Smile Politely

The Overture: June 7 – 13

WHAT: Clutch, The Bakerton Group, Lionize, Never Got Caught

WHERE: Canopy Club

WHEN: Monday, June 7th at 8 p.m.

Clutch have spent the last two decades playing stages across the U.S. and Europe with their jammed-out brand of stoner blues/metal and by all accounts are a force of nature live. Lionize, Never Got Caught, and Clutch’s own instrumental side project the Bakerton Group open.

 

WHAT: Scurvine, Jake Fleischli, My Werewolf Diary

WHERE: Mike ‘N Molly’s

WHEN: Friday, June 11th at 8 p.m.

Despite a cancellation last week and contrary to rumors that they’ve broken up, reclusive noise/alt rockers Scurvine make a rare appearance in the beer garden. You owe it to yourself to catch their astoundingly loud and perfectly off-kilter live show at least once. Tractor Kings’ Jake Fleischli and My Werewolf Diary (aka New Ruins’ Elzie Sexton) kick things off in acoustic fashion.

 

WHAT: The Poison Control Center, Deathtram, Zach May & the Maps

WHERE: Mike ‘N Molly’s

WHEN: Saturday, June 12th at 8 p.m.

Ames, Iowa’s Poison Control Center play a brand of indie pop not entirely unlike The New Pornographers (or Champaign’s own Palace Flophouse), and from browsing through their photos on Last.fm, their live show looks unmissable. Local newcomer Deathtram’s one-man band recalls a fuzzed out garage version of Coco Coca, and Zach May & the Maps are yet another must-see live act if you have any appetite at all for soaring sing-alongs and catchy hooks.

 

WHAT: Lil’ Kim, Jay Moses

WHERE: Canopy Club

WHEN: Saturday, June 12th at 8 p.m.

While Lil’ Kim may be in the news lately for her non-musical exploits (Dancing With the Stars and various legal hassles), anyone who remembers Hard Core and Junior Mafia’s Conspiracy is well aware that she’s no slouch on the mic and as a showwoman. Local up and comer (and owner of the killer jam “Hello Summer“) Jay Moses opens. Barring a Wu Tang-esque fiasco, this should be a good one.

 

WHAT: The Palace Flophouse, Jet W. Lee, Take Care

WHERE: Canopy Club

WHEN: Saturday, June 12th at 10:30 p.m.

Come early for Lil’ Kim and stay late for a fantastic all-local bill. Despire their disparate styles, all three bands are among the best live acts in town. Take Care start off the night with their mix of 90s emo and post rock before handing things off to Jet W. Lee’s guitar stylings. The Palace Flophouse close out the evening with their unassuming power pop.

Remember that if you are playing, promoting, hosting, attending a show, you can add it to our events calendar.

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