Smile Politely

The Overture: January 3-9

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.

WEDNESDAY, January 5th


Image from Mid-October’s Facebook page.

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.

FRIDAY, January 7th

Jordan Kaye The Tunewrangler

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.

Bringing you songs, stories, and witty banter, Jordan Kaye is sure to be a night of fun. With a mix of rock, folk, and requests, come hangout at the Rose Bowl. 

The Tangents

Clark Bar // free // 6:30 p.m.

The Tangents are an acoustic duo from Spingfield. They are hitting Clark Bar on Friday for the very first time, bringing their eclectic sound and contagious personalities. 


Image from Nightshop’s Facebook page. 

Painted Canyon, Wet Tail

Nightshop // $7 adv, $10 door // 8 p.m.

Painted Canyon, from Chicago, brings a mix of americana and rock and roll. Wet Tail from Bloomington brings lo-fi, garage/indie rock. 

SATURDAY, January 8th

Suzanne, John and The Limping Cowboy Band

Rose Bowl Tavern // tips encouraged // 4 p.m.

This group brings originals and covers of country, folk, and cowboy music.

Rebekah Songer Band, Ant Hattie, Mango Pods, Maps of The Midwest

Rose Bowl Tavern // $7 // 7 p.m.

You’ve got folk, you’ve got rock, and you’ve certainly got roll. Four great acts for a night of fun at Rose Bowl. 

Jaik Willis

Pour Bros Craft Taproom // free // 8:30 p.m.

The one man band himself Jaik Willis will be performing at Pour Bros on Saturday. He plays guitar, bass, sings, and plays an 11-piece drumset, all at the same time. 


Image from NOLA’s Facebook page.

Dizgo

NOLA’s Rock Bar // $7 // 9 p.m.

Dizgo is a blend of funk, soul, psych rock, and electronica to form music that is “danceable and introspective.” They’re also a jam band, so there will definitely be some great improvisation. 

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 9th

Sean Kutzko & Friends

Rose Bowl Tavern // donations encouraged // 4 p.m.

Percussionist Sean Kutzko brings his pals and plays some funk and RnB for a night of fun at Rose Bowl. Including Mark White, Kavi Naidu, Mitchell Killough, and James Mauck. 

The Mean Lids

Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 suggested donation // 7 p.m.

Playing original, traditional, and modern flute and fiddle music from North America, Ireland, Scottland, and Scandinavia, Mean Lids is going to keep you entertained.

Kristen Ford, The Unemployed Architects, Alex Jordine

Nightstop // $7 adv, $10 door // 8:30 p.m.

Three great acts brining indie, acoustic, folk, and alternative to Nightshop. Kristen Ford comes from Nashville and performs guitar, drums, beatboxing, and some great harmonies using live looping.

Top image from NOLA’s Facebook page.

Music Editor

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