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Beat Kitchen does their best imitation of Sly and the Family Stone at the Great Cover Up January 18.

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The Great Cover Up »

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• Highdive »
  51 Main St. Champaign, IL 61820
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The Great Cover Up »

• Event has already occurred
• Highdive »
  51 Main St. Champaign, IL 61820
  (Show on map)

The Great Cover Up »

• Event has already occurred
• Highdive »
  51 Main St. Champaign, IL 61820
  (Show on map)

Related Articles

• The Great Cover Up turns 18
• The Great Cover Up's organizer Ward Gollings demystifies the epic event

With a sense of anticipation hardly expected from a snowy Sunday evening, the Highdive was packed and ready for night one of the 18th Annual Great Cover Up Benefit. Despite picking up on bits of conversation and band members wandering the audience between sets, there was little indication as to what the evening truly had in store. From Southern anthems and Fred Durst to Pulp Fiction and a funk-tastic ending, night one was a more than fitting start to the oft-discussed event. Let buzz give you a rundown of what was not to be missed.

PopGun5: Complete with flowing locks, a Confederate flag and loads of swagger, Lynyrd Skynyrd took to stage playing only the greatest of hits. From the opening notes of "Gimme Three Steps" through the end of audience request favorite "Freebird," there was no shortage of band transformation. With the remark that they needed to "catch a plane" after the show, PopGun5's attention to detail was not lost on the quickly increasing audience.

Kilborn Alley: After overhearing several audience members comment on Bob Marley and the Wailers, I feel the need to immediately state that Peter Tosh, not Marley himself was the second act to grace the Highdive stage. As similar comments would indicate, the power and influence of Peter Tosh was a great one to be recognized by Kilborn Alley. Sporting a laid back attitude and fake drug paraphernalia, the genuine musicianship of Kilborn Alley was the most memorable part of their act. Without relying on much in the way of costume or theatrics, one could only be blown away by spot-on vocals.

Brother Embassy: It would seem a great portion of CU knew they were in for a treat from Brother Embassy as the Highdive immediately filled with the appearance of Fred Durst and the lost art of the backwards red hat. Arguably one of the most entertaining acts of the evening, Brother Embassy went all out, once again joined by the Brother Embassy Bang Bangs for choreographed renditions for "Nookie" and "Rollin'." I hold no embarrassment in stating that I sung along to every song...and neither did much of the audience.

Curb Service: In a completely original take on the idea of the Cover Up, Curb Service was not only actually Temple Of Low Men fronted by Larry Gates, but also played a rendition of songs from the movie Pulp Fiction, complete with sound clips and on-stage reenactments. Rather than sticking to one artist, one style, one set, the group initially confused the room decked out in suits, casual gear and an outfit straight out of...well, I couldn't even begin to tell you what that was. Entertaining, original and musically top-notch, Curb Service was a clear favorite of the evening.

Mike Ingram Band: While Mike Ingram's knowledge and involvement in the CU music scene would certainly explain a CU take on CU, it was still quite the surprise to see the cover of Temple Of Low Men. While I can't claim to be the most knowledgeable on the history of CU artists, the set was both musically impressive and filled with the subtle (and not-so subtle at all), yet light-hearted jabs that come more as a recognition of one's impact upon an area.

Beat Kitchen: Certainly, the best way to end the evening would be with an all-out dance party via Sly and the Family Stone. From "Thank You" to "Everyday People" and "I Want To Take You Higher," everything about the set was right on. It was a good, albeit long, evening and watching the band and crowd dancing right up to the final note it seemed safe to say the party is only just beginning.

Don't miss out as the Great Cover Up continues Tuesday, January 20 and Thursday, January 22 at the Highdive. Cover is $7 and all shows begin at 9 pm.