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, August 16nd
Modern Drugs
►WEFT Sessions (virtual) // free // 10 p.m.
Modern Drugs play an hour set on WEFT! From the comfort of your own home! What more could you ask for!
TUESDAY, August 17th
DJ Belly, Tim Williams
►Bentley’s Pub // free // 10 p.m.
Two DJ’s, one great night of music at Bently’s Pub! Expect a late night of dancing and fun.
The Black Eyed Lillies
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
Folk group The Black Eyed Lillies return to Rose Bowl for a night of finger picking and great vocals.
The Dig 3
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5:00 p.m.
Acoustic blues and folk powerhouse The Dig 3 play Rose Bowl!
WEDNESDAY, August 18th
Tito Carrillo Quintet
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Trumpeter Tito Carrillo returns to Rose Bowl with his quintet to bring a stellar night of jazz.
THURSDAY, August 19th
Image of Osmium House from nightshop’s Facebook event page.
Osmium House, Encounter at L-5, Gregg Brown
►nightshop // $10 adv, $13 door // 8:30 p.m.
Space rock, psychedelic, acid folk, darkwave, drone, etc. Basically, this is going to be a weird and trippy night, and worth the trip to Bloomington.
Hobnob String Band
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Every Thursday! Outside on the patio of Rose Bowl, Hobnob brings you some great acoustic music, from blues to bluegrass and other styles. Catch some great harmonies, and of course some wonderful fingerpicking.
Tom Brewer, Matt Stewart, Bob Watson, Dorothy Martirano
►Clark Bar // free // 6:30 p.m.
Hang out on the patio at Clark Bar and listen as these four talents combine their skills to create a wonderful night of music.
Dave and Lisa
►Baxters American Grille // free // 6:00 p.m.
Duo Dave and Lisa play the patio at Baxter’s! Grab some great food, sit back, and enjoy the show.
FRIDAY, August 20th
Gloria Roubal
►Clark Bar // free // 6:30 p.m.
Gloria Roubal hits the Clark Bar to play some originals, as well as covers.
Emily McKown
►Crystal Lake Park // free // 12 p.m.
Spend your lunch hour at the lake house at Crystal Lake Park for a wonderful concert by Emily McKown! Part of Folk and Roots Fridays!
Editor’s Pick: V8 Vast Change, New Souls, Young Club, Jamurai
►nightshop // free // 7 p.m.
I have seen V8 Vast Change perform two times now, and both have been equally as fun. He knows how to command the stage and is a joy to watch, not to mention he knows how to write great songs. This will be a kick-butt night of hip hop and R&B.
►One-T’s Cornerpocket // free // 9 p.m.
Alt-rock band Astrofix returns to Champaign for a show at OneT’s Cornerpocket. Get ready to dance.
Brad Wheeler
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // free // 5 p.m.
Brad Wheeler plays at NOLA’s for Friday Jazz Happy Hour. Come get some drink specials and enjoy the sweet tunes.
Jeff Helgesen and Friends
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Another great night of jazz music at Rose Bowl with trumpeter Jeff Helgesen and friends. On the patio, grab some drinks and relax.
We The Animals, Modern Drugs, Kittens Incorporated
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
3 great locals bands bring a killer night of music to Rose Bowl! Doors at 7 p.m. and music begins at 7:30 p.m.
Friday Night Live
►Downtown Champaign // free // 6 p.m.
Another week of live music downtown, with lineups changing weekly. Check out their Facebook page to see the full details, including set times and locations.
SATURDAY, August 21st
Image from One Community Together’s Facebook Page
One Community Together
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 12 p.m.
A full day of music and performances by great local musicians from noon to 6 p.m. Check the Facebook event full the full lineup.
Hot Iron String Band
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
Bass, banjo, guitar, mandolin, and fiddle come together to create a great night of bluegrass music. Outside at Rose Bowl.
Black Esther, Lysergic Deity, Empousa, JIMONAH
►nightshop // $10 adv, $13 door // 7:00 p.m.
An eclectic night of electronic, indie, art pop, piano, and experimental, nightshop once again brings a full night of music.
SUNDAY, August 22nd
The Young and The Fretless
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 1 p.m.
Come listen to some old-time Appalachian and Midwestern fiddle tunes with The Young and The Fretless.
Almost A with Tania Azia
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 4 p.m.
Almost A is joined by vocalist Tania Azia to play jazz, folk, gypsy, gypsy jazz, tango and klezmer music.
Image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook event page
CoalTraine
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7 p.m.
The small town band plays Rose Bowl for a great night of country music.
Horseburner, Huntsmen, Edna, Avenade/Great Value Jesus
►nightshop // $12 adv, $15 door // 8 p.m.
Metal night, baby! Come to nightshop for some distortion and headbanging, obviously. It’s going to be wild.
Top photo from nightshop’s Facebook event page.
