The Black Cloud Tour

The second listing on the bill is Pennsylvania’s underground lyrical heavyweight King Magnetic. King Mag’s 2011 single release “Watch Out” spent time near the top of the college charts, and his next full-length album, EAG III, drops a week after the SGF show.

It doesn’t end there, Brooklyn’s Block McCloud is also on the bill, whom you may know from appearances with Method Man, Kurupt, Jedi Mind Tricks, Immortal Technique and Jean Grae among others.

SGF will get its shine too, as local hip hop will warm up the stage. Mask & Glove (Brief and Nick Fury), DJ Platinum, Sylabol7 and Loogey are on the bill. Ticket details and more as the information comes. Until then, debrief yourself on the prime YouTube selections below.

Outland Ballroom (3/6/12)
Lineup:
Cappadonna
King Magnetic
Block McCloud
Mask & Glove
DJ Platinum
Sylabol7
Loogey

Earmuffs! Songs below are NSFW (or children)

Cappadonna, “’97 Mentality”

Cappadonna, “Milk The Cow”

Cappadonna, “Oh Donna”

Cappadonna, “Run”

Cappadonna, “Slang Editorial”

King Magnetic, “I Don’t Know You”

King Magnetic, “Watch Out

Block McCloud, “Crazy Man”

Mask & Glove

Sylabol7, “I Wanna”

Charlie Spoonhour

We at TAGsgf.com are very sad to hear of the passing of Charlie Spoonhour, the former great Missouri State men’s basketball coach from 1983-92.

Here are the details from a Missouri State press release:

Missouri State men’s basketball coaching legend Charlie Spoonhour passed away this morning at his family’s home in North Carolina, at age 72.

“The entire Missouri State University family is deeply saddened by the passing of Coach Spoonhour,” said MSU Director of Athletics Kyle Moats. “His legacy is one of class, distinction and achievement, and he will be dearly missed by the many lives he touched in his many endeavors.”

Spoonhour received a lung transplant from Duke University Medical Center in 2010 after being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His health had fluctuated since then with with a number of trips in and out of the hospital.

He coached the Bears from 1983-92 and compiled a 197-81 record while leading MSU to five NCAA Tournament appearances. He went on to coaching stops at Saint Louis University (1992-99) and UNLV (2001-04). He was 373-202 in 19 years overall as a Division I head coach.

Coach Spoonhour is survived by his wife, Vicki, and two sons, Jay and Stephen.

According to close family friend Bob Ramsey, Jay Spoonhour said his father died peacefully this morning surrounded by his family and was able to spend his final moments with them at the family’s condo near Raleigh-Durham, N.C. He had returned home from the hospital just a couple of days before.

Arrangements are pending. A moment of silence will be part of a pregame tribute to Spoonhour at tonight’s Missouri State men’s basketball game against Wichita State.

DGB chooses Mizzou on National Signing Day

Dorial Green-Beckham is going to play college football at Missouri, he announced this morning at a press conference at Hillcrest High School.

“I will be continuing my education this fall at……the University of Missouri,” he announced as he put on a flat-bill Mizzou hat and threw his hands in the air.

DGB, the Nation’s No. 1 wide receiver chose the Tigers over Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Alabama (all of which came in second-place,” he said.). Why? Proximity and family.

“Just to be home, just to stay close to my friends and family, to have everyone come out here to support me (during) my high school career, (they can now) support me at the next level; in college football.”

Over the course of his high school career, he was earned numerous national high school athlete of the year awards, set the national record for receiving yards and rewrote the state record book. In four years, he had 297 catches for 6,367 yards and 73 TDs. DGB was the top uncommitted recruit in the country and many felt he might be leaning toward Arkansas. But much was made of a final trip to Columbia last weekend.

When asked when he made his decision, he said just recently.

“I slept on it Monday and felt good about it the next day, so I told them where I wanted to attend,” DGB said.

During the press conference, he said he didn’t alert any of the coaches, including Mizzou.

“I guess they know about it now,” he joked.

Other highlights from the press conference:

- He didn’t rule out the possibility of playing other sports in college, including track and field.

- An official M-I-Z-D-G-B chant

We will have more coverage throughout the day here at TAGsgf.com, including more video and photos.

More Coverage:

The Decision with video
When did he actually choose?
Hoops possible, track probable
Photo Gallery

TUESDAY (Jan. 31)

Music: Quantum Groove at Lindberg’s
Happy hour all night every Tuesday with the funkiest horns in SGF.

Music: Tuesday’s Stew at Outland Ballroom
DJ J5 and DJ Blaze are the featured deejays at the weekly free showcase.

WEDNESDAY (Feb. 1)

High school sports: DGB’s decision
At long last (and debate) Hillcrest football phenom Dorial Green-Beckham will make his college decision official. The nation’s top-rated recruit’s announcement will come at 9:15 a.m. live on ESPNU and online at tagsgf.com (TAG TV).

College hoops: Wichita State invades Missouri State
Defending its Missouri Valley Conference title looks to be out of reach, but that doesn’t mean Missouri State can’t hit replay on the last time they beat thet second-place team in the MVC. That’s right, the last time Wichita State came to JQH Arena, MSU beat the Shockers and stormed the court to celebrate the school’s only MVC regular season title. Tip is at 7 p.m.

THURSDAY (Feb. 2)

Music: Benefit for Bill Thomas at Patton Alley Pub
Live performances by more than 20 SGF musicians (including Mark Bilyeu, Molly Healey, Jody Bilyeu and Dallas Jones), a silent auction with donations from dozens of SGF businesses, a raffle and more. All funds are going to benefit Big Smith bassist Bill Thomas and his family after Thomas suffered a stroke during a concert in Fayetteville on Jan. 19.

FRIDAY (Feb. 3)

Art: First Friday Art Walk
Join 1,000s of your closest friends downtown for SGF’s monthly celebration of the arts for gallery exhibits, demonstrations, beer tastings, food, drinks, shopping, live music, those guys with the signs and the new (and quite handsome) edition of TAG Magazine. That’s a lot of reasons to get out on a Friday night. Do it.

Theatre: Annie at Landers Theatre
It’s opening weekend as Springfield Little Theatre presents the nine-time Tony Award winning Ginger and Daddy Warbucks. The musical features one of the most memorable scores from “Tomorrow” to “It’s a Hard Knock Life”. Continues thru Sunday.

Music: Knife*Death, Josh & the Jerks, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin at The Outland
Where metal meets punk meets pop. It’s a lesson in Rock ‘n’ Roll diversity on South Ave.

Comedy:Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall and Larry the Cable Guy at JQH Arena
Blue Collar comedians bring redneck jokes to the Q.

Music: Troy EP Release at Outland Ballroom
The first 200 in the door will receive a copy of Troy’s new release. Also playing are Ghost in the Machine and Ambrister.

SATURDAY (Feb. 4)

College hoops: Drury Homecoming double header against Quincy
Drury’s homecoming weekend is highlighted by a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader against GLVC rival Quincy during the afternoon. The men’s tip is at 2 p.m. and the women’s will follow at approximately 4:30.

Music: Machina, Lucid Album Release at Outland Ballroom
Just weeks after the EP tease, SGF rap-rock’s Lucid is set to unveil its full-length album featuring appearances by the night’s headliner Machina (former members of Future Leaders of the World and Evanescence. Call Me Beta and BadminxX are also on the bill.

SUNDAY (Feb. 5)

TAG Super Bowl party at Harbell’s Grill and Sports Bar
It doesn’t matter if you’re cheering for the Patriots, cheering for the Giants or cheering for the commercials, come down to Harbell’s Grill and Sports Bar (315 Park Central West) and hang out with the TAG Team to celebrate the Super Bowl at SGF’s downtown sports bar. Prizes will be given away, games will be played, beverages will be consumed and food will be devoured. Party starts at 4 p.m. with the live broadcast of Beer Buzz and continues at 5 with a live edition of The High Road.

The Bud Light TAG Radio Block
You pick the location to enjoy specialized SGF programming, but tune in to KBFL 99.9 FM (1060 AM) or watch live on TAGsgf.com for live musical performances, local interviews and entertainment.

• Beer Buzz – 4 p.m.
• The High Road – 5 p.m., live at Harbell’s
• Local Music – 6 p.m.
• SGF 10 – 7 p.m. (local music as voted by listeners, email SGFLocalLive@gmail.com)
• SGF Local Live – 8 p.m.
• M.E.O. Radio – 9 p.m.
• M.E.O. Podcast – 10:45 p.m. (on TAGsgf.com)

Here is your lineup for Sunday’s TAG Radio block brought to you by the official beer of TAG Media, Bud Light. More announcements throughout the week. If you miss any of the live programming on KBFL 99.9 FM/1060 AM/tagsgf.com, you can find the podcasts here at TAG or on iTunes.

Beer Buzz with Ben Stange, 4 p.m.
Facebook / Email: sgfbeerbuzz@gmail.com
862-9977 / (800) 375-0056

The High Road with Allen Vaughan, 5 p.m.
Live from Harbell’s Grill & Sports Bar (Park Central West)
Facebook / Email: thehighroadshow@gmail.com
862-9977 / (800) 375-0056

SGF Music Rotation, 6 p.m.
SGF 10, 7 p.m. (top ten local song countdown, fan vote by email: sgflocallive@gmail.com)
SGF Local Live, 8 p.m.
Facebook / Email: sgflocallive@gmail.com
862-9977 / (800) 375-0056

M.E.O. Radio, 9 p.m.
Facebook / Email: meopodcast@gmail.com
862-9977 / (800) 375-0056

While everyone knows him as the country’s No. 1 football prospect in the country — including his Bass Pro Tournament of Champions peers on the court — Hillcrest High School senior Dorial Green-Beckham put on quite a show in the Hornets’ fifth-place finish.

But, in a video interview with TAGsgf.com, DGB talked to us about many things, but the most significant was how he said he was going to make everyone wait until Feb. 1 — National Signing Day — to make his college decision. A press conference has been scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Many in the media are scrambling to figure out what he is going to do. Recently KSPR’s Mike Scott had a report saying DGB had eliminated Alabama from his list after the national championship. A day later, the News-Leader’s Matt Schoch reported that he hasn’t informed the Tide of it.

That’s why we’re bringing you the video interview, that along with college football recruiting talk includes:

• His experience at the Army All-American Bowl, including his SportsCenter Top 10 catch (It was No. 4)
• How Oklahoma and Mizzou assistant football coaches showing up at the T of C doesn’t really matter.
• And more.

It’s democratic radio and a way for us to know what SGF wants to listen to. We put the power in your hands (for 10 songs a week) by letting you vote for your favorite SGF music. The SGF 10 airs every Sunday at 8 p.m. during the Bud Light TAG Radio Block (KBFL 99.9 FM/1060 AM/tagsgf.com). To vote, simply email SGFLocalLive@gmail.com.

It’s a song chart so include the title of the track you want to hear. Vote as much as you’d like, but just one vote per artist (per email address).

SGF 10

1/15/12

1. Cornbelt Chorus — “Go Home”
   
2. The Radiance Effect — “Mad Mess”
3. Elevenpoint Outlaws — “Box Beside the Bed”
4. Risk Rap Remix prod. by Karma Brothers feat. Chuck D (Ovaflow)
5. The Give Up — “My Less Than 3″
6. The Cropdusters — “Quantrill”
7. The LMNOPs — “PB&Dr.J”
8. Josh Heinrichs — “So Far From Home”
9. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin — “Yellow Missing Signs”
10. J-None feat. Liz Carney — “Vixen”

SGF hip hop fans have been waiting for a formal release from emcee Brief since he moved from Aurora, Ill. (let’s just say if anticipation were a person, it would be able a very mature third grader). After technology virtually ripped the Death of a Salesman in mid-2011 the rapper formerly known as SincerelyYours. (legally known as Lucas Ramsey) leaked the new single on Facebook Monday. Ramsey said “Miss Popular” will be included on a yet-to-be titled EP.

As the age of fake jewelry, fake money and fake whatever else(s) continues, Brief is real. A storyteller with a level of honesty hard to find amongst best friends. The instrumental sets the tone for “Miss Popular” — a smooth, sultry, jazz-lader sample throbs over laid back drums. Lando Beats’ production alone is worthy of a second listen, but Brief’s paintbrush is as detailed as it is gut-wrenchingly uncomfortable. Even though it will never feel good to hear a first-person tale of infidelity, this is a story you’ll listen to again and again.

He said there wasn’t a timeframe for an official release, but recording should be wrapped up in the month, adding that Lando Beats and Trak Masta Tom are the primary beat contributors.

For the past 27 years, the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions has thrilled a basketball-hungry area with future basketball stars at the college and the professional level.

When someone says Tournament of Champions, what do you think? I harken back to Alonzo Mourning, Todd Day, Anthony Peeler and even as recent as guys like Erving Walker, DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall.

