FRIDAY, March 3rd
Drink a beer in the morning (if you have the day off), Anywhere, Free plus the cost of beer, 21+
Or don’t. It’s your life. But it is, especially to recent UIUC graduates, the holiday that is synonymous with March in Champaign-Urbana, for better or worse. It’s our unique shitshow, and though I can’t really participate, many people certainly will be. Remember to practice moderation, folks. (BH)
Innovation Celebration, Parkland College, 5:30-8:30 p.m., free
The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation is hosting their 12th annual Innovation Celebration this evening at Parkland College’s Student Union. You can check out all of the nominees and such over at the Facebook event (linked above), and go support an event that celebrates a ton of innovators and great minds in Champaign-Urbana. (PS)
Music in Action: A Benefit Concert for Planned Parenthood, The Accord, 7 p.m., $15 donation
If there is any part of the social service spectrum that is under attack more than anything else in Trump’s America, it’s Planned Parenthood – and as such, we need to rally around and support these services that many depend on when our government can not. This Friday night is your chance to do that, and enjoy a good show at the same time. What do you say, C-U? (BH)
Saint Louis Stories, Station Theatre, 8 p.m., $15
An admired local scholar and director, Thom Mitchell, has adapted a new play from previously unpublished works of Tennessee Williams’ that I guarantee you haven’t read unless you also made a pilgrimage to Texas. So go see something entirely new, created by some of the most respected actors in town — Joi Hoffsummer, Kyle A. Thomas, J.W. Morrissette — all of whom had some creative input into the experience. It’s one weekend only, so if you don’t go Friday, make time before Sunday. After that, it will travel to some festivals, and who knows, might get published into a world-renowned work that you can say you saw premiere. (RK)
SATURDAY, March 4th
Sample some food, World Harvest, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., free
Every Saturday World Harvest hosts a tasting party, with more than a dozen items to sample. The employees are super nice and very knowledgable, which makes the tasting process more meaningful. World Harvest has just about any “hard-to-find” ingredient you might need for your familiar or experimental cooking. I’m personally drawn to free cheese samples, so look out for those. Photo by Jessica Hammie. (JH)
Girls Rock! C-U Benefit Show, Ghost Planet, 7 p.m., $3-$7 sliding donation
Spread the word about GR!CU. This organization is and should be supported by musicians of all genres, and this show celebrates that. It’ll feature hip-hop, hardcore, indie and noise music all going to benefit the cause, because there should be women in every type and facet of music. Stop by and do your part to help out. (JM)
Beats Beneath at Blips and Chitz: Vol. 2, 8 p.m., $5
This is your chance to check out something different from the punkers at Blips and Chitz. A little while back, they put on a DJ and electronica show, and this is the second session. Four DJs will spin hot sets that speak to the versatility of the popular DIY spot, whose organizers continually strive to shake things up and show you that this is not a one-note music house. (JM)
Neoga Blacksmith, The Bashful Youngens, Jared Grabb, Loose Cobra in Tolono, 8:30 p.m., free
A free and cool show happening out at the Loose Cobra in Tolono — a few folk/country/Americana outfits Neoga Blacksmith, Bashful Youngens will perform some tunes. Should make for a good Saturday evening. (PS)
Lonely Trailer and Jans Project, Iron Post, 9 p.m., $?
Are you old like me? Are you a townie? Do you carry cash and prefer to walk to stuff and are willing to cram yourself into the Iron Post and drink a beer and listen to guys who have known each other for decades sing about some incredibly weird shit? Then do that thing and I will see you there. Maybe we’ll convince Nick Rudd he’s not a werewolf long enough to paint my house and it will be like the late nineties all over again, because I haven’t listened to the new album fully yet. I should do that, eh? Nah, I’ll just yell for the old stuff. (RK)
SUNDAY, March 5th
Get tickets for the Y’s International Dinner & Performance Night, online or at the University YMCA, all weekend, $15 if you buy at the Y’s desk, or $16 if purchased online
For 34 years, the University YMCA has helds an International Dinner and Performance Night, which celebrates food, arts, and culture of a variety of geographic locations. This year the event is from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 12th; tickets are $15 per person, and well worth the price of admission. It’s a fantastic way to learn more about the diverse group of people who live, work, and study in C-U. Check out photos from last year’s event here. Photo by Scott Wells (JH)
See Oscar winner Moonlight, The Art Theater, 11:30 a.m., $8.25
Oscar-winning film Moonlight is back for another showing this weekend. Go see it at the historic Art Theater and check out what all the hype is about. The actors in this film are sure to move you as they take you through the story of a boy trying to grow up in a hard world. (SL)
Try the new JT Walker’s BBQ restaurant, Project 47 Smokehouse Pub & Patio, 101 N Lombard St. Mahomet, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Project 47 is the new restaurant by the JT Walker crew in Mahomet and it is open and ready for you to try. The reviews on Facebook have been pretty positive so far. No menu yet but there is talk of BBQ, mac and cheese, cornbread muffins and craft brews. (SL)
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