The buzz calendar is a compilation of events happening in the Champaign-Urbana area. Follow our top picks every Monday and Thursday for ideas on what to do on any night of the week, from where to eat to what to watch.
Want to submit an event? Email [email protected].
Jan. 22
Global Careers: Peace Corps General Information Meeting
6-7 p.m.
The Career Center at Illinois, Career Center Conference Room 143, 715 S Wright Street, Champaign
Free, all ages
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Serving in the United States Peace Corps is indeed a praiseworthy activity but it comes with a lot of responsibilities and challenges. Learn about the details of Peace Corps at this monthly session of Global Careers organized by the University of Illinois campus recruiter.
Belly Dance Foundations
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Hybrid Performance Arts, 115 B Lincoln Square, Urbana
$20, all ages
Learn to belly dance with Shyama at Hybrid Performance Arts. You will build up the basics of belly dance, learn to move and isolate your hips, arms, and chest in new ways, strengthening your muscles, improving flexibility, and raising your body confidence!
Open Mic Night
8 p.m.-2 a.m.
The Canopy Club, 708 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana
Under 21 $3, 21+ free, 18+
If you’re looking for a creative outlet, head over to Canopy Club with your instruments and your laptops. All genres and styles are welcome on Open Mic Night, but no full bands or DJ sets are allowed.
Jan. 23
BodiBronze® Guinness World Record Attempt Charity Event
5-8 p.m.
The City Center, 505 S Chestnut St, Champaign
Free, all ages
BodiBronze® Sunless Spa & Christie Clinic Dermatology is attempting to break the “Most Spray Tans in One Hour” with an ambitious object to raise awareness about skin cancer. The event will also include several activities, such as complimentary skin check by a dermatologist. Donations are encouraged.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008) at Virginia Theatre
7-9 p.m.
The Virginia Theatre, 203 W Park Ave, Champaign
Free, all ages
Performing Arts has served as a global language used to connect people from all walks of life. Join Krannert as they engage through a mixture of music with an original performance by the U of I Hip Hop Collective led by Professor Rudolf Haken and the Black Chorus directed by Dr. Ollie Watts-Davis.
Moscow Festival Ballet: Don Quixote
7-9 p.m.
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana
Free, all ages
Watch an incredible story of an orphan who is just an inch away from winning a million dollars in a TV quiz competition. Purchase tickets online here.
Relay for Life Kick Off
6-8 p.m.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 1003 W. Killarney St, Urbana
Free, all ages
2018 Relay for Life Kick Off is this week! Be sure to attend to get entered into a drawing for Cardinal Tickets. There will be treats and giveaways, as well as other great incentives for registering yourself and/or teams.
Broad Comedy Open Mic
7-9 p.m.
Pizza-M, 208 W. Main St, Urbana
Free, all ages
It’s the first Broad Comedy Open Mic of 2018! It will be hosted by the hilarious Andrew Schiver. Performers are encouraged to sign up ahead of time using this form. Stand-up is the most common type of performance, but poetry, music, and storytelling also welcome!
Tuesday Jazz
7-10 p.m.
Boomerangs Bar & Grill, 1309 E. Washington St, Urbana
Free, all ages
Every Tuesday Boomerangs clears the Boom-Stage for the best jazz musicians in the region – cats like Donnie Heitler, Jeff Helgesen, Chip McNeil, Josh Quirk, Clark Gibson (on occasion!), and many many more.
Jan. 24
Coffee with a Cop
7-9 a.m.
Aroma Cafe, 118 N Neil St, Champaign
Free, all ages
Either if you have specific concerns on the community or you just want to casually meet police officers, Coffee with a Cop will do. Ask away simple and grave questions to real-life police officers with a nice cup of coffee.
Tech Questions? We can help. | Douglass Branch Library
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Douglass Branch Library, 504 E Grove St, Champaign
Free, all ages
Struggling with new technology? Get technology help from U of I School of Information Science students for free.
First Practice of Spring 2018
5-7 p.m.
Goshin Jitsu Mixed-Martial Arts, 201 E Peabody Dr, Champaign
Free, all ages
Capitalize on the two week free trial of muay thai lessons by a national muay thai champion. The lesson will not only focus on muay thai but also mixed martial arts to maximize your ability to take on fighters of diverse fighting backgrounds.
Open Mic Night
6-7 p.m.
BrewLab Coffee, 630 S Fifth St., Champaign
Free, all ages
Bring an instrument and your voice to Brewlab for a casual and fun Open Mic. Anyone is welcome to perform only after signing up on a sign-up sheet which will be inside the shop on the day of the show.
Teens & Technology: What Parents Need to Know
6:30-8 p.m.
Windsor Road Christian Church, 2501 Windsor Rd, Champaign
Free, all ages
Complaining that your sons and daughters spend too much time looking at their smartphones won’t do any good. In fact, technology constitutes a big part of adolescent social life, and therefore, it is advised that parents be well-informed about technology. Attend this informative session to better understand technology and its tie to you kids.
Student Education Association Holding Info Meeting
7-8 p.m.
Architecture Building, 611 E Lorado Taft Dr, Champaign
Free, all ages
The Student Education Association is organizing an informational session to help potential educators in the Champaign-Urbana community. The session will revolve around practical tips to become a better educator and some of the real challenges that teachers face.
Crystal Grids 101
6:15-8 p.m.
Beads N Botanicals, 117 N. Broadway Ave, Urbana
$35, all ages
Placing crystals in geometric patterns can enhance and increase the energies of the crystals so that you can achieve goals more easily. Depending upon why you are making the grid, the combinations can be limitless. This workshop will introduce you to how to work with crystal grids, choosing your crystals, placing them in a grid and focusing intent.
D&D Adventurers League
7-11 p.m.
Gopher Mafia Games, 114 Lincoln Square, Urbana
Various, all ages
The D&D Adventurers League is an ongoing official campaign for Dungeons & Dragons. It uses the fifth edition Dungeons & Dragons rules and features the Forgotten Realms setting.
Free Ballroom Lessons
8-9 p.m.
Illini Union, 1401 W. Green St, Urbana
Free, 16+
Join Illini Dancesport for introductory ballroom dance lessons! No experience, partner, or special equipment required and all are welcome – students & community members! The class will be located in Illini Room A and will be led by professional coach, Kato Lindholm.
Fun Home
8-10 p.m.
The Station Theatre, 223 N. Broadway Ave, Urbana
$10-$15, all ages
Join the Celebration Company at the Station Theatre as their perform their run of “Fun Home.” Book and lyrics by Lisa Kron, score by Jeanine Tesori, adapted from a graphic novel by Alison Bechdel, and directed by Latrelle Bright.
