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Saturday night of the Balloons Over
66 Festival closed with a burst of music and nostalgia as Captain
Geech & The Shrimp Shack Shooters took the stage downtown from 8-11
p.m. The Springfield-based band, celebrating its 25th anniversary
this year, filled the square with Top 40 hits from the ’70s and ’80s
and drew a large crowd that sang, danced, and clapped along late
into the night.
The group opened with the national anthem before launching into a
setlist that blended funk, rock, and pop. Songs included Michael
Jackson’s “Bad,” Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September,” and Def Leppard’s
“Pour Some Sugar on Me,” with the band saving big crowd-pleasers
like “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and “Raise
Your Glass” for their closing numbers.
Formed in 2000 and inspired by the fictional band featured in the
Tom Hanks film That Thing You Do!, Captain Geech has become a staple
at Midwest fairs and festivals. They’ve been recognized in multiple
Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa reader polls for categories like Best
Band, Best Rock/R&B Band, and Best Cover Band.
Rhythm guitarist and vocalist Peter
said the Lincoln stop was a highlight on their tour schedule. “We’ve
only played in Lincoln a handful of times,” he explained after the
show. “We did the balloon festival a couple years back when it was
still out at the airport, and we’ve played a few local venues. But
we’re based out of Springfield, and we don’t get north that often.
I’d like to.”
The band’s lineup includes singers Majida and Ricarda, guitarist
Mark, bassist Aaron, drummer J Bird, and Peter on guitar and vocals.
Behind them is a dedicated crew that handles the logistics,
including guitar tech and drum tech Ariel, who the band says are
essential to keeping shows running smoothly.
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During the
performance, the group thanked Lincoln for hosting. “You should
give them an applause because this is a really nice event,” they
told the audience. “We play events all over three states and
many counties, and this is a very well put together, very
well-organized event. You guys are lucky to have this. And so
are we.”
Captain Geech recently wrapped five shows at the Illinois State Fair
before bringing their tour back through Lincoln. The crowd at the
square responded with cheers throughout the three-hour set, a
reflection of the band’s reputation as a “non-stop musical ride”
that keeps people on their feet.
As the music carried through the streets, festivalgoers sang along,
danced, and filled the square to close out the weekend. The large
crowd was enough to fill the road in front of the stage. For a band
that built its identity on delivering joy and high-energy shows,
Lincoln’s reception was another reminder of their staying power.
“We’ve been doing this for 25 years,” Peter said. “J Bird and I have
been here since the beginning, and with the crew and the friends
we’ve made along the way, it’s just amazing to keep sharing nights
like this.”
[Sophia Larimore]
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