It is the beginning of a new semester, and while some big acts like Motion City Soundtrack and Death Cab for Cutie came to Champaign in 2008, that was last semester. The dawn of a new semester means a brand new lineup of shows for both students and adults to enjoy.

January

On Jan. 31, Star Course brings Illinois native and Wilco founder Jeff Tweedy to Foellinger Auditorium.

Kristine Lang, junior in Engineering, said she cannot wait for the show.

“The last time Star Course brought Tweedy to Foellinger it was as awesome as any Wilco show, but way more intimate-feeling,” Lang said. “It was a really cool experience; he was so personable and joking around with the audience. I am totally stoked for him to come back.”

February

The National Acrobats of China is another interesting all-ages act the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is bringing to the Champaign-Urbana area Feb. 10 and 11.

Bridget Lee-Calfas, the Center’s public information director, said the show is both nationally and internationally acclaimed for its traditional Chinese music and gravity-defying acts.

“The show has been strong so far,” Lee-Calfas said. “It is an all-ages thing, and I think you can’t help but be entertained.”

March

Another gravity-defying act coming to KCPA this semester is Cirque Eloize. Meaning “a flash of heat” in French, the Quebec-based circus troop is part of the contemporary cirque nouveau movement.

Although tickets are currently unavailable for this performance, Calfas said there is a waiting list, and if students can get into the show, the acrobatic extravaganza will be unlike anything they have experienced before.

April

Rounding out the semester before finals, head to Assembly Hall on April 4 for comedian Larry the Cable Guy.

Many have experienced Larry the Cable Guy’s redneck sense of humor on Comedy Central, but Jennifer Larson, associate director for marketing for Assembly Hall, said his live show is something completely different than the “Blue Collar Comedy” show.

“You won’t see what he does live in any television show,” Larson said.