You heard that right (or read it right, actually) the headline proclaims September is here, and so it is. And with that comes the beginning of the end of the summer season as we wind our way toward the autumnal time, all the while finding more live music to experience.
After that introduction, let’s move into the first Oktoberfest of 2024 happening this weekend (so yes, it’s still September, to be clear) at the Knights of Columbus Hall near the corner of Meadowbrook Road and Iles Avenue. This annual charity event just keeps growing with Captain Geech & the Shrimp Shack Shooters doing a pre-party show on Friday (6:30-9:30 p.m.) this time around. On Saturday, the fest begins at noon with kid’s activities and the tapping of the keg (separate items – again, to be clear) and what we’re here for, the live music, kicks off at noon with Die Spitzbuam of St. Louis going on until 3 p.m.. Then Lindenhof Echoes of Peoria stop in to play the Alphorns, those long and large instruments made popular from Ricola commercials, and the Dirndolls from Chicago entertain from 3:30 to 6, with the always Deutsch, always “gut,” Heidelberg German Band from Quincy finishing off the night from 7 to 10. Prost!
Our next big September Oktoberfest event happens at Buzz Bomb Brewing Co. on Sept. 21 featuring music by the un-German but nationally renowned band the Supersuckers and several more bands.
Now let’s backtrack to Thursday and start our week of live music with a visit to the Curve Inn featuring The Lovelorn and Fireside Relics, two of our coolest original music bands. Both have recorded music (available as CDs and through streaming) and merch available, and both perform tight live shows of all self-penned tunes.
Other Thursday offerings include John Drake hosting the monthly open mic (poetry, spoken word and music welcomed) at Ad Astra, Pepper Sprouts burning it at 66 Mother Road Diner, Tim Duggan diggin’ it on the patio at Casey’s Pub, Manny Lee cruising into Casa Real and Ricarda Rosalina riding on at Fulgenzi’s.
Jumping on over to Saturday, my friend and yours, Ben Bedford, does what most singer-songwriters aren’t able to do and plays music for his very own, very first art opening of his original, visual artworks at the Perspective Art Gallery in Petersburg. The reception goes from noon to 5 with Ben giving an artist talk at 2, playing songs at 3 and hanging around until 5. The art show, “A Dream of Trees and Starfields,” runs through Sept. 28. Congratulations to “my best buddy, Ben” on this wonderful achievement.
Also on Saturday, Michael Burnett celebrates his 60th birthday with what else but a gig at George Rank’s. Joined by Joe Dawkins, Jay Larson and the current Suns of Circumstance lineup plus who knows who else. Be sure to stop by and wish Mike a happy ‘nother trip around the sun.
How about let’s check in on the Friday Night Jazz & Blues music series presented by the Springfield Area Arts Council and hosted by Boone’s from 5:30 to 7:30 weekly. September is full of familiar names to our local scene so you can figure on showing up every week for the fine food, lovely libations and terrific live music. This week it’s the incomparable David Lumsden Blues Band, with the Kevin Hart Trio on Sept. 12, John Crisp and his All Star Band on Sept. 20 and Frank Trompeter returns with his quartet Sept. 28.
See you next week, and don’t forget to peruse our listings for more marvelous music.
This article appears in Holding police accountable.
