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The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
Maaike Niekerk

Maaike Niekerk, Arts & Entertainment Editor

My name is Maaike Niekerk, and I am a sophomore majoring in English with minors in music and journalism. I began working with The Daily Illini during the fall semester of my freshman year as a buzz staff writer, and joined the editorial team last summer. I love bringing live event coverage to you from Champaign-Urbana’s vibrant music scene and sharing stories of local artists and musicians. Outside of The Daily Illini, you’ll find me performing at every football game with the Marching Illini or cycling with the 2024 Illini 4000 bike America team.

Krannert Center 2024-25 season to showcase London Philharmonic, Mandy Patinkin, Charles Lloyd and more

By Maaike Niekerk, Arts & Entertainment Editor • May 19, 2024
Live coverage: Encampment continues to day 11, activity dwindles

Live coverage: Encampment continues to day 11, activity dwindles

By The Daily Illini News Staff • May 8, 2024
Illinois State Representative Bob Morgan speaks to a crowd of Jewish students in front of the Illini Union on the Main Quad on May 6.

Live Coverage: State representative statements surround day 9 of encampment

By The Daily Illini News Staff • May 6, 2024
Sabrina Carpenter performs on the second day of Lollapalooza 2023.

buzz wrapped 2023-2024 

By Maaike Niekerk, Arts & Entertainment Editor • May 2, 2024
Pop culture moments that swept this academic year

Pop culture moments that swept this academic year

By Maaike Niekerk, Arts & Entertainment Editor • May 1, 2024
Protester rests beside the self-proclaimed liberation zone Tuesday morning.

Live coverage: Third day of encampment persists on Main Quad

By The Daily Illini News Staff • April 30, 2024

This year’s hottest spots in CU 

By Maaike Niekerk, Arts & Entertainment Editor • April 30, 2024
Tents are set up on the south side of the Main Quad during April 29, the second day of encampment (Alyssa Shih).

Live coverage: Day 2 of SJP, ASA encampment continues on Main Quad

By The Daily Illini News Staff • April 29, 2024
Protesters assemble on the Main Quad to reestablish an encampment. The SJP UIUC Instagram page posted a call for demonstrators at 1:17 p.m.

Live coverage: SJP calls for reinstated encampment on the Main Quad

By The Daily Illini News Staff • April 28, 2024
An attendee is taken into custody by UIPD during a Palestine encampment in front of Alma Mater on Friday morning.

Live coverage: Students supporting Palestine hold encampment at Alma Mater

By The Daily Illini News Staff • April 26, 2024
Concert attendees pull out their phones as a Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s set begins at the State Fam Center on Sept. 9. NLE Choppa’s Spring Jam set will be moved to the State Farm Center.

UPDATE: Spring Jam moved indoors to State Farm Center

By Maaike Niekerk, Arts & Entertainment Editor • April 25, 2024
Ryan Roach, graduate student studying mathematics, gets a Dilly Bar from the pop-up Dairy Queen in Altgeld Hall on Monday.

There’s a Dairy Queen at Altgeld Hall.

By Maaike Niekerk, Arts & Entertainment Editor • April 22, 2024
An energetic crowd enjoys a Taylor Swift song at Canopy Club, located on South Goodwin Avenue, on Feb. 2.

Shows to catch in CU this April

By Maaike Niekerk, Arts & Entertainment Editor • April 3, 2024
James Steur, a graduate student studying political science, gets his haircut at the Urbana Campus Barber Shop on South Lincoln Avenue and West Nevada Street on Feb. 28.

Best of CU | Best Place to Get a Haircut: Urbana Campus Barber Shop

By Maaike Niekerk, buzz Editor • March 28, 2024
Ian Nutting presents a dish of burger and fries at The Space in downtown Champaign on the evening of March 2. The Space placed first in four Best of CU 2024 categories.

Best of CU | Most Unique Restaurant: The Space

By Maaike Niekerk, buzz Editor • March 28, 2024
Ian Lazer Nutting prepares a delicious meal at the downtown Champaign diner, The Space on March 2.

Best of CU | Best Small Business (TIE): The Space

By Maaike Niekerk, buzz Editor • March 28, 2024
A Jarling’s Custard Cup worker hands a strawberry milkshake to customers in the afternoon on March 23. The shop is located at 309 W. Kirby Ave.

Best of CU | Best Milkshake: Jarling’s Custard Cup

By Maaike Niekerk, buzz Editor • March 28, 2024
Best of CU 2024 | Results

Best of CU 2024 | Results

By The Daily Illini Staff • March 28, 2024
NLE Choppa announced as 2024 Spring Jam artist

NLE Choppa announced as 2024 Spring Jam artist

By Maaike Niekerk, buzz Editor • March 27, 2024
Mumford Hall on March 20 after authorities identified a suspicious package.

