The Overture is a rundown of live music and performances happening in Champaign-Urbana (and the outskirts) 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, February 3rd
Urbana Hootenanny
► Rose Bowl Tavern // Free // 8 p.m.
Tuesday, February 4th
Brad Darr
►Papa Del’s Pizza // Free // 12 p.m.
This event is hosted by Champaign County Forget-Me-Not Café, a group dedicated to providing an environment of support for those dealing with dementia and their families.
Vine Street Syncopators
►The Iron Post // Free // 5 p.m.
Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn
► The Castle Theatre // Prices vary // 7:30 p.m.
Jupiter String Quartet
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // Prices vary // 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 5th
Choirs at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign present: Handel, Chandos Anthem VI: As pants the hart (HWV 251b)
► Smith Memorial Hall // Free // 12:00 p.m.
Subtronics, HE$H, Chee., Bommer, & Level Up
► The Canopy Club // Prices vary // 9 p.m.
Thursday, February 6th
Mark McKnight Ensemble (Krannert Uncorked series)
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // Free // 5 p.m.
Jordan and Jill
► Boomerangs // Free // 6 p.m.
Good Morning Bedlam, Alex Jordine
► nightshop // $7 adv., $10 door // 7 p.m.
JJ Grey & Mofro
► The Castle Theatre // $32 // 8 p.m.
James Jones Trio
► Blackbird // Free // 9 p.m.
Friday, February 7th
Brian Stark Group
► Blackbird // Free // 5 p.m.
Tour de Chocolat, She Said So
► nightshop // $5 // 5 p.m.
Image: This image announces the 29th annual The Great Cover Up. A black-and-white picture of President Richard Nixon, back turned holding up two peace signs, is surrounded by red lettering, superimposed on a white background. Image from the Facebook event.
The 29th Annual Great Cover Up, weekend one
► The City Center // Prices vary // 7 p.m.
The Great Cover Up is heading into their 29th annual festival where local bands will be performing as some of our favorite world-famous bands. Doors open for this event at 7 p.m. Groups performing that night include: Kittens Incorporated, Love Roxx (Love Sign + Pet Roxx), Andy Mo, Grand Ambassador, Whiskey Shadows, 90’s Daughter, and Brother Embassy.
Image: A sixties-style van, red with yellow lettering that reads “On the Road” and with speakers and instruments on the top, is surrounded by small road signs that read “SCamp or Bust,” and “Ahead, This Way.” This small image sits atop lettering that reads “Summer Camp Music Festival.” On a dark green background, the lineup for the Feb. 7th show at the Canopy Club in Urbana is listed. Image from the Facebook event.
Appleguy, DJ Dhanan, DJ Shy, DJ Xtra Slice, Juuls Verne (Summer Camp: On the Road Tour)
► The Canopy Club // Free // 8 p.m.
The Summer Camp Music Festival is bringing their On the Road Tour through Canopy Club on Friday night. Five local artists will be competing for a spot at Summer Camp 2020 in Chillicothe, IL. Everyone who votes will be entered to win 3-day general admissions pass to Summer Camp 2020.
Robert Randolph & The Family Band
► The Castle Theatre // $25 // 8 p.m.
Saturday, February 8th
The Young and the Fretless
► Strawberry Fields // Free // 12 p.m.
7000apart, Anika Emily
► Exile on Main Street // Free // 6:30 p.m.
The 29th Annual Great Cover Up, weekend one
► The City Center // Prices vary // 7 p.m.
Doors open for this event at 7 p.m. Groups performing include: Mid-October, Dearie, Truth AKA Trouble, Chase Baby, DeShawn Music, New Souls, Los Guapos ft. Brandon T. Washington.
Image: A close-up image of a woman playing a cello. She wear a blue and white sweater. Other members of the orchestra can be seen behind her out of focus. Image from the Facebook event.
Sinfonia da Camera presents: Melodies and Mallets
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // Prices vary // 7:30 p.m.
First things first: Sinfonia da Camera has nothing to do with cameras. Sinfonia da Camera, C-U’s premier professional chamber orchestra, will be performing works by Bax, Weber, Koppel, and Schubert. This performance will feature soloists Henry Skolnick, bassoon, and William Moersch, marimba.
UIUC Choral Showcase
► Smith Memorial Hall // Free // 7:30 p.m.
Image: A band plays on a stage with blue, green, and red lights shining onto them from behind. The players are appear with double and triple exposures in each color. The text at the top reads “Wildermore” in white lettering. Image from the Facebook event.
Wildermore, Disorganizer, James Mauck’s Forebeat
► nightshop // $7 adv., $10 door // 7:30 p.m.
This concert is bound to be one to expand your palate. Wildermore is a funk-rock-jazz fusion group out of Normal, and they will be playing alongside free jazz group Disorganizer (also from B-N). Champaign’s-own James Mauck’s Forebeat will be bring his experimental drumming techniques to the stage as well.
Lee Rocker
► Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts // Prices vary // 7:30 p.m.
Ernie Hendrickson & The Citizens of Love
► Pour Bros. Craft Taproom // Free // 8 p.m.
Dogleg, Power of Dusk, Long Birds
► Blackbird // $10 // 8 p.m.
Amblare, BrOasis
► Loose Cobra // $10 // 9 p.m
Draskii2x with special guests (Rah Rah’s Birthday Bash)
► 51 Main // Prices vary // 10 p.m.
Sunday, February 9th
Chris Hartley and Offutt’s Stone Cold Cuts
► Rose Bowl Tavern // Free // 5 p.m.
Hot Club
► The Iron Post // $5 // 6 p.m.
Rebecca Rego & The Trainmen, Rebekah Songer
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $7 // 7 p.m.
Les Délices presents: Myths and Allegories
► Chapel of St. John the Divine // Prices vary // 7:30 p.m.