Virtual Taste of Champaign-Urbana

Taste Special!

• Discount on the The Porketta Sandwich and the Sicilian Sausage for just $9 each! 

Baldarotta’s is a real deal Sicilian Italian American sandwich shop that also serves Sicilian Style and deep dish pizza by the slice and cannoli.  From the Porketta, our Italian pork roast sandwich, to Genovesi our lemon custard stuffed pastries, Baldarotta’s serves made from scratch cuisine with undeniable bold flavors that you will not find anywhere else in Champaign Urbana!  Baldarotta’s Porketta & Sicilian Sausage located inside Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana. Store hours are Tuesday – Saturday 11am – 8pm, Sunday 12pm – 3pm. Closed on Mondays. Traditional. Original. Baldarotta’s. For more information and complete menu details, please visit baldarottas.com  

We are offering curbside pick up and delivery.  Located in a spacious open area inside the food court of Lincoln square. Tables are space at least 8ft apart. All staff are of course wearing masks!

Location and Hours: 

Lincoln Square | 300 S. Broadway Ave Urbana

• Tuesday – Friday | 11:00a-8:00p
• Saturday | 11:00a-7p
• Sunday | 12:00p-3:00p,
• Monday | Closed

Website: www.baldarottas.com >>
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baldarottas >>
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baldarottas/ >>

Taste Special!

• We are highlighting our most popular dishes: The Grab & Go breakfast sandwich, Grilled Roast Beef sandwich at lunch, and a personal-sized Classic Fondue Vite at dinner! 

The Bread Company is a second-generation Swiss bakery and bistro. Ruth Aikman, a native of Bern, Switzerland, began the business from her own kitchen, baking traditional Swiss breads: white, wheat, rye, züpfe. Her breads became so locally famous that neighbors urged her to open a stand at the Urbana farmers market. All four of her kids have memories of baking bread at sunrise. The Bread Company has now been in business for nearly 40 years. Derrick, Ruth’s son, is now carrying on the family tradition with his wife, Lindsay, and an incredibly talented, close-knit staff. At The Bread Company, we are very proud of our fresh ingredients and homemade favorites.

To best protect our staff and the public, The Bread Company has installed a take-out window and modified our menu to accommodate outdoor and take-out dining.

There is an abundance of parking available on campus right now, and it is free!

Our collective health and humanity is of utmost importance. Good food can heal and nourish us through difficult times. Champaign-Urbana is a resourceful, vibrant community and we will continue to get through this together.  

Location and Hours:
706 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana

• Open for breakfast & lunch:
  • Monday – Friday | 8:00a – 3:00p
• Dinner: 
  • Tuesday – Saturday | 3:00p – 9:00p

Website: www.thebreadco.com
Instagram: @thebreadcompanyurbana 

Taste Special

• Discount (more info coming soon!)

Escape to the country at Curtis Orchard. This historic family-run farm in southwest Champaign features apples, pumpkins, outdoor activities and a large country store. Shop for specialty food items, take home our fresh apple cider, and try our famous donuts and pies. We’re also serving up great meals in our Flying Monkey Cafe from September to late December.

Location and Hours:
3902 S Duncan Rd, Champaign

Website: curtisorchard.com/ >>
Facebook: facebook.com/CurtisOrchard/ >>
Instagram: nstagram.com/curtisorchard/ >>

Taste Special!

• Ecuadorian special called Hornado  | $9.75
• sample plates of two dishes of customer’s choice | $10

An Ecuadorian family owned business owned by siblings and run by family. We focus on Ecuadorian, Guatemalan, and Mexican Cuisine with weekly specials that focus on different Latin American Countries. We categorize ourselves as a Latin Cuisine restaurant. With mostly Mexican restaurants available and coming from Chicago where there were multiple Hispanic food options, they missed the variety and felt a need in the community for more. 

