Smile Politely

The Overture: October 2-8

Derrick Philips
A person is standing in front of a blue wall. They are wearing a blue t-shirt with the phrase “Hey Dolly, you can keep him” written in white letters. On their right arm, there is a visible tattoo. They have a guitar slung over their shoulder and are wearing a belt with a large buckle. The overall appearance is casual and relaxed.
Crystal Bowersox 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, October 2

Jason Finkelman Presents: Improviser’s Exchange

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Jason Finkelman is known for his innovative improvisational music. At the Improviser’s Exchange, expect a collection of avant-garde and experimental music that will defy genre boundaries.

The Urbana Hootenanny

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

The Urbana Hootenanny is a local jam session and showcase featuring a blend of folk, country, and Americana. A welcoming community vibe makes this a must-attend for local musicians and fans alike.

A person with long blood hair and a mustache hugs a telephone pole in front of a chain link fences in front of an empty lot in a gritty neighborhood. The subject is wearing a white t-shirt with a yellow sweater vest and black pants.
Jawny on Facebook

JAWNY with Adan Diaz

► The Castle Theatre // $20 // 7:30 p.m.

JAWNY delivers a captivating blend of indie-pop with elements of funk and R&B. Alongside Adan Diaz, you can expect a vibrant show that’ll have you grooving all night.

Tuesday, October 3rd

Two musicians are captured in the midst of a performance on a stage. The individual on the left is engaged with a trombone, while the one on the right is playing a saxophone. They are both dressed in black and white striped shirts. The stage setting is dark, illuminated by stage lighting.
TromBari on Facebook

TromBari

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

TromBari is taking over the Rose Bowl Tavern for an early evening set that promises an eclectic mix of jazz standards and innovative improvisations. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the dynamic interplay between trombone and baritone sax, as these skilled musicians create a soundscape that’s both complex and inviting.

4 members of the Jupiter Quartet against a dark background. The 3 violin players are standing and the cello player is sitting.
The Jupiter Quartet

Jupiter String Quartet

► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $35-$95 // 7:30 p.m.

The Jupiter Quartet presents a soul-stirring program that delves into music’s capacity to express and explore tumultuous times. The evening features compositions from Elizabeth Maconchy, who found her voice in the darkness of 1930s Europe, to Carlos Simon’s gut-wrenching “An Elegy: A Cry from the Grave” that memorializes Black American victims of police violence. Rounded out by Nathan Shields’ newly composed “Medusa,” inspired by Caravaggio’s paintings, and Beethoven’s gripping eighth quartet written amidst political chaos, this concert promises an immersive experience into the transformative power of music.

Wednesday, October 4th

Chip McNeill Quartet

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

Jazz enthusiasts, make your way to the Rose Bowl Tavern for a stirring performance by the Chip McNeill Quartet. With Chip McNeill on the sax, expect a groove-filled night that effortlessly blends traditional and contemporary jazz elements.

University of Illinois Wind Orchestra and Hindsley Band

► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $4 to $10 // 7:30 p.m.

Join the Hindsley Symphonic Band and the Illinois Wind Orchestra for an evocative evening led by conductors Barry L. Houser, Kimberly Fleming, Michelle Bell, and Alex Mondragon. The Hindsley Symphonic Band, featuring soprano Peiqi Huang, will perform a range of pieces centered on the theme of ‘home,’ including works by Yasuhide Ito and Eric Whitacre. On the other side, the Wind Orchestra will propel you into an interstellar soundscape with compositions from Young, Purrington, Day, and Bates that promise a cosmic journey through music.

5 members of the band No Resolve standing inside of an abandoned warehouse and looking somewhere between menacing and bored.
No Resolve on Facebook

No Resolve and Halocene with The Haunt and Hooked Like Helen

► The Castle Theatre // $20-$60 // 7 p.m.

Rock fans, head to The Castle Theatre for an explosive night with No Resolve and Halocene, featuring special guests The Haunt and Hooked Like Helen. From pulsing rhythms to powerful vocals, this line-up promises an evening of high-energy rock and roll.

Thursday, October 5th

This photo is a photo-realistic image of two people walking on a brick road in a park. The person on the left is wearing a black tank top and a purple skirt with a floral pattern. The person on the right is wearing a blue and green paisley shirt and a brown hat. The background consists of trees and grass. The mood of the image is peaceful and relaxed.
Merry Travelers Duo on Facebook

Americana Happy Hour Ft. Merry Travelers Duo

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

Swing by the Rose Bowl Tavern for the Americana Happy Hour featuring the Merry Travelers Duo. With their soulful harmonies and rootsy melodies, you’re in for an evening of feel-good tunes and laid-back vibes.

