Students on campus now have a new way to enjoy time off between classes. The Courtyard Cafe in the Illini Union is offering entertainment on the weekdays between the hours of eleven a.m. and one p.m.

Courtyard Cafe Manager Paul Malina says the lunchtime jam sessions have been in the works since last semester. He says the Courtyard Cafe wants to give more stage time for student groups and local performers to present their work and build an audience.

“We’re trying to promote the image of the Courtyard Cafe, not only as a place where you can bring books and study and relax between classes but also as a place that as entertainment on a daily basis.”

Last year, the band Treaty of Paris performed in the afternoon to promote their show at night and the IUB Musical Grease utilized the space as well. Malina says it’s easy for anyone to perform for free by contacting the Cafe to schedule a time to shine. For more information, Call 217-244-8938.