Friday, August 3
Prairie Skies, Staerkel Planetarium; 7 p.m.
The planetarium at Parkland College is sometimes overlooked. I mean, it’s way out west of town, and is hidden behind the awesome architecture that holds the building in such high esteem. But make your way around the X Wing, and you will see it in full. Professor David Leake has been churning out great shows in the dome for over a decade now, and this one is not to be missed. It’s their classic; a full showing of our own sky, with more information than you might find in a survey course. It’s intended for all ages, but that doesn’t mean you can’t party before you get there and be respectful. Of course. (SF)
The Chemicals, Icarus Himself, Anna Karenina/Anna Karina, Iron Post, 9 p.m. ($5)
The Chemicals and Anna Karenina/Anna Karina play host to fellow washed out rockers Icarus Himself. Icarus Himself, hailing from Madison, WI, are just about to wrap up a swing through the friendly confines of states that just can’t quite get the corn to grow. Shit could get real. If you see anyone passed out in the alley, drag ’em to the parking garage and wish for the best. But really, should be a good show. (CC)
Outside at the Research Park with The Giving Tree Band and Mo’ Betta Music, just southwest of the corner of First and St. Mary’s, 6:30 p.m. (Free)
Even though I know very little about either of these bands, I’ll still be headed to the last Outside event this evening. You can sit on what’s left of the charred grass, pack a picnic dinner, bring a bottle of whatever booze you prefer, and sit back and people-watch. Not a bad way to finish off another scorching week. (JG)
Saturday, August 4
Chef’s Table, Red Herring Vegetarian Restaurant, 6:30 p.m., $20
Dan, the Red Herring’s kitchen manager/head chef will be serving a four-course dinner from seasonal vegetables and fruits that he’ll purchase from that morning’s Farmer’s Market.
Tickets are $20, and are limited.
To reserve a place at the table, call (217) 344-1176 or email (put “Chef’s Table reservation” in the subject line). (TN)
Screening of The Third Man, Centennial Park (just north of the sled hill), Kenwood Road, Champaign, Sunset
The Third Man stars Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, and Trevor Howard. The screenplay was written by novelist Graham Greene. The screening begins at sunset and is free to attend. Be sure and bring lawn chairs or blankets because not seating is provided.
For more information, visit the Virginia Theatre’s website, call (217) 819-3902, or email Steven Bentz. (TN)
Eat breakfast at night; Cracked Food Truck; 9 p.m. – 3 a.m.
If you are an adult, and by that I mean, you are no longer receiving regular payments to your account from your parents or Uncle Steve or Grandma Rose, you likely don’t party on campus. That’s OK. You shouldn’t really be partying down there. It’s not for you. It’s for them. But here and there, it’s totally OK to wander to the south side of Springfield and grab a drink at Joe’s or Murphy’s and not be creepy. It’s OK to just engage and have fun.
But now, there is another reason to get down there on the weekends: the Cracked Food Truck that just opened this week. Serving breakfast sandos all night, with tons of different options, this is sure to be a delicious and regretful choice that is a well known commodity in C-U for (hopefully) years to come.
Read more about it here. (SF)
Coed Pageant, Young Readers, Finer Feelings; Mike ‘N Molly’s ($5), 10 p.m.
Two plus two plus one equals a whole lot (three) of tiny folk-ish local projects putting on the strongest show of the week. Coed Pageant, a Palace Flophouse side project, are releasing the third installment of their season’s EPs, Sundry Summer. This ongoing project by Bradley and Gretchen Bergstrand’s has continued to impress and this is a wonderful opportunity to sit back and reflect upon the summer you are having and are soon to only have had. Joining them will be Young Readers, Jordan Herrera’s acoustic folk outfit, which you can hear over at his Bandcamp page, which features a new EP he dropped a short while back. Finer Feelings, a steadily growing season in their own right, round out this lovely Saturday evening show. (CC)
Sunday, August 5
Hessel Park Concert: Decatur Park Singers, 6-8pm, Hessel Park (Free)
From the CPD release: “The award-winning Decatur Park Singers have been delighting audiences with family-friendly entertainment since 1972. Featuring a diverse group of college-age performers, the Decatur Park Singers celebrate the arts with uplifting music and lively choreographed shows. The group appears nearly sixty times each summer at community events across the state.” Hey, it’s free, and we needed something to stick in the Weekender for Sunday. I’m not any happier about it than you are. (JG)
All event information is accurate to the best of our abilities, but sometimes we make mistakes and sometimes event information, times, prices, etc., change after we look them up. Whenever possible, we’ve provided a link to the original event page; you should always double-check the source before you make any firm plans. Thanks for your understanding.