As we continue into the season with a reason for holiday happenings, we somewhat curb the big events but keep the gigs going with plenty of good music to go around. Please pay special attention to the many benefit shows presented by our hardworking and ever-giving musicians.
First off and first thing, Bar None hosts the Way Down Wanderers with guests Sunshine Daydream on Thursday (tonight, for you rightaway readers). This high-flying quintet is now Chicago based and headed for worlds beyond in the Americana/alt-folk department. Fronted by Austin Thompson and Collin Krause, the terrific two started as a duo four years ago when Collin was 14 and Austin a ripe old 17 years old. They’ve coalesced songwriting and performing into a nationally well-respected band with February plans to record their first full-length album with producer Mike Marsh (drummer for the Avett Brothers) at the famed Sonic Ranch studio complex, not far from El Paso, Texas, on the Mexican border. Bar None keeps the good music coming with Springfield’s favorite Chicago bluegrass band, the Henhouse Prowlers, on Friday.
Another Springfield favorite, local heroes Big Guy & the Mob, play at Third Base Sports Bar on Friday night in what is booked as the band’s last show, so come see them while you can. In another final performance, after 30 years of playing the drums just about every weekend, our longtime friend Oakie Morris retires from the sticks and skins. This will be his last show with Big Guy and next Saturday, Dec. 19, he will play his final show forever (for now, can we say, Oakie?) with Rockhouse at the Koo Koo’s Nest. Come pay your respects and send your best to one of the area’s finest fellows, as well as an all-around terrific musician.
Music makers are generally generous folks, as one must be to spend all that time practicing, playing, promoting and pushing for gigs that pay, shall we say, a minimum of cash return. It somehow makes sense then that those with instruments play all kinds of benefits for charities year round, especially during this season when we are asked to give the most.
Off the Wall hosts their third annual Keep Em Warm benefit concert at Crows Mill Pub on Saturday night starting at 8:30. Wallers (self-proclaimed fans of the band) and others attending the show are asked to donate stocking caps, gloves, socks or scarves at the door. The band plans to distribute the much appreciated goodies at St. John’s Breadline. Christmas at the Curve 2: A Benefit for Toys for Tots features host band Fun DMC with Big Daddy Jasper and The Mix joining together to support this wonderful organization on Saturday, 6 to 10 p.m. With Ami Merchant, proprietor of the Curve Inn, Ric Major, house sound guru and all the bands donating time and talent to make this a huge event to aid the caring charity, we can only say thanks and show up to make the happening a success. Find out more information and other ways to help at http://christmasatthecurve.com.
Casey’s Pub hosts a world-class traveling blues group when The Chris Ruest Band passes through from down Texas way on Saturday. The Connecticut native comes out of the Dallas-Fort Worth area and gets props for some 20 years of making music and paying his dues without getting his due in the public eye. Here’s your chance to catch a great act doing what they do best, up close and personal, all at an easy access venue not far from home.
Give yourself a holiday gift and get out and see some of the great, local live music all around town this weekend and every weekend. It’s good for you!
Contact Tom Irwin at [email protected].
