FRIDAY, MARCH 22
Leave work early to watch the Fighting Illini take on Colorado, 3:40 p.m. tip off, TNT
It’s that time of the year again. The time when everyone fills out the bracket that is definitely going to win their office pool or whatever gambling scheme you’ve gotten yourself into this year. Although games started yesterday, there is enough basketball going on in the next few weeks to make your head spin. Illinois didn’t end the regular season in the best shape, getting ousted by the Hoosiers in the Big Ten Tournament, this is the time of the year where it’s on the line. They’re taking on #10 Colorado in the first real round of the NCAA Tournament. Not this second round garbage because of the play-in games no one really cares about.
There’s always a chance that the game could start later than the time listed because of other games going on and scheduling issues with television. Whether you’re in C-U or actually in Austin for this one, Illini should be watching … and perhaps praying … that we’ll see the good Illinois team we’ve seen splashes of this year come out onto the court. (PS)
Oz the Great and Powerful Tribute, Emerald City Lounge, 5:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.
This is a really cool promotion. Emerald City will serve “themed specials” while Oz the Great and Powerful is showing in C-U. Specials include $1off all Emerald City Themed Martinis and free desert when you bring in your theater ticket.
And, seriously, Emerald City Lounge is one of the most comfortable, fun places to hang out in C-U. (TN)
Quartet, The Art Theater Co-op, several showtimes all weekend long
Continuing this weekend at The Art Theater Co-op, Quartet, the feature film directed by acclaimed actor Dustin Hoffman. It’s a charming and wickedly comic film about redefining old age. Based on Ronald Harwood’s stage play of the same name, the film centers on residents of an exclusive retirement home for musicians. Every year on Giuseppe Verdi’s birthday, the residents unite to give a concert to raise funds for their home. But when a former grande dame of the opera fallen (played by Downton Abbey’s Maggie Smith) moves into the home, the plans for this year’s concert start to unravel. (MG)
Fri 4:30, 7:00, 9:30
Sat 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30
Sun 2:00, 4:30, 7:00
Tim Kasher, Brighton MA, Anna Karenina/Anna Karina, Mike ‘N Molly’s, 8:00 p.m., $15
Although the pricepoint on this show is a bit steep, you have to think about what you’re getting out of the bill as a whole. I find myself doing this when justifying whether or not to buy tickets to any show — not just shows here in C-U. Just think, I’d probably pay $5–10 to see any of these acts by themselves, so that basically justifies the cost of admission right there.
Tim Kasher, better known for his work with Cursive, is performing solo to round out the week at MIke ‘N Molly’s as a part of the Pygmalion Spring Show Series. You can stream his track “Cold Love” below. In addition, Brighton MA is joining (good stuff here) and locals AK/AK. Who needs justification when the lineup is that good? (PS)
[[mp3 tim_kasher_cold_love]]
SATURDAY, MARCH 23
A Place at the Table, Art Theater Co-op, 11:30 a.m.
A Place at the Table stars Jeff Bridges and was created, distributed, and supported by the same entertainment companies that made Food, Inc.
The film follows three people who live and struggle with food insecurity. Throughout the film, sociologists, nutrition policy leaders, and activists present insights, information, and the cultural and social implications that food insecurity has on our nation’s citizens.
Every person who brings in canned goods for donation gets a total of $1 off their ticket cost. (TN)
Hospice Hearts Sanctuary French Market, Urbana Civic Center, 1:00–8:00 p.m., $3 (children under 18 are free if accompanied by an adult)
Central Illinois artisans and other local vendors will host a French Market to benefit Hospice Hearts Sanctuary, a Champaign County non-profit that will care for dogs and cats with terminally ill owners.
This even is “inspired by an open air market in France,” and will have forty local vendors selling “handcrafted and other unique goods, gourmet food and drink.” There will also be live music by:
- Motherlode String Band: 1:00–3:00 p.m.
- Dawna Nelson: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
- Caleb Cook: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
- David Howie: 5:00–6:00 p.m.
- Jammin’ Jimmy Bean: 6:00–8:00 p.m.
One hundred percent of all tickets sales will go toward building the sanctuary. For advance tickets, please call (217) 417-9590.
Also, look at that dog up there wearing the beret. Just look at him. (TN)
Winter Jam 2013, the Assembly Hall, 6:00 p.m., $10
Winter Jam, is Christian music’s largest tour. This year’s headliner is TobyMac. Other musicians are:
- RED
- Matthew West
- Jamie Grace
- Sidewalk Prophets
- Royal Tailor
The Youth Music Vault Pre-Jam Party will include performances from Jason Castro, OBB, and Capital Kings.
Has anyone ever been to this show? It comes through every year. Is it good? It’s Christian music’s “largest tour,” and yet I’ve not heard of any of these people. (TN)
SUNDAY, MARCH 24
Complain about the weather, All fucking day
Have you checked out what the weather is supposed to be on Sunday? Highs in the mid-30s. Wind at 19 mph. Wind chill of 10 degrees. Snow. I usually don’t complain about the weather, as it’s against my religion. I like all four seasons. I’m loathe to wish my life away with statements like, “If only spring would hurry up and get here.” But spring is here, and this is some fucking bullshit weather we’re having.
And I don’t care that November and December were “mild.” November is supposed to be mild.
So, this Sunday, on the 24th of March, we’ll all feel like our nuts are freezing off every time we step outside for any length of time at all. Again. Still. ::weeps softly:: (TN)
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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.