General Events

Illinois Soul is dedicated to spotlighting homegrown talent, and Erech Bruce embodies that mission perfectly. Hailing from Peoria, Erech delivers soulful, hard-hitting blues with powerful vocals and undeniable authenticity. Erech will kick off the Spring 2026 Uncorked series on Feb. 5, setting the tone with music rooted in lived expierience.

SPEAK stands for Song, Poetry, Art, and Knowledge. It is an open-mic public performance space at Krannert Art Museum curated by local artist, Shaya Robinson, featuring guest performers and welcoming all to the mic.

On Feb. 12, Illinois Soul and the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts welcome acclaimed saxophonist Chris Greene, an artist respected across genres and generations. His résumé includes performances with Common, The Temptations, and Midnight Sun. His Uncorked set blends jazz, soul, and funk with precision and purpose.

Enjoy a free concert featuring the Music & Performing Arts Library’s Steinway Duo-Art Reproducing Piano! See the piano in action and learn more about the instrument and roll collection. This is an informal even and all are welcome!

On Feb. 19, Champaign-Urbana’s favorite R&B band Ther’Up.Y takes over Stage 5, bringing the funk, the classics, and of course the fun.

Join us on Feb. 26, with the baddest neo-soul band in the land — Zo! & Tall Black Guy — joined by Deborah Bond for an electrifying performance from this nationally acclaimed band demonstrating all the things a live performance should be.

SPEAK stands for Song, Poetry, Art, and Knowledge. It is an open-mic public performance space at Krannert Art Museum curated by local artist, Shaya Robinson, featuring guest performers and welcoming all to the mic.

Enjoy a free concert featuring the Music & Performing Arts Library’s Steinway Duo-Art Reproducing Piano! See the piano in action and learn more about the instrument and roll collection. This is an informal even and all are welcome!

Join us for a free public reading by award-winning poet Rita Dove. Dove served as US Poet Laureate from 1993 to 1995, and was a winner of the 1987 Pulitzer Prize in poetry and the 2023 honorary National Book Award.