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 mic events and karaoke nights are 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.
Local, regional and national touring acts of various genres take the stage weekly at several clubs around the city including The Curve Inn (3219 S. Sixth St.), The Blue Grouch (510 W. Maple St.), The Stadium Smokehouse Bar and Grill (2300 Peoria Road), Mother Road Diner (925 E. Joseph St.), Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill, Museum and Entertainment Complex (600 Toronto Road) and Weebles (4136 Peoria Road). There are too many venues to mention, ranging from coffee shops to bars, breweries and wineries, with local bands and musicians of all flavors. For a complete listing of what’s going on in and around the capital city on any given week, 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 stores or check the online calendar at illinoistimes.com.
Blues
Every Monday night starting around 7 p.m., the Illinois Central Blues Club (ICBC) sponsors a different band at the Alamo (115 N. Fifth St.). Local, regional and national acts have enlivened this wonderful music experience during the 30-plus years of Blue Mondays. Watch for special blues events regularly sponsored by the active ICBC at different venues in town.
Jazz
Jazz in all its varied forms is represented at certain nightclubs and restaurants. On the near west side of town, the Lime Street Cafe (951 S. Durkin Dr.) serves up jazz-style musicians with an occasional foray into classic rock ’n’ roll.
Comedy
If laughter is what you’re after, look no further than Donnie B’s Comedy Club (217-391-JOKE or donniebs.com for location and tickets) or head north of town to the Mason City Limits Comedy Club (114 E. Chestnut, Mason City). Both venues feature nationally known touring comedians weekly, with occasional open mics for the aspiring comic.
Acoustic
Singer-songwriters and acoustic music performers are in abundance around town and in the area. Venues with regular shows include Pease’s at Bunn Gourmet (2941 Plaza Dr.), It’s All About Wine (1305 Wabash Ave.) and Farmhouse Brews (3001 Veterans Parkway, inside Harvest Market).
