Krannert Center Announces Outside at the Research Park Summer Concert Series

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is partnering with Fox/Atkins Development, LLC and the University of Illinois for a free two-show series of summer concerts at the University of Illinois Research Park. The performance space and seating area are located just south of the Atkins Building at the corner of First Street and St. Mary’s Road in Champaign. Since its inception in 2007, thousands of people have attended OUTSIDE at the Research Park to experience great music and fresh food, all in an open, relaxed and green environment. In keeping with tradition, 2015’s OUTSIDE at the Research Park will highlight Research Park’s committment to green businesses and the Champaign-Urbana community. 

 

The July 17 event will also feature a green fair, and will offer free exhibit space to sustainability-minded local businesses and organizations to share information about their green efforts. Interested parties can contact Lisa Lillig at 217.244.6298 or [email protected] for more information.

 

 

 

Friday, June 12, FREE

Tara Terra at 6:30pm

Della Mae at 7:30pm

The night will start right with local artists Tara Terra who will usher in OUTSIDE with an upbeat and smooth pop-rock vibe, sprinkled with a bit of folk and jazz. As sunset approaches, Della Mae will take the stage. This dynamic, multi-faceted all-female force garnered a 2013 Grammy nod for the breakthrough album This World Oft Can Be. With an approach to traditional bluegrass that’s at once sensitive and assertive, firmly steeped in the past yet vibrantly original, Della Mae and their expansive musical vision have gained a place alongside such roots-conscious young acts as the Avett Brothers, Punch Brothers, the Lumineers, and Hurray for the Riff Raff. 

http://www.taraterratheband.com/

http://dellamae.com/

 

 

Friday, July 17, FREE

Green Fair starts at 6pm

James Jones Trio at 6:30pm

Kilborn Alley Blues Band with special guests Corey Dennison and Gerry Hundt at 7:30pm

The second installment of the OUTSIDE series is a great precursor to ELLNORA | The Guitar Festival (coming September 10-12, 2015) and starts with the James Jones Trio, who will kick off the night with their refreshing take on traditional blues. Then, Kilborn Alley Blues Band tears into the stage with a mixture of gritty Chicago blues and southern-fried soul. The CU-rooted Kilborn Alley Blues Band “is a sophisticated, R&B-soaked throwback to 1950s Chicago. While their music is vintage, their attitude is defiantly current” (Living Blues). 

http://thejamesjonestrio.com/

http://kilbornalley.com/

 

With thanks to the Illinois Natural History Survey/Prairie Research Institute