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, May 1st
The Urbana Hootenanny
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 8 p.m.
Every Monday at the Rose Bowl, come hang out with some great musicians for the Urbana Hootenanny. A sort of open mic meets song-share, you can expect a variety of music and performers.
Tuesday, May 2nd
Editor’s Pick: The Jupiter String Quartet with East Coast Chamber Orchestra
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $10-$60 // 7:30 p.m.
The Jupiter String Quartet is joining the East Coast Chamber Orchestra (ECCO) for a series of performances presented by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. The ensemble will be performing as part of the conductor-less ECCO and featuring Jessie Montgomery’s “Banner” for string quartet, bass solo, and chamber orchestra, Franz Schubert’s String Quartet in D Minor, D. 810 (“Death and the Maiden”), arranged for string orchestra by Gustav Mahler, and Adolphus Hailstork’s Sonata da Chiesa. The Jupiter Quartet is a renowned ensemble, established as an important voice in the world of chamber music, and the ECCO is a collective of dynamic artists known for their concerts’ pure energy.
Balkanalia, University of Illinois Balkan Music Ensemble
► Music Building Auditorium // free // 7:30 p.m.
The performance by Balkanalia, University of Illinois Balkan Music Ensemble, titled “Bluejays Began to Sing: Songs and Dances beneath Balkan Skies,” is free and open to the public, and will feature a wide selection of songs from Albania to Turkey, Bosnia to Greece, and more, as well as special guests, the Balkan Beats Brass. The event is also a commemorative benefit for victims of the Turkish and Syrian earthquakes and is co-sponsored by the School of Music, Center for South Asian and Pacific Studies, and the Russian, East European, and Eurasian Centers.
Wednesday, May 3rd
Reading Day’s Eve Party with Bum Rush, Emily How and the Why’s and Romantica
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $7 door / 10:30 p.m.
If you’re up for celebrating Reading Day by recovering from your hangover and blown-out ear drums (instead of studying for finals, or going to work), then head to Rose Bowl Tavern for three young bands who won’t disappoint. $7 will get you a great spot to enjoy Bum Rush, Emily How and the Why’s and Romantica.
F@#& Finals 2023
► Canopy Club // $5 advance, $10 door // 8 p.m.
Express your disdain for finals by rocking, singing, and/or dancing along to 16 different musical acts crisscrossing a gaggle of genres on 3 different stages.
Illinois Wind Symphony with the Lake Zurich High School Wind Ensemble
► Krannert Center for Performing Arts // $4-$10 // 7:30 p.m.
The Illinois Wind Symphony presents Jules Pegram’s L.A.tudes, a vibrant tribute to Los Angeles, and Dana Wilson’s horn concerto featuring Bernhard Scully, University of Illinois associate professor of horn. The program also includes works by South American composer Antonio Gervasoni and jazz pianist Roger Dickerson, conducted by guest conductors Hannah Rudy and Barry L. Houser.
Thursday, May 4th
Frankie Ballard with Joe Asselin
► Canopy Club // $25-$50 // 8 p.m.
Frankie Ballard is an American country singer-songwriter known for his chart-topping hits like “Helluva Life” and “Young & Crazy.” He got his start in music after winning a competition for Michigan in Kenny Chesney’s Next Big Star competition and has since released three albums and charted eight singles on the Hot Country Songs charts. Joe Asselin is in support.
Editor’s Pick: William Matheny, with The Clayton Burke Band
► Loose Cobra // $10 in the bucket // 7:30 p.m.
William Matheny is a singer-songwriter who has been praised by Rolling Stone for his cerebral alt country music and by American Songwriter for being one of independent country’s most exciting emerging artists. His music is a fusion of heartland rock, Americana, and pop, with poignant lyrics that cut through everyday stories.
Friday, May 5th
Los Texano’z
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10-$15 suggested donation // 8 p.m.
Los Texano’z, a regional Tejano and Norteño band, will be playing at Rose Bowl Tavern on May 5th from 8 to 11 p.m. for the patio season opener. The band’s sound is a mix of country polka, bluegrass, and rock roots. Juanitos Taco Truck will be available starting at 5:30 p.m. and the event is weather permitting on the patio.
