A Half-century of Concerts at Illinois State University
Story by John Twork
Web design by Ella Jahraus
All photos in this story are from performances at Illinois State University.
From the “Prince of Darkness” to the “Queen of Soul,” dozens of music’s brightest stars have shined at Illinois State University over the past half-century.
Braden Auditorium (originally named Union Auditorium from 1973-81) has hosted over 300 concerts during its 50-year run as Illinois State’s intimate, 3,500-seat theatrical venue. Larger shows rocked Horton Field House beginning in 1964 until Redbird Arena (now CEFCU Arena) opened in 1989. And, before Illinois State’s modern venues, students danced to the likes of Count Basie at McCormick Gym.
Through more than five decades of concerts at Illinois State, generations of Redbirds share memories of belting out lyrics at live campus shows—from Aerosmith’s “Sweet Emotion” in 1975 to Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season” in 2023.
Here are our top 50 concerts of the past 50-plus years at Illinois State.
Fifty years after the curtain rose on Braden Auditorium (then Union Auditorium), it remains a coveted venue for touring artists and fans alike. Pop-infused folk singer-songwriter Noah Kahan sold out Braden for his performance at Illinois State during the 2023 spring semester. A few months later, the rising star played Chicago’s iconic Lollapalooza music festival ahead of a sold-out international tour.
A few alumni stars have appeared on Braden Auditorium’s stage years after they were regulars in Illinois State’s classrooms. Country singer-songwriter Suzy Bogguss ’79, a Grammy award-winning musician, performed at Braden in 1999 to raise funds for Illinois State’s yet-to-be-built Center for the Performing Arts. Comedian Craig Robinson ’94 played the keyboard alongside his band, The Nasty Delicious, at a 2014 Family Weekend musical-comedy show at Braden.
A few hours before opening for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, 25-year-old Lenny Kravitz, bottom right, appeared at The Gallery in Downtown Normal where he was honored by Illinois State’s Black Writer’s Forum “for his outstanding work in the music industry,” according to a February 19, 1990, Vidette article. “What can I say? This is my very first award,” Kravitz proudly told the packed crowd. When asked by an audience member if he would play “Rosemary,” a song off his debut album, at that evening’s concert, he said it wasn’t on the setlist. “So, on the spur of a moment, Kravitz was handed a guitar by someone in the audience and showed the crowd real, honest music, the way it is supposed to be,” according to Vidette writer Kawone Harris ’93.
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Iggy Azalea
Braden, 10/18/14
Australian rapper Iggy Azalea rode a wave of newfound stardom into Braden Auditorium, with her song “Fancy” topping the Billboard Hot 100 list a few months before arriving in Normal. Along with her hit single, Azalea brought to Braden two dresses for the show that each needed to be shortened by an inch to better accommodate her onstage dance performance. Scrambling with the unexpected request, Braden manager Barb Dallinger, ’81, M.S. ’01, contacted Melissa Schrier ’86, a friend and sewing hobbyist. Schrier dropped what she was doing, picked up her sewing machine, and set up in Braden’s star dressing room. Just a couple hours ahead of showtime, Schrier finished the dresses, which Azalea wore for the evening’s sold-out concert. Before going on stage, Azalea signed Schrier’s sewing machine. “That was incredibly sweet of her,” Dallinger said.
Longtime Braden manager Barb Dallinger has read dozens of tour riders listing items that performers request—or demand—for their performances. Dallinger often parsed the lists by asking managers, “Is it a ‘must have,’ or a ‘want?’” One unnamed star requested a six-pack of white athletic socks and undershirts because she liked the feel of new socks after a show. Dallinger politely declined. Another asked for a specific brand of bottled water only available in Colorado. After arriving in her dressing room to find a case of Evian, Dallinger said the star threw each bottle into the hallway, yelling, “This is not the water I ordered!” Dallinger fondly remembers country band Lonestar’s request for “a meal like grandma would make on Sunday.” “The catering group knocked it out of the park,” Dallinger said. “They made fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, and pie. It was incredible!
