Smile Politely

The Overture: February 25-March 3

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, February 25th

Jim Pryor, Larry Gray and Joel Spencer

The Iron Post // cover // 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, February 26th

Emma Taylor Combo

The Iron Post // cover // 7 p.m.

Fate’s Got A Driver, Sherwood Forest, Black Esther

► nightshop in Bloomington // $10 advance/$12 day of show // 7:30 p.m.

If you try to say you didn’t love Taking Back Sunday in the early aughts, I’m not sure we could believe you. Here’s your chance to see TBS’s Eddie Reyes fronting Fate’s Got a Driver, right in nearby Bloomington. This show promises to be a magical mix of post-hardcore and indie rock, and is all ages until 10 p.m. — couldn’t ask for a better Tuesday.

WEDNESDAY, February 27th

Hickey Gray Spencer Trio

► The Iron Post // cover // 6:30 p.m.

It Looks Sad., Bottom Bracket, Nectar, Shinzon

nightshop in Bloomington // $8 advance/$10 day of show // 7:30 p.m.

Subtronics, Blunts&Blondes, Zia

► The Canopy Club // $13 advance/ $14 day of show/$65 VIP // 9 p.m.

Jazz Jam

The Iron Post // cover // 10 p.m.

THURSDAY, February 28th

The Young and the Fretless

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // free // 5 p.m.

U of I #4 Jazz Big Band

The Iron Post // cover // 7 p.m.

University of Illinois Wind Orchestra

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Foellinger Great Hall // $10 public/$7SC/$4 student & youth // 7:30 p.m.

Unamused Dave, Must Build Jacuzzi, Birthday Cookie

nightshop in Bloomington // $5 // 7:30 p.m

Russell Dickerson & Carly Pearce with Teddy Robb

The City Center // $16-$32 // 8 p.m.

Tritonal

► The Canopy Club// $20-$25 advance/$28 door // 9 p.m.

Lou DiBello

Blackbird // free // 9:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, March 1st

Jordan Kaye and Paul Assaro

► The Iron Post // cover // 5 p.m.

New Orleans Jazz Machine

► Blackbird // free // 5 p.m.

Spring Folk Festival

► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m

Urbana First Fridays is at it again, lining up excellent community events all over downtown Urbana. The Spring Folk Festival, hosted at the Rose Bowl Tavern is not to be missed — the night is crammed with local bluegrass and country inspired talent, and boasts a potluck to boot! Bring a dish to share, and revel in the folksy sounds ringing in spring tonight. Best part? the $0 cover is right in everyone’s pricerange. 

Zurich Cloud Motors, Voidbringer, Wes Harmony

Exile on Main Street // free // 7 p.m.

The Illinois Modern Ensemble

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $10 public/ $7SC/$4 student & youth // 7:30 p.m.

Elvis Depressedly, Niights, The Cordial Sins

nightshop in Bloomington // $10 advance/$12 day of show// 7:30 p.m

Bijou

The Canopy Club // $15-20 advance/$25 day of show // 9 p.m.

Kilborn Alley Blues Band

The Iron Post // cover // 9 p.m.

New Souls

Blackbird // free // 9:30 p.m

SATURDAY, March 2nd

The Day of The Drum

► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // free // 12 p.m.

DJs Terrance & KamauMau

Independent Media Center // free // 4 p.m.

Almost a Quintet

► The Iron Post // cover // 5 p.m.

Kodo

► Kranner Center for the Performing Arts // $45 / $40 SC / $15 Student /$10 UI Student & YTH // 7:30 p.m.

La Armada, Disorganzier, Abertooth Lincoln, The Shadow

nightshop in Bloomington // $8 advance/$10 day of show // 7:30 p.m.

The Cadillac Three

► The Castle Theatre in Bloomington // $22.50 advance/$25 day of show // 8 p.m.

These Nashville Natives have a unique approach to their sound–on each of their albums, the only musicians on the tracks are these three fellas — singer and guitarist Jaren Johnston, drummer Neil Mason, and on lap-steel Kelby Ray. The group has toured the states, UK, and Europe, and is Headlining the Castle Theatre this weekend. If you want to hear some solid southern rock, this is the show for you. Check out one of their latest songs, Legacy:

Blackjack Billy

► The City Center // $10-$15 // 8:30 p.m.

Dr. Shredd and the Heartstrings

► The Iron Post // cover // 9 p.m.

Zoofunkyou

Blackbird // $5 // 9 p.m.

Falbonauts, Hans Predator, Hyper Tensions

► The Loose Cobra // $5 suggested donation // 9 p.m.

SUNDAY, March 3rd

Derick Cordoba Group

► The Iron Post // cover // 7 p.m.

Candy Foster and Shades of Blue

► Neil St Blues // cover // 7 p.m.

Vandoliers, John Till, Dead End Lights

►nightshop in Bloomington // $8 advance/$10 day of show // 7:30 p.m

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