We boil this epic love story down to the core of its conflict and drop the stage into a sporting arena.

The audience witness to two groups in opposition by default, by desire to rise above the other.

Through the provocation and conflict, we catch a glimpse of our star crossed lovers. They are fierce players but still do not seem to care who wins or loses if playing the game can bring them closer together.

Competition can be playful at times, it can also be dangerously serious.

EPSG:4326

Duel Reality (On tour)

TOHU

Espace Jean Legendre

Quai 9

Center Theatre Group

Le Pin Galant

McCarter Theatre Center

La Lanterne

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

### Event Description: Jontavious Willis at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

**Event:** Jontavious Willis Live Performance  
**Date:** Friday, January 24, 2025  
**Time:** 7:30 PM CT  
**Venue:** Tryon Festival Theatre, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

#### About the Event:
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Grammy-nominated musician and songwriter Jontavious Willis. Known for his dynamic vocals, technical prowess, and Southern charm, Willis brings a unique blend of Delta, Piedmont, Texas, and gospel blues to the stage. His performances are a synthesis of his Georgia heritage and a deep reverence for traditional blues, promising to get the world dancing again.

#### Artist Background:
Jontavious Willis discovered his passion for the blues while singing gospel music at the Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church in rural Georgia. His talent was further honed by watching YouTube videos of legendary bluesman Muddy Waters. Willis gained national prominence when blues legends Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ invited him to join their 2018 TajMo tour. His 2016 acoustic debut album, "Blue Metamorphosis," won the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge 2018 Award for Best Self-Produced CD. Willis continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his time-honored yet modern, intellectual yet danceable blues.

#### Quotes:
"That’s my Wonderboy, the Wunderkind . . . I just love the way he plays," says blues legend Taj Mahal.

"Only a few like him emerge every decade or so, when even the most hard-core blues fans realize immediately that this is the real deal, a player and singer whose got it all: deep roots feeling, instrumental prowess, and a voice that carries the heart and soul of the blues with unwavering connection to the ancient roots." - Living Blues Magazine

#### Ticket Information:
Tickets for this event are not yet available. Please check back on the Krannert Center website for updates.

#### Additional Information:
For more details about the event, visit the [Krannert Center Event Page](#). If you believe in the life-affirming experiences that Krannert Center and the performing arts at Illinois make possible, please consider making a gift at [KrannertCenter.com/Give](#) or [faa.illinois.edu/giving](#).

Don't miss this chance to experience the electrifying performance of Jontavious Willis and immerse yourself in the rich tradition of blues music. Mark your calendars and prepare for a night of soulful melodies and toe-tapping tunes!

Jontavious Willis

### Event Description: Renée Fleming: Music and Mind, a Panel Discussion

**Date and Time:** Friday, January 24, 2025, at 12:00 PM CT  
**Location:** Foellinger Great Hall, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

**Event Overview:**
Join us for an enlightening panel discussion featuring the renowned soprano Renée Fleming, who is not only celebrated for her extraordinary performance career but also for her advocacy in the field of arts, health, and neuroscience. This event will delve into the themes of her latest anthology, *Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness*, which compiles essays from leading scientists, artists, creative arts therapists, educators, and physicians. These essays explore the profound impacts of music and the arts on health and the human experience.

**Panel Discussion:**
Renée Fleming will be joined onstage by campus partners from the University of Illinois, who will contribute their insights and expertise to this important conversation. The discussion aims to highlight the intersection of arts and health, showcasing how music and the arts can play a vital role in wellness and healing.

**Additional Information:**
- **Tickets:** Not yet available. Please check back for updates.
- **Intermission:** Details to be announced.
- **Event Length:** Approximate duration to be confirmed.

**Support the Arts:**
Krannert Center extends its deep gratitude to all Patron Sponsors and Corporate and Community Sponsors. If you believe in the life-affirming experiences that Krannert Center and the performing arts at Illinois make possible, please consider making a gift to support our mission. Contributions can be made at [KrannertCenter.com/Give](http://KrannertCenter.com/Give) or [faa.illinois.edu/giving](http://faa.illinois.edu/giving).

**Share This Event:**
Help us spread the word about this significant event by sharing it with your friends and colleagues.

