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 8th
Whitehall
►Nightshop // $7 adv, $10 door // 7:30 p.m.
South Carolina indie rockers Whitehall hit Bloomington’s Nightshop to play some tunes. They will be joined by two local bands who are yet to be announced.
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 9th
Photo from The Prairie Shark’s Facebook page.
Prairie Sharks
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Father and son duo of Tim Horger and Frank Horger bring their band to Rose Bowl, playing original and classic blues, country, R&B, and more.
Hobnob String Band
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
Hobnob brings you some great acoustic music, from blues to bluegrass and other styles. Catch some great harmonies, and of course some wonderful fingerpicking.
WEDNESDAY, August 10th
Church Street Ramblers
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Playing jazz from the early 20th century, Church Street Ramblers will get the toes tapping, with songs by legends such as Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, and other greats.
THURSDAY, August 11th
Cody and Charlie
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Two of C-U’s most beloved, Cody Jensen and Charlie Harris will be playing americana, bluegrass, folk, country, and more this Thursday, part of Rose Bowl’s Americana Happy Hour. It’s also Charlie’s birthday so come and help him celebrate.
Meadowhawk
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
2 fiddles, 1 guitar, one great evening of music. Meadowhawk is Claire Johnson, Amanda Ramey, and Matt Turino, playing traditional and original songs.
Photo from The Goddamn Gallows’ Facebook.
The Goddamn Gallows, Rebelmatic, Death Call
►Nightshop // $15 adv, $20 door // 7:30 p.m.
A night of punk and hardcore at Nightshop, with The Goddamn Gallows from the west coast, Rebelmatic from the east coast, and Death Call from right here in C-U.
FRIDAY, August 12th
Scott Frillman/Jeff Helgesen Quintet
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Saxophonist Scott Frillman joins Jeff Helgesen and his stellar quintet, playing the hard bop of the 1960s.
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.
The Impalas
►Huber’s // free // 7 p.m.
The Impalas play at Huber’s, bringing their brand of Texas roadhouse blues. Expect some tasty licks.
Photo from John Till’s Facebook page.
John Till
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
John Till returns to the Rose Bowl on Friday night with his blend of country, folk, and blues.
DJ Grapes
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 10 p.m.
DJ Grapes spinning funk, soul and dancehall reggae from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. so come and get down.
SATURDAY, August 13th
Photo from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook.
Los Texano’z
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 12 p.m.
Los Texanoz from Arcola provide Conjunto and Tejano music. With guitar, bass, drums, and accordion, Los Texano’z music will give you a taste of Mexico.
Jive Bag
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 3 p.m.
A five-piece jazz band playing New-Orleans inspired funk and contemporary jazz, you can expect traditional tunes and originals.
The Burney Sisters, Alyssa Allen
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 adv, $15 door // 7 p.m.
Folk/soul/rock group The Burney Sisters stop by the Rose Bowl to provide us with some beautiful harmonies and songwriting. Opening the night is C-U’s Alyssa Allen, a wonderfully talented singer-songwriter.
New Twang City
►Huber’s // free // 7 p.m.
Some good ole country honky tonk, this will be a fun Saturday night at Huber’s, so come and hang out.
Cole Bridges, John Calvin Abney
►Bently’s Pub // free // 7 p.m.
Cole Bridges and his band play Bently’s patio, bringing their alt-country, high lonesome sound. Joining them is singer-songwriter John Calvin Abney from Tulsa in support of his new album Tourist.
Booth Blues, Chuck’s Papas
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // free // 8 p.m.
Indie jam-band Booth Blues is joined by rocker band Chuck’s Papas.
Photo from Belle Isle’s Facebook page.
Belle Isle
►Pour Bros // free // 8:30 p.m.
Funk and soul group Belle Isle is playing the Pour Bros patio on Saturday night. The band is Kayla Brown, Ian Shepherd, Mitchell Killough, and Michael McLoughlin.
SUNDAY, August 14th
The Painkiller Blues Band with Dawn Clark
►Alto Vineyards // free // 2 p.m.
The Painkiller Blues Band will be playing a mix of traditional and original tunes this Sunday, with vocalist Dawn Clark.
Turino Family Band
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 4 p.m.
Matt, Tom, Shannon, and Claire come together as the Turino family band to play some wonderful music. Ranging from folk to Cajun to fiddle music, you are in a for a treat.
Top photo from Nightshop’s Facebook page.