A band is performing on a stage. The members are playing various instruments, including a double bass, a drum set, a guitar, and a banjo. The background features a blue curtain and stage lighting. In the foreground, the audience’s heads are visible.
Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys on Facebook

Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys

► Rose Bowl Tavern // $20 // 8 p.m.

Don’t miss Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys as they bring their unique blend of rockabilly and Western swing to the Rose Bowl Tavern. With vintage vibes and infectious energy, this band guarantees a dance floor that won’t quit.

In the image, a man is standing in front of a band in a room . He is dressed in a black suit with gold embroidery. The band members, also in black suits, are playing a variety of instruments, including a piano and a drum set.
Ryan Byfield on Facebook

Krannert Uncorked with Ryan Byfield and Nuclei

► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // free // 7:30 p.m.

Unwind at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts with Krannert Uncorked, featuring Ryan Byfield and Nuclei. This event combines the relaxed atmosphere of a wine bar with soulful tunes, making it the perfect way to ease into your weekend.

The image captures a person standing in a grassy field with trees in the background. The individual is wearing a brown hat and a red plaid shirt. Large round earrings with a floral design are noticeable. The image has a soft, dreamy quality with warm lighting.
Crystal Bowersox on Facebook

EDITOR’S PICK: Listening Room experience with American Idol’s Crystal Bowersox

► Yellow and Company (Mahomet) // $25 // 7:30 p.m.

Come out to Mahomet to experience an intimate evening at Yellow and Company with Crystal Bowersox, the American Idol alumna. With her captivating voice and storytelling prowess, this Listening Room experience promises an emotional journey through her evocative songbook.

Friday, October 6th

Jordan Kaye’s Django Wrangle

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

Join Jordan Kaye and his crew at the Rose Bowl Tavern for Django Wrangle, a night dedicated to the Gypsy jazz style originated by Django Reinhardt. Prepare to be charmed by intricate guitar work and jazzy rhythms in a setting that’s as cozy as it is energetic.

A joyful and romantic scene unfolds under a tent adorned with string lights. A couple is captured in the midst of a dance. The woman is elegantly dressed in a black dress, her hair adorned with a flower. The surrounding area is filled with other individuals, adding to the lively atmosphere of the event.
Mike and Kayla on Facebook

Mike & Kayla

► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 suggested donation // 8 p.m. 

Catch Mike & Kayla at the Rose Bowl Tavern for a blend of indie rock with a dash of folk. Their harmony-driven performance is sure to make your evening unforgettable. 

The image you sent is a photo of a person holding a red acoustic guitar. The person is wearing a beige hoodie and a red beanie, and is standing in front of a gray wall with vertical siding
Larry Gates on Facebook

Three Song Monte with Larry Gates

► Pour Bros. Craft Taproom // free // 8 p.m. 

Don’t miss the interactive game of Three Song Monte from Larry Gates III (Curb Service and Lorenzo Goetz) where the audience picks cards to hear Larry perform three songs from that artist, and that’ll teach

5 members of Haki n'Dem posing for the camera
Haki n’Dem on Facebook

Haki N’ Dem

► Neil St. Blues // tips in bucket // 10 p.m.

Ready for some soulful vibes? Head over to Neil St. Blues and immerse yourself in the world of Haki N’ Dem. Expect a night filled with rhythm, blues, and a whole lot of groove.

A man singing and playing guitar onstage in orange light
Billy Galt on Facebook

Billy Galt

► Huber’s West End // free // 7 p.m.

Billy Galt takes over Huber’s West End for an evening of bluesy tunes. Known for his evocative guitar work, Billy is a must-see for blues aficionados. Plus, the show is free!

Guest Recital – Pavel Gintov, piano

► Recital Hall, Smith Memorial Hall // free // 7:30 p.m.

Join the distinguished pianist Pavel Gintov, a seasoned performer who’s graced stages from Carnegie Hall to Berlin Philharmonic Hall, for a special Guest Recital at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as part of the Dmytro Shtohryn International Ukrainian Studies Conference. With a multitude of international prizes under his belt and degrees from world-renowned institutions, Gintov’s performance promises to be a masterful showcase of both classical and contemporary pieces.

