FRIDAY, November 13th
CUDO Pro Show Opening Reception, Indi Go Artist Co-op, 5-9 p.m., free
The CUDO Pro Show is a professional showcase of design. This is a unique opportunity to see exceptional work produced by designers, illustrators, photographers, web developers, filmmakers, and other creative pros working in and around C-U. Read more about the show here. (RP)
Keeping Urbana Strang reception, Kraft Properties at 133 W. Main St., Urbana, 6-8 p.m., free
Phil Strang is a local artist who is doing something pretty cool. He’s displayed 80 pieces of his art throughout different Urbana businesses and tonight he is hosting a reception. Strang will have maps available for you to walk and see the art. Head out to meet Strang, see some art all in the spirit of keeping Urbana Strang. Read more here.
Star Wars Night at Urbana Free Library, 6-8 p.m., free
Head out to UFL for this family friendly night that touts a scavenger hunt, trivia, music, photo opportunity, multiple opportunities to “use the force,” and build a light saber. UFL staff warns you to watch out for rebels and to dress up as your favorite character! (SL)
Brooklyn Babylon, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m., $29 (discounts available)
Promising to be the most unique performance this year, an 18-piece “steampunk big band” will perform a suite of music with animations created to tell the story projected alongside, while a graphic novelist paints an enormous work of art behind them. At the end, he paints over it, never to be seen again. You should be one of the few who witness this. Amazing. (RK)
Romeo and Juliet, University Place Christian Church, 7:30 p.m., $7
Every thespian knows Romeo Montague to be the romantic wordsmith of the Renaissance: “If I profane with my unworthiest hand/This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this:/My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand/To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.” The What You Will Shakespeare Company decided to put a different spin on this star-cross’d, teenage love story. Romeo will be played by a female, and she will woo Juliet, much to the disappointment of their homophobic families. This Friday and Saturday at the University Place Christian Church in Champaign, come watch a modern twist on this famous love story. (BC)
Kenna Mae, Tigerbeat, Superior State, Cowboy Monkey, 9:30 p.m., $7
Kenna Mae is one of the more promising musicians I’ve seen in Champaign-Urbana in quite some time, and sadly, she’s leaving for New Orleans. If you haven’t seen her perform before, this is a must on Friday evening. She put out a great new record earlier this year, Blue Darlin, which is worth your time as well. (PS)
SATURDAY, November 14th
Illinois vs. Ohio State, Memorial Stadium, 11 a.m., prices vary
It’s a rare season when the number two team in the country comes to town, and seemingly even rarer when we can qualify for a bowl game before the last week of the season. Things are looking up for Illini football, and what better way to reach bowl eligibility than a massive upset win? It can’t be done. (BH)
Pickle Party Potluck, Sipyard, 204 W Main St, Urbana, 3-7 p.m.
Yes, you read that right. And no, this isn’t Brooklyn. This BYOP event will be something new and different, and the pickle naming and sharing is probably something you haven’t ever done. Check out the event’s Facebook, and get your brine on this weekend. Limited edition screen print by Steve Schaberg available for sale on Saturday. (JH)
The Brown Theatre Collective presents: Suzan Lori-Parks’ Topdog/Underdog, Channing Murray Foundation, 3:30 p.m., free
The BTC focuses on interdisciplinary work as well as the medium of performance for civic change. One of their primary goals is to emphasize the importance of multi-cultural storytelling and the importance of racial and cultural representation in the arts. They see their jobs as members of this collective as challenging the conventions and typical habits we as Americans use to traditionally label ourselves and instead explore the power of claiming more than one cultural identity. (RP)
If we’re not married by thirty, meet me here (an exhibition by Christopher Santiago), Outhaus Gallery, 709 E. Sunnycrest, Champaign, 5-9 p.m., FREE (? tba)
The latest Outhaus exhibition is one of street photography taken by Chicago artist Christopher Santiago. Demonstrating the dedication it takes to be in the right place at the right time, Santiago says, “This series is an ode to my younger self that wanted to join the pantheon of Winogrand, Friedlander, Bresson, Evans and the rest of the greats.” (RK)
Second Democratic Debates Watch Party, Urbana IMC, 7 p.m., free
The Urbana IMC will be hosting a watch party for the second Democratic debates. In addition to the debate watch party, there will be food, a silent auction and a few guest speakers. As per the event website: Join us at the Indepentent Media Center in Urbana on November 14th! We’ll have Bernie swag, silent auction items, guest speakers, and activities. The event is hosted by C-U for Bernie, but all are welcome. (BC)
The Acme Principle, Jesse W. Johnson, Penny Horses, Mike N Molly’s, 9 p.m., $7.
If you have yet to catch The Acme Principle, I highly suggest you do so. They may be a little older than your average rock stars, but that just means it’s all the more better when they rock out super hard – their shows at MnM’s are always top-notch. (BH)
DJ Belly, Cowboy Monkey, 10 p.m., $2 after 11 p.m.
DJ Belly continues to be one of the best talents on the decks in our fair cities, and he’s going to have a four hour set at Cowboy on Saturday evening. Drop in a for a bit, early or late, to catch it. Take a listen to some of his material on Soundcloud if you’re interested in hearing more. (PS)
SUNDAY, November 15th
Mindy’s Italian, Cheese & Crackers, 1715 W Kirby, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., $8
I’ve been thinking about this sandwich all week. It’s delicious. If you need a refresher, check out my review from a couple of years ago. In the meantime, just take a look at the salami and provolone filled beauty. Photo by Jessica Hammie. (JH)
Founder’s Fall Cookout, Crane Alley, 1 p.m., prices vary
Michigan’s best craft brewery will be taking over the taps at Crane Alley for the Founder’s Fall Cookout this Sunday. As per the facebook event page: We will drain all of the leftover, super-concentrated beer from the barrel and make some sinister BBQ sauce out of it. Then we are going to chop up the barrel and use that wood to cook with. Menu will feature an all local cast of chicken, sausages, t-bone and porterhouse steaks, lamb, stuffing, potato salad and more. Further we will have one of the most ridiculous and delicious lineups of everyday and special release brews available. Here is the tap list so far, more will be added soon. It ought to be a great time! (BC)
Free health clinic open house, 819 Bloomington Rd, Champaign, 4-6 p.m., free
Your health is very important and if you have a hard time finding or seeing a doctor 
about your health it can make whatever you’re going through even worse. Luckily there are folks around who provide those services for free. Like, free, free, free. Avicenna Community Health Center is hosting an open house to showcase the services they provide and allow the community to get to know the doctors, nurses, and volunteers that make the clinic run. There will be light refreshments. Those who need healthcare or want to volunteer or support the clinic should attend the open house. (SL)
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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.