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, September 19th
Jose Gobbo Trio, Maria Alejandra Rodriguez
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5:30 p.m.
Jazz guitarist Jose Gobbo brings his trio back to the Rose Bowl, this time with the help of vocalist and cuatro player Maria Alejandra Rodriguez.
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, September 20th
C-U Irish Session
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7 p.m.
A jam session of local musicians playing traditional Irish tunes, with fiddle, accordion, banjo, flute, and more in the Rose Bowl parking lot.
WEDNESDAY, September 21st
Photo by Sean Wilkinson.
The Chickadee Sermon
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Folk group The Chickadee Sermon will be bringing their lovely vocal harmonies to Rose Bowl on Wednesday night.
Dawes, Bahamas
►Castle Theatre // $39 adv, $42 door // 7:30 p.m.
Folk and indie rockers Dawes return to Central Illinois alongside Bahamas. I saw Dawes at PYMALION years ago and they put on a hell of a show.
THURSDAY, September 22nd
Big Daddy Pride
►Rose Bowl Tavern (outdoors) // free // 5 p.m.
Big Daddy Pride brings the party for Americana happy hour, with guests Clayton Burke and Nicholas Stine.
Photo from PYGMALION’s Facebook page.
Lido Pimienta, Mermaid Heaven
►Rose Bowl Tavern (indoors) // $25 // 7 p.m.
PYGMALION begins. Lido Pimienta is absolutely amazing and groundbreaking, and this show is one to catch. Made even better by Mermaid Heaven opening the show.
Living Hour, Girl K, Retro Via
►Rose Bowl Tavern (indoors) // $12 // 10 p.m.
Canada’s Living Hour stops by Rose Bowl for PYGMALION, joined by indie rockers Girl K and C-U’s own Retro Via.
FRIDAY, September 23rd
Tamino, Sweetmelk
►NOLA’s Rock Bar (indoors) // $15 // 8 p.m.
If you’ve seen any of our PYGMALION previews, you know that this is the show I am looking forward to the most. Tamino’s voice is magic, and paired with Sweetmelk opening up the evening? Yeah, it’s going to be amazing.
Ignition House
►Canopy Club // $10+ // 8 p.m.
The Canopy Club is getting taken over to host an EDM festival, so come down and party.
Luma City, w Twoleggedzoo, Mimi at the Puddles, Aliens In The Sky, Disco Phil
►NOLA’s Rock Bar (outdoors) // free // 8:30 p.m.
Luma City is back for another installment, this time in collaboration with PYGMALION. Some great DJs and musicians are scheduled, so come and immerse yourself in light and sound.
PETEY, Kangaroo Court
►Rose Bowl Tavern (outdoors) // $25 // 9 p.m.
Wonderfully talented musician and hilarious TikTok star PETEY is hitting PYGMALION, joined by some of the best rockers around, Kangaroo Court.
Photo from The Slap’s Facebook page.
The Slaps, Decapitation In The Food Court
►Rose Bowl Tavern (indoors) // $12 // 10:45 p.m.
Chicago indie rockers The Slaps headline a late show at Rose Bowl, with support from midwest emo/punk group Decapitation In The Food Court.
SATURDAY, September 24th
Reginald Chapman and Pressure Fit
►Krannert Art Museum // free // 12:30 p.m.
Trombonist Reginald Chapman leads his group through a performance to kick of Black on Black on Black on Black.
Mwenso and The Shakes
►Krannert Center (Colwell Playhouse) // $25 // 7:30 p.m.
Michael Mwenso leads this troupe of global artists, playing jazz and blues mixed with African and Afro-American music.
Photo from PYGMALION’s Facebook page.
Vieux Farka Touré, Mhondoro Rhythm Success
►Rose Bowl Tavern (outdoors) // $25 // 8 p.m.
Malian singer and guitarist Vieux Farka Touré headlines Saturday at Rose Bowl for PYGMALION. Joined by Mdondoro Rhythm Success, this show will be full of groove, funk, and rhythm.
Victor Internet, LIES, That’s No Moon, Soft and Dumb, New Game+, Heartgaze
►Rose Bowl Tavern (indoors) // $15 // 6:45 p.m.
A hell of a lineup on Saturday evening sees Victor Internet headline a show indoors at Rose Bowl, alongside Mike and Nate Kinsella’s new project LIES, as well as the return of local great That’s No Moon, and more.
SUNDAY, September 25th
Skid Fest
►Brass Rail // free // 7:30 p.m.
This festival is a celebration of the life of Aaron Davidson, who recently passed away. Performers inlude Big Daddy Pride, Yap Trap, The Falbonauts, and more.
VV Lightbody, Merry Travelers
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 // 8 p.m.
Local psych/folk group Merry Tavelers open up a night of music with VV Lightbody taking the stage after. Originally from C-U, VV Lightbody is now making a name for herself in Chicago, and just recently played in Harry Styles’ band at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend. Come hear her play her stunning originals on Sunday night.
Top photo from PYGMALION’s Facebook page.
