FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Reflections from the Education Justice Project, University YMCA (1001 South Wright, Champaign), 12-1 p.m., free
The University’s Friday Forum Lecture Series, organized this semester around the theme “Rethinking Security: Beyond Mass Incarceration,” continues this week. Program director Rebecca Ginsberg will introduce people to the stories of students, instructors, and volunteers involved in the Education Justice Project, a college-in-prison program based at U of I that offers educational programs at Danville Correctional Center. Here’s more about EJP. (RP)
Parkland Art and Design Faculty Exhibition, Parkland Art Gallery, 10 a.m.
The exhibit, featuring works from the Fine and Applied Arts Department faculty, is free and open to the public. The versatility of works on display mirrors the broad spectrum of courses available at Parkland. Art enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy works by Louis Ballard, Chris Berti, Lisa Costello, Marsha Daniels, Larry Ecker, Stacey Gross, Steven Hudson, Melinda McIntosh, Craig McMonigal, Laura O’Donnell, Denise Seif, Peggy Shaw, Phil Smith, Tim Stiles, Joan Stolz, Matthew Watt, Kelly White, Gretchen Wieshuber and Paul Young. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday; noon to 2 p.m. Saturday. (MG)
WOLF, 6:15 p.m., free with tickets, runs through Monday.
Artist Deke Weaver’s latest performance project welcomes its audience on a venture not only to Allerton Park, but through a wide range of media and culture in relation to wolves. Tickets are required, but free. Buses load at 6:15 p.m. near Krannert Center each night, with performances running until Monday. Tickets will be available, first come first serve, starting each night at 5:30 p.m. (JK)
Morgan Orion, Desafinado, Mike ‘N Molly’s, $5, 8 p.m.
Morgan Orion, a folk singer and songwriter from Urbana, will be playing alongside Desafinado, a local jazz band, tonight at Mike ‘N Molly’s. This show is a precursor to this weekend’s C-U Pride Fest at Lincoln Square in Urbana. (JK)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Tomatoes, Urbana Market at the Square, Lincoln Square Mall, 7 a.m.-noon
I don’t know how many readers have noticed, but this year has been an especially good one for tomato growers. Those suckers are coming up in great numbers and tasting especially beautiful. Everyone owes it to themselves to go out, pick up a few ripe, red tomatoes and then go home to make BLTs (or, for our meat-averse readers, avocado, lettuce, tomato sandwiches) and enjoy the succulence of our local produce. (CD)
Fall Market, Crossroads Corner Consignment (723 South Neil and parking lot of Bacon & Van Buskirk), 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
It still feels like summer, but the 1st Annual Fall Market will feature home items to “help you transition your home with the changing seasons”. There will be a variety of furniture, art, antiques, and fall décor, as well as some TCBY products and Pekara baked goods. It sounds like a nice way to spend a lazy Saturday, and maybe pick up a few things for your house. (JH)
4th Annual C-U Pride Festival, Lincoln Square (201 Lincoln Square, Urbana), 2 p.m.-late, free
It’s easy to love this year’s Pride Fest lineup, which offers a good balance of entertainment and education. The event includes a number of bands, drag shows, theatre improv, workshops, belly dancing lessons, and a ton more. Everyone is welcome. (RP)
Jazz Walk, Meadowbrook Park, 5:30-7:30 p.m. UPDATE: this event is FRIDAY, not Saturday. Our mistake. (PS)
There are few places better for dog walking than Meadowbrook park in Urbana. I love taking my pooch out there and meandering around the trails, it’s (kind of) like going to a state park without wasting the gas to get there. I also love jazz music but hardly know anything about local jazz artists. The Urbana Park District’s jazz walk seems like a pretty good way to acquaint myself with local jazz and let my dog get some good sniffs and socialization in. A quick look at the extended forecast for Urbana also tells me that the high for Saturday is 73 degrees. This is like a win-win-win. (CD)
Music for the Masses, Courtyard Cafe, Illini Union, $2-3, 7 p.m.
