FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
Two Beers with Dylan Heath, featuring Josh Boyd, Nick Martin, and Motes, Mike ‘N Molly’s, 6:00 p.m., free
Two Beers with Dylan Heath is back with another episode of drinking some beers and talking to some folks about what they do. Plus, there’s music, so there’s another thing to look forward to for this. Chef Joshua Boyd is the featured guest. Boyd cooked up some pretty damn good dishes at Carmon’s Bistro (R.I.P.), and will be discussing his new venture into the sausage biz. Local comedian and all-around goof Nick Martin, buzz editor and holder of all sorts of other bizarre talents, will be featured guest as well. Motes will be the musical guest, filling in with some fuzzed-out rock ‘n roll to bring it on home. Good stuff all around. (PS)
Interval, Krannert Center,12 noon, free
Hear Americana tunes with a twist when the four classically trained musicians of Harpeth Rising mix in some bluegrass and folk during this midday break in your day. Banjo, fiddle, cello, and hand drums supply the characteristic sound for this quartet of free-spirited musicians who’ve lit up audiences from Nashville to London. Stop by on your lunch break to refresh with a little food, a little free stuff, and a whole lot of fun thanks to Campus Recreation, the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon, BodyWork Associates, and Klose Knit. (MG)
Tandem: Bicycles and Artwork, Cafe Kopi, 7:00–9:00 p.m., free
Sorry for the continued self-promotion here, but if you’re looking to do some early Christmas shopping for the bike-lover on your list, or if you like supporting local artists and bike co-ops, or even if you just like looking at art, come on out to this bicycle-themed poster show at Cafe Kopi. The prints will be displayed for at least a month, but we’ll be there with a credit card reader and prints at the ready on Friday night. There are pieces from 25 different artists on display, and 60% of proceeds go to the artist, and 40% to help The Bike Project start a cooperative shop in North Champaign. Listen to Molly and I yammer on about it here. (JG)
How I Learned to Drive, Station Theatre, 8:00 p.m., $15
This Pulitzer Prize winner by Paula Vogel wraps up this weekend at the Station Theatre. A darkly comic look back at the sordid childhood of Lil Bit (Chris Taber) as she recalls her rough treatment at the hands of her family and her improper relationship with her doting Uncle Peck (Thom Miller). Suggested for Mature Audiences. (MG)
Smile Politely has written quite a bit about this wonderful play, and in case you missed out, you can read the director’s preview and our own review. (TN)
The DIVA & The DUDE, Black Rock Pizza Co., 6:00–9:00 p.m., free
Kathy Harden and Andy Baylor, also known as The DIVA & The DUDE, will be appearing at The Black Rock Pizza Co. in Urbana on Friday, October 19 from 6:00 to 9:00pm. Harden and Baylor play a mix of country, blues, and rock, from Patsy Cline to Janis Joplin. (MG)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20
C-U Flea featuring lots of random stuff you can buy, plus good music with Mazes, Fred Thomas, and Charles and the Gnarlies, Parasol Records, 12:00–6:00 p.m., free
Parasol Records is a place to visit, regardless of whether or not there’s anything going on over there. Even if it’s just to look at the vines that cover it. But when there’s a C-U Flea happening? Yeah, it’s an even better idea. I believe this is the third C-U Flea in the last few months, featuring clothing, art, houseward, books and records, amongst many other things you can pick up. Plus, they always have music at these things, and lucky for you, Chicago’s Mazes are playing, plus Fred Thomas (you might know him from Saturday Looks Good To Me), as well as locals Charles and the Gnarlies. Find something there to buy and enjoy some tunes while you’re at it. (PS)
24th Annual Dancing Illini DanceSport Invitational, Illini Union Rooms A, B, C, 8 a.m.–11 p.m., $5 non-student spectators
This annual dance event includes competition, workshops, and even demonstrations by professional Latin dancers Matt Rivers and Maliwan Diemer (pictured). The competition runs the gamut of dances, everything from waltz and tango to nightclub dance and the Hustle (more complex than you’d think), and people come from afar to compete.
Plus, when was the last time you got an entire day of entertainment for $5? You can barely buy a gallon of gas for that. (SK)
Try a new fall cocktail in downtown Champaign, $7–9
With more than fifteen new cocktails on the menus in downtown Champaign this week, there’s no shortage of reasons to hit the bars and try something you haven’t tasted before. Check out this week’s article on the new cocktails at bacaro, Big Grove Tavern, and Seven Saints to see what sounds good, then head downtown. The drinks range from Champagne- and sparkling wine-based to Halloween-themed cocktails.
A Scotch and amaretto drink, the Godfather Harris, at Big Grove Tavern is pictured. (SK)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21
Illinois women’s volleyball vs. Nebraska at Huff Hall, 2:00 p.m., free
The Illini haven’t quite had the magic this year that got them to the national semifinals last season, but they still have a winning record. This game’s on ESPN2, but there’s nothing wrong with seeing this kind of athleticism in person. (JG)