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 21st
Andrew Binder’s Conspiracy Deliracy
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5:30 p.m.
Bassist Andrew Binder brings original jazz compositions that are inspired by popular conspiracy theories.
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.
TUESDAY, March 22nd
U of I Jazz Combo
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Rose Bowl continues to host U of I jazz bands. This week sees a student jazz combo hit the venue, under the direction of pianist Joan Hickey.
Gemini Syndrome, Pushing Veronica, Alborn
►Castle Theatre // $17 adv, $22 door // 7:30 p.m.
Metal band Gemini Syndrome headlines the Castle Theatre on Tuesday, alongside Pushing Veronica and Alborn.
Image of Jukebox the Ghost from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
Jukebox the Ghost, Olivia Klugman
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $20 adv, $25 door // 8 p.m.
Jukebox the Ghost has been growing steadily in popularity since their inception in 2006. They’ve played on Conan and David Letterman, as well as playing at Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and more. Their show at the Rose Bowl will be a truly unique experience, as it’ll be interesting to see how the band brings their energy to a smaller venue like Rose Bowl.
WEDNESDAY, March 23rd
Vine Street Syncopators
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
More jazz at Rose Bowl on Wednesdy with the Vine Street Syncopators. Come hearsome piping hot jazz and get those toes tapping.
THURSDAY, March 24th
Image of Stone and Snow from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
Stone and Snow
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Beautiful vocal harmonies and thoughful songwriting, Stone and Snow are a talented folk duo who bring their wonderful songwriting abilities to Rose Bowl on Thursday night for Americana Happy Hour.
Todd Snider, Aaron Lee Tasjan
►Canopy Club // $25 adv, $35 door // 8 p.m.
With a career lasting almost thirty years and still going strong, Todd Snider’s music is political, funny, heartfelt, and genuine. He has toured with the likes of Emmylou Harris, John Prine, Jimmy Buffett, and more. He will be well worth catching at the Canopy Club this Thursday.
FRIDAY, March 25th
Chip Stephens Organ Trio
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Not your typical jazz trio! Organ, guitar, and drums mix together to create some great tunes.
New Orleans Jazz Machine
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // free // 5 p.m.
Performing dixieland and traditional jazz favorites, New Orleans Jazz Machine will be performing at NOLA’s for happy hour.
Leighton Ewers
►Clark Bar // free // 6:30 p.m.
Country musician Leighton Ewers will be playing Clark Bar with a full band. He has just released an EP, so safe to assume he’ll be playing some songs from it.
Image of Asleep At the Wheel from the band’s Facebook page.
Asleep At the Wheel
►Castle Theatre // $30 // 8 p.m.
Legendary western swing band and nine-time Grammy winners Asleep At the Wheel take the stage on Friday night at Castle.
Neoga, Minor Moon, Honky Tonk
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8:30 p.m.
Three great country acts perform at Rose Bowl on Friday.
SATURDAY, March 26th
U of I Trombone Ensemble
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 3 p.m.
More jazz from the talented students at the U of I. Today, the trombone ensemble performs.
Dan Hubbard
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7 p.m.
Americana singer-songwriter Dan Hubbard makes his Rose Bowl debut, performing his originals with his powerful and resonating voice.
Vintage Pistol
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // free // 7 p.m.
Vintage Pistol comes from Fayetteville, Arkansas, bringing a wild and rambunctious energy alongside their brand of jam-band, rock, and roots.
Image of Charley Crockett from Charley Crockett’s Facebook page.
Charley Crockett, Vincent Neil Emerson
►Castle Theatre // $25 // 8 p.m.
Blues, country, and Americana singer Charley Crockett plays the Castle Theatre in support of his newest album Jukebox Charley.
Mid-October
►Pour Bros // free // 8:30 p.m.
Alternative and indie rock band Mid-October heads to Pour Bros with some orginal tunes as well as some covers, part of Pour Bros’ Cabin Fever Sessions.
Image of Elderbrook from Canopy Club’s Facebook page.
Elderbrook
►Canopy Club // $18 adv, $23 door // 9 p.m.
Exploring themes like mental health and identity, Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist and producer Elderbrook hits the Canopy Club for a night of electronic music.
SUNDAY, March 27th
Bandoneon Massacre
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 1 p.m.
An Argentine tango orchestra collective, this large group will for sure get you dancing on Sunday afternoon.
Almost A
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 4 p.m.
Almost A plays jazz, folk, gypsy, gypsy jazz, tango and klezmer music. This combo of sound comes together to create something really wonderful.
Summer Camp: On The Road
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // $12 // 7 p.m.
Another round of On the Road. Essentially a battle of the bands, artists perform and listeners vote as to who the best act is. Winner gets a spot on the Summer Camp Music Festival 2022 lineup.
Top image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
