Smile Politely

The Overture: January 29 – February 4

Derrick Philips
Four individuals stand in front of a rustic red wooden building, near the entrance. The person on the left is attired in a light blue denim jacket and dark pants. Adjacent to them, another individual is clad in a black t-shirt with a red and grey jacket, paired with dark pants and a red belt. The third person is wearing grey overalls. The individual on the right is dressed in a dark blue denim jacket and jeans. The building’s exterior is made of weathered red wood panels. A small white box, possibly an electrical box, is mounted on the wall to the left of the people.
Heidi E. Johnson

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 29th

The Urbana Hootenanny

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

A long-standing Urbana tradition, this event at the Rose Bowl Tavern is a weekly open jam session where musicians share songs in a collaborative atmosphere, fostering community and musical exchange.

Tuesday, January 30th

Justin Dyar Quintet

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

Experience the smooth and soulful jazz tunes of the Justin Dyar Quintet. Their performance at the Rose Bowl Tavern is sure to offer an evening of sophisticated musical delight.

An Evening of Warren Zevon

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

Enjoy a tribute to the legendary Warren Zevon at the Rose Bowl Tavern. This evening features classic hits and deep cuts, celebrating the enduring legacy of a music icon.

Faculty Recital – Larry Gray, Double Bass

► Recital Hall, Smith Memorial Hall // free // 7:30 p.m.

Join Larry Gray for a faculty recital at Smith Memorial Hall. This free event showcases the profound depth and versatility of the double bass in a classical setting.

Wednesday, January 31st

The Ben Carrasquillo Project

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

The Ben Carrasquillo Project offers a refreshing blend of jazz and fusion at the Rose Bowl Tavern. Their performance is a must-see for enthusiasts of innovative and captivating jazz rhythms.

Studio Recital – Viola Students of Prof. Rudolf Haken

► Auditorium, Music Building // free // 7:30 p.m.

Witness the talented viola students of Prof. Rudolf Haken in a studio recital. This free event at the Music Building Auditorium showcases the future stars of classical music.

Two individuals are in the foreground, seemingly enjoying a lively moment. The person on the left has a tattoo on their upper arm and is wearing a tank top. They are holding a microphone close to the person in the middle who appears to be singing or speaking into it passionately. The individual in the middle is wearing glasses and has long hair, dressed in casual attire. The person on the right is wearing dark clothing and seems to be engaged in the moment. The atmosphere is energetic, possibly at an event or gathering.
Samsara on Instagram

Discover: Samsara at the Canopy Club, with Brain Sex and WATF?

► The Canopy Club // $10 to $12 // 9 p.m.

Emerging from the Champaign-Urbana DIY music scene, the band Samsara has rapidly gained momentum within a year, merging the edge of alternative punk with undertones reminiscent of 1990’s garage rock. Check out this new talent along with supporting acts Brain Sex and WATF?

Thursday, February 1st

The image is divided into three distinct sections, each depicting different people and settings. In the first section, it appears to be a live music performance. One person is seen in a checkered shirt playing an electric guitar. Another person, dressed in all white, is also playing an electric guitar. A third person, also in all white, stands nearby, though their role or activity isn’t clear. Stage lights create glares and shadows around them. The middle section shows an individual sitting outside during daylight. They are dressed in a bright red outfit with long sleeves, complemented by a matching red hat. The last section features an individual standing outdoors with bare trees visible in the background, suggesting it might be the fall or winter season. They are dressed in a dark coat that contrasts with their light surroundings.
Garden Girl, Sunshine Scott, Taurus Hate Club

EDITOR’S PICK: Urbana Sandwich Series featuring Garden Girl, Sunshine Scott, and Taurus Hate Club

► Gallery Art Bar // $10 to $15 // 7 p.m.

The Urbana Sandwich Series at the Gallery Art Bar is a unique musical experience featuring Garden Girl, Sunshine Scott, and Taurus Hate Club. Tickets are priced between $10 and $15.

Three individuals are posed on an old, rusted train engine under a clear sky. The person on the left is seated, wearing a sleeveless top and pants. The middle person stands with a hand on the train, adorned in a patterned outfit that covers the arms and legs but leaves the midriff exposed. The individual on top of the train is in a crouched position, wearing dark clothing.
Lee Foss on Facebook

Lee Foss with Nasty Nastia, DJ Belly

► The Canopy Club // $15 to $25 // 9 p.m.

Lee Foss, along with Nasty Nastia and DJ Belly, is set to electrify The Canopy Club. The event promises a night of thrilling electronic music.

This is a photo of a band on stage. The band consists of six members, each holding a different instrument. The instruments include a guitar, a saxophone, a trumpet, a trombone, a bass guitar, and a drum set. The band members are standing in front of a brick wall with green stage lights shining down on them. The band members are wearing casual clothing, with one member wearing a Mastodon t-shirt.
Afro D and the Global Soundwaves on Facebook

Krannert Center Uncorked with Afro D and Global Soundwaves

► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // free // 5 p.m.

The Krannert Center Uncorked series presents Afro D and Global Soundwaves. This free event promises an evening filled with global rhythms and engaging musical explorations.

Man in a salmon short-sleeved shirt playing guitar out side with a high tan wall behind him.
Paul Kotheimer on Facebook

Americana Happy Hour with Paul Kotheimer

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

Join Paul Kotheimer for an Americana Happy Hour at the Rose Bowl Tavern. Enjoy an evening of authentic Americana music filled with soulful tunes and heartfelt stories.

