Every Wednesday at Six Strings, check out some talented local musicians performing on stage.

If you're a musician who would like to play. Come on in, and sign up that night.

Doors: 7PM        Sign Up: 8PM        Show: 8:30PM

The son of acclaimed author Larry McMurtry (Lonesome Dove, Terms of Endearment), James grew up on a steady diet of Johnny Cash and Roy Acuff records. His first album, Too Long in the Wasteland (released in 1989), was produced by John Mellencamp and marked the beginning of a series of acclaimed projects for Columbia and Sugar Hill. In 1996, McMurtry received a Grammy nomination for his Longform Music Video of Where'd You Hide The Body. 1997's It Had To Happen received the American Indie Award for Best Americana Album.

In 2004, McMurtry released the universally lauded Live in Aught-Three on Compadre Records. 2005's Childish Things garnered some of the highest critical praise of McMurtry's career and spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Americana Music Radio Chart in 2005 and 2006. In September 2006, Childish Things and "We Can't Make It Here" won the Americana Music Awards for Album and Song of the Year, respectively. McMurtry received more Americana Music Award nominations for 2008's Just Us Kids. This album marked his highest Billboard 200 chart position in more than 19 years.

In 2009, Live in Europe was released, capturing The McMurtry Band's first European tour and extraordinary live set. Along with seasoned band members Ronnie Johnson, Daren Hess, and Tim Holt, the disc features special guests Ian McLagan and Jon Dee Graham. Also, for the first time ever, video of the James McMurtry Band's live performance is available on the included DVD.

The poignant lyrics of his immense catalog still ring true today. In 2011, "We Can't Make It Here" was cited among 'The Nation's' "Best Protest Songs Ever." Bob Lefsetz writes, "'We Can't Make It Here' has stood the test of time because of its unmitigated truth."

Never one to rest on his laurels, James McMurtry continues to tour constantly, and consistently puts on a "must-see" powerhouse performance.

Purchase your Tickets

Doors: 7PM                Show: 7:30PM

Experience the 90's with Central Illinois's Premier 90's cover band "Chasing Rachel". Dance, rock out, or sit back and relax as Josh Glazier (vocals & guitar), Graham Chlada (lead guitar), David Jacobs (bass guitar), and Pat Promenschenkel (drums), play a variety of hits from a decade that changed music forever. As the guys continue their pursuit of chasing the iconic 90's babe "Rachel Green" from the ever popular tv show "Friends", they will remind you how fun the 90's were with the sounds of Matchbox 20, Blink 182, Green Day, No Doubt, Sublime, Fuel, Lit, 3 Doors Down, & STP, just to name a few. Chasing Rachel will have you singing along throughout night with their tribute to the 90's.

$5 Cover / $3 with Student ID

Due to an earlier show in the evening, this cover price won't start until 9PM

Doors: 7PM                Show: 10PM

Endorsements from worldclass entertainers like Kenny Chesney don’t come everyday, but they did come to this brotherhood. “We had the Big Star competition goin’ on, and these guys were by far the best,” Chesney told a throng of screaming supporters as Brother Trouble blew all the competition out the doors on Chesney’s much publicized “Next Big Star” national talent search. With the praise, the brothers landed a $25,000 pay check and the hallowed ground onstage of opening spot on the closing dates of Kenny Chesney’s jammed to the rafters, Poets & Pirates tour. A far cry from the Sutton brothers early career experience of singing for tips on the Honky Tonk circuit.

Fresh on the scene in Nashville just a few short years ago, Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon put gas in their tank—both literally and creatively—when the brothers landed the rarified spot of a regular gig--allowing them to showcase their original music in one of the town’s hottest clubs. “It was like a chance to ‘go viral’ with our sound and songs,” noted Jason in a recent interview with Ellen Barnes of Gibson.com “It was one of the biggest tourist spots in Nashville and the weekend audience would take our music back to Texas or Illinois or wherever they came from.”

