FRIDAY, JUNE 27
Blues, Brews & BBQ, Downtown Champaign, 4:30 p.m. to midnight, free admission, food and drink tickets $1 each
The annual music and food celebration is this weekend, and kicks off early Friday evening with performances by Johnnie Mae and Cody & the Gateway Drugs. There are plenty of food and drink options; for more information, check out my preview. (JH)
Peach Berliner Weisse, Triptych Brewing, 1703 Woodfield Drive, Savoy, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., $4.50
This is Triptych’s first sour ale, and it’s wonderfully sweet and tart, a little sour, and delicious. At only 3.9% ABV, you can suck these back boys down all night (although I don’t condone binge drinking). I’m guessing that it won’t last long, so get there this weekend and give it a try. (JH)
Jurassic Park, The Art Theater Co-op, 10 p.m.
Starting Friday, Jurassic Park will be the late night feature at the Art Theater Co-op! With the next film in the franchise (Jurassic World) coming next year, this is a perfect time to revisit one of the great blockbusters of our time. (And don’t act like the scene with the T-Rex and the kids in the Jeep doesn’t freak you out. I’m not buying it.) 10 p.m. this Friday and Saturday, then again next Tuesday and Wednesday. See it on the big screen, whether it’s for the first time or the fourteenth… not that I’ve seen it thirteen times. (MG)
SATURDAY, JUNE 28
Yoga in the Park, Meadowbrook Park, 9 -10 a.m., free
If you haven’t joined in the free weekly yoga classes the Urbana Park District hosts each Saturday in the summer, this weekend is your chance. Beginners welcome, mats provided, and it’s totally free. Look for yogis near the play structure by the lot at Vine and Windsor. Classes may be cancelled due to weather; call 967-1544, ext 204 for more information. (RP)
Sacred Symbols in Sequin, Spurlock Museum
Here’s something you don’t see everyday… Head over to Spurlock Museum and check out the traveling exhibit Sacred Symbols in Sequins: Vintage Haitian Vodou Flags. The exhibit offers a unique opportunity for the Champaign-Urbana and campus communities to understand the Vodou religion through these hand-made, elaborately adorned liturgical artifacts. As described by its distributor, ExhibitsUSA, the flags “are magnificent works of art that offer compelling stories about the relationships between cultures.” The exhibit also highlights Vodou libation bottles and portraits of contemporary practitioners. The exhibit is on display in the Campbell Gallery though August 10, and admission is free. (MG)
Farm to (Turn)Table, Red Herring, 1209 W. Oregon, Urbana, 5-8 p.m., $10
Every Saturday this summer, the Red Herring is hosting a BYOV (bring your own vinyl) vegan dinner. Dust off some of your old records and enjoy some fresh local farm produce at this on-campus restaurant. (RP)
That’s No Moon, Rusalka, Daukis, Cassius, Mike ‘N Molly’s, 8 p.m., $7
Local glitched-out indie rock outfit That’s No Moon has been prepping their follow up to 2011 self-titled debut record, and it is finally getting a proper release show on Saturday night at Mike ‘N Molly’s. That’s the album art there, and they’re joined by some pretty awesome company to help them bring Hyperion to life. Rusalka is reforming for this one-time-only show, and the last two on this bill are Daukis and Cassius, both side projects of sorts turned main projects in a few ways. Check all three of the others out in addition to TNM before Saturday in the beergarden. (PS)
Move Orchestra, Cloud Gavin, Thin Gin, Krelboyne, Error Records, 8 p.m., $7
On the other hand, you can have your choice of this show at the one above to help fill a portion of your night on Saturday night. You’ll be able to check out four bands lined up over at Error Records as well, headlined by touring act (formerly known as PMtoday) called Move Orchestra. The price point is a couple bucks higher than normal shows at this space, but still worthwhile with three locals to join with a variety of sounds amongst the three. Check out our interview with Cloud Gavin from yesterday here as well. (PS)
SUNDAY, JUNE 29
Dr. G’s Brain Game Challenge, Lincoln Square Mall (across from Piatos), 2-4 p.m., Free
Interested in challenging your brain after a weekend of killing brain cells? Dr. G’s is hosting a brain game challege for individuals, groups, and families on Sunday. Brain games are puzzle-like games that are supposed to improve your brain’s function. Regardless of building neurons, it sounds like something fun to check out. (SL)
Hessel Park Concert presents E.S.P. featuring Lou DiBello, 1401 Grandview Dr. Champaign, 6:30-8 p.m., Free
E.S.P. is a classic rock band and Hessel Park is an awesome place to visit. Put the two together and you’ve got a nice Sunday evening. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and something to eat and drink. You may want to bring a frisbee or your favorite dog. Both are welcome. (SL)
———
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.