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 3rd
Jason Finkelman Presents: Improviser’s Exchange
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5:30 p.m.
Experience a unique evening of improvised music curated by Jason Finkelman. This event showcases local talent and encourages spontaneous musical creativity.
The Urbana Hootenanny
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 8 p.m.
Tuesday, June 4th
The Jaybirds
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
EDITOR’S PICK: John Moreland
► The Castle Theatre // $25 to $35 // 7 p.m.
Join celebrated singer-songwriter John Moreland at The Castle Theatre for an unforgettable evening of music. Known for his deeply personal and evocative lyrics, Moreland’s live performances are a powerful blend of soulful melodies and poignant storytelling that resonate deeply with audiences.
Wednesday, June 5th
Fagalgy, Ferguson & Friends
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Jazz Jam
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 10 p.m.
TherUp,Y w/Aaron ‘A Plus’ Wilson
► Gallery Art Bar // free // 7 p.m.
The Painkillers Blues Band
► Lake House at Crystal Lake Park // free // 6:30 p.m.
Neighborhood Nights at the Lake House in Crystal Lake Park features a live performance by The Painkillers Blues Band. Enjoy a family-friendly evening with free popcorn and lemonade, fun activities, and an opportunity to meet local officials while listening to the best Chicago blues in a beautiful park setting. Bring your picnic dinner, chairs, and blankets, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local music scene.
Thursday, June 6th
Backyard BBQ Band
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Kick back and enjoy the Americana Happy Hour with the Backyard BBQ Band, featuring a blend of country and Americana music.
Woke Mountain Boys (Album Release)
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 8 p.m.
Celebrate the album release of the Woke Mountain Boys at Rose Bowl Tavern. This special event will feature performances by the band members, including Professor Jay Rosenstein, John “JT” Tubbs, Sean Kutzko, and Jesse Brown, along with special guests. Enjoy a night filled with their unique blend of bluegrass and folk music. Check out a track on the new album.
Friday, June 7th
Django Wrangle
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Friday Night Live
► Downtown Champaign // free // 6 p.m.
Friday Night Live transforms downtown Champaign into a bustling music venue with various artists performing on the streets. Visit their Facebook page for lineup information.
Billy Galt
► Huber’s West End Store // free // 7 p.m.
Craig Morgan with Drew Baldridge
► The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater // $29 to $55 // 7 p.m.
Chip McNeill
► Jazz UpFront (Bloomington) // $8 to $10 // 8 p.m.
Renowned jazz saxophonist Chip McNeill brings his quartet to Jazz UpFront for an evening of smooth jazz.
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
► The Castle Theatre // $27.50 // 8 p.m.
Award-winning bluegrass artist Molly Tuttle and her band Golden Highway perform at The Castle Theatre.
Terminus Victor with Yap Trap and Kilverez
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 8:30 p.m.
Get ready for a thrilling night of alternative rock at Rose Bowl Tavern. Terminus Victor, known for their intense and dynamic soundscapes, will headline the evening with their powerful performance. Joining them are Yap Trap, bringing their unique blend of rock and experimental sounds, and Kilverez from St. Louis, adding their own alternative edge to the lineup.
Haki n Dem
► Neil Street Blues // $10 // 9 p.m.
Haki n Dem bring their soulful sound to Neil Street Blues for an exciting night of live music.
Saturday, June 8th
DJ Silkee and Emily the Band
► Busey Bank, Downtown Urbana // free // noon
Kick off your summer with PostMark Urbana, presented by 40 North and the Urbana Arts & Culture Program. The event will feature a lively set by DJ Silkee and Emily the Band. Bring the whole family to participate in crafts with Uniting Pride of Champaign County and discover special deals at downtown businesses. This celebration of art and music promises to deliver good times to downtown Urbana.
EDITOR’S PICK: Bobby Tomberlin and Tess Frizzell
► Allerton Park // $10 suggested donation // noon
The Nashville Singer-Songwriter Round at Allerton Park features well-known songwriters sharing their music and the stories behind their compositions. Among the performers are Grammy Award-nominated Bobby Tomberlin and Tess Frizzell, daughter of Shelly West and Allen Frizzell, and niece of country music star Lefty Frizzell. Attendees can bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy food and drinks from the Greenhouse Café during this event set in the Meadow.
Wildwood
► Rose Bowl Tavern // Tips in bucket // 2 p.m.
Corduroy
► Riggs Beer Company // free // 4 p.m.
REO Speedwagon
► The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater // $325 (VIP Only) // 7 p.m.
Local legends REO Speedwagon will perform at The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, bringing their extensive catalog of hit. Opening the show is the dynamic young Nashville band Levon, known for their fresh sound and energetic performances. This concert promises a memorable evening of classic rock and new tunes in a stunning outdoor setting.
Catseye
► Alto Vineyards // $5 cover // 7 p.m.
Ryan Conner
► Yellow and Company // free // 7 p.m.
Tophouse
► Rose Bowl Tavern // SOLD OUT // 8 p.m.
Tophouse, an acclaimed indie-folk band known for their soulful melodies and intricate acoustic arrangements, will be performing at the Rose Bowl Tavern at 8 p.m. This highly anticipated show promises a captivating blend of traditional folk instruments and modern influences, making for an unforgettable musical experience.
Sunday, June 9th
Occasional Cajun Band
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 4 p.m.
The Occasional Cajun Band brings their lively Cajun music to Rose Bowl Tavern.
Candy Foster & Shades of Blue
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 to $15 suggested donation // 7 p.m.
Candy Foster & Shades of Blue perform a soulful set at Rose Bowl Tavern.