The City of Champaign announced on Apr. 23 that its popular Sound Bites free weekly concert series has returned to the Downtown Plaza for another season, featuring both midday and evening performances.
The return of Sound Bites offers residents and visitors a chance to enjoy live music every Thursday from 12 p.m. to 1:15 p.m., as well as a new after-work series from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Organizers say the evening concerts will begin with music played through the Plaza speakers in April, transitioning to live performances starting May 7.
To encourage participation, the city is bringing back the Sound Bites Lunch Club Card, which provides discounts and exclusive offers at participating downtown businesses on Thursdays during the concert season running from April through May and September through October. The cards are available at the Plaza.
A new addition for this year is Sunday Sound Bites, designed as a family-friendly event each week on the Downtown Plaza. These Sunday gatherings will include games, trivia, interactive activities led by a live host, and live music from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., inviting attendees to bring takeout meals and spend time with friends and family.
From Monday through Wednesday throughout the season, enhanced placemaking efforts will see expanded outdoor dining options in the Plaza area. Organizer Keke Johnson said, “This season is all about creating more ways for people to experience Downtown,” adding that offerings such as lunchtime concerts, after-work music sessions, and expanded outdoor dining are meant “to offer something for everyone and make the Plaza a go-to destination all week long.”
More information about Sound Bites and other events can be found at visitdowntownchampaign.com or by following City of Champaign social media channels.