In search of a quiet spot after soundcheck to write music with his acoustic guitar, country singer-songwriter Brad Paisley wandered up a spiral staircase connecting the stage level of Braden Auditorium to the upper level of the Bone Student Center. According to former Braden manager Barb Dallinger, Paisley ended up in the former Office of Alumni Engagement, where he was greeted by collective, surprised exclamations of “Brad Paisley?!” Staff set Paisley up with a private conference room where, for the next few hours—as Dallinger frantically searched for the missing country star—he strummed away, potentially working on his next hit single.
Founded by former Illinois State University students Greg Koos and Mike Metcalf ’71, the New Friends of Old Time Music was a student organization that put together a remarkable run of weekly music shows on campus from 1970-87. The free concerts featured “traditional American music,” according to Koos, including signature folk, bluegrass, and blues. New Friends performers included John Prine, Leon Redbone, Tom Waits, Steve Goodman, Bill Monroe, pictured, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and many others.
Classically trained soprano Julie Andrews, widely known for her lead roles in Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, spent a few days in the fall of 1987 at Braden Auditorium rehearsing her first-ever concert tour directed by husband Blake Edwards, according to longtime Pantagraph arts and entertainment editor Dan Craft ’80. “They wanted to keep it under the radar, so they chose Braden and ISU,” Craft said. “That was a pretty big deal for Bloomington-Normal.” Andrews then opened the tour with two shows at Braden during Family Weekend.
For a half-century, artists preparing for a show at Braden Auditorium have been surrounded by the stars who shined onstage before them. Covering the cinder block walls, ceiling tiles, bathroom—even the clock—in the star dressing room, are signatures, messages, and artwork penned by past performers. From a flowingly scripted “Prince” (the “I” dotted by a heart) to a 4-foot-tall chili pepper drawn by none other than the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the dressing room is a living time capsule of Braden’s storied history
Normal Mayor Richard T. Godfrey proclaimed November 7, 1983, as “Genesis Day” in honor of the band’s decision to open its 12-week North American tour in Normal. Phil Collins, middle, and his fellow band members accepted a plaque marking the honor and held a press conference for local media.
If there ever was a band that could conquer the acoustic atrocities of Horton, it is Genesis. But that’s no surprise. -David Bill, Pantagraph
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Gloria Estefan/Miami Sound Machine
Redbird, 11/11/89
Less than 10 months after Redbird Arena’s inaugural concert (featuring glam metal band Ratt in January of 1989), Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine heated up Illinois State’s newest venue with their high-energy, Latin-influenced music during Parents’ Weekend. The Grammy-nominated group packed their 90-minute show with dance-worthy hits—opening with “Conga” and closing with an encore of “Get on Your Feet,” which was then No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. Vidette writer Susie Ginther ’90 noted the concert’s entertaining theatrics, including a “colorful light show,” plus “an astounding alto saxophone solo played by Mike Scaglione.”
Bloomington-Normal has long attracted top-tier touring musicians. This is due, in part, to the community’s location at the intersection of three interstates, inevitably placing it in the middle of cross-country tours. “Our marketing campaign (to tour promoters) for a while was, ‘No matter where you’re going, we’re on your way,’” said longtime Braden manager Barb Dallinger. The community, including its college students, also has a reputation of supporting live music, according to former Pantagraph arts and entertainment editor Dan Craft. “It’s a strong music town,” Craft said.
Soft rocker Barry Manilow performed four times at Illinois State, including a sold-out, two-night stand at Union Auditorium in 1976. “Although I felt more like an observer than a participant, it occurred to me that I was witnessing probably the greatest thing ever to occur in the Union Auditorium since its groundbreaking,” wrote Vidette reviewer Ralph Baum ’77. “(Manilow) gave to (the audience) what they wanted; and they gave to him right back.” Manilow’s performance included a medley of his famous commercial jingles, including “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.” Throughout Barb Dallinger’s tenure managing Braden, she said Manilow was the venue’s most-requested artist by community members.
