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The Meerkat Mobsters

When the pumped up, high-rockin, rockabilly trio The Meerkat Mobsters, featuring Springfield resident Mark Mills (guitar, vocals), Ray Biagioni (drums) from Oglesby and Rick Topolski (stand-up b

Music - Tom Irwin

Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 12:00 am

Music is in season

By Tom Irwin

Now that the weather outside is slowly approaching normal but nowhere near “frightening,” perhaps our holiday season may feel more Midwest than Southwest. Either way it goes (hot, cold, pola

Band Spotlight

Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 12:00 am

Textbook

By Tom Irwin

Based out of Chicago, this quartet of possible punks (the musical kind) formed in 1998 using “’90s alternative and ’80s punk with a dash of midwestern roots-rock” to create a modern, American

Music - Tom Irwin

Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 12:00 am

Hot December music

By Tom Irwin

This oddly warm week for the end of November is fitting to heat us up for a weekend of scorching good music on the roster. Be sure to check the community calendar for holiday music happenings al

Band Spotlight

Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 12:00 am

Christian Lopez

By Tom Irwin

This West Virginia native now resides in Nashville, Tennessee, and uses the Music City for a home base to bring his particular style of Americana music to the masses. Lopez recorded his debut al

Music - Tom Irwin

Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017 12:00 am

Giving thanks for much

By Tom Irwin

There are many things to be thankful for in this world, and I hope you take the time to address those pertaining to you and yours. I’m thankful to be able to write this column weekly and share

Music - Tom Irwin

Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017 12:00 am

Remember November music

By Tom Irwin

Well, to say this was a tough week is an understatement of large proportions. I’m sure I speak for the friends and family of John Brillhart in thanking everyone for condolences, music, stories

Band Spotlight

Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017 12:00 am

Craig Gerdes

By Tom Irwin

Part of the burgeoning, modern, underground, outlaw, country music field, Craig Gerdes is makin’ tracks and on the move. His latest release, Smokin’, Drinkin’ & Gamblin’ (Sol records

Music - Tom Irwin

Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017 12:00 am

November on the move

By Tom Irwin

Here we go into a nearly mid-November run with sad news, good gigs and contest results. For me personally, early-to-mid November is filled with memories of loved ones lost, including a grandmoth

Music - Tom Irwin

Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017 12:00 am

Whatever Productions and open mics

By Tom Irwin

Here we are rolling into November; getting ready to fall back an hour and plunge into near wintertime. What better excuse do you need (if you need one) to get out and see some live music?Last Saturday