The Overture is a rundown of live music and performances happening in the Champaign-Urbana area (and the outskirts) each week. All of the information is as accurate as we can publish, but all shows and performances are subject to change at any time. Thank you for understanding.
Have a show you think we should know about? Email us at music@smilepolitely.com with the details.
Monday, July 1st
Urbana Hootenanny, various artists
► Rose Bowl Tavern // no cover // 8 p.m.
Tuesday, July 2nd
Traditional Jazz Orchestra
►Iron Post // cover// 5 p.m.
zzo, Dogs On Shady Lane, North Lodge, Boye
►Waluwigi’s Mansion // $5 // 6:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, July 3rd
Photo from Spindependence’s Facebook event page
Spindependence
► Blackbird // free // 5 p.m.
This annual DJ festival is back at Blackbird this coming week/weekend. This year, Spindependence spans three days (the party kicks off on Wednesday night), all cover-free, so you can head over and hang for free. Be sure to keep your eyes on the Facebook event for the full slate of DJs.
Bentley’s Block Party
► Bentley’s Pub // free // 5 p.m.
Larry Gray Trio
►The Iron Post // cover // 5 p.m.
Photo from Matt Woods’ Facebook page
Matt Woods
►nightshop in Bloomington // no cover // 8 p.m.
Matt Woods is a singer-songwriter from East Tennessee who’s been compared to Jason Isbell in sound. Woods is bringing his mix of Americana, rock, and classic country-inspired music on tour this summer, and making a stop in Bloomington. Check out his sound below:
Tab Benoit
►The Castle Theatre in Bloomington // $25 // 8 p.m.
Jazz Jam
►The Iron Post // cover // 10 p.m.
THURSDAY, July 4th
Photo from Audiofeed Music Festival’s Facebook event page
Audiofeed Music Festival
► Champaign County Fairgrounds // price varies // all weekend
Audiofeed is back, with tons of bands to check out, as well as a variety of activities surrounding those acts at the Champaign County Fairgrounds. There are early entry options if you’re looking to get in on the 3rd, but otherwise, check out the schedule and lineup, and get your tickets.
FRIDAY, July 5th
Inland Calypso, The Merry Travelers
►Rose Bowl Tavern // no cover // 5 p.m.
Jordan Kaye and Paul Assaro
►The Iron Post // cover // 5 p.m.
Friday Night Live Champaign
►Various locations // free // 6 p.m.
Whiskey Myers
►Champaign City Center // $25-$38 // 8:30 p.m.
The Commonheart
►Pour Bros. Taproom // no cover // 8:30 p.m.
Jose Gobbo & Reggie Lewis
►Crudo Wine Bar // free // 8 p.m.
The Dry Look, Slugs
► The Brass Rail // $5 suggested donation // 10 p.m.
Bashful Youngens
►Watson’s Shack and Rail // no cover // 10 p.m.
SATURDAY, July 6th
Honky Tonkin’ In The Free World, various artists
►Rose Bowl Tavern // no cover // 4 p.m.
Chad Price and Todd Reese
►Exile on Main // no cover, donation suggested // 6 p.m.
Almost A Quintet
►The Iron Post // cover // 6 p.m.
Matt Woods & the Natural Disasters
►Pour Bros. Taproom // no cover // 8:30 p.m.
Ant Hattie
►The Iron Post // cover // 9 p.m.
SUNDAY, July 7th
Lisa and Dave
►Iron Post //cover // 7 p.m.
Ever More Nest
► Rose Bowl Tavern // no cover // 8 p.m.
I’m stoked about this show coming through at Rose Bowl this weekend. Here’s what the event page has to say: “Ever More Nest pairs Kelcy Mae’s signature poetic lyricism with a musical style that can set you simultaneously on a rural dirt road and a gritty, big-city street. The project’s debut album, The Place That You Call Home was just nominated for Best Alt-Country Album in the 2019 Independent Music Awards.” Per usual, this show has no cover, but remember to bring cash to tip the band. Give ’em a listen below:
Cracker
►The Castle Theatre in Bloomington // $18 // 8 p.m
Top photo of Commonheart, playing at Pour Bros. Taproom this Thursday, from the band’s Facebook page