With school, work, family, and sleeping off hangovers, who has the time to find out about the best shows happening in Champaign-Urbana? No need to fear, because the editors at Smile Politely have taken care of it. Here are the must-see shows of the week:
When: Monday June 15; Saturday June 20
What: The Jips
Where: WEFT Studios, 10 p.m., Free / Taste of Champaign, 11:30 a.m.; Free
There was a time, back in the day, when people listened to FM radio, and found out about new bands breaking in as a result. Well, you can still do that today, no matter how ancient a concept it seems to be. At Smile Politely, we try our best to keep the awesomeness that is WEFT Sessions in the public eye as much as possible, and tonight’s selection is not one to be ignored. And as such, we’d like to recommend The Jips to you. OK. They are super young, and untested, and in need of some shows to tighten up, but listen … can you hear it? … that is the sound of what will be a killer band sooner than later.
When: Wednesday, June 17
Who: The Creepshow, The Brains, Vvvvv!
Where: The Highdive, 7 p.m., $8
Toronto’s The Creepshow are a punk rock band in the Social Distortion mold who toss in a dash of surfabilly and are fronted by a female guitarist, Sarah Sin. Montreal’s The Brains tred similar territory but have an even bigger stiffy for The Misfits. Local surf punks Vvvvv! get the party started.
When: Thursday, June 18
Who: Soy un Caballo, You and Yourn, Good Night and Good Morning
Where: Mike ‘n Molly’s, 8 p.m., $5
Despite their Spanish name, Soy un Caballo are from Belgium, and early indications are that they are not a horse. They are, however, a fine chamber pop group.
You may know You and Yourn by their previous nom de guerre, Casados.
Here’s a video from Soy un Caballo for “Robin.” A cynic might call it twee, but punch that asshole cynic in the mouth. It’s pretty.
When: Thursday, June 18
Who: Dottie & the Rail
Where: Krannert Center (Stage 5), 5 p.m., free
Local classic country purveyors (and one hell of a supergroup) Dottie & the Rail perform as part of Krannert’s Uncorked wine tasting. I do believe this is what they call thinking outside the box.
When: Friday, June 19 through Sunday, June 21
Who: A whole lotta bands
Where: Taste of Champaign (West Side Park, downtown Champaign), free
For the full schedule, go here. Highlights include Angie Heaton (Friday night), Mhondoro (Saturday morning), Curb Service and Common Loon (both Saturday afternoon), and Elsinore (Saturday night).
When: Saturday, June 20
Who: Hot Cops, Community College, Take Care
Where: Mike ‘n Molly’s, 8 p.m., $5
It’s an ersatz Fireflies reunion on Saturday at Mike ‘n Molly’s, as Community College and Take Care bring together most of the former members of the late great local band.
Hot Cops released a new track, “Exploding Monkeys,” recently and are planning to release an album soon.