Smile Politely

The Overture: Nov. 30-Dec. 6

WHAT: AC Slater, Mielo, Krucial, Jay Lugz

WHERE: The Canopy Club ($13)

WHEN: Wednesday, December 2nd at 9 p.m.

I know – being back to work or school after Thanksgiving is a bit of a letdown. By the time Wednesday comes, it’s a struggle to have any energy left at all. Luckily, Canopy has you covered this week with all the EDM your heart desired to cure the post-Thanksgiving blues.

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WHAT: The Phantom Broadcast, Vaya, Feral States, Fiona Kimble

WHERE: Mike N Molly’s ($7)

WHEN: Thursday, December 3rd at 7:30 p.m.

The Phantom Broadcast have been buzzing lately, including an album release show a couple of weeks ago at The Canopy. This week, they’re back with another headliner – this time in Downtown Champaign. Openers Feral States are also one of the most unique bands C-U has to offer, so make sure you get there on time to catch them.

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WHAT: The Masquerade

WHERE: The Canopy Club ($5)

WHEN: Thursday, December 3rd at 9:00 p.m.

If Wednesday’s cover at Canopy is steep, might I interest you in a cheaper option on Thursday? Dancing, of course, is still included.

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WHAT: UI Wind Orchestra

WHERE: Krannert Center: Foellinger Great Hall ($4-$10)

WHEN: Thursday, December 3rd at 7:30 p.m.

One of the School of Music’s most impressive orchestras, the UI Wind Orchestra is set to take the stage on Thursday at Krannert. For $10 and endless culture, you really can’t beat having Krannert in your back yard.

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WHAT: Flash Back Friday: Hip-hop happy hour and live arts showcase

WHERE: The Canopy Club ($7 after 10 PM)

WHEN: Friday, December 4th at 9 p.m.

Though I don’t recognize any names on this lineup as local emcees, seeing hip-hop at Canopy on a Friday night always makes me happy and is more-than-likely worth checking out. Especially when it’s free before 10 PM.

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WHAT: Sammy Kershaw

WHERE: The City Center ($20)

WHEN: Friday, December 4th at 7:00 p.m.

For the more twang-inclined, Sammy Kershaw will be at The City Center at Fat City on Friday. Doors open at 7 with a DJ to precede the music, so come out early and have a few beers before Kershaw destroys the stage.

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WHAT: Coco Butter Kids

WHERE: The Iron Post 

WHEN: Friday, December 4th at 8:00 p.m.

I don’t know much about Coco Butter Kids, admittedly, and I also can find very little about this show online. But I do like this song by Chance The Rapper that’s almost identical, so they are definitely connecting with me on some level.

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WHAT: The Dirt Poor, Barking Cat, The Inn Keepers

WHERE: Mike N Molly’s ($7)

WHEN: Saturday, December 5th at 9:00 p.m.

The Dirt Poor are fairly established locally, and will certainly bring an exciting set to Mike N Molly’s, but what I’m also excited about is the inclusion of The Inn Keepers on this bill. This semester, they’ve solidified a memorable spot in the sea of Champaign-Urbana bands. This Saturday is the night to see why.

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WHAT: UI Concert Jazz Band

WHERE: Krannert Center: Studio Theatre ($4-$10)

WHEN: Friday, December 4th at 7:30 p.m.

Much like the UI Wind Symphony, the UI Concert Jazz Band is one of the foremost ensembles in the country right now. Plus, they’ll be playing in the immensely-intimate Studio Theatre. 

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WHAT: The Claudettes, Chachi + The Bandidos

WHERE: The Iron Post 

WHEN: Saturday, December 5th at 9:00 p.m.

Chachi and The Bandidos were set to win the Champaign-Urbana band basketball tournament in may before a gnarly injury took out an integral player. If they’re as awesome at music as they are on the court (spoiler: they are), this show should be really cool in the intimate confines of The Iron Post.

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WHAT: Decadents

WHERE: Cowboy Monkey ($5)

WHEN: Saturday, December 5th at 9 p.m.

Whether you’re an established fan, someone who has seen Decadents has been performing fairly consistently around town, or just recognize their frontman as that guy from sports talk radio in C-U, Decadents has probably crossed your understanding of the C-U live musical lexicon at one point or another. This Saturday, they’re dropping their third album, Hard Folk, which, by name alone, should be enough to pique your interest.

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WHAT: Sinfonia Da Camera: Messiah and Mozart

WHERE: Krannert Center: Foellinger Great Hall ($39-$40)

WHEN: Saturday, December 5th at 7:30 p.m.

Need to get in the holiday spirit? Is there a better way than Sinfonia da Camera at Krannert this weekend? The answer is no. There’s not a better way.

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WHAT: Annual Carol Concert 2015

WHERE: Krannert Center: Foellinger Great Hall ($4-$10)

WHEN: Sunday, December 6th at 3:00 p.m.

If for some reason you can’t catch Sinfonia da Camera (though you totally should), Krannert is also hosting its annual Carol Concert on Sunday afternoon, in a very rare, non-night component of this week’s Overture. 

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