From busking in the streets of New Orleans to the glow of the stage lights at the Rose Bowl Tavern, Rory Book’s journey with Rory Book and the Volumes is a tale of redemption, resilience, …
Posts by Derrick Philips:
The Overture: February 12-18
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 …
Derrick Philips
Music Editor
Jakob Dylan’s Wallflowers to play Virginia Theatre in July
The historic Virginia Theatre in downtown Champaign is gearing up for a special night on July 19th, featuring a performance by The Wallflowers. This concert offers fans the chance to see the band, led by …
Derrick Philips
Music Editor
Kenna Mae of Sweetmelk to begin monthly residency at The Space
Kenna Mae Reiss, the vibrant lead singer of Sweetmelk, has just unveiled an exciting new venture: the Hopeless Romantic Residency at The Space. This unique series promises to fill The Space with an electric atmosphere …
Derrick Philips
Music Editor
Solshine: A Music and Arts Reverie announces phase one festival lineup for 2024
Solshine: A Music and Arts Reverie is setting the stage to dazzle music enthusiasts and festival-goers this Memorial Day weekend at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, stepping in to fill the void left by Summer …
Derrick Philips
Music Editor
Five things in Music: February 2024
For February, I’m going to switch up my five things format a bit and talk about parts of the music scene here in Champaign-Urbana I’d like to see change or improve a bit. I’ve been …
Derrick Philips
Music Editor
The Overture: February 5 – 11
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 …
Derrick Philips
Music Editor
Ryan Necci and the Buffalo Gospel aim to shape Americana traditions for the better
Ahead of his upcoming appearance at Upper Bout, sponsored by RightHereMusic.org, I sat down with singer/songwriter Ryan Necci to learn about his humble beginning, his musical journey, and how writing music is therapy for him. …
Derrick Philips
Music Editor
Restaurant Week date night at Nando Milano Trattoria
“You want a music editor to write about food?” I asked. This might be more pressure than I bargained for since joining Smile Politely as Music Editor last February. Alyssa assured me it wasn’t a …
Derrick Philips
Music Editor
Dr. Kimberly Mack to deliver musicology lecture on Living Colour’s Time’s Up
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will host a captivating Musicology Public Lecture by Dr. Kimberly Mack, focusing on the influential Black rock band Living Colour. Scheduled for February 5th, this free public lecture in the …
Derrick Philips
Music Editor