The LowDown Brass Band drops new single at Canopy Club on Friday


Lowdown Brass Band promo photo
Photo: Provided/by Alan Maniacek
The Lowdown Brass Band will perform live at the Canopy on Friday. Their big brass sound over a soulful, funky beat is sure to entertain all ages.

URBANA - On Friday, LowDown Brass Band will co-headlining the stage at the Canopy Club with another windy city act, Mungion. LowDown, a seven-piece Chicago-based brass ensemble, has a Tower of Power sound layered over distinct, familiar underlying rhythms of soul, blues, funk, and reggae.

The Canopy show will be the debut of their newest single Call Me, a song about the world we live in, "... where secret agendas, governments, and corporate greed seek to separate and divide." Call Me has that late 70s horn swagger gliding over the familiar Chicago house beat of the 80s.

Inside their 2008 self-titled debut, the band described themselves as"... the New Orleans hump with a Chi-town bump." There is no better way to describe their finger popp'n, booty-waggin' party sound in this release of Be The One Tonight.



A seasoned touring band, LowDown has opened for Galactic and Bon Jovi, did a stint on NPR's Tiny Desk, and is a steady act on the Jazz festival circuit. The group has built impressive gig credentials performing at The Montreal Jazz Festival and Lagunitas Beer Circus.

A staple in and around Chicago, they have filled the airwaves at the Chicago Jazz Fest, Chicago's Do-Division Fest, and Wicker Park Fest.

This summer, the seven muscians have a packed calendar with performances at the Victoria Jazz Fest, the Edmonton Jazz Fest in July, and Saskatoon Jazz Fest.

While the band plays mostly original songs, LowDown does a darn good job of putting their spin on classics like Foxy Lady by Jimmy Hendrix in this Wayne's World parody.



The show kicks off with Champaign's very own Afro D & Global Soundwaves is a socially-conscious hip hop/jazz/funk band that will open for the two acts. The doors open at 7am. Ticket prices are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets are available online here.

It's no secret, our readers chime in on where to go for a romantic Valentine's Day rendezvous

Urbana's Silvercreek Restaurant is one of many ideal spots for a romantic Valentine's Day meal. Photo: The Sentinel

URBANA - Last week, The Sentinel asked around, looking for advice on where are the best restaurants in the area for a romantic Valentine's Day date. Here are 16 responses to the question, "Where's the most romantic place to eat in Champaign-Urbana or Champaign County?"

The Wheelhouse in St. Joseph and Biaggi's in south Champaign garnered a couple of votes each. However, the most romantic spot for an intimate meal seems to be at home.


In the Champaign-Urbana area, Biaggi's or the Urbana Country Club. Umi Grill in Terre Haute has the best sushi in the area.
~ Brady S.

LaBamba's
~ Erin J.

Wheelhouse
~ Kelly C.

Texas Roadhouse
~ Kevin T.

Possum Trot, Sun Singer, and Hamilton Walker
~ Roger K.

I'll go with what he said
~ Brian B.
(pointing at Roger K. above)

Destihl in Bloomington
~ Kendra P.

Biaggi's
~ Nikki H.

Kathy's Kitchen! But if you want something more intimate, Silvercreek
~ Kathy M.

Wheelhouse. We go there at least once a week
~ Ashley B.

Home
~ Phil M.

I know I would be cooking a nice meal for my lady or go wherever she wants to go
~ Eric M.

Don't ask me. I'm divorced.
~ Julie A.

Our living room
~ Jason W.

Longhorn Steak House
~ Stephanie H.

Seven Saints or B'Dubs. I'm the least romantic person you'll ever meet
~ Megan W.

In case you are wondering, yes, we Googled our question. The top five locations in Champaign-Urbana on Trip Advisor at the time of this article were 1. Silvercreek, 2. Timpone's, 3. Nando Milano, 4. Hamilton Walker's, and 5. Biaggi's.

Where did you get lovey-dovey this Valentine's Day? Tell us in the comment section below.


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