The Overture is a rundown of live music and performances happening in the Champaign-Urbana area (and the outskirts) each week. All of the information is as accurate as we can publish, but all shows and performances are subject to change at any time. Thank you for understanding.
Have a show you think we should know about? Email us at music@smilepolitely.com with the details.
MONDAY, July 15th
DJ Belly
► Quality // free // 5 p.m.
John Campbell Trio
► The Iron Post // free // 6 p.m.
Bailey Minzenberger, zzo, Clockwork Owl
► Independent Media Center // $5 // 6 p.m.
Here’s an early week show at the IMC, featuring Zoe Willott’s project zzo, and a couple other indie rock outfits. Check out her record Telling Other People’s Stories, which was a highlight from last year’s local releases.
TUESDAY, July 16th
Church Street Ramblers
► The Iron Post // free // 7 p.m.
The Turbos
► Sipyard // free // 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, July 17th
Bounce House, Warm Darn, From Circumstances, Belle
► Independent Media Center // $5 suggested donation // 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, July 18th
Losers Club, Bury The Wicked, Fat Harvester
► nightshop in Bloomington // $7 // 6 p.m.
Chris Madsen Quartet
► The Iron Post // free // 6 p.m.
Big State, Scout Shannon & The Willing Deceivers, The Bashful Youngens
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
Kilborn Alley Blues Band
► Blackbird // free // 9 p.m.
FRIDAY, July 19th
Jeff Helgesen Quintet
► The Iron Post // free // 5 p.m.
Aol.ghost, Warm Darn, Nevi, The Latex Figure
► Independent Media Center // $10 suggested donation // 5:30 p.m.
Friday Night Live
► Downtown Champaign // free // 6 p.m.
Gretchen Peters
► Sandwich Life House // cover // 6 p.m.
Alma Afrobeat Ensemble, Zecca Bom
► OUTSIDE at the Research Park // free // 6:30 p.m.
This year’s free show at the Research Park, programmed by Krannert Center, features Alma Afrobat Ensemble and local support act Zecca Bom. The show is free and open to all ages, so when the weather is good, this is a nice highlight to the summertime outdoor festivities in C-U.
Dropsy, Grand Ambassador
► 25 O’Clock Brewing Company // free // 7 p.m.
Andy Mo
► Neil St. Blues // cover unknown // 7 p.m.
Wildermore
► nightshop in Bloomington // $7 // 7 p.m.
New Twang City
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
Jose Gobbo & Reggie Lewis
► Crudo Wine Bar // free // 8 p.m.
SOiL, Beyond Threshold, Degrade the Signal
► City Center // $15-18 // 8 p.m.
DJ Vader, DJ Strick Lee
► Watson’s Shack & Rail // free // 9 p.m.
Joe Asselin
► The Iron Post // free // 9 p.m.
SATURDAY, July 20th
The Dirty Feathers, The Dry Look, Primitive Lights, Colonel James Presents, Mermaid Heaven, Carrie Chandler & Aaron Short, DJ Belly, DJ Tim Williams
► Bentley’s // $5 // 6 p.m.
Bentley’s Fringe Fest is back, featuring a ton of local bands and some DJs all for free out back at the Pub. The Dirty Feathers haven’t performed much in recent years, but have been busy working on new material and such. There will be food available via Sticky Rice, plus more boozy stuff to pay attention to — check out the Facebook event for all the details about this one on Saturday night.
Forebeat, From Circumstances
► 25 O’Clock Brewing Company // free // 6 p.m.
Sun Stereo, MOJO
► Blackbird // $7 advance/$10 day of show // 7 p.m.
Blackbird’s two year anniversary show is also on Saturday, and although we tend to not highlight shows with cover bands, this Tom Petty cover band is worth your time, in addition to the always entertaining funk outfit Sun Stereo of course.
Edna, Miracle Whip, Prevention, Power Of Dusk
► Casa de Sasha // $5-$10 // 7:30 p.m.
Tractor Kings, Cowgirl Jordy, Fate McAfee, Carly Beth
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $5 // 8 p.m.
Union Street Players
► Pour Bros Craft Tap Room’s Artist Alley // free // 8:30 p.m.
Doc Shredd
► The Iron Post // free // 9 p.m.
DJ I.C. Dre’
► Watson’s Shack & Rail // free // 10:30 pm.
SUNDAY, July 21st
TV Pole Shine, Boneyard Brass Band
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Hot Iron String Band
► Toalson Park // free // 6 p.m.