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• Bentley’s throws down on some live music

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The Impalas featuring Dawna Nelson at Bentley's »

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• Bentley's Pub »
  419 N. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820
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Mardi Gras Party w/ Tractor Kings and Chemicals »

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• Bentley's Pub »
  419 N. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820
  (Show on map)

Hopewell featuring Elsinore, John Hoeffleur (of the Beauty Shop), Light Pollution, and Mordechai in the Mirror »

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• Highdive »
  51 Main St. Champaign, IL 61820
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Bentley’s, the cozy watering hole at 419 N. Neil St. in Champaign, has been subtly making a play for live music fans over the last several months. Starting out small with singer/songwriter shows and acoustic acts, the bar has recently stepped up to host full bands — including both original acts and cover artists. I’ve primarily ended up at Bentley’s as a result of live music (either to check out a show or perform), and each time, I’ve encountered a fairly attentive crowd full of friendly faces. The bar itself isn’t as frilly as many of its downtown counterparts and sticks with a classic look that attracts more townies than campus kids, while bands are packed into the front corner, meaning you might occasionally trip over a monitor on your way outside for a cigarette. Shows are generally early, in the 8-to-midnight range, making Bentley’s a great place to start your night, though the Guinness might just keep you there until close. The bar has held true to its commitment to rarely charge a cover (almost every show is free, and the only one I’ve seen with a cover was $3) while hoping you’ll take that extra bit of cash and buy another drink or visit the band tip jars. The music calendar can be found at http://www.myspace.com/bentleyspub, along with history, information on drink specials and other events. This weekend offers several great excuses to check out the bar if you haven’t already, but as a reminder, the bar age is 21+.

On Friday, Feb. 20, Bentley’s will feature music from one of the area’s best blues acts, the Impalas. With over a decade of history in CU, the group is currently comprised of several of the scene’s most seasoned pros in lead vocalist Dawna Nelson (who would just as soon insult you in a horribly graphic manner as she would sing to you) and the expert rhythm and solo playing of guitarist Bruce “Bruiser” Rummenie. The quiet but frighteningly groovy bass player back there on a stool is Andre Mossotti, and that guy back there behind the drum kit, Ian Sheppard, drove from Indianapolis to play for you. They’ll kick things off at 8:30 p.m. if Dawna shows up on time, and there is no cover, so get down there and take part in the Impalas’ new game: Suggest New Songs for Us to Learn. The person with the best suggestion gets a lap dance from Ian Sheppard, who will be wearing a captain’s hat.

On Saturday, Feb. 21, Bentley’s changes things up a bit with a 10 p.m. show featuring the Chemicals and Tractor Kings. While this show is scheduled to carry a $3 cover charge, that’s $1.50 each for two of the best original bands in Central Illinois. In the off chance that anyone reading hasn’t managed to see either of the bands in your time here, this would be a prime opportunity to check them out. For those who have seen them, this might be a good opportunity to see how well they can compact themselves into a small space. Seems like a win for everyone.

Back to Friday. Fans of the different lineups of the Mhondoro project should be looking forward to Friday's Cowboy Monkey show which will not only feature the newest incarnation of the group, but also Toubab Krewe, an Afro-beat group touring in from Asheville, North Carolina. Toubab Krewe, on Upstream Records, have toured the globe with their own blend of African music influences, and have a picture on http://www.myspace.com/toubabkrewe of them playing with Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones, so they're completely cool by me. Tickets for the show are $10 and the show starts at 9:30 p.m. Expect to dance a lot, sweat a lot, and have an amazing time.

Mike ‘n Molly’s is set to host the second concert in the Shadowboxer Collective’s series of quiet showcases. This Saturday, Feb. 21, the Collective will invade the second floor of MnM’s to present Sheboygan folkies Cedarwell. Along for the ride are fellow Wisconsiners (based out of Eau Claire) The Daredevil Christopher Wright. Local support falls to Carl Hauck with his contemplative indie-folk and Mordechai in the Mirror with their quirky experimentalism. This show takes off at 9 p.m. and will cost you $5.

...a sample quote from next week’s interview with Live Karaoke Band/The Brat Pack’s Guido Esteves: “I will punch all of you in the face.” Intense!

Mike Ingram can be reached at forgottenwords@gmail.com.