Live music brings the Illini Union to life each weekday at noon with Noontime Performers, the long-standing University series that gives students a platform to showcase their musical talents.
Each performance features a student musician, typically armed with an acoustic guitar, though some opt for a piano or even a harmonica. Setlists vary as well, with some performers putting their spin on indie and pop covers, while others share original music with the audience.
The setup remains simple, focusing on the performers and their music, creating an intimate and engaging midday concert experience.
Janett Matthews, Courtyard Coordinator of the Illini Union, plays a key role in organizing the series. From arranging auditions to collaborating with multimedia staff, Matthews works behind the scenes to bring live music to the Courtyard Café.
“The Courtyard Café is a performance venue,” Matthews said. “That is what the performers are — a means of providing noontime entertainment.”
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Each day, a different musician takes the stage, transforming an ordinary lunch hour into a showcase of campus creativity.
Some students stop intentionally to watch, while others stumble upon the performances by chance. Some simply let the music fade into the background as they study.
Gurleen Randhawa, a Wednesday Noontime Performer and freshman in AHS, crafts her setlist with the audience in mind, performing acoustic covers of pop, indie and 2010s hits to bring a sense of familiarity to the audience.
Randhawa reflected on the mix of excitement and nerves that came with performing at the Union.
“My main (stage) last semester was the basement, which was less scary because there are … less people paying attention,” Randhawa said. “But the (Courtyard Café) has gotten so much easier, and after my first performance, I even had people come up to me and say how well I did.”
Unlike the quieter setting of the basement, where students tend to study or pass through, the Courtyard Café creates a more interactive atmosphere. After each song, a handful of students in the audience break into applause, adding to the lively energy of the space.
The interaction with the audience was a crucial part of what made the experience special for Randhawa. The Courtyard Café’s open environment offers more than just a performance — it creates a space for connection between the musicians and their peers in the audience.
Randhawa also encouraged students to engage with performers during their set by requesting songs they would like to hear.
Shrenik Balaji, Monday Noontime Performer and sophomore in Engineering, shared similar sentiments about the support he felt from the crowd.
“The first song is always the hardest because (Noontime Performers) are changing the tone,” Balaji said. “Once you establish the vibe, (the Courtyard Café) starts to become a really fun atmosphere … there are some people who get really into it, and you can tell.”
According to Matthews, Noontime Performers often create dedicated “fans” who return each week to see their favorite performers.
“Some of the (Noontime Performers) have created their own followings … I call them their own little groupies,” Matthews said. “I try to put them out there as best as I possibly can … and I am proud of them.”
For students interested in performing, the audition process is fast approaching. The auditions for the next Noontime Performers will be held on April 26 from noon to 2 p.m.
These auditions are open to any student, and they operate on a first-come, first-served basis. They provide a low-pressure opportunity for aspiring performers to showcase their talents.
As the series continues, becoming a Noontime Performer is an opportunity for students to not only express themselves but also find an audience among their peers.
The connection between performers and their listeners ensures the Courtyard Café is more than just a place to grab lunch or study — it is a stage where both music and campus culture can thrive.
