The Overture: January 22-28

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, January 22nd

Guitarist, singer and upright bass player posing outdoors in front of some trees. — The Jaybirds on Facebook

The Jaybirds

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5:30 p.m.
The Jaybirds bring their dynamic bluegrass sound to Rose Bowl Tavern. Known for their energetic performances, this group promises a toe-tapping evening.

The Urbana Hootenanny

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 8 p.m.
The Urbana Hootenanny offers a vibrant mix of folk and acoustic music, making for an engaging evening at the Rose Bowl Tavern.

Tuesday, January 23rd

TromBari

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
TromBari, known for their unique blend of jazz and brass music, will be set to deliver an evening of dynamic rhythms and soulful melodies, perfect for jazz enthusiasts.

The image captures a live performance on stage. Three main performers are front and center. The performer on the left is holding a microphone and has one hand raised. They are wearing light-colored pants and a dark top. The central performer is also holding a microphone, appearing to be mid-song. They are clad in a full-length, dark outfit. The performer on the right is playing an electric guitar. They are in dark pants and a white blouse. There’s another musician in the background playing bass guitar. Bright lights illuminate from behind casting silhouettes of the performers. “JOSEPH” is prominently displayed in capital letters at the back of the stage. — Ten Ten Creative

JOSEPH with Sister

► The Castle Theatre // $30.00-$130.00 // 7:30 p.m.
Indie folk band JOSEPH, accompanied by the harmonious Sister, is set to enchant the audience at The Castle Theatre. Their performance is expected to be a heartfelt journey through indie folk music, showcasing their impeccable vocal harmonies.

Wednesday, January 24th

Vine Street Syncopators

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
The Vine Street Syncopators bring their lively jazz tunes to the Rose Bowl Tavern.

J.Y.N. (Just Your Name) with Bittersweet Live

► The Canopy Club // $12 to $15 // 8 p.m.
J.Y.N. is fronted by Jin Lee, a Korean-American singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist from Chicago, known for his single “Hard to Love Reflections”, which he created in his bedroom at age 17.

United States Air Force Band

► Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts // free (see details) // 7:30 p.m.
The United States Air Force Band promises a patriotic and inspiring musical showcase at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.

Thursday, January 25th

Americana Happy Hour ft. Jake & Mikayla

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Experience a soothing evening with Jake & Mikayla at the Americana Happy Hour. Their folk and Americana tunes are perfect for a relaxed atmosphere.

Editor’s Pick: A Journey Through Neoclassical Soundscapes with Shannon Hayden

► Illini Courtyard Cafe // free // 7 p.m.
Experience the innovative fusion of classical and modern music as Shannon Hayden, a Central Illinois native, performs at the Illini Courtyard Cafe on January 25th. This University of Illinois School of Music presentation will highlight Hayden’s unique blend of string arrangements and electronic experimentation, showcasing her virtuosity in creating a captivating musical narrative.

Two individuals are captured in the image, both engrossed in playing their guitars. The individual on the left is attired in a black top adorned with a floral pattern and a turquoise necklace. The individual on the right is seen in a black vest with gold buttons, their arm showcasing a tattoo. The backdrop of the image is a solid purple. — Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin

Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin

► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $10 to $100 // 7:30 p.m.
Join two of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of their generation, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin, for an intimate evening of music and stories at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see these two Grammy-winning artists perform together on stage, sharing songs from their vast catalogs and their friendship.

Four individuals stand side by side on a pedestrian crossing. From left to right, the first person is wearing a black t-shirt and blue jeans paired with white sneakers. The second individual is clad in a grey t-shirt, black pants, and white sneakers. The third person wears a short-sleeved, buttoned shirt with a pattern and grey pants complemented by dark shoes. The fourth individual stands out in a colorful floral shirt, blue jeans, and striped sneakers. They are positioned in front of shops with an array of architectural designs. Each individual has their arms crossed or hands together. There are other pedestrians walking on the sidewalk in the background. Buildings with different architectural styles line both sides of the street. — Spafford on Facebook

Spafford

► The Castle Theatre // $25.00 // 8:00 p.m.
Spafford is a jam band that blends rock, funk, jazz, reggae, and electro-pop to create a unique musical experience. Their improvisational style is fun for audience members and band members alike.

Four musicians are on stage, bathed in bright lights and surrounded by a cloud of smoke. The individual on the far left is clad in a dark outfit, strumming an electric guitar. Next to them, another musician, also in dark attire, is positioned behind a drum set. On the right, two more guitarists are present; one is attired in a light-colored jacket paired with dark pants, and the other is dressed in a dark outfit. They are all performing in front of a backdrop that boldly displays the text “MANIFEST WEST”, amidst an enthusiastic crowd. — Manifest West

Manifest West with S’appelle

► The Canopy Club // $10 to $12 // 9 p.m.
Manifest West is set to play The Canopy Club to celebrate the debut of their new 7-track EP, I Just Feel Nothing at All, during a captivating live performance on Thursday evening. The night begins with S’appelle as the opening act, promising an evening filled with fresh tracks.