Suspicious package found at 1301 Gregory Drive, people advised to leave area

By Lika Lezhava and Maaike Niekerk • March 20, 2024

Lollapalooza announces 2024 festival lineup

By Maaike Niekerk, buzz Editor • March 19, 2024
Friends dance together during the battle of the bands concert held at Canopy Club on Thursday night.

Local shows to catch this March

By Maaike Niekerk, buzz Editor • March 1, 2024
Soundtrack to student living: Each UI residence hall captured in a playlist

Soundtrack to student living: Each UI residence hall captured in a playlist

By Felicity Abbott, Jack Larson, Kristina Muharremaj, Pratim Vasireddy, Riddhima Patllollu and Maaike Niekerk • February 21, 2024

Taylor Swift makes history, women dominate 66th Grammy Awards

By Maaike Niekerk, buzz Editor • February 4, 2024
TikTok displays the Chinese Beaver meme through the user feed on Sunday.

Music disappears off TikTok as UMG fights for new contract

By Maaike Niekerk, buzz Editor • February 2, 2024
Enthusiastic audience members enjoy a Taylor Swift tune at Canopy Club on Friday.

CU shows you can’t miss this February 

By Maaike Niekerk, buzz Editor • February 1, 2024

Current, former Illini to join US Paralympic track & field 2024 national team roster

By Maaike Niekerk, buzz Editor • January 20, 2024
The cover of 21 Savages 2024 studio album american dream.

Review | Raw ‘american dream’ album tells the 21 Savage story

By Maaike Niekerk, buzz Editor • January 19, 2024
Poor Things cast and crew come up on stage to receive a Golden Globe at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on Sunday.

The 81st Golden Globes celebrates ‘Oppenheimer,’ ‘Succession’

By Maaike Niekerk, buzz Editor • January 8, 2024
Cover of New Kids on the Blocks 1989 studio album Merry, Merry Christmas

The 10th day of buzzmas | A list of the undeniably worst holiday songs

By Maaike Niekerk, buzz Editor • December 23, 2023
Andre Braugher at the Peabody Awards Luncheon in 2011. Photo Courtesy of Anders Krusberg/Wikimedia Commons.

Andre Braugher of ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine,’ ‘Homicide: Life On The Street,’ dies at 61

By Maaike Niekerk, buzz Editor • December 12, 2023
Jamie Foxx in 2017 Baran bo Odar film Sleepless.

Actor Jamie Foxx sued for sexual assault

By Maaike Niekerk, Assistant buzz Editor • November 22, 2023
Rock band Foreigner perform on Aug. 6, 2016 as a part of their 40 album tour. The band will be performing at the State Farm Center on Oct. 22.

Foreigner to close Homecoming Week with State Farm Center concert

By Maaike Niekerk, Assistant buzz Editor • October 15, 2023

Dance at Illinois stages impressive show at October Dance 2023

By Maaike Niekerk, Assistant buzz Editor • October 14, 2023
The crowd dances to the DJs set and requested tunes prior to the main performance during K-pop night at Canopy Club on Oct. 6. Canopy Club will be hosting a battle of the bands night on Sunday.

Homecoming 2023 events to delight your inner musician

By Mallory Miller and Maaike Niekerk • October 7, 2023
Performance at Canopy Club Featuring Calle Verde. Adrian Sanchez on Guitar.

Canopy Club’s Latin Night brings Latin pride to CU community 

By Maaike Niekerk, Assistant buzz Editor • September 25, 2023
Divino Niño plays at the Rose Bowl Taverns outside stage in Urbana during Pygmalion on Friday night.

Divino Niño imbue psychedelic vibe into Pygmalion day 2

By Maaike Niekerk, Assistant buzz Editor • September 23, 2023
Ax and the Hatchetman lead singer Axel Ellis sings to the crowd while strumming his guitar during the bands Pygmalion debut on Thursday.

Ax and the Hatchetmen perform lively set at Pygmalion night 1

By Maaike Niekerk, Assistant buzz Editor • September 22, 2023
Movie poster of comedy-drama Holes by Andrew Davis released in Apr. 2003.

Column | A look-back on ‘Holes’ 20 years later

By Kiran Bond and Maaike Niekerk • September 15, 2023
Josh Spinner performed at 2 p.m. on Saturday during Champaigns Street Fest.

