Every year, the small town of Champaign-Urbana, IL is flooded with over forty thousand students for one reason: the music scene…well, at least in my mind. This small town has more to offer than most big cities. Here are a couple of reasons why Champaign-Urbana puts your music scene and everything else that goes with it to shame.
10.
Exile on Main Street
In an era where you can almost only get your music from ordering digital copies online, being able to walk into a store and sift through an incredible collection is just refreshing. For all you vinyl lovers, this is the place to go.
9.
The Assembly Hall (or for newbies The State Farm Center)
This crazy concoction of architecture brings in national acts to a town that might otherwise be overlooked. Also, I mean come on, just look at it!
8.
Skins & Tins Drum Shop
A staple of all drummers that have travelled through CU, this is an incredible store. Unbelievable selection and the most amazing staff. Big ups Terry! My father bought his drum kits there, I have bought my drum kits from there, and hopefully…well, you get the point.
7.
Pogo Studio
Anyone who has been blessed with the pleasure to record with Marc Rubel knows they are in the presence of a genius. Artists from Alison Krauss to Menthol (look them up if you don’t know them! Danger! Rock Science!) have recorded here. Although Mark has moved Nashville, his 33 year presence in CU has had a lasting impact.
6.
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
With such fantastic events as Ellnora Guitar Festival, Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra Series, and weekly Uncorked events (great wine, awesome music!), this institution has brought more culture to students than Anthropology 101.
5.
The Marching Illini
First band to do pretty much anything! First half-time show ever…’nough said.
4.
Polyvinyl
This record label based in CU was started by two high school students back in 1994 due to the awesome music scene. They have since grown and have other offices and Kickstarter named them one of their earliest success stories.
3.
Local Bars
With such bars as The Highdive, The Canopy Club, and Cowboy Monkey (to name a few), there is always live music going on. Their more intimate settings create an experience between the band and the audience that is hard to replicate. Also, did I mention there is plenty of beer at these bars?
2.
Local Bands
The CU music scene is not a one trick pony. It has produced bands spanning multiple genres from emo/post hardcore bands like Braid to americana bands like The Beauty Shop. To all the past and present local bands…thank you.
1.
The Pygmalion Music Festival
To those who have been to Pygmalion, you need no explanation. To those who haven’t, this festival started in 2005 and has only been getting better. It has expanded from just music to now incorporating literature, tech, and crafts. People who grew up in this great music scene are the ones who are bringing this and a lot of the amazing music and talent to this town. How else would Run the Jewels be playing in the middle of the cornfields?
Please don't take my word for all of this, though. Go out an experience it! Don't miss out on the best music scene in the Big Ten.
