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.
TUESDAY, October 11th
Hobnob String Band
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
Hobnob brings you some great acoustic music, from blues to bluegrass and other styles. Catch some great harmonies, and of course some wonderful fingerpicking. I believe the group is also going to be joined by Carrie from The Bashful Youngens providing vocals.
WEDNESDAY, October 12th
Andrew Binder Trio
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Bassist Andrew Binder brings his trio to the Rose Bowl, with Jay Ferguson on drums and Brian Stark on sax.
Photo from Neon Trees’. Facebook page.
Neon Trees
►State Farm Center // $48+ // 7:30 p.m.
Alt-pop group Neon Trees is bringing a party to the State Farm Center, joined by special guests New Rules.
Lil Zay Osama
►Canopy Club // free // 8 p.m.
Chicago’s Lil Zay Osama is performing at Canopy Club, bringing his songs focusing on growing up in the South Side of Chicago.
THURSDAY, October 13th
Backyard BBQ Band
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
The Backyard BBQ Band has been around for some time now, playing western, swing, jazz, country, and anything else perfect for a BBQ.
Children of the Rat Temple, 4×4 Animal Style, Carlie Upchurch
►The Rec Club // $5-10 // 7 p.m.
“Psycho-spiritual electric post-mod” is how Children of the Rat Temple are described. I have no idea what that means but it sounds cool. Joining them is Chicago indie/alt/R&B group 4×4 Animal Style, as well as Carlie Upchurch providing a DJ set.
Prairie Sharks
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
Father and son duo of Tim Horger and Frank Horger bring their band to Rose Bowl, playing original and classic blues, country, R&B, and more.
FRIDAY, October 14th
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.
Album cover from Emily the Band’s Facebook page.
Emily the Band, Disaster Kid
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
Emily the Band just released their new album, so come and hear some tunes from that, with support from Chicago indie rockers Disaster Kid.
Borgore
►Canopy Club // $23 adv, $28 door // 8 p.m.
Electronic/EDM artist Borgore is coming to Canopy Club to perform a set.
SATURDAY, October 15th
Jive Bag
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 12 p.m.
A five-piece jazz band playing New-Orleans inspired funk and contemporary jazz, you can expect traditional tunes and originals.
JVR3
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 3 p.m.
JVR3 returns to the Rose Bowl with Jenelle Orcherton on alto saxophone, Andrey Gonçalves on bass, and leader Jamie Ryan on drums.
Homegrown Music Festival
►Independent Media Center // $25 // 6 p.m.
A whole evening of hip-hop from Central Illinois, with a huge lineup of artists slated to perform.
Photo from Dropsixx’s Facebook page.
Dropsixx
►Canopy Club // $12 adv, $15 door // 7 p.m.
Dropsixx is reuniting and performing a set at Canopy Club on Saturday, with support from Emperors & Angels.
The K-Tels
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7 p.m.
The K-Tels make their return to Rose Bowl for a night of rock and roll.
Ludacris
►State Farm Center // $49.50 // 8 p.m.
Ludacris returns to his birthplace to perform a concert at State Farm Center. He’ll be joined by TikTok star/rapper charlieonnafriday, as well as local duo Trouble Chasin’.
Homecoming Afterparty
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // $10 // 10 p.m.
NOLA’s is playing host to a hip-hop showcase, with many talented artists scheduled to perform, including J Larro, Rios Mios, Txny Warren, and more.
SUNDAY, October 16th
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.
Mac Saturn
►Canopy Club // $13 // 7 p.m.
Blending pop-rock, Motown, funk and R&B, Mac Saturn is known for putting on an exciting show.
Photo from Calicoloco’s Facebook page.
Calicoloco, Thotcrime, Kangaroo Court
►Loose Cobra // $10 // 7 p.m.
An absolute banger of a lineup, with Calicoloco from Chicago, and Thotcrime and Kangaroo Court both from C-U. This will be a high energy show.
Top photo from State Farm Center’s website.