So, I’ve taken the time to put together the most comprehensive and interactive guide for this year’s T of C. This way, not only can you marvel at their skill, but be up on their background and be able to sound smarter when talking to total strangers in the concession line.

If you missed our post on the schedule, with a pairings, click here.

CTK's Omar Calhoun is back, and he looks like the real deal.

CHRIST THE KING (MIDDLE VILLAGE, NY)

School’s athletic website
Preseason No. 14 rated team by MaxPreps.com
Last year: 22-7, NY City champions
Coach: Joe Arbitello

The Stud

Omar Calhoun, a 6-3 senior guard
Rivals rank: No. 35 overall, No. 6 shooting guard
College commitment: Connecticut
Other schools that offered: Arizona, Florida, Louisville, Maryland, Miami (Fla.), Oklahoma State, Pitt, Rutgers, Seton Hall, St. John’s, Vanderbilt, Villanova, Virginia, West Virginia

Calhoun has been described as a slasher who is becoming a better shooter as he matures. He was here with CTK two years ago and showed flashes of brilliance, but had a very thin frame. Well, he’s filled out and has been described as UConn’s best New York City recruit since Kemba Walker. High praise, indeed.

For a YouTube highlight package, here is some of Calhoun’s handiwork:

Calhoun was here two years ago and we dusted off the old video we captured then:

The other stud

Is Isaiah Lewis ready to commit to Kansas? Reports say he's close.

Isaiah Lewis, a 6-3 junior guard
Rivals rank: No. 53 overall, No. 6 point guard
College commitment: None
Other schools that offered: Kansas, Florida, Georgia Tech, Memphis, Miami (Fla.), North Carolina

This report says Lewis is very close to committing, and leaning toward Kansas.

Lewis, a 6-foot-3 prospect, is ranked No. 40 in CBSSports.com’s Top 100. They describe him like this:

Lewis is a high-level scorer who is very good in the mid-range. He has a good floater and pull-up jumper, and also knows how to get into the lane. Lewis has good athleticism, and has been developing into more of a facilitator than a scorer since moving over to the point. He said he is working on his 3-point shot.

The rest of the team

The Royals have two other players that are probably Division I players, including Jordan Fuchs — a 6-6 junior forward — and Jon Severe — a 6-1 junior guard. Fuchs has offers from Florida, Ohio State, Rutgers and Xavier. He’s been dunking in games since his freshman year. Severe is being recruited by Florida, Providence and Drexel.

Tony Parker is a big dude.

MILLER GROVE (LITHONIA, GA)

What looks to be an up-to-date MaxPreps page
Preseason No. 2 ranked team by ESPN
Last year’s record: 32-1, back-to-back state champs
Coach: Sharman White

Remember Milton (Ga.) HS? Last year, Milton had three big D-I studs (Shannon Scott, Dai-Jon Parker and Julian Royal) and Miller Grove took them down in the state playoffs, thanks in part to Tony Parker and emerged as a national powerhouse. He’s a big dude, but looks like he can move well. I’m sure conditioning is always going to be a problem, but he looks the part. Oh, he’s one of five future D-I players.

The studs

Tony Parker, 6-9 senior center (“270 pounds”)
Rivals rank: No. 33 overall, No. 5 center
College commitment: None
Schools that have offered: Duke, Georgetown, Georgia Tech, Kansas, Memphis, Ohio State, UCLA

ESPN breaks down Parker’s strengths as such:

With his combination of size and skill level, Parker is one of the elite big men in the 2012 class. He is a space eater in the post who can carve out position on the block. When watching him play you quickly see the skill he possesses; once he catches he has an array of post moves he is capable of throwing at you, led by the left shoulder jump hook. He is very adept at facing the basket from 15′ where his soft touch enables him to knock down a jump shot or drive the ball one or two dribbles to the rim. His greatest attribute though is his tremendous hands which are soft and sticky.

Here is a YouTube clip of Parker:

Miller Grove's Brandon Morris

Brandon Morris, a 6-8 senior small forward
College commitment: Georgia
Schools that offered: Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia State, Kansas State, Memphis, Missouri, Nevada, NC State, Wichita State

The experts say:

Strengths:
Morris is another of the many Miller Grove kids that can play. He is an active athlete that is relentless on the glass. He has the potential to be a lock down defender with excellent length and lateral quickness.

Weaknesses:
He is going to have to develop his perimeter game to be a more effective wing player, but he has good instincts and a motor to match. Although we need to see him shoot it more from the perimeter to get a true evaluation of his shooting ability he looks like he will fine in this area.

Bottom Line:
For you old schoolers Morris is a Stacey Augmon look alike.

It looks like Morris is clutch, too. Here’s a clip of him hitting a game-winner.

The rest of the team

Aside from Parker and Morris, Rivals.com lists three other seniors in the D-I database. Toney Evans is a 6-5 small forward who has an offer from Georgia State, but is being recruited by other small majors including Appalachian State, UALR, Kennesaw State, Tennessee Tech and William and Mary. Florida State is interested, as well. Point Guard Davante Provost (6-foot, 175) is being recruited by Georgia Southern, Iona and NC Central. Christian Houston is another senior point guard (6-1, 165) that is grabbing D-I attention, even though Rivals doesn’t list a school. Look out for Justin Colvin, a 6-2 senior guard, too.

SYLVAN HILLS (SHERWOOD, ARKANASAS)

Last year’s record: 27-2, state runner-up
Coach: Kevin Davis

It’s rude to say Sylvan Hills is a one-man show, but in T of C terms, it is. That show is run very well by one of the top players in the entire country. Let’s get to it.

The stud

Archie Goodwin hangs from the rim.

Archie Goodwin, a 6-4 senior guard
Rivals rank: No. 12 nationally, No. 2 shooting guard
College commitment: Kentucky
Other schools that offered: Kentucky, Arkansas, Connecticut, Kansas, Memphis

ESPN describes him as the following:

The long athletic small forward has brought back comparisons of the last great player from the state in Joe Johnson because of the smooth way he plays the game. Goodwin is a multi-skilled forward who can put the ball on the floor to attack the rim or spot up for knock-down jump shots out to the 3-point arc. He has tremendous length on his side which he utilizes to rebound and defend. It looks as if all facets of the game come easy to him. Goodwin has a nice handle that gets him where he needs to go, and has improved his perimeter stroke from behind the arc.

Here’s a video:

The rest of the team
In terms of big-time college hoops recruits, the rest of the team doesn’t have them. But, some other names to remember are Larry Ziegler (6-2, G, sr.) and Dion Patton (5-9, G, sr.)

ST. RITA (CHICAGO, ILL.)

What looks to be an up-to-date MaxPreps page
Last year’s record: 12-14
Coach: Gary DeCesare (former St. Raymond coach, has coached in T of C before)

St. Rita looks to be a quality program from Chicago that’s currently missing one of its two Division I players, A.J. Avery, a guard headed to Penn. He’s expected to be back in January, but it’s unclear if he’ll play in the T of C. Still, the Mustangs are ranked in ESPNChicago.com’s Top 20 and feature future Division I guard Tony Hicks.

Tony Hicks drives baseline

The studs

Tony Hicks, a 6-2 senior guard
Rivals rank: None
College commitment: Penn
Other schools that offered: Loyola, Dayton and South Florida

According to reports, few players in the entire 2012 improved their stock more than Tony Hicks. A combo guard, Hicks averaged 13 points as a sophomore and 16 points as a junior. Remember De La Salle HS with now-Illinois forward Mike Shaw? DLS is still a quality program and Hicks just scored 31 to beat them. Without Avery, Hicks has had to put his game in overdrive.

 
AJ Avery is a 6-6 senior forward who has committed to Western Michigan. So far, he’s been hampered by a wrist injury, but when healthy, he’s a force on both ends. Senior point guard Cullen Foulks (5-7, 140) is a key player, but the other excitement comes from a group of underclassmen.  Sophomore forward Victor Law (6-5, 170), sophomore guard Dominique Matthews (6-1, 165) and freshman guard Charles Matthews (6-2) are being recruited by Big East and Big 10 schools.

Sorry fans, I couldn’t find any videos.

L.J Rose is a 6-foot-4 pass-first point guard? Yes, please.

WESTBURY CHRISTIAN (HOUSTON, TEXAS)

Last year’s record: State runner-up (School has won 16 of last 21 state titles)
Coach: Russell Carr

The studs

L.J. Rose, 6-4 senior point guard
Rivals rank: No. 95 overall, No. 20 point guard
College commitment: Baylor
Other schools that offered:

ESPN.com wrote the following about Rose:

Strengths:
Rose is a pass first lead guard that can score when needed. He possesses good size and length to go along with his excellent basketball IQ. Recovered well from a foot injury and is in the process of getting back into game shape after being off the court since July (2010). Rose does a good job of beating defender with his size and IQ rather than speed and quickness. When he gets a defender on his hip while penetration Rose can get deep into the lane where he deliver the ball to an open teammate or score. Rose also uses his size to shoot over smaller point guards when he feels the need to score.

Bottom Line:
Rose is a terrific true point guard that can handle and pass. His court vision is great as well. He can score when needed mostly off the bounce. Rose has the IQ and talent to be a special player to go along with his size and length. Strength and verbal leadership and consistent shooting from behind the arc takes his game to the next level.

Here is some great YouTube footage of Rose:

Rose to Dickerson:

Delvin Dickerson (right) might be an instant fan favorite

Delvin Dickerson, 6-6 senior forward
Rivals.com: None
College commitment: South Alabama
Twitter handle:http://twitter.com/_Durrel2x

The rest of the team

Darin Minniefield (6-1, jr.) is a guard that’s being recruited by Florida State, Kansas, San Francisco and Texas. You might remember his father, Dirk, who played for Kentucky in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Devon Turk (6-3, sr.) is a guard that’s listed by Rivals and ESPN as a recruit, but doesn’t have schools listed. As you can tell by winning 16 of the last 21 state titles, they are a clinic.

LINCOLN (SAN DIEGO, CAL.)

Team’s MaxPreps Page
Last year: 31-2, state semifinalist
Coach: Jason Bryant

Why is it when twins are good at basketball, everyone assumes they are super-tall and post players? With Lincoln, that’s totally wrong. Instead, Lincoln is stacked with twin junior guards Tyrell and Tyree Robinson, both of whom are rated inside the top 150 players in the country and took California by storm last season. (Oh, and Tyree Robinson is a national top 150 football recruit)

The studs

Tyree Robinson is an athletic slasher/scorer who happens to be a dynamic basketball prospect, as well.

Tyree Robinson, 6-4 junior guard
Rivals.com rank: 69th nationally, 5th shooting guard
College commitment: None
Schools that are recruited Robinson: Arizona, Arizona State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, San Diego State, Stanford and Texas

Robinson looks smooth in the video that follows. Not only is he a top-70 shooting guard, but he’s a top 100 recruit nationally in football as an athlete. Either way, here’s what ESPN.com has to say about him:

When discussing the top combo-guards in the country for the class of 2013, Robinson needs to be near the top. He has a chiseled frame with long arms and plays at a relentless pace. Offensively, he can attack off the dribble and utilize his strong frame and explosiveness to finish at the rim or drop off an assist to an open teammate%u2014had a number of high-level alley-oop passes during the regular season and AAU season. He can knock down the 3-point shot and he gets great lift on his shot. His release is smooth on his shot and he gets great arc on it as well.

Tyrell Robinson, 6-4 junior guard
Rivals.com rank: 111th nationally
College commitment: None
Schools that are recruited Robinson: Arizona, Arizona State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, San Diego State, Stanford and Texas

Copy much of what you see from his twin brother, and jot it down here. It’s unfair to say he’s the lesser talented one, because there are plenty of games that he outscores Tyree. He’s also a big-time football recruit and is a wide receiver. Expect plenty of SGFers to get these two mixed up.

The studs

The third big piece of Lincoln’s squad is 6-6 junior center Jeremiah Turner. He’s an undersized shotblocker at the D-I level and is going to Cal-Irvine. Here are some highlights of Turner doing his thing:

The local teams

As for the local teams, Glendale and Hillcrest, we’ll talk more about them as the tournament approaches. But, there’s no need to worry about them right now. You’ve got some studying to do. Go ahead, share this link with your family and friends and feel free to print this out.

It’s a great time of year.

Want to get in touch with Allen Vaughan? E-mail him at Allen@TagSGF.com. You can follow him on Twitter here or on Facebook here.

[[Show as slideshow]]
photos by Kyle Green (BakedFreshDaily.com) and Brett Johnston

Cornbelt Chorus released its highly-anticipated full-length album, Monsters and the Color Red, at the Outland, Saturday (Jan. 7).

