The 8th annual C-U Folk and Roots Festival starts Thursday at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on the University of Illinois Urbana campus, and continues Friday and Saturday in downtown Urbana.  The Hobnob String Band and Hubby Jenkins are performing Thursday at Krannert.  Three members of the Hobnob String Band joined Illinois Public Media’s Brian Moline for the latest edition of “Live from Studio F.” 

The weekend performances at Krannert's Studio Theatre are part of a nearly three-year partnership with the Banks Bridgewater Lewis Fine Arts Academy, and partially made possible through a grant from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. The show includes a cast of 24, and 13-piece orchestra. The shows are sold out, but Krannert has set up a waiting list for any returned tickets.

The Los Angeles band headlines Friday night's "Outside at Research Park" concert, hosted by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.  Illinois Public Media's Brian Moline talked with four members of Las Cafeteras about their unique fusion of musical styles, and how the group came together in their East Los Angeles neighborhood.

Enjoy samples of recordings under long time conductor Maurice Abravanel in celebration of their upcoming performing at Krannert on April 27.

On The 21st: Thursday night, Illinois university presidents awaited news of a funding measure that would’ve provided them with the first state funds in almost a year - until it fell through. We spoke with an statehouse reporter in Springfield who filled us in on Friday's activities, including the eventual passage of a bill that would enable funding for state universities. Plus, we spoke with choreographer Endalyn Taylor about the musical, Kiss Me, Kate, and her dance career; the Midwest and Jewish origins of one of America's most popular cookbooks; and we honor Prince with a song.