Friday, January 25th
Restaurant Week, all over Champaign County, through February 2nd, $10-$40 per person
Visit Champaign County’s third annual Restaurant Week celebration kicks off today. Read our preview to get a few ideas of where to eat, and/or check out the menus. There’s a little something for most everyone. (JH)
Drink some stouts, Crane Alley, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., prices vary
Crane Alley is hosting a Bell’s Bourbon Barrel Aged Expedition tapping, in which the restaurant will tap a special keg of the aforementioned stout. If you’re here for stouts, this is one to check out — it’s bound to be rich and intense. Other Bell’s brews will be on tap, too. Plus, you can check out Crane Alley’s Restaurant Week menu. (JH) Photo from Facebook
Bassjackers, VIA Entertainment, The City Center, $20+, 9:30 p.m.
Here’s where you can definitely find a party on Friday night if you’re looking for one. One of the world’s top DJ duos is in Champaign on Friday night. This Bassjackers show is presented by the folks at Sakanaya/Miga, which also did the San E/Mad Clown show last year. (PS) Photo from the Facebook event
Saturday, January 26th
MLK Community Celebration, Krannert Center, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., free
It feels like it’s been a volatile week in the news, though admittedly most weeks feel that way. Take some time to enjoy this culmination of the MLK celebration week where you’ll see performances from the Illinois theatre department as well as International Prep Academy. (JM)
Talk about what you’re reading at the Winter Reads Book Club, Urbana Free Library, 11 a.m. to noon, free
Want a book club experience without the commitment? UFL’s Winter Reads Book Club invites you to stop by and share your fave winter reads. Can’t make this Saturday? No worries. Check out the February 9th or 23rd meetings. (DD)
Taste some game day food, Prairie Gardens, 3000 W Springfield Ave, Champaign, 2 to 4 p.m., free
Prairie Gardens is hosting a Gameday Food Tasting event, in which store visitors can sample things people make on game day — which I’m assuming is Super Bowl Sunday. For those who do not subscribe to game day things, this is simply an opportunity to get some snacks while you shop for plants, or couches, or pretty scarves. Check out the menu on Facebook. (JH)
Sing About It! 21st Century Music, McKinley Presbyterian Church, 4 p.m., $15
Amasong turns its talents toward a diverse program of millenial choral music. Enjoy the opening afternoon performance, or stop by on Sunday at 4 p.m. Suggested donation is set at $15, but sliding scale donations are also accepted. (DD) Photo from Facebook
Dance Music Therapy, Independent Media Center, 7 p.m., free
Go let loose with some friends and dance out your troubles and frustrations. DJs TDM, Terrance, and KamaMau will be there spinning beats. Want to know what it’s all about? We took a closer look last summer. (JM)
Mermaid Heaven, James Mauck’s Forebeat, The Iron Post, $5, 9 p.m.
Although Eli Amariah has performed under her own moniker, as well as her previous band’s name Sleeping Okami, she’s performing as Mermaid Heaven on Saturday night at the Iron Post. I’d imagine she’ll have some material that you might’ve heard before, but if you’re a fan of her work, here’s your chance to see her alongside James Mauck’s Forebeat this weekend. (PS)
Sunday, January 27th
NEA Big Read kick off event, Spurlock Museum, 1 to 3:30, free
This event launches a community wide reading program funded with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The book at the center of this program is The Namesake by Jumphi Lahari, and there will be numerous events throughout the next month and a half that will further your appreciation and understanding of South Asian culture. You can read more about the initiative here. (JM)
Jason Finkelman in concert, Champaign Public Library, 2 to 3 p.m., free
Don’t miss this chance to hear Finkelman share his multi-instrument talents in an interactive program featuring African and Brazilian percussion, found materials, and laptop electronics with a special appearance by Allen Wu. (DD) Photo by Natalie Fiol
Hallways Microcinema, Independent Media Center, donations accepted, 7-9 p.m.
If you’re looking to spend some time this weekend with experimental film, here’s your ticket on Sunday evening at the IMC. David Gracon has curated his 22nd (!) volume of his series, Hallways Microcinema, and his guest for this installment is filmmaker/poet Wenhua Shi. Entry is free, though they are accepting donations. Check it out. (PS) Top Photo provided by Hallways Microcinema
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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.