Smile Politely

The Overture: September 5-10

Derrick Philips
A woman performing with a guitar on stage in front of a mic.
Ani DiFranco

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 5th

U of I Jazz Faculty Welcome Back Concert!

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

Join the University of Illinois Jazz Faculty for their “Welcome Back Concert,” an all-faculty performance sure to inspire and impress as they kick off the new semester.

Wednesday, September 6th

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 and the Blues Deacons

► Loose Cobra // $5 suggested donation // 7 p.m.

Come to the Loose Cobra to see Andrew Duncanson and the Blues Deacons before they head off for a mini-tour of Europe!

Chip McNeill Quartet

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

Saxophonist Chip McNeill returns to Rose Bowl Tavern to play some tunes with his quartet.

Editor’s Pick: Steve ‘N’ Seagulls with Adrian and Meredith

► The Castle Theatre // $20 // 8 p.m.

Experience the unique blend of bluegrass and hard rock with Finnish country band Steve ‘N’ Seagulls, known for their viral YouTube hit, a cover of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.” With multiple albums under their belt, including Farm Machine and Another Miracle, they’ve mastered the art of transforming heavy metal classics into toe-tapping front porch jamborees.

Thursday, September 7th

Americana Happy Hour ft. Emily Anne

Come enjoy the amazing singer-songwriter Emily Anne as she entertains the happy hour crowd on the Rose Bowl patio.

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

This is a photo of a group of people with their faces blurred out. The people are standing close together and appear to be posing for the photo. They are wearing casual clothing, including t-shirts, jeans, and shorts. Two of the people have tattoos visible on their arms. The background is a plain gray color.
Brandon McClain

Wednesday w/ Sweetmelk

► Rose Bowl Tavern // $20 // 8 p.m.

Don’t miss the genre-blending sounds of Wednesday, the Asheville-based rock band known for their mix of alternative rock, shoegaze, and country, as they take the stage with local act Sweetmelk in support. Fresh off their electrifying set at Outside Lands Music Festival, Wednesday is a band with momentum and enough energy to shake the foundations of Rose Bowl Tavern, just 24 hours before they open for legend Jason Isbell on a 3 show run.

This is a photo of a group of people standing on a wooden deck with a blue sky in the background. The group is made up of six people, three on the left and three on the right. They are wearing casual summer clothes, including shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops. The person on the far left is holding a yellow frisbee. The person on the far right is wearing a Hawaiian shirt. The deck appears to be near a body of water, as there is a railing in the background.
The 502s on Facebook

The 502s with Sarah & The Sundays

► The Canopy Club // $20-25 ADV / $30 DOS // 8 p.m.

Catch The 502s, the indie folk band from Maitland, Florida, known for their “folk orchestra” sound blending roots, rock, and bluegrass, along with their eclectic instrumentals featuring banjo, piano, and horns. Praised for their “rambunctious energy and charismatic personalities,” the band will be performing hits from their extensive discography, including albums like Because We Had To and Could It Get Better Than This.

Friday, September 8th

Erik Lund’s Jazz Friends

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

A tuneful Friday happy hour provided by Jazz Friends, a group made up of Erik Lund on trombone, Jeff Helgesen on trumpet, George Turner on guitar, Emma Taylor on bass, and Ricardo Flores on drums.

This is a photo of a person playing an acoustic guitar on a stage. The person is wearing a black t-shirt with a graphic on it. The guitar is a light wood color with a red pickguard. The background is a stage with red and blue lighting. There is a microphone in front of the person.
Tom Grassman on Facebook

Tom Grassman Band

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

Tom and his band will be playing “Rock and Roll Party Music” for the Rose Bowl Crowd.

This is a photo-realistic image of two people with their faces blurred out. The people are standing back to back, with the person on the left slightly in front of the person on the right. Both people are wearing black leather jackets. The background is a gray textured wall. The image is in black and white.
Rodrigo y Gabriela

Editor’s Pick: Ellnora | The Guitar Festival Day 1

► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $10 to $80 // 6 p.m.