Review

This, finally, is the album Cornbelt Chorus meant to bring you two years ago. The songs are old hat by now after being brought to light through live shows, but the record holds up regardless of the context. The band uses instruments and tunings familiar to Midwest porch picking to make music that often has more avant-garde aspirations. Listen to the Death from Above 1979-style fuzz bass about a minute into “Drunk Hymn” or the eight-minute opus “The Color Red” with its ending devolving into a mess of unsyncopated noise and horn bursts—Kid A fans much, boys?—to see the quiet subversion going on. Monsters and the Color Red is a roots rock record that refuses to go about its business the same way roots rock records always have. It’s nice to finally have it out in the open. — Chris DeRosier

Cornbelt Chorus covers Bob Dylan, The Man In Me

Most things in restaurants are measurable as a consumer. It’s easy to compare and evaluate the quality of food and service, the menu, cleanliness, etc. The one thing impossible to quantify is atmosphere.

Atmosphere is what separates restaurants with good food from good restaurants, and the difference is effort. A lot of restaurant owners decide what they want your dining experience to be like and try to push an experience in your face, forcefully mashing the menu’s genre with associated stereotypes. It never works, because it’s not authentic.

Grad School sits in a cozy downtown SGF spot with ambiance pouring onto South Jefferson from its front door on 434 S Jefferson, all without trying to fit any sort of mold. The cozy diner has bar seating and several two-tops right when you walk in. Immediately to the right of the front door is the bar separating guests from the grill. Greeted by sounds and smells of a sizzling grill, and music, handpicked by the staff which you probably won’t hear on a top-40 mix. Your server likely has tattoos and/or a beard. You might even recognize staffers from performing on SGF stages.

While the atmosphere is the first thing you notice, the food is what will bring you back. The menu features a strong rotation of burgers, salads, pastas, specialty pressed sandwiches, appetizers and more. The “starters” include Ali Baba, fresh in-house hummus, and Stuff Mush, sauteéd mushrooms stuffed with mashed potatoes and facon, It’s just one-and-a high chair on this trip, so I go for solo go-to … Cezna’s Wangs. The Cezna’s sauce is a mix of their tradiitonal wing sauce and a sweet & spicy sauce. I’m generally not a fan of sweet wings, but the spice balances it perfectly. Orders of 6 and 12 available.

I used to exclusively order the Rasta Pasta for my entreé until one time I challenged the chef to make it so hot I would cry. To this day I don’t know why I did that. I didn’t cry, though, at least not for a day or so. All dishes are served with no stars, but can be made as hot as you want on request. Since that fateful dinner I have tried a couple of different menus, from The Full Ride burger (double patty, bacon, dress, soft sharp cheddar) to the Mushroom “Steak”, a portabello steak pressed in French bread with bell peppers, onions, avocado, sprouts and provolone. On this trip, however, I go for The Cuban — a glorious pressed sandwich to be sure.

The French Bread is freshly baked and houses an insanely thick slice of house-baked ham, chorizo, avocado, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles and soft sharp cheddar. It’s a sandwich so large that it should be at least two meals. Toss in a big side of fries and the Cezna’s and I would feel a lot better about myself if I had the self discipline to ask for a to-go box. The total came to $17.50 for the Wangs and The Cuban, which is well North of what I typically spend on lunch, but 1) it was meant to be two meals; 2) I over-ordered for the sake of this review; and 3) the atmosphere makes it worth it every time: Good people, good food, good vibes.

Simply, it’s democratic radio and a way for us to know what SGF wants to listen to. We put the power in your hands (for 10 songs a week) by letting you vote for your favorite SGF music. The SGF 10 will air during the first hour each Sunday on SGF Local Live. To vote, simply email SGFLocalLive@gmail.com.

It’s a song chart so include the title of the track you want to hear. Vote as much as you’d like, but just one vote per artist (per email address).

SGF 10

1/8/12

1. The Radiance Effect — “Mad Mess”
2. Cornbelt Chorus — “Go Home”
3. The Give Up — “My Less Than 3″
4. Elevenpoint Outlaws — “Box Beside the Bed”
5. The Cropdusters — “Quantrill”
6. J-None feat. Liz Carney — “Vixen”
7. Drop Dead Effect — “Martyr”
8. Josh Heinrichs — “So Far From Home”
9. The LMNOPs — “PB&Dr.J”
10. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin — “Yellow Missing Signs”

Tuesday, Jan. 10

Southern Illinois at Missouri State Bears men’s basketball
Although they’ve fallen off in recent years, SIU still plays a physical style that rubs opponents the wrong way. The Egyptian Dogs come to MSU as a game the Bears should win. Tip at 7:05 p.m.

Tuesday’s Stew with DJ Snare and Scot Free
From that doo-doo bass to the turntablist technicians, this weekly, free, all-genre deejay showcase throws a fresh party each week at Outland Ballroom.

TAG Team at Trolley’s and Blue Bull
Find TAG Team for party pics and swag.

Wednesday, Jan. 11

Central at Kickapoo HS boys’ hoops
Kickapoo should easily win this game, but it doesn’t mean Central isn’t interesting. Under new coach Armando Johnson, the Bulldogs are playing at a breakneck pace and have talented freshman at the helm. If it turns them into stars later on, the investment will be worth it. JV tip at 6 p.m.

TAG Team at Quincy Magoo’s and Big Whiskey’s
Check out the new Big Whiskey’s location on Battlefield next to McSalty’s. Find TAG Team for party pics.

Thursday, Jan. 12

Bass Pro Tournament of Champions
It’s the No. 1 event in the basketball community every year. The 3-day event features a blend of the best national players, teams and programs going up against each other, as well as two local schools. This year the names you need to familiarize yourself with is future Kentucky Wildcat Archie Goodwin, future Baylor Bear LJ Rose and the Robinson twins out of Lincoln (Cal.) The local teams are Glendale and Hillcrest. Stay locked to TAGsgf.com for the greatest T of C coverage in the world. Continues thru Saturday.

The Seafarer at Vandivort Center Theatre
It’s debut weekend for Sharkey in SGF as Springfield Contemporary Theatre brings the high-drama card game to town. The Seafarer has a loaded local cast (Jeff Carney, George Cron, Jerry-Mac Johnston, Ron Seney and Bryant Turnage) for director David Rice. Continues thru Sunday, find TAG Team at Thursday’s premiere.

D.J.P. at Outland Ballroom
The votes are cast. Before we know if SGF’s Danny Phillips (D.J.P.) is the Master of the Mix champion (final episode is Saturday at 11 p.m. on BET), you can catch an original set. A don’t-miss

Bellarmine at Drury (Men/Women doubleheader)
The defending 2011 Division II champs invade The O’Reilly Family Event Center for a men’s and women’s doubleheader starting at 5:45 p.m., with the men’s game at approximately 8. It’s opportunities like this that can help DU reach the national tournament.

Friday, Jan. 13

Paper Anchors Release
This Q102 Homegrown show provides the harmony, melody and pop of Paper Anchors. The SGF duo celebrates the release of its debut EP, Mirrors Facing Mirrors. The Collective and Call Me Beta are joining the party at Outland Ballroom.

The Skinny Improv Mainstage Show
Live improv comedy in Nonna’s Attic by The Skinny Improv. The Mainstage Show is at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Find TAG Team at Saturday’s Mainstage Show.

Saturday, Jan. 14

Waka Winter Classic
An absolute loaded lineup of bands battle for a spot on this summer’s Wakarusa Festival at Mulberry Mountain in Ozark, Ark. The contenders (SPiNRaD, Quantum Groove, Buddha’s Groove Shoes, Sunset to Burns and Slapdash Science) throw down at Outland Ballroom.

Sweetwater Abilene, Sister City, Dubb Nubb at Lindberg’s
The powerful voice and song-writing of SGF transplant J.R. Topp and band Sweetwater Abilene head to C-Street.

Sunday, Jan. 15

Evansville at MSU Bears men’s hoops
Evansville has come a long way since rocking the T-shirt jerseys (if you don’t know, Google it), and the Aces are sneaky good this year. Picked just above the Bears in the preseason MVC poll, the Bears owe the Aces a little something. Tip off is at 2:05 p.m.

The Bud Light TAG Radio Block
You pick the location to enjoy specialized SGF programming, but tune in to KBFL 99.9 FM (1060 AM) or watch live on TAGsgf.com for live musical performances, local interviews and entertainment.

• Beer Buzz – 4 p.m.
• The High Road – 5 p.m., live at Harbell’s
• Local Music – 6 p.m.
• SGF 10 – 7 p.m. (local music as voted by listeners, email SGFLocalLive@gmail.com)
• SGF Local Live – 8 p.m.
• M.E.O. Radio – 9 p.m.
• M.E.O. Podcast – 10:45 p.m. (on TAGsgf.com)

There is a heavy dose of SGFers in the Bigs with an MLB pitcher and a reality-show DJ. Below is the beast of a lineup for Sunday’s TAG Radio block brought to you by the official beer of TAG Media, Bud Light. If you miss any of the live programming on KBFL 99.9 FM/1060 AM/tagsgf.com, you can find the podcasts here at TAG or on iTunes.

Beer Buzz with Ben Stange, 4 p.m.
Topic: New Beer’s Resolutions/Beer Cocktails
Facebook / Email: sgfbeerbuzz@gmail.com
862-9977 / (800) 375-0056

The High Road with Allen Vaughan, 5 p.m.
Live from Harbell’s Grill & Sports Bar (Park Central West)
Guest: Lucas Harrell, Houston Astros
Facebook / Email: thehighroadshow@gmail.com
862-9977 / (800) 375-0056

SGF Music Rotation, 6 p.m.
SGF 10, 7 p.m. (top ten local song countdown, fan vote by email: sgflocallive@gmail.com)
SGF Local Live, 8 p.m.
Guests: Artist Tracy Lea Marshall, Music by Lily Bee & The Johnston Three
Facebook / Email: sgflocallive@gmail.com
862-9977 / (800) 375-0056

M.E.O. Radio, 9 p.m.
Guests: Chuck D of Ovaflow, D.J.P.
Facebook / Email: meopodcast@gmail.com
862-9977 / (800) 375-0056

Blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa was once called “the future of blues,” but is now widely recognized as one of the world’s best. He wasHis new album, Dust Bowl, has been nominated for Blues Music Awards. He’s made trips to SGF for cozy shows in the likes of blues bar Nathan P Murphy’s, but will make his return at Juanita K Hammons Hall. The show is slated for Tuesday, May 1. Tickets are already available through the JFHH site and range from $49-$79. The tour is in support of his ninth studio album, Dust Bowl. Download the single for free on his website. And if you still don’t know about Joe Bonamassa, check out the video below from the Royal Albert Hall in London. A. Maz. Ing. Get on the tickets quick before people within a day’s drive beat you to them.

Joe Bonamassa at Royal Albert Hall, “Sloe Gin”

Simply, it’s democratic radio and a way for us to know what SGF wants to listen to. We put the power in your hands (for 10 songs a week) by letting you vote for your favorite SGF music. The SGF 10 will air during the first hour each Sunday on SGF Local Live. To vote, simply email SGFLocalLive@gmail.com.

It’s a song chart so include the title of the track you want to hear. Vote as much as you’d like, but just one vote per artist (per email address).

SGF 10

12/18/11

1. The Give Up — “My Less Than 3″
2. Elevenpoint Outlaws — “Box Beside the Bed”
3. The Radiance Effect — “Mad Mess”
4. J-None feat. Liz Carney — “Vixen”
5. The Cropdusters — “Quantrill”
6. The LMNOPs — “PB&DrJ”
7. Josh Heinrichs — “So Far From Home”
8. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin — “Yellow Missing Signs”
9. John Miner Band — “Midlife Crisis”
10. SPiNRaD — “Monkey Weather”

Ask around among the musicians and fans of the SGF folk, Americana and singer-songwriter communities whom they’ve listened to most lately and there’s a better-than-good chance you’ll hear the name The Avett Brothers come up a few times. They group, helmed by brothers Seth and Scott Avett, has steadily gained a devout following since emerging from the ashes of North Carolina band Nemo in the early ’00s. The group shot into the stratosphere of attention, though, with the release of its major-label debut, I and Love and You, on Rick Rubin‘s American Recordings label in 2009. Not only has the band appeared on network TV as the musical guest all over the late-night circuit since then, but the group also held down its own episode of Austin City Limits and performed a Bob Dylan classic at the Grammy Awards last year together with Mumford & Sons and the man himself:

Why am I telling you all of this? Because the group is coming to SGF, as comfortable a fit of artist and city as I can think of having here in a while. The show was officially announced this afternoon at Drury University’s O’Reilly Family Event Center on Saturday, March 10 at 8 p.m. Tickets go on sale January 20 (Friday) at 10 a.m. through the OFEC box office for $29.75 for reserved seating and $39.75 for general admission/floor seats. You can get your tickets by calling 417-873-6389 or going to the Drury ticketing website (registration required). This is not a show to pass up, as the opportunity to get a red-hot act with real below-the-radio’s-radar cred such as this may not come again for a long time.

