Band Spotlight | Thursday, November 15,2012

Chicago Farmer

After an upbringing among offerings of punk and grunge sounds in his hometown of Delavan, Ill. in southern Tazewell County, Chicago Farmer, aka Cody Diekhoff, saw the light upon hearing the songs of H

Music - Tom Irwin | Thursday, November 15,2012

Various November varieties

By Tom Irwin

Every once in a while it’s fascinating to take a look at all the music out there in the big picture rather than focusing in on one subject. With all the happenings this weekend, plus the upcomin

Music - Tom Irwin | Thursday, November 15,2012

Prairie troubadour

The folk music of Ben Bedford

By Tom Irwin

You’ve been warned, you won’t get far Life’s crooked as a scimitarCut the cord there ain’t no doubtThere’s one way in and one way out – John the BaptistSo goes the

Band Spotlight | Thursday, November 8,2012

Hospital Job

By Tom Irwin

A self-described “melodic indie/punk band,” Hospital Job also says to, “think Superdrag meets The Ramones trying to play Jesus and Mary Chain covers” as a good way to understan

Music - Tom Irwin | Thursday, November 8,2012

The Roys arrive

By Tom Irwin

When thinking of bluegrass festivals nature and outdoor settings generally come to my mind, but one of the finest bluegrass fests in the country happens right here in Springfield at the Crowne Plaza.

Band Spotlight | Thursday, November 1,2012

Randy Houser

By Tom Irwin

His father worked as a professional musician and by age thirteen, Randy Houser was fronting his own band. From his native Miss., Randy took off for Nashville in 2002. One of his first cuts was a co-wr

Music - Tom Irwin | Thursday, November 1,2012

Venues make a comeback

By Tom Irwin

Not long ago Springfield was sorely lacking in club venues capable of handling a few hundred folks to see national touring acts. Now within a few months, voila!, ask and ye shall receive, here you go,

Music - Tom Irwin | Thursday, October 25,2012

Halloweening and how

By Tom Irwin

Now, now my frantic friends, let this week bring out the inner Halloweener in you. But first, we have some sad and serious news to report in a joyous way.This Sunday, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Robbie’

Band Spotlight | Thursday, October 25,2012

Ray Wylie Hubbard

By Tom Irwin

Unfortunately many folks, not from the great state of Texas and not into the intense singer-songwriter-Americana scene that sustains and supports songwriting there as an art to be experienced and beli

Music - Tom Irwin | Thursday, October 18,2012

Call me Black Magic Johnson

By Tom Irwin

Reggie Britton is one of my best friends as well as one of the most admired and respected artists on my personal list. We met in the early ’90s when Reggie showed up at my Thursday night gig at