For many years, Larry Humphrey & Friends would do a Christmas Day show at the former Ringside Café, which was located where the Hatch Artist Studios are now. Mother Stewart’s co-owner Kevin Loftis wants to continue the legacy.
“It’s great to resurrect an old tradition people may remember at Ringside. It’s a chance to funk it up for our last little party of the year,” Loftis said. “Some people may also be wanting to get out of the house, so this gives them something to do.”
Already performing monthly shows at Mother’s, Humphrey has great memories of playing those Christmas shows and was glad when Loftis asked him to continue it. He’s is a local funk legend, touring the country with other legends including Bootsy Collins and soul singer E.C. Scott.
Humphrey said Ringside Café owner Jeff Malone, who passed away earlier this year, was a good guy who did a lot for Springfield musicians and those shows were fun. This should have the same feel.
“Christmas night became like a tradition everybody looked forward to,” he said. “That’s what made us decide to do it. Sometimes people want to get out and unwind.”
The set list from the five-piece group will include several Christmas songs along with funk selections. The group also finds Mother’s a comfortable setting to play.
“We want to have a good time and hope we get a big crowd out,” Humphrey said.
This will be the last event at Mother Stewart’s for 2021. The business will be closed from Dec. 26 through Jan. 6 for a deep cleaning and to give the staff and employees a break. Loftis said people can expect more in 2022.
Mother’s will reopen at 3 p.m. Jan. 7 to participate in First Friday activities with Mother’s Jazz Collective performing that evening. Jan. 8 will see the return of the annual Market at Mother’s indoor farmers market event at 11 a.m. and run until April 30.
For more information, go to Mother Stewart’s Facebook page.
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