FRIDAY, February 16th
Support black restaurants and creative endeavors, all weekend, prices vary
Unless you’re completely tapped out of popular culture, you’ll know that this weekend is the premiere of Black Panther (that’s a movie; it’s playing at Goodrich and at AMC). Black Panther is the first superhero of African descent in mainstream American comics (first appearing in Marvel Comics in1966); to say this movie is big deal is a gross understatement. In the spirit of Black History Month, I encourage 
everyone to take moment this weekend to think about the black owned business you regularly support and the ways in which American history is incomplete without the stories of black people. In fact, I encourage you to go further and actually support some black owned businesses: have dinner at a black owned restaurant, and go see and support Black Panther. Which restaurants are black owned in C-U? Sadly, there are only a few: Caribbean Grill, Hybrid Fit Food, and Wood N Hog (read an interview here). C&C Kitchen in Rantoul is also a black owned restaurant. All of them are delicious. (JH) Caribbean Grill photo by Jessica Hammie; Black Panther photo from Facebook.
The Great Cover Up, 51 Main, Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., $10
The final two nights of the Great Cover Up take place this weekend at 51 Main. Check out our recaps (first weekend is here, and second weekend here) to see what you’ve missed thus far. (PS)
Skywatchers of Africa, Staerkel Planetarium, 8 p.m., $5-6
The planetarium is a gem tucked into the Parkland campus. They have ongoing shows throughout the year, and bring special features in as well. This month you can learn about the diversity of African cultures and their observations of the night sky in the past and the present. Educational and kid-friendly. (JM)
Timbalu, The Iron Post, 9 p.m., $5
Here’s an evening of salsa in Urbana — Timbalu performs on Friday night at one of the most active venues in Champaign-Urbana: The Iron Post. As it mentions in the flyer, bring your dancing shoes. This is a benefit show that will go to up the vitims of Hurrican Maria, so there’s a cherry on top for you. (PS)
SATURDAY, February 17th
Sonia De Los Santos, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 10 a.m., free
This is an all ages and very family-friendly show at Krannert Center on Saturday morning. Sonia De Los Santos is native of Monterrey, Mexico, and is ultra talented. Check out the Facebook event linked above for all the info you’ll need about these performers. (PS)
Meet cute dogs at the library, Champaign Public Library, 3-3:45 p.m., free
Some of the Illini Service dogs will be hanging out at the library with their volunteer trainers. Meet the dogs and find out how they learn over 40 commands to serve people with disabilities in the community. Dogs. Helping people. All sorts of warm fuzzies. (JM)
Eat some meatloaf, Black Dog, all day, about $15
Black Dog’s Saturday smoked meatloaf special is my absolute favorite. It’s delicious and rich and filling. The sandwich is enough for one person, but you should treat yourself to the platter and take home the leftovers. Live your best life and get the twice baked potato casserole and mac and cheese as your sides; you’ll probably regret it in the immediate aftermath, but the pain will be so, so worth it. (JH) Photo by Jessica Hammie
Celebrate the Red Herring’s 50th Birthday, Red Herring Vegetarian Restaurant, 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., pay what you can ($10 suggested donation)
Come on out to the Red Herring’s 50th Birthday celebration! There will be tons of musicians, as well as storytellers, poets, and memorabilia from the last half century. You can also participate in raffles for local goods, purchase some Red Herring merch, and taste their special menu, which features Black Bean Burgers, Nachos, Golden Birthday Stew, a Hummus and Curry Sandwich, lots of desserts and more. (KF) Photo from Facebook.
Big Wild, Daktyl, White Cliffs, The Canopy Club, 8 p.m., $18-$20
Rising EDM performer and artist Big Wild hits Canopy Club on Saturday in what should be a well attended show. Big Wild performs behind a drum machine, so it isn’t just your typical EDM DJ head banging and twisting knobs. Check out Therese’s preview to get a look at what this act is all about. (PS)
SUNDAY, February 18th
Support the Station and see Silent Sky, Station Theatre, 8 p.m., $15/ticket
If you don’t already know, the Station Theatre was hit by a truck last week, causing some serious damage. But as they say, the show must go on and they aren’t letting anything stop them. Silent Sky, “a smart, empowering tale of women in science,” will still be opening this weekend, and what better time to attend and support your local theatre? (KF) Poster from Station website.
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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.