After a weekend of surprisingly warm temperatures, all the beer garden-gatherers and festival folks are a happy bunch, but never fear, old man winter is around the corner, sure to soon deliver the goods. In the meantime, our music marches on.
Last week I mentioned the flourishing of downtown open mics, and Doug Mayol, owner-operator of The Cardologist, informed me of another one happening at his store over the lunch hour every Wednesday starting at noon. Recently the card, novelty and otherwise shop moved from its longtime location across from Maldaner’s next door to Recycled Records. The new spot has a space Doug designated as a performance area to encourage folks to bring a lunch, listen to music, and have a good time. Dennis Darling graciously offered to lead the open mic, doing his own music thing while sharing the stage with those interested in singing, playing, reading or doing other forms of acceptable self-expression. Yes, it’s that easy, people.
In the “giving credit where credit is due” category, you need to know that Mary Jo Curry’s blues record (produced by James Armstrong with performances by area musicians) is burning up the “Roots Music Report.” The last check in from Oct. 8 put her debut album at #2 on the Classic Blues Album Chart, #20 on the Blues Album Chart and #6 on the Illinois Album Chart. Her self-penned number “Ooooo Weeee” is #9 on the Blues Song Chart and #2 on the Illinois Song Chart. A couple other tunes are receiving enough airplay to chart as well, with “When a Woman’s Had Enough” sitting pretty at #2 on the Classic Blues Song Chart and “Smellin’” checking in at #6. That makes over seven weeks straight for Mary Jo’s music on this important and well respected U.S. recording chart of radio plays. Now does this transfer to bajillions of record sales? Of course not, but this is indeed a wonderful (and unexpected?) accomplishment that will sell some product and likely lead to better gigs in venues in other places. Congratulations to all involved, including hubby Michael Rapier who played guitar and penned a few tunes for the record.
Boondocks continues bringing in righteously cool acts with Texas troubadour and raconteur Pat Green showing up this Friday and the iconic and intriguing Leon Russell appearing on Oct. 29. Green doesn’t tour that often outside of Texas because he doesn’t need to, and Russell seems to keep touring everywhere because he likes to play his piano and sing, the same as he has for over half a century. Both acts put on enticing and powerfully musical live shows well worth a listen.
Singer-songwriter-guitarist and Springfield transplant Mark Mills recently made a video to his song “Ann Radcliffe” just in time for Halloween. The song is off of Mills’ 2016 release American Man and references the woman author considered the pioneer of Gothic novels as written in England in the late 18th century. The clip uses engaging and spooky shots of dolls, houses, blobs and other things, as well as live video from Mills 2016 SOHO performance with his group The Bourbanators. Google “Ann Radcliffe Mark Mills” and you should find it.
While expanding our entertainment choices, what about the Springfield Classical Guitar Society concert by the Hanser- McClellan Guitar Duo this Saturday, 8 p.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church? Based in St. Louis, these two acclaimed guitarists achieved worldwide recognition as performers and instructors through an ongoing, illustrious career. The duo covers material by Scarlatti, Sor, Handel, Granados, de Falla, Rodrigo and Presti at the show.
Halloween weekend is up next week, as well as the “Best of Springfield” results. That’s scary!
Contact Tom Irwin at [email protected].
