In the evermore visible world of independent standup, Rob Delaney has emerged as a poster child for the brand of comedy that has quickly begun to define his generation: sophomorically enlightened, engaged but disaffected, authentically ironic. Perhaps best known for his Twitter account, Delaney adopts nuanced tones ranging from genuine earnestness to full-on derision, though he is probably at his funniest when he adopts a faux-obtuseness that lets him get away with tweets like these. Delaney, who will be performing …
Local archaeologist/mystery writer Sarah Wisseman has published a new novel, The Bootlegger’s Nephew, set right here in East Central Illinois. The protagonist of the book is a 40-year-old doctor with a 19-year-old flapper daughter, who starts trying to figure out why some of his patients are inexplicably dying. Following that mystery leads him and his daughter into the speakeasies and blind pigs of Champaign County, and into some scary situations with the gangsters who control them. Along the way, the …
Even if you were paying attention in American History class in high school, you might not know a whole lot about what was going on in Illinois during the War of 1812. If that’s the case — and you want to remedy it — the recent UI Press book Illinois in the War of 1812 by Gillum Ferguson can help. The War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain was basically a sideshow to England’s ongoing war against …
Documentary Film Festival, March 30–April 10 The Art Theater documentary festival last September brought a variety good films to choose from that normally wouldn’t get exposure in a small market such as ours. The upcoming installment looks like it could even top that. The lineup this time around includes festival opener All In: The Poker Movie (a film that we hope to see and have a review to offer in a few days), a new Herzog film, some Sigur Rós, …
Acrobats flip, aerialists twirl high above the stage, and clowns entertain the audience. But this is no ordinary circus. Quidam, a touring show by Cirque du Soleil, brings its dynamic, breathtaking (literally), and gravity-defying act to Assembly Hall this weekend. The show follows a loose storyline, telling the tale of a young girl, Zoé, who longs for fun and excitement and is brought into the imaginary world of Quidam, meeting colorful characters along the way. I’m a bit of a …
I was in Decatur the first time I saw a drag king performance. I’d never heard of such a thing. I was at a GLAD party at the Firehouse Bar, and there he was, singing Creed’s “Arms Wide Open,” and I was captivated (shut up). So I was in my late-30s before I saw my first male impersonator (as I thought of the performer at the time), or even knew they existed. But it turns out that, though the term …
Pina (2011) PG Pina is a tribute to legendary modern dance choreographer Pina Bausch. Bausch died in 2009, five days after being diagnosed with lung cancer and just two days before filming began on this documentary. The result is a feature-length documentary that honors her art and almost functions as a filmed eulogy, comprised of both speech and dance, because "words can't do more than just evoke things — that's where dance comes in again." Directed by Wim Wenders, Pina …
Back in August, Art Theater Operator Sanford Hess presented preliminary plans for an Art Theater Co-op. Now, the Art Theater Co-op transition takes its next step with the first official general member meeting on Sunday, March 11, at 1:00 p.m. Shareholders will come together to meet prospective board members and listen to their proposals. The meeting will also aim to inform members of the state of the co-op transition process and give them a chance to discuss by-laws that will …
Gina Gionfriddo’s Becky Shaw is a story about what “good” is, what it means to actually be “good,” and what we give up when we seek it out. Becky Shaw is also a story about a family, the Slaters, and whether being in each others lives is good for them, or even desirable.
Most Recent Arts Comments
Local, I forgot to offer you a piece of sage advice. Don’t bag on 39 south because they represent your potential collector pool. Even though I haven’t lived in Champaign since 1997, 39 south is still the only arts entity that has promoted my work as an…
Lest 39 South feels picked on: Check this from the Urbana City Public Arts Program: “Calling all Champaign County Artists! We’re pleased to announce a Call for Entries for a new initiative called Murals on Glass, which will feature artwork reproduced in adhesive vinyl displayed on the…
You forgot Jonathon Fineberg was also personal pals with the Christo’s. I’ll agree that Dr. Fineberg has done a tremendous job communicating to undergrads why this stuff is important, but I won’t kiss the ring because he also contributed to the dismantling of crafts at the U…
And boom goes the dynamite.
