Way Out West Entrance Generally speaking, Smile Politely tries to cover events in and around Champaign-Urbana. It’s part of our mission statement actually; we believe in the notion that our cities have their own culture. …
Posts by Seth Fein:
Pleading For a French Fry Stand in C-U
For as far back as I can remember, I’ve wanted to own and operate my own restaurant. Of course, I do in a fantasy land — within the confines of my own kitchen. But I …
Brian Cook’s Basketball Camp Opens This Week at IMPE
One of the more rewarding elements about coming to play basketball for the Illini is the local celebrity that follows a successful career at Assembly Hall. Of the most notable names to pass through in …
DJ Mingram Lights It Up At ‘The Final Countdown’ Mondays at The Highdive
Evidently, Monday nights are alive in downtown Champaign, and you can thank the perseverance of local buzz columnist and musician/booking agent/promoter/kickball fiend/torrent master Mike Ingram. What was once a shot in the dark — an …
Track Review: “Kim & Jessie” — M83
It’s so rare that I fall in love with new music anymore. My job demands an ear that is more or less discriminating to the point of alienation; most artists are just a blob of …
KaiserCartel at The Highdive Tonight
Monday nights are notoriously empty at bars downtown; it’s easily the toughest night for venue promoters to fill because of the inherent need for those who drink to come down from their weekend swill. If …
Elsinore West Coast Tour in Full Swing
Elsinore, Champaign’s latest band to make a go of it on the long and winding road that is the American West, is in the first week of their first extended tour thanks to local agency, …
Blues, Brews and BBQ: A New Urbana Tradition?
We can only hope that the city of Urbana continues to improve upon its recent trend of creating and sustaining events in the downtown area. Certainly, the Sweetcorn Festival has a niche, and despite the …
Bellcaster Returns and Then, Departs
Say it ain’t so, Bellcaster. After almost a full year hiatus, downtown rockers Bellcaster will hit the stage again tonight at the last indie venue standing, Mike N’ Molly’s. And then, they will hang it …
Chicago Cubs Seek Win Number 50
It’s still hard for people to believe it, but the Chicago Cubs are currently the favorite to win the World Series this year. They are currently leading their division by 4.5 games and lead the …