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 8th
Fiddle Sax Fusion
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5:30 p.m.
The Fiddle Sax Fusion Band was formed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the trio performs Old Time Irish and fiddle tunes and folk hymns with a jazz twist.
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.
Lanterna
►WEFT Sessions (virtual) // free // 8 p.m.
Lanterna released their album Hidden Drives on June 4th of this year and will be playing songs from it on WEFT Sessions. The music is mostly instrumental, but it’s a gorgeous album worth checking out.
TUESDAY, November 9th
Image provided by Zacc Harris Group.
Zacc Harris Group
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $8 // 6:30 p.m.
Minneapolis-based composer and jazz-guitarist Zacc Harris brings his sextet to Rose Bowl in support of his new record Small Wonders. Harris’ work has received widespread acclaim, and he is no doubt an act to catch this week.
WEDNESDAY, November 10th
Vine Street Syncopators
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
The jazz train continues at The Rose Bowl on Wednesdy with the Vine Street Syncopators. Come hearsome piping hot jazz and hang out.
THURSDAY, November 11th
Sam Payne and Matt Turino
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5-7 p.m.
Ian Shepherd and Friends
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
Drummer Ian Shepherd teams up with other talented local musicians to bring you a great evening of jazz, blues, funk, and rock.
Virtual Riot
►Canopy Club // $18 // 9 p.m.
German producer and DJ Virtual Riot stops by the Canopy Club as part of his Simulation album tour. Zoska opens the show. Come get your fill of electronic music this Thursday.
FRIDAY, November 12th
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.
The Impalas
►Huber’s // free // 6 p.m.
The Impalas play at Huber’s, bringing their brand of Texas roadhouse blues. Expect some tasty tunes.
New Souls
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 9 p.m.
Local favorites New Souls come to Rose Bowl to bring their mix of motown, funk and soul. It’s always a great time with this group.
Image from Post Animal’s Facebook page.
Post Animal, Why Bonnie, Kangaroo Court
►Canopy Club // $20 // 6:30 p.m.
Psych-rock band Post Animal hails from Chicago, and they’re bringing a party and you will be dancing. They are signed to local record label Polyvinyl, so you know it’s good music. They are joined by bedroom pop band Why Bonnie and Urbana’s Kangaroo Court.
SATURDAY, November 13th
John Pennell & Friends
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $15 // 6 p.m.
A three hour long set of music awaits you at Rose Bowl, featuring John Pennell with special guests Jeff Helgesen, Jim Prior, Dan Deckard, and Julie Pennell. This will be a truly unique and stellar night of jazz.
Image from Glenn Miller Orchestra’s Facebook page.
Glenn Miller Orchestra
►Virginia Theater // $34.50 // 6 p.m.
The legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra stops by Virgina Theater to bring its signature big-band swing. The band was formed in 1938 and new and old members continue to carry on the legacy of the group.
New Twang City
►Huber’s // free // 7 p.m.
Some good ole country honky tonk, this will be a fun Saturday night at Huber’s!
HE$H
►Canopy Club // $12 // 9 p.m.
Dubstep from Dallas — say that three times fast — HE$H is a producer stopping by Canopy Club for a night of beats and bass drops. He is joined by Bommer and ZIA.
DJ Belly
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // free // 10 p.m.
Looking for some late night Saturday fun? DJ Belly has you covered, spinning beats at NOLA’s through the evening, so come out and bring your best dance moves — it’s going to be a party.
Image of DJ lovenloops borrowed from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook event page.
WetDreamz Queer Experience
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 11 p.m.
DJ lovenloops brings a dance party to the Rose Bowl, with black queer funk, jazz, hip-hop, and R&B. There will also be live projections.
SUNDAY, November 14th
Almost A
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 4 p.m.
Almost A plays jazz, folk, gypsy, gypsy jazz, tango and klezmer music. This unusual combo of sounds comes together to create something really wonderful.
The Blues Deacons
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
The blues outfit from Gibson City are hitting the Rose Bowl, this time joined by Josh Quirk and Jesse Brown of The Surreal Deal. Playing originals as well as blues classics, come by and “let the blues ease on into your soul.”
Top image from Post Animal’s Facebook page.
