WHAT: Cherry Jam Preview with the Painkillers
WHEN: Wednesday, May 12th at 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Urbana Free Library (free)
As the title would imply, this show is in Cherry Alley, and is a preview of a new concert series the UFL is putting on, which actually sounds pretty cool. Each Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., they’ll have local groups rocking out under the surrealist towers of giant books. First up will be the Painkillers, who may or may not be featuring local guitar god and former Starcastle member — look ’em up, kids — Matt Stewart.
WHAT: Tractor Kings, Darling, Pigeon
WHEN: Friday, May 14th at 9:00 p.m.
WHERE: Mike ‘n Molly’s ($5)
One of the best bands in Champaign-Urbana at the BEST venue in town? One, possibly two (there doesn’t seem to be a smidgeon of information out there about these Pigeon people, if that’s who they really are), solid touring acts? Cheap cover? Outdoor? Yes, you will go to this. Or there will be blood.
WHAT: Pygmalion and R2TG present Flosstradamus, The Interns, FamicoM, Lucknow, CZO
WHEN: Friday, May 14th at 10:00 p.m.
WHERE: Canopy Club ($12 advance)
I can’t begin to think of a party I’ve been to where Flosstradamus hasn’t gotten spun at some point — their uptempo electro pretty much defines the Urbana house party scene. Taking into account the absurdly good time that Rave to the Grave already is, this isn’t gonna be one to miss.
WHAT: ANTiSEEN, XXX Smut, Sick
WHEN: Sunday, May 16th at 9:00 p.m.
WHERE: Highdive ($10 advance)
ANTiSEEN have toured and released an album with G.G. Allin. Whatever the choice, that should confirm whether you’re attending this show or not. Also, there will most likely be wrestling. They’re into that stuff.
NEW THIS WEEK:
5/29 – Beat Kitchen, Krukid @ Cowboy Monkey — Beat Kitchen reign supreme atop the pyramid of great live acts in the area (with the possible exception of Mhondoro). If you’ve never seen their astoundingly good live show, this is as good as chance as any. Bonus: Krukid makes his return to the midwest.
6/6 – Hawthorne Heights @ Canopy Club — Between beefing with Ne-Yo and conquering the hearts of sixteen year olds across the country, the screamo kings make a stop in our little old town.
LOOKING AHEAD:
Instead of posting our customary giant list of shows, I’ll go ahead and direct you to the brand spankin’ new events calendar.