BEST Music 2023
I’m very passionate about music and respect it as an indelible art form, no matter the genre. I often say that no one can say whether art or music is good or bad; you can …
Music
Soothing harp concert offers respite from the holiday hustle
Looking for a moment of calm in the midst of what can often feel like a stressful countdown to the holidays? Visit the Champaign Public Library this Friday, December 8th at 5 p.m. for a …
Derailed Fest carries on the legacy of Rail Fest in C-U
Since 2021, the music-loving denizens of Central Illinois have had the opportunity to come together for an excellent selection of bands in downtown Champaign at the first and second annual Rail Fest. Held at the …
Local gifts for the music lover
As the holiday season approaches, shopping locally offers not only a chance to find unique gifts, but also supports our vibrant community here in Champaign-Urbana. Our local record stores are treasure troves for music enthusiasts, …
The Overture: December 4-10
Monday, December 4th Jason Finkelman Presents: Improviser’s Exchange ► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5:30 p.m. Dive into a world of spontaneous creativity with Jason Finkelman’s Improviser’s Exchange. Finkelman gathers a host …
We’re loyal to you, Illinois: A recap of the Marching Illini’s 2023 halftime shows
With last Saturday’s heartbreaking loss to Northwestern, another Illini football season has come to a close. Barring the generosity of a bowl committee that can overlook a 5-7 record, last Saturday represented the final football …
Andrew Binder bends the rules with Conspiracy Deliracy
At the heart of the Champaign-Urbana music scene, amidst the eclectic mix of genres and styles, stands Andrew Binder. A man who has turned the bizarre world of conspiracy theories into a labyrinth of jazzy …
The Overture: November 26 – December 3
Monday, November 27th U of I Jazz Repertory Jazz Orchestra ► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5:30 p.m. The U of I Jazz Repertory Jazz Orchestra is a student-led group that performs …
Terminus Victor discuss new album and the influence of the local music scene
In the vibrant landscape of the Champaign-Urbana music scene, Terminus Victor has been a commanding presence, infusing hard rock with a punk spirit for over 23 years. The trio, consisting of Scott Kimble on bass …
Half House and Vorborg studios went head-to-head at Canopy Club Saturday night
Two of the top recording studios in Champaign-Urbana faced off last Saturday night, November 18th, at Canopy Club, as part of the Champaign Cypher Series. Members of Half House Studios and Vorborg Studios performed head-to-head …
Storytelling through song at Rose Bowl Tavern’s November writers in the round
On a brisk Sunday evening in Champaign-Urbana, the November Writers in the Round at Rose Bowl Tavern beckoned with the promise of local music and storytelling. This event, nestled in the heart of our music …
The Overture: November 20-26
Monday, November 20th The Urbana Hootenanny ► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 8 p.m. The Urbana Hootenanny, a local favorite, brings together musicians for an evening of folk and acoustic music, fostering …
Silverweed gets rousing sendoff at Rose Bowl Tavern
In the vibrant music scene of Champaign-Urbana, bands come and go, leaving their unique imprints on the hearts and ears of the local community. Silverweed, a band that blended Americana, folk, and a dash of …
Brother Cane returning with the Southern hard rock sound we all missed
In an industry where the glitz and glamor of the 80s metal era often overshadowed raw musical essence, Brother Cane emerged as a refreshing exception. Founded in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1991, they carved a niche …
The Overture: November 13-19
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 …
Davina and the Vagabonds dazzle and delight Fischer Theatre audience
Saturday evening the Fischer Theatre opened its doors at 6 p.m., complete with a flashing marquee and Todd Gallagher’s jazz trio filling the lobby with music, in preparation for Davina and the Vagabonds. An event …
Five things in music: November 2023
November is here, and the colder temperatures have cooled down the Champaign-Urbana music scene just a tad. The whirlwind of festivals and special performances in September and October are over and the scene is given …
The Overture: November 6-12
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 …
Golden Daze by Merry Travelers is a delightful, psychedelic romp
Honestly, I hadn’t heard of Merry Travelers before writing this article, which is a shame. I’ll blame the pandemic for that and likewise thank the editors for letting me review their new album. Their new …
This is Kangaroo Court is a psych rock rollercoaster
Earlier this year, Kangaroo Court released their first album, This is Kangaroo Court. Formed in Champaign-Urbana in 2021, they relocated to Chicago not too long ago. Their debut album has been a long time in …
The Overture: October 30 – November 5
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 …
The dual charm of Black Eyed Lillies
Groupies of the Black Eyed Lillies likely had a field day two weekends ago as the band played back-to-back shows in two different Champaign-Urbana locations. For their first show that evening, the Lillies brought their …
The Woodchips carve out a musical space that’s all their own
Fifteen years and some change ago, Rob Weller was sitting on AOL Instant Messenger, as one did in those days, when he received a message: “You talkin’ shit about me?” Weller went back and forth …
Herm Everlasting weaves positivity into Champaign-Urbana’s hip-hop tapestry
Derrion Herman, known as Herm Everlasting, is more than just a name on the local Champaign-Urbana hip-hop scene; he’s a compelling narrative in the making, a young artist navigating the maze that is the modern …
