FRIDAY, MAY 30
Small, Smaller, Smalst Opening Reception, 133 W. Main Street (formally Whittaker’s Jewelry) downtown Urbana, 6-8 p.m., free
Local artist Phil Strang presents his orignal works in many forms. This display of small paintings, prints, cards, and stamps on a variety of surfaces -glass, canvas, paper- will last until June 29. The opening reception, on the 30th, will feature live music and refreshments. (KP)
Thundertruck, Resinater, Earth Witch, Error Records, 7:30 p.m., $5
Some serious amounts of rock ‘n roll happening on Neil Street on Friday night — including the three bands listed above. Thundertruck will destroy your eardrums, most likely, and if you haven’t listened to the stoner rock release from Resinater, do yourself a favor and do that before heading to this one. Earth Witch has a busy week, but will most likely sludge it up. You’ll dig it. (PS)
Pygmalion Lit Fest Summer Show, Mike ‘N Molly’s, 8 p.m., free
In anticipation for their second year, Pygmalion Lit Fest is hosting a summer show with musical artists Nat Baldwin and Megan Johns. Local/regional readers include Jensen Beach, Roya Khatiblou, and Jim Warner. Come on out to the beer garden to hear some tunes and stories — plus, it’s free. (JK)
Stargaze Planet Mecury, 9:37 p.m., free
Tonight the planet Mecury will be visible in the western sky 75 minutes after sunset (approximately 9:37 p.m.). Astrologers say the planet is visable with the naked eye on a clear night but binoculars are even better as the planet is sometimes masked by the glowing sunset. Head out to the Champaign-Urbana Astrological Society’s observatory located at County Road, 700 E. IL 61822 for the best view. (SL)
Jodorowky’s Dune, The Art Theater Co-op, 10 p.m.
From The Art website: “In 1975, Chilean director Alejandro Jodorowsky, whose films EL TOPO and THE HOLY MOUNTAIN launched and ultimately defined the midnight movie phenomenon, began work on his most ambitious project yet. Starring his own 12 year old son Brontis alongside Orson Welles, Mick Jagger, David Carradine and Salvador Dali, featuring music by Pink Floyd and art by some of the most provocative talents of the era, including HR Giger and Jean ‘Moebius’ Giraud, Jodorowsky’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic sci-fi novel DUNE was poised to change cinema forever.” Catch this unique film experience Friday and Saturday night at 10 p.m. (MG)
SATURDAY, MAY 31
National Macaroon Day, everywhere, all day
I don’t know who invented these ridiculous national random food days; the Hallmark and Food Culture Industrial complexes are to blame, I suppose. (Thanks, capitalism!) It doesn’t really matter, though, because it’s an excuse to eat a delicious coconut cookie (or two). If you’re looking to pick up some macaroons (not to be confused with macarons), I suggest checking out ArtMart, Mirabelle, The New Sweet Indulgence, Pekara, Strawberry Fields, or Cafe Zojo. If those bakeries don’t have any, stop by Common Ground Food Co-op after the shopping the market, pick up the few ingredients you need, and make your own. (JH)
Homer Soda Festival, downtown Homer, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., free admission, 25 cents per soda tasting
This is the festival’s second year, and it’s sure to send you on a sugar rush. I attended last year, and even though there didn’t seem to be an incredibly large crowd, there were definitely enough people there to create some lines. Vendors will be set up with plenty of weird, fruity, and savory soda samples. I’m a fan of chocolate and Cheerwine. If you haven’t already had Moxie, you should do that too. If you’re bringing your kids, be sure to factor in the ridiculous sugar high from which you’ll all crash. (JH)
Women in Technology Open House, Urbana Champaign Independent Media Center, talks 1:30-2:30 p.m.; panel discussion 2:45-3:15 p.m.
The Women in Technology (WIT) Open House will be held in the Independent Media Center at Makerspace in Urbana. This informal event, hosted by Py-CU, a Python User Group, is targeted at women in the professional STEM community as well as women who want to take their first steps into this world. Expect a schedule of mini talks and discussions in between. Representatives of C-U tech groups and discussion tables will meet with attendees to answer questions and talk about specific topics. For questions or more information, Py-CU can be contacted on Meetup, Facebook, Twitter (@PythonCU), and its website. (KP)
Blitzen Trapper, The Parkington Sisters, Blank Range, The Highdive, 6:45 p.m., $13 advance/$15 door
Portland’s Blitzen Trapper are back in town after coming through a year or so ago. If you haven’t caught them once before, you might get out to this one on Saturday night. This is an earlier show, relatively speaking, so you’ll still have time to see live music and carry on with the rest of your evening on Saturday night. A couple of other cool bands join — The Parkington Sisters and Blank Range. Pretty cheap tickets for a solid show all around. (PS)
Pecha Kucha Night, Krannert Art Museum, 8:20 p.m., free
The pecha kucha, a Japanese style of presenting information, allows 20 seconds per 20 slides. People have used this 6 minute, 40 second period of time in order to present on a variety of topics. The C-U Pecha Kucha night will discuss art, creativity, comedy, stories, and inspiration. Doors are at 7:45, with DJ Wisconsin playing before the event. People are encouraged to dress in 80s prom style. For more information and a line-up of presenters, check out their website (JK).
The Brothers Size, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m.
Hailed as “the greatest piece of writing by an American playwright under 30 in a generation or more” (Chicago Tribune), the play is a hot-blooded, music-filled drama that recounts the story of two Louisiana brothers — Ogun and Oshoosi Size — and Oshoosi’s former jail mate, Elegba, who enters his post-prison life with promises of a new type of freedom. Poetic language, Nigerian mythology, and stylized movement heighten the environment as the complexities of fraternal love, the impact of poverty, and the true cost of redemption come to light. This prodcution, by Chicago’s Definition Theatre, is a summer residence produced and performed by University of Illinois Theatre alumni. (MG)
SUNDAY, JUNE 1
Champaign-Urbana Scultpure Walk, all day, free
Take time out of your Sunday to explore C-U’s public sculpture collection using the Public Art Leauge’s sculpture map. There are a total of 28 sculptures to explore most within walking distance of downtown. Take a camera or sketch book and make a project of it. If you like a sculpture, you can even take it home as all of them are for sale (unless marked sold). (SL)
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