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.
TUESDAY, September 28th
Justin Larkin
►Pour Bros // free // 6 p.m.
Coming from Springfield, Missouri, multi-instrumentalist Justin Larkin brings soul, roots, and rock and roll.
Joan Hickey Trio
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Joan Hickey, Larry Gray, and Joel Spencer, all faculty at the U of I, perform jazz at Rose Bowl. They’ll be performing some jazz classics as well as some of Joan’s arrangements of jazz standards.
Image of The Lowest Pair from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook.
The Lowest Pair
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
With five albums under their belt, The Lowest Pair is a banjo duo bringing a classic Americana sound.
Chip NcNeil Quartet
►Boomerang’s Bar and Grill // free // 6 p.m.
Tuesday jazz at Boomerang’s with saxophonist Chip McNeil. Come listen to him bang out the tunes!
WEDNESDAY, September 29th
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.
THURSDAY, September 30th
Hot Club of Urbana
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
Bringing hot jazz tunes including originals and standards, there will be great vibes abound!
FRIDAY, October 1st
Brady Lee
►Sipyard // free // 7 p.m.
Playing radio friendly country-pop, Nashville-based Brady Lee has a knack for writing catchy songs with catchy lyrics. Come hear him rock Sipyard to kick off October.
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 Patio.
Castle Finn, Rory Book and The Volumes
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
Psychedelic folk and rock with some motown and soul mixed in is what Castle Finn brings to the table. Pair that with gritty americana from Rory Book and The Volumes and that makes a solid night of tunes.
SATURDAY, October 2nd
Image from the Virginia Theater’s Facebook page.
Boz Scaggs
►Virgina Theater // ticket prices vary // 7:30 p.m.
You may know Boz Scaggs due to the fact that it’s Boz Scaggs. Need I say more? You can catch him this Saturday at Virgina Theater. Tickets are available on the Virginia Theater’s website.
Trio Bacana
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 1 p.m.
Come get a taste of Brazil with Trio Bacana, playing Brazilian samba and bossa nova. The band is Kurt Reeder on keys, Jose Gobbo on guitar, and percussionist Sean Kutzko.
Peter Tijerina Sextet
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 4 p.m.
Come to Rose Bowl to help trombonist Peter Tijerina celebrate the release of his new album Just Yesterday. Come enjoy the fresh air, fresh drinks, and fresh new music.
Toast to Taylor Street Block Party
►Downtown Champaign // free // 2 p.m.
►Canopy Club // $19 // 9 p.m.
DJ trio Cheat Codes brings the bangers to Canopy Club for a night of partying. Tickets available on Canopy Club’s website.
SUNDAY, October 3rd
Church Street Ramblers
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 1 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.
Silverweed
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 4 p.m.
Silverweed plays originals and covers, ranging from Grateful Dead to Bob Dylan. If you love jam bands, this is for you!
Image of Dropsy from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
Dropsy Trio
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7 p.m.
James Mauck on drums, Mitchell Killough on bass, Mark White on guitar. These guys bring blues, funk, jazz, soul, rock, and more with covers and originals.
