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 3rd
Improvisers Exchange
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5:30 p.m.
Led by Jason Finkelman, Improvisers Exchange is an initiative to bring together U of I students and community members to practice improvised music. It’s always a unique performance and anything could happen.
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.
Photo by Zen Lens Photomedia.
Justin Larkin
►WEFT Sessions (virtual) // free // 10 p.m.
Tune in to WEFT 90.1 on Monday night to hear folk and roots singer-songwriter Justin Larkin playing some tunes.
TUESDAY, October 4th
SSG
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Featuring Chip Stephens on piano, Joel Spencer on drums, and Larry Gray on bass, this jazz trio will keep you entertained all night long.
WEDNESDAY, October 5th
Chip McNeill Quartet
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Saxophonist Chip McNeil returns to bang out the tunes with his quartet. Come hang out for happy hour.
THURSDAY, October 6th
The Bashful Youngens
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Folk duo The Bashful Youngens hit the Rose Bowl for an evening of folk and roots during Americana Happy Hour.
Photo from Krannert’s Facebook page.
Saori Kataoka and Samir Golescu
►Krannert Center // free // 5 p.m.
Both previous winners of the Krannert Center Debut Artist award, trumpet and piano will come together for a lovely evening of music.
UI Symphony Orchestra
►Krannert Center // $10 // 7:30 p.m.
The UI Symphony will be playing Purcell, Bonds, Webern, and Elgar on Thursday night.
Ralph White, Tom and Shannon Turino
►Seven Saints // free // 7:30 p.m.
Ralph White plays roots, country, and folk, and will be joined by Tom and Shannon Turino on Thursday night.
FRIDAY, October 7th
Jordan Kaye The Tunewrangler
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Bringing you songs, stories, and witty banter, Jordan Kaye is sure to be a night of fun. With a mix of rock, folk, and requests, come hangout at the Rose Bowl.
Hindsley Symphonic Band and Illinois Wind Orchestra
►Krannert Center // $10 // 7:30 p.m.
These two groups will be playing everything from Boysen and Sousa to Copley and Giroux.
Alfredo Rodriguez Trio
►Krannert Center // $25 // 7:30 p.m.
At Krannert’s Studio Theatre, Grammy-nominated pianist Alfredo Rodriguez will lead his trio through some exciting jazz tunes.
Photo from PYGMALION’s Facebook page.
Half Gringa, Big Daddy Pride and the East Side Five
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // $12 // 8 p.m.
Chicago’s Half Gringa blends indie-rock, Latin American, and midwestern folk into a unique, original sound. Opening up the evening is pysch/country/jazz rockers Big Daddy Pride and the East Side Five.
Mhondoro Rhythm Success
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
Bringing pop music from Zimbabwe. The members of the band are either from Zimbabwe, or have studied music there/lived there. Sure to get you dancing.
Ian Shepherd and Friends
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 10 p.m.
Drummer Ian Shepherd teams up with other talented local musicians to bring you a great evening of jazz, blues, funk, and rock.
SATURDAY, October 8th
Space Port
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 12 p.m.
A big ole lineup of local jazz greats, Space Port brings jazz fusion with some funk mixed in as well.
Anthony Brown
►Faith United Methodist Church // $10 // 7 p.m.
Baritone Anthony Brown will be presenting “I Go On Singing,” honoring the life of singer and activist Paul Robeson. The performance chronicles Robeson’s life from his beginnings in New Jersey to his celebrity status, and will feature accompaniment from piano and narrator, as well as feature archival footage of Robeson.
Bristle
►NOLA’s Rock Bar // free // 7 p.m.
Alt-grunge and punk trio Bristle takes the stage at NOLA’s for a night of fast-paced punk.
Jupiter String Quartet
►Krannert Center // $25 // 7:30 p.m.
The UIUC quartet-in-residence will be peforming Ives, Alberga, and Mendelssohn on Saturday night.
Photo from Cara Louise’s Facebook page.
Cara Louise
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 suggested donation // 8 p.m.
Cara Louise is stopping by Rose Bowl to celebrate the release of her new album Wholesome Dread.
Susan Williams & the Wright Groove
►Pipa’s Pub // free // 8 p.m.
Susan Williams performs at Pipa’s with her band the Wright Groove, playing Chicago style blues.
Boombox Cartel
►Canopy Club // $22+ adv, $35 door // 9 p.m.
Boombox Cartel blends electronic and Latin hip-hop with a goal of bringing people of all backgrounds together.
SUNDAY, October 9th
Almost A
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 4 p.m.
Almost A plays jazz, folk, gypsy, gypsy jazz, tango and klezmer music, creating a truly wonderful and unique sound. This week they are joined by Matt Stewart on guitar.
Shroud, Bug Bite, J.U.G., Big Yawn
►Independent Media Center // $5 // 7 p.m.
Come to the IMC on Sunday for a night of hardcore and emo. Doors at 7 p.m., music starts at 7:30 p.m.
Top photo from PYGMALION’s Facebook page.