Saturday, October 7th

3 images including a poster of the event, a bonfire and a live performance.
Hogchute Harvest

EDITOR’S PICK: Hogchute Harvest Festival

► Kalyx Center for Sustainability (Monticello) // $20 at entrance // noon

Get ready for a night of sensational music and communal vibes at this year’s Hogchute Harvest Festival, set in the rustic Kalyx barn near Monticello, IL. For just $20 at the gate, you’ll get to enjoy an eclectic lineup of local musicians, a roaring bonfire, and even camping options for those who want to make a night of it. Stick around for the post-show bonfire jam; bring your instrument and join in the fun!

Lineup:

  • Aubrie Powell
  • Big Daddy Pride
  • Brad Handsome
  • Husky Martinez
  • The Joy Machine
  • Matt Talbott
  • Turner Rives, Banjo Songster
  • Vestiges

Whether you’re a seasoned Hogchute veteran or a first-timer, this event promises a blend of music, community, and good times you won’t want to miss.

The image is a photo of a jazz band performing on a stage in a dimly lit bar. The stage is decorated with a red curtain and a black banner with “Jazz Up Front” written on it in white letters. The band members are playing various instruments such as a keyboard, drums, saxophone, and guitar, and there are music stands with sheet music in front of them. The foreground consists of empty bar stools and tables.
Jive Bag on Facebook

Jive Bag

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // noon

Jive Bag brings their eclectic sound to the Rose Bowl Tavern. Combining elements of jazz, rock, and indie, their set will make you jive, groove, and feel alive. Music starts at 12 p.m., and it’s free!

Kiln House Band

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

The Rose Bowl Tavern presents Kiln House Band, known for their rustic folk-rock sounds. Slide in for some earthy tunes and stay for the beer. 

New Twang City

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 8 p.m. 

Country fans, assemble! New Twang City is set to deliver a twang-filled night at the Rose Bowl Tavern. Saddle up for some authentic country rhythms that’ll make you want to two-step.

Four individuals are captured in a relaxed and casual setting. They are seated on a stone staircase surrounded by a garden. They are dressed in casual attire, including sweatshirts and t-shirts. The background features a wooden fence and an array of plants. The overall mood conveyed is one of leisure and ease.
Alex Inglizian

Sudden Sound: Ken Vandermark’s Edition Redux

► Krannert Art Museum // free // 2 p.m.

Catch Edition Redux, the latest ensemble by internationally acclaimed musician Ken Vandermark, at the Lower Level Auditorium on October 7th from 2–3 p.m. This fresh quartet features Vandermark on saxophones and clarinet, alongside rising talents Erez Dessel on keyboards, Lily Finnegan on drums, and Beth McDonald on tuba and electronics, representing the next wave of Chicago’s creative music scene. 

A shot of a crowded street at a festival in downtown Champaign, IL.
Toast of Taylor St website

Toast to Taylor Street

► Downtown Champaign // free // 4 p.m.

Downtown Champaign hosts Toast to Taylor Street, a communal celebration featuring local music and vendors, for the last time in 2023. Swing by for some daytime fun and discover what makes Champaign-Urbana so vibrant. The event starts at 4 p.m. and it’s free.

Easy A

► The Canopy Club // $10-15 ADV / $20 // 2 p.m.

Kick off your weekend with a daytime bash featuring Easy A, presented by RSS Promotions, A$AVV, ANO & Friends at The Canopy Club on Saturday, October 7th. Doors and show both start at 2 p.m., and you can snag advance hard copy tickets for just $10. Don’t miss this vibrant blend of hip-hop and electronica that promises to liven up your afternoon!

Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra: Orchestral Splendor

► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $10-$20 // 7:30 p.m.

Don’t miss the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra’s season opener, “Orchestral Splendor,” featuring an electric performance from percussion maestro She-e Wu in Jennifer Higdon’s Percussion Concerto. Led by conductor Stephen Alltop, the evening also highlights CUSO’s brass section with Sibelius’s soul-stirring “Finlandia,” and rounds out the program with Symphony No. 2, another Sibelius masterpiece. Prepare for an evening of musical brilliance that promises to leave you spellbound. 

