News & Notes

Blues, hip hop and indie rock in this edition of News & Notes.

Blues news you can use!

Nathan P. Murphy’s recently announced two major acts coming to its stage in May, beginning with Austin blues guitar hero Rocky Athas, who will play the club May 18–19. The last time the group was in Springfield was for back-to-back nights in October 2005. The following Friday, May 25, brings 26-year-old rising star Wes Jeans, touring behind his album Forest of the Pines, which was released last year. Tickets for Wes Jeans were not announced at press time, but admission to Rocky Athas will be $12.50 in advance. Doors will open at 8 p.m. for the shows. Call 417-863-1909 for more information or to purchase tickets.

Brief of Real Rhymers readying mixtape

Lucas “Brief” Ramsey, a member of GO Music Awards Best Hip Hop Act winners Real Rhymers Camp, went into A & A Studios on the third floor of the Vandivort Center the first week of April. Ramsey says he’s laying down tracks for a mixtape which he expects to be out this summer. The album, which will mark Brief’s solo debut, is still in its early stages, but expect guest appearances by fellow Real Rhymers Vic, Sylabol 7 and Les Izmore among others. Watch this site for more news as the album nears completion.

Man Man, National Songpull coming to Randy Bacon Gallery

If you look at Man Man’s tour calendar, you’ll notice a string of metropolises such as New York, Montreal and its native Philadelphia. But after the indie pop-rock-soul group finishes its mini-tour with Modest Mouse among other tour dates, it will come to Springfield May 21 to play at the Randy Bacon Photography Studio and Gallery. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Doors will be at 7 p.m.

Additionally, the gallery will host the first-ever National Songpull June 2 beginning at 7 p.m. The event involves songwriters playing new material on a community guitar, which they “pull” from one another when a song finishes. The top-rated performers from the website songpull.com will be in attendance and Agrario is scheduled to provide a cash bar. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 the night of the show. Call 417-868-8179 or visit randybacon.com or songpull.com for more information.