Band Spotlight | Thursday, May 16,2013

ZZ Tripp

Springfield’s ZZ Tripp with Brad Alan (as Billy Gibbons on guitar), Dan Kress (as Dusty Hill on bass) and Tom Summerlin (as Frank Beard on drums) gives ZZ Top a tremendous tribute treatment. Wit

Band Spotlight | Thursday, May 9,2013

The Brothers

By Tom Irwin

The Brothers do the Allman Brothers music and do it well. Unlike other tribute bands, they have actual experiences of working with the group they celebrate, as some of the “brothers” actua

Band Spotlight | Thursday, May 2,2013

Josh Catalano and The Dirty Thoughts

By Tom Irwin

A stalwart on the local music scene in performing, writing and recording original, rocking American music, Josh Catalano (guitar, vocals, songwriting) formed The Dirty Thoughts in 2011 with former Dam

Band Spotlight | Thursday, April 25,2013

CW Ayon

By Tom Irwin

New Mexican bluesman CW Ayon (pronounced “I own”) began his adventure as a one-man band in 2008. Playing what he terms his “Hill Country Blues, Chihuahuan Desert, hook-laden groove,&

Band Spotlight | Thursday, April 18,2013

Randy Charles and the Western Angels

By Tom Irwin

This five-piece group are darn good purveyors of country, folk and bluegrass tunes, combining choice covers by the likes of Dwight Yoakam, Johnny Cash and Garth Brooks with a handy bunch of well-suite

Band Spotlight | Thursday, April 11,2013

James Armstrong

By Tom Irwin

Some people play the blues and some people listen to the blues, but James Armstrong just is the blues. From starting his first band in seventh grade to traveling the country playing major festivals an

Band Spotlight | Thursday, April 4,2013

Amy Benton

By Tom Irwin

Blessed with a lovely voice, a sweet smile, a creative streak and enough gumption to take on the music business world, Taylorville native Amy Benton lives her dream. Between consistent shows in centra

Band Spotlight | Thursday, March 28,2013

In This Moment

By Tom Irwin

From an introduction through friends, Maria Brink (lead vocals, piano) and Chris Howorth (lead guitar, vocals) got together in August of 2005 and immediately formed a common bond of music through song

Band Spotlight | Thursday, March 21,2013

Family Groove Company

By Tom Irwin

This Chicago-based quartet keeps making the rounds and stirring the pot with festival appearances at the Midwest’s finest, including Summerfest, Summer Camp and 10,000 Lakes. Family Groove Compa

Band Spotlight | Thursday, March 14,2013

The Emerald Underground

By Tom Irwin

Always a busy band during the St. Patrick’s Day celebration, The Emerald Underground goes for the pot o’ gold at the end of the Irish rainbow with three shows this weekend. Now into their