Smile Politely

The Overture: April 1 – 5

A band is on stage performing, with one member in the foreground holding a guitar and singing into a microphone. The stage is lit with dramatic backlighting, and there are various instruments and equipment set up for the performance. The scene captures the energy and atmosphere of a live concert.
The Brooke and the Bluff by Brittany Bossert

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 1st

Improviser’s Exchange Presents: Amirtha Kidambi’s Elder Ones

Rose Bowl Tavern // Tips in bucket // 5:30 p.m.

Elder Ones, led by Amirtha Kidambi, weaves intricate improvisations within jazz and electronic music, tackling themes from anti-colonialism to late-stage capitalism. With their intense performances and political charge, they ignite a call to action through powerful vocals and vibrant instrumentals, reflecting their advocacy for racial and labor justice.

Tuesday, April 2nd

Larry Gray Trio

Rose Bowl Tavern // Tips in bucket // 5 p.m.

Wednesday, April 3rd

Illinois Wind Symphony

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $4 to $10 // 7:30 p.m.

The Matthew Miller Latin Jazz Trio

Rose Bowl Tavern // Tips in bucket // 5 p.m.

Thursday, April 4th

Anika Emily & Hannah Yonan with Purser and Paul Kotheimer

Gallery Art Bar // $10 // 8 p.m.

Krannert Uncorked with Los Texano’z

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // Free // 5 p.m.

Nick Dittmeier & The Sawdusters

Rose Bowl Tavern // Tips in bucket // 5 p.m.

Nick Dittmeier & The Sawdusters bring a dose of Southern storytelling to the Americana Happy Hour, offering heartfelt narratives against a backdrop of gritty, road-tested roots music. Enjoy the melodies as part of the Americana Happy Hour Series, every Thursday at Rose Bowl Tavern.

Tom Grassman (Solo)

Cowboy Monkey // Free // 7 p.m.

The Goldenrods

Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 to $15 Suggested Donation // 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 5th

Jordan Kaye Django Wrangle

Rose Bowl Tavern // Tips in bucket // 5 p.m.

Billy Galt

Huber’s // Free // 7 p.m.

Thee Phantom & The Illharmonic Orchestra

Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts // $21 to $46 // 7:30 p.m.

The Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts is set to host an innovative concert experience featuring Thee Phantom & the Illharmonic Orchestra. This unique ensemble blends the raw energy of hip-hop with the sophisticated sounds of a live orchestra, promising an unforgettable night of musical fusion.

In a scene staged at a cascading waterfall, the band, The Brook and the Bluff, are captured in a moment of repose against nature's grandeur. The members are smartly dressed in a relaxed, yet stylish assortment of suits and casual attire, evoking a sense of laid-back sophistication.
The Brooke and the Bluff on Facebook

EDITOR’S PICK: The Brook and the Bluff with Hotel Fiction and Josh Spinner

The Canopy Club // $22.50 to $27.50 // 8 p.m.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant live sounds of The Brook and the Bluff at The Canopy Club, where their original compositions and rich vocal harmonies promise to captivate. Known for their Beatles-influenced sound and energetic stage presence, this Nashville-based group offers an unforgettable musical evening.

Sass

Pour Brothers // Free // 8 p.m.

Catlin Crozier

Cowboy Monkey // Free // 8 p.m.

Nectar with Inches from Glory and Stanczyk

The Space // $10 to $15 // 9 p.m.

Caleb Cook Band

Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 Suggested Cover // 9 p.m.

Saturday, April 6th

A road stretches into the distance between a landscape of rolling, barren hills with a brownish-brass color, under a hazy sky. There are no vehicles or people in sight, just an open road inviting travel through this serene, open terrain.
Illinois Lyric Opera

EDITOR’S PICK: Lyric Theatre @ Illinois presents: Fugitive Songs

Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 to $15 // 3 p.m.

Experience the narratives of America’s wanderers in “Fugitive Songs,” a musical exploration by the talented Chris Miller and Nathan Tysen. Presented by the Lyric Theater @ Illinois, this collection of 19 songs weaves a tapestry of stories with a fresh blend of traditional folk, pop, and gospel sounds.

Brendan Kelly with Canadian Rifle, Yap Trap and Sweetmelk

The Space // $10 to $15 // 9 p.m.

Tim Ryan and Friends

Gallery Art Bar // Free // 4 p.m.

Yo-Yo Ma, Cello and Kathryn Stott, Piano

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // SOLD OUT (Join Waitlist) // 7:30 p.m.

Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone

Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts // $49 to $89 // 7:30 p.m.

Chachi & The Bandidos with Rory Book

Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 Suggested Cover // 8 p.m.

Sunday, April 7th

Billy Galt

Alto Vineyards // Free // 2 p.m.

Krannert Center Debut Artist: Jonathan Dufresne, Saxophone

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $5 to $90 // 3 p.m.

Zouki Boom

Rose Bowl Tavern // Tips in bucket // 4 p.m.

Blues Deacons

Rose Bowl Tavern // Tips in bucket // 7 p.m.

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