FRIDAY, July 15th
Withershins, The Accord, 9 p.m., $7 advance/$10 door
Having been around since 2007, Withershins have lovingly worn ruts around the C-U rock music scene. With the coming relocation of their lead guitarist, the band has decided to go on an indefinite hiatus. That means that this Friday will be their LAST show. These guys have been SP favorites for years, and we’re pretty bummed to see them go. With the addition of fellow rockers Vaudevileins, Cantalouper, and Windmills, this gig might very well be a part of local music history. Come help us say goodbye. (JM)
Bat Boy! the Musical, Station Theatre, 8 p.m., $15
Ripped from the headlines of Weekly World News, fraught with classical (we’re talking Greek) intrigue and twists, and actualized by the same mind that brought C-U Evil Dead, the musical, I’m fairly certain this show will be worth the price of admission…even if it’s in the kind of side-show-sick-fascination way. (RK)
SATURDAY, July 16th
Rosé flight, bacaro, all weekend, 5 to 11 p.m., $15
Summer is the time for rosé, and bacaro is offering up a flight of pink drinks for $15. Bacaro doesn’t mess around with mediocre wines, so if you’re looking to try something new, go ahead. Treat yourself. While you’re there, check all the tasty stuff on the menu, too. Image from Facebook. (JH)
ZXO + We The Animals w/ Abbi Rajasekhar, The Accord, 9 p.m., $8 at the door, 19+
ZXO hasn’t played a local venue show in a little while (to the best of my knowledge), but Saturday night they’re back at it at The Accord with We The Animals. These are two of the most polished bands in town, and at $8, it’s a steal. (BH)
Third Saturday Garden Tour, Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 10-11 a.m., free
Stop by Allerton for a stroll and tour this Saturday. Allerton has 14 formal gardens, which were created between 1899 and 1946 by Robert Allerton. Tours, which last 45-60 minutes, talk about the history behind their creation. Tours start at the Visitor Center. No registration is required. (RP)
Amazing feets of strength, Champaign Public LIbrary, 3 p.m., free
Have you ever seen a person bend steel in half? Or lift what looks to be a small boulder? Probably not. But it is legit happening at the CPL on Saturday. I’ve personally been to the performance in the past and it is very entertaining for kids and adults alike. Check the Amazing Strong Man out. (SL)
Midwest Beer Fest, PNC parking lot in Downtown Champaign, 3 p.m. to midnight,free admission but beer and food cost
Cowboy Monkey and Barrelhouse 34 are hosting this new celebration of drinking. Twelve local and regional breweries will have reps on hand from 5 to 9 p.m. to gush about their delicious brews. Local favorites like Triptych and JT Walker’s will be on hand, as well as local newbie Rigg’s. There will be tacos available, too, as well as local music. It’ll be a nice celebration, as long as the weather cooperates. For more info, check out the event’s Facebook page. Image from Facebook. (JH)
Secret location art gallery reception featuring Sam Logan and rapper DON CON,The Basement Gallery, 6:30 p.m., free
SP’s own photo editor Sam Logan will be showing off some of his favorite images at this final Basement Gallery show. Local rapper DON CON will also be busting some rhymes. Registration is required; visit the Facebook page and add your name to the spreadsheet to sign up for the event. (RP)
Bonesstock, Iron Post, 3 p.m., $15 advance/$20 door
This is the third annual Bonesstock Festival, an all-ages folk, Americana, and indie music event that features the lovable weirdo-folk outfit Bones Jugs. Other folk and Americana bands with be in attendance: Devil in a Woodpile, The Fights, Caleb Cook Band, Meadowhawk, and Ricky Wells. The Iron Post has one of the best beer gardens in Urbana, and seldom do they host gigs as large as this one in it. Additional perks include half-price tickets for kids under twelve, and even a FREE Bonesstock t-shirt when you buy your ticket in advance. What’s NOT to love about this hoedown? (JM)
SUNDAY, July 17th
Pokemon Go meetup, Fluid Events Center, 1 – 6 p.m., free
The Fluid Event Center in Champaign is planning a Pokemon Go meet up.Go hangout, catch some pokemon, and try to BE THE BEST THERE EVER WAS! This is a chance to connect with team members, gain tips and tricks from fellow players and learn about the game itself. See more at the Facebook event page.
Willy Wonka by Urbana Parks District Youth Summer Theatre, Parkland Theatre, $7-$14, 2 p.m.
This production is only being staged for one weekend, and it is a benefit, to boot! Moved by the story of the poverty-stricken Bucket family, the actors are offering ways to donate to Daily Bread Soup Kitchen at their performances. Oh yeah, and they’re singing, dancing, and bringing new life to an old favorite. (RK)
Eat a burger at Farren’s, price varies,
There aren’t many places that have a better staple menu item than Farren’s does with their burgers. Seriously. Look at that thing. Mercy. Make a plan for either lunch or dinner, and make your way over there. Especially on a Sunday, where you’re looking to eat something delicious to perhaps make your Saturday night feelings go away as quickly as possible. This will treat you right, you delicate soul you. (PS)
Visit your neighborhood bar, depends on where you live, price is very cheap
We just recently published this review of Bentley’s, and I made a trip to Clark Bar last week, so we’re on a bit of a kick for neighborhood bars around town as of late. There’s likely one near where you live, and you’re not doing anything on Sunday night anyway — so take a stroll and have a cold one. (PS)
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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.