We’ve circled back around to Fat Ass time this weekend, as the popular event takes over the downtown area Friday night and Saturday day. But never fear, because along with your Fat Ass stuff, many other cool and equally appealing things are happening.
There really is a Fat Ass 5K for experienced runners as well as anyone wanting to walk and participate, and plenty of doings for everyone else. No matter what the fun factor is, this event is very serious about donating cash for a good cause, passing out more than one million bucks to worthwhile organizations since its inception. Be sure to get the skinny on the Fat Ass website, if this is your thing. Have a corn dog with a side of beer and doughnuts for me.
On Thursday night at the Curve Inn, The Blue G’s are proud to announce the presale of a CD recording has been years in the making. I’m talking about literally eons of working and sweating and planning and playing to get this acoustic music where they want it to be. Come get your copy now, then wait for the big CD party coming later this summer. I got to hear a little of it last week and it’s truly a work of art; an astounding collection of 19 songs interconnected in concept, but especially through the brilliant performances and arrangements. I was not permitted to take a CD home at that time and must patiently wait until Thursday like everybody else. Believe me, I fully understand that concept. The Hayburners and I are honored to join in the live performance fun from 6 to 10, playing alternating sets and also likely collaborating on folk and bluegrass standards. We were hoping to have a double CD celebration, but unfortunately I won’t have my latest CD until Monday at the earliest. But I did get test presses of the vinyl copies of All That Love on last Monday, and we should have a LP in production by next week for a late June release. Congrats to The Blue G’s!
On Friday, Kris Bell returns to the Brewhaus with his scintillating mix of blues and rock well supported by a killer rhythm section. Kris keeps coming back to Springfield, and he makes more fans of his amazing electric guitar work every time he shows. Friday should be extra fun with the Fat Ass concert in full swing just around the corner, featuring Off the Wall, The Shenanigans and Fun DMC.
Saturday night features several topnotch happenings, including the Old 97’s at Boondocks and the debut of Betsy Buttell fronting vocals for The Loops at the Curve Inn. But for sure velocity and ferocity, it’s hard to beat the show at the Capital City Bar & Grill with the Bullet Boys, Dead Till Dark and Velveeta Revolver rocking the house hard. This all-ages event opens the doors at 7 with music starting about 8. Hang onto your hats boys and girls; these guys rock the oldfashioned way, loud and proud, with swagger and bluster, big amps and cool songs, taking no prisoners and leading the way to the rock paradise.
Next Wednesday, May 17, plan on seeing a very cool show at Bar None sponsored by the Bedrock 66 folks as 16-year-old guitar phenom McKinley James takes the stage. He’s in good company with backing from his dad Jason Smay and others from JD McPherson’s band. The young man who “plays beyond his years” was featured as “the kid” in Eric Church’s “Mr. Misunderstood” video from a few years ago.
That should wrap it up. Keep an eye out for all the other happenings, too.
Contact Tom Irwin at [email protected].