Champaignʼs Street Fest takes over Campustown

By Kiran Bond and Maaike Niekerk • September 10, 2023
North Mississippi Allstars guitarist Luther Dickinson and special guest performer Bobby Rush two time Grammy winner Bobby Lee on the last day of ELLNORA Guitar Festival Saturday.

ELLNORA day 2 finishes strong

By Maaike Niekerk and Dhruv Baronia • September 10, 2023
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts lights up during the evening of day 2 of ELLNORA Guitar Festival yesterday night. First day of ELLNORA Friday saw exciting performances and impressive closing set from Rodrigo y Gabriela.

ELLNORA electrifies Krannert Center for the Performing Arts with 1st day of performances

By Maaike Niekerk and Dhruv Baronia • September 9, 2023
Steve Harwell, lead singer of Smashmouth, performs in Las Vegas on June 30, 2010.

Smash Mouth singer Steve Harwell dies at 56

By Maaike Niekerk, Assistant buzz Editor • September 4, 2023
CU community come together during Pygmalion performance on Sept. 27, 2018. Pygmalion will be kicking off on Friday with performances from Kangaroo Court and Divino Niño.

Pygmalion Festival returns to CU for 2023

By Maaike Niekerk, Assistant buzz Editor • August 27, 2023
Getting involved with music on campus

Getting involved with music on campus

By Maaike Niekerk, Assistant buzz Editor • August 21, 2023
Column | CUs late-night food faves

Column | CU’s late-night food faves

By Lisa Chasanov and Maaike Niekerk • August 15, 2023
DI staff predicts Womens World Cup quarterfinals

DI staff predicts Women’s World Cup quarterfinals

By Maaike Niekerk and Adam Rosen • August 9, 2023
(Left to right) Drummer and background vocals Juice Welch, lead vocals and guitar Joshua Harmon and bass guitar KJ Ward perform their final concert of their tour on Sunday during the last night if Lollapalooza 2023.

The Backseat Lovers bring huge crowd to Coinbase stage on final Lollaplooza night

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • August 7, 2023
(Left to right) Raina Mullen (guitarist), Calvin Langman (lead vocalist and cellist), Luke Davis (drummer) and Graham Orbe (guitarist).

The Happy Fits discuss Lollapalooza performance, band inception, recent tours

By Kiran Bond and Maaike Niekerk • August 7, 2023
Crowd at the Coinbase gets hyped as they raise their hands and voices prior to The Backseat Lovers set on Sunday night.

Lollapalooza day 4 recap

By Kiran Bond and Maaike Niekerk • August 7, 2023
Lana Del Rey performs at the Bud Light stage to close out Lollapalooza on Sunday.

Lana Del Rey closes out Lollapalooza 2023 with standout performance

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • August 7, 2023
Joey Bada$$ begins his performance at the Titos stage, bringing in a huge crowd shortly after Lil Yachtys neighbor concert at Bud Light came to an end on Sunday.

Joey Bada$$ brings out Chance the Rapper in passionate rap set

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • August 7, 2023
Lil Yachty starts his set at the Bud light stage with many of his big hits on Sunday.

Lil Yachty brings enormous crowd to Bud Light stage on Lollapalooza closing day

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • August 7, 2023
After the rain, a rainbow appeared above the festival, which proved to be a popular photo opportunity for festival goers.

Lollapalooza day 3 recap

By Maaike Niekerk and Kiran Bond • August 6, 2023
TOMMOROW X TOGETHER begins their 90 minute performance at the Bud Light stage on Saturday.

TXT lights up Lollapalooza with explosive headlining performance

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • August 6, 2023
Sudanese rapper Hoosh during an interview with the DI on Saturday.

Hoosh performs upbeat set through downpour, talks mental health

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • August 5, 2023
English actress and indie artist Saki Waterhouse performs on the Bacardí stage on Saturday.

Suki Waterhouse delivers passionate performance, teases new release

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • August 5, 2023
Benny the Bull dances his way into The Happiness Clubs performance at the center of Grant Park by the Buckingham Fountain on Friday afternoon.

Lollapalooza day 2 recap

By Maaike Niekerk and Kiran Bond • August 5, 2023
Kendrick Lamar attendee watches T-Mobile set performance wearing Kendrick Lamar What happens on earth stays on earth merch amongst crowd on Friday night.

Kendrick Lamar headlines Lollapalooza night two with electric rap performance

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • August 5, 2023
Declan McKenna stands on the Bacardi stage speakers during his performance on Friday evening.

Declan McKenna delivers performance of nonstop hits

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • August 5, 2023
Annie DiRusso performs under the shade at the BMI stage today during Lollapalooza.