Friday, January 26th

Chip Stephens Organ Trio

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
The Chip Stephens Organ Trio, known for their jazz excellence, will perform at the Rose Bowl Tavern. Their music is both soulful and invigorating.

The image is a black and white photo of a person with long curly hair wearing a cowboy hat and a button-down shirt. They are standing against a black background. The person is wearing a black cowboy hat with a silver band and a black button-down shirt with silver buttons. Their hair is long and curly, falling over their shoulders. — Clayton Burke on Facebook

The image features a dark blue velvet couch with studded detailing on its arms and bottom, prominently displayed against a gradient blue background. To the right, there are four individuals. The first person is wearing a black top, the second is in a pink outfit with long hair, the third has shoulder-length hair and wears a black outfit, and the fourth person is an older individual wearing glasses and a red shirt. The phrase “Blue velvet couch Series” is written in cursive neon purple text over the couch. — Blue Velvet Couch Series at Gallery Art Bar

Blue Velvet Couch Series

► Gallery Art Bar // free // 7 p.m.

Dive into the heart of musical storytelling at Gallery Art Bar’s “Blue Velvet Couch Series,” launching this Friday, January 26th. Experience the emotive and diverse talents of Emily Anne, Fiona Kimble, Emily How, and Paul Kotheimer in an intimate setting, where each song becomes a personal narrative against Urbana’s rich artistic backdrop.

3 members of the band Bristle performing onstage. — Bristle on Facebook

Bristle with The Vaudevillians

► The Space // free (reserve a spot) // 8 p.m.
Experience an electrifying night of music at The Space in Champaign, as local favorites Bristle bring their dynamic blend of power pop punk to the stage on Friday. Joining them are The Vaudevillians, promising a show filled with high-energy performances and unforgettable entertainment.

Clayton Burke Band with Hunter Peebles & The Moonlighters

► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 to $15 suggested cover // 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy a night of country and folk with the Clayton Burke Band, joined by Hunter Peebles & The Moonlighters at the Rose Bowl Tavern.

Caleb Cook Band

► Huber’s West End Store // free // 7 p.m.
The Caleb Cook Band brings their unique country flair to Huber’s West End Store. A perfect evening for those who love heartfelt country music.

Saturday, January 27th

A person is seated, wearing a light-colored, long-sleeved, button-up shirt and dark pants. Suspenders stretch over the shoulders. A wide-brimmed hat rests on the head. The individual is playing a banjo, their fingers poised mid-strum. The image is in black and white, and the person sits against a dark backdrop. The person holds a banjo, their hands positioned as if playing it. The background is dark and nondescript. — Dom Flemons

Dom Flemons

► Rose Bowl Tavern // $15 to $30 // 4 p.m.
Dom Flemons, known as the “American Songster,” brings his multi-instrumental genius to the Rose Bowl Tavern. His performance is a deep dive into the roots of American music.

Four individuals are lined up shoulder to shoulder against an isolated background. Each person is wearing an elegant and distinct style of formal attire. The first individual is seen in a grey checkered suit paired with a dark floral tie and a white shirt. The second individual is dressed in a solid navy blue suit, complemented by a light blue tie and a white shirt with a matching pocket square. The third individual is wearing a navy blue windowpane check suit, accented by a yellow tie and a white shirt with a pocket square. The fourth individual is seen in a dark grey suit, paired with a white shirt and a pink pocket square. — Branford Marsalis

EDITOR’S PICK: An Evening with Branford Marsalis

► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $10 to $90 // 7:30 p.m.
Branford Marsalis, a legendary figure in jazz, offers an evening of extraordinary music at Krannert Center. His saxophone mastery is simply unparalleled.

Three individuals on a stage set against a black background. The person on the left is dressed in a black suit. The individual in the middle, wearing a black t-shirt, has a white shoe flying above their head. The person on the right is attired in a black polo shirt. The stage is illuminated by white spotlights, casting a dramatic light on the scene. — Terminus Victor on Facebook

Terminus Victor with Rory Book & the Volumes and Gonzo Diablo

► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 cover // 8:30 p.m.
Terminus Victor, along with Rory Book & the Volumes and Gonzo Diablo, promises an electrifying rock experience at the Rose Bowl Tavern. T-Vic will be playing songs off their brand new album, Everending as well as older tunes.

Anika Emily and Jake Fava

► Huber’s West End Store // free // 7 p.m.
Anika Emily and Jake Fava offer a cozy acoustic evening at Huber’s West End Store. Their performance is a blend of soulful vocals and beautiful guitar work.

Sunday, January 28th

Church Street Ramblers

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 4 p.m.
The Church Street Ramblers bring their traditional folk and bluegrass music to the Rose Bowl Tavern for a delightful Sunday afternoon.

This photo is a photo-realistic image of a drummer playing a drum set in a dimly lit bar. The drummer is wearing a maroon shirt and is playing a drum set with a snare drum, cymbals, and a hi-hat. There is a drink in a plastic cup on the drum set. The background consists of a brick wall with graffiti on it and a cymbal. — James Maucks Forebeat on Facebook

Forebeat

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5:30 p.m.
James Mauck’s Forebeat offers a unique fusion of music and rhythm that will enthrall as well as entertain.

Derrick Philips

Music Editor

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