Gillioz Theatre hosted SGF’s annual tribute to John Lennon.

Photos/Video by Kyle Green (www.BakedFreshDaily.com)

Speakeasy, “Come Together”

Cindy Woolf & Dale McCoy

Simply, it’s democratic radio and a way for us to know what SGF wants to listen to. We put the power in your hands (for 10 songs a week) by letting you vote for your favorite SGF music. The SGF 10 will air during the first hour each Sunday on SGF Local Live. To vote, simply email SGFLocalLive@gmail.com.

It’s a song chart so include the title of the track you want to hear. Vote as much as you’d like, but just one vote per artist (per email address).

SGF 10

12/11/11

1. Elevenpoint Outlaws — “Box Beside the Bed”
2. Cropdusters — “Quantrill”
3. The Give Up — “My Less Than 3″
4. J-None feat. Liz Carney — “Vixen”
5. The Radiance Effect — “Mad Mess”
6. The LMNOPs — “PB&DrJ”
7. Josh Heinrichs — “So Far From Home”
8. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin — “Yellow Missing Signs”
9. SPiNRaD — “Monkey Weather”
10. St. Dallas & the Sinners — “Heartbreak and Liquor”

DGB and Co. hanging out on Sunday Night Football. (H/T to KSPR)

As we creep closer to National Signing Day on Feb. 1, the spotlight on Hillcrest High School senior Dorial Green-Beckham is starting to intensify.

While in New York City doing promotion for the January 7th Army All-American Bowl, DGB told Rivals.com he has pared down his college destination list to 5 (in no particular order):

• Oklahoma
• Missouri
• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Texas

Many close to DGB don’t expect him to make a decision too far from Feb. 1, so don’t hold your breath (although that is only days away…)

Also, Green-Beckham has been named as The Sporting News High School Athlete of the Year. That’s not just football player, but overall athlete. The 6-foot-6, 220-pound senior wide receiver broke national and state records on both the single-season and career level, finishing with 119 catches for 2,233 yards, 24 TDs this season and 297 catches, 6,367 yards, 73 TDs in his career.

Sporting News named DGB the high school athlete of the year for 2011, beating out football players Maty Mauk (a Mizzou commit) and Johnathan Gray (Texas). Duke guard Austin Rivers, from Winter Park, Fla., was also a finalist.

DGB will be playing

According to the News-Leader, DGB met some impressive football names this past weekend while in New York City:

The group met Tony Dungy and the others during the NFL Sunday night football telecast, met Baylor’s Robert Griffin III at a Heisman Trophy dinner, and met coach Rex Ryan and many of the New York Jets at the practice facility.

It’s official: As was just announced on KTTS radio, Big Smith‘s farewell concert will actually be two concerts at Gillioz Theatre, both scheduled to take place over Cinco de Mayo weekend on May 5 and 6. Saturday night’s concert will get started at 7 p.m., while Sunday’s matinee show will begin at 3 p.m. Tickets for each are ready to sell for $18.50, $22.50 and $24.50, depending on seating, and you can get them here beginning this Friday (December 16) at noon.

The Dwight Glenn Productions shows are officially carry the title “Goodbye, Farewell & Amen: Big Smith Says Sayonara to Springfield,” a name older SGFers might realize they’ve heard before. In this case, though, “goodbye” comes with the promise of numerous as-yet-unannounced special guest musicians (and will they be announced?) and some charitable tie-ins, as concert posters will be available with a $1 donation to Ozarks Food Harvest, an amount People’s Bank of the Ozarks has announced it will meet up to a $1,000 limit.

So why two concerts, effectively rendering Saturday’s show more “farewell” than farewell? Simple: to give as many people as possible the chance to fill the 1,200-ish-seat theatre for one more chance to see and hear as influential a group as SGF has produced in the last two decades. It’s also a chance for two shows with different personalities: Saturday’s show can be the usual nightlong hillbilly party longtime fans are used to, while Sunday’s afternooner concentrates on a more family-friendly atmosphere and cleaner song presentation. In other words, depending on your tastes and time, Big Smith is looking to satisfy whichever experience will make the memory last longest. Isn’t that what goodbye is all about?

It’s almost Christmas, which means special performances and giving themes run rampant through SGF entertainment. Think of it as your chance to help local artists and performers help others. It also means one more blowout run of concerts before SGFers leave town on various vacations, so watch for stages throughout the city to get hectic with volume-at-10 goodness all week long.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

• Hinder at Gillioz Theatre — A heavyweight in the world of modern rock returns to SGF tonight for its first show here in more than three years. You can still get tickets for $19 by clicking here. Doors open at 7 p.m.
• Monday Night Football: St. Louis Rams v. Seattle Seahawks — Sure, the St. Louis Rams are horrendous and likely the second-worst team in the NFL. But it’s still Monday Night Football and it’s still national television. That gives you plenty of incentive to go and meet our TAG Team, who will be on hand at Skybox to snap photos and hand out promotional goodies. Even though the Rams will likely lose, you will win.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13

• High School Boys Basketball: Glendale at Nixa — Two of the top local high school boys’ basketball teams lock up when Glendale and Cameron Johnson travels to Nixa to face Jalen Norman and Austin Ruder. Should be exciting. JV game starts at 6 p.m. and the varsity game follows.
• Make Out at Jekyll & Hyde’s — The all-ages weeknight electro dance party rises from the ashes with a good deal: $5 for people age 18 to 20 and FREE for those 21 and older.
• Tuesday’s Stew at The Outland Ballroom — Kaotic Method and Wycon stir the musical pot as this week’s guest DJs for this ever-evolving weekly show. The turntables start spinning at 10 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14

• Popa Chubby at Nathan P. Murphy’s — Ted Horowitz, aka Popa Chubby, brings 20 years of blues from the Bronx, some of it including pop and hip hop influences, to SGF.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15

• Mannheim Steamroller at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts — It’s holiday season, which means this group’s modernized takes on classic Christmas songs is probably in your music rotation or that of someone you know. This is your chance to take the experience from the speakers to the stage. Unfortunately, if you don’t already have tickets to this one you’re not getting in; the concert is sold out.
• Han Trio and Deep Fried Squirrel at Lindberg’s — An unlikely pairing of acts, sure, with one being an vest-and-button-up, all-trios take on the covers show and the other being the city’s most recent bluegrass/jam act on the rise. This much is for sure, though: They will conspire to get the crowd up, dancing and pumping fists throughout the night.
• MOPoetry Slam at Nathan P. Murphy’s — This month’s edition is the Haiku Slam Championship, one of the slams people wait all year for. Think you can wield the 5-7-5 syllable count like no other? The more modern Ku version, perhaps, which doesn’t care about structure as long as it’s 17 total syllables? Step up, slam and prove it. It could get you a spot representing Springfield at the team competition in the National Poetry Slam.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16

• High School Boys Basketball: Hillcrest at Parkview — Everyone is trying to figure out which city team is the best. When Hillcrest’s Dorial Green-Beckham and Austin Petrie travel to Parkview to face Taylor Harville and Taylor Acord, we’ll learn a little more. JV game starts at 6 p.m. and the varsity game follows.
• The Nutcracker at Landers Theatre — There is arguably no more iconic stage performance associated with Christmas than this one, and the SGF tradition lives again through Springfield Ballet featuring Jeff Jenkins as Uncle Drosselmeyer for a run of five performances: The premiere Friday night, followed by matinee and night performances Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $24 for adults, $21 for students and seniors and $16 for children 12 and younger. Continues through Sunday.
• The Shotgun Brothers Band at Patton Alley Pub — SBB doesn’t emerge on local stages quite as often as it used to, so seize the opportunity to see one of the wildest nights of music you’ve seen in a while.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17

• Men’s College Basketball: Missouri State v. Kennesaw State at JQH Arena — The iBN Sports Vegas Classic gets under way this weekend with two underwhelming games at JQH Arena (Texas A&M-CC is on Tuesday the 19th.) But they’re important because it will help the Bears get to Vegas to face West Virginia and St. Mary’s, two tremendous nonconference games for the Bears. Saturday’s tip is at 2 p.m.
• Men’s College Basketball: Drury v. St. Mary at O’Reilly Family Event Center — Drury’s season has been up and down, but the University of St. Mary (not to be confused with the St. Mary’s mentioned above) comes to town. It’s Drury’s last home game until Dec. 30. This one is a 5 p.m. tip.
• Never Shout Never, Carter Hulsey, Progress In Color, The Springs and Cloud City at The Outland Ballroom — The indie-rock/singer-songwriter pride of Joplin doesn’t get the chance to do a local show very often, but for this Christmas-themed extravaganza Christofer Drew gets to let it all hang out. Watch for a photo booth, an ugly Christmas sweater contest and more at this Forever Endeavor Productions show. $20, 6 p.m.
• Paper Anchors, Gas Pump Talent and Superstar Runner at The High Life Live Martini Lounge — Three very different acts—a female pop-rock duo, half of the rough-and-tumble acoustic duo that holds down Thursday nights at Ebbets Field and the solo indie songwriter work of Ben Johnson — share the bill in a something-for-everyone night at the High Life.
• Samantha Fish at Lindberg’s — Want to be in on the beginnings of a new blues great? The Blues Down Under concert series is giving you precisely that opportunity with 22-year-old guitarist Fish’s first trip to SGF from Kansas City on tour behind her debut album, Runaway.
• Dubfixx at Remmingtons Downtown — The special holiday edition brings The Floozies down from Lawrence, KS to headline with a set of electro plus guitar and bass. Cover is $10 or $7 if you donate a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots at the door.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18

• Women’s College Basketball: Lady Bears v. Morgan State at JQH Arena — Coming off an 80-57 loss to Oklahoma State, the Lady Bears (5-3) try to regroup against Morgan State. Tip is 2 p.m. at JQH Arena.

Click Here

Simply, it’s democratic radio and a way for us to know what SGF wants to listen to. We put the power in your hands (for 10 songs a week) by letting you vote for your favorite SGF music. The SGF 10 will air during the first hour each Sunday on SGF Local Live. To vote, simply email SGFLocalLive@gmail.com.

It’s a song chart so include the title of the track you want to hear. Vote as much as you’d like, but just one vote per artist (per email address).

SGF 10

12/5/11

1. J-None feat. Liz Carney — “Vixen”
2. Elevenpoint Outlaws — “The Hurricane”
3. Josh Heinrichs — “So Far From Home”
4. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin — “Yellow Missing Signs”
5. The Give Up — “My Less Than 3″
6. SPiNRaD — “Monkey Weather”
7. The LMNOPs — “PB&DrJ”
8. Cropdusters — “Quantrill”
9. St. Dallas & the Sinners — “Heartbreak and Liquor”
10. The Radiance Effect — “Mad Mess”

Big Smith at the Show-Me Music Festival earlier this year. Photo by Alex Stocksdale.

By now the news isn’t “news,” really: Big Smith announced late last night via its Facebook page that it will cease to exist as a band early next year, presumably after its already-booked obligations are concluded. You can bet there will be some sort of last-hurrah show in Springfield, too, a fitting finish for a band that has come to represent a renaissance for roots music in the city as well as the latest in the city’s lineage of contemporary acts that maintain strong ties to local musical heritage. There is obviously a lot of sadness and shock among the public at large regarding the news, but the truth is, unpopular though the choice may be, it comes at a good time and could hold a great many positives to it.

I’ll explain that more in a moment. Let’s start with the band’s official statement via Facebook, in case you haven’t already read or heard it elsewhere. The bolding is my own:

“With heavy hearts we deliver the news that after 15 years of touring and recording, Big Smith will soon be calling it a day. We will continue playing through the early months of 2012, making sure to hit our favorite towns and venues, but will then cease performing and recording for the foreseeable future. We band members will be moving on to new chapters in our lives; new professions and new creative avenues, most of which will keep us closer to home for a while. We thank you, our listeners, for supporting us all these years and allowing us to take part in this great adventure. We encourage you to stay in touch and stay tuned for our schedule of final shows, and beyond that, for possible CD releases from our archive of live recordings, and for news of future projects that will inevitably emerge from the members of Big Smith.”

So what does “new professions and new creative avenues, most of which will keep us closer to home for a while” mean? It likely means a few things, really:

1. There are members of the band leaving music behind. Given the realities of the economy and the fact that I’ve never met a committed musician who wouldn’t rather make his or her living playing music, it seems fair to suggest that such a move is born out of a desire for some or more financial stability. “Stupid life getting in the way” to you; “I can provide for myself and the people counting on me” to them.

2. The members continuing to make music want to do something else. This should come as no surprise given that solo projects and other ventures have already existed within the band’s dynamic in the past. Add in the fact that 15 years is an extraordinarily long time to expect artists to keep creating in the same style and you appear to have a circumstance where it was time to acknowledge the need for change within the group before it became obvious outside the group.

