Urbana Sweetcorn Festival

It’s the return of the C-U Folk and Roots Stage at the Urbana Sweetcorn Festival!

Come out for the music, and be sure to drop by our booth to check out our 2018 festival swag and hang with us.

Friday, August 24 —
6:00 – 6:45 – Vinny Santanelli A singer and songwriter, Vinny is a folk and blues artist who combines harmonica, acoustic guitar and vocals in a soulful way.

7:15 – 8:00 – Community Center for the Arts (C4A), Country Music Ensemble This class is taught by Dyke Corson and the band performs a diverse array of traditional country music.

8:30 – 9:30 – Painkillers Blues Band Featuring Dawn Clark on vocals, the Painkillers Blues Band plays a hefty mix of traditional Chicago and Southern Blues along with a variety of original tunes.

10:00 – 11:15 – Bones, Jugs Based right here in Urbana, Bones Jugs is a favorite of the summer festival circuit.  With quirky songwriting and blazing xylophone, this band is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Sweet Corn Festival

Saturday, August 25 –
6:00 – 6:45 – George Faber & Friends A veteran singer/songwriter with a colorful thirty-year music career, George Faber has deep ties to the CU area.  Matt Stewart, Gary Gardner and Bruce “Bruiser” Rummenie will be joining George for this set.

7:15 – 8:00 – Jean Rene Balakita & Bomoyi  Congolese musicians Jean Rene Balekita and Bomoyi sing in English, French, Lingala, Kikongo and Tshiluba. Their music is tinged with Gospel and Jazz, all played with solid African rhythms.

8:30 – 9:30 – Hot Club of Urbana This group of local musicians has a modern take on Gypsy Jazz music and pays tribute to the musical legacies of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli.

10:00 – 11:15 – Surreal Deal One of the best bands in the CU area, The Surreal Deal combines power with improvisational wizardry and brings a crackling freshness to audience favorites. Expect Allman Brothers, Grateful Dead, the Beatles and more!