FRIDAY
Don’t forget about this one: Joy Harjo will be performing with Grammy-winning producer and collaborator, guitarist Larry Mitchell, at 7:30 p.m. in Room B at the Illini Union. It’s free and open to the public, so if you’re taking a break from Folk and Roots, head over to the Union.
Trippy, dude: No matter how many times you try to deny them, Pink Floyd will likely always be at the top of your favorite bands list. The Canopy Club is a perfect place to see a tribute too, as its light show capabilities are second to none in town, and the balcony is as easy a place as any one to do a J without being told to leave. Oh, and the band is pretty good, too. Eclipse goes on stage at 10 p.m.
Clash of the Titan (and the duck): As an alumnus of Urbana High School, I can tell you — football has all been shit since Mason Minnes took over the sports program in the early nineties. Aside from a couple of years where Tracy Pettigrew played every position and took them to State, the team blows year in and year out. On the other end of town, Centennial seems to put together a few decent teams now and again, and so let us do the math for you: this game won’t be close. But there is nothing quite like watching an intra-city high school football game. And perhaps you might even see one of our beat writers out to report on it. The battle starts at 7 p.m. at Urbana High School’s field.
America is nothing if not the world’s greatest media propagandist: Krannert Art Museum and the UIUC European Union Center invite you to view and discuss some of our early attempts at exporting truth, justice, and the materialist way via the visual medium. “Selling Democracy: Films of the Marshall Plan 1948-1953” reveals short films, once banned in the United States, produced to sell the concept of “America” to post-war Europe. Paving the way for the social welfare state or a “Trojan horse for American capitalism?” Go see for yourself. Panels and viewing began on Thursday, but will continue on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Check out the EUC site for the full schedule of events.
So what’s John Hoeffleur’s been up to lately?: Well, if you stop by Bentley’s Pub on Friday you’ll probably find out. His band, the Heyokas, hit the stage at around 11 p.m., but don’t miss Killroy et al who start playing at 10 p.m.
SATURDAY
Want to get your writing career off on the right foot?: If you’re a teenager who wants to learn about writing for cash, nobody here at Smile Politely knows much about that. But, Miriam Darnell does, and she’s leading a two-hour seminar at the Champaign Public Library called “Secrets of Professional Writers.” It’s at 10 a.m. for middle schoolers and 1 p.m. for high schoolers, and it’s free, but you need to call 403-2070 by 5 p.m. Friday to register.
Ever wish that the Smithsonian Magazine would come to town?: Well they are, sorta. This Saturday, the Parkland Art Gallery will be participating in Smithsonian Magazine’s 5th Annual
Museum Day, is a day that’s meant to celebrate museums all over the country by offering free admission. While Parkland Art Gallery is already free and open to the public, it participates in spirit of the day by giving away free Parkland Art Gallery Note Cards (limit packet per person, while supplies last!) and a catalogue of previous exhibitions that the gallery has produced in the last few years. Parkland Art Gallery will be open on Saturday from 12 to 2 p.m.
Little art on the prairie: The Salt Fork River Art Festival begins on Saturday at Sleepy Creek Vineyards, located between Champaign and Danville on the, you guessed it, Salt Fork tributary of the Vermilion River. There will be food, wine, art booths and live music from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and again on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 10% of proceeds will go to festival partner Prairie Rivers Network, which does great work in protecting, conserving, and restoring Illinois rivers. Know your watersheds!
SUNDAY
They don’t know anything about walking like an Egyptian: But if you want to Yankadi like a Guinean, head to the West African Dance Classes at the Channing-Murray foundation. It’s at 6 p.m. and it costs $10 for students or $12 for non-students per session.