Where do things go from here? The individuals will determine that in the weeks and months to come. Local roots music will inevitably find new leading lights if it hasn’t already. For Big Smith’s part, the band celebrated an important milestone—the 15th anniversary—together with another local act it draws certain parallels to, The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, and the members collectively chose that cemented legacy as the time to bow out rather than let the idea of Big Smith become an albatross. Now, for band and audience alike, the few remaining concerts in Big Smith’s history can be relished in a different light—not as another date on the calendar, but as one of a dwindling number of chances to say “thank you” to one another. Precious few bands get to leave on those terms, and this is one that should.

photos and video by Kyle Green (BakedFreshDaily.com) and Brett Johnston (TAG)

TAG Team party pics from Gillioz

Matisyahu at Gillioz Theatre

Matisyahu

Matisyahu Unplugged

Jah Roots Band

Jah Roots Band 2

And just like that, it’s over.

Sure, the 49-0 loss to Webb City to end Dorial Green-Beckham’s high school career will sting, but a look at the numbers we’re about to share will flip it all around.

Aside from the stats, Hillcrest accomplished the following this season:

• First 10-win season in school history.
• Ozark Conference title
• District title.
• School’s first quarterfinal appearance.

Of course, if you’re not familiar with DGB’s status, he is the No. 1 rated high school football player in the contry and sought after by every college program that matters. For more answers on him, read up on our DGB FAQ.

The 6-foot-5 1/2, 220 wide receiver with a 4.43 40-yard dash was named the MaxPreps National Athlete of the year as a sophomore because of his accomplishments in football, basketball and track and field.

We summed all of it up with a week-by-week breakdown and follow it up with his new status in the state record book. Thus, DGB’s senior season in a statistical nutshell.

Week 1, 48-26 victory over Seneca at Missouri Southern on ESPNU

• 18 catches for 284 yards, 3 TDs

Week 2, 37-20 loss to Rogers (Ark.) Heritage at Simmons First/Hootens.com Kickoff Classic

• 7 catches for 142 yards, 2 TDs

Week 3, 21-9 victory at Joplin

• 6 catches for 94 yards

Week 4, 31-21 victory vs. Camdenton

• 12 catches for 215 yards and 2 TDs

Week 5, 31-8 victory vs. Glendale

• 10 catches for 130 yards and 2 TDs (129) diff – 101

Week 6, 42-14 victory at Waynesville

• 7 catches for 159 yards and a TD.

Week 7, 40-19 victory vs. Rolla

• 13 catches for 354 receiving yards, 3 TDs (state single-game yardage record)

Week 8, 49-0 victory vs. West Plains

• 5 catches for 116 yards, 2 TDs

Week 9, 56-6 victory vs. Marshfield

• 9 catches for 189 yards, 2 TDs; 29-yard TD run

Week 10, 35-7 victory vs. Republic

• 11 catches for 303 yards, 4 TDs

Week 11, 35-14 win vs. St. Clair

• 6 catches for 63 yards, 2 TDs

Week 12, 28-21 victory at Union

• 8 catches for 127, TD

Week 13, 49-0 loss vs. Webb City

• 7 catches for 57 yards

Season: 119 catches for 2,233 yards, 24 TDs

Missouri HS records

Most career yards

1. Dorial Green-Beckham, Hillcrest, 2008-11, 6,367
2. Erick Roe, West Platte,2003-07, 4,057

Most career receiving TDs

1. Dorial Green-Beckham, Hillcrest, 2008-11, 73
2. Erick Roe, West Platte, 2003-07, 49
3. Eric Anderson, Cameron, , 2003-05, 49

Most receiving yards, single season

1. Dorial Green-Beckham, Hillcrest, 2011, 2,244
2. Dorial Green-Beckham, Hillcrest, 2010, 1,714
3. Dorial Green-Beckham, Hillcrest, 2009, 1,616

Most receiving yards, single game

• 1. Dorial Green-Beckham, Hillcrest, 2011, 354
• 2. Austin Stigall, Mountain Grove, 2002, 312
• 3. (tie) Damond Lacy, Southern Boone County, 2005, 303
• 3. (tie) Dorial Green-Beckham, Hillcrest, 2011, 303

Receiving Yards Per Game (minimum 25 games)

1. Dorial Green-Beckham, Hillcrest, 2008-10, 122.5
2. Eric Anderson, Cameron, 2003-05, 99.4

Here are what his career numbers look like through 34 games:

Freshman (2008): 37 catches, 801 yards, 12 TDs
Sophomore (2009): 63 catches, 1,616 yads, 22 TDs
Junior (2010): 78 catches, 1,706 yards, 15 TDs
Senior (current): 119 for 2,244 yards, 24 TDs

Total: 297 catches, 6,367 yards, 73 TDs

Simply, it’s democratic radio and a way for us to know what SGF wants to listen to. We put the power in your hands (for 10 songs a week) by letting you vote for your favorite SGF music. The SGF 10 will air during the first hour each Sunday on SGF Local Live. To vote, simply email SGFLocalLive@gmail.com.

It’s a song chart so include the title of the track you want to hear. Vote as much as you’d like, but just one vote per artist (per email address).

SGF 10

11/13/11, previous week in parenthesis

1. Josh Heinrichs — “So Far From Home” (5)
   
2. Elevenpoint Outlaws — “The Hurricane” (3)
3. The Give Up — “My Less Than 3″ (2)
4. SPiNRaD — “Monkey Weather” (1)
   
5. Cornbelt Chorus — “Go Home” (9)
6. John Miner Band — “Hands of Time (NR)
7. St. Dallas and the Sinners — “Heartbreak & Liquor” (4)
   
8. Cole Porter Band — “Let the Whiskey River Flow” (10)
9. MC Smitty — “My Decoder Ring” (NR)
10. J-None feat. Liz Carney — “Vixen” (NR)

Dropped Out

Lisa Lampanelli will perform at Gillioz Theatre in March.

Lisa Lampanelli: Airplanes

DJ P, just to our left of Kid Capri, needs your support.

DJ P has had one of the more interesting careers among local artists and musicians. Sometimes, it’s hard to keep up with him, whether he’s touring all over the world, throwing parties at Vegas casinos or walking the streets of SGF and playing the occasional local gig.

Along the way he’s built up a ton of local — and national — respect. But, he might have just launched himself into another stratosphere with his latest project. And the irony? You can help him reach that new level, and a cool $250,000 in cash.

After being sequestered and sworn to secrecy, DJ P has emerged back in SGF to promote his appearance on Master of the Mix, Season 2. The DJ reality show, which asks for your votes American Idol style, started last Saturday on BET and airs at 11 p.m. Central. How legit is it? Let’s just say the judging panel consists of super hip hop producer Just Blaze, hip hop DJ icon Kid Capri, model Amber Rose (most famously known for being Kanye West’s, um, girlfriend) and house DJ star Vikter Duplaix.

Here’s the gist: Hand-picked from thousands, the show’s DJ contestants perform for the crowds with music industry heavyweights judging their every move. Contestants will be eliminated each show until only one DJ is left: Smirnoff’s next Master of the Mix. So how’s P doing so far? Judge for yourself at the 16:40 mark:

***UPDATED: BET has claimed the video to be private … you may not watch it anymore. We’ll leave it embedded below, in case the network decides to be friendly and share P’s nastiness.***

P — governmentally known as Danny Phillips — is described in this way on the show’s website:

DJ P

“Be you and don’t bite other DJ’s ideas. Support the artists – pay for your music.”

Hailing from Springfield, MO, DJ P is one of the pioneers of “blending,” a style commonly known as the “mash-up”. In a world where many hip hop DJs are either technical underground nerds or Top 40 hip hop jukeboxes, DJ P is a blend of both and more. His mix discs have taken on a life of their own, to the point that Rolling Stone called his “Uneasy Listening” a “Top Musical Moment.” Recently DJ P’s been working on a documentary film and can be seen on the turntables each weekend at The Palm in Las Vegas.

FAVORITE DRINK: Designated driver – doesn’t drink.

Watch the show Saturday’s at 11 p.m. to find out how to vote for SGF’s DJ Legend. Here’s a link to his Facebook page and here’s a link to his website.

Check out DJ P in SGF live with Ovaflow and Mask & Glove (Brief, formerly SincerlyYours., and Nick Fury) at Bugsy Malone’s on Nov. 19.

Missouri State’s men’s basketball team accepted commitments from three high school seniors Wednesday during the first day of the NCAA’s early signing period. Here is what you need to know about them:

Bruce Marshall

Bruce Marshall
6-foot-10, Fr.
Fayette High (Mo.)
Twitter handle: @MrBruceMarshall

Marshall is a guard who grew into a giant. After being measured at 6-1 as a freshman, he’s shot up to 6-10, but hasn’t lost his shooting touch. As a junior, he averaged 11.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.7 blocks for Fayette HS, a Class 2 school. According to an MSU press release, he averaged 11.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 blocks as a sophomore on Rameybasketball AAU Club.

It has been reported he chose MSU over Air Force.

MSU loses a ton of size with Caleb Patterson and Isaiah Rhine graduating after this season. If Marshall beefs up, he could earn playing time immediately.

“Bruce is very long and mobile and has the ability to stretch the defense with his face-up game,” Missouri State coach Paul Lusk said. “He has a great shooting touch, and as he continues to grow into his frame, he will be a difficult match-up at the college level.”

Marcus Marshall

Marcus Marshall
6-foot-2, Fr.
Johnson High (St. Paul, Minn.)
Twitter handle: @BearWitme23

No relation to Bruce, Marcus Marshall is a 3-star recruit, according to Rivals.com, which ties him for the highest acclaim for an MSU recruit with last year’s wooing of Christian Kirk and Dorrian Williams. He chose MSU over Indiana State, Kent State, Murray State and many other Summit League, MEAC and MAC schools. Rivals.com said he had scholarship 14 offers.

He averaged 16.0 points per game, and this shows the depth of Lusk’s Big 10 recruiting ties, reaching into Minnesota to pull out a guard.

“He comes from a good high school program that won the state title in Minnesota a couple years ago,” Lusk said. “He is good with the ball, distributes well and is a talented scorer. He has the ability to create his own shot and set people up. We are happy to have him.”

Gavin Thurman

Gavin Thurman
6-foot-6, Fr.
Heights High School (Wichita, Kan.)

Thurman seems to be a recruit MSU fans should be proud of. Not only is he a 3-star recruit like Marcus Marshall, he had offers from a Big 10 school (Iowa) and he was yanked out from under Wichita State’s nose. This has to be a Lusk special as Thurman was likely recruited to Purdue.

Thurman averaged 18.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 blocks per game at Southeast HS in Wichita. He has since transferred to Heights HS, but made his name as a standout for KC Pump ‘N Run, the same team Christian Kirk played for. He chose MSU over scholarship offers from Wichita State, Iowa, Colorado State, Drake, Fresno State, Nevada and Western Kentucky. Here is a small feature story on him from another site.

“He has the ability to be like a point-forward,” Lusk said. “He can handle the ball, pass, drive to the basket, score in a variety of ways and make good decisions on the floor. He is a very versatile player.”

Lusk and the Bears open the 2011-12 season this Friday at Nevada for a 9 p.m. tipoff.

