BEST BLUES ARTIST

Black Magic Johnson When you say “the blues” in Springfield, Black Magic Johnson is the band you are speaking about and Mr. Black Magic Johnson himself, Reggie Britton, is the driving force behind the group. Joined by lead guitarist Alexis V. Rogers, multi-instrumentalist Dan Glover and bassist Bob Hagler, Britton plays the drums, blows a harmonica and sings the sweetest blues this side of the famed crossroads. Originally formed as a blues duo circa 2003, the group transformed into a full-scale band capable of gut bucket blues or a high flying pop song all done with impeccable style as a professional performance. BMJ intends to release a much-anticipated new CD in January of 2012 and continues to perform locally and throughout the Midwest on a regular basis. Cornbread, chitterlings and collard greens, indeed!

BEST HIGH SCHOOL SHOW

The Wiz Springfield High School If ever there ever “the Wiz” there was, this was one, because, because, because, IT voters said it was. With more than 40 Springfield High School students participating in the cast – with Morgan Williams as Dorothy, Brenna Williams as the Scarecrow, Ronte Harris as the Tin Man, Matt Woodson as the Cowardly Lion, Yvette Purser as Evillene, Catie Lograsso as Addaperle and Neil C. Parker as The Wiz – portraying the main characters, this particular adaptation of Baum’s classic story infused with African-American culture, was outstanding in all respects of theater performance. Excelling in acting, singing, special effects, props, presentation and production, The Wiz was truly a gee whiz, as voters acknowledged the work of SHS alum and show director Craig Williams II and the choreography of Anna Bussing, vocal direction of Kellen Fant and musical direction of Damien Kaplan. “Believe in yourself” really does work.

BEST LIVE MUSIC EVENT IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS BEST DOWNTOWN FESTIVAL

Blues & BBQs If on Aug. 27 you were in the Springfield area and had $5, you either were or should have been on the street beside the Old State Capitol. There, blues star Jimmie Vaughan, on the anniversary of his brother Stevie Ray Vaughan’s death, kept an audience in awe as he seamlessly transitioned from behind-thehead guitar playing to a heartfelt tribute to his legendary brother. With fine weather wafting the aromas of dozens of food vendors, the night – organized by Downtown Springfield, Inc. – was one of this summer’s finest, and it’s hard to act surprised that IT readers voted the 2011 Old Capitol Blues and BBQs as this year’s best live music event.

Blues and BBQs, which keeps growing every year, was also voted this year’s best downtown festival. When the event won last year, IT noted new elements to the event, including children’s activities and a People’s Choice award for the best BBQ. This year, organizers expanded the event even more by adding a second full night of activities. With about 200 volunteers running the show, Springfield area residents couldn’t ask for a better deal, only sit patient and wonder, “What’s next?”