Goodbye October, and hello November. The days of outdoor shows have faded into the nearness of holiday walks and upcoming Thanksgiving specials. This weekend features a good collection of fun happenings to keep it all aglow and in flow, and you in the know.

First up, let’s celebrate Anna Fermin’s Trigger Gospel coming to town in support of the Americana band’s reunion CD, You Belong Here. Based out of Chicago, Anna and the fellers started playing together 20 years ago and accomplished a great deal professionally as a group as well as in life matters, such as families and careers outside the band. They’re featured in our “Band Spotlight” and have three gigs in town at some of our coolest venues. On Thursday, check out the band in the house studio at WUIS (hopefully this will be a sign of more radio station shows to come for other artists), on Friday at Norb Andy’s and on Sunday at The Curve. Along with Anna’s wonderful talents, the exceptionally good band features Springfield native Andon “Ted” Davis (yes, he was an original member of the renowned Cats on Holiday) on guitars. I’ve been lucky enough to be asked to play a couple of tunes before Anna’s show on Sunday at the Curve, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few guests sit in Friday at Norb’s. The WUIS show has limited seating, so be sure to check the FB invite page or check in with the station first. Don’t be gone so long next time, Anna!

Hurrah for the return of Ann Bova and the “Cabin Concerts” concept. On Sunday, our adventurous and intrepid Ann brings the masterful Irish guitarist, singer, songwriter, storyteller and performer Gerry O’Beirne back to town for an intimate show at Boccardi’s Italian Restaurant on Sunday, Nov. 6. You can come for a pre-concert meal or just see the show, but either way, it’s a fine opportunity to experience this gifted artist at work. You must have purchased seats before the concert, and you can do so by contacting Ann at [email protected] or 971-8502. Gerry has toured the world as a musician (solo and with groups), played at the White House, opened for the Grateful Dead, been a guest on “Prairie Home Companion,” and done a couple of other cool things, including playing here in Springfield a few times at the request and invitation of Ann Bova. Thanks, Ann, for bringing such a brilliant fellow to Springfield for all of us to enjoy. Maybe we will see more acts soon?

Congratulations to Off the Wall as the boys celebrate three years of making music together this Saturday night at the Koo Koo’s Nest. Recent winners of the best Rock/Pop Band in our “Best of Springfield” readers’ poll, we here at Illinois Times extend our heartiest, heartfelt handshake and grandest group hug to the guys and all the Wallers, plus a special nod to Rusty Koehler, the original singing bassist in the band, who passed away earlier this year. Rusty is always there in spirit and his bass is there in person while the music marches on, just as he would want and expect. Keep going, Off the Wall.

Those Baaad Boyz featuring Tony Young play The Alamo on Thursday for the James Armstrong Presents early evening show. Remember, they serve food at these events, plus it starts at six, so all the late night and no food excuses have been kindly removed, practically forcing you to attend these wonderful, downtown, friendly music concerts. Be there or be square, or be there and be near the square, anyway.

Until next time, let’s see what this November does bring.

Contact Tom Irwin at [email protected].