A live recording from English rocker Peter Gabriel’s concert at Braden Auditorium was incorporated into the 1983 double album and long-play cassette, Plays Live, which featured 16 songs primarily recorded at four Midwest venues. It was subsequently rereleased in remastered CD and digital formats. The Vidette concert review, which praised Gabriel’s “well-refined form of art-rock,” noted that Gabriel told the audience, “Those of you who are observant may have noticed a very large truck outside. It is in the process of recording you at this very moment.”
As the lights died and the backing band entered in twos, the audience became excited. A sweet but raspy voice came from somewhere, ending the wait. With enough sequins and hair to kill Liberace once again, Dolly Parton entered the stage and blew away the audience. -Bruce Whitenack, The Vidette
15
The Smashing Pumpkins
Redbird, 3/23/94; Braden, 10/4/07
Four years after playing at The Gallery, a college bar in Downtown Normal, Chicago-based alternative rockers The Smashing Pumpkins returned to Normal in 1994—with two platinum records under their collective belts—to open their spring tour at a sold-out Redbird Arena. Fans were treated to a high-energy concert featuring two encores. “Thanks to you 10 people who used to come see us at the Gallery,” lead singer Billy Corgan told the crowd between songs. The Smashing Pumpkins previously opened, along with Pearl Jam, for the Red Hot Chili Peppers at Braden Auditorium in 1991, and they returned to headline a Braden show in 2007.
The long list of concerts in Normal includes a handful of notoriously controversial performers, none more so than heavy metal rocker Marilyn Manson, who played Redbird Arena in 1997. “There was so much controversy,” said longtime Pantagraph arts and entertainment editor Dan Craft. “Church groups were protesting, and the anti-Marilyn Manson faction blew it up into a front-page news story.” Craft also recalls controversy surrounding rock band Jefferson Starship’s 1982 performance at Horton Field House. “A local minister had discovered what he believed to be a satanic message recorded backwards on a Jefferson Starship record,” Craft said. “Starship’s Paul Kantner went on WJBC radio’s afternoon show, Problems and Solutions, and had a live debate with the minister before that evening’s concert.” In both cases, the shows took place without any major incidents.
“I’m feeling pretty normal tonight,” Bruce Springsteen joked to a full-capacity crowd at Braden Auditorium Tuesday night (during his solo, acoustic Ghost of Tom Joad Tour). I’m in a normal place with a bunch of normal people,” said “The Boss.” “It feels good to be normal.” -Matt Miller, The Vidette
Blues legend B.B. King and his famous Gibson guitar, “Lucille,” played at Illinois State four times beginning in 1974 when King was 48 years old. He returned in 1992, 1995, and finally, in 2006 at age 81. Former Braden manager Barb Dallinger said King was among the friendliest artists to perform during her tenure. “He was just the sweetest man,” said Dallinger, right, with King. “I spent quite a bit of time with him on his bus, which was special.” While chatting, King expressed his interest in Braden’s graduate assistant and internship program. “The type of experiences our students were receiving were rare in the fine arts community,” Dallinger said. “He was quite impressed with not only the experiences they were getting, but also how well they were doing it.”
After singing 18 songs, the Beach Boys took a small intermission. Joyce Kay, an usher for the performance, found herself enjoying the show as she repeatedly got up to dance and sing along. “I think [the show] is fantastic,” said Kay. “It makes me feel young again. It makes me feel like I’m a student again at ISU.” – Becky Fletcher, The Vidette
5
Grateful Dead
Horton, 4/24/78
Widely revered by “Deadheads” as one of the best shows from one of the band’s best tours, the Grateful Dead’s Horton Field House concert was immortalized in a limited edition, three-CD live album produced by Grateful Dead archivist David Lemieux in 2013. The show—part of the ISU Entertainment Committee’s Springfest—was recorded by Grateful Dead audio engineer Betty Cantor-Jackson. “It’s long been one of my favorite shows from a really, really good tour,” Lemieux said in a video introducing the live album. “What we have is this incredible show, start to finish.” Lemieux said he ranks the renditions of “Scarlet Begonias>Fire on the Mountain” and “The Music Never Stopped” at Horton among the band’s best versions ever.
