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, March 14th
The Avant-Gardians
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5:30 p.m.
This jazz group brings collective improvisation as well as “interpretations of graphic scores, text scores, and classic avant-garde literature.” This week, they’re joined by cellist Briar Schlenker.
The Urbana 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.
TUESDAY, March 15th
Big Daddy Pride
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5-7 p.m.
Dad’s back at Rose Bowl, and it’s always a great time. I believe he’s performing solo, I could be wrong, but either way, Big Daddy will keep you entertained.
Rival Sons
►Castle Theatre // $25 adv, $28 door // 7 p.m.
Rock band Rival Sons from Long Beach, California hit the Castle Theatre on Tuesday. They are currently touring alongside and opening for Greta Van Fleet, but they’re headlining their own show tonight.
WEDNESDAY, March 16th
Image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
James Mauck Trio
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5-7 p.m.
Drummer James Mauck will lead his trio through some older and newer songs, with Andrew Binder on bass, and Paul Mock on guitar.
THURSDAY, March 17th
Cody and Charlie
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5-7 p.m.
Two of C-U’s most beloved, Cody Jensen and Charlie Harris will be playing americana, bluegrass, folk, country, and more this Thursday, part of Rose Bowl’s Americana Happy Hour.
The House Trio
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
Jose Gobbo, Ben Taylor, and Nikola Djokic came together to form The House Trio in 2020, and have aired over 50 livestreams since, performing over 400 tunes. They’ll be bringing their sound to the Rose Bowl, performing their blend of Brazilian, Serbian, jazz, pop, and more.
Image from Nightshop’s Facebook page.
The Dollyrots, The Von Tramps, The Complaint Line
►Nightshop // $12 adv, $15 door // 8 p.m.
The Dollyrots come to Bloomington’s Nightshop all the way from Los Angeles. Playing pop punk and alt-rock, the group has been around since 2001, playing thousands of shows, and released six studio albums. Joining them is The Von Tramps from Minneapolis, as well as The Complaint Line from Springfield, IL. This is sure to be a great night of punk.
FRIDAY, March 18th
Jeff Helgesen Quintet
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Always a favorite, C-U trumpet guru Jeff Helgesen returns to the Rose Bowl with his stellar quintet, bringing you hard bop of the 1960s.
Blues Funk All-Stars
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // free // 5 p.m.
Part of Jazz Happy Hour at NOLA’s, the Blue Funk All-Stars perform, led by Brian Stark. Come enjoy food and drinks, and some sweet jazz.
The Blues Deacons
►Huber’s // free // 7 p.m.
The blues outfit from Gibson City are hitting the Huber’s. Playing originals as well as blues classics, come by and “let the blues ease on into your soul.”
Image from Nightshop’s Facebook page.
Formidable Foe, Daisychain, Heath and The Boys
►Nightshop // $10 adv, $13 door // 8 p.m.
A night of blues, rock, psychedelic, and prog rock awaits you at Nightshop on Friday. Three Illinois-based bands take the stage.
Lauren Alaina
►Castle Theatre // $22 adv, $27 door // 8 p.m.
Lauren Alaina was the runner-up on the tenth season of American Idol. Since then, her musical career has taken off, and she has released 3 studio albums. She’s stopping by Bloomington’s Castle Theatre in support of her newest album, Sitting Pretty on Top of the World, supported by Spencer Crandall.
Bristle, The Falbonauts, Ant Hattie
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 // 8:30 p.m.
Three rock bands hit Rose Bowl on Friday. Formed in 2018, Bristle has been kicking butt’s and taking names around the area with their punk/grunge sound. The Falbonauts combine folk, psych rock, and western rock that’s sure to stun. Ant Hattie is described as “swamp rock,” and will bring some quirky but rocking songs, opening up the evening.
SATURDAY, March 19th
Bass 3
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 1 p.m.
As a bass player myself, a bass trio has me very interested. Even more of a selling point, the trio is made up of the talented Fox Angus, Emma Taylor, and Mitchell Maftean, alongside Max Osawa accompanying them on drums.
Image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
Joy Yang Trio
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 4 p.m.
Joy Yang (of Kuroshio) will be bringing her improvisational trio to Rose Bowl this Saturday, alongside some special guests. Who are the special guests? You’ll have to come find out.
Stan P Band
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // $7 // 7 p.m.
Summer Camp Saturday’s continue at NOLA’s, this weekend with the Stan P Band. This prog-rock band is led by drummer and multi-instrumentalist Stan Pszeniczka. It’s going to be an improvisational madhouse, and the band will be well worth catching on Saturday.
Nick Dittmeier and The Sawdusters, Luke Hendrickson, Ashley Riley, Tobin Kirk
►Nightshop // $10 adv, $13 door // 8 p.m.
A night of americana, country, rock, and folk at Nightshop with these four great acts.
Eliza Petry
►Pour Bros // free // 8:30 p.m.
Part of Pour Bros’ Cabin Fever Sessions, singer-songwriter Eliza Petry wil be playing for three hours of tunes for you.
Image from Wild Earp’s Facebook page.
Wild Earp
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 // 8:30 p.m.
Some original country, rockabilly, and honky tonk on a Saturday night with Wild Earp and the Free for Alls. The music is humourous and toe-tapping fun, and these guys are nothing but themselves. Giddy on up to the Rose Bowl on Saturday.
SUNDAY, March 20th
Dr0psy Trio
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 4 p.m.
James Mauck on drums, Mitchell Killough on bass, Mark White on guitar. These guys bring blues, funk, jazz, soul, rock, and more with covers and originals.
Landon Wordswell and The Don Avelar
►Canopy Club // $7 // 8 p.m.
Emcee and producer duo Landon Wordswell and The Don Avelar bring their thought provoking lyricism alongside their trap/Latin beats. Joining them on the bill is DJ Belly, Modest, and Patterns of Chaos.
Top image from Wild Earp’s Facebook page.
