A new music venue is set to open this fall in the Ford County city of Paxton.
The owners of Grandstand Concerts acquired and converted the former NAPA Auto Parts store, at 108 W. State St., that's been vacant since a 2018 fire.
The Cadillac Theatre [named for the Cadillac dealer that was once at the location] will house Grandstand’s offices, a full bar and a warehouse-style concert hall — the largest indoor facility of its kind in Ford County. Standing-room shows can hold up to 800 patrons.
Grandstand Concerts launched during the pandemic and is now a major concert promoter in central Illinois, slating music for the Ford and Champaign county fairs. They book talent for up to 50 events a year in Illinois, Indiana and Iowa, including Paxton's Swine 'N' Dine BBQ Festival, Streator Fest, Hoopeston's National Sweet Corn Festival and Gibson City's Harvest Fest. Owners Casey Blakeley and Scott Harden were previously running Grandstand's operations out of their homes.
Country artist Chris Cagle will play for The Cadillac’s grand opening on Sept. 29. The fall season features additional country artists, plus '80s rock, hard rock and a Taylor Swift tribute band.
Jerrod Niemann headlines the Oct. 7 Back the Badge Fest that benefits the Champaign County-based foundation 10-78 supporting law enforcement and first responders.
The Cadillac hopes to attract more music fans to east central Illinois with the new venue and supplement Grandstand's outdoor events by extending to the colder months. In addition to concerts, the Cadillac can be rented out for private events.
Fall shows at the Cadillac:
Sept 29: Chris Cagle (country)
Oct. 1: Saliva & Drowning Pool with Adelitas Was and Any Given Sin (hard rock)
Nov. 4: Drew Baldridge (country)
Nov. 11: Burning Red: A Live Band Tribute to Taylor Swift
Nov. 22: Thanksgiving Eve with Hairbangers Ball (‘80s rock)
Dec. 1: Winter Block Party with Pricilla Block (country)
The Cadillac Theatre is located at 108 W. State St. in Paxton. All single tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. Aug. 4. Select tickets have already been made available at www.thecadillacevents.com.
