Earth Day music

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Curtis and Loretta play the Paris-Belle House Concerts this Saturday night.

Curtis and Loretta play the Paris-Belle House Concerts this Saturday night.

Though it is celebrated on April 22, every day is Earth Day to me. Of all the holidays celebrated in all the civilizations, societies and cultures on our planet, Earth Day is the one that really counts.

A visit to Robbie’s on the south side of the Old Capitol Plaza on a Friday night is always a good way to start the weekend. Officially named Uptown Friday Night and hosted by the Springfield Area Arts Council in conjunction with Robbie’s owner-operator Archie Bailey every week for 22 years, the music series is a delightful showcase for area bands performing mostly in the blues and jazz genres. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (the times are strictly adhered to by the way), musicians set up in the front window area and the music flows forth to entertain patrons of the arts with no cover charge ever.

This is a good time to thank Jon Austin, SAAC’s executive director and the dedicated, volunteer board members for all the good work they do on this night, as well as on First Night, Artist on the Plaza and other arts-related ventures in Springfield. A great way to thank them is by getting in on the weekly 50/50 raffle, held each Friday night. The raffle splits the bounty with a lucky winner and the arts council. Somebody has to win, and it just might as well be you, but you don’t get a gambler’s chance without being there and joining in the fun.

Every week seems to bring another amazing group, and this Friday is no different with Jazz by Footprints taking the spot. Dr. Virgil Rhodes, founder of the group and retired LLCC law professor, covers the flute and sax work. He is ably joined by Donnie Heitler on piano, Ben Taylor on bass and Jaro House on drums to lay out classic jazz pieces in a warm and inviting style. For an up-to-date listing of upcoming bands, be sure to visit the SAAC website, http://springfieldartsco.org.

The Paris-Belle House concerts in Williamsville have lined up some fantastic music for the weekend. Remember, house concerts are an incredible way to see live music up close and personal in the comfort of someone’s home. This Saturday evening, come see Curtis and Loretta, a St. Paul, Minnesota-based married couple steeped in folk music traditions, doing original songs and Celtic classics. They are truly a treat, singing lovely harmonies while performing on a variety of instruments including mandocello, folk harp, guitars, clawhammer banjo, ukulele and mandolin plus a bit of kazoo, harmonica and shakers to keep it interesting. On Sunday, at 4 p.m., come on back for some spectacular classical music by The Heritage Quartet featuring Kamen Petkov and Yona Stamatis on violin, Karen Frost on viola and Susan Phillips on cello. I must say, this will be beautiful music in a beautiful setting, making everything seem quite beautiful indeed. Contact this email for the required reservations for these concerts: [email protected].

Congratulations to Gary Best at the Koo-Koo’s Nest as his joint celebrates ten years as a bar. As folks like to say, it’s the best of Gary and Gary at his best, as he has maintained an exceptional venue for consistent live music while keeping the place going. Starting at noon on Sunday, patrons can expect live music, free food, drink specials, drawings, giveaways and lots of good times when Gary turns it on to thank the good folks who make the place rock, day after day, year after year. Congrats on a decade in the bar business, and here’s to many more!

Be sure to get outside and thank the good-old Earth for being here in between the music.

Contact Tom Irwin at [email protected].