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, April 24th
Direct Hit! with Decent Criminal and J.U.G.
► The Space // $15 advance // 7 p.m.
Get ready for a night of high-energy punk rock with Direct Hit! at The Space. The Milwaukee-based band has been delivering rapid-fire EPs and full-length records for over a decade, touring with top acts like Blink-182 and Rise Against. Don’t miss your chance to see Direct Hit! Live at Champaign’s newest venue, The Space. Support acts are Decent Criminal (Santa Rosa, CA) and J.U.G. (Champaign-Urbana).
Tuesday, April 25th
Mid Nite Leg with Baby Tyler and Dumbed Down
► The Space // $10 advance // 8 p.m.
Local punk rockers Mid Nite Leg play their second show at The Space, having given the venue proper time to repair the damage from the last time they played. Baby Tyler (“deranged drum machine-driven punk”) and local act Dumbed Down are in support. Get there early and have a Smashy McSmashface burger to fuel you for this Tuesday night punk rock showcase.
Zentik on Electric Tuesdays
►The Canopy Club // 8-10 p.m. free// After 10 p.m. $5 door
Electric Tuesdays feature open decks, this week with The Shade Collective. At 10 p.m. enjoy EDM artist Zentik spinning her own mixes.
Wednesday, April 26th
Chalk Dinosaur with Modern Drugs
► The Canopy Club // $5 door // 9 p.m.
The Canopy Club once again features the most value for your music dollar with Pittsburgh, PA natives Chalk Dinosaur headlining along with support from local act, Modern Drugs. I’m told Modern Drugs are stronger than the stuff we had back in high school, so brace yourself for that. Chalk Dinosaur boasts that you won’t know if one band member or a plethora will perform at any given show, but they promise to regale you with electronic music that encompasses funk, jam, dance, and psychedelic.
Thursday, April 27th
Rittz with Emilio Rojas and Noble Poets
►The Castle Theatre // $22 advance // 7 p.m.
Rittz is a Southern hip-hop artist based in Atlanta, who gained popularity through collaborations with Yelawolf. He is known for his smooth sound, rapid-fire flow, and precise delivery, and will be performing at the historic Castle Theatre in Bloomington on Thursday night with supporting acts Emilio Rojas and Noble Poets.
Friday, April 28th
Editor’s Pick: Acoustic Listening Room experience with Edward David Anderson (Backyard Tire Fire)
► Yellow & Company (Mahomet) // $20 advance, $25 door // Show 7:30 p.m.
Lead singer of Backyard Tire Fire Edward David Anderson brings his black dirt Americana sound to Mahomet, performing an extremely intimate listening room experience at Yellow and Company. A listening room experience gives the artist the full attention of the audience without cell phones and side conversations. Be in your seats by 7:30 p.m. sharp for this show.
The Knee Hi’s with Kangaroo Court and Watermelon
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $7 advance, $10 door // Show 9 p.m.
Chicago-based all-girl rock band, The Knee Hi’s, are making waves with their raw, brash, and refreshing approach to rock n roll, blending 60s garage rock, 70s glam, 50s doo-wop, blues, and more into their unique style. The Knee Hi’s music has been described as “cosmic nostalgia for the soul” and “junkshop glam”. Joining them will be Urbana garage punks, Kangaroo Court, and the purveyors of “super sour punk” from Chicago, Watermelon.
Poisoned Rationality Album Release Party
► Boomerangs Bar and Grill // free // Show 7 p.m.
Poisoned Rationality is hosting their album release party this Friday, April 28th at Boomerangs Bar and Grill in Urbana. Their first album, Mary Ann’s at Midnight drops Friday morning. They’ll be playing the whole album plus some of your favorite pop punk covers from 7-9.
Saturday, April 29th
Editor’s Pick: Decadents with The Hangovers and Rabbit in Red
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $10-$15 suggested donation // 8 p.m.
Champaign band Decadents, known for their classic rock foundation augmented with southern rock, pure pop, and country influences, are releasing a brand new single “The Real Thing” on April 23rd, from their upcoming 5th studio album Lost in Translation. They are celebrating the release by playing a set at The Rose Bowl with local acts The Hangovers and Effingham’s Rabbit in Red. The show is free, but a $10 to $15 donation in the bucket will go directly to the bands.
Sunday, April 30th
Spotlights with Birdhands
►Loose Cobra (Tolono) // $10 or $15 suggested donation // 9 p.m.
Spotlights, the hypnotic trio featuring Mario and Sarah Quintero with Chris Enriquez, are set to release their new album, Alchemy For The Dead, on April 28 via Ipecac Recordings. The band, known for their unique blend of heavy and ambient sounds, will be playing at The Loose Cobra in Tolono at 9 p.m. on Sunday, April 30th with supporting act Birdhands.
