Looking for some fun, exciting, MUSICAL, ways to spend your time for the rest of the semester? HC followers, I have you covered. As I’ve said before, the musical revolution that has been taking place on this campus for the past couple of years has put our campus on the map as one of the best for live entertainment. This spring semester, we have already had acts such as Snoop Dogg, Hoodie Allen, Rascal Flatts, Ben Folds, and the list goes on an on. This week, I’m highlighting some of the hottest shows to attend for the remainder of the semester.
Wompdown Wednesdays
Ready to WOMP your face off to some of the most talented local DJs on campus? Every Wednesday at the Canopy Club is “Wompdown Wednesday” also known as “Chalice Mug Night”. This week’s line up of DJs includes Flowa Child, Space Police, Milk N Cookies, and DJ Solo. With the purchase of a $5 mug, you get $3 drink special refills. Not only is it promise to be a nice full of high-energy mixing, but it is also your last chance to win tickets for the sold out Skrillex show….
Skrillex
February 24 @ Canopy Club
One of the most anticipated shows of this semester has to be Skrillex at the Canopy Club with special guests Positive Vibr8ions, Milk N Cookies, and DJ Solo. Skrillex is one of the hottest DJs in the dubstep scene and has been selling out shows across the nation. It doesn’t hurt that Positive Vibr8ions, Milk N Cookies, and DJ Solo also put on an amazing show. Skrillex will also be performing at Ultra Music Festival in Miami this spring break. So if you can’t get to Miami, check him out when he hits campus.
Bright Eyes
March 16 @Foellinger Auditorium
Usually we go to Foellinger to sleep during a boring lecture or attend a philanthropy event, but the indie band, Bright Eyes, will be performing live on March 16. The Coachella performers will be putting on a great show for all of you alternative lovers out there, so get your tickets while they are still available. Their song “Shell Games” is my personal favorite.
Steve Aoki ft. Probcause and DJ EV
April 6 @ Canopy Club
Another show that will surely generate a lot of hype as it comes closer is the Steve Aoki performance. Voted “Best DJ of the Year” by Paper Magazine, Aoki is known for his electro house remixed and originally produced tracks. Once again, we have a UMF performer that will grace the stage in Urbana. Fun fact: Aoki’s father, Rocky Aoki, was the founder of the Benihana chain of restaurants. Yum!
Wiz Khalifa ft. Mac Miller
April 16 @ Assembly Hall
They were both here last semester, but it seems as though the Wiz and Mac Miller just cannot get enough of the Illini crowd. It could also be that the popularity of “Black and Yellow” has propelled Wiz Khalifa to a new level of fame. Mac Miller is an up and coming young rap artist off the east coast that has proven to be a rising star. Check out “Don’t Mind If I Do” off of his mix tape.
This week we also have a great review of the Robyn show that took place last Tuesday at the Canopy Club. HC writer, Hannah Shariatmadari, has been a huge fan of Robyn for several years and was thrilled to be at the show on Tuesday. Here is her fantastic review of the show:
“Ever since Robyn officially conquered the UK music scene back in 2007 with her number one single “With Every Heartbeat”, I knew it was love. Way before this however, Robyn has been making her mark as a Swedish dance-pop maven since the late 1990’s. Finally UofI had a chance to sample a slice of Robyn’s energetic and electrifying stage performances at the Canopy Club last Tuesday. With opening acts Diamond Rings and Natalia Kills, the night was shaping up to be a storming success, with a buzzing audience anticipating Robyn’s signature dance moves and electro beats.
Slowly but surely the platinum blonde dance diva strutted on stage after her band. She covered songs from her 17 year old back catalogue including iconic hits, “Be Mine!“, “Dancing on My Own” and “Konichiwa Bitches’ as well as showcasing a number of tracks from her new album trilogy, Body Talk. After a series of frustrating sound failures, Robyn seemed set to give up and at one point ran off stage shouting ‘fix it, fix it’. She rightly blamed the venue but didn’t dwell on it, instead translating this negative set-back as all the more reason to give the fans what they longed for: an intense and emotional performance flooded with unrivalled talent, boisterous pizzaz and a series of the most explosive dance combinations. The show ended with a cover of “Dancing Queen” by fellow Swede pop-icons, ABBA and led into “Show Me Love” – a perfect ending to Robyn’s electro-charged performance.” -Hannah
This week’s top ten is quite unique. As it turns out, I have been given the opportunity to co-host a “pre-game” specialty show on WPGU 107.1 called “Walk the Plank”. Joel Houston more affectionately known as DJ Redbeard will be spinning live every Saturday night from 10PM to midnight. We will be playing everything from electro and house to dubstep and mash-ups so tune in this Saturday to request a song or just to have an awesome playlist to listen to while you’re pre-gaming.
Instead of listing the top ten new songs, I will be playing brand new music and remixes during the show this Saturday, so give me a call at the station. If you mention you are a HC follower I’ll be that much happier!
Happy Listening,
Andrea