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, May 9th
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.
Image from Channing Murray’s Facebook page.
Jon Mueller, Luke R. Bergkoetter
►Channing Murray Foundation // $10 // 7 p.m.
Solo acoustic performances from Jon Mueller and Luke R. Bergkoetter. Mueller’s work combines rhythmic minimalism, contemporary phrasing, and energetic sustain. Bergkoetter will be performing his new vibraphone piece “Grief.”
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.
Druids, Bury Thy Wicked
►Nightshop // $8 adv, $10 door // 8 p.m.
Iowa’s metal, rock, and psych band Druids make a stop at Nightshop, along with Bloomington’s metal band Bury Thy Wicked.
TUESDAY, May 10th
Suzanne, John and The Limping Cowboy Band
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
This group brings originals and covers of country, folk, and cowboy music.
The Groove Lemons
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
A big ole lineup of local jazz greats, The Groove Lemons bring jazz fusion with some funk mixed in as well.
WEDNESDAY, May 11th
Image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
Emma Taylor Group
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Bassist Emma Taylor leads her group of jazz musicians through an exciting night of tunes.
THURSDAY, May 12th
The Hammer and The Hatchet
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Midwestern roots band The Hammer and The Hatchet blend mandolin, guitar, and vocal harmony.
Iration
►Castle Theatre // $30 // 6:30 p.m.
Iration stops through on their Sunshine and Southern Nights tour. Alongside them is Tropidelic, and Kash’d Out.
Image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
The Occasional Cajun Band
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
The Occasional Cajun Band plays a mix of traditional Cajun and Creole music. Led by Rob Krumm on accordion.
Joseph Huber, Jordan Joyes, TBA
►Nightshop // free // 7:30 p.m.
A night of singer-songwriters at Nightshop, with Joseph Huber from Wisconsin, and Jordan Joyes from Virginia. One more artist TBA.
Ian Shepherd and Friends
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 9 p.m.
Drummer Ian Shepherd teams up with other talented local musicians to bring you a great evening of jazz, blues, funk, and rock.
FRIDAY, May 13th
Erik Lund’s Jazz Friends Quintet
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
A tuneful Friday night provided by Jazz Friends, a group made up of Erik Lund on trombone, Jeff Helgesen on trumpet, George Turner on guitar, Emma Taylor on bass, and Ricardo Flores on drums.
Brad Wheeler Group
►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).
Wage War
►Castle Theatre // $24 // 7 p.m.
Metalcore band Wage War stops through Bloomington, with While She Sleeps, Gideon, and Chamber.
Pelafina, Bottom Bracket, Formidable Foe, Wet Tail
►Nightshop // $7 adv, $10 door // 7 p.m.
Emo night at Nightshop, with four great bands, from Chicago, Springfield, and Bloomington.
Mank and Sass
►Pour Bros Craft Taproom // free // 8 p.m.
Sara Siders and Jared Manker are Mank and Sass, brining acoustic tunes to Pour Bros.
Image from Pygmalion’s Facebook page.
Squirrel Flower, Mia Joy, Soft and Dumb
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $13 // 8 p.m.
Polyvinyl’s own Squirrel Flower stops by the Rose Bowl on the Planet (i) tour. The new album is stunning, so stop by and hear some live renditions of songs from the album. Opening the evening is Mia Joy and Soft and Dumb.
SATURDAY, May 14th
Candy Foster & Shades of Blue
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $5-10 // 12 p.m.
Local rock/soul/funk favorites Candy Foster & Shades of Blue kick off an afternoon of music at the Rose Bowl Tavern.
Dad Pride and the East Side Five, Merry Travelers, The Bashful Youngens
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7 p.m.
An absolutely killer lineup of three great folk, psych-rock, country bands — even better, outside on the patio.
Butta’
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // $7 // 7 p.m.
Grooves, riffs, and funk beats, coming to you courtest of Butta’, the psych rock band.
SUNDAY, May 15th
Avant Guardians
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 4 p.m.
Some avant-garde jazz for you on a Saturday afternoon at Rose Bowl.
Hot Club of Urbana
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7 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 Channing Murray’s Facebook page.
