Smile Politely

The Overture August 14-20

Derrick Philips
Four people sitting on a green lawn in front of a black wall with the text “BLACK IS MY HAPPY COLOUR” written in white. The person on the left is wearing a black leather jacket and pants, and black boots. The person in the middle left is wearing a white suit and white shoes. The person in the middle right is wearing a blue dress and white shoes. The person on the right is wearing a black and white patterned shirt and black pants.
Marcos Hermes

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, August 14th

The Tumbleweeds

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

Catch The Tumbleweeds (Community Center for the Arts Music Ensemble) at The Rose Bowl Tavern every 2nd Monday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Get ready for a vibrant blend of traditional Old School Country Music, a touch of Bluegrass, Western Swing, and a sprinkle of Country Rock for an unforgettable musical experience!

That Urbana Hootenanny

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 8 p.m.

Every Monday at the Rose Bowl, come hang out with some great musicians. The Urbana Hootenanny is an open mic meets song-share. You can expect a variety of music and performers.

This is a photo realistic image of four people standing in a field with a beautiful sunset in the background. The people are wearing casual clothing, including hats and sunglasses. The background consists of a field with trees and a beautiful sunset. The sky is orange and pink, with the sun setting in the background. The image has a warm and peaceful mood.
Eli Young Band on Facebook

Eli Young Band

► The City Center // $30 to $35 // 8 p.m.

Don’t call it the Country Center (even though you want to), The City Center welcomes country music act, the Eli Young Band to give you something to move and scoot to on a Monday night.

Tuesday, August 15th

Trombari

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.

Jim Pugh and Glenn Wilson bring their group “TromBari” back to the Rose Bowl!

4 members of Silverweed performing on a stage with a red wall in the background
Silverweed on Facebook

Silverweed

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 8 p.m.

Join Silverweed, veterans of the C-U music scene, as they bring the hippie cowboy vibe to Rose Bowl Tavern on Tue, Aug 15th from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Influenced by legends like the Grateful Dead and Neil Young, Silverweed will deliver tight, solid shows filled with classic rock, Americana, and original material; no cover, but tips are always appreciated.

This is a photo of a person wearing a beige cowboy hat and a brown jacket with a fur collar, standing in front of a street with a lot of signs. The background consists of a street with several signs, including one that reads “BIG AL’S” and another that reads “ENTERTAINMENT”. There is also a sign that reads “PARKING” with an arrow pointing to the right. The image appears to be taken during the day.
Charley Crockett on Facebook

Charley Crockett with Noah Taylor

► The Castle Theater // sold out // 7 p.m.

Charley Crockett is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter who has released ten albums since 2015 and has a unique sound that blends America’s diverse musical traditions. Unfortunately, the event is sold out, but you can check out his tour schedule and latest news on his website or follow him on social media.

Wednesday, August 16th

Reggie Lewis and Friends

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.

It’s sure to be an entertaining afternoon on the patio when Reginald Lewis and his pals are playing.

This is a photo of four people standing side by side against a light-colored wall. All four people are wearing dark-colored suits and hats. The person on the left is wearing a gray suit and a gray flat cap. The person second from the left is wearing a black suit and a black fedora. The person third from the left is wearing a gray suit and a black fedora. The person on the right is wearing a black suit and a black beanie. All four people are standing with their hands in their pockets.
Living Colour on Facebook

EDITOR’S PICK: Living Color with Drew Cagle and The Reputation

► Castle Theater // $28 // 7:30 p.m.

Late 80’s rock icons Living Colour barrel into Bloomington bringing their unique bombastic sound and rock and roll style. Come experience the band once named as Best New Artist by MTV, and hold two Grammy’s for their work. Champaign band Drew Cagle and The Reputation are opening in support.

Thursday, August 17th

Americana Happy Hour featuring Bill Poss and Kendall Scott

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.

This week’s Americana happy hour at The Rose Bowl Tavern features the musical stylings of Bill Poss and Kendall Scott.

This is a black and white photo of four people sitting on a couch in a living room. In front of them is a coffee table with a plant and a few books on it. The people are wearing casual clothes and one of them has tattoos on their arm. The background consists of a white wall with a window.
Menzingers on Facebook

The Menzingers with Prince Daddy and The Hyena and Mercy Union

► The Castle Theater // $27.50 // 7:30 p.m.

