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, May 8th
Peter Tijerina Nonet feat. Xintian Yu
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5:30 p.m.
Experience an evening of diverse jazz styles with the Peter Tijerina Nonet, featuring vocalist Xintian Yu, at the Rose Bowl Tavern on Monday, May 8th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Bring your own food, enjoy beverages from the tavern, and consider tipping the talented ensemble to show your appreciation.
Tuesday, May 9th
Alice Cooper
► State Farm Center // $60.25 – $138.25 advance // 7:30 p.m.
Alice Cooper, the architect of shock rock, has had a prolific career spanning several decades, with chart-topping albums, elaborate stage shows, and memorable film and television appearances. Continuing to tour worldwide and release new music, Cooper remains an influential figure in rock and roll and popular culture, with accomplishments such as a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and countless honors and awards.
The Hobnob String Band
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7:30 p.m.
Hailing from Urbana, The Hobnob String Band is an acoustic power trio, showcasing a diverse mix of folk and Americana genres. Their repertoire includes bluegrass, new grass, blues, country, fiddle tunes, mento, and beyond. Since 2010, the talented trio, featuring Sam Payne on flat top six-string guitar, Cody Jensen on mandolin, and Charlie Harris on upright bass, has been delighting audiences at Rose Bowl Tavern and elsewhere.
Bobcat
► Exile on Main St. // free // 6 p.m.
Bobcat, a one-man band from Long Island, skillfully combines genres like power pop, garage rock, rockabilly, psychobilly, jangle pop, punk rock, and solo guitar. Catch his unique performance at Exile on Main Street on Tuesday evening.
Real Friends and Knuckle Punch with Between You and Me
► The Castle Theater // $26.50 advance // 6:30 p.m.
Real Friends, an Illinois-based pop-punk band, delivers emotionally-charged music that resonates with their dedicated fanbase. Since forming in 2010, Real Friends has remained dedicated to creating emotionally honest pop-punk music that embraces vulnerability and raw emotion in their songwriting.
Chicago brethren Knuckle Puck‘s sound is described as a melodic blend of old-school punk rock and emo. They have gained a loyal fan base through their high-energy live performances and their authentic, emotionally-resonant songs.
Wednesday, May 10th
Icon for Hire with Hooked Like Helen
► The Castle Theater // $15 advance // 7:30 p.m.
Hailing from Decatur, Icon for Hire has developed a distinct sound that blends pop, electronic, and alternative rock influences. Their music is characterized by catchy hooks, powerful vocals, and driving guitar riffs that have earned them a devoted following of fans.
Hooked Like Helen is an alt-pop duo formed by Jon and Nikki Stipp who developed their unique sound through experimental home recordings in a house near Cleveland. The band has won several accolades in the independent music scene and is known for their dynamic live shows, blending dark lyrical themes and commercially friendly sonic sensibilities.
Carlos Vega and Friends
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Saxophonist and U of I alum, Carlos Vega, will perform live at the Rose Bowl Tavern, showcasing his dynamic and unique approach to composition and jazz improvisation. Having toured extensively and collaborated with high-profile artists, Vega now serves as Associate Professor of Saxophone and director of the Latin Jazz Ensemble at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
Thursday, May 11th
Editor’s Pick: Them Coulee Boys with Carrie Sue & The Wood Burners
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 advance, $15 door // 8:30 p.m.
Them Coulee Boys are back at the Rose Bowl, after a rousing performance back in February. The band will showcase their signature folk-grass and American, rock with a punk ethos, crossing many different genres to create their own unique sound. Joining them, Carrie Sue & The Wood Burners play a distinctive fusion of folk, bluegrass, country, and Americana music, marked by honest songs, heartfelt vocals, and exceptional musicianship.
Friday, May 12th
Gay Meat Kerosene Heights, Farseek, Snack’d Out
► The Space // $10 advance // 8 p.m.
Gay Meat is the solo project of Karl Kuehn, the frontman of North Carolina cult favorites Museum Mouth. His debut EP Bed of Every is a colorful and personal reinvention of his sound, influenced by pop, rap, and indie rock. Kerosene Heights is a rock band from Champaign, known for their energetic live shows and catchy songs. Farkseek is a punk band from Chicago, that blends hardcore, metal, and ska elements. Snack’d Out is a slippercore band from Urbana, Illinois, that mixes witty lyrics,pop-punk guitars, and social commentary.
Ian Ferguson with Marble Teeth
► The Recreation Club // $15 door // 8 p.m.
Ian Ferguson is a Nashville-based artist with a visionary sound and aesthetic that has earned him acclaim and fans worldwide. Marble Teeth is a garage indie punk band from Decatur, Illinois, with a vibey and honest way of storytelling and songwriting. They play sock rock with a Midwestern flair.
Saturday, May 13th
Editor’s Pick: Sara Siders (Sass from Mank and Sass)
► Yellow and Company (Mahomet) // $10 to $25 advance // 7 p.m.
Join Yellow and Company and The Main Scoop for a delightful evening of wine and sorbet tasting, featuring three mini-sized pairings and live music by Sass of Mank & Sass. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with music from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are required for both the tasting and live performance.
Sara Siders (Sass from Mank and Sass)
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 12 p.m.
You can also catch Sider playing earlier in the day at the Rose Bowl After Market at 12 p.m. Get a double dose of Sass on Saturday!
Kyshona Trio with Emily Anne
► Channing Murray Chapel // $15 advance, $20 door // 6:30 p.m.
Kyshona’s music career began as a music therapist, where she wrote songs with her patients, and has since evolved into a powerful voice for the silenced and forgotten, blending various genres to uplift and bring awareness. With a focus on empowerment and hope, Kyshona’s performances inspire listeners to take action, encouraging them to simply “listen” as a starting point. Emily Anne (Urbana) will open in support.
Joint Concert by the Parkland Chamber Singers and Guitar Ensemble
► Unitarian Universalist Church // free // 1 p.m.
The 2022/2023 Music Series at Parkland College presents Scenes of Spring, a joint concert that will feature performances by the Guitar Ensemble, Chamber Singers, Amasong (CU’s Feminist Chorus), CrUUners, and UU Band.
The Parkland Chamber Singers is a group that includes high school, college, and community members from the Champaign-Urbana area. They give two concerts on campus each semester and often have other performance opportunities in the region. The group performs a variety of historical and ethnic genres, which allows students to experience and learn from a diverse selection of choral literature.
Sunday, May 14th
Candy Foster & Shades of Blue
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7 p.m.
Celebrate Mother’s Day evening with the legendary Candy Foster, who has been captivating audiences with his classic rhythm and blues performances for over 55 years. Known for his strong vocals and high-energy style, Foster has shared the stage with blues greats like B.B. King, Etta James, and Bobby Blue Bland, and continues to entertain audiences with his band, the Shades of Blue.
