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, February 7th
Improvisers Exchange
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5:30 p.m.
Led by Jason Finkelman, Improvisers Exchange is an initiative to bring together U of I students and community members to practice improvised music. This performance features Tatsuya Nakatani, a percussionist known for his bowed gong orchestras. Check out Smile Politely’s interview with Finkelman to learn more about Improvisers Exchange.
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.
Christopher Corkery
►WEFT Sessions (virtual) // free // 10 p.m.
Singer-songwriter Christopher Corkery has been performing around Central Illinois for quite some time now. You can catch him from the comfort of your own home on Monday night.
TUESDAY, February 8th
Image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook.
Joan Hickey Trio
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 6:30 p.m.
Joan Hickey, Larry Gray, and Joel Spencer, all faculty at the U of I, perform jazz at Rose Bowl. They’ll be performing some jazz classics as well as some of Joan’s arrangements of jazz standards.
WEDNESDAY, February 9th
U of I Jazz Combo
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
With direction from Associate Professor Ron Bridgewater, come support the jazz students at U of I and hear this talented combo.
THURSDAY, February 10th
Image by Sean Wilkinson.
CU Folk and Roots Winter Weekend (Day 1)
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $10-35 // 5 p.m.
Day 1 of Winter Weekend sees two great bands kicking off the festival — Dennis Stroughmatt and Friends at 5 p.m., and Hobnob String Band at 8 p.m. You can purchase a fest wristband for $30 prior to the weekend, or a $10 day pass for the day you are attending.
FRIDAY, February 11th
Erik Lund’s Jazz Friends Quintet
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
A tuneful Friday night provided by Jazz Friends, a group made up of Erik Lund on trombone, Jeff Helgesen on trumpet, George Turner on guitar, Emma Taylor on bass, and Ricardo Flores on drums.
She Said So
►Nightshop // $5 // 5 p.m.
She Said So is blues, rock, country, and originals. They are a Bloomington-Normal favorite.
Brian Stark’s Blue-Funk All Stars
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // free // 5 p.m.
Happy hour at NOLA’s with a slick blend of classic and contemporary soul, jazz, and RnB, provided by saxophonist Brian Stark and the Blue-Funk All Stars.
CU Folk and Roots Winter Weekend (Day 2)
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $10-35 // 8 p.m.
Day 2 of Winter Weekend starts a little later in the day, but will be a night of fun. Castle Finn begins at 8 p.m., and Candy Foster and Shades of Blue begins at 9:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, February 12th
CU Folk and Roots Winter Weekend (Day 3)
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $10-35 // 4 p.m.
Day 3 kicks off at 4 p.m. with The Young and The Fretless. Then, at 7:30 p.m., Joe’s Truck Stop plays, followed by The Landovers at 8:30 p.m., and Los Texanoz at 9:30 p.m.
Still Shine
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // $7 // 7 p.m.
Summer Camp Saturday brings Still Shine. They come from Peoria, bringing the sweet sound of Americana, bluegrass, and roots music. They have played with many renowned artists including Billy Strings, Chicago Farmer, and Way Down Wanderers, just to name a few.
Image from Nightshop’s Facebook page.
Rachel Brooke
►Nightshop // $10 adv, $13 door // 8 p.m.
Country, Americana, alt-country, and blues, Rachel Brooke blends the retro and modern with her original songs.
Dan Hubbard
►Pour Bros // free // 8 p.m.
On the patio at Pour Bros, americana singer-songwriter Dan Hubbard performs his originals with his powerful and resonating voice.
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 13th
U of I Jazz Combo
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
With direction from Professor Chip Stephens, come support the jazz students at U of I and hear this talented combo.
Image from The Goldenrods’ Facebook page.
The Goldenrods
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7 p.m.
Hailing from St. Louis, The Goldenrods are country, midwestern, and rag time all rolled into one. With guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, acoordian, and upright bass, this group lays down some wonderful tunes.
Top image from The Goldenrod’s Facebook page.
