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.
TUESDAY, February 22nd
Image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
Citlalli Pino
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Jazz vocalist Citlalli Pino brings her talent to the Rose Bowl, backed by her rhythm section trio.
Barrington Coleman and Chip Stephens Vocal Jazz Night
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
Internationally renowned musicians Barrington Coleman and Chip Stephens lead performances from the U of I’s Vocal programs.
CBDB
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // $12 adv, $15 door // 8 p.m.
Prog rock jam band CBDB are heading to Champaign from Alabama on their “Been A Minute” tour. This is a great way to spice up a boring ole Tuesday.
WEDNESDAY, February 23rd
Vine Street Syncopators
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
More jazz at Rose Bowl on Wednesdy with the Vine Street Syncopators. Come hear some piping hot jazz.
THURSDAY, February 24th
Kiely Connell
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Nashville-based americana artist Kiely Connell brings her “gothic country” aesthetic and powerful voice to the Rose Bowl for americana happy hour.
Image by Austin Green from Anika Emily’s Facebook page.
Anika Emily & Booth Blues, Bronte Fall, Tessa Turner
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 // 8 p.m.
Singer-songwriter Anika Emily brings her acoustic pop sound to the Rose Bowl, backed by Booth Blues. Joining her is Nashville-based Bronte Fall, who boasts a unique pop/folk/classical sound, plus CU native Tessa Turner.
FRIDAY, February 25th
Chip Stephens Organ Trio
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Not your typical jazz trio! Organ, guitar, and drums mix together to create some great tunes.
New Orleans Jazz Machine
► NOLA’s Rock Bar // free // 5 p.m.
Friday Jazz Happy Hour at NOLA’s, with music by New Orleans Jazz Machine. Plus, afterwards, NOLA’s is throwing a “Party Gras” event, so NOLA’s might just be the hangout spot on Friday night.
Próxima Parada
►Canopy Club // $7 // 7 p.m.
Próxima Parada combines old school soul, rock, and funk, all the while promoting “introspection, vulnerability, human connection, and a hell of a lot of joy.”
Zachary Williams
►Castle Theatre // $18 adv, $22 door // 8 p.m.
Zachary Williams of The Lone Bellow fame headlines a show at the Castle Theatre on Friday night, joined by Early James.
Image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
Editor’s pick: Melvin Knight, Merry Travelers, SweetMelk, J’Lyn Hope
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 // 8 p.m.
For $10, you get bang for your buck. Melvin Knight has a voice like butter, his 2018 album Shades of Us was number 4 on our BEST albums of the 2010s, blending jazz, soul, and funk. Joining him are CU faves Merry Travelers and Sweetmelk. J’Lyn Hope will also be playing her first official show.
SATURDAY, February 26th
Hot Club of Urbana
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 3 p.m.
Bringing hot jazz tunes including originals and standards, accordion, guitar, drums, bass, sax, and more — there will be great vibes abound.
Alyssa Allen, Gabriel St. Robbery and Bianca on Sax w/ the Maji Collective
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $7 // 7 p.m.
Indie, rock, jazz, electronic, psych rock, and more awaits you on Saturday night at Rose Bowl. Should be a very exciting night.
Image from Biomassive’s Facebook page.
Biomassive
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // $7 // 7 p.m.
Biomassive combines EDM with progressive rock and jam band music. Also expect some heavy sub bass. Part of Summer Camp Saturdays at NOLA’s.
The Tangents
►Pour Bros // free // 8:30 p.m.
The Tangents are an acoustic duo from Spingfield. They are hitting Pour Bros on Friday, bringing their eclectic sound and contagious personalities.
My Gemini, Norobot, Dylan Karraker
►Nightshop // $7 adv, $10 door // 8:30 p.m.
My Gemini hail from Nashville, and play alt rock and classic rock. They’re celebrating the release of their new EP. Joining them is Norobot, bringing funk and rock, and Dylan Karraker providing folk, rock, and blues.
WetDreamz Queer Experience
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 11 p.m.
DJ lovenloops brings a dance party to the Rose Bowl, with black queer funk, jazz, hip-hop, and R&B. Joining them will be DJ BlackDanielWhite.
DJ Belly
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // free // 10 p.m.
Looking for some late night Saturday fun? DJ Belly has you covered, spinning beats at NOLA’s through the evening, so come out and bring your best dance moves — it’s going to be a party.
SUNDAY, February 27th
Devil In A Woodpile
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $15 adv, $20 day of // 6 p.m.
An acoustic folk and country group, Devil In A Woodpile combines guitar, bass, vocals, and washboard, sure to get your feet stomping.
Top image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
