FRIDAY, January 9th
Make it a double-feature at The Art Theater Co-op, 7 p.m.
Want to spend some time delving into life’s mysteries? Love adaptations of twisty books by high-fallutin’ authors? Not super hung up on getting conclusive answers? Then does The Art ever have the double-bill for you. First, check out the reliably unusual Joaquin Phoenix in (Thomas Pynchon’s) Inherent Vice; then, stick around for Sam Neill in In The Mouth of Madness. It might not exactly be an adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft, but it’s heavily influenced by Lovecraft’s work and has plenty of references. Go! Have fun! Draw parallels! Explore themes! But afterwards, you should probably just go to bed. (MG)
Opening night reception, Independent Media Center gallery, 7 p.m.
Each month, the IMC gallery space will host a different art exhibition, and each exhibition will have an opening night reception that is free and open to the public. This month, beginning January 9th, the gallery will host art focused on the Black Lives Matter movement and protests, both locally and beyond. The opening reception runs 7-8:30 p.m., and the exhibit will be on display through the end of January. For more information, please visit the IMC website. (MG)
Stand-up Comedy Showcase, The Iron Post, 9 p.m.-midnight, $5
Stop by the Iron Post to grab some cheap brews and warm up and share some laughs with a showcase of stand-up artists on Friday evening. Check out all the information and performers from the SPlog post earlier this week. (RP)
SATUDAY, January 10th
Eat breakfast at Sam’s Cafe, 6 a.m.-1 p.m., the most reasonably priced food (cash only)
So, it’s freezing cold out. That’s a thing in January. Yes, the polar vortex and all, but you still have to eat, so make a trip to Sam’s Cafe. Get yourself some hot coffee, nurse your hangover a bit, and order whatever you want — all of it is good (go with Gus’ Famous French Toast, though). It’ll be worth heading out in the cold. Promise. (PS)
Apply to be the SP Tech section editor, all weekend, free
So, we’re debuting a new section to Smile Politely very soon, and perhaps you’ve been swamped with returning to reality following a sleepy holiday break. If you’re an engaged community member, you’re probably already reading this and Smile Politely all together. Though, this weekend you might have a little bit of downtime to check out what the position is all about. Hell, maybe some day you can help us produce the magazine, write and discuss local technology in the Champaign-Urbana area, and beyond. You’ll make a few dollars in the process, but that’s not really the point in doing it. It’s fun, and you’re the boss, really. Check out the listing and use a few minutes of your weekend to send us a message and apply. (PS)
The Chemicals, Dog Brother, Windmills, $7, Mike N Molly’s, doors at 8 p.m.
Local band The Chemicals’ non-abraisive yet fully intense sound does C-U music justice and is hard not to love. If you haven’t checked them out yet, here’s your chance — with Indianapolis indie band Dog Brother and newcoming locals Windmills. (MR)
Drink a Sweet Heat Latte, Flying Machine, anytime, $5
The perfect caffeinated beverage for this freezing weather is Flying Machine’s Sweet Heat Latte… it’s warming with just a bit of spice. Head over to Flying Machine, order a latte, and cozy up with a book sometime this weekend to forget that Monday is coming. (RP)
The Villens, Bookmobile!, Seismic Toss, Lovely Noir, $5, 8 p.m., Error Records
The Facebook page for this event boasts “getting inappropriate and playing loud, obnoxious music at Error Records!” Assuming that means obnoxious in a good way, this should be a pretty cool show. Also, why not pick up a record from the record shop while you’re there? They’ve got a great selection of punk/hardcore/heavy music and local releases. (MR)
SUNDAY, January 11th
Make plans to visit restaurants on campus this week, all day
Students return to campus next weekend. This is your last chance to easily make your way to and from campus without the looming threat of committing involuntary manslaughter. Some places you might want to consider: Maize, Sakanaya, Jerusalem, and Cocomero (those bubble teas are pretty good, and hello, taro frozen yogurt!). (JH)
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Illinois Fighting Illini Womens Basketball, State Farm Center, 2 p.m., $25 FREE
Watching the fighting Illini womens basketball team is like a waterpark. It’s fun! The tickets are decently priced, its general admission so you can sit close, and you get to watch a Big 10 team battle it out on our crisp-ass court in the awesome State Farm Center. Bonus points for whoever brings a younger sibling to show them how cool girl athletes are. Buy tickets online here. UPDATE: This event is free. Thanks to John Steinbacher for the head’s up. (SL)
Indoor games, Big Grove, 1 E Main St, Champaign, 4-9 p.m., games free, but you buy food and drink
Each Sunday in January Big Grove is opening the back room for indoor bags and board games. BGT provides the games, and you buy the food and drinks. That sounds pretty fun, actually. Just think of how good you’ll be at bags after you have a few house cocktails! (JH)
Go see a drag show, Chester Street Bar, 11 p.m.-2 a.m., $5 cover
You may be thinking: is a drag show for me? I’ve thought that before too. I went to one at Boltini and let me tell you, it is an experience that you should not let pass you by. It is unlike most anything you experience on a typical night out whether it be at a night club, bar, or theater. If you haven’t yet seen a show, head out tonight for some fun. (SL)
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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.