FRIDAY, JUNE 13
Davina and the Vagabonds, Upshot, OUTSIDE at the Research Park, 6:30 p.m., free
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, bug spray, snacks, and kids out to Research Parkthis friday and listen to the soothing sounds of Davina and the Vagabonds, a blues band with theatrical stage present. Click here for more information about events at Research Park and click here to watch a Davina and the Vagabonds youtube video shot at The Highdive. (SL)
The Brothers Size, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m.
Only two more chances to see Chicago-based Definition Theatre Company perform their bravura take on The Brothers Size, a percussive drama by MacArthur Fellow Tarell Alvin McCraney, directed by Kathlen Conlin. The play focuses on Ogun and Oshoosi Size, whose Louisiana lives are nearly opposites: Ogun runs an auto repair shop as he worries and implores Oshoosi to seek work. Oshoosi is fresh out of prison and prefers the happiness found in dreaming. As they struggle to coexist and define their own ideas of freedom, their world is disrupted when the slick Elegba — a former inmate with Oshoosi — arrives. Exploring brotherhood in all its guises, this work with strong adult language features stylized movement and layers of Nigerian myth. (MG)
Putting It Together, The Station Theatre, 8 p.m.
The first show the Station’s 2014 summer season is the rare revue that also tells a story, mostly. Originally intended as a playground for four actors portraying two couples, the Station instead engages ten talented local actors to deliver some of Sondheim’s most popular tunes about relationships. Featuring Tom Cravens, Jodi Prosser, Jeremiah Lowry, Ann Marie Morrissette, Kent Conrad, Nicole Morgan, Kyle Thomas, Stephanie Swearningen, Lee Steiner, and Cara Maurizi. (MG)
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
Market at the Crossroads, corner of William and Neil (Downtown Champaign), 8 a.m., free
Crossroads Corner Consignment in Downtown Champaign hosts a market full of local art and vintage sellers on the corner of William and Neil St. 25 local vendors, including Paper Moon, Carrie’s, and Prairie Peddler, will be selling various items from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (JK)
Jerk Chicken, Pickens Chicken, 904 N. Fourth Street, Champaign, $3.69 for chicken only, meals available for $7.95
On the tip of a reader who commented on the Caribbean Grill review, I stopped by this soul food restaurant a couple of Saturdays ago to check it out. Pickens Chicken only does jerk chicken on Saturdays, and for the sake of my waist, this is a good thing. This is now part of my Saturday routine. This chicken was amazing. Sinfully good. Earthy, spicy, moist. Incredible. Go get some. Right now. (JH)
Uncork Urbana Wine Festival, Busey Bank parking lot at Main and Race Streets, Urbana, 1–9 p.m., $10 entry (includes 5 tasting tickets)
Summer in C-U means weekend after weekend of glorious outdoor festivals. The newest (and first this summer) is the Uncork Urbana Wine Festival, organized by the Urbana Business Association and the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association. There will be wine (and beer), food, and music. The forecast for Saturday is promising, and so is this event. (JH)
Hogchute Opry, Kalyx Center in Monticello, 5 p.m.
This is one to venture out to on Saturday afternoon if you’re looking for a (slight) adventure into the woods of Monticello to check out a cool cabin with bands performing. A handful of bands will be performing out at the Kalyx Center, which has hosted Barnstormers in the past (awesome), and will be set up for some locals to show us what they’ve got. The Fights, Neoga Blacksmith, Manzanita Bones, Waterfowl and Hi Ho Buffalo will be the featured bands playing their tunes. (PS)
SUNDAY, JUNE 15
June Fork in the Road Tasting Tour, Prairie Fruits Farm, 12 p.m, $40/ticket
Prairie Fruits and Farm is kicking off their “Fork in the Road” tour this Sunday, from about 12-5 p.m. The tour will stop at Prairie Fruits Farm for a goat dairy and organic orchard, KD Ranch & Sugar Shack Antiques for wild game, and then Sleepy Creek Vineyards for a wine tasting. Tickets still available! (JK)
Free Primary Care Clinic
Avicenna Community Health Center, 819 Bloomington Road, Champaign. 1-4 p.m.
Avicenna is a free primary care clinic open to individuals without health insurance. Patients can make an appointment but “walk-ins” are accepted too. The clinic can manage anything from allergies, coughs, and colds, to diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. The clinic focuses on wellness and encourages you to come for a physical exam even if you’re not feeling ill. Visit their website or Call 217-418-5888 to make an appointment. (SL)
Noah Harris, Cole Rabenort, The Iron Post, 7 p.m., $5
Check out a couple of acoustic acts on the stage at the Iron Post on Sunday night. I haven’t sat outside at the Iron Post in quite some time, but switching off between that and seeing a couple of locals play on a Sunday night sounds pretty appealing to me. Get a cold drink and settle in for the night. Rabenort is in the Fights and Noah Harris used to play in the Elanors (RIP). (PS)
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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.