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, October 17th
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, October 18th
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.
UI Philharmonic Orchestra
►Krannert Center // $10+ // 7:30 p.m.
The UI Philharmonic Orchestra takes the stage at Krannert, perforning Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 1,” and Bizet’s suites from Carmen.
WEDNESDAY, October 19th
B. Henshawe
►Canopy Club // $10 // 6:30 p.m.
Hip-hop artist and TikTok star B. Henshawe will be hitting the stage at Canopy Club, alongside CHISongwriter, R Dreamz & more.
THURSDAY, October 20th
Church Street Ramblers
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Playing jazz from the early 20th century, Church Street Ramblers will get the toes tapping, with songs by legends such as Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, and other greats.
Photo from Leyla McCalla’s Facebook page.
C-U Folk and Roots Festival (day one)
►Downtown Urbana // free // 5 p.m.
The annual Folk and Roots Festival kicks off day one on Thursday, starting at Krannert Center at 5 p.m., and then moving to downtown Urbana. Check out their website for the full schedule. All Thursday events are free.
Blunts & Blondes
►Canopy Club // $19 // 9 p.m.
Dubstep at the Canopy Club with Blunts and Blondes, “blending all elements of bass music and even sprinkling in hip-hop and deep Rastafarian influences.”
FRIDAY, October 21st
C-U Folk and Roots Festival (day two)
►Downtown Urbana // prices vary // 5 p.m.
Day two of the Folk and Roots Festival, with performances from Leyla McCalla, Dom Flemons, The Bashful Youngens, Rory Book and the Volumes, and more. Ticket prices vary depending on venue.
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.
Photo from The Wreck’s Facebook page.
The Wrecks
►Castle Theatre // $25 adv, $28 door // 7 p.m.
California pop band The Wrecks are hitting Bloomington’s Castle Theatre, with support from CARR.
Dylan Scott
►City Center // $25 // 8 p.m.
Country/pop singer-songwriter Dylan Scott will be performing at the City Center, with Lily Rose opening up the evening.
SATURDAY, October 22nd
C-U Folk and Roots Festival (day three)
►Downtown Urbana // prices vary // 10 a.m.
The third and final day of Folk and Roots, starting at 10 a.m. at the Rose Bowl Tavern. All Saturday events are free up until 5 p.m. You can check the schedule here.
Photo from Smoakland’s Facebook page.
Smoakland
►Canopy Club // $15 // 8 p.m.
This DJ duo from Oakland, CA is known for dirty bass and killer dubstep, so if that sounds like your thing, this may be the show for you.
SUNDAY, October 23rd
EIU Jazz Faculty Quintet
►Champaign Public Library // free // 2 p.m.
Eastern Illinois University’s jazz faculty will be playing a set at the library, kicking off the eighth annual Champaign-Urbana Jazz Festival, which runs from October 27-30.
Photo from Krannert Center’s website.
Vision Duo
►Krannert Center // $56+ // 3 p.m.
Violin and percussion come together to explore an interest in community engagement and bringing the voices of new composers to the forefront.
Nequient, Power of Dusk, J.U.G.,Death Call
►Brass Rail // donations encouraged // 7 p.m.
A night of hardcore, heavy metal, punk, and more with these great bands. This will be a high energy, loud evening.
The Bach and Beethoven Experience
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $5-10 donation encouraged // 7 p.m.
Folk and Baroque intersect in “A Gaelic Summer,” presented by The Bach and Beethoven Experience. Come hear some Scottish fiddle tunes, Irish drinking songs, and British earworms.
Top photo from Leyla McCalla’s Facebook page.
