By Ben Cox
School’s [almost] back in session! Okay, it sounded more like Alice Cooper in my head. Music is going to hit a bit of a slow down until the middle of the month. Our friends at Twisted Tree and Pizza Records are taking some time off until their next shows. Both are cooking up their fall schedules as we speak. I’ll keep you posted on what’s going on.
Jeff Newman is going to keep it local for Jacksonville this upcoming week. He’s playing the first Thursday Downtown Market on August 7 at KJB’s Pint Haus with Dennis from 7-10 p.m. Then, on Saturday, August 9, he puts together Trio DeGroove for a rare appearance at Don’s Place from 8-11 p.m.
Winchester is our first venture out of town for the upcoming week. Big Daddy’s Doghouse just off the square hosts local rock band Toxic Johnny at 8:30 p.m on Friday, August 8.
For some good music entertainment and some great food, head out to the Concord Fish Fry on Saturday, August 9. Music starts at 11 a.m. along with food. Local artist Shannon Wood starts it off with an acoustic set. He’ll be followed by young rising star Jax Dion at 3 p.m. The night’s premier entertainment is the Springfield, Illinois-based red dirt country and rock group Stefan Huffman Band from 6-8 p.m. These guys have traveled all over Central Illinois all summer long picking up fans. If you’re a fan of bands and artists like Tyler Childers, Treaty Oak Revival and the Turnpike Troubadours, you’ll like this group.
Roodhouse’s Two Dog Saloon gets a visit from Central Illinois-based rockers Jamaica & The Wildside on Saturday, August 9 at 8 p.m.
Patriot’s Pub down in Waverly continues to bring good live music to Morgan County each month. I’ve never been and sure would like to step in for a cold brew and hear what a band sounds like down there. I think you all should join me. Acoustic rock solo artist John G. Drake brings the jams to Patriots for a low-key Sunday, August 10 set.
If you want to venture a little farther down the road, acoustic duo Not Petty has a Sunday, August 10 matinee at Vixen Hill Winery in Palmyra from 2-5 p.m.
One notable show that’s worth traveling for is on Monday, August 11 at The Alamo in downtown Springfield. Washington state bass player Polly O’Keary & The Rhythm Method take the state for Blue Monday. She doesn’t come around often. If you like blues-rock, they bring it in the old school power trio style. I ran into Polly years ago when she was still in my good acquaintance Tim “Too Slim” Langford’s band The Taildraggers. The group has serious chops and they are one of the top acts out of the Pacific Northwest. Music runs from 7-10 p.m.
Remember, only you can prevent empty music venues. Support local musicians!
If you have a show in the Jacksonville area or are a Jacksonville artist/band that would like to be featured here, email Ben Cox with your live music schedule or information at elmcityradio@gmail.com.
