Don’t walk, run. Get your tickets for PYGMALION’s 2024 roster coming to Champaign-Urbana Sept. 19-21. From raunchy pop-culture icon CupcakKe and Rolling Stone-acclaimed guitarist Bob Mould to comedic powerhouse Joe Pera, PYGMALION’s 20th-anniversary lineup is an event you do not want to miss.
PYGMALION kicks down the door with an opening day, including Friko and Royel Otis, two bands that have seen success overseas despite making their official debuts relatively recently.
Sydney-born pop duo Royel Otis was hailed as 2024’s winner for Breakthrough Independent Artist of the Year during the annual Australian Independent Record Awards. Several gold-certified songs, such as “Oysters in My Pocket,” a cover of Sophie Ellis-Baxter’s “Murder on the Dance Floor,” make this band one to watch.
Similarly, Chicago’s DIY success story, Friko, is fresh from its release of “Where We’ve Been, Where We Go from Here.” The album earned the band a spot in Japan’s Fuji Rock Festival alongside The Killers, Remi Wolf, The Last Dinner Party and many more tastemakers from multiple genres. It also garnered a favorable score of 7.9 from Pitchfork – an industry giant among review publications – where it was also named one of the most anticipated albums of 2024.
After opening day, the music continues with X Ambassadors, CupcakKe, and the aforementioned Bob Mould, among other artists.
Every year, PYGMALION celebrates its roots by inviting a diverse scope of Champaign-Urbana excellence to its lineup. This year’s picks include hip-hop rapstress A$AVV, the genre-bending Mousepad the Band and indie-rocker Emily How.
Emily How, supporting Militarie Gun for PYGMALION, has made considerable waves outside the local scene. Her live performance of “Useless” ranked in the top 20 of 2024’s NPR Tiny Desk Contest. With over 7,000 submissions, Bobby Carter, NPR’s producer, called it the “best year when it comes to entries.”
This year brings ample opportunity for bragging rights, whether that means seeing someone with millions of fans or being among the first thousand.
PYGMALION proves its love for multimedia as it introduces more than just live music events. Adult Swim’s Joe Pera offers a comedic sharpness that has been honed from years of dedication and appearances on talk shows such as Conan and Comedy Central.
Although Seth Fein, PYGMALION’s creator, says the Maker’s Fair is taking a break this year, curious minds will find many ways to fulfill their interests.
The first day, Thursday, Sept. 19, opens with free admission to Krannert’s “Up Close with Mikel Rouse,” a discussion on the composer’s Memoir, The World Got Away. Speaking with Rouse is Krannert Center Director Mike Ross and University of Illinois Press’s Michael Roux. The three form a triad of creative inquiry and introspection while sharing the wisdom of a 40-year career in the arts.
PYGMALION also offers several other food-for-thought opportunities such as Astronomy on Tap and a seminar titled “Price of Performance: Corporate Control of Live Music.” Both of these explorations invite industry professionals to discuss their thoughts and findings with the public.
A love of literature is also at the heart of the multi-disciplined showcase. “Landmarks: A Reading” presents works from eight different creative writing MFA candidates from the University of Illinois. Each will give their unique perspective at the local landmark of The American Football House.
There is so much to see and only one weekend to experience it all. Whether you want to dip your toe into various free events or show your support by cheering at the many live shows, PYGMALION has you covered.
To learn more about the origins of PYGMALION and the creator behind it, check out our feature with Seth Fein here.
For a full list of presenters, artists, and cultural activists attending this year’s PYGMALION, browse PYGMALION’s lineup here.
Buy tickets here | PYGMALION’s 2024 schedule | Follow PYGMALION on social media | PYGMALION’s website
