FRIDAY, AUGUST 17
Jazz and Dinner, the Red Herring, 6:00–8:00 p.m., $3 for dinner / $15 for dinner and the show
This Friday, The Jazz Clarinet Revivalists will perform for you while you dine at the Red Herring. The menu is salad, soup, an entrée, and a drink.
Seating is limited, so email Matt Sulikowski or call (847) 373-2929 to reserve your space. You can also buy a ticket at the Red Herring during the lunch hour, Mon.–Fri., 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., or in the Channing-Murray office. (TN)
Benefit performance for the Prompting Theater, Friday-Saturday, 8:00–11:00 p.m., $10
Members of Zoo Improv will perform a scripted work: The Bible: The Complete Word of God (Abridged).
The show stars James Wachtel, Eric Beckley, and Brian Hagy. The Bible is written from some of the same minds that brought The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) to life. I’ve seen that play and it’s hysterical. I’m looking forward to this one.
All proceeds from this show will go to benefit the Prompting Theatre. (TN)
Beasts of the Southern Wild, the Art Theatre, Friday: 5:00, 7:30 p.m. | Saturday: 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30 p.m. | Sunday: 3:30, 6:00, 8:30 p.m.
This film, a story about a young girl’s effort to survive an oncoming storm, won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. It was filmed with 16mm film, and will be shown in the Art from a 35mm print.
Roger Ebert called Beasts of the Southern Wild “one of the year’s best films.” (TN)
Jet W. Lee’s Western Nightmare album release show with The Palace Flophouse, The Rutabega at Mike ‘N Molly’s — 9:30, $5
Jet W. Lee is providing a full look at their new record Western Nightmare at Mike ‘N Molly’s on Friday night, and they brought a few friends along with them. Our staff writer Annie had some really good words to say about it, and you’ll have the opportunity to hear it cover-to-cover if you’re so inclined to stop by the beer garden. I’m sure they will have the album available for purchase, so if you like what you hear, you can take it home with you. (PS)
Get Deep with some seriously deep vibes at Cafe Luna 
— 10 p.m., $5
Another Chicago act in town this week with Justin More and some others joining him as they take over the patio at Cafe Luna. Harshpro and Kirkwood West are in for a busy week as well, as they are featured in a show on Saturday. Head over to Luna to catch some good vibes, and hopefully it won’t rain. From what I’ve heard, Luna has been a pretty great place to see a show, and hanging out beneath the trees and drinking $1 PBRs can’t be a bad way to spend your night if you’re not really feeling the rock show over at Mike ‘N Molly’s. (PS)
Lydia Loveless at the Historic Rose Bowl Tavern — 8 p.m., $12
I’m no fan of Ohio, but Lydia Loveless outshines her Coshocton roots. Citing Charles Bukowski and Britney Spears as influences, but most directly channeling Neko Case, Loveless is worth a trip to downtown Urbana. The Rose Bowl is certainly the best venue in our towns for a honky-tonk hero like Ms. Loveless. (JG)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 18
“Illinois and Abroad. In Monochrome,” Urbana Museum of Photography, 7:00 p.m.
View works by Michael Holtz while enjoying Rodney Peacock on flute, Nick Rudd on guitar, and Brian Reedy on percussion. And read an interview with one of the museum’s photographers here.
Refreshments will be served. (TN)
Drag King Show, Emerald City Lounge, 10:30 p.m.–2:00 a.m.
I think that there might be one table left for what’s becoming a monthly tradition at Emerald City. But even if the tables are sold out, nothing says you can’t still stand by the stage and have a great time. Come out and give some love to our local Kings. Amy Myers is your host. Text her for details (217) 552-9445. (TN)
Holy shit, the weather is going to be amazing for the second straight weekend — Free
After most of the spring and summer made the climate in Riyadh seem appealing, we’ve been blessed with two weekends in a row of beautiful temps and non-punishing sunshine. Yay! Get out and do all the things you’ve been avoiding since May. (JG)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 19
Twin City Derby Girls: August 19th Bout, Skateland, 6:00–8:00 p.m., $8 online / $10 at the door
The Damagin’ Dames will play the Boneyard Bombshells at Skateland in Savoy. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit R.A.C.E.S., TCDG’s charity partner for the 2012 Season. (TN)
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