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. 25
Krannert Uncorked with Joan Hickey Trio
5 p.m.
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana
Free, 21+
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At Krannert Uncorked, Stage 5 is the crossroads to gather, make connections, and try a new wine. This week’s music features the Joan Hickey Trio.
Jon Ebel Meet and Greet
6:30-8 p.m.
Quality Bar, 110 N Neil St, Champaign
Free, all ages
Engage in a political discussion in a relaxed atmosphere at Quality Bar with Jon Ebel, a candidate of 2018 Democratic Primary for Illinois’ 13th Congressional District.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
7 p.m.
The Virginia Theatre, 203 W Park Ave, Champaign
$5, R-Rated
Watch the all-time classic movie “Slumdog Millionaire” which features an incredible story of an orphan who lives in a slum and is just an inch away from winning a million dollars in a TV quiz competition. Tickets can be purchased online at https://sa1.seatadvisor.com/sabo/servlets/TicketRequest?eventId=1167462&presenter=CHAMPAIGNPARK&venue=&event=&tck=true.
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.
Open Mic Stand Up Comedy
9 p.m.
Clark Bar, 207 W Clark St, Champaign
Free, all ages
Laugh your stress away at C-U Comedy’s no-cover “Open Mic Stand Up Comedy” featuring unearthed local comedy gems. Anyone is eligible for a comedy act on stage; sign up in advance by emailing [email protected]). Food and drinks will be catered at special deal prices.
CCB Galley Giveaway
12 p.m. (Jan 25, Jan 26)
The Center for Children’s Books, 501 E Daniel St, Rm 24, Champaign
Free, all ages
Be the one to benefit from giveaways of pre-publication copies of children’s books.
Jan. 26
Chicago Firm Tour
9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
UIUC Women in Architecture, 611 E Lorado Taft Dr, Champaign
Free, all ages
Sign up for an opportunity to chat and familiarize yourself with University’s architecture alumni and Chicago architects. Signing up is required at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVE9nM9EK4XiLqFfPppGQU_PBtiJnTh-vPq4dkSYLOBCc7tg/viewform.
Champaign County Area Restaurant Week (Jan 26-Jan 28)
11 a.m.
Champaign Public Library, 200 W Green St, Champaign
Free, all ages
Dive into the conglomeration of best local food organized by a 9-day Champaign County Area Restaurant Week. Select your favorite kind of dish out of a diversity of restaurants which will offer food at varying prices that range from $9 to $39.
Tag Bag Sale | FriendShop Bookstore
5 p.m.
Champaign Public Library, 200 W Green St, Champaign
Free, all ages
The Friendship Bookstore offers more than 20,000 used books which discounts as high as 50%. Most items are priced below $2, and all the proceeds will be used to benefit Champaign Public Library.
Porn and Chicken
9 p.m.
The Canopy Club, 708 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana
$10-$12, 18+
Transcendent production trio Porn and Chicken erupted into the Chicago scene with their now infamous Monday night Porn and Chicken parties, which feature live music, burlesque, smut, and a chicken wing buffet. Porn and Chicken continue to thrill listeners with their captivating live show, original music production, remixes, and even collaborations with a few EDM icons.
Jan. 27
First Lego League- U of Illinois
11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
201 E Peabody Dr, Champaign
Free, all ages
Watch lego creations constructed by Champaign and Urbana Lego teams competing in the First Lego League state championship.
IRC “Last Run” Open House
1-7 p.m.
Illini Railroad Club, 918 W. Illinois St, Urbana
Free, all ages
Join IRC, one of the University’s oldest registered student organizations, for their last public open house before they begin dismantling and removing their layout. It consists of roughly 300 square feet of HO scale model railroading. If you’d like to come see their layout for one last time, or for the very first time, now’s your chance!
Epic Grilled Cheese Tasting
5-7 p.m.
Harvest Market, 2029 South Neil Street, Champaign
$7, all ages
Ladies and gentlemen of sophisticated palates, enjoy a plate of four different types of grilled cheese sandwiches for $7. Pairing drinks will also be available as well as suggestions from a cheese monger about how to appreciate cheese more.
Mozart’s Birthday Celebration
7:30-9:30 p.m.
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana
$4-$10, all ages
Honoring Mozart’s birthday, the University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Donald Schleicher, will perform in the Foellinger Great Hall. This concert will feature several faculty and a mixture of orchestral, band, and vocal selections.
DiBello McBride Band
8-11:59 p.m.
Goldy’s Bar and Grill, 123 S Mattis Ave, # 15, Champaign
Free, 19+
Add a little bit of swing in your life with a boogie woogie rock&roll night with The DiBello McBride Band.
Heartland: Spring Fever
9 p.m.
The Canopy Club, 708 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana
$5, 18+
Jan. 28
Time Machine: Ancient Rome
1-3:30 p.m.
Spurlock Museum, 600 S. Gregory St, Urbana
Free, all ages
The Spurlock Time Machine travels through thousands of years of history on the 4th Sunday of every month. Join it this month as it explores Ancient Rome.
Sunday Classic Bowling League
6-8:30 p.m.
Illini Union Rec Room, 1401 W. Green St, Urbana
$100, all ages
NO SKILL REQUIRED! Registration fee includes bowling for all 10 weeks (3 games each week). Plus as a member of the league, you get discounted bowling and shoe rental at other times during the week. An end of semester bowling party with pizza, refreshments, and prizes makes it all worth it. So, grab some friends and sign-up or join as an individual and be placed on a team. Sign up by January 26th by coming to the Rec Room.
Poetry & Rap
7-9 p.m.
Bed & Breakfast, High St, Urbana
Free, all ages
WORD (Writers. Organizing. Realistic. Dialect) brings Poetry & Rap to the first 2018 show at Bed & Breakfast. It’ll be indoors so y’all can stay warm. As usual, coffee is provided. More info on WORD UIUC here: https://illinois.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/writersorganizingrealisticdialect
