Smile Politely

The Overture: March 11 – 17

Derrick Philips
A musician is spotlighted on a dimly lit stage, wearing a cowboy hat and western shirt similar to the first image, focused intently on playing the guitar. The red stage lights cast a dramatic effect on the performance.
Wild Earp and the Free for Alls on Facebook

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, March 11th

The Tumbleweeds

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5:30 p.m.

The Tumbleweeds bring a fresh take on classic country sounds, blending harmonies with a modern twist. Their lively performances invite audiences for an evening of toe-tapping and heartfelt storytelling.

Tuesday, March 12th

This image shows a group of men playing musical instruments under a white tent. There are several people in the picture, including one person playing a guitar, another playing drums and two more standing nearby. The background is an outdoor setting with a car parked on the street. Everyone is wearing red clothing and there appears to be some stage equipment set up as well.
Prairie Sharks on Facebook

Prairie Sharks

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 7:30 p.m.

The Prairie Sharks will be ready to groove and rock at Rose Bowl Tavern this Tuesday night.

Wednesday, March 13th

Steve Davis Trio

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

The Steve Davis Trio offers a captivating jazz experience, blending intricate rhythms with soulful melodies. Their performances are a journey through the rich landscape of jazz history. SDT features Steve Davis on drums, Jose Gobbo on guitar and Andrew Binder on bass.

The image is a photo-realistic image of a person playing a saxophone. The person is wearing a checkered shirt and a necklace, and is holding the golden-colored saxophone with both hands. The background is black with a spotlight shining on the person.
Goio Lima on Facebook

Live Brazilian music: Hosted by Goio Lima

► Gallery Art Bar // free // 7 p.m.

Experience the vibrant rhythms and melodies of Brazil with Goio Lima’s live performance. This event promises an evening of authentic Brazilian music, from samba to bossa nova.

A person is standing next to a vintage pickup truck, painted in turquoise and white, parked on a gravel road. The individual is strumming a guitar and is dressed in blue jeans, a white shirt, and an open patterned button-down shirt. They are also wearing brown boots. The surrounding landscape consists of grassy fields stretching out to the horizon under an expansive sky. The scene evokes a sense of tranquility and freedom.
Sass on Facebook

Live and Unplugged: Sara “Sass” Siders

► Anthem // free // 6 p.m.

Sass brings her incomparable voice and style to Anthem for an early unplugged set that’s sure to entertain. Catch this weekly series at Anthem, every Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Thursday, March 14th

Two performers on stage; one wearing a Santa hat and a vest, and the other in a red sleeveless shirt and a white hat, both with sunglasses on. The one in the Santa hat is singing into a microphone while the other holds a violin, with stage lights giving a green hue to the background.
Leah Osborne and John Brighton on Facebook

Americana Happy Hour ft. Leah Osborne and John Brighton

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

Leah Osborne and John Brighton’s Americana Happy Hour is a delightful mix of folk, bluegrass, and country. Their storytelling through music brings tales of life, love, and the American spirit.

Friday, March 15th

Jeff Helgesen & Friends

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

Trumpeter Jeff Helgesen teams up with friends for a jazz set that spans classics to contemporary. Their expertise and passion for jazz create a memorable performance for all.

Editor’s Pick: Wild Earp & The Free for Alls present Wild Irish Rose Bowl

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

Wild Earp & The Free for Alls are set to deliver their signature blend of original country, rockabilly, and western soundscapes at the “Wild Irish Rose Bowl” event on Friday, March 15th. Attendees can expect an evening filled with tradition-infused music that’s both fiery and fun. Wild Earp and The Free for Alls have been praised for their expansive, authentic American roots sound. There is limited seating offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, promising an intimate setting to experience the band’s eclectic mix of honky-tonk, cowboy tunes, and more.

The image is a photo of a person playing an electric guitar in an outdoor setting. The person is wearing a black t-shirt and has a tattoo on their left arm. The guitar is black and white with a silver neck, and the person is also wearing earphones and singing into a microphone. The background consists of a grassy area with trees and a building in the distance.
TyJon Charlie on Facebook

TyJon Charlie

► Pour Bros. // free // 8 p.m.

TyJon Charlie’s music is a blend of soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. His performance at Pour Bros. is an opportunity to experience his captivating sound up close.

Main playing guitar on a dimly lit stage with a drummer behind him
Blues Deacons on Facebook

The Blues Deacons

► Huber’s West End Store // free // 7 p.m.

The Blues Deacons are known for their electrifying blues performances. Their show is a journey through blues classics and original compositions that resonate with the soul.

Four band members seated on a grassy knoll in a park setting, with a cityscape in the distance. The lighting suggests a sunset ambiance, and they are casually dressed, projecting a relaxed atmosphere.
Turnover on Facebook

Turnover with MSPAINT, Drook

► The Castle Theatre // $26 // 8 p.m.

Turnover, accompanied by MSPAINT and Drook, promises an evening of indie and alternative sounds. Their music explores themes of change, growth, and emotion, resonating with a wide audience.

Gary Muhammad with 4 on the Flow

► Jazz Up Front // $8 to $10 // 8 p.m.

Gary Muhammad, alongside 4 on the Flow, delivers a jazz experience that’s both innovative and rooted in tradition. Their performance is a testament to the enduring appeal of jazz music.

Saturday, March 16th

5 hip hop artists on stage performing. You can see a few rows of people in the crowd and the backdrop for the stage is windows.
Cypher Saturdays

Cypher Saturdays

► Canopy Club // $10 to $15 // 10 p.m.

Dive into the world of freestyle rap and hip-hop culture with Cypher Saturdays, showcasing local talent and lyrical prowess.

Two musicians outdoors, one in a floral dress and a wide-brimmed hat, and the other in a checkered shirt and a straw hat. They are performing together, one playing a guitar, beside a large tree trunk, with a serene water body in the background.
Pickin and Grinnin’ on Facebook

Pickin’ & Grinnin’

► Huber’s West End Store // free // 7 p.m.

A cozy evening of folk and bluegrass music awaits, where string instruments and harmonious vocals fill the air.

A guitarist is captured in a monochrome tone, hair tousled and mid-motion, evoking a sense of energy and passion. The spotlight shines down, illuminating the artist and the guitar, contrasting the dark background.
Jean Frank Photography

Tab Benoit with JD Simo

► The Castle Theatre // $28.50 // 8 p.m.

Blues enthusiasts, prepare for a night with Tab Benoit and JD Simo, blending soulful melodies with deep, emotive lyrics.

Sunday, March 17th

C-U Irish Session

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 3 p.m.

Celebrate Irish culture with traditional music sessions that invite participation, storytelling, and a sense of community.

Music Editor

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