FRIDAY, November 21st
Donate a food item to Parkland College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa fooddrive, Parkland College’s Student Union (U building), all day
Here’s an opportunity to do some good and check out the new building at Parkland. All food will be donated to the Eastern Illinois Foodbank on December 2nd. Food items needed most are beans, canned fruit, canned veggies, cereal, jelly, macaroni and cheese, pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, soup, and rice. (JH)
Take a tour of Krannert Center, 3 p.m.
You’ve probably been to Krannert to see a play or hear a band, but have you explored the building itself? Per the KCPA website: “Meet in the Lobby in front of the Ticket Office to take a peek inside our nooks and crannies and learn more about Krannert Center. Each tour is given by a member of the Krannert Center Student Association, one of our Krannert Center Community Volunteers, or a staff member who will tell you about construction of the building, lead you onto stages, and take you into our production areas. A tour lasts 45-60 minutes.” Time well spent. (MG)
Around the World in Eighty Days, Parkland College Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
Cleverly staged in a theater within the theatre (trust me), Tom Mitchell has created an engaging and fun experience that brings the familiar story of Phileas Fogg to life. Add to that enticement the terrific lead performance of Jeremiah Lowry and the fact that this show is presented in the round, and it’s tough to think of a better way to spend a night at the theater. Suitable for all ages, especially those youngsters who haven’t seen a play in the round before. I recommended getting a reservation soon, as seating is somewhat limited. (MG)
Go see BIRDMAN. Seriously.All weekend long, you have the opportunity to see one of the most interesting and entertaining films in recent memory. I’m sure you’ve seen things in the last year that were fun or funny or exciting. Whatever. This is something else entirely. And if you love movies (and ESPECIALLY if you love the theatre), you owe it to yourself to see a film that has something to say about the art you enjoy. Kudos to Austin McCann and the gang at the Art Theatre Co-op for bringing this gem to our town. (MG)
Seizures, Illustrations, Life Exposed, 50 Year Storm, Thee DeathTower, 8 p.m.
It’s usually safe to say that DIY touring bands come from as far as Texas or California, they’re worth checking out. Such is the case with Siezures and Illustrations. C-U’s equally heavy 50 Year Storm will also be tearing up Thee DeathTower, just like they tore up Fields Fest a couple weekends ago. (MR)
Stand-up Comedy Showcase, The Iron Post, 9 p.m., $5
A handful of comedians will be participating in a stand-up showcase tonight at the Iron Post. Collin Bullock, Tim McClaughlin, Jason Melton, Justin Tuttle and Andrew Voris are all on the docket to make people laugh in Urbana.
buzz + Smile Politely Present: Heirship Records Showcase featuring Motes, The Chemicals, and Terminus Victor, Cowboy Monkey, 10 p.m., $5
There’s lots to love about this showcase, the first in buzz + Smile Politely’s new show series, which will feature three bands from Heirship Records. Check out our conversation with Heirship Records operator Isaac Arms and band members from Motes and Terminus Victor here. (RP)
SATURDAY, November 22nd
Place your Thanksgiving orders, all day
For details, check out the Guide for a mostly locally sourced Thanksgiving. (JH)
Stock up on Warm Beverages, Boneyard Coffee and Tea, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Nothing beats lazy mornings curled up with a cuppa, so swing by Boneyard Coffee & Tea this weekend to stock up your pantry for the cold months ahead. You can sample a coffee blend or two and peruse caffeinated and uncaffeinated teas. (RP)
Big Bigger Blast! Institute 4 Creativity, 111 South Walnut St., Champaign. 6-11 p.m., free
This is a closing reception for an art exhibit by Phil Strang, Mary Torri, and CindyBlair Sampson. It will feature paintings, prints, posters, sculptures, cards and 2015 calendars for purchase by Phil Strang. Food, drink, open to the public and family friendly. If you’re into art, get into this! (SL)
The Fights, Tractor Kings, Cpt. Captain, Memphis on Main, 8:30 p.m., $5
On the second night of Memphest — the mini-alt-country fest happening at Memphis on Main this weekend — you can catch three other terrific bands. The Fights put out one of the best records of the year, Off Your Horse, Tractor Kings are local mainstays, and Katie spoke with Cpt. Captain yesterday. Check all of those things out, and head over to Memphis for good specials and even better music. (PS)
Advance Base, Mike Adams at his Honest Weight, Easter, Mike ‘N Molly’s, 9 p.m.
I can take or leave Owen Ashworth, formerly known as Casiotone for the Painfully Alone and currently known as Advance Base. Easter, however, is always fun to see, and nowadays you never know if this is your last chance to catch them live. (MR)
SUNDAY, November 23rd
Founder’s Fall Cookout, Crane Alley, 1 p.m., all items a la carte
Crane Alley’s 3rd annual Founder’s Fall Cookout is happening this Sunday, and I’m certain you won’t be disappointed. Firstly, Founders has some great beer. Crane Alley will drain the super-concentrated beer from a 55 gallon bourbon barrel used to make Founder’s Kentucky Bourbon Stout, and make some BBQ sauce. Then they’ll chop up the barrel and use it in a cooking fire. And then you’ll eat chicken, sausages, t-bone and porterhouse steaks, lamb, stuffing, potato salad smothered in that BBQ sauce. Oh, and drink all the beer. (JH)
Bones, Jugs and Harmony, Champaign Public Library, 2-3 p.m., free
You typically hear about BJH playing at the Canopy Club, Cowboy Monkey, Brass Rail, etc. Although friendly, those places aren’t really family friendly. But the CPL is very family friendly. So I would encourage you to pick up a young person and take them to see BJH this Sunday. They’re sure to love their wacky songs. (SL)
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