Tonight’s roster of shows is so out-of-this-world packed with amazing performers and must-see shows that we honestly don’t know where to begin. A face-ripping blues-guitar showdown? Yeah, we’ve got that. Two of the city’s hottest performers throwing down in the same place? Yup. Rare appearances by talented singer-songwriters? In spades, people. Tonight is a little of everything, and when you put that “everything” together you have a lineup so full of star power we’re reminded of the famous quote from 2001: A Space Odyssey, which means we have to give you some vid action from the movie, too. With that said, let’s wade this galaxy of shows:
* Queen City Shout with Skylines & Cityscapes (6 p.m.) and Lyal Strickland (8 p.m.) at Borders Books (3300 S. Glenstone Ave.). We’ll kick things off be telling you about the early-evening shows. Tonight marks the return of the city’s annual monthlong family-friendly festival, back for its fifth edition and, we might add, still taking can donations for The Kitchen. Tonight’s kickoff brings young acts to the stage with the relatively unknown Skylines & Cityscapes paired with the ever-popular Strickland.
* Jessel Harry at One80one (318 W. Walnut St.) during First Friday ArtWalk. Harry was a longtime contributor to Springfield’s music scene before moving to Chicago a few years ago with his band, The Western Paradise. He is back in town to play an acoustic set at a friend’s gallery from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
* Cindy Woolf at The Outland, playing an early (9 p.m.) set.
* Wes Jeans and Lance Lopez at Nathan P. Murphy’s. Two of the best guitar players in Texas, one the mentor (Lopez) and the other his prodigy (Jeans), team up for a very rare simultaneous supershow.—Check our Twitter and Facebook accounts for a chance at FREE tickets!—
* We Are Like the Spider, Jesse James Wax Museum and Black Box Revue at The Outland Ballroom. Q102′s Project Indie contest from September finally comes to life in concert form with one of SGF’s hottest buzz bands (WALTS) headlining a show with the newly reunited Jesse James Wax Museum and the nonstop dance party that is Black Box.
* The Cropdusters, Gas Pump Talent, The Gardenheads and Matthew Darkly at Lindberg’s. Wrap your head around this one: One of the city’s most popular acts teams up with the Ebbets Field Thursday-night staple, one of the most talked-about new acts in the city and a garage rock duo.
* Matt Stell & The Crashers, Chance Ray & The Good Sinners and Cole Porter at The Ugly Mug Live Music Tavern. Red Dirt country returns to its first home in the city in the former Snorty Horse Saloon, and two of the city’s best local acts are there to welcome it back. —Check our Twitter and Facebook accounts for a chance at FREE tickets!—
* The Schwag at Patton Alley Pub. The Grateful Dead tribute group makes a return appearance in Springfield for what should be a packed show. This usually takes place at a location such as Remmingtons Downtown, after all.
* The Mystery Hour presents musical guest The Preservation Society with talk-show guests Brenda Harriman and Leah Jenkins at The Skinny Improv Theatre
* Grant Maledy Trio at Springfield Brewing Company
* The Dropouts at Roadhouse Saloon
* Rags 2 Rich’s at Harlow’s
* The Lowdown Fancy at Dennis’ Place
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