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, July 10th
The Tumbleweeds
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5:30 p.m.
C4A’s Country music ensemble The Tumbleweeds are performing Monday night, bringing bluegrass, western swing, and country rock.
Tuesday, July 11th
John Coppess and the Limping Cowboy Band
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Join John and The Limping Cowboy Band for a lively Tuesday happy hour filled with songs, suds, and a mix of country, folk, Cowboy, and popular tunes, with no cover charge but tips warmly welcomed and appreciated.
EDITOR’S PICK: Banditos w/ Rebekah Songer Band
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 // 8 p.m.
Don’t miss Alabama-born, Nashville-based Banditos’ performance at the Rose Bowl Tavern. This group of lifelong friends have crafted a unique sound blending their various musical influences. Along with heartfelt, relatable songwriting, this is a band that truly embraces music as not just a career, but a way of life. Don’t miss the chance to witness their passion in action.
Wednesday, July 12th
Light Blue Lines with Sitrus Sol and Hayes Noble
► The Space // $10 // 8:30 p.m.
Another show and another great excuse to come get some great grub and here some fresh new music at The Space.
Thursday, July 13th
Americana Happy Hour featuring The Magnolia Janes
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Come experience The Magnolia Janes, a Nashville-based pop Americana duo, featuring acclaimed singer-songwriter Ashley Riley and South African-born pianist and sync artist, Sarah Bonsignore, for a harmonious blend of alto and soprano vocals. Stay tuned for more details about their first EP release this fall, promising an exciting new blend of their diverse musical talents.
Kelsey Waldon
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $12 adv $15 door // 8 p.m.
Experience the raw and radiant energy of Kelsey Waldon, a Kentucky-bred artist’ whose music is filled with brutally honest storytelling and a fusion of mid-century bluegrass, ’60s soul, and ’70s country-rock. Kelsey’s shows are for anyone seeking to witness the transformative power of music.
Krannert Uncorked: Haki n’Dem
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // free // 5 p.m.
Haki n’Dem is an exceptional R&B/soul group hailing from Champaign-Urbana and Chicago, led by the immensely talented young musician Haki, who not only dazzles with his incredible vocals but also showcases his mastery of multiple instruments, alongside his dynamic band featuring piano, vocals, bass, drums, trumpet, and guitar, as they deliver a funky neo-soul experience reminiscent of the legendary influences of Prince, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Sly and the Family Stone.
Friday, July 14th
EDITOR’S PICK: Tea Willy Taylor and the Turkey Buzzards
► The Upper Bout // $10 // 7 p.m.
RightHereMusic.Org is excited to present Willy Tea Taylor and the Turkey Buzzards, an incredible folk/Americana band known for their distinctive acoustic guitar finger-picking and captivating, poetic lyrics. The band, led by Willy Tea Taylor, renowned for his tender vocals and unique storytelling style, crafts songs that are both deeply personal and universal in their appeal.
Decadents (Friday Night Live afterparty)
► Seven Saints // $10 suggested cover // 8 p.m.
Decadents will be performing at the Seven Saints Beer Garden right after Friday Night Live on Market Street at 8 p.m. Attendees can enjoy the show for free, but a suggested cover donation of $10 is encouraged.
Erik Lund’s Jazz Friends
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Delve into the vibrant world of straight-ahead jazz with Erik Lund and friends, featuring Jeff Helgesen, George Turner, Emma Taylor, and Ricardo Flores, on Friday, July 14th, from 5-7pm. This no-cover event, a popular staple of the local jazz scene, promises an evening filled with skilled performances, high energy, and unforgettable tunes.
Lunar Ticks with Aquila
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 – $15 cover in bucket // 8:30 p.m.
Experience the eclectic and innovative sounds of Lunar Ticks, an Improvisational/Alternative Rock band hailing from Chicago, as they masterfully fuse influences from renowned bands like Wilco, My Morning Jacket, and The Grateful Dead. Expect an unforgettable musical journey marked by progressive musicality, extended improvisations, and a unique and diverse setlist of original songs and covers, creating a unique experience each time they take to the stage.
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.
Saturday, July 15th
The Slaps and Manwolves with 4×4 Animal Style
► The Space // $15 // 9 p.m.
The Space welcomes The Slaps, an indie rock band hailing from Chicago. Join Rand Kelley, Ramsey Bell, and Josh Resing for a captivating night of genre-blending music, fusing poetic lyricism with rock ‘n’ roll energy and soulful ballads. Manwolves and 4×4 Animal Style round out the Saturday lineup of rock shows.
Backyard BBQ Band
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // noon
Join the Backyard BBQ Band for an entertaining musical journey through American roots music, featuring originals, traditional country, blues, western swing, jazz, and more. The head chefs of this fun-filled event, Doug Schroer on harmonicas and Rob Krumm on guitar invite you to a memorable experience filled with friendly camaraderie and timeless tunes ranging from the early 1900s through the 1960s.
Kiln House Band
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 3 p.m.
Join Kiln House, a dynamic ensemble featuring Thomas Brewer (vocals), Matt Stewart (guitar), Bob Watson (guitar), and Armand Beaudoin (bass), for a captivating musical experience that blends genres from “Ray Charles Sings Country & Western” to Willie Nelson’s “Stardust”, plus a touch of blues and New Orleans-influenced music. Delight in the unique grooves created by these veteran musicians, each with a rich history of experience in numerous bands, genres, and musical styles, making for a memorable performance.
Illinois Summer Youth Music Program Final Concerts
► Various Venues (UIUC Music Buildings) // free // 10 a.m.
The Illinois Summer Youth Program at the University of Illinois is having a series of final shows for all of its programs. These shows are free, cover a wide variety of music and take place at various venues on campus. See https://music.illinois.edu/engagement-programs/isym/programs/ for specific show information. Final concerts begin at 10 a.m. on July 15th.
Adriel Denae
► Fire Doll Studio // $25 // 8 p.m.
Experience an enchanting evening with Adriel Denae at Fire Doll Studio, renowned for her diverse musicality, as she performs an array of original songs, timeless classics, and unique interpretations from the Great American Songbook. Amidst candlelight and silence, enjoy her father Daniel “Stu” Heiss’s skilled jazz guitar accompaniment, with an intermission for refreshments from the Dollhouse bar, making her much-awaited return to Champaign a captivating event.
Sunday, July 16th
Zoukifiddassetto
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 3 p.m.
Zoukifiddassetto is the band with the funny name featuring Matt Stewart, Doro Martirano, Armando Beaudoin, and Ricardo Flores.
Nick’s Country Jam
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 6 p.m.
Nick’s Country Jam, hosted by Nick Stine, takes place at the Rose Bowl Tavern every 3rd Sunday of the month from 6 to 9 p.m. and features an open mic-style gathering for pickers, folkers, and country crooners.
