So I went to New Sound Sundays at the Canopy last night, and it was an exceptional one.

The night started off with local act Sunset Stallion, who are just getting started but are already showing their good songwriting and sheer musical talent. From Martin O’Donnell’s drum skills to Chad Warner and Hannah Newman’s impressive voices, the band has definite potential.

Next was an act that almost blew my face off, Astronautalis, from Florida. I’ll come back to that.

After Astronautalis was Jon Childers, another Chambanite who plays his own distinct brand of rock and roll. The crowd watched intently as Jon told stories about his Easter experience, and how he couldn’t play almost any of his songs for his grandparents because none of them were appropriate. As good as the stories were, so were the songs. Jon’s got soul, so hit up his myspace for some tunes.

Back to Astronautalis, this man (Andy) is a one man show, but don’t get too many vivid images of Dick Van Dyke just yet. He travels with his computer and plays excellent tracks, and then he raps/sings over them. Normally I’m not a fan of rap in general, but this guy was one of the most incredible acts I’ve ever seen. He was a mixture of genius, raw talent, and energy, and if you don’t check him out, you’re missing out.

Just another reminder of how fantastic Champaign-Urbana and its scene is, so don’t forget to go see great local shows in your own back yard. And if you ever need help as to where to find them, the217 has got you covered.

I’m sitting in the Amtrak station right now, and I just remembered that downtown Champaign has free public wireless. Everywhere.

You just can’t find that too many places. On the downside, I hate Amtrak with a firey passion. You win some, you lose some.

Hi everyone-

Elle here, your trusty new producer of the217.com. I’ll be blogging about various happenings on the site, letting you know what’s new and what you should look at, as well as fixed bugs or honored requests so that you can use the site to its full potential.

I’ll also be around C-U, talking to those people in the community that make this place so great. I’m starting a weekly video series called “the217 sessions” where I’ll be interviewing people or groups around town, so check that out as well. Hilarity and/or exclusive live performances may ensue.

We’ll be doing a lot of exciting stuff on the site in the coming months, so rest assured that I’ll let you know about it. We want to be your number one place for all things Champaign-Urbana, as well as a one stop shop for entertainment, discussion, and more.

If you ever have any comments, questions, concerns, or something just plain isn’t right on the site, shoot me an email. I read everything I get and I’ll take it into consideration, because we want this to be your site.

I’m very excited about making this the best website it can be, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the217.com!

For 13 years, the Daily Illini (DI) and WPGU-FM 107.1 have helped bring holiday smiles to children through Operation Santa. The DI seeks out organizations, businesses, and individuals to donate gifts matching the wishes of children from partnering charities, and WPGU-FM hosts an on-air monetary pledge drive. Last year the duo raised over $8,000 to fulfill holiday wishes for children serviced by Crisis Nursery and Parent Wonders.
The goal is to provide gifts to a total of 80 families from the Center for Women in Transition, Cunningham Children’s Home, First Call for Help, Crisis Nursery, and Parent Wonders. To achieve this goal the DI and WPGU need help from the community.

Be a part of Operation Santa 2007!

There are three options for getting involved:

1. Cash donations can be made towards the purchase of gifts. Call WPGU at (217)337-1071 to make your donation. Every donation made will also grant the giver one song request on-air.
2. If you want the warm fuzzies that come from purchasing a gift yorself, or if your organization wants to organize a gift drive, gifts can be purchased directly from a child’s wish list. Please email dipromo@illinimedia.com by November 29 if interested in participating through this route. After expressing intent to participate, a children’s wish list will be supplied.
3. Looking for a fun night out for a good cause? Check out the “12 Beers of Christmas” event at the Esquire, Dec. 13 @ 6:00. (Thanks to a commenter we’ve corrected this time!) For $20 you can sample 12 different seasonal microbrew beers. 50% of all proceeds benefit Operation Santa.

Lets make sure that everyone has a happy holiday! Donate now!