As we wind down the last weekend in April 2015, Springfield offers a fine and wide assortment of entertainment options in the music department. Let us delve into a few items of interest.
Engrained Beer Company often serves up fine music to complement their tasty and frosty treats. This Thursday, Seattle-based singer-songwriter Ian McFeron, joined by longtime friend and musical companion Alisa Milner, plays the locally owned and operated restaurant and craft brewery from 8 to 10. Based out of Seattle, McFeron spends most of his time touring the U.S. and Europe playing shows. In 2003, his locally produced song won a radio contest in Seattle that propelled him into a career of making music. His last two albums were recorded in East Nashville with Grammy-nominated producer and guitarist, Doug Lancio and received widespread acclaim. When critics get talking about Ian’s talent, names like Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Ryan Adams and Jack Johnson get mentioned. On Saturday afternoon Engrained continues the beer, food and music run with a Spring Beer Fest featuring Sarah Sgro (2-3), Clayton Widmer (3-4) and Arlin Peebles (4-5).
Downtown at Bar None, our good friends and Springfield’s most handsome and charming band The Timmys play on Friday with My God the Heat (featuring former members of The Pimps) and On The Cinder. It’s good, it’s loud, it’s punk, it’s fun, and if you like that sort of stuff, it’s the place to be. While we’re at Bar None, just a reminder of Torch Tuesdays for you hip hop fans and performers, plus check out other entertainment during the week.
Boondocks brings on another jam-packed bunch of class acts after last weekend’s backto-back bill of Chris Knight and Billy Bob Thornton. Friday features that wild and crazy, dressed up, funk-rock act Here Come the Mummies with Imagine That Band opening. Saturday packs in the moonshine with JB and the Moonshine Band from Texas sponsored by Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine with Old Southern Moonshine Revival kicking off the evening. Insert hiccup here. On Sunday, from noon until 8 p.m., come help out the kitties at the Forever Feline Ranch annual benefit. Live music is supplied by Gracia Harrison, 2nd Chance Band, Hat Trick and Big Guy & the Mob. Five bucks gets you in the door, and participation in the silent auction and 50/50 drawing helps out the independent, non-profit group, while giving you a forever (at least nine lives worth) blessing from felines everywhere.
On Saturday at 8 p.m., the Springfield Classical Guitar Society presents the Millikin University Guitar Ensembles at Faith Lutheran Church (Whittier and Outer Park). The SCGS brings world-famous classical guitarists to town on a regular basis and has done so for many years. This concert shows off the fantastic abilities of players participating in the Millikin Guitar Ensemble program, now in its 28th year and directed by Manley Mallard, Coordinator of Guitar Studies. Expect a wide range of well-played music including bits from the works of Vivaldi, Haydn, Patrick Roux, Mozart, Gounod, Gimenez, Bach, Brahms and Rodgers & Hart.
Local percussionist, drummer and bandleader Craig Russo gave me heads up on a cool happening. Charanga Tropical, a Cuban-music combo from Minneapolis, is the first American group ever invited to Cuba’s International Danzón Festival set for this June. The band has a Kickstarter project going on for another 10 days to help fund the trip and record a live performance CD. Craig plays percussion with the group a couple times a year and will be joining them on the historic Cuban tour.
For one last April fling, the Fumee Gypsy Project plays Dr. Ugs on the square in Virginia, Wednesday, April 29, at 7 p.m.
See you in the month of May-be.
Contact Tom Irwin at tirwin@illinoistimes.com.
