By Ben Cox
Photos provided
Alright, break out your ugly Christmas sweaters and pull out this column if you are looking to break away from all the family time for some true music throwdowns ahead of Christmas. There is some cheer and merry and a bit of sadness and dreary in this column so buckle up!
Friday, December 19 kicks off a packed weekend with three very different musical experiences. In downtown Springfield, Paiger takes the stage at BuzzBomb Brewing Company, 406 East Adams Street, from 7 to 10 p.m. This 21+ show is especially meaningful, as it’s among the final live performances at BuzzBomb before the brewery closes permanently on January 1, 2026, after eight years as a major supporter of local music and craft beer.
Paiger’s sound is fierce and uncompromising, blending blues, rock and roll, punk, and soul into performances that feel less like concerts and more like emotional release. Her commanding voice and visceral stage presence promise a memorable farewell moment for a venue that has meant a great deal to Springfield’s music scene.
Also on Friday night, fans of country and classic rock have solid options closer to home. Branded, an ultimate ’90s country throwback band, brings its honky-tonk energy to Duke & Joanie’s, 216 South Main Street in Chandlerville, starting at 8 p.m. Meanwhile, in Winchester, Toxic Johnny, a popular local rock cover band, plays Big Daddy’s Doghouse, 2 East Douglas Street, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Both shows promise familiar songs, sing-alongs and a lively start to the weekend.
Saturday, December 20 is one of the busiest nights of the season. In downtown Jacksonville, Pizza Records hosts its final show of the year, and it’s shaping up to be a big one. Local alternative rock and punk legends NIL8 headline a lineup that also includes Crash Planet, Master Bastard and Short Notice. The show begins at 6:30 p.m., and with presale tickets already sold out, this is expected to be one of the hottest tickets in town. Tickets start around $18 and are available online or in store.
Later that evening, the party continues across the region. Jaxon Dion, home on break from college, performs an acoustic solo set at Patriots Pub in Waverly at 8 p.m. In Roodhouse, Edwardsville-based band Worth the Fight brings its high-energy, full-range ’90s-and-up rock show to Two Dog Saloon at 9 p.m. For those who prefer dancing to a DJ, AJ’s Bar & Grill in downtown Arenzville hosts an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party with DJ Rick from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., complete with prizes and plenty of holiday cheer.
The weekend’s live music extends into Sunday. On Sunday, December 21, blues fans have two excellent afternoon options. Devin C. Williams brings his soulful, raw Delta-style acoustic blues to West Bend Bar & Grill in Murrayville from 2 to 5 p.m. At the same time, Reverend Robert offers a solo set blending blues, rhumba, and acoustic folk at Vixen Hill Winery in Palmyra, starting at 2 p.m.
On Monday, December 22, the blues take center stage again. David Lumsden and the Reggie Britton Happy Blues Band perform at The Alamo on 6th Street in downtown Springfield from 7 to 10 p.m. This 21+ show carries a $5 cover and features guitar-forward, soul-driven blues from a seasoned Springfield outfit—an ideal way to ease into the final days before Christmas.
Finally, the season turns reflective on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24, at The Chapel, 428 East College Avenue. Two candlelight and communion services are offered at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., featuring organist Tim Smith performing classical selections on the historic Aeolian-Skinner four-manual organ, a cherished instrument at The Chapel since 1952. The evening includes communion, a Christmas message from pastor Perry Case, and congregational singing led by The Chapel worship team, with beloved carols such as “Silent Night” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.” It’s a serene and meaningful way to close out a week filled with music of every style.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays with whatever music you jam to. Remember, only you can prevent empty music venues. Support live and local music!
