The Overture is a rundown of live music and performances happening in Champaign-Urbana (and the outskirts) 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, February 24th
Jasmine Field Orchestra
► Asian American Cultural Center // Free, RSVP Required // 5:30 p.m.
The Cat’s Pajamas
► Urbana High School // Prices vary // 7 p.m.
Urbana Hootenanny
► Rose Bowl Tavern // Free // 8 p.m.
Tuesday, February 25th
Dixieland Jazz Band (Fat Tuesday Celebration)
► Esquire Lounge // Free // 5:30 p.m.
The Casuals
► Clark Bar // Free // 6:30 p.m.
Michael Barenboim and the West-Eastern Divan Ensemble
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // Prices vary // 7:30 p.m.
New Orleans Jazz Machine
► Boomerangs // Free // 7:30 p.m.
Dennis Stroughmatt & Friends
► The Iron Post // $7 // 8 p.m.
Wednesday, February 26th
Choirs at University of Illinois present: “In the Lord put I my trust” (Chandos Anthem Series)
► Smith Memorial Hall // Free // 12 p.m.
Melanie A. Davis (Album release show)
► The Iron Post // $5 // 7 p.m.
Illinois Wind Symphony
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // Prices vary // 7:30 p.m.
Late night with Riles
► nightshop // Free // 10 p.m.
Thursday, February 27th
Chip Stephens Organ Trio (Krannert Uncorked)
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // Free // 5 p.m.
Big Mo Abdullah
► Clark Bar // Free // 6 p.m.
David Howie
► The Icehouse // Free // 8 p.m.
Image from the Facebook event.
SMACKrabbitJack, WeedWckin’ Johnson, Roots n’ Wings
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $5 // 8 p.m.
What more could you ask for on a Thursday night than three bands playing country and country-inspired tunes at Urbana’s home of country, honky tonk, and twang. This is my pick to start off your weekend strong.
Dada Veda, Two-Legged Zoo, Circumstances, others TBA
► 25 O’clock Brewing Company // Free // 8 p.m.
Friday, February 28th
New Orleans Jazz Machine
► Blackbird // Free // 5 p.m.
Koko and Stoker
► Neil St. Blues // Free // 7 p.m.
Illinois Wind Orchestra and Hindsley Symphonic Band
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // Prices vary // 7:30 p.m.
Sludge Rock Punk and Roll Extravaganza
► nightshop // $6 // 7:30 p.m.
Billy Galt & The Blues Deacons
► Huber’s West End // Free // 8 p.m.
Image from the Facebook event.
Lara Driscoll Trio (Album release show)
► The Iron Post // Free // 8 p.m.
French-American pianist and composer, Lara Driscoll, returns to C-U with her trio to release their new album, Woven Dreams. Driscoll, a UIUC grad, brings her Montreal-based trio to town to showcase their diverse influences and skillful playing. This is my choice for a semi-swanky Friday.
Garrett and the Geezers
► Pipa’s Pub // Free // 8:30 p.m.
Union Street Players
► Rose Bowl Tavern // Free // 9 p.m.
DJ Belly (Mardi Gras Party)
► Blackbird // Free // 9 p.m.
Filibusta (Album release show)
► The Canopy Club // $7 adv., $10 door // 9 p.m.
Kayla Brown
► Goldy’s // Free // 9 p.m.
Saturday, February 29th
The Mary Jo Curry Band (Album release show)
► Pipa’s Pub // Free // 6 p.m.
Image from the Facebook event.
The Jeremiahas
► Pipers Hut // $20 // 7 p.m.
Piper’s Hut hosts traditional Celtic music here in Champaign. This week, the Jeremiahas will be playing. Their style meshes the traditional with the modern to create a style that has been described as “Urban Folk.” This globe-trotting quartet is playing a house show, so to get the address, you’ll need to contact the host on the ticket page.
Los Guapos
► 25 O’clock Brewing // Free // 7 p.m.
Image from the Facebook event.
Black Japan, Bury Thy Wicked, Holiday Disaster, other TBA
► nightshop // $7 // 7:30 p.m.
If Urban Folk isn’t you scene, then this rock-heavy lineup is right for you. nightshop is hosting three hard rock bands — and possibly a fourth (TBA?) — from around the state: Back Japan, a heavy rock outfit from Chicago; Bury thy Wicked, a hard rock group out of Bloomington; Holiday Disaster, a punk rock/ rock and roll group from Peoria. If the week has left you with a little bit of rage you need to exercise, this is my pick for cathartic rock.
Ryan Groff, Kayla Brown, Paul Kotheimer
► Seven Saints // Free // 7:30 p.m.
Sierra Hull
► The Castle Theatre // $27 // 8 p.m.
Drew Baldridge
► The City Center // Prices vary // 8 p.m.
William Marsala
► Neil St. Blues // Free // 8 p.m.
Groove Avenue
► Huber’s West End // Free // 8 p.m.
Dan Hubbard
► Pour Bros. // Free // 8 p.m.
Painted Canyon, Bashful Youngens, South City Revival
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 // 8 p.m.
Cypher Saturdays (Champaign Cipher Series)
► Blackbird // $10 // 9 p.m.
Sunday, March 1st
Mank & Sass
► Alto Vineyards // Free // 2 p.m.
Silverweed
► Rose Bowl Tavern // Free // 5 p.m.
Afro D & Global Soundwaves
► The Iron Post // $5 // 6 p.m.
Still No Love Lost (Rap Battles)
► The Canopy Club // $15 // 6 p.m.
Young Baroque Artists Competition presents Haydn, Little Organ Mass
► McKinley Presbyterian Church // Pries vary // 7:30 p.m.