Carbondale launches ‘Civic Sessions’ acoustic music series

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — The City of Carbondale is launching a new acoustic music series, “Civic Sessions,” designed to showcase local musicians ahead of City Council meetings. The brief, unplugged performances will take place in the City Hall lobby at 5:30 p.m., prior to each council meeting. The inaugural session is scheduled for Tuesday, December 9.

Council member Dawn Roberts, who introduced the idea, said the series aims to highlight the community’s strong musical heritage and deepen residents’ connection to their local government.

“I introduced Civic Sessions as a way to open City Council meetings with the sound of Carbondale, SIUC, and our region’s renowned and deeply rooted music culture,” Roberts said. “The series is a way to bring residents, students, and neighbors together with their City government to celebrate our talented musicians and foster a shared sense of connection and pride in our community—one song at a time.”

The first performance will feature SIU School of Music faculty member William Cernota (cello) and SIU sophomore Vincent Jones (contrabass).

Cernota serves on the music faculties at Loyola University Chicago, the SIU School of Music and OPUS Chamber Music, a youth outreach program. He has been a member of the Lyric Opera Orchestra since 1982 and previously substituted with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He is traveling between Carbondale and Chicago, where he is performing in the Lyric Opera’s production of The Nutcracker.

Jones, a University Excellence Scholar, is a sophomore studying music and zoology at SIU. He has played contrabass for nine years, gained early orchestral experience at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville and has performed at Disneyland. He currently serves as principal contrabass with the SIU Symphony Orchestra.

Both musicians are part of the Versa’tile Faculty-Student Chamber Music Ensemble, which provides free performances throughout the community.

City officials say they are excited to launch the series and highlight the region’s musical talent.

For media inquiries, contact Public Relations Officer Eva Fisher at 618-713-0711.

Carbondale describes itself as a community open to new ideas, cultural expression and outdoor and urban experiences, reflecting its “All Ways Open” identity.