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.
Tuesday, September 26
The Tumbleweeds
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
The Tumbleweeds are a country and western band known for their classic covers and original compositions. Their music is deeply rooted in traditional American genres, offering a nostalgic yet fresh experience.
Wednesday, September 27
Vine Street Syncopators
► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Vine Street Syncopators bring a vintage charm to modern audiences with their jazz and swing tunes. Their repertoire includes both classic and contemporary pieces, making for a versatile and entertaining show.
Colony House with Lunar Vacation
► The Castle Theatre // $22 // 8 p.m.
Colony House, an indie rock band, teams up with Lunar Vacation for a night of energetic performances. Known for their catchy hooks and relatable lyrics, Colony House has garnered a dedicated following.
27th Annual Martirano Award Concert
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $4 to $10 // 7:30 p.m.
Catch the 27th Annual Martirano Award Concert for a night of groundbreaking contemporary classical music, featuring award-winning compositions by Anna-Louise Walton, Louis J. Goldford, and Lina Tonia. Performed by the Illinois Modern Ensemble and attended by the composers themselves, this event is a must-see for anyone passionate about innovation in the musical arts.
Thursday, September 28
Americana Happy Hour featuring Justin Larkin
► Rose Bowl Tavern // Tips in bucket // 5 p.m.
Justin Larkin is a musician and entertainer from Springfield, Missouri. He has spent over 15 years performing across America with various musical groups and has honed a distinct blend of Roots, Soul, and Rock’n’roll called “Cosmic Ozarkana Music.”
FRACTURED & Silversel w/ Chains Over Razors
► The Canopy Club // $15 ADV / $20 DOS // 7 p.m.
Fractured and Silversel team up with Chains Over Razors for a night of hard-hitting rock and metal. Expect high-energy performances and maybe a mosh pit or two.
Krannert Uncorked with Rory Book and the Volumes
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // free // 5 p.m.
Rory Book and the Volumes offer a relaxed atmosphere with their acoustic sets. Perfect for unwinding after a long day, their music ranges from folk to soft rock.
University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $4 to $10 // 7:30 p.m.
The University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra is the premiere ensemble in the School of Music Orchestra Division. Comprised of nearly 100 undergraduate and graduate students, the orchestra performs eight concerts each year, including collaborations with various choral ensembles, soloists, and the School of Music Opera Program.
Friday, September 29th
Chip Stephens Trio
► Rose Bowl Tavern // Tips in Bucket // 5 p.m.
Chip Stephens leads this trio with skillful piano work, blending strength and subtlety in a mix of original pieces and reimagined classics.
The K-Tels
► Rose Bowl Tavern // Tips in Bucket // 8 p.m.
The K-Tels are a Champaign-based trio that covers classic R&B, Rock & Roll and Soul from the 60’s and 70’s. They are known for their energetic performances and nostalgic tunes.
Master Class – Nanci Belmont, Bassoon
► School of Music // free // 1:30 p.m.
Nanci Belmont, an outstanding bassoonist recognized for her artistry as a soloist, will be conducting a master class. She is the Second Prize winner of the 2016 Fernand Gillet-Hugo Fox Competition of the International Double Reed Society.
Illinois Wind Symphony
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $4 to $10 // 7:30 p.m.
Kevin M. Geraldi conducts the Illinois Wind Symphony in their season opener, featuring a world premiere of “Apricity” by Hilary Purrington and a special marimba performance by William Moersch. The evening’s repertoire also includes vibrant pieces like “Rocky Point Holiday” by Ron Nelson, “Sounds, Shapes, and Symbols” by Leslie Bassett, “Concerto for Marimba” by Christopher Theofanidis, and “Yellow, Red, Blue” by Paul Dooley.
Allerton Summer’s End with The North 41 and Joslyn & The Sweet Compression
► Allerton Park // $5 each / $10 family // 6 p.m.
