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, June 12th
The Urbana Hootenanny
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free// 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.
Tuesday, June 13th
Cody and Charlie: Banjo Time!
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 7:30 p.m.
Join Cody and Charlie at Rose Bowl Tavern for an acoustic banjo-filled musical extravaganza encompassing bluegrass, folk, country, jugband, calypso, and more. Don’t miss out on this delightful evening of banjo time and other stringed instruments.
Wednesday, June 14th
Urbana Neighborhood Nights: Wildwood at South Ridge Park
► South Ridge Park // free // 6:30 p.m.
Join your Urbana neighbors at South Ridge Park for Neighborhood Nights, where the Urbana Park District continues its 35-year tradition of showcasing top local musicians, this time featuring the band Wildwood. Pack a picnic, get cozy with your chairs and blankets, and enjoy an evening of free music, complimentary popcorn and lemonade, engaging activities, community resources, and a chance to discuss your neighborhood with district officials.
The Gobbo/Stark Quartet
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Founded by guitarist José Emilio Gobbo and saxophonist Brian Stark, and including Emma Taylor on bass and Drew Cox on drums, the Gobbo/Stark Quartet brings their distinct sound to the Rose Bowl Tavern. Check them out for happy hour and stick around for music trivia.
Thursday, June 15th
Natchez Whistle
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Don’t miss the dynamic musical duo Natchez Whistle, consisting of Nate Lowery on guitar and Dan Turner on piano, as they bring their seven years of experience lighting up the St. Louis music scene to enchant audiences with a diverse repertoire of old country, bluegrass, western swing, blues, and folk classics, along with an ever-growing collection of original material.
Phillip Phillips
► The Castle Theatre // $22 // 6:30 p.m.
Join American Idol winner, Phillip Phillips, for an unforgettable night at The Castle Theatre. Experience live his distinctive folk-inspired, acoustic sound and sing along to hits like “Home” in an evening that promises great music and a vibrant atmosphere.
Oshima Brothers
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 // 8:30 p.m.
Maine-based indie duo Oshima Brothers create heartfelt music with an infectious roots-based pop sound and captivating harmonies. Through lush vocals, live looping, foot percussion, and a blend of electric and acoustic instruments, Sean and Jamie offer an uplifting and immersive experience, inviting audiences to breathe deeply, dance joyfully, and embrace their beautiful brother harmonies. Emily the Band is in support and will go on at 8:30 p.m.
Friday, June 16th
Folk and Roots Fridays at the Park
► Lake House in Crystal Lake Park // free // 12 p.m.
Experience the perfect summer getaway with the Urbana Park District and the C-U Folk & Roots Festival on the first and third Fridays of each month. Head to the Lake House to experience delightful FREE live music, accompanied by boating, refreshing drink specials, and tasty snacks. Bring your lunch and savor an idyllic afternoon lunch break on the lake, creating unforgettable summer memories.
Jeff Helgesen & Friends
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
More jazz is on tap at The Rose Bowl Tavern with local jazz trumpeter Jeff Helgesen and his Quintet featuring Chip McNeill (sax), Leon Lewis-Nicol (piano), Larry Gray (bass), and Frank Kurtz (drums).
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The Blues Deacons
► Huber’s // free // 7 p.m.
Wash your blues away with some drinks and some blues from Champaign’s The Blues Deacons.
Friday Night Live
► Downtown Champaign // free // 6 p.m.
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Downtown Champaign with Friday Night LIVE, a free street-side performance series held from June through August. Enjoy a diverse range of music genres, including bluegrass, jazz, folk, soul, rock, country, and blues, along with captivating street performances and free weekly kids’ activities.
Check out their Facebook page for the exact lineups each week.
EDITOR’S PICK: Pat Metheny
► The Virginia Theater // $68 to $310 // 7.30 p.m.
Don’t miss the extraordinary talent of multi-Grammy Award-winning musician Pat Metheny as he takes the stage at the Virginia Theatre, accompanied by Chris Fishman and Joe Dyson. Experience the Side-Eye tour, a captivating celebration of Metheny’s latest release, Pat Metheny Side-Eye – NYC, where he will present a dynamic and invigorating performance featuring fresh compositions and imaginative reinterpretations of his timeless classics.
An Evening with Cameron McGill Night 1
► Fire Doll Studio // $25 // 8 p.m.
