The Overture is a rundown of live music and performances happening in the Champaign-Urbana area (and the outskirts) each week. All of the information is as accurate as we can publish, but all shows and performances are subject to change at any time. Thank you for understanding.
Have a show you think we should know about? Email us at [email protected] with the details.
TUESDAY, January 22nd
Crystal Rebone Trio
► The Iron Post // cover // 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, January 23rd
Chip McNeill Quintet
► The Iron Post // cover // 6 p.m.
THURSDAY, January 24th
Kamikaze Pilots Manual, Wes Harmony, Clockwork Owl, Nic Gundy, Gary Lazer Eyes
► Independent Media Center // $5 donation suggested // 7 p.m.
Kayla Brown
► Blackbird // free // 9:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, January 25th
Joey Glassman Trio featuring Reginald Lewis
► The Iron Post // cover // 5 p.m.
New Orleans Jazz Machine
►Blackbird // free // 5 p.m.
Reel Big Fish, Meat, Bikini Trill
► The Castle Theatre in Bloomington // $22 advance/$24 day of show // 6:45 p.m.
Smoking Popes, The Copyrights, Werpire Day
► Nightshop in Bloomington // $12 advance/$15 day of show // 7 p.m.
Sadly, last year’s Midwest Punk Fest went without the initial headliner, Smoking Popes, due to an emergency. That said, there’s usually a make-up play to be had, and this is it on Friday night at nearby Nightshop in Bloomington. The Chicago punk outfit is joined by the Copyrights and Werpire Day, no less. This is a highlight of the week, no question.
Aquila, Revelador, Zecca Bom, Sixth Street Brass, The Chickadee Sermon
►The Canopy Club // $10 // 9 p.m.
Weed Whacker Johnson
► The Iron Post // cover // 9 p.m.
Bassjackers, VIA Entertainment
► The City Center // $20 // 9:30 p.m.
One of the world’s top DJ duos is in Champaign on Friday night. This Bassjackers show is presented by the folks at Sakanaya/Miga, which also did the San E/Mad Clown show last year. There are a variety of ticketing packages available for this one, so check out the Facebook event above for all the info.
SATURDAY, January 26th
Jose Guzman’s Caribbean Project
► The Iron Post // cover // 6 p.m.
Eric Johnson
► The Castle Theatre in Bloomington // $28 advance/$30 day of show // 8 p.m.
Ball of Light, Hawks and Doves, Jared Grabb Among Thieves
► Nightshop in Bloomington // cover // 8 p.m.
Alex Hoffer
► Pour Bros Craft Taproom // free // 8:30 p.m.
Chicago’s Alex Hoffer is the next guest in Pour Bros tap room shows they’ve been hosting each week for a bit now. It doesn’t appear that this singer-songwriter gets to C-U that often, so perhaps you can give him a warm welcome in Downtown Champaign on Friday night (for free!).
Mermaid Heaven, James Mauck’s Forebeat
► The Iron Post // $5 // 9 p.m.
Mermaid Heaven is the new project name for Eli Amariah, you might remember her previous project, Sleeping Okami. Amariah has performed under her own name from time to time, but this is the first time I’m seeing this new name pop up. James Mauck’s Forebeat will share this bill at the cozy Iron Post.
DJ Tim Williams
► Blackbird // free // 9:30 p.m.
The Merry Travelers
► Watson’s Shack & Rail // free // 10 p.m.
SUNDAY, January 27th
Jason Finkelman, Allen Wu
► Champaign Public Library // free // 2 p.m.
Jason Finkelman is an extraordinary musician, and he’s performing at Champaign Public Library on Sunday afternoon. While this isn’t exactly a club show or anything, it makes sense to put it in the Overture this week because of Finkelman’s history of work, and how enjoyable his performances are.
► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // $10-$53 // 3 p.m.
Soul on Sunday
► Neil St. Blues // donation // 7 p.m.
Jon Small Combo
The Iron Post // cover // 7 p.m.
