I’m originally from Springfield, Missouri.

Yes, I’m one of the transplants into Austin.  About 4 years ago, I packed up the moving van and came here with 2 of my closest friends, and moved in with a guy that eventually became my best friend.  Now I love Austin as much as the next person, but I will always love my homeland.

When I get into discussions about music, this question eventually comes up: “So how was the music scene back in Springfield?”  And I say, it was pretty awesome actually.  Then the person kind of looks at me like they don’t believe me.  It’s true though.  Springfield is where I first cut my teeth songwriting, and playing live.  Luckily the musicians in the town didn’t send me into exile for those first few sets of songs.  Instead they pulled me in, and tried to help me get better.

There was friendly competition in Springfield, and bands worked hard to try and be the best.  All the bands also went to each others shows, and tried to support all the other bands in town.  Springfield is a smaller city, so there wasn’t much else for a bunch of college kids to do, but go down to The Outland Ballroom or the Juke Joint and see their friends play.  I learned a ton during those times, and had a ton of fun.

Now, I’m not writing these posts to brag that I know a bunch of great musicians, because I have to remind a lot of these guys who I am whenever I see them.  Sometimes after I remind them, they just smile and nod.  That means they have no idea who I am.

I’m writing to brag about Springfield, and how much music comes pouring out of a city that holds around 220,000.

Over the next few days I’ll introduce you to a few bands that have strong connections to Springfield, and the music scene I came out of.

Springfield is not just the home of Bass Pro Shops, and cashew chicken, it has also been home to a lot of great musicians…as you will see.