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.
TUESDAY, May 31st
Backyard BBQ Band
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 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.
Citlalli Pino Quartet
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
Jazz vocalist Citlalli Pino brings her talent to the Rose Bowl, backed by her rhythm section trio.
Image from Aquila’s Facebook page.
Aquila
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 9 p.m.
Jazz, rock, and R&B fusion provided by Aquila. Come hangout and jam and dance.
WEDNESDAY, June 1st
Chip McNeill Quartet
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Grammy winning saxophonist Chip McNeil returns to bang out the tunes with his quartet. Come kick off your June with some jazz.
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.
THURSDAY, June 2nd
Image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
Taylor Steele
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Singer-songwriter Taylor Steele plays her original songs of folk, americana, and country.
Tom Grassman
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
Tom Grassman is usually playing with his band, bringing some rock and roll party music — tonight he’s playing solo, but it will no doubt still be a party.
Editor’s Pick: Terminus Victor, Lung, Sweetmelk
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
Hard rockers Terminus Victor headline this show at Tolono’s Loose Cobra. Opening the show is cello/drum duo Lung, as well as singer-songwriter Sweetmelk. These three acts are so unique in their own ways, and this will be a insanely great night of music.
J. Jones and the TriTones
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 9 p.m.
James Jones, Mitchell Killough, Justin Simmons and JD Dye make up this group, bringing some smooth tunes and tasty licks.
FRIDAY, June 3rd
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.
Brad Wheeler Group
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // free // 5 p.m.
Jazz Happy Hour at NOLA’s with the Brad Wheeler Group.
Chixdiggit, Tightwire, Dusty Booze and The Baby Haters, Yap Trap
►Nightshop // $15 adv, $20 door // 7 p.m.
Punk and pop rock bands galore at Nightshop this Friday, with Chixdiggit headlining the eveing, coming down from Canada.
Billy Galt
►Huber’s // free // 7 p.m.
On the patio at Huber’s, Billy Galt lays down some great acoustic blues.
Image by Kirsten Barnett.
Emily Blue, J’Lyn Hope
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $12 adv, $15 day of // 8 p.m.
Chicago-based Emily Blue returns to her hometown for what is sure to be a great night of music. Bringing a unique synth pop sound, Emily Blue will have you dancing your butt off. Opening the show is hip-hop artist J’Lyn Hope.
Nectar, Soft and Dumb
►Exile on Main Street // $5 suggested donation // 8 p.m.
This is the rescheduled date. Nectar just released their fantastic new album No Shadow. This Friday, they’ll be celebrating its release with a show at Exile. Joining them is DIY punk/rock duo Soft and Dumb.
LLYN, You Folk
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $7 // 10:30 p.m.
A late show, but a damn good one at that. Dream-pop/rock band LLYN is celebrating the release of their new EP Careful Now. Joining them is Chicago’s You Folk. The event will also feature live visual art from Matt Harsh.
SATURDAY, June 4th
Jive Bag
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 12 p.m.
A five-piece jazz band playing New-Orleans inspired funk and contemporary jazz, you can expect traditional tunes and originals.
Afro LTA
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 3 p.m.
Mateo Sanchez leads this group of musicians, playing Latin-American music with roots in Africa. The music is very percussive based, and sure to be a unique afternoon of music. This is also the group’s debut performance.
Prairie Noise Redemption
►Independent Media Center // $5 // 6 p.m.
A night of experimental and noise music from some touring and local artists. Musicians include Ragk, Burnt-Feathers, Vor Pilatus, Forebeat, and From Circumstances.
Lavaborne, Airacobra, Leviticus, Vexing Hex
►Nightshop // $7 adv, $10 door // 7 p.m.
Four bands, one metal explosion. Come hear psychedelic doom, occult metal, and power doom metal this Saturday.
Kilborn Alley Blues
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
Hitting you with some tasty licks and southern fried soul, you’re always in for a great time with Kilborn Alley.
Image by Anna Longworth-Singer from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
Merry Travelers
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 10 p.m.
Come hear the Merry Travelers for some groove, soul, pop, blues, psychedelia, and all the good vibes.
SUNDAY, June 5th
A Tribute to Angie Heaton
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 3 p.m.
A large lineup of musicians are coming together to play the songs of the late, great Angie Heaton. Outside at the Rose Bowl, performers include Kurt Bielema, Matt Talbott, Sweetmelk, and many, many more.
Jackyl, Joe Hermes, Sundown Renegade
►Castle Theatre // $25 adv, $28 door // 7 p.m.
Southern metal/heavy metal band Jackyl performs at the Castle Theatre alongside special guests Joe Hermes and Sundown Renegade.
Top image by Anna Longworth-Singer.
