This is nowhere near what it was like Not long ago, I had the honor of being asked to be the DJ at the wedding reception of some friends. OK, “DJ” might not be the most technically accurate description of my role. There was no turntable in the reception hall and therefore no vinyl “discs” […]
Music
Posted inMusic
Better get on board
PHOTO BY PATRICK YEAGLE The final concert of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra’s 2014-2015 season is happening on Saturday, May 2, as part of the Lincoln Funeral Coalition. “The whole city is going to be gripped by this and we are so, so thrilled to be playing our part in it all,” says ISO music director […]
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Mostly Mozart By Illinois Symphony Orchestra
The Illinois Symphony Orchestra is putting on a “Mostly Mozart” Concert at six and eight PM, Friday March 20 at the First Presbyterian Church, 321 S Seventh St. It is “mostly” Mozart because in between the two Mozart Pieces they will be priemiering a brand new piece, “Musica Nostalgia” by Uzbekistani Composer Dmitri Yanov-Yanovsky. This […]
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Triumph, tragedy and Torch Tuesday
Torch Tuesday regulars hold up a poster in tribute to Tatted Lee, late member of Group of the Year winner AMN. PHOTO BY ALAN KOZELUH Since 2010, Bar None in downtown Springfield has played host to Torch Tuesday, billed as “the longest running hip-hop open mic in central Illinois.” More than just a showcase for […]
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New Madrid makes the earth shake
New Madrid will play Friday at Donnie’s. PHOTO COURTESY NORMALTOWN RECORDS The Bedrock 66 series remains Springfield’s best chance to see unexpected, exciting live music across a wide spectrum of sounds, from bluegrass to power pop to alt country and beyond. This Friday’s show promises to be an especially wild ride. Rick Barton, lead singer […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Architecture accentuates music
PHOTO BY KARI BEDFORD Local talent Ben Bedford, a singer, songwriter and storyteller lauded nationally for writing beautiful songs about historical events, will perform a special Valentine’s Day concert on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m., as part of the Made for Music Concert Series at the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site. The venue, designed […]
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Inspirational rap concert in St. Louis
On Monday, Nov. 24, I was faced with a quandary. Several months back, a friend had gotten us tickets for a nightclub concert scheduled in St. Louis that night by high-profile rap duo Run The Jewels. For years, I had been a fan of both Killer Mike – who first came to attention in collaboration […]
Posted inOpinion
The real Jim Krohe
James Krohe Sr. PHOTO COURTESY JAMES KROHE SR. I can only barely keep time, but while I could never be a drummer I love to talk with my father about the drummer’s craft. He’s worked as a professional musician for 76 years now – he’ll turn 90 this week – which means he’s been supplying […]
Posted inArts & Culture
A Winter Fable
PHOTO BY HARALD BOERSTLER On Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m., enjoy a classic tale of romance and deceit performed by the sweet sounds of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. The symphony will be joined by St. Louis-based Circus Flora, a traveling one-ring circus featuring acts that emphasize the connections between people and animals. The show […]
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Indian percussion + Beethoven’s Third = ISO season premier
ISO guest soloist Sandeep Das performs with Yo-Yo Ma (right). COURTESY ILLINOIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA This Saturday, Oct. 11, marks the premier of the 2014-2015 season of the Illinois Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, the third under the auspices of music director Alastair Willis. The enthusiastic and charismatic maestro has spent the past two years forging a […]
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Experience the power of power pop
Power pop progenitor Paul Collins plays Bar None Sunday night. PHOTO BY EMMY ETIÉ Paul Collins, who will be performing at Bar None Sunday, Oct. 12, is responsible for some of the catchiest, punchiest songs to never crack the top 20. In 1970s Los Angeles, his first band, The Nerves, were pop-punk long before the […]
Posted inNews
From the streets to stability
William Guyer PHOTO BY PATRICK YEAGLE It only took about a month for William Guyer of Springfield to go from employed to living on the street, but it took him almost a year to get back. Guyer’s story is one of injustice, heartbreak and determination. Although he ultimately climbed out of homelessness, he says he’s […]
