As the good, old cold settles in on January wintertime, let’s take a moment to cover a couple of things and hopefully discover a few, too.

First, here are a couple reminders of upcoming concert and festival events that may need to be planted in your planner to ensure attendance. Friday, Jan. 22 puts internationally acclaimed Iowa folk singersongwriter Greg Brown and his good buddy slide guitarist Bo Ramsey in the Studio Theater at UIS. Brown’s career spans some 40 years of playing, writing, touring and taking his muse to the people. On the same night, from 7:30 to 9:30, our Illinois Symphony Orchestra presents Sensational Strings at First Presbyterian Church, opening with Mozart’s popular “Eine Klein Nacthmusik” and closing with Dvorak’s “Serenade for Strings”. Now that’s a concert.

On Jan. 31, Sangamon Auditorium presents an incredible concert with Ricky Skaggs, Sharon White and Ry Cooder making unforgettable music in a tremendous opportunity to see a trio of legendary performers. Coming up on Feb. 5, 6 and 7 at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel, the Juvae Jazz Society presents the 41st Annual Central Illinois Jazz Festival. Held in several different venues in four sessions, the renowned event brings all kinds of jazz groups from here, there and everywhere to make this festival a real beauty. On Feb. 6, Illinois singer-songwriter Dan Hubbard plays a CD release concert at The Legacy Theatre with opening act Annalise Emerick. Hubbard’s latest disc, produced by ex-Wilco/ Uncle Tupelo drummer Ken Coomer, should support his rise as an acclaimed Americana artist.

Edwards Place recently celebrated a successful Kickstarter project to restore a square grand piano made by Emilius N. Scherr of Philadelphia and dating to the late 1830s. It’s the very same instrument young Abe Lincoln heard music played on during his courtship of Mary Todd and later while visiting his famous and powerful in-laws, the Edwards family. On Feb. 6 the historic site presents “As Lincoln Heard It” with a performance on the piano. Proceeds from the concert go toward restoration of the second floor of Edwards Place. How sweet this is, all just in time for Honest Abe’s birthday on Feb. 12.

Back at the bars, James Armstrong gets to play James Armstrong Presents at the Alamo on Thursday. This is always a treat, as the “Ambassador of the Blues” is often on the road. On Friday the classic act of John T Crisp, Jr. and Chahrm with Ada Lou perform at Robbie’s for the Uptown Friday Night music series. After that, head to Always After Five for Lady Carole and Her Knights to keep the music going. The Station brings on the progressive jams at The Curve Inn on Friday, utilizing the fine setup of super sound guy Ric Major on his sonically sound stage. On Saturday,t Jackson Taylor and the Sinners play a makeup gig at Guitars & Cadillacs for some honest to goodness rockin’ country. Hipbone Sam unveils a new member on Saturday at Casey’s Pub when Zack Fedor jumps in on vocals, guitar and harmonica. This move opens up the multi-talented Ric Mari to break out the keyboards as companion to his tremendous guitar work, expanding the set list and sound of the band.

This is always a good time to hit an open mic or two, either to catch some new talent or to dust off that guitar and go sing a song for goodness sake. These somewhat lowlyfeeling events, usually scheduled during off days during the week, form a fundamental part of our music scene by allowing a place for musicians to step out and experiment, learn and build confidence to feed the future of live performance in town.

Enjoy the cool music while staying warm.

Contact Tom Irwin at [email protected].