Smile Politely

The Overture: Apr. 27-May 3

WHAT: Jazz Sirens (film screening followed by performance by Traditional Jazz Orchestra featuring guest vocalist Laurie Matheson)

WHERE: The Art Theater (film) Esquire Lounge (performance) (both free)

WHEN: Tuesday, April 28th, 5:30 p.m. screening, 7 p.m. music

Those looking to celebrate International Jazz Day right — the UNESCO Center for Global Citizenship has you covered with a film screening and live jazz performance.

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WHAT: BUHU

WHERE: Institute 4 Creativity ($5)

WHEN: Tuesday, April 28th, 8 p.m.

Mathy post-pop group BUHU is playing the I4C on Tuesday. Their music is like a more poppy Minus The Bear.

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WHAT: DJ Grapes, DOYA

WHERE: Mike N Molly’s  (free)

WHEN: Tuesday, April 28th, 10 p.m.

Not much info out there on this show, but it sounds like a DJ/dance event to me.

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WHAT: Bones Jugs N Harmony

WHERE: Canopy Club ($3)

WHEN: Wednesday, April 29th, doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m.

Summer Camp Wednesdays at Canopy Club are winding down — don’t miss the chance to see Bones Jugs N Harmony while eating free pizza.

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WHAT: Hannah Aldridge, Sam Payne, The Fights

WHERE: Rose Bowl

WHEN: Thursday, April 30th, 8 p.m.

Up and coming Alabama Americana artist Hannah Aldridge is playing with Hootenanny host and flatpicker Sam Payne along with C-U folk favorites The Fights.

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WHAT: Madeon, The M Machine

WHERE: Canopy Club ($25)

WHEN: Thursday, April 30th, doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m.

French house producer Madeon is from France. Did I mention he’s French?

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WHAT: Kilborn Alley 15 Year Anniversary, Nick Moss

WHERE: The Iron Post

WHEN: Thursday, April 30th, 9 p.m.

Join Kilborn Alley in their celebration of 15 years as a blues band. They will be playing live, as will their producer Nick Moss.

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EDITOR’S PICK: THE COPYRIGHTS, HORRIBLE THINGS, MODERN ADVANCES, THE DINGBATS
Dingbat Dungeon ($5) — Friday, May 1st 7 p.m.

The Copyrights have been playing solid pop punk since 2002 and they’re still down to play a basement in Urbana. How neat is that? They’ll be playing alongside locals Horrible Things, who will have their new album ready for purchase at the gig, Modern Advances from Chicago and house band The Dingbats.

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WHAT: Abnormous, The Casual Ties, Caveman the Wise

WHERE: Mike N Molly’s ($7)

WHEN: Friday, May 1st, doors at 8 p.m.

Champaign can be a funky town sometimes, especially when Abnormous is playing a gig. The Casual Ties and Cavemen the Wise of Chicago are joining them Friday night in the beergarden.

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WHAT: Hollow Earth, Meth Dealer, Uncertainties, Warrs

WHERE: Error Records ($6)

WHEN: Friday, May 1st, 8 p.m.

Error Records is such a fixation here in C-U, it’s hard to believe it’s only been around for two years. Celebrate its anniversary with this show if you’re into heavier stuff, or the show on Saturday if you’re into more poppy punk.

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WHAT: Summer Camp Scramble feat. Way Down Wanderers and Acoustics Anonymous

WHERE: Canopy Club ($8)

WHEN: Friday, May 1st, 9 p.m.

Bluegrass is a staple ingredient of Summer Camp. Get a taste on Friday at Canopy.

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WHAT: Tara Terra, The Fights

WHERE: Krannert Center, Stage 5 (free)

WHEN: Friday, May 1st, 9:30 p.m.

Two of the most widely prominent local bands of C-U join forces for a free show at Krannert Center’s lobby stage.

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WHAT: The Evergreen Experience 2: The ILL Edition feat. Josi Green, Najii, Nxffie, Murp Watkins, TheGr8Thinkaz

WHERE: Institute 4 Creativity ($7 advance/$10 door)

WHEN: Friday, May 1st, doors at 9:30 p.m., show at 10 p.m.

Rappers from C-U and around the Midwest will come together at the I4C on Friday — secure your spot with a $7 advance ticket! The show is presented by TheGr8Thinkaz and hosted by Chris Hightower.

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WHAT: Buzz Presents: Sound of C-U Kickoff with ZXO, Penny Horses, and Kenna Mae

WHERE: Cowboy Monkey

WHEN: Friday, May 1st

Buzz is kicking off its sound of C-U event this weekend with three local performers. The follow-up show is May 8 with Withershins and T.R.U.T.H.

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WHAT: ILL Rock Block Party feat. Big Sean, Gramatik, Matoma, Kyle, Exmag, AlexWiley, Klevah and more

WHERE: Corner of Goodwin & Oregon in Urbana ($35-$45)

WHEN: Saturday, May 2nd, 2 p.m.

I remember having block parties in my neighborhood as a kid, but I don’t think they were anything like this. Big Sean is coming to this one. Check the Facebook event for the full lineup.

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WHAT: Unwelcome Guests, Al Scorch, Canadian Rifle, Bullnettle

WHERE: Error Records ($5)

WHEN: Saturday, May 2nd, 8 p.m.

Part two of Error Records’ two-year anniversary celebration as a record shop and all-ages punk venue is (surprise!) a punk show!

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WHAT: ILL Rock Afterparty feat. Party Favor, Gibbz, & DJ Mixerman

WHERE: Canopy Club ($15)

WHEN: Saturday, May 2nd, 10:30 p.m.

The party doesn’t stop after the daytime block party is over this Saturday — DJs will keep it going inside Canopy Club.

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WHAT: Surfabilly Freakout’s 9th Birthday Bash feat. Bible Belt Sinners, The Dyes, and Go!Tsunami

WHERE: Cowboy-Monkey ($7)

WHEN: Saturday, May 2nd, 9 p.m.

Surf rock + Rockabilly = Surfabilly, which is the subject of Surfabilly Freakout, a WEFT radio show (formerly on WPGU).  It’s been around for 9 years. It’s time to celebrate.

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