Believe it or not (and I prefer to not) we’ve reached the last full weekend of July for 2026. August peeks in with the Illinois State Fair just ahead and the end of our summer season not far away. So, I say, get out there while you can and take part in it all, in every way possible. What say you?
Let’s start this week off with a couple of announcements before heading to the live music roundup. This Sunday, July 26, marks Harris Family Band Day as noted officially by the Sangamon County Board and the Illinois House of Representatives, and unofficially by 60 years of making music as siblings by the Harris family. Originally known as The Little Big Shots as youngsters (what a great name), Allan, Gwen, Max, Shawn, John and Chris are now known as the longest-running sibling band in America. After many years of performances including at the Grand Ole Opry, Disney’s EPCOT, a NASCAR race, several state fairs and countless other gigs, the group became Bustin’ Loose to stay and play in the area. Along with the incredible run of 60 years of playing together on stage (first gig was in town on July 4, 1966), they’ve mostly made Springfield home base. Check out our IT pick elsewhere on these pages, then get to the Firefighters Lake Club Sunday to help commemorate, celebrate and whoop-it-up-ate for the Harris family. Congratulations, my friends.
Our second news item is not celebratory but one of concern as we report Kip Nelson, longtime local bandleader, singer and musician – most notably for Off the Wall – is recovering from a serious accident that occurred June 10. For all the details go to Kip’s Facebook page and read his story on the accident and his current situation. In the meantime, please help financially by donating on GoFundMe.com for Kip Nelson, set up by his wife Brenda, who’s been by his side through it all. Also, watch for upcoming fundraising events as local musicians and bar owners are returning the favor to Kip, who was always there to aid others at benefits through the years. Hang in there, my friend. You’ll be back on track, turning the page on the stage, with a band that understands, soon enough.
Now on with the shows as Thursday brings us the “alternative rock sound” of Carver Commodore, with our very own original alt-rockers Attic Salt opening for this week’s Levitt AMP concert. Next Thursday, plus Friday for a bonus make up date, gets us our final two concerts for the season.
More Thursday excitement includes locals entertaining at regular spots plus full-blown concerts by Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ (remember these guys?) with Laid Back Guitar Picker at Twisted Tree in Jacksonville while Plain White T’s from Chicago go power pop rock at the Devon in Decatur.
Friday says come on out to play, with 32 results in our listings including the final July show of Friday Night Live at Arlington’s upstairs with Johnnie Owens as the musical guest and Go! Tsunami playing hits from their recent LP release, I Was a Teenage Sea Monkey at the Blue Grouch.
Saturday blasts in with 42 results as the Dr. Leon Lewis-Nicol Quartet chimes in with “An Evening to Remember” of live jazz at our Lincoln Library as part of the Director Series and Speakeasy Trio says all that needs said by playing at Lucky’s on the Square in Petersburg.
Once again Sunday and the rest of the week gets the short end of the stick, but I promise their turn’s a-comin’ soon. Take care. See you soon.
This article appears in July 23-29, 2026.