Not sure the point of the name Music for the Masses, but that is really beside the point. Maybe someone can explain it to me, but based on the description, it’s just about bringing people together for live music, which I’m all for. I also enjoy seeing some more shows being lined up in the Courtyard Cafe, even if it is a smaller show here and there. There are a handful of solid acts performing for cheap over at the Illini Union fairly early on Saturady night. Fauve put out a stellar EP last month, which is most definitely worth your time. Check out the others and I would imagine if you’re around the Union, there wouldn’t be much to think about for a $2-3 surcharge to stop by, even if you’re there to see a couple songs on your way to your next stop on a Saturday night. (PS)
Mayweather Vs. Canelo, Savoy 16, 8 p.m.
Pugilism, anyone? Fisticuffs, perhaps? On Saturday night, boxing fans will finally beable to enjoy The One: Floyd Mayweather vs. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, which is the kind of title given to boxing matches these days . The bout, featuring the undefeated Mayweather (44-0, 26 KOs) and Canelo (42-0-1, 30 KOs) will be broadcast live at 8 p.m. on a big screen at the Savoy 16.
When asked for comment, boxing analyst Chuck “The Cutman” Kimmel said, “When it comes to the sweet science I’m not much on predictions, Casey, but I will say this: one of these fighters is gonna win this bout tonight and the other will almost surely not.” (MG)
End of Summer Jam, Mike ‘N Molly’s, $5, 8:30 p.m.
Although September is not proving thus far that summer is coming to an end, we are nearing the middle of the month, so I would expect things to cool down a bit. While you still can, catch a show in the Mike ‘N Molly’s beergarden, which features a lengthy bill of performers on Saturday night. Milwaukee’s Kane Place Record club is a six-piece ensamble, and they’ll be joined by locals Jarrel Young and Misfit Music, Chase Baby, Dr. Quinn, GrantFlows and DJ Wesjile. Should be a stellar night of hip-hop in the garden.
Support local hip-hop and get out there and enjoy the beergarden before it’s too late. You’ll regret it if you don’t. (PS)
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
Champaign County Republican Party‘s Annual Fall Festival, Frasca Field, Urbana, 12-3 p.m., $7 per adult, $3 per child
Some information from the CCR website (DM):
Cast a vote in the Republican gubernatorial straw poll at this high-energy, family friendly celebration along with hundreds of area Republicans and local, state, federal Republican candidates and elected officials. Lunch provided by Hickory River Smokehouse, music and entertainment from local DJ Diane Ducey, Action Inflatables for the kids, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, and more!
Republican Gubernatorial Candidates Sen. Bill Brady, Sen. Kirk Dillard, Bruce Rauner, and Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford are expected to take the stage at 1:30 p.m.. Champaign County Clerk Gordy Hulten will administer the straw poll from 2-3 p.m.. Voting is open to registered Champaign County voters. Votes will be tabulated following the event and results of the poll will be announced via Twitter and Facebook, and a news release on Sunday evening.
Foraging 101, Common Ground Food Co-op, 2-3 p.m., $7 owners/$12non-owners
This is the class I’ve been waiting for! I’ve been prepping for the zombie apocalypse, and this class will be essential to my survival. I suggest that you check it out, too. Carey Smith will lead the class on an ‘urban foraging adventure’, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate outdoor attire. You’ll learn about which common plants and weeds you can use for eating and medicine, and you’ll leave the class with recipes and a book list. If you’ve been thinking about how you can prepare for the end of days, this class is a good start. (JH)
Champaign County Democrats Annual Picnic, Meadowbrook Park, 3-6 p.m., $10 suggested donation
This annual late-summer event celebrates volunteers, candidates, and supporters of the county party. Champaign County Democrats will provide the beverages, and the Lloyd Carter family will prepare the BBQ. Additional food to share is welcome. Use the Race Street entrance to the Garden Pavilion at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana. Explore the gardens, prairie restoration, and much more. Bicycle friendly. Covered outside pavilion with water and power. (DM)
___
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.