FRIDAY, AUGUST 31
Drink too much, and go watch High School football, St. Thomas More Field, Champaign, 7:00 p.m.
Listen, just keep yourself together, and the Catholics will never know. Besides, you’ve gotta bet that half the teachers and adminstrators there are likely sneaking a knock or two in the stalls as well.
I’m going to this game, if only to watch John Strauser, an OL for St. Thomas More, and the News-Gazette‘s Preseason Player of the Year. He also happens to be a 2013 Purdue commit.
I’m football crazy now. See below. I can’t help myself. I’m sick. (SF) Photo credit: Robert K. O’Daniel
Go celebrate Electric Bitter’s album release + their
3rd birthday at Mike ‘N Molly’s, 8:30 p.m., $5
I mentioned this show in The Overture this week, and I was meaning to get something out on the site about the album in particular, but it was just one of those weeks. Therefore, this is another plug for this album release show, and hopefully there’s some birthday cake there (or birthday shots perhaps? Yeah, birthday shots). Memoirs of a Dysfunctional Relationship is what the record is called, and Gonzo Diablo, Lonely Trailer, and Terminus Victor will join them. Happy Birthday, crew. (PS).
Go to a different show, still see an album release show at Cowboy Monkey with Sun Stereo, 10 p.m., $5
Enough album release shows to shake a stick at this week, and Sun Stereo is putting out their second album of the year on Friday night. I’ve listened to their first record a few times, and I can’t say there’s much to complain about. Pretty straightforward stuff from these guys, and they’ll have a pretty eclectic crew to help them bring this next one into the world.
Curb Service will open this one up and DJ Tim Williams will close it down, so if you’ve seen enough of what you want to see over at Mike ‘N Molly’s, you can bookend things by heading a few blocks over and see a bunch of bands all in one night. (PS)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
Gay Prom, Emerald City Lounge, 10:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m., $5 per person | $8 per couple
Emerald City is hosting its first Gay Prom this Saturday. There will be drink specials, contests, prizes, and the wonderful DJ Dreea at the decks. Dress is casual or formal, however the spirit moves you.
Come to Emerald City and enjoy the prom you should have had back in the day. (TN)
Watch College Football ALL DAY LONG, 11 a.m.–Midnight
I wait for this day every year. All year. I actually hate ESPN for the most part, but there is nothing quite like the sound of its College Football Gameday Theme Song. It gives me chills and makes me think of leaves crunching, hoodies zipped up, apple cider (and brandy), bonfires, cute hats that my wife wears; all of it.
For me, it’s a little confusing, being such a die-hard Purdue fan and all. The Boilers play in Ross-Ade stadium, about 1.5 hrs. from here. And it’s a horrible venue. Boring. Normal. New, and built without lights so that most games start at 11:00 a.m. It’s just not worth the drive. And as much as I try to love the Illini, I can’t get over the hump. Still though, Memorial Stadium, to me, is one of the better college football venues in America. I’ve been to a lot of stadiums, actually, relatively speaking, and there is something about the concrete and brick and history of the place that is so unique and awesome.
So, you should go to the game on Saturday. Assuming we’re not swept up in Isaac’s path. Otherwise, hit the Esquire and grab a bowl of peanuts and just take it all in. It’s back, baby. It’s back. (SF)
Columbia Street Roastery, 9:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
While everyone else is fighting the rain (or watching football, or whatever you’re doing), stop by Columbia Street Roastery early, during their odd Saturday hours, to stockpile a little coffee for the weekend. Get yourself a fresh roasted and brewed sample or two while you’re waiting, and then get back to the safety of your own home. Sit with a cup of your Ethiopian, Tip of the Andes, or your favorite local restaurant blend and stare out your window watching the remnants of Hurricane Isaac pour over the city. Oh yeah, and, don’t forget to check your basement. (SK)
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
The Maltese Falcon, Hessel Park, starting at the conclusion of the Hessel Park Concert, free to the public
At 6:30 p.m., Peter Oprisko will perform the final Hessel Park Concert of the summer.
This film is the fourth in the News-Gazette Films in the Park series of free, outdoor, summertime screenings. Be sure to bring lawn chairs or blankets because no seating is provided.
For more information, visit The Virginia’s website, email Steven Bentz, or call (217) 819-3902.
I’ve never seen this film, but damn, did I not enjoy the book. (TN)
And I liked the film, but it helps to be into that kind of thing … black and white, film noir, ridiculous plot lines. (SK)