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 1st
Improvisers Exchange
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5:30 p.m.
Led by Jason Finkelman, Improvisers Exchange is an initiative to bring together U of I students and community members to practice improvised music. It’s always a unique performance and anything could happen.
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.
TUESDAY, August 2nd
Larry Gray Trio
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Larry Gray returns to Rose Bowl with his trio, Andrew Binder on bass, and James Mauck on drums.
WEDNESDAY, August 3rd
Chip NcNeill Quartet
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
More jazz at Rose Bowl with saxophonist Chip McNeill. Come listen to him bang out the tunes!
THURSDAY, August 4th
Jose Agusti
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Jose Agusti brings retro and modern Americana with a side of pop.
Daisychain, Nick Dittmeier and the Sawdusters, TBA
►Nightshop // $7 adv, $10 door // 7:30 p.m.
Blues and pysch rockers Daisychain are joined by americana rockers Nick Dittmeier and the Sawdusters. One more act is yet to be announced.
Photo from PYGMALION’s Facebook page.
Tim Kinsella and Jenny Pulse, Randy Randall, Luke R. Bergkoetter
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $12 // 8 p.m.
Update: This show has been canceled. Married couple Tim Kinsella (of Cap’n Jazz, Joan of Arc) and Jenny Pulse (Spa Moans) stop by the Rose Bowl alongside Randy Randall (No Age), and Luke R. Bergkoetter.
FRIDAY, August 5th
Jordan Kaye The Tunewrangler
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Bringing you songs, stories, and witty banter, Jordan Kaye is sure to be a night of fun. With a mix of rock, folk, and requests, come hangout at the Rose Bowl.
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.
Photo from Mhondoro Rhythm Success’ Facebook.
Mhondoro Rhythm Success
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
Bringing pop music from Zimbabwe. The members of the band are either from Zimbabwe, or have studied music there/lived there. Sure to get you dancing.
Bristle, Brandon Cattle and the Branding Irons, Snack’d Out
►Brass Rail // donations encouraged // 8 p.m.
Punk rockers Bristle join forces two other kick butt rock bands for a night of head banging.
Inland Calypso
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 10 p.m.
A night of Caribbean music with a midwest spin. With steel drums, electric guitar, keys, and more, it is sure to be a night of fun and dancing.
SATURDAY, August 6th
HogBowl III
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 12 p.m.
Rose Bowl and Hogchute Opry come together for HogBowl III. Bands playing from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. including Merry Travelers, Neoga, The Falbonauts, and more.
Toast to Taylor Street
►Downtown Champaign // free // 2 p.m.
Another round of Toast to Taylor Street, with a lineup including Sweetmelk, New Souls, Mimi at the Puddles, and many more.
Svenstock
►Failed Poem Ranch // $15 // 3 p.m.
Sven Johnson (Champaign Is Also a Band podcast) is hosting Svenstock, in Sadorus, IL with magicians, musicians, a bags tournament, and more. All proceeds benefit Imerman Angels.
The Spill Canvas
►Canopy Club // $20 // 8 p.m.
The Spill Canvas stops by Canopy Club while on tour for the 15 year anniversary of their album No Really, I’m Fine. They will be joined by Arms Akimbo.
Photo from PYGMALION’s Facebook page.
Horse Jumper of Love, Babehoven, Sadurn
►Loose Cobra // $15 // 8 p.m.
Alternative/indie band Horse Jumper of Love hits Tolono, alongside bedroom folk band Babehoven, and indie folk group Sadurn.
Dan Hubbard
►Pour Bros Taproom // free // 8 p.m.
On the patio at Pour Bros, americana singer-songwriter Dan Hubbard performs his originals with his powerful and resonating voice.
SUNDAY, August 7th
John, Suzanne, and The Limping Cowboy Band
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 4 p.m.
This group brings originals and covers of country, folk, and cowboy music.
Dr0psy Trio
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7 p.m.
James Mauck on drums, Mitchell Killough on bass, Mark White on guitar. These guys bring blues, funk, jazz, soul, rock, and more with covers and originals.
Top photo from PYGMALION’s Facebook page.
