As music venues seem to be picked off one by one in Champaign-Urbana, even more sad news comes out of Champaign this morning, as Fluid Events Center and Leadbelly’s Arcade Bar have announced their closure via the deactivation of their Facebook page.
While shows at FEC or Leadbelly’s were easing into popularity, this just means that now, there is one less place where live events can be hosted, just the latest in a string of closures that have left musicians and performers with limited options.
I’ll never forget seeing Chance the Rapper’s first stop on his first nation-wide tour there, and that was just one of the many large-scale events the complex hosted. I’m sure it will be missed by many. Pour some out this weekend in honor, folks.