FRIDAY, February 3rd
February Dance: Designed Environments, Krannert Center Colwell Playhouse, 7:30 p.m., $23 (discounts available).
Exploring how the surrounding space affects and dance (and vice versa) through computer interaction, this event promises to involve the audience. It’s also part of the SonicIllinois series that is exploring diversity in new art music. And lastly, it is celebrating the career of Renee Wadleigh, who has been a major influence over the past two decades. Seems like a can’t-miss to me. (RK)
Urbana First Fridays, The Cinema Gallery, 5-7 p.m., Free
For the artistically inclined, Urbana First Fridays will be happening on Friday night, and will feature the music of Guido Sanchez Portuguez, as well as readings by local poets. As always, this is free and open to anyone. You can’t beat that. (BH)
Last chance to support Hopscotch: Cakes & Confections, allday, $10, $25, or more, if you’d like
If you haven’t already heard the news, Hopscotch: Cakes & Confections is getting its own space. In order to help offset the costs, the bakery launched an Indiegogo campaign. You can still back the project; different amount will get you different stuff ($25 gets you a box of pastry, for instance). It’s a nice way to help a local business that makes tasty AF goodies, and serve yourself by getting something in return. For mouthwatering photos, check out the bakery’s Instagram page, or just stop by Art Mart and get some treats. Photo by Jessica Hammie. (JH)
SATURDAY, February 4th
FabFeb HooHa, Hooey Batiks at 905 S. Lynn St., Urbana, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., no cover.
I’m not sold on the name, but a chance to buy locally crafted goods by people near my neighborhood is a great reason to venture out on a Saturday. Wry t-shirts, wooden carving, textiles, pottery and more will be on offer. Myself, I am rather fond of Crass Stitching, but I swear like a sailor. Support the arts, before they’re outlawed, and then resist and continue to support them anyway. (RK)
Get your ice milk fix, Jarling’s Custard Cup, noon to 10 p.m.,about $5
Jarling’s has been on vacation, and reopened on Wednesday. Surely you’ve missed it, and your month long, post-holiday avoidance of desserts is surely up; it’s February! If you go through the drive-thru you won’t even need to leave the heat of your car. Or, get your ice milk delivered by ordering online here. Photo by Jessica Hammie. (JH)
Illini basketball vs. Minnesota , State Farm Center, 3 p.m., price varies
Ok, so the season is pretty much over at this point. But it’s sports, which goes pretty well with the weekend. So I guess it’ll be ok, right? Right??? (BH)
Girls Rock! C-U Benefit Concert, Library House, 7 p.m., $5 – $7 donations
The excellent Girls Rock! C-U organization continues to gain momentum with regular benefit shows. This one at Library House features the mostly acoustic stylings of Cole & Kieryn, Whitney Bembenek, Quinn Fisher, and The Chickadee Sermon. Enjoy some great tunes with good people and support women in music at the same time. Photo from Facebook. (JM)
C-U Stands with Standing Rock, Bentley’s Pub, 7 p.m., $5
Bentley’s in Downtown Champaign is hosting a benefit for Standing Rock, information from the Facebook event (PS):
Join us in supporting the water protectors at Standing Rock in ND. Be a sponsor by contributing to our benefit concert at Bentley’s Pub on February 4th. We will be doing a raffle for a chance to win some prizes from our amazing sponsors (see below). All proceeds will be donated directly to the Oceti Sakowin Camp.
Your generosity will help to protect vital water sources and sacred lands.
Water is life. Mni Wiconi
#NODAPLCUSuggested $5 Donation at the door, or you can donate online directly to the Oceti Sakowin Camp here.
Performances by Brad Olson, Tim McGee, Bryce Brown & Garrick Nelson, Corey Anderson, The Bashful Youngens, Lonely Trailer, And special guest speaker Dean Dempsey
One-year Anniversary Hootenanny, Watson’s Shack and Rail, 10 p.m., admission is free
That’s right – everyone’s favorite chicken joint is having its first birthday, and you owe it to yourself to stop by. All sorts of local musicians will be playing for the party, though there aren’t specifics as to who, so you’ll just have to show up to find out. The friendly folks at Watson’s will also open up the floor to anyone with an acoustic instrument and a desire to jam. Just try not to get Nashville hot sauce on your banjo. Photo from Facebook. (JM)
Find and contact your governmental representative
There is a lot of political action taking place at this point in time in our country and will likely continue. It is important for you to know who represents you and how to contact them to tell them what is important to you. Use this tool to find out who your reps are using your zip codes. It’s simple, fast, and important. (SL)
SUNDAY, February 5th
Super Bowl Sunday domestic abuse awareness
Statistics show that there is a great deal of domestic abuse that happens to women (in general, and) on super bowl Sunday. Let’s take a moment and recognize some of the resources we have in C-U for women who are abused. Check out the Courage Connection website which offers information about domestic abuse, shelters for women, and a strong F.A.Q. including “is this abuse.” (SL)
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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.