Smile Politely

The Overture: April 8-14

A black and white photo featuring 3 band members onstage performing.
Tommy Prine on Facebook

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 8th

The Tumbleweeds

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

The Urbana Hootenanny

Rose Bowl Tavern // Tips in Bucket // 8 p.m.

Tuesday, April 9th

The image shows a group of musicians, viewed from behind, seated with their instruments, poised to play. Each musician has a music stand in front of them displaying sheets of music, ready for a performance or rehearsal. The focus is on their posture and the musical environment rather than their individual identities.
University of Illinois Philharmonia Orchestra on Facebook

Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra: Music that Moves!

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // Register // 10 a.m.

The Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Stephen Alltop, invites educators and their students in grades 3-6 to experience the dynamic and interactive CUSO Youth Concerts. This program features engaging pieces like Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm, Saint-Saëns’ Dance Macabre, Glen Miller’s In the Mood, and Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever, designed to inspire and entertain. Registrations are open at cusymphony.org.

A man stands sideways to the camera, holding a guitar in one hand with his other hand resting on his chin while he looks down. The background is a gray wall.
AJ Croce on Facebook

A.J. Croce presents CROCE PLAYS CROCE: 50th Anniversary Tour

The Virginia Theatre // $39.50 to $79.50 // 7:30 p.m.

Join A.J. Croce on his CROCE PLAYS CROCE: 50th Anniversary Tour for a night celebrating the legacy of his father, Jim Croce, with a unique set of classics, personal hits, and songs that shaped their musical journeys. This concert promises an unforgettable experience, weaving together the storied hits of Jim Croce, like “Operator” and “Time in a Bottle”, with A.J.’s own acclaimed repertoire, honoring a familial bond through music that transcends generations.

Sass

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

A night listening to Sass is always a fun one. 

Wednesday, April 10th

University of Illinois Philharmonia and Choirs

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

Jim Pryor Trio

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

Thursday, April 11th

High Fade with 4×4 Animal Style

The Canopy Club // $10 – $15 // 9 p.m.

Experience great local music during Canopy Club’s Discover series, this week featuring two rock bands that have been making noise in the area, literally and figuratively.

The Jaybirds 

Gallery Art Bar // Free // 7 p.m.

Enjoy some live jazz in the eclectic setting of Gallery Art Bar.

Krannert Center Uncorked with Church Street Ramblers

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

University of Illinois Orchestra

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

Americana Happy Hour ft. The Chickadee Sermon

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

Tommy Prine on Facebook

EDITOR’S PICK: Tommy Prine

Rose Bowl Tavern // $15 // 8 p.m.

Tommy Prine steps into the spotlight at the Rose Bowl Tavern, offering an evening of reflective storytelling and musical exploration inspired by his debut album This Far South. Through his performance, audiences will journey through themes of loss, love, and self-discovery, all while honoring the legacy of his father, John Prine. Special guest Kiely Connell adds depth to the night, returning to the Rose Bowl stage with her distinctive blend of songwriting and performance.

Friday, April 12th

Jose Gobbo Trio featuring Raphael Ferreira

Gallery Art Bar // Free // 5 p.m.

Erik Lund’s Jazz Friends

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

Kansas on Facebook

KANSAS: Another Fork in the Road – 50th Anniversary Tour

The Virginia Theatre // $59.50 to $304.50 // 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate 50 years of KANSAS with a night of classic rock anthems and new paths explored on their anniversary tour.

Glenn Miller Orchestra

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

Step back in time with the legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra for an evening filled with classic swing and big band sounds.

The Orchard Keepers with B.A.T.T. and Sorry Forever

The Space // $5 Cover // 8 p.m.

Carly Benny Memorial Concert ft. The Dirty Feathers, The Bashful Youngens, and Colonel James Present

Rose Bowl Tavern // Tips in Bucket // 8:30 p.m.

Rose Bowl Tavern will dedicate a night to remembrance and music at the Carly Benny Memorial Concert, featuring performances by local favorites.

Valentino Khan with 404, debs, and Hunter Herra

The Canopy Club // $25 to $30 // 9 p.m.

Let Valentino Khan take you on a high-energy EDM journey, supported by the dynamic sounds of 404, debs, and Hunter Herra.

Saturday, April 13th

Candy Foster and Shades of Blue

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

University of Illinois Women’s Glee Club Mom’s Day Concert

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $4 to $10 // 2 p.m.

A group of individuals are on a stage, each donned in black robes with white collars. Some hold black folders. A piano is positioned in front of them, and a conductor stands to the side.
U of I Black Chorus on Facebook

University of Illinois Black Chorus Mom’s Day Concert

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $15 // 7:30 p.m.

Experience the powerful and inspiring music of the University of Illinois Black Chorus in a special Mom’s Day performance.

Josè Gobbo Trio featuring Raphael Ferreira

Allerton // $15 to $25 // 7 p.m.

Immerse yourself in the captivating jazz performances of the Josè Gobbo Trio, featuring the talented Raphael Ferreira, all in the beautiful setting of Allerton.

The Mountain Goats by Jackie Lee Photography

EDITOR’S PICK: The Mountain Goats with Katy Kirby

The City Center // $49.5 // 8 p.m.

Join The Mountain Goats for an evening where intricate storytelling meets melodic indie rock brilliance at The City Center. Frontman John Darnielle’s captivating narratives woven into each song promise an immersive and emotionally resonant experience that’s both profound and uplifting. Katy Kirby opens in support.

Stanczyk with From Within, Bum Rush, and Mulch

The Space // $5 // 8 p.m.

The Painkillers Blues Band

Rose Bowl Tavern // Tips in Bucket // 3 p.m.

Ryan Byfield and Nuclei

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

Sunday, April 14th

John Vanderslice on Facebook

John Vanderslice

Avionics // $25 // 5 p.m.

Join the acclaimed indie rocker John Vanderslice for an intimate and memorable performance at Avionics, where his storytelling and melodies shine.

Jake and Jackson

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

Celebration of Life for Lonesome Larry

Rose Bowl Tavern // Tips in Bucket // 1 p.m.

Occasional Cajun Band

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

Music Editor

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