I had a great time dancing for Latin Night here. I was ready to like leap once something super jumpy came on, I mostly strolled around in one spot. Then left to take a picture or two. read more

The Canopy Club - Me, enjoying my voyage - Music Venues Near Me - Urbana, Illinois

the food truck right outside is good when it's there. the drinks and bartenders are good. the biggest issue is the line at the door, only bc it's never separated between ticket holders and non ticket holders anymore. but it's a great space for events and artists read more

Said the doors would open at 5:30pm and the show would start at 6:30pm. It is 6:21pm, we've been in line for an hour with dozens of others and there is no indication that the doors are ever going to open. This is for the I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME concert read more

My daughter and her friend tried getting into the clubs one direction event this past Thursday, and the story was repulsive. To add context, you needed to be 18 or older to get into this event. Her friend that she went with was from India and came to the US to attend UIUC, therefore he does not have a US ID. However, he did have his school ID and a picture of his passport. He also showed his UIUC portal to show that he was of age to attend. Their manager (she's assuming), however, would not let him surpass. When her friend tried to explain that he was from India, the man replied in a rude manner "Well I'm from Massachusetts". He then proceeded to ignore her friends attempts to find ways to be let in and kept cutting him off, and commented that the only way he could get in was if he went down to the DMV and got himself a US ID. The man was completely rude, inconsiderate, and disgusting according to my daughter, and was mean to her friend right off the bat. It was a One Direction sing-a-long, and he was refused to be let in as if he was trying to pass for 21 at a real club. It was blatantly racist. I'm shocked that the canopy club is allowing its workers to act this way and have this mindset, especially when there are many international students at this school. His behavior was unprofessional and over the top. read more

workers wanted to go home after lying about the show so we would by tickets. then were racist about forcing people out before the closing time. Rude and Scam read more

Saw a concert here a few months back and it's a cool place to catch a show. It's not too huge so it's easy to get up close to see the music acts which is nice. It also offers balcony seating for those who want to get a bird's eye view and have an option to sit. There's really no bad seat in the place. Being on campus it definitely has that college bar type feel, but it's still welcoming for show-goers of all ages. I really like that they get quality entertainment for all to enjoy. Staff were great at getting people in quickly and efficiently. Staff at the bar were great as well, easily keeping up with the large number of people at the show. Overall, my experience here was great. I've easily seen over 100 live shows at a variety of different venues, and Canopy Club definitely holds it's own. It's a great venue that I'll keep coming back to. read more

The Canopy Club - Was going through my pictures and found this gem. Great memories from the Young the Giant show at the Canopy Club last year. - Music Venues Near Me - Urbana, Illinois

Absolutely terrible service and gross place overall. Bartenders are extremely slow and also prone to messing up your tab and overcharging.

My first time playing at this venue. Nothing spectacular other than a place for musicians to showcase their music. The venue has enough space to get a pretty decent sized crowd. The sound engineers seem fairly knowledgeable and our sound check went pretty smooth. Unfortunately this place is good for music and nothing else. The venue looks pretty beat up and raggedy, but it serves it's primary purpose very well. The bathroom smells like a combination of urine and old glue, so I recommend only using their facilities in an emergency. read more

Best place in CU to see a band, and pretty good for other stuff, too. Assuming Pygmalion rolls through again sometime, this is the premier venue (other than lame Krannert). If a band you dig is slated to play at the Canopy Club for less that $35, you should definitely go. The sound, staff, and variety of places to watch the band (including above in movie theatre style seats) make for a great indoor venue. The front room is also an intimate, charming if you will, experience, though the sound quality suffers. They also have Tuesday night trivia at Canopy at 7pm, which is lots of fun. It is 6 rounds of 5 questions per round, and goes pretty fast. It is hosted by the occaisionally humorous (but nearly always bearable) Fishing with Dynamite players. Prizes aren't great, but it is a much better format than similar trivia nights in CU. You can park across the street at Krannert garages, and they card hard, even if you are fully geezered like me. On off-nights (not Fri and Sat), there are always drink specials that make Canopy Club as cheap to drink at as any Green Street shit bar. However, the alternative nature of college music keeps the worst elements of undergrad anti-culture at bay. read more

