Smile Politely

The Overture: October 18-24

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 18th

Urbana Country Music Community Band ft Dyke Corson

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.

Head to the Rose Bowl at 5 p.m. to hear some country hits.

Ty (of The Unemployed Architects)

WEFT Sessions (virtual) // free // 10 p.m.

Bringing originals and covers, I have seen The Unemployed Architects once before, and Ty has a great voice. Well worth catching him this Monday from the comfort of your own home.

TUESDAY, October 19th


Image of Jose Agusti from the Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook event page. 

Jose Agusti with Tuna Salad

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.

Jose Agusti, Charlie Weeks, and Randy Cordle perform at the Rose Bowl.

Josh Quirk and Friends

Boomerangs Bar and Grill // free // 6 p.m.

Josh Quirk on drums, Randy Salman on saxophone, Joan Hickey on keyboard, and Emma Taylor on bass!

Barrington Coleman and Chip Stephens

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.

Barrington Coleman and Chip Stephens lead the first vocal jazz night at Rose Bowl where they will be joined by vocalists Joshua Bell, Citlalli Pino, Yeheun Kwon, and Betsy Meyer.

WEDNESDAY, October 20th

Tito Carrillo Quintet

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5:30 p.m.

Professor of Jazz Trumpet Tito Carrillo returns to Rose Bowl with his quintet to bring a stellar night of jazz. 

THURSDAY, October 21st

Champaign-Urbana Folk and Roots Festival (Day 1)

Downtown Urbana // ticket prices vary // 5 p.m.

Oh boy, what a stacked lineup for this festival. Running Thursday through Saturday evening. There are so many events happening that it’s easiest if you check out the schedule for yourself. Thursday’s lineup includes The Sternwheelers, Bryan Wilson & Family, Nikki D & The Browns, and The Bashful Youngens. Check out the full schedule here.

Larry Gray Trio

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.

More jazz at Rose Bowl with Larry Gray on guitar, Emma Taylor on bass, and Frank Kurtz on drums.

Billy Galt

Boomerangs Bar and Grill // free // 6 p.m.

Local bluesman Billy Galt will lay down some tunes at Boomerangs, where he appears every 3rd Thursday of the month. 

FRIDAY, October 22nd

Champaign-Urbana Folk and Roots Festival (Day 2)

Downtown Urbana // ticket prices vary // 5 p.m.

Friday’s lineup includes Son Monarcos, Jake Blount, Ryan Koenig and the Goldenrods, and so many more. Check out the full schedule here.

SATURDAY, October 23rd


Image from Dom Flemon’s Facebook page.

Editor’s pick: Champaign-Urbana Folk and Roots Festival (Day 3)

Downtown Urbana // ticket prices vary // 5 p.m.

Saturday’s lineup includes Dom Flemons, Yasmin Williams, Milly Raccoon, Ayla and Emily, and more. Check out the full schedule here.

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. 

SUNDAY, October 24th


Image from Sass Sider’s Facebook page. 

Sass Siders

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 1 p.m.

Half of the duo Mank & Sass, Sass Siders brings funk, blues, rock, country, hip-hop, and more. So basically, she can do it all, and she does it well. 

Almost A with Tania Coambs

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 4 p.m.

Almost A is joined by vocalist Tania Coambs to play jazz, folk, gypsy, gypsy jazz, tango and klezmer music. 

U of I Bridgewater Combo

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7 p.m.

This U of I student combo, under the direction of Professor Ron Bridgewater, brings some sweet tunes to the Rose Bowl. 

Kevo & 2tone

Canopy Club // $10 // 8:30 p.m.

Kevo and 2tone perform at Canopy Club with additional performances from OE Melo, Chase Baby, DJ Wesjile, Murr, Flipside Moton, Delobe, Tae the God, and DJ: IDEAL.

Top image from Dom Flemon’s Facebook page. 

Music Editor

Related Articles