Hours

• Wednesday & Thursday | 11:00a – 2:00p
• Friday | 11:00a – 2:00p & 5:00p- 7:00p
• Saturday | 11:00a – 2:00p

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElParaisoLLC/ >>

COVID- 19 Procedures

We require a mask in order to enter the establishment. Inside and outside seating available -Place orders at counter, no table service

Everyday Kitchen at Lodgic: 1807 S Neil St, Champaign | TBD

More information coming soon!

Taste Special!

• Empanada Sample for just $1
• 50% off omelettes

FOUR Breakfast & More was founded by four friends in late 2018. With a very affordable menu and generous portion sizes, and you can rest assured that quality is never sacrificed. In line with the name of the restaurant, every category on the menu has four alternatives–an option for every palate. And we don’t just serve breakfast: Four Breakfast and More also offers lunch, dinner and late night menus.

Location and Hours:
401 East Green St Champaign

• Monday to Saturday- 7am to 2pm 
• Sundays- 8 am to 2pm.

Facebook: facebook.com/fourbreakfastandmore/ >>
Instagram: instagram.com/four.breakfast.and.more/ >>

Taste Special!

• Discount (More details coming soon!)

The kitchen is stewarded by widely-respected culinarian, Chef Zachary Schweig. Our inspired menu—created from the finest premium aged meats, freshest seafood, and hand selected produce, and expertly prepared with the highest quality ingredients and flavorful seasonings—offers a superior dining experience, presented with Hamilton Walker’s signature flair.

Hollywood vibe is an inviting gathering place and backdrop for meeting, dining, and socializing; for friends, family, and business; for toasting special events and celebrating life.

Our mission is to offer memorable food and flawless service in an extraordinary setting.

We are so honored to be part of this community.  We look forward to sharing memorable experiences through food & beverage all in an exemplary ambiance. 

Location and Hours:
201 N Neil St, Champaign

• DINNER HOURS
  • Wednesday – Thursday | 4:00p-8:00p
  • Friday – Saturday | 4:00p-9:00p
  • Sunday | 4:00p-8:00p
• BRUNCH HOURS
  • Sunday | 10:00a-2:00p

Website: hamiltonwalkers.com >>
Facebook: facebook.com/hamiltonwalkers >>
Instagram: instagram.com/hamiltonwalkers/ >>
Twitter: twitter.com/hamiltonwalkers?lang=en >> 

COVID-19 Precautions

Champaign County Pledge

To keep employees and customers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s what you can expect upon entering:

• Employees wearing masks
• Employees with clean hands
• Surfaces, equipment, and other elements of the business environment regularly cleaned and disinfected
• Social distancing measures are in place
• Individual use food and beverage menus
• HALO-LED in-duct air purification system installed in all of the HVAC units
• Complementary Facemasks
• Complementary Hand Sanitizer

Taste Special:

• The TASTE Box: $8.99/half dozen of our fan favorites (contains peanuts).

Industrial Donut is a made-to-order donut (and coffee) shop specializing in fresh cake donuts, customized with a large assortment of icing and topping choices. We’re not just a donut shop, we’re a donut experience! 

We are a Champaign County Safe Pledged Business, committed to doing our part to keep our community safe during Covid-19. 

Thank you for the immense support during these difficult times! We are a #Chambanavoy proud, family owned and operated small business and our passion continues to be serving our community fresh, made-to-order donuts and locally roasted coffee!

Location and Hours:
501 Commerce Dr., Savoy

• Monday-Saturday | 7:00a-1:00p

(currently NOT open for inside dining) 

Website: www.industrialdonut.com >> 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/industrialdonut >> 
instagram: www.instagram.com/industrialdonut  >>

Taste Special!

• Get 50% off their most famous items- the T-Rex Burger and the Brontosaurus Burger!  Choose all the toppings you want!

Home of the Brontosaurus Burger (two quarter pound beef patties, cheese, bacon, black forest ham, and a fried egg) and the T-Rex Burger. Jurassic Grill is cooking up fresh tasty burgers, fries, and hotdogs for ya!  Don’t eat meat? Try a Herbivorous burger! 

