While we encourage you to check out what’s happening around C-U this weekend, please use precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you are out and about, please wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands, and most importantly, respect the people around you, especially the employees that work at these establishments.
Friday, September 11th
Do some yoga, your house, noon, free
KAM’s weekly program has moved into the virtual space for now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an hour’s worth of yoga from Jodi Adams of Blue Skies Yoga. The practice will be available on KAM’s YouTube channel. Since the yoga isn’t in the museum, I recommend pulling up images from past exhibitions and having those on your screen as you do the yoga, or just doing a look through before or after your yoga practice. It’s not perfect, but it will have to do. (JH)
Photo by Jessica Hammie.
Read a good book, your house, all weekend, free
Search the online catalogue at the Champaign or Urbana libraries for something you’d like to read, and then either go there to pick it up, or arrange for curbside pickup. This is primo outdoor reading season, so grab a hammock, or a chair, or a blanket, and plop right down with a snack and a beverage. Don’t forget some sunglasses and SPF. Oh, and yes, this book was incredible and should be required reading. (JH)
Make a plan to vote, your house, any time, free
So things are…not really great right now. If the events of the last week, month, year, 4 years are filling you with rage or at the very least inspiring you to do something to change things, make sure that you are making a plan to vote. It’s the very least you can do. Voting is a tricky deal right now with this whole pandemic thing happening, so make a plan to request your mail-in ballot or vote early if you’d like to avoid election day lines. If you’re worried about dropping your ballot in the mail, take advantage of one of the several drop boxes that will be set up throughout C-U, or one of the drive up drop off events in surrounding towns. (JM)
Saturday, September 12th
Photo from Beer Camp Facebook event page.
Work out and get your drink on, Riggs Beer Company, 11 a.m. to noon, $10
Join Jess and Ali at Riggs Beer Company for 45 minute full-body workout followed by a Riggs beer after class. Social distancing with a maximum of 15 participants with all spots 10 feet apart with masks required at entry and anytime off your mat. The cost of the class includes a Riggs beer and the rest of the proceeds will be donated to Feeding Our Kids. Sounds like a lovely way to get a workout, get your drink on, and help those children struggling with food insecurity in our community. (AB)
Photo by Debra Domal
Channel your inner nature photographer or illustrator, outdoors, anytime, free
Looking through a camera lens (even on a smartphone) changes the way we see things. The experience of getting and studying this shot sparked my newfound fascination with dragonflies. And if you really want to challenge your inner artist, use the photo as a reference and start drawing your subject. (DD)
Global Music Jam, online, 7 to 9 p.m., free
Sunday, September 13th
Bring your doggo and have a pint, Pour Bros. Craft Taproom, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., beer prices vary
Pups and pints returns this Sunday at Pour Bros. patio. A portion of the day’s proceeds will go to the Champaign Urbana Humane Society. Reservations are requested by emailing pourbroschampaign@gmail.com. The maximum people and canines to a table is limited to 10. If you’ve got a good doggie who likes to hang while you drink outside, this is a good Sunday afternoon option for you. Check out the Facebook event page here. (AB)
Reacquaint yourself with local artists, YouTube, anytime, free
If you’ve been watching online artist talks and demos for inspiration, why not browse local? With over 100 interviews with Chambana artists and creatives to choose from, you are bound to find inspiring insights, pro tips, and a big reminder about how much talent resides in our town. Check out Art Now! here. (DD)
Photo from the Facebook event page.
Terminus Victor, The Joy Machine, Sad Rat, Haki, Rose Bowl Tavern (outdoors), 5:30 to 9 p.m., donations encouraged
A four band bill is a rarity these days, since COVID-19 hasn’t provided any room for something even remotely resembling a “normal” show these days. That said, it is nice to see a four band bill for musicians giving it a go. Rose Bowl is host to this early-evening rock show headlined by the local rock staple Terminus Victor. They’re joined by The Joy Machine and Haki, two acts that hail from C-U, and Sad Rat from nearby Bloomington-Normal. (PS)
Top photo from Krannert Art Museum Facebook page.
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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.