The Overture: February 7 - 13
WHAT: The Low Anthem, Aron Stromberg
WHERE: Canopy Club ($10 advance/$12 door)
WHEN: Tuesday, February 7th at 7 p.m.
These Rhode Island-ers make their way through Champaign before they venture into Canada, a place where it might be a little more wintery than it is in C-U. They are currently supporting their newest record Smart Flesh (recorded in an abandoned pasta sauce factory in their home state, mind you) released just about this time last year. Supporting is Aron Stromberg, whom you might recognize as one of the axemen in Evil Tents.
Listen: "Charlie Darwin" by The Low Anthem
WHAT: Midstress, The Cheaper Hits, Coed Pageant
WHERE: Exile on Main Street (Free)
WHEN: Friday, February 10th at 7 p.m.
Midstress is a very busy band this weekend. Before they take the stage at Cowboy Monkey (below), they will play this free set with punk/blues outfit The Cheaper hits and Coed Pageant, side project of The Palace Flophouse, who are making their debut as well as dropping their first record. This one is early — consider it a happy hour for the show at Mike 'N Molly's.
WHAT: The Great Divide, Sun Stereo, A Cool Hand
WHERE: Canopy Club ($5)
WHEN: Friday, February 10th at 9 p.m.
In what is being called "A Night of Local Heroes", Canopy hosts some of these "homegrown" acts. The Great Divide received a pretty warm reception at their last show at The HighDive, so expect a similar result when they head across town. A drink special like "PB & J" (PBR & a shot of Jameson) does not hurt either.
WHAT: Withershins, New Ruins, Sequoia, Hot Cops
WHERE: Mike ‘N Molly’s ($5)
WHEN: Friday, February 10th at 10 p.m.
Withershins are planning on playing some of the new material from their upcoming Silver Cities album that we're hoping comes sooner rather than later. It seems like a long time since their excellent debut Aeriel was released into the world way back in August 2009. Lots of very solid rock 'n roll on all over this bill.
Listen: "Falling Waltz" by Withershins
WHAT: White Mystery, The Dirty Feathers, Midstress, Folded Bones
WHERE: Cowboy Monkey ($5)
WHEN: Saturday, February 11th at 8 p.m.
Chicago's red-headed duo White Mystery brings their scuzzy garage rock to Cowboy Monkey with some bands that are definitely familiar to lots of noise. Midstress plays back-to-back nights and The Dirty Feathers are coming off of their set as a group you may have heard of from across the pond for The Great Cover Up a few weeks back. Folded Bones will bring some of their bluesy-rock as well to round this one out.
Listen: "Powerglove" by White Mystery
WHAT: Commodity, The Diamond Stretch, Rvins
WHERE: Mike ‘N Molly’s ($5)
WHEN: Saturday, February 11th at 9 p.m.
With one band saying farewell, another reemerges from the dark. This is The Diamond Stretch's final show and hardcore punk outfit Commodity gets back on stage after a nearly two year hiatus. Commodity will be releasing their discography on cassette, which isn't something you can get at an average show. TDS will definitely be missed, but we're sure their new projects will surely emerge and keep us entertained as they have done.
Most Recent Music Comments
represent, Matt.
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
*slow. clap.* Still offering no threat of intelligence…. I know I said I thought you should just write this whole column yourself next year, Isaac, but now that you’ve gone and taken a “part deux” run at it, I’d like to modify my request: Best Music 2013,…
Actually, it’s kind of nice, the quiet. John Heoffleur’s engaging commentary/dialogue is sorely missed, however. In lieu of someone intelligent saying something, I’ve compiled a list of Honourable Mentions: BEST ROCK BAND: Take Care ::these gentlemen have four completely different sets at their disposal right now (which…
What? Echo! (Echo!) Where’s the dischord and dissent?
That article almost looks like something out of The Onion
Thanks! I’m looking forward to writing even more….
Yay! Love this! Welcome to the family!
that last photo’s a doozie, Chris. good work.
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Most Recent Comments
Did the Crave Truck get a permit to park in city metered spots and city right of way? Or did they just get a permit? The city clerk’s office seems to be a suspect here, but it’s not clear they did anything wrong. Did the Crave Truck…
High-profile whining. AKA Lobbying.
it’s quite choice. looking forward to seeing how it and its patronage grow and develop over the course of the year. could be a neat little ecosystem.
“It was at this point, before he started his business, that working with city employees should’ve raised red flags…” But they didn’t because: 1) The City Clerk’s office originally mis-interpreted the rules, or are indeed re-interpreting them. 2) Champaign’s brick-n-mortar merchants hadn’t yet started whining about The Crave Truck.
Super cool! Excellent track, Excellent band.
Looking forward to trying this place!
I’m in the middle (or the beginning or end, depending on how you look at it) of re-reading Slaughterhouse Five. What a great companion column.
Get yours early. The Rave’s CD will be available at Exile and at The C-U Flea on Saturday. C-U Flea details here: http://www.smilepolitely.com/news/sp_radio_podcast_c-u_flea_arrives/
I don’t know about Gerard and a random police sargeant. My (mild) outrage is based on this: “...he worked closely with Champaign City Clerk Marilyn Banks to make sure he was licensed properly as a transient food peddler, filling out the necessary paperwork and paying a $225…
Local Yocal pretty much nails it here. I suspect there will be merchants who oppose food trucks because they arguably don’t pay their fair share to locate their trucks in high traffic (high rent) areas. The food trucks take away business from rent payers, park in city…
Oh nice! I’d totally vote for Matt Campbell!
“Smile Politely sports writer announces candidacy for city government.”
I also got to visit Big Grove Tavern during the soft open and definitely enjoyed the pork belly the most of all the dishes I sampled. The cheesy grits and the vinegary pickled vegetables were a perfect compliment to the rich pork belly.
The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!
Snell and the little Hitlers of the neighborhood association need to chill out. Legitimate businesses should have the freedom to exist without having to endure the slings and arrows of ignorant and misguided opposition.
represent, Matt.
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
Food trucks are the start-up, small businesses of the future for those unable to afford real estate. No surprise, that merchants who pay rent, utilities, and maintenance on a property would despise the traveling competition. Or developers who build more empty retail spaces would want to close…
Not so much far-right Tea Party as a balanced, moderate viewpoint between letting businesses succeed and protecting society with reasonable regulations. In spite of what the city reps are saying, the interpretation of policy on this issue certainly has changed. Letting a business start up under one…
I think it’s neat that SP has turned rightward, now espousing a Tea Party-style frustration with government regulations & taxes.
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Get yours early. The Rave’s CD will be available at Exile and at The C-U Flea on Saturday. C-U Flea details here: http://www.smilepolitely.com/news/sp_radio_podcast_c-u_flea_arrives/