Where did the summer go? Hopefully in fun-filled batches of joy and frolic with a wee bit of havoc and distress tossed in to balance out the bliss. But face up to facts, folks, the summer of 2003 is almost gone: Labor Day is here. This weekend there are several exciting and tantalizing shows to help ease your transition to fall.
First up, the Hilton does a double-dipping night on Thursday: East LA’s rock ‘n’ Latin group the Blazers hit the Underground City Tavern stage at around 10, while New Flavor Hawaiian is on top at the Jazz Central Station from 10 to 2 for the Red Stripe “Reggae Night.” How about that for some culture on the prairie?
Speaking of culture: don’t forget the tried-and-true Ethnic Festival all weekend at the Ethnic Village on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Food from Italians, Greeks, Latins, and Germans mix with music acts like the Groove Daddies, Bustin’ Loose, and Full Circle. Let’s see . . . live music . . . good food . . . and spirits of the alcoholic variety . . . outside . . . for three days. . . . I think that’ll work! The fest is open from 5 to 11 on Friday and 11 to 11 on Saturday and Sunday.
I hate to do this, but you’ll probably want to head back to the Underground City Tavern on Saturday. It’s not my fault they keep booking these great acts. For those of you fortunate enough to have seen and heard Roger Wallace during his visits to the capital city, especially at the Rooftop Rootsfest this summer, you know how good he is. Now think back to the Davy Byrnes days in Springfield, when Mike Parkes, present proprietor of the Brewhaus, was cutting his teeth at the Fairhills bar and restaurant. Every Sunday there was a different and interesting band from who knows where. One of those groups was the Belinda Chair from St. Louis that included a singer-songwriter named Mary Alice Wood. Now flash forward to the present. Wood is moving to Nashville (of course) to fulfill–or at least placate–her dreams of a musical career. The talented artist will be opening for Wallace on Saturday–a treat for all! Who knows where she’ll be the next time we hear her voice in song?
If that’s not your cup of tea, head over to Dempsey’s@225 for a taste of Transient Frank, a jam band from Indianapolis. The Hoosiers describe their music as “psychedelic groovin’ nebula hog funk,” which is exactly what it sounds like, I think. I mean without ever hearing the band, I have a very distinct mental picture of what those words conjure. Whether it will match up to reality–well, that’s another story. There’s only one way to find out. We got to go and hear them. See you then. We’ll compare notes and walk away with a surer understanding what “nebula hog funk” really is. Be there around 10.
Don’t stop now: you’ve got just enough time to make it to Barnfest V on Sunday. The outdoor all-day, all-night party and music event is coordinated by the guys in Hot Iron Skillet–it’s in their backyard, 3 miles south of Pana, on Highway 51. Big name area rock acts on the bill include Fragile Porcelain Mice, NIL8, the Pimps, Hot Iron Skillet, Mindfold, and more. Get the skinny on ticket and time information at hotironskillet.com.
I hope that helps. If not, you’ll have to find your own cure for the end of
summertime blues.
This article appears in Aug 28 – Sep 3, 2003.
