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 27th
Julieta Iglesias
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5:30 p.m.
Argentine tango pianist Julieta Iglesias performs on Monday evening, paying homage to composer Astor Piazzolla.
The Urbana Hootenanny
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
Every Monday at the Rose Bowl, come hang out with some great musicians. A sort of open mic meets song share, you can expect a variety of music and performers.
TUESDAY, March 28th
The Tumbleweeds
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
C4A’s Country music ensemble The Tumbleweeds are performing Tuesday night, bringing bluegrass, western swing, and country rock.
The Raging Nathans, Mid Nite Leg, Power of Dusk
►The Space // $10 // 8 p.m.
Three great rock acts take the stage on Tuesday at The Space, with The Raging Nathans out of Dayton, Ohio headlining the night.
WEDNESDAY, March 29th
Stefan Loest Quintet
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Alto saxophone player and U of I student Stefan Loest brings his talent to Rose Bowl alongside his quintet, made up of Ryan Kazda, Jimmy Sacharski, Sam Calhoon, and Noah Brooks.
Ben Folds
►Krannert Center // $45 // 7:30 p.m.
Acclaimed singer-songwriter and pianist, Ben Folds’ catalogue is impressively large, and his work has seen him collaborating with some of music’s biggest names. He returns to Urbana on Wednesday night. This one is not to be missed, folks.
THURSDAY, March 30th
The Chickadee Sermon
►Rose Bowl Tavern // donations encouraged // 5 p.m.
The Champaign-Urbana based folk act brings originals as well as classics to the Rose Bowl. This week, the group is joined by mandolinist Ben Gourley of the Rumpke Mountain Boys.
Joey Valence & Brae
►Canopy Club// $15 adv, $20 door // 7 p.m.
Producer and writer Joey Valence joins forces with the lyrics and flow of vocalist Brae. This duo has taken off and keeps growing in popularity due to their high energy.
Bat Factory (Goth Night)
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
Goths and fans of spooky music unite for an evening of synthpop, darkwave, noise, and more at Rose Bowl Tavern. You don’t have to wear all black, but it wouldn’t hurt. With a large lineup of DJs and musicians, the party goes until 2 in the morning.
FRIDAY, March 31st
Chip Stephens Organ Trio
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 5 p.m.
Organ, guitar, and drums come together to form this jazz trio, bringing some great tunes.
Jason Leech x Honeycomb
►Canopy Club // $10 // 6:30 p.m.
Producer and keyboardist Jason Leech brings electronic beats and impressive synth playing, while Honeycomb is a talented producer, DJ, pianist, guitarist, and drummer. They’ll be supported by Psydell playing psychedelic bass music.
Sammy and the Coaltraine
►Huber’s // free // 7 p.m.
Country group Sammy and the Coltraine stop by Huber’s to play some originals and covers.
Tesla Coil Concert
►Bardeen Quad // free // 8 p.m.
Come check out a literal electrifying show on Friday night. “Watch as high frequency transformers emit bright electrical sparks for a mind blowing show.”
Prizefighter
►Pour Bros // free // 8 p.m.
Pop and rock group Prizefighter from Chicago comes down to play an acoustic set on Friday night at Pour Bros.
Mhondoro Rhythm Success
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8:30 p.m.
Bringing pop music from Zimbabwe. The members of the band are either from Zimbabwe, or have studied music there or lived there. Sure to get you dancing.
SATURDAY, April 1st
KILN HOUSE
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 2 p.m.
Playing blues, R&B, jazz, and originals, KILN HOUSE is going to put on a great afternoon of music at Rose Bowl.
John and Julie Pennell with Brian Wilkie and Dawna Nelson
►Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 adv, $15 door // 7 p.m.
An evening of folk, bluegrass and acoustic music performed by the wonderful John and Julie Pennell, joined by Brian Wilkie and Dawna Nelson.
Blinker, Venus Overdrive, Dole’s Fruit Company
►The Recreation Club // $10-15 // 8 p.m.
Indie and punk rock with a killer show on Saturday, with Blinker from Chicago, Dole’s Fruit Company from St. Louis, and CU natives Venus Overdrive.
SUNDAY, April 2nd
Matt and Tom Turino with Claire Johnson
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 2 p.m.
The fiddle duo of Matt and Tom Turino is celebrating Matt’s birthday on Sunday, and they’ll be joined by fellow fiddle player Claire Johnson
Anthony Gravino, Jim Tashjian, Leslie Beukelman
►Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7 p.m.
The talented Anthony Gravino (of Temple of Low Men) brings his full band to Rose Bowl, with support from two Chicago singer-songwriters Jim Tashjian and Leslie Beukelman.