After much ado about nothing, Race Street Bash did not go down this past Sunday as Community Center for the Arts (C4A) intended. Weather reports indicated a much stronger storm system passing through the U-C area over the Memorial weekend, and while Urbana did receive rain, it was not nearly has torrential on Sunday as originally predicted.
Still though, the postponement of the festival might pose to become a bigger benefit if leaders can get the word out in time. The new date, set to June 9, does not have to compete as hard with festival-goers potential traveling plans. Plus, C4A has managed to confirm all of the same players in the line up, including the well-sought after Duke of Uke and His Novelty Orchestra and Michael Braswell and Satina’s “Extreme Variety Act.”
With all of the electronic equipment and musical instruments, having a dry place to go out of the rain is a must. If the weather turns foul this time around, C4A leaders have developed a strong rain plan that will bring the entire festival indoors. Using several large spaces in Corson’s Music and the C4A Studios on Race Street, nothing will stop C4A from throwing a fantastic performing arts festival for all ages to enjoy!
Here is a copy of their press release:
Race Street Bash at the Community Center for the Arts!
On Sunday, June 9, from 1:00 – 5:00 PM, Community Center for the Arts (C4A) will host “Race Street Bash,” a performing arts festival located in downtown Urbana, celebrating collaboration in the arts and community life. The Duke of Uke and His Novelty Orchestra will headline the event. The festival will take place in front of the C4A Studios at 103 N. Race Street, between Main Street and Goose Alley, in downtown Urbana. The festival is free and open to the public.
The festival was originally scheduled for May 26, and postponed due to predictions of foul weather. The new rain plan will take the entire festival indoors if need be, with music, workshops and more taking place at Corson’s Music and the C4A Studios on Race Street. The event will take place rain or shine onJune 9!
In addition to the Duke of Uke, Race Street Bash will include performances by C4A faculty musicians and student ensembles. The “good, old fashioned family friendly carnival” will include a live-music cakewalk, hands-on workshops, try-it tents (including an electric try-it tent), games, face-painting, juggling and more. Local craft artists will be showing and selling handmade items, and snack food will be available on site.
C4A’s Race Street Bash is a 2013 recipient of the Urbana Arts Grant and is sponsored by the Urbana Public Arts Program and Urbana Business Association.
Other sponsors for the festival include Amara Yoga & Arts, Barham Benefit Group, Baier Bros Auto Wash, Cinema Gallery, Corson’s Music, Illinois Arts Council, Indi Go Artist Co-op, Minuteman Press, Orpheum Children’s Science Museum, Piato, Rick’s Bakery, Roland Realty, Sylvia’s Irish Inn, Silvercreek Restaurant, The Courier Cafe, and Urbana Park District.
For more details please visit our website: www.c-4a.org or Facebook page.
Email: info@c-4a.org.
Phone: 217.384.5150.
The program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.