Smile Politely

The Overture: June 27-July 4

WHAT: Queer Folkpunk Acoustic Livingroom Concert w/Poetry

WHERE: Library House (free/donations suggested)

WHEN: Tuesday, June 28th at 7 p.m.

Join the Library House gang as they celebrate LGBTQ musicians and artists with Jr. Adelberg, Pigeon Pit, and poetry by Elliott Sky Case.

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WHAT: Something Funky (outside)

WHERE: Cowboy Monkey (no cover)

WHEN: Thursday, June 30th at 8 p.m.

It’ll be DJ night at Cowboy Monkey with Something Funky spinning out in the garden. More beats will be dropping inside until late.

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WHAT: Banditos, Coco Butter Kids, Bristle

WHERE: The Accord ($8 advance/$10 door)

WHEN: Thursday, June 30th at 9 p.m.

Nashville’s Banditos are a honky-tonk/rock-n-roll band that pack a mean punch. They have a unique sound that they’ve fought hard to bring to the audience through relentless touring. Banditos have a take on Americana music that is perfect for celebrating patriotism. Come celebrate their tenacity while ringing in July.

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WHAT: Sable Bedlam/De-th/Eminent Slaughter/Ariacobra

WHERE: Institute 4 Creativity

WHEN: Thursday, June 30th at 9 p.m.

Here’s yet another killer metal show at I4C, featuring two Chicago artists and two local acts. Attend if you dare.

 

 

 

 

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WHAT: Audiofeed Music Festival

WHERE: Champaign County Fairgrounds in Urbana (Admission starts at $35 per day)

WHEN: Friday, July 1st at 7 a.m. to Sunday, July 3rd at 10 p.m. (Early access Thursday, June 30th)

Audiofeed Music Festival is one of the most diverse summer festivals in the C-U area. The fest includes performances by dozens of bands, ranging in genre from metal to indie to Christian rock. Audiofeed features a multitude of other events, including art workshops, book readings, social discussions, and a whole lot more. Tickets are available for individual days or full-festival, and there is also a camping option. Check out the schedule here

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WHAT: Backyard Jams

WHEN: Friday, July 1st at 10 p.m. (free)

WHERE: The Accord

It’s time again to dig on some deejaying as you chill on the patio. The price is right and the beats are real. 

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WHAT: Reds, Whites, and the Blues

WHERE: Allerton Park ($5/person, $10/family)

WHEN: Friday, July 1st at 6 – 9 p.m.

Allerton will be offering a unique selection of red and white wines for sale to taste while listening to the blues. Musicians include Tara Terra at 6 p.m. and The Laurie Morvan Band at 7 p.m. Additional drinks and food will also be available for purchase.

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WHAT: Expressions IV

WHERE: Institute 4 Creativity ($17) 

WHEN: Friday, July 1 at 7 p.m.

This is the fourth installment of Expressions, a recurring event showcasing multi-media art created by local underground talent with a shared theme of experimental and psychedelic expression. The aim is a multi-sensory experience in a comfortable space. Live music will feature violin visionary, Dixon’s Violin. There will also be musical video projections, live painting, Reiki sessions and yoga, and glass blowing demonstrations. Expressions is a multi-colored event that encapsulates what I4C is all about – don’t miss this one. 

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WHAT: “Cobra Fest” featuring HUM & eight other bands

WHERE: The Loose Cobra in Tolono ($25)

WHEN: Saturday, July 2nd at 2 p.m.

Alternative band HUM is one of the best to come out of C-U in recent history, but they’ve been pretty quiet over the last while. Recently, it was announced that they are working on new material, and they’ve been playing more shows. On Saturday, they’ll be headlining at The Loose Cobra, and will be accompanied by this massive list of bands: Sweet Cobra, Cloakroom, Electric Hawk, Dibiase, Terminus Victor, Our Landmark, Redleg, and Withershins. It’ll be two stages, inside and out, with food trucks. This is a huge show that is one hundred percent worth driving out to Tolono for.

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WHAT: Spindependence Day

WHERE: 105 N Market Street

WHEN: Saturday, July 2nd at 4 p.m. and Sunday, July 3rd

The annual Spindependence Day fest takes place throughout the weekend, featuring a ton of DJs. Check out the Facebook event for more details.

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WHAT: A Salute to our Veterans Concert & Ice Cream Social

WHERE: The Virginia Theatre (tickets start at $12.50 – free for Veterans)

WHEN: Saturday, July 2nd at 7 p.m.

This concert will showcase the Champaign-Urbana Civic Wind Band playing American patriotic classics in a tribute to Veterans. An ice cream social will follow the concert and is no charge for ticket holders. This event is free to all veterans and active duty military personnel.

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WHAT: Split Tongue/Awe Howler/Krelboyne/Cephalic Moth Eyeballs

WHERE: Institute 4 Creativity ($5)

WHEN: Monday, July 4th at 9 p.m.

Independence Day at I4C will be celebrated with post punk and grind core bands from in and out of town. Celebrate your patriotism with some headbanging. 

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WHAT: The 2016 Freedom Fireworks Celebration

WHERE: Kirby Ave between First & Oak Street in Champaign (free)

WHEN: Monday, July 4th at 7 p.m.

Champaign’s official Independence Day celebration will feature country act Ryan Ideus & the Feudin’ Hillbillys performing classic patriotic numbers interspersed with pop hits. Music starts at 7 p.m. and the fireworks will begin at dusk (around 9:15). This is a yearly tradition not to be missed. Come on – who doesn’t love fireworks?

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