Looks like we definitely have this, that and the other thing happening in our music scene this Easter weekend and throughout the week. All that’s missing is for you to agree to participate in the fun and excitement. Let’s take a look at the goings on you could be going on out to see.
First up on my list is the announcement by the Sangamon County Fair folks of popular country-rocking groups (sitting more in the Americana world than top 40 country) Blackberry Smoke and Stoney LaRue headlining the grandstand on Thursday, June 15. The fair, held in New Berlin, runs June 14-18 this year with all the concert tidbits on early bird tickets, VIP seating and more available at SangCoFair.com.
And while we’re announcing area concerts, the BOS Center hosts major pop rock stars Foreigner with special guests, rock heroes Head East, – who actually originated in central Illinois – coming up on May 16 with ticket info at theBoScenter.com.
For a Thursday night just right (for some) excitement, Danenberger’s hosts Australia’s Thunder from Down Under at the family vineyards concert stage. I was not familiar with the group, but a quick Google search identifies this bunch as “an Australian male revue who perform in Las Vegas and tour internationally” and whose “main competitor is Chippendales.” All the reviews say it’s a thrilling and exhilarating time, and I have no doubt it is, but I have to admit I first thought it was maybe an AC/DC tribute band, and that’s not poking fun. My second thought was I probably need to get out more, but probably not to this show. Have fun everyone, and enjoy the night. And if you were wondering, and according to the group’s website many people do, men are indeed welcome and often do attend Thunder from Down Under shows.
While perusing through our current music listings looking for subjects to write about, I was definitely struck by the increased number of karaoke nights in our fair city. I’m not sure of the catalyst behind the surge, if any, but there are two on Tuesday, four on Wednesday, two on Thursday, two on Friday and two more on Saturday, for a grand total of 12 nights of karaoke in the area this week. Maybe this isn’t surprising – and I really do need to get out more – but that’s a lot of karaoke, and I am not complaining either. I know plenty of folks who really enjoy the process and more power to ’em I say, because you can’t run from the fun, plus it helps out a bar’s bottom line with the increased attendance that leads to a healthier overall scene for music venues in general.
Often on Easter weekend the music action slows a bit, and it has this year too, but we do seem to be doing well enough, especially on Saturday with bands like Damned Torpedoes (Tom Petty tribute) at Danenbergers, Birds of a Feather (Phish tribute) at Amber’s Place (formerly Third Base, as I incorrectly reported the wrong name change a few weeks ago. It’s Amber, not Amy), Angel Brown’s Smooth N’ Blue (tribute to jazz standards and classics) and the Rick Mari Band (tribute to rock in general, including some of the best Led Zepp you’ll hear around here) at Mowie’s Cue.
Sunday does look a little slow, and not surprisingly so, with the Easter holiday grabbing the headlines for sure, but there’s still good stuff happening which you will discover when doing your own music listing perusal.
Enjoy the weekend, and I’ll be back next week.
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