Smile Politely

The Overture: January 23-29

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra sits in front of a white backdrop, each member holding their respective instruments.
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

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 to change at any time. Thank you for understanding.

Did we miss something this week? Have a show coming up you think we should know about? Email us at [email protected] with the details.

MONDAY, January 23rd

UIUC Carillo Combo

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5:30 p.m.

Trumpeter Tito Carillo leads this talented combo of UIUC jazz students.

The Urbana Hootenanny

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.

Every Monday at the Rose Bowl, come hang out with some great musicians. A sort of open mic meets song share, you can expect a variety of music and performers. 

TUESDAY, January 24th

Folk duo John and Suzanne pose for a selfie, with Suzanne giving John a kiss on the cheek.
Rose Bowl Tavern on Facebook

Suzanne, John and The Limping Cowboy Band

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.

This group brings originals and covers of country, folk, and cowboy music. This Tuesday is also John’s birthday, so come out and help him celebrate.

WEDNESDAY, January 25th

Vine Street Syncopators

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.

More jazz at Rose Bowl on Wednesday with the Vine Street Syncopators. Known for playing New Orleans style jazz and swing, this band will get you dancing.

THURSDAY, January 26th

Holly and Charlie

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.

Holly and Charlie of the wonderful psych-folk group Merry Travelers will perform as a duo for americana happy hour.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

Krannert Center // $40 // 7:30 p.m.

The legendary Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra led by the also legendary Wynton Marsalis will be performing “Middle Eastern Meditations,” joined by Naseer Shamma, an internationally renowned oud player.

DJ Dirt Monkey performs at Red Rocks Amphitheater. He jumps in the air as the crowd cheers him on.
Dirt Monkey on Facebook; Andy Mann

Dirt Monkey, Jantsen, Zoska, Neuroversal

Canopy Club // $15+ // 8 p.m.

DJ/producers Dirt Monkey and Jantsen bring their Full Circle tour to Canopy Club with the help of Zoska and Neuroversal.

FRIDAY, January 27th

Chip Stephens Organ Trio

► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.

Pianist and organist Chip Stephens performs with his trio – organ, guitar, and drums mix together to create some great tunes.

Mid-October

Huber’s // free // 7 p.m.

Alternative and indie rock duo Mid-October hits Huber’s with some original tunes as well as some covers.

Ant Hattie, Snack’d Out, Midnite Leg, The Auctions

► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 suggested donation // 8 p.m.

A rock show for the books, y’all – these four groups know how to bring the energy and will kick major butt on Friday.

SATURDAY, January 28th

Hot Club of Urbana

Urbana Boulders // free // 11 a.m.

I think this is the first time I’ve seen Urbana Boulder’s host a show, which is cool. Come rock climb and listen to Hot Club of Urbana bringing some jazz tunes.

Van De Pants

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 3 p.m.

Looking to funk up your Saturday afternoon? Van De Pants plays classic funk, “ala The Meters.” Guitar, bass, keys, drums, come vibe.

Sammy and the Coaltraine

Huber’s // free // 7 p.m.

Country group Sammy and the Coltraine stop by Huber’s to play some originals and covers. 

Aerial shot of Sinfonia da Camera sitting on stage of Krannert Center's Foellinger Great Hall. They are in the middle of a rehearsal.
Sinfonia da Camera on Facebook

Sinfonia da Camera

Krannert Center // $40 // 7:30 p.m.

Sinfonia da Camera performs Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral”, followed by Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104, where the orchestra will be joined by cellist Ko Iwasaki.

Kilborn Alley Blues Band

Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 adv, $15 door // 7:30 p.m.

Hitting you with some tasty licks and southern fried soul, you’re always in for a great time with Kilborn Alley.

SUNDAY, January 29th

Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 4 p.m.

An afternoon of dance and upbeat tunes awaits you with this jazz collective. They’ll be playing Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Cuban, and Puerto Rican music. 

Space Port

Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7 p.m.

A big ole lineup of local jazz greats, Space Port brings jazz fusion with some funk mixed in as well.

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