Smile Politely

The Overture: October 11-16

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.

Music Editor

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