With last year's concept, Blue Man Group has upgraded this year's tour with a new storyline and music.

"The show still focuses on the idea of the rock star and rock concert," the show's musical director Jeff Turlik said. "We changed it a little to keep it fresh for us and the fans when they return."

Blue Man Group continues their megastardom with two area performances of the "How to Be a Megastar Tour 2.1." The group will perform Saturday at the University of Illinois Assembly Hall in Champaign and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield.

Blue Man Group is known for its theatrical shows and concerts, which combine music, art, comedy and multimedia theatrics with state-of-the-art technology.

The touring show is based on being at a rock concert as the audience members stand up during the show.

"The fan response to the Megastar event has been outstanding across the country, and the demand for encore performances is far-reaching," said Executive Tour Producer Paul J. Emery III of Emery Entertainment. "We are thrilled to be able to add an additional U.S. leg of the tour following the group's international performances."

Instead of following a how-to-rock manual, the universal storyline of this year's tour is about an outsider who comes into town.

"I think we've all felt that way in one part of our lives," Turlik said. "I think the show has a little bit of something for everybody. It really crosses all sorts of generations."

Turlik described Blue Man Group as looking at things from an innocent, childlike perspective and then interpreting it in a fun way.

"They use humor to get the audience on their side," he said, "but it's really about the music. The band really rocks."

Turlik has been musical director for the show for nine years and has enjoyed providing music for the wordless, blue-faced creatures.

"It's been a fun experience for us," he said. "We hope to not only entertain but inspire people as well."

Blue Man Group knows all about inspiring. Its Web site jokingly states the group's influence on rock music, mentioning having an effect on such artists as blues guitarist Robert Johnson, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and Queen.

"Blue Man Group wouldn't exist if it wasn't for all the things and musicians that led up to today," Turlik said. "We believe we have an influence on the future of music."

WHAT: Blue Man Group presents "How to Be a Megastar Tour 2.1."

IN CHAMPAIGN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13.

WHERE: University of Illinois Assembly Hall.

TICKETS: $85, $49.50 at the Assembly Hall box office, 333-5000, or www.ticketmaster.com.

IN SPRINGFIELD: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21.

WHERE: Prairie Capital Convention Center.

TICKETS: $87, $51.50 at the box office, 544-9400, or www.ticketmaster.com.

ON THE WEB: www.blue man.com.

Alicia Spates can be reached at aspates@herald-review.com or 421-6986.