With work, family and this, who has the time to find out about the best shows happening in Champaign-Urbana? No need to fear, because the editors here at Smile Politely have taken care of it. Here are the must-see shows of the week:
When: Wednesday, Feb. 18
What: Parachute Musical, Oso Closo, The Innocent
Where: Mike ‘N Molly’s, 9 p.m., $5
Mike ‘N Molly’s showcases some southern bands that play piano-heavy pop that sounds nothing like Lynyrd Skynyrd.
When: Friday, Feb. 20
What: Toubab Krewe w/ Mhondoro Rhythm Success
Where: Cowboy Monkey, 9:30 p.m., $10
North Carolinian quintet Toubab Krewe (pictured left) fantastically blends rock music with the sounds of West Africa.
Smile Politely is giving away a pair of tickets to see Toubab Krewe this Friday. Find out the details here.
When: Saturday, Feb. 21
What: Carl Hauck, Mordecai in the Mirror, Cedar Well, The Daredevil Christopher Wright
Where: Mike N Molly’s, 9 p.m., $5
Two excellent Wisconsin acts will be featured at this Shadow Boxer Collective. The Eau Claire trio, The Daredevil Christopher Wright, features vocal harmonies that melt into quirky instrumentation to make for a one of a kind sound. Sheboygan’s Cedarwell play minimalist folk songs that share similarities with fellow Wisconsin act Bon Iver.
When: Saturday, Feb. 21
What: Missing the Point, So Long Forgotten, Hot Cops
Where: Cowboy Monkey, 9:30 p.m., $5
Get to this local showcase right at 9:30 p.m. to see Hot Cops perform an intense set of shoegazer-influenced post punk.