Rack ’em up, Ringo, it’s time for another crack at the Springfield music scene.
Friday is a busy night for hard-working local bands. Live Wire electrifies the sound waves at Fat Cat’s Jailhouse (125 Mayden) and Out of the Woods camps out downtown at American Legion Post 32. Imagine That, a longtime town favorite, conjures up a good time at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Riverton (400 S. Fourth). Dempsey’s clears the way for Obstructed View, the coolest band ever out of Rochester, while MAG and the Phonocaptors shake the bricks at Viele’s Planet on Second and Jefferson.
To hear a band from our “faraway and exotic places” department, feel free to ride the elevator to the top of the Hilton on Friday to hear Reuben Waters Loves You. According to anonymous sources (that would be Brad Hanson, manager of Jazz Central Station), these Chicago cats are “a very cool original band that melds blues, jazz, and rock influences into a very palatable sound.” Get there around 10 to enjoy the award-winning blues grooves of Black Magic Johnson. The headliners will go on at around 11.
Some clubs have amassed double bills this weekend, worthy of two visits from you, the esteemed music lover. The Grandstand (on Sangamon, across the Illinois State Fairgrounds) brings Full Circle around on Friday and finds the Lost Boys for a Saturday night show. Moroccan Soul Latinizes Norb Andy’s on Capitol para dos noches. Over on Fifth Street, Marly’s Pub begs the question with Mr. Opporknockity on Friday and pulls the punch line with Prairie Pranksters on Saturday. Springfield’s sweetheart, Jane Hartman, brings her trio to Lime Street Cafe on Durkin Drive for a two-night stand of jazz a la Jane.
Head out south to Toronto Road to Bootlegger’s on Saturday for a visit from Johnny Owens, one of Springfield’s finest vocalists. He sings the blues, R & B, ballads–you name it, Mr. Owens has the pipes to lay down the sound. In the Pocket backs up the capital city crooner with grooves galore. Downtown on a Saturday night, the Domino Kings rule the roost at the Underground City Tavern, when the potentates of early ’60s country cruise in from Springfield, MO, for another visit to the capital city.
Whatever their style of music–be it alternative, country, pop, rock, or blues, (no polka is mentioned)–Illinois bands are invited to enter the second Illinois State Fair Battle of the Bands. From the vast array of groups entering, 12 lucky ones will each be asked to give it their best shot in the Multi Purpose Arena for 30 minutes on August 15 and 16 during the fair. The performers will be judged on “appearance, stage presence, and quality of their vocal and instrumental sound” by radio personalities from the hometowns of the chosen 12. The top three bands get cold hard cash for their winning performances. All the finalists will have a moment to strut their stuff on the Lincoln Stage for fortunate fairgoers. So all you aspiring bands should get busy and send your promotional materials (tapes, videos, and CDs accepted) to: Illinois State Fair, Battle of the Bands Contest, c/o Sally Weiskopf (Hi, Sally), P.O. Box 19427, Springfield, IL 62794-9427. The deadline for submissions is June 1, 2003. Good luck and may the best band win.
Don’t scratch. Just follow your cue to the eight ball in the side pocket. That’s game.
This article appears in Apr 24-30, 2003.
