off the Rails Schedule

 Here is the schedule for the fall slate of Off the Rails Concerts. While I see the August 15 as a welcome back concert for SIUC students, I just hope the summer heat does not drive away attendance. After all it is starting at 3 in the afternoon.

The City of Carbondale is excited to announce the return of the Off the Rails Concert Series, bringing five unforgettable nights of free live music to downtown Carbondale from August through October 2026. For the first time in the series' history, our concerts will take place on the Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage at the New Era Events Plaza (200 S. Washington Street), marking a new era for one of Southern Illinois' favorite live music traditions.

Following the successful debut of the Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage during this summer's Sunset Concert Series, Off the Rails now has a permanent home in the heart of downtown. The series continues its mission of showcasing an eclectic mix of nationally touring artists, regional favorites, and emerging local talent while creating memorable community experiences that celebrate Carbondale's vibrant music culture.

"Off the Rails has always been about creating opportunities for people to experience incredible live music in the heart of downtown Carbondale," said Dena Haun, Tourism and Special Events Coordinator for the City of Carbondale. "This year feels especially meaningful as we bring the series onto the Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage for the very first time. Robbie dedicated so much of his life to supporting musicians and building Southern Illinois' music community. It's incredibly fitting that this stage will now host artists from across the country while continuing to shine a spotlight on the amazing talent we have right here at home."

The 2026 season kicks off with the CarbondAlien Music Festival, celebrating Southern Illinois' thriving local music scene before welcoming nationally recognized artists throughout the fall. All events are free, family-friendly, and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy local food vendors while experiencing live music in downtown Carbondale. Public consumption of alcohol is permitted within the Downtown Entertainment District in accordance with City regulations. Guests may purchase beverages from participating establishments or bring their own in non-glass, single-serve containers.

2026 Off the Rails Concert Schedule:

Saturday, August 15 // CarbondAlien Music Festival // 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Features: The Hornworms, City of Soul, Tawl Paul & Slappin' Henry Blue, Tr!cks, Stay Here and the Southern Illinois Soul Jazz Coalition!

Saturday, August 29 // 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Features: Marcella Simien & Family Soul Band

Friday, September 4 // Lost Cross 40th Anniversary // 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Features: Didjits & Acumen

Saturday, September 19 // Hemp, Hops & Shrooms // 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Features: Hot Like Mars & MoonShroom with programming from the SIU Cannabis Science Center and the SIU Fermentation Science Institute

Friday, October 2 // SIU Family Weekend // 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Features: Kyle Tuttle Band & Special guest Chris Housman

Petitions

 Nominating petititons for the 3 open city council seats and mayor's office are available for pickup starting July 28th. Clare Killman has said she will not run for another term, leaving her seat open.  No word yet on Mayor Harvey or Councilpeople Loos and Maxwell.

On April 6, 2027, the City of Carbondale will hold an election to select one Mayor and three City Councilmembers for four-year terms. Informational documents and petition forms will be available in the City Clerk’s Office beginning on July 28; these same forms and other useful information are available in the 2027 Candidate’s Guide that can be found on the Illinois State Board of Elections’ website. Signed, completed forms will be filed in the City Clerk’s Office during the statutory filing period of Monday, October 19 through Monday, October 26, 2026 (circulation and filing dates amended by Public Acts 103-0586 and 103-0600). 

This election will be for the seats presently held by Mayor Carolin Harvey, and Councilmembers Clare Killman, Adam Loos, and Nancy Maxwell.  

Assistent City Manager Position

 Think you can run Carbondale better than the people now doing it?  Here is your chance. The city has an assitant City Manager positon open and is accepting applications with the first review of them starting August 21st:

The City of Carbondale is accepting applications for the position of Assistant City Manager, seeking a highly qualified and strategic professional to join the City's executive leadership team. The position will work directly with the City Manager to enhance organizational capacity, improve interdepartmental coordination, and advance key City priorities.  

The Assistant City Manager will provide leadership on strategic initiatives and special projects while supporting day-to-day municipal operations. Responsibilities include coordinating major City initiatives, overseeing grant development and administration, supervising public relations and communications, tourism and community promotion, and violence prevention programs, while fostering partnerships that enhance the quality of life for Carbondale residents. 

Parking

 I keep harping on this and I will bring it up at the next city council meeting I attend but the city needs better signing pointing out the parking behind the buildings on the East side of South Illinois. There is as much parking in downtown at there was before Storyboard nee Evolve took over the 710 parking lot but it is not nearly as visitble and there is little signing pointing it out.

CommuniTEA Social Hour

 At the Civic Center until 2 p.m.  About a dozen local not-for-profits are set up to provide information about themselves and what services they offer. Finger food and door prizes as well

Rip's Pizza For Sale

 Just after announcing the business was shifting to 2 nights a week, the owner posted yesterday that they have found some other business opportunities and is putting the pizzeria up for sale. That makes 2 restaurants with good name recognition in town available:  Rip's and Thai Taste. Anyone buying Rips would have to compete with at least 7 other pizza places in town while there is only one Thai restaurant.

Ryan Livingston Murder

 July 13, 2006, Ryan Livingston was murdered on the south side of West Walnut in the 300 block. For a number of years, flowers were left and the sidewalk chalked at the location but as years have passed, the memorials stopped.  As the article notes, the case gets revisited from time to time and is not closed but barring someone coming forward, it is unlikely to ever be solved.