The Overture: October 23-29
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 …
DJ Silkee’s sonic odyssey
Twelve years ago Ja’Nea Modest was in a “badass motorcycle rider in a motorcycle club” called the Covergirls. When it came time for nicknames, Modest knew she was smooth as silk, and therefore the moniker …
2023 C-U Folk & Roots Festival showcased world-class musical talent for delighted audiences
Over the weekend two of our writers took in just a few of the multitude of incredible performances at this year’s Champaign-Urbana Folk & Roots festival. Here are a few of their observations on the …
A chill in the air and aural brutality at Oktstonerfest
For the past couple of years, Oktstonerfest has been a personal high point of my October. Held in Tolono’s Loose Cobra bar, owned and operated by the legendary Matt Talbott, Oktstonerfest features a line-up of …
The Overture: October 16-22
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 …
Hooten Hallers to liven up CU Folk & Roots with inimitable style
If you’ve ever found yourself at a Hooten Hallers show, you know you’re in for a wild ride. The band, known for their eclectic blend of blues, rock, and roots music, has been captivating audiences …
Adeem the Artist: When country music won’t love you back
When I connected with Adeem the Artist to discuss their striking new album, White Trash Revelry, and their upcoming appearance this weekend at the Champaign-Urbana Folk & Roots Festival, our conversation touched upon the traditional …
The Overture: October 10-15
Tuesday, October 10 The Chip Stephens Trio ► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m. The Chip Stephens Trio, led by pianist Chip Stephens, brings an evening of classic jazz standards and …
Strings and strife: Jupiter Quartet tackles socio-political themes in stunning fall concert
Upheaval – Program Title ( KCPA Marquee Series) The Jupiter String Quartet, longtime artists-in-residence, and faculty at the UIUC School of Music, gave a fall concert on Tuesday, October 3rd. They titled their program “Upheaval,” …
Hogchute Harvest is the anti-corporate music festival
In the heart of rural Illinois, the Kalyx Center for Sustainability serves as a sanctuary for music aficionados, at least twice yearly. Each autumn, this unique venue hosts the Hogchute Harvest Festival, a one-day event …
Five things in music: October 2023
October is shaping up to be a monumental month for music lovers in Champaign-Urbana. With events ranging from the soulful melodies of the Folk and Roots Festival to the grassroots vibe of Hogchute Harvest, and …
“Folk” is more than a genre at C-U Folk & Roots Festival
When I connected with Cody Jensen on Zoom, I expected to learn about the stellar music lineup at this year’s Champaign-Urbana Folk & Roots Festival, taking place October 12-14 in Urbana. But what struck me …
The Overture: October 2-8
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 …
Snack’d Out dishes on their origins and new album
Snack’d Out is a trio that found each other through one of the more unique ways I’ve heard of a band coming together: a DIY Facebook page posting. Kris Ward, the singer and guitarist for …
Turn Around: A new concert series, a new experience
For people looking for a new and different kind of musical experience next weekend, know that weird music is returning at last to the Herbert Brun House. Folks who’ve been around Champaign-Urbana a while might …
The Dirty Feathers are gearing up to rock C-U and beyond once again
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I huddled into a booth at Rose Bowl Tavern with Andrew Kling, guitarist for The Dirty Feathers. I knew the band was a longtime fixture of the Champaign-Urbana …
PYGMALION 2023: A kaleidoscope of genres and talent
This year’s PYGMALION is in the books, and the music portion was exceptionally diverse and entertaining. The writing staff all saw different acts over the weekend and shared some thoughts on their experiences. Lauren Mayberry …
The Overture: September 25 – October 1
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 …
From classroom to Canopy Club with Josh Spinner
Currently a student at the University of Illinois, Josh Spinner is originally from Glencoe in the northern suburbs of Chicago. Relatively new to the music scene, Spinner and his bandmates are constantly learning about the …
SUSTO’s Justin Osborne gets candid about creative courage
Indie rock outfit SUSTO has been on a wild, genre-defying ride for a solid decade, and they’re nowhere near hitting the brakes. With a live album set to drop this fall, marking their ten-year run, …
Riffing through gender barriers with Rose Marshack’s Play Like a Man
“How did an unknown indie-rock band from Champaign, IL, get its first show in New York City and at a bar co-owned by Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones? I attribute it to the kindness …
Kankakee native to bring queer southern rock to PYGMALION
Returning to Champaign-Urbana for PYGMALION is Thelma and the Sleaze — an all-woman, queer, independent southern rock band from Nashville, Tennessee. The group is the work of founder, lead vocalist, and guitar player Lauren “LG” …
The art of chaos: How Divino Niño crafts their unique sound
Camilo Medina’s spiritual journey is a compelling narrative that deeply influences Divino Niño’s music. He was raised Catholic in Bogata and Miami, but he and his best friend and bandmate Javier found themselves involved in …
Thresholds and catharsis in Ratboys’ The Window
In a few days, Champaign-Urbana will get to welcome the band Ratboys, as they begin their long tour with a set at this year’s PYGMALION. I had the opportunity to talk to singer, songwriter, and …
PYGMALION 2023 music preview
PYGMALION, an annual celebration of music, art, and culture, is back for its 2023 edition. With a lineup that promises to be a feast for the ears, this year’s PYGMALION is set to be an …