For more details and updates, visit the [Event Page](#).

---

**Note:** This event is part of Krannert Center's ongoing efforts to explore and deepen the impact of the arts on society. We look forward to your participation in this meaningful discussion.

Renée Fleming: Music and Mind, a panel discussion

### Event Description: Renée Fleming, Soprano - Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene Recital

**Date and Time:** Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 7:30 PM CT  
**Location:** Foellinger Great Hall, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

#### Event Overview:
Renée Fleming, the illustrious soprano and recipient of the US National Medal of Arts, returns to the Foellinger Great Hall after a decade. This recital, titled "Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene," is a profound exploration of the natural world's beauty and fragility. Fleming, who recently won her fifth Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Solo for the album "Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene," will perform an uninterrupted set accompanied by pianist Yannick Nézet-Séguin.

#### Program Highlights:
- **Musical Journey:** The recital will feature Romantic era art songs by composers such as Grieg, Liszt, Fauré, and Hahn, alongside new commissions from contemporary composers Nico Muhly, Caroline Shaw, and Kevin Puts.
- **Visual Experience:** The performance will be enhanced by projected video from National Geographic, creating a multi-sensory experience that underscores the themes of nature and humanity's impact on the environment.

#### Renée Fleming's Contributions:
- **Advocacy:** Renée Fleming is a tireless advocate for the intersection of arts, health, and neuroscience. She has launched initiatives like "Music and the Mind," presented in over 50 cities globally, and "Music and Mind LIVE," a web show exploring the connections between arts and human health.
- **Publications:** Her anthology, "Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness," is a comprehensive collection of essays on the impact of music and the arts on health, featuring contributions from leading scientists, artists, and physicians.

#### Additional Information:
- **Panel Discussion:** Campus partners will join Renée Fleming for a panel discussion on "Music and Mind" on Friday, January 24, at 12 PM in the Foellinger Great Hall.
- **Tickets:** Tickets for the recital are not yet available. Please check the Krannert Center website for updates.

#### Support and Sponsorship:
Krannert Center extends deep gratitude to all Patron Sponsors and Corporate and Community Sponsors. If you believe in the life-affirming experiences that Krannert Center and the performing arts at Illinois make possible, please consider making a gift at [KrannertCenter.com/Give](http://KrannertCenter.com/Give).

Join us for an evening of sublime music and thought-provoking themes as Renée Fleming's voice brings the beauty and urgency of nature to life.

Renée Fleming, soprano: Voice of Nature—The Anthropocene Recital

### Event Description

**Event Title:** Meshell Ndegeocello presents No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin

**Date and Time:** Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 7:30 PM CT

**Venue:** Tryon Festival Theatre, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

**Event Overview:**
Join Grammy-winning bassist, singer, and songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello for an extraordinary musical experience as she presents "No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin." This concert is a profound exploration of the works of American novelist, playwright, essayist, poet, and activist James Baldwin. Ndegeocello uses her music to convey the inspiration drawn from Baldwin’s words, focusing on themes that resonate deeply within the human condition.

**About Meshell Ndegeocello:**
Meshell Ndegeocello is renowned for her genre-defying music and her commitment to originality over trends. Her illustrious career includes collaborations with iconic artists such as the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Alanis Morissette, and Chaka Khan. She was one of the first artists signed to Madonna’s Maverick Records, and her debut album "Plantation Lullabies" featured the Grammy-nominated hit single "If That’s Your Boyfriend He Wasn’t Last Night." Her recent album, "The Omnichord Real Book," won her a 2023 Grammy Award.

**Special Note:**
This concert is part of a larger celebration, with Blue Note Records releasing "No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin" in August 2024 to honor Baldwin’s 100th birthday.

**Tickets:**
Tickets for this event are not yet available. Please check the Krannert Center website for updates.

**Support the Arts:**
Krannert Center extends deep gratitude to all Patron Sponsors and Corporate and Community Sponsors. If you believe in the life-affirming experiences that Krannert Center and the performing arts at Illinois make possible, please consider making a gift at [KrannertCenter.com/Give](http://KrannertCenter.com/Give).