The 2023 edition of Ellnora is here, and the stars are coming out to shine. Here is the schedule for day one of this iconic festival:

6 p.m. – National Anthem performed by Malina Moye
6:05 p.m. – Roosevelt Collier
7:30 p.m. – The Stephane Wrembel Band
8:30 p.m. – The Surfrajettes
9:30 p.m. – Rodrigo y Gabriela

This is a photo-realistic image of a person standing in front of a green leafy background. The person is wearing a gray jacket over a white shirt. The background consists of large green leaves.
Andy Frasco on Facebook

Editor’s Pick: Andy Frasco & The U.N. with Dogs In A Pile

► The Canopy Club // $15-18 ADV / $22 DOS // 8 p.m.

Experience a night of electrifying blues-rock with Andy Frasco & The U.N., known for their “boisterous blend of harmonic funk and jazzy influences,” as well as their high-energy, improvisational live shows. The band will be joined by Dogs In A Pile, offering you an unforgettable evening filled with reckless abandonment, witty lyrics, and spontaneous musical “battles.” Many folks who attended this year’s Summer Camp Music Festival say Andy’s set was the highlight of the fest. 

Celtic Whistle on Facebook

Irish Fest

► Allerton // $5 individual, $10 family suggested donations // 6 p.m.

Join us for Irish Fest at Allerton Park, taking place on the Gatehouse Lawn from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring musical performances by Celtic Whistle and The Gothard Sisters as part of the Allerton Park Concert Series. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets, enjoy food from local vendors like Ice Daddy’s and Slow Spark BBQ, and contribute to the suggested donation of $5/person or $10/family at the gate.

The image you sent is a photo of a punk rock band performing on a stage. The stage has a black backdrop with the band’s name “The Work” written in white. The band members are playing a guitar, a bass guitar, and drums. The drummer is wearing a yellow t-shirt and is playing a green drum set, while the guitar and bass players are wearing black t-shirts and are playing black instruments. The stage is lit with colorful lights, and there are audience members visible in the foreground. The image is slightly blurry, likely due to the movement of the band members and the audience.
Boots Smith on Facebook

Weedeater, with Rebreather, Dibiase, and Gamma Goat

► Loose Cobra // $20 adv / $25 door // 6 p.m.

Get your tickets early for a huge outdoor show featuring a “big/awesome PA and parking lot margaritas”, and featuring the legendary Weedeater, all the way from North Carolina. The event page mentions “shopping cart fires”, and I can’t wait to see what that means.

This is a photo-realistic image of a group of people standing on a road with a stop sign in the background. The group is dressed in black clothing and leather jackets. The person in the center is wearing a cowboy hat and has a long beard. The background consists of trees and a clear sky.
Texas Hippie Coalition on Facebook

Texas Hippie Coalition with Speedfreak, Gravel, and Widow 7

► The Castle Theatre // $20 // 7 p.m.

Experience the unparalleled energy of Texas Hippie Coalition, the heavy metal band from Denison, Texas that has forged a new genre called “Red Dirt Metal,” blending elements of Southern rock, country, punk, and more. Suitable for everything from backyard barbecues to big rock festivals, THC’s raucous sound will leave your teeth chattering and your bones shaking.

Saturday, September 9th

This is a photo of a person holding a guitar on a stage. The person is wearing a straw hat and a green shirt. The guitar is a silver resonator guitar with a yellow strap. The background is a sunset sky with a stage and some equipment visible. The photo is taken from the side of the stage.
Reverend Robert on Facebook

Rose Bowl After-Market Series with Reverend Robert

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

Head over to the Rose Bowl patio to catch Reverend Robert, the award-winning slide guitarist known for his authentic prewar blues style and an eclectic mix of American roots music, island grooves, and global influences. Whether you’re in a festival crowd or a backyard gathering, get ready to be moved by his genuine conviction, artistic personality, and a stomping beat that guarantees an irresistible groove.

Jeff Helgesen/ Jeff Kaye Quintet

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

Jeff Helgesen and Jeff Kaye combine their superpowers to form a Quintet that may set the Rose Bowl Tavern patio on fire. Come out to see if they do.

Four members of Los Guapos playing in an alley way. They are in tight quarters and the camera perspective is stage left.
Los Guapos on Facebook

Los Guapos with Van de Pants

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

If you are skipping the amazing guitar music at Ellnora, then melt into the vast and groovy rhythms of Los Guapos as they headline the Rose Bowl stage.