Indulge in an enchanting evening of music and storytelling with Cameron Gill, where you’ll be immersed in a captivating atmosphere of sound and candlelight. This unique and intimate concert series, presented in a dedicated listening room format, offers a phone-free experience, allowing you to fully embrace the music and enjoy an intermission to relax, stretch your legs, and savor beverages from the Dollhouse.
Damien Jurado with Chris Pureka
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $25 // 8 p.m.
Don’t miss a captivating evening with Damien Jurado at Rose Bowl Tavern on Friday night. Experience the rich musical tapestry of his latest album, “Reggae Film Star,” as he weaves introspective and immersive songs that blend romantic AM gold, ’60s psychedelia, rock & roll, Latin shuffles, and ethereal ambiance, promising an unforgettable indie rock experience.
EDITOR’S PICK: Kangaroo Court with 4×4 Animal Style
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $8 // 11 p.m.
Fresh off their scorching performance at Summer Camp Music Festival, don’t miss the electrifying sounds of Kangaroo Court, a fiery four-piece garage punk band hailing from Urbana, IL. This will be their last hometown performance before the band moves up to the Windy City. Joining them is 4×4 Animal Style, an up-and-coming indie/rock band from the Chicagoland area, whose eclectic style encompasses elements of indie, blues, rock, jazz, and soul.
Juneteenth Party with Larro World
► The Canopy Club // $15 // 10 p.m.
Celebrate Juneteenth with drinks and live music. 18 and older. With Larro World.
Saturday, June 17th
Juneteenth Celebration at Hessel Park
► Hessel Park // free // noon
Celebrate Juneteenth with a day packed full of music, learning, and diverse vendors. Bring the kids along for a fun-filled experience, featuring arts and crafts activities, a bounce house and obstacle course, and a Splash Pad for those looking to beat the heat.
Jose Agusti
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // noon
This week the Rose Bowl Aftermarket features an exciting performance by Jose Agusti, bringing a fusion of retro and modern Americana with a twist of pop. Experience this eclectic mix of live music and arts in downtown Urbana, as The Rose Bowl Tavern presents a weekly series showcasing diverse entertainment on their parking lot patio every Saturday at noon.
Wendy & DB
► Champaign Public Library // free // 3 p.m.
Join the Grammy-nominated children’s music duo, Wendy & DB, for a fun-filled experience of singing, dancing, and jumping, as their original songs and lively lyrics inspire imagination and exploration.
Juneteenth Celebration with DJ Slim
► Neil St. Blues // $10 cover // 10 p.m.
Celebrate Juneteenth in style at Neil St Blues on Saturday, June 17th. DJ Slim will set the stage on fire with a soulful blend of classic R&B, energetic hip-hop, and Afrobeat rhythms, honoring the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrating the vibrant cultural heritage of the community.
Clementine with Superkick, Emily How, Daisy Chain
► The Canopy Club // $10 advance, $15 door // 9 p.m.
Another 18+ rock show at The Canopy Club featuring Clementine with Superkick, Emily How and Daisy Chain. Doors open at 8 p.m. with the show at 9 p.m.
Tons of Fun Band
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $15 // 8 p.m.
Experience the energetic and captivating horn band sound of Tons ‘O Fun Band as they take the stage with their talented lineup of ten musicians, including a dynamic four-piece horn section. TOFB has been delighting audiences for over two decades, delivering a wide variety of beloved classics with their three lead vocalists and their unparalleled musical prowess. This extraordinary ensemble is led by trumpeter “Big Daddy” Steve Shaw, and they bring their unforgettable performances to venues across the Midwest and beyond.
An Evening with Cameron McGill Night 2
► Fire Doll Studio // $25 // 8 p.m.
Indulge in an enchanting evening of music and storytelling with Cameron Gill, where you’ll be immersed in a captivating atmosphere of sound and candlelight. This unique and intimate concert series, presented in a dedicated listening room format, offers a phone-free experience, allowing you to fully embrace the music and enjoy an intermission to relax, stretch your legs, and savor beverages from the Dollhouse.
Sunday, June 18th
Nick’s Country Jam
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 6 p.m.
Join Nick Stine at the Rose Bowl Tavern every 3rd Sunday of the month from 6pm to 9pm for Nick’s Country Jam, an open mic event where pickers, folkers, and country crooners can showcase their talents in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
Matthew Miller Trio: Latin Jazz
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 3 p.m.
The Matthew Miller Trio pays tribute to diverse musical idioms by infusing traditional Afro-Cuban and Brazilian rhythms into their interpretations of jazz repertoire, offering a unique and captivating musical experience that merges different musical traditions.
