As we roll on through lovely May-time in central Illinois, the music around town is mostly as marvelous and mellifluous as the much-anticipated burst of nature’s bounty and beauty. Then there’s always a storm or two, just to keep it interesting.
First up this weekend is the stupendous downtown festival known as the Fat Ass 5K and Street Party. With a name that attracts national attention from folks of all ages (the kids love saying it), this fun-loving, partying animal of a good time raises hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for national and local charities. At last count our Fat Ass friends collected nearly $700,000 since starting the party, including over $160,000 last year alone. That’s really terrific and incredible, especially since all you have to do is buy a package and enjoy yourself at the street party and race. Just a word of warning (or explanation); the 5K part is only if you want to run your Fat Ass off. All levels of participants are invited from those able to walk, crawl, pant or party your way along the path of Fat Ass-edness.
Organizers planted plenty of tantalizing food stops and merry music makers along the way to keep the excitement level high enough to keep your Fat Ass occupied until hitting the finish line. And there’s where the party starts on Saturday with Captain Geech & the Shrimp Shack Shooters playing from 11:30 (before noon) until 3 p.m. Lots of fattening, delicious food, along with plenty of cold beer makes for a good time. Kids are welcome to join in the fun with a specific entertainment area for the (dare I say it?) little Fat Asses to play. Come on Friday night to pick up your package and party in preparation with the band After Sunset on Seventh Street between Washington and Adams. Now get your youknow-what in gear and Google “Fat Ass 5K” for more information on Facebook and the event website.
On Friday night Bar None continues a recent run of not-to-be-missed shows with an appearance by Muscle Shoals-based artist Red Mouth. Not his given name (whew), Red Mouth originated in the famed Alabama town that spawned one of the world’s most prolific and influential music studios while creating a special sound. Check out the film documentary on Muscle Shoals to learn some history about American popular music. Sir Red Mouth carries on the fine and famous tradition with some reverb-soaked, rhythmically righteous music that will stand you on your head and scare your pants off at the same time. Joining the singer-songwriter-entertainer on his latest record are musicians from Alabama Shakes, Jason Isbell’s 400 Unit, Lyle Lovett’s Large Band and other worthy members of the music world. Be prepared to be amazed.
Keep your Cinco de Mayo mood on with a visit to the Curve Inn on Friday when the Screamin’ Vatos take the stage. Long a staple in our local music community, the band does songs by War and Santana, both Latinoinfluenced groups, plus assorted tasteful covers accompanied by a boatload of percussion to highlight the rockin’ band.
Saturday, along with all the other fine groups playing around town, check out RockHouse rocking the house at the Blue Grouch, Loud Clouds blowing into the Barrel Head and Chris Sorenson Project with Broken Stone tearing up the latest incarnation of The Forty Niner.
And last, but far from least, Jim Suhler, a nationally renowned electric blues guitarist from Texas, plays Blue Monday at the Alamo, sponsored by our Illinois Central Blues Club.
That should bring us up to date on weekly happenings, but as always, don’t take my word for it. Check the Pub Crawl and Calendar listings for all the goings on.
Contact Tom Irwin at [email protected].
