FRIDAY, February 13th
Food Assistance: How Politics Shape the Way We Help, University YMCA,1001 SWright Street, noon, free
This semester’s Friday Forum series is focused on food justice, and this week’s installment addresses the ways in which institutions, systems, and individuals contribute (or don’t) to issues like the state of the agricultural sector, poverty, and hunger. Sometimes we all need a gentle reminder to feed our minds, too. (JH)
Still Alice, The Art Theater Co-op
All weekend long, you can check out Julianne Moore’s Academy Award-nominated performance in Still Alice. Per the Art website: “Alice Howland (Julianne Moore, in a Oscar-nominated performance), happily married with three grown children, is a renowned linguistics professor who starts to forget words. When she receives a diagnosis of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, Alice and her family find their bonds thoroughly tested. Her struggle to stay connected to who she once was is frightening, heartbreaking, and inspiring.” I’ve heard and read reviews of the film that run the gamut from “ho-hum” to “extraordinary,” but they all say the same fantastic things about Moore’s performance. And you have to admit, while `Moore is one of those actors who seems to be nominated every time she shows up in a film, but she’s also one of the very few who always seems to deserve it. Plus, this film continues Alec Baldwin’s streak of standing next to the lady who gets nominated for an Oscar. (MG)
Wine Extravaganza, Common Ground Food Co-op, Lincoln Square Mall, 5-8 p.m., $5 at the door in exchange for a $5 coupon on wine
In addition to the Viva Local event happening at the Co-op from 4-6 p.m., there will also be a wine tasting — or rather, extravaganza. There will be over 20 wines available for sampling, which is a perfect opportunity to try some new wines, or to just try wines. Drink responsibly! (JH)
The Fights, Huck Fate, Loose Cobra, Tolono, 9 p.m.
If you haven’t done so already, make a trip south of Champaign-Urbana to Tolono and visit the Loose Cobra. Owned and operated by HUM’s Matt Talbott, it really is a cozy roadside bar, and a cool place to hang out and see a show. Lucky for you, C-U’s The Fights are performing on Friday evening, and they’re joined by Huck Fate. This would be great introduction to the Loose Cobra, and if you’ve already made a trip, I don’t have to convince you with an insane sales pitch to head out to this one. (PS)
Make your own valentines
Hand made valentines can be a lot of fun. Call your friends and invite them over to your house. Have some music playing, drink some liquor and get creative. Make one for you significant other, the mail man/woman, the coffee shop you visit. Make enough to get out valentines all freakin’ day. And then when tomorrow comes give out your valentines that prove that you have the craft skills of a third grader but also the heart of a saint. If you want to get super crafty visit this site for ideas. (SL)
SATURDAY, February 14th
Circus Oz, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 10:30 a.m.
I don’t know what you’re doing the morning of Valentine’s Day, but I’m going to see Circus Oz at KCPA. Per the KCPA website: “Fabulously feisty, outrageously acrobatic, and boisterous enough for three big tops, this unrelentingly talented mob pairs agility and wit with a dedication to social justice, equality, and genuine kindness. In 2013, Krannert Center first experienced its cheeky humor and rock concert-meets-flying trapeze flair, direct from Down Under. For its return, Circus Oz will present its latest incarnation, a world focused on commercialism and consumerism where spectacular unicyclists, jugglers, and hula dancers strive to do everything bigger, faster, higher, and more impressively until the pace reaches a fever pitch. How will the show go on? This fantastical expression of modern circus arts combusts with live music, call-and-response from a witty MC, and the generous spirits of these Aussie entertainers.” (MG)
Work, wherever you work, whatever time you work til whatever time you get off
This is a shout-out to all the people whose answer to “What are you doing for Valentine’s?” is “Working.” There are those of us who don’t have 9-5, Monday through Friday gigs; for whom the word “weekend” has no meaning; who will be serving the drinks or food or whatever to those adorable Valentine couples who are celebrating together. So, for those of you out having fun, enjoying a night off together, this is a friendly holiday reminder that your special night is wonderful, and we’re happy for you, but there are human beings working all around you. Be nice, say “Thank you,” tip well, and get a room, willya? (MG)
Norden Work in Progress Exhibit + Design Store, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., free
As part of [co][lab]‘s “ask me anything” series, Norden is offering a behind-the-scenes peak at their design studio. The show will feature a variety of published and unpublished work and allow an exclusive peak into their studio, and Pandamonium Doughnuts will be parked outside if you want a sweet treat before or after the exhibit. (RP)
Women and Trans Open Hours, The Bike Project, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Open hours for ladies and trans people are back in swing at The Bike Project, downtown Urbana location. These hours are a safe, uncritical environment for women and trans people, groups that can sometimes feel left out of a bike shop environment. (MR)
Rebecca Rego & the Trainmen, Sleepy Creek Vineyards, 7 p.m., $12
This is a pretty awesome little show to go to on Valentine’s Day. Rebecca Rego plays her unique country/folk songs at a really beautiful winery in Fairmount, IL. Go relax with your partner or with a group, have a glass or three of wine, and take in one of the best records of 2014. (TP)
Pakistan vs. India Cricket World Cup 2015, 1801 East Florida Ave, Urbana, 9:30 p.m., free
If Valentine’s Day isn’t your thing, spend the evening of the 14th watching a sport you’ll rarely see around these parts: cricket. The Cricket Club of Illinois is hosting a viewing of the match that’s free and open to the public. Show up at 8:30 p.m. and register in advance by contacting the event host (contact info on the Facebook page). (RP)
Order a heart shaped pizza from Jet’s, one topping $8.49
I love food shaped into strange objects (I have an elephant cookie cutter). I also love Jet’s pizza. This valentines day they will be serving up heart shaped pizzas. They’re saying you should order it for someone who has a “pizza” your heart. I love it. Get the BBQ chicken with ranch on the side. (SL)
SUNDAY, February 15th, 7:30 p.m.
Middle of Nowhere, Art Theater Co-op, FREE
There will be a free screening of Middle of Nowhere, directed by Selma‘s Ava Duvernay at the Art Theater on Feb. 15 at 7:30 PM, followed by a panel discussion of the film and the impacts of mass incarceration on families and communities. An Education Justice Project alumni will be on the panel, as well as loved ones of incarcerated people. For those who saw and loved Selma, here is another chance to celebrate the work of a major American filmmaker. And, y’know, after a holiday all about sharing love with loved ones, how about an evening of information about the lives and struggles of others? (MG)
Donate a prom dress to Centennial, free, anytime
Champaign Centennial’s Fashion Club is working to provide prom dresses for students, and I would imagine you, or someone you know, has one sitting in their closet somewhere. It’s not being used, and probably won’t be used for some time, so why not donate it? Find one from your sister, cousin, niece — whomever — and find the information about how to donate. All of the information is linked above.
The Culture, Canopy Club, doors at 9 p.m., $3
The Culture is a monthly hip-hop and spoken word open mic night, which sounds pretty cool to me. This edition’s theme is “Black Lives Matter” and will feature a film screening of “Hidden Colors 2: The Triumph of Melanin.” (MR)
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