FRIDAY, February 12th
Local Efforts for Racial Justice, University YMCA, 12-1 p.m., free
The University YMCA has been offering an awesome series entitled “Breaking Down Racism: Fighting Racial Injustice in the U.S.” this academic year. This Friday will showcase local racial justice efforts. The noon panel features Aaron Ammons, Evelyn Reynolds, and Marlon Mitchell, all of whom will address the landscape of racial justice here in C-U. (RP)
Jazz concert during lunch, Springer Cultural Center 301 N. Randolph St., 12-1 p.m.
Make your lunch a working lunch–for the mind and soul–and go listen to a live jazz concert at the Cultural Center from 12-1pm. The Champaign Park District hosts these events every first Friday through March at the same time and place. Pro tip: you can have a box (Bach’s lunch, get it?) catered if you call Michaels the Wednesday before and order. More information about this whole deal online. (SL)
My Bloody Valentine art exhibit, Flatland Tattoo, 209 S. Water St, 6-9 p.m., free
This is an opening reception for Baub Alred‘s new art series. The series deals with the darker side of love with a pop surreal style. So if you’re into the darker side of art and valentines day, this event will be fore you. (SL)
Dana Sipos and Benjamin Hermann, The Iron Post, 9 p.m.
Come out to The Iron Post in Urbana for a great night of folk music. Coming to us from Canada, folk musicians Dana Sipos and Benjamin Hermann are just starting off on their tour of the US. Dana Sipos’ latest album Roll Up the Night Sky has been nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award. Sipos and Hermann will be joined by local musician Elizabeth Simpson. (JK)
Kingdom City, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m., $25
Give yourself some food for thought, and consider what you would do if someone challenged your freedom of expression, tried to impose their moral code upon you, and kept you from following your chosen path in life. Or take the other side and consider what you would do if some interloper invaded your town and challenged your beliefs and appeared to be a negative influence on the youth of your community. Either way, enjoy an evening at the theatre. (RK)
Diane Coffee + Church Booty w/ We The Animals, The Accord, 8 p.m., $13.
If there’s one thing I know about Champaign-Urbana’s live music environment, it’s that Church Booty is consistently one of the best shows in town. Couple that with the groovy unique vibes of Diane Coffee and We The Animals (Coming off one of the best Cover Up sets of the year), and you’ve got another great weekend night full of music. (BH)
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, The Art Theatre, 10 p.m. (Friday & Saturday), $8
In a late-night Valentine’s Day twist, The Art Theater is showing none other than the indie-adored flick starring a very serious Jim Carey. I’m sure I’ll notice more this time around, as the last time I watched E.S.O.T.S.M., I was in middle school. In all seriousness, being able to catch recent good films in the friendly confines of The Art is something truly special about this town. (BH)
SATURDAY, February 13th
Middle Market, Lincoln Square Mall, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., free
Check out February’s first Middle Market. Since it’s silly Valentine’s Day weekend, you’re likely to find some sweet treats (edible and non) for your loved one(s). With promised appearances by A Toffee Tale, Autumn Berry, Illinois Willows, The Wright Soapery, and Sleepy Creek Vineyards, there’s almost certainly something for everyone. (JH)
Midwest Central Railroad Club Train Show, The Urbana Free Library, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
If you love trains as much as I do then you should go check out the train show at The Urbana Free Library this weekend. Come learn about railroad history and contemplate the importance of the railroad in shaping the history of C-U. (JK)
2×2 Exhibition, IMC Gallery, regular business hours, free
The idea of the exhibition is simple: nine pairs of artists created three works of art between the two, taking turns adding to the canvas. 27 works of art are displayed, and if you want to make it into a metaphor for partnership, or the beauty of cooperation, or the sum of the parts making a whole… well, this is probably a weekend that fits doing that. The gallery hours vary, so probably call (217) 344-8820 before heading out there, with or without a partner of your own. (RK)
SUNDAY, February 14th
Casablanca, 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., the Art Theater Co-op
Round up the usual suspects and swing by the Art for one of masterpieces of cinema. I heard a story once — as a matter of fact, I’ve heard a lot of stories in my time. But Casablanca is one of the all-time greats. And when your friends ask, “What in heaven’s name brought you to Casablanca?,” tell them “my health.” (RP)
Netflix and chill with some take-out, your couch, all day, prices vary
Spend some QT with the television. But before your park your behind on the sofa, pick up some tasty treats from the new Art Mart, or Pekara, or Aroma, or Mirabelle. Get some new tea or coffee from Columbia Street Roastery. (Just plan accordingly, as some places are closed on Sunday.) Binge watch something and get that Siam Terrace/My Thai/Manolo’s/ delivered to your house. It’s cold, it’s a long weekend, and you deserve some chill time. Oh, and to hell with Valentine’s Day ridiculousness. Photo of empanadas from Manolos by Jessica Hammie. (JH)
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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.