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.
TUESDAY, January 18th
Kayla Brown’s TeKayla Tunesday
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 6:30 p.m.
Kayla Brown brings some orginal tunes this Tuesday, so come hangout and enjoy some drinks and great music.
WEDNESDAY, January 19th
Andrew Danforth Quintet
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
The Andrew Danforth Quintet brings original jazz tunes as well as some standards, led by trombonist Andrew Danforth.
Mid-October
►Clark Bar // free // 6:30 p.m.
Acoustic alternative/indie duo Mid-October plays Clark Bar, performing mostly originals, as well as some covers. You can expect some heartfelt vocals and lyrics.
THURSDAY, January 20th
Goth Night at Rose Bowl Tavern
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
Goths unite for a night of synthpop, darkwave, industrial, noise, and more at Rose Bowl. Wear all black, obviously.
FRIDAY, January 21st
Jeff Helgesen Quintet
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Local trumpet master Jeff Helgesen is back with his band, performing at the Rose Bowl. Bringing you hard bop of the 1960s.
TyJon (of The Unemployed Architects)
►Clark Bar // free // 6:30 p.m.
Bringing originals and covers, I have seen The Unemployed Architects once before, and Ty has a great voice. Well worth catching him at Clark Bar for a laid back Friday night.
Image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook event page.
New Souls
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
Local favorites New Souls come to Rose Bowl to bring their mix of motown, funk and soul. It’s always a great time with this group.
Amuse, Attic Salt, Chuck’s Papas
►Nightshop // $7 adv, $10 door // 9 p.m.
Amuse brings pop-punk and rock to Bloomington’s Nightshop, with support from Springfield’s Attic Salt, and BloNo’s Chuck’s Papas.
DJ Belly
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 11 p.m.
The party isn’t over just yet, as DJ Belly is bringing a late night of music to Rose Bowl. Come enjoy some drinks and dancing.
SATURDAY, January 22nd
Crystal Rebone’s Taco Belles
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 1 p.m.
A trio made up of three upright bassists, this lineup is Crystal Rebone, Emma Taylor, and Andrew Binder. It’s not often you hear of a group made up of multiple bassists, so this is a show to check out.
Blue Iris Duo
►Clark Bar // free // 6:30 p.m.
Coming out of Towanda, Illinois, Blue Iris Duo features indie and classic rock, as well as some original songs. The duo is Jen & Rob Hargis.
Tom Grassman Band
►Pipa’s Pub // free // 7 p.m.
Tom Grassman leads his band through three hours of live music, providing you with a night of “rock and roll party music.”
Image by Nick Langlois, from Zoofunkyou’s Facebook page.
Zoofunkyou
►Nola’s Rock bar // $7 // 7 p.m.
Part of Summer Camp Saturdays at NOLA’s, Zoofunkyou is blues, psychedelic, soul, and funk all in one. Come listen and get a taste of this year’s Summer Camp Music Festival.
James Jones and Friends
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
Shake up your week with a little bit funk/r&b fusion with James Jones. They’ll be playing from 8 p.m. to midnight, so plently of time to get to the Rose Bowl and join the party.
Mike Ingram and Kayla Brown
►Pour Bros Craft Taproom // free // 8:30 p.m.
In case you missed Kayla on Tuesday, you can catch her performing with Mike Ingram (of New Souls) on Saturday. Sure to be a great night.
Still Shine
►Nightshop // $10 adv, $13 door // 8:30 p.m.
Still Shine comes 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.
Michael Charles
►One-Ts Cornerpocket // free // 9 p.m.
Michael Charles is a Chicago Blues Hall of Fame artist, boasting a large catalogue of original songs and thirty eight years of experience. He’ll be stopping by with his band on Saturday.
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 23rd
Image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook event page.
Bandoneon Massacre
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 1 p.m.
An Argentine tango orchestra collective, this large group will for sure get you dancing on Sunday afternoon. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required at the door.
El Cancionero Americano
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 suggested donation // 4 p.m.
Jazz, Afro-Caribbean, and Latin American styles come together to form El Cancionero Americano. Made up of many admired local jazz musicians, come get a taste of some styles that you may not hear regularly.
Blues Deacons
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
The always-favorite blues outfit from Gibson City are hitting the Rose Bowl. Playing originals as well as blues classics, come by and “let the blues ease on into your soul.”
Image from Vaudevileins’ Facebook page.
Vaudevileins, The Recombinants, The Sly
►Nightshop // $5 adv, $8 door // 8:30 p.m.
Vaudevileins from Chicago grace the Nightshop stage, with their loud, uptempo, in your face rock and roll. They’ll be joined by Bloomington-Normal bands The Recombinants and The Sly.
Liquid Stranger
►Canopy Club // $30 adv, $35 doors // 9 p.m.
Presented by WAKAAN, producer Liquid Stranger is joined by Mersiv, TVBOO, VEIL, and Canabliss. VIP tickets are sold out, but general admission are still available for now, so grab tickets while you can.
Top image from Vaudevileins’ Facebook page.
