Smile Politely

The Overture: September 3-8

Jessica Hammie
An outdoor stage on which there are three musicians, left to right: a middle aged white woman wearing denim playing the accordian; a middle aged Black man wearing denim playing the bass guitar; a young white woman wearing denim overalls playing a drum with "Squonk" on it. There is a red circular sculpture with "brouhaha" in red on the top of the circle.
Squonk on Facebook / Erin Ninehouser

The Overture is a rundown of live music and performances happening in and around Champaign-Urbana each week. All of the information is accurate at time of publishing; 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 3rd

EDITOR’S PICK: Tatsuya Nakatani and Kuroshio, featuring Jason Finkelman, Joy Yang and Kavi Naidu

► Rose Bowl Tavern // donations requested // 7 p.m.

Tatsuya Nakatani is a sound artist, avant-garde percussionist, improviser, and composer. His music incorporates the Japanese concept of ma (space, or the elegance of space) through different types of percussion, including the gong. He will be playing with Jason Finkelman (percussion, laptop electronics), Joy Yang (theremin, piano, keyboard), and Kavi Naidu (saxophones and flutes). 

Wednesday, September 4th

Glenn Wilson and Rory Stuart

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

Jazz Jam 

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in the bucket // 10 p.m.

Thursday, September 5th

Backyard BBQ Band

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

Bill Poss and the Useful Tools

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

Friday, September 6th

In the image, an individual is performing or speaking into a microphone, holding it close to their mouth. They're dressed in a long-sleeve shirt with blue graphic designs, accessorized with a necklace and what appears to be a bandana or headband. The performer has closed eyes and a focused expression, with one hand near their face, suggesting a moment of emotional intensity. In the blurred background, several onlookers with serious expressions are focused on the performer. They are wearing similar dark-colored hoodies with designs, suggesting they may be part of a group or event. The setting appears to be an indoor venue with a backdrop that includes the word "Home" partially visible, implying a community or home-themed event.
$imba P on Facebook

Homegrown Music Festival

► Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center // $20+ // 5 p.m.

Lots of local bands and performers, from across genres, plus art and food. Continues Saturday.

Immersion Festival

► Gallery Art Bar // free // 5 p.m.

A bunch of local artists and performers, as well as video artists. Check back later this week for an interview with festival organizers. Continues Saturday.

Squonk 

► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts [quad/amphitheater] // free // 5:15 p.m.

Squonk is an artist collective that brings together audio, visual, and performance to create one-of-a-kind experiences. Performing during Krannert Center for the Performing Arts’ opening weekend celebration, you’ll have three chances to catch Squonk: Friday evening, and twice on Saturday. Read our interview with the founders for an idea of what to expect. 

Jazz Walk

► Meadowbrook Park // free // 5:30 p.m.

Stumble upon different jazz performers (soloists and combos) in Meadowbrook Park’s 20th annual Jazz Walk. The jazz walk is at your own pace, so you can check out specific performers for as long as you’d like. 

Cyro Baptista, an older man with light skin and long gray hair and beard, is behind a very colorful drum set holding drumsticks nad wearing headphones. There are a lot of instruments around him, and the photo is taken with a fish-eye lens.
Cyro Baptista; Photo by Andrew Blackstein

Cyro Baptista

► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts [Stage 5] // free // 6:20 p.m.

The Brazilian-born percussionist and composter is performing during KCPA’s Opening Weekend celebration.

High on Fire 

► The Castle Theatre // $25+ // 7:30 p.m.

Soja 

► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts [Stage 6] // free // 8:15 p.m.

The Grammy-award winning reggae group will perform as part of KCPA’s Opening Weekend celebration.

Three individuals are standing in front of a white wall. All are dressed in black t-shirts. The individual in the center appears to be a woman with tattoos on her arms and stomach. The individual on the left has his arms crossed, while the one on the right has his arms folded. The photo is in black and white.
Sweetmelk on Facebook

Sweetmelk with Emily the Band and Manifest West

► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 // 8 p.m.

Saturday, September 7th

Chad Lawson: Breathe

► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts [Foellinger Great Hall] // free // 11 a.m.

This late morning performance features Lawson’s piano playing to help participants explore focused breathing techniques while listening to meditative music. Bring a yoga mat; chairs will also be provided.

The artist is seen from a performing in a dimly lit room with vibrant, psychedelic projections on the wall behind. The light casts a colorful glow across the space, enhancing the immersive experience of the performance.
John McNally on Facebook

Immersion Festival

► Gallery Art Bar // free // noon

Homegrown Music Festival

► Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center // $20+  // 3 p.m.

Squonk 

► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts [quad/amphitheater] // free // 2 p.m. + 3:30 p.m.

Improviser’s Exchange with Sound Maze

► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts [Studio Theatre] // free // 2:30 p.m.

Chad Lawson: Classical Music for a Meditative Mindset 

► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts [Foellinger Great Hall] // free // 4 p.m.

Jake Fava

► Harvest Market // free // 5 p.m.

Leah Marlene, a white woman with long blond hair, is playing guitar and squatting down on stage in front of a drum kit. She is smiling and wearing a black suit with a white print on it.
Leah Marlene on Facebook

Leah Marlene with Fritz Hager 

► The Castle Theatre // $20+ // 8 p.m.

Bloomington-Normal’s recent American Idol finalist returns to her hometown for a performance, with songs from her recently released album, We’re All Buying into a Dream.

James Jones Trio 

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

Deeper Purpose

► The Canopy Club  // $17.50-$30 // 9 p.m.

The London-based DJ and producer will spin plenty of grooves for dancing.

Sunday, September 8th

A group of people who appear to be musicians stand in front of a brick wall and a blue wall.
Candy Foster

Candy Foster Scholarship Fundraiser featuring The Fairchilds, A-Train & Ther’up.y, Men of Essence, and Candy Foster & Friends

► Alto Vineyards  // free // 2 p.m.

Zouki Boom

► Urbana Public Library  // free // 2 p.m.

Third Annual Squeezebox Sunday featuring Turino Family Band, Los Texano’z, Occasional Cajun Band, and Papashoy Klezmer Band

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

Accordions! 

Toni Romiti

► The Castle Theatre // $25+ // 7:30 p.m.

Romiti is an up-and-coming R&B singer from Chicago.

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