Hideout with Purely Blue, boyponder, and bloominous
► Canopy Club // $10 advance, $15 door // 6:30 p.m.
HIDEOUT, an experimental hip-hop collective based out of the University of Illinois, will be performing with Purely Blue, boyponder, and bloominous. Free tickets are available from performers and profits from advance tickets and door sales will be donated to The Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club. HIDEOUT is known for their genre-defying sound, electrifying live performances, and diverse range of perspectives and talents from over 50 active members.
Children of the Rat Temple with twoleggedzoo and Ms Jones If Ya Nasty
► The Recreation Room // $10-$15 // 8 p.m.
Electro/Psyche Punk group Children of the Rat Temple headline a night of experimental and artsy music also featuring twoleggedzoo (psyche EDM + violin) and Ms Jones If Ya Nasty (hip-hop).
Saturday, May 6th
Editor’s Pick: Toast to Taylor Street Block Party
► Taylor Street, Downtown Champaign, Illinois // free // 4 to 11 p.m.
The Toast to Taylor Street block party in Champaign, IL is a summer event featuring music, art, food, and drinks, with a diverse line-up of local and regional talent. There will also be a marketplace of makers and a selection of food and drink vendors, including local and regional craft brewers. May 6th is the 2023 Season Kickoff Celebration. Here is the lineup for Saturday:
- 10 p.m. – Poster Children
- 8:30 p.m. – Curb Service
- 7:10 p.m. – New Souls
- 5:50 p.m. – Modern Drugs
- 4:40 p.m. – Fiona Kimble
- 4 p.m. – Lauren Fitzanko
Perimeter Road Music Festival
► Parkland College // free // 12 p.m.
Parkland’s own record label, Perimeter Road Sound Recordings, hosts its annual Perimeter Road Music Festival on Saturday, May 6th. The festival is free and open to the public and features six local bands that are sure to get you singing, moving, and dancing in the warm May sun. Food trucks from House of Brisket, Piato, and Sidney Dairy Barn will be on hand, as will other crafters and vendors. This is a family-friendly event, so bring the kids and an umbrella just in case, because the festival is happening rain or shine. Here is this year’s lineup:
- noon – Poisoned Rationality
- 1 p.m. – Emily the Band
- 2 p.m. – Trouble Chasin’
- 3 p.m. – Disaster Kid
- 4 p.m. – Nectar
- 5 p.m. Ashland
Kolten Taylor and the Truck Toppers
► Alto Vineyards // $5 // 8 p.m.
Kolten Taylor and The Truck Toppers is a five-piece red dirt/southern rock group that performs both covers and originals. KTTTT is a 5 piece band known for their red dirt and Southern rock sound, playing originals as well as songs everyone will recognize.
Kolby Cooper
► The Castle Theater // $18 // 8 p.m.
Kolby Cooper, a young singer-songwriter from East Texas, has achieved millions of streams and sold-out shows within only three years of graduating from high school. His debut EP, Boy From Anderson County, was released on August 6th, featuring relatable songs based on his and his friends’ life stories. His performances showcase his Lonestar State roots with his distinctive vocals and guitar style.
Sunday, May 7th
The Kurt Reeder ORGANization
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 7 p.m.
The Kurt Reeder ORGANization, led by Hammond B3 champion Kurt Reeder, is a new supergroup that delivers classic hard bop organ soul jazz featuring local aces on guitar, sax, trumpet, percussion, and drums. With influences from Jimmy Smith, Don Patterson, and Brother Jack McDuff, this band is sure to give an authentic performance of the genre, with no cover charge.
Nonogon w/ Bristle
► The Space // $10 // 7 p.m.
The Space, Champaign’s new music venue and restaurant, will host a Sunday matinee show featuring power pop punk rock band Bristle and punk rock band Nonagon from Chicago. A third act is yet to be announced, and the event promises to offer rock, food, beer, and fun.
