Smile Politely

The Overture: June 17-23

Derrick Philips
A musician is performing on stage with a keyboard and a microphone. The background features a large, vibrant projection of a nature scene, showing trees and a waterfall, creating a serene and immersive atmosphere. The performer is illuminated, contrasting with the vivid and detailed natural imagery behind them.
Big Daddy Pride; photo by Derrick Philips

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.

Monday, June 17th

The Urbana Hootenanny

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

Tuesday, June 18th

A person is standing next to a vintage pickup truck, painted in turquoise and white, parked on a gravel road. The individual is strumming a guitar and is dressed in blue jeans, a white shirt, and an open patterned button-down shirt. They are also wearing brown boots. The surrounding landscape consists of grassy fields stretching out to the horizon under an expansive sky. The scene evokes a sense of tranquility and freedom.
Sass on Facebook

Sass

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

Sass (Sara Sider) delivers a unique blend of rock, blues, and “Cali-country” with influences ranging from Sublime to Tina Turner. Known for her commanding voice and dynamic performances, Her music draws from a rich palette of genres, promising an energetic and engaging show at Rose Bowl Tavern​.

Industry Tuesday The Relaunch

► Gallery Art Bar // free // 7 p.m.

This Industry Night is open to the public and will feature performances by Sagar Chaudhary, Aleah, Kristen Unakis, Divine, Mousepad, Billi Fox, Alii and Jayoo Da Boss. Enjoy prizes, food and drink specials while listening to up and coming artists in the C-U scene.

Wednesday, June 19th

Steve Davis Trio

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

Jazz Jam

► Rose Bowl Tavern // tips in bucket // 10 p.m.

Local jazz musicians gather for a late-night jam session, offering an array of classic and contemporary jazz tunes.

Thursday, June 20th

A woman stands outdoors in front of a backdrop of green foliage. She has voluminous, curly hair cascading around her shoulders and wears a black T-shirt with white lettering that reads "PROTECT BLACK WOMEN." She also sports bright red lipstick and a cross necklace, adding to her striking appearance. One hand rests confidently on her hip, highlighting a large ring on her finger. The setting appears to be a natural, wooded area, providing a serene contrast to her bold and powerful presence.
Syleena Johnson on Facebook

Syleena Johnson

► Krannert Center for the Performing Arts // free // 5 p.m.

On Thursday, June 20th, the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts will host a Juneteenth edition of its Uncorked series featuring Syleena Johnson, a Billboard chart-topping singer and songwriter. Presented in collaboration with Illinois Soul 101.1 FM, the event begins at 5 p.m. with a cash bar and music, followed by Johnson’s performance at 6 p.m. on Stage 5.

A duo, comprising a woman playing an acoustic guitar and a man playing a mandolin, is performing on stage. Both are wearing patterned outfits, with the woman in a detailed black dress and the man in a hat and black shirt, against a backdrop of purple lighting.
Hammer and the Hatchet on Facebook

The Hammer and The Hatchet

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

The Hammer and The Hatchet, an Americana duo from South Central Indiana, will perform during Americana Happy Hour at Rose Bowl Tavern. Featuring John Bowyer on mandolin and guitar, and Jayme Hood on guitar, their music blends bluegrass-inspired harmonies with heartfelt lyrics, creating a rich and engaging sound. Their performances are rooted in the traditional pickin’ parties of the Brown County hills, offering a unique and authentic Americana experience. 

A woman in a sparkly top is singing and playing the keyboard on stage. The background shows blurred lights, indicating an evening performance, with a guitarist partially visible playing beside her.
Heather Rae photo by Jeff Ross

Heather Rae

► Yellow and Company // free // 7 p.m.

Nashville singer/songwriter Heather Rae performs live at the new location of Yellow and Company in Mahomet. Known for her soulful voice and influences from legends like Aretha Franklin and Etta James, Rae offers an evening of acoustic music and storytelling.

A black and white photo with a man with short-cropped hair wearing a denim shirt playing guitar while sitting down at a diner.
Matthew Curry on Facebook

Matthew Curry

► Rose Bowl Tavern // $10 to $15 suggested donation // 8 p.m.

Matthew Curry, a renowned blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter from Bloomington is celebrated for his exceptional guitar skills and soulful voice. Having toured with prominent acts like The Doobie Brothers, Peter Frampton, and the Steve Miller Band, Curry’s performances seamlessly blend rock, blues, southern rock, and old-school country, ensuring an engaging and memorable evening at Rose Bowl Tavern​.

The scene is set at a bar or cafe. A person with a tattoo on their shoulder is in the foreground, holding a bottle labeled “Malort”. They are dressed in a red outfit with puffy sleeves and a necklace. The background features a wall with tiles and the text “PUNK ROCK LOVE SONGS” written on it. The atmosphere seems lively and colorful. The word "SPACE" is painted on the wall behind them.
Sweetmelk; photo by Angelo Ramos Jr.

Sweetmelk’s Hopeless Romantic Residency

► The Space // free // 8 p.m.