Location and Hours:
401 E. Green St. Champaign

• Open 11am-3am
• Follow on social media to find Food Truck locations! 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jurassicgrill/ >>
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jurassic.grill/ >>

Taste Special

• 50% off Share-able Apps! 
  • https://punchbarchampaign.com/sharable-bites/ >>

Punch! is a cocktail bar Where Classic & Craft Collide, and we look forward to surpassing your expectations with our modern—yet approachable—atmosphere. From our craft cocktails to shareable bites and also desserts we take pride in introducing a dazzling quantity and array of flavors into everything you taste.

Punch! serves food & drinks on our outdoor patio as well as in our indoor lounge. Our table spacing and occupancy are enforced to the current state guidelines, and we require face coverings worn when you enter/exit and whenever moving through the interior. 

Location and Hours:
217 N Neil St. Champaign

• Sunday – Thursday| 4:00-10:00p 
• Friday & Saturday | 4:00p-Midnight

Website: punchbarchampaign.com >>
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/punchbarchampaign/ >>

Taste Special!

• Mention “50th taste of Champaign” to receive $5 off $30 purchase order***
  • Not valid for on-line ordering / Only available from our regular Menu. 
• Sampler Menu: 
  • Top 3 appetizer (2 Crab rangoons , 1 Egg roll, 1 Summer roll) $5 
  • Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowl  $8
  • Unagi Rice Bowl  $8
  • Ramrong Chicken (or Tofu) Bowl  $8

Serving authentic Thai Cuisine and Sushi Bar, Siam Terrace is a family owned business which opened its doors in Downtown Urbana in April 2004.  We strive to serve the community fresh, healthy, delicious food with the best customer service. Customer satisfaction is our top priority. 

Now open for on-site dining (indoor or outdoor), take out (and curb-side pick up), and delivery.

Location and Hours:
212 W Main Street, Urbana
217-367-8424

• Monday-Friday | 11:00a-3:00p ; 5:00-10:00p
• Saturday | 11:00a-10:00p
• Sunday | 12:00p-9:00p

Dine-in ( Indoor or outdoor), Carry out or Curbside Pick up , Delivery, Catering

(No sushi on Mon lunch /Tue/ Wed Lunch )

Website: www.siamterraceurbana.com >>
Facebook: www.facebook.com/siamterraceurbana/ >>
Instagram: @siamterraceurbana >>

Taste Special:

• 10% of the sales at Stango Cuisine is donated to One Dream Foundation to help build a hospital in Zambia, Africa. >>

We love traveling to places never been before and learn the local culture. And what we found out is that what brings us together as people is great food cooked in a certain way with common ingredients. No matter our nationality, creed, religion or race we all love great food. Period. So we decided to share our life experiences by opening Stango Cuisine, home food cooked in a certain way. Come out and discover the passion of cooking with the taste of international.

Location and Hours:
140 Lincoln Square Mall, Urbana

• Tues-Sat | 8:00a-8:00p
• Sun 8am-2:30pm

Website: http://stangocu.com/ >>

Taste Special!

• Special Taste Dish–Chicken Satay w/ a side of peanut sauce and a mini cucumber salad. 2 pieces for $5 ($5 to represent the Taste’s 50th!!)

Sticky Rice first opened its doors in Champaign, IL in 2018. Their menu offers Laotian and Thai cuisine with a mix of Vietnamese and Chinese dishes. There are a variety of dishes to fulfill everyone’s cravings! From salads, noodle soups, pan fried noodles, fried rice, curry, and stir fry dishes. Most of their vegetables are locally sourced from farms around the area and as well as their own farm in Villa Grove, IL. Every dish is made to order so therefore vegetarians can have the option of excluding meat or adding tofu. Spice levels may be adjusted to your preference but if you are a big fan of spicy, flavorful food, then this is the place for you! 

