FRIDAY, AUGUST 5
The Music Man at Parkland College Theatre, Fri/Sat 7:30 p.m., Sun 2:30 p.m., $16
I don’t want to spoil the fun for those of you who haven’t yet seen a production of The Music Man, but if you haven’t yet — now would be the time. At $16, it’s a steal. And seeing as how we’re in the Midwest, it’s all the more fitting. The story takes place in the cornfields, mid-summer, and is peppered with references to the world with which we’re far too familiar: mid-summer heat in the cornfields.
Parkland College frequently does right by its productions, and their version of The Music Man, which is produced in conjunction with the CUTC, is no exception. With the heat wave still in full effect, the time is ripe for something as perfect as this. (SF)
The 39 Steps at the Station Theatre, Fri/Sat at 8 p.m., $15 Fri/Sat, $10 Sun
Believe it or not, it is a complete coincidence that The Station is doing Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps during this, it’s 39th season. You cannot let good serendipity like this go to waste, nor should you overlook how awesome it is to have such an active company that brings in stimulating and entertaining shows like The 39 Steps. See you there this weekend. This is the last weekend for this production, so make plans now to see it if you haven’t yet. Read Daniel Wolff’s review here. (CDC)
Chris Reyman/Dorothy Martirano at Buvons Wine Bar, free, 6 – 8 p.m.
You could do a whole lot worse than sipping some fine wine, eating some cheese and listening to some nice jazz. I mean in these days of economic uncertainity, it’s good for you (and America) to shine your inner beurgeoisie. (Jstein)
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan at the Art Theater, $6.50 before 6 p.m., $9 after
Sorry, this one isn’t opening until next weekend. Check out this weekend’s schedule at the Art here.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6
Electronics Recycling Drop-off at N-G Distribution Center, 8 a.m. to noon, Free
You know as well as I do that you are currently sitting on a pile of batteries, computer accessories, worthless robotics and the like. You want to simply throw them out, but you’ve read the reports: it will hurt the environment. It will devastate our children’s water. It will end the world.
Well, let me bring you up to speed: ain’t shit happening within that realm. This world has gone to seed — and more — and there is nothing we can do to stop that. We’re burning up, we’re at war, we’re broke — everything is fucked.
But that shouldn’t stop you from trying to do the right thing. If you recycle your electronics, you will likely go to heaven. (SF)
Arsenic and Old Lace at the Virginia Theatre, 1 & 7 p.m., $5
Twin City Derby Girls’ League Championship at CRCE, Doors open 5:00 p.m. $10/$12 
It’s the final home bout of the season for TCDG. Keep an eye out for Payne Addams of The Vice Quads as they make their debut vs. Illinois Valley Vixens at 6:00 p.m. The League Championship will follow when the Boneyard Bombshells faceoff vs. the Damagin’ Dames at 7:30 p.m. A portion of the proceeds wil benefit the Eastern Illinois Foodbank. An after party will be held at Clark Bar in Champaign after the derbyin’ is done. You could even adopt a derby girl for a season too. Check it out. (JS)
Illinois Basketball Alumni Game at Assembly Hall, 6 p.m., $15/$25
There’s a pretty solid lineup scheduled to play in this one, but the biggest draw is obviously future Turkish superstar Deron Williams. Maybe Meech can prove all the doubters wrong by dunking on him. (This will not happen.) Plus, Chris Gandy, remember him? I do, but mostly because he went to my high school. We we’re tight back then, but the years have pulled us apart. Hey Chris, remember all those good times we had hanging out in your basement, lamenting our lack of girlfriends and listening to My Bloody Valentine? Good times.
(Jstein)
Rise of Planet of the Apes or Cowboys and Aliens at Harvest Moon in Gibson City, Dusk, $6
Apes, cowboys and aliens, you say? Something this great hasn’t come along since, well, ever. Actually, maybe I had a dream with all of those things once but James Franco wasn’t there. Does anyone else find it odd that James Franco is in the Planet of the Apes film? Who knows if the movies will live up to the enticing trifecta’s anticipated promises and literal titles, but you’ll probably have a good time nonetheless. (JS)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7
Traveler’s Dream at Champaign Public Library, 2 p.m., Free
Click this here link and then come back. We need to talk.
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: Mandolin? Tin Whistle? A band called Traveller’s Dream? And what in the holy hell is a bouzouki anyway? Shouldn’t this concert be at the Urbana Public Library? Well, yes. Yes it should. But look, the world is changing. The enormous block of delicious Velveeta (TM) that is Kraft Foods is splitting into two equally delicious companies. Pork Bellies are no longer a publicly traded commodities. Champaign elected a musician to be its mayor, and yes, the Champaign Public Library booked Traveler’s Dream before the Urbananites could. These are all signs of the End of Days, people. The world is crumbling, the apocalypse is upon us, and sounds like folk music. (CDC)
Jim Markum Swing Band at Hessel Park, 6:30 p.m., Free
Time to get real. Your wife has been asking you to dance with her for about a year now, but after The Incident at your uncle’s wedding last summer, the thought of moving your body in a rhythmic manner sends chills up your spine. Chills. You had never really understood what that meant until now. You’re scared, I understand. But you have to do something, fella. You have to try and dance again. And what better place to do it but in Hessel Park? Just listen to song below, and if you’re still too traumatized to get out there and show your special lady a good time, seek therapy. Seriously. You’re not the only one whose been through this kind of thing.