Smile Politely

The Overture: July 25-31

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, July 25th

Amarras

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5:30 p.m.

Amarras is a quintet playing contemporary Argentinian Tango. 

Urbanna 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.


Photo from The Obsessed’s Facebook page.

The Obsessed, Angelust, Edna

Nightshop // $12 adv, $15 door // 8 p.m.

The Obsessed from D.C. bring doom metal to Nightshop, alongside Angelust from Peoria and Edna from Champaign. 

TUESDAY, July 26th

The Dig 3

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.

Acoustic blues and folk powerhouse The Dig 3 play Rose Bowl.

C-U Irish Session

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7 p.m.

A jam session of local musicians playing traditional Irish tunes, with fiddle, accordion, banjo, flute, and more in the Rose Bowl parking lot. 

Faculty and Guest Showcase

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.

Electric tango music performed by the faculty of the 2022 Tanguero Workshop for Musicians. They’ll be joined by guest musicians as well. 

WEDNESDAY, July 27th

Vine Street Syncopators

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.

Jazz at Rose Bowl on Wednesdy with the Vine Street Syncopators. Known for playing New Orleans style jazz and swing, this band will get you dancing. 

The Ben Goldman Trio

The Literary // free // 6 p.m.

Music at The Literary with jazz group The Ben Goldman Trio. Goldman released his album Space Cadet last year. 

THURSDAY, July 28th


Photo from Harvest Son’s Facebook page. 

Harvest Sons

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.

Americana, folk, and rock mix together with Harvest Sons, coming from Peoria. 

Bourema “Ibrahim” Ouedraogo, The Chickadee Sermon

Krannert Center // free // 5 p.m.

Krannert Uncorked is back, this week with Bourema “Ibrahim” Ouedraogo playing West African guitar. He’ll be joined by Jason Finkleman. After, folk group The Chickadee Sermon will be performing. 

Silverweed

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.

Silverweed plays originals and covers, ranging from Grateful Dead to Bob Dylan. Expect some great improvisation and jamming. 

Goth Night

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 9 p.m.

Goths unite for a night of synthpop, darkwave, industrial, noise, and more at Rose Bowl. Wear all black, obviously.

Karat’s Gold, The Gorge, Bull Cult, Assassinator

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

Punk, thrash metal, math metal, and more at Nightshop on Thursday. 

FRIDAY, July 29th

Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.

A night of dance and upbeat tunes awaits you with this jazz collective. They’ll be playing Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Cuban, and Puerto Rican music. 

Nick Gusman and the Coyotes

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.

Nick Gusman brings southern Missouri to Urbana on Thursday, backed by his band the Coyotes, playing blues, rock, folk, and country. 


Photo from Hayes Carll’s Facebook page. 

Hayes Carll

Castle Theatre // $25 adv, $28 door // 8 p.m.

Singer-songwriter Hayes Carll brings his roots and folk style and sense of humor to Castle Theatre on Friday. Opening the show is Travis Linville. 

J. Jones and the TriTones

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 10 p.m.

James Jones, Mitchell Killough, Justin Simmons and JD Dye make up this group, bringing some smooth tunes and tasty licks. 

SATURDAY, July 30th

Girls Rock C-U Festival

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 12 p.m.

The inaugural Girls Rock C-U festival is happening at Rose Bowl Tavern on July 30th. Starting at 12 p.m., the festival is an end-of-camp showcase that will feature live music all day, as well as art vendors set up for your shopping pleasure.

SUNDAY, July 31st

Nick’s Country Jam

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 6 p.m.

An open mic of sorts, Nicholas Stine invites folks to get on stage and perform folk, country, and more.

Nectar, The Mall, Ricki Marvel, Thotcrime

Brass Rail // $8 // 7 p.m.

Everything from punk to art-pop to cybergrind, if you’re looking for variety, Brass Rail has you covered on Sunday. 


Photo from Dallas Ugly’s Facebook page. 

Dallas Ugly

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 9 p.m.

Dallas Ugly hails from Nashville, and their sound is a nice blend of pop, country, indie, and folk. 

Top photo by Nate Burell from Nick Gusman’s Facebook page. 

Music Editor

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