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• Granny's Porch at the Virginia Theatre

The Virginia Theatre on 203 W. Park Ave. in Champaign is putting on a special show this Friday featuring some of Champaign-Urbana’s most unique musicians. The concert, Granny’s Porch: Lincoln and his Music. Melodies that Moved the Man and the Nation, showcases a variety of 19th century music from brass band to bluegrass and barn dance folk. Hosted by Gary O’Brien and Marlys Scarbrough, the performances will compliment the narratives of the Civil War. The program will consist of Jordan Kaye of the Prairie Dogs, Oberon, the Possum King, Bow-Dacious String Band, Boneyard Creek Cloggers, the 10th Illinois Volunteer Calvalry Band, Deborah Hyland, Tom and Matt Turino and other local artists that will bring back to life the sounds and styles of Abe Lincoln’s America.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and $5 for children and can be purchased at the door or from the Virginia Theater box office. The show starts at 7:30pm.

10th Illinois Volunteer Calvalry Band

This historic brass band formed in 1861 may feel right at home at Friday night’s production. Serving in Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, the group was “used as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the army” back during the Civil War, giving the ensemble a colorful and dynamic history. Surviving over the centuries, the band continues to share its music as both tradition and artifact, and as entertainment for the community. If you miss them Friday night, make sure to make it out to the Alice Campell Alumni Center November 22 to see the group perform fiddler Lynn “Chirps” Smith and Paul Tyler.

Bow-Dacious String Band

Founded in August, 2003, this string group is not your traditional orchestra. Composed of members from six years of age to high school, the collective is staffed by Kelli McQueen, Jordan Kaye, members of Oberon, the Possum King, and other active members of the music community. With previous performances around the community at Curtis Orchards and the grand opening of Champaign Public Library’s new building, as well as a performance at Millennium Park in Chicago over the summer, the Bow-dacious String band is excited for their return to Granny’s Porch and has prepared special Civil War themed music for the night outside of their usual repertoire of Irish folk.

Jordan Kaye

A guitar teacher at Parkland College and head of Dixieland Jazz Ensemble, Jordan Kaye has explored many styles and genres of music. He is proficient at guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and bass and plays in the local bluegrass and Country-Western group, The Prairie Dogs. Dedicated to the roots of American folk, Jordan Kaye's music is as honest and organic as it comes and his music is eagerly awaited for its return to Granny's porch.

Boneyard Creek Cloggers

Preserving the unique art of Appalachian folk dance, this dance group prides itself in styles and techniques not found anywhere else in Illinois. They’re members range from age 6 to 60 and, being an affiliate of the Champaign Park District, the group has particiapated in many local events such as Taste of Champaign,