The University is known for its academics, but it also brings world-renowned acts to perform throughout the year. The campus hosts many concert events, from popular bands and celebrities to musicals and symphony performances. Here’s a quick preview as to what to expect this semester:
Assembly Hall
Yes, this may be the basketball arena, but a lot of big-name acts (like Death Cab for Cutie and Lupe Fiasco, who both played there last weekend), as well as comedians and Broadway plays, will take center stage in the coming months.
October
Lewis Black
Friday, October 7
7:30 p.m.
Marching Illini in Concert
Sunday, October 16
3:00 p.m.
Janelle Monae
Sunday, October 16
Star Course, an RSO on campus, presents Janelle Monae as part of their fall concert series.
ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd
Saturday, October 29
7:00 p.m.
Drake with special guests Kendrick Lamar and ASAP Rocky
Just announced last week, the former “Degrassi” star-turned-rapper will show off his skills to University students.
Sunday, November 13
8:00 p.m.
Krannert Center for The Performing Arts
The Krannert Center is known worldwide for its productions, and the shows are geared towards audiences of all ages.
“We have over 400 performances every year,” said Bridget Lee-Calsas, public information director at the Krannert center for the Performing Arts. “We have the most diverse audiences – a lot of community members and people from outside the Champaign-Urbana area, faculty and staff, in addition to students.”
The building has four different performing venues, geared towards orchestra and live music, theater, dance and opera.
“[The center] is very unique among arts organizations,” Lee-Calsas said. “The facility is very accessible, and we have at least 100 free events per season, so it’s also a low-cost entertainment option.”
Lee-Calsas said the center is a nice way to enjoy an evening. “The concerts are above the standard concert experience, and it has a relaxed environment so everyone can feel comfortable,” she said.
October
St. Louis Symphony
Sunday, October 16
7:30 p.m.
Cabaret
Runs Thursday, October 13-16 and Thursday, October 20-22 (two weekends)
7:30 p.m.
National Acrobats of China
Wednesday, October 19-Thursday, October 20
7:00 p.m.
Tokyo String Quartet
Saturday, October 29
7:30 p.m.
November
Vienna Symphony Orchestra with Eroica Trio
Tuesday, November 8
7:30 p.m.
Pacifica Quartet
Thursday, November 10
7:30 p.m.
The Magic Flute (sponsored by the opera department)
Thursday, November 10-Sunday, November 13
Various times depending on the day
Merce Cunnigham Dance Company
This is the last performance (ever) by the company, as it is disbanding after its final curtain call.
Tuesday, November 15
7:30 p.m.
Compa~nia Flamenco Jose Porcel
Thursday, November 17
7:30 p.m.
December
Danu (Irish Holiday Concert)
Tuesday, December 6
7:30 p.m.
Pacifica Quartet
Wednesday, December 7
7:30 p.m.
Canopy Club
Home to Piano Man Tuesdays, this bar has a laid-back atmosphere and brings a lot of smaller acts but have big names once in a while, said Mike Armintrout, head talent buyer for The Canopy Club.
“There might be other bars on campus that host live music on certain nights, but [The Canopy Club] is the only place in Champaign-Urbana that you can find some type of live music happening five to six nights a week,” Armintrout said. “This is the only place where you can find all of that, whether it’s your favorite local band or major touring artists or a popular DJ.”
The Canopy Club requires students to be 18 and older for entry. This is a great place to hang with your friends and relax while enjoying the dubstep-like music often played at this location.
October
Sara Bareilles with Elizabeth and the Catapult
Monday, October 10
8 p.m.
The Chris Robinson Brotherhood
Chris Robinson, ex-husband of Kate Hudson and frontman for the Black Crowes, is sure to shake up the stage with his new band.
Tuesday, October 11
8 p.m.
Free Screening of Pearl Jam: Twenty
A documentary directed by Cameron Crowe.
Wednesday, October 12
7:30 p.m.
Rubblebucket with Stepdad
Thursday, October 13
9 p.m.
Na Palm with Afrobeta and Milk N Cookies
Part of the Blitz and Beatz Tour, this popular rapper will hit the stage with local DJ Milk N Cookies.
Friday, October 14
8 p.m.
Here Come the Mummies
A 7-8 piece band that dresses up like mummies, perfect for a pre-Halloween concert.
Saturday, October 15
9:00 p.m.
Feed Me
An electronic artist on same record label as Deadmaus.
Tuesday, October 18
9:00 p.m.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Performed live by the C-U theater company
Saturday, October 22
8 p.m.
Big Gigantic
Sunday, October 23
8:00 p.m.
Neon Indian and Kreayshawn
Part of the 2011 Noisey College Tour
Wednesday, October 26
9:00 p.m.
Chalice Dubs Masquerade Halloween Edition
Saturday, October 29
9:00 p.m.
November
Ron Pope
Monday, November 7
6:30 p.m.
Paul Thorn
Saturday, November 19
8:00 p.m.
December
Infected Mushroom
An Israeli DJ act, Infect Mushroom brings its electro-pop to the C-U area for the last concert of the semester.
Thursday, December 1
9:00 p.m.
Happy concert going HC-ers!