Illinifest 2019 to showcase student filmmaking
By Anna Wright, Staff writer
April 23, 2019
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Life & Culture
Students can spend their time at the University exploring their self-expression, discovering their passions and unlocking their own creativity. Illinifest 2019, the University’s student film festival, celebrates these pursuits. This year marks the third annual Illinifest. On Saturday, at 5 p.m. in Greg...
Professor writes Japanese cookbook
By Olivia Zhang, Staff Writer
April 22, 2019
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Food & Restaurants, Life & Culture, Showcase, Top Stories
Kimiko Gunji is the former director of Japan House and former professor of Japanese Arts and Culture at the University. She taught a variety of courses ranging from tea to Japanese flower arrangements and is a highly decorated recipient of awards for her teaching and cultural contributions. Gunji recently...
Krannert Center celebrates 50 years
By Rohit Jammu, Contributing Writer
April 16, 2019
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Top Stories
In 1962, Herman Krannert and his wife, Ellnora, decided to make a major contribution to his alma mater, the University. It wasn't until 1969 they built the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, a hub for theater, opera, dance and music. Bridget Lee-Calfas, the center's advertising and publicity...
Drag shows promote identity expression
By Emily Dao, Staff Writer
April 10, 2019
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Showcase, Top Stories
The moment the music starts during a performance, Gigi Mayonaé, last year’s Illinois Drag Wars winner, turns into a “baby Beyoncé.” “When I hit the stage, I think ‘How would Beyoncé do this?’” Mayonaé said. “’How would she carry herself?’ I try to embody what she would do. When I hi...
Cut loose: actors share meaning of musical
By Anna Wright, Contributing Writer
April 8, 2019
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Life & Culture
“Footloose” has captivated audiences for generations. From Kevin Bacon in the ’80s cult classic to the stage adaption in the late ’90s, the story of Beaumont’s dancing-deprived teens has attracted nearly three decades worth of audiences. Fortunately for University students, this story has now c...
Student-run music festival promotes local talent
By Sarah O'Beirne, Staff Writer
April 5, 2019
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Student Organizations
Flor Fest is a new music festival that aims to unite local musicians in the Champaign-Urbana area on Friday. Students Edgar Cuevas, junior in LAS, and Dania Avila-Cardona, junior in Education, organized the festival to bring the art and culture community together. Cuevas, the president of the festival,...
“Because I Am Your Queen” showcases feminism on, off stage
By Zulema Herrera, Contributing Writer
March 26, 2019
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Showcase, Top Stories
Dr. Kirsten Pullen became the first female head of the theater department in 2017. As a result, she has helped bring the all-female show “Because I am Your Queen (a feminist fantasia)” to the Krannert Center for Performing Arts, debuting March 28. Erica Hernandez, cast member and graduate studen...
The write stuff: Club gives members opportunity to write creatively
By Annabelle Barnett, Contributing Writer
March 13, 2019
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Student Organizations, Top Stories
Andy Miles, junior in Media, has always been passionate about writing. To him, writing allows him to express his creativity, which is why he joined the Creative Writing Club his freshman year at the University. Now, he serves as the club’s president. Creative Writing Club meetings typically begin ...
Playing for keeps: Alumnus co-founds Chicago-based JAM Orchestra
By Trisha Bhagat, Staff Writer
February 28, 2019
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Top Stories
The music radiates from the strings of the instruments, the musicians’ bows creating a perfect harmony which is immediately followed by the final tune and a burst of claps. The concert is over. For many orchestras, the debut concert is one of the most rewarding and exciting performances, showcasi...
Young the Giant captivates Canopy Club
By Erin Cady, Staff Writer
February 20, 2019
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Showcase, Top Stories
In cold temperatures and high winds, students, community members and even some out-of-towners queued up in a line that wrapped around the corner of The Canopy Club to see Young the Giant play Tuesday night. Hundreds of people were in line, waiting patiently for their turn to find the perfect spot...
Student filmmakers start conversation, promote empathy
By Min Cheong Kim, Staff Writer
February 7, 2019
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Business & Tech, Life & Culture, Student Organizations
University students are asking audiences to put themselves in the shoes of others. The virtual reality film, "The Drive," has been created to optimally evoke empathy and to strategically start a larger conversation on campus and in the C-U area about police and community relations. "The Drive" is centered a...
Moving forward, looking back: 50 years of dance at Illinois
By Emily Stutts, Contributing Writer
February 5, 2019
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Top Stories
As the University dance department celebrates its 50th anniversary, this month’s performances will commemorate the occasion with a central theme: moving forward and looking back. Dance at Illinois puts on two annual performances each academic year, and this year’s festivities began back in Nov...
