North Springfield

North Springfield's most prominent live-music anchor is Boondocks, at 2909 N. Dirksen Pkwy. Since 2011, Springfield has been home to a nationally acknowledged, award-winning music venue there. It primarily features country music acts, with occasional rock. Pat Keating books the music, usually in the form of nationally touring performers. Boondocks was awarded Nightclub of the Year at the 51st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. The facility has run the risk of exceeding its maximum legal capacity of 900, and shows are standing room only. Fulgenzi's Pizza & Pasta, on E. Sangamon Ave., pairs its Italian menu with recurring live music and karaoke. Karaoke nights have included weekly Tuesday sessions hosted by Danny Suter, and Wednesday karaoke by JCB Entertainment. The Tipsy Toad, at 1914 N. Dirksen Pkwy., runs weekly karaoke nights on the north side. Main Gate Bar & Grill, Northern Lights Lounge, The Brinkerhoff Mansion, and Weebles Bar & Grill round out a neighborhood with more live-music options per square mile than most corners of the city.