Where to find live entertainment in the capital city
The nightlife of Springfield and surrounding communities is diverse and robust. Blues, folk, jazz, rock, country, hip-hop, dance music, open mics and karaoke are all well represented on any given night in central Illinois and the capital city. Solid local acts playing original and cover material mix with national touring bands on the road from St. Louis to Chicago or between Indianapolis and Kansas City to create a fertile atmosphere for vibrant entertainment.
The blues are alive and well in Springfield, influenced by the city’s proximity to Chicago, one of the world’s great blues music cities. Every Monday night starting around 8 p.m., the Illinois Central Blues Club sponsors a different band and an open jam at the Alamo (115 N. Fifth Street). Local, regional and national acts have enlivened this wonderful music experience during the 20plus years of Blue Mondays. Watch for special blues events regularly sponsored by the active ICBC at different venues in town, such as at Casey’s Pub housed in the VFW Post 755 (221 Old Jacksonville Road).
Jazz in all its varied forms is represented at several nightclubs and restaurants. Robbie’s (4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza) hosts a different local group each Friday, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Uptown Friday Night, sponsored by the Springfield Area Arts Council. Also on the last Friday of every month, Marly’s Pub (9 W. Old State Capitol Plaza) presents the long-running Frank Trompeter Quintet presenting Friday@Last Jazz from 6 to 8 p.m.
On the near west side of town, the Lime Street Cafe (951 S. Durkin Dr.) delivers jazz musicians with an occasional foray into classic rock ’n’ roll. For a sample of small combo jazz with a taste of New Orleans, drop by the Brewhaus (617 E. Washington) on the first and last Monday evening of the month for Frank Parker’s Jambalaya Jam where sit-ins are always welcome. For a real treat of local jazz talent, look for jam sessions and concerts sponsored by the Jazz Society of Greater Springfield.
For those wanting to rock out, head for these venues and their specialties. Local, regional and national touring acts take the stage weekly at Boondocks (2909 N. Dirksen) and Donnie’s Homespun (107 W. Cook). At Marly’s Pub and Bar None (427 E. Monroe) you’ll find a variety of acts that run the gamut of rock music from singer/ songwriter types and indie-rock bands to classic combos and original music touring groups. These clubs, just over a block apart, also host open mics, weekly hip-hop acts and other events, keeping live music on the stage many nights a week.
Look for much-appreciated local bands and musicians of all flavors, including rock, bluegrass, blues, country and popular music, at Norb Andy’s (518 E. Capitol), Boone’s Saloon (301 W. Edwards), The Tin Can Pub (225 E. Monroe), The Burger Bar (2765 S. Sixth), Curve Inn (3219 S. Sixth), Guitar and Cadillacs Saloon (2724 Peoria Road), Thirdbase Sports Bar (410 Maple Ave.), Trading Post Saloon (731 S. Durkin Dr.), J.P.
Kelley’s (300 E. Adams), Butternut Hut (215 N. Second), Frankie’s 49er (518 Bruns Lane), Koo Koo’s Nest (3045 E. Sangamon Ave.), Blue Grouch (510 W. Maple), Harry’s Adult Daycare (320 W. Highland) and Abe’s Southside Pub (Travelodge, 3751 S. Sixth), Bourbon Street Rhythm and Blues (1031 E. South Grand Ave.) and Catch 22 (11 W. Old State Capitol Plaza).
Two local wineries also offer musical entertainment weekly. Walnut Street Winery (309 S. Walnut Street, Rochester) hosts open mics, acoustical acts and the occasional regional musicians. Hill Prairie Winery (RR 1, Oakford) has a band every Sunday afternoon and a couple fun festivals throughout the year.
If laughter is what you’re after, look no further than the Donnie B’s Comedy Club (625 E. Saint Joseph Street in the Route 66 Hotel and Convention Center) or head north of town to the Mason City Limits Comedy Club (114 E. Chestnut, Mason City). Both clubs feature nationally known touring comedians every Friday and Saturday night, with occasional open stages for the aspiring comic.
Fortunately, no matter what night of the week you develop the urge to sing your heart out in front of a crowd, karaoke machines and competent hosts await your command at Sluggo’s Bar (2660 W. Lawrence Ave.), George Rank’s (1800 S. Sixth St.) and The Albatross (3455 Freedom Dr.). If you prefer your public performance with instrument in hand, check out the popular open mics all around town including Wednesdays and Sundays at Trail’s End Saloon (Rt. 54, Curran).
Care to put on your dancing shoes, find a DJ and shake your booty all night long? You’ll find contemporary Top 40 and other recorded-music delights at Stella Blue (221 S. Fifth) and the Firehouse (430 E. Monroe). Alternative beats and lifestyles fill the dance floor at the Club Station House (306 E. Washington) and Scandals (411 E. Washington St.).
For coffee shop-style acoustic musings during the summer, visit evenings at Andiamo! (204 S. Sixth). For Irish-flavored tunes, head out to Celtic Mist Pub (117 S. Seventh St.) where you’ll find live music fairly regularly with some tasty ale and stout.
For a complete listing of what’s going on around the capital city, check the arts and entertainment listings in Illinois Times, the city’s free weekly newspaper, which also publishes Capital City Visitor. Look for the numerous IT newsstands throughout downtown, as well as at area hotels, restaurants and government buildings.
