By Ben Cox
Photos Submitted
Jacksonville may be a bit partied out for the time being. Homecoming, parades and anniversaries … whoa, boy! It was a fun time in Actionville this past weekend. I hope you made it out to hear all the great music, eat a corn dog or two and see an amazing drone light show. Rain tried to throw a hitch in things on Friday, but we all managed. A couple of the Budweiser Clydesdales still got to walk the square and visit local bars for a bit, and then the focus downtown went back to live music presented by our friends at Twisted Tree Music Hall.
Speaking of the folks at Twisted Tree, they have another amazing artist coming to Jacksonville this week. Ray Scott burst on the scene in Nashville in 2005 with his hit song and album “My Kind of Music.” After a tangle with his record label, Scott has remained independent, staying true to his own sound and songwriting. His fifth studio release, Guitar For Sale, produced some buzz and he continues to tour and record. He’ll visit Jacksonville on October 11. Scott says his music is about real life struggles and it’s country music “without a coat of sugar on it.” No word yet on an opening act, so keep your eyes peeled on the Twisted Tree socials to find out more about tickets and information.
The only other show in Morgan County that I know of for this week is the venerable Jeff Newman at Patriot’s Pub for a “Long Weekend Sunday Funday” billing on October 12 starting at 2 p.m.
A blues band with some Jacksonville ties, Smokestacks, plays a set at the VFW Lafore Lock Post 755 located on Old Jacksonville Road in Springfield on Sunday, October 12 at 7 p.m. These guys mix in originals with some great blues-rock style covers.
Danenberger Family Vineyards has a pair of national roots acts coming up that are worth the price of admission. Reverend Horton Heat and Johnnie Owens have appearances this week. Check out their website for ticket information. The Alamo in downtown Springfield continues their tradition of Blue Monday, too. East Coast piano magician Bruce Katz will bring a master class of groove and grit. Katz has played with Ronnie Earl, Delbert McClinton and Gregg Allman, among others. The small door fee to keep the blues rollin’ is worth it.
Remember, only you can prevent empty music venues! Support live music!
