The first-ever We Are The Schools Music Fest on February 16, 2025, was an unforgettable celebration of music, education, and community spirit! Hosted at The City Center, the event brought together students, teachers, and local musicians for an afternoon and evening filled with incredible performances, inspiring stories, and meaningful connections.

Squirell MovementAn Unforgettable Lineup

From jazz and tango to hip-hop and rock, the Music Fest featured a diverse lineup of talent. Kicking off the day was New Orleans Jazz Machine featuring Carlyle Johnson, a retired band teacher from Central High School. Highlights included performances from Mariachi Tigres de Urbana, New Souls, Squirrel Movement, Decadents, Ther’Up.Y, and Modern Drugs, all showcasing local students, teachers, and musicians. Guest speakers and spotlight segments between sets highlighted the importance of music education and careers in the arts. Check out the full program here.

More Than Just Music

Beyond the stage, the Music Fest featured community tables hosted by Parkland College, the University of Illinois, and student organizations from Central, Centennial, and Urbana High School. Attendees engaged in kid-friendly activities, raffles, and insightful discussions on the impact of music education. The We Are The Schools initiative was at the heart of the event, reinforcing CUSF’s commitment to supporting educators, strengthening community ties, and empowering students.

A Huge Thank You to Our Partners

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from our community. A special thanks to the Centennial Interact Club, Central National Honor Society, Central Spanish Honor Society, CU Reparations Coalition, Parkland College, University of Illinois College of Education, IQUIST – Materials Research Lab, Institute of Genomic Biology, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, First Gig Rock, University of Illinois School of Music, and CU Symphony Orchestra for helping to make the Music Fest a success.

For the sponsors who supported this first-of-its-kind event we are so appreciative! Huge thanks to our presenting sponsor Webber & Thies PC Lawyers, and our Sound Check Sponsors: Chambanamoms.com, Perennial Sound Studio, Meyer Capel Law Firm, Upper Bout, CU Pepsi Bottling, and the Jeff& Alexa Jones Family. Additional support from Kim & Denise Martin, Dish Passionate Cuisine, and the Illini Media Group truly helped to make this day special. 

We also extend our gratitude to our CUSF Board Members: Daniel Thies, Misha Shah, Jeff Scott, DeShawn Williams, Elizabeth Angelo, Domonic Cobb, Charles Larenas, Matt Kelly, Pam Lau, Sonya Holley, James “Rod” Wyatt, AJ Zwettler, Mitzy Maldonado, and Yavonnda Smith, as well as Champaign Unit 4 & Urbana School District 116 Administrators Dr. Boozer & Dr. Ivory Tatum and their dedicated staff members.

Looking Ahead

The We Are The Schools Music Fest was just the beginning! As we look forward with the WE ARE THE SCHOOLS strategic plan, CUSF is excited to continue growing the Adopt-A-School, Teacher Grants and Teacher Wishlist initiatives, strengthening the bridge between education and the community. If you missed the event, stay tuned for more ways to get involved and support our local public schools, teachers, and students.

Thank you to everyone who attended, performed, sponsored, and supported this incredible event. Together, we are building a brighter future!

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