By Ben Cox
Photos provided
Normally, I don’t like nepotism, but I’m going to use it a bit this week. Elm City Radio has been around for a little over a year. It’s my internet-based radio station and DJ business.
I’ve only done a few events and sponsored my friends at the Alvin Eades Center’s Battle of the Bands this summer. It allows me to continue my love of broadcast and music while also still paying the bills.
This Saturday, November 8, I’ve got my own show coming up at Pizza Records in downtown Jacksonville — the second annual Adult Prom. I’ll be spinning all of your favorite hits on actual 45s from 1980-1989.
Dress in all of your old prom clothes or ones you find at the thrift store and come dance the night away. It’s an all ages show. We’ll have punch and treats. I think we’ll have a kitschy photo booth. We did it in a literal ice storm last year and had a blast with a good group of people showing up.
I’ll have my Hawaiian shirt on as I “mix it up” as Brian Flanagan from Cocktail. We’re going to drop $1 off admission if you bring in a nonperishable food item(s) for the Jacksonville Area Food Center.
Now, onto the tunes … The Richrath Project will make its delayed inaugural stop at Twisted Tree Music Hall this week. They delayed this show from this summer. If you haven’t gotten tickets and are a huge REO Speedwagon fan, this is a must see show on Saturday, November 8 from 8-11 p.m.
Peoria, Illinois-based rock cover band Stereo Typical returns to Jacksonville for a night at the AmVets on November 8 from 8:30 p.m. to midnight. St. Louis-based rockers Money Shot will be at Kuhl Tyme Korner on November 7 from 8 p.m. to midnight. Toxic Johnny will jam at Big Daddy’s Doghouse in Winchester on November 7 as well, starting at 8 p.m.
Blues lovers, you’ve got some great chances to hear a pair of artists that are from Central Illinois. Hurricane Ruth LeMaster cut her teeth at her dad’s Glendale Tavern in Beardstown on Sundays growing up. The young powerhouse vocalist has traveled all over as a singer and songwriter. After some years away from singing and touring through the 80s and 90s, LeMaster, now based in the St. Louis Metro area, has released about an album a year over the past decade and tours nonstop.
She’ll be at The Alamo in Springfield for the Blue Monday jam on November 10. Five dollars gets you in the door for this 21+ show.
Vixen Hill Winery in Palmyra hosts the Champaign, Illinois legend Billy Galt on November 9 as a part of its Sunday music series. Galt and his Blues Deacons have been around in some form since 1990.
Prior to that, Galt was in blues-rock bands in Champaign. Galt has honed his skills backing blues luminaries such as Homesick James, Sonny Boy Williamson Jr., Maxwell Street Jimmy and Shirley King over the years. Hearing Billy solo is a real treat.
Remember, only you can prevent empty music venues! Support live music and bands.
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.
