FRIDAY, MAY 2
Dinner, Golden Harbor, 505 South Neil Street, Champaign, 4:30-9 p.m.
Liven up your Friday night dinner with a meal of delicious Chinese food from Golden Harbor. Grab a few friends, and sit at a big, round table. The lazy susan in the middle will ensure everyone shares all of the plates. I recommend the taro stuffed steamed buns (pictured here), and the crispy tofu with basil. (JH)
Other Desert Cities, The Station Theatre, 8 p.m.
In this finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Brooke Wyeth (played by Kate Riley) returns home to Palm Springs after a six-year absence to celebrate Christmas with her parents (Steven M. Keen and Caroline Kodes-Atkinson), her brother (Joel Higgins), and her aunt (Joi Hoffsommer). Brooke announces that she is about to publish a memoir dredging up a pivotal and tragic event in the family’s history — a wound they don’t want reopened. Directed by Kay Bohannon Holley. (MG)
Motes, The Autocorrect, In Heat, Mike ‘N Molly’s, 9 p.m., $7
A couple of solid local bands are joined by a non-local on this three act bill tonight at Mike ‘N Molly’s. It’s not quite time for beergarden shows yet, unfortunately, but that time will come. For now, you can take everything in upstairs at MNM’s, where the vibes are still good and the music resonates in a great way. Motes are an indie rock/slowcore outfit, and The Autocorrect are locals as well and join in on things with out of town act In Heat. (PS)
SATURDAY, MAY 3
First market of the season, Urbana’s Market at the Square, corner of Illinois & Vine, 7 a.m. to noon
It’s back! This week might not have felt like spring or summer, but the start of the market means that warmer weather is ahead. Check out this week’s Market Watch for a preview of things you’ll find. (JH)
Free Comic Book Day, G-Mart, 44 E Main St, Champaign, noon-5 p.m., free
G-Mart is hosting a special comics event this weekend. Join them for free comic books for all ages, free pizza and soda for everyone, doorbuster prizes, and exclusive freebies for showing up in costume. They’re also having a massive sale on everything in the store. (RP)
ILLRock Block Party, Between Canopy Club and Krannert Center, 1 p.m., $20 advance
If you’re looking for some change of pace on Saturday afternoon, and the weather is cooperating, head over and check out Canopy Club’s ILLRock Block Party, which is taking over the street adjacent to the Club and Krannert Center on Oregon. If you’re into having a party in the middle of the day, you’ll be excited to hear about Chiddy Bang headlining with a handful of other acts included as well. Check out the Facebook event for the whole lineup if you’re into this idea. (PS)
Artist’s Talk: William Blake + Sean Tierney, Figure One, 116 N. Walnut, Champaign, 3-6 p.m., free
William Blake and Sean Tierney will give a free public lecture about their work and discuss the main concepts of their project “Between the States.” At 4 p.m. there will be a screening of the documentary, END:CIV (subMedia), which explores our society’s addiction to violence and environmental. Tierney will lead a discussion directly after the screening. (RP)
BFA Photo Show, Firestone Building, 6-10 p.m., free
University of Illinois’ s BFA senior photo students will display their senior projects at 11 S Neil St. Champaign, next to El Toro Mexican Restaurant. The fourteen students will showcase their growth as photographers throughout their four years at U of I. The opening reception starts at 6, with food and drinks provided. (JK)
Wicked Walls album release, Cowboy Monkey, 9 p.m., $7
You may have read Smile Politely’s interview with J Caleb Means last month. Means has been playing for over 20 years, and he’s with the newest manifestatino of Wicked Walls, which has been collaborating for just under a year. Their self-titled album, produced by Urbana’s own Hidden Agenda Records, was released April 8th. The party is this weekend though and you don’t want to miss it! You’ll see Withershins and Suns, as well as plenty of people who know a thing or two about music. (KP)
An Evening of Poetry featuring The Glass Room Poets, 7:30 p.m.
The Glass Room Poets, a local poetry group, will hold its annual poetry reading at the Otto, Shenk home (405 W. Illinois in Urbana ). Featured poets will be Laura Koritz, Elizabeth Majerus, Robert Manaster, Matthew Murrey, and Rosina Neginsky. The public is invited to attend, and refreshments will be provided. (MG)
SUNDAY, MAY 4
UP Center Friends and Family Potluck, Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center at 202 S Broadway, 1-2:30 p.m.
The UP Center of Champaign County is hosting a potluck for people who like food and educating themselves on all things LGBTQIA. Please bring a dish for sharing and stay to learn about the UP Center’s potluck/education series! (KP)
TCDB Bout, Skateland (Savoy), 7 p.m., $8
Champaign roller derby team, Twin City Derby Girls, are playing Fleur-de-Linquents from Arch Rival Roller Girls. If you still haven’t checked out one of their bouts this season, now’s your chance. (JK)
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All event information is accurate to the best of our abilities, but sometimes we make mistakes and sometimes event information, times, prices, etc., change after we look them up. Whenever possible, we’ve provided a link to the original event page; you should always double-check the source before you make any firm plans. Thanks for your understanding.