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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.

Frame from 1988 TV series Garfield and Friends

‘Garfield’ celebrates 45th birthday

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • June 19, 2023
At least 20 injured, 1 killed in Willowbrook mass shooting

At least 20 injured, 1 killed in Willowbrook mass shooting

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • June 18, 2023
Deer breaks into Engineering Sciences Building

Deer breaks into Engineering Sciences Building

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • June 16, 2023
The back corner of CBPB, which features an antique popcorn machine and several tins available for purchase to customers.

Devil’s dust

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • June 16, 2023
The premium flavor shelf at CBPB, home of caramel corn.

Caramel corn

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • June 16, 2023
Removal of inactive bicycles begins on campus

Removal of inactive bicycles begins on campus

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • June 14, 2023
76th Tony Awards airs unscripted, includes multiple nonbinary winners

76th Tony Awards airs unscripted, includes multiple nonbinary winners

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • June 12, 2023
Hidden gems in Champaign-Urbana

Hidden gems in Champaign-Urbana

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • June 9, 2023
The Bread Company’s french onion soup includes a striking gruyère cheese pull

French onion soup

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • June 9, 2023
The Bread Company’s grilled chicken sandwich and french onion soup

[Photo] Grilled chicken sandwich

June 9, 2023
The Bread Company’s grilled chicken sandwich and french onion soup

Grilled chicken sandwich

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • June 9, 2023

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts announces 2023-24 season

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • June 6, 2023
Promotional image for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

Review | “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” an unexpectedly heartfelt story

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • June 6, 2023
Column | ‘The Truman Show’ remains relevant 25 years later

Column | ‘The Truman Show’ remains relevant 25 years later

By Maaike Niekerk and Kiran Bond • June 5, 2023
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[Photo] UI’s world-qualifying wheelchair athletes strive for success

June 2, 2023
Promotional poster for Thursday Night Live event

State Farm Center announces “Thursday Night Live” with SNL members

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • June 2, 2023
UI’s world-qualifying wheelchair athletes strive for success

UI’s world-qualifying wheelchair athletes strive for success

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • June 2, 2023
Andes Mint donut from Ye Olde Donut Shoppe

[Photo] Andes Mint Donut

June 1, 2023
Andes Mint donut from Ye Olde Donut Shoppe

Andes Mint Donut

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • June 1, 2023
Base of a donut lamp at Ye Olde Donut Shoppe

[Photo] Custard-filled Long John

June 1, 2023
Base of a donut lamp at Ye Olde Donut Shoppe

Custard-filled Long John

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • June 1, 2023
Singer Taylor Swift attends the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 9.

Column | Taylor Swift collabs with Ice Spice and Lana Del Rey on new releases

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • May 31, 2023
Netflix limits password sharing to one household

Netflix limits password sharing to one household

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • May 25, 2023
‘Return of the Jedi,’ Star Wars franchise remain influential 40 years later

‘Return of the Jedi,’ Star Wars franchise remain influential 40 years later

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • May 25, 2023
Cover of Tina Turners 1986 release, Break Every Rule

Tina Turner, ‘Queen of Rock n’ Roll,’ dies at 83

By Maaike Niekerk and Lisa Chasanov • May 24, 2023
Lets meat pizza from Mia Zas Cafe

[Photo] 'Let's meat' pizza

May 23, 2023
Lets meat pizza from Mia Zas Cafe

‘Let’s meat’ pizza

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • May 23, 2023
UI partners with Veo to pilot motorized bikes on campus

UI partners with Veo to pilot motorized bikes on campus

By Lisa Chasanov and Maaike Niekerk • May 22, 2023
The intersection of Green and Wright Street.

Best places on campus to bring your parents

By Kiran Bond, A. Oishii Basu and Maaike Niekerk • May 22, 2023
Right Here Music stages intimate music shows for CU

Right Here Music stages intimate music shows for CU

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor • May 15, 2023
The Telephone Junkies opens the F@#& Finals event with an energetic rock set at Canopy on May 3.

Musicians light up Canopy Club in pre-finals jam

By Maaike Niekerk, Staff Writer • May 5, 2023
Former UI student arrested for threatening social media post

Former UI student arrested for threatening social media post

By Lisa Chasanov, Maaike Niekerk and Adam Rosen • May 3, 2023
OTNES performs at new Champaign diner and music venue The Space on Sunday.

OTNES, Emily the Band bring indie pop to new Champaign music venue

By Maaike Niekerk, Staff Writer • April 25, 2023
Leah Tritabaugh, sophomore in LAS, performs with her band, Bum Rush, on April 14.

Musician finds harmony between school, band life

By Kiran Bond, Maaike Niekerk and Dhruv Baronia • April 19, 2023
Go Grease lighting! The Greasers are revving up for open night. Kenickie: Will curtis, junior in Business. Danny: Nathan Pugh, junior in Business. Roger: Michal Szczepaniak, junior in Media. Sonny: Mitch Ryba, senior in Media. Doody: Nick Pugh, freshman in Business.

Illini Student Musicals ‘Grease’ set to open on Moms Weekend

By Maaike Niekerk, Staff Writer • April 13, 2023
“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” was released on Wednesday.

Column | ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ breaks box office records, entertains audience

By Maaike Niekerk, Staff Writer • April 12, 2023
Armani White tosses fruit snacks into the crowd during his performance at Foellinger Auditorium on Wednesday. White also threw the box, which hit a concertgoer in the head.

Armani White takes Foellinger Auditorium by storm with energetic performance

By Maaike Niekerk, Staff Writer • April 6, 2023
“But I’m a Cheerleader,” released in 1999, has recently been referred to as a “cult classic.”

Column | Looking back on 1999’s ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’

By Maaike Niekerk, Staff Writer • April 3, 2023
At this years Oscars, Everything Everywhere All at Once was nominated for 11 awards and won seven.

Oscars boost Asian representation in awards season

By Maaike Niekerk, Staff Writer • March 25, 2023
Dylan Minnette sings on stage on the third day of Lollapalooza in 2022.

Lollapalooza releases 2023 festival lineup

By Maaike Niekerk, Staff Writer • March 23, 2023
The intrusive side of Hollywood romance

The intrusive side of Hollywood romance

By Maaike Niekerk, Staff Writer • February 8, 2023
On Friday, the University YMCA held an exhibit by Will Arnold titled “Down, Down Into Infinity He Goes.

Will Arnold showcases colorful passion at University exhibition

By Maaike Niekerk, Staff Writer • January 27, 2023
Spinner and the BELZ rise as jazz students in local music scene

Spinner and the BELZ rise as jazz students in local music scene

By Maaike Niekerk, Staff Writer • January 25, 2023
Best Off-Campus Bar: The Blind Pig Brewery

Best Off-Campus Bar: The Blind Pig Brewery

By Maaike Niekerk, Staff Writer • November 4, 2022

Local jazz musicians jam out at weekly Rose Bowl event

By Maaike Niekerk, Staff Writer • November 4, 2022
A performer sings on stage at the Rose Bowl Tavern on Monday. The bar hosts open jam sessions every Monday known as the Urbana Hootenanny.

The Urbana Hootenanny provides spotlight for local musicians, gathering place for community

By Maaike Niekerk, Contributing Writer • October 11, 2022
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