FRIDAY, JANUARY 17
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Countywide Celebration, Hilton Garden Inn, 1501 S. Neil Street, Champaign, 4:30-6 p.m., free
This year’s Dr. MLK, Jr. Commemoration events are kicking off on Friday with a celebration of Champaign County individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions, consistent with the philosophy and mission of Dr. King in community service, humanitarian work, and the promotion of equal rights. Commemoration events continue throughout the week and include a Day of Service, a film screening at the Art Co-op, and a Krannert Un-corked event titled “What is the Civil Rights Movement?”. You can find more information about the calendar of events here. (RP)
Welcome to the Big Top: A Peek Behind the Curtain, Parkland College, 2400 West Bradley in Champaign, 7:30 p.m., free
For this year’s 23rd Annual Student Production, Parkland College theatre students have developed an evening of entertainment exploring the colorful subject of circus life. Through monologues and vignettes, in an exciting atmosphere that includes games and free carnival food for the audience, the students will present a free show that is open to the public. Arrive a little early to enjoy pre-show entertainment by local vaudeville artists. (RP)
The Great Cover Up, The Highdive, $5-7, 8 p.m.
As you might know already, this the 23rd installment of the annual Great Cover Up. An event where local artists get to throw down and pretend to be their idols for a short while. It’s really something, and if you’ve never been, this would be a good time to start. There was a show last night, and there are two this weekend on Friday and Sunday night. Check out the Facebook event linked above to see which local acts are performing on the respective nights, and check out the recent episode of Smile Politely Radio where they discuss the event with Ward Gollings. (PS)
A Clockwork Orange, The Art Theater Co-op, 10:00 p.m.
Band together with whatever scurrilous mates you can muster and barge your way into the innocent and unsuspecting Art Theater Co-op for Friday and Saturday’s late night movie special, Stanley Kubrick’s alarming, hyperviolent, oddly hypnotic A Clockwork Orange. And hey, it will be your second chance in a year to leave the theater humming “Singin’ in the Rain.” But, y’know, for very different reasons. (MG)
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18
Get a pastry from Mirabelle, 124 West Main Street, Urbana, 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Last week I was fortunate enough to have a giant raspberry macaroon. It was delicious, albeit a bit pricey at $2.50 each. On your way home from the Middle Market, swing by Mirabelle, and pick up a sweet treat, something savory, or a loaf of bread (which pairs nicely with homemade soup). It’s totally worth the calories, I promise. (JH)
Go out to dinner, Anywhere in C-U, 6:30–8 p.m., prices vary
Grab a significant other, a friend, or a family member, and go out to dinner. Celebrate the calm before the return of the student storm, the lengthening days, or something lovely that happened this week. I recommend Sakanaya, as you’ll more easily find parking this weekend than next. Not into ramen or sushi? Check out Big Grove, Timpone’s, Silvercreek, or Farren’s. (JH)
Illinois Basketball vs. Michigan State, State Farm Center or your local pub, 7 p.m., price varies
Sure, the Illini haven’t performed to the best of their ability over the last handful of games. Ugly losses don’t help, and make the couple of solid wins a few weeks ago disappear from memory. Whether you can score some tickets to the game itself, or you’re hanging out at a bar with friends, or even watching it in the comfort of your own home, it’s up to you. They’re hosting one of the best teams in the country in Michigan State, so the Illini are going to need all the help they can get to pull this one out. (PS)
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19
MLK Commemoration, Krannert Center, 5 p.m.
At Krannert Center’s Foellinger Great Hall, join in this celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Honoring the Civil Rights Movement as the Struggle Continues: Empowering the Dream… Make It Your Own.” This event will last approximately 2 hours and has no intermission. (MG)
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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.