Support Local During Coronavirus: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
In the greater Champaign County area, local businesses aren't just businesses. Our neighbors, family, and friends are all working to keep things as normal as possible amidst the COVID-19 precautions as outlined by the Governor of Illinois and the Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department. These challenging times serve as a reminder to residents in the greater Champaign County area just how wonderful our local businesses, restaurants, and community truly is. If there's ever a time to embrace #OutsideofOrdinary, it's now.
Krannert Center for the performing arts
The Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is a vibrant and welcoming venue for everything from live concerts to theater productions and much more. In accordance with COVID-19 restrictions, all productions are on hold. Luckily, the music and entertainment don't have to stop; at least not virtually.
For the duration of productions being postponed or canceled, the Krannert Center is going "to compile an ongoing list of artists and arts organizations who are offering online content, live streaming, and other resources to bring comfort, unity, and optimism to these complex days," according to their website.
The arts matter a lot to our local community, so the resource is one that will mean a great deal to many people all across the greater Champaign County area. "In times of uncertainty, we know that many people turn to the arts for solace, hope, and connection," the Krannert Center says.
In their online virtual performance list, you'll find a lot of great things to explore and enjoy. For starters, Spotify playlists of Krannert Center and ELLNORA participants are ready to play as the soundtrack to your work from home or mental wellness walks.
For fun music that the whole family can enjoy, keep up with contemporary kid's artist and folk legends Dan and Claudia Zanes as they perform a series of social isolation music from their home. As of today, there are already 15 entries in the Social Isolation series, so there's plenty to enjoy, and much more to come!
Live social distancing entries from Live from Here with Chris Thile are also regularly publishing. Keep up with all the fun and entertainment millions enjoy every week from the spiritual successor to A Prairie Home Companion and hear music ranging from different genres, performers, and tastes.
For a full list of the Krannert Center's Virtual Performances, visit the link here. Just like taking a walk or talking on the phone with friends, the arts play a vital role to maintaining mental and emotional wellness during Illinois' stay at home order. Thankfully, trying times don't get in the way of the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts being a beacon of light and positivity in our Outside of Ordinary community.
HOW TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS
As we see a reduction in business to our area, we continue to encourage the support of our local businesses and the hospitality industry. As of Sunday, March 15, it is state-mandated that bars & restaurants close through March 30. Please note that carry-out and curbside pick-up options are available. We are collecting information on these options and posting them here, but also encourage patrons to follow their favorite spots on social media for updates or call for more information.
We will continue to post updates on our Business Updates and Cancellations page as we receive them, but encourage everyone to take guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health and the CDC seriously.