Held from 1972 to 1977, the Rites of Spring—Illinois State’s version of Woodstock—were free, all-day events anchored by emerging musicians performing on a stage on the south end of the Quad. In its final year, the Rites drew nearly 20,000 students from across the country to see a lineup that included REO Speedwagon and the Charlie Daniels Band. Excessive drinking and the use of recreational drugs by many of the event’s attendees along with the festival’s cost to the University led, in part, to the Rites’ demise.
The “Rocket Man” helped launch a golden era of rock concerts at Horton Field House in the 1970s. Wearing a flashy suit, platform shoes, and rimmed glasses, 25-year-old Elton John electrified Horton. Students had camped on the Quad for two days to secure tickets. In his review of the Elton John show, Vidette feature editor Mike Waters ’73 said the audience was treated to a “masterpiece” of a concert. “Without letting up, he hit high point after high point, continually bringing the audience screaming to their feet,” wrote Waters.
For 50 years, Braden Auditorium’s towering walls have reverberated some of the finest voices in music—none more magnificent than Aretha Franklin’s. “Franklin proceeded to prove that she still reigned as the Queen of Soul while presenting her wide vocal range to the audience,” wrote the Vidette’s Carrie Browning ’96. “She asked the audience for a little help with the old favorite ‘Think.’ Franklin was surprised with the enormous response from the audience and moved onto ‘Respect.’ The entire audience stood up, rocked with the music, clapped their hands, and yelled out “R-E-S-P-E-C-T.’” Franklin later played a “slow but sweet” rendition of “You Send Me” on Braden’s grand piano before closing with “Spirit in the Dark,” leaving the audience “impressed with Franklin’s style and pizzaz,” according to Browning.
What memories do you have of concerts at Illinois State? Did we miss your favorite show? Share your stories and photos
Special thanks to Julie Neville, M.S. ’12, Illinois State University senior archives specialist, and Bill Kemp ’88, M.S. ’00, McLean County Museum of History librarian.
Cover by Half Hazard Press
Logan Henderson from Big Time Rush is coming to Illinois State University on Thursday, November 9. Tickets to “An Evening with Logan Henderson” include a moderated question-and-answer session followed by two to three acoustic songs.
Ticket prices are $20 for general admission and $35 for the PIT including a meet and greet. Tickets go on sale exclusively for Illinois State students on Wednesday, October 18, from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. at the Braden Box Office, located in the Bone Student Center, 200 North University Street in Normal. Students must purchase their tickets at the box office with a valid student ID and can purchase a maximum of eight tickets per transaction.
Tickets go on sale to the public Thursday, October 19, at 10 a.m. at the Braden Box Office or at ticketmaster.com.
Henderson is known for his breakthrough role on Nickelodeon’s Big Time Rush. The band toured from 2009 to 2014 before taking a break. Henderson continued on a solo music venture, producing “Pull Me Deep,” which charted on the Billboard Top 40. Big Time Rush reconnected, began touring in 2021, and is currently on tour. When Henderson is not touring, he uses his platform to spread the message about the importance of mental health.
Illinois State students will have the opportunity to submit questions to ask Henderson in the Q&A via social media in the weeks leading up to the event.
Event Management, Dining, & Hospitality (EMDH) hosted a variety of artists at Braden Auditorium in the Bone Student Center over the 2022-23 academic year. Performances included co-headliners viral meme rapper Yung Gravy and hip-hop/rap artist bbno$; magician, comedian, and actor Michael Carbonaro; hypnotist Chris Jones; and comedy band Lewberger. The Yung Gravy and bbno$ show sold out in just over one month’s time.
Co-headliners Yung Gravy and bbno$ perform at Braden Auditorium at Illinois State University.
The spring concert featured show-opener Briscoe and headliner Noah Kahan. This concert made an EMDH record selling out in nine days. The folk-infused pop singer-songwriter performed at Braden Auditorium on March 20 at 7 p.m. Over 3,300 people attended.
Noah Kahan performs during a sold-out show at Braden Auditorium on March 20.