Catch American punk icons, The Menzingers, as they bring their emotionally raw lyrics to Castle Theatre. As one of the leading forces in the current American punk scene hailing from Scranton, PA, this performance will be a raucous night for punk enthusiasts. Opening acts Prince Daddy & the Hyena as well as Mercy Union are in support.

Friday, August 18th

Jeff Hegelsen playing trumpet
Jeff Hegelsen on Facebook

Jeff Hegelsen Quintet

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.

Start your weekend off right with the Jeff Hegelsen Quintet on the patio for Rose Bowl Tavern Happy Hour.

Friday Night Live

► Downtown Champaign // free // 6 p.m.

Enjoy Downtown Champaign every Friday from June through August for 40 North’s Friday Night Live, a free public performance series. Experience a diverse mix of music genres like bluegrass, jazz, folk, soul, rock, country, and blues, along with unique street performances and weekly kids’ activities, all thanks to the generosity of Pour Bros. Craft Taproom, Busey Bank, the City of Champaign, and the support of Champaign Center Partnership. Check their Facebook page for lineups close to the day of the event.

Main playing guitar on a dimly lit stage with a drummer behind him
Blues Deacons on Facebook

The Blues Deacons

► Huber’s West End Store // free // 7 p.m.

The blues outfit from Gibson City will be hitting the Huber’s stage, playing originals as well as blues classics.

Free Folk and Roots Fridays

► The Lake House in Crystal Lake Park // free // noon

Free Folk and Roots Fridays is featuring Jean-René Balekita (Congolese Rumba & Gospel) at Crystal Lake Park on Friday. The organizers of C-U’s Folk and Roots Festival put on year-round events in the theme of the genre for Free Folk & Roots Fridays. Every first and third Friday of each summer month is a Folk & Roots Friday, featuring groups playing at the Crystal Lake Park lake house at noon. Come pick up some good vibes during your lunch hour and let them carry you through the rest of your work day.

Saturday, August 19th

This is a photo of a group of musicians playing various instruments in a room. The musicians are wearing red shirts and are seated on chairs. The instruments being played include a trumpet, a drum set, a guitar, and a keyboard. There are music stands in front of the musicians with sheet music on them. The background consists of a window and a wall with a painting hanging on it.
New Orleans Jazz Machine on Facebook

Rose Bowl Aftermarket Series presents New Orleans Jazz Machine

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // noon

Get ready to groove with The New Orleans Jazz Machine, a prominent Champaign-Urbana, Illinois-based jazz band, as they perform at the Rose Bowl After Market series. This performance will showcase their unique jazz style.

This is a black and white photo of four people standing behind a bar. The people are wearing casual clothes, including t-shirts with graphic designs and a baseball cap. The bar is made of wood and has a tiled surface. The background is a wall with a window.
Our Landmark on Facebook

EDITOR’S PICK: Our Landmark with The Falbonauts and The Randys

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 8 p.m.

Local alt-rockers Our Landmark take the Rose Bowl stage with their local compadres The Falbonauts and Columbus, OH rockers The Randys for a lively night filled with rock and roll entertainment.

This is a photo of a person standing in front of a drum set in a dimly lit room. The person is wearing a black t-shirt with white text on it. The person has a long beard and long hair. The drum set is in the background and is black in color. The background consists of diffused lighting.
Smile Empty Soul on Facebook

Smile Empty Soul with Frame 42

► The Canopy Club // $15 Advance, $20 at the door // 7 p.m.

Experience the power of grunge with Smile Empty Soul, led by founding member Sean Danielsen, as they hit the stage at The Canopy Club on Saturday night. With a career spanning over two decades and hits like “Bottom of a Bottle” from their gold-certified debut album, this promises to be an entertaining evening at The Canopy Club. Frame 42 supports.

This is a photo of a band performing on a stage in a dark venue. The band members are playing various instruments such as guitars, drums, and a saxophone. The stage is lit with pink and purple lights. The background consists of a neon sign that reads “Union”. The foreground consists of the audience.
Asleep at the Wheel on Facebook

Asleep at the Wheel

► The Virginia Theater // tickets $29.50 to $69.50 // 7:30 p.m.

