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 announced for November 17, 2025 On Monday, November 17, 2025, you're invited to our FALL RELEASE PARTY (and new website reveal) event at Bunny's Tavern Backroom. Join us for a fun early evening of just releasing… just letting go… just getting together around the Blues before “the season” hits. We’ll give you an update on our Blues in the Schools program, introduce you to our shiny new website, and enrich you with some Billy Galt Blues!
There will be plenty of free Bunny's appetizers and lots of door prizes. The festivities start at 5:30pm and go until 7pm. Join us!
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.