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 27th
Colin Heshmat’s Standard Ground
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
New York based pianist Colin Heshmat brings his group — made up of local jazz favorites — to the Rose Bowl, hosting a jazz jam session.
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.
Honey Fungus
►WEFT Sessions (virtual) // free // 10 p.m.
Trio Honey Fungus is playing WEFT Sessions for the first time, so tune in to show some support.
TUESDAY, June 28th
Reverend Robert & The Rhumba Bums
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Bringing a vast array of musical styles and influences, blues guitarist Reverand Robert brings rhythm and a great acoustic sound to the Rose Bowl.
Image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
Sarah Shook and the Disarmers, The Bashful Youngens
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $18 // 7 p.m.
Sarah Shook brings a classic country sound while still sounding modern and all her own. She’ll be joined by The Bashful Youngens, opening the night with an acoustic set.
WEDNESDAY, June 29th
The Lindie Hoop Jazz Band
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Danceable swing music is what this jazz combo brings, made up of viola, clarinet, guitar, bass, drums, and vocals.
THURSDAY, June 30th
Image from Audiofeed’s Facebook page.
Audiofeed Music Festival
►Champaign County Fairgrounds // $35-80 // 12 p.m.
Audiofeed is back after two years of cancelations due to COVID, and no doubt folks are excited and ready. The fest starts on the evening of June 30th, and goes until midnight on Sunday, July 3rd. This year’s lineup includes Pedro the Lion, Rosie Thomas, Flatfoot 56, and many more. Single day tickets and full festival tickets are available.
Greg Klyma
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Old school country and rock and roll, Greg Klyma oulls influence from Willie, Petty, Steve Earle, and more.
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.
Sara Quah Band, Alex Jordine
►Nightshop // $7 adv, $10 door // 7 p.m.
Sara Quah brings jazz and pop, and Alex Jordine brings indie, folk, and alternative to Nightshop.
Goth Night at Rose Bowl Tavern
►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.
FRIDAY, July 1st
Jordan Kaye The Tunewrangler
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Bringing you songs, stories, and witty banter, Jordan Kaye is sure to be a night of fun. With a mix of rock, folk, and requests, come hangout at the Rose Bowl.
Friday Jazz Happy Hour
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // free // 5 p.m.
Hitting NOLA’s this week is the Brad Wheeler Group, made up of Brad Wheeler (saxophone), Chip McNeill (keyboard), Andrew Binder (bass), Nikola Djokic (drums).
Wiplot, Adelphi Set, Geoff Beran & The Mystery Band
►Nightshop // $10 adv, $13 door // 6:30 p.m.
A great night of rock and roll music at Nightshop, everything from alt-rock to prog-rock to hard rock, it’s covered.
Image by Front Row Music News from Chicago Farmer’s Facebook page.
Chicago Farmer and the Fieldnotes
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $15 adv, $20 day of // 7:30 p.m.
Local favorite country, americana, and folk band Chicago Farmer and the Fieldnotes is stopping by Rose Bowl to play a set outside.
SATURDAY, July 2nd
Backyard BBQ Band
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 12 p.m.
The Backyard BBQ Band has been around for some time now, playing western, swing, jazz, country, and anything else perfect for a BBQ.
Toast to Taylor Street
►Downtown Champaign // free // 2 p.m.
Another edition of Toast to Taylor Street, with a large lineup of bands performing, including The K-Tels, Rory Book and the Volumes, Paul Kotheimer and more.
Spindependence
►Pour Bros Craft Taproom // free // 2 p.m.
Spindependence returns, with two stages, food trucks, art, visuals, and more to celebrate the event’s 20th anniversary. Starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday and running until the end of the day on Sunday, July 3rd.
Image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
Gingher/Wang Piano Duo
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 3 p.m.
The piano duo of Pei-I Wan and Samuel Gingher are heading to Rose Bowl to celebrate the release of their new CD.
Caleb Cook Band
►Huber’s // free // 7 p.m.
Country musician Caleb Cook brings his band to Huber’s for a kick-butt night of country.
Nathan Kalish and his Derechos, Clayton Burke Band
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 suggested donation // 7 p.m.
Nathan Kalish has opened up for some big names including Lucinda Williams, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Lucero, and more. Joining him is the Clayton Burke Band, adding to the night of cosmic country and psychedelic folk.
SUNDAY, July 3rd
Monstrosity Complex feat. Rylan Gleave, The Briar Schlenker Trio
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 4 p.m.
Cellist and experimental musician Briar Schlenker brings two of their projects to Rose Bowl — the first is Monstrosity Complex, in which Schlenker will be joined by vocalist Rylan Gleave. The second is the Briar Schlenker trio, with Joy Yang and James Mauck.
Space Port
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7 p.m.
Formerly The Groove Lemons, Space Port will take you on a jazz fusion journey, so get ready to go far out, man.
Inland Calypso
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 9 p.m.
A night of Caribbean music with a midwest spin. With steel drums, electric guitar, keys, and more, it is sure to be a night of fun and dancing.
Top image from Audiofeed’s Facebook page.
