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 2nd
Thomas Skottene, Kurt Bielema, Garrick Nelson
► The Iron Post // $5 // 7 p.m.
Here’s a trio of musicians that are in acts you might be familiar with. Kurt Bielema is the lone artist that typically performs under that moniker on his own, but Thomas Skottene is in Tigerbeat, and Garrick Nelson is in a bunch of projects — ZXO, Winder, Col. James Presents, and more.
Retirement Party, The Telephone Junkies, Linder, HECK
► nightshop in Bloomington // $5 // 8:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, July 3rd
Spindependence
► Blackbird // free // July 3-4
Spindependence, the annual summer DJ throw down is this week, taking place on July 3rd and 4th at Blackbird in Downtown Urbana. Tons of DJs are lined up to spin. This should be an awesome time if you’re looking for a way to spend some time out and about this holiday. You can check out the full schedule here. Blackbird just celebrated its one year anniversary this past weekend, so they are keeping the train rolling this week.
awakebutstillinbed, Honey Cutt, Stolen Boats, Isaac Arms
► Ghost Planet // $5-$7 // 7 p.m.
The Lowest Pair
► The Iron Post // $2-$3 // 8 p.m.
DJ BLee, Shane Canfield
► Cowboy Monkey // free // 9 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, July 4th
Audiofeed Music Festival
► Champaign County Fairgrounds // prices vary // July 4-7
Audiofeed Music Festival returns this week, with a bonus show day leading things off on the 4th, though the main festival dates are July 5-7 at the Champaign County Fairgrounds. Check out the full lineup, which features previously-announced As Cities Burn, Aha Gazelle, Gungor, and dozens more. Be on the lookout for a preview tomorrow to learn more about the festival.
Shane Canfield, DJ Chaboi
► Cowboy Monkey // free // 5 p.m.
THURSDAY, July 5th
Derick Cordoba Combo
► The Iron Post // cover // 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, July 6th
Billy Galt
► Lake House at Crystal Lake Park // free // 12 p.m.
Jordan and the Jordanears
► The Iron Post // $2 // 5 p.m.
New Orleans Jazz Machine
► Blackbird // free // 5 p.m.
Friday Night Live
► Downtown Champaign // free // 6 p.m.
Robert Sena, Zecca Bom
► The Iron Post // cover // 7 p.m.
Winder, Two Inch Astronaut, Spandrels
► Cowboy Monkey // $7 // 8 p.m.
Winder is a local post hardcore outfit, and they are releasing a new EP on Saturday night, GONE, FOR GOOD on Heirship Records. Stream a track over at the SPlog post I made a little while back if you’re interested in checking that out ahead of this weekend’s show. They’re joined by Two Inch Astronaut, and another local Spandrels.
Timbalu
► 25 O’Clock Brewing Company // free // 8 p.m.
Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy, Snayl, Fiona Kimble, Sagan Phillip Jacobson
► nightshop in Bloomington // cover // 8 p.m.
DJ-I.C.Dre
► Watson’s // free // 10:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, July 7th
DJ DC
► Douglass Park // free // 12 p.m.
Kittens Incorporated
► Hessel Park // free // 3 p.m.
Us, Today, Marathon
► Exile on Main Street // free // 6 p.m.
Adam and Chris Carroll, Kevin Elliott
► Sandwich Life House // $20 // 6 p.m.
Dezorah
► Exile on Main Street // free // 6 p.m.
Almost a Quintet
► The Iron Post // cover // 7 p.m.
Adam Larson Trio, Disorganizer
► nightshop in Bloomington // $10 // 7 p.m.
Upchurch
► The City Center // $22-$32 // 8 p.m.
Kilborn Alley
► The Iron Post // cover // 9 p.m.
SUNDAY, July 8th
LaMonte Parson Group
► The Iron Post // cover // 7 p.m.
Houndmouth, Liz Cooper & The Stampede
► The Castle Theatre in Bloomington // $22.50 advance/$25 door // 7:30 p.m.