FRIDAY, November 17
Watch some pro tennis, Atkins Tennis Center, times TBA, $10/person
The world of professional tennis is not unlike other sports: there’s a preferred “path” to success, privileged white men run the show, and the athletes are generally very tall and dating very blond(e) people. Champaign is lucky to host a minor-league level event each year, and the semifinals and finals are this weekend. Plenty of up-and-coming “rising stars” participate in the Illini Pro Tennis tournament, also known as the JSM Challenger. In years past now-famous/successful players have participated and won. There are/were a boatload of young Americans playing all week, but there are also some international players. At this event, you get to see tennis up close and personal. Like, sometimes, too personal. Sweat. Stink. Stinky side eyes. The occasional smash of a racquet into the ground. It’s fun. More info is available here. Image from Facebook. (JH)
shiver magazine art show, Urbana-Champaign IMC, 6-9 p.m., free
A new project by local artists called shiver magazine is curating an free art show at the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center tonight. Check out the information from the Facebook event (linked above) for the details:
Shiver mag is a collaborative effort of artists and poets. We’re having our first art show at the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center on Friday, Nov 17. Come see and purchase great local art, talk to us about our upcoming launch, or just hang out! All proceeds go towards printing our fall/winter magazine which will be available soon! **There will also be drinks and snacks**
(PS)
Little Women, Homer Opera House, 7:30 p.m., $7-$10
It’s an adaptation of Little Women at the Homer Opera House. Friday showtime is 7:30, so there’s time to get out of work and grab dinner before heading over for an entertaining evening with young thespians at the cozy theatre. (DT)
David Greely – Cajun Fiddler, Community Center for the Arts (202 W Main St. Urbana) 7:30 p.m. suggested $10 donation
I’m always a sucker for a violin, but add into that some cajun roots (he’s from Lafayette, LA) and you’re going to have a great time! Check out some of his solo work on spotify and some group work with, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, of which he is a founding member. (DS)
EMILY BLUE + Matthaus + The Subsect FRI, Cowboy Monkey, 10 p.m $7
Are you sad that Tara Terra is breaking up and you’re not sure if you’ll be able to make it to their last show in Chicago? Well fear not! Emily Blue of Tara Terra will be coming through and performing a solo act and joined by The Subsect (locals) and Matthaus (alternative-folk). (DS)
SATURDAY, November 18
Junior League’s Festival of Trees, Hilton Garden Inn, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.,$3-5
It’s always before Thanksgiving, which breaks my “not doing Christmas-sy things before Thanksgiving rule”, but this is always a pretty cool event to take in. There are some specific events such as a Santa Brunch, Daddy-Daughter Dance, and Gala that are happening over the course of the weekend, but I enjoy just going to browse all of the creatively decorated trees and perhaps bid on some of them. Proceeds from the event support community grants and programs that benefit children and families in C-U. (JM)
Japanese Tea Ceremony, Japan House, 3-4 p.m., $8-10
Enjoy a few moments of peace before the onslaught of family and holiday crazy. Experience Chado, or Way of the Tea, through a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Japan House. You’ll lear the history while enjoying some delicious matcha tea. Reserverations are required and can be made here. White socks are required (they have some to borrow if you forget) and you will be asked to remove your shoes. They also ask that legs be covered, which shouldn’t be a problem this time of year! (JM)
SUNDAY, November 19th
3rd Annual Urbana Art Expo, Urbana Civic Center, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., free
Seventeen local artists will be showcasing their work in an art exhibition and sale at the Urbana Civic Center on November 19. Get out and support your community artists, and enjoy some music from the Community Center for the Arts. (DT)
Do some Thanksgiving shopping, Prairie Fruits Farm, 1 to 4 p.m., prices vary
I don’t fully understand the Christmas creep (into early November); it’s unsettling. I’m relieved to see that at least some people are still able to recognize and celebrateThanksgiving, which is still nearly a week away. PFF has the hook up on things you may need for your Thanksgiving table: wine, beer, cheese, gelato, cute goat-themed gifts for the host. And, of course, you can visit with those adorable and ridiculous goats (though you cannot purchase them for your Thanksgiving table). Photo by Jessica Hammie (JH)
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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.