Downtown Springfield
 

So I typically hit downtown when I'm out since I've moved back to Springfield, and it's completely different. It used to be a rundown patch of rubble with the MudHouse and a small collection of short-lived bars.

But is it just me, or is this place like 100 times better now? I walked through the art walk last night, and I hit up a few art galleries, saw a rated-R stage play, went in a cornerstore that had three women bellydancing on a platform, went to a glass shop and watched a guy talk viewers through making an entirely glass mug, and played ping pong in a sports bar, before hitting the local arthouse movie theatre to close the night out.

Pretty great, diverse evening. Was wondering if anybody else has felt the same way about Springfield's downtown.

Yeah if you are into the artsy stuff, I still prefer the bars.

Yes and No.

While I am glad they that Springfield has upgraded a lot of the dilapidated buildings and new business is moving in, I don't like the fact that the local rock clubs that had been the original draw downtown originally. (ie: The Regency, Juke Joint, Rockwell, etc.)

As a musician I've been fortunate to still find shows at clubs that haven't had their buildings sold out from under them yet to developers who are putting up loft apartments up like there is no tomorrow.

Also the fact that city officals have been openly hostile towards the local rock scene still makes me upset. Jack Merritt the Greene County Sheriff has been quoted as saying if he had his way this would be a dry county and therefore get rid of the undesirables that hang out downtown. I support cultural growth but would like all cultures to be allowed to grow in this wonderful town.

I think the bar selection has got better as well.

I thought Commerical Street was where the live music places was suppose to go?

Ahhhhhhh... yes.

That's a legitimate complaint. Not a lot of good rock joints left in the town.

Yes till the Assemblies of God National Headquarters started complaining. They are located just south of Commercial on Boonville and of course several of the city officals are influenced by them and the money they put towards the city. They were IIRC trying to pass a law where no two businesses selling alcohol could operate within two hundred feet of each other on Commercial St. Of course this was within a two block area that they were allowing the businesses operate. No much space for live entertainment to take place.

Not to mention that they had already killed the live music crowd by completing the bar ban. I don't believe in underage drinking, but I also don't believe in punishing those who aren't responsible. The current bar ban allows for minors to attend shows if alcohol sales account for less than 60% of total business revenue. So ticket sales with inflated minor surcharges are the only way they can attend shows. The rumor going around now is that the city is looking to remove that clause now. So if that happens anyone under 21 will not be able to attend a concert that sells alcohol. So with the lack of ticket sales from this you can kiss any large venue touring acts goodbye as there will not be enough money to bring them in.

Then the patrol can troll Kearney Street.

I'm glad downtown Springfield is doing better. With MO State, the probability of Greene Co. being dry is lower than his wife being busted for being stoned on crack.

Noone but a choice few remember KRFG as the Ozark Rock Garden, and that it played some Hellacious stuff!

I agree that we won't become a dry county, but I defintely hate when government tries to step in and police the morals of its people.

Sorry that I got off topic.....I do agree that Springfield is going in the right direction they just can't keep trying to maintain a small town mentality.

Please, talastan, humor a guy who's still getting reaquainted with the town as a young adult -- what are some of the good remaining places to catch a good live rock show?

I'm aware of Dennis', which I think you regular, I'm also aware that big acts occasionally come through the Shrine Mosque and MSU, and I'm aware of Nathan P. Murphy's. Any others in the area?

Outland Ballroom

Springfield is going in the right direction? Please. Springfield is turning into a haven for criminals and violent crime. I was born and raised in Springfield, and just moved to Willard last year. When I was growing up in the 80's and early 90's, armed robberies and shootings were very rare. Now they are a daily occurrence. Springfield has horrible police, and is turning into another big city shit-hole.

The Outland is a great place. The Outland Ballroom is great as well. The first showcases a lot of the towns popular acts while the more hard rock and metal acts go upstairs at the Ballroom. My band is actually supposed to play Saturday night the 17th of this month at the Outland downstairs.

As for the comment of this town is going to hell from crime and violence, I hate to say it but as this town gets bigger these are the things that come with growth. "You take the good, You take the bad,
You take them both and there you have the facts of life.!" ROFL :p