CENTRAL ILLINOIS MUSIC

BEST ORIGINAL BAND
The Station The Station, repeating as Best Original Band (also, in 2008, the Band Most Likely to Hit it Big) celebrates 10 years as a band in 2009. Just a few months ago founding bassist Josh Kerska left the group and local bass virtuoso Jeff Cunningham joined, while the band continues on as one of the hottest progressive rock acts in the Midwest. The jamming quartet of Cunningham, Dave Littrell, Dave Carter and Kevin Lemen, obviously known for original music, presents an annual Halloween show focusing on a specific music group or event. This year see the Best Original Band for 2009 perform a night of Sly and the Family Stone tunes at City Nights Theater on Oct. 31. Be sure to check out another Station show to hear the catchy and intricate selfpenned tunes that won them this category for two years straight.

Runner-ups Micah Walk Band and NIL8 show the incredible range of talent our readers had to choose from within the Springfield original music scene.
Runners-up: Micah Walk Band, NIL8

BEST COVER/TRIBUTE BAND
F5 As in many years in the past F5 again handily takes the cake for the Best Cover/Tribute Band. But be prepared music lovers, next year the category is wide open, as these perennial favorites called it quits in 2009. The dance/rock group known to perform songs so up to date they were still on the charts, made their final appearance at the Miller beer tent during the 2009 Illinois State Fair. No matter what your musical opinion of the band was, the fact remains they packed the house wherever and whenever the group showed up to do their thing. Perhaps we have a battle brewing now for 2010, since the next three groups to place, Still Kickn’, Brat Pack and the Dirty Ernies, all came within a few votes of each other. Interestingly enough and a tribute to the diversity of Springfield bar bands is the completely different styles of music displayed by the top four vote-getters. Hear, hear!
Runners-up: Still Kickin’, Brat Pack, Dirty Ernies

BEST NEW BAND THIS YEAR
Music for Big Kids In a town known for stability and continuity, new bands are a seldom seen sight in Springfield, or more truthfully, new band names are scarce, since many of the old bands are actually new bands with old names and new members, if you follow this drift. Music for Big Kids (M4BK) handily won this award by nearly double over tied second-place bands Go Tsunami! and Broken Stone. They truly are a brand new band in name and members (with the exception of lead guitarist Michael Sullivan who should be in every new band). M4BK logged local bookings at Bar None, The Plaza, SOHO Music Fest, JP Kelley’s, Marly’s and Harry’s Adult Daycare since first coming together in January of 2009. They head to Cicero’s in St. Louis for an out-of-town show on Nov. 22. The group wasted little time while together and recently recorded a CD of original material called Hold and Hold On to be debuted on Nov. 20 with a release party at Bar None. Just remember folks, no repeat winners in this category!
Runners-up: Go Tsunami!, Broken Stone