WHAT: U of I Jazz Faculty Ensemble
WHERE: The Iron Post ($5)
WHEN: Wednesday, January 19 at 8:00 p.m.
What better way to start the new semester than with the U of I jazz faculty band? Local jazz authority Jeff Helgesen calls this his favorite local band, and it’s hard to disagree. Faculty members include Chip McNeill on tenor, Ron Bridgewater on tenor, Jim Pugh on trombone Tito Carrillo on trumpet, Larry Gray on bass, Jay Sawyer on drums and Joan Hickey/Chip Stephens on piano.
WHAT: Somi
WHERE: Krannert Center (sold out)
WHEN: Thur. – Sat., Jan 20 -22 at 7:30 p.m.
It’s probably not fair to call someone with such a diverse upbringing and myriad musical influences a local, but Somi spent enough time in Champaign that we should at least take some credit. After all, she was born here and went to Uni and Central. Her vibrant sound dashes from African, soul, jazz and everywhere in between.
WHAT: The Martyrs, Matt Brandabur & Friends
WHERE: The Highdive ($10)
WHEN: Friday and Saturday, Jan. 21 -22 at 7 p.m.
Friday. Jan 21 and Sat. Jan. 22 – The Highdive
The Martyrs was a critically acclaimed local band that made a big splash in town during the early eighties. The members are getting back together for a couple of shows and the re-release of their self-titled debut album, which originally came out in 1983. Matt Brandabur was/is in the Vertebrats, a band that had their own reunion gig last fall. We’ll have a lot more on this show later this week.
WHAT: The Life and Times, Centaur, Dibiase
WHERE: Cowboy Monkey ($7)
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 22 at 9:30 p.m.
Though they’ve probably moved well beyond the label, the Life and Times is the space rock out fit that includes former Shiner main man Allen Epley. It’s been a while since the last album, so possibly they’re out testing new material. Centaur is a local band best known for featuring members of Peace Beach. Dibiase is a Collinsville, IL based band whose sound should fit nicely in the bill. Expect to soar.
WHAT: Dark Star Orchestra
WHERE: The Canopy Club ($17 in advance, $20 door)
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 24 at 8 p.m.
We don’t usually cover tribute bands on Smile Politely, but Dark Star Orchestra has been successfully doing this long enough that they deserve a little attention. Known for playing accurate sets from specific shows, they are pretty much the top-of-the-line Grateful Dead cover band.
(Jim Pugh photo by George Talusan, DSO picture by Grayhead)