Hey, time travelers, come “get your kicks on what’s left of 66” (a nod to Jason Eklund) this weekend in lovely downtown Springfield, but don’t forget to meander around to other highly anticipated events that are making music history in the capital city even as you read these words.
Sounds like big talk? Tell me the last time there were two CD-release parties, a NYC (that’s New York City!) avant-garde jazz group, a Grammy award-winning band in a local tavern, and a gathering of music-loving, peace-mongering deadheads all in town at once? Add the unbridled excitement incited by the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival and it’s a whoop-ti-do of a weekend on tap in Springfield.
Mr. Opporknockity, recently voted our Best Original Band by Illinois Times readers, takes this opportunity to release their fourth CD, The Greatest O on Earth, Friday night at the Alamo. The pop-rocking quintet has been hard at work since February, both at home and at Jonathon Pines’ Private Studios in Champaign, quietly recording an amalgam of sounds and songs guaranteed to please. And then Saturday at the Trading Post Saloon, the Bare Bones Acoustic Duo lets loose their first all original disc called The Reality Tour. Described by the group as “an eclectic mix of pop, country, blues, and ballads with a touch of Island-Jimmy Buffet flair,” the duo assures us the CD was heard by “a test group” and “received rave reviews!”
Next on our list is birth, delivered to you by Frank Trompeter and his Innovators New Music Series, Saturday night at Dempsey’s. Trompeter’s organization has promised to bring in “the best in avant-garde jazz and improvised and experimental music,” and the acclaimed jazz trio of saxophone, bass, and drums fills the bill nicely. The band has received praise galore in the NYC downtown creative music scene. Untoward Quartet, an experimental jazz quartet featuring Trompeter and cohorts, opens the show. Rest assured some interesting sounds will be emanating from the Monroe Street bar.
Next on our to-do list is Brave Combo, Grammy winners in the polka category–which is tougher than you might think– for 1999’s Polkasonic, playing at the Hilton Springfield on Sunday. The group has been traveling the world for 23 years, exposing anyone who’ll listen (and I’m sure some that won’t) to their particular blend of rock, polka, and at least 47 different varieties of ethnic rhythms and diverse dances. Cowboy Randy Erwin opens the 8 p.m. show.
Also on Sunday, from 3 to 9:30 p.m., locals will gather at Douglas Park for some good times and good music. Originally designed as a Jerry Garcia memorial, the event, sponsored by Penny Lane, has grown into a terrific get-together of like-minded folks and a great time to get outside and enjoy some music in the park (not to be confused with the series sponsored by the Springfield Parks Foundation). This year the free concert presents Perfunctory This Band, Springfield Shaky, Rufus and the Flycats, and Scott Simpson in the bandshell of the squirrel-filled and tree-lined park on the corner of Madison and MacArthur.
There now, that should keep you busy and out of trouble.
This article appears in Sep 25 – Oct 1, 2003.
