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Black Sheep Update & Show Announcements

The Black Sheep Cafe in Springfield has been serving up arts and cultural events for 12 years now. The venue will be commemorating that with an annual anniversary show this coming Saturday, Sept. 16th. The bill includes a new trio, Bottom Bracket, that's an "emo/indie outfit with strong punk and math rock influences." (Their music is featured in the interview below.) 

Last month, the venue's owners offered public comment on the fact that attendance has been on the decline. Since then, there has been a great deal of concern about what its future prospects are. Feedback has been taken online and at a public meeting. Owners Clare Frachey, Brian Galecki, B.J. Pearce and Drew Kodrich say they want to stick around indefinitely, but only if there's a demand. Frachey joined us to discuss more and talk about some upcoming events, listen below:

Credit Brian Galecki
a list of upcoming events

Among a diverse list of upcoming events including a free show featuring a variety of genres that include hardcore & "partyin' folk jams", and a clothing swap with reggae tunes being spun -- nationally revered rock act Screaming Females will be back in town. (Listen to an interview I did with lead singer/guitarist Marissa Patternoster, here.)  On Oct. 2nd they'll play a show with Looming, one of the most successful acts to grow out of Springfield's Southtown scene. Looming will be releasing their new album, Seed. It's sure to be a memorable evening and those who want to attend are being encouraged to pre-order tickets at a reduced price, as it could very well "sell the heck out" (Galecki's words there.) 

While the long term future is unclear, it's bright for now. Frachey says a serious concern is interest will peak over the next few months but then drop off again. "Our purpose in reaching out to the community was really to create long term results where people buy in, they have ideas, they contribute - and it's something they want to invest in," she says.

Rachel Otwell of the Illinois Times is a former NPR Illinois reporter.
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