Arts and entertainment

BEST NEW EVENT First Fridays Beautiful downtown Springfield Despite the profusion of art galleries in midtown, commerce is the name of the game. Perhaps surprisingly, a major gallery, Prairie Art Alliance, served as the catalyst that brought diverse galleries and businesses together for the first time in May to celebrate the central city. Victoria Ringer, executive director of Downtown Springfield, Inc., explained the swift gestation of the city’s newest tradition. “The Third Thursday thing we had tried a few years ago, but it was on an odd night and didn’t work so well. The First Friday concept is popular all over the country as a ‘gallery walk’ event, but we have expanded it to include our restaurants and shops. We want to share the downtown experience. There is free family fun here plus fascinating shops in historic buildings and fine dining. Many of the 32 participating venues feature free entertainment,” she said. The last First Friday is Nov. 5. It will resume next year as weather permits.

BEST DOWNTOWN FESTIVAL Old Capitol Blues and BBQs 5th and Washington streets Ann Frescura, Downtown Springfield, Inc.’s promotion and event director believes changes introduced to the sixth annual event, held Aug. 28, contributed to its popularity. “It has grown leaps and bounds over the years, thanks in part to its location,” she said. “We were off to a record start this year with about 44 BBQ participants. New to the event were children’s activities starting at noon, which helped with early attendance and helped create a family atmosphere.” The new People’s Choice award encouraged attendees to vote for best BBQ in addition to judging by experts in the BBQ business. A separate dessert category allowed specialists in sweets to be judged against their peers instead of briskets and ribs. Frescura added, “The Illinois Central Blues Club held their annual Blues Challenge in the afternoon on their stage. About 4:30 the main stage kicked on and five or so thousand people had paid at the gate before an electrical problem with the sound system forced a delay.

We opened the area up for no charge after that so people could eat and drink and socialize. After repairs, performers played shortened sets of music until things concluded around midnight.” Next year’s event is slated for earlier in the year. The fun begins Aug. 27.