The Canopy Club - Urbana, Illinois

Bri M.

First off, thank you to MANNEQUIN PUSSY for an absolutely wonderful show! I wish I could also thank the opener, but unfortunately, due to this venue’s lack of strategy and organization, I missed their entire set.

The doors for the event opened at 7pm, with the support act set to kick off the show at 8pm. I arrived around 8:10 to find that there was still a line WRAPPED AROUND 2 BLOCKS. The support band had already started playing, I could hear them on my walk over.

After waiting about 40 mins in line to get checked by security, I received a very mediocre pat down. Now I’m beginning to question the safety of the entire event…

I finally made it into the physical building around 8:55, to find out the opener had already finished. Bummer. I proceeded to get in yet ANOTHER line for the bathroom (not uncommon at set break) to wait another 15 minutes because there are only 4 stalls in the “ladies” bathroom at a 1000 cap music venue? I decided to then grab myself a drink from the lobby bar, that had absolutely no line or process to get to customers. This was about another 15-20 minute wait.

And then, it happened. I finally made it to the main floor of the venue to watch the show! ONE HOUR AND FIFTEEN MINUTES AFTER I HAD GOTTEN IN LINE. AFTER DOORS HAD ALREADY BEEN OPENED AND THE SHOW STARTING.

This is completely unacceptable for a professional music venue. I am appalled by the Canopy Club’s complete lack of organization and timeliness. Somebody in management needs to step up and lay out a better plan for entry, especially at a sold out show.

Not to mention the PA sucks and they were serving glass beer bottles at a punk show?!?

Side note: this is not the first time this has happened to me at this venue. I also attended the PUP concert back in September ‘22 and had the same issues with entry, security, the bar, etc. I was really hoping that in 3 years they would have stepped up their game. Disappointing.

•jacey A. J.

Look, this place is super cool at its core. An old painted theatre turned dance hub? Sick!! Went to an event I was very excited to attend and found there were only gender neutral restrooms. I have no problem with that being an option but as a woman I should have the right to choose a safe restroom without men. You have no idea the trauma a woman has experienced and to be subjected to an unsafe environment was unacceptable. You need to do better. I will not an attend again. What a shame.

Bonita B.

We decided to go to the Canopy Club on Tuesday Night. It was my first time, here.
What an incredible venue, located near the U of I Campus!
It Turned Out, that it was Hip-Hop Open Mic Night! (Every Tuesday, Night)
We enjoyed the performances of all of the Aspiring Hip-Hop Artists...especially,
EDOT CARTEL, who performed, his latest Original Music! (See posted photos)
A 'Summer Camp' event, was taking place, on the Club's, Main Stage, in the adjacent auditorium. A great, large space, with theater style seating available.
We watched the Aspiring DJ's perform back to back shows. The unique combinations of music and the incredible video and light shows, created a sensory overload! Very Entertaining!
Attendees danced until closing time, on the large open dance floor.
I loved the atmosphere, and observed that every performer, whether an Aspiring Hip-Hop Artist, or Aspiring DJ, could bring their own unique style to the stage, and feel welcome to express themselves, in a positive, inclusive environment!
This club is such an asset to have, within walking distance of the University's Campus!

Erik P.

When to a concert, We saw Dead Eyes. Great show.

Jennie K.

The staff was super nice and I was impressed with their focus on keeping the guests hydrated. The venue has a great slope allowing you to be able to find a good view anywhere if you're willing to move around a bit. Bathrooms were plenty and clean. I was however, a little put off by 2 things. 1. We were charged a fee for having guests under 21 in our group. It was only $3 a person, but I it wasn't mentioned anywhere when purchasing tickets, or when I emailed the venue specifically checking if those under 18 were allowed. A lot of the guests in the line seemed to be a bit put off as well. 2. I was quite upset to find out all that almost all the upper seating was reserved. I had also emailed to see what the venue set up was like and they could have easily mentioned this, but they didn't. Overall it's a nice venue and I would be back but I feel like they should work on their transparency.

Claire Q.

Sophomore at UIUC. First time I came here was freshman year for the Taylor swift TTPD release party, and that experience was 10/10. I didn’t have my physical ID on me but they graciously accepted photo copy. Line was short, DJ was friendly and even took our song requests. However, this second time going will be my LAST time supporting canopy club. I went to the Halloween banger hosted by AIO last night for halloweekend, and 1) we assumed they would accept ID photo copy again but they didn’t. Not only did they not state it on the email they sent us, but they were also extremely rude towards us when we got to the front of the line. They dismissed us with no respect towards us and barely looked us in the eye. You would think they’d give us an ounce of decency given we paid $35 for tickets alone. Then after we went home to get our IDs, they wouldn’t let us back into the front of the line. -10/10 customer service I was beyond appalled by the way they treated me and my friends. I know they recognized us because our costumes were super distinct. LAST STRAW: I set my jacket aside on the sound system ledge to take pictures at the “jungle neon sign” and one minute later, it got stolen. The thief emptied my pockets, which had my phone, drivers license, student ID, and apartment keys. And simply ran with only my jacket. I asked the bartender and sound regulators if they’ve seen it in the lost and found, and they were useless in assisting me. I understand halloweekend is especially hectic, but I will not be coming back to canopy. Shame on you for the way you handle simple interactions with your customers and quality of service. I will be telling all my friends NOT to support you.

javon F.

Cky and Crobot were amazing thanks to friendly staff and all-around amazing night amazing experiences. Thank you, Canopy Club. I hope to be back again.

Brandon S.

Amazing music for rock bottom prices. Inexpensive drinks and great bar service. Free water.