The Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is celebrating the opening night of its 2016-17 season with a party at the center on Friday, Sept. 9, at 500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana.
Food sales begin and doors open at 6 p.m., with performances from three bands. Activities include large-scale community coloring, craft projects and temporary tattoos. Outdoor food vendors include Rick’s Bakery, Caribbean Grill, Piato, Siam Terrace, KoFusion and El Oasis.
Grammy-nominated Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez will perform at 6:30 p.m. in the lobby at Stage 6. Martinez has collaborated with Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga and Wynton Marsalis. The Memphis-meets-Chicago blues band Davina and the Vagabonds will perform at 7:45 p.m. in the lobby at Stage 5. Red Barat will perform its mix of North Indian Bhangra with twists of rock, jazz and go-go in the lobby at Stage 6 at 8:45 p.m.
General admission tickets are $5 (children ages 5 and under are free but need a ticket) and are available at KrannertCenter.com or by calling 217-333-6280.