Strategic Communications and Marketing News Bureau

Free Research Park concert features Alma Afrobeat Ensemble

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Fox/Atkins Development LLC and the University of Illinois present a free summer concert featuring the Barcelona, Spain-based Alma Afrobeat Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 19, in Research Park.

The group serves up a danceable mix of global flavors, influenced by funk, mbalax and hip-hop delivered through a horn section, dobro, banjo and pedal steel stylings. Patrons are encouraged to arrive early for an opening set at 6:30 p.m. by Champaign-Urbana world music band Zécca Bom.

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. Free parking is available in the lot south of the Caterpillar Building, 1901 S. First St. All performances are free and open to the public.

OUTSIDE at Research Park plays upon a simple concept: great music, all-ages enjoyment and community wellness partnerships in an open, relaxed environment. The tree-lined, grassy space has hosted thousands of audience members each summer since the event’s inception in 2007.

The concert is part of Krannert Center’s 50th anniversary celebration and demonstrates the center’s commitment to promoting wellness through the arts and to partnering with other community assets to enhance life in Champaign-Urbana. Community partners for the concert  include the Urbana Park District and the Champaign Park District.

For more information, visit KrannertCenter.com or call 217-333-6280.

Read Next

Humanities Diptych image with book cover of "The New Internationals" and a headshot of English professor David Wright Faladé

English professor’s novel tells of love triangle in post-WWII Paris, based on his family history

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A new novel by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign English professor David Wright Faladé tells the story of three people in a love triangle in post-World War II Paris. The characters in “The New Internationals” — a young French woman who has survived the Holocaust, a university student from West Africa and a […]

Life sciences Portrait of the research team posing together.

Minecraft players can now explore whole cells and their contents

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Scientists have translated nanoscale experimental and computational data into precise 3D representations of bacteria, yeast and human epithelial, breast and breast cancer cells in Minecraft, a video game that allows players to explore, build and manipulate structures in three dimensions. The innovation will allow researchers and students of all ages to navigate […]

Arts Photo of seven dancers onstage wearing blue tops and orange or yellow flowing skirts. The backdrop is a Persian design.

February Dance includes works experimenting with live music, technology and a ‘sneaker ballet’

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The dance department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will present February Dance 2025: Fast Forward this week at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. February Dance will be one of the first performances in the newly renovated Colwell Playhouse Theatre since its reopening. The performances are Jan. 30-Feb. 1. Dance professor […]

Strategic Communications and Marketing News Bureau

507 E. Green St
MC-426
Champaign, IL 61820

Email: stratcom@illinois.edu

Phone (217) 333-5010