What a week. The concert schedule brings through names guaranteed to pack the house, sports brings you one season racing toward its conclusion (high school and college football) and one exploding out the gate (college basketball) and a theatrical classic comes alive on an SGF stage. Tap the energy reserves. You’ll need them the next seven days.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7

• High School Football Playoffs, Round 2 — The second round of the high school playoffs becomes a local version of Monday Night Football, as many hyper-SGF teams are involved. Two top-10 Class 3 teams meet when Catholic travels to Rogersville, and in Class 5 Glendale hosts Lee’s Summit West and Nixa hosts Branson. Other games include Hillcrest at Union, JC Helias at Webb City, Pleasant Hill at Cassville, Fair Grove at MV-BT Liberty, El Dorado Springs at Lamar, Skyline at Miller at Valle Catholic at Thayer. Stay locked to TAGsgf.com for your scoreboard and game-story links.
• Drury Men’s Basketball v. University of the Ozarks at O’Reilly Family Event Center — The Drury men’s basketball team hosts the University of the Ozarks in a 7 p.m. exhibition. Drury made the NCAA Division II Tournament last season and was picked to win the GLVC West this season. This could be the best DU men’s team in recent memory.
• Monday Night Football at Buffalo Wild Wings and Quincy Magoo’s – Enjoy the Monday Night Football clash with the TAG Team at the South Side sports spots. *A TAG Team Party Pics event.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

• Let’s F*** at Jekyll & Hyde’s — Back home in its traditional Tuesday-night slot, SGF’s biggest weekly all-ages dance party blasts a full night of dubstep and moombahton tracks to get you moving. Minors, remember to arrive early; the 75-person cutoff could be reached pretty early.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9

• The Legendary Shack Shakers, The Cropdusters and St. Dallas & The Sinners at The Outland Ballroom — It has been a long time since the punk/blues/roots combo of the Shack Shakers has torn it up in SGF. To celebrate the occasion, one of the city’s most popular (and recently low-key) Southern rock acts returns to the stage along with another appropriate companion in St. Dallas’s punk-infused rockabilly.
• Poema, Jake Germany, Lydia Smith and Ordinary People at Colby Moore Photography — Sisters Shealeen and Elle Puckett of Poema make some of the prettiest folk-pop you’re likely to hear on a local stage this year. Best of all, it will cost you just $5 or $3 with a valid college ID.
• Sioux City Pete and The Evil Bumble Bees at Lindberg’s — The Evil Bumble Bees unite some of SGF rock’s longtime names to play rock ‘n’ roll of the ’50s and ’60s, and they’ll do it this night opening an early show with a 30-year veteran of the rock world.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10

• The Detectives at The Outland — The best rock ‘n’ roll, R&B and soul tunes from the ’50s and ’60s come alive courtesy of a full band including horn section and backup singers. It’s time to twist again.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11

• The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Big Smith at O’Reilly Family Event Center — Not only is this a celebration of the Daredevils’ 40th anniversary, but it’s Veterans Day, too, and a portion of the merch sales at this sold-out concert will be donated to Ozarks Honor Flight to send World War II vets to see their memorial in Washington, DC. Translation: Buy a T-shirt or two at the show.
• Our Town at Landers Theatre — George Cron directs Thornton Wilder‘s award-winning, self-aware slice-of-life script. (Is that hyphenated enough for you?) *A TAG Team event.
• The Laughing Stock Presents at Jalen’s Lounge — Comedian Merr leads a troupe of eight featured SGF standup comics including Tyler Snodgrass, Seamus Pennington, Ginny Bell, Brice Johnson, Mark Auvil, Matt Scheele, Sara Osten and Tim Messersmith.
• Midnight Rodeo Anniversary Party — It’s Midnight Rodeo’s birthday and SGF’s most fresh party squadron will be on hand for the celebration. *A TAG Team Party Pics event.
• The Rocketz, Cold Blue Rebels, The Problematics and Sally Switchblade at Lindberg’s — Zero Youth Productions continues its relentless concert schedule with a return trip to SGF by a punkabilly group developing an impressive following in the city.
• Missouri State Men’s Basketball at Nevada (TV Game) — There has been a lot of change for the Missouri State men’s basketball program, and we get to see how it all unfolds thanks to KY3. MSU travels to Reno to play the Nevada Wolfpack for a 9 p.m. start. Enjoy it at your favorite local sports pub with friends. MSU’s home opener isn’t until 11/19.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12

• Missouri State Football v. Indiana State at Plaster Sports Complex —The Bears close their home slate with a matchup against the Sycamores with a 1:10 p.m. kickoff. Pssst, drop by the pregame tailgate party in Bearfest Village and see The TAG Team, too. *A TAG Team Party Pics event.
• Murder By Death, Red City Radio and The Midwest Indies at The Outland Ballroom — Forever Endeavor Productions brings back perhaps the only band it schedules annually, an indie rock group that steeps its Morricone-influenced sounds in the whiskey barrels that drive men to their darker side. Tickets are $12 in advance or $13 the day of the show. Doors open at 8 p.m.
• Bone Thugs Battle of the Bands at Remmingtons Downtown — Five Local hip hop groups—Far From It, J-None, Laddie Lexxlou, State of Mizzouri and Trak Masta Tom were those announced at press time—compete for the two available opening slots on the Bone Thugs-n-Harmony bill at Remmingtons the following Friday (11/18).
• Booyah! Dad, Matthew Darkly and Josh & The Jerks at The Outland — J.R. Top of Sweetwater Abilene and Matt Dampier of The Rugs return to SGF with their solo projects together with a sort-of revival of The Dark Alleys.
• Sovereign Strength, Tip of the Iceberg and Locked Out at LemonDrop — Looking for an amped-up pre-party for the night’s concerts? Queen City Productions brings you a night of Christian hardcore sandwiching a Newfound Glory cover band in an early (7 p.m.) show.
• Culture.Shock at BreakLife Springfield — The kids who learn become the adults who lead, and this celebration of all things hip hop—dancing, art, MC’ing—marks the 37th anniversary of hip hop’s cultural birth by educating the kids to know the past and carry it forward. There will even be a special performance by DJ Nick Fury on the turntables. Bring a canned good (for local food bank donation) and $3 to get in.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13

• Lady Bears Basketball v. Louisville at JQH Arena — The No. 9 team in the country opens up the Lady Bears’ regular season when Louisville faces MSU at 2:05 p.m. Junior guard Shoni Schimmel returns as the Cardinals’ leading scorer.

Bone Thugs-n-Harmony comes to Springfield, MO November 18.

At least there’s a little more notice than last time. Remmingtons Downtown, the multi-purpose venue located at the corner of Campbell Avenue and College Street, announced Bone Thugs-n-Harmony as coming to the venue Friday, November 18. Included on the bill are Ta Smallz and former Los Angeles Lakers forward Joe Smith (he’s signed to member Layzie Bone‘s record label) among others. There’s room reserved on the lineup for two local openers to be decided by a battle of the bands Saturday, November 12 at Remmingtons as well. We’ll have the lineup for that show for you when it’s ready. The lineup is apparently set to include (in alphabetical order) Far From It, J-None, Laddie Lexxlou, State of Mizzouri and Trak Masta Tom. Tickets are expected to go on sale for $25 through Ticketmaster’s website and outlets such as Kaleidoscope and Stick It In Your Ear, though they were not available yet at press time. It’s a safe bet you’ll be able to purchase them at the door, too.

The big question on a lot of minds, of course, is which Bones will take the stage when it’s headliner time. The last time a “Bone Thugs” concert came to SGF it was actually just Bizzy Bone in front of a lot of frustrated fans. Following the ups and downs of the Bone family can be a dizzying saga, but this show promises to be significantly better than the last one, though it’s still not the Bone Thugs lineup you might remember from, say, 1995. Remmingtons honcho Jeff Bear says the present-day lineup—Flesh-n-Bone, Bizzy Bone and Layzie Bone—will be in attendance, which is down from the quintet Los Angeles rapper Eazy-E put together in 1991 but a more than sufficient facsimile to have a good time hearing the classics. So I guess in two weeks we’ll see you at the… well, you know.

Need extra incentive to hit SGF events?

We’d like to introduce you to TAG Team. Along with the beers (and energy drinks) of Wil Fischer Cos., TAG presents a promotional team to enhance your local entertainment experience. TAG Team will be promoting events SGF venues for all types of SGF happenings, and once it’s popping off, the squad will be commemorating your night out with party pics on TAGsgf.com, bringing you exclusive discounts and coupons from local companies and making sure you’re enjoying your time. Find out where TAG Team will be next. Want TAG Team to promote your next event? Let us know. Want TAG Team to distribute your company/band/personal promotional goods (event flyers/stress balls/coupons)? Let us know.

And, yes, we encourage Whoomp! There It Is and Pro Wrestling commentary.

The October 30 episode featured live performances and a conversation with SPiNRaD as well as the carnage of Henry the Snake proving just where Ralph 20 and Ralph 21 are on the food chain. We also talked to Eli Cunningham and Nicholas Tarr, the handlers of Henry “Don’t call me Hank”. Happy Halloween!

SGF Local Live airs live on Sundays from 7-9 p.m. on KBFL 99.9 FM (1060 AM) and on TAG TV (TAGsgf.com). The podcast is from the second hour of the show. The first hour of the program includes the SGF 10, a local song chart decided by local music fans (email sgflocallive@gmail.com to cast your vote).

Podcasts also available on iTunes.

A big thanks to our sponsors, please patronize these businesses, and tell them you heard from SGF Local Live. Contact SGFLocalLive@gmail.com or Brett@TAGsgf.com for sponsorship opportunities.

Thanks to:

• Nonna’s Italian Café
• 1 Love Custom Weddings
• Ott’s Dressing: Game Day Gatherings
• Laurel Bryant, Murney Associates Realtors
• The Tipsy Turtle Pub
• The Gravel Bar
• The High Road with Allen Vaughan
• Jennifer Hodges, Clarity Insurance

Remember this? Most of last year's MVC champions have graduated.

By the time the Missouri State men’s basketball team takes the court to begin the regular season, it will have been 9 months since the JQH Arena crowd stormed the court to celebrate the school’s first regular-season Missouri Valley Conference championship. It was an epic moment, and one that will live forever in Bears history.

But that was the last true high point for the Bears. Because when you think about it, this is the chronology of what went down:

• March 6: Missouri State loses MVC tournament final to Indiana State
• March 14: MSU is left out of NCAA Tournament
• March 21: Missouri State loses in NIT at Miami
• March 27: MSU coach Cuonzo Martin leaves MSU for Tennessee
• April 2: Paul Lusk hired as MSU coach

In a span of less than a month, Missouri State went from a height never yet reached to a rebuilding job of sorts, all with a new head coach in place. As of Tuesday, MSU was picked to finish 6th in the MVC. Being picked that low will definitely give odd meaning to the phrase “defending champs.”

With a new coach, the defending — and this year’s preseason — MVC Player of the year, only five returning lettermen, we have plenty of questions for the upcoming season. We tried to boil them down to five.

What will Kyle Weems’ game look like this season?

All eyes will be on Kyle Weems this season.

Kyle Weems is a star. He’s coming off a breakout season that saw him earn MVC MVP honors, averaging 16.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, while making 66 3-pointers and coming up with 48 steals. He was the Bears’ go-to guy and emerged as the face of a program.

But all of the things he pulled off, he did with a terrific supporting cast. Think about the sure-fire talent that was around him. Three are playing pro ball overseas (Will Creekmore, Jermaine Mallett, Adam Leonard) and another who was the Junior College Player of the Year before coming to MSU (Nafis Ricks).

Now, we’re unsure who Weems will be surrounded by this season, but they likely won’t have the amount of offensive skill as last year’s senior-laden roster. How will that affect him? The 2010-11 version of Weems used a mix of wing jumpers, one-dribble pull-up Js, post moves and 3-pointers. But, he wasn’t asked to shake defenders off the dribble and create for others. Remember how unique it was when he hit the game-winner against Southern Illinois in the MVC Tourney’s first round?  It was the first time we really saw him take a defender off the dribble in the waning moments of a game.

But, we all need to keep in mind two things.

1. Under Cuonzo Martin, the Bears were asked to run an offensive system that sometimes stifled individual creativity. Many of them had abilities that we never saw because it wasn’t necessary for success.
2. It’s possible for players to improve. Think about it. Weems is still a college player, and it’s possible he’s added a wrinkle to his game that we’ve never seen.

Weems is already on the record by saying there’s enough talent on this team where he’s not going to have to play Superman. I want to believe him, but I think it’s going to take 20-plus points per night at first to get MSU in the win column.

How will Paul Lusk handle his D-I coaching debut?

New MSU coach Paul Lusk

This is the season Paul Lusk has been waiting for. After serving as an assistant coach at Purdue for the past 7 years, everyone knew he was going to get an opportunity somewhere. I think Bears fans will be happy with the choice.

As I’ve previously pointed out, no one knows how good of a coach Lusk will be, but I agree with the type of hire. The path paved from Purdue has already been a successful one, thanks to Cuonzo Martin and former MSU AD Bill Rowe’s calculated risk to believe in a coach with zero head coaching experience. (To be fair to Lusk, he was the head coach at Division III Dubuque for one season, going 2-23 in 2002-03.)

Here’s what we do know about Lusk, in his short time here. The 39-year-old is good with the media. He’s more talkative. He was able to not only convince Martin’s entire recruiting class to stay, he filled the rest of the roster with junior college guys and, knowing his point guard depth was hideous, went and found a guy with three years of experience in the Big East to run his offense. The moves points to wherewithal. That’s important.

Schematically, he’s been on record saying he has similar principles to Martin, but won’t duplicate it 100 percent. No one likes to succeed the ultra-popular guy, and while Martin made MSU history, he didn’t get the one thing that Bears fans desire most — a return to the NCAA Tournament. Legendary status is still attainable, and that’s enough motivation for anyone.

Of the newcomers, who will have the most impact?

Michael Bizoukas played at DePaul for three years before transferring.

While there are 6 lettermen back from last year’s team, the number is deceiving. Weems, sophomore guard Nathan Scheer and senior center Caleb Patterson are the only ones that averaged double-digit minutes. The other three are senior center Isaiah Rhine (8.0 mins/game), sophomore forward Corey Copeland (5.8) and redshirt sophomore guard Keith Pickens, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, still isn’t 100 percent.

