LIVE MUSIC VENUE (SMALL: BAR/CLUB)

Boondocks Carole Grigiski took the old Rockin’ Robin’s and transformed it into the largest live music venue in central Illinois in just over a year in business. Mostly sticking to current country performers, she’s also added in some surefire rock shows, popular local bands and even acoustic showcases featuring area up-and-comers or established Nashville songwriters. Without any experience in the music industry, Carole used her business savvy from other successful endeavors, applied it to the bar scene and came up with a winning combination using bright ideas and an awesome staff. Runner-up Donnie’s Homespun opened around the same time as Boondocks and also contributes greatly to the entertainment scene in Springfield, making these two clubs extremely relevant in revitalizing the local live music scene and difficult to believe they’ve been around just a year. Honorable mention goes to Black Sheep Cafe, the Curve Inn and Bar None. Runner-up: Donnie’s Homespun