Location and Hours:
415 North Neil Street, Champaign

• Monday | 11:00a-9:00p
• Tuesday | Closed
• Wednesday-Saturday | 11:00a-9:00p
• Sunday | 12:00p-9:00p

Website: stickyricechampaign.com >>
Facebook: facebook.com/stickyricechampaign >>
Instagram: instagram.com/stickyricechampaign >>

Taste Special!

• Discount (more info coming soon!)

The story of Tasty Tart began with the love of making desserts for families and friends.

Tasty Tart proudly serves the greatest tea and coffee as well as tarts made with the finest American ingredients including Vitamin-added milk, cage-free eggs, and pure butter. We have 8 flavors of tarts made fresh daily, and more flavors are on the way.

Our boxes are perfect for sharing, surprising, and catering during everyday life as well as holidays. Please stop by and find a seat in Tasty Tart while the supplies last. We can’t wait to serve you with the best tarts!  Order online at https://ordertastytart.square.site

Location and Hours:
405 S Neil St, STE C, Champaign

• Tuesday-Sunday | 11:00a till sold out

To Order | https://ordertastytart.square.site >>
Website | https://www.tasty-tart.com >>
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/tastytart >>
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/tasty.tart >>

Taste Special!

• To honor the 50th year of Taste of C-U, we will be giving a 50% off discount our Fro Yo Cupcakes during Taste.  

TCBY has been serving fantastic Fro Yo to the Champaign-Urbana area for 8 years now!  We have 18 flavors of self-serve and 8 flavors of hand-scooped fresh frozen yogurt and sorbet to choose from and a toppings bar with over 50 choices, including hot peanut butter and whipped cream!  Come in and fill up your cup, waffle cone or waffle bowl with some amazing Fro Yo or have us scoop some for you!  We’re constantly changing up our flavors and toppings and welcome our fantastic customers’ requests, so be sure to check our Facebook page for daily updates. We dairy free Fro Yo and sorbet and Greek Fro Yo, which is only 100 calories for a 4 ounce serving and has 8 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. We also have many great homemade pies to choose from, TCBY shakes, TCBY Fro Yo cookie sandwiches, TCBY cupcakes, T-shirts, and gift cards. Please stop by soon!

We’re sanitizing all of the machines and serving spoons as well as keeping our entire store clean and safe for our wonderful customers.  They are welcome to come in and make their own cup or waffle cone as they have in the past or we’re happy to make it for them and bring it out to their car if they prefer. 

We hope that everyone supports our wonderful local bars and restaurants as much as possible!

Location and Hours:
1731 W. Kirby Avenue, Champaign, in Old Farm Shops

• Friday-Saturday | 11:00a – 10:00p
• Sunday-Thursday | 11:00a – 9:30p 

Website: www.tcbycu.com >>

I am an Urbana artist. My home based studio was built in 2008, where I paint, teach and sell my artwork.
I am also an art instructor for 20 years, teaching art lessons to children during school year and art camps in summer. Currently all my teaching goes on Zoom. Please visit the www.huanianartstudio.com/lessons/index.html for the information. Online lessons will resume in the fall.

Website: www.huanianartstudio.com
Email: nianart@gmail.com
Location: 1308 South Race Street, Urbana, IL 61801 (appointment only)

Medium

• Acrylic Paintings (semi-abstract) (commissions welcome)
• Pen and Ink Drawings (commissions welcome)
• Paper-tearing artwork

Growing up in the Midwest, being raised and surrounded by factory workers, meant becoming part of a community that prides itself on getting dirty on purpose. Through them, I learned what it means to put in a full day’s work for a full day’s pay – that hard work is simply the price of entry. From these competent and dependable “salt of the earth” people also came the inherited ideals of the gritty, enterprising pioneers who came before us and the belief that decency and integrity are paramount and that strength of character comes from a deeper connection to the land.

