous
rockers from St. Louis the Phonocaptors. Guitarist Jason Hutto and
drummer Scott Hermes started the band in 1998 and immediately began
devouring St. Louis bass players at an alarming rate. It seems that
only Keith Voegele, former rock legend of bass mastery in St. Louis
and now a Springfield resident, could withstand the crazed assault
of Hutto and Hermes. Together the boys tear the heart and soul out of basic guitar-bass-and-drum rock
and throw it right back at you. Growling chords, flailing drums,
wailing bass, and intense vocals create a great and awesome sound
without beating anybody up or inviting feelings of violence or
displacement. It’s feel-good rock with deep intensity and
desperate emotion.
Sunday night, our old friends Black Magic
Johnson work the Brewhaus stage. Like the Phonocaptors, guitarist
Raoul and drummer Reggie Britton went through and around several
bass players (including Voegele) before landing the tasteful and
subtle Chris Warren. The trio plays all over town, churning out
blues classics with a twist, originals with charm, and jamming
dance music like nobody’s business.
So go relax and enjoy the kid’s
birthday celebration without worrying about bringing a present,
pinning a tail on a donkey, or behaving yourself in the least. And
happy birthday, Jonah!
Jonah Fest II features the Phonocaptors,
Saturday, April 23, and Black Magic Johnson on Sunday, April 24, at
the Brewhaus, 617 E. Washington St.; 217-525-6399. Both shows begin
at 10 p.m. There is no cover charge.
This article appears in Apr 21-27, 2005.
