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, November 14th
Steve Swell Quartet
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 suggested donation // 5:30 p.m.
Improviser’s Exchange is hosting free jazz trombonist Steve Swell, who has played with the likes of Buddy Rich and Lionel Hampton.
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, November 15th
UIUC Jazz Combo
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
This U of I jazz combo is led by Tito Carillo and sure to be an exciting night of jazz.
Silverweed
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
Silverweed plays originals and covers, ranging from Grateful Dead to Bob Dylan. Expect some great improvisation and jamming.
WEDNESDAY, November 16th
The Lindie Hoop Jazz Band
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Danceable swing music is what this jazz combo brings, made up of viola, clarinet, guitar, bass, drums, and vocals.
Photo from Gable Price and Friend’s Facebook page.
Gable Price and Friends
►Canopy Club // $15 // 7 p.m.
This 4-piece alternative rock band is sure to bring an exciting show to the Canopy Club on Wednesday, with scorching guitars and driving drums.
Zakir Hussain, Niladri Kumar
►Krannert Center // sold out // 7:30 p.m.
The incomparable tabla player Zakir Hussain is joined by the amazing sitar player Niladri Kumar for a night of Indian music. This show is currently sold out, but there is a waiting list available.
THURSDAY, November 17th
Hannah Aldridge
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Singer-songwriter Hannah Aldridge combines country, americana, and rock to create her own unique sound.
Sass Siders
►Boomerangs // free // 6 p.m.
Half of the duo Mank & Sass, Sass Siders brings funk, blues, rock, country, hip-hop, and more. So basically, she can do it all, and she does it well.
Photo from Todd Snider’s Facebook page.
Todd Snider
►Castle Theatre // $27 adv, $30 door // 7:30 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, November 18th
Jeff Helgesen Quintet
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Local trumpet guru Jeff Helgesen performs at the Rose Bowl with his stellar quintet, bringing you hard bop of the 1960s.
Friday Jazz Happy Hour
►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).
The Blues Deacons
►Huber’s // free // 7 p.m.
The blues outfit from Gibson City are hitting the Clark Bar. Playing originals as well as blues classics, come by and “let the blues ease on into your soul.”
Photo by Nina Wilson Photography.
Jeremy Todd
►Pour Bros // free // 8 p.m.
Jeremy Todd plays at Pour Bros, a singer-songwriter whose music touches on loss and redemption, while tackling it with humor as well.
Slaughter Beach, Dog, Dan Wriggens
►Rose Bowl Tavern // sold out // 9 p.m.
Indie rockers Slaughter Beach, Dog stop by Rose Bowl alongside singer-songwriter Dan Wriggens.
SATURDAY, November 19th
Hot Club of Urbana
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 3 p.m.
Bringing hot jazz tunes including originals and standards, accordion, guitar, drums, bass, sax, and more — there will be great vibes abound.
Muscadine Bloodline
►Castle Theatre // $23 adv, $26 door // 7 p.m.
This country duo from Mobile, Alabama brings killer harmony and tasty guitar licks. They’ll be joined by Ben Chapman opening up the show.
New Twang City
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7 p.m.
Some good ole country honky tonk, you’re in for a night of fun at Huber’s with New Twang City.
SUNDAY, November 20th
Photo from The Lemonhead’s Facebook page.
The Lemonheads
►Castle Theatre // $30 // 7:30 p.m.
The alternative rock band The Lemonheads are stopping by The Castle Theatre to perform their 1992 breakthrough album It’s a Shame About Ray in it’s entirety.
Nick’s Country Jam
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 6 p.m.
An open mic of sorts, Nicholas Stine invites folks to get on stage and perform folk, country, and more.
Thotcrime, J.U.G., Snack’d Out
►C4A // free // 6:30 p.m.
Thrash, cyrbergrind, hardcore, punk, emo — you’re going to need some earplugs for this one, folks.
Top photo from The Lemonhead’s Facebook page.