The image is a black and white photograph of a musician playing a guitar on a stage. The musician is wearing a jacket and pants, and has a guitar strap around their neck. They are in a crouched position, with their head tilted back and their hair flying. The stage is covered in a patterned rug, and there are speakers and other musical equipment scattered around. The background is dark, with the lighting focused on the musician
Ani DiFranco on Facebook

Editor’s Pick: Ellnora | The Guitar Festival Day 2

► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $10 to $80 // 11 a.m.

Ellnora continues with a star-studded lineup for day two:

11 a.m. – Sharon Isbin and Pacifica Quartet
12:30 p.m. – Yamandu Costa
1:30 p.m. – A Conversation with Malina Moye
2 p.m. – Ron Carter Golden Striker Trio
4 p.m. – Ani DiFranco
5 p.m. – Jake Eddy/Tosin Abasi
6:30 p.m. – Yasmin Williams / William Tyler
8 p.m. – Andy Summers: The Cracked Lens + A Missing String
9:30 p.m. – Emmylou Harris
10:30 p.m. – North Mississippi Allstars

a photo of a band playing in a field. The band consists of five members, each playing a different instrument, including a guitar, a bass guitar, a drum set, a banjo, and a flag. The band members are standing in a line, facing the camera. The field is full of tall grass and wildflowers, and the sky is clear and blue. The photo has a warm, summery feel to it.
Neoga

Neoga, Falbonauts, The Clayton Burke Band, The Recliners, Big Daddy Pride

► Loose Cobra// $10 suggested donation // 5 p.m.

The big P.A. sticks around for another night of outdoor rock and parking lot margaritas celebrating 9 years of LC. Enjoy four great local acts and recover from your “shopping cart fire” burns you got the night before.

6 members of The Painkillers Blues Band standing in a room with wood paneling in the background
The Painkillers Blues Band on Facebook

Painkiller Blues Band

► Alto Vineyards // $5 // 7 p.m.

The Painkiller Blues Band will be playing a mix of traditional and original tunes this Saturday, with vocalist Dawn Clark.

Sunday, September 10th

This is a photo of a band playing on a stage in an outdoor setting. The stage is set up in front of a large gate with a banner that reads “Neighborhood”. The band consists of five members, all of whom have their faces blurred. The band members are playing various instruments, including guitars, a violin, and drums. There are several amplifiers and other equipment on the stage. The background consists of trees and a building.
Occasional Cajun Band on Facebook

Occasional Cajun Band

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

The Occasional Cajun Band plays a mix of traditional Cajun and Creole music and are led by Rob Krumm on accordion.

Main playing guitar on a dimly lit stage with a drummer behind him
Blues Deacons on Facebook

Blues Deacons

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

The blues outfit from Gibson City will be at Rose Bowl Tavern, playing originals as well as blues classics. Come on out for a night of soul-stirring riffs and smoky vocals that’ll transport you straight to the heart of the Mississippi Delta. 

This is a photo-realistic image of a group of five people standing on a beach at sunset. The group is standing in a line with their arms around each other. They are wearing casual clothing, including jeans, jackets, and t-shirts. The background consists of a beautiful sunset over the ocean and mountains in the distance. The sky is orange and the water is dark blue. The sand is visible in the foreground.
Night Ranger on Facebook

Night Ranger with Imagine That

► Devon Lakeshore Ampitheater // $29 to $249 // 7 p.m.

Unleash your inner ’80s rock god and join Night Ranger for a night you’ll probably forget but your hair will always remember! Grab your air guitars and come prepared for face-melting solos, synth-tastic sounds, and all the anthems that made your 80’s mixtape legendary.

This is a black and white photo of a band performing on stage. The photo is taken from the side of the stage, so you can see the band members and their instruments. The band members are playing guitars and a drum set. The background is dark, with stage lights shining on the band members.
Band of Heathens on Facebook

The Band of Heathens with Lilly Hiatt

► The Castle Theatre // $20 // 8 p.m.

Experience the unique sonic tapestry of Band of Heathens, Austin’s own genre-defying blend of Americana, folk rock, and blue-eyed soul! Known for their legendary ‘Good Time Supper Club’ series in Austin, the band’s latest album promises a high-energy show that showcases their eclectic influences and signature sound.

Snakepit Song Share

► Loose Cobra // free // 3 p.m.

Come share your song or hear some fresh new music at the 2nd Sunday of the month open mic at Loose Cobra.

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