A person with long, dark hair is seated, playing an acoustic guitar. They are wearing a black t-shirt and dark pants. The individual is surrounded by musical equipment including a microphone stand in front of them and drums to their side. The setting is a room filled with various musical instruments and equipment. The walls are adorned with multiple framed pictures, guitars hanging, and other memorabilia creating a vintage aesthetic. In the background, there’s an amplifier and other electronic equipment stacked against the wall.
John Till on Facebook

John Till

► Rose Bowl Tavern // $5 to $10 suggested cover // 7:30 p.m

John Till brings his unique blend of folk and blues to the Rose Bowl Tavern. With a suggested cover of $5 to $10, experience a performance that resonates with soul and authenticity.

Friday, February 2nd

Billy Galt

► Huber’s // free // 7 p.m.

Enjoy a free performance by Billy Galt at Huber’s. His bluesy guitar and soulful vocals are sure to provide a memorable evening for all attendees.

Three individuals are performing on a porch. The person on the left is playing an electric guitar, dressed in a dark shirt with curly hair. In the center, another individual with curly hair is singing into a microphone, wearing a red shirt and light blue jeans. On the right, there’s someone with straight hair playing an electric bass guitar, dressed in a green shirt and white gloves. The backdrop is a wooden wall with a window, adorned with hanging Christmas lights.
Dumbed Down on Instagram

Dumbed Down, After Care, The Meantime

► The Space // $5 // 8 p.m.

The Space hosts an electrifying lineup with Dumbed Down, After Care, and The Meantime. At just $5, this event promises a night of high-energy performances and unforgettable moments.

Jordan Kaye’s Django Wrangle

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

Experience the lively gypsy jazz of Jordan Kaye’s Django Wrangle at the Rose Bowl Tavern. This performance is a must-see for fans of energetic and intricate jazz melodies.

Tim Reynolds & TR3 with Birddog

► The Castle Theatre // $30.00 // 8:00 p.m.

Tim Reynolds & TR3, along with Birddog, take the stage at The Castle Theatre. Tickets are priced at $30.00 for an evening of exceptional musical craftsmanship.

Saturday, February 3rd

Annual 21st Century Piano Composition Competition Concert

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

The Annual 21st Century Piano Composition Competition Concert at the Krannert Center showcases contemporary piano compositions. Tickets range from $4 to $10 for this innovative musical experience.

Two individuals are at the center, seemingly DJs, working on a mixing console. One is wearing a light-colored t-shirt and a cap, while the other is in a dark t-shirt and headphones. The one in light is focused on the console, and the one in dark raises his hand, possibly engaging with the audience. They both wear wristbands. In the foreground, two more individuals are partially visible.
Kream on Instagram

Kream with 404, Debs, DJ Tim Williams

► The Canopy Club // $20 to $35 // 9 p.m.

Kream, joined by 404, Debs, and DJ Tim Williams, brings a night of dynamic electronic music to The Canopy Club. Tickets are available from $20 to $35 for this high-energy event.

The B-Sides

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

The B-Sides offer an afternoon of classic covers and original songs at the Rose Bowl Tavern. Enjoy their engaging performance with the convenience of tipping in the bucket.

Four musicians are performing on a dimly lit stage. The person on the left is playing a violin, dressed in a dark floral dress. In the center, another musician is playing a guitar, attired in a checkered shirt and jeans. To the right, there’s another guitarist in light-colored pants and a white shirt. The backdrop of the stage has “MUSIC HALL” written on it. The lighting on the stage is dim, creating shadows around the performers.
Carol Newsome

EDITOR’S PICK: RightHereMusic.Org Presents Ryan Necci and the Buffalo Gospel

► Upper Bout // $10 // 7 p.m.

Ryan Necci and the Buffalo Gospel, presented by RightHereMusic.Org, bring their soulful country sound to Upper Bout. Don’t miss another great event from RightHereMusic.Org.

Tractor Kings with Colonel James Presents and Ant Hattie

► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 to $15 suggested donation // 8:30 p.m

Tractor Kings, along with Colonel James Presents and Ant Hattie, offer an evening of eclectic indie rock at the Rose Bowl Tavern. A suggested donation of $10 to $15 supports these talented artists.

Sunday, February 4th

The Painkillers Blues Band

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 4 p.m.

The Painkillers Blues Band brings their gritty and soulful blues to the Rose Bowl Tavern. Spend your Sunday afternoon immersed in the deep grooves of blues music.

The Bluetone Drivers

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 7 p.m.

Catch The Bluetone Drivers at the Rose Bowl Tavern for an evening of classic blues and rock. Their performance is sure to energize and entertain.

There are four musicians on stage. Three of them are playing violins and one is playing a cello. They are dressed in formal attire, with one in a red jacket and another in a black suit. The stage is lit with blue and green lights, and there are microphones and music stands scattered around.
Kronos on Facebook

Rescheduled: Kronos Five Decades

► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $10 to $70 // 5 p.m.

The rescheduled Kronos Five Decades concert at the Krannert Center celebrates the groundbreaking ensemble’s vast repertoire. Tickets range from $10 to $70 for this extraordinary musical journey.

Sunday Wine Down with Jake & Jackson

► Alto Vineyards // free // 2 p.m.

Enjoy a relaxing Sunday Wine Down at Alto Vineyards with Jake & Jackson. This free event combines soothing music with a serene ambiance.

Music Editor

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