Food and music inherently go together — you wouldn’t want to eat barbecued ribs while listening to classical piano music, but you do know that a slab of meat goes great with the blues. Here’s a sampling of the many bands that will be playing at this year’s Taste of Champaign-Urbana, coupled with the food you should definitely check out while listening to them.

Brat Pack

Break out some deep-fried mushrooms because the 80s are back! The Brat Pack’s mission is to remind us that everyone’s favorite decade will never die by covering a number of the classic hits — and making them sound just as good, if not better, than the originals. The band’s five members, Lynn D. Lauper, Tommy Tubular, Jesse Van Halen, Josh of Seagulls and Guido Menudo, have produced an 80s sound and feel for the past 12 years and are the perfect choice for an outdoor festival. They’ve covered great tunes ranging from “Blister in the Sun,” “Like a Virgin” and “Jack and Diane” to “Hey Mickey,” “867-5309” and “Love Shack” and definitely enjoy what they’re doing. On June 19 at 7:30 p.m., put on your oversized sweaters and head out to the Taste of CU for some great 80s tunes and fried food.

Angie Heaton & GT

On June 19 at 5:30 p.m., folk-country singer Angie Heaton and the Gentle Tamers will be playing at the Taste of CU, and it will be time for some country-fried ribs and corn on the cob. Angie Heaton writes her own music, with personal lyrics backed by the catchy melodies of band members Josh Quirk, Josh Walden and Bob Watson — talented musicians with passion for the sound they create. Make sure you wear some plaid to Angie Heaton’s concert at the Taste of CU, and get ready to barbecue afterward.

We Landed on the Moon

You’ll want to seek out the best hummus and pita chips before you catch We Landed on the Moon at the Taste of CU on June 20 at 2:30 p.m. We Landed on the Moon is an indie act based out of Louisiana, and they’d be perfect to listen to while sitting in the Red Herring drinking coffee and eating hummus; their music is a healthy combination of both fun and relaxation. Band members Melissa Eccles, John Lambremont, Jon Kolich, Josh Nee and Spencer Johnson have been making music together for years, releasing their first album in 2006. Since then, they have traveled the country and written many songs, including “The Night Was Open,” a song that perfectly encompasses the act’s energetically calming sound. We Landed on the Moon will be a great band to see at the Taste of CU — bring a picnic basket with you for some light, tasty treats.