“Nobody today is just one genre,” notes Mark in talking about the amalgamation of early influences the brothers developmental musical chops paid homage to. Cutting their teeth early-on on the Myrtle Beach club circuit the brothers showed flashes of a creative heritage that included influences like Hank Jr.’s hard-edged honky-tonk, with pop-tinged shadings of Alabama. A shaker of Joe Walsh riff-and-hook laden blues made love to the southern fried rock of ZZ Top, 38 Special and Skynyrd. What emerged from the sands of South Carolina summers was a very unique sound that Brother Trouble solidly owned.

Today, songs like Summer’s Little Angel, and Blow the House Down have pre-built a fan base for the brothers’ distinctive sound and musical vibe long before the thought of ‘radio impact’ ever had a chance to cross their minds. What has impacted with their audiences is their uniqueness. Brother Trouble has consistently stamped their brand on a free-wheeling approach to music that authentically brings the too often missed bona fide ‘kick-back and party down’ fun roaring back into the fabric of country music.

$5 Cover / $3 with Student ID

Doors: 7PM                Show: 10PM

Skip the ceremony and start the party! Hailing from Chicago, via Gas City Indiana, Wedding Banned has become “the greatest wedding band on Earth.” Wedding Banned plays 80’s and 90’s music, throwing in some other guilty pleasures, that will take you back to great times and moments. Their unique performance combines music, audience interaction and comedy. Wedding Banned selects a bride and groom to get “married” on stage at most shows. Wedding Banned plays over 100 club shows, weddings, corporate events and festivals a year. If you want to have one of those, “you should have been there nights,” come and see Wedding Banned!

$5 Cover / $3 with Student ID

Doors: 7PM                Show: 10PM

For the past eight years, Ryan Ideus & the Feudin Hillbillys have taken their brand of country all over Central Illinois, opening up for the likes of 2012 ACM Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan (2008 and 2009), Neal McCoy, LoCash Cowboys, Tim McGraw, and several other artists. Our style and professionalism are unmatched.

We are THE hardest working band out there with a strict focus on raising expectations of what a live band should bring everytime they play a show. We guarantee the bar will be raised after we play in terms of professionalism, entertainment quality, and production.

$5 Cover / $3 with Student ID

Doors: 7PM        Show: 10PM

Brushville is INTENSE…they are EXPLOSIVE…think matches and barrels of gasoline…with an unrelenting pressure on the audience of high energy…Brushville has been igniting stages all over the Midwest for the past 4 years. Being sought out by the BIGGEST and BEST events that the industry has to offer, including Chicago’s COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL, COUNTRY FEST and COUNTRY THUNDER in Wisconsin…as well as premiere venues like, 2 Time ACM NIGHT CLUB OF THE YEAR WINNER, JOE’S BAR in Chicago, Illinois and SPINNAKER BEACH CLUB in Panama City Beach, FL for SPRING BREAK!!

To prove just how much of an impact Brushville can have, they decided to enter the BATTLE FOR THE SADDLE at Nashville, Tennessee’s legendary WILDHORSE SALOON in early 2012. Out of the over 300 national bands that entered, Brushville came out on top and was selected the winner by a panel of top industry professionals including Michael Knox (the man credited with “discovering” talents such as Jason Aldean, John Rich and Gretchen Wilson).

To further add to Brushville’s resume…they have shared the stage with some of Country Music’s MEGA-STARS including:

- KEITH URBAN - ALAN JACKSON - BRAD PAISLEY - LADY ANTEBELLUM - JAKE OWEN - THE BAND PERRY - PHIL VASSAR - LOVE & THEFT - LO-CASH COWBOYS - BIG & RICH -JUSTIN MOORE - and MANY MORE!!!

Brushville blends five extremely talented musicians, with incredible harmonies, an explosive stage show and a fresh, dynamic sound produced by an array of instruments to create an unforgettable experience for the audience. Brushville has been expanding their assault throughout the nation and is sure to be lighting up your area very shortly.

This isn’t just a band…

It’s an experience..

Doors: 7PM

Once you see Smoke ‘n Guns in action, you’ll be left with an experience you will never forget. The phrases “high energy” and “dynamic duo” hardly do these girls justice. Alecia Arnall’s blues/rock ‘n roll tone pairs magically with Lindsay Bowman’s pop/country voice. Alecia Arnall (Osage Beach, MO) and Lindsay Bowman (Seaford, VA) formed Smoke 'n Guns in 2011 after meeting in Nashville, TN.

