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 5th
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 6th
Gloria Roubal
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Join Gloria Roubal, an established musician and recording artist from the Urbana-Champaign area, for a Happy Hour at the Rose Bowl on Tuesday, June 6th, from 5-7p.m. Gloria, known for her original pop/rock songs and select covers, has showcased her talent in various formats including her band G. Lee & Jet Blonde, and acoustic duos Paul & Gloria and The Double Dots.
Wednesday, June 7th
Larry Gray Trio
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Larry Gray, a jazz double bassist from Chicago, is respected for his versatility and creativity, having collaborated with numerous prominent jazz artists throughout his career and made significant contributions as a composer. He is also an educator, teaching Jazz Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and has experience performing classical music with renowned orchestras.
Cherry Jam! with The Paw Paws
► Urbana Public Library // free // 6 p.m.
The Paw Paws, comprising local songwriters Emily McKown and Paul Kotheimer, captivate audiences with their fresh adaptations and arrangements of beloved children’s songs, interweaving educational moments and amusing rewrites. Their outstanding performance at the Fall 2022 CU Folk and Roots earned praise from parents, children, and festival staff. There will also be engaging activities and delectable snacks.
Painkillers Blues Band
► Lake House in Crystal Lake Park // free// 6 p.m.
The Painkillers Blues Band plays Neighborhood Nights, a beloved Urbana tradition for nearly 35 years, where you can enjoy free concerts featuring a diverse range of local musicians from folk to soul and rock to bluegrass in various parks across the city. Along with great music, each Neighborhood Night offers free popcorn and lemonade, engaging activities, community resources, and the opportunity to interact with district officials in a lovely park setting. Remember to bring your chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner, and note that if inclement weather occurs, the event will be rescheduled for the following night.
Thursday, June 8th
T-Pain with Tobi Lou
► Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater // $45 – $80 // 7 p.m.
T-Pain, the influential artist who emerged in 2004, has left an indelible mark on pop, hip-hop, and R&B, reshaping culture through his groundbreaking music and achievements. From Grammy wins to viral moments, he continues to evolve as a Twitch phenomenon, label head, drift driver, actor, and author, captivating audiences with his multifaceted talents, while also being supported by a dedicated fan base. Toby Lou will be opening in support.
Americana Happy Hour at the Rose Bowl Tavern ft. Demi & Aaron
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Join Aaron Kelly and Demi Clara, solo performers turned duo since 2022, for the Americana Happy Hour at the Rose Bowl Tavern on Thursday, June 8th, from 5-7 p.m. Their music is influenced by their experiences as modern individuals, with a rich emotional palette and inspirations from artists like John Prine, Glen Hansard, and Lucinda Williams.
Rios Mios Presents: Totally Not Country
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 advance, $15 door // 9 p.m.
Totally not country? Rios Mios isn’t kidding, but I still highly recommend coming out to check out artists such as Daisy Chain, Totally Cashed, Rios Mios himself, Stanczyk, and local Hip Hop kings, Half House. Judging by his last showcase here, it promises to be lively and entertaining.
Friday, June 9th
Editor’s Pick: Half House presents Mousepad’s Birthday Bash
► Independent Media Center // free // 8 p.m.
Hip-hop collective Half House is throwing a bash for their producer/artist extraordinaire Mousepad at the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center in Urbana. Check out our interview with Half House later in the week to see what these guys are all about and how they are growing the Hip-Hop scene in C-U.
Friday Night Live Afterparty with Rabbit in Red
► Pour Brothers // free // 8 p.m.
Head over to Pour Bros after enjoying Friday Night Live to experience alternative jam band Rabbit in Red. Rabbit In Red blends alternative rock with improvisational jams, creating a unique sound that’s unique yet familiar.
Erik Lund’s Jazz Friends
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Experience the rhythmic magic of Erik Lund’s Jazz Friends, the premier ensemble of the local jazz scene, every 2nd Friday of the month at Rose Bowl Tavern. Enjoy a blend of captivating tunes and high-energy performances by our area’s most accomplished jazz musicians.
