FRIDAY, APRIL 5
Eboo Patel, University YMCA, 12 Noon
Eboo Patel is a U of I alumni, a member of President Obama’s inaugural Faith Advisory Council, and the founder of Interfaith Youth Core. He’ll be speaking at the Friday Forum. The title of Mr. Patel’s talk is “Standing Your Sacred Ground.”
Please check out our splog post for more details about Mr. Patel and his presentation. (TN)
Side Effects, Art Theater Co-op, Friday, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30 p.m. | Saturday, 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30 p.m. | Sunday, 2:00, 4:30, 7:00 p.m.
Side Effects is evidently Steven Soderbergh’s last film. It’s a thriller drama about “hazardous side effects” that a pharmaceutical drug has on those taking it. All-star cast: Stars Jude Law, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Channing Tatum, and Rooney Mara. (TN)
Or, The Station Theatre, 8:00 p.m., $15
Aphra Behn is getting out of the spy game and into showbiz. Sprung from debtors’ prison after a disastrous overseas mission, she’ll fulfill her dream of becoming the first professional female playwright — if she can finish her play by morning. All that’s standing in her way are her royal lover, King Charles II; magnetic actress Nell Gwynne; and double agent William Scot, who may or may not be trying to murder the king. Double-crossing, cross-dressing, sex, art, and politics all come together in playwright Liz Duffy Adams’s mischievous, bodice-ripping farce that peers into the life and times of the literal first lady of the stage. Directed by Kay Holley and starring Lindsey Gates-Markel. Call 384-4000 to make a reservation.
Check out our review of this play here. (MG)
Skeletal Lightning Fest, Channing-Murray & Red Herring, Friday & Saturday, $8–$23
This is a no brainer this weekend for music fans in C-U. Whether you’re looking to go to a couple sets or going to go all out, this should be worth stopping through Urbana. Dozens of bands in a really cool venue, you can’t really go wrong with this one. The price point is pretty reasonable for the amount of bands you’re getting, too, so all the more reason to spend it and help support a festival in its first go-around.
The fest takes place across two days, with Day 1 headlined by Native and Day 2 headlined by Into It. Over It. (who performed with our very own Braid on their Frame and Canvas tour). Don’t miss out.
Schedule for Friday — Schedule for Saturday. (PS)
SATURDAY, APRIL 6
Ryan Groff, Daniel and the Lion, Zach Vinson, Cream & Flutter, 7 p.m., free
Want to hear some new tracks from Elsinore’s upcoming record, stripped down? Well, here’s your chance. Elsinore’s Ryan Groff is performing at Cream & Flutter in Downtown Champaign on Saturday, alongside a pair of other performers, Daniel and the Lion and Zach Vinson. Not only are they all performing, but it’s a free show. Plus, Cream & Flutter is a cool place, and an interesting pick for a show. Besides, look at that poster. It’s great. Good stuff all around. (PS)
SUNDAY, APRIL 7
GCAP’s Annual Walk Against AIDS, University of Illinois Arboretum, 2:00 p.m.
Once again, GCAP is holding its annual fundraiser to promote education and awareness in the fight against HIV and AIDS. This year, GCAP has partnered with the University YWCA to educate our community on this health issue. I was shocked to learn that Illinois is one of “top five states with the fastest growing number of new AIDS diagnoses.”
You can participate in a 5K run or a 1-mile walk. All proceeds go to assist GCAP in its mission to better the community. (TN)
How to register:
- Go here
- Pay the $15 registration fee
- Join as part of a team or as an individual
The Normal Heart, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 3:00 p.m., $15
Today is your final chance to see this powerful piece of theatre in the Studio Theatre at KCPA. A groundbreaking play when it opened on Broadway, The Normal Heart wrestles with the time period in the early ’80s when the AIDS epidemic first unleashed itself on the U.S., but government agencies and health care leaders had not yet come to grips with challenge before them. Playwright and activist Larry Kramer transformed his frustration into an angry and effective play that will leave you breathless. Read Smile Politely’s review here. The performance lasts approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. Ticket information here. (MG)
Benefit Bluegrass Jam to benefit The Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, Techline, 5 p.m.
Everyone is welcome even if you don’t play you can enjoy listening, good company, and support a great cause. A donation jar will be available.
Where: Techline 307 South Locust, Champaign, IL
Bring: Side Dish and Favorite Beverage
Christine’s Special Italian Beef provided. (PS)