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, January 10th
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. Check out Smile Politely’s interview with Finkelman to learn more about Improvisers Exchange.
The Urbana 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.
TUESDAY, January 11th
Chip McNeil Quartet
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Saxophonist Chip McNeil returns to bang out the tunes with his quartet. Come hang out for happy hour!
Jake and Jackson
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
Father and son duo Jake and Jackson hit the Rose Bowl for a night of originals and covers. Jake is a founder of The Boat Drunks, and Jackson is a freshman at Parkland College.
WEDNESDAY, January 12th
Photo from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
Editor’s pick: Andrew Binder’s Conspiracy Deliracy
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Okay, reading the description on Rose Bowl’s Facebook for this show has me intrigued. Bassist Andrew Binder brings original jazz compositions that are inspired by popular conspiracy theories. How does that translate into jazz music? I have no idea, but I want to find out. This is my pick for the week solely based on how intrigued I am.
Mid-October
►Clark Bar // free // 6:30 p.m.
Alternative and indie rock duo Mid-October hits the Clark Bar with some orginal tunes as well as some covers.
THURSDAY, January 13th
Sam Payne and Charlie Harris
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Bassist Charlie Harris and guitarist and singer Sam Payne come together for Thursday night happy hour at Rose Bowl, pickin’ out tunes and having a grand ole time.
Jive Bag
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
A five-piece jazz band playing New-Orleans inspired funk and contemporary jazz, you can expect traditional tunes and originals.
FRIDAY, January 14th
The Rite Guard Quartet
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Lead by Mateo Sanchez on drums, this lineup of jazz musicians includes Jesus Fuentes on piano, Kyle Hunt on trombine, and Andrey Goncalves on upright bass.
The Impalas
►Huber’s // free // 7 p.m.
The Impalas play at Huber’s, bringing their brand of Texas roadhouse blues. Expect some tasty tunes.
Photo from Nightshop’s Facebook event page.
Karat’s Gold, The Recombinants, Rings, Night Mother
►Nightshop // $10 adv, $13 door // 8:30 p.m.
Nightshop is always a favorite for some hevay metal and punk, and this lineup is no exception. With everything from math rock and doom metal to shoegaze and post punk, the trip to Bloomington will be worth it.
The Hangovers
►Axe Bar // free // 9 p.m.
The Hangovers make their Axe Bar debut, playing their pysch-rock sound from Decatur. They’ll be performing covers as well some new original songs.
AllNighter
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 9 p.m.
Four friends, playing country, pop, funk, soul, 90’s alternative, classic rock, and more. So basically, a little bit of everything.
SATURDAY, January 15th
Photo from Devin Frank Vanishing Blues Band’s Facebook page.
Devin Frank, Kurt Bielema
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 4 p.m.
Devin Frank is a guitarist bringing psych, folk, and drone music, and Kurt Bielema brings folk, indie, and pop with his original songs. Both artists released new albums last year, so I imagine we’ll get some tunes from those records. Highly recommend this show.
Easy Riders
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // $7 // 7 p.m.
Part of Summer Camp Saturdays, which brings Summer Camp 2022 artists to NOLA’s, Easy Riders play blues, reggae, funk, gospel, jazz, bluegrass, and more. If you aren’t attending Summer Camp, this would be a great way to get a piece of the festival.
Rory Book & The Volumes
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
Rory Book and The Volumes is self described “starkly unique americana.” They bring an infectious energy and some foot-stomping tunes.
The Bashful Youngens
►Pour Bros Craftroom // free // 8:30 p.m.
Folk/americana group The Bashful Youngens play at Pour Bros. This group is always a great time, and a local favorite.
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, January 16th
East Central Illinois Youth Orchestra
►Smith Memorial Hall // free // 7 p.m.
Performing for the first time in-person in over a year and a half, the East Central Illinois Youth Orchestra will be playing music from Dvorak, Brahms, Saint-Saens, and more.
Chachi and Walt Falbo
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7 p.m.
Bring your weekend to a close with an evening of folk and americana, featuring some original songs as well as classics.
Top image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
