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Carbondale Today
By the People, for the People
Carbondale Names Downtown Stage After Musician Robbie Stokes
The new stage at the city's New Era Events Plaza will honor the late local music icon.
Mar. 10, 2026 at 2:59pm
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The Carbondale City Council has voted to name the permanent stage at the city's new downtown events venue the Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage. The stage is part of the New Era Events Plaza between East Main and East Walnut streets. City leaders say the naming honors Robbie Stokes, a longtime musician and sound engineer who helped shape Carbondale's local music scene before his passing in 2023.
Why it matters
The decision to name the stage after Robbie Stokes recognizes his significant contributions to Carbondale's vibrant music culture over many years. As the city develops its new downtown events plaza, honoring local icons like Stokes helps preserve the community's identity and artistic heritage.
The details
The first phase of the New Era Events Plaza, which includes the new stage and a large lawn for concerts and events, is now complete. City officials say planning is underway for additional upgrades to the plaza in Phase Two.
- The Carbondale City Council voted on the stage naming in March 2026.
- The first phase of the New Era Events Plaza is now complete.
The players
Robbie Stokes
A longtime musician and sound engineer who helped shape Carbondale's local music scene before his passing in 2023.
Carbondale City Council
The governing body of Carbondale, Illinois that voted to name the new downtown stage after Robbie Stokes.
New Era Events Plaza
A new downtown events venue in Carbondale that includes the Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage.
What’s next
Planning is underway for additional upgrades to the New Era Events Plaza in Phase Two.
The takeaway
By naming the new downtown stage after Robbie Stokes, a beloved local music figure, Carbondale is honoring its artistic heritage and ensuring the community's identity remains strong as it develops new public spaces.