While this was the last concert EMDH will host this school year, Bone Student Center’s Hospitality Coordinator Kacy Rader has already begun planning for the 2023-24 school year with an exciting fall lineup in the works. EMDH regularly holds polls on its Instagram account to gain feedback from students on what artists they would like to see at the Bone Student Center next. Follow EMDH on Instagram at @eventsfoodisu to learn more about future shows.
From television and social media ads to direct mail pieces, candidates are campaigning for their respective offices. Debates, too, have been held—the most prominent of which has been for the Illinois governor position. With thanks to Director of Debate Shanna Carlson to lead the way, the School of Communication helped students make sense of the issues and candidates.
The Gubernatorial Debate took place in the Braden Auditorium at the Bone Student Center on Thursday, October 6, which was broadcast statewide. Carlson arranged with others to host a watch party and student panel discussion after the Gubernatorial Debate.
The candidates for Illinois Governor, the incumbent Governor J.B. Pritzker (Democrat), debated Republican nominee and State Senator Darren Bailey. The debate hosted at ISU was the first of two debates, each debate lasting one hour. The 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial Debate was sponsored by AARP and Illinois and Illinois State University.
Shanna Carlson, School of Communication’s director of debate.
Due to the limitation of tickets being sold for the debate, Carlson hosted a watch party during the debate via livestream and a student panel led discussion after the debate in the Prairie Room at the Bone Student Center. The watch party and student discussion were open to all ISU students, while the student panel was comprised of six student candidates by the School of Communication, the Department of Politics and Government, the Student Government Association, and the Center for Civic Engagement.
Carlson worked with Illinois State University’s Center for Civic Engagement, Department of Politics and Government, the Office of the President, Forensics Union, School of Communication, and Student Government Association to plan the watch party and discussion.
The student panel discussion served many benefits to students, including boosting student involvement in politics, campaigning students to register to vote, and informing students of mail-in ballots. Back in 2020, the School of Communication, organized by Carlson and Dr. Joseph Zompetti, held a debate watch party of the Presidential debate, which facilitated learning and political awareness.
“Just as the student discussion did in the 2020 presidential debate, this event helped create a more informed body of voters,” Carlson said.
Before the debate, Carlson discussed topics such as common argumentative fallacies; Dr. Carl Palmer, associate professor in the Department of Politics and Government, covered current and common issues in politics that affect students; and Harriett Steinbach, COM alum and assistant director of ISU’s Center for Civic Engagement, explained the importance of voting in midterm elections.
The general election for Governor of Illinois takes place on November 8, 2022. To register to vote, visit https://ova.elections.il.gov.
The Price is Right Live stage show, hosted by Jerry Springer, will come to Illinois State University’s Braden Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 8.
Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, September 30, at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at (800) 745-3000, or the Braden Auditorium Box Office, (309) 438-5444. For additional information, contact Daniel Hampel, The Roberts Group, (317) 733-0000, dhampel@robertsgrouplive.com.
The Price Is Right Live is the hit, interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to “come on down” and play classic games from television’s longest-running and most popular game show. Contestants can win cash, appliances, vacations and possibly even a new car by playing favorites like Plinko, Cliffhangers, The Big Wheel, and the fabulous Showcase.
Throughout his career, Jerry Springer has been the mayor of Cincinnati, a political pundit, lawyer, newscaster, country recording artist, and international emcee and TV personality. He is the host of The Jerry Springer Show, now in its 25th season. Springer has also been in movies and on Broadway, he’s a progressive talk-radio broadcaster, and has appeared on Dancing With The Stars.
Playing to near sold-out audiences for more than 10 years, The Price Is Right Live has given away over 12 million dollars in cash and prizes to lucky audience members all across North America. This on-stage, travelling version gives fans the chance to experience the same fun and winning excitement up close and in-person. The Price Is Right is produced by FremantleMedia North America and licensed by FremantleMedia.
Additional purchase is not required for contestant registration. Open to legal US residents, 18 years or older. Ticket purchase will not increase your chances of being selected to play. For complete rules & regulations, including eligibility requirements, visit or call the venue box office. To enter theater to watch show, a ticket purchase is required.
