Smile Politely

The Overture: November 21-27

WHAT: Dewclaw

WHERE: Iron Post ($5)

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 22nd at 8 p.m.

Dewclaw is going strong after their performance at Folk and Roots Fest, and for Tuesday, they present to you more swing, blues, and soul that is decidedly tongue-and-cheek. The duo’s sense of humor always keeps their shows interesting, and they are sure to offer some holiday-themed improvisation and candor for this show, provided that you play along.

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WHAT: Reunion Dancehall Celebrations

WHERE: The Accord (free)

WHEN: Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of this week, 9 p.m. each day

Reunion Dancehall is celebrating the reunions of three different high schools this week: Champaign Central on Wednesday, Champaign Centennial on Friday, and Urbana High on Saturday. DJ Kosmo’s got the first two days and DJ Belly will be spinning for Friday. The holidays always bring everyone back home for a bit, so come dance and reminisce with some old friends while they’re around.

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WHAT: Pre-Thanksgiving Celebration

WHERE: Rigg’s Brewing Co. (no cover)

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 23rd at 3 p.m.

Rigg’s will prepare you for the holidays with originals and covers by indie rockers The Rives Brothers, and all sorts of excellent beers that the place is known for. There will also be a new barbeque food truck present, which I suggest you take advantage of, because your relatives probably aren’t going to cook the turkey that way.

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WHAT: Sun Stereo with Hot Hand Luke and The Sound

WHERE: Cowboy Monkey ($7)

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 23rd at 10 p.m.

Eclectic rock and funk band Sun Stereo and “fury-grass” group Hot Hand Luke and the Sound join forces on Wednesday to bring you a late night pre-Thanksgiving banger.

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WHAT: The New Souls

WHERE: Watson’s Shack and Rail (free)

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 23rd at 11 p.m.

Another late night show in C-U brings you the funky blues and rock stylings of local favorites The New Souls, who always promise good times. Enjoy the danceable tunes with a warming beverage within the cozy confines of Watson’s, and don’t be afraid to bring your visiting relatives, because the friendly folks there are welcoming to all.

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WHAT: Blackout Wednesday

WHERE: Radio Maria (no cover)

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 23rd at 10 p.m.

Even Radio Maria is letting its hair down for the holidays with a version of Blackout Wednesday. DJ Belly will be there to kick off the long holiday weekend with some sick beats, and $3 pumpkin pie shots won’t fail to get you in the Turkey Day spirit.

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WHAT: Dranksgiving at Bentley’s

WHERE: Bentley’s Pub (no cover)

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 24th at 9 p.m.

Hey look at that, Bentley’s is open on Thanksgiving! The bar will have DJ Belly and friends spinning until late, and they’re even welcoming you to bring in your outside Thanksgiving food. 9 p.m. might be just about when you’ve had enough of Uncle Frank’s political opinions, so escape it with some liquid stress reliever. Or, go the other route and bring him along, and bury the hatchet at the bottom of a bottle. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

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WHAT: FireHouse

WHERE: The City Center (tickets start at $15)

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 26th at 7 p.m.

Rock and roll group FireHouse have been around since 1990. Over the years, they have climbed to the top of rock charts several times and won various awards for their music. They’ve also completed extensive international tours that have taken them to Japan, Thailand and Malaysia, to name just a few places. Shake off some of the holiday grog with their Saturday show.

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WHAT: Steve Gingold Memorial Concert

WHERE: Cowboy Monkey ($5 donation)

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 26th at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, Cowboy Monkey is honoring the memory of Steve Gingold, a local musician who recently passed from a long-term illness. Selections of recordings from Gingold’s various Champaign bands will be featured and there will be performances from rock and punks acts the Autocorrect and California Mummy. All proceeds will go to benefit Gingold’s son, Wylee.

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WHAT: The Champaign Cypher Series Presents: The C-U Open Invite Cypher

WHERE: Independent Media Center ($5)

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 27th at 5 p.m.

The C-U Open Invite Cypher is an open mic of sorts: local emcees and singers are allotted two minutes in which they can perform over hip hop instrumentals selected by the hosting deejays. DJ Belly hosts, and the entire event will be recorded for future upload. The whole thing will culminate with a rap battle featuring Nick G. vs. Skelly. Check the event page for more details.

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