As a teenager, I worked on a farm, engaging fully in the physicality of the land. Young and imaginative and always outdoors, I was armed with a do-it-yourself spirit when it came to solving problems on the fly, I loved the feeling of improv and the satisfaction that came with making something out of seemingly nothing. Resourcefulness and thinking outside the box grew to be second nature to me. I learned to see problems as questions. And questions as opportunities for creativity.

Website: https://jasonlindsey.com/ >>
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pg/jasonlindseyphoto >>

Medium

• Photography

About the Artist 

April is a retired florist and long-time Urbana resident. She has been making art pieces and floral arrangements for over 30 years and became more involved after a near-death experience and lifelong battle with bipolar depression. As an ardent supporter of mental health awareness, she uses her own experiences as inspiration or her pieces, from ominous pieced-together creepy dolls, to cheerful, uplifting wall hangings and dream catchers. April incorporates elements from floral design as well as her Native American Seneca Tribe Heritage. Her 25-years’ experience in floral design is demonstrated by her pleasing combinations of colors and textures. Most of her materials come from local antique shops where her unique eye provides repurposing of antiques into unique arrangements. She uses recycled materials to keep her art green as well. Her current work includes small vignettes constructed on antique containers, dried seasonal floral arrangements on repurposed antiques, and a plethora of colorful dreamcatchers of various styles and textures incorporating materials as diverse as sea shells, copper plates, and antique jewelry. She may also be contacted for custom engagements. 

What’s in a Name? 

Boho: Someone who is unconventional in behavior or taste. Bohemian. Also, it refers to one who doesn’t conform to society and is often focused on art. 

Chic: Vintage and a little Hippie and Gypsy thrown in for that added touch. Shabby-chic, a particular style of work. You know it when you see it.

Website: TBA
Email: TBA
Location: TBA

Come visit Crafts 2 Thrill located on the beautiful front lawn of a Champaign residence. Garden Flowers made from recycled dishes will delight you. Keeping with the garden theme,  hand painted vases and matching wall paintings will be on display. Crafts 2 Thrill is the vision of a young woman studying Horticulture in college. Combining her love of plants and recycling, these awesome garden flowers on rebar stakes will make your garden the Talk of the Town.

Website: Coming soon! 
Email: Coming soon! 
Location: Coming soon! 

Medium:
Recycled Materials
Painting 

From body art, the earth to canvases, and paper, when creativity beckons, Sujata Dey,  expresses. Her multitude of creative mediums, dabbling in computer arts,  with pencil drawings, photography, beads, watercolors, mehndi and even her gardening, is a colorfilled wonder! Even a poem or two will be expressed!

As a Child, her family travelled the world. hours, on trains, trams, planes and buses…Waiting in lines, in foreign countries her family called Home…Dey saw the world differently. By learning to understand others, and embracing, consciously, the ideals of love, patience and kindness, into her life, Dey sees the creative process, as a means to bring others into understanding we, as Individuals, are to collaboratively create successful community endeavors.

Experience Mehndi will be doing “Bob Ross” style on-line art, writing and culture classes, in response of COVID-19.

Contact: For more info, please email delphya@gmail.com
Instagram: @sujatacreates >>

Medium:
Mehndi
Drawing and Painting
Photography
Graphic Design 

Fraya Replinger is an award winning photographer from central Illinois. She enrolled in her first photography class in high school and it sparked her passion to pursue fine art photography.

Her work has been recognized by the Champaign County Camera Club, the Preservation and Conservation Association, www.gurushots.com, and the Champaign County Fair.

Fraya’s photography is exhibited at local markets and art shows throughout Illinois.  She currently has work displayed at Busey Bank in downtown Urbana, Illinois as part of their 1868 Collection.  She also has pieces on permanent display at Allerton Park & Retreat Center in Monticello, Illinois, and is a featured artist at Urbana’s Po’ Boys Restaurant.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freplingerphotography/ >>
Website: https://www.freplingerphoto.com/?fbclid=IwAR3goh-VKi7U0GhrBvMxXCbOvTBAQNFLDaEXxyKVdTYy-pMZL21Pg4pmtQs >>

I’m a new business in Champaign-Urbana. I create all things crochet. My most popular items are amigurumi – Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures. They can be people, animals, cartoon characters and anything else!  All items are made to order with full customization. 

