As the University’s Homecoming week begins, Illinois fans are preparing for a week full of celebrations to entertain students, families and alumni.
With a mix of traditions such as the Homecoming football game and parade, Champaign-Urbana’s music scene promises to hit all the right notes.
No matter where your taste in music lies, The Daily Illini has you covered with a list of music events in C-U to get you in the Homecoming spirit.
Global Talent Show: Where global legends take the stage
To kick off the week, Foellinger Auditorium will host a celebration of international talent from students and community members on Wednesday. From 6-8 p.m., attendees can expect a mix of music, dance and spoken word in one of the campus’s most iconic venues.
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International Student and Scholar Services will host the event through Illinois International. The event is not only free but also open to the public.
The talent show will offer a unique blend of entertainment and cultural exchange, cultivating a sense of community and cultural embracement the University cherishes.
Back Alley with Wide Orbit at the Canopy Club
The Canopy Club is a constant source for all genres of music and will continue the Homecoming fun on Thursday evening with performances from Back Alley with Wide Orbit and MOTUS.
Back Alley is a folk-rock band known for catchy original songs and versatile covers reminiscent of popular bands such as Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers.
The bands promise a performance full of energy starting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, with tickets starting at $21.02 for those 18 and older.
On My Granny It’s Homecoming
Continuing the fun, The Canopy Club will also be hosting On My Granny It’s Homecoming on Friday at 10 p.m.
The event, hosted by K-Squared and RSS Promotions, promises a night full of lively music, dancing and a cash prize to whoever shows up and shows out in their best granny or grandpa attire.
The occasion is open to ages 18 and older, with tickets starting at $15.40. It is sure to put students and alumni on the dance floor — proving that granny and grandpa really do know how to party.
REO Speedwagon in University Homecoming parade
REO Speedwagon, one of the greats from the ’80s and ’90s, got its start in C-U playing weekly shows at The Red Lion, and this year, it will return to campus to join in on the Homecoming festivities.
On Friday, the band members will act as the grand marshals of the annual Homecoming parade and will join game-day festivities on Saturday.
The parade will begin at 6 p.m. on the corner of Fourth Street and Kirby Avenue, followed by a post-parade party in Lot 31 with food, music and fireworks.
Founding members of REO Speedwagon, Neal Doughty and Alan Gratzer, who performed in the band in Illinois in 1967, will be joined by longtime members Bruce Hall and Kevin Cronin throughout the weekend.
On Saturday, the group will help sound the traditional air-raid siren and will perform with Barry Houser and the Marching Illini during the REO-themed halftime show.
The week full of celebrations will conclude with the sounds of the iconic Marching Illini.
On Sunday at 3 p.m. in the State Farm Center, the 375-member ensemble will showcase the traditions and energy that have defined the Illini spirit and game days for generations.
The band plans to play pregame favorites like “Illinois Loyalty” and “Oskee-Wow-Wow” in its historic “Illini” formation.
The Marching Illini will bring the music and spirit that filled Gies Memorial Stadium all weekend into one final celebration. This special Homecoming performance offers Illini fans the perfect send-off to the week’s festivities.
