Merrily we roll along through the autumnal time of October, experiencing the full effect of unseasonably warm temps with some possibility of much needed rain by Saturday. Hopefully the precipitation will hold off until the outdoor activities are completed but we know how that can end up. Let’s find out what’s on tap.
Our first news is a sad report on the passing of Bill Janssen on Oct. 8. An extraordinary saxophonist and musician who turned the town on its atonal ear back in the day, Bill spent several decades in the Denver area, but his time in Springfield during the ’60s, ’70s and early ’80s was truly groundbreaking for original, inventive and offbeat music. In Tonguesnatcher Revue, Cicero Slim and the WWIII Band, GaGa (with Adrian Belew), Food & Money, Loud Shirts and other progressive, influential, experimental and very outlandishly fun bands, he left his mark on music in many ways. For more on Bill’s accomplishments, check out the Springfield Illinois’ Music History page on Facebook, plus the article he wrote on the adventures of Tonguesnatcher Revue in the Oct. 25, 2007, issue of Illinois Times.
This Thursday, business begins with a fundraiser for Devin C. Williams at Benderz in Auburn (6-10pm) when the bluesman’s hometown steps up to help with travel expenses for his showing this January in Memphis, Tennessee, at the International Blues Challenge representing the St. Louis Blues Society in the solo/duo category. Go, Devin! And those of us who can spring a buck or two should aid in this good cause of getting our guy down to play for the legendary IBC contest.
Other Thursday action includes Robert Sampson (who placed well in the IBC competition more than once) at Mother Road Diner, Rod Grant on the deck at Sangamo Brewing and White Lightnin’ standing up for classic country songs at the Curve Inn. The open mics abide with Casey Cantrall hosting his monthly go-around at Bloom Wine Bar downtown, Kortney Leatherwood holding down the jams The Blue Grouch and Mike Metz flying in to pilot at The Bird Tavern while Silas Tockey keeps the faith at Spirited Republic in Lincoln as Bob Besser mans the mic at Decatur Brew Works.
Friday comes jam-packed as usual with 22 and counting gigs going on in our listings. Special mention includes Friday Night Live downtown as several businesses stay open late for your stopping to go shopping delight. Entertainment is included of course, with The Alamo presenting Rod Grant (He’s everywhere, I tell ya.), Hip Hop Halloween Live with several groups at Dumb Records, Frank Parker’s Jambalaya Jazz Jam stirring the pot at Buzz Bomb and a comedy open mic yukking it up at Whiskey Jack’s. Now is the time for all those who want to support our lovely downtown area to hop to it and get there to rally ’round the square.
Saturday brings us even more wild and wooly music events to discover, rocking some 30-plus shows in our listings. Please take a look and find what fits your fancy, then go support your local musician. It will do you good and do them good, too.
Our official funday on Sunday hits a high note when famed bluesman and harmonica hero Chris O’Leary cranks it up at Danenberger Family Vineyards (2-5pm) for a world-class, first-rate performance. And on a sadder note, we acknowledge the passing last February of musician, visual artist and all-around good guy Jeff Lapping with a memorial open mic and potluck get-together at The Blue Grouch (2-6pm).
Until we meet again, keep on rockin’ toward the music.
This article appears in October 16-22, 2025.