You can find my page with examples of my work on Facebook and Instagram!

I’m always available to answer questions and mostly work on orders and new projects in the evenings and on the weekends.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GettingLoopy >>
Website: www.instagram.com/migalka/ >>

Medium

• Crochet

I am a local artist/teacher who specializes in colored pencil and acrylic on canvas. My artwork has been featured in Color Magazine and Colored Pencil Magazine. I enjoy drawing from everyday life and recently I have been focusing on pets. I also teach drawing and painting to all ages. I am currently taking commissions for pet drawings. If you are interested in custom artwork or would like to find out more about drawing/painting lessons, please Email: lafullerart@gmail.com to inquire

Website: https://www.lafullerart.com/ >>
Facebook: L A Fuller ART >>

Medium:
Drawing and Painting

The C-U Oktoberfest at Home is a fall celebration of music, beer, and food at home. In past years, the event has been held in downtown Champaign. This year, the 8th Annual C-U Oktoberfest will be a virtual event. The festivities kick-off on Friday, October 2nd with a live raffle basket drawing on the C-U Oktoberfest Facebook Page and will culminate on the evening of Saturday, October 3rd with a live 50/50 cash raffle drawing.

Tune-in throughout the C-U Oktoberfest Virtual Event! Patterned after the annual festival in Bavaria, (but online!) the C-U Oktoberfest at Home features music from bands playing festive polkas, waltzes, and traditional German music mixed in with plenty of your favorite songs on Saturday night, as well as other featured content throughout the evening. Beer from local brewers and food will be recommended for pick-up, or make your own. Buy a raffle ticket and take a chance on winning one of our amazing C-U Oktoberfest at Home baskets to enjoy during the event! Get in the spirit at home by wearing your best dirndl or lederhosen (or keep it casual)! 

Save the date! October 3rd on Facebook @CUOktoberfest. We can’t wait to see you there!

Stay tuned for more updates to come! We encourage you to follow our C-U Oktoberfest Facebook page in the coming weeks for C-U Oktoberfest at Home for inspiration from our brewers, vendors, sponsors and more. 

Websites:  

• www.cuoktoberfest.org >>
• www.dsc-illinois.org/events_fundraisers/c-u-oktoberfest/ >>

If you are looking for purpose, connection, and the ability to make a difference, Champaign Rotary might be a good fit for you! The Rotary Club of Champaign consists of 150 men and women, who are committed to improving our community and the world. We hear outstanding speakers when we meet from 12:00-1:00 pm on Mondays. We are currently meeting virtually but will meet at the Round Barn Center, when we are able to return to in- person meetings. We do a variety of service projects, hold monthly socials, and give over $100,000 annually in grants to local non-profit charities.

If you would like to attend a meeting as our guest, email champaignILrotary@gmail.com.

Website: www.champaignrotary.org/ >>
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChampaignRotary >> to learn more about our great organization that offers endless opportunities to its members and those we serve.

A band from the middle of the Midwest.  Spiritual children of David Bowie, the Police, and Radiohead.  Featuring Adam Wayne, Andy Masters, James Treichler, Ryan Groff, and Mark Woolwine.

Any shows during Virtual Taste of C-U?

No shows at this time.

Can people purchase your music?

YES! Bandcamp & iTunes – Locally: Exile on Main St., SeeYou CD & Vinyl, and Record Swap

Website/Facebook Page: www.elsinoremusic.org / www.facebook.com/elsinoremusic >>

We play jazz and blues standards with a dash of pop, played with heart and soul.

