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Headlights. (Justine Bursoni)

As the holiday season gets hectic, the Courtyard Cafe is ready to kick back and relax with the soothing sounds of Denison Witmer, Erin Fein, and supporting act Sunset Stallion. Take a break from the chaotic holiday shopping, frantic studying, and blistering cold to join the acts in the Illini Union December 4 for $5 at the door. But before you go, find out how Erin Fein and Denison Witmer deal with their own stressful lives through their music.

Erin Fein

Music has no boundaries. It doesn't recognize foreign policy, race or war. It does not know international borders.

Headlights proved that when they took over clubs across Europe in their second overseas tour.

As the band crossed country borders like Americans cross state lines, they experienced a different vibe in every country they entered and learned a little something from every culture.

Throughout France, Ireland, England and Germany, they played in clubs comparable to Urbana's Canopy Club to very accepting audiences, said Erin Fein, vocalist and keyboardist for the band.

"Europeans are really wonderful listeners who are into indie rock and good music," Fein said. "Europeans are much better listeners. A little quieter as well."

Being away from the states made Fein appreciate the comfort of hotels, the shape of her pillows, and the size of her comforter, none of which seem to make the cut in Europe. "The hotels were efficient and very European; like staying in a little pod room," Fein said. "It was almost as if it was a piece of luggage and you just have to fit into it."

The band spent a week and half before their tour recording eight new songs and hope to put out an EP in the spring and a new record in August. With the coming year, Fein says she wants to hold up for a bit and be creative.

"Every time we travel, it changes you and who you are and makes you think and it challenges you," Fein said. "At least generally speaking, whatever you experience somehow affects your music."

Miss Fein takes a break from the band and the touring to give Courtyard Cafe a rare solo performance. Although performing on her own is not something she does often, she's excited for the show. Still deciding whether she'll use a grand piano or a keyboard with a beat machine, Fein's soft and soothing vocals will stand out more than ever as she goes solo.

Denison Witmer

Honesty is a key value in the singer-songwriter genre. Often mindlessly thrown around in record reviews and artist biographies, the word has become less of a personal characteristic and more of a musical gimmick. Despite the negative introduction, however, if anyone could revitalize the lost ideal of unabashed truth-telling if would be Denison Witmer.

Witmer, celebrated solo artist and aficionado of the art of the cover song, is currently touring to promote his seventh album, Carry This Weight. Released in early November, the album carries the distinction of being Witmer's first professional studio recording, moving him away from both the comfort and monotony of recording at home. Though a new territory for the artist, Witmer embraced the opportunity, stating in his official biography that, "I've never liked the idea of making the same record twice ... I thought, 'What better way to change things up than to finally make a full studio album?'"

The end result, Carry This Weight, remains true to Witmer's appeal: a decided struggle between optimistic hope and the reality of life itself. Though primarily a solo artist, as in past recordings and occasional tours Witmer invited a cast of friends and fellow musicians to add orchestration to the intimacy of his sound. Having worked in both elements, Witmer's music benefits from its ability to easily transition between the "fuller-band" sound and the vulnerability of one man with his guitar.

Seven releases into the game, Witmer still remains true to his original intention that people "feel like [I'm] being honest with them and know that [I] made a valiant effort," and with praises that range from indie darling Sufjan Stevens to the notably harsh Pitchfork Media, it's clear that people have caught on.