In a few short years, they have built a fan base across the US, performing at venues in Alabama, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida, to name a few. The duo has also had the privilege to open for many national acts, such as Dustin Lynch, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mark Wills, Blackberry Smoke, and Collin Raye.

$5 Cover / $3 with Student ID

Doors: 7PM                Show: 10PM

Lick Creek is a meshing of 6 rock and country musicians. Putting their love for both genres into one sound, that has been making a buzz since the first show. They have performed in their hometown of Springfield, IL, all over the state, and into Iowa & Missouri.

Started by Lance Stone, Lick Creek was formed in December of 2013. Originally formed as a cover band, the eventual goal was to do originals. Within two months of starting, their unique sound had them opening for acts such as Ray Scott, Keith Anderson, David Nail, Billy Bob Thornton, David Lee Murphy, and other national acts. They were voted 2014 “Best New Band” in Illinois Times and 2015 “Reader’s Choice Best Band” in State Journal Register.

In 2015 the band was drawing lots of attention and they decided to start playing originals. That was when “Bend” was introduced to the fans. In early 2016, a couple of new players were introduced to help Lick Creek reach the next level. During this transitionary period the originals were put on hold. After the dust settled they decided to work on their first EP. The originals on the EP include Bend, The Line, Don’t Start, My Liver, and Let Me Be. They have introduced those songs to some smaller market radio stations such as KS95.1 at Osage Beach, Mo & WFMB104.5 in Springfield, IL with great feedback.

Lick Creek brings a unique sound to today’s pop country dominated world. They add some classic 70’s rock/southern rock and mesh it with a swampy blues and country sound. They are paying homage to the greats who pioneered outlaw country, and new artists like Eric Church and Blackberry Smoke. Add to that, powerful male and female vocals with fast paced stage energy and you get what folks call one of the best country bands they’ve seen.

“Each song I’ve heard so far is an eclectic mix of bluegrass, southern rock, and 90’s-style country that really brought the genre to the popularity it has today. I’m so freaking impressed right now because, save for a few artists, country music has lost that.” - Jay Skube Springfield, IL Lick Creek has become a family. We are a group of musicians that love music and performing. We want to enjoy the success we’re having and see how far it goes. You only live once. Neglecting to find out how far our path leads would be a mistake. Making music that makes people dance, laugh, and live, is what makes us happy…….. makes us, Lick Creek.

$5 Cover / $3 with Student ID

Doors: 7PM                Show: 10PM

Raised in Downers Grove, Illinois, Scott is the third of eight children in the six girls/two boys Marek clan. Scott likes spending time with family and friends and especially enjoys bringing people together for outdoor BBQ's, sporting events, and to work on anybody's ailing car. Coming from a large, close family, he always knew whatever his dream was his family would be there to support him!

Scott started teaching himself how to play his dad's guitar in first grade and has been parading around the house playing a guitar and singing ever since. Although he can play and sing many music genres, it became apparent early on that he loved the greats of country music.

Scott's first public performance was at the church his family attended. In high school he participated in local talent shows and school contests. He has recently appeared as a finalist in two major country competitions: the Colgate Country Showdown and American Country Showcase. Currently Scott is one of the house band's for The World Famous Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville and playing venues throughout the midwest.

He has already had the privilege of opening for major country artists including Tim McGraw, Dierks Bently, Rodney Atkins, Diamond Rio, Bucky Covington, Keith Anderson, Colt Ford, Chely Wright, Jaron and the Long Road to Love, and many more. He has also had the honor of playing for many benefit celebrations that have supported St. Jude, American Cancer Society, team Layne, the Humane Society, Wounded Warriors, First Book of Mclean County, Jammin for Hammit and Save-a-Vet.

Until now, Scott has fine-tuned his skills and gained experience on-stage alone. He has searched long and hard for a handful of talented, dedicated, exciting musicians to complete his country music vision. Finally, one of the best male country voices in Illinois has teamed up with three fantastic musicians (Cody Gaesser, Kevin Yarger and Marty Kudla) to form one of the most talented Top 40 Country bands in Illinois. Check out the website for a show near you!

$5 Cover / $3 with Student ID

Doors: 7PM                Show: 10PM