The Overture is a rundown of live music and performances happening in and around Champaign-Urbana each week. All of the information is as accurate as we can publish; however, all shows and performances are subject to change at any time. Thank you for understanding.
Did we miss something this week? Have a show coming up you think we should know about? Email us at music@smilepolitely.com with the details.
MONDAY, November 28th
Monstrosity Complex, Yea Big, Ori Sergel
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5:30 p.m.
Briar Darling performs some experimental and noisey cello as Monstrosity Complex. Special guests for the evening are Yea Big and Ori Sergel.
The Urbana Hootenanny
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
Every Monday at the Rose Bowl, come hang out with some great musicians. A sort of open mic meets song share, you can expect a variety of music and performers.
Photo from Prof’s Facebook page.
Prof
►Canopy Club // $20 // 8 p.m.
Rapper Prof brings his Overtime tour to Canopy Club, with special guests Mac Turner, Tae Supreme, Willie Wonka, & Trouble Chasin’.
TUESDAY, November 29th
Jose Gobbo and Mark Tonelli
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Guitarists Jose Gobbo and Mark Tonelli team up for a night of smooth jazz at Rose Bowl.
Hobnob String Band
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
The always great Hobnob String Band returns to play a set of bluegrass and folk tunes.
WEDNESDAY, November 30th
Joan Hickey Trio
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Joan Hickey, John Hurtubise, and Joel Spencer, perform at Rose Bowl. They’ll be performing some jazz classics as well as some of Joan’s arrangements of jazz standards.
THURSDAY, December 1st
Photo from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
Tim Crosby
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Americana Happy Hour at Rose Bowl, with singer-songwriter Tim Crosby performing his blend of americana and black dirt.
Christmas Came Early
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 // 7 p.m.
Rios Mios is throwing a Christmas Came Early party on Thursday, with an excellent lineup of hip-hop.
FRIDAY, December 2nd
Jordan Kaye
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Bringing you songs, stories, and witty banter, Jordan Kaye is sure to be a night of fun. With a mix of rock, folk, and requests, come hangout at the Rose Bowl.
Yea Big, Jason Finkelman, Briar Darling, twoleggedzoo
►The Rec Club // $10 // 7 p.m.
The Rec Club is once again hosting some exciting experimental and improvisational music. Yea Big, Finkelman, and Darling will perform as a trio, with twoleggedzoo doing a solo set.
Audiodacity
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // $5 adv, $7 door // 8 p.m.
Audiodacity started a cover band, but now write and play originals, with their sound covering everything from funk, hip-hop, and rock to latin, jazz, and reggae.
Photo from The NYChillharmonic’s Facebook page.
The NYChillharmonic, Aberdeen
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $20 // 8 p.m.
The 18-piece band that is The NYCHillharmonic makes their return to Urbana this Friday, and is sure to blow us away once more. They’re joined on tour by indie rock group Aberdeen, who are equally as exciting.
SATURDAY, December 3rd
Almost A
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 2 p.m.
Almost A plays jazz, folk, gypsy, gypsy jazz, tango and klezmer music, creating a truly wonderful and unique sound. Joining the group this week is special guest Joy Yang.
Rail Fest (Day one)
►Brass Rail // $10 // 5 p.m.
Day one of Rail Fest gets kicked off with a lineup of great acts including Sweetmelk, Kayla Brown, Bristle, Snack’d Out, Bottom Bracket, and more.
Photo from Friko’s Facebook page.
The Slaps, Friko, Ship of Fools
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $15 // 9 p.m.
The Slaps make their return after their PYGMALION performance back in September. Their joined by Chicago group Friko, as well as Urbana’s Ship of Fools.
Michael Charles
►One-Ts Cornerpocket // free // 9 p.m.
Michael Charles is a Chicago Blues Hall of Fame artist, boasting a large catalogue of original songs and thirty-eight years of experience. He’ll be stopping by with his band on Saturday.
SUNDAY, December 4th
Photo from The Raging Nathan’s Facebook page.
Rail Fest (Day two)
►Brass Rail // $10 // 1 p.m.
Rail Fest comes to a close on Sunday, with an even bigger lineup of bands, including Death Call, Raging Nathans, J.UG., Matt Talbott, and many more.
Space Port
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 3 p.m.
A big ole lineup of local jazz greats, Space Port brings jazz fusion with some funk mixed in as well.
The Dig 3
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 6:00 p.m.
Acoustic blues and folk powerhouse The Dig 3 play Rose Bowl.
Top photo from The NYChillharmonic’s Facebook page.
