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, March 7th
Improvisers Exchange
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5:30 p.m.
Led by Jason Finkelman, Improvisers Exchange is an initiative to bring together U of I students and community members to practice improvised music. Check out Smile Politely’s interview with Finkelman to learn more about Improvisers Exchange.
Bruiser and the Virtues
►Clark Bar // free // 6:30 p.m.
This trio performs originals and covers, with a blend of rock and blues.
Urbanna 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.
The Eleventh Hour
►WEFT Sessions (virtual) // free // 10 p.m.
The Eleventh Hour hits the WEFT studio to bring us some classic rock from the comfort of our homes.
TUESDAY, March 8th
Image from ChambanaJazz’s Facebook.
Larry Gray Trio
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 6:30 p.m.
Multi-instrumentalist Larry Gray returns to the Rose Bowl alongside Mitchell Maftean on bass and Max Osawa on drums.
WEDNESDAY, March 9th
The Briar Schlenker Trio
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
This sounds weird and abstract in the best possible way. The trio consists of Briar Schlenker on cello and synth, James Mauck on drums, and Joy Yang on keys and theramin. Through their collective love of improvised music, the trio creates unique and lush atmospheres.
THURSDAY, March 10th
John Till
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Americana Happy Hour at Rose Bowl sees John Till and his blend of country, folk, and blues hit the stage.
Image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
Dallas Ugly
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
Dallas Ugly hails from Nashville, and their sound is a nice blend of pop, country, indie, and folk. Check out their live video of them playing “Anyone New.”
Flying Buffaloes, Norobot
►Nightshop // $10 adv, $13 door // 10:30 p.m.
Nashville’s Flying Buffaloes bring southern rock and soul to Nightshop, alongside Bloomington-Normal favorites Norobot.
FRIDAY, March 11th
Condition Blue
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Condition Blue is jazz from Jeff Helgesen on trumpet, Randy Salman on saxophone, George Turner on guitar, Armand Beaudoin on bass, and Ricardo Flores on drums. That’s really all I know about this group, but based on this stellar lineup of musicians, it’s going to be great.
Brad Wheeler Group
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // free // 5 p.m.
Hitting NOLA’s this week is the Brad Wheeler Group, made up of Brad Wheeler (saxophone), Chip McNeill (keyboard), Andrew Binder (bass), Nikola Djokic (drums).
The Tangents
►Clark Bar // free // 6:30 p.m.
The Tangents are an acoustic duo from Spingfield. They are hitting Clark Bar on Saturday, bringing their eclectic sound and contagious personalities. Sure to be a fun evening!
Image from Lung’s website.
Editor’s Pick: Lung, Grey Slush, Heck, First Date Kiss
►Nightshop // $7 adv, $10 door // 7 p.m.
I first heard Lung a few months ago and was mesmerized by their music. Cello and percussion come together with wonderful vocals as the icing on the cake. It’s heavy, experimental, and awesome. Joined by BloNo’s Grey Slush and Heck, as well as Peoria’s First Date Kiss.
Nick Moss Band and Kilborn Alley Blues
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $15 // 8 p.m.
Nick Moss is quickly becoming a blues legend, having been recognized by numerous greats including Buddy Guy. He brings his band on Friday, with support from Kilborn Alley.
Image from All Them Witches’ Facebook page.
All Them Witches
►The Castle Theatre // $20 adv, $23 door // 8 p.m.
Psych-rock band All Them Witches are incredibly popular, with over millions of views on their Youtube videos and a large following of fans. Their music hits hard and is entrancing, and well worth catching in Bloomington this Friday.
SATURDAY, March 12th
The Groove Lemons
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 4 p.m.
A big ole lineup of local jazz greats, The Groove Lemons bring jazz fusion with some funk mixed in as well.
The Claudettes
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // $7 // 7 p.m.
A blend of jazz, blues, rockabilly, and so much more, The Claudettes lead this Summer Camp Saturday at NOLA’s.
New Twang City
►Huber’s // free // 7 p.m.
Some good ole country honky tonk, this will be a fun Saturday night at Huber’s!
New Souls
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
Local favorites New Souls come to Rose Bowl to bring their mix of motown, funk, and soul. It’s always a great time with this group.
Mary Jo Curry Band
►Pipa’s Pub // free // 8 p.m.
Powerhouse blues vocalist Mary Jo Curry swings by Pipa’s Pub with her band.
Tiny Tree, Arcem, Rings, DJ Wireless Mike
►Nightshop // $8 adv, $10 door // 8:30 p.m.
Shoegaze and doomgaze and rock, oh my. Four great acts for a great price at Nightshop.
Image from Loose Cobra’s Facebook page.
Shiner, Spotlights, Dibiase
►Loose Cobra // donations encouraged // 9 p.m.
Shiner is a hardcore/alternative rock band, formed in the 90s, and pretty highly influencial. They released their newest album Schadenfreude in 2020, but their tour was canceled due to COVID-19. They’re making up for it by making a stop in Tolono this Saturday, joined by Spotlights and Dibiase.
DJ Tim Williams
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 11 p.m.
Keeping the party going on Saturday night, DJ Tim Williams will be spinning tunes until 2 a.m.
SUNDAY, March 13th
Silverweed
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 4 p.m.
Silverweed plays originals and covers, ranging from Grateful Dead to Bob Dylan. They’ve got the “cowboy hippy vibe” locked down, and you’ll be dancing.
Mr. Chair
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 // 7 p.m.
Mr. Chair was the 2021 Wisconsin Area Music Industry Jazz Artist of the Year, bringing an exciting energy and experience in electronic, progressive rock, world music, and more.
Angelust, Before the Fire Dies, Bull Cult, Chuck’s Papas, Wet Tail
►Nightshop // $10 adv, $13 door // 8:30 p.m.
Five metal/thrash/punk bands performing on Nightshop’s stage. This is going to be loud and in your face, so prepare accordingly.
