Barn History
The Barn
Starting in the winter of 2023, The Barn was a DIY venue located in Urbana, IL. Catering to the UIUC student population and the local community, The Barn hosted concerts frequently until May 2024.
The Community
Touted as one of the biggest music scenes in Illinois (second only to Chicago), Urbana-Champaign has been a hub for live music and musicians for decades. Bands from across the midwest travel down to Urbana-Champaign to play at both established and DIY venues. Urbana is also regarded as the birthplace of Midwest Emo and is home to the famous American Football House.
The Bands
The Barn would not be anywhere if it wasn't for the dozens of bands that keep the Champaign-Urbana music scene alive. Bands such as Stancyzk, Loose, & Bum Rush were instrumental in The Barn's success.
The People
The Barn was started by Jesse McKenzie, Aidan Gardner, and Kevin Zhou, three students at The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Together, they planned and produced the first Barn show in February of 2023. Kevin Zhou graduated May 2023 with Jesse McKenzie and Aidan Gardner continuing on.
Jesse McKenzie
Co-Founder, Lighting Designer, Live Stream Coordinator, Finance Manager
Kevin Zhou
Co-Founder, Backline, Bar Manager
Aidan Gardner
Co-Founder, Audio Engineer, Talent Manager, Social Media Manager
Darien Durell
Media Designer and Manager
Austin Corley
Photographer, Videographer
Nate Steltzer
Photographer, Videographer
Jim Scully
Security
