FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12
Watch one of the best bassists you’ll probably ever see in Victor Wooten at Canopy Club — $15, 7:00 p.m.
There was a phase in my life where jam bands were my thing. I’m not ashamed to admit it either. Dave Matthews Band and Bela Fleck and the Flecktones were listened to obsessively at times through some of my high school years, and this guy was definitely a part of that mini-obsessive era. Often guesting with the former and being a full-time member of the latter, Victor Wooten is a remarkable talent to say the least. Decorated from head to toe with awards for his musicianship, he is truly one of the more innovative bassists of this generation and is still chugging away, releasing two records this year. Dusty gave a pretty solid rundown of what to expect from this guy Friday night, so I’ll stop talking and let the music explain it for me. (PS)
Take This Waltz, Art Theater, Friday, 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, 2:30, 5:00, and 7:30 p.m.
I’ve only seen the trailer for this movie so I don’t know the details, but it appears to be about a preternaturally cute girl who’s in a perfect marriage with a perfect man, who then meets another perfect man who says things like, “I feel like being out in the world with you. Can we spend the day together? Please?” while indie music croons in the background. I mean, how can she not cheat on her perfect husband with this guy? There may or may not be waltzing. (TN)
Dracula, Krannert Colwell Playhouse, Friday–Saturday, October 12–13, 7:30 p.m.
This play is taken from Bram Stoker’s novel, and has been adapted for the stage by Liz Lochhead. If memory serves, the vampire in this play will actually be an unrepentant bad guy, y’all.
Krannert will host Dessert and Conversation on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m., and there will be a free talkback in the theatre after the performance that evening. (TN)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13
Screening of Inside Job, Channing-Murray Chapel, 2:00–5:00 p.m.
This screening is part of Channing-Murray’s Social Justice Film Series. Inside Job is a documentary directed by Charles Ferguson, and is “the first film to expose the shocking truth behind the economic crisis of 2008.”
Channing-Murray says that Saturday’s screening may turn into a double feature event that begins at noon, for which they’ll show a film on local food issues. So check with them on this if you’re interested (the above link has contact information). (TN)
Hit the links at some point, because it will probably be one of the last weekends you’ll be able to do so — Anywhere in the area, various prices
I, myself, have not been on a golf course since about the beginning of September, so I’m due for a round of golf this weekend. There are plenty of places to play around here, including Stone Creek, the U of I courses, and Lake of the Woods, amongst many, many others that can be found through an easy search of “golf” on your friendly search engine. We’re nearing the middle of October, when the weather is pretty hit or miss and is generally getting colder and colder as the days creep by. Who cares if you’re a good golfer or bad; you might as well get out there and get some swings in before you have to put the clubs away until next April. It appears as if the weather will be very cooperative this weekend, so take advantage of it. (PS)
Chef’s Table, Red Herring, 6:00 p.m., $20
Chef Dan Garrison only selects local, seasonal vegetables and fruits for his delicious, three-course meals. Afterwards, stay and discuss his methods and preparation. Many of the ingredients used in these meals are grown and harvested from Channing-Murray’s garden, and the bread is baked fresh daily on site.
Reserve space by visiting the Red Herring, calling Channing Murray at (217) 344-1176, or by emailing. (with “Chef’s Table reservation” in the subject line). (TN)
Stiletto Sprint, downtown Champaign, 8:00 p.m.
The first time we heard of a Stiletto Sprint, it was in Italy. Leave it to classy European women to raise money for a charity by running a few blocks in their fanciest stilettos. Now, the trend has made it all the way to the Junior League of Champaign-Urbana, where the money raised will go to the League Locker. The women’s race begins at 8:30 p.m. between Church and Chester Streets, and the men’s … yes, we said men’s … race begins at 9 p.m. Be there to race or see the spectacle. (SK)
Tree for All, downtown Urbana, 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Don’t mistake this for a too-early holiday tree decorating festival like I did at first … at Urbana’s first ever Tree for All festival, you’ll find the city and the artists embracing and celebrating one of the local attributes … trees.
For the length of the festival, you’ll find a Tree Trek, where you’ll see trees decorated by local businesses, but even more interesting, a city arborist, Mike Brunk, will be around Broadway and Main streets from 2:00–5:00 p.m. to answer any questions you have about trees. Other tree events and times are available on their website. (SK)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14
“My Books are Like Water”: A Celebration of Mark Twain, Urbana Free Library, 2:00–3:00 p.m.
The Celebration Company at the Station Theatre will perform dramatic readings of selections of Mark Twain’s work at UFL’s Lewis Auditorium.
Seating is limited, so don’t show up at the last minute for this one. (TN)
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.