Celebrating the Blues in
Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
Celebrating the Blues
in Champaign-Urbana
Illinois
Here's what's been happening in and around Champaign-Urbana and surrounding areas. Got some Blues news to share? Send us an email: news@prairiecrossroads.org
Prairie Crossroads Fall Release Party (and new website reveal) event On November 17, 2025, the Prairie Crossroads Blues Society hosted a FALL RELEASE PARTY (and new website reveal event) at long-time supporter, Bunny's Tavern in downtown Urbana. The party featured Billy Galt, playing the Blues, lots of very cool freebies and door prizes, and short informative presentations on our Blues in the Schools program and our NEW website (see video on our new Youtube Channel).
To conclude the Release Party, David Adcock led the group in a therapeutic SCREAM to release all of everyone’s negative vibes before the busy holiday season starts up. Check out our group SCREAM below (and also check out Scream Club of Chicago):
The Painkillers Blues Band to take the stage at The Wild Hare Bar in Fisher Join The Painkillers Blues Band, featuring Dawn Clark, for a brief return to Spring as we take to the stage at The Wild Hare Bar and Grill in Fisher on Saturday, November 15 from 7:00-10:00. The Wild Hare has a delicious food and drink menu, which is always a good mix with the Blues! Special guest, Chris Morrow, will be sitting in on drums with us on Saturday. And, Dawn promises to bring some "Down Home Blues" to Fisher so don't forget your feel-good shoes and a dancing partner! It'll be worth the short drive North to Fisher!
THE PCBS BOARD MEETS MONTHLY AT pO'bOYS The Prairie Crossroads Blues Society Board of Directors (and friends!) meets from 5:00-6:00 on the second Thursday of each month at Po'Boys restaurant, 202 E. University Ave., Urbana. There is usually live music starting at 6:00, so we like to mix business with pleasure (and great food and drinks!). Feel free to join our meetings if you are interested and/or would like to become more involved. The November meeting is on Thursday, November 13 to be followed by groovy beats from our favorite foursome - A Train, Josh, Jake, and Cerbo!
LOCAL LEGEND CANDY FOSTER JOINS THE TEMPTATIONS ON STAGE! On October 16, 2025, the legendary Temptations and the Four Tops played at the State Farm Center in Champaign. To everyone’s great surprise, they invited local legend, Candy Foster up to the stage to sing with them on one of his and their favorites, My Girl. He fit right in!!!
Skelton Park's Wall of Fame honors local African American musicians On September 28, 2025, The Champaign Park District held a Dedication Ceremony for Skelton Park's "Wall of Fame" in Champaign.
Skelton Park, at First St. and Washington St. in Champaign, is designed to honor the legacy of Champaign County’s many prominent and influential African American musicians. The Wall of Fame includes record-like plaques with the names of local African American musicians who have developed and shared their musical talents at the local or national level.
The newly renovated park also includes interactive musical instruments, a plaza for performances and small gatherings, and a seating wall and gentle slope for watching performances. The centerpiece is a steel sculpture designed by African American artist Preston Jackson that reflects the musical heritage of Champaign County’s African American community.
Dawn Clark, talented vocalist with Candy Foster’s Shades of Blue and The Painkillers Blues Band, poses with her plaque on the Wall of Fame in Champaign’s Skelton Park
Candy Foster Parkland College Scholarship fundraiser On September 9, 2025, Alto Vineyards hosted the annual Candy Foster Parkland College Scholarship fundraiser. Three bands provided the musical entertainment: The Fairchilds, the Bubble City Playboys, and Candy Foster and the Shades of Blue. 22 of these scholarships have been awarded over the years.
Brandon Santini at the Rose Bowl On July 25, 2025, Brandon Santini and his band rocked the Rose Bowl. Santini played at the Prairie Crossroads Blues Fest a few years back.
Blues Brews & BBQ Festival
On June 14, 2025, The Wild Hare Bar and Grill in Fisher, IL hosted their 3rd Annual Blues Brews and BBQ Festival with three bands playing: The Painkillers Blues Band, The Blues Deacons, and Andy Duncanson and Friends.
Anson Funderburgh and Mark Hummel at the Rose Bowl On August 22, 2024 The Rose Bowl hosted a fantastic show by two great Blues players: Anson Funderburgh and Mark Hummel. Prairie Crossroads Blues Society helped to sponsor this band by picking up their hotel bill.