**Contact Information:**
For more details, visit the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts website or contact their advancement office at advancementkrannertcenter.illinois.edu.

**Share This Event:**
Spread the word and share this event with friends and family to celebrate the legacy of James Baldwin through the transformative power of music.

Meshell Ndegeocello presents No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin

### Event Description: School Performance by Imani Winds and Boston Brass

**Date and Time:**  
Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM CT

**Location:**  
Foellinger Great Hall, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

**Event Overview:**  
Join us for a captivating school-day performance featuring the renowned ensembles Imani Winds and Boston Brass, as part of the Krannert Center Youth Series (KCYS). This event is specially designed for public, private, and home school groups, recommended for grades 5 and up.

**About the Performers:**

- **Imani Winds:**  
  Twice Grammy-nominated, Imani Winds has been a trailblazer in the world of wind chamber music for over a quarter century. Known for their dynamic playing, adventurous programming, and imaginative collaborations, they have inspired audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

- **Boston Brass:**  
  Since 1986, Boston Brass has been delivering a unique musical experience with colorful classical arrangements, burning jazz standards, and original brass repertoire. Their performances bridge the gap between classical formality and boisterous fun, delighting both regular concertgoers and newcomers alike.

**Performance Highlights:**

- **Interactive Format:**  
  This supergroup will introduce students to a wide range of musical styles in an engaging and interactive format.

- **Instrument Insights:**  
  Performers will share insights about the instruments they play, providing an educational experience that goes beyond the music.

**Event Length:**  
Approximately 1 hour, with no intermission.

**Tickets:**  
Request tickets through the Krannert Center's official website.

**Support the Arts:**  
With deep gratitude, Krannert Center thanks all Patron Sponsors and Corporate and Community Sponsors. If you believe in the life-affirming experiences that Krannert Center and the performing arts at Illinois make possible, please consider making a gift at [Krannert Center Giving](https://krannertcenter.com/give).

**Additional Information:**  
For more details about the event and to request tickets, visit the [Event Page](https://krannertcenter.com/event/school-performance-imani-winds-and-boston-brass).

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of live music and the educational benefits it brings to young audiences!

School Performance: Imani Winds and Boston Brass

**February Dance 2025 at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts**

**Event Overview:**
February Dance 2025 is a celebration of artistic innovation and commitment within the Department of Dance at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This event will feature a series of groundbreaking performances that highlight contemporary dance and its intersection with various artistic and political themes.

**Featured Performances:**
1. **Contemporary Sneaker Ballet:**
   - **Choreographers:** Associate Professor Paige Cunningham Calderella and MFA alumna Anna Peretz Rogovoy ’24.
   - **Description:** This brand-new work showcases challenging partnering techniques within a contemporary sneaker ballet format.

2. **Premiere by Professor Rebecca Nettl-Fiol:**
   - **Music:** Set to the music of Grammy Award-winner Osvaldo Golijov.
   - **Live Performance:** Soprano Elena Negruta and the Illinois Modern Ensemble will perform live.

3. **MFA Thesis Works:**
   - **Choreographers:** Gabriel Bruno Eng Gonzalez and Banafsheh Amiri.
   - **Themes:** These works explore the collision of contemporary dance, media, and world politics, providing fertile ground for choreographic invention.

**Event Details:**
- **Venue:** Colwell Playhouse, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
- **Dates and Times:**
  - Thursday, January 30, 2025 - 7:30 PM CT
  - Friday, January 31, 2025 - 7:30 PM CT
  - Saturday, February 1, 2025 - 7:30 PM CT
- **Event Length:** Approximately [Duration not specified]
- **Tickets:** Not yet available

**Additional Information:**
- **Related Events:**
  - October Dance 2024 (Oct 10-12, 2024)
  - Mark Morris Dance Group and Music Ensemble (Feb 21-22, 2025)
  - Studiodance 2025 (Mar 6-8, 2025)
  - Dance Senior Thesis Concert 2025 (Apr 24-26, 2025)

Join us for an evening of innovative dance performances that push the boundaries of contemporary choreography and artistic expression.

