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 29th
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 30th
Larry Gates Presents 3 Song Monte
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Larry Gates of Curb Service invites the audience to choose three songs for him to play at Rose Bowl Tavern.
Tom Grassman
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
Tom Grassman is usually playing with his band, bringing some rock and roll party music — tonight he’s playing solo, but it will no doubt still be a party.
Image from Castle Theatre’s Facebook.
Snail Mail
►Castle Theatre // $25 adv, $30 door // 8 p.m.
After hitting it big with her first album Lush in 2018, indie rock/pop group Snail Mail is stopping by Castle Theatre in Bloomington in support of her second album Valentine.
WEDNESDAY, August 31st
The Gobbo Stark Quartet
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Jose Gobbo (guitar), Brian Stark (sax), Drew Cox (drums), and Andrew Binder (bass) take you through some original and traditional jazz, as well as pay a special tribute to Charles Mingus on Wednesday.
Kris Lager Band
►Pour Bros // free // 7 p.m.
It’s Pour Bros four year anniversary and they’re celebrating with the Kris Lager Band on the patio providing some rock and roll.
Image from Bad Omen’s Facebook.
Bad Omens, AVOID
►Castle Theatre // $20 adv, $23 door // 7:30 p.m.
Metalcore group Bad Omens come to the Castle from Richmond, Virginia, with support from punk/metal band AVOID.
THURSDAY, September 1st
The Whip Appeal
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Americana happy hour with The Whip Appeal, bringing country, rock, and folk to the Rose Bowl.
Kevin Hart Trio
►Baxter’s American Grille // free // 6 p.m.
Pianist Kevin Hart is joined by Emma Taylor on bass, and Tom Marko on drums. This trio will be playing classic & contemporary jazz, instrumental pop tunes, familiar TV & movie themes, and more.
Silverweed
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
Silverweed plays originals and covers, ranging from Grateful Dead to Bob Dylan. Expect some great improvisation and jamming.
Inland Calypso
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 9 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.
FRIDAY, September 2nd
Paul Kotheimer
►Crystal Lake Park // free // 12 p.m.
Folk and Roots Friday continues on, this week with singer-songwriter Paul Kotheimer.
Image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
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.
The Tangents
►Alto Vineyards // free // 5 p.m.
The Tangents are an acoustic duo from Spingfield. They are hitting Alto Vineyards on Friday, bringing their eclectic sound and contagious personalities.
Billy Galt
►Hubers // free // 7 p.m.
On the patio at Hubers, Billy Galt lays down some great acoustic blues.
New Twang City
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
Known for beinging some good ole country honky tonk, this will be a fun Saturday night at Rose Bowl Tavern.
Ian Shepherd and Friends
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 10 p.m.
Drummer Ian Shepherd teams up with other talented local musicians to bring you a great evening of jazz, blues, funk, and rock.
SATURDAY, September 3rd
Toast to Taylor Street
►Downtown Champaign // free // 2 p.m.
Another round of Toast to Taylor Street, with art vendors and live music going from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. Musicians include Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts, Kilborn Alley Blues Band, Nectar, Modern Drugs, and more.
Image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
Joy Yang Trio
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 3:00 p.m.
Pianist Joy Yang brings her trio — made up of herself, Mitch Maftean (bass), and John Sergel (drums) — to the Rose Bowl to perform original jazz compositions as well as standards.
Dalton Halls Band
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7 p.m.
Soul, funk, jazz, and hip-hop is what Dalton Halls Band has to offer this Saturday at Rose Bowl. Come dance and hangout.
The K-Tels
►Pour Bros // free // 8:30 p.m.
The K-Tels will bring their rock and roll to Pour Bros patio on Saturday night.
SUNDAY, September 4th
Image from Candy Foster’s Facebook.
Candy Foster
►Alto Vineyards // free // 2 p.m.
Candy Foster and friends will perform all afternoon to raise money for the Candy Foster Fine Arts Scholarship at Parkland College. Performers include Candy Foster. and Shades of Blue, Tom Grassman Band, The Fairchilds, and the Fosters Center Gospel Singers.
Prairie Jam 2022
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Performers including Rob Krumm, Doug Schroer, Jack Wilkie, Mark Wetzel, David Howie, Mark Obuchowski, Tommy Howie and Mike Howie, and more come together to play some tunes and have fun.
DJ Tim Williams
►Bentley’s Pub // free // 9 p.m.
DJ Tim Williams brings the party to Bentley’s, so come ready to dance your weekend to a close.
J. Jones and the TriTones
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 9:30 p.m.
James Jones, Mitchell Killough, Justin Simmons and JD Dye make up this group, bringing some smooth tunes and tasty licks.
Top image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook.
