FRIDAY, November 7th
Venus in Fur, The Station Theatre, 8 p.m., $15
From the Station website: “Thomas, a beleaguered playwright/director, is desperate to find an actress to play Vanda, the female lead in his adaptation of the classic sadomasochistic tale Venus in Fur. Into his empty audition room walks a vulgar and equally desperate actress — oddly enough, named Vanda. Though utterly wrong for the sophisticated part, Vanda exhibits a strange command of the material, piquing Thomas’ interest with her seductive talents and secretive manner. As the two work through the script, they blur the line between play and reality, entering into an increasingly serious game of submission and domination that only one of them can win. A mysterious, funny, erotic drama that represents yet another departure for the multifaceted David Ives.” (MG)
C-U Folk and Roots Festival, multiple locations and times
This year’s C-U Folk and Roots Festival features events throughout Urbana, including the Iron Post, the Rose Bowl, the Landmark Hotel, the Urbana Free Library, and more. Check out jazz, folk, and bluegrass all over the city. Many shows are free, but evening shows usually have a cover; a festival wristband ($30) will get you into all the events. Check here for a detailed schedule. (RP)
SATURDAY, November 8th
Surprise someone you love with doughnuts, Carmella’s, 1611 West Springfield Ave, Champaign, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. (ish), about $10 for a dozen
It was recently National Doughnut Day, so have a belated celebration this weekend with Carmella’s tasty treats. Each time I drive by Carmella’s, I contemplate stopping to get some doughnuts. I’m usually foiled by the lack of cash in my wallet, so be sure to stop by an ATM before you make your way to the doughnuts. Because Carmella’s has a drive-thru, you don’t even need to wear real pants. Pajamas will suffice. Check out my review for suggestions, but please also note that I would be remiss if I didn’t mention here that the Old Fashioned is amazing. (JH)
Take a business financing class, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, 303 W. Kirby Ave., 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., $25 registration required
I would guess that many of our readers are considering or dreaming about owning asmall business. I know I am. Here is a class that could give you some good information on what it takes to make your start up real. Take some time today and invest in your future. If nothing else, you can at least have a better understanding of financial matters in general. Register at this website. (SL)
Cranksgiving, The Bike Project (Urbana location), $5+ donation, 12 p.m.
The Bike Project’s seventh annual Cranksgiving takes place this Saturday. Bring your bike and a bag to carry food in to The Bike Project and race to see who can collect the most food to donate to the Eastern Illinois Food Bank. The goal is for the event to beat the event’s previous record of 1900 lbs. of food, so the more participation the better. Sign-in starts at noon, and the event starts at 1 p.m. An afterparty follows. (MR)
“Cook Something Bold and Pungent Day,” your house, all day, prices vary
I don’t know why WIkipedia has named November 8th as
“Cook Something Bold and Pungent Day,” but it has, and it’s on the Internet now, so it must be true. (Thank you, free encyclopedias that anyone can edit!) Regardless, the fall weather is a lovely reason for cooking something bold and pungent and filling the house with those scents. Perhaps you can swing by Common Ground and pick up some meat, slow cook it with too much garlic and onion (on sale for .99/lb). Make a chili. Make something spicy. Just remember that if it’s bold and pungent going in, it might also be on the way out. (JH)
Feral States, Hunt Hunt Hunt Camp, Windmills, Coed Pageant, Mike ‘N Molly’s, $7, 9 p.m.
Feral States are headlining this show at Mike ‘N Molly’s — and there is a lot happening here outside of just those guys (you should know them by now, and if you don’t, go here). Coed Pageant is back in town, as they are former locals (between that project and the Palace Flophouse). If you don’t recall, go back and check out their Seasons EP’s that resonated a bit with us back in 2012. Hunt Hunt Hunt Camp is an outfit that resides in Chicago, and Windmills has a coupon for you. (PS)
Acker, Marathon + Comrades, Pigeon, Institute 4 Creativity, $5, 10 p.m.
If you think instrumental music is boring, let C-U’s own Acker and Marathon prove you wrong at this late show Saturday night. While they’re not instrumental, Carbondale’s Pigeon is not lacking in musical intensity either. This show is also a good chance to check out a new local venue, Institute 4 Creativity, as well. (MR)
SUNDAY, November 9th
Run or walk a 5k with your kid, Stephans Family YMCA 2501 Fields S Dr, Champaign, IL 61822, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., $30 for adults and $25 for kids
Girls on the Run or, GOTR, is a group dedicated to helping the kids of central Illinois stay fit. They host classes for kids and adults to fitness train together. Sunday is their 5k at the YMCA. A 5K is 3.1 miles so you could even walk with a son, daughter, niece, nephew, etc. I will be good for you bodies and your relationship. So get your sneakers and get out there! Registration on site is acceptable. More information on GOTR and the 5K here. (SL)
Lysander Piano Trio, Foellinger Great Hall, 3 p.m., $10-42
From Krannert’s synopsis: “The Lysander Piano Trio — which takes its name from the romantic character in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream—is the winner of the 2012 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh International Competition, in which it was further distinguished as the Chamber Music America Showcase Performance recipient. The ensemble’s members — Itamar Zorman, violin; Michael Katz, cello; and Liza Stepanova, piano — joined forces when they were graduate students at the Juilliard School. Only two months after their trio formed, it was selected to represent Juilliard in a special concert in Mexico City. Standout success at competitions and recital halls throughout the United States soon followed. The group’s Krannert Center program takes as its theme ‘Composers Away from Home.'” (MG)
Exposed, Soma Ultralounge, 6 p.m., free
Check out a free showcase of what the Champaign-Urbana arts scene has to offer, along with some healthy appetizers and drinks from Soma. This month’s showcase features photography, visual artists, and two Pens to Lens films. For more info on this event, check out our interview with Exposed founder Amy Ali. (RP)
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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.