Welcome to Smile Politely’s rundown of weekend events in our fair cities. As always, if you have a suggestion for this weekend, add it to the comments thread below. And don’t forget to send us your recommendations for future weekends.
FRIDAY
We guess books naturally lend themselves to good causes. There are (at least) two opportunities to use the power of books for good this weekend. Books to Prisoners returns for its spring book sale at the Independent Media Center, which provides free books to Illinois prison inmates. And the Junior League is sponsoring Books by the Bushel at Barnes & Noble, which benefits local schools. Remember, any other book purchase this weekend will contribute to evil, not good.
Wild Wimmin, wieners, hooey and the Boneyard Quilt Diva: Hooey Batiks is flinging open the doors of Hooey H.Q., 905 S. Lynn St., Urbana, and welcoming the public in for a Hooey Batiks Spring Open House April 3-5. Along with clothing and home accessories featuring Jill Miller’s whimsical batik designs, the open house and sale will showcase one-of-a-kind, hand-made jewelry, fabric art and other items by members of the Urbana’s Wild Wimmin Craft Collective; Chicago’s Weenerware; and quilt artist Deborah Fell, whose work is featured on this year’s Boneyard Arts Festival poster.
Hold on, UIUC: Undeniably, this semester has been badass at the Courtyard Cafe. The badassery culminates tonight with The Hold Steady, supported by the oft-overlooked The War on Drugs. Most shows at the Courtyard are uber-cheapo, but these come in at regular price: $15 in advance and $17 at the gate. But that’s a small price to pay to see perhaps the best rock band in America play in such an intimate setting. Cheers to Kristin O’Brien at the Courtyard for booking a great year. Them are big shoes to fill …
Spice up your dinner: The Spicebox is UIUC’s gourmet restaurant, intended to give senior hospitality students a chance to present a final project to their professors and peers. This week’s menu is more than a touch interesting, too. Student manager Matt Farrell will present a meal in the spirit of Alton Brown called Alchemy: A culinary experience about the science of good eating. Expect a small review from us about this next week. And pictures, too. Reservations are required and can be obtained by calling 217-333-6520.
SATURDAY
Let’s admit it. Brazilians are cooler than we are. And, they will be proving it at Krannert from 9-10 p.m, with Afro-Brazilian music and dance, Samba, and Capoeira demonstrations. It’s all part of the 7th annual Cordao de Ouro Capoeira Conference this weekend. Stage Floor Room DRK.
Maybe next year we can work out a tie-in?: The Smile Healthy Dental Clinic is open to children who are members of the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 531-4279 to see if you’re eligible, or for more information.
How ’bout that Harriet Tubman?: Learn about the Underground Railroad in Illinois from Owen Muelder, director of the Underground Railroad Freedom Center at Knox College. It’s at the Douglass Branch (504 E. Grove St., Champaign) from 2 to 3 p.m., and it’s free.
Reese’s Pieces and Alien Fingers: There is never a disappointed customer at the Virginia Theater when the park district partners with the News-Gazoo to bring the community classic films on the big(gest) screen in town. This week, it’s E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, a little know cult film that people are just beginning to notice. Perhaps the director of the film will finally get the credit he deserves now that Champaign-Urbana has caught on. Showings at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Hear us ROAR: The Highdive plays host to an important night of music and awareness when the Rock Against Rape benefit hits the stage starting at 6:30 p.m. Many local artists will be taking part, including Terminus Victor, Casados, and the up and coming, On Again Off Again. Cover is cheap, but that doesn’t mean you should stick an extra bill into the hat. This is a benefit that’s worthy of that and then some.
One person’s trash … etc., etc.: Sleepy Creek Vineyards in Oakwood is hosting the opening reception for their 3rd Annual Sow’s Ear Challenge from 4 to 7 p.m. “This year’s theme is recycled cardboard. We have over 15 entries. Some are taller than me. Some are sculptural; and some are wearable,” says Sleepy Creek owner, Dawn Taylor. The show will run through May 31.
SUNDAY
Brunch it up: Did you know that Escobar’s have arguably the best benedicts in town? Well, they do! Head over on Sunday morning around 11 a.m. and you’ll see what we mean. Anyone who can incorporate pulled pork into a benedict is worthy of applause. Prices range from $8 – $12 for a good solid meal.
Here’s to plain speaking and clear understanding: The Big Read rolls on with a radio play production of The Maltese Falcon at the Champaign Public Library from 2 to 4 p.m. From the calendar listing: “The Charleston Alley Theatre will invite us into a radio studio of the past as they present their version of the ‘Maltese Falcon.’ Enjoy a visit to the golden years of radio drama, complete with costumes, sound effects and commercials!” Hard-bitten prose ahead.
Hangin’ Tough: It’s not something that we would like to admit openly, but we’d be liars if we said that we weren’t even a touch impressed by the massive comeback that these former teen heart throbs have staged. Oh sure, it’s a gimmick, and yes — the crowd will be 30+ and overweight, but nothing says America like a good old fashioned comeback. We can’t believe we’re writing this, but The New Kids on the Block are performing at Assembly Hall on Sunday night starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are severely over-priced at $59 a pop. Have fun, ladies!