When 23-year-old Jonathan Ward moved to Champaign after leaving Chicago, rap was not something he saw in his future. His interest in the rap scene began in 2010 and has allowed him to collaborate with other musicians in the area.

Today, Ward, or “JD venom,” performs regularly at The Canopy Club.

Ward is one of the many artists that performs at The Canopy Club’s Monday open-mic nights. The club, located on Goodwin Avenue in Urbana, is an all-inclusive music venue that incorporates music ranging from Indie, to folk, hip-hop and electronic dance music.

“My music is really about what’s going on in the world, and how people deal with day-to-day problems,” Ward said. “Like, if they have a degree but can’t find a job, and I try to rap about solutions to these problems.”

The Canopy Club owner, Ian Goldberg, had a vision to include a wide range of music and provide an intimate setting for fans and musicians. What was once the Thunderbird Theatre, is now a local concert place for anyone, ranging from small local artists at their open-mic nights to widely known bands.

Ian Goldberg is Jay Goldberg’s son, who founded Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment. He graduated in 1994 from the University.

Goldberg’s goal was to open a music venue that would create opportunities for local musicians to present their talents. Goldberg incorporated the idea of a rain forest canopy within the club, with a matching interior design.

The club is divided into three rooms and each band is placed in a room dependent on the crowd size. The Red Room’s dimly-lit atmosphere, with a bar, is where open-mic nights occur. The other rooms are the Small Hall for smaller crowds and the Big Room with a balcony for a larger crowd.

Billi Jo Hart is in charge of marketing and graphics.

“I started going here when I was 18 to the Chalice Dubs Masquerades, which were basically dance nights with dubstep music (you) could say a ‘rave’ but I don’t like the potentially negative connotation that holds,” Hart wrote in an email. “The more I went the bigger my friend group got, so I’d always look forward to going out so I could see my friends and meet some new ones.”

Hart sees the club as a real chance for artists to showcase their work.

“What I think makes the Canopy so special is just the opportunity it provides for the artistic community,” Hart wrote. “We’re always looking for new ways to involve the community and provide opportunities for local artists to come out and perform or network.”

Sam Halpern, senior in LAS, began bar backing at The Canopy Club his sophomore year. He described the work environment as a close-knit staff. 

Halpern said Neutral Milk Hotel and Flatbush Zombies were some of the most memorable music experiences. 

“Neutral Milk Hotel was a great show,” Halpern said. “It was the first time they had toured in about 15 years and they sold out at The Canopy Club an hour and a half after tickets went on sale.”

Halpern also said that one aspect about The Canopy Club that stands out to him is the inexpensive entertainment it provides. The Canopy Club also allows concert goers and local artists to access a particular culture that comes with being involved.

Other employees, like Cathy Sanchez, administrative and box office assistant, agreed and said the club also makes a push for quality music to be more recognized.

Sanchez created a sector of the club called “3V,” which are student-run events. She connects with talent buyers and agents, provides the corresponding paperwork for the performers and manages ticket sales.

Sanchez has been with the club since freshman year after researching local music venues. 

“(Louis the Child) started off as an opener on a few shows about three years ago, then sold out two shows consecutively the past two years,” Sanchez wrote in an email. “It’s awesome as a venue to be able to help artists grow like that.” 

The Canopy Club also benefits listeners as well. 

“(The Canopy Club) has allowed local fans to experience great new music and have a hand in pushing quality music to more recognition,” Sanchez wrote.

Sanchez also said the she feels The Canopy Club has connected artists and fans for years, creating experiences that keep people involved with music culture.

“To me, music is a powerful driving force in making society a more positive and connecting environment,” Sanchez wrote. “Canopy can offer this environment to students and locals looking to experience something impactful in their lives.”

Like The Canopy Club, Ward intends to help musicians gain exposure and assist other artists, ranging from R&B and hip-hop to following their passions.

“My goal is to find musical talent, not just rap, but also hip-hop and R&B and get a bigger support base and more listeners,” Ward said. “I’m trying to figure out how to get more listeners for them. My view is, forget it, if they don’t listen it’s not my problem, but a few times after performing (at The Canopy Club) one or two people asked for info, which is pretty cool.”

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