Annie DiRusso lights up BMI stage in Lollapalooza debut

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • August 4, 2023
Declan McKenna hangs out at the press lounge before his concert set later in the day.

Declan McKenna talks new album, life on the road in the US

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • August 4, 2023
Annie DiRusso meets with The Daily Illini at the press lounge during todays Lollapalooza festival.

Annie DiRusso chats about summer tour, recent EP

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • August 4, 2023
Carly Rae Jepsen points out to the crowd during her performance on Thursday afternoon on the Bud Light stage.

Carly Rae Jepsen brings the fun to Lollapalooza opening day

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • August 4, 2023
A crowd of festival goers walks down Columbus Drive, the area where a majority of portable restrooms and concessions are located, on Thursday.

Lollapalooza Day 1 recap

By Kiran Bond and Maaike Niekerk • August 4, 2023
Texas-based rock artist Austin Meade performs at Lollapalooza on Thursday.

Austin Meade encourages fans to embrace emotions with powerful rock set

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • August 4, 2023
Folk Pop singer Noah Kahan starts his performance at the Titos Handmade Vodka stage during the first day of Lollapalooza on Thursday.

Noah Kahan opens up to fans in emotional Lollapalooza set

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • August 3, 2023
Toronto band The Beaches took to the Bud Light stage on Thursday.

The Beaches open first day of Lollapalooza with energetic set

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • August 3, 2023
DI Staff predicts Women’s World Cup Round of 16

DI Staff predicts Women’s World Cup Round of 16

By Adam Rosen and Maaike Niekerk • August 3, 2023
Colombian singer Karol G performs with a colorful set at Lollapalooza on Thursday.

Karol G makes history as first female Latin headliner at Lollapalooza

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • August 3, 2023
Former President Trump criminally indicted for third time

Former President Trump criminally indicted for third time

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • August 1, 2023
Courtesy of Kaitlyn Raitz

Right Here Music bringing The Brother Brothers to Rose Bowl Tavern August 6

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • August 1, 2023
President Biden reverses Trump decision, keeps Space Command in Colorado

President Biden reverses Trump decision, keeps Space Command in Colorado

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • July 31, 2023
Matty Healy performing in London in 2016.

Matty Healy under fire for controversial stunt in Malaysia

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • July 26, 2023
Illini men’s basketball set for 10-day pre-season trip to Spain

Illini men’s basketball set for 10-day pre-season trip to Spain

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • July 24, 2023
Twitter rebrands as X

Twitter rebrands as “X”

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • July 24, 2023
Tony Bennett at the State Theater in 2016.

Legendary singer Tony Bennett dead at 96

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • July 21, 2023
Champaign Police announce residents can serve on interview panel for hiring new officers

Champaign Police announce residents can serve on interview panel for hiring new officers

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • July 20, 2023
Women’s World Cup predictions: DI sports predicts the 2023 group stage

Women’s World Cup predictions: DI sports predicts the 2023 group stage

By Adam Rosen and Maaike Niekerk • July 20, 2023
Champaign County first responders to hold training July 25

Champaign County first responders to hold training July 25

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • July 18, 2023
Two shot, one dead in homicide incident on S. State Street

Two shot, one dead in homicide incident on S. State Street

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • July 14, 2023

Champaign Police Department launches marketing campaign to recruit new officers

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • July 13, 2023
Crash at Green and State Streets leaves one dead, one injured

Crash at Green and State Streets leaves one dead, one injured

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • July 13, 2023

Emmy Awards announce 2023 nominations

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • July 12, 2023

UI para athletes take success with podium spots in first days of world competition

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • July 11, 2023
Analysis of Spotify playlists shows happiest songs of summer 2023

Analysis of Spotify playlists shows happiest songs of summer 2023

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • July 10, 2023
Former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar stabbed in prison

Former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar stabbed in prison

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • July 10, 2023
Man killed in Springfield Avenue shooting

Man killed in Springfield Avenue shooting

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • July 5, 2023
Champaign man arrested after deadly traffic incident

Champaign man arrested after deadly traffic incident

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • July 5, 2023

Road closure of Healey Street between 3rd, 4th streets

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • July 4, 2023
Sexual assault incident at University apartment

Sexual assault incident at University apartment

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • July 4, 2023
Student data at risk from cyber attack on National Student Clearinghouse

Student data at risk from cyber attack on National Student Clearinghouse

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • July 3, 2023
Supreme Court blocks plan to forgive student loans

Supreme Court blocks plan to forgive student loans

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • June 30, 2023
Travis Scott avoids indictment for Astroworld charges

Travis Scott avoids indictment for Astroworld charges

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • June 29, 2023
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