Sick of coverage of the Local Music Awards? Skip to the conveniently pointed-out next section!
Well, awards season is over. And by season, I mean that one day in the spring when the Local Music Awards are held. In this post-show world, one thing is for sure, and that’s that Burnham310’s presentation of this year’s awards show was a rousing success. Burnham310, the people who made sure that everyone knew that they brought you this year’s Local Music Awards, will no doubt be bringing many more special things into your life in the coming years – all stamped with their logo. This year’s big winner was new-to-the-scene band Santa, who picked up the Best New Artist award, along with Best Student Band, a new write-in category. Santa is squeezing a few more gigs in before three members leave to study abroad in the fall, so check them out. Also picking up two awards was industrial band i:Scintilla, grabbing Best Heavy Band and Album of the Year. Ryan Groff picked up Best Singer/Songwriter, while his band elsinore picked up Best Folk/Americana. Ryan’s solo record, People in the Midwest, comes out in May. It will be followed by a full-band EP to be recorded with Anthony Gravino (Temple of Low Men) at his Chicago studio. Chef Ra, who passed away in December, was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Both Ward Gollings and WEFT Station Manager Mick Woolf had very kind words to share about the man who might just be CU’s biggest legend. Jazz Sandwich then paid homage to Ra with a version of “One Love” featuring
buzz columnist Mike Coulter was saddled with the task of having to be the yin to Monee in the Moanin’s yang. He was unable to come up with an annoying voice that was equal to the task, but his jokes were solid. (End of Local Music Awards coverage!)
See for yourself how the man handles himself onstage tonight at a rare comedy night at Cowboy Monkey. The show also features Dan Fontaine and, so says openingbands.com, Ward Gollings. Things get rolling at 9 p.m. and the cover is $5. Disclaimer: hecklers might not have racist slurs shot back at them.
The Red Herring in Urbana is back in action tonight with a show featuring fireflies, Honeybear Wild and A Toothless Life. The show is all ages and carries a $5 cover, with a start at 8 p.m. Those who haven’t seen the energy-packed set that fireflies puts on should make a point of seeing them soon. The Iron Post will host its usual night of jazz tonight, with the U of I #2 and #3 Big Bands at 7 p.m. for only $2. Zorba’s will also host its weekly jazz night with the George Turner Trio from 9:30-12:30.
Friday night features a very eclectic mix of bands across CU. Bluegrass fans will be delighted to hear that former CU grass outfit Green Mountain Grass will be making a triumphant return to the stage of the Canopy Club, performing alongside Cornmeal and Chicago Farmer. Green Mountain Grass relocated to Texas over a year ago, leaving local grass fans crying. 8 p.m. $7. While you’re there, ask Mike Armintrout where the hell that make-up date for his holiday jam-tacular will be. It’s only almost summertime, Mike.
At the Highdive, LA Guns will make a tour stop. No, that’s not a joke. LA Guns. They’re playing. Not only are they playing, but they’ve even come offering a deluxe experience including face time with the band, autographs and a photo with the band. If this sounds like an experience that you’ve always dreamed of, check out thehighdive.com for more info. Regular tickets are $15, with the premium tickets going for $35. American Dog, Left Setter and local band Panacea will also perform. The show starts at 8:30 p.m.
Those of you not looking for bluegrass or awesome ’80s metal don’t have to sit at home pouting. The Iron Post will feature Latin sounds with Miami Heat Latin Jazz (featuring Carlos Vega) for $3 (9 p.m.). Cowboy Monkey has a rock show with the Chemicals, Monte Carlos and Dress Code (10 p.m.) for $5 ($7 after 10:30, y’all).
More Red Herring action on Saturday, but this awesome show is a benefit for the Illinois Disciples Foundation. Agent Mos, Zmick, Exhale Look Down, Mit’n and Morgan Orion and the Magic Chords will all lend themselves to the cause, which will be donation based in the $5-10 range. Things will kick off at 7 p.m. Great bands from a wide range of genres, and for a good cause – get out there and support, people.
There will be plenty of info flying around about The Decemberists/My Brightest Diamond show on Sunday, so I’ll skip that in lieu of talking about a show at the Iron Post with the Dave Dickey Big Band. You should go just to see how the hell a 17-piece band fits on or around the Iron Post stage. The mayhem will begin at 6 p.m. and will only cost you $5.
Monday night’s WEFT Sessions will feature Coco Coca (not Coca-Cola, Monee). WEFT Sessions is a weekly radio show that features live, in-studio performances from local bands. It airs from 10-11 p.m. and is hosted by Todd Hunter.
CU’s longest-running monthly comedy night returns to the Iron Post on Wednesday at 6 p.m. For $4 you can witness the madness that is the Zoo Improv Comedy Troupe. Says Iron Post owner Paul Wirth: “Those guys are hilarious!” Awesome, Paul!
Mike Ingram can be reached at forgottenwords@gmail.com. He still urges you to keep his photo away from small children. He is also not a guru of anything, but simply forgot to include a tag last week, leaving the writing of it to people who think much more highly of him than they should.
