Elsinore does not want to forget where it originated.

The local full-time band began performing two years ago in Charleston, and although the members recently moved to Champaign to expand their fan base they continue to remember their hometown.

“Our hometown is Charleston, and we are not gonna forget that,” said Ryan Groff, lead, guitar and vocals for the band. “We still love you and still love coming back.

Groff grew up in Charleston and graduated from Eastern in May of 2005 with a degree in music composition and performance. He and the other members first met in Charleston and played their first ten shows in town.

The band has a good reputation at Eastern and that is evident by the turnout at the performances, which are always good, said Pat Lamorte, University Board mainstage coordinator.

Showing that they remember Charleston, the four band members Ryan Groff, Dave Pride, Mark Woolwine and Chris Eitel will perform at 8 p.m. today in the University Grand Ballroom in the Martin Luther King University Union.

Also tonight will be two more performances by Sleeping Past Ten and Brad Curtis. Sleeping Past Ten is a Charleston band that can be described as alternative punk or indie rock. Brad Curtis is an Eastern student who has won at many of the University Board’s open mic nights in the past.

Over Elsinore’s two years together, the band members worked together creating an Americana/Folk/Rock feel to their music.

Pride plays percussion, Woolwine plays piano and Eitel plays bass in the band and all do vocals.

“We have a lot of folk music and rock in our sound,” Groff said. “Overall, we are a four piece Americana band.”

Adding to Elsinore’s sound is the Pride’s Latin drum set.

Sometimes it throws people off who are expecting a “hippie jam band,” Groff said. It adds a different touch and takes the music in a new direction, he said.

It is Elsinore’s unique sound and local roots that has made it a well-known band in Charleston. They have been performing at Jackson Avenue Coffee Shop, Eastern and other local venues ever since. The band will continue to come back to town to perform despite moving to Champaign where they have increased venues.

One of the better things about Champaign is that there are 20 to 30 venues whereas Charleston only has three, Groff said. It was a major draw to the town.

“On any given night 5 to 16 things are going on,” Groff said

Last April, Elsinore had one of its first Champaign performances at the Court Yard Cafe at the University of Illinois where about 200 people showed up to see them and other bands.

“It was a huge crowd and the first time we felt we connected with Champaign,” Groff said.

The band has been well received in Champaign and recently experienced sold out shows at its favorite place to perform, Cowboy Monkey.

“It’s such an encouragement (sold out show). Everything is working so far,” Groff said.

Elsinore was named “Best Live Band” at the 2006 Champaign Urbana Local Music Awards and band members appreciate the recognition it has received.

It was really nice to be recognized for the work and energy that gets put into the live shows and, Groff said. To be known as a good live band is great.

During live shows, Elsinore likes to play original music as well as cover songs “to spice it up.”

Elsinore plays cover songs from Radiohead, Ryan Adams, Elton John and Ben Folds. The band chooses what to play based on what the members think the crowd will enjoy.

“As lead singer I feel a responsibility to keep the crowd, whether large or not, into the show,” Groff said.

Groff enjoys getting on stage talking about what the songs mean and thanking the crowd for coming out.

Elsinore plans to take another step forward by performing in the Chicago and Springfield areas and maybe soon in Indiana and St. Louis as well.

“We are excited about getting in front of as many people as possible,” Groff said.

With the help of friend Mike Ingram from the Urbana Booking Company, Elsinore will be on the road.

“He’s already proven he is the guy for us,” Groff said.

Elsinore is ready for the next step in touring and are optimistic about what lies ahead.

So far it has been “trial and no error,” Groff said.

For further information about Elsinore, its website at www.myspace.com/elsinoremusic.