FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Drink a Snow-Capped Monk, Destihl, anytime, $7.95
Don’t let the fact that it’s a brewery fool you: Destihl holds its own when it comes to making cocktails. This weekend is forecasted to be chilly and grey, so I recommend that you avoid the outdoors and comfort yourself with one or several beverages at Destihl’s cozy bar. The Snow Capped Monk is a coffee drink with vanilla ice cream, frangelico, cinnamon whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. Your destiny awaits you. (RP)
Semifnals of JSM Challenger of Champaign-Urbana, Atkins Tennis Center, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m, $8
If you’re a fan of tennis, be sure to swing by the Atkins Tennis Center to check out this men’s tournament. This tournament features up-and-coming tennis professionals in both singles and doubles, and is a cheap way to check out some live indoor tennis. The semi-finals are Friday and finals are Saturday. (JH)
On An On, Savoire Adore, The 92s, Mike ‘N Molly’s, 9 p.m., $12
Indie band On An On is back in town, after their performance at Pygmalion 2013, to play a set at Mike ‘N Molly’s Friday night. Savoir Adore, a self-described “fantasy pop duo” and local band The 92s are opening. On An On’s debut album, Give In, is out now, which you can check out pretty much anywhere there is internet available. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $12. (JK)
Joe Pug, Sera Cahoone, Justin Rondon, The Canopy Club, $13 advance/$15 door, 9:30 p.m.
Pretty solid bill happening on Friday night over at Canopy Club in addition to the show at Mike ‘N Molly’s. Joe Pug is no stranger to C-U, having played here many, many times and visiting a couple of times a year. His craft isn’t unfamiliar, but is definitely becoming his own the more and more that he releases material. Sure, a lot of what he does is within the vein of Americana-singer-songwriter-Dylan-esque tunes, but his delivery is approachable and enjoyable. If you haven’t seen him in town before, this would be a recommendation of mine for the weekend. (PS)
THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY, The Art Theater Co-op, 10 p.m.
Sergio Leone’s “spaghetti western” masterpiece, starring Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef, and old Squinty himself, Clint Eastwood, as the Man With No Name, rides into the Art Theater Co-op this weekend as the Late Night Show. What better way to cap off a week of festivities celebrating the Art’s 100th anniversary than with a true classic. Fans of Westerns, fans of Eastwood, fans of great movies, I implore you: If you’ve never seen it, you’re in for a treat. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 11 a.m. (MG)
Rake the leaves in your yard, all weekend, any time during the day, free
It’s about that time of year. Leaves are cluttered everywhere, and leaving it to the wind is not going to cut it. Stop putting it off and grab a rake and go out and rake some leaves! We already experienced snow, but luckily over this weekend it will be warm (52 on Friday, 60 on Saturday, 66 on Sunday) so get out there and get it over with while the weather is bearable. (PY)
Try out something new food-wise, prices vary, all weekend
Another busy school week is coming to an end. Another weekend is upon us. Why not try something new? In campustown alone there are a ton of restaurant options that we don’t consider trying. This weekend, rather than going to Chipotle or Jimmy John’s like you have already been eating at this past week, give ethnic food a shot. Try out Indian at Casablanca or Bombay Grill, give sushi a try at SushiRock or Sushi Ichiban, give gyros a try at Niro’s Gyros or Zorbas. Get out of your comfort zone for a change. (PY)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Cupcakes, Pies, Cookies, and Tarts, Sweet Indulgence, 1121 Windsor Road, Champaign, prices vary, all day
I stopped by Sweet Indulgence on a whim earlier this week. I left with three cupcakes, one cake bite, and a danish. If you’ve been invited to a Thanksgiving gathering and don’t feel like cooking, now is the time to volunteer to bring dessert. Stop in, taste a few things, and place your order for a holiday pie. Or just pick up a little sweet treat for yourself. (JH)
The Craft League of Champaign-Urbana‘s 31st Annual Art Fair, Urbana Civic Center (108 East Water, Urbana), Saturday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., free admission
The time has come to think about holiday shopping. If you’re looking for high-quality, locally made and unique items, the Craft League of Champaign-Urbana’s annual art fair is a good place to start. The League’s members include dozens of artisans and craftspeople from our community; this weekend’s fair will feature basketry, ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, painting, printmaking, photography, and woodworking. (RP)
Illini 4000 Portraits Project, YMCA, 2-5 p.m.
The Illini 4000, a student organization focused on raising money for cancer research as they prepare for a cross-country bike ride, will present their third annual Portraits Project. This project shows how cancer has affected various people across America—not just the patient, but the family members, caretakers, survivors, etc. In doing so, we get a look at how cancer affects different aspects of different lives, showing us a broader image. The Portraits Project is conducted by past and active Illini 4000 riders. A special guest speaker will begin at 3:30 p.m. Mixed media will be used to tell these stories. For more on the Illini 4000, check out their website. (JK)
Diwali Talent Competition, Lincoln Hall, U of I campus, 7 p.m., $15
The Indian Student Association is celebrating their biggest cultural event. The friendly talent competition will in Lincoln Theater this Saturday. The Diwali is an unofficial holiday celebrated in India. One of the performing dance or band acts will be picked as a winner. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Complimentary appetizers will also be at the show while you enjoy a cultural filled evening. (AB) Photo by the Daily Illini.
Magic Man, Church Booty, A Cool Hand, Courtyard Cafe, 8pm, $7
Indie rock band Magic Man is in town and will be playing at the Illini Union. Local band A Cool Hand with influences like The Strokes and Ray Charles will be making their appearance as well. Church Booty is a new funky sensation born right here in Champaign earlier this year who will jazz it up to start the evening. If you would like to hear the latest new sounds from Magic Man, you can listen to their new EP, You Are Here. (AB)
Bookmobile, Los Assperados, Bad Catman, Mike ‘N Molly’s, $7, 9 p.m.
Alright, so Bookmobile is a pretty gnarly new-ish project from members of various bands around town. No use in saying all the bands these guys are in (not to mention Los Assperados as well), because they deliver some vicious garage punk. Their songs are pretty short and fierce, and well worth seeing as a part of this all-local bill on Saturday night at Mike ‘N Molly’s. This show will be a shitshow, most likely, in the best sense of things. Head on out and see it. (PS)
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Crepes at El Oasis, 510 North Cunningham Road, Urbana, noon to 9 p.m.
In addition to their incredible ice cream and popsicle selections, El Oasis serves up crepes on Sundays only. After all of the yard work and crappy weather you’ve been dealing with, you deserve to relax with a tasty crepe. (JH)
COME BACK, LITTLE SHEBA, The Station Theatre, 8 p.m.
The Celebration at the Station Theatre continues its three-week run of this American stage classic (which was also turned into a classic film starring Shirley Booth and Burt Lancaster) at our favorite little brick theatre space. Local actors Lincoln Machula and Debbie Richardson lead a cast directed by Tom Mitchell. Our official review of this play will run soon; in the meantime, check out this production and decide what you think first. (MG)