Mayday, Mayday. City in trouble. Need people interested in having fun to enjoy much-maligned nightlife that really ain't so bad. Send help now. . . .
Start out with a visit to the Trading Post Saloon on Durkin Drive for a listen or a dance to the all-around sounds of the Dan Rivero Trio. Dan and the boys begin early enough (8 p.m. to midnight), so you can get some tunes under your belt before the eyes droop. For a little later, how about a trip back in time? Members of local rock group Big Fur show up at Marly's on Fifth Street to spin tunes from the decadent decade of the '80s.
On Friday, kick back early with guitarist Joe Frew, as Andiamo! on Sixth inaugurates a 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. music spot to complement their Wednesday jazz downstairs in Charley's Club. If you can pull an out-of-body experience, float over across the street to Robbie's to enjoy the ever-popular sounds of the Jane Hartman Trio. For late night Friday entertainment, camp out at the Hilton. Upstairs at Jazz Central Station, Seven Day Run, an alternative pop-rock band from Chicago, spends some time in Springfield before they sign on with a major label and hit the national touring circuit. Downstairs in the Underground City Tavern, another Chicago group, Outlaw Family Band, does the alternative country-rock thing with local faves the Moonlight Rhythm Rangers opening the show. The Screaming Vatos fill the stage with percussion and the dance floor with happy feet at Breaktime on West White Oaks Drive from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Where do we go on Saturday night? How about to Bootlegger's on Toronto Road to get a taste of down-and-dirty funk-rap-rock with Chawbacon. Be sure to pick up a copy of their new CD and check out Trina Madonia of elevator shoe turning in a guest vocal. White Lightnin' has been stirrin' the pot with real country music for quite a few years. They strike a pose for cheatin', drinkin', boot scootin', and old fashioned hollerin' and hootin' at the Grandstand across from the State Fairgrounds main gate.
For a good deed on Sunday, come support your local jazz organization at Robbie's, when the Jazz Society of Greater Springfield holds its 2nd annual Spring Brunch fund-raiser. The elegant and exquisite Rachael Lee is the featured attraction. Lee sings with the best of them and that includes her back-up group of "friends." The brunch runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and costs $6 for JSGS members and $8 for you non-members slackers. It'll be a party, complete with a 50-50 drawing and raffle prizes.
Did you hear John McDermott on WMAY's Jim Leach show last Thursday? The singer-songwriter has penned an ode for wartime America called "Red, White, and Blue" that is receiving some local airplay. Filled with patriotic emotion about the recent war with Iraq, he says, "And I respect your point of view, but lately when I dream, it's in red, white, and blue." Call your favorite radio station and request a spin. If you like what you hear, it's available at Recycled Records.
This is a few weeks late, but, as promised, here goes. It is a sad goodbye we say to the Last Chance Blues Band. Voted last year by Illinois Times readers as the best cover band in Springfield, they've decided to call it quits. Here's hoping for a last last chance to bring the group together for a summer reunion tour.
Now find a pole and celebrate your May Day so that your merry month may be in style.
