FRIDAY, August 29th
After the Front Line: Artists Who Served in the World Wars, Krannert Art Museum
Curated by Kathryn Koca Polite and to complement La Grande Guerre: French Posters and Photographs from World War I, the exhibition After the Front Line presents works by artists who served in various capacities during World War I (1914–18) and World War II (1939–45). Viewers gain a sense of how military conflict can profoundly influence one’s artistic practice, as well as how it can alter artists’ worldviews and attitudes toward society. Some of the exhibited works offer scathing social commentaries while others expose the atrocious aftermath of war. Selected from the museum’s permanent collection, the exhibition includes paintings and works on paper by numerous European and American artists, including Max Beckmann, Otto Dix, Leon Golub, George Grosz, Jack Levine, Ellsworth Kelly, Henry Moore, and Jacques Villon. The exhibit will run through December, but isn’t it better to get in on something right away, rather than talking about how you’ll “get around to it,” then never actually get around to it? (MG)
Meditate on the rain, any time, all weekend
Our culture is very go-go-go. The Weekender does a fantastic job (sure, I’m a bit biased) of giving you options to fill up every moment of your weekend. It is great to have those options, but, many of us need to slow down. With a 40% chance of rain all weekend, and the great storms that have come through town this week, you have the perfect opportunity to turn off your phone, TV, and computer and observe nature. It is truly a beautiful sight. While you watch you can even try and center yourself and calm your mind. It will be good for you. (SL)
Elsinore, Grandkids, Hathaways, Cowboy Monkey, 9:30 p.m., $8
This weekend, a trio of really solid locals (well, Grandkids are no longer locals, but we still love them all the same) will be playing at Cowboy Monkey. All three are really good in the live setting, and if I’m not mistaken, Hathaways have been testing out a new-ish lineup in some recent shows. That might be something that is worth checking out this weekend. Sure, the price is $8, but wouldn’t you pay $2-3 a piece to see each of these bands on their own? Sometimes, that’s the logic that gets me over the edge when thinking about a cover charge. Plus, Cowboy Monkey is one of the best spots in Downtown Champaign on a (late) summer night. (PS)
Penny Horses, The Chemicals, Memphis on Main, $5, 10 p.m.
Tons of great local music happening on Friday night, and if you’re not into the afformentioned outfits, check out a couple of rock ‘n roll bands at Memphis on Main. Get yourself a tall beverage, and take it down watching Penny Horses (some alt-country/rock mixture) and The Chemicals (straight-up rock ‘n roll). You can’t really go wrong visiting one of these two shows on Friday night, so whichever way you’re leaning, you’re doing it right.
SATURDAY, August 30th
Burger and eggplant fries, Guido’s, 2 E Main Street, Champaign, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., $8.75-$10
Guido’s, you ask? Why yes. If you recall, we named the burger the best new menu change, and service is improving now that it’s under new management. The burger is great. The eggplant fries are amazing. If you’re not into eggplant, this might have you humming a new tune. The outdoor seating is perfect for people watching, or sit inside and watch the football game. Don’t forget about the new boozy milkshakes. (JH)
SUNDAY, August 31st
Treat yourself to some ice cream, El Oasis, 501 N Cunningham Ave, Urbana, 12-9 p.m.
Do I really need to convince you of this? Ok, perhaps you are lactose intolerant (I’m sorry). El Oasis has dairy-free sorbet in a variety of delicious flavors. Or get a paleta. If your’e feeling adventurous, try the chamoyada. My favorite? Mamey and avocado. (JH)
Mindful Meditation, Amara Yoga in Lincoln Square Mall, 5:30-6 p.m., $5
Labor Day weekend is all about relaxing, and there’s no better way to clear your mind than in meditation. Amara Yoga recently started offering an awesome weekly meditation class (free for members, $5 for non-members); I recommend you check it out this weekend. Preregistration is required. (RP)
MONDAY, September 1st
Boyhood, The Art Theater Co-op
Spend Labor Day at the movies! Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, Richard Linklater’s Boyhood is a groundbreaking story of growing up as seen through the eyes of a child named Mason (a breakthrough performance by Ellar Coltrane), who literally grows up on screen before our eyes. Starring Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette as Mason’s parents and newcomer Lorelei Linklater as his sister Samantha, Boyhood charts the rocky terrain of childhood like no other film has before. And I know I’ve said it before, but… seriously… if you haven’t seen Guardians of the Galaxy yet… summer is almost over. Make it a double-feature. (MG)
Labor Day Parade, 10 a.m., Downtown Urbana, free
Who doesn’t love a parade? The Champaign County AFL/CIO will be conducting their annual Labor Day parade from 10-11 a.m. The parade route is as follows: Beginning at Illinois Street and Broadway Avenue, south on Broadway Avenue to Washington Street, and east on Washington Street to the Brookens Administrative Center. There will be candy. (RP)
Read a novel that is set in Champaign-Urbana
With all of the rain this weekend, it may be a good time to stay indoors and read something you’ve been meaning to get to. I’ll be cracking open The Millionaire’s Cross written by Sal Nudo, a local author. A reviewer on Amazon mentioned that the book contains references to Champaign-Urbana and the surrounding area. I think it is cool that the C-U landscape is the setting for a novel. You for sure can find the book on Amazon (Prime), and may also be able to pick it up at the Jane Addams Bookshop in Downtown Champaign. (SL)
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