Band Spotlight

Known for his easygoing blues music and hopped-up reggae beats, this young, singing guitarist brings on the music with a style and confidence that belies his age and experience. With Devin playing slide on his trusty acoustic guitar while fronting vocals, he’s joined by bandmates Casey Cantrall (guitar, vocals), Chuck Combs (bass), Justin Schmidt (drums) […]

Known the world over (well, practically) as the “Ambassador of the Blues,” Springfield is proud to claim James Armstrong as a resident. With a jazz guitarist for a father and a blues singer for a mother, James was practically born to play music and started his first band in seventh grade. He took off with […]

When the pumped up, high-rockin, rockabilly trio The Meerkat Mobsters, featuring Springfield resident Mark Mills (guitar, vocals), Ray Biagioni (drums) from Oglesby and Rick Topolski (stand-up bassist) from Streator, hits town for a show in support of Toys for Tots, expect a wild ride from this blistering rock ‘n’ roll band. Mark released an excellent […]

Based out of Chicago, this quartet of possible punks (the musical kind) formed in 1998 using “’90s alternative and ’80s punk with a dash of midwestern roots-rock” to create a modern, American rock band worthy of the title. Dave Lysien, who cut his teeth with infamous punk band Not Rebecca, fronts the band, and the […]

This West Virginia native now resides in Nashville, Tennessee, and uses the Music City for a home base to bring his particular style of Americana music to the masses. Lopez recorded his debut album, Onward, with famed producer Dave Cobb of Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson success in 2015. His recent offering, Red Arrow, on […]

Part of the burgeoning, modern, underground, outlaw, country music field, Craig Gerdes is makin’ tracks and on the move. His latest release, Smokin’, Drinkin’ & Gamblin’ (Sol records), is quickly gathering attention for a real honky-tonk, old-school, classic-country sound that embraces the heart and soul of contemporary outlaw country. Gerdes hails from rural central Illinois, […]

Originally from another Springfield, specifically that one in Missouri, this talented guitarist, singer and songwriter has lived in Nashville, Tennessee, since 2009. He studied at Belmont University in the Music City and dedicated himself to full-time music making in February of 2016 which got him out on the road. In his travels he kicks it […]

Known as the “Ambassador of the Blues” and also as a resident of Springfield, Mr. Armstrong gets all the credit for being an excellent and constantly touring guitar player with sharp songwriting skills, an all-around good guy of the blues. With a lifetime of recordings and performances behind him, James is set to release his […]

Based out of Denver, Colorado, these guys get around while spreading the great sounds of swing music and traditional jazz. Bandleader Joe Smith has a couple more groups in Denver (the Joe Smith Orchestra and The Red Hot Rhythm Rocket), but it’s the Pickles that really hit the road. Right now the octet has a […]

Our Moscow-born, central Illinois-college educated and Los Angeles-residing singer-songwriter friend has a new album out. And with Nick Baker along to join in making music, Marina V is heading cross-country in support of Born to the Stars. The album includes collaborations with several diverse artists and is number 10 for the prolific writer as she […]

Hey, these guys were good when they started and just keep getting better and better in live performance and on record. The celebration on Sunday presents both sides of the band with a live performance of the latest CD, Helpless, Hopeless, & Moving On, with Micah Walk opening the show. Bandmates Shane Bumgarner (banjo, vocals), […]

From local awards (including decades worth of “Best of Springfield” honors in Illinois Times) to opening for Willie Nelson at the Illinois State Fair, Tom Irwin has been around for a while but still manages to stay busy. His upcoming shows include a run to Nashville next week for the Americana Festival, two performance on […]