Friday, January 17th
Enjoy a night of dark dancing at 25 O’Clock’s Bat Factory, 25 O’Clock Brewing, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., no cover
25 O’Clock Brewing Company is hosting a night of dancing (and drinking for those of age) for those who enjoy some of the “darker” musical sounds of goth, industrial, emo and the like. All legal adults are invited to participate. This event has no cover, so you’ll only need to pay for the price of your drinks. (BH)
Image: A woman with chin-length hair and large, circular-framed glasses stands with her hand, palm out, to her chin. She is standing in the middle of traffic against a cityscape.The image is black and white. Image from the Facebook event page.
Enjoy a Pygmalion-sponsored show, Rose Bowl Tavern, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., $10
Stef Chura will be sharing a bill with The Dry Look and Nectar at the historic Rose Bowl Tavern on Friday night. If my suggestion for a night of industrial music and dancing doesn’t pique your interests, I am sure this show might. Detroit’s Stef Chura will be a show not to miss for those who love Patti Smith or Hop Along. (BH)
Image: A close-up view looking down at a mug filled with a creamy, pale brown drink. Image from Wikimedia Commons.
It’s gonna get cold so have a warm drink, your kitchen or favorite bar, all day, prices vary
We have to admit we have been spoiled this winter with mild temperatures and only the occasional snowfall, but it looks like that is all going to change this weekend. With snow/sleet and plummeting temperatures in the forecast, it is perfect that national “Hot Buttered Rum Day” is this Friday. The recipe usually consists of rum, butter, hot water/cider, and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. If the heated drink and spices doesn’t get you warm, I’m sure the rum will! (SP)
Saturday, January 18th
Image: A bird’s eye view close up of apples in a brown paper bag. Six apples are visible; two are solid red, three are red and green striated, and one is green. Photo by Jessica Hammie.
Try something new, Urbana’s Market IN the Square, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., prices vary
Maybe you’ve never had kohlrabi. Or maybe it’s goat cheese. Perhaps you’ve been meaning to try a special baked good, but always talk yourself out of it. Now’s the moment! Seize your opportunity! Expand your horizons! (JH)
Learn how to use that Instapot you got over the holidays, Common Ground Food Co-op, 2-4 p.m., $10 owners/$15 non-owners
Do you have, or did you just get a pressure cooker or Instapot? Learn how to use that thing properly, without blowing the lid off and punching a hole through your ceiling. In this class you’ll learn how to make recipes that are low sodium, low sugar, oilless and cheap. (JH)
Stay warm and experience the beauty of Japan House from inside, Japan House, 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., free
Japan House at the University of Illinois will begin its “3rd Saturdays” tours for 2020, during which the public can gather inside to learn about the history of Japan House and may attend the first public tea ceremonies of 2020 at 2 and 3 p.m (registration required for tea ceremony). The tours are 20-30 minutes long and recur every third Saturday of the month through June. Tours are limited to 25 people, so reserving a spot is recommended. As always, guests will be asked to take off their shoes when entering the building and are encouraged to wear clean socks. (SP)
Image: Traditional Tarot deck spread out with five cards faces visible. The Wheel of Fortune card is in full view. Image from Tarot at Beads N Botanicals Facebook event page.
Learn the art of the Tarot, Beads N Botanicals, 3 to 4:30 p.m., $20
Explore the art of prognostication, or simply enjoy the fascinating artwork and archetypes of the Tarot with seasoned reader Catherin Novak. No prior experience with Tarot required. Find out more here. Or if meditation is more your style, stop by Beads N Botanicals at 10 a.m. to create your own malas. (DD)
Image: Poster with solid red background. Main text says “Songs Don’t Kill People: A Night of Music Benefitting Gun Violence Prevention” in white letters with “songs” in red with a black background. Image from Facebook event page.
Check out local musicians, support gun violence prevention, The City Center, 6 p.m., $25-200
County Board member and musician Mike Ingram is joining forces with local podcaster Elizabeth Hess for Songs Don’t Kill People. The event will feature a lineup of C-U musicians performing “new takes on gun-related songs spanning multiple genres.” Proceeds from the event will support the Illinois chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. Reserved a table of 8 for $200 or purchase a single ticket for $25. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. (JM)
Support your local theatre at a Roaring ’20’s-style gala, Cityview Banquet and Meeting Center, 6 to 11 p.m., $60
Start off your 2020 party season with Roaring ’20’s-style gala benefitting the Champaign-Urbana Theatre Company. Don your best flapper dress or clubmen suit and enjoy a night of dancing, gourmet goodies, silent auction, and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped support your local theatre scene. Get more information or order tickets here. (DD)
Sunday, January 19th
Image: A White Lie cocktail is served in a short glass with a black cocktail straw. The drink is a creamy light brown color, and frothy on the top. It sits on a reddish-brown table. Photo by Jessica Hammie.
Indulge in a little white lie, Bentley’s, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., $6.50
Have you had the White Lie at Bentley’s? It’s friggin’ delicious. Hazelnut coffee tequila and creme de cacao are blended with half and half or almond milk, making this a creamy and dessert-like cocktail. It’s the perfect after dinner drink, so maybe round up some friends to grab a bite in Downtown Champaign and then scooch on over to Bentley’s for a little nightcap. The White Lie is also available in a shot ($4.50) if you’re just looking for a little taste of something. (JH)
Celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Krannert Center, 5 p.m., free
The annual Service of Celebration is one of many events happening this month that honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The keynote speaker will be Pastor Al Toledo from Chicago Tabernacle church, and there will be music from the communty choir. Read more about Pastor Toledo here, and check out the entire calendar of local events here. (JM).
Image: In this black and white image, Daniel Watkins sings into a microphone while playing his guitar. You can see the harmonica he uses in his sets resting in its harness around his neck. Image from the Facebook event page.
Enjoy a super chill sunday matinee performance with one of Central Illinois’ premier singer-songwriters, Rose Bowl Tavern, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., no cover
Daniel Watkins will be playing a solo set this Sunday at the Rose Bowl Tavern. This show will be a great way for you to decompress to some beautiful music before you start the grind again on Monday. The show has no cover, but I am sure he would appreciate you throwing a dollar, or two, or five, his way. (BH)
Top image: A woman wearing a traditional kimono that is black with white details and a cream colored obi kneels while folding a red napkin. There are five people kneeling around the outside of a square, two standing, and they are looking on. Each person kneeling has a small treat in front of them.
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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.