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.
TUESDAY, March 21st
U of I Latin Jazz Ensemble
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
University of Illinois Jazz students will perform for two hours. Latin jazz is personally my favorite form of jazz, and those students are talented. It’s bound to be a good couple of hours of music.
Zoska
► Canopy Club // $5 // 7 p.m.
Zoska is a Chicago-based DJ who creates “jazzy bass music.” She’s spinning this week as part of the Summer Camp Music Festival Series.
Silverweed
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
Silverweed plays jam band-y music mixed with some country, rock, and Americana. You’ll hear original music, of course, and probably a handful of covers, too.
Afro D & Global Soundwaves + D’Funk & The Grease Monkeys
► Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center // $5-$10 suggested // 8 p.m.
This all ages show will feature hip hop, jazz, funk, and soul.
WEDNESDAY, March 22nd
The North 41 + Nasty Snacks
► Canopy Club // $5 // doors 8 p.m., show 9 p.m.
The North 41 is a jam band with a pop-funk perspective. Like Zoska, The North 41 is playing this week as part of the Summer Camp Music Festival Series.
THURSDAY, March 23rd
Americana Happy Hour with LoveSeat
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
LoveSeat is a duo from Effingham who describe themselves as “singing funny and sad love songs you may know and some they just made up.”
UI Symphony Orchestra
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $10 // 6 p.m. pre-show discussion + 7:30 p.m. show
Carolyn Watson conducts this orchestra, which will perform five pieces. If you have time, do head to KCPA at 6 p.m. for pre-concert talk with Aboriginal Australian didgeridoo soloist William Barton. Didgeridoo soloist! How cool is that?!
Kayla Brown
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
You might know C-U native Kayla Brown from her solo work, or in We The Animals and Belle Isle.
Drew Cagle & The Reputation
► Canopy Club // $10 adv, $15 doors // doors 8 p.m., show 9 p.m.
Cagle is a C-U native who has been gaining notice for his classic rock sounds. This is a rescheduled show from earlier this month.
FRIDAY, March 24th
Chip McNeil Trio
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Chip McNeil is a Grammy award-winning saxophonist and professor at the University of Illinois. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear him play just a few feet away from you.
Mid-October
► Huber’s // free // 7 p.m.
Mid-October is an alternative-indie band playing a lot of original music and some covers.
Sinfonia da Camera: English painters, poets, and playwrights
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $40 // 7:30 p.m.
Sinfonia da Camera will present several works inspired by English artists of the past, including Shakespeare and Coates.
The Lone Canary
► Pour Bros. // free // 8 p.m
Rockford duo Jesse Fox and Heather Camacho play Americana of fans of Jason Isbell, The Civil Wars, and the Head and the Heart.
Beth Bombara + Tractor Kings
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10-$15 suggested cover // 8:30 p.m.
Beth Bombara is an Americana / folk singer-songwriter with a rich voice. She’s working on a new album, so you’re likely to hear new songs.
SATURDAY, March 25th
Lyric Theater @ Illinois Presents: Spring Fever
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 adv; $15 day of // 2 p.m.
A unique opportunity to see Lyric Theater programming outside of Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Lyric Theater is the U of I’s opera and musical theatre program, and the students will perform selections from Trial by Jury and City of Angels.
BNNY w/ NIIKA + Fiona Kimble + Tessa Turner
► Rose Bowl Tavern // 18+ // $12 // 8 p.m.
Bnny is a Chicago-based quintet with vibe-y, softly feminine sounds. This will be a really good show; if you’re only seeing one this week, this should be it.
Big Daddy Pride and the East Side 5, Haki n’ Dem
► Loose Cobra // $5-$10 suggested // 8 p.m.
The description of this show promises “cool sounds and delicious vibes” and a night of smooth music. Yes, please.
SUNDAY, March 26th
Gloria Roubal
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 4 p.m.
Roubal has been playing original music in C-U for a long time. This will be a nice pop/rock Sunday show.
Los Guapos + Kittens Incorporated
► Rose Bowl Tavern // suggested $10 // 7 p.m.
Los Guapos are performing at the Rose Bowl for the first time in a while, with new music, too. This is an excellent way to end your Sunday and begin the next week.
Terminus Victor, Djunah (Chicago), Sweetmelk
► The Space // $10 // 7:30 p.m.
These three acts that span rock/punk/post-punk/noise/singer-songwriter genres. The Space is brand new.
Yheti w/ Ternion Sound, Toadface, HoneyBee
► Canopy Club // 18+ // $10 adv, $15 doors // doors 8 p.m., show 9 p.m.
Yheti is on their Knew Sound Tour, and if you’re into trippy electronic music, this is your chance to vibe.
