Smile Politely

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Illini basketball preview: #10 Wisconsin

Illinois vs. #10 Wisconsin 8 pm TV: Big Ten Network If you’re interested in seeing good basketball this evening, look away from whatever is happening at State Farm Center. That is rude, but undeniably true. …

Rapper Frank Leone battles hatemongers with timely new track

Monticello rapper and hip-hop artist Frank Leone has debuted a new collaborative track with Chicago artist Femdot. Entitled “HOMETOWN HEROES,” The song is a criticism of our country’s current political situation and the feelings of fear, doubt, and …

Watson’s hosting monthly Bluegrass & Brunch

For those of you like a little music to accompany your brunching, Watson’s new Bluegrass & Brunch might scratch that itch. Happening monthly during the Winter, and will feature music from Sam Payne and Dan …

Smile Politely seeking Culture Editor

Good afternoon, readers. We’re looking for a new editor for the magazine. The Culture section is seeking an engaged and interested community member with a penchant for the written word, a knack for managing a …

Parkland Theatre announces the 2017-18 season

As Parkland passes its Golden Anniversary, Theatre Artistic Director & Program Manager Joi Hoffsommer has decided it’s a fitting time to take a final bow. As her parting gift, however, she’s curated a beautifully balanced …

Illini basketball preview: Penn State

Illinois at Penn State 3:30 pm TV: Big Ten Network How are you feeling about Illinois basketball? Did the team’s victory over Iowa change your mind at all? Do you still think they’re a bubble …

EdCampCU happening this Saturday

This Saturday from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM, EdCampCU, an event catered around community engagement with education and educational innovation, will be coming to the University of Illinois. All community members, not just the educational …

Iron Post to host Folk & Roots Weekend

The Iron Post will be hosting their inaugural Folk & Roots Weekend on February 10th and 11th. The Fest will feature five bands of the folk music variety, including local Americana weirdos Bones Jugs, who are regulars …

Golden Harbor announces Chinese New Year menu

Chinese New Year is Saturday, January 28th, and Golden Harbor is kicking off celebrations this Thursday, January 26th. Check out this special menu, available through Sunday, January 29th.  Happy Year of the Rooster! We’re uncontrollably …

Illini basketball preview: Iowa

Illinois vs. Iowa 8 pm TV: Big Ten Network John Groce gave maybe his most open press conference yesterday, which I mean as faint praise. Sure, he doesn’t give alternative facts, but what he does …

Open Scene Urbana workshops announced

Earlier today, the City of Urbana and the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center announced the workshops for their new joint program, Open Scene Urbana. More information can be found in the press release, below:  Four Artists …

Twin City Theatre announces 2nd season

Last winter, new theatre company Twin City Squared surprised C-U with its creation and announcement of the intent to bring new acting opportunities to the community. Focused on creating chances for actors who are usually …

Huge squash for sale

Check out this massive sweet squash from Wolf Creek Farm that is available (in limited supply) at Common Grounds Food Coop (CGFC) for $1.69 per pound. This one is 8 pounds. Ann, CGFC produce manager, …

Women March on C-U 5,000 strong

Five thousand Champaign-Urbanians showed up Saturday to voice their displeasure with the current administration and their solidarity with each other. Six local speakers rallied the crowd and expressed their validity as humans and their unwillingness …

Illini basketball preview: Michigan

Illinois at Michigan 1:15 pm TV: Big Ten Network If you remember correctly, Illinois (12-7, 2-4) beat the pants off Michigan (12-7, 2-4) 10 days ago. You probably don’t, however, because Illinois has since rolled …

Radio Maria hosting book swap

Radio Maria is hosting a book swap from 7 p.m. to midnight on Sunday, January 29th:  Join us for a community book swap! Bring a book you’ve already read, and take something new that appeals …

An intro to Protagonist Pizza Productions

It’s time Champaign-Urbana. Time for another dose of pizza. Protagonist Pizza that is. Food puns aside, consider taking a break from the day to join us, Nic and Janjay, as we go through our plans …

Innovation Celebration 2017 award finalists announced

From the press release: 2017 Innovation Celebration Finalists Announced CHAMPAIGN, IL, January 17, 2017 – The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce finalists for the 12thAnnual Innovation Celebration in recognition of those individuals and …

Illini basketball preview: Purdue

Illinois at #21 Purdue 6 pm TV: Big Ten Network It’s easy to hate Purdue in the abstract (regardless of what our publisher thinks), but it’s really hard to hate this version of the Boilermakers’ …