Mid-October approaches in central Illinois, a time when squirrels get busy, festivals wind down, and live music venues see a noticeable seasonal change. What hasn’t changed is the quantity and quality of entertainment options. So let’s dive into the proverbial pile of leaves and see what’s lying around.
The first thing we’ll mention is that the 2024 STC Rocky Horror Picture Show has its final weekend this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Directed by Mary Young and Courtney Wick, the film stars Kailan Davis, Ellen Tuttle, Ryan Kuhl, David Allen, and a large cast including Jim Leach as Eddie/Dr. Narrated by Scott Capaldi and Albert Capaldi, this annual presentation is undoubtedly a social highlight of the local scene. From what I hear, this year’s show is going to be great. A quick look at available tickets (nightly 7:30pm showtime) suggests you might want to hurry, as seats for this RHS production are selling fast and usually sell out. Don’t forget to come in costume, purchase a prop bag, and re-enter the time warp.
In addition to appearances by Rocky and Frank-N-Furter, Thursdays also feature several other fun options for music lovers, so we hope you’ll read this issue on a Thursday afternoon when there’s no press. is. Rogers and Nienhaus are back at the Carb Inn. If you’ve never seen these two veterans of the rock music scene (both were members of the Byrds touring group in the 1970s), it’s a must-see. If you’ve seen them, you know exactly what they are. Why do I say we have to do this?
Robert Sampson (or “Lefty Preacher” to some) descends on the Mother Lode Diner on South Sixth Street (actually across 6th from the curve) and brings his glorious blue brand to the table. , while Thursday Night Live is now going Motorheads. This month’s lineup includes Riley Ramsey, Soul Circus (Christin Parisella, David Shaw, Michael McNiff, Justin Lowe, Andy Peterson, Joe Marshall), Joe Cook’s Heavy Gun (Joe Regulars included Pat Lawrence, Joe Fegley, Jim Engel, and Ed McCann). The cast of characters changes for the occasion of this local showcase.
At Downtown’s Pharmacy Art Gallery, José Gobbo (and fellow musicians) each month honors Joao Gilberto, the Brazilian guitarist, singer, and composer who pioneered bossa nova in the late 1950s, to jazz greats. I continue to show my respect.
For a more international sound, check out traditional Indian music performed by Indian-American Nirmala Rajasekhar and Indian Sandeep Chatterjee on the veena (7-string) and santoor (93-string); Experience “One Hundred Strings: Traditional Music of India.” Joined by Thanjavur K. Murgabhupathi on the mridangam drum and Ramdas Palsule on the tabla drum, these renowned musicians will perform at the UIS Studio Theater during Navaratri, a nine-day Hindu festival celebrated around the world.
One of the last events of the year with outdoor music, the Fall Harvest Festival at Lincoln Memorial Gardens always seems a little bittersweet, but endearing. The 2024 music lineup for the idyllic stage, located across the road from LMG’s main venue, includes Tater Tots Rock, Ben Bedford, Tom Irwin, Amy Battles, and on Saturday Starring Devin C. Williams, Amanda Scrubs, Joel Gragg, Fairweather Friends, and Deep Hollow. on sunday.
In the Special Mention category, singer-songwriter Lyman Ellerman, currently from Riverton in Nashville, Tennessee, will appear at his hometown Backroom Lounge on Friday night. Good news came after Lyman. The one and only Whitey Morgan has a song on his latest record called “Let Me Roll.” Congratulations, my friend.
Until next week, check out our list for more great items.
