Smile Politely

Music

Making Noise at the Rose Bowl

On Monday January 16th, three solo acts and one collaboration made a lot of Noise at the Rose Bowl. In the tradition of Prairie Noise Invasion it was an intimate performance, in the way that …

The Overture: January 17-22

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 …

The Overture: January 9-15

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 …

Loud feedback and riffs: get to know Edna

With a killer lineup of heavy music acts around C-U, one of my favorites is Edna. They have a new EP on the way, and guitarist Jake Kelley provides some background on the band ahead of their Saturday show at Loose Cobra. 

Meredith Monk dances with what it means to be human

Drawing from the foundations of life, Meredith Monk and the women of her vocal ensemble, with help from girls in the Central Illinois Youth Chorus, performed her composition Cellular Songs at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and wove a richly textured experience into a possibility of being.

PUP isn’t playing around

On Wednesday night, the Canopy Club got ripped apart by the music of PUP, Palehound, and The OBGMs. Sean shares some of the highlights of the show.

The Overture: August 15-21

A week of great weather calls for great music, with shows from Yellow Ostrich, Kangaroo Court, Yap Trap, as well as Immersion Festival this weekend.

Review: Pentimento by Genaro Jr.

Genaro Jr.'s debut album Pentimento is a devastatingly realistic look into anxiety, identity, hope, and personal growth, paired with some great production and catchy hooks. 

Spoon beats the devil

The rock band Spoon turned up the heat at Canopy Club on Friday night, showcasing that the band is as strong as ever.