Friday, September 14th
Walk and listen to jazz, Meadowbrook Park, 5:30-7:30 p.m., free
This event was rained out last weekend, so let’s try this again! Enjoy local jazz artists, playing in one of the best local parks, while you get some exercise. There will be ten different acts sharing their talents — you can see the full line-up here — and the trails at Meadowbrook are a lovely place to stroll with your significant other, your friends, or with yourself. The event is free, but you can make a donation if you wish. (JM)
We the Animals, Tigerbeat, Bashful Youngens, Dearie, The Loose Cobra, 7:30 p.m., donation suggested
The Loose Cobra has decided to have a weeklong celebration of their birthday, which aligns well with any type of bender, so I approve. They are capping things off on Friday night with a solid four band local bill, headlined by We the Animals. There will be plenty of cold bevs for consumption at this one, and it looks like there will be great weather on Friday night, so get yourself a safe ride to and from there and check it out. (PS)
Zeshan B, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 9:30 p.m., free
After making an appearance at last year’s installment of PYGMALION, Zeshan B brings his soul vibes back to C-U, this time over at Krannert Center’s Global Transfer Afterglow. Zeshan B is an extraordinary artist, just watch his appearance on Colbert and listen to this dude sing. Zeshan has soul, man. (PS) Photo from KCPA’s website
Saturday, September 15th
Rescheduled
Let Rodney Davis know you’re his constituent, 2004 Fox Dr, Champaign, 1 to 2 p.m., free plus frustration, anxiety, and emotional distress
Rodney Davis, our bland robot representative to Congress, refuses to hold town meetings and refuses to engage with any constituents he thinks disagree with him. This grown up with an aversion to conflict and responsibility hasn’t held “office hours” in C-U in an entire year. CU Indivisible is holding a gathering at his Champaign office. Bring your letters — there will be a big mailbox you can put them in. But of course, please leave your “vitriolic rhetoric” at home. (JH)
C-U Pride Festival, Downtown Champaign, 2 to 7 p.m., free
It’s difficult to encapsulate this event in one entry, because there are SO many events happening during Pride weekend this year. From movie screenings to educational panels to Drag Queen Story Hour and much much more, there is really something for everyone. The vendor fair will be going on in the Orpheum Children’s Museum parking lot all afternoon Saturday, and the parade kicks off at 5 p.m. Each year I’m more encouraged by the number of local organizations and businesses that step up and support, particpate in, and sponsor Pride. You should make time to join in the festivities in some way because we all really need some joy and positivity in the midst of all of the mess. Check out the full schedule of events here. (JM) Top photo by Megan Flowers
Have dinner and sing karaoke, Star Karaoke, all weekend, about $30 per person
Star Karaoke is my go-to spot for karaoke, because the rooms are private and I can order delicious food. I’m a fan of the kimchi tofu pizza and Montell Jordan, but you do you and live your best list. Karaoke is most fun with a group of friends, and that makes for an excellent excuse to order a bunch of food for sharing. (JH) Photo by Jessica Hammie
Sunday, September 16th
Urbana Arts Expo, Urbana Civic Center, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free
A collaboration between the Urbana Public Arts Program and 40 North, the Arts Expo is a great way to experience the work of local artists all in one spot. There will be 17 of them featured, plus musical entertainment from DJ Silkee and CU Jazz Collective. Admission is free, but you may want to have some monies on hand so that you can purchase artwork that strikes your fancy. (JM)
Learn how to dye stuff, Spurlock Museum, 1 to 3:30 p.m., free
The Champaign-Urbana Weaver’s Guild will be demonstrating how to use natural elements to create dyes: water, trees, flowers, and even bugs? Learn how to prepare the dye and prepare wool for dyeing, then take a wool sample home with you. While you’re there take a spin around the the exhibits. It’s a nice little museum and a lovely way to spend an hour on a Sunday. (JM)
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