Monday, September 11th

Zouki Boom with Marie Gelinas and Ed Hayes
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5:30 p.m.
Enjoy the happy hour with an injection of Canadian flavor as Ed Hayes (cello) and Marie Gelinas (cello) from Toronto join the band.
Guest Recital – David Zerkel, Tuba
► U of I Music Building Auditorium // free // 7:30 p.m.
Catch renowned tuba and euphonium educator David Zerkel, Professor at the University of Michigan and former President of the International Tuba Euphonium Association, as he leads a guest recital that showcases the virtuosic talent that has earned his students international acclaim.
The Urbana Hootenanny
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 8 p.m.
Get your toes tapping and your hands clapping as it’s all hands on stage for the Monday night staple, The Urbana Hootenanny.

Julia Jacklin
► The Castle Theatre // $30 // 8 p.m.
Julia Jacklin is an Australian singer-songwriter whose evocative blend of indie pop, folk, and alternative country has helped her build an audience worldwide. She’s known for hit songs like “Body,” “Head Alone,” and “Pressure to Party,” and her lyrics explore themes of love, anxiety, and defiance.
Tuesday, September 12th
The Chip Stephens Piano Trio
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
You read that correctly. It’s not the Chip Stephens Organ Trio. He’s tickling the ivories tonight.

Gloria Roubal’s Writers in the Round ft. Kayla Brown, Kurt Bielema and Logan Allen
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 7:30 p.m.
Join songwriters Kayla Brown, Kurt Bielema, Logan Allen, and host Gloria Roubal for a night of collaboration and spontaneous harmonies at Writers in the Round, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Rose Bowl Tavern. This unique musical gathering not only offers a treat for music lovers but also serves as a networking opportunity for artists to collaborate in ways they might not have otherwise.

RED with Saul
► The Castle Theatre // $25 // 7:30 p.m.
Christian rock powerhouse RED, hailing from Nashville is led by the Armstrong brothers and Michael Barnes. They bring their Grammy-nominated sound to The Castle Theatre, accompanied by Saul. With hits from albums like “Until We Have Faces” and their recent release “Declaration,” this will undoubtedly be a night of intense, faith-driven rock music.
Wednesday, September 13th

Brad Wheeler Fusioney Band
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Brad Wheeler makes his Rose Bowl debut backed by Chip McNeill, Ben Taylor and Larry Beers.
Thursday, September 14th

Americana Happy Hour ft The Hammer and The Hatchet
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Bluegrass-inspired singer/songwriters The Hammer and The Hatchet will be your happy hour background music on the patio this Thursday night.

Krannert Uncorked with The B-Sides
► Krannert Center // free // 5 p.m.
The B-Sides play the fun music at Krannert Uncorked this Thursday.

James Jones Trio
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 8 p.m.
James Jones, Mitchell Killough, Justin Simmons for the James Jones trio and will be performing live at the Rose Bowl Tavern Thursday evening.

Margo Price
► The Castle Theatre // $30 // 8 p.m.
Catch Margo Price, the Nashville-based country singer-songwriter, for a relaxed evening of acoustic and electric guitar performances. Enjoy her blend of Americana and country, inspired by her varied life experiences from small-town Illinois to the stages of the UK.
Friday, September 15th

Jeff Helgesen & Friends
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Come see and hear Jeff Helgesen and his friends make beautiful music together.

Editor’s Pick: The Great Cover Up ’31!
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $15 // 8 p.m.
Come out to the Rose Bowl for night 1 of the great C-U tradition, The Great Cover Up 2023, a one-of-a-kind weekend celebration where local musicians morph into iconic acts for 20-minute tribute sets, all in the name of raising funds for Girl’s Rock CU!. Don’t miss this year’s unforgettable lineup. You’ll be surprised and delighted all night long.
Friday Night’s Schedule:
- 8 p.m. – Anika Emily
- 8:40 p.m. – Haki n’Dem
- 9:20 p.m. – Hogchute Collective
- 10:05 p.m. – Amy & The Gang
- 10:50 p.m. – Decadents
- 11:35 p.m. – Los Guapos & New Souls
- 12:05 a.m. – DJ Belly

Corey Smith
► The Castle Theatre // $23.50 // 8 p.m.
Catch Corey Smith, the American country singer-songwriter known for his unique take on 21st-century country life, in a special performance showcasing his journey from a social studies teacher to chart-topping artist.

Editor’s Pick: Morris Day and The Time
► Krannert Center // $10 to $100 // 7:30 p.m.
Step back in time for Night 1 with Morris Day and the Time, the pioneers of the Minneapolis sound, an invigorating blend of funk, R&B, new wave, and more. Experience a night of nostalgia and groove as you listen to their iconic hits like “Jungle Love,” and “Cool,” crafted under the creative guidance of the legendary Prince.
Saturday, September 16th
Hannah Rose & The Sweet Nothings
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 12 p.m.
Catch Hannah Rose & The Sweet Nothings for an eclectic After Market Series show featuring early jazz, folk, and country tunes.

John Coppess and the Limping Cowboy Band
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 3 p.m.
Join John and The Limping Cowboy Band for a lively Saturday afternoon filled with songs, suds, and a mix of country, folk, Cowboy, and popular tunes.

Editor’s Pick: The Great Cover Up ’31!
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $15 // 8 p.m.
Get ready for Night 2 of The Great Cover Up 2023, where CU’s talented musicians take the stage as iconic artists for Girl’s Rock CU!. Come experience 20-minute tribute sets that promise to make this evening as memorable as the Friday night performance.
Saturday Night’s Schedule:
- 8 p.m. – Prairie Sharks
- 8:40 p.m. – The Falbonauts
- 9:20 p.m. – Nick Rainey
- 10 p.m. – Wardbeast
- 10:45 p.m. – Modern Drugs
- 11:30 p.m. – Mike Ingram
- 12:15 a.m. – Sandman Slimm

Drive-By Truckers with American Aquarium
► The Castle Theatre // $39.50 // 8 p.m.
The progressive southern rockers come back to Central Illinois for the 2nd time this year to weave their musical tales of growing up in Dixieland, and this time they have the acclaimed alt-country heroes American Aquarium in tow.
Editor’s Pick: Morris Day and The Time
► Krannert Center // $10 to $100 // 7:30 p.m.
One night is not enough for Morris Day and The Time. If you missed them Friday, be sure to catch them Saturday night at Krannert Center.
Sunday, September 17th

Avatar with Orbit Culture and The Native Howl
► The Castle Theatre // $39 // 7:30 p.m.
Don’t miss Swedish heavy metal band Avatar, known for songs like “The Dirt I’m Buried In,” as they perform music from their latest album, Dance Devil Dance. Formed in 2001, the band has carved a significant path in the heavy metal genre, including opening for acts like In Flames and Impaled. Orbit Culture and The Native Howl are in support.

Ramón Ayala with special guest Parranderos Combo Latino
► Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater // $59 to $139 // 7 p.m.
Come to Decatur to enjoy a night of Norteño and Conjunto music with Ramón Ayala, known for his accordion skills and traditional northern ranchera style. The evening promises a mix of classic and modern tunes that reflect Ayala’s influence on the genre.