Smile Politely

The Overture: November 8-14

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.

It’s Thursday Happy Hour at Rose Bowl, so come hang out and enjoy a drink while listening to the musical stylings of local favorites Sam Payne and Matt Turino. 

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.

Music Editor

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