FRIDAY, August 4th
OpenheArt, Derailed, 9 pm, free
A new kind of open mic night comes to Derailed this weekend, as OpenheArt, a positive-vibe-focused showcase for artists of all types takes over from 9-12. If you intend to sign up to perform, show up at 8:30 to make sure you can get on the bill. (BH)
Irish Fest, Allerton Park & Retreat Center, 6-9 p.m., $5-10
Live Irish music is happening at Allerton Park on Friday evening. Here’s the schedule of events:
6-8 p.m. Celtic Kids’ Playground (Camelot Castle bounce house,
a fairy wand craft, and Joyfulbubbles)6 p.m. The Shanties
7:30 p.m. Skipper’s Alley
There will be food trucks and plenty of Irish alcohol to drink. Be sure to keep your eyes on the Facebook event, there’s a lot more info to check out so head here. (PS)
First Fridays, Downtown Urbana, 4-11 p.m., free (expect when you frequent local businesses)
This Friday marks the year anniversary of First Fridays, and Empowerment is the theme of this month’s celebration. Some highlights this time include: An appearance by CLAW: Ladies Amateur Wrestling, a Triptcyh tasting at the new Spark Museum and Play Cafe, Makers on Main Artisan Market, and a corn hole tournament at Black Dog benefitting the CU Humane Society. Throw on a sweater because it’s supposed to be in the 60’s! (JEM)
Marjorie Prime, Station Theatre 223 N. Broadway Ave, 8 p.m., $15
A truly all-star cast of local favorites brings life to the small family portrayed in the not-too-distant future of Marjorie Prime. The 85 year-old matriarch was born in 1977, lived an interesting and musical life, and is now using a fully-functional android to help
her remember the finer points. That’s just the first act. Emotions are high (but there’s no yelling) and contemplation ripe by the time the curtain falls. (RK)
Everyone Leaves, Kept On Hold, Jarring, Pretty Pleased and Forfeit, Blips + Chitz, 8 pm, $5
One of my personal favorite local bands lately has to be Jarring. After seeing them open for Tara Terra at a house in Urbana, I’m convinced that they make some (refreshing) waves in Champaign-Urbana this year. Come out to B+C on Friday to find out. (BH)
SATURDAY, August 5th
Visit C-U’s newest art gallery, The Gilbert Gallery (102 W. Main, Urbana) 11 am – 4 pm.
Earlier this week, we ran a piece on C-U’s newest art gallery, The Gilbert Gallery, which just opened up in Downtown Urbana. This weekend kicks off their new show, which features a plethora of new artists and works.
Keep it tuned to The Gilbert Gallery’s Facebook page for more information. (BH)
Celebrate Hybrid Fit Food’s 1st anniversary, 410 E University Ave, Champaign, 11 a.m., free, plus cost of food
Hybrid Fit Food is celebrating its first year in business with DJ-I.c.Dre. If you haven’t yet checked out this restaurant, read SP’s review, and get yourself there on Saturday. You can feel good about indulging because it’s healthy, and healthy calories count less, right? Photo by Rebecca Wells (JH)
Attend a town hall, Champaign City Building, 3-5 p.m., free
2018 will be here before we know it, and several candidates have already declared their intentions to oppose Gov. Rauner in the next election. Daniel Biss is one of those, and C-U Indivisible has invited him for a town hall on Saturday. I don’t know much about the new crop of gubernatorial candidates, and with the current situation in Springfield it will be important for all of us to be informed. So let’s take these opportunities when they come! You can RSVP on the Facebook event page. (JEM)
Daniel Biss Meet and Greet, Quality, 5-7 p.m., free
If town halls aren’t your thing (though I can’t imagine why they wouldn’t be), here’s an opportunity meet Gubernatorial candidate Daniel Biss and just have a beer like normal folks. Beer aids political thought, anyway. That’s a fact. (BH)
SvenStock, D’StillHer Farm, 280 North County Road 300 East, Sadorus, IL 61872, 3 p.m.-12 a.m., $10 suggested donation
Ryan did an interview with Stephen “Sven” Johnson disccussing his benefit show, SvenStock, which takes place on Saturday in nearby Sadorus. Music and camping, and all proceeds to the event benefit Imerman Angels. Check out the Facebook event linked above to see the schedule, tips for going to SvenStock, what to bring, and that sorta thing. (PS)
Everyone Leaves, Kept On Hold, Jarring, Pretty Pleased, and Forfeit, Blips and Chitz, 7 p.m., $5
This is a massive bill consisting of five great bands, two touring and three Illinois bands. The two touring are Everyone Leaves and Kept On Hold, respectively venturing from Columbus, Ohio and Detroit Rock City. The punk continues to flow in the basement of Blips and Chitz, don’t regret missing this one. (RG)
Parker Millsap, The Bashful Youngens, 51 Main, 7 p.m. $15
Twenty-something musician Parker Milsap heads through C-U this weekend at 51 Main. He’s joined by locals The Bashful Youngens, who will be performing as a stripped-down two piece for this show on Saturday. If you’re into Americana/folk/alt-country, this one is for you. (PS)
SUNDAY, August 6th
Eat some pancakes, Original Pancake House, 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., about $10
Sometimes you just need to eat cake for breakfast. This weekend feels like one of those times. Everyone has their pancake preferences, but I suggest the Dutch baby (with fruit). Regardless of what you like to eat, be sure to arrive early, as the wait time can get lengthy. Photo by Jessica Hammie (JH)
WEFT Jazz Benefit Concert, The Iron Post, 6 p.m., $10 minimum donation
WEFT Community Radio is throwing a jazz concert seeking donations to keep the program going. Local jazz legends Jose Gobbo, Kavi Naidu & the Poblano Project, and The Jazz Friends Quartet will be performing from 6 to 9 p.m. Come for the jazz and leave with a feeling of satisfaction for helping a great community radio program. (RG)
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Virginia Theatre, Champaign, 2 p.m., $18-24 or less
I may have waxed a little too enthusiastic about Tafadzwa Diener’s role of “Narrator” in this production, given that I haven’t seen it, but I feel very confident that her involvement will elevate this already fun show into one of those “you should have been there” stories. Don’t miss your chance — Joseph is a family-friendly story with catchy songs and plenty of humor. It’s only showing for one weekend, so this Sunday matinee is literally your last shot. (RK)
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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.