Monday, December 4th
Jason Finkelman Presents: Improviser’s Exchange
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5:30 p.m.
Dive into a world of spontaneous creativity with Jason Finkelman’s Improviser’s Exchange. Finkelman gathers a host of innovative musicians for a journey into the uncharted territories of live improvisation.
The Urbana Hootenanny
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 8 p.m.
Join the Urbana Hootenanny at Rose Bowl Tavern for a homegrown, heartwarming musical experience. Their communal atmosphere and eclectic, rotating roster of musicians create a welcoming space for everyone to share and enjoy the power of song.
Tuesday, December 5th
U of I Jazz Vocal Ensemble
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Lyric Theatre @ Illinois Presents: Opera Scenes
► Tryon Festival Theatre // free // 7:30 p.m.
Lyric Theatre @ Illinois performs scenes from beloved operas, including L’incoronazione di Poppea, Beatrice et Bénedict, L’elisir d’amore, The Turn of the Screw, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Le Nozze di Figaro, Don Pasquale, and Der Rosenkavalier.
UI Repertory Jazz Orchestra
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $4 to $10 // 7:30 p.m.
Dirty Honey with Austin Meade
► The Castle Theatre // $27.50 // 7:30 p.m.
Catch Dirty Honey on their “Can’t Find The Brakes Tour,” a rock performance not to be missed, with Austin Meade adding to the vibrant energy at The Castle Theatre.
Wednesday, December 6th
Reggie Lewis & Friends
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Reading Day’s Eve with Romantica, Stanczyk and Garden Girl
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 cover // 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate Reading Day’s Eve with the diverse sounds of Romantica, Stanczyk, and Garden Girl at the Rose Bowl Tavern.
EDITOR’s PICK: Ana Gasteyer: Sugar and Booze
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $10 to $100 // 7:30 p.m.
Ana Gasteyer’s “Sugar and Booze” is a delightful musical journey combining humor and heart. Her performance at the Krannert Center is sure to be an unforgettable evening of entertainment.
UI Jazz Combos II
► Smith Memorial Hall/Room 25 // free // 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of jazz with the UI Jazz Combos II at Smith Memorial Hall. This free event showcases emerging jazz musicians’ talents, offering various styles and compositions.
Thursday, December 7th
Americana Happy Hour featuring Kenna Mae
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Kenna Mae brings their unique blend of heartfelt Americana to the relaxed atmosphere of the Happy Hour at Rose Bowl Tavern, offering an evening of soulful melodies and engaging storytelling.
John Till
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 7:30 p.m.
John Till brings his unique blend of folk and blues to the Rose Bowl Tavern.
Friday, December 8th
The Bashful Youngens with One Way Traffic, Yard Eagle and JEMM
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $15 cover // 8 p.m.
Music will be wall-to-wall at Rose Bowl Tavern with performances by the Americana duo The Bashful Youngens, the diverse five-piece ensemble One Way Traffic, the indie-roots sensation Yard Eagle, and the local super-group JEMM.
EDITOR’S PICK: Derailed Fest Night 1
► The Space // Donations // 7 p.m.
Derailed Fest’s Night 1 takes off at The Space on December 8th, featuring a high-octane lineup of local rock talent. Headlined by The Dirty Feathers’ psychedelic rock and Snack’d Out’s unique blend of Midwest emo, math rock, and pop, the evening promises an electrifying experience. With the addition of Colonel James Presents’ P-Funk and Jazz Trombone, and Rory Book & the Volumes’ Swampadelic Cosmic Country n’ Blues, this event is set to be a memorable tribute to Champaign’s rich musical legacy.
Bruiser & The Virtues
► Huber’s West End Store // free // 7 p.m.
Bruiser & the Virtues, led by Bruce “Bruiser” Rummenie, bring their original jump blues sound, featuring a blend of piano, saxophone, and guitar.
Harps at the Library
► Main Library Lobby // free // 5 p.m.
Experience the serene sound of harps at the Library. This unique event in the Main Library Lobby offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful harp music.
Matthew Curry Band
► The Castle Theatre // $17 // 8 p.m.
The Matthew Curry Band is a rock and roots group led by the virtuoso guitarist and soulful singer Matthew Curry, who has been compared to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Steve Miller.
Saturday, December 9th
Robin and the Toad
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 3 p.m.
Robin and the Toad are known for their vibrant and eclectic musical style, blending various genres to create a unique and captivating sound.
Caleb Cook Band
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 suggested donation // 8 p.m.
The Caleb Cook Band brings a refreshing mix of country and rock to the Rose Bowl Tavern. Their energetic performance is sure to be a hit with fans of both genres.
Adam Remnant and the Signs
► The Doll House // CANCELLED // 8 p.m.
RightHereMusic.org presents Adam Remnant and the Signs at the Doll House (Fire Doll Studios), offering a compelling blend of indie and folk music. Due to illness, this show as been cancelled.
Los Guapos with Meet Me at the Puddles
► Gallery Art Bar // free // 8 p.m.
Get ready for a night of exhilarating music as Los Guapos take the stage at the Gallery Art Bar. This is your chance to immerse yourself in a captivating blend of art and music right in the heart of C-U.
New Twang City
► Huber’s West End Store // free // 7 p.m
New Twang City brings a unique blend of country, rock, and western music, all infused with their signature twang, to every performance.
Saturday, December 9th
EDITOR’S PICK: Derailed Fest – Night Two with Sunwise, Terminus Victor, Tractor Kings, Belles-Lettres and Sweetmelk
► Loose Cobra // Donation for the bands // 7 p.m.
Derailed Fest Night Two at Loose Cobra promises a vibrant celebration of the Brass Rail’s enduring spirit on Saturday, December 9th. The evening kicks off at 7 p.m. with an eclectic lineup featuring Sunwise, Terminus Victor, Tractor Kings, Belles-Lettres, and Sweetmelk. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations for the bands, marking this event as a unique collaboration with The Space in downtown Champaign.
Listening Room Experience with Edward David Anderson
► Yellow and Company (Mahomet) // $15 to $20 // 7:30 p.m.
Edward David Anderson brings his unique blend of Americana and folk to the intimate setting of Yellow and Company. Known for his engaging storytelling and soulful melodies, Anderson promises an immersive listening experience.
Old Shoe
► The Castle Theatre // $20 // 8 p.m.
Old Shoe, a fan-favorite folk-rock band, is set to light up The Castle Theatre with their vibrant, improvisational performances. Expect a blend of roots rock, Americana, and a touch of bluegrass in this dynamic show.
Sunday, December 10th
Occasional Cajun Band
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 4 p.m.
The Occasional Cajun Band will showcase traditional Cajun music, infused with elements of zydeco and blues.
Blues Deacons
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 8 p.m.
The Blues Deacons return to the Rose Bowl Tavern, bringing their signature blend of blues and soul.
Parkland Guitar Ensemble
► Urbana Free Library – Busey Mills Reading Room // free // 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
The Parkland Community College Guitar Ensemble, led by Young Kim, offers a diverse musical experience, rehearsing a variety of genres from classical to world music, and features public performances and student-arranged pieces.
DIY Show: Oregon Entrails with B.A.T.T, SMV and Unseen Forces
► C4A (Community For the Arts) // Donations // 7 p.m.
C4A hosts a DIY punk show on a Sunday evening.
