FRIDAY
Despereaux, why don’t you come to your senses?: Grab a blanket, some bug spray, and a hip flask and head over to Centennial Park to check out a big-eared mouse. There’s a free showing of The Tale of Despereaux at 8:30 p.m. The Champaign Park District and Fluid Events are collaborating on this one, and concessions are available for purchase.
Eat the Zyggy: Now is as good a time as any to check out Zyggyz, in the Skylight Court on 5th and Green. Oh sure, we profiled them this week, but all truth be told — without your dollars, Campustown businesses have been known to pack it in before they have the chance to become legendary because of slow summers and the lack of townie presence on campus. Change that with an order of Masala fries, a lamb Zyggy and an Mango Lassi. Yum!
If only for the name: Torn the Fuck Apart are performing at Canopy Club tonight. Seriously. If the name alone isn’t enough to draw you in, how about the fact that it’s a pre-party for likely the most Overlooked festival that takes place in Champaign County: Central Illinois Metal Fest. Heads are gonna roll… simply from the bass.
SATURDAY
CD Release Shows Galore: You have your pick of Cowboy Monkey or the Iron Post, and between indie rock and bluegrass. Hot Cops is playing their release show at the Monkey, with New Ruins, Scurvine, and the Chemicals, which starts at 9 p.m. with a $5 cover. Meanwhile, Big Bluestem String Band takes over the Post for a free show that starts at 6 p.m. On second thought, why choose? Check ’em both out.
Streetfest: On a night with so many great live music options, we hate to mention that there will be cover bands playing, but it’s obligatory: Streetfest is going on at the corner of Walnut and Chester in Champaign, with the two-barrelled assault of One Night Stand and Mister Sister. If you’re lucky, they might play “Can’t Fight this Feeling.”
We have your Data: From Iowa City comes Datagun, a worthy band that deserves our attention. Not only that, the band features Andre Perry, the founder and producer of Mission Creek Midwest, a music festival that takes place in Iowa City each April after SXSW. They, oddly enough, will open for Mhondoro Rhythm Success and Zmick at The Canopy Club around 9 p.m.
SUNDAY
Swing City: Grab a partner and head to Hessel Park for a night of swing dancing. It all starts at 6 p.m. with free dance lessons from the University of Illinois Swing Society, and then from 6:30 to 8 p.m. it’s Dancing Under the Stars with the Jim Markum Swing Band. If you’re looking for the key party, though, this isn’t your scene. At least, I don’t think it is.