The Overture is a rundown of live music and performances happening in the Champaign-Urbana area (and the outskirts) each week. All of the information is as accurate as we can publish, but all shows and performances are subject to change at any time. Thank you for understanding.
Have a show you think we should know about? Email us at music@smilepolitely.com with the details.
MONDAY, September 16th
Strange Ranger, Black Esther, Terribly Happy, Sadface Killer
► Nightshop in Bloomington // $6 advance/$8 at the door // 6 p.m.
Larry Gray Trio
► The Iron Post // cover // 7 p.m.
Urbana Hootenanny
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
Adam Lee, Joe’s Truck Stop, Brett Conlin
► Nightshop in Bloomington // $6 // 8 p.m.
TUESDAY, September 17th
Church Street Ramblers
► The Iron Post // cover // 7 p.m.
Jupiter String Quartet with Jon Nakamatsu
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (Foellinger Great Hall) // $31+ // 7:30 p.m.
Jupiter String Quartet is this season’s artist-in-residence at Krannert Center, and for this performance, JSQ has invited pianist Jon Nakamatsu to join. If you are looking for some mid-week strings, here’s your ticket on Tuesday.
Photo from Krannert Center’s website
WEDNESDAY, September 18th
Simply This Quintet
► The Iron Post // cover // 8 p.m.
Ian Shepherd, Mitchell Killough, Jesse Brown, Clayton Thompson
► Blackbird // free // 9 p.m.
THURSDAY, September 19th
Sam Payne, Cody Jensen
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Horse Jumper of Love, Slow Mass, Stick People, Lake’s Mouth
► Nightshop in Bloomington // $8 advance/$10 at the door // 7 p.m.
Jason Hawk Harris, Jeremy David Baker
► Nightshop in Bloomington // $7 advance/$10 at the door // 7:30 p.m.
Stephan Crump’s Rosetta Trio
► Krannert Art Museum // free // 7:30 p.m.
Grammy-nominated bassist/composer Stephan Crump performs with his all-string Rosetta Trio later this week at Krannert Art Museum, which is a nice treat. KAM doesn’t host a ton of music throughout the season, so head over and check this out for free, as Stephan Crump’s trio recently released a new record, Outliers.
Photo by Nathan James Leatherman
Yola, Corey Chisel & Adriel Danae
► The Castle Theatre in Bloomington // $20-$23 // 8 p.m.
Chris Lake
► The Canopy Club // $22 advance/$25 day of show // 9 p.m.
Prime Social Group is presenting EDM act Chris Lake on Thursday night as he’s out on his Stay With Me tour and hits Urbana. Lake has a few credits to his name that are worthy of attention that have hit the Billboard charts, and even a Grammy nom from this British DJ.
FRIDAY, September 20th
Deana Carter, The Barefoot Movement, Lindee Cavalier
► Allerton Park & Retreat Center // $25 // 6 p.m.
This year’s Prairie Sky Music Festival at Allerton Park features country star Deana Carter, which you probably know from her hit “Strawberry Wine”, and it takes place this Friday night. There are a variety of options (including camping) if you’re interested in checking this one out, head over to the ticketing page linked above for the details.
Photo from Allerton Park’s website
Bizhiki Culture & Dance Company
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (Tryon Festival Theatre) // $10-$25 // 7:30 p.m.
Tyler Farr
► The City Center // $28-$35 // 8 p.m.
Chicago Farmer
► Pour Bros Craft Taproom’s Artist Alley // free // 8:30 p.m.
While summer is getting closer to being over, that doesn’t mean that the Artist Alley series isn’t still providing live music at Pour Bros in Downtown Champaign. This weekend’s act is Chicago Farmer, which does not typically perform as a part of free shows, but you’re in luck this weekend.
Photo from Pour Bros’ Facebook event page
Whiskey River
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $5 // 9 p.m.
Kittens Incorporated, Jake Fava
► The Iron Post // cover // 9 p.m.
DJ Belly
► Blackbird // free // 9 p.m.
Cheick Hamala Diabate
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (Stage 5) // free // 9:30 p.m.
Wildwood
► Watson’s Shack & Rail // free // 10 p.m.
SATURDAY, September 21st
Jay Thomason
► Nightshop in Bloomington // free // 11 a.m.
Dennis Stroughmatt
► The Iron Post // cover // 6 p.m.
Street Sects, Heavenworld, Swim Ignorant Fire, Hungu
► Nightshop in Bloomington // $7 advance/$10 at the door // 7:30 p.m.
Leslie Stevens, The Bashful Youngens, Emily Anne
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 advance/$13 at the door // 8 p.m.
Los Angeles singer-songwriter Leslie Stevens recently released her album Sinner, and this is one of the first dates you’ll be able to catch her on post-album release. She’s joined by local staple The Bashful Youngens, as well as Emily Anne Band, at the cozy Rose Bowl on Saturday night.
Leslie Stevens (top) photo by Julia Brokaw, The Bashful Youngens (bottom) photo by Anna Longworth
Edward David Anderson
► Pour Bros Craft Taproom’s Artist Alley // free // 8:30 p.m.
Sun Stereo, We The Animals, Trouble Chasin’, Tracctor Kings, Temple of Low Men, New Souls
► The Canopy Club // $10 // 8:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, September 22nd
MakeWar, Kali Masi, Dead Rest, Royal Richards
► Nightshop in Bloomington // $7 // 7 p.m.
Dada Veda
► Sipyard // free // 7 p.m.
Reckless Kelly
► The Castle Theatre // $22 // 8 p.m.