We miss all our fans–hope to be able to play out again soon!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weheartjazz/ >>

Katie Flynn (vocals), Kurt Reeder (piano), Andrey Gonzalves (bass), and Drew Cox (drummer) are all musicians in the Champaign-Urbana area.  Performing jazz standards together as well as modern folk and pop music with a retro feel, they always deliver truly entertaining music!  They are available for club gigs, weddings, events, or virtual shows.  

Any shows during Virtual Taste of C-U?

August 16th  | Facebook Live! – Like Katie Flynn Sings on Facebook | 5:30p

Website: thekatieflynn.com >>
Facebook: facebook.com/thekatieflynnsings >>

Live Thru Wednesday is a 3-piece Reggae/Rock/Ska band from the Westville, IL area who formed approximately in the fall of 2015. Since the spring of 2016, they’ve played multiple live local shows with an eclectic style ranging anywhere from Sublime, to 311, to Pepper. The line-up currently consists of Caleb Seripinas (guitar/vocals), John Seripinas (Bass/vocals), and Michael Burke (percussion). In addition to multiple shows played in the area, the group has also had 2 different E.P. tracks to make local radio airplay, which includes local CU radio stations 107.1 WPGU University of Illinois, 88.7 WPCD Parkland CC, and 90.1 WEFT Community Radio. After laying down a 4 track E.P. last summer, the band is currently planning to enter the studio to record a full-length, 12-track L.P

Any shows during Virtual Taste of C-U?

Facebook Live Stream Concert | Saturday, August 15

• https://www.facebook.com/events/954600805007468/ >>

Can people purchase your music?

iTunes, Amazon music, and Apple music

-Website/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivethruWednesdaymusic & https://livethruwednesday.bandcamp.com/ >>

We have been together for 10 years, have played many local venues, and play a wide variety of roots-rock and country.  With over 20 years of individual musical experience, New Riders move effortlessly from one style of music to another. The Band focuses on Roots Rock and Country but plays everything from Buck Owens to the Beatles and back!

Any shows during Virtual Taste of C-U?

• Friday, August 14 | Riggs Brewing Company | 4-7p
• Saturday, August 15 | Baxter’s American Grille | 6- 9p

Website/Facebook Page:  www.facebook.com/RidersoftheGoldenMaize >>

The Tons ‘O Fun Band (TOFB) is a product of the renowned Champaign-Urbana, Illinois music scene and has been a mainstay for nearly two decades. TOFB fills the stage with nine talented and experienced musicians including a powerful four piece horn section.  Tons ‘O Fun is led by trumpeter Steve Shaw, and is fronted by Pauli Carman a Grammy Nominated, Multi-Platinum Recording Artist, and Lead vocalist of “Champaign,” which had Top 10 Billboard hits in “How ‘Bout Us”, “Try Again”, and “Off and On Love”.  Rounding out the horn section is Bill Jean on lead trumpet, Jonathan Becket on Saxes and flute and Matt Flynn on trombone.  Friends who have been laying it down together for years, the rhythm section consists of Larry Fredrickson on drums, Scott Karlstrom on bass and Stacey Krejci on keyboards and vocals. Sharing front man duties with Pauli is singer and lead guitarist Joe Ingolia. TOFB brings its “horn-band” signature sound to venues large and small throughout the Midwest and beyond! This band of brothers has the chops, energy & enthusiasm to truly earn its name Tons O’ Fun!

Website:  https://www.facebook.com/TonsOFunBand >>

We’re a family band! Some of us have been playing together all our lives, but we have been playing as Wildwood String Band since 2013. Although our music reflects a bluegrass and roots feel, we like to play covers of all different kinds of music and give them our own unique spin.

Any shows during Virtual Taste of C-U?

We aren’t currently playing any live shows, but we record a song and post it on our facebook page and instagram every Wednesday! Check our facebook and instagram this week for a special #WildwoodWednesday! 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wildwoodillinois >>
Instagram: wildwoodstringband