Help send off the season with the Summer’s End Concert on the Gatehouse Lawn at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29. It will feature the music of The North 41 and Joslyn & The Sweet Compression as part of the Allerton Park Concert Series presented by The Ayers Family.
Punk Show: Unseen Forces, Eat my Jorts, Safety Always Off, and Dumbed Down
► Community Center 4 the Arts // $10 cover // 8 p.m.
Get snotty with four area punk bands at an all-ages show at the Community Center for the Arts in Urbana.
Mid-October
► Huber’s West End Store // free // 7 p.m.
Mid-October plays a wide range of familiar tunes and some originals that are sure to keep your feet tapping, and may even make them dance.
EDITOR’S PICK: Terminus Victor, with Another Heaven and Vaudevileins
► Loose Cobra // $10 in the bucket // 8 p.m.
Don’t miss Terminus Victor’s performance at Loose Cobra in Tolono, IL, where they’ll be showcasing tracks from their upcoming album. Opening acts include Vaudevileins from Chicago and Another Heaven from Minneapolis.
Daisy Chain
► Jazz Up Front // $10 cover // 7 p.m.
Daisy Chain will be performing live at Jazz UpFront in Bloomington, IL. Come out for an evening of great music starting at 7:00 pm.
Saturday, September 30th
EDITOR’S PICK: The Dirty Feathers with Yard Eagle and Bashful Youngens
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $15 Cover //
The Dirty Feathers are releasing a single (look for my interview with them later this week), The Bashful Youngens are out of hiatus with some new tunes, and Yard Eagles are back in town. This event promises to be a memorable night of music at The Rose Bowl Tavern.
Eliza Petry
► Huber’s West End Store // free // 7 p.m.
Huber’s welcomes back the beautiful and talented Eliza Petry.
Decadents
► Pour Bros. Craft Taproom // free // 8 p.m.
Decadents roll into Pour Bros. for a late summer show on the patio, in support of their new album Lost in Translation.
Into the Fury
► Goldy’s 2.0 // free // 8 p.m.
Goldy’s 2.0 welcomes back live music. Kickass rock and roll as it was intended to be played courtesy of Into the Fury.
Sara Siders (Sass)
► Yellow and Company // $15 // 8 p.m.
They imitable Sara Siders (Sass of Mank and Sass) will be belting out her best tunes, including her new single “Good as Gold”.
Graduate Recital – Emily Venturella, Voice
► School of Music // free // 1:30 p.m.
Emily Venturella, a graduate student at the University of Illinois School of Music, will be performing a voice recital. This event showcases her talent and hard work during her time at the university.
Song Recital – Students of Casey Robards, Collaborative Piano
► School of Music // free // 5:30 p.m.
Dr. Casey Robards, faculty pianist, and vocal coach at the University of Illinois, launches a new series of recitals featuring advanced students from the School of Music. The series will include standard and newly composed art songs in several languages by a variety of composers.
Sunday, October 1st
Church Street Ramblers
► Rose Bowl Tavern // Tips in Bucket // 2 p.m.
Specializing in jazz music from early in the 20th century, the Church Street Ramblers perform songs by legendary greats such as Louis Armstrong, Mamie Smith, Fats Waller, Louis Jordan, Clarence Williams, and many others
The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash
► Rose Bowl Tavern // $15 ADV / $20 DOS // 7 p.m.
Described by Rolling Stone as “pure Americana heart and soul”, The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash are led by singer Mark Stuart. They perform authentic country honky tonk live music straight out of Austin, TX.
Graduate Recital – David Nuccio, Jazz Piano
► School of Music // free // 3:30 p.m.
David Nuccio, a graduate student at the University of Illinois School of Music, will be performing a jazz piano recital. This event showcases his talent and hard work during his time at the university..
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $10 to $80 // 3 p.m.
The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director Stéphane Denève, celebrates its 144th season with a special collaboration featuring renowned American pianist Jonathan Biss performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1. The evening’s program also includes Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, Chin’s subito con forza, and concludes with Schumann’s Symphony No. 4 after the intermission.
