I hope everyone recovered from last week’s flight of fancy column and realized what day it was (April 1) and that it was what is called in polite circles “a bunch of baloney.” To prove my point, let us head to the Hilton where they proudly continue their wonderful tradition of bringing Springfield the finest in live entertainment.
And who could be finer than old Wayne “the Train” Hancock, as he rolls into town to give us another dose of undiluted old-fashioned country swing with an edge at the Underground City Tavern on Thursday. He continues to wear out musicians on the road and put out an album a year in typically Hancock fashion, direct and to the point. His most recent release was recorded live at the Continental Club in South Austin with the honorable Lloyd Maines producing.
On Friday, the women of Tres Femmes hop onto the Underground City stage, while making their way across the Midwest. We at the Songwriter Circle had the privilege of meeting and playing with Stolie, Victoria, and Kellie last fall when they first discovered their knack for harmony and the compatibility of their songs. All under 30 and all of good voice and songwriting ability, the thrilling threesome pack a wallop. See them now so you can say, “I saw them when.”
Posamist grooves the UCT on Saturday. It would be a good time to ask Joe Frew about the Burl Ives set. Or not. Regardless, you’re sure to dance to the friendly beats and familiar songs of the popular young band.
Jazz Central Station keeps the Hilton’s live music fires burning and further smashes the discothèque myth with the Chad Minier Quartet (blow it, baby) and DJ Me on Friday and Black Magic Johnson (my brothers in blues) on Saturday. Also keep an eye or two out for the return of Thursday’s Reggae Night at the end of April.
In other nightlife highlights, the Frank Huston Quartet — or FHQ as they are fondly called — hits 11 West from 8 to 11 on Friday, then meanders over to the Trading Post Saloon on Saturday. See ’em once, see ’em twice, just go see them.
BigFur takes on Boone’s Saloon Friday. The band just keeps getting better and they now have a cool video out to prove it to the rest of the world. Log on to BigFur.net and check it out.
On a sad note, we regret to announce the passing of Mark Bonardelli, known to all as “Toomey.”
A long-time stalwart of the local scene and lifelong music lover, Toomey worked merchandise for and occasionally sang for fun with Cats on Holiday in the ’80s. Toomey also traveled to Switzerland for the Montreux Jazz Festival more than once, wrote music-related articles for Illinois Times, and was known and seen around town as a great supporter of live music.
We will miss his smiling face, engaging personality, and heartfelt thoughtfulness.
Rest in peace, friend.
This article appears in Apr 8-14, 2004.