Saturday, June 10th
AfterMarket Series with Robin and the Toad
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // noon
The Rose Bowl After Market, a Saturday series at The Rose Bowl Tavern in downtown Urbana, features live music by a variety of Champaign-Urbana veterans of multifarious ensembles, including Todd Gallagher, Jeff Magby, Robin Kearton, Sol Baer, Tom Faux, and Sal Percoco, who together form Illinois’ only Italo-Peruvian wedding and funeral band, Robin and The Toad.
Urbana Pops Orchestra presents Happily Ever After
► Urbana High School // free // 7 p.m.
The Urbana Pops Orchestra will perform a free concert titled “Happily Ever After” at Urbana High School on Saturday, June 10th, featuring music based on storybook themes and showcasing young musicians. Highlights of the concert include Benjamin Britten’s “The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra,” narrated by Urbana Mayor Diane Wolfe Marlin, and a performance by 13-year-old pianist Sora Corro, winner of the Chambana International Music Competition concerto division. The concert will also feature performances by the Urbana Park District Youth Summer Theatre and the Bow-Dacious String Band, a youth ensemble at C4A: Community Center for the Arts.
Christiana Benton, The Lunar Year and Fiona Kimble
► 1798 County Road 700N, Sidney IL // free// 7 p.m.
Jim Eisenmenger is resuming hosting live music events on his front porch after a long break due to Covid. He’s inviting all interested people to attend and enjoy the bands, with the first event of 2023 set for Saturday, June 10th. This night of music will feature three acts, including Christiana Benton, The Lunar Year, and Fiona Kimble. The venue is at 1798 County Road 700N, Sidney IL, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and outdoor toys for kids. Leave the pups at home, please!
A Night of Soulive!
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 8 p.m.
Join us for “A Night of Soulive!” featuring James Jones, Kurt Reeder, and Jamie Mauck, as they deliver an exceptional performance of organ-centric funk tunes from the renowned Woodstock-originated funk/jazz trio, Soulive. This one-time event is a unique opportunity to witness Central Illinois’ finest musicians channeling Soulive’s trademark solos and catchy, upbeat songs.
Editor’s Pick: Sweetmelk with Safety Always Off and Ant Hattie
► The Space // $10 // 8 p.m.
“Kenna Mae is a bad-ass,” Doug Hodge, co-owner of The Space once told me. Yes, Doug. Yes, she is, and you can catch her and her band Sweetmelk at the home of the Smashy McSmashface burger this Friday with Safety Always Off and Ant Hattie in support.
The Kurt Reeder ORGANization
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 3 p.m.
The Kurt Reeder ORGANization, led by Kurt Reeder, the champion of the Hammond B3 in Champaign-Urbana, will perform hard bop organ soul jazz in the AfterMarket series at The Rose Bowl Tavern on Saturday, June 10th. This series, held every Saturday on the tavern’s patio, showcases diverse entertainment, featuring live music, arts, and more.
Candy Foster & The Shades of Blue
► Alto Vineyards // free // 7 p.m.
Relax and sip some wine to the inimitable Candy Foster and the Shades of Blue, who have been captivating audiences with their classic rhythm and blues performances. Known for his strong vocals and high-energy style, Foster has shared the stage with blues greats like B.B. King, Etta James, and Bobby Blue Bland, and continues to entertain audiences with his band, the Shades of Blue.
Big Daddy Pride & The East Side Five with Van De Pants and Mimi at the Puddles
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 8 p.m.
Big Daddy Pride & The East Side Five, fronted by Dave Pride, delivers a soulful blend of New Orleans-style jazz, 60’s rock, and 90’s alternative country, producing a sound that’s been described as belonging to a band from a faraway place of an indeterminate age or era. Join them earlier in the evening will be Van De Pants, and Mimi at the Puddles. Immerse yourself in an eclectic blend of sounds, from blues to rock, promising a night of great music and high energy that will keep you entertained.
Sunday, June 11th
The Painkillers Blues Band
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 7 p.m.
The Painkillers Blues Band, a staple of the Central Illinois music scene for over 20 years, delivers a vibrant mix of Chicago blues, Southern blues, and swing blues through both traditional and original songs, drawing influence from blues legends like Koko Taylor, Jimmy Reed, Muddy Waters, and more.
