Howdy, folks! Come on in and say hey to your new friend, 2026, while waving goodbye to good ol’ 2025. As we work our way through the celebrations and commemorations inherent in the passing of the years, let’s not forget the live music we cherish, enjoy, experience and promote day after day, season after season and year after year. Now, how about we dig in to see what’s out there.
As this issue actually comes out on Wednesday instead of our usual Thursday street date due to the New Year’s holiday, we can rightfully catch up on some New Year’s Eve happenings for now. First Night Springfield again shines brightly as our star of the show, celebrating the New Year by celebrating the arts in our hometown for the 39th year. Presented by the Springfield Area Arts Council and hosted at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, Union Square Park and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, this iconic event runs from noon to 8:30 p.m. with downtown fireworks scheduled for 8 pm. Music acts are at the Hoogland and include numbers from Muni past casts and Springfield Theatre Centre members, plus performances by Chris Vallillo, NiL8, Ben Bedford, Johnnie Owens, Square of the Roots and FReSh RAiN. Now get your tickets and get yourself going for some First Night fun.
For other NYE shows look for X-Krush at the Curve Inn, Lick Creek at Boondocks, Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters with Dallas Whitaker at Motorheads, the 66 Ramblers at VFW Post 10302 and Kapital Sound, The Marquise Henderson Band and Nfinite Soul at the Northfield Center for inclusive, ticketed events. Most of the other listed gigs are in small towns around the area, including 4 County Band at the Rut-N-Strut in Astoria, Not Petty at the Bean in Mechanicsburg, DreamCatchers at Breakers 3 in Farmer City, AraiZa at the Foxhole Pub in Lincoln and Rezzin8 at The Funky Monkey Bar in Taylorville.
New Year’s Day is typically a quiet time, but we’ve seen an uptick in gigs recently. Our listings show a big show with UNCHAiNED and BuK at the Curve Inn in the evening and Satellite at The Alamo in the afternoon. Plus, Jacksonville continues its fine and fun NYD tradition of live music at several downtown venues all day long. Then the weekend kicks us back into high gear with plenty of action all around.
Friday night, the mighty round bar at George Rank’s hosts the debut of Heavy Delight, self-described as “a lavish feast of delightful funk and soul music,” featuring the talents of Reid Muchow, Nate Cozadd, Trey Tholen and Chris Miller.
Moving on to Saturday, join Rick Dunham as Elvis Himselvis with his DTCB Band as they present their annual tribute to the historical Elvis featuring a cross section of big hits and deep cuts with a full-blown show in the Club Room at the Hoogland.
Then by Sunday, we’ve got a nice blues and jazz open jam at Sky Lounge with your host B. Douglas along with other Funday music destinations.
If you’re searching for a New Year’s resolution that is fun to stick with, here’s my annual (always) plea for you to get out and enjoy live music whenever you can, wherever you find it. I especially encourage participation at the numerous and various open mics and jams around town, whether playing or listening. These events really show the community of players from beginners to lifers, professionals and amateurs that make up the fabric of our vibrant and ever- expanding music scene.
Happy New Year and see you on the flip-flop, friends.
This article appears in January 1-7, 2026.
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