The Canopy was formerly the Thunderbird Theater and is a converted movie theater. It is a live music venue for the most part. The front bar area is used as a "small hall" for intimate shows. The larger room has a sloped floor (old theater, remember) and has limited seating downstairs depending on the show. There are movie seats in the balcony, but the balcony may be closed. A reasonable variety of shows come through the Canopy and tickets are usually reasonably priced. Some pretty big names have passed there, both before and after they "hit it big". I've spent many a Tuesday night there drinking the tastiest $2 Long Island Iced Teas I've ever had. They used to have open mics on Tuesday nights and it was a good time, but have changed the format in the last year or so. As of this writing, you can get "delivery" from Manolo's Pizza right around the corner -- very yummy and creative take on the usually pizza and empanadas on campus. Jay Goldberg Entertainment also puts on this festival in Chillicothe, Illinois each year. www.summercampfestival.com read more

Decent space for a live show. There's standing room in front, a series of mismatched booths, tables, and chairs in the middle, and more standing in the back. There's a side bar and I think you can order food beforehand. Canopy is a great place to catch a show, and last week's Mason Jenning's concert was no exception. The acoustics were pretty sweet, and the crowd (despite the two really, really drunk frat guys who kept yelling in the front row--lame) was generally awesome. Canopy definitely makes the experience feel cozy and intimate and it's worth it if you're looking to see an up and coming band or one that wants to make the show personal. Caveat emptor: first come first serve on the seating, and doors open an hour before the show. Keep that in mind. read more

OMG possibly the worst experience of my life. Extremely small, crowded club with barely five feet of floor area in front. Floor is sticky and more than likely, you'll get a drink spilled on you. Cover fee is ridiculous and I hear it's even more jacked up on special occasions like Homecoming and Dad's/Mom's Weekends. Better check the band that's playing before or you'll get stuck listening to country crap like "Cornmeal." Ridiculous, deadbeat hippies rocking out to lyric-less songs. read more

If it wasn't for the awesome music, it would probably get a 1. Since they constantly have awesome music and bands from all over playing here you would think they could put some money into the place. Just because its near campus doesn't mean it should look nasty. The bathroom doors in the ladies room don't shut. That's a pretty easy repair there, people! And there was no soap in there, either. I understand that it can get busy behind a bar sometimes but the service was sloooooooooow and the bartenders were rude. Don't even think about ordering a mixed drink... they are tiny and overpriced. Definitely stick with beer. Of course, I will continue going here because as far as I can tell its pretty much the only place to see a variety of music down here but geez! read more

I came for Piano Man at the suggestion of a friend of mine. It was full of undergrads who don't have any homework yet, but we were able to find seats on the side of the room. It's a nice big space, and pretty much any seat is a good one. The Piano Man (sorry dude, I don't know your real name) played a good range of stuff, from the required "Piano Man" and Elton John to Miley Cyrus and Britney Spears. (Does anyone else find it disturbing that everyone knew the words to Miley? Hit Me Baby One More Time I get, but Party in the USA? Really?) The cheap booze was added incentive. $2 long islands are a recipe for destruction, although I could have used a little more alcohol in mine. I don't like to fight for space but hopefully it'll be a little less crowded when the semester starts up. Would visit again. read more

Canopy is a decent local music venue that can accommodate both large and small acts. It's a former movie theater, so the acoustics on the main stage aren't phenomenal, but there is plenty of floor space up front by the stage, and seating further back for a good capacity. A smaller stage in a front room is great for smaller acts and slow nights. The bar is fine, employees are quality and, nestled in the middle of the music campus of the UI, it's a fine location. They do a really great job of pulling in local acts and up and coming talent such as Mars Walters, or the Dramatics and Tropical Fish. read more

Came here to see Above & Beyond earlier this year, and coming from Chicago music venues, I'm a huge fan of the Canopy Club. Yeah it might be a little small, might get a little packed (and I didn't know they had coolers with water, that's even better). But overall, the crowd here is good since it's predominantly U of I students. I thought the acoustics sounded great (but it was a DJ, not too many vocals) and I also like how there are 3 different bar areas, drinks were easy and fast to get. If you feel like taking a break from dancing on the main floor you can always perch up on one of the seats up in the balcony. Expect it to get HOT during packed shows, but that's expected. Also don't plan on using their washrooms unless in dire emergency. read more

I went here for Monday Night Rage with ZMick. They only had the front portion open, and I'm assuming there were more stages from reading these reviews. The band was somewhat of a jam band, but they were awesome. It was $1.50 for domestic drafts and $2.50 for import drafts. The seating was limited, and the restroom only catered to three dudes. There was a decent crowd there, and it was a diverse crowd, for sure. Everyone was having a good time, and there weren't any conflicts. Parking was a nightmare, though with 2-hour parking meters and reserved spaces on the side of the road. read more

