Anticipation was palpable at the Canopy Club for this sold-out show, where fans packed the venue well before the lights dimmed for the opener. The lineup promised an intriguing exploration of the evolving pop-country genre, …
This month, I’m going to write about things I don’t know about, and never will firsthand. Through my conversations with musicians and fans in the area, I hear a lot about these places, events, or …
I’ve been in the room with a handful of musical icons. My Aunt Molly took me to see Elvis Presley in 1976; I snuck out of the house to see Prince in 1982 at the …
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 …
I was thrilled to sit down and talk with experimental electronic music artist John McNally, AKA “twoleggedzoo” about his brand-new album, Introspective Reflections. McNally is a Champaign-Urbana mainstay in the ambient and immersive music scene, …
In the bustling corridors of the music industry, few artists epitomize the essence of perseverance and creativity like RENEGADE EL REY. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, he has charted a unique path through the …
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 …
Last Saturday, March 23rd The Space held its first sold-out show of the year. Taking center stage for the evening were opening acts Maura Weaver, Rodeo Boys, and of course the headliner, The Smoking Popes. …
As Brett Emmons, lead singer of The Glorious Sons walks into the green room to speak with me, he is markedly calmer than when I had last seen him. Last night at The Mercury Ballroom …
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 …
South African classical guitarist Derek Gripper stands out as an innovative artist. Gripper has uniquely brought together the complex melodies of the West African kora and the classical guitar, a process showcasing not only his …
When I called up Neptune’s Core for a chat, they’d just finished their first of eight shows at SXSW the previous day. I was surprised that they had so many shows in such a short …
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 …
John Hoeffleur – he of the beloved local band The Beauty Shop – thinks of creativity in an intriguing way, viewing the formation of art in terms of what one has at his or her …
Now that spring is teasing us it’s near, it’s exciting to see things get busier in the music scene in Champaign-Urbana. I’ve been excited to see bookings increase, and some of the local venues getting …
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 …
Last weekend, The Canopy Club played host to two enthralling evenings of electronic dance music (EDM), showcasing the talents of SubDocta on March 1st and Inzo on March 3rd. Both nights offered unique auditory experiences, …
On Friday, March 1st a small crowd slowly began to gather inside The Space in anticipation for its evening show. Several attendees — including myself and the local acts — got settled in the best …
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 …
I recently sat down with Kaston Guffey and Nick Pankey of My Politic to talk about their musical journey ahead of their March 7th appearance at Rose Bowl Tavern. This journey has taken the duo …
EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this article incorrectly listed the performance date for Poundgame Addison at The Space. The correct date for this event is Sunday, March 3rd. Chris Addison, better known by his …
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 …
The current jazz director at Illinois Wesleyan University, Dr. Reginald Lewis is an established jazz performer and beloved teacher. With an impressive discography, Dr. Lewis was featured in the James Brown biopic Get on Up …
Afro D & Global Soundwaves is a hip-hop/jazz/funk band based in the Champaign-Urbana area that was formed in 2019. Afro D & Global Soundwaves’ six band members consist of founder Pete “Afro D” Shungu, who …
Love was in the air at The Canopy Club last Wednesday, as a special Valentine’s Day edition of The Canopy Club Discover Series brought out lovebirds from across the state. Five artists who often sing …
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 …
From busking in the streets of New Orleans to the glow of the stage lights at the Rose Bowl Tavern, Rory Book’s journey with Rory Book and the Volumes is a tale of redemption, resilience, …
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 …
When I heard that Champaign County had a thriving Guatemalan community, I was quite surprised. But for musician Javi Vasquez, it was the reason he decided to move here. For Vasquez, whose family hails from …
Four acts performed live at a popular house party on campus Friday night in front of a packed house. The house party (which will remain nameless in this article), is a popular destination for live …
For February, I’m going to switch up my five things format a bit and talk about parts of the music scene here in Champaign-Urbana I’d like to see change or improve a bit. I’ve been …
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 …
Ahead of his upcoming appearance at Upper Bout, sponsored by RightHereMusic.org, I sat down with singer/songwriter Ryan Necci to learn about his humble beginning, his musical journey, and how writing music is therapy for him. …
Last Sunday, another compelling chapter of the Champaign-Urbana hip-hop story played out, as a competition concert brought out the best of area talent. The Champaign Cypher Series, run by Robert Kjev of Robert K. Multimedia, …
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 …
In the heart of the vibrant Champaign-Urbana music scene, drummer and percussionist James Mauck stands as a dynamic and innovative figure. His journey into the world of music began in fifth grade, fueled by an …
On December 31st, 2023, Austin Fuoss-Feinberg had a lot of power in his hands. He took the stage at KAM’s New Year’s Eve Party as Vorborg, the DJ growing his resume and reputation in the …
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 …
Big Daddy Pride and the East Side Five are a modest yet earnest band that truly embodies the spirit of all-star local bands here in Champaign-Urbana. Big Daddy Pride and the East Side Five, steered …
In the melodic crossroads of Champaign-Urbana, where artistry flourishes amidst the prairie winds, Emily Otnes, a local prodigy, is making waves. Known for her band Otnes and her unique sound, blending electronic pop with traditional …
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 …
January in Champaign-Urbana presents a celebration of music’s power to transport us to diverse realms and unite us through the universal language of rhythm and melody. The offerings this month, from the heartfelt storytelling of …
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 …
The 1990s were big for the Chambana music scene, with multiple bands being courted (or signed) by major labels, and others embarking on big tours with big names. But stratospheric success isn’t the point for …
I’m very passionate about music and respect it as an indelible art form, no matter the genre. I often say that no one can say whether art or music is good or bad; you can …
I haven’t run into too many gospel rappers in my protracted dallying with the music business, but horizons can continually expand, and in my search for singer/songwriters residing in our local music mecca, I was …
Alyssa Allen, also known as Taurus Hate Club, performed several songs from her debut EP, Sharks in the Swimming Pool, last week at The Barn. The small house venue lent itself to the intimate nature …
Nestled within the vibrant music scene of Champaign-Urbana, a unique auditory experience unfolds through the podcast Champaign is Also a Band. Stephen “Sven” Johnson, the creator and host, has transformed his love for local music …
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 …
