FRIDAY, October 16th
Friday Forum: The History of African American School Achievement in the 20th Century, University YMCA, 12-1:30 p.m., Free.
In this week’s installment of their Friday Forum series, the University YMCA invites Dr. James Anderson, professor of Education Policy, to speak about the changing role of African Americans in the realm of education. For anyone looking to become more informed over their lunch hour, this is perhaps the most fufilling way to do so. Plus it’s free. What’s better than becoming more aware and educated for free? Nothing. (BH)
Love.Peace.Progression Tour Kickoff, Mike N Molly’s, 8 p.m., $5
Paradigm Shift is kicking off a multi-state tour on Friday at Mike n Molly’s. You’ll be able to hear T.R.U.T.H, Ace B8gie, Josi Green, and more. I’m still not over T.R.U.T.H (plus Klevah) opening for Run the Jewels at Pygmalion; Friday’s show promises to be even more excellence. (RP)
Support Common Ground Co-op, 300 S Broadway, Urbana, all day, give what youcan
Since the announcement of the second Common Ground location in Champaign and the subsequent Owner Drive, 750 people have become owners. This just short of the 900 needed, and in order to raise the funds to begin work on the second location, Common Ground is hoping to raise between $1.8 and $2.5 million from owners to offset the $4 million project price tag. For more info or to contribute, visit the store. (JH)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Art Theater, 10 p.m., $8
Come start your Halloween celebration a week early with an adventure into the voyeuristic castle of Dr. Frakenfurter. Get out your Magentas, your Riff Raffs, and your Dr. Frankenfurter outfits and head over to the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Art Theater this weekend. Crowd participation is encouraged, but the Art Theater staff asks that you abstain from the rice and water bottle throwing rituals and instead, just do the timewarp, and be courteous of your neighbors’ timewarp dancing space. It will be a great time. (BC)
SATUDAY, October 17th
Visit the Curtis Orchard + Pumpkin Patch, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., free (well, depends on what you buy)
I think everyone in the world was at the Pumpkin Patch this weekend, and by the looks of my social media accounts, everyone wanted to tell everyone. You still have time to get your fill of the goodness that exists in Southwest Champaign at Curtis Orchard. Oh my god, I need those donuts, too. Get out there, it could be less busy this coming weekend? Probably not. (PS)
9th annual disABILITY expo, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., free
As you may have guessed from my clever use of capitalization, this expo focuses on provided helpful resources to those with special needs. If you, a friend, or family member has a disABILITY this is on expo you need to attend as there will be a lot of information and resources. Not to mention there will be local artists, prizes and games. This year the expo will focus on service dogs. More info here. (SL)
Anniversary Sale, Old Time Meat and Deli, 2018 S Neil Street, Champaign, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., prices vary
Old TIme Meat and Deli is having its annual Anniversary Sale through Saturday, and it’s a fantastic way to stock up on some meats for the winter. Prime Rib is $19.99/lb, butterfly pork chops are $3.79/lb; all fresh beef, pork, and chicken items in the case are on sale. (JH)
Urbana Boulders Opening, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., some $ to climb
It’s finally happening! Urbana Boulders is opening this weekend, and a celebration is in order. Opening day will include food, games, and prizes, including free day passes. New and veteran climbers are welcome. (RP)
Urbana Makerspace Open Hours, Urbana Independent Media Center (IMC), 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Free
Come join the Urbana Makers in their workshop for open hours this Saturday. Every Saturday, the Urbana Makers host open hours to work on free projects such as 3-D printing, sewing and computer coding. The space is equipped with various tools (soldering irons, computer parts, and knowledgeable brains) to help you with almost any project, so come through. I will be here this Saturday working on my Arduino Twitter Mood Light. (BC)
Homer Opera House re-opening concert celebration, 4-11 p.m., 101 N. Main, Homer, $12
The Homer Opera House is re-opening and to celelbrate they’re inviting you to take a look around, shop at local vendor booths and enjoy a concert. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the concert starts at 6 p.m. This space is touted to be georgeously decorated with superior acoustics. Charlie’s Pizza will be serving slices. All proceeds will go to further renovations. Tickets are on sale online now. Click here to purchase. (SL)
Immortal Beethoven, 7:30 p.m., Foellinger Great Hall, $40.
The professional chamber orchestra of Illinois faculty, students, and guest artists has begun its 32nd season at Krannert. This weekend’s performance not only celebrates Beethoven’s work, but features the world-premiere of a vocal work that will set the text of his heartfelt letter to the anonymous addressee “The Immortal Beloved” to an instrumental work composed by Robert Chumbley. World-premiere. (RK)
Lily & Madeleine + Tara Terra, 8 p.m., Mike N Molly’s, $10 advance, $13 at the door.
Kanye West was right when he took to the stage at this year’s MTV Music Video Awards. Though most of his rant was incoherent, the line that stood out the most to me was “listen to the kids.”
Saturday at Mike N Molly’s is certainly no exception, drawing on a youthful duo from Indianapolis, Lily & Madeleine, and a group of kids from Champaign-Urbana who have steadily built their own respective buzz, Tara Terra. If you want to see what’s up next, you don’t want to miss this show. (BH)
SUNDAY, October 18th
Country Sunday, Mike N Molly’s, 8 p.m., free
Depending on what kind of country music you’re talking about — country music is pretty good on the whole. Just varies, though with DJ Hoeffler producing this, it’s bound to be good. $1 Hamm’s, $2 rails, $3 Tullamore Dew. There you go, but please tip your DJ and bartender(s). (PS)
That’s What She Said Film Festival, the Virginia Theater, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., $15 for all three movies.
As part of the weekend-long LadyFest, Mowgli Studios is bringing three female-centric films to the Virigina. Home, Dreamworks’ recent animated feature, tells the story of a mother and daughter struggling to be reunited after an alien invasion. Since it’s a “kids movie”, it’s just $1, but I paid full price for that and it’s worth it. The documentary Girls Rock! about Sleater-Kinney teaching teen girls how to scream, follows at just $7, and Fried Green Tomatoes rounds out the night for another $7. Gimme yer best “TOWANDA!” (RK)
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