Horrible venue, service and staff. There were 2 bartenders working for a 220 person event the entire night, who served at a painfully slow rate. The bouncer was very rude and constantly yelled at people for unintentionally exiting out of the wrong door (which is set up to look like an exit). A $2000 security deposit was made prior to the event and was not returned with no due process or indications of any damage done to the venue. When asked for a reason why it was not returned no statement has been made. The venue Itself is a large empty setting with cement floors and brick walls making it hard for anything to be damaged to begin with. read more

Went to the canopy last night to watch a housemate get some stage time. Was neither pleased or dis-pleased. The tiny front room left much to be desired in the seating dept. Nice an' intimate all right. Plus someone started a beach ball being tossed around. That's always my cue to leave. Night will do nothing but devolve from that point. However, Monday is dollar drink night. After one too many amaretto sours; got an empanada. Perhaps spoiled by cheap delish taco truck culture of CA, but almost two bucks for that tiny thing? Plus the only flavor was SALT. Serious salt. Meh. Was ok. read more

I like the Canopy. I saw Andrew Bird there a few years ago and it was cool. Ticket prices are reasonable, the sloped floor allows everybody to see the stage fairly well, and the "small hall" in the front is nice for chatting with friends. A few friends & I went there for New Year's Eve and it was emptier than I expected, which was actually kind of nice. Drinks were cheap and it was nice to be able to chill in the small room once we all got a little too tipsy to be dancing. I'd like the see another live performance here. read more

One of my favorite places to see a live show. The venue is nice and intimate, IMHO. The price for all of the shows I have been too have been pretty reasonable as well. They seem to bring in good acts. Most of the time they are up and coming artists but sometimes they bring in some bigger name performers. I never feel crowded whenever I am there and facilities are decent for the most part. It's not the fanciest place but that is ok. In addition, parking is not too bad as there is a parking garage across the street. In addition there are some decent restaurants around the area that you can go to either before or after the show. I recommend going here if one of your favorite musical acts is performing there. read more

Pretty solid venue. Not too big of a venue, and it can get packed at times when they sell out. Be warned that it can get quite hot inside when there are lot of people, but what can you expect, that happens at any other venues I've been at. The sound does leave a little to be desired and I can see it being an issue with live acts that have vocals, but I've only been here for the dance acts and it's been a non-issue. One thing that I appreciate is that they have coolers of water and cups for free. A nice change of pace from venues in Chicago that charge five dollars for a bottle of water. read more

This review is for Urbanite at Canopy Club: Ventured out for Urbanite 2013 and so glad I did! For a non dancer it felt like the movie Step-Up in the flesh. The dance community seemed super encouraging towards one another and Canopy was filled with high/positive energy. The venue is like some of the smaller/older theaters in Chicago or the Egyptian Room in Indy where it's standing room in front of the stage and there are seats in a small balcony further away. This is one of those times where being short is tough and those 6" heels may be of assistance (especially when a tall guy decides to stand in front of you with his furry hooded winter coat). It was a great showcase filled with super sexy dance numbers from approximately 15 different groups that made me want to throw my hands up and shake my hips! read more

Love this place as a venue. Very nice the 1 time I've been there. However I got charged twice on a bill at their bar. Trying to get them to fix a billing issue from the bar and have had no answer via phone or email. Was charged $120 for a $50 bar tab. Needless to say I won't be coming back. read more

Being from out of town and having numerous recordings from this venue, I was very excited to attend my first show there. That is really where the excitement ends tho. The door staff and security were all really nice, I will say that! Same goes for the bartenders. However, the place is really kind of a dump, sorry! Acoustically I did not appreciate the sound. The bartenders either did not know how to put alcohol in the drinks or just were cheap-o's (they were friendly people tho). And all in the all the place is pretty small and cramped when there during a sold out show. The outside smoking area was nice so you can leave the venue to get some fresh air. All in all not horrible but not magical. read more

Really cool place to go if you're trying to get up close and personal to the band, I saw Umphrey's McGee here last night and it was one of the best shows I've seen yet. You can't tell how big it is until you get inside.For a venue in the small town of Urbana. The staff is super friendly, very accommodating and not condescending like the staff at other venues. Overall, really great place to see shows in C-U. read more

