FRIDAY, APRIL 4
10th Annual Festival of Quilts, Cunningham Children’s Home, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Like quilts? And even if you don’t, would you like to help out a worthwhile cause? Over one hundred beautiful handcrafted quilts will be on display at Cunningham Children’s Home for the 10th Annual Festival of Quilts. The Festival features a Quilt Show, a Silent Auction, and a Quilt Boutique of beautiful quilts you can take home with you. The Gift Shop, a Bake Sale, and Patchwork Café offer unique hand crafted gift items and delicious and affordable food items. The Festival of Quilts is a special tradition at Cunningham Children’s Home. Since 1895, every young person that comes to Cunningham is given a hand-made quilt to enjoy and treasure forever. Admission is $5. All proceeds benefit Cunningham children and youth. (MG)
Wieners and Wine, Sleepy Creek Vineyards, 8254 E 1425 North Rd., Fairmount, 5-8 p.m. price of a glass of wine
This weekly event is back this Friday (weather permitting). Sleepy Creek provides wine (for purchase) and hot dogs, you bring yourself, a good attitude, and any other food items you’d like. They make a fire, you roast your wiener. It’s awesome, and beautiful. I strongly recommend the wine slushies. (JH)
The Vagina Monologues, Ike Commons, 6 p.m. & 9 p.m., $10
Based on author Eve Ensler’s ‘Vagina Interviews’ conducted with women from all around the world, this hilariously witty and moving collection of tales give voice to a chorus of lusty, outrageous, poignant, brave and thoroughly human stories. All profits benefit Women In Transition and the National V-Day Organization. (AB)
Malignant Humor Comedy Festival, Illini Union’s Courtyard Cafe, 7-10 p.m., Free
U of I’s comedy group, Spicy Clamato, presents two nights full of jokes by both university and traveling comedians and groups. See their Facebook page for a full schedule. 7-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night. (JK)
Friday Forum Presents: A Visit With Thomas Gokey, University YMCA, 7-8 p.m., Free
The University YMCA is presenting a talk by Thomas Gokey, co-founder of Rolling Jubilee and organizer for Strike Debt. During the talk, participants will discuss some solutions to the debt crisis. (RP)
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Station Theatre, 8 p.m.
Christopher Durang’s witty spin on the works of Chekhov (really, it’s funny!) continues its fantastic (and successful) run at Urbana’s Station Theatre. Gary Ambler heads the cast, along with Lindsey Gates-Markel, Barbara Ridenour, Maxwell Tomaszewski, Shawna Smith, and Jackie Loewenstein, all under the direction of Station Artistic Director Rick Orr. Last we heard, this weekend was sold out, but there is always the chance that you can get on the Wait List. To do so, show up at the Station on a show night, give your name to the box office attendant (usually box office opens at 7 p.m.), and hang around. At 7:50 p.m., any unclaimed reservations will be released to those waiting. It’s sure to be packed, so plan ahead. (And no, you can’t get on the Wait List over the phone, so don’t even try.) (MG)
Wild Ones, Motes, Single Player, Mike ‘N Molly’s, 9 p.m., $7
Solid show happening at Mike ‘N Molly’s tonight, as a touring indie rock outfit named Wild Ones is making it’s way through C-U. If you’re unsure, check out their album Keep It Safe (yep, that’s the album art right there), and you should be convinced. Check that album out at their Bandcamp page for your listening pleasure. Female-lead vocals lead the way, and not only does this bill offer a really good touring act, but two great locals as well. Motes and Single Player are worth it, too. (PS)
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
Get doughnuts with your mom, Pandamonium Doughnuts pop-up at [co][lab], 8 a.m., $1.50-$2.75 each
If you’re sick of reading about the doughnuts, I’m sorry. This is the last weekend for the pop-up, and if you’re on the fence, check out my take on the vegan and non-vegan versions. Mom will be impressed, I promise. (JH)
Neutral Cycle Grand Opening in new location, 624 S. 5th St., Champaign 11 a.m.–7 p.m., free
This just came across my radar, but apparently Neutral Cycle is opening a second location on campus. Here’s some more information from their website:
After much preparation and planning, Neutral Cycle is happy to announce that it has expanded to its second location on campus! Come hang out with us at 624 S 5th St. Champaign, Illinois this Saturday at our grand opening/open house, and see what’s new with us. We are excited to be serving the campus community.
Check out our feature on the shop here. (PS)
U of I Black Mom’s Day Concert, Follinger Great Hall, 7:30 p.m., $8-$11
Join the U of I Black Chorus for its annual Mom’s Weekend performance. A campus institution since 1968, the group celebrates the sounds of African Americans in spirituals, gospel anthems, chart-topping jazz works, and R&B songs. Conductor Ollie Watts Davis has led the group at concerts across the Midwest. (AB)
Error Records 1 Year Anniversary Show, Error Records, 8 p.m., $5
Error Records will be hosting festivities in celebration of their one year anniversary. Starting at 11 a.m., their will be a storewide sale, live DJs, and free food and drinks. 8 p.m. starts the show with Grandkids, The Fights, Hundred Heads, and Single Player all playing. (JK)
SUNDAY, APRIL 6
Illinois Men’s Tennis vs. Michigan, Atkins Tennis Center, 1410 W St. Mary’s Road, Urbana, 12 p.m., free
The 11th ranked Fighting Illini are undefeated at home this spring. There are a handful of players on the team (singles and doubles) who are nationally ranked, so you’ll for sure witness some exciting Big Ten tennis. (JH)
Drag at Boltini with Veronica Bleaus, Boltini Lounge, 3 p.m., free
This week Miss Bleaus will be performing numbers by “overly-emotive” artists Tori Amos and Alanis Morisette. Ridiculously cheap drink specials and free food will accompany the event. (RP)
———
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.