February Dance 2025

### Event Description: Imani Winds and Boston Brass at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

**Date and Time:** Thursday, January 30, 2025 - 7:30 PM CT  
**Location:** Foellinger Great Hall, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

#### Event Overview:
Join us for an extraordinary evening of wind chamber music featuring two powerhouse ensembles, Imani Winds and Boston Brass. For over a quarter century, these groups have been at the forefront of new music, captivating audiences with their dynamic performances and innovative programming.

**Imani Winds:** Twice Grammy-nominated, Imani Winds has revolutionized the wind quintet genre with their adventurous playing, imaginative collaborations, and extensive outreach efforts. Their performances inspire and engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

**Boston Brass:** Since 1986, Boston Brass has been delivering a unique musical experience that blends colorful classical arrangements, fiery jazz standards, and original brass repertoire. Their performances bridge the gap between classical formality and lively entertainment, making them a favorite among both seasoned concertgoers and newcomers.

#### Special Youth Series Performance:
This event is part of the Krannert Center Youth Series, designed to introduce students to a wide range of musical styles in an interactive format. The supergroup will share insights about their instruments and engage the audience with a diverse selection of music.

#### Additional Information:
- **Tickets:** Not yet available
- **Intermission:** Details to be announced
- **Event Length:** Approximate duration to be confirmed

#### Support the Arts:
With deep gratitude, Krannert Center thanks all Patron Sponsors and Corporate and Community Sponsors. If you believe in the life-affirming experiences that Krannert Center and the performing arts at Illinois make possible, please consider making a gift. Your support ensures the future impact of the arts in our community.

**Make a Gift:**  
- [Krannert Center Giving](https://advancementkrannertcenter.illinois.edu)  
- [Krannert Center Donations](https://KrannertCenter.com/Give)  
- [FAA Illinois Giving](https://faa.illinois.edu/giving)

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the exceptional talents of Imani Winds and Boston Brass in the stunning Foellinger Great Hall. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for ticket availability!

Imani Winds and Boston Brass

### Event Description: Edmar Castañeda Quartet at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

**Event Dates and Time:**
- **Thursday, January 30, 2025** - 7:30 PM CT
- **Friday, January 31, 2025** - 7:30 PM CT
- **Saturday, February 1, 2025** - 7:30 PM CT

**Location:**
- **Studio Theatre, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign**

**Event Overview:**
Experience the mesmerizing sounds of the Edmar Castañeda Quartet, led by the virtuoso harpist Edmar Castañeda. Known for his innovative approach to the Colombian harp, Castañeda seamlessly blends the joropo folk traditions of his Bogotá roots with contemporary and Latin jazz. His performances are a masterclass in juggling lead, rhythm, and bass lines, all while maintaining an infectious groove.

**Performers:**
- **Edmar Castañeda** - Colombian Harp
- **Andrea Tierra** - Vocalist
- **Shlomi Cohen** - Saxophonist
- **Rodrigo Villalon** - Drummer

**Special Highlights:**
- Edmar Castañeda has been featured on the soundtrack of Disney's "Encanto," with original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
- His discography includes eight acclaimed albums, such as the Latin Grammy-nominated "Family" and his 2023 release "Viento Sur," which features a nine-person ensemble of global musicians.

**Venue Details:**
- The Studio Theatre offers a club-style setting with first-come, first-served seating at tables of four.
- Full bar service with snacks will be available during the performance.

**Tickets:**
- Tickets are not yet available. Please check the Krannert Center website for updates.

**Additional Information:**
- For those who believe in the life-affirming experiences that Krannert Center and the performing arts at Illinois make possible, consider making a gift to support their mission. Visit [Krannert Center Giving](https://krannertcenter.com/Give) for more information.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of Latin jazz that defies the conventional boundaries of the harp and showcases the extraordinary talent of Edmar Castañeda and his ensemble.

Events in Urbana, IL next month

Duel Reality (On tour)

The 7 Fingers

Jontavious Willis

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Renée Fleming: Music and ...

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Renée Fleming, soprano: V...

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Meshell Ndegeocello prese...

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

School Performance: Imani...

Krannert Center Youth Series

February Dance 2025

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Imani Winds and Boston Br...

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Edmar Castañeda Quartet

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts