With school, work, family, and entertaining visiting family members, who has the time to find out about the best shows happening in Champaign-Urbana? No need to fear, because the editors at Smile Politely have taken care of it. Here are the must-see shows of the week:
When: Monday, June 8
What: Road Song and Megan Johns
Where: Aroma, 8 p.m., FREE
If you’re budget’s busted after a rough weekend at the track, get things back on course with some free entertainment in downtown Champaign tonight. Megan Johns impressed at Iron Post last week with her beautiful voice and strong songwriting, and Road Song are C-U veteran acoustic performers John McMahon and Anne Schuldt.
When: Thursday June 11
Where: Canopy Club; 8 p.m.; $7
Let’s face it: there isn’t much of a jazz scene left to speak of in these towns. And that’s not to say that there aren’t amazingly talented players, nor is there a lack of people who care. But the bottom line is that, aside from Thursday at Zorba’s and the occasional show at The Iron Post, we have nowhere that we can truly point people when they ask, “Where can I find some serious jazz?” Canopy Club’s Void Room isn’t ever going to be that place either, but it’s nice to know that they are willing to give it a shot. Charles Lane is a recent grad of the university’s jazz program, and he’ll have four of his best to lean on this Thursday as he attempts to transform a dingy little rock stage into a bonefide jazz club. Good luck.
When: Friday, June 12
What: Starlight Mints and Evangelicals
Where: Highdive, 8 p.m., $10
Practiced oddness is legal tender in most municipalities of indie rock, but it’s possible that Starlight Mints may be genuine weirdos. The Norman, Oklahoma, psychedelic practitioners make sure to keep the melodies intact through any strangeness that may ensue. Make it two Norman bands for the price of one with Natty-Light-loving Evangelicals.
If Jim Henson were alive to see this video for Starlight Mints’ “Popsickle,” I’d like to think he’d approve:
When: Saturday June 13
What: Thinker Thought Records Showcase w/ Tina Sparkle and more
Where: Mike ‘N Molly’s
Chicago label Thinker Thought brings Peoria punk stalwarts Tina Sparkle, and a slew of their downstate non-C-U talent to Mike N’ Molly’s this Saturday, and based on a simple equation, you can be sure that this show will be worth your time.
See here: π Ω Ω + X + Y / Z = Awesome.
X = Beer Garden Shows
Y = Relatively unknown bands
Z = Cheap cover charge