That means there are seven new players that could see time this season. They include Depaul transfer Michael Bizoukas (6-foot-1, sr.), juco transfers Corbin Thomas (6-6, F, jr.), Jarmar Gulley (6-4, F, jr.) and Anthony Downing (6-1, G, jr.), and freshmen forwards Drew Wilson (6-7) and SGF native Christian Kirk (6-7). Freshman guard Dorrian Williams was expected to join the rotation, but is out for the season after shoulder surgery in the offseason.

While it would be fun to speculate on which of the newcomers will help Weems with the scoring load, none of it will matter unless the Bears can run an offense. That’s where Bizoukas comes in. The senior guard was a bit player on three DePaul teams that were ravaged in the Big East. (It’s easy to forget DePaul is in the Big East, isn’t it?) But, he might just provide the right amount of leadership to help expedite the team’s cohesiveness. Because, honestly, you can learn a lot getting beat down by Kemba Walker, right?

Bizoukas was never an offensive threat at DePaul, averaging 2.2 points over 86 career games, and shooting 32 percent in 3s (16-of-50). It conjurs images of Justin Fuehrmeyer, doesn’t it? But, if Bizoukas can orchestrate the offense without turning it over, it’s one less thing Lusk has to worry about and could lead to smoother offense. He’s not a world beater, but he doesn’t have to be.

Can Caleb Patterson sustain effective minutes?

Caleb Patterson is a key this season. He needs to stay healthy and on the floor.

Caleb Patterson is one of the most frustrating players in Bears history. He has a ton of talent, especially on offense. But the most revealing number from Patterson’s 2010-11 season is 31. The 6-foot-11 Pattterson played in only 31 of 35 games last season, despite being healthy. That’s right, he was a healthy Did-Not-Play/Coach’s Decision four times. Each time, it was because he was a poor defensive matchup.

This season, he’s not going to have that luxury. He has to play. A lot.

While Patterson is one of the smoothest jump-shooting big men I’ve seen in person, with range well beyond the 3-point line, and a devastating fadeaway jumper on the block, he’s a below-average defender and rebounder. If Lusk

But more that defense and rebounding, Patterson is going to have to prove he can stay in the game, whether it’s conditioning or foul trouble. Patterson’s backup, Isaiah Rhine, isn’t a polished offensive player, but can defend. Actually, if you put each’s best traits together, you’d have an all-MVC center. Still, the depth at center stops there. Next in line would be true freshmen Drew Wilson and Christian Kirk. They’re not ready to handle major minutes there. Wilson weighs 212 pounds. Kirk weighs 204.

In the end, Patterson has one last shot to make good on that potential that saw him get recruited by Colorado out of his Ames, Iowa high school. Offensively, expect him to have the occasional 20-point outburst. But if he can’t stay on the floor, expect to see some very small Bears lineups.

How good will the Bears actually be?

The Bears need to make sure Indiana State's Jake Odum doesn't do this again.

This is the million dollar question. On one hand, the Bears are bringing back the conference’s best player in Weems. But there are so many question marks. Those involved with the Valley feel the Bears will be the 6th-best team. It’s the lowest a defending MVC champion has been picked since 1992.

But there are so many questions, especially when most of the rest of the Valley returns its stars. Defending MVC Tourney champ Indiana State returns point guard Jake Odum. Creighton, the preseason MVC pick, returns three starters. Wichita State, which won the NIT, brings back three starters, and Northern Iowa and Evansville bring back more certainty.

The Bears are an unknown, which could be good — or bad. Still, it won’t be like Martin’s first season, the 11-20 campaign in 2008-09. But .500 might be more like it, especially in the conference. In the nonconference, Lusk and the Bears have a tough road. They start at Nevada on Friday, Nov. 11 (KY3 TV), and play other rough road game at New Mexico in the MVC/Mountain West Challenge. The Bears host Oklahoma State and Tulsa, both of which were losses last season. The two toughest nonconference games will likely be as a part of the iBN Challenge in Las Vegas, when the Bears will play West Virginia and St. Mary’s, two perennial NCAA Tournament qualifiers.

But ultimately, the entire season will be a work in progress. Bears fans will treasure one last season from Kyle Weems, but it’s more than likely the Bears won’t challenge for a second-straight MVC title. It will be an odd mix of trying to figure out where the program is headed after Weems and the rest of the seniors graduate, evaluating Lusk’s worth and which of the newcomers will be the next Big Man on Campus. My pick? 17-15 regular season, with a second-round MVC Tourney exit. But, honestly, the chances of it being better than that, rather than worse, are very good.

2011-12 schedule

• 11/11 — At Nevada, 9 p.m.
• 11/15 — At Arkansas State, 7:05 p.m.
• 11/19 — Emporia State, 7:05 p.m.
• 11/26 — Tulsa, 7:05 p.m.
• 11/30 — At Oral Roberts, 7:05 p.m.
• 12/3 — At New Mexico, 9 p.m.
• 12/7 — Oklahoma State, 7 p.m.
• 12/10 — At Arkansas-Little Rock, 4:30 p.m.
• 12/17 — Kennesaw State, 2:05 p.m.
• 12/19 — Texas A&M-CC, 7:05 p.m.
• 12/22 — West Virginia, 7 p.m. (In Las Vegas)
• 12/23 — St. Mary’s, 10:30 p.m. (In Las Vegas)
• 12/28 — At Creighton, 7 p.m.
• 12/31 — Drake, 2:05 p.m.
• 1/4 — Illinois State, 7:05 p.m.
• 1/7 — At Indiana State, 12:05 p.m.
• 1/10 — Southern Illinois, 7:05 p.m.
• 1/13 — At Northern Iowa, 7 p.m.
• 1/15 — Evansville, 2:05 p.m.
• 1/18 — Creighton, 7:05 p.m.
• 1/21 — At Bradley, 7 p.m.
• 1/25 — At Illinois State, 6:05 p.m.
• 1/28 — Northern Iowa, 4 p.m.
• 2/1 — Wichita State, 7:05 p.m.
• 2/4 — At Drake, 7:05 p.m.
• 2/8 — At Southern Illinois, 7 p.m.
• 2/12 — Bradley, 2 p.m.
• 2/15 — At Wichita State, 7:05 p.m.
• 2/18 — BracketBuster at JQH Arena
• 2/22 — Indiana State, 7:05 p.m.
• 2/25 — At Evansville, TBA
• 3/1-4 — MVC Tournament in St. Louis

The week gets off to a roaring start with Halloween falling on a Monday, then shifts seamlessly into playoff football, charitable basketball and, of course, a whole lot of live music. Experience it all without hesitation.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 31

• Quixotic and DJ Geeg at Gillioz Theatre – A performance-art feast for the senses comes from Kansas City to set your Halloween off right. Think tribal electronica meets string arrangements and live band meets the dancing elements of Cirque du Soleil. Or watch this to get a better idea.
• House Party Monday at Lindberg’s – Andrew Dietz, The Gardenheads, The Angry Panda Band and Knife*Death rock out to a backdrop of FREE pizza and cheap Schlitz specials, all with no cover charge to get in.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1

• Shawn Eckels at Ebbets Field – The lead singer and guitarist for seminal SGF rock group Speakeasy gets down every Tuesday for Tequila Tuesday.
• Open Mic Night at The Outland – Local music’s full cornucopia is on display every Tuesday night, from bedroom-recording superstars to popular stage acts sorting through a new tune, and it’s all hosted each week by singer and thespian Ran Cummings.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2

• High School Football Playoffs – It’s playoff time and games pop off Wedneday. Here are the local best bets: St. Clair at Hillcrest, Mountain Grove at Catholic, Lee’s Summit at Branson, Bolivar at Webb City, Aurora at Rogersville, Clinton at Cassville, Strafford at MV-BT Liberty, Willow Springs at Fair Grove, Lockwood at Miller and Skyline at Greenfield.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3

• Hamlet v. Zombies at Nonna’s Attic – The play that won Best of Fringe at this year’s San Francisco Fringe Festival gets a special Halloween-week reading at The Skinny Improv‘s new digs.
• Lady Bears v. Northeastern State at JQH Arena – The LBs get busy with their second exhibition game, this time facing a Division II school. Tipoff is 7:05 p.m.
• A Bullet For Pretty Boy, The Great Commission, The Plot In You, The Air I Breathe and Casino Madrid at The Outland Ballroom – Forever Endeavor Productions begins a busy November by bringing the Revision:Revise Tour to SGF for a night of hardcore metal. $10, 6 p.m.
• Let’s F*** at Jekyll & Hyde’s – The city’s most popular weekly all-ages dance party moves to Thursday for one week to allow for a private party at its host venue during its usual Tuesday night. Other than that, it’s the same epic fun time you know from earlier in your week.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4

• In the Mood at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts – Hammons Hall reverts back to the show style of the ’40s with this musical revue comprised of Big Band music, singers and more. $21 to $42, 7 p.m.
• Glass Bottom Boat Ride, Charetta, Nocturnal Nation and Paper Anchors at The Outland Ballroom – An impressive variety of local rock forms a lineup to surround a New York hard-rock quintet that sounds like this. $5 for 21 and older and $7 for younger than 21. Doors open at 8 p.m.
• Murder Magic Fantasy Fruit at The Tipsy Turtle Pub – Theatre returns to the Turtle with a night of one-act comedies by Le Wilhelm. $8, 8 p.m.
• Black Box Revue Presents at The Outland – The popular DJ collective holds down an evening full of performances by bands Tiger High, Ghost Dance and Josh & The Jerks.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

• MSU Bears & Lady Bears at Missouri Southern State University – After lobbying the NCAA, MSU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will travel to MSSU in Joplin and all proceeds from the game will go directly to the Missouri Southern Foundation’s Tornado Emergency Relief Fund. Not in SGF, sure, but worth the trip to help our neighbors. Tipoffs are at 5 and 7 p.m.
• Adam Lee & The Dead Horse Sound Co. and St. Dallas & The Sinners at Lindberg’s – A breath of retro-country fresh air returns to C-Street courtesy of this past SGF guest, paired with the city’s premier punkabilly band of today.
• The Queen City Saints, Angry Panda, Dead American Radio, Mr. Bucket and Strangefellas at The Outland Ballroom – Take note: QCS doesn’t play shows very often these days–this is the band’s first in six months or more–and with the group’s particular blend of punk meets roots music and the kind of show it makes for it’s not to be missed. $5 for those of drinking age, $7 for those not there yet. Doors open at 8 p.m.
• Han Trio at The High Life Live Martini Lounge – Fire up the Millennium Falcon! Shawn Eckels and Reed Herron of Speakeasy are back with drummer John Anderson to bring you classic rock tunes recorded by trios, all while dressed as Han Solo. There will be chest hair… and rawk.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

• Jam Session at Dennis’ Place – Jimmy Rea of The HillBenders hosts this weekly amalgam of local musicians both established and new, a show going for 10 years strong now.

Wow, that didn’t take long, did it? Right on the heels of our telling you Brad Paisley had circled SGF on his calendar in red ink we learn that not only is the country music superstar coming to SGF but every piece in the lineup of his 2012 mega-tour is coming along with him. JQH Arena confirmed this morning that Paisley, The Band Perry and American Idol Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery are bringing their Camobunga! Tour for a concert on Saturday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 4 at 10 a.m. through the Missouri State tickets site for $25 to $59.75, depending on where you choose to sit.

Paisley’s reputation as one of the most bankable performers (and best guitarists) in country music is secure; his nine albums and 48 total career awards make for an enviable résumé even to the genre’s best-known names. What might impress most about the tour as a whole, though, is the star power coming on even before he takes the stage. The Band Perry is one of country’s most buzzed-about groups of the moment, with all four singles from its self-titled debut album hitting the charts plus four awards already in pocket, two each from the Academy of Country Music and from Country Music Television. Then there’s McCreery, who not only made a name for himself in the TV realm courtesy of Idol but is currently topping the Billboard Country Albums chart with his debut album, Clear As Day. Here’s where it gets good: McCreery, age 18, is the first country artist to ever enter the Country Albums chart at #1 upon the debut of his first album. That’s right: A certain other JQH Arena performer and Idol alum never did that. I can’t… but, I have to… Maybe next time she’ll think before she charts. There, I said it. Pun quota for the day: met.

Given the roll that country shows are on in SGF it’s not wise to sleep on the first opportunity to get tickets for this show. The combination of artists is as deep as any the Q has brought into its confines. It’s early to say, but it’s a safe bet that this will be one of 2012′s biggest concerts of the year, as well.

American trumpet player Walter White (photo by Jon Reis - www.jonreis.com)

Catch White live with vocalist Ronnie Leigh (Syracuse, NY), SGF sax-master Randy Hamm and director Ron Spiegelman with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra at Juanita K Hammons Hall tomorrow night. Tickets are still available.

