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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 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 …
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 …
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 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 …
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 …
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 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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,” …
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 …
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 …
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 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 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 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 …
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 …
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, …
“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 …
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” …
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 …
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, 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 …
This article has been edited for length and clarity. Theon Cross is coming to Urbana for PYGMALION, and his unique blend of jazz, funk, and Afro-Caribbean music is infectiously groovy. A London native and up-and-coming …
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 …
Those looking to catch a fun and musically diverse indie rock band that mixes elements of pop, jazz, and surf rock, with an undeniable undertone of The Strokes in there, should head to the Canopy …
A few Smile Politely music writers attended a few major performances during this year’s ELLNORA | The Guitar Festival, and below were their takes on the performances they experienced. Sharon Isbin & the Pacifica Quartet …
Are you familiar with Champaign-Urbana’s Great Cover-Up? It’s a weekend of music that raises money for local charities, held once again this year at the Rose Bowl Tavern. The event features local bands and individuals …
Last week I published my Five Things in September article, and I listed seeing Andy Frasco live as one of my top suggestions for the month. I had missed his set at Summer Camp, but …
Monday, September 11th Zouki Boom with Marie Gelinas and Ed Hayes ► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5:30 p.m. Enjoy the happy hour with an injection of Canadian flavor as Ed Hayes …
