FRIDAY, May 5th
Owner Appreciation Days, Common Ground Food Co-op, now through May 7th, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, prices vary
From May 4th to the 7th, Co-op owners can save on a variety of items in the store, in addition to the monthly owner deals. There will be raffles and prizes, including a chance to win a bike. Owners also get an extra 10% off on one shopping trip. Oh, there will be plenty of in-store samples, and even some live music (Thursday, 4:30-6:40 p.m.) Image from Facebook. (JH)
Expressions 5, Independent Media Center, 6:30 p.m., $10 suggested donation
I can’t describe Expressions better than its page can: “A recurring event showcasing multi-media art created by local underground talent with a shared theme of experimental and psychedelic expression.” Hosted by Austin Duncan (Snayl), this event went on a long hiatus after the close of Institute 4 Creativity. It’s back, and it’s an excellent way to get spaced out while enjoying eight different acts express themselves through art, music, and more. Embrace the space. (JTM)
Start thinking about Mother’s Day reservations, your couch, all weekend, pricesvary
If you’re plotting on making Mother’s Day reservations somewhere, you best get to it. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14th, which, luckily for all of us in C-U, also happens to be U of I graduation weekend. Brunch is popular; try Miga, Radio Maria, Big Grove, V. Picasso, Watson’s, or Silvercreek. In terms of dinner, add to the brunch list Nando Milano, Timpone’s, Bread Co., and bacaro. For something more casual, consider Black Dog or Golden Harbor, or order some Maize and eat in your favorite C-U location. If you’re mom has a sweet tooth, think about ordering a doughnut from Pandamonium. The special order doughnuts are superb. Photo by Jessica Hammie. (JH)
Cinderella, Virginia Theatre, Champaign, 7 p.m., $12-24
This is the first of 3 performances of the well known fairy tale. The Champaign-Urbana Ballet Company is mostly comprised of high school and middle school students, but if you’ve ever seen a production, you know that they dance with a lot of poise and maturity. If you’re looking to avoid crowds of young children, Friday night might be your best bet. Looking to take your young ones? Saturday offers performances at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Photo from CU Ballet Facebook page. (JEM)
Jarrel “One Night” Release Party, The Canopy Club, $10, 9 pm, 18+
If you wanted to see some of the best local hip-hop that Champaign has to offer, come out to Canopy Club tonight as local rapsmith Jarrel Young reveals his new video, “One Night”, joined by Chase Baby, TxnyWarren and a plethora of other local emcees. Tonight is a perfect chance to see the local hip-hop scene that the Canopy has been cultivating in action, and I suggest you check it out. (BH)
SATURDAY, May 6th
Urbana’s Market at the Square, Illinois & Vine (Lincoln Square Mall parking lot), Urbana, 7 a.m. to noon, free, plus cost of all the things you “need”
Urbana’s Market at the Square opens for this season this weekend. This long-running market continues to see improvements and additional vendors (plus old favorites) each year. You can read more about the market in our monthly column Market Watch. The TL;DR version is this: bring some cash, grab the family (sans furry friends), and head to the market for fresh produce (greens, rhubarb, sweet potatoes, etc.), flowers, Prairie Fruits Farm gelato and cheese, food trucks, popcorn, locally made crafts, honey, and entertainment. Photo by Jessica Hammie (JH)
Final Open Scene Showcase & Auction, IMC, Urbana, 2-5 p.m., free entry
Open Scene has been a year-long project of an NEA Grant awarded to Urbana in an effort to create an artspace for Urbana youth and re-shape the nature of its downtown. To keep the good works rolling, the last event will showcase art by art rockstar Langston Allston, photos from Black Lives Matter protests, works from the Resist art show, and works donated from Cinema Gallery. It should be great art for an amazing cause, so consider attending to support future youth programs (RK)
Jimmy Eat World, The Canopy Club, 9 p.m., $35
Remember the earworm “The Middle?” Even if you weren’t old enough at the time to remember it proper, you’re certainly still aware of it. That song is only one of the infectious up-tempo alterna-pop anthems crafted by Jimmy Eat World, who ruled the radio during the late 90s and early 2000s. Ah, it was a simpler time. Come relive some of that fun or find a new favorite in this band. Either is assured. (JTM)
Live Music Outside at Sipyard , Sipyard, 8 pm, free.
If you’re a fan of acoustic music – and you probably are – this Saturday, you’ll be able to get some into your ears while you sit outside at the beautiful Sipyard in Downtown Urbana. Maybe the rain will even clear out in time, yeah? Plus it’s free, so what’s not to love? (BH)
SUNDAY, May 7th
Solon House Tour, 503 S. State Street, Champaign, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., $10
Ever wondered what the inside of this stately house on the corner of State and Healey looks like inside? Here’s your chance to find out. I drive by this house every day and have always found it intriguing. It’s currently owned by PACA- Preservation & Conservation Association of Champaign County, and they’ve been working to rehab it and prepare it for sale. Note: children under 12 are NOT invited, I imagine because the interior is not completely safe for kids to be wandering about. (JEM)
Patio party at Watson’s, Watson’s Shack & Rail, 12-2 p.m.
The folks at Watson’s are opening up their doors and bringing Smashburgers and music to their customers outdoors. If the weather turns out to be bad, don’t worry, they’ll move the party inside. Not sure what Smashburger is? Check out this video on Facebook. Here’s some music from Sam Payne. (SL)
Humane Society fundraiser with Triptych beer, Crystal Lake Park, 4-7 p.m.
This is a fundraiser and celebration of all things dog which includes a dog walk, dog activities, contests, prizes, food trucks, and beer by Triptych. You can even register to bring and walk your own dog. This is an important event because first, it is going to be fun for a dog lover and second because it helps support the great work that the Humane Society does. See more on the Facebook Page. (SL)
The Christians, Station Theatre, Urbana, 7 p.m., $10
This play is about a crisis of faith and has moments of feeling like you’re sitting in church, so how about go on a Sunday? Also, if you’ve gone once already, the choir members do switch out, so you’re likely to get a different soloist and possibly some new perspective from this short but evocative play. (RK)
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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.