Pygmalion Music Festival takes over the weekend

Sweeping the Champaign-Urbana area this weekend was the Pygmalion Music Festival. The annual event, now in its eighth year, is one of the local musical highlights of the fall.

Spanning from September 27-29, myriad bands played in a multitude of venues ranging from the High Dive to Downtown Urbana.

Varying ticket package deals went quickly as the town gathered to watch their favorite bands perform.

Although most shows had a price tag, the opening day allowed students and fans alike to enjoy a free sample of the Pygmalion Music Festival with Friday night performances at the Krannert Art Museum.

One of the bands that graced the stage Friday evening was Night Beds. Led by the captivating vocals of guitarist Winston Yellen, Night Beds captured the crowd’s attention.

For the most part, they were a one-man orchestra, as the other members were comprised of pieces pulled from other bands or whoever could perform at Pygmalion.

This did not at all affect Yellen.

His energy was contagious despite the lack of stage space to fully perform. Eventually, he made his way to the crowd.

Yellen’s lyrical content is what kept the attention of the masses. His music consisted mostly of recapturing happiness once lost. His songs were of a mellow nature and set the crowd in a comfortable, enjoyable listening space.

Night Beds were followed by locally formed and apparent fan favorite, Santah.

Having been together quite a while, their on-stage chemistry was immediately evident.

The former Illini, led by the McConnell duo, Stan and Vivian, provided a riveting performance.

Steve Plock, drummer, did not disappoint after having performed with Night Beds just a half hour earlier.

He and the rest of the supporting cast, Otto Stuparitz and Tommy Trafton, were in synch.

Santah were in high energy in front of their home crowd and their lyrical content was more of an upbeat party nature.

For the fans, it was a great way to end the night.