About the Prairire Crossroads Blues Society in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois

The Prairie Crossroads Blues Society (PCBS) was formed in 2010 to foster an understanding and appreciation of the American music genre, the Blues, and to preserve it for future generations. "The Blues" is one of many great contributions African Americans have made to the arts. It is impossible to imagine American culture without the Blues, and the other genres which grew from it, including jazz, gospel, rock and roll, soul and others. PCBS seeks to promote Blues music so that a broader audience will gain an appreciation of the Blues, its history and legacy.

The Prairie Crossroads Blues Society (PCBS), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was formed to educate the public and foster an appreciation of the American Heritage known as "The Blues"; preserve the Blues tradition so that generations to come may be able to come to a knowledge and appreciation of the Blues; and to promote Blues music in East Central Illinois through the promotion of local artists, as well as regional and national talents.

Our goals:

• To promote and educate about "The Blues": PCBS has offered many Blues in the Schools programs in CU public schools and libraries since 2012 (see our education page for a complete list). "Blues in the Schools" is a national program supported by The Blues Foundation.
• To bring more Blues events to East Central Illinois (we have participated in CU Blues Festivals since 2010, and hosted Blues Festivals every year since 2018*, featuring both local and national talents). We are also a strong supporter of the annual CU Folk and Roots Festival and have helped support them to bring Blues acts here.
• Become affiliated with The Blues Foundation, and maintain that affiliation, in order to sponsor a local band at the International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis (we have held regional IBC competitions here, and participated with Blues societies in Decatur and Springfield to host competitions; and we have financially supported and promoted the winners in both band and individual/duo categories in their travels to Memphis to compete in the international competitions there).

*(except during the pandemic in 2020)

Please also see our bylaws.

We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organized to preserve, promote and educate about "The Blues."

Member benefits:

• Email updates of Blues shows & events
• Advance notice of special PCBS events
• $2 Discount at the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, MS
  (must show valid Blues Society Membership card)
• Discounts on PCBS Merchandise and some PCBS events
• The chance to be a part of the community of other great Blues lovers!

Membership options:

• Individual = $20 per year
• Family = $25 per year
• Student = $10 per year
• Band = $50 per year, includes premium placement on our website's band page.
• Corporate = $100 per year, includes 4 memberships, your logo displayed on our corporate sponsors page.

Please select your type of membership:

Individual $20.00 Family $25.00 Band $50.00 Corporate $100.00

Name on membership

Sign-up or renew through Paypal with the above form or if you prefer, you can print out our Membership Form fill it in and mail it to: Prairie Crossroads Blues Society, P.O. Box 8652, Champaign, IL 61826-8652.

We're always looking for additional volunteers who'd like to get more involved with Prairie Crossroads Blues Society. If you love the Blues and want to contribute in any way, send us an email. We could use help on our Marketing and Educational Committees. If you love the Blues and want to volunteer or contribute in any way, please send us an email: prairiecrossroadsblues@gmail.com

PCBS Board meetings take place the second Thursday of each month from 5–6pm at Po'Boys Restaurant, 202 E. University Avenue, Urbana. Anyone is welcome to attend. There is usually live music from 6–8 pm on these nights.

Executive Board

Co-Presidents - David Adcock and Rich Cibelli
Vice President - Greg Altstetter
Treasurer - Zack Widup
Secretary - Kandra Miller

At-Large Board Members

Sandy Hannum - Jesse Howell - one vacancy

Ex-Officio Board Member

Dennis Wismer

Committee Chairs

Education - Marianne Whitacre
Entertainment - by Committee
Marketing - Rich Cibelli
Membership - Mike Ball
Merchandise - Greg Altstetter
Webmaster - Paul Young
Web Team - by Committee

A tribute to Bob Paleczny (1955-2025): On the weekend before June 20, 2025, word started spreading that the Champaign-Urbana community had lost a friend, a long time WEFT air shifter, and most of all the president of the Prairie Crossroads Blues Society. Read Rich Cibelli's tribute here.