Illinois State welcomed country music star Hunter Hayes to Braden Auditorium on Saturday, November 7.
Hayes brought his 21 Tour to Braden for a concert hosted by University Program Board. Ryan Lafferty, making his second trip to Illinois State, also performed.
Country music artist Hunter Hayes is routing his 21 Tour by identifying 21 college markets with a high density of passionate Hunter Hayes fans, and Illinois State University has made the list. The five-time Grammy nominee will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, November 7, in Braden Auditorium.
Reserved seats are $34 to $45 and $22 for Illinois State students. Tickets will be available for purchase at the Braden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800-745-3000, and online at ticketmaster.com. If you need special accommodations to fully participate in this event, contact Braden Box Office at 309-438-5444. Please allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodations.
For the 21 Tour, which will be a limited run of 21 dates in 21 U.S. cities, Hayes is scaling back from his current arena show to create a more up-close-and-personal experience for his fans. Together with Spotify, Hayes will reward his biggest fans in each of the 21 cities with pre-sale access to tickets and offer the top 21 fans in each market prizes including early entry to the show, meet-and-greet opportunities, signed memorabilia, and more. The fan who streams Hayes’ music the most in each market–including Bloomington-Normal–will also be rewarded with a one-year subscription to Spotify Premium.
For additional information, contact University Program Board Public Relations Chairperson Justine Mills at (309) 438-8814.
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Illinois State University’s Braden Auditorium was packed Saturday, October 18, as Iggy Azalea performed a sold-out show.
Azalea is one of the hottest female rap stars in the world. Her latest album, The New Classic, includes the single “Black Widow” with Rita Ora that is rising on the rap charts. A week after her University Program Board-sponsored show at Illinois State, Azalea was set to appear on Saturday Night Live for the first time, with host Jim Carrey.
Opening for Azalea at her Illinois State show were Taylor Bennett and Logan. Check out more photos from the show above.
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How does Craig Robinson ’94 feel about returning to his alma mater to perform at Family Weekend?
“I’ll know in about an hour,” the comedian said to laughing students and faculty at a Q&A before his performance Saturday. “It’s nice to be back though. We’re scheduled to go right back out (on the road), but as soon as I got here I knew we should have scheduled a couple of days.”
The Q&A, held in the Green Room of Braden Auditorium, saw students questioning Robinson about his career, seeking advice on how to launch their own forays into comedy, and even inviting him to Theatre of Ted following the show. In addition former classmates and professors were able to reconnect with Robinson and share anecdotes from in and out of class.
Robinson enrolled at Illinois State to pursue his passion for music, but ended up discovering his knack for comedy. On campus Robinson took part in the Interdenominational Youth Choir and Theatre of Ted. He even had classes and performed alongside fellow College of Fine Arts alumnus Sean Hayes.
“Here’s pretty much where I started. I hosted a few shows, like the Homecoming show, and a little bit here and there,” Robinson said. “I actually got the comedy bug here.”
Robinson, who starred as Dunder Mifflin employee Darryl Philbin on NBC’s hit series The Office, and in movies such as Pineapple Express, Hot Tub Time Machine, and This is the End, received his bachelor’s in music from Illinois State. After graduating, Robinson dabbled in comedy before enrolling at St. Xavier University, where he earned his master’s degree in music education.
Robinson taught music for several years to K–8 students in Chicago, but continued to feel the pull toward comedy. Eventually, he knew he had to make his move.
“It was time. I had to do it. I felt suffocated. I needed to take a risk. I realized in Chicago it felt like I had grown to a point where I needed to get out and do something else.”
Despite his move into comedy, Robinson’s ties to music remain strong. He is touring the nation, performing solo acts and alongside his band, The Nasty Delicious. On stage Robinson delivers his signature brand of dead-pan humor from behind his keyboard—a perfect fusion of his passions, music and comedy.
Robinson was joined by The Nasty Delicious for his Family Weekend show at Bone Student Center’s Braden Auditorium. The alum also made time for a stop at two iconic ISU hangouts—Pub II and Alamo II—and for the Q&A with students and faculty.
