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, April 11th
C4A Country Music Ensemble
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5:30 p.m.
Where better to start your week than at The Rose Bowl? You can expect some bluegrass, western swing, and some country rock.
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.
Image from Emily the Band’s Facebook page.
Emily the Band
►WEFT Sessions (virtual) // free // 10 p.m.
This 3-piece Peoria-based group is made up of Emily Antonacci on vocals and ukulele, Cami Proctor on guitar, vocals, and melodica, and Abbey Haste on percussion.
TUESDAY, April 12th
Silverweed
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 6:30 p.m.
Silverweed plays originals and covers, ranging from Grateful Dead to Bob Dylan. Come get a taste of the “hippie cowboy vibe.” You’re going to be dancing.
Image from Chicago’s Facebook page.
Chicago
►State Farm Center // $69-125 // 7:30 p.m.
The legendary rock band Chicago takes the stage at the State Farm Center on Tuesday. The band is known for their hits “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” “If You Leave Me Now,” “You’re the Inspiration,” and more.
WEDNESDAY, April 13th
U of I Jazz Combo
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
This U of I Jazz Combo is directed by Associate Professor Joel Spencer, who you might recognize from SSG. Come hear some talented students.
Jantsen, Gutter Til I Die, SuperAve, zoska, Troubleshoota
►Canopy Club // $12-15 // 9 p.m.
Canopy Club continues to be the place to hear electronic music, this time bringing Jantsen along with some special guests.
THURSDAY, April 14th
Image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
Billy Bronsted & Michael James Wheeler
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
These two Americana/country/bluegrass artists from Wisconsin and Vermont combine their talents to bring us a night of great songwriting.
Dalton Halls Band
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
Soul, funk, jazz, and hip-hop is what Dalton Halls Band has to offer this Thursday at Rose Bowl. Come dance and hangout.
Old Wolves, Dead, Dead Swans
►Nightshop // $7 adv, $10 door // 8 p.m.
These two Wisconsin bands tackle folk, blues folk, alt-country, and more. They’ll be hitting Nightshop on Thursday night.
FRIDAY, April 15th
Jeff Helgesen Quintet
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Local trumpet guru Jeff Helgesen performs at the Rose Bowl with his stellar quintet, bringing you hard bop of the 1960s.
The Great Dying
►Clark Bar // free // 6:30 p.m.
Self described “underground country guitar duo,” The Great Dying take inspiration from groups like Magnetic Fields, The National, and The Cure, as well as Waylon Jennings and Buck Owens.
Image from Necro Signatures’ Facebook page.
Necro Signatures, Rig Time, Baltic to Boardwalk
►Nightshop // $7 adv, $10 door // 7 p.m.
Your face may or may not be melted off on Friday — most likely they will. These three hardcore bands can bring it.
Knutilla Fest
►Nightshop // $5 // 10 p.m.
Eric Knutilla performs under the name Sexicat, bringing electronic jams. Joining in the festival is Frank and the Plexicats, Gregg Brown Band, and The Dew Drops.
IGNITIONverse: SAYMYNAME
►Canopy Club // $18-25 adv, $30 door// 9 p.m.
EDM artist SAYMYNAME is playing Canopy Club this Friday, so if you’re looking to rave, this is the spot to be.
SATURDAY, April 16th
The Duke of Elvintones
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 3 p.m.
This stellar lineup of UIUC jazz grad students consists of Jesus Fuentes, Brian Stark, Andrey Goncalves, and Mateo Sanchez, playing some hard bop.
Emily Anne
►Urbana Free Library // free // 4 p.m.
Folk musician Emily Anne performs at the Urbana Free Library as part of their Seeds and Songs event. There will be music, crafts, and a seed giveaway.
Dizgo
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // $7 // 7 p.m.
Another round of Summer Camp Saturdays at NOLA’s, this weekend with Dizgo, a three piece electro-psych-funk band from Indiana.
Image from Pygmalion’s Facebook page.
Lala Lala
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $15 adv, $20 door // 8 p.m.
Lala Lala’s Lillie West brings her indie/pop/rock sound to the Rose Bowl in support of her 2021 album I Want the Door to Open. Joining her is special guest Elton Aura.
SUNDAY, April 17th
Papashoy Klezmer Trio
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 1 p.m.
Traditional and contemporary Klezmer music brought to you by Frances Harris, Cody Jensen, and Charlie Harris.
Mark Hummel’s Blues Survivors with Rusty Zinn & Billy Flynn, The Dig Three
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $20 adv, $25 door // 6 p.m.
Grammy nominated Mark Hummel jins forces with guitarists Rusty Zinn and Billy Flynn to form a kick-butt blues band. Joining them Sunday evening is local blues favorite The Dig Three.
Top image from Chicago’s Facebook page.