Join the legendary American country music group, Asleep at the Wheel, as they bring the vibrant sound of Western swing to life on stage. With over 26 studio albums, nine Grammy Awards, and chart-topping hits like “The Letter That Johnny Walker Read,” the current lineup led by frontman Ray Benson guarantees an evening filled with classic sounds, rejuvenated with a contemporary twist.

4 visible members of the band Modern Drugs performing onstage
Derrick Philips

Modern Drugs with The Lovelorn

► Pour Bros. Craft Taproom // free // 7 p.m.

Dive into an evening with Modern Drugs at Pour Bros. Craft Taproom this Friday, where they’ll deliver their distinctive sound, a unique blend that draws inspiration from 80s synth-pop bands but always lands somewhere brand new. This local group, deeply connected to the music scene and known for their collaboration and community involvement, will surely captivate you with their musical creativity. Springfield rockers The Lovelorn will start the show.

The image you sent is a photo of four people standing side by side. The people are wearing t-shirts, one of which reads “Rolling Heavy”. The background is a plain white wall. The image appears to be taken indoors.
Fragile Porcelain Mice on Facebook

Fragile Porcelain Mice with Killverez

► Loose Cobra // suggested $10 donation // 9 p.m.

St. Louis area rockers Fragile Porcelain Mice come to feed the Loose Cobra this Saturday with fellow St. Louisians Killverez in support. Enjoy a night of punk/math rock sound that has earned them reverence in the Midwest. With a dedicated fan base and a legacy dating back to 1991, this is a must-see show for true believers and newcomers alike, eager to experience the energy and authenticity of the band. 

This is a photo of a band performing on stage in front of a large audience. The stage is lit with blue and orange lights and the band members are standing in a line facing the audience, holding their instruments. The audience is seated in rows and is cheering and clapping. The venue is a large theater with a balcony and red curtains, and there are keyboards and other musical equipment on the stage.
Artimus Pyle Band on Facebook

Artimus Pyle Band with Special Guest Head East

► Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater // tickets $8 to $30

The high-energy rock group, featuring the legendary Artimus Pyle himself, will deliver a thrilling performance that stays true to the era of Southern Rock. Joining them for this unforgettable night will be local legends Head East, setting the stage for a concert filled with seasoned musicianship. Whether you’re a fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd or a lover of true Southern Rock vibes, this lineup promises a night filled with talent and passion that will resonate with fans of all ages.

Sunday, August 20th

Far away shot of an upright bass player and a guitarist playing on an outdoor stage that has psychedelic tapestries hung in the background
The Woke Mountain Boys on Facebook

The Woke Mountain Boys

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 3 p.m.

Hit the Rose Bowl patio to enjoy The Woke Mountain Boys, an acoustic Americana duo delivering original folk, bluegrass, and country tunes. Featuring the talents of Professor Jay Rosenstein on guitar and Handsome John Tubbs on bass, they will entertain and delight all ages.

Nick’s Country Jam

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 6 p.m.

An open mic of sorts, Nicholas Stine invites folks to get on stage and perform folk, country, and more. 

This is a digital image of a poster for an event. The poster has a black background with orange text and illustrations. The text reads “3 stages, 30 performances, celebrating 25 years under the canopy #canopyclub25, two blocks from the quad”. The illustration is of a person with a microphone in their hand and a guitar on their back. The person is wearing a hat and a shirt with a “U” on it. There are musical notes and a microphone scattered around the poster.
Quad Day Party

Quad Day After Party

► The Canopy Club // $5 advance, $10 at the door // 5 p.m.

The Quad Day After Party returns under the Canopy, gearing up for its most spectacular year ever. Welcome back, Illini! This multi-genre extravaganza features 30 performances from UIUC and CU area artists, spread across three dynamic stages. Food enthusiasts can indulge in treats from food trucks parked out front or grab a slice of Manolo’s pizza from behind the bar. Local acts include Half House, Josh Spinner, Emily How and Hideout. 

Music Editor

More Articles