Kenna Mae of Sweetmelk continues their Hopeless Romantic Residency at The Space, featuring punk rock love songs and alternative renditions of Sweetmelk tracks. This monthly will feature music by The Menzingers. Buy Kenna a shot of Malört and request your favorite punk rock love song.

Friday, June 21st

Jeff Helgesen & Friends

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

A band is set up in the center of a street, looking out to a crowd of people gathered in front of them. There are brick buildings lining either side of the street.
Friday Night Live on Facebook

Friday Night Live

► Downtown Champaign // free // 6 p.m.

Join the community in Downtown Champaign for Friday Night Live, featuring various local artists performing throughout the evening. Visit their Facebook page for the lineup announcements.

Kilborn Alley Blues Band

► Jazz UpFront // $8 to $10 // 8 p.m.

A rap artist onstage performing. He has long dreadlocks that are tied up in a bun and he's dressed in all-black.
ZENtheRapper on Facebook

The Summer Solstice Show

► The Space // $10 cover // 8 p.m.

The Summer Solstice Show, hosted and headlined by ZENtheRapper, will take place on June 21st at The Space, celebrating the start of summer with dynamic Hip-Hop performances. The event will also feature Sherrod Woods, Femi Ishola, and Twick G, showcasing a mix of hometown talent and rising stars.

ZENtheRapper, aka Donté Winslow, is a writer for Smile Politely.

Double Wide Blues Band

► Cowboy Monkey // free // 9 p.m.

Saturday, June 22nd

PBS

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

PBS brings their eclectic sound to the Rose Bowl Tavern for an afternoon performance.

A promotional image for the Toast to Taylor Street Block Party featuring four drag performers: Ceduxion Carrington, Corrina Carrington, Spank Knightly, and Karma Carrington. Each performer is shown in glamorous makeup and outfits with their names displayed below their images.
Toast to Taylor Street Pride Month

Toast to Taylor Street

► Downtown Champaign // free // 4 p.m.

Enjoy a Pride Month celebration this month for Toast to Taylor Street  in Downtown Champaign with live music, food vendors, and activities. This month features a special drag show in combination with Uniting Pride of Champaign County. 

Music at the Vines w/ Kalesa Band

► Alto Vineyards // $5 cover // 7 p.m.

The setting is indoors with wooden walls adorned with string lights that cast a warm glow. A person is playing the piano; their attire consists of a patterned sweater and a beanie. The piano is black, and sheet music rests upon it. There are red roses intertwined with green leaves decorating the area around the piano. A microphone on a stand is positioned near the player. The overall ambiance is cozy and inviting, with a sense of warmth emanating from the scene. The person’s posture suggests they are deeply engaged in playing the piano. The patterned sweater and beanie give a casual and comfortable appearance. The roses add a touch of elegance and color to the scene. The microphone suggests a performance or recording might be taking place. The string lights and wooden walls contribute to a rustic and homely atmosphere. The image captures a moment of music and creativity in a charming and intimate setting.
Dave Pride: photo by Alex Bragg

EDITOR’S PICK: Big Daddy Pride & The East Side Five (Album Release) with Yard Eagle and Vestiges

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

Big Daddy Pride and the East Side Five will celebrate the release of their new album The Never Was under the tent with fanfare galore. The show will feature performances by local artists Vestiges, who also recently released a new self-titled album, and Yard Eagle, hailing from St. Louis and known for their Wilco/Son Volt-inspired sound. Attendees can also enjoy a light show under the tent by Matt Harsh and live painting by local artists Kinsey Fitzgerald and Janelle Jorgensen. Come celebrate new music from a local favorite.

A man stands on stage, wearing a red and black checkered shirt, with a DJ behind him and a large screen displaying the name "JARREL YOUNG" along with an image of a man wearing boxing gloves.
Jarrel Young

EDITOR’S PICK: Jarrel Young Album Release Show

► The Canopy Club // $10-$25 // 9 p.m.

Jarrel Young and the local hip-hop community are getting together to celebrate the release of Full Custody at The Canopy Club, featuring performances from his live band and special guests including Gr8Sky, $imba P, Trouble Chasin’, ANO, and Kai Billz. The evening, which follows a five-year hiatus during which Young pursued a Master’s in Social Work and navigated personal challenges, documented on his new album,, will include an after-party hosted by Mario Canon, with DJ Silkee and DJ Rollie spinning all night​.

Sunday, June 23rd

Sunday Wine Down w/ Candy Foster Unplugged

► Alto Vineyards // free // 2 p.m.

Musicians playing bongo drums wearing white shirts and textured red pants, orange necklaces and bracelets
Ngoma African Festival

Ngoma African Music and Culture Festival

► Various Urbana Venues // free // 3 p.m.

The Ngoma African Music and Culture Festival celebrates African heritage through a day-long series of events across Urbana. Highlights include a family-friendly drumming and mini-concert event at the Community Center for the Arts, a fashion show at Lincoln Square Mall, and a street fair on Gregory Street featuring performances by Laeticia Kyungu and Michel Bakenda. The festival will also feature traditional African cuisine, art displays, and activities for all ages​.

Doty & Dexter

► Riggs Beer Company // free // 3 p.m.

The Bluetone Drivers

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

James Jones Trio

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

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