The Overture is a rundown of live music and performances happening in the Champaign-Urbana area (and the outskirts) each week. All of the information is as accurate as we can publish, but all shows and performances are subject to change at any time. Thank you for understanding.
Have a show you think we should know about? Email us at music@smilepolitely.com with the details.
MONDAY, December 17th
Nikola Dokic Quartet
► The Iron Post // cover // 8 p.m.
TUESDAY, December 18th
Church Street Ramblers
► The Iron Post // cover // 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, December 19th
Larry Gray Group
► The Iron Post // cover // 6 p.m.
Caleb Cook Band
► The Loose Cobra // donations // 7 p.m.
Caleb Cook Band might perform more shows than anyone in the music community here in C-U, and sure, there are times that their shows through the cracks — but this isn’t one. A mid week jam at Loose Cobra is always a good ideal.
Heartland Trio
► nightshop in Bloomington // cover // 7 p.m.
Crystal Rebone Group
► The Iron Post // cover // 8 p.m.
THURSDAY, December 20th
Kenna Mae
► Urbana House Show // $10 suggested donation // 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Local musician Kenna Mae needs some help to get herself on the road for her first DIY solo tour. She’s performing two sets on Thursday night at a house show in Urbana, and the money goes towards helping her get some fixes done to her wheels. If you need any more reasons to go: Watch her perform at Loose Cobra here, and her band Relevator put out one of the best records of the year.
James Mauck’s Forebeat
► The Iron Post // $5 // 7 p.m.
Sapphires
► Neil Street Blues // free // 7:30 p.m.
El Guapo
► Blackbird // free // 9:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, December 21st
Jeff Helgesen Quintet
► The Iron Post // cover // 5 p.m.
Lamonte Parsons Experience
► Blackbird // free // 5 p.m.
Event of Collapse, Upon a Broken Throne
► nightshop in Bloomington // cover // 8 p.m.
The Merry Travelers, Eli & Sam
► The Iron Post // $5 // 8 p.m.
The Merry Travelers head to the Iron Post to play their folk tunes with some friends. While I’m not totally sure who draw this poster for the show, they deserve an A+.
George Faber
► Blackbird // $5 // 8 p.m.
DJ Belly
► Blackbird // free // 10:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, December 22nd
Keithen Banks
► Pour Bros Craft Taproom // free // 8:30 p.m.
Indianapolis blues guitarist Keithen Banks performs for free at Pour Bros in Downtown Champaign. This is a continuation of the live music series that the bar has been putting on thorughout the last few months.
wiplot
► nightshop in Bloomington // cover // 8 p.m.
Kilborn Alley Blues Band
► The Iron Post // cover // 9 p.m.
Ridgeracer
► Blackbird // $5 // 9:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, December 23rd
Soul on Sundays
► Blackbird // $5 // 7 p.m.