Walter White — “Teonova”, a Maynard Ferguson Tribute 2008

The October 9 episode of The Statler’s Waldorf, a local theatre roundtable hosted by David Norman, featured cast members (Mark Irish, Ron Seney) and directore Robert Bradley of Glengarry Glen Ross opening this week at Vandivort Center Theatre.

Listen to The Statler’s Waldorf each Sunday at 6 p.m. on KBFL 99.9 FM (1060 AM) or watch the show live on TAG TV at TAGsgf.com. Podcasts on iTunes.

Fiver Finger Death Punch comes to SGF December 11 at Shrine Mosque.

***UPDATE 6:08 P.M.: We finally received information on ticket cost and availability and added it to the post. You’ll find it at the bottom of the second paragraph.***

We knew Q102 would go big with its concert announcement today–it’s about time to drop info for its annual Rock B4 Xmas show, after all–but we didn’t imagine this. Kristen confirmed on the air what is, in fact, this year’s annual holiday concert, and the lineup is monster: Five Finger Death Punch, Hatebreed and All That Remains are coming to The Shrine Mosque Sunday, December 11. Doors for the all-ages show open at 6:30 p.m., and tickets go on sale this Saturday at MetroTix outlets (Kaleidoscope, Stick It In Your Ear and the Shrine Box Office locally, MetroTix’s website on The Internets), though a sale price isn’t announced yet. We’ll have that for you as soon as we can get it. and they’ll cost $29.99 in advance for general admission seating or $35 the day of the show.

How big is this show? There may be no bigger name in modern rock right now than FFDP, and combining their set with one by as respected an act as Hatebreed takes it straight through the stratosphere. You’ll want to jump on tickets to this show early, as they may not last.

Taste of Springfield 2011

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Among the motivations for TAG Media is to eradicate the general disdain for SGF. Even the townies seem to talk down on their city. You’ve heard the complaints of how there’s “nothing to do,” but if you’re reading this magazine you already know that is untrue. Even for a group of firm believers in SGF, sometimes it’s just nice to see the potential of SGFers. The 2011 Taste of Springfield proved just that. In years past, the event has drawn crowds, but … whoa. The first idea of how well-attended the streets would be was the packed parking garage. Even on a busy First Friday Art Walk night, parking is still available. It says something when the only spots we could track down were on the roof of the College Station parking garage.

Taste of Springfield is a personal favorite when it comes to local events because of the copious amount of food to sample and variety therein. Dozens of the best local restaurants featuring portions of menu favorites. Besides, it’s good to get out and see people. It’s also good to eat. Previous events have seen participating restaurants run out of samples early, but if you showed late to this edition, the supply was seriously in jeopardy. Chefs and owners were shrugging off lines of people and apologizing early in the day. Danny Schlink, owner of J.O.B. Public House, said he served more than 1,200 sandwiches in the first two hours. Sure I was disappointed to miss out on tacos from Tortilleria Perches and fried lasagna from Nonna’s (a couple 2010 faves), it was still encouraging.

That said, there were some incredible bites that we were able to taste. Gem of India’s Chicken Tikka Marsala was among my favorite non-typical entreés. The chicken was tender and the red sauce looked far more intimidating than it actually was. I tried a handful of burgers, but the mini slider from PriceCutter Bistro Market was the top offering. Mille’s slayed the appetizer game, with an incredibly fresh lettuce wrap, and a huge buzz (and line) for its Sweet Potato Soup — very unexpected. Of course, the official winners were voted on by the masses.

Of course, beer doesn’t hurt either. It’s hard to say if the elbow-to-elbow crowd stretching from South Ave. and McDaniel to Park Central East and Jefferson was entirely boosted by Oktoberfest Village. Open containers were allowed on the streets for the first time in recent (ever?!?) memory. City officials showed the open mind to clear the red tape it has previously resisted. It seems antiquated considering how common events like this are in other cities, but no less exciting. Security was substantial, but there were no incidents to speak of. Adults behaved as adults and treated the liberties responsibly.

The celebration atmosphere reminded me of larger cities’ versions of Mardi Gras or St. Patrick’s Day festivals. The only real difference being the number of city blocks it covered. Lederhosen, live music, giant beer stein hats, costumes and world-class boxing contenders (BJ Flores) mingling with fans. It was good to see and hopefully it’s a sign of more to come.

Simply, it’s democratic radio and a way for us to know what SGF wants to listen to. We put the power in your hands (for 10 songs a week) by letting you vote for your favorite SGF music. The SGF 10 will air during the first hour each Sunday on SGF Local Live. To vote, simply email SGFLocalLive@gmail.com.
It’s a song chart so include the title of the track you want to hear. Vote as much as you’d like, but just one vote per artist (per email address).

SGF 10

10/2/11, previous week in parenthesis

1. Cole Porter Band — “Let the Whiskey River Flow” (3)
2. Sunrise Cassette — “Toxic Topics” (2)
3. St. Dallas & The Sinners — “One Foot Out the Door” (1)
   
4. The North Decade — “Give Up the Company” (7)
   
5. Maple — “Make A Move (Friend Zone)” (4)
6. Kids and Chemicals — “Devil Girl” (6)
7. The New Monsters Collective — “Fun” (8)
8. SPinRaD — “Monkey Weather” (NR)
9. Chance Ray Band — “Roll On By” (10)
   
10. Jah Roots Band — “Truth Be Told” (9)

Dropped Out

• Miles Past Hope — “Today” (5)

Williams suited up for Douglass HS at last year's T of C

Incoming Missouri State freshman guard Dorrian Williams will miss the upcoming basketball season because of a torn labrum, according to MSU coach Paul Lusk.

“It’s unfortunate that he’ll have to miss the season,” Lusk said. “He has been doing a great job in the preseason and learning our system. We’ll redshirt Dorrian this year, and he’ll be even stronger next season.”

According to MSU Athletic Medical and Rehabilitation Services, the typical recovery time from this type of surgery is 3-6 months.

Williams endeared himself to the Ozarks after a nice showing with his Douglass (Okla.) High School team in the Tournament of Champions last winter. He was expected to be a key part of what should be a young backcourt that’s thin at point guard.

Music! Music everywhere! A packed concert schedule leads the way this week, supported by two important college football home games, a fresh slate of high school action, First Friday Art Walk and more. Load up.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 3

• 400 Blows, El Paso Hot Button, Southern Panthers and BadminxX at The Outland – Forever Endeavor Productions brings former members of The Circle Jerks and Big Business to SGF on a Monday night. Punk-rock freakout time!
• Dan Maple & The Pulled Pork Pickers at Pappy’s Place – A leader in SGF neo-soul and R&B fronts an accomplished group of roots performers (they’re from The Honkytonk Renovators and The HillBenders, after all) for one night only.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4

• The Laughing Stock at The Outland – The monthly institution that helped spark a resurgence in local standup comedy is back, with Merr hosting your way through a night of the city’s best comics and comics-to-be. Starts at 10 p.m.
• Canto 17 at Club Vegas – This relatively new casino-games night spot has become something of a haven for off-night music shows. Tonight you’ll find one of SGF’s most eclectic trios out to entertain you starting at 9 p.m. Arrive early. Here’s why.
• Shawn Eckels at Ebbets Field – Think Sunday nights are your only chance to catch Speakeasy‘s lead singer rockin’ it acoustic? Think again. He gets the party rolling for Tequila Tuesday here each week, too.
• Tuesday’s Stew at The Outland Ballroom – A rotating cast of local DJs–always at least two to a night–holds down a new kind of Tuesday-night party downtown. Ladies of all ages and men over the age of 21 get in FREE.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5

• Tommy Emmanuel at Gillioz Theatre – An Australian legend of guitar, Emmanuel brings his unusual picking style and remarkable talents (Chet Atkins once called him one of the greatest players he had ever seen) to what is arguably the best possible room to hear it in. You can still get tickets here.
• Dug & The SOULar Panels at Patton Alley Pub – Rock covers complete with trombone are the order of business every Wednesday beginning at 7 p.m. FREE to get in.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6

• Honky Suckle and Cletus Got Shot at The Outland Ballroom – Bust out the boogie shoes for one of the city’s most popular bluegrass groups and an Arkansas trio fond of visiting SGF.
• Rob Bolin and Shelly Fraley at Patton Alley Pub – Former American Idol contestant and Bolin and MTV Music darling Fraley bring their acoustic tour to town for an unusual night of music at the Pub.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7

• First Friday Art Walk in Downtown SGF – This month’s first Friday might be the last one you can (semi-) comfortably walk around outside for this year. Take advantage and hit up any, many or all of the Center City galleries hosting guests from 6 to 10 p.m.
• High School Football Week 7 – The season rolls on with a great slate of games: The COC’s small school division title is on the line with Rogersville at Bolivar, plus Nixa at Kickapoo, Ozark at Glendale, Rolla at Hillcrest, Willard at Central, Lebanon at Parkview, Buffalo at Catholic
• Sovereign, Nocturnal Nation and Fraught With Peril at The High Life Live Martini Lounge – Q102 Homegrown rocks hard with three of SGF’s more popular acts of today, one of which (Nocturnal Nation) has been on a short break from the stage.
• John Paul Keith at Lindberg’s – Keith is only on his second record, the recently released The Man That Time Forgot, but he’s already making a name for himself by touring with the likes of Lucero and Jack Oblivion, both of which have visited SGF in the past. Keith brings his own show here now as well.
• The Show that Shall Not Be Named at Drury’s Studio Theater — Due to legalities, it cannot be promoted by name, but you should head to DU’s Studio Theatre in Springfield Hall around 8 p.m. A Pulitzer Prize winning play which is electric and broaches the subject of a Catholic priest fighting charges of sexual immorality. See this show.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8

• Buses at the Brewery at Mother’s Brewing Company – The world of car fans includes some eclectic and eccentric subgroups, few as quirky and fun as Volkswagen Transporter (aka Bus) owners. Check out what local owners have done to theirs on the brewery grounds from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• LemonDrop Fall Block Party on Commercial Street – Ten hours of live music and art (from 1 to 11 p.m.) dominate C-Street in the new fall edition of this FREE festival. Musical guests set to include Ghost Dance, Sincerely Yours, DJ Nick Fury, The Bootheel, The New Monsters Collective, Elliot’s Jazz Crew, Some Young Animal and The Spacetones.
• Evangel v. Graceland University at JFK Stadium – Graceland comes to JFK Stadium for EU’s Homecoming game to play a 2-2 Evangel squad, which is coming off a gruesome 38-0 loss at Benedictine. Kickoff is 1:30 p.m.
• Missouri State v. Illinois State at Plaster Sports Complex – Sure, the Bears are 0-5, but it’s not a bad 0-5. That’s why you should check out the possibility of the football Bears first win of the season. 2 p.m. kickoff.
• Assembly Line Gods, Witness7 and Motherstar at The Outland Ballroom – ALG returns to a local stage for the first time in a while, Motherstar rocks it out sans lead singer (the search for one continues) and a young band from Merriam Woods, MO makes its SGF debut.
• The Cole Porter Band at Lindberg’s – CPB brings Red Dirt country to Commercial Street. You know the SGF 10 chart-toppers will bring the party.
• Sister City, The Nova Heat and The First Teenager Ever at The Outland – Sister City reunites its original lineup for a night together with two of the city’s best indie bands.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9

• Bryan Adams at Gillioz Theatre – The man who practically owned the airwaves during the ’80s and early ’90s brings an all-acoustic show to SGF to close out the week. Get tickets here.

Gillioz is at it again with another surprising concert announcement for SGF. This time it’s a man who came as a bit of a surprise to his own genre when he arrived: Matthew Paul Miller, better known by the stage name Matisyahu, is coming to the historic theatre for an unplugged set on Wednesday, November 16 at 7 p.m. Matisyahu, a Hasidic Jewish reggae performer, came on the scene in the mid-’00s with his debut album Shake Off the Dust… Rise but exploded into the mainstream consciousness with Live at Stubbs in 2006, the album that produced the breakthrough single “King Without a Crown:”

He has released four more successful records since then, too–Youth, Light and two live albums, the most recent being Live at Stubbs Vol. II earlier this year. His song “One Day” was also chosen as the official song of the 2010 Olympic Games.

Here’s where it gets interesting: This won’t be your typical night of reggae, rap and beatbox. Matisyahu’s set is scheduled to be not only unplugged but, in part, a speaking engagement, which makes sense since Hasidism’s modus operandi is to send its followers out into the world to connect people to their inner light. So a reggae artist who happens to belong to one of the more interesting branches of Judaism is going to talk about his life as a spiritual man in the music biz, interspersed with reggae, rap and beatbox? Sign us up. Tickets go on sale Friday (October 7) at 12 p.m. Their cost isn’t announced yet, but I’ll follow up with that detail shortly. Tickets will go for $24 or $29, depending on seating location. You can purchase them through the box office (417-863-9491) or online at the Gillioz ticket site.

Honky Suckle on SGF Local Live