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, March 4th
Jason Finkelman presents Improvisers Exchange
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5:30 p.m.
Explore the world of improvisational music with Jason Finkelman, a night where spontaneity and creativity take center stage.
Slow Jam Revival
► Lincoln Square Mall, Southeast Entrance (near Common Ground Food Co-op) // free // 7 p.m.
This community jam session focuses on traditional roots music including country, folk, and blues. It’s ideal for singers and players of all acoustic instruments, especially beginners and intermediate musicians, offering a supportive environment to play, learn, and share music at a comfortable pace.
The Urbana Hootenanny
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 8 p.m.
Gather for a community-driven evening of folk music and storytelling, featuring local musicians in a cozy, welcoming environment.
Manifest West, Pullstring, Aftercare
► The Space // $10 // 9 p.m.
Local rockers Manifest West invite their pals Pullstring and Aftercare to come over for a little Malört and a lot of rock.
Robyn Black
► University of Illinois Music Building Auditorium // free // 7:30 p.m.
Robyn Black, who is the Principal Tuba player in the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, showcases the tuba in a solo recital that promises to be unforgettable for brass instrument enthusiasts.
Illini Strings
► Recital Hall, Smith Memorial Hall, University of Illinois // free // 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a performance by the Illini Strings, featuring the talents of student musicians in an evening of classical string compositions.
Tuesday, March 5th
Femi Ishola
► Canopy Club // $10 to $15 // 9 p.m.
Femi Ishola brings his dynamic presence to The Canopy Club, showcasing his blend of beats and bars that define the UIUC Hip-Hop Collective. Don’t miss this ‘Discover’ series event where Ishola, along with fellow seniors STVE SØL and RERI, Supraman from Half House Studios, and the versatile Nayiaa Official, promise an evening of fresh hip-hop rhythms and rhymes.
Illinois Wind Symphony: Chamber Winds
► Recital Hall, Smith Memorial Hall, University of Illinois // free // 7:30 p.m.
The Illinois Wind Symphony presents an evening of chamber winds music, showcasing the versatility and skill of its members.
Wednesday, March 6th
Justin Dyer Jazztet
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
The Justin Dyer Jazztet brings together local jazz musicians for a session of smooth, improvisational jazz that’s sure to delight.
Goio Lima
► Gallery Art Bar // free // 7 p.m.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of Brazil with Goio Lima, a night of music and lively performances.
Rudolf Haken, electric viola + Rob Auler, piano
► University of Illinois Music Building Auditorium // free // 7:30 p.m.
Rudolf Haken and Rob Auler collaborate for a unique faculty recital, blending the sounds of electric viola and piano in a mesmerizing performance.
New Souls
► Anthem // free // 6 p.m.
New Souls take the stage for an acoustic set, offering an intimate performance that highlights their soulful melodies and lyrical depth.
Parkland Guitar Ensemble
► Parkland College, U-wing Cafeteria // free // 1 p.m.
Enjoy an afternoon concert by the Parkland Guitar Ensemble, featuring a repertoire that spans classical to contemporary guitar works.
Thursday, March 7th
EDITOR’S PICK: My Politic
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Americana / folk band My Politic serenades the crowd with their heartfelt storytelling and acoustic melodies. Their harmonies are world class, and each song will force you to tap your toes as well as make you think a bit.
Kurt Reeder’s Alt Keys
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 8 p.m.
Dive into the world of alternative jazz with Kurt Reeder’s Alt Keys, an innovative blend of traditional jazz infused with modern twists.
Garden Girl
► Canopy Club // $10 to $15 // 9 p.m.
Local indie-rockers Garden Girl are set to fill The Canopy Club with their unique sound, drawing inspiration from a wide spectrum of indie and alternative rock. Get ready to immerse yourself in their singer-songwriter energy fused with indie rock charm, with the up-and-coming The Meantime warming up the stage.
EDITOR’S PICK: ZENtheRapper with Frank Samuel and Eli Kling
► Gallery Art Bar // $10 // 7 p.m.
Explore the diverse sounds of the Urbana music scene with ZENtheRapper, Frank Samuel, and Eli Kling in a showcase of local hip-hop and rap.
Turas
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // free // 5 p.m.
Enjoy a glass of wine and unwind with Turas at Krannert Center Uncorked, an ensemble that brings the rich traditions of Celtic music to life with lively jigs and reels.
Bruce Hornsby & yMusic present BRHYM
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $10 to $90 // 7:30 p.m.
Don’t miss this collaboration between Bruce Hornsby and yMusic as they blend classical elements with pop sensibilities in a groundbreaking performance.
Friday, March 8th
Erik Lund’s Jazz Friends
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Gather for a session of smooth jazz with Erik Lund and his talented friends, a perfect way to wind down the week.
Sass Siders
► Pour Bros. // free // 7 p.m.
Sass Siders brings her unique blend of indie and folk to Pour Bros., promising an evening of introspective lyrics and melodious tunes.
Saturday, March 9th
Candy Foster and Shades of Blue
► Neil Street Blues // $15 to $20 // 9 p.m.
Experience the soul-stirring blues of Candy Foster and his band, a night of powerful vocals and rhythmic blues that resonate with every note.
The After Party
► Huber’s West End Store // free // 7 p.m.
The party doesn’t stop with The After Party, bringing together local talents for a night of music, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Reginald Lewis with special guest Arnett Johnson
► Jazz UpFront // $8 to $10 // 8 p.m.
Join Reginald Lewis and Arnett Johnson for an evening of jazz that blends traditional sounds with contemporary influences, a treat for the soul.
The Painkiller Blues Band
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 3 p.m.
Get ready for a dose of the blues with The Painkiller Blues Band, known for their gritty guitar riffs and soulful vocals that tell stories of life and love.
Painted Canyon With Nick Guzman and The Coyotes and Lydia Cash
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 to $15 suggested donation // 8 p.m.
Painted Canyon, alongside Nick Guzman and The Coyotes and Lydia Cash, promises an evening of folk and Americana that speaks to the heart.
Sunday, March 10th
Occasional Cajun Band
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 4 p.m.
Step into the vibrant world of Cajun music with the Occasional Cajun Band, a lively performance filled with the spirit of Louisiana.
Sweetmelk with No TagBacks and Brainsex
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 cover // 8 p.m.
End your weekend on a high note with the skull-rattling, punk-infused rock of Sweemelk along with musical trouble-makers No TagBacks and Brainsex.