I think the best and most exciting arts programming in Champaign-Urbana is at the Krannert Art Museum. The depth and quality of the museum’s permanent collection speaks highly to the intelligence of the art history faculty at the University. I have to say taking Art History with…
Another mystifying thing is 39 South touts the fact that when you consider all things that are considered “art”, i.e. music, exhibits, movies, performances, craft fairs, circuses, ect; art in Champaign County apparently generates $60 million dollars of “economic activity” every year, so says 39 South. And…
I have to agree, I’m a bit confused as to the purpose of 40 North, although I am aware that the organization is in a period of restructuring and re-examination. And yes, the “staff of 1” does work tirelessly to keep the operations afloat, but the fact…
“Making art accessible to everyone and cultivating the art and artists in Champaign County is 40 North’s main mission.” FACT: When the Urbana City Council proposed to form a new public arts council of its own in 2008, 39 South actually sent letters from board members Cody…
On behalf of the New Art Film Festival, I’d like to thank you for highlighting our event in this article. It is our pleasure to put together this showcase for the community and the recognition is highly appreciated by all of us involved in the NAFF. Also,…
Most Popular Arts Articles (60 days)
- New film showcases the wonders of the Linotype machine
- The intricate jest of Rob Delaney
- No foolin’, April is gonna be good
- An interview with Maya Bruck of Pixo
- Crispin Hellion Glover does it all
- Weiskamp makes poster printing a community experience
- Amelia Gray to close out the Carr series
- Mark Neely returns to C-U for S&B
- BEST Arts
- Ebertfest recap
Most Recent Comments
Looking forward to trying this place!
I’m in the middle (or the beginning or end, depending on how you look at it) of re-reading Slaughterhouse Five. What a great companion column.
Get yours early. The Rave’s CD will be available at Exile and at The C-U Flea on Saturday. C-U Flea details here: http://www.smilepolitely.com/news/sp_radio_podcast_c-u_flea_arrives/
I don’t know about Gerard and a random police sargeant. My (mild) outrage is based on this: “...he worked closely with Champaign City Clerk Marilyn Banks to make sure he was licensed properly as a transient food peddler, filling out the necessary paperwork and paying a $225…
Local Yocal pretty much nails it here. I suspect there will be merchants who oppose food trucks because they arguably don’t pay their fair share to locate their trucks in high traffic (high rent) areas. The food trucks take away business from rent payers, park in city…
Oh nice! I’d totally vote for Matt Campbell!
“Smile Politely sports writer announces candidacy for city government.”
I also got to visit Big Grove Tavern during the soft open and definitely enjoyed the pork belly the most of all the dishes I sampled. The cheesy grits and the vinegary pickled vegetables were a perfect compliment to the rich pork belly.
The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!
Snell and the little Hitlers of the neighborhood association need to chill out. Legitimate businesses should have the freedom to exist without having to endure the slings and arrows of ignorant and misguided opposition.
represent, Matt.
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
Food trucks are the start-up, small businesses of the future for those unable to afford real estate. No surprise, that merchants who pay rent, utilities, and maintenance on a property would despise the traveling competition. Or developers who build more empty retail spaces would want to close…
Not so much far-right Tea Party as a balanced, moderate viewpoint between letting businesses succeed and protecting society with reasonable regulations. In spite of what the city reps are saying, the interpretation of policy on this issue certainly has changed. Letting a business start up under one…
I think it’s neat that SP has turned rightward, now espousing a Tea Party-style frustration with government regulations & taxes.
This makes me so sad. (Happy to live in Urbana, though!) Crave Truck has been a GREAT addition to the food choices in C-U, and it’d be a travesty to chase them away. This town should be supporting small businesses. I’m glad to hear that they’ll still…
*slow. clap.* Still offering no threat of intelligence…. I know I said I thought you should just write this whole column yourself next year, Isaac, but now that you’ve gone and taken a “part deux” run at it, I’d like to modify my request: Best Music 2013,…
Actually, it’s kind of nice, the quiet. John Heoffleur’s engaging commentary/dialogue is sorely missed, however. In lieu of someone intelligent saying something, I’ve compiled a list of Honourable Mentions: BEST ROCK BAND: Take Care ::these gentlemen have four completely different sets at their disposal right now (which…
What? Echo! (Echo!) Where’s the dischord and dissent?
This weekend will mark the first appearance of Kayla Brown’s Fire Doll Candle booth at the Market. Check it: http://www.facebook.com/firedollcandles
Facebook
Twitter
Full Site
Thanks for the sage advice Mary Anna, but I’m long done with the sucking up and being thankful for the scraps. The most important thing an artist can do to live with yourself is tell the emperor he’s got no clothes, and spray paint something on his…