The image portrays a poster for the Urbana Fall Fusion Festival. The poster, set against a light beige background with a crumpled paper texture, is in landscape orientation. It features various colors and fonts, with the main text reading “Urbana Fall Fusion Festival” in orange and red. Illustrations of pumpkins, leaves, and musical notes are scattered throughout. The bottom right corner displays a logo for “40N0RTH”, the hosting organization, while the top right corner mentions the “Urbana Arts & Culture Program”, likely the sponsoring organization. The event details are in the bottom left corner, indicating it will take place in Downtown Urbana on Oct 7, from 4-8pm.
Urbana Fall Fusion Festival

Urbana Fall Fusion Festival

► Downtown Urbana // free // 4 p.m.

Immerse yourself in a cornucopia of music, food, and local art at the Urbana Fall Fusion Festival. Held in Downtown Urbana, this free event is a celebration of the diverse community and a haven for lovers of all things local.

An individual is seated under red steel grates in a park setting. They are dressed in a red sweatshirt and sweat pants The grates, made of red painted steel are leaning on a tree with green leaves. The surrounding area is a grassy field dotted with trees.
redveil on Facebook

Star Course Presents: redveil

► State Farm Center // $10-$35 // 7:30 p.m.

Hip-hop fans, get ready for a night of electrifying beats and compelling lyrics. The Star Course is proud to present redveil, an emerging artist who’s been making waves in the rap scene. This event at the State Farm Center is not one to miss if you’re keen on discovering new talent.

Dave ‘n’ Lisa

► Huber’s West End // free // 7 p.m.

Sit back and unwind with the soothing acoustic tunes of Dave ‘n’ Lisa at Huber’s West End. This free event offers the perfect way to end your Saturday—good music and maybe even a refreshing beverage.

Sunday, October 8th

a musician immersed in a performance in a dimly lit room. The individual is dressed in a white shirt and black suspenders, playing an acoustic guitar with a black strap. The backdrop features a blackboard with “Catlin Crozier” written on it and a microphone stand. A hanging light fixture adds to the ambiance of the setting.
Catlin Crozier on Facebook

Catlin Crozier

► Hickory River Smokehouse Champaign // free // 4 p.m.

Catch Catlin Crozier at Hickory River Smokehouse at The Fields this Sunday for a laid-back outdoor gig celebrating the crisp fall air for the final time this season. With a special guest appearance by Tom Grassman in the last set and no cover charge, you can enjoy the full menu and bar while soaking up some live tunes.

Occasional Cajun Band

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 4 p.m.

Liven up your Sunday with some foot-stomping Cajun music at the Rose Bowl Tavern. The Occasional Cajun Band brings authentic Louisiana sounds to the heart of Illinois, making it the perfect spot for your weekend wind-down.

a photo of a musician playing an electric guitar on stage. The musician is wearing a black t-shirt and a brown hat. The guitar is a Fender Stratocaster with a sunburst finish. The background is a stage with blue and purple lighting. The musician is singing into a microphone.
Andrew Duncanson on Facebook

Andrew Duncanson With The Blues Deacons

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 8 p.m.

Nothing says Sunday like the blues. Andrew Duncanson teams up with The Blues Deacons for a soulful evening at the Rose Bowl Tavern. Get ready to groove with some classic blues and maybe a little rock ‘n’ roll.

The image presents a recording studio. In the center, a blurred figure can be seen. The room is equipped with a desk featuring a computer monitor, a keyboard, and a microphone. A piano with sheet music rests in the foreground, and several microphone stands are scattered throughout the space. The image has a sepia tone and appears to be taken from a low angle.
Ari Hest on Facebook

Ari Hest with special guest Anthony Gravino

► Fire Doll Studio // $25 // 7 p.m.

Experience an intimate concert like no other at Fire Doll Studio. Ari Hest, known for his expressive lyrics and warm baritone, will be joined by special guest Anthony Gravino.

Marching Illini in Concert

► State Farm Center // $10-$35 // 3 p.m.

Feel the rhythm and catch the spirit with the Marching Illini at the State Farm Center. This concert showcases one of the premier college marching bands in the nation, offering a blend of time-honored tradition and high-energy performance.

Wine Down Sunday with Jake & Jackson

► Alto Vineyards // free // 2 p.m.

Ease into the new week at Alto Vineyards with Wine Down Sunday featuring Jake & Jackson. Enjoy a glass of local wine while this duo serenades you with their blend of folk and pop melodies. This free event is a perfect way to wrap up your weekend.

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