Craig Robinson casually making his way around the Alamo and the Pub today. Nbd. pic.twitter.com/yeJGHe1whc
Robinson’s next major project, Mr. Robinson, will see him returning to TV as a keyboardist and musician turned teacher, whose unorthodox teaching methods earn the ire of his fellow faculty and the love of his students. It’s a role that brings Robinson full circle from his days as a teacher and close to his roots in music.
Steven Barcus can be reached at srbarcu@IllinoisState.edu.
Family Weekend is one of Illinois State’s best fall traditions.
This year’s Family Weekend promises to be one of the biggest ever, as Illinois State welcomes back one of its most famous alumni for a show at Braden Auditorium. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The Family Weekend schedule (September 12-14) is chock full of all-ages fun, from Redbird athletics to dueling pianos to roller skating. Check out the full schedule at FamilyWeekend.IllinoisState.edu.
Here are 7 can’t-miss things to do at this year’s Family Weekend:
Redbirds at the 2013 Family Weekend football game at Hancock Stadium.
Nothing says Family Weekend like a game at Hancock Stadium, especially if your family hasn’t seen the venue since it was renovated last year. The Redbirds take on Eastern Illinois at 12 p.m. Saturday, September 13. Tickets for the football game can be purchased online or by calling (309) 438-8000.
Many Illinois State colleges and academic departments will host their own open houses throughout Family Weekend, each with its own unique program. Your family can take tours, meet faculty, join in a cookout, or even take part in special hands-on activities with your department. Open houses are scheduled for the College of Education; College of Business; Mennonite College of Nursing; the schools of Biological Sciences, Communication, and Information Technology; the departments of Family and Consumer Sciences, Agriculture, Military Science, and Chemistry; and the arts technology program. No tickets are required to attend departmental open houses.
DOWNTIME WITH YOUR STUDENT
There’s lots to do on the official Family Weekend schedule, but don’t forget to enjoy some downtime with your student. Meet their friends, see their residence hall room or apartment, and kick back and relax.
Another Redbird family tailgates before last year’s football game.
There are lots of affordable options for meals during Family Weekend, including three ticketed events. Redbird Family Lunch ($5 tickets) is 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, just before the football game, in the Redbird Tent Zone by Horton Field House. Dinner and a Show ($29 tickets) is 5–7:30 p.m. Saturday in Bone Student Center, featuring a full dinner buffet and dueling pianos. And before you head home, join us for the Sunday Brunch ($15 tickets) from 8:45–10:45 a.m. in the Bone Student Center. You can find links to buy tickets at FamilyWeekend.IllinoisState.edu/Tickets.
Also, Campus Dining invites all meal plan holders to bring up to two family members to dine for free for one meal in either of the dining centers during Family Weekend. A reservation form will be emailed directly to all meal plan holders in early September. Students must submit the form by September 10.
If you haven’t been to Uptown Normal recently, you’ll be blown away by how much it’s changed. There are new boutique shops and restaurants popping up everywhere, in addition to longtime favorites such as the Normal Theater and the Children’s Discovery Museum. Check out UptownNormal.com for more.
Alum Craig Robinson will perform at Illinois State on Saturday, September 13.
FREE EVENTS
There are all sorts of free events on the schedule too. University Program Board (UPB) is hosting a roller skating party on Friday night and its “ThinkFast” game show on Saturday night, both in the Bone Student Center. Over at the Student Fitness Center, up to 40 teams can compete in Campus Recreation’s “Minute to Win It” Family Challenge on Saturday night. (Team registration is strongly encouraged by September 8.) And art lovers can walk over to the University Galleries to view contemporary works from its permanent collection.
Last but certainly not least, Illinois State alum Craig Robinson ’94 is returning to campus for a one-night performance of stand-up, music, and more along with his Nasty Delicious band. Robinson co-starred on NBC’s The Office and the feature films Hot Tub Time Machine and This is the End, among many others. Tickets are $32 for the Braden Auditorium show, and are on sale now at Ticketmaster.
Ryan Denham can be reached at rmdenha@IllinoisState.edu.
