The Overture: July 16-22 - Smile Politely — Champaign-Urbana's Culture Magazine

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 16th

John Campbell Trio

► The Iron Post // cover // 6 p.m.

Edna, Burnout, Power of Dusk, xPOPPYxROSEx

► Casa De Sasha // $5-$7 // 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, July 17th

Gloria Roubal

► Blackbird // free // 6 p.m.

Aquila

► 25 O’Clock Brewery // free // 6:30 p.m.

Amanda Raye

► Boomerang’s // free // 7 p.m.

Illinois Summer Youth Music show

► The Canopy Club // free // 7:30 p.m.

Illinois Summer Youth Music is presenting a show that’s free and all ages, featuring faculty from the summer program. Performers include CJ Run, Ryan Groff (of Elsinore), James Treichler (of Dirty Feathers and Elsinore), and plenty more.

Church Street Ramblers

► The Iron Post // $5 // 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, July 18th

Cpt. Captain, Her Crooked Heart, Sam Moss

► Flying Machine Avionics // $10 suggested donation // 7 p.m.

Julie made mention of this show last week, but here’s another performance at Avionics you can check out. If you’re looking for an intimate show setting, Avionics has three acts lined up — they’ve been doing these shows every so often, so if you can’t make this one, I’m sure they will have others in the future.

Backdoor Cajun Band

► Sipyard // free // 7 p.m.

The Dry Look, Proud Parents, XETAS, Nectar

► Memphis on Main // $7 // 8 p.m.

First off, this is an amazing poster.

Next, awesome group of bands playing at Memphis on Main for this mid-week punk/indie rock show. The Dry Look and Nectar are a couple of local staples, while XETAS visit from Austin TX, and Proud Parents hail from Madison WI. Nectar released a new album back in April, and the Dry Look are always an entertaining watch — I’d recommend this one this week, no question.

Ian Shepherd, Mitchell Killough

► Blackbird // free // 8 p.m.

Alma Afrobeat Ensemble

► The Iron Post // $5 // 8 p.m.

Thunderosa

► The Loose Cobra // free // 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, July 19th

Lou DiBello

► Clark Bar // free // 6 p.m.

Mother Nature, We Levitate, CJ Run

► The Canopy Club // free // 7 p.m.

C-U ex pats Mother Nature are back in town, their first since hitting up Blackbird with CJ Run back in April. The Hip-Hop Music Ed Symposium is presenting this free show at Canopy Club on Thursday night. Since the students are gone, Canopy has been pretty sleepy, so with everything happening there this week for the Illinois Summer Youth Music program, they will pump some life into it for the time being.

Whitey Morgan

► The City Center // $16.25-$75 // 8 p.m.

Outlaw country artist Whitey Morgan returns to Champaign after his visit back in 2016 at the Accord — there was a huge blizzard that day if you remember this show, though nice and toasty warm indoors of course. Morgan hits the City Center this time around. Morgan performed at PYGMALION in 2015 at the Rose Bowl, so he’s no stranger to C-U.

Vinny Santanelli

► Blackbird // free // 10 p.m.

FRIDAY, July 20th

GR8 Vibes Only Festival

►Scott Park // free // 5 p.m.

Brad Wheeler Group

► Blackbird // free // 5 p.m.

Friday Night Live

► Downtown Champaign // free // 6 p.m.

Marcia Ball, Jive Bag

► OUTSIDE at the Research Park // free // 6:30 p.m.

The legendary blues artist Marcia Ball headlines this summer’s OUTSIDE at the Research Park, Krannert Center’s annual throw down across town from the walls of their facility. This free and family-friendly show follows up last year’s show by Elvin Bishop Big Fun Trio. Though this show is free of charge, check out the full slate of shows KCPA has lined up for their 2018-19 season, celebrating their 50th.