Smile Politely

The Overture: June 13-19

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, June 13th

Chip Stephens Organ Trio

► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5:30 p.m.

Not your typical jazz trio! Organ, guitar, and drums mix together to create some great tunes.

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.


Image from The Lucky Funks’ Facebook page. 

The Lucky Funks

WEFT Sessions (virtual) // free // 10 p.m.

Rock outfit The Lucky Funks hit the WEFT studio to play an hour of music. 

TUESDAY, June 14th

Jose Agusti

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.

Jose Agusti brings retro and modern Americana with a side of pop. 

Hobnob String Band

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.

Hobnob brings you some great acoustic music, from blues to bluegrass and other styles. Catch some great harmonies, and some wonderful fingerpicking. 

WEDNESDAY, June 15th

Emma Taylor Quartet

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.

Bassist Emma Taylor leads her quartet through a night of tunes, with Frank Kurtz on drums, Reggie Lewis on sax, and David McEarthron on keys. 

THURSDAY, June 16th


Image by TSB Studios from Cancerslugs’ Facebook page. 

Cancerslug, Soy City Stranglers, TBA

Nightshop // $15 adv, $18 door // 7 p.m.

A loud and terrifying night awaits you at Nightshop, with horror punk, gothic rock band Cancerslug. Joining them are punk rockers Soy City Stranglers as well as another band to be announced. 

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. 

FRIDAY, June 17th

Jeff Helgesen Quintet

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

Local trumpet guru Jeff Helgesen performs at the Rose Bowl with his stellar quintet, bringing you hard bop of the 1960s. 

Friday Night Live

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

Another week of live music downtown, with lineups changing weekly. Check out their Facebook page to see the full details, including set times and locations.

The Blues Deacons

Huber’s // free // 7 p.m.

The blues outfit from Gibson City are hitting Huber’s. Playing originals as well as blues classics, come by and “let the blues ease on into your soul.”

Dalton Halls Band

Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 suggested donation // 8 p.m.

Soul, funk, jazz, and hip-hop is what Dalton Halls Band has to offer this Saturday at Rose Bowl. Come dance and have a drink.


Image from Decadent’s Facebook page. 

Decadents

Pour Bros // free // 8:30 p.m.

Fresh off a performance at Street Fest, rock band Decandents will be playing a set on the patio at Pour Bros. 

Colonel James Presents, Red Shirts, The Complaint Line

Brass Rail // donations encouraged // 9 p.m.

Rockers Colonel James Presents are joined by Red Shirts from Springfield, Missouri, and The Complaint Line from Springfield, Illinois. 

Afterglow with DJ Baub

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 10 p.m.

A late night afterparty at Rose Bowl with DJ Baub spinning dance tunes until 2 a.m. 

SATURDAY, June 18th

Record Store Day Mini-Fest

Exile On Main Street // free // 11 p.m.

Record Store Day got split into two days this year, with this June date being the second date. Exile is hosting a party with 10+ bands playing all day. 

Hot Club of Urbana

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

Bringing hot jazz tunes including originals and standards, accordion, guitar, drums, bass, sax, and more — there will be great vibes abound.


Image from Nick Dittmeier’s Facebook page. 

Nick Dittmeier and the Sawduster’s, Painted Canyon

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

Indiana-based singer/songwriter Nick Dittmeier joins americana/indie rock band Painted Canyon for an evening of gritty folk and rock. 

SUNDAY, June 19th

Almost A

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 4 p.m.

Almost A plays jazz, folk, gypsy, gypsy jazz, tango and klezmer music, creating a truly wonderful and unique sound. Joining the group this week is special guest Joy Yang (of Kuroshio).

The Blues Deacons

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

If you couldn’t catch them at Huber’s on Friday, here’s another chance for you to see the blues outfit Blues Deacons. 

Top image from Nick Dittmeier’s Facebook page. 

Music Editor

Related Articles