Monday, November 27th
U of I Jazz Repertory Jazz Orchestra
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5:30 p.m.
The U of I Jazz Repertory Jazz Orchestra is a student-led group that performs classic jazz standards from the 1920s to the 1960s.
The Urbana Hootenanny
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 8 p.m.
The Urbana Hootenanny is a weekly open mic night that features local musicians of all genres. It’s a great way to discover new music and support the local music scene.
Tuesday, November 28th
Sinfonia da Camera: 20th-Century Chamber Gems
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $10 to $35 // 7:30 p.m.
Ian Hobson leads Sinfonia da Camera in a 20th-century chamber music concert, starting with Milhaud’s “Scaramouche for Two Pianos.” The program includes Bartok’s innovative “Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion,” featuring principal musicians William Moersch and Ricardo Flores, and explores the unique sound combinations of piano and percussion. The event concludes with William Grant Still’s “Incantation and Dance for Oboe and Piano,” a piece by principal oboist John Dee, and Poulenc’s lively “Sextet for Piano and Woodwind Quintet,” offering a diverse and engaging musical experience.
UI Jazz Combos I
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $4 to $10 // 7:30 p.m.
The Joel Spencer Combo, directed by Joel Spencer and featuring artists like Goio Lima and Jeff Delarosa, kicks off Combo Night with a dive into jazz standards and originals, highlighting each member’s solo talents, while the later segments, led by Ron Bridgewater and Chip Stephens, continue the exploration with spontaneously announced performances and personnel. This trio of combos promises a dynamic and engaging evening, showcasing the depth and versatility of jazz.
U of I Faculty Jazz Group
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
The U of I Faculty Jazz Group is a group of professors who perform jazz classics and original compositions.
Los Guapos
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 7:30 p.m.
Los Guapos is a local Latin band that plays a mix of salsa, cumbia, and merengue. They are sure to get you dancing the night away.
Wednesday, November 29th
“Offenbachian” Gallop
► Martens Center at Human Kinetics Park // free // 6 p.m.
This free and kid-friendly event sponsored by the Champaign Park District features the principal wind players of Sinfonia de Camera demonstrating their instruments and perform Poulenc’s exuberant Sextet, which will conclude with a fun gallop.
University of Illinois Illini Strings and Philharmonia Orchestra
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $4 to $10 // 7:30 p.m.
The University of Illinois Illini Strings and Philharmonia Orchestra are two student-led orchestras that perform a variety of classical music. This concert will feature a side-by-side performance by both orchestras.
UI Jazz Band III
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $4 to $10 // 7:30 p.m.
UI Jazz Band III is a student-led group that performs jazz standards and original compositions.
The Nguyen Quintet
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
The Nguyen Quintet is a local group that plays a mix of jazz, funk, and soul.
Thursday, November 30th
Merry Travelers, Primitive Lights, Kurt Bielema
► Gallery Art Bar // free // 7 p.m.
Merry Travelers, Primitive Lights, and Kurt Beliema are set to perform at the Gallery Art Bar.
UI Jazz Trombone Ensemble
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $4 to $10 // 7:30 p.m.
The UI Jazz Trombone Ensemble is a part of the jazz program at the University of Illinois. The award-winning ensemble presents a program of new arrangements and compositions for trombone quintet and rhythm section.
Illinois Wind Symphony
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $4 to $10 // 7:30 p.m.
The Illinois Wind Symphony is the premiere ensemble of the University of Illinois Bands, comprised of approximately sixty undergraduate and graduate students.
Americana Happy Hour ft Chachi
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
There’s sure to be toe-tapping and maybe a little dancing as Chachi entertains the Rose Bowl Tavern Thursday happy hour crowd.
Friday, December 1st
Latin American Ensemble
► Urbana Free Library // free // 4:30 p.m.
The Latin American Ensemble is an experimental group that specializes in the performance and dissemination of Latin American music from all over the Americas, including North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean.
Jordan Kaye’s Django Wrangle
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Jordan Kaye, a long-time figure in the C-U music scene, brings his diverse musical talents to Rose Bowl Tavern. Expect a captivating show showcasing guitar, banjo, and more in a lively first Friday happy hour set.
Billy Galt
► Huber’s West End Store // free // 7 p.m.
Billy Galt is a well-known musician who has been playing gigs for 20 years, particularly across Illinois and Indiana. His musical influences range from Hank Williams to Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash to Jerry Reed and Bob Wills.
Modern Drugs with Curb Service and The Blank Stairs
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 to $15 // 8:30 p.m.
Get ready for an evening of high-energy music with Modern Drugs’ danceable power pop. Modern Drugs are known for their catchy, purposeful tunes that are sure to get you moving. The Blank Stairs, from Peoria, IL, bring a fresh and exciting sound to the stage.
Saturday, December 2nd
The Painkillers Blues Band
► Rose Bowl Tavern // free // 3 p.m.
Experience over two decades of blues mastery with The Painkillers Blues Band. They blend Chicago, Southern, and swing blues into a rich tapestry of sound. Drawing influences from legends like Koko Taylor and Muddy Waters, their mix of traditional and original songs promises a soulful afternoon.
EDITOR’S PICK: The Claudettes
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 to $15 // 7:30 p.m.
The Claudettes, a diverse blend of blues, rock, and pop, will be gracing the stage with their unique “piano boogie, punk blues, and cabaret” style. Led by Johnny Iguana, this group always keeps their sound fresh and exciting. Their latest single, “No Matter How Much,” is a testament to their evolving and dynamic musical journey.
Caleb Cook Band
► Huber’s West End Store // free // 7 p.m.
The Caleb Cook Band is known for playing mostly country music standards with a few originals sprinkled in. They have been playing gigs for 20 years, particularly across Illinois and Indiana.
Choro das 3
► Gallery Art Bar // free // 8 p.m.
Choro das 3 is a Brazilian instrumental music group, which plays a style known as Choro.
Sunday, December 3rd
Sunday Wine Down with PBS
► Alto Vineyards // free // 2 p.m.
Sunday Wine Down with PBS is a music event at Alto Vineyards.
The Young and the Fretless
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 3 p.m.
The Young & the Fretless enliven central Illinois with spirited old-time Appalachian and Midwestern tunes.
EDITOR’S PICK: Fiona Kimble with Frank Samuel and Emily How
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 cover // 7 p.m.
Fiona Kimble, Frank Samuel, and Emily How are set to bring their vibrant and eclectic musical styles to the Rose Bowl Tavern, promising an evening filled with unique and captivating performances.
Smoking Popes with Teenage Halloween, Devon Kay & the Solutions
► The Castle Theatre // $20 // 8 p.m.
Smoking Popes, Teenage Halloween, and Devon Kay & the Solutions are set to perform at The Castle Theatre. Smoking Popes built a relationship with their legion of fans by melding raw songs about bittersweet heartache with soaring melodies, power chords, and infectious energy.
