WHAT: Rainbow Flag final show
WHERE: The Iron Post (pay what you can)
WHEN: Tuesday, May 9 at 8 p.m.
This show from folk and pop acoustic duo Rainbow Flag is the first of a couple farewell shows happening this week. As a member gets ready to depart for Chicago, the two will bring their sweet melodies to the Post one last time. The Dreaming Leaves will also be playing at this show.
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WHAT: Heritage Guitar Workshop featuring David Becker
WHERE: The Upper Bout (free)
WHEN: Wednesday, May 10 at 6:30 p.m.
The Upper Bout brings you another excellent instrument workshop, this time with Heritage brand guitars and host David Becker, who will demonstrate his signature Heritage guitar and engage in a Q&A with the audience as well. You’ll also have the chance to try out some guitars and win prizes.
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WHAT: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
WHERE: State Farm Center (current cheapest ticket is $81.50)
WHEN: Wednesday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m.
The superstar and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Tom Petty will bring down the house at State Farm on Wednesday. If you’re any sort of fan of classic rock, there is no way that you don’t like at least one Tom Petty song. Hell, if you are an American with working ears, there’s a 99% chance that you’ve heard at least one Tom Petty song. He and his stellar backing band The Heartbreakers are known to put on truly amazing shows, and former Eagles member Joe Walsh will be opening things up. Even if you’re just a casual fan, (as most of us probably are,) you still need to ask yourself this question: Why not?
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WHAT: Champaign Cypher Series presents “Bring The Paign” Tournament, week 1
WHERE: Cowboy Monkey ($5)
WHEN: Thursday, May 11 at 9 p.m.
This is the first installment of Champaign Cypher’s “Bring The Paign” series, a DJ and Emcee tournament featuring local and regional acts. This installment will include four rap battles and two DJ battles, as well at five sets from the judge panel and more. See the event page to gather more specifics on this new and unique series featuring some of C-U’s best and brightest emcees.
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WHAT: Soft Girl, SpellBreaker, Ghoul Jr., Kowabunga Kid
WHERE: Ghost Planet ($5-$7 sliding scale / pay what you can)
WHEN: Thursday, May 11 at 8 p.m.
Ghost Planet hosts a punk show stuffed with a ton of girl power this Thursday. Pittsburgh group Soft Girl are on tour and Spell Breaker are visiting from Springfield. Ghoul Jr. are a product of February’s awesome Band Lotto, and I for one am thrilled to see participants of that event continuing to rock on. Show up and make some noise.
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WHAT: Something “funky” at Bentley’s
WHERE: Bentley’s Pub (no cover)
WHEN: Thursday, May 11 at 8 p.m.
Let the patio season at Bentley’s commence, and let it start with some funk music. Just what kind of funk music is yet to be specified, but it is certain that there will be music and that it will be hosted at a stand-up bar with a really swell staff. $1 bottles cinch the deal.
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WHAT: Tell Mama Final Show
WHERE: Cowboy Monkey ($5)
WHEN: Friday, May 12 at 9 p.m.
This is the farewell show for the soul, funk, and R&B band Tell Mama, who will be amicably splitting up as their members are relocating. If you’ve never seen this act bring their swagger to the stage before, you really owe it to yourself to catch them this last time.
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WHAT: Hank Williams Tribute
WHERE: Rose Bowl ($10)
WHEN: Friday, May 12 at 8 p.m.
The C-U Folk and Roots Festival Collective brings you this evening of a tribute to Hank Williams, the musician who many consider to be the father of country music. A large group of local honky tonkers will play Williams’ songs, as well as those of many other country greats. Your $10 will go to support the 2017 Folk and Roots Festival, an all-volunteer run fest that functions on the contribution and help from members of our community.
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WHAT: Allerton Kids’ Concert
WHERE: Allerton Park ($5 per kid / $8 per adult)
WHEN: Saturday, May 13 at 11 a.m.
Have some family-friendly fun at this midday kids’ show in beautiful Allerton. Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players will bring cheerful, upbeat tunes to this show that please kids and parents alike. There will also be a bounce house, face painting, and more fun activities.
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WHAT: Bones Jugs
WHERE: The Iron Post (cover)
WHEN: Saturday, May 13 at 5 p.m.
I like to label Bones Jugs music as “goofball Americana,” though not even that describes them adequately. Form your own opinion at this early show, which finds them returning to their old stomping grounds of The Iron Post after a recent tour. Bones Jugs shows are a guaranteed good time.
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WHAT: Ripped Genes / The Dry Look / Puzzle Quest
WHERE: Blips and Chitz ($5 donation for the touring band)
WHEN: Saturday, May 13 at 7 p.m.
Somber and heavy act Ripped Genes hail from Missouri. They’ll be accompanied by local garage punkers The Dry Look and Puzzle Quest, who both know how to do basement music right. It’ll all make for another stand-up banger of a B&C show.
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WHAT: Voidbringer / Eric Stanley
WHERE: Sipyard (donations suggested)
WHEN: Saturday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Experience the possibilities of heaviness within acoustic music with experimental rock outfit Voidbringer. Euriah’s Eric Stanley will be providing the assist for this outdoor Sipyard show that will not go gentle into that good night.