Had a horrible experience at this club. My wife and I drove from Chicago to see Above and Beyond a few days ago. We were standing on the balcony and Above and Beyond were getting ready to begin their show. A group of 3 Hindu girls and 1 Hindu guy came up and stood next to us, they looked like the typical college students living in Champaign. 1 of the girls was drunk, high and/or a combination of both and began throwing ice from her cup to the people below. Security came up, we pointed her out to the security guard. He gave her a warning. After he left she continued throwing her ice at the crowd, when the ice ran out she threw her cup !!! The bartenders and the female bar manager saw this happen. Security came back up and led all 3 Hindu girls and 1 guy out the front door. 3 minutes later the same security guard come up to my wife and I & tells us we have to leave too !!!! We tried to explain to him, the bartender and the bar manager that we were not part of that group. We were standing next to them !!! But we are not together !!! Did they care ??? Would they listen ??? NOOOOO !!!!! We were unjustly kicked out of the club. They denied us the right to plead our case, they would not listen to us !!! Tons of witnesses around did not matter to them !!!! We were the ones who pointed her out to security !!!! The staff over there are insane, the bartender and his manager both wear glasses, by the way. It might be time to update their prescription, or they are just plain douchebags. Which one is it ??? The moral of this story ?? If you see anyone starting any trouble in this club anywhere near you get the hell out of there before the crazy staff kick you out too !!! read more

Saw Gov't Mule play here a couple weeks ago and this is a great place to see a show. Great acoustics and not a bad seat in the house.Bottom line , if you like a band and they are playing here do yourself a favor and head to the Canopy Club read more

Have nothing but incredible things to say about the Canopy Club. I came up for my birthday weekend to see a few DJ's perform, expecting nothing more than to be the average customer. I got to be back stage during sound check, during the concert, went to the Green Room for free booze. All in all, they put me up in there like I was Donald Trump. This is mostly a thanks to Positive Vibr8ions who really took care of me, but every employee and anyone associated with the Canopy was so kind and cool to me. It was truly the best 72 hours of my life (went to Wed night and Fri night concert). To all that were complaining, and rated anything lower than a 4. You were either not on enough E, not able to take home a girl/boy, or both. #ShutupAndDance read more

This place is literally so poorly managed it's ridiculous. If you have any issues with ordered ticket purchases they won't even acknowledge you at the door! read more

The first two people I encountered did not inform me that I would be kicked out 12 mins later after my arrival and asked for $15 for the next show. The bar tending staff was not friendly and the managerial staff was unaccommodating. All in all SHIESTY! read more

Nothing makes me feel as warm and fuzzy inside as seeing a good show at the Canopy. Its not just for hippie bands...they get a lot of really good local and national acts that come through, and I have had plenty-a-good time here. I highly recommend checking it out if you are looking for something new to do. read more

Nothing spectacular about this venue but it's a good place to catch a show on campus. It feels like a college bar but anyone can enjoy live music here. Drinks are ok, sound is ok, size is decent. No real complaints as a music venue. They do book some pretty solid acts. read more

Great venue for music. The bartenders perform as if they've been beaten in the head with a club before work. I recommend bringing your own booze since it was approximately a 20 minute wait per drink on a Saturday night with no live music playing. read more

Best place to see music thus far for the Pygmalion festival that is put on yearly. Drinks are a joke though, not even remotely close to a full pour for the price. Have a few before catching the show. read more

Canopy Club often has live music on nights when there's none being offered by anybody else in CU, like tonight, for example. I think this is the smallest live music venue in CU -- one long bar and three little tables -- but if you want to meet the musicians, there's no place better. Open Mic nights are a mixed bag; I've seen horribly awful comedians here, but I've also seen more good hip-hop here than anywhere else in CU. read more

Totally reminds me of the Fillmore in SF. Dim lighting, good floor area to rock out with the band... Has also a sitting area / theater styled seats on the second floor... and a bar out back. It even has outdoor seating! I was surprised by the bands that come through.. there are actually pretty cool acts here! Totally would come back again. read more

The Canopy, like many others have stated, is a decent place to see a live band in Urbana. It looks kind of old and grungy, but it's an okay place. Piano Man, a favorite event there, is one good reason to go. They also have other events throughout the year. read more

I've only been to this venue a few times, but every show I've seen here has been AWESOME! The staff is nice and laid-back, the crowds are always great, the sound and lights are up to par, and the acts I've seen at The Canopy Club tend to rage harder there, than anywhere else I've seen them throw down. Kudos to this dope music joint :) read more

I mean, where else will you see good bands in town? High Dive is pretty good (see St. Vincent). Krannert is kind of stuffy (although Ra Ra Riot was pretty awesome there.) I've seen Neko Case, the Antlers and others here. I can't speak to any of the concerns about the bathrooms or the drinks being tiny because I'm too interested in the bands. For the size of the city, the caliber of the bands coming in is pretty high as far as the indie world goes. The Avett Brothers were there and so was Blitzen Trapper. Of Montreal is coming up and so is Surfer Blood. Anyway, I'll really miss this place when I'm gone. read more