FRIDAY, January 15th
lunch, bacaro, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., $15
Feel nostalgia for your youth whilst eating fancy sloppy joes (served with macaroni and cheese (!) and a fancy soda). (JH)
Community Discussion: Solutions to Gun Violence, 5 p.m., University YMCA, free.
Join State Representative Carol Ammons, Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America for a town hall discussion about the epidemic of gun violence in our state and how we can use reasonable, commonsense legislation to keep our communities safe. Refreshments will be served at 5 p.m. and the discussion starts at 5:30. (RP)
Free one act plays, 7 p.m., Parkland Theater, free
Parkland Theater’s 25th Student Production installment is this weekend and they’re letting you watch quality theater for free. Check out shows like On the Corner of Bodhisattva and Shangri-La, Forget and not Forgive, Penumbra and No Signal. The shows run all weekend but On the Corner… kicks it off at 7 p.m. this friday. See their website for a full schedule. (SL)
Nick Thune, Lucas O’Neil, Chris Hightower, 8 p.m., The Accord, free
In case you haven’t heard by now, what was formerly known as the Highdive has been officially rebranded as the Accord and for their opening night they have brought in some incredible talent in the form of Nick Thune, a comedian/musician who has been featured on The Tonight Show multiple times. Also, this is a free show, so really no reason not to go. Tickets are available at the door. (JK)
SATURDAY, January 16th
Fighting Illini basketball vs. Nebraska, 1:30 p.m., Assembly Hall, Price Varies
I know, before five minutes ago, I didn’t know Nebraska had a basketball team either. Just kidding, we lost to them last year! This is a must-win for an Illini basketball team that recently proved it may not be as mediocre as it seems following a victory against Purdue. Here’s to hoping we can defer the truth one game longer (BH)
Creed Bratton (from The Office): A night of music and comedy, The Accord, 9 p.m., $20 advance/$25 door
There’s a lot happening at The Accord this weekend for the opening few days, but this will make for some serious entertainment. If you’re a fan of The Office, you already know about Creed. Otherwise, if you are unfamiliar, do yourself a favor and look at some clips on YouTube. You will not be disappointed, because that comedy will be joined by some music as well. (PS)
Buy cheese, Lincoln Square Mall, 9-11 a.m., prices vary
Prairie Fruits Farm will be in the food court of Lincoln Square Mall with Blue Moon Farm Saturday morning. This is an opportunity to pick up some delicious cheese and maybe some produce from Blue Moon on a Middle Market off week. Image from Facebook. (JH)
Democratic debate party and Carrol Ammons talk, 6 p.m., Independent Media Center, Urbana, Free
Join Champaign Urbana Progressives at the Independent Media Center in Urbana to watch the fourth democratic debate debate. Local Bernie delegate, Aaron Ammons, will be speaking to the crowd during the party. Show up and show your spirit! See more on the Facebook event page. (SL)
Central High presents Chicago, Decker Theatre, 610 W. University Ave., Champaign, 7 p.m., free but donations requested.
Those crazy kids at Central have gotten their production entered into the International Thespian Festival and are re-staging the musical as a chance to rehearse and be reviewed. I heard very good things about it the first time around, but didn’t have a chance to see for myself, although the edgy story and good music are right up my alley. If you missed it the first time, too, now’s your chance! (RK)
Kilborn Alley with special guest Jackie Scott, The Iron Post, 9 p.m., cover
Kilborn Alley Blues Band will be joined by dynamite performer Jackie Scott on Saturday night. Scott is sure to get her audience grooving and catfishing in no time. Cheap beer and blues-lovers vibes are sure to be plentiful at the Post. (RP)
SUNDAY, January 17th
Four Student One-Acts, Parkland Theatre, 2400 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign, 3 p.m., free.
Parkland students have written and directed one-act plays to be staged and performed by the Theatre Department. The summaries lead me to believe this afternoon will highlight some amusing, yet philosophical, and perhaps gristly subject matter. Featuring recent local favorites such as Warren Garver and Jace Jamison (Noises Off!), Jasmine Elam (N3RD), and Chell Tyler (both) this weekend is shaping up to be a quality, yet free, showcase of theatrical talent. (RK)
The Beauty Shop, Rebecca Rego & The Trainmen, 9 p.m., The Accord, $10.
Formed back in 1999, the Beauty Shop have been considered one the best bands to ever come out of the C-U music scene. They haven’t played a show since 2008, but this Sunday you have the chance to see them perform live at the Accord in downtown Champaign. (JK)
Champaign-Urbana Progressives Debate Watching Party, 6 p.m., Urbana Independent Media Center, Free.
Sure, there are a ton of concerts in town this weekend – but how about a little topical discussion? That’s what you can find at the IMC this Sunday evening, for the 4th Democratic debate of this wonderful season. No, you won’t be able to watch Donald Trump bicker with Jeb Bush like a pair of middle scool girls in the hallways – but you will be able to watch Bernie Sanders probably get pissed off